Counterview

By Kumar Krishnan*  The most troubling image of a democracy is not always found inside Parliament. More often, it emerges outside it—on a street, at a protest site, or beside a hospital bed. That unfolded in New Delhi on Saturday. After 21 days on an indefinite hunger strike, social activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved by the Delhi Police from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital following directions from the Delhi High Court and the advice of a panel of medical experts. The court underscored a fundamental constitutional principle: every citizen's life is precious. The police maintained that they were simply complying with the court's order. Protesters, however, viewed the move as an attempt to weaken the movement and registered their opposition.

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ*  It was the twenty-first day (since 28 June) of the hunger strike of noted environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk. On the morning of 18 July, the Delhi police forcibly, and against his will, admitted him to hospital, apparently due to his deteriorating health condition. Sonam, along with some other students, had been on a fast in support of the demands of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). For almost a month, led by Abhijeet Dipke, hundreds of youth had been protesting at Jantar Mantar. They were demanding the resignation of the Education Minister, after a key entrance exam for aspiring doctors, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), was cancelled in early May following a paper leak. They said he must take moral responsibility for the leak and resign immediately. The protesters were also demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister. They plan to march to Parliament on 20 July, but the Government has still not relented or agreed to dia...

By Vikas Meshram*  Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has reached a dramatic and troubling turning point. After more than twenty days of fasting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, the 59‑year‑old activist was removed from the protest site early Saturday morning and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. According to Delhi Police, the action was taken “in accordance with the orders of the High Court and on expert medical advice due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk.” 

By Bharat Dogra   The Banas River flows for over 500 km through water-scarce Rajasthan, fulfilling important ecological functions and meeting the needs of countless people. The Bisalpur Project has further extended its importance by supplying drinking water to many more people, including those in Ajmer. In its upper reaches in southern Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravalli Hills, this seasonal river has sometimes been referred to as Van ki Aas (Hope of the Forests), a reminder of its vital ecological role. The river, a tributary of the Chambal River, is also closely associated with several mythological tales that reflect an enduring recognition of its significance and the need to keep it clean and protected.

By Raj Kumar Sinha*  The evolving conflict between the United States and Iran is increasingly reshaping the geopolitical landscape of West Asia. Beyond the battlefield, the region is witnessing significant diplomatic shifts that could redefine the balance of power for years to come. Before the outbreak of the current war, a key objective of the United States and Israel reportedly was to trigger an anti-regime uprising in Iran following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, this strategy appears to have failed. Instead of weakening the Iranian state, the crisis has, in several respects, strengthened national unity. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Elon Musk is a wealthy person and an influential figure in global right-wing politics, known for spreading controversial rhetoric. As a supporter of U.S. President Trump, he led the federal initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which operated from January 20, 2025, until July 4, 2026. Under Musk's leadership, the department worked toward shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development ( USAID ) and eliminating its $40 billion budget in the name of efficiency and austerity. Critics argue that while substantial funds are allocated for military spending, humanitarian aid is deprioritized under American capitalism .