53 Displaced People in Manipur Die from Shortage of Doctors, Medicines
A humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions is unfolding in Manipur with the loss of at least 53 people, including many children, from the Kuki-Zo tribal community due to inadequate healthcare and poor living conditions in the makeshift shelters of one district alone, Newsreel Asia has learned.
India Ranks as the 12th Worst Country for Unsolved Journalist Murders
India has the dubious distinction of ranking 12th among nations where the murders of journalists are likely to remain unresolved, as per the 2023 Global Impunity Index published by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Is Outsourcing Governance to Consulting Firms a Good Idea?
An investigation by The Indian Express has unveiled a narrative that seems more akin to corporate boardrooms than government departments. Using the Right to Information Act, the report reveals that over five years, 16 government ministries disbursed 5 billion rupees to five multinational consulting firms.
When Governments Establish ‘Ministry of Truth’
The governments of two southern states, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, are setting up fact-checking units to sift through fake news. At first glance, this might seem like a proactive measure to curb misinformation. But can a government act as a truly neutral judge in these matters?
Our Turmeric Might Be Killing Us
Turmeric is a golden treasure within our kitchen cabinets that echoes tales of ancient health practices and vibrant culinary traditions. As “haldi,” it also colours our festivities, flavours our meals and brightens our skin. But behind the warm hues lies a hidden danger: lead adulteration, a toxic intrusion into this benign spice, betraying the trust of millions.
Why Millions of Workers Earn Nothing in India
India’s recent labour figures reveal a striking rise in self-employment, but the reality behind these numbers is less about entrepreneurial spirit and more about increased family labour without financial gains.
Are We on Shaky Ground?
When the earth beneath India and Nepal trembled on the night of Nov 3, it wasn’t just another natural occurrence but a stark reminder of the simmering geological tensions beneath our feet. The magnitude 6.4 earthquake with its epicenter nestled in Nepal’s Doti district is the latest in what seems to be an increasingly unstable chapter for the region. As residents, we must ask ourselves: are we ready for the “big one”?
The Tale of India’s New Legal Turns
Imagine waking up one morning to find that the rules of the game have changed — not just any game, but the one that governs how you live, what you can say and how you say it. This is a reality unfolding in the wake of three new Bills recently introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Air Pollution Fuels India’s Diabetes Crisis
Imagine breathing in something 30 times thinner than hair, invisible to our eyes, yet impactful enough to disrupt our body’s most intricate systems. For the residents of Delhi, and many parts of northern India, this isn’t a figment of the imagination; it’s a daily ordeal.
Who’s Watching Your Phone?
Imagine you’re having a casual conversation on your phone, completely unaware that someone might be listening in. No, it’s not a jealous partner or a nosy neighbour; it’s far more insidious. Recent notifications from tech giant Apple to politicians, activists and journalists reveal that even our trusted smartphones are not beyond the reach of unwarranted surveillance.
The Train That Couldn’t Stop
On Oct. 29, tragedy struck Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh. A train collision claimed 14 lives and left 40 people injured. What makes this especially jarring? Just five months ago, over 280 passengers died in a triple-train collision in Odisha. In August, southern India witnessed another derailment, taking nine lives. All while the government touted high-speed Vande Bharat trains as the future.
The Murky World of Electoral Bonds
Imagine you’re at a poker table, and one player has a special deck of cards. He knows what’s coming next, but you and your friends are left guessing. Wouldn’t you be sceptical about the fairness of the game? Welcome to the high-stakes world of electoral bonds in India—a subject that’s headed for the courtroom on Oct. 31, and one that we should all care deeply about.
When Laws Become Swords
As citizens, we want to believe in the sanctity of our laws. They are meant to serve and protect us. But what happens when the very structure that upholds justice becomes an instrument for silencing voices?
The ‘India’ vs ‘Bharat’ Debate: A Smokescreen
The tussle over what to call the country—Bharat or India—has become a contentious issue with a recent recommendation to switch the term “India” with “Bharat” in NCERT school textbooks. Amid this name game, Kerala stands out for its clear rejection of the change.
India’s Vanishing Groundwater Threatens Our Daily Bread
Imagine turning on your tap one day and nothing comes out. A parched land, dry wells and vanishing rivers may soon be India’s stark reality, says a UN report. Alarm bells are ringing particularly loud for the northwest, India’s “food basket,” where water scarcity could hit home by 2025.
12-Year-Old Dalit Rape Survivor Gets Rs. 600 Pension as ‘Justice’
Recently, a young girl in tattered clothes knocked on doors in Madhya Pradesh state’s Ujjain district, seeking help after a horrific rape. She’s home now, but what she and her family have gotten from the government suggests victims who are poor and/or Dalits receive a form of “justice” that corresponds with their perceived social standing.
The Price of Peaceful Protest in Uttar Pradesh
When the Uttar Pradesh state police recently arrested 10 activists, mostly Dalits, the alarm bells didn’t just ring for them. They echoed through the entire fabric of Indian society. Their supposed crime? A peaceful protest for land rights in Gorakhpur. They had a simple demand—an acre of land for marginalised communities.
India’s Budget Tricks: What’s in it for Me as a Citizen?
Imagine your family has a budget for home improvements—things like fixing the roof, upgrading the kitchen, or building a new garage. Now, what if someone in the family proudly announced, “We’ve tripled our budget for improvements!” but then used the money to pay off debts or go on a vacation?
Why Your City Doesn’t Work for You?
Let’s imagine two cities, Alwar and Jaipur, both in Rajasthan state. Alwar is a smaller town, while Jaipur is a bustling metropolis. Yet, they’re both governed by the same set of laws—the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009. You may wonder, how can one-size-fits-all rules serve two cities so different in character and needs?
Use of Govt Officials for Electoral Gains Threatens Democracy
Government officials are being asked to highlight the achievements of the governing party, raising concerns about the misuse of state resources and the erosion of democratic institutions. The move appears designed to enlist civil servants in activities closely resembling political campaigning.