2024

Narendra Modi does not like to keep the façade of being a social democrat. His exhorts the people of Uttarakhand at an election rally; “Chun chun kar saaf kar do. Is baar inko maidan me mat rahne do. (Handpick each and every one of them and erase them. Don’t let them stay in the field this time),” is the reflection of his authoritarian trait which he has been carefully nursing for long.
What prompted him to enjoin in such a ferocious manner is Rahul Gandhi expressing the apprehension at (…)

Abstract:
Is obscenity anti-female propaganda? Is today’s pornography tomorrow’s eroticism? The question is whether it violates the personhood of receiver. On the one hand it is unjustifiable invasion of privacy on the other hand it is another step toward censorship.
__7__
Introduction: The issue of obscenity and sexually explicit material has been an area of much contention for most of civilized history. Religion, for example, have historically taken action to define explicit (…)

If Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Aadmi Party) had not been arrested, opposition parties may not probably have displayed the “unity” which they have begun showing. This “unity” seems to have pricked the time-tested political strategy repeatedly used by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), that of divide and “win.” It may be recalled, presumption entertained by BJP rivals, particularly the Congress, led to this party’s dismal performance in 2014 as well as 2019 parliamentary polls. It (…)

The recent death of Mukhtar Ansari, the underworld don, has created sensations in the public sphere. His family has alleged that the imprisoned don-turned-politician died because of slow poisoning in Banda jail. His son, Umar Ansari alleged that he was “slow-poisoned” by a substance mixed in food served to him in the Jail. The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Banda district has ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter. However, the opposition leaders in Uttar Pradesh are not happy with it. (…)

Abstract
This paper explores the complex landscape of same-sex marriage in India, focusing on its legal, social, and economic dimensions. Despite the historic 2018 decriminalization of homosexuality by the Supreme Court, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, leaving couples without legal rights and protections. The economic impact of legalizing same-sex marriage is examined, emphasizing its potential to unlock the "pink economy," stimulate tourism, and foster a more inclusive economic (…)

4 April 2024
The most startling and disturbing news of the week: Between 2022 and 2023 the Centre awarded 40 Sainik School agreements to educational institutes linked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Hindutva organisations and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party or its allies, analysis of the Right to Information replies by The Reporters’ Collective has shown.
Several details follow, which are adequate to make any concerned citizen more than worried. Also, not to be overlooked a (…)

Films are a very powerful medium which create a social understanding in various ways. Till decades ago we had films which reflected social realities and promoted progressive values. The films like ‘Mother India’, ‘Do Bigha Jameen’ and ‘Naya Daur’ are just a few of these. Some biopic films have also contributed a lot in disseminating social common sense, which are close to reality and promote inclusive values. Attenborough’s Gandhi and Bhagat Singh were greatly inspiring. Many of these were (…)

National Education Policy (NEP 2020), implemented by the NDA government which is actually run by Rthe SS clique, the national-level saffronisation campaign has gained fresh momentum. The huge majority obtained by NDA in 2019 election has given the scope for passing any debatable issue quickly without proper discussion or even bypassing the parliament. The COVID-19 situation was used to pass/implement the national education policy hurriedly avoiding the detailed parliamentary debate, or (…)

Significant shifts and challenges have emerged over the past decades in the dynamic landscape of India’s economic growth, employment patterns, and youth engagement. From stagnant employment growth to COVID-19-induced disruptions and the evolving nature of youth participation in the labour force, the narrative of India’s development trajectory offers insights into its economic structure and demographic dividends. This article investigates into the intertwined histories of growth, employment, (…)

Abstract
In the absence of the 2021 census, the NSS 78th round survey shows a modest increase in literacy rates from 2011 to 2021. Notably, the youngest age group (10-14 years old) achieved nearly 97% literacy. India’s path to full literacy relies on the replacement of older age cohorts with educated younger ones. However, achieving full literacy sooner requires effective educational programs for the older illiterate population.
__7__
Recognized as a fundamental human right, literacy (…)