Counterview

By Bharat Dogra  My first impression after reaching Bodepurva village, located at the far end of Naraini block, was that it was almost deserted. Among the few people moving around, most were elderly residents and children.

By A Representative   The human rights organisation, Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), has expressed grave concern over the continuing deaths of sanitation workers engaged in the manual cleaning of sewers, septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, manholes and other confined sanitation spaces across India. In a statement, the organisation claimed that at least 55 sanitation workers died between February and June 2026, despite the legal prohibition of manual scavenging and repeated judicial directives mandating mechanisation of hazardous sanitation work.

By Raqif Makhdoomi  The alleged murder of 25-year-old Ketan Agarwal at Pune's Lohagad Fort has shocked the country. What was initially believed to be an accidental fall has, according to the police investigation, turned into a case of alleged conspiracy and murder. The incident has not only devastated two families but has also raised difficult questions about forced marriages, social pressures, individual choice, and the criminal justice system.

By Raj Kumar Sinha  Recent climate forecasts indicate a strong possibility that an exceptionally powerful El Niño event could develop during the latter part of 2026. Scientists have outlined its likely impacts on India across several phases, beginning with disruptions to the southwest monsoon, followed by damage to kharif crops, rising food prices, warmer winters affecting rabi cultivation, and broader economic and social consequences extending into early 2027. While forecasts remain probabilistic rather than certain, the possibility of a strong El Niño demands serious attention from policymakers and the public alike.

By Mohd. Ziyaullah Khan   For millions of students across India, particularly those from modest backgrounds, Khan Sir has been more than just an educator. Through affordable coaching classes and a simple, accessible teaching style, he has become a source of inspiration for many aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.

By Ravi Ranjan   The relationship between literature and society is not merely one of reflection and reality. Literature brings to light social processes, internal contradictions, and human experiences that often remain invisible in ordinary life. Modern criticism reads literary works within their social, historical, and ideological contexts, recognising that a poem’s significance lies not only in its artistry but in the fundamental questions it raises about humanity and society.