By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  The brutal massacre of innocent tourists in Pahalgam is a heinous act that deserves unequivocal condemnation. But our response must not stop at outrage or public mourning. This incident, like many others in the past, is part of a broader agenda that seeks to disrupt India's social cohesion and exploit its political fault lines.

By Harsh Thakor* The passing of Rose Kerketta on April 17, at the age of 84, marks an immense loss to the literary and tribal communities of India. Known as a bold protagonist in shaping the Jharkhand movement and a prolific writer on Adivasi rights, Rose was not merely a figure of activism—she embodied the spirit of resistance and cultural preservation.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  In India, the term "Harijan" has been deemed derogatory and unparliamentary following decades of struggle by the Dalit community, particularly Ambedkarites. However, in Bangladesh, it remains widely used, especially to refer to communities engaged in sanitation work, commonly known as sweepers. While these are not the only Dalit communities in Bangladesh, the term "Harijan" is primarily associated with this group. Other Dalit communities include native Bangla-speaking groups and immigrant communities, such as the Rabidasis. The continued use of "Harijan" and its acceptance among sanitation workers reflect the nascent stage of the Dalit movement in Bangladesh, where Dalits face significant barriers as both a religious and cultural minority. In 2013, the Bangladeshi government formalized the term "Harijan" for communities engaged in sanitation work through a policy.

By Nava Thakuria*  Bangladesh's interim government recently requested an apology from Islamabad for the 1971 genocide by Pakistani forces during a foreign secretary-level meeting in Dhaka on April 17. This Foreign Office Consultation, the first in 15 years, also involved other issues raised by Bangladesh, while Pakistan emphasized continued dialogue. Although interim leader Professor Muhammad Yunus seeks to resolve issues with Pakistan, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had strongly advocated for an unconditional apology until her resignation following student protests last July-August. 

By Md. Abu Saim*   U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi exports to the United States but granted a 90-day exemption as part of a temporary easing of trade restrictions for several countries. This provides Bangladesh with a critical window to reassess its trade policies and address its reliance on the U.S., which accounts for a significant portion of its export revenue. 

By A Representative  Mujahid Nafees, convener of the Minority Coordination Committee (Gujarat) and a petitioner in a Waqf-related case before the Supreme Court, has written to Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani seeking consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his recent remarks against the judiciary.   In his letter dated April 21, Nafees accused Dubey, the Lok Sabha MP from Godda (Jharkhand), of making "derogatory and scandalizing" statements against the Supreme Court, which allegedly undermine public confidence in the judiciary. The complaint cites Dubey’s interview with ANI on April 19, where he reportedly said, "In this country, only and only the Supreme Court is responsible for inciting religious wars" and accused the Court of "taking the country towards anarchy."  

Counterview Desk  On April 9, Gulfisha Fatima marked five years in prison under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). She was arrested for her involvement in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). During her time in Tihar Jail, Gulfisha has written poetry that reflects themes of resistance, memory, and defiance. 

By Harsh Thakor*  Eight suspected members of the banned CPI (Maoist) group were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Lugu Hills area of Bokaro district, Jharkhand, on April 21, 2025. The operation was conducted by a joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), including the 209 Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the Jharkhand Police.

By Dr Palla Trinadha Rao  The L.N.D. Peta Gram Panchayat (GP), situated in Polavaram Mandal of Eluru District, Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as the focal point of a complex legal and administrative discourse concerning its continued classification as a Scheduled Area. Originally part of the erstwhile West Godavari District, this Gram Panchayat has undergone significant structural and demographic shifts over the years, giving rise to questions about the applicability of Scheduled Area provisions in its current context. 

By Amandeep Kaur, Sumit Kumar, S.P. Singh*  The importance of rural non-farm sector notwithstanding, some issues concerning the sector are constantly under scrutiny, such as types of jobs, alternate opportunities, and changes in economic status after employment. The evolving nature of the rural sector also suggests that simply being employed in rural non-farm sector is insufficient for evaluating rural livelihoods; the quality and sustainability of employment are equally important. Those engaged in rural non-farm activities face various challenges including the seasonal and irregular nature of jobs, low wages, informal and insecure job opportunities, lack of health and unemployment insurance, and jobs without clear employer-employee relationship (Binswanger‐Mkhize, 2012; Jha, 2006; Lanjouw & Shariff, 2004; Start, 2001). 

- राज कुमार सिन्हा*  पृथ्वी का निर्माण करीब 4.6 अरब साल पहले हुआ था। पृथ्वी पर जीवन का विकास करीब 460 करोड़ वर्ष पहले हुआ था। परन्तु धरती तो तब से संकट में है,जब से मनुष्य अपना नाम दर्ज करा कर उसका मालिक बन बैठा है। उसने यह मानने से इंकार कर दिया है कि मनुष्य के नाते वह भी प्रकृति का हिस्सा है। मनुष्य और प्रकृति एक दूसरे के पूरक हैं। दोनों का साथ और सहयोग ही पृथ्वी को हरा-भरा और खूबसूरत बना सकता है। 

By A Representative   In a powerful and heartfelt initiative to confront India's growing mental health crisis, a unique awareness campaign titled Breaking Stigma One Mile at a Time was flagged off from New Delhi on April 20. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about mental health, encouraging young people to seek professional support, and building a more compassionate environment for those struggling with mental illness. The journey was flagged off by psychiatrists Dr Amit Sen and Dr Rajiv Mehta, along with therapist Khilly Marwaha. Professors Mridula Mukherjee, Aditya Mukherjee, and Apoorvanand also joined the send-off, along with over a hundred friends, family members, and well-wishers.

By A Representative   The Socialist Party (India) has strongly criticized the Government of India for preventing Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), from traveling internationally. Krome was stopped at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, on 7 April 2025, while en route to a conference of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Act in Kathmandu. This follows a similar incident in 2020 when he was barred from traveling to Bangkok from Kolkata airport.

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ*  In the death of Pope Francis, the world has lost one of the greatest personalities of modern times! We are saddened that he is no longer in our midst!  He was truly a compassionate pastor with a warm, loving heart for the poor and marginalised, the excluded and the exploited, the refugees and the migrants, the LGBTGIA+ community, the victims of war and human trafficking and in fact, with all sub-alterns and those who live on the peripheries of society. 

By Harsh Thakor*  In the pantheon of cricketing greats, Vijay Merchant’s name often lingers in the shadows, overshadowed by the likes of Tendulkar, Gavaskar, or Kohli. Yet, for those who understand the game’s history, Merchant was not just a batsman—he was a craftsman whose technical perfection and unyielding resolve set a benchmark for Indian cricket. Born into wealth in Bombay on October 12, 1911, Merchant carved a legacy that remains unmatched in its precision and consistency, particularly in first-class cricket, where his staggering average of 71 places him second only to Don Bradman.

By Syed Ali Mujtaba*  Hyderabad: With just few weeks remaining until the grand opening ceremony of the 72nd Miss World competition, preparations are in full swing in Hyderabad. The beauty pageant is scheduled from May 7 to 31, 2025, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration of beauty and culture in the city.

By Bharat Dogra  On April 13, India’s Minister for Road Transport and National Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari stated that India is set to embark on even faster expansion of its highways, on top of the fast expansion of recent times, with substantially enhanced budget of Rs. 10 lakh crore likely to be spent in the next two years (see AIR—All India Radio report dated 13 April, 2025 titled ‘Govt to invest Rs. 10 lakh crore in Highway Development over next two years, with special focus on Northeast—Nitin Gadkari).

By A Representative  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received an urgent appeal from human rights activist Kirity Roy, Secretary of Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), detailing severe human rights violations faced by residents of Chhat Khochabari, a border village in Coochbehar, West Bengal. The village, home to four Bhatiya Muslim families, is entirely enclosed by barbed wire fencing due to its proximity to the India-Bangladesh border, leading to what Roy describes as a state of “statelessness within their own country.”

By Vikas Meshram*  Currently, India is witnessing an increase in heat and heatwaves, especially in several northern states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. By early April, the rising heatwaves have already begun affecting the population, with temperatures reaching 44–45°C in several cities. This is a serious concern and a cause of multiple problems and discomfort. The constantly rising temperatures are yet another indicator of the impact of climate change and the crisis it brings.

By Bharat Dogra*    Sudan is one of the most worrying conflict zones in the world today. During the past two years, war in Sudan has killed over 150,000 people and displaced another 12 million from their homes. There is a very serious humanitarian crisis here with the world's first officially declared famine since 2020. 

By Rosamma Thomas*  In an order that ought to be widely publicized so consumers are better aware of their rights, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Jaipur-II imposed a fine of Rs30,000 on the public sector Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, the power distribution company, for forcing a consumer to bear the cost of electrical cable. The fine includes the Rs8,260 that the consumer bore as expenses towards replacing the cable.

By A Representative  A new report launched by Eversource Capital in partnership with Crisil highlights the critical role of emissions intensity-based targets in the development of a robust and effective carbon market in India. The report , titled "Building a Global Carbon Market: Accelerating India's Progress Towards Net Zero," was unveiled by Yogieta Mehra, Joint Secretary of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, at an event attended by industry leaders, policymakers, and experts.

By A Representative  This Earth Day, National Geographic invites audiences on an awe-inspiring journey to the ends of the Earth with its latest three-part documentary series, "Secrets of the Penguins." Executive produced by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-at-Large James Cameron, the series premieres on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 PM on National Geographic, with all episodes available to stream on JioHotstar.

By A Representative   Kirity Roy, Secretary of the Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), has made an urgent appeal to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), shedding light on the extreme hardships faced by residents of South Jhowkuthi, a small village near the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

By Bharat Dogra  After independence, many scholars believed it was important to follow the development path emphasized by Mahatma Gandhi, which focused on villages and crafts. J.C. Kumarappa played a pivotal role in advancing this perspective as an economist. However, several scientists and technologists also shared similar sentiments. Among them was Dr. Devendra Kumar, whose contributions spanned various areas of rural development, with a notable focus on edible oil processing.  

By A Representative  In a strongly worded letter addressed to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Sri Bhupender Yadav, climate and energy policy analyst Shankar Sharma has raised serious concerns over the Union government’s selective response to deforestation and continued approval of ecologically destructive projects across India.

By A Representative  The Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), comprising 67 former and retired government officials, has issued a strongly worded open statement condemning the recent destruction of over 100 acres of forested land in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, for proposed IT development. The group, which includes former IAS, IPS, IFS, and other senior officials, expressed dismay at the Telangana government's actions, accusing it of violating Supreme Court orders and disregarding ecological concerns.

By Rosamma Thomas*  A neighbourhood in the city of Cordoba in central Argentina was the subject of a scientific research conducted by the Nacional University of Cordoba, after local people requested the study. The scientists found 53% of the population suffered from respiratory disorders; 31% reported conjunctivitis; 27% had headaches; 23% suffered from dermatitis; 22% reported dyspepsia (digestion-related issues), 57% of children between 6 and 7 years old used bronchodilators, an indicator of asthma. The study found that repeated chemical exposure was causing this high morbidity in the population, and that the condition would not improve without eliminating the exposure.

By A Representative  India’s affordable housing segment witnessed a notable improvement in Q1 2025, with unsold inventory shrinking by 19% across the top 7 cities—from approximately 1.40 lakh units in Q1 2024 to 1.13 lakh units by Q1 2025-end, according to latest research by ANAROCK.

By N.S. Venkataraman*  The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reportedly granted coastal regulation zone clearance for a natural gas pipeline project in Greater Chennai. The plan involves laying a 466-kilometre pipeline network to distribute natural gas, primarily for domestic and commercial use, starting from Vallur village. The pipeline—made of medium-density polyethylene with a 12 to 18-inch trunk line—will cost around Rs. 5,000 crore, including infrastructure, pipeline laying, and CNG stations.

By Syed Ali Mujtaba   In Uttar Pradesh, the Office of the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration sparked controversy on November 18, 2023, by notifying a ban on food products with halal certification, except for those meant for export.  

By A Representative   The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), a collective of over 40 civil society organizations, has issued a press statement demanding an immediate end to "Operation Kagaar" and alleged state-led killings of Maoist rebels and indigenous people in central India. The group also called on the central government to create a conducive environment for initiating peace talks with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Counterview Desk Text of the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Uttar Pradesh report ( originally in Hindi ) on the stampede and deaths that took place in Mahakumbh, Allahabad on Mauni Amavasya 29, January: ***

By Sandeep Pandey A Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil had been detained by the authorities in the United States as he had organised demonstrations in support of Palestine during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The official reason being given is that he failed to mention his association with United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East. Israel contends that some UNRWA employees were working for Hamas and  has banned it. An immigration judge, after hearing conducted inside a Lousiana jail where immigrants were kept in a doubled fenced razor wire thousands of miles away from where he was detained, has finally ruled the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil.

- एक प्रतिनिधि   प्रयागराज में आयोजित महाकुंभ 2025 का आयोजन भव्यता, आस्था और प्रचार के नाम पर हुआ, लेकिन 29 जनवरी की रात मौनी अमावस्या पर जो हुआ, उसने इस आयोजन की व्यवस्थाओं पर गंभीर सवाल खड़े कर दिए हैं। पीपुल्स यूनियन फॉर सिविल लिबर्टीज (PUCL), उत्तर प्रदेश द्वारा जारी एक फैक्ट फाइंडिंग रिपोर्ट में दावा किया गया है कि भगदड़ में “सरकारी आंकड़ों से कहीं अधिक मौतें हुईं” और “पूरा मेला प्रबंधन कुप्रबंधन और वीआईपी संस्कृति का शिकार रहा।” PUCL रिपोर्ट कहती है, “प्रशासन ने संगम क्षेत्र की खुली जगहों को भव्य टेंट और पंडालों से भर दिया, जिससे लोगों के आने-जाने का मार्ग संकरा हो गया। जबकि पूर्व में यही जगह भीड़ को नियंत्रित करने के लिए खुली रखी जाती थी।” रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, “हनुमान मंदिर और अक्षयवट-पातालपुरी के पास बने नए निर्माणों ने संगम नोज के इलाके को और संकुचित कर दिया था।”

By Bharat Dogra  India’s voluntary organizations have on the whole played an important role in taking forward development efforts in India. They have contributed several innovative development initiatives and contributed to a more inclusive understanding of development, with special emphasis on marginalized sections and women. Whether in health or sanitation, agriculture or crafts, education or environment protection, many voluntary organizations have been contributing in significant ways which often provide much needed corrective actions as well.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak   The increasing attacks on higher educational institutions and universities reflect a deeper malaise within the ruling classes. President Donald Trump’s criticisms of American universities and attacks on universities such as Columbia and Harvard, along with the BJP led Indian government's actions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeting institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Hyderabad, and Jadavpur University, are notable examples of the growing threats faced by centers of learning and inquiry. 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is not just a historical figure for the Bahujan Samaj; he is a guiding light, a father figure whose contributions shape their daily lives. Beyond philosophy or politics, Ambedkar’s legacy is rooted in fostering a scientific temperament and a spirit of inquiry. These principles must become integral to our lives and those of our children, especially in an era where superstitious Brahmanical values are being repackaged as Indian culture. Such blind faith makes us vulnerable to exploitation and undermines our well-being. From Buddha to Kabir, Raidas to Nanak, Phule to Periyar, and Ambedkar to Bhagat Singh, India’s great thinkers urged us to question, not accept, what is presented to us.

By N.S. Venkataraman*  Judicial decisions in India, as in many democracies, often vary across different levels of the judiciary. Such variations arise due to differing interpretations of the law and the perspectives of individual judges. This is why appellate courts frequently overrule lower court verdicts, and even within the Supreme Court, smaller bench decisions may be revisited and revised by larger benches. While this is a recognized and accepted part of the legal process, it sometimes leads to prolonged litigation and delayed resolution.

By A Representative   A human rights crisis is unfolding at the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district, where around 65 families of Chhoto Fulbari village are reportedly living under virtual house arrest due to restrictions imposed by the Border Security Force (BSF). In a letter addressed to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has detailed the severe rights violations and neglect faced by residents.

By A Representative   A group of computer science experts and advocacy organizations has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of prioritizing responses to foreign officials over addressing domestic concerns about the security of India’s electronic voting machines (EVMs). The criticism follows the ECI’s swift rebuttal of remarks by Tulsi Gabbard , the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, who recently questioned the integrity of India’s EVM system. 

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*   The passing of Anil Chaudhary on April 15, 2025, leaves a void in the fight for a just and equitable world. His life was a testament to unwavering commitment—championing human rights, opposing nuclear proliferation, and tirelessly working to eradicate poverty while fostering inclusivity. Unlike many in the social sector, Anil ji, as he was affectionately known, poured his heart into his work without seeking the spotlight. His humility was his strength, yet his departure, so sudden despite recent illness, has left those who knew him in profound sorrow.

By Ibrahim Khalil Ahasan*  A recent development has emerged regarding the potential repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Myanmar authorities have identified 180,000 individuals from a list of 800,000 Rohingyas currently residing in Bangladesh as eligible for return. The identification process was confirmed during the sixth BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on April 4, where Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister informed Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of the Chief Advisor to Bangladesh. Additionally, verification of another 70,000 individuals is currently underway.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Why do the American ruling elites, both in the Republican and Democratic parties, oppose China so strongly? Since taking office, President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods. But it doesn't stop at trade and tariffs. The American imperialist strategy—marked by political, economic, and military bullying—continues in an unprecedented scale in an effort to pressure China into submission under imperialist hegemony. The core objective is to undermine China's development and its alternative path, which challenges the foundations of the capitalist system.

By Harsh Thakor*  The readiness of the CPI (Maoist), a banned organisation, for peace talks is seen as signifying a democratic gesture that should be welcomed by all who uphold democratic values. The ongoing conflict under ‘Operation Kagaar’ in Central India represents a clash between alleged state aggression and self-defence by oppressed communities. Critics argue that the Indian government has violated constitutional principles by promoting corporate expansion in Adivasi regions under the pretext of development, endangering the lives and livelihoods of local populations.

By A Representative  The Campaign for Peace and Justice in Chhattisgarh (CPJC) has raised alarm over the ongoing medical neglect and recent transfer to National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of Raghu Midiyami, former president of the Moolvasi Bachao Manch (MBM). Midiyami, incarcerated in Jagdalpur prison on what CPJC describes as fabricated charges, was sent to NIA custody for seven days on April 9, 2025, despite severe untreated injuries sustained in a February 2025 motorbike accident.

By Bharat Dogra  Tariffs are dominating news, but of course there are several other important aspects of trade-related aggression. As has been increasingly seen in recent decades, particularly in the course of moving from GATT regime of international trade towards WTO, trade became increasingly linked to many other important aspects including intellectual property rights and patent laws relating to medicines and seeds, to agriculture and investment and procurement policies so that in the name of implementation of trade rules, the sovereign rights of many countries to protect their farmers, consumers and even patients needing medicines could be trampled upon, all in the interests of increasing profit and control of powerful rich countries and their multinational companies.

By A Representative  Mujahid Nafees, noted social activist and Convener of the Minority Coordination Committee Gujarat, has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The move comes amid growing concerns from sections of the Muslim community regarding what is seen as an attempt to weaken the religious and historical foundation of waqf institutions in India.

By N.S. Venkataraman*  On April 8, 2025, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India criticized the Tamil Nadu Governor for not providing assent to ten bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, keeping them pending for several months. The Court went so far as to approve the bills themselves, despite the fact that the Governor had forwarded them to the President of India, who subsequently rejected some of them.

By Harsh Thakor*  On April 13th, large-scale protests and demonstrations took place in Bathinda, Punjab, in response to the Punjab police's action against teachers who were protesting near the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other ministers. The protest was led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and supported by other farmers’ groups. Demonstrations were also held outside the residences of Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*   In India, history is a battleground of conflicting narratives, shaped by caste, class, and social location. When intellectual discourse fails, political parties often resort to crowd mobilization, tapping into raw emotion rather than reason. Crowds, by nature, are neither rational nor reflective—they thrive on a sense of empowerment, especially when backed by ruling powers. We’ve seen this at Anna Hazare’s Ramlila Maidan protests, the outpouring at India Gate after the Nirbhaya tragedy, and even the chaotic gherao of Delhi by Mahendra Singh Tikait. But since the 1990s, the character of crowds has shifted, with Hindutva politics emerging as the biggest beneficiary. The brandishing of swords, a hallmark of Hindutva’s defiance, signals an open challenge to dissenters, emboldened by the assurance of impunity.