By Hemantkumar Shah*  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently lowered its key policy rates, including the repo rate and announced a phased reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), signaling a shift towards a more accommodative monetary stance. At first glance, such a move might appear to herald a phase of economic acceleration—lower interest rates, easier loans, increased investments, and rising employment. However, closer scrutiny reveals that these policy changes, though significant on paper, may not meaningfully impact India’s GDP growth unless accompanied by robust fiscal measures and targeted reforms.

By Bharat Dogra  At a time when climate change has made environmental protection an existential priority, preserving and regenerating natural forests must remain at the centre of any strategy for ecological stability and biodiversity conservation. However, a growing body of experience from India and around the world confirms what tribal and rural communities have long known: forests cannot be protected from the top down. True and lasting conservation can only be achieved when the communities living near forests are actively involved in managing and protecting them.

By A Representative  In a groundbreaking development that aligns environmental action with social equity, a textile waste recycling initiative led by informal waste workers in Bengaluru has scaled from a local pilot to a national model. The project, part of the broader Saamuhika Shakti programme, is now being replicated in 12 cities across India—demonstrating that circularity can be both climate-positive and socially inclusive when rooted in community leadership.

By A Representative  A powerful grassroots initiative empowering women in rural India has drawn international recognition as part of a global university-community partnership that has placed women at the heart of local water governance. The MARVI project (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention), supported by Western Sydney University in collaboration with Indian NGOs and community groups, is being applauded worldwide for its transformative impact—particularly in training rural women as groundwater leaders and changemakers.

By A Representative   In a disturbing escalation of tensions between state authorities and Adivasi communities in the Nagarahole forests, over 250 personnel from the Forest Department, Special Tiger Protection Force, and local police violently demolished six huts belonging to Jenu Kuruba Adivasi families in Karadikallu Atturu Koli Haadi on June 18. The demolition took place in the midst of heavy monsoon rains, leaving families exposed to the elements and stripped of their temporary homes.

By Bharat Dogra  In the arid landscape of Bundelkhand, where water scarcity and erratic rainfall define the rhythms of daily life, a quiet revolution is underway. At the forefront are rural women volunteers—known as jal sahelis—who are emerging as tireless champions of water conservation, community hygiene, and ecological revival.

By A Representative   The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a U.S.-based advocacy organization, has released a report alleging that the Indian government is engaging in transnational repression (TNR) tactics within the United States to target critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration. The report claims these efforts are facilitated with the involvement of Indian consulates and pro-government networks.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  After several days of travel and digital silence, I returned from a rare and deeply moving journey into the Amazon region of Colombia. It was not just another field trip, but an opportunity to witness the pulse of Latin America’s land rights movement, firsthand.

By Maninder Singh*  In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook one of the most vital aspects of our well-being—our mind. From meeting deadlines to staying focused and recalling important details, our brain is constantly at work. To keep it healthy and sharp, it needs consistent care and nourishment.

By Harsh Thakor*   Ka Louie Jalandoni, a long-time leader of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), passed away on June 7 at the age of 90. He played a prominent role in the country’s leftist revolutionary movement and was the NDFP’s chief international representative and chief peace negotiator for several decades.

By Bharat Dogra  Two major challenges continue to limit the full participation of rural women in development. First, their crucial roles, potential, and capabilities often remain underrecognized. Second, even when women are encouraged to take on broader responsibilities, the overarching development models may not align with their needs or perspectives and may even appear counterproductive. Under such conditions, it is unrealistic to expect women to engage as enthusiastic and creative participants.

By Vikas Meshram  No matter how advanced or complex the world becomes, food remains an unshakable necessity for human survival. Whether in technologically advanced nations or in developing countries striving to catch up, every individual depends on food. Yet, as the global narrative of development unfolds, agriculture—the source of this essential need—has been increasingly sidelined. This shift is not only alarming but also dangerous, as it threatens both human health and environmental balance.

By A Representative   Noted power and climate policy analyst Shankar Sharma has urged Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to reconsider the government’s ambitious plans to roll out an Ultra High Voltage (UHV) AC power transmission system. In a strongly worded letter, Sharma questioned the environmental, economic, and social implications of the proposed ₹53,000 crore investment, highlighting the need for a more sustainable, decentralized, and efficiency-oriented approach to energy infrastructure in India.

By Dae-Han Song   In his inaugural speech, South Korea’s recently elected President Lee Jae-myung declared that ‘no peace is too expensive; it is always better than war’. The words capture an idealism packaged in Lee’s pragmatism. Indeed, at a time when the US Cold War against China is turning Asia into a tinderbox, when global temperatures have exceeded a 1.5°C increase, and South Korea’s economy and society are reeling from martial law, peace is the only pragmatic way forward. As such, Lee’s hesitancy in attending the June NATO Summit was a welcome contrast to former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s enthusiastic participation. The opposite of pragmatism, Yoon was driven by a deep idealism to turn South Korea into a ‘global pivotal state’ for the US, regardless of the damage to inter-Korean stability or to South Korea’s relationship with China, a strategic trading partner. Amidst the backdrop of the chorus of editorial voices (including the conservative Chosun newspaper ) from Korea...

By Hemantkumar Shah*  The history of the 20th century is stained with the blood of millions who fell victim to communist regimes. In the name of revolution, anti-capitalism, and the pursuit of economic equality or socialism, countries like China, Russia, and many in Eastern Europe endured ruthless communist dictatorships. These regimes carried out mass killings, threw dissenters into prisons, and crushed personal freedoms — yet the Left, particularly in India, continues to ignore or rationalize this violent legacy.

By Harsh Thakor*  A protest was held on June 17 at Indira Park in Hyderabad by the Shanti Charchala Committee, calling for an end to Operation Kagar and the start of peace talks with Maoist groups. The event brought together representatives from several political parties and civil society organizations. Among those who addressed the gathering were CPI (ML) New Democracy Central Committee member Vemulapalli Venkatramayya, along with leaders from the Congress, BRS, CPI, CPM, Telangana Janasamithi, MCPI, SUCI, CPI ML, RSP, and VCK. The programme also featured performances by cultural groups such as CLC, HRF, TVV, Arunodaya, Praja Kala Mandali, and Praja Natya Mandali. Public figures including actors Narayana Murthy and Tudundebba Upendar and academics like Professor Anver Khan and Professor Vinayaka Reddy participated as speakers.

By A Representative    A wide coalition of concerned citizens, academics, medical professionals, social activists, and public intellectuals has submitted a petition to the Prime Minister of India demanding an urgent judicial inquiry into the recent tragic airplane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 240 lives. The petition, coordinated by the Movement for Secular Democracy (MSD), calls for a high-level judicial committee, headed by a retired High Court justice and comprising eminent citizens, to investigate the incident beyond the scope of the existing technical committee.

By A Representative   A complete shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in Delhi could reduce transport-related PM2.5 emissions by over 60% by 2030, a recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has found. The revelation comes amid renewed public alarm over the national capital’s air quality, as the social media campaign #NoHalfMeasures gains momentum across the country.

By Vikas Meshram  Clean and safe food is not merely a health issue but is deeply connected to human dignity, sustainable development, economic progress, and social stability. Today, as the world grapples with the complexities of food production, supply chains, and consumption, food security has evolved from a health concern to a global responsibility.

By Onkareshwar Pandey  Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Skill India initiative was conceived as a bold national effort—to equip India’s vast young population with industry-ready skills and transform the country into the “skills capital of the world.” At the heart of this mission lies the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), a public-private partnership under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). But recent revelations of large-scale financial irregularities within NSDC threaten to undermine not just the institution, but the very promise of Skill India.

By A Representative   Veteran power and climate policy analyst Shankar Sharma has strongly criticised the Indian government’s continued neglect of demand-side management (DSM) in the electricity sector, calling it a “chronic policy failure” that is leading to wasteful investments, ecological degradation, and long-term energy insecurity.

By Raj Kumar Sinha*  Desertification is emerging as one of the gravest environmental challenges of our time. Marked annually on June 17, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought reminds us that the fate of our planet’s land—and the billions who depend on it—is hanging in the balance.

By A Representative  Father’s Day was observed with heartfelt enthusiasm and a strong message of caregiving at a community event in Harkesh Nagar, New Delhi. Organized by Satark Yuva Sangathan (SYS) in collaboration with Asha Workers and the local Anganwadi Centre, the event aimed to highlight the often-overlooked role of fathers in child nutrition, development, and emotional well-being.

By A Representative  In a detailed and critical response to the Draft National Electricity Plan (Volume II – Transmission) released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), veteran power and climate policy analyst Shankar Sharma has raised serious concerns about what he calls an “unsustainable and ecologically damaging” approach to expanding India’s electricity transmission infrastructure. Sharma’s feedback document challenges the current trajectory of the National Electricity Plan, warning that a business-as-usual (BAU) approach—focused on massive expansion of Extra High Voltage (EHV) and Ultra High Voltage (UHV) lines—will come at enormous social, environmental, and financial costs.

By A Representative   A groundbreaking study released by IPE Global and Esri India has warned that India is on course to experience a 43% increase in the intensity of extreme rainfall events and a 2.5-fold rise in heatwave days by 2030. Titled "Weathering the Storm", the study paints a stark picture of the country becoming simultaneously hotter and wetter due to the accelerating impacts of climate change.

By Bharat Dogra   There has been extensive thoughtful discussion on policies aimed at promoting the welfare and sustainable progress of tribal communities in India, a topic of significant global relevance. Alongside these discussions, concerns persist regarding the divergence between policy formulation, based on accepted welfare objectives, and actual implementation.

By Harsh Thakor*  South Africa has etched a historic milestone in their cricketing journey by clinching the ICC Test World Championship title at Lord’s, defeating Australia by five wickets. The triumph was more than just a victory; it was a moment of redemption—achieved under the most trying circumstances. Trailing by 77 runs in the first innings, the Proteas staged a remarkable comeback, reflecting their maturity and resilience as a team.

By A Representative   A high-profile marketing tie-up between Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and fast-food giant McDonald’s has come under fire from health advocates, who warn that celebrity endorsements of ultra-processed foods are exacerbating India’s public health crisis. On June 14, "Delhi Times" splashed a front-page advertisement unveiling a McDonald’s meal named after Singh, celebrating it as a symbol of youth appeal and brand synergy. However, the move has prompted concern among health professionals, particularly Dr. Arun Gupta, a well-known pediatrician and public health advocate, who has responded with a sharply worded open letter published on his blog .

By Dr. Palla Trinadha Rao  This narrative presents 13 situations—some real, some imagined—reflecting on conflicts in tribal regions. It critically examines these scenarios through the lens of constitutional and statutory provisions, aiming to promote constitutional values.

By A Representative   In a significant advancement that could transform earthquake science, researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) have developed a groundbreaking laboratory earthquake model. This pioneering study directly links the real contact area between fault surfaces to the mechanics of earthquake occurrences, offering a promising pathway toward enhanced earthquake prediction and early warning systems.

By A Representative   In a fervent appeal to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Shankar Sharma, a noted Power and Climate Policy Analyst based in Karnataka, has raised alarm over the ecological devastation threatened by Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs) in India’s river valleys, particularly in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats. The appeal, addressed on World Environment Day 2025, invokes Dr. Singh’s own statement : “We owe it to the next generation to preserve the environment for them”, urging immediate action to align policy with this commitment.

By Harsh Thakor*  "Volokolamsk Highway" is a classical war novel by Alexander Bek, first published in Russian in 1944 and translated into English in 1958. Set during WWII on the Eastern Front, it describes critical battles fought by the Soviet Red Army against Nazi forces advancing toward Moscow in October 1941. Republished by Foreign Languages Press in 2023, the novel offers a vivid portrayal of Soviet soldiers' struggles to defeat fascism. It is recommended for those seeking insight into Soviet heroism during World War II.

By N.S. Venkataraman*  At the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited as a special guest, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau citing two main reasons: India’s rise as the world’s fifth-largest economy and its status as the most populous nation. While economic growth is undoubtedly a point of pride, the latter distinction—India’s population—raises an important question: should this be seen as a strength or a source of growing concern? India has not conducted a national census since 2011, leaving the current population figures largely speculative. Estimates place the population at around 1.4 billion, with projections reaching 1.8 billion by 2050. Despite modest declines in fertility and death rates, the annual population growth remains between 1.5% and 2%. The next census, scheduled for 2026, will provide a more accurate demographic picture, but until then, policymaking remains uninformed by crucial data. Over the past eleven years, the gov...

By Bharat Dogra  Heat waves have been intensifying over vast areas of India in recent days and there are also many reports of water scarcity making the conditions worse for people. However the situation can differ significantly in various villages depending on whether or not significant water conservation efforts have been made. In recent years I have visited several villages of good water conservation efforts where I noticed that even at the time of adverse weather conditions, people of these villages as well as farm and other animals feel important relief in terms of access to adequate water. Due to water and moisture conservation, conditions of farms and pastures is also much better. What is more, with the participation and involvement of people, even quite low budgets have been utilized well to achieve very useful and durable results.     

By Bharat Dogra  At the beginning of 2025, the world held on to a glimmer of hope—however modest—for renewed efforts toward peace in several global conflict zones. Sadly, as the months have passed, these hopes have steadily diminished, giving way to rising despair and a worsening geopolitical climate.

By Vikas Meshram   Israel’s recent attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure marks a perilous and provocative escalation in an already volatile region. Launched under the codename “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, 2025, this carefully orchestrated military strike by Israel has virtually dismantled diplomatic prospects for resolving nuclear tensions between Tehran and Washington. Despite repeated warnings, the U.S., under President Donald Trump, failed to restrain its closest Middle Eastern ally, exposing the limits of American diplomatic influence and raising questions about Trump’s actual control over regional developments.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak   Imperialism, both historical and contemporary, continues to shape the global political and economic order through a complex web of military interventions, economic control mechanisms, and geopolitical influence. While empires may no longer be defined by territorial expansion in the traditional sense, many argue that the strategic deployment of military, economic, and diplomatic tools by powerful nations—particularly the United States and its European allies—serves similar functions: asserting dominance, accessing resources, and shaping political outcomes in other sovereign states.

By A Representative   In the wake of the devastating Air India Dreamliner crash at the IGP Campus in Ahmedabad, a disturbing new development has come to light. Students housed in hostels within the campus — which also houses a medical college — are reportedly being evicted by authorities without any provision for alternative accommodation.

By Harasankar Adhikari  What is peace, and where can it be found? Sister Nivedita once remarked on “the nonsense about peace—where there is no peace.” Today, this observation feels more relevant than ever. Across continents and cultures, people yearn for peace, yet it remains tantalizingly out of reach. Our collective pursuit of peace is relentless, yet the world seems to grow more restless with each passing year.

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ  It is a tragedy of immense proportion! One of the worst in the history of civil aviation in India! An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI-171), from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off. The flight departed at 1:38 pm from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday 12 June. 

By Hemantkumar Shah*  Are the poor in India truly becoming poorer, or is the decline in average poverty just an illusion? This question cuts to the heart of India’s ongoing economic debate. The reality of rising prices and stagnant or falling incomes for the poorest segments of society suggests that the narrative of declining poverty rates may not reflect the lived experience of millions.

By A Representative  State repression on people's movements in Odisha has drawn nationwide condemnation, as citizens from various parts of India have written to the District Collector of Rayagada, decrying the arbitrary restraint of social activists and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the order prohibiting 24 activists and adivasis from entering Rayagada for two months.

By Bharat Dogra  Even amid recent setbacks and continuing hostilities, South Asia must reimagine its future on the firm foundation of peace. For a region home to one-fourth of the world’s population yet covering just 3% of its land area, the stakes are exceptionally high. If the nations of South Asia—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives—are to meet their immense development challenges, the pathway must be rooted not in conflict, but in cooperation.

By Vijay Prashad  Israel’s consistent attacks on Iran since 2023 have all been illegal, violations of the United Nations Charter (1945). Iran is a member state of the United Nations and is therefore a sovereign state in the international order. If Israel had a problem with Iran, there are many mechanisms mandated by international law that permit Israel to bring complaints against Iran. Thus far, Israel has avoided these international forums because it is clear that it has no case against Iran. Allegations that Iran is building a nuclear weapon, which are constantly raised by the United States, the European Union, and Israel, have been fully investigated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and found to be unfounded. It is certainly true that Iran has a nuclear energy programme that is within the rules in place through the IAEA, and it is also true that Iran’s clerical establishment has a fatwa (religious edict) in place against the production of nuclear weapons. Despite...

By Harsh Thakor*   The right of families to claim the bodies of their deceased relatives should be fundamental, yet history has repeatedly shown how political and security policies can obstruct this process, turning mourning into a prolonged struggle. Over the past two decades, families of individuals killed in armed encounters have faced barriers ranging from bureaucratic hurdles to outright intimidation. Legal victories momentarily secured this right, but recent developments suggest a reversal, with practices reminiscent of past repressive tactics resurfacing under the current administration.   A Legacy of Restriction Following the failed 2004 peace talks, security operations intensified, leading to the deaths of numerous individuals classified as revolutionaries. Families attempting to retrieve bodies encountered resistance, often needing official certification from police stations to prove their relationship with the deceased. In many cases, authorities withheld ...

By A Representative   Over 300 concerned Indian citizens from across the country have written a joint appeal to top constitutional and political authorities, including the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, and key ministers in the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, urging the Government of India to convene a Special Session of Parliament without delay. 

By Ram Puniyani*  The recent terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam has triggered a chain of events, including retaliatory strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan. With a ceasefire in place, it is imperative to take a deeper look at how to address this cancerous phenomenon that continues to haunt our societies. Terrorism has captured the global spotlight particularly after the 9/11 attacks in the US, where over 2,000 people died in the Twin Tower tragedy. The term “Islamic terrorism” was popularised by US media and soon picked up globally, unfairly linking an entire religion to violent extremism. While individual acts of terror can be identified, defining "terrorism" as a concept remains elusive—even the United Nations has not succeeded in articulating a universally accepted definition. In India, terrorism has mostly been visible in the recurring violence in Kashmir, where radicalised Muslim youth, often brainwashed, have carried out deadly attacks. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks in ...

By Bharat Dogra  GM Watch, an organization and website dedicated to providing information on the risks of GM crops and hazardous agro-chemicals, released an article on June 10, 2025. This article, based on a significant study involving scientists from Europe and the US, concerns glyphosate, the world's most widely used herbicide. It is being closely read by those interested in food safety and rural health. 

By Harsh Thakor  Madhubala mesmerized the film world with her eternal, mythical, divine, and transcendental beauty, unparalleled in Indian cinema. She evoked the sensation of a lotus blooming in full or a star twinkling in the galaxy, like a goddess sent to Earth to symbolize beauty, a glazed monument. The camera often failed to do justice to her allure. Although she had a short tenure in Bollywood, her career was most illustrious.

By A Representative  As momentum appears to be building globally for nuclear energy, an Indian energy expert has issued a cautionary statement, warning that new nuclear power projects are not only outdated but also economically and strategically unviable—especially in the context of the climate crisis.