Ladakh Spokesperson Opens Up About Fears of Remaining a UT Without Legislature
Having traveled 1,000 kilometers on foot, a group is now on a 21-day hunger strike in Delhi, advocating for statehood for their homeland, Ladakh, in the Himalayas in India. On the sixth day of their fast, Oct. 11, I spoke with Mehdi Shah, a key member of the group, to understand why they are so passionate about statehood and fearful of remaining a Union Territory after four years of direct governance by a distant central authority.
Ladakh’s Sonam Wangchuk Starts New Fast as Officials in Delhi Decline Meeting
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist from Ladakh, and his associates have initiated a new 21-day hunger strike after officials from the central government declined to meet with them. Wangchuk and about 150 others undertook a journey on foot from Leh to the national capital, aiming to draw attention to their demands, including statehood. Further, they have reportedly been denied permission to hold a peaceful protest in Delhi.
What’s the Farmer’s Share When Vegetables Reach Your Table?
When you buy vegetables from the market, have you ever wondered how much of the money you spend actually ends up in the pockets of the farmers who grow them? A study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) suggests that only about one-third of the money you spend on tomatoes, onions and potatoes, commonly referred to as TOP, ends up with the farmers.
Does the U.S. Have the Right to Comment on India’s Religious Freedom?
A report on India by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) indicates a decline in religious freedom, particularly during and following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Indian government has rejected the report, labelling USCIRF as biased and politically motivated, though without addressing the specifics of its content.
Raghuram Rajan Warns Against Excluding Food Prices from Inflation Calculations
Raghuram Rajan, a former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), says in a media interview that he is opposed to the idea of excluding food prices from the calculation of headline inflation—essentially the overall change in prices. His concern stems from the importance of maintaining the trust and credibility of the central bank in the eyes of the public, as well as its effects on the economy and society.
‘Manipur Tapes’ Suggest Banned Armed Groups and Police ‘Commandos’ Played a Role in Violence
The “Manipur Tapes,” currently under review by an official enquiry commission and allegedly featuring Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s voice, suggest that Mr. Singh may have facilitated cooperation between state security forces and outlawed Meitei groups like the People’s Liberation Army Manipur (PLA) to target the Kuki-Zo minority amid the ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023, according to The Wire.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, 120 Others Detained After Walking 1,000 KM from Ladakh
“I am being detained... along with 150 padyatris (marchers),” tweeted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Sept. 30. Wangchuk also posted a video showing hundreds of police officers blocking their path at the Delhi’s border as they proceeded towards the capital. Police claim the detainees, who had peacefully walked 1,000 kilometres from Ladakh to advocate for Ladakh’s autonomy, violated “prohibitory orders” amid a sensitive climate.
‘Punitive Demolitions Grave Violation Of Human Rights’ UN Special Rapporteur tells Supreme Court
The UN Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, has formally told the Supreme Court that the use of bulldozers for demolishing homes without proper authorisation constitutes a severe infringement of international human rights. This comes months after the international human rights group Amnesty International referred to the destruction of 128 properties owned mostly by Muslims in just 15 days.
Recognising and Resisting Political Manipulation During Elections
As legislative elections approach in the states of Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it’s that time of year when contesting political parties will put their best foot forward in an attempt to co-opt us into their political battles. We may be tempted to think we have stakes in these conflicts, but in reality, our true interests might not be at the core of these struggles.
Court Orders FIR Against Finance Minister Sitharaman Over Electoral Bonds
A special court in Bengaluru has directed the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on allegations of extortion connected to the controversial Electoral Bonds Scheme.
Did 900 ‘Kuki Militants’ Really Enter from Myanmar?
An “intelligence” report has emerged suggesting that over 900 “Kuki militants,” trained in advanced warfare techniques, have crossed from Myanmar into India and may target Meitei villages in Manipur around Sept. 28. It’s quite strange that this information was shared with the public at a press conference by a senior official, rather than being communicated discretely to the Indian Army, or at least the Assam Rifles stationed at the India-Myanmar border—who are better equipped than ordinary citizens to respond.
Manipur Inquiry Panel Urged to Initiate FIR Against Chief Minister Biren Singh
Advocate Prashant Bhushan has formally requested the inquiry commission, established by the Union Home Ministry to investigate ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the state’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh. The plea is based on the contents of the “Manipur Tapes,” which allegedly feature Singh’s voice. Representing the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights, Bhushan accuses Singh of “conspiring and orchestrating heinous crimes” against the Kuki-Zo people, asserting that his removal from office is “necessary.”
Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 1,000-KM Walk for Ladakh’s Autonomy
More than 100 volunteers, led by climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, are part of a month-long 1,000-kilometre walk from Ladakh to Delhi. The journey, called the “Delhi Chalo Padyatra” and which started on Sept. 1, aims to revive discussions on Ladakh’s four-point agenda after talks with the central government stalled in March.
Is Uttar Pradesh Govt Acting as if It Is the Central Authority?
The Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly enacted a new digital media policy aimed at regulating content classified as “anti-national, indecent, or harmful” on social media platforms. The policy outlines severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment for violations, despite the fact that regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting is a central prerogative and a “policy” cannot introduce new penalties.
Drug Trade: Who are Manipur’s ‘Narco Terrorists’?
In the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the label “narco-terrorists” has been employed in what seems to be a tacit attempt to justify brutal attacks on ordinary Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal people, who are solely blamed for the state’s drug problems. This label also seems designed to hinder empathy for the tribal victims, both within the state and potentially beyond. However, at least five facts about the drug trade in this northeastern state create a different narrative—a narrative that neither any of the ethnic communities nor the ruling political party leaders would be comfortable with.
Supreme Court to Form Panel to Resolve Farmers’ Grievances ‘For All Times’
The Supreme Court has said it will establish a multi-member committee dedicated to permanently resolving the grievances of farmers. The decision includes ongoing dialogues between the Punjab and Haryana governments and the farmers protesting along the Shambhu border. The talks are intended to facilitate the removal of tractors and trollies that have been blocking a crucial highway since Feb. 13.
Kerala Govt Ignores Malayalam Film Industry Sex Abuse
An official investigation report on allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation within the Malayalam film industry details 17 different forms of exploitation faced by women across 30 industry categories. However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that his administration will not independently initiate action against individuals named in the report unless a woman comes forward with a complaint.
India on Mpox Alert: Could It Cause a COVID-19-Like Situation?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern. India, too, has instructed international airports and ports to monitor passengers arriving particularly from Bangladesh and Pakistan for symptoms of mpox. Here’s what you need to know about the virus, and why it’s not like COVID-19.
‘Manipur Tapes’ Cast Doubt on Chief Minister’s Role in Violence
An audio recording has surfaced allegedly featuring the voice of Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh discussing violent tactics amid ongoing ethnic conflict. The tape, allegedly made at his official residence, has been submitted to the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to probe the violence, as reported by The Wire.
The Main Issue with Lateral Entry in UPSC Recruitment
The lateral entry system, which introduces professionals with specialised knowledge into government roles, isn’t inherently problematic. It doesn’t matter which party introduced the concept. The key concern is that this system should only be implemented by a government that consistently promotes and supports professionalism among the officials at the helm of government institutions.