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To Karnataka’s Anti-SIR Movement: A note of caution and concern
While efforts have been afoot in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh by civil rights groups and people’s movements to ensure inclusion of the maximum number of eligible voters under the ongoing, expanded, SIR process. The author argues how these efforts may come to naught, given the structural issues involved: a compromised ECI, rushed timelines and the unlawful and rigid document-test for citizenship. In fact, robust efforts in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where similar efforts were made also came to naught.
Election Commission to check & verify EVMs used in Rania Assembly Constituency of Haryana
The Election Commission will check & verify the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in Haryana's Rania Assembly constituency following allegations of counting irregularities raised by INC candidate Sarvmittar Kamboj. The DEO Sirsa has scheduled the Checking & Verification (C&V) process from January 9-13, 2025, said that the exercise would focus solely on verifying the accuracy of the EVMs, and would not involve a recount or rechecking of votes
The targeted vandalisation caused by revisionist history: Agra’s Mubarak Manzil
The Mubarak Manzil in Agra built by Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed. Even after several complaints by the locals, no action taken by authorities until it was more than 70% demolished
NHRC: Need for accountability to human rights & reforms in appointing members
The Indian apex human rights body, with a mixed reputation since its inception faces a serious credibility challenge with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) having put India’s accreditation on deferral since 2024; now the Sub-Committee on Accreditation will decide on this when it meets in March 2025
Political Turmoil Erupts Over Anna University Rape Case
The Anna University rape case has sparked outrage, highlighting security lapses and political exploitation, while revealing the continued failure to fulfil Gandhi's vision of women’s safety.
Central government defends blocking of Media Platforms
During the Lok Sabha Session, the Central government defended its use of Section 69A of the IT Act to block media content, including Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak. Minister Dr. L. Murugan informed that all actions follow strict safeguards, balancing national security with fairness
Investigative Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar killed for exposing corruption
32-year-old investigative journalist Mukesh Chandrakar was found dead in a septic tank in Bijapur. Known for exposing corruption in road projects and Maoist conflict, Mukesh's murder is under investigation. Authorities have arrested several individuals, including contractor Suresh Chandrakar and his relatives
Another VRS Will Kill BSNL, Adopt Policies to Save PSUs, Says BSNLEU
The union has accused the management and Central government for the policies leading to the systematic destruction of BSNL to favour private players.
Alarming decline in quality of research & teaching in Indian Universities
In the decades post-Independence, a young independent India made...
Is India’s unique experiment on people’s democracy with the right to universal franchise being lampooned by a compliant Election Commission?
December 31, 2024Many epithets have been used to describe...
Gruesome murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed triggers state-wide protests, political fallout in the ruling government, and rampant calls for justice
The brutal abduction, torture, and murder of Deshmukh, who opposed a local extortion racket linked to powerful NCP leaders, has led to a surge of protests across Maharashtra by political leaders across spectrum; demands for swift justice, scrutiny intensifies over the involvement of senior politicians and the government's delayed response to rising criminality in Beed
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The RSS shakha, well documented for its recounting of a manipulated history has, over past decades laid claims to being part of the wider democratic struggle against the Emergency; archival documents from independent sources, civil servants and writers, as also its own archive clearly document otherwise.
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When the State Valued a Desecrated Grave at Rs 100: The Mathura cemetery controversy
The reported desecration of graves in a century-old Muslim cemetery in Mathura raises troubling questions about dignity, religious freedom and state accountability
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To Karnataka’s Anti-SIR Movement: A note of caution and concern
While efforts have been afoot in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh by civil rights groups and people’s movements to ensure inclusion of the maximum number of eligible voters under the ongoing, expanded, SIR process. The author argues how these efforts may come to naught, given the structural issues involved: a compromised ECI, rushed timelines and the unlawful and rigid document-test for citizenship. In fact, robust efforts in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where similar efforts were made also came to naught.
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After Akbar Ali Mondal’s Killing, Pani Sol’s Hawkers Ask: How Will We Survive?
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The BEST Strike: Years of unfulfilled promises, structural neglect and the future of public transport in Mumbai
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Declared Foreigners, Facing Deportation: Supreme Court grants interim relief
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