By Mohd Ziyauallah Khan A recent opinion article published in The Guardian , titled "Can Narendra Modi Accept Any Medal?", reignited a fierce debate about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's international recognition and the moral legacy of his leadership. The article argued that while Modi has received numerous state honours and awards from foreign governments, a more fundamental question remains unanswered: Can a leader be celebrated internationally while presiding over growing concerns about democratic decline, social polarization , and civil liberties at home? The controversy quickly spread across political and media circles. Supporters dismissed the article as biased, while critics argued that it reflected concerns already expressed by international democracy watchdogs , human rights organizations, and sections of the global press. Yet beyond political loyalties lies a deeper question: How should the success of a government be measured, especially when it...
By Nava Thakuria* A public debate has emerged following a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs that possession of an Indian passport alone does not conclusively establish Indian citizenship. The Union government has also claimed on several occasions that documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, voter identity cards, driving licences, or school certificates are not, by themselves, definitive proof of citizenship. Indian citizenship is governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, and the relevant provisions of the Constitution of India.