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Where’s the urgency for the 2,000 MW Sharavati PSP in Western Ghats?

By Shankar Sharma*  A recent news article has raised credible concerns about the techno-economic clearance granted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for a large Pumped Storage Project (PSP) located within a protected area in the dense Western Ghats of Karnataka. The article , titled "Where is the hurry for the 2,000 MW Sharavati PSP in Western Ghats?", questions the rationale behind this fast-tracked approval for such a massive project in an ecologically sensitive zone.
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More Indians than ever are going on holiday abroad – so where are they heading and why?

By Ross Bennett-Cook*  Travel is on the rise again. According to the UN’s tourism agency, international travel for all purposes reached 97% of its pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of 2024. In some regions such as Africa and Europe, arrivals are already surpassing these levels. Indian travellers, in particular, are adding to this growing trend – no nation’s outbound tourism market is growing faster. In response to this rapidly expanding travel boom, Indian airlines ordered record numbers of new planes in 2024.

Why doesn't Laughing Buddha look like India's historical Lord Buddha?

By Megan Bryson*  With his delighted expression, round belly, bald head and monastic robes, the “Laughing Buddha” is instantly identifiable. However, astute observers might wonder why this Buddha does not look like the historical Buddha , who lived in India about 2,500 years ago.

Despite his flaws, GN Saibaba's legacy as a fighter for justice 'to remain intact'

By Harsh Thakor*   Professor G.N. Saibaba’s passing is an immense loss to the Indian democratic movement. He was one of the most courageous and intellectually sharp voices against the proto-fascism that he himself fell victim to. My encounters with him remain etched in my heart, as he carved a permanent niche among the crusaders for the emancipation of mankind. Saibaba represented the criminalization and terror faced by those who champion the cause of the oppressed. Though his body has perished, his spirit lives on in the hearts of the marginalized across India, whether in forests, plains, or cities, where the flames of resistance continue to flicker against corporate-backed fascism.

Protecting child rights in India from proliferating obscene online content?

By Vikas Meshram*  Children's fundamental rights are those essential rights required for every child's survival, growth, development, and protection. Safeguarding these rights is not only crucial for their well-being but also essential for the country's bright future. Children are the pillars of society, and it is the responsibility of every community to provide them with a strong, secure, and opportunity-filled environment.

Hope returns to Kashmir, but ultimate power 'still with' Modi govt

By Leoni Connah* This year’s local elections in India’s northernmost territory of Jammu and Kashmir were the first since the national government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. It’s also the first local election in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2014.

Facing significant backlash in the past, U-turn on Article 370 raises concerns

By Shahrukh bin Parvaiz*  Jammu and Kashmir finally has an elected Legislative Assembly after the abrogation of Article 370. Despite a large turnout, the 2024 elections saw a dip in voter percentage compared to 2014. While the 2014 elections saw a 65.84% turnout, the 2024 elections managed 63.45%, a notable 2.39% decline. These elections are being hailed as a success, but the reality is more complex. The most challenging elections remain those of 1996, held after the controversial rigging in 1989. Back then, the central government had to encourage people to vote, whereas in 2024, it was the people urging the government to hold elections. But let’s focus on the present.

Wakeup call? Rice, wheat 'being targeted' by GM crop big business. and its 'researchers'

By Bharat Dogra*  A wake-up call before it is too late—the most important food crops—staple food of billions of people—rice and wheat are being targeted by GM crop promoting big business interests and the researchers allied to them. Their most important although undeclared goal is not just to increase profits but in addition to gain control and dominance over the world food and farming system.

NAPM expresses solidarity with Ladakh’s demand for Sixth Schedule, Constitutional rights

By Our Representative  The National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) has announced its unequivocal support for the Ladakhi people's ongoing struggle for constitutional rights and environmental protection. In a statement released on Saturday, NAPM condemned the central government for failing to deliver on its promises and demanded urgent dialogue with Ladakhi leaders to address their concerns, including granting Ladakh Sixth Schedule Status under the Indian Constitution.

'Target dissenting individuals': NIA conducts raids across Bengal in alleged Maoist link probe

By Our Representative  In the predawn hours of October 1, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids at 12 locations throughout West Bengal, targeting the residences of several activists in connection with alleged “Maoist links.” The agency confiscated mobile phones and laptops belonging to numerous individuals during these searches, which reportedly resulted in significant property damage.