Articles
Apr 05 2005
#
I'm with Wolfowitz
Paul Wolfowitz's appointment as the head of the World Bank highlights the undemocratic nature of decision-making at the bank. His presidency will stand as a constant reminder that this institution, which calls on nations to exercise "good governance and democratisation" is run like a medieval monarchy, says George Monbiot.
Apr 05 2005
#
Stung by the West
The decision to deny Modi entry to the US was inspired, not by abstract ideals of justice, but by hard-nosed realpolitik. But to ensure that no foreign government makes an Indian politician the target of its hypocrisies, we must make sure that the violations that attract foreign scrutiny do not go unpunished by us, says Ramachandra Guha.
Apr 04 2005
#
The end of an era
Ramesh Ramanathan
Apr 04 2005
#
Hold economists accountable too
Eight months before the upcoming WTO ministerial of December 2005, prominent economists are closing ranks to dwarf sustained criticism of agricultural subsidies in developed nations. Devinder Sharma asserts that the continued undermining of food self-sufficiency in developing nations is economic lunacy.
Apr 03 2005
Public discourse on public health
: Public discourse on public health
The Patents Amendment Bill involved an issue of great concern to citizens. But did the Indian media provide a public forum for debate on the issue and enable individuals and institutions to contribute their thinking? Ammu Joseph doesn't think the media lived up to its responsibilities.
Apr 02 2005
1422 executions in 10 years, many more?
: 1422 executions in 10 years, many more?
The People's Union for Democratic Rights recently unearthed government records which show that 1422 executions had taken place in 16 states from 1953–63. The unearthing has led to many questions about the history of death sentencing in post-1947 India, says Bikram Jeet Batra.
Apr 01 2005
#
Dissent isn't defection
The anti-defection law disqualifies legislators who switch allegiances when a government's majority in legislature is threatened, and rightly so. But by stretching it to penalise lawmakers who vote against their party's stand on normal legislative matters, our Constitution has curtailed dissent itself. The India Together editorial.
Mar 31 2005
ORGANIC TEA
An organic cup of tea, please
ORGANIC TEA : An organic cup of tea, please

Since 1980, organic tea consumption has grown by leaps and bounds. India too has joined this new green revolution with many farmers already growing organic tea or converting their plantations to do so. However many barriers have to be overcome before this sector realises its full potential. K V Prayukth reports.

Mar 30 2005
SECULARISM
Aiyar logic, weaker argument
SECULARISM : Aiyar logic, weaker argument

Mani Shankar Aiyar fails on two counts - his poor arguments for secularism, as well as his scant attention to his party's role in creating the economic conditions for communalism. Ashwin Mahesh reviews Confessions of a Secular Fundamentalist.
Mar 29 2005
#
Researching turbulent waters
Researchers around the country gathered to discuss solutions to the key water-related problems India faces. From conflicts between states, to water-saving agricultural practices, to receding glaciers, a number of issues were raised, and their economic and social implications weighed. Surekha Sule reports.
Mar 28 2005
The needs of today, hopes of tomorrow
: The needs of today, hopes of tomorrow
There is a surprising hope in the most despairing places. It isn't often that many of us see this, but when we do, we are struck by the determination with which enormous deprivation is tackled by real heroes. Somnath Mukherji encounters the work of Tomorrow's Foundation in Kalighat, West Bengal.
Mar 26 2005
Pulling the workhorse, driving the rickshaw
: Pulling the workhorse, driving the rickshaw
Despite notoriously variable and low earnings, close to 30% of the male population in Bilaspur's Chingrajpara slum are cycle-rickshaw pullers. Third in the SLUM DIARIES series, Ashima Sood cuts across boundaries to chronicle the forces impinging on the pullers' livelihoods.
Mar 25 2005
#
Orissa's aluminum mining costs are steep
The Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has found illegalities in central government clearances to Sterlite Industries' bauxite mining project in Orissa. The committee has recommended (to the apex court) against diversion of forestlands for the project. Kanchi Kohli reports.
Mar 24 2005
#
Inspiration from Pakistan
Perhaps one of the most moving and inspiring stories to have come from Pakistan in recent times is the story of Mukhtaran Bibi or Mukhtar Mai as she is now called. Her fight is an uplifting example for all women, not just those who are victims of sexual crimes, says Kalpana Sharma.
Mar 23 2005
TN's e-Gov experiences spotty, but ongoing
: TN's e-Gov experiences spotty, but ongoing
Tamilnadu's foray into e-governance has not yet lived upto potential because policy makers may be implementing top-driven projects with little public participation. Still, the state does have its own examples of how things could work. Krithika Ramalingam reports.
Mar 22 2005
#
An illusory battleground
Among military planners, it is common to devise war games to counter any nuclear attack by enemy states. The theories put forward in such games, however, are not always grounded in reality. The peace community should alertly challenge such thinking, says Firdaus Ahmed.
Mar 21 2005
SWITCH TO ORGANIC
Organic farming takes hold in Rajasthan
SWITCH TO ORGANIC : Organic farming takes hold in Rajasthan

Large numbers of farmers have opted for a way of cultivation that does away with chemical pesticides, and most importantly, uses less water in a water-starved state. The dramatic results are nowhere more visible than in Rajasthan's Shekhawati belt, reports Deepa A.

Mar 19 2005
#
Nice painting, poor canvas
Total plan funding for urban areas is Rs 3,500 crores, but for rural programmes, it exceeds Rs 40,000 crores. In the meantime, the urban poor often live in sub-human conditions, and the infrastructure is barely able to cope. Ramesh Ramanathan says we need more rigour in our policy discourse.
Mar 18 2005
#
New boundaries, old limits
A study on coverage of developmental issues by regional newspapers in the three newest states of the Union - Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh, and Uttaranchal - reveals public as well as media apathy towards the plight of people living in rural areas. Aman Namra reports.
Mar 17 2005
RTI finding : Cities subsidising the rich
: RTI finding : Cities subsidising the rich
Property prices have gone up over the decades, but Mumbai leases land to private interests at rates as low as Rs.7 per sq.m. In the last three years alone, revenue authorities have on average lost close to Rs.48 crores, estimates Shailesh Gandhi.