
Over 150 Daily Suicides Among Farmers and Daily-Wage Workers in 2022
Of the 170,924 deaths by suicide reported in India in 2022, more than 56,280 occurred among daily-wage workers and those in the farming sector, according to the latest report released by the National Crime Records Bureau.

How University Clampdowns Affect Us All
A quiet transformation appears to be happening within the walls of India’s universities. The gradual restriction of academic freedom in these institutions isn’t just an issue for those within academia; its effects extend far beyond, touching the lives of citizens in profound ways.

Ex-Supreme Court Judge’s 4 Concerns About Apex Court and Government
In a recent address, Justice Rohinton F. Nariman, a former judge of the Supreme Court, shared four significant concerns regarding the current state of affairs in India, particularly in relation to the Supreme Court and the government.

Storming of Parliament and ‘Expression Claustrophobia’
The recent storming of the Lok Sabha by a group of young individuals is a breach of security but also a glaring indicator of a growing sense of suffocation felt by the youth in India, who are finding their voices muffled and their concerns ignored, leading to extreme measures for attention and action.

Madhya Pradesh’s New Meat Ban: A Step Back in Fighting Malnutrition
Madhya Pradesh’s new Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, has declared a ban on the open sale of meat and eggs, stirring up serious concerns about its effects on public health, especially in a state already battling high malnutrition levels.

Only 24% of Indians Able to Afford Healthy Diet, Report Says
In India, as public discourse predominantly revolves around identity and ideology, crucial issues of significant importance often remain quietly simmering, receiving scant visibility. For instance, a recent UN report reveals that only one quarter of the country’s population can afford a healthy diet, and over 50% of women suffer from anaemia.

On the Supreme Court’s Kashmir Judgment
The Supreme Court of India on Dec. 11 upheld the 2019 abrogation of the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. What are the implications of the verdict on federalism and democracy? Here are some responses from independent media.

Report Alleges Covert Indian Operation in the US
The Washington Post has reported that a “covert Indian operation,” established in the United States to combat misinformation against India, has been using social media to sway public opinion and target critics of the Indian prime minister.

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.

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.

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.

Top Lawyers Question Changes in Supreme Court Case Assignments
An analysis of eight politically sensitive cases in the Supreme Court of India reveals a pattern that deviates from established norms and practices, according to the media outlet Article 14.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Reality Check for India’s Economic Growth Projections
Predictions for India’s economic growth in 2023-24 are optimistic. The Reserve Bank of India and the International Monetary Fund project growth rates of 6.5% and 6.3%, respectively. On paper, these numbers paint a picture of a nation swiftly rebounding from the pandemic’s blows. But is this the whole story?

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.

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.

US Indictment Accuses Indian Official of Assassination Plot in America
U.S. federal prosecutors have brought a case to the New York courts, charging an unnamed Indian government employee with masterminding a plot to assassinate an American citizen, who is a member of a pro-Khalistan group officially banned in India, according to a press release by the U.S. Justice Department.