News and Views

At a time when Bollywood is being used to carry positive messages about the government’s initiatives, irrespective of its success on the ground (remember Toilet: Ek Prem Katha had not-so-subtle propaganda about both ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘demonetisation’), the whole ‘Make in India’ trip that Sui Dhaaga takes could be suspect if not for the people involved in the film.

Political analyst Walter K Andersen who recently launched his new book RSS: A View to the Inside co-authored by Shridhar D Damle, in an exclusive interview with The Quint’s Sanjay Pugalia, talks about the RSS’s relation with the BJP, the growth of its affiliates, and how the organisation has historically distanced itself from politics.

Listen to freelance journalist T M Veeraghava's piece on the late DMK Chief M Karunaidhi — the script-writer of Tamil politics. This is an opinion piece and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.

The Supreme Court, on August 6, is scheduled to hear the petition challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35A.

Article 35A of the Constitution gives special rights to Jammu and Kashmir’s permanent residents while also disallowing non-permanent residents from buying or owning immoveable properties. Non-permanent residents are also excluded from state government jobs and scholarships.

A Delhi-based NGO – We the Citizens – had filed a petition arguing the “unconstitutionality” of Article 35A, terming it discriminatory in nature, as it was meant to be only a temporary provision.

Is an extradition request to the Antigua and Barbuda government the only way to bring fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi back to India?

Not really.

The Indian government could adopt a faster method by getting his Antiguan passport cancelled and having him deported to India.

Under Antigua and Barbuda law, Choksi’s local passport can be cancelled for “willingly making a wrongful declaration” in his application.

When a neighbour is in dire need, it is only civil to help them to the extent one can. In India, we call it ‘padosi ka dharma’ ─ the duty of a neighbour. The said neighbour may not have the best of relations with you. But if you rush to them with a sincere and no-strings-attached offer of assistance, who knows, your neighbour might realise the virtue and long-term benefits of good-neighbourliness.

The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill 2018, was introduced in the Parliament on Wednesday 18 July. The Bill was introduced by Maneka Gandhi, Women and Child Development Minister, and is being touted as India’s first comprehensive anti-trafficking bill.

However, it continues to face criticism from various quarters – activists, sex workers, child rights workers and labour unions – on the ground that the bill violates their rights.

Caste and rape connect Radha*, Meera* and Kailash* – two women and one man who live hundreds of kilometres apart – in an unusual alliance that has changed their lives.

What’s common between the three?

#DeRegisterMe

From your patriot games

I won’t stand and sing

No anthem again.

De-register me

From all your national spaces

Statues and sign-boards

And shout-out-loud places.