#India Archives | Page 4 of 5

Over 40% of India’s MPs have criminal cases against them: Report

September 12, 2023 Editor

Out of the 763 members of Parliament (MPs), 306 (40%) have declared criminal cases against themselves, according to a latest report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW). The data has been extracted from affidavits filed by the MPs prior to contesting their last elections. Around 194 (25%) MPs have declared serious criminal cases, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women etc. Kerala (73%) topped the chart of MPs who declared criminal cases in their self-sworn affidavits, followed by Bihar,…

‘Dissent Not Tolerated’: Congress Alleges Press Freedom Crackdown in India

September 9, 2023 Editor

The Congress on Saturday alleged that the government did not allow access to the United States press officials who have travelled to India along with President Joe Biden for the G-20 Summit. Bringing the press freedom issue along with it, the Congress said India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index was “falling year after year”. The journalists travelling with Biden on the Air Force One flight to India were told by National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre that the press access issue…

The Time To Act Is Now: Protect Mountains States from Climate Crisis

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 Editor

Addressing the Climate Crisis in India’s Mountain States: The Urgent Need for New Infrastructure Policies By: Javid Amin The mountain states of India find themselves at the forefront of a growing climate crisis. Recent catastrophic events in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand serve as stark reminders of the pressing need for immediate action to safeguard these vulnerable regions. The impact of the climate crisis is being felt through increasingly severe weather events, including floods, landslides, and droughts. These events result in extensive damage to critical infrastructure, displacement of communities, and a…

India may rename itself to Bharat, reflecting Ancient Roots

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 Editor

In recent reports, there is a growing contemplation within the Indian government regarding a potential name change for the nation, from “India” to “Bharat.” The term “Bharat” has deep historical roots and is still widely used across many Indian languages. Although there has been no official declaration from the government concerning this potential change, public reactions have been varied. Some view it as an opportunity to reconnect with our ancient heritage, while others see it as an unnecessary and potentially confusing alteration. It remains too early to definitively predict whether…

Presidential Invite for G20 Dinner Sparks Opposition Debate: ‘India’ Or ‘Bharat’?

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 Editor

Opposition Alleges Rashtrapati Bhavan Used ‘President of Bharat’ in G20 Dinner Invite The opposition Congress party on Tuesday alleged that the Rashtrapati Bhavan had sent out an invite for a G20 dinner, with the invite reading ‘President of Bharat’ instead of the ‘President of India.’ Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the development was “deeply disturbing” and that it “undermines the basic values of our Constitution.” He also said that the Article 1 of the Constitution, which defines India as a “Union of States,” would now have to be changed…

Deciphering the Post-SC Verdict Landscape: Navigating Jammu and Kashmir’s Uncharted Waters

August 31, 2023 Editor

Amidst Constitutional Watershed, Jammu and Kashmir’s Future Hangs in the Balance By: Javid Amin In a seismic legal pronouncement, the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 has thrust Jammu and Kashmir into a state of profound ambiguity. The implications of this landmark decision transcend the legal realm, casting an indelible shadow over the region’s intricate future. Article 370, a constitutional provision historically emblematic of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique status, conferred a measure of autonomy upon the region. Its revocation by the Indian government in 2019 ignited a conflagration of protests…

Centre to Supreme Court: J&K polls can be held anytime, Statehood timeline undecided

August 31, 2023 Editor

The Union government on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that it is ready for elections at any time in Jammu and Kashmir. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, said that the process of updating the voter list is substantially over. Mehta said that the legislative assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are likely to be held after panchayat polls and municipal polls. It is, however, for the State Election Commission and the Central Election Commission to decide which election should take place first, he added. “There are three…

Xi Jinping’s India Visit Clouded by Map Row

August 30, 2023 Editor

On the eve of India hosting the G20 summit in New Delhi, China released a so-called “standard map” coopting parts of eastern Ladakh as per the rejected 1959 line and Arunachal Pradesh in the Middle Kingdom apart from Taiwan and the South China Sea. This cartographic expansion by Beijing duly amplified by Chinese propaganda through social media was immediately rebutted and rejected by the Modi government as Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and parts of Aksai Chin were occupied by Mao’s China in the 1950s even before…

Religious Discrimination: Bus Conductor Dies by Suicide After Being Sacked for Allowing Passengers to Offer Namaz

August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 Editor

A 32-year-old bus conductor with the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) died by suicide on Tuesday, after he was suspended for allowing two passengers to offer namaz on the road. The conductor, identified as Ashok Kumar, was working on the Bareilly-Delhi National Highway when he stopped the bus to allow the passengers to offer prayers. The incident was captured on CCTV cameras and the video went viral on social media. Following the incident, Kumar was suspended by the UPSRTC. He was reportedly under pressure from the local administration…

Rahul Gandhi says China has intruded into Ladakh, Locals have been saying this for Years

August 30, 2023 Editor

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that not an inch of land has been lost in Ladakh was a lie after China in its newly released map claimed Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as its territory. India registered its protest to the claim as external affairs minister S Jaishankar said making such absurd claims is China’s old habit. As Congress questioned New Delhi’s stand on China, Rahul Gandhi, who is visiting Karnataka to attend an event launching the Gruha Lakshmi scheme in Mysuru, said,…