By Raj Kumar Sinha*  It is extremely important to understand the problem of sand mining in the Narmada River in the light of the experience of mining in the Aravalli mountain range, because the Aravalli today stands before us as a warning. In both cases, the same mistake is being repeated with nature—ecological suicide in the name of “development.”  The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world. Its functions include groundwater recharge, prevention of desertification, conservation of biodiversity, and maintenance of local climatic balance. However, illegal and indiscriminate mining has almost destroyed it.

By Hans Harelimana Hirwa, Mansee Bal Bhargava   Drinking water directly from the tap is generally associated with developed countries where it is considered safe and potable. Only about 50 countries around the world offer drinkable tap water, with the majority located in Europe and North America, and a few in Asia and Oceania. Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, and Singapore have the highest-quality tap water, followed by Canada, New Zealand, Japan, the USA, Australia, the UK, Costa Rica, and Chile.

By Bharat Dogra  A telling example of how law courts can deliver long-delayed justice to neglected communities can be seen today in some working-class colonies of Bawana in Delhi. A recent visit to H Block and nearby clusters of this resettlement colony revealed a rare sense of optimism among residents, who now see light at the end of a long tunnel following directives from the Delhi High Court to expedite the provision of clean drinking water.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  The hugging, hobnobbing, and digital displays of friendship on social media between Mr Narendra Modi and Mr Donald Trump appear to be designed largely for public consumption, without delivering any substantial achievements for Indians or the Indian economy. The much-talked-about, yet effectively non-existent, free trade deal between the US and India reflects the unfair and unequal trade relations between the two countries. 

By Sumit Kumar Ganguly*  India, that is Bharat, has been celebrating Republic Day on 26 January since 1950. It was on this day that the full Constitution of India came into force. The occasion is marked by military parades by the Armed Forces and paramilitary forces, along with cultural presentations by various Central departments and State governments. 

By Harsh Thakor*  Michael Parenti, an American political scientist, historian, and author known for his Marxist and anti-imperialist perspectives, died on January 24 at the age of 92. Over several decades, Parenti wrote and lectured extensively on issues of capitalism, imperialism, democracy, media, and U.S. foreign policy. His work consistently challenged dominant political and economic narratives, particularly those associated with Western liberal democracies and global capitalism.

By A Representative  A registered trade union representing construction workers has urged the Gujarat government to immediately halt the demolition of huts belonging to tribal construction labourers from Dahod district living near Lamba Lake in south Ahmedabad, alleging that the action was carried out without any prior legal notice and in violation of basic human and constitutional rights.

By Prajna Kumaraswamy, Mansee Bal Bhargava   The tropical land–water-scape of India shapes every settlement through lakes, ponds, wetlands, and rivers. Mysuru (Mysore) is a city profoundly shaped by both natural and humanly constructed water systems. For generations, it has carried a collective identity tied to the seasonal rhythms of the monsoon, the life-giving presence of the Cauvery and Kabini rivers , and the intricate network of lakes and ponds that dot the cityscape. Water transcends being merely a resource; it is part of collective memory, embedded in place names, agricultural heritage, and the very land beneath our feet. In an era of rapid urbanization and climate-induced land–water transformations, understanding this profound relationship with the land–water-scape is strategic for sustainability, resilience, and even survival.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Uttarakhand continues to be in the news these days. Of course, many liberals target it without understanding the basic issues of the hills. The crisis there is deepening. An already threatened ecology and a worrying demographic trend have pushed hill communities into a state of anxiety, with negative population growth among native hill people. Outsiders are buying land and commercial properties at a rapid pace. The hill people have been demanding a land law that protects their identity and nativity, while also safeguarding their legitimate political rights, which are steadily being eroded.