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Progressive modern Muslim scholars reconnect to the rationalist tradition in Islam
The principles articulated by rationalist scholars resonate with contemporary debates on universal human rights, challenging the perception that Islamic thought is inherently opposed to rationalism or individual rights.
Sikh Kirtan by women- the history, the way forward
The Punjab Govt. has recently allowed women to offer Kirtan inside the Golden temple. Despite no religious precedent which decreed excluding them in the first place, where do women stand in Sikhism? How do cultural norms, gender inequality, caste privilege, and religion intersect?
Indian Army recruits ‘religious teachers’ to help soldiers battle stress
The Institute of National Integration has trained over 7,000 religious teachers since 1985
No radicalism: BHU VC backs Feroz Khan’s appointment as Sanskrit professor
Students and members of ABVP have protested against his appointment in the Sanskrit department
Sabarimala: Male devotee nurturing unholy thoughts is ‘unfit’ to visit Lord Ayyappa shrine
The Supreme Court last week, by 3:2 majority, decided...
There may have been Buddhist stupa at Babri site during Gupta period: Archeologist
ASI excavations: Pix by Prof Supriya VarmaA top-notch archeologist,...
Modi-Shah strike at critique, GOI to revoke Aatish Taseer’s Overseas Citizen of India card
MHA claims Aatish Taseer attempted to “conceal information” that his father was of Pakistani origin
Hell on Earth
Since the overthrow of the ‘communist devils’ in Afghanistan in April 1992, first the Mujahedeens and then the Talebans have put ‘Islam’ in practice in Afghanistan. For hundreds of thousands of ordinary Afghanis, women in particular, this has meant an unending nightmare of terror and trauma wrote Teesta Setalvad in 1998
Taleban: More ‘Islam’, more misery
Its website tells you how the Taleban are Allah’s own gift to Afghanistan. Independent reports of realities on the ground tell a very different story
Rebel and her cause
If women have been the worst hit by the Islam sought to be imposed on Afghanis, the most determined resistance to the fanatics has also come from an organisation of women — RAWA
Match for the mullahs
They may be small in number, as yet, but RAWA activists are not shy of challenging the fanatics out on the streets
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Dalits
Iconoclast: Path breaking biography of BR Ambedkar projects his human essence
In this review, the writer examines how Dr Anand Teltumbde, the distinguished academic and human rights defender eradicates the hyperbole that turns Ambedkar into a demi-god.
Environment
River Ganga, communities, cultures & livelihood: will Indians preserve its life-sustaining legacy?
The author’s simple point, addressed to the power elite is to stop destroying the identity of indigenous communities; a destruction of the Himalayas will bring unprecedented crisis to Gangetic plains in India and so, we must not do anything that escalates the crisis we already facing.
India
UP by-elections: Reports of serious disturbances and disruption of voters
The Samajwadi Party has accused police of deterring voters in Uttar Pradesh, with visuals showing Muslim voters in Meerapur and Kundarki assembly constituencies refusing to cast their ballots despite having valid ID cards and slips. Police reportedly verified voting slips and IDs, sparking protest and voting malpractices; the Kanpur Police Commissionerate has suspended officers who obstructed voters through unwarranted ID checks; similarly the SP Moradabad also informed the public through social media that action has been taken against errant officers
Freedom
Victory for Sahid Ali: CJP’s legal battle brings relief in Ali’s citizenship crisis, bail granted by High Court
While the bail is a temporary relief, it represents a major step in securing Sahid Ali’s full legal recognition as a citizen, with CJP committed to ensuring to help all those in Assam who face similar struggles in proving their rightful identity and citizenship
Caste
Rajasthan HC finds no caste intent in words like ‘Bhangi’, ‘Neech’, ‘Bhikhari’, ‘Mangani’, drops SC/ST Act charges
Absence of ‘public view’ and caste intent cited as reasons for dismissal of SC/ST charges by Rajasthan High Court in 2011 encroachment dispute, raising concerns over dilution of SC/ST Act’s purpose
Rule of Law
Material resources may include private property but with caveats says says SC in 8:1 majority ruling; Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia Dissents
The majority recent decision in Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra could limit state power especially in the realms of taking over property of the individual
Farm and Forest
Building a resilient future for farmers: MVA’s vision for agricultural reform
MVA manifesto promises fair prices, improved infrastructure, and lasting solutions to tackle the challenges faced by Maharashtra’s farmers
Violence
‘We are considered servants, not humans’: Women of Jai Bhim Nagar reveal the violence of domestic work
As the first rays of dawn hit the broad, grey-bricked footpaths of Powai’s Hiranandani locality, Darshana begins her day. Inside the blue hues of her current “home”— the tarpaulin-covered dwelling within which she, her family, and hundreds of others rendered homeless by the BMC-led demolition of their houses, have been living for the past five months—she starts her day with work. She washes dishes, cleans the cement side-walk on which rest the mattresses her family and she sleep on, and prepares meals on wood-fired chulas using the limited utensils she was able to salvage before the kitchen in her home was destroyed by bulldozers. By the time the sun shines bright, she has readied her two children, fed them, and sent them to school.