Suspicions Loom Over Bhutan’s Chief Election Body
DEC23, Perspective, Vishal Arora Vishal Arora DEC23, Perspective, Vishal Arora Vishal Arora

Suspicions Loom Over Bhutan’s Chief Election Body

As Bhutan approaches its general elections on 9 Jan., 2024, some political parties are doubting the perceived impartiality of the country’s chief election body. Central to their concerns are alleged “oversights” by the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) that have ended up favouring the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party known for its alignment with India’s strategic interests.

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The Murky Waters of Government Transparency
DEC23 Vishal Arora DEC23 Vishal Arora

The Murky Waters of Government Transparency

Central and state government entities have significant partnerships with global technology giants like Microsoft and Google, involving sensitive health data and public funds. However, when Right to Information (RTI) queries sought details on these contracts, the government’s response was less than transparent, according to a media report. It raises questions over how our personal data is handled and the fairness of the digital market.

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Menstrual Cramps? Headache? Not All Painkillers Are Safe
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Menstrual Cramps? Headache? Not All Painkillers Are Safe

Menstrual cramps and arthritis pain can be intense. However, hastily purchasing over-the-counter painkillers from a pharmacy might not be the wisest choice. The drug standards agency in India has issued a warning about mefenamic acid, which is present in several popular pain relief medications.

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When Banks Write Off Massive Loan Amounts
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When Banks Write Off Massive Loan Amounts

Recently, the Indian government revealed in the Lok Sabha that Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) have written off 10.6 trillion rupees in loans over the last five years, as reported by Business Line. This practice of loan write-offs, while not directly funded by the government, has far-reaching consequences for both the economy and the general public.

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Should News Media Embrace Artificial Intelligence?
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Should News Media Embrace Artificial Intelligence?

Concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism eroding already fragile public trust in media have prompted the release of an international charter. This document sets ethical guidelines for AI in news media, emphasising the need for news that is accurate, diverse and ethically produced.

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A Threat to Our Right to Know
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A Threat to Our Right to Know

The draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, emerges as a significant concern for every Indian who values their right to information. This proposed legislation, aiming to overhaul India’s broadcasting framework, carries with it the heavy shadow of censorship, particularly threatening the freedom of journalists and online media outlets.

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The Weight of a Vote
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The Weight of a Vote

In the wake of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral victories in three out of four states, discussions are rife about its prospects in the upcoming national elections. While political victories are often seen through the lens of party ideologies and leadership charisma, it’s crucial for voters to remember the real stakes: the governance of a nation.

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Is GDP a Good Indicator of India’s Economic Health?
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Is GDP a Good Indicator of India’s Economic Health?

In an interview with journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire, Pronab Sen, India’s former chief statistician, shed light on a crucial aspect of our economy – the way we calculate our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For many, GDP might be a distant, abstract figure, often mentioned in news headlines but rarely understood in its full context. However, Sen’s insights reveal why this figure, and the way we measure it, should matter to us all.

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Vote-Buying Skews Telangana’s Electoral Landscape
DEC23 Vishal Arora DEC23 Vishal Arora

Vote-Buying Skews Telangana’s Electoral Landscape

In the fields of Telangana, a different kind of crop is harvested every election season – votes, bought and sold like market commodities, according to a media report. The state, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is now gaining notoriety for a practice that undermines the very essence of democracy.

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