Infant Among 87 Victims Buried Months After Manipur Violence
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Infant Among 87 Victims Buried Months After Manipur Violence

Eighty-seven Kuki-Zo victims of the ongoing ethnic violence were finally buried on Dec. 20 in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. This solemn ceremony, attended by thousands, included the burial of a one-month-old infant, marking over seven months since the conflict began on May 3.

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Thousands of Gujarat’s Migrant Children are Missing Out on Education
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Thousands of Gujarat’s Migrant Children are Missing Out on Education

In Gujarat, a significant number of children from migrant worker families, particularly those involved in sharecropping, are not attending school, according to a report by IndiaSpend, which says this trend is prevalent among over 65,000 sharecropping families in the state, with an estimated 50,000 children migrating annually with their parents and remaining out of school for extended periods.

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How University Clampdowns Affect Us All
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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.

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Storming of Parliament and ‘Expression Claustrophobia’
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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.

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Only 24% of Indians Able to Afford Healthy Diet, Report Says
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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.

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On the Supreme Court’s Kashmir Judgment
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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.

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Report Alleges Covert Indian Operation in the US
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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.

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Suspicions Loom Over Bhutan’s Chief Election Body
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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
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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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A Reality Check for India’s Economic Growth Projections
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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?

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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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