Articles
Jun 29 2008
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
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Life sentences: How long is enough?
Compared to the death penalty, life imprisonment is considered less harsh. The courts have preferred to leave undefined exactly how long such punishment should be, and commutation pleas are considered on a case-by-case basis. Ipshita Sengupta reports.
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Jun 29 2008
BOOK REVIEW
An uneven, but important journey
BOOK REVIEW : An uneven, but important journey
Jalyatra is a welcome addition to the literature on water systems in India, and one hopes that it once again brings attention to the traditional systems and the key principles behind them, writes Shripad Dharmadhikary.
Jun 27 2008
SLASH, BURN, SUSTAIN
Jhum cultivation under conflict in the Northeast
SLASH, BURN, SUSTAIN : Jhum cultivation under conflict in the Northeast
Shifting cultivation in the Northeast, called jhum, is under stress because of conflicts and industrialisation. Sriram Ananthanarayanan examines how the cycle of jhum cultivation is getting adversely affected, causing immense hardship to the people dependent on it.
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Jun 26 2008
BOOK EXCERPT
Karma Sutra
BOOK EXCERPT : Karma Sutra
With the closure of the dance bars, the sex industry has another arm. Thousands of women without education have lost their livelihood. They have to cash in on their looks before the passage of time wrinkles it. Excerpts from Rajendar Menen's book.
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Jun 25 2008
OPINION
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As inequalities rise, the moral commons is vanishing
There is a dichotomy between the normative, rational principles enshrined in the law and the actual practice of public morality. We can overcome this only if we co-locate physically and mentally with fellow citizens, says Rajesh Kasturirangan.
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Jun 24 2008
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
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Karnataka defers decision on Chamalapura power
The proposed 1000 MW coal-fired power plant at Chamalapura, Mysore, to be located on agricultural land and within 30 kilometres of the Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks, evoked strong protests last year. Recent announcements indicate that the government is going slow. Nandini Chami has more.
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Jun 23 2008
PUBLIC FINANCE
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CAG indicts SEZ policy
In major finding, the Comptroller and Auditor General reported to Parliament earlier this year that a key objective of the SEZ policy, -- augmenting real exports -- has not only been defeated, but the policy had further resulted in revenue losses of hundreds of crores of rupees. Himanshu Upadhyaya has more.
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Jun 23 2008
FERTILIZER SHORTAGES
From market yard to police yard
FERTILIZER SHORTAGES : From market yard to police yard
Fertilizer shortages have sparked unrest across large swathes of rural Maharashtra and other States as well. In Washim, every constable and officer is deployed right within the police compound, distributing fertilizer. P Sainath reports.
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Jun 20 2008
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
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France eyes India through environment lens
Lagging its northern European neighbours in environmentalism, France is seeking to reposition its strengths in nuclear energy and hydroelectricity, and aid agency is using its grants to help other countries reduce their carbon footprints. Darryl D'Monte reports.
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Jun 18 2008
CENTRE-STATE FINANCES
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Modi's secession?
Modi has raised a serious issue. But he has also let loose the argument that a well-off state does not now need the Centre or other states. This is the shape of conflicts that will haunt the Indian Republic in the years to come, writes Pratap B Mehta.
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Jun 17 2008
FEMALE FOETICIDE
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Mujhe jeene do
A recent television advertisement has had a terrific impact and shaken people's conscience, making aspirant baby killers feel guilty of the crime they intend to commit. This is Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) and it has the potential to usher in a revolution, writes Surekha Sule.
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Jun 15 2008
DANCE THERAPY
Taking dance beyond boundaries
DANCE THERAPY : Taking dance beyond boundaries
Dance has long been regarded as an aesthetic form of self-expression and entertainment. Therapy had very little to do with it. But in Kolkata, that is changing now, thanks to a few committed individuals. Shoma Chatterji reports.
Jun 13 2008
HEALTH
Aravind Eye: Infinite vision
HEALTH : Aravind Eye: Infinite vision
The Aravind Eye Hospitals in south India have contributed signficantly to preventing debilitating blindness. Aravind was recently awarded the $1 million Gates Award. It all began with late Dr Govindappa Venkataswamy's dream. Ramesh Menon tracks down the pioneer.
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Jun 12 2008
HARVESTING ACTION
This bank deposits rain and draws water
HARVESTING ACTION : This bank deposits rain and draws water
A Karnataka Bank branch in Mysore is the setting for a unique tale of investment - in water. The bank's senior manager devised a simple plan to allow accumulated rainwater, which was earlier just pumped out and wasted, to percolate into the earth. Shree Padre reports.
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Jun 11 2008
PROJECT APPROVALS
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Still advising the Forest Committee?
For some time now, the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has been reviewing the decisons of the Forest Advisory Committee, which grants permission for converting forest land for non-forest use. But this oversight may be coming to an end. Kanchi Kohli reports.
Jun 08 2008
MOVIE: SUMMER 2007
Zooming in on Vidarbha
MOVIE: SUMMER 2007 : Zooming in on Vidarbha
A group of carefree and well-off youngsters run into the crisis-stricken region of Vidarbha. They witness the stark reality of farmers who see hope only in death. Exploring this is Summer 2007, a feature film scheduled for release on 13 June.
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Jun 08 2008
COMBATING BIASES
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Caste as race
Over the years, the Indian government has been steadfast in its unwillingness to consider caste-based discrimination as racial discrimination, despite the many arguments in its favour. Ipshita Sengupta reports.
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Jun 07 2008
'GLOBAL' CITIES
Diary of the displaced
'GLOBAL' CITIES : Diary of the displaced
In the Indian version of suburbanisation, the poor are being forced out of the cities, compelled to pay the price for the creation of the global city. Can we not envisage an inclusive city that caters to the needs of all its citizens, asks Kalpana Sharma.
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Jun 05 2008
ANDHRA PRADESH BY-ELECTIONS
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Jadcherla 13 draw votes from main parties
In Jadcherla, 13 candidates fought the same Assembly seat but contested for, not against one another. P Sainath reports.
Jun 04 2008
URBAN POVERTY
Street-side story
URBAN POVERTY : Street-side story
Though the homeless exist in large numbers, society tries to render them invisible, says a recent study on homelessness in four Indian cities. Arpan Tulsyan reports on the findings.
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