Articles
Mar 20 2014
ELECTIONS 2014
NaMo-RaGa brand war drowns out Assam’s cries
ELECTIONS 2014 : NaMo-RaGa brand war drowns out Assam’s cries
The ruling government has seen limited success in some areas, but the state's lingering needs seem to have been forgotten in the war of personalities ahead of the looming parliamentary elections. Ratna Bharali Talukdar has more.
Mar 20 2014
RUN-UP TO LS 2014
How well do you know your MPs, Kolkata?
RUN-UP TO LS 2014 : How well do you know your MPs, Kolkata?
As we approach the parliamentary elections, India Together presents a quick familiarisation with members of the Lok Sabha in certain key urban constituencies. In the first of the series, Amrita Mukherjee introduces you to the sitting MPs from Kolkata and its neighbourhood.
Mar 19 2014
OPINION
When a river is reduced to an adjective
OPINION : When a river is reduced to an adjective
The labelling of Arvind Kejriwal as ‘anti-Narmada’ by political cadres in Gujarat is only in keeping with a long-standing culture of discouraging any dialogue on the river itself and gagging dissent at large, says Himanshu Upadhyaya.
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Mar 18 2014
URBAN MOBILITY
Our streets are meant for walking: Gil Penalosa
URBAN MOBILITY : Our streets are meant for walking: Gil Penalosa

Gil Penalosa is an indefatigable evangelist for public transport, constantly traversing innumerable cities in the developed and developing world. In the first of a two-part report, Darryl D’Monte details his observations at a Mumbai presentation on streets as public space and the need to make them pedestrian-friendly.
Mar 17 2014
NUCLEAR DOCTRINE
One gaffe too many
NUCLEAR DOCTRINE : One gaffe too many
The slips in the use of words in India’s official nuclear doctrine may be inadvertent but, nevertheless, point to a worrying amateurishness in the domain, says Firdaus Ahmed.
Mar 14 2014
RESURRECTING JUSTICE
How can our lower courts work better?
RESURRECTING JUSTICE : How can our lower courts work better?
PRS Legislative Research summarises the key highlights of a report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, titled 'Infrastructure Development and Strengthening of Subordinate Courts.'
Mar 13 2014
FOOD TRADITIONS
Looking beyond the spread on our tables
FOOD TRADITIONS : Looking beyond the spread on our tables
Overcoming our ignorance of the richness of traditional food options, and imbibing the culinary cultures of those who live in harmony with nature could signify a giant step towards food and nutritional security, says Devinder Sharma after his visit to a tribal food fest.
Mar 12 2014
FLESH TRADE
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Bodies for sale, by men too
Male prostitution, both forced and voluntary, is a reality that is often forgotten in the discourse on gender rights and issues. Tejaswini Pagadala throws light on the lives of male sex workers in the country.
Mar 11 2014
DEFINING POVERTY
Mr. Leader, I have a question...
DEFINING POVERTY : Mr. Leader, I have a question...
As the rhetoric among political parties over their commitment and promises to the people rises, Shankar Jaganathan articulates that one question that will test what they truly stand for.
Mar 10 2014
TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT
What a cell phone could mean for a poor woman
TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT : What a cell phone could mean for a poor woman
Innovative use of information technology through mobile phones is enabling improved financial literacy and increased access to credit for economically disadvantaged women in rural and urban areas. Swapna Majumdar reports.
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Mar 07 2014
WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT
Casting couch vs workplace abuse: A thin line
WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT : Casting couch vs workplace abuse: A thin line
The proverbial casting couch phenomenon has been a reality over the years since women made their foray into the world of films and entertainment. As the industry joins in celebrating Women’s Day, Shoma Chatterji explores if more of its women remain victims, rather than complicit 'sinners'.
Mar 06 2014
DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
What bankers don’t tell you about their bad loans
DEVELOPMENT FINANCE : What bankers don’t tell you about their bad loans
Non-performing assets in public sector banks have shot up by more than 400 per cent in the last five years, hitting Rs 164000 crore! Shripad Dharmadhikary summarises findings of a research report that unearths the real reasons underlying these bad loans.
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Mar 04 2014
RURAL INDUSTRY
Areca nut opens up new horizons for Assamese youth
RURAL INDUSTRY : Areca nut opens up new horizons for Assamese youth

Eco-friendly disposable plates and bowls made from sheaths of the abundant areca nut plant in rural Assam hold great promise for a lucrative industry with global reach. Ratna Bharali Talukdar reports on the enterprise.
Mar 03 2014
URBAN PLANNING
Can Bangalore’s planners solve its commuter woes?
URBAN PLANNING : Can Bangalore’s planners solve its commuter woes?
The need for integrating land use with mobility has never been fully addressed within the profusion of plans for Bangalore. The revision of the Master Plan for 2031 may provide a good opportunity to develop a comprehensive mobility strategy, says Shrimoyee Bhattacharya and Sujaya Rathi.
Feb 28 2014
MUZAFFARNAGAR AFTERMATH
Mass marriages to prevent abuse: 550 and counting!
MUZAFFARNAGAR AFTERMATH : Mass marriages to prevent abuse: 550 and counting!
Much has been written on the inhuman atrocities inflicted on women during the 2013 riots in Muzaffarnagar and the deplorable conditions in the relief camps. Saumya Uma draws attention beyond these to how the violence has robbed women of their basic rights and voices in myriad ways.
Feb 26 2014
DUBBING FILMS
From one language to another: What’s at stake?
DUBBING FILMS : From one language to another: What’s at stake?
Indian cinema has, of late, witnessed high-decibel debates over the desirability of dubbing Hindi films into regional languages. But does dubbing really pose a threat to vernacular cinema? Shoma Chatterji explores.
Feb 25 2014
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Mundra SEZ: Deemed, but not approved
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW : Mundra SEZ: Deemed, but not approved
The recent verdict of the Gujarat High Court regarding the operation of multipurpose industries on land leased out by the MPSEZ could have critical implications for environmental clearance of SEZs in general and the clause of “deemed approval” in particular. Kanchi Kohli reports.
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Feb 24 2014
ROAD ECONOMICS
For whom the tolls rile
ROAD ECONOMICS : For whom the tolls rile
From lumpen political elements to the courts, various parties have, in their own ways, come out against toll plazas along different highways in the country, but Darryl D’Monte makes a strong case for collection of charges from motorists.
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Feb 24 2014
RIGHT TO INFORMATION
CIC: Delaying complaints against delays!
RIGHT TO INFORMATION : CIC: Delaying complaints against delays!
Anger and frustration is on the rise over inordinate delays by the Central Information Commission in responding to or inquiring into complaints from RTI appellants. Revathi Siva Kumar looks at what ails the institution.
Feb 21 2014
BOOK REVIEW
Addressing climate change, the Sikkim way
BOOK REVIEW : Addressing climate change, the Sikkim way

A new volume that outlines in detail the climate change issues, impact and adaptation strategies in Sikkim could also provide replicable models for other states, particularly in the Himalayan region. Seema Bhatt reviews the publication.