Counterview Desk  The advocacy group National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR),  in a representation to Dr GS Bhardwaj, Additional Director General of Forests (Project Tiger), who also happens to be Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has objected to  the NTCA's directive for the relocation of tribal communities from tiger reserves without proper adherence to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (WLPA), the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (SC & ST PoA).

By Dhanapal Govindarajulu, Divya Gupta, Ghazala Shahabuddin*  British colonialism turned India’s tigers into trophies. Between 1860 and 1950, more than 65,000 were shot for their skins . The fortunes of the Bengal tiger, one of Earth’s biggest species of big cat, did not markedly improve post-independence. The hunting of tigers – and the animals they eat, like deer and wild pigs – continued, while large tracts of their forest habitat became farmland.

By Nava Thakuria* Recent public demonstrations in Dhaka and Chittagong have challenged the commonly held perception that Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh are always subjected to persecution by the Muslim majority. Following a period of significant political unrest that began in July, at least four large protests have emerged, the latest occurring on September 13, 2024. 

Counterview Desk  A fact-finding report, conducted by Ghulam Saber Ghulam Rasool Malek of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Surat: Shabbir Hameed Malek, senior leader, Surat district; Moin Memon, social worker; Dawood J. Sheikh, advocate; and Mujahid Nafees, convener, Minority Coordination Committee, Gujarat, in a "closer look" into the alleged anti-Muslim actions in Surat has said that it was a state-sponsored mobocracy, claiming, the mob in Surat "forced the state administration" to act in a biased manner.

Counterview Desk In an open letter, as many as 96 ex-civil servants have asked Mallikarjun Kharge, President, Indian National Congress, have expressed "disgust and dismay" for having giving ticket to Chaudhary Lal Singh to contest the  forthcoming Assembly election in Jammu & Kashmir  from the Basohli constituency in the Jammu region, stating that, as member of the BJP in 2018, he "represented the worst aspects of the politics of hate promoted by the Sangh Parivar."

By Rosamma Thomas*  A 100-day Satyagraha has been launched at the entrance to the demolished Sarva Sewa Sangh in Rajghat, Varanasi, by a group of Gandhians seeking restoration of the land to the Sarva Sewa Sangh, and punishment as provided by law for the illegal capture and demolition of the headquarters of the Sarva Sewa Sangh, a society registered in 1948 by Vinobha Bhave to spread the message of Gandhi.

By Shankar Sharma*  Recent actions by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) have sparked criticism for their seemingly irrational nature and a lack of consideration for community welfare concerning the country's diverse populations. The NBWL's 79th Standing Committee meeting showcased troubling choices impacting both wildlife protection and resource management. 

By Mansee Bal Bhargava, Durga Das, Garbhit Naik, Sromona Burman* A newly formed no bet-for-profit organization,  WODER , dedicated and motivated to work towards water security for all for all the time, was at the World Water Week (WWW) 2024 organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)  from August 25 to 29th. The WWW2024 theme was, ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future’ and centered around water cooperation for peace and security. The event underscored the collaborative effort needed to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future. 

By Devisingh Tomar, others*  The recent Narmada Jalsatyagrah, a protest lasting more than 36 hours, was concluded with a commitment from participants to continue their fight against injustice unless the given assurances are honored. This intense demonstration involved numerous representatives from the Sardar Sarovar-affected communities, including prominent figures such as Medha Patkar, Kamla Yadav, Kesar Somare, Bhagwan Septa, Sushila Nath, and Kailash Yadav. 

By Our Representative  The civil rights group, Friends of the Earth India (FoEI), has urged both the Government of India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Gujarat Government, which manages the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd, to take immediate and effective action to prevent a potential disaster in the Narmada Valley. 

By Our Representative  The environmental advocacy group South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) has issued a warning , supported by detailed diagrams, that the Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) is at risk of causing flash floods in the Narmada Valley this year, similar to incidents that occurred last year. 

By Harsh Thakor*  As August 31 marked the 80th birthday of cricketing icon Clive Lloyd, it also heralds the impending 50th anniversary of his ascension to the captaincy of the West Indies team. Under his leadership, a collection of extraordinary talents coalesced to create one of the most formidable teams in cricket history. The roots of West Indian cricket dominance trace back to a colonial past. 

By Kirity Roy*  Villagers in the border locality of Seuti-II, Shukarukuti Gram Panchayat in the Cooch Behar district, are facing relentless harassment due to restrictions on the opening of a critical fencing gate. Seuti-II, located near the Indo-Bangladesh border, is home to 43 families, comprising 83 minority Muslim individuals who reside within this fenced area. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  In a Labour Party Election Broadcast on April 16th, 2024, Sir Keir Starmer highlighted how his working-class background influences his approach to politics. In a BBC interview on May 27th, 2024, Sir Starmer reinforced his working-class roots and promised to serve the interests of the working people in Britain. He even described himself as a progressive and a socialist. However, the mass hope following the Conservative Party's defeat is fading as Starmer's politics and policies as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom are revealed. 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  The recent passing of Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), marks a profound loss not only for leftist progressive movements in India but also for the ideals of social justice, secularism, socialism, and constitutional integrity. In these challenging times, the left parties, despite facing dwindling influence, still possess the ideological fortitude to combat communal polarization and hatred. 

Counterview Desk  Several concerned citizens belonging to the Reclaim the Republic group have said that they "feel deeply concerned by the news report that the Prime Minister participated in Ganpati Puja at the residence of the Chief Justice of India."

Counterview Desk  Arguing that the Bengali-speaking Muslims of Santhal Pargana are Indians and not Bangladeshi infiltrators, in a joint statement, the civil rights groups Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha and the Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan have argued that their fact-finding team that by coming up with such propaganda, "BJP aims to create social and political rifts between Adivasis, Hindus, and Muslims" with the objective of creating "religious and social polarization before the Jharkhand Assembly elections."

By Vikas Meshram  According to this year's 'State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World' report, India has the highest number of malnourished people in the world, with a staggering 195 million affected. This report, prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, was published jointly by five UN agencies, including UNICEF. The report also highlights a slight improvement in India's statistics: between 2004-06, the number of malnourished people in the country was 240 million. 

By NS Venkataraman*  As nations worldwide grapple with the urgent need to minimize or completely phase out fossil fuels—specifically crude oil and coal—to combat the release of harmful greenhouse gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide, there has been a significant global momentum towards promoting eco-friendly green hydrogen production. This strategy aligns with the pressing environmental imperatives of our time. 

By Shankar Sharma*  The  statement attributed to Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, that, "developed economy should be a developed ecology too; we should be citizens with environmental sense", sounds like a pleasant music to the ears of environmentally conscious people in our country, but many of them may view the same with some sort of cynicism. 

By Harsh Thakor*  Ranganayakamma, commonly known as RN, stands out as a transformative figure in promoting Marxist thought, democratic ideals, and anti-caste principles through her remarkably clear and engaging writing style. A trailblazer in literary innovation, her works span a broad array of topics, from critiques of Indian mythology and revivalism to discussions on civil liberties, the Indian Communist Movement, and Maoism in China. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Sitaram Yechury was everyone's comrade. He lived his life in public like an open book of praxis. Everyone was familiar with his family background, student life, many talents, achievements, and political journey that defines his everyday life as a committed communist.  

By Vikas Meshram*  The passing of Sitaram Yechury has cast a profound stillness over leftist organizations across India. Renowned as a distinguished politician, columnist, economist, and social activist, Yechury was a staunch advocate for student rights and movements. His leadership skills became apparent early in his academic career, as he was elected three times as the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Yechury also endured imprisonment during the Emergency period, underscoring his commitment to political activism. 

Counterview Desk  The civil rights group, National Alliance for Justice, Accountability and Rights (NAJAR), has expressed its "grave concern" over the Prime Minister’s recent presence at a religious event at the Chief Justice of India's residence, underlining, "Independence of Judiciary from Executive must be ensured in all circumstances".

By Kirity Roy*  This account addresses an incident of negligence by the Border Security Force (BSF) on the Indo-Bangladesh border, which resulted in a robbery affecting a poor villager, Bablu Gazi, from Hakimpur village, under the jurisdiction of Swarupnagar Police Station in the North 24 Parganas district. 

Counterview Desk  The All India Feminist Alliance (ALIFA), in an open letter to Gauri Lankesh marking 7 years of her cowardly killing, has said that  in commemorating her death and in condemning the release on bail of the eight accused, a move meant to embolden criminals of the worst kind, there is  need to recast ‘the murder of Gauri Lankesh' as a hate crime against humanity.

By Our Representative  A headcount enumeration of homeless persons in Delhi conducted between 27 August 2024 to 31 August 2024, to understand the extent and magnitude of homelessness in the city, has revealed that around 300,000 people, including, families, women, children, and older persons are forced to live in the open without shelter even during the rainy season.

Counterview Desk  The civil rights group, Campaign for Judicial Accountability And Reforms, which consists of several prominent lawyers and activists* in statement on judicial propriety and independence, has taken strong exception to a private religious ceremony at the official residence of the Chief Justice of India, with the Prime Minister in attendance, has said that it has set an “unwarranted precedent.”

By Harsh Thakor* Marshal Georgy Zhukov is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional generals of the conflict, and this year marked the 50th anniversary of his passing on June 18. His remarkable tenacity, courage, and strategic acumen are unmatched in military annals. 

By Dr Palla Trinadha Rao  On September 6th, 24 Kilo Ravi, a tribal representative, submitted a formal appeal to the District Collector of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) District, a newly established district carved from the erstwhile Visakhapatnam District. The appeal was made on behalf of particularly vulnerable tribal families residing in Suddagaruvu, a village within the Vanjaari Gram Panchayat of G. Madugula Mandal. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  The Union Minister for Higher Education in India started a political debate by suggesting the renaming of Ravenshaw College and University in Cuttack, Odisha, due to the controversial role of its founder, Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, in the Odisha famine, which claimed millions of lives. Renaming universities and educational institutions is not a new phenomenon in the state. 

By Mujahid Nafees*  A troubling incident has emerged from Surat city, Gujarat, involving the alleged brutal assault of individuals by police officers. The official Twitter account of the Surat City Police reported that they detained those who reportedly disrupted the peace by throwing stones at an idol in the Variavi Bazar area. 

By Firoz Bakht Ahmed*  Amidst ongoing controversy regarding the Government of India's initiative to introduce legislation aimed at "regulating" Waqf properties through digitization, it remains evident that there is a troubling history of mismanagement and exploitation of Waqf lands. 

By Harsh Thakor*  The late 1960s represented a pivotal moment in independent India's history, sparking radical movements, particularly among tribal and peasant communities led by Marxist-Leninist factions. In response to state-sponsored brutality against these movements, regional civil rights organizations emerged. Among these was the Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee (APCLC), established in Guntur in 1974, which this year proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. 

By Ram Puniyani*  The debate over a caste census emerged as a pivotal issue during the recent General Elections held in April-May 2024. The INDIA Alliance strongly advocated for the census, while the BJP remained staunchly opposed to the initiative. The opposition is unequivocal as caste continues to be a central theme in the consolidation of Hindu right-wing politics. 

By Atanu Roy*  There's a saying: "There is no such thing as a half-pregnancy." This adage seems particularly relevant when discussing the current regime of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The party appears to be entrenched in widespread corruption that affects nearly every aspect of our lives. One must wonder, why would they exclude the health sector—a lucrative area where illicit money can flow freely, thanks to a network of corrupt leaders colluding with ambitious bureaucrats? 

By Vikas Meshram*  A recent study from Utrecht University in the Netherlands warns that climate change and socio-economic transformations will exacerbate water scarcity, disproportionately affecting populations in South Asian countries. Human beings require clean water for drinking, sanitation, food production, energy, and manufacturing. Across the globe, people and policymakers are grappling with the challenges of water scarcity. 

By Our Representative On September 3, 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed a series of raids in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, alleging a conspiracy to assault police units and seize weapons dating back to March 2023. 

By Ram Puniyani*  The outcomes of the 2024 Parliamentary Elections proved disheartening for the BJP, as its Lok Sabha strength dwindled from 303 to 240 seats. Consequently, the NDA, which had maintained a dominant position for the past decade, now faces the prospect of its alliance partners having more influence. This shift may curtail the BJP’s assertive Hindu nationalist agenda. 

By Claire Bugos*  When Ozempic and Mounjaro were approved to treat diabetes, they also ushered in a wave of opportunity for obesity medicine. This new class of drugs, called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists, has proven remarkably effective at promoting weight loss and other health outcomes. These drugs have become so hyped that some even claim it could bring about the end of the “obesity epidemic.”

By Harsh Thakor*  While Lu Xun is often celebrated as a pivotal figure in the establishment of literary reforms and the promotion of vernacular language in China, he was not the sole contributor to these movements. Lao She, whose 125th birth anniversary we marked last year, also played a crucial role. 

By Vedika S*  Over the last few days, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), known to be tasked with suppressing revolutionary, democratic, and progressive forces, conducted a series of raids across Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Targets included human rights attorney Pankaj Tripathi, student leader Devendra Azad, and peasant union leader Sukhwinder Kaur. Lawyer and anti-displacement activist Ajay Kumar was arrested and taken to his home in Mohali, which was subsequently raided. He is now imprisoned in Lucknow as a suspect in the NIA's "Northern Regional Bureau (NRB) Revival case." 

By Our Representative  The civil rights network Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) has issued a strong denunciation of the "abduction" of labour rights activist Anirudh Rajan, who was taken by state authorities on September 5, 2024, while traveling to meet his family. This incident is part of a troubling trend, as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and various state forces have increasingly targeted trade union and democratic rights activists over the past year. 

By Kirity Roy*  This is regarding an incident involving two families who have suffered from criminal trespass and illegal tree cutting by personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Barnaberia village, located in the Gaighata block of North 24 Parganas. 

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Capitalism as a global system continues to evolve, continuously reshaping itself, accommodating with the new environment, aligning itself with different forms of regressive, right wing, reactionary, religious and authoritarian powers to reinforce its rent-seeking nature in the form of "technofeudalism” where technology mediates the traditionally insidious structures, agencies, and processes of capitalist accumulation.  

Beverly Longid, Jiten Yumnam*    The civil rights network, International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), has voicesd its support for the residents of Siang District, Northeast India, as they resist the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation's (NHPC) efforts to monopolize the Siang River for its Upper Siang Hydroelectric Project, a massive undertaking proposed at 11,000 MW. 

By Vikas Meshram*  The Supreme Court has not only raised objections but also expressed concern over the practice of demolishing the homes of criminal suspects, accused, or convicts using bulldozers. It has indicated that necessary guidelines will be issued to all states in this regard. In such circumstances, the court's intervention is indeed welcome. A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan made these remarks while hearing petitions seeking a ban on the bulldozer actions being carried out by administrations in several states. The bench clarified that they would not offer protection to unauthorized constructions or encroachments, including religious structures built on roads. It also emphasized the need to ensure that no individual or officer takes undue advantage of any legal loophole.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  In my ongoing quest to amplify rational discourse among Ambedkarites, I present a conversation with Ish Kumar Gangania, a prominent Ambedkarite author from Delhi. Gangania is a highly regarded author, thinker, and editor based in Delhi. Known for his candid and straightforward opinions, Gangania has extensively explored India's rationalist traditions, particularly those of Ajeevak and Lokayat. He has published over 25 works, including collections of poetry, short stories, and one novel, with his most recent being the autobiographical piece, "Main Aur Mera Gireban". 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  In a conversation with me,  Ambedkarite author Sanjeev Khudshah explores the importance of classifying Scheduled Castes for reservation purposes.  Sanjeev Khudshah, born on February 12, 1973, in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, is regarded as one of India's prominent Dalit writers. His writings have appeared in major newspapers and magazines across the country. His notable works include "Safai Kamgar Samudaya," "Adhunik Bharat Mein Pichda Varg," and "Dalit Chetna Aur Kuch Zaroori Sawaal." 

By Vikas Meshram*  Climate change is having a profound impact on various natural resources, and groundwater is a significant one that is currently under threat. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and increasing pressure from human activities are deteriorating groundwater quality. This article delves into the effects of climate change on the potability of groundwater, the causes, and potential solutions.

By Rupa Mehra* In a recent display of solidarity, hundreds of protesters from the Kuki ethnic group gathered in Manipur to voice their outrage against longstanding racial violence and the government’s persistent silence on the issue. They urged the authorities to pass legislation aligned with Article 239A of the Indian Constitution, which pertains to Union Territories. 

By Harsh Thakor*  "Miss Pavlichenko’s well known to fame,  Russia’s your country, fighting is your game.  The whole world will always love you for all time to come,  Three hundred Nazis fell by your gun."  — from Woody Guthrie's “Miss Pavlichenko"

By Raqif Makhdoomi*  The people of Kashmir find themselves entrenched in a web of stereotypes and misconceptions. A common query I receive from outsiders is, “Are you a stone pelter?” My typical response is, “Do you vote for the BJP?” More often than not, I hear, “Being Hindu doesn’t mean I vote BJP.” Their reaction serves as my defense, a means to counter the prejudice they display.