Articles
Feb 20 2014
VIDEO: DAKSH ANNUAL LECTURE
Pragmatism over principles is the norm today: Usha Ramanathan

What does state sovereignty really stand for? Does it downplay the role and status of the individual by making him a 'subject' of the state? Watch Usha Ramanathan, as she deconstructs the complex entity of the state in the Daksh Constitutional Day Lecture.

Feb 19 2014
CASTE REALITIES
When a Dalit family approaches the police
The oppression of the Dalit community, and especially its women, by upper caste society is still widely prevalent in Rasulpura village of Rajasthan’s Ajmer district. Shirish Khare visits the village to find that the agents of law are often equally discriminatory.
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Feb 18 2014
RURAL MIGRATION
The women left behind
RURAL MIGRATION : The women left behind
Across rural India, the phenomenon of migration creates an entire class of women left behind to fend for themselves in the face of increased vulnerability to neglect, discrimination and psychological as well as physical abuse. Puja Awasthi highlights their plight.
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Feb 15 2014
AAM AADMI ECONOMICS
Could being ‘right’ be wrong for AAP?

Given the diversity within its expanding membership base, the AAP is likely to witness more debates over issues such as foreign investment in retail and subsidies. Shankar Jaganathan questions if these discourses will gradually alter the party’s basic ideology as it evolves, or if that is written in stone.

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Feb 14 2014
PARLIAMENT PRIMER
What has your MP done for you?
PARLIAMENT PRIMER : What has your MP done for you?
As elections draw nearer, it is more important than ever to understand the way the Lok Sabha functions and what our Members of Parliament are expected to do. Only then can we assess their performance and who may be the best choice, writes R Balasubramaniam.
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Feb 13 2014
WORLD RADIO DAY
Who will cast the first vote for equality?
On World Radio Day, Ammu Joseph looks at the representation of women in Indian radio and wonders if the medium can play a more significant role in ensuring empowerment and equal participation.
Feb 12 2014
YOUTH AND ASPIRATIONS
Politics, through the eyes of Bihar’s Dalit students
Initiatives under the ‘My Space My unManifesto’ campaign to bring about a political reawakening and engagement among Dalit youth have led to a new-found consciousness and perspective among them. Manisha Prakash reports.
Feb 12 2014
CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY
New body should have better pay, more autonomy
Poor compensation could be the key reason behind the DGCA’s inability to attract and retain technical personnel, says the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. PRS Legislative Research summarises the Committee’s report which advocates better pay and more independence for the proposed new authority.
Feb 10 2014
GM EFFECT
A few facts for GM-advocate Manmohan Singh
At the 101st Indian Science Congress in Jammu, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his faith in the potential of biotechnology for agricultural development. Devinder Sharma discusses findings that raise questions about the basis of his conviction.
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Feb 08 2014
GENDER MINORITIES
Tales of the excluded
GENDER MINORITIES : Tales of the excluded

The recent judicial pronouncement criminalising homosexuality has created quite a furore, but in reality those with limited or no interaction with people of alternative sexual orientation have only a vague idea of their continuous struggle and challenges. Pushpa Achanta brings us two poignant narratives.

Feb 07 2014
NON-NATIVE UNDERTRIALS
Left to languish in a foreign country
NON-NATIVE UNDERTRIALS : Left to languish in a foreign country

The deficiencies in the prison system, especially from a human rights perspective, are many and grave, but the plight of non-native inmates calls for special focus, writes Ruchika Nigam.

Feb 06 2014
KISHENGANGA RULING
Lessons from the "other" Indo-Pak conflict

The award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the dispute between India and Pakistan over the Kishenganga hydroelectric project has several dimensions that could hold important lessons for settling water disputes within the country, says Shripad Dharmadhikary.

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Feb 06 2014
RTI & OTHER LAWS
Can a post box save the Indian whistle blower?

A recent court ruling allows RTI applicants to seek information without divulging their address, by simply citing a post box number. While this may partially stem the spate of attacks on activists, a lot more is needed to effectively shield whistle blowers, finds Navya P K .

Feb 05 2014
CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION
Moulding the young as change agents
CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION : Moulding the young as change agents

While formal education on climate change is largely structured around doctrines and laws targeted at mature minds, some have realised the importance of building awareness and inspiring action among the younger brigade. Angelica Pereira reports from Mumbai.

Feb 05 2014
SUCHITRA SEN
Losing India's Greta Garbo

Renowned popular Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, remembered by audiences nationwide for her performances in Hindi films Aandhi and Mamta, passed away recently after years of strict, self-imposed seclusion. Shoma Chatterji remembers her life and aura.

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Jan 31 2014
VISION DEFICIT
The strange case of ICTT Vallarpadam
A PPP project, hailed as a milestone in logistic infrastructure development at the time of launch shows scant growth three years later, costing the Cochin Port trust dearly in the process. P N Venugopal throws light on all that has gone wrong with it.
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Jan 31 2014
GM CONTROVERSY
Seeds of doubt
GM CONTROVERSY : Seeds of doubt
The effect of GM crops on food, agriculture and farmers continues to be highly controversial, polarising scientists and policy-makers alike. Darryl D'Monte outlines some of the recent turns in the debate to show that the truth, perhaps, lies somewhere in between.
Jan 30 2014
CRIME STATISTICS
Suicides due to poverty: How reliable is our data?

While researching suicide data published by the NCRB, Shambhu Ghatak files an RTI enquiry on how the Bureau identifies causes behind suicides and compiles the data across states to arrive at national figures. The response reveals the lack of clarity in the exercise.

Jan 30 2014
THE COLDIRETTI DEBATE
Lessons from Italy for the Indian farmer
Italian farmer group Coldiretti is ushering in a new paradigm in farming, and has emerged as a powerful lobby for the interests of the small farmer. Keya Acharya reports on the campaign and wonders if Indian agriculture can emulate the same.
Jan 30 2014
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
What constrains our social enterprises?
Enterprises that seek to address socio-economic problems through focused business models could make significant impact with a little more support. Seema S Hegde discusses an example from Bangalore, and explains how the state and big business often fail to recognise that.
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