Category Archives: Indiia home policy and society

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31 OCTOBER 2019

India strips Kashmir of special status and divides it in two

State taken under federal control and split into Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/31/india-strips-kashmir-of-special-status-and-divides-it-in-two
https://www.oneindia.com/india/india-is-today-integrated-fully-what-changes-in-jk-and-ladakh-2969608.html?utm_source=articlepage-Slot1-1&utm_medium=dsktp&utm_campaign=similar-topic-slider
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50233281

24 OCTOBER 2019

Ruling BJP headed for mixed results in state elections in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in the western state of Maharashtra, but was falling short of a majority in the northern state of Haryana in a mixed set of results for a party that has seemed invincible
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/ruling-bjp-headed-for-mixed-results-in-state-elections-in-india
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/congress-dubs-maharashtra-haryana-election-results-as-a-moral-defeat-for-bjp-1.1571931572426

13 OCTOBER 2019

Pope Francis elevates Kerala nun Mariam Thresia to sainthood at Vatican City

Mariam Thresia, who founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family in Thrissur in May 1914, was raised to the highest position within the centuries-old institution during the ceremony at the St Peter’s Square
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/catholics-celebrate-pope-francis-elevates-kerala-nun-mariam-thresia-to-sainthood-at-vatican-city-1.1570968047166
https://aleteia.org/2019/02/14/meet-indias-newest-recognized-saint/

2 OCTOBER 2019

India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti 150th birthday: PM Modi, President Kovind pay tribute to the Mahatma

It’s the 150th birth anniversary of The Mahatma and celebrations are being held across the country and the world. In pic: PM Modi and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on 150th birth anniversary at the Rajghat, New Delhi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20191002_43/
https://indianexpress.com/photos/india-news/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti-150-pm-narendra-modi-rajghat-6046875/

19 SEPTEMBER 2019

India builds detention camps for Assam ‘foreigners’

After excluding 2 million people from a citizenship list, Indian authorities in Assam are now building detention centers to incarcerate “stateless” people. DW reporter Murali Krishnan visited an under-construction camp
https://www.dw.com/en/india-builds-detention-camps-for-assam-foreigners/a-50497835

16 SEPTEMBER 2019

India arrests Kashmir leader Farooq Abdullah under controversial law as restore normal life to Kashmir, Supreme Court tells government

A senior pro-India Kashmiri politician was arrested under a controversial law that allows authorities to imprison someone for up to two years without charge or trial
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/india-arrests-kashmir-leader-abdullah-controversial-law-190916083339877.html
https://in.reuters.com/article/india-kashmir/restore-normal-life-to-kashmir-supreme-court-tells-government-idINKBN1W115Z?rpc=401&

12 SEPTEMBER 2019

India jailed thousands in Kashmir crackdown – official data

Authorities in India-administered Kashmir have arrested nearly 4,000 people since New Delhi took its limited autonomy last month, government data shows, the most clear evidence yet of the scale of one of the disputed region’s biggest crackdowns
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/india-jailed-thousands-in-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-29730

9 SEPTEMBER 2019

India imposes curfew after clashes in Kashmir

India imposed a curfew in several parts of the contested Kashmir region yesterday after clashes between security forces and Shi’ite Muslims taking part in a procession, officials and eyewitnesses said
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-imposes-curfew-after-clashes-in-kashmir
https://www.dw.com/en/india-tightens-kashmir-crackdown-with-curfew/a-50347136

7 SEPTEMBER 2019

India loses contact with spacecraft trying to land on Moon

India’s space agency has lost contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lunar lander, just as the probe was due to touch down on the moon. It is currently unclear if the mission has failed
https://www.dw.com/en/india-loses-contact-with-lunar-spacecraft/a-50334583
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49615665

31 AUGUST 2019

India: almost 2m people left off Assam register of citizens

Almost 2 million people in north-east India face the threat of statelessness and detention after they were excluded from an official list designed to root out illegal immigrants
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/30/asia/assam-national-register-india-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/aug/31/india-almost-2m-people-left-off-assam-register-of-citizens

28 AUGUST 2019

Kashmir: India’s top court to hear challenge on special status loss

India’s Supreme Court has agreed to hear legal challenges to the Modi administration’s move to withdraw Kashmir’s special constitutional status and strip the Muslim-majority region of its autonomy
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-kashmir-article-370-supreme-court-challenge-modi-pakistan-a9082221.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49493139

24 AUGUST 2019

Delegation of Indian opposition leaders turned away from Kashmir

A 12-member delegation of opposition leaders in the world’s largest democracy was turned away from the airport in Srinagar in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir after they landed there on Saturday (Aug 24) from Delhi
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/delegation-of-indian-opposition-leaders-turned-away-from-kashmir
https://www.thedailystar.net/india/rahul-gandhi-sent-back-delhi-arrival-at-srinagar-airport-1789867

16 AUGUST 2019

Protests erupt in India-administered Kashmir after Friday prayers

Protests erupted in Srinagar city of India-administered Kashmir on Friday as people took to the streets in large numbers against New Delhi’s decision of revoking its special status
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/protests-erupt-in-india-administered-kashmir-after-friday-prayers-29037

11 AUGUST 2019

Sonia Gandhi replaces son as leader of India’s opposition Congress party

India’s main opposition Congress party has selected former President Sonia Gandhi as its interim leader while it searches for a successor to her son Rahul Gandhi, who quit following a second straight election drubbing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/sonia-gandhi-returns-lead-india-beleaguered-congress-party-190811085008139.html
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/08/11/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/sonia-gandhi-replaces-son-leader-indias-opposition-congress-party/#.XVAvYegzY2w

10 AUGUST 2019

Article 370: Tear gas and gunfire at Kashmir protest

The BBC witnessed the police opening fire and using tear gas to disperse the crowd, despite the Indian government saying the protest never took place
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/49306816/article-370-tear-gas-and-gunfire-at-kashmir-protest
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/thousands-protest-in-indian-kashmir-over-new-status-despite-clampdown-1.65724745

8 AUGUST 2019

Kashmir dispute: Hundreds detained as anger grows

Politicians, activists, business leaders and professors were reportedly among those being held in makeshift detention centres
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49277021
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/w/over-500-arrested-in-india-since-kashmir-communications-blackout

6 AUGUST 2019

Sushma Swaraj: India’s popular former foreign minister dies

Ms Swaraj, who served as foreign minister for five years, suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India said
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49259772
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/people-recall-the-kindness-of-former-indian-external-affairs-minister-sushma-swaraj-1.65683821

5 AUGUST 2019

India abolishes special status for Kashmir

India removed Kashmir’s special autonomous status from its constitution with a presidential decree on Monday. It also moved a bill to divide the Indian-administered part of Kashmir into two regions directly ruled by New Delhi
https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/india-abolishes-special-status-for-kashmir-1.894616#3
https://www.dw.com/en/india-abolishes-kashmirs-autonomous-status/a-49892487
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49231619

30 JULY 2019

Muslim practice of instant divorce made illegal in India after historic vote

The practice, which can only be implemented by men, has already been made illegal in more than 20 Muslim countries. India has followed suit after lawmakers voted 99 to 84 in favor of the new law
https://www.dw.com/en/muslim-practice-of-instant-divorce-made-illegal-in-india-after- https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/india-criminalises-islamic-instant-divorce-1.893092historic-vote/a-49816456

27 JULY 2019

India deploys 10,000 troops in insurgency-hit Kashmir

The Indian government is moving 10,000 paramilitary forces to the troubled northern state of Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen anti-insurgency operations, media reports said on Saturday (July 27)
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-deploys-10000-troops-in-insurgency-hit-kashmir

20 JULY 2019

Veteran Indian politician Sheila Dikshit dies at 81

Sheila Dikshit, an Indian politician who was New Delhi’s longest-serving chief minister, died after a prolonged illness. She was 81. Dikshit died Saturday at a hospital in New Delhi, where she had been admitted for treatment for a heart ailment
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/sheila-dikshit-transformed-face-of-delhi-1.65340766
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/with-iron-fist-in-velvet-gloveshe-ran-both-her-govt-party/articleshow/70312256.cms

16 JULY 2019

Indian Muslims ready to give up claims on Babri mosque

6 JULY 2019

Great expectations for Modi’s new term

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resounding victory in the world’s largest democracy in the May 2019 election was expected, but not with the large margin he received
https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2019/07/05/great-expectations-for-modis-new-term/

3 JULY 2019

Rahul Gandhi quits as India opposition leader

In his resignation letter, which he tweeted on Wednesday he took responsibility for the party’s defeat in the recent general election
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48855225

31 MAY 2019

India’s Modi begins second term as PM, Cabinet ministers sworn in

BJP president Amit Shah is the new Union Home Minister and former Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister. Former Home Minister Rajnath Singh takes over Defence and former Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will take care of External Affairs
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/narendra-modi-cabinet-ministers-and-portfolios/article27375561.ece?homepage=true
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/cabinet-of-narendra-modi-2019-full-list-of-indian-ministers-portfolios-and-profiles-1.1559234073702

30 MAY 2019

Modi sworn in for second term as Indian prime minister

Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a second term as India’s prime minister after an overwhelming election victory for his Hindu nationalist party in a country of 1.3 billion people seeking swift economic change
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48455829
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/pm-modi-swearing-in-live-updates-tributes-paid-to-mahatma-gandhi-vajpayee-at-national-war-memorial-2755127

 

26 MAY 2019

Narendra Modi to be sworn in as Prime Minister for second term on May 30

“The President (Ram Nath Kovind) will administer the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of Union Council of Ministers on 30.05.2019 at 07.00 p.m. at Rashtrapati Bhavan,” the communiqué issued by President’s press secretary Ashok Malik said.
https://zeenews.india.com/lok-sabha-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-will-take-oath-as-prime-minister-on-may-30-at-7-pm-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-2206687.html
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/narendra-modi-invited-to-form-government-by-indias-president-1.1558802690777

24 MAY 2019

India kills Kashmir’s ‘most wanted militant’ Zakir Musa

Zakir Musa, 25, was part of a new generation of young militants with large followings on social media and more affinity with global jihadist groups such as al-Qaida than with Pakistan, the traditional patron of anti-India fighters in the region
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/24/fears-of-unrest-after-india-kills-kashmirs-most-wanted-militant
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48392851
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/india-kills-top-militant-in-disputed-kashmir-26944

23 MAY 2019

India elections: Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat, loses seat in family bastion

Rahul Gandhi, president of India’s main opposition Congress party, conceded on Thursday he had lost his seat in the famous family’s long-held home constituency
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/rahul-gandhi-loses-amethi-seat-biggest-upset-2019-polls-190523134545989.html
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-elections-rahul-gandhi-concedes-defeat-loses-seat-in-family-bastion

India election results 2019: Narendra Modi takes landslide win

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured another five-year term after winning a landslide general election victory
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48347081
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3011408/india-election-moment-truth-arrives-narendra-modi-and-bjp-vote

20 MAY 2019

Kashmir group seeks UN probe into torture by India troops

International rights groups accuse Indian troops of using systematic abuse and unjustified arrests to intimidate residents opposing India’s rule in disputed Kashmir. New Delhi denies its forces strategically use abuses to control the population
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/kashmir-group-seeks-un-probe-into-torture-by-india-troops-26780

15 APRIL 2019

Indian party leaders Yogi Adityanath and Mayawati banned from election trail over hate speech

India’s election watchdog on Monday banned two outspoken politicians from campaigning in the country’s national vote for making provocative speeches which it said could stir communal unrest
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/15/indian-party-leaders-banned-from-election-trail-over-hate-speech
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/indias-election-commission-bars-yogi-adityanath-and-mayawati-from-campaigning-1.1555320537072
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/apr/15/after-yogi-mayawati-ec-bans-azam-maneka-from-campaigning-1964724.html

11 APRIL 2019

Who are the Naxalites and why do they boycott Indian elections?

A far-left guerrilla insurgency has exploited the grievances of marginalised tribes to wage a 50-year long battle against the state
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/who-are-the-naxalites-and-why-do-they-boycott-indian-elections-25761

5 APRIL 2019

Indian elections 2019: schedule, polls, dates and everything you need to know about the vote

2 APRIL 2019

Some 200 Hindu radicals beat nuns, devastate Catholic school in Tamil Nadu

Indian Lok Sabha elections 2019: Seven phase elections to be held from 11 April-19 May, counting on 23 May

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition’s efforts for a united fight to unseat it
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/mar/10/lok-sabha-elections-dates-announced-heres-a-ten-point-guide-to-the-election-commissions-briefing-1949316.html

14 FEBRUARY 2019

Kashmir attack: Bomb kills at least 40 soldiers in military convoy

At least 40 Indian paramilitary soldiers have been killed in a bomb attack by militants on their convoy in Indian-administered Kashmir
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47240660
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/feb/14/jammu-and-kashmir-18-crpf-jawans-killed-in-jaish-attack-worst-terror-strike-since-uri-1938819.html

31 JANUARY 2019

India’s jobless rate hits 45-year high, report says, in blow for Modi

An official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India’s unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018, the Business Standard newspaper reported on Thursday (Jan 31), delivering a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi just months before what is expected to be a closely fought general election
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/indias-jobless-rate-hits-45-year-high-report-says-in-blow-for-modi
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47068223
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-sample-survey-offices-unemployment-data-confirm-crisis-on-the-ground-experts/article26141744.ece?homepage=true

28 JANUARY 2019

India politician jailed over Facebook picture of PM Narendra Modi with begging bowl

An Indian politician who posted a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a begging bowl on Facebook has been arrested, police said on Monday, in the latest example of what critics say is a clampdown on free speech
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2184005/india-politician-jailed-over-facebook-picture-pm-narendra-modi
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/southasia/2019/01/indian-politician-jailed-facebook-post-pm-narendra-modi-190128131746935.html

8 JANUARY 2019

India’s lower house passes citizenship bill that excludes Muslims

India’s lower house of parliament has approved a bill that would grant residency and citizenship rights to non-Muslim immigrants, sparking protests that brought the country’s populous northeast to a near standstill
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/india-house-passes-citizenship-bill-excludes-muslims-190108145755215.html
https://www.thedailystar.net/world/south-asia/india-lok-sabha-passes-bill-give-citizenship-non-muslim-immigrants-1684675
https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/citizenship-amendment-bill-passed-in-lok-sabha-northeast-witness-violence-ridden-shutdown-5529184/

1 JANUARY 2019

Veteran Bollywood actor Kader Khan dies at 81, Bollywood loses a gem

Legendary actor, comedian, and screenwriter Kader Khan breathed his last on Tuesday after a prolonged illness at a hospital in Toronto in Canada, creating a huge void in the hearts of people who adored watching him on screen
http://zeenews.india.com/people/veteran-bollywood-actor-kader-khan-dies-at-81-bollywood-loses-a-gem-2167190.html
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/writer-actor-kader-khan-passes-away/articleshow/67339985.cms

30 DECEMBER 2018

Veteran Indian film director Mrinal Sen dies at 95

A recipient of Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, Sen is best known for films such ‘Neel Akasher Neechey’, ‘Bhuvan Shome’, ‘Ek Din Achanak’, ‘Padatik’ and ‘Mrigayaa’, was one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of the country and an ambassador of parallel cinema
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/veteran-indian-film-director-mrinal-sen-dies-at-95-1.1546157365781
https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/photo-gallery-remembering-mrinal-sen-the-accidental-filmmaker-who-refused-to-accept-status-quo-2702197/the-accidental-filmmaker-2702199
https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mrinal-sen-was-indian-cinemas-street-fighter/article25866137.ece?homepage=true

19 DECEMBER 2018

Indian journalist jailed for one year for criticising BJP government

An Indian journalist, Kishorechandra Wangkhem, was jailed for a year under the National Security Act (NSA) after he posted a video on Facebook criticising the current Indian government
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/indian-journalist-jailed-for-one-year-for-criticising-bjp-government-1.61022753
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manipur-journalist-in-12-month-custody-for-targeting-bjp-pm-modi-1964694

17 DECEMBER 2018

Former Indian MP Sajjian Kumarjailed for life over 1984 Sikh massacre

Congress party’s Sajjan Kumar is most prominent figure to be convicted over mass murder
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/17/sajjan-kumar-jailed-life-deadly-anti-sikh-riots-1984-india
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-court-sends-sajjan-kumar-to-jail-for-life-1.1545031702278

14 DECEMBER 2018

Indian court rejects graft probe into French jet deal

Court holds that there is no substance to the allegation that the government showed any “commercial favouritism” as the choice of IOP is not in government’s realm
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rafale-case-sc-refuses-to-intervene-in-the-jets-procurement-case/article25740682.ece?homepage=true
https://www.dw.com/en/indian-court-rejects-graft-probe-into-french-jet-deal/a-46733332

11 DECEMBER 2018

BJP loses three Indian states. For Prime Minister Modi, this is his worst setback

Elections were held in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram. Congress came in first in States that are key in the next Union general elections in 2019. Rural dissatisfaction played a crucial role
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/BJP-loses-three-Indian-states.-For-Prime-Minister-Modi%2C-this-is-his-worst-setback-45715.html
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-clear-message-to-narendra-modi-that-it-is-time-for-change-rahul-gandhi-on-assembly-poll-results-2695010
http://www.asianage.com/india/politics/111218/worst-electoral-setbacks-since-2014-assembly-losses-make-road-ahead-bumpier-for-bjp.html

9 DECEMBER 2018

Thousands of Hindu monks, activists rally in New Delhi demanding temple to be built at ruins of mosque

Thousands of Hindu monks and activists linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party gathered in the Indian capital New Delhi on Sunday (Dec 9) to urge the government to build a temple at the ruins of a 16th century mosque
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/hindu-monks-activists-rally-in-new-delhi-demanding-temple-to-be-built-at-ruins-of
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/hindu-monks-activists-rally-in-new-delhi-demanding-temple-at-disputed-site-22321

29 NOVEMBER 2018

Kashmir sees its deadliest year in about a decade

According to rights groups, 535 people have been killed this year so far, which includes 246 separatist fighters, 144 Indian soldiers or police personnel and 145 civilians
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/11/kashmir-sees-deadliest-year-decade-181129152141686.html

26 NOVEMBER 2018

India marks 10 years since Mumbai terror attacks

India’s financial capital Mumbai on Monday marked the tenth anniversary of terror attacks that killed 166 people and injured hundreds more across the city. Several memorial services were held for the victims, survivors and their families at the sites of the attacks
https://www.dw.com/en/india-marks-10-years-since-mumbai-terror-attacks/a-46449000
http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/261118/tributes-paid-to-martyrs-on-10th-anniversary-of-2611-attack.html

25 NOVEMBER 2018

Tens of thousands protest in India over Ayodhya issue

Ayodhya: Tens of thousands of Hindu hardliners rallied on Sunday to press their demand for a temple to be built at a disputed Indian holy site where an ancient mosque was razed in 1992
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/tens-of-thousands-protest-in-india-over-ayodhya-issue-1.60566459
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/vhp-dharam-sabha-in-ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-dates-to-announced-during-2019-kumbh-says-ramji-das/article25590930.ece?homepage=true
http://zeenews.india.com/india/time-for-patience-over-government-should-bring-law-for-ram-temple-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-2158532.html

21 NOVEMBER 2018

Jammu &Kashmir Assembly dissolved after rival alliances stake claim to form government

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has dissolved the state assembly as PDP supremo and former chief minister of the state and J&K’s People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone staked claim to form government in the state
http://www.asianage.com/india/politics/211118/mehbooba-mufti-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-jammu-and-kashmir.html
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-assembly-dissolved-amid-claims-for-power-1.60503604

16 NOVEMBER 2018

Erasing Mughal History: BJP renames old cities

Renaming old cities increases polarization in Indian society and is a distraction from the government’s failures on real issues, experts say
http://www.atimes.com/article/erasing-mughal-history-bjp-renames-old-cities/?utm_source=The+Daily+Report&utm_campaign=87f91e4ff5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_16_01_07&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f8bca137f-87f91e4ff5-31591405

31 OCTOBER 2018

World tallest statue of India’s independence leader Sardar Patel unveiled amid protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with great pomp, and some potshots at those who have condemned the move
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/towering-statue-of-india-s-independence-leader-unveiled-amid-protests-21263
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/statue-of-unity-sardar-patel-statue-inauguration-1379543-2018-10-31
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/2171060/india-has-worlds-largest-statue-satisfying-modis-ego-still-tall

India court sentences 16 policemen to life for killing 42 Muslims in 1987 ‘Hashimpura massacre’

An Indian court on Wednesday (Oct 31) sentenced 16 police officers to life imprisonment for rounding up and massacring dozens of unarmed Muslims during historic riots in the country’s north decades ago
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/india-court-sentences-16-police-to-life-for-killing-42-muslims-in-hashimpura
https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/life-in-jail-for-16-policemen-in-1987-hashimpura-massacre-1.2296162

24 OCTOBER 2018

Indian PM Wins Seoul Peace Prize

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was named the winner of this year’s Seoul Peace Prize on Wednesday
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/10/25/2018102501259.html
http://www.asiatimes.com.au/pm-of-india-awarded-the-2018-seoul-peace-prize/

16 OCTOBER 2018

Hindu nationalist-led state changes Muslim name of Indian city

Hindu nationalist government in Uttar Pradesh changes Muslim name of historic city from Allahabad to Prayagraj
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/16/india-uttar-pradesh-allahabad-name-changed-prayagraj-muslim-hindu
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/10/india-bjp-muslim-allahabad-prayagraj-181016165504687.html

27 SEPTEMBER 2018

India’s Supreme Court strikes down sexist colonial-era law making adultery a criminal offence

India’s Supreme Court has struck down a colonial-era law that made adultery a criminal offence in certain situations, punishable by up to five years in prison
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-adultery-crime-supreme-court-colonial-law-raj-men-women-sexism-a8557781.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/adultery-not-a-criminal-offence-as-sc-strikes-down-section-497-of-ipc/article25055245.ece?homepage=true
https://www.dailyo.in/variety/supreme-court-adultery-verdict-adultery-decriminalised-section-497-indian-penal-code/story/1/26920.html

23 SEPTEMBER 2018

India’s Modi launches ‘world’s largest’ health insurance scheme

The Indian government has launched one of the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, set to cover some 500 million poor people
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/india-modi-launches-world-largest-health-insurance-scheme-180923095218001.html
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/pm-modi-launches-ayushman-bharat-says-number-of-beneficiaries-equivalent-to-eus-population-1502688250.html
https://www.dw.com/en/india-launches-healthcare-plan-to-cover-500-million-people/a-45608242

29 AUGUST 2018

Nandamuri Harikrishna, TDP leader and actor, dies in road accident

Telugu film actor, senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party and former MP Nandamuri Harikrishna died in a road accident in the Nalgonda district of Telangana early on Wednesday
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nandamuri-harikrishna-injured-in-accident-shifted-to-hospital-5330105/
https://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/indian-actor-politician-harikrishna-dies-in-road-accident-1.2272493

16 AUGUST 2018

Former Indian prime minister Vajpayee dead at 93

Statesman and pragmatist, orator and poet, a man of peace and conviction. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a towering nationalist who softened the often sharp edge of his party’s politics with sophisticated inclusiveness, earning him the sobriquet “ajaat shatru” or the man with no enemies
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/atal-bihari-vajpayee-pragmatist-orator-and-statesman-who-went-beyond-bjps-nationalist-political-agenda/1336734
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-25123943
https://www.livemint.com/Politics/AHuMAy9aPpD6ldi3fTzGzM/Vajpayee-the-man-who-found-India-its-place-among-nations.html

15 AUGUST 2018

India will send manned flight into space by 2022, PM Modi declares in Independence Day speech

India will launch its first manned space mission by 2022 and roll out a health insurance scheme from September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his last Independence Day speech ahead of next year’s general election
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2159770/modi-says-india-will-send-manned-flight-space-2022
https://www.dw.com/en/indias-modi-announces-manned-space-mission-health-care-scheme-for-millions/a-45087034
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/15/asia/india-manned-space-flight-intl/index.html

7 AUGUST 2018

Karunanidhi, Indian political icon and DMK leader, dies at 94

Karunanidhi, five-time Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president for nearly 50 years, died at 6.10 p.m. on Tuesday after battling illness for 11 days at the Kauvery Hospital in Chennai. Affectionately called Kalaignar(artiste and man of letters) by followers, he was 94
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/07/asia/muthuvel-karunanidhi-intl/index.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-45093900
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalaignar-m-karunanidhi-dravidian-stalwart-passes-away/article24624489.ece?homepage=true

30 JULY 2018

4 million people in India’s Assam state excluded from national register

India has stripped four million people of citizenship in the northeastern state of Assam under a controversial draft citizenship list that has sparked fears of deportation of largely Bengali-speaking Muslims
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/4-million-people-in-india-s-assam-state-excluded-from-national-register-19244
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/30/india-strips-four-million-people-citizenship-assam-modis-bjp/
https://www.livemint.com/Politics/JMtrayTccGZpeAgxTB7vDL/Over-4-million-people-left-out-of-final-draft-of-Assam-citiz.html

19 JUNE 2018

Mehbooba Mufti resigns as Jammu and Kashmir CM after BJP pulls out of alliance with PDP

Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday resigned as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of the alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/mehbooba-mufti-resigns-as-jammu-and-kashmir-cm-after-bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp/1299802
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44530254

29 MAY 2018

Narendra Modi’s four years in power: good or bad for India?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek a second term in office in 2019. His four years at the helm have been mired in controversies, with the PM receiving praise as well as heavy criticism. Murali Krishnan reports
http://www.dw.com/en/narendra-modis-four-years-in-power-good-or-bad-for-india/a-43974581

15 MAY 2018

India’s Karnataka Assembly election: BJP falls short of majority, Congress-JD(S) join hands

The BJP emerged as the single largest party but had fallen short of the simple majority, and the Congress and JDS together have enough seats to be able to form the next government. But this seems a few steps away from a done deal
http://www.freepressjournal.in/india/karnataka-assembly-election-bjp-falls-short-of-majority-congress-jds-join-hands/1277093
http://zeenews.india.com/karnataka/karnataka-results-victory-not-in-the-bag-yet-congress-and-jds-go-into-a-huddle-in-bengaluru-2108492.html

8 MAY 2018

Hindu nationalists disrupt Muslim prayers in India

In India, where religion pervades every cubic inch of public space, the question of whether Muslims have the right to pray in the open has turned into a contentious debate, stirred up by Hindu nationalist groups and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/hindu-nationalists-disrupt-muslim-prayers-in-india-1.728444

21 APRIL 2018

India approves death penalty for rape of girls under 12

India’s cabinet on Saturday approved the death penalty for rapists of girls below the age of 12, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an emergency meeting in response to nationwide outrage in the wake of a series of cases
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/india-approves-death-penalty-for-rape-of-girls-under-12-16906
http://www.dw.com/en/india-prescribes-death-penalty-for-child-rape/a-43480914
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-death-penalty-child-rape-sentencing-rapists-a8315716.html

20 APRIL 2018

Death of Justice Rajinder Sachar, Indian human rights fighter
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajindar-sachar-former-chief-justice-dekhi-high-court-dead-5145810/
http://www.atimes.com/remembering-an-indian-human-rights-hero/

8 APRIL 2018

A ‘Dalit Spring’ is on the horizon

The Bharat Bandh was a turning point in India’s caste struggles. But to fully understand the reasons why India’s Dalits finally decided to take to the streets – it is necessary to analyse the current Indian government’s aggressive policies and deep-seated hostile attitudes towards this underprivileged group
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/dalit-spring-horizon-180407132053298.html

2 APRIL 2018

Violent protests by India’s lowest-caste Dalit against law changes leave at least 7 dead

At least seven people were killed when India’s lowest-caste Dalits took to the streets in widespread violent protests on Monday (April 2) against changes to a law that provides them with special protection
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/violent-protests-by-indias-low-caste-dalit-against-law-changes-leave-at-least-7-dead

1 APRIL 2018

At least 20 killed in fighting and anti-India protests in disputed Kashmir

Massive anti-India protests erupt in India-administered Kashmir after fierce fighting between rebels and Indian soldiers leave at least 13 rebels, three army soldiers and four civilians dead
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/at-least-20-killed-in-fighting-and-anti-india-protests-in-disputed-kashmir-16389
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/massive-anti-india-protests-erupt-southern-kashmir-180401091342157.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/12-militants-killed-in-multiple-operations-in-south-kashmir/article23405648.ece?homepage=true
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-eight-militants-killed-in-three-separate-anti-terror-operations-in-restive-south-kashmir-2599946

16 MARCH 2018

Key regional party TDP quits India’s ruling coalition

An ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has walked out of the ruling coalition headed by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging Modi “neglected” the southern state of Andhra Pradesh
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/key-regional-party-tdp-quits-india-ruling-coalition-180316105432725.html
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/mar/16/centre-endlessly-waiting-for-andhra-pradesh-to-revert-on-special-package-arun-jaitley-1788298.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/after-pulling-out-naidu-changes-strategy/article23274956.ece?homepage=true

14 MARCH 2018

A ‘long march’ by India’s farmers forces government to act

About 40,000 farmers camp in Mumbai, country’s financial hub, to demand land rights and support for the farm sector
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/long-march-india-farmers-forces-government-act-180314124401687.html
http://www.sify.com/news/how-farmers-woke-up-the-maharashtra-government-news-columns-sdopgvdghgfjb.html

3 MARCH 2018

Modi’s BJP party wins key election in India’s northern state

Results announced for most of the 59-seat regional chamber showed that the BJP had won a majority in Tripura and would replace the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI (M), to form a regional government on its own
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/03/03/554257/India-Modi-BJP-Tripura-victory
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/4g2uj5Eps4nHE4YCUVyeIO/BJP-demolishes-Left-citadel-in-Tripura-certain-to-be-part-o.html
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/column-tripura-election-2018-5-reasons-behind-bjp-s-historic-win-2590341

25 FEBRUARY 2018

Bollywood’s legendary leading lady Sridevi Kapoor dies of heart attack at age of 54

Sridevi Kapoor, one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema, has died after suffering a heart attack at the age 54. She was widely regarded as the first female superstar in India’s male-dominated movie industry
http://www.dw.com/en/bollywoods-legendary-leading-lady-sridevi-kapoor-dies-of-heart-attack-at-age-of-54/a-42730787
http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sridevi/article22849650.ece
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43186118
http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/J4ovZ8CbLWJ0NcTcpMP6ON/Sridevi-the-actor.html?utm_source=scroll&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=scroll

1 FEBRUARY 2018

India unveils ‘world’s largest’ public healthcare scheme

India has announced an ambitious health insurance scheme, which is designed to be a safety net for millions of people who struggle to afford medical care
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42899402

31 JANUARY 2018

India slips to 42nd place on EIU Democracy Index; US at 21st

India has slipped to 42nd place on an annual Global Democracy Index amid “rise of conservative religious ideologies” and increase in vigilantism and violence against minorities as well as other dissenting voices
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/SBf9tTUhoG29zuJ3rKrqoO/India-slips-to-42nd-place-on-EIU-Democracy-Index-US-at-21st.html
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/india-slips-to-42nd-place-on-eiu-democracy-index-us-at-21st-1.2166402

24 JANUARY 2018

India: Rampage in Ahmedabad against controversial film

Hundreds of protesters went on a rampage vandalising malls and torching vehicles in the Indian city of Ahmedabad in a bid to stop the release of a controversial Bollywood film
https://www.trtworld.com/art-culture/right-wing-groups-in-india-step-up-violence-ahead-of-padmaavat-release-14569
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/padmaavaat-protest-mob-vandalises-malls-torch-vehicles-in-ahmedabad/article22500633.ece?homepage=true
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2130408/bollywood-epic-padmavati-about-14th-century-hindu-queen-has

12 JANUARY 2018

Four on five judges of India’s top Suprem Court criticise its functioning in rare public spat

Four justices of India’s top court on Friday criticised its distribution of cases to judges and raised concerns about judicial appointments, in an unprecedented public airing of problems at one of the country’s most respected institutions
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/four-judges-of-india-s-top-court-criticise-its-functioning-in-rare-public-spat-1.2155914
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jan/12/supreme-court-not-in-order-democracy-at-stake-four-apex-court-judges-in-letter-to-cji-dipak-mishra-1751751.html
https://www.dailyo.in/politics/supreme-court-top-four-judges-press-conference-cji-dipak-misra-impeachment-medical-council-row/story/1/21701.html

28 DECEMBER 2017

Triple talaq is a criminal act in India now

The Lok Sabha pass a bill that criminalises instant divorce with three years of imprisonment for Muslim husbands
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/triple-talaq-is-a-criminal-act-in-india-now-1.2148699
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/N0NPC0t3glXEoxjbqZNwHP/Triple-talaq-bill-tabled-in-Lok-Sabha-after-Narendra-Modi-ap.html

16 DECEMBER 2017

India’s Rahul Gandhi takes over as president of opposition party

India’s Rahul Gandhi took over on Saturday as president of the main opposition Indian National Congress party (INC), becoming the sixth member of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to head the party that has ruled the country for much of its independent history
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/india-s-rahul-gandhi-takes-over-as-president-of-opposition-party-13355
https://www.dailyo.in/politics/rahul-gandhi-acceptance-speech-new-congress-president-aicc-sonia-gujarat-elections/story/1/21189.html
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ray-of-hope-wishes-pour-in-from-politicos-for-rahul-gandhi-as-he-becomes-congress-president-2568170

11 DECEMBER 2017

India’s Rahul Gandhi appointed president of Congress party

In a long-awaited move, Gandhi, the great-grandson of India’s founding prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was elected unopposed to head the party. He will take the reins from his mother Sonia, the party’s longest-serving president, since 1998
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/rahul-gandhi-takes-helm-of-congress-party-to-challenge-modi-1.2139035
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42079137
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-from-reluctant-politician-to-congress-president-a-timeline-of-rahul-gandhi-s-political-journey-2566796

4 DECEMBER 2017

Bollywood icon Shashi Kapoor dies at 79

Bollywood icon Shashi Kapoor – a star of 1970s Indian cinema and a member of the Hindi film industry’s famous Kapoor family – died on Monday (Dec 4) aged 79 after a long illness
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/bollywood-icon-shashi-kapoor-dies-at-79-9468318
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42233392
http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shashi-kapoor-b-towns-ultimate-charmer-takes-final-bow/article21261699.ece?homepage=true
http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/bollywood/veteran-indian-actor-shashi-kapoor-dies-1.2135198

22 NOVEMBER 2017

New journalist killing shocks India

Local Indian reporter Sudip Dutta Bhaumik has been shot and killed by a soldier on a military base. The National Union of Journalists said “democracy is being murdered every day.”
http://www.dw.com/en/india-shocked-at-journalists-murder-on-military-base/a-41476246
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/new-journalist-killing-shocks-india
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-42091884

20 NOVEMBER 2017

Indian politician offers $1.5M for beheading of Bollywood star over Hindu queen, Muslim ruler romance film

A member of India’s Hindu nationalist ruling party offered a $1.5 million bounty Sunday for anyone who beheads the lead actress and the director of a yet-to-be released Bollywood film that’s sparked controversy for depicting a romance between a Hindu queen and Muslim ruler
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/11/20/indian-politician-offers-1-5m-for-beheading-bollywood-star-over-hindu-queen-muslim-ruler-romance-film.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/padmavati-controversy-supreme-court-madhya-pradesh-shivraj-singh-chouhan-rajput-sanjay-leela-bhansali4946652/
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-padmavati-has-united-royals-across-party-lines-in-politics/1/1093690.html

6 NOVEMBER 2017

Two Kashmiri activists awarded Rafto Prize for human rights

Two activists from Indian-administered Kashmir will be awarded Norway’s Rafto Prize for human rights on Saturday for their long-term struggle against violence in the disputed territory, the jury announced
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/two-kashmiri-activists-awarded-rafto-prize-for-human-rights-11944

23 OCTOBER 2017

India to open talks with all parties in disputed Jammu and Kashmir

The Indian government has announced it will commence talks in the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir with all parties, including separatists who are calling for independence or a merger with Pakistan
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/23/india-to-open-talks-with-all-parties-in-disputed-jammu-and-kashmir
http://www.thestatesman.com/india/government-announces-sustained-dialogue-solve-kashmir-problem-1502515964.html
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/oct/23/centre-appoints-former-ib-director-dineshwar-sharma-to-initiate-sustained-dialogue-in-jammu-and-kash-1680634.html

11 OCTOBER 2017

Sex with underage wife is rape, Indian supreme court rules

India’s supreme court has struck down a law allowing men to have sex with children as young as 15 provided the pair are married
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/11/sex-with-underage-wife-is-indian-supreme-court-rules
http://www.dw.com/en/indias-top-court-says-sex-with-child-bride-is-rape/a-40902473
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sc-says-girl-child-can-t-be-treated-as-commodity-calls-separate-marriage-laws-for-hindus-and-muslims-mockery-2552174

9 OCTOBRE 2017

India court commutes death sentence for deadly Gujarat riots

An Indian court has commuted the death sentences given by a lower court to 11 people after one of the many deadly riots that swept the western state of Gujarat 15 years ago in which more than 1,000 people died
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/death-sentence-for-11-in-train-burning-case-commuted-1.2102999
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/dcNf9VKC84zlq0mnxLQhPJ/Godhra-train-burning-case-Gujarat-high-court-commutes-death.html

2 OCTOBER 2017

Indian journalists form human chain to protest rising violence against them

Outraged by journalists being increasingly subjected to intimidation, threats, violence and even killings in various parts of the country, scores of journalists held a protest rally and march here on Monday to demand strong action ~ by the Centre as well as states ~ against perpetrators of such crimes
http://www.thestatesman.com/india/journalists-form-human-chain-protest-rising-violence-1502504053.html
http://indianexpress.com/videos/news-video/protest-at-chandigarh-press-club-for-violence-against-journalists/

24 SEPTEMBER 2017

Modi’s first three years: some wins but breakthroughs yet to come

It has been more than three years since Narendra Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to a spectacular victory in the parliamentary elections in May 2014. But Modi’s term to date has been a mixed record
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/09/24/modis-first-three-years-some-wins-but-breakthroughs-yet-to-come/

17 SEPTEMBER 2017

India mourns death of hero Marshal Arjan Singh

Marshal of Indian Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh died in New Delhi on Sunday. The 98-year-old war veteran, who died in a hospital after a heart attack, will be given a state funeral on Monday morning
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/nation-mourns-death-of-hero-marshal-arjan-singh-1.2091509
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/his-life-was-dedicated-to-mother-india-pm-modi-pays-rich-tribute-to-marshal-of-iaf-arjan-singh-4848155/
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/state-funeral-for-marshal-arjan-singh-tomorrow/videoshow/60718537.cms?utm_source=Colombia&utm_medium=OrganicNative&utm_campaign=CTNCPV&utm_ctn=16582151-297447

7 SEPTEMBER 2017

Two handed death sentence for 1993 Mumbai blasts

An Indian court has sentenced to death two men convicted of involvement in a series of bombings that killed 257 people in Mumbai in 1993
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/handed-death-sentence-1993-mumbai-blasts-170907105826622.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/1993-mumbai-serial-blasts-death-for-taher-merchant-feroz-abdul-rashid-khan-abu-salem-sentenced-to-life-4832705/

5 SEPTEMBER 2017

Gauri Lankesh: Indian journalist shot dead in Bangalore

A prominent Indian journalist critical of Hindu nationalist politics has been shot dead in the southern state of Karnataka, police say
https://globalvoices.org/2017/09/06/gauri-lankesh-a-journalist-who-was-critical-of-indias-right-wing-is-gunned-down-outside-her-home/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41172115
http://www.dailyo.in/politics/gauri-lankesh-assassination-hindutva-journalist-killed-journalism-bjp-amit-malviya/story/1/19361.html

3 SEPTEMBER 2017

Narendra Modi appoints India’s first female defence minister

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi named a female legislator as the country’s new defence minister on Sunday (Sept 3), the first time a woman has been appointed to the key portfolio overseeing border tensions with China and Pakistan
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/narendra-modi-appoints-indias-first-female-defence-minister
https://www.voanews.com/a/indian-prime-minister-modi-drops-ministers-as-economy-slips/4013252.html

22 AUGUST 2017

India’s Supreme Court rules ‘triple talaq’ Muslim divorce law ‘unconstitutional’

India’s Supreme Court has ruled a controversial Muslim instant divorce law unconstitutional, a landmark victory for Muslim women who had long argued that it violated their right to equality
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-23/indias-supreme-court-rules-muslim-divorrce-law-unconstitutional/8832692?section=world
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41008802

15 AUGUST 2017

Independence Day speech: Narendra Modi outlines vision for India

PM Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, set a deadline of 2022 for building a New India free of caste differences, corruption and terrorism
http://www.livemint.com/Politics/WYdg9vJ2ULdjh0LULDp8nM/Independence-Day-2017-Narendra-Modi-calls-for-building-new.html
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-in-pics-at-70-years-young-india-celebrates-independence-day-2530647

4 AUGUST 2017

Rahul Gandhi’s car attacked in Gujarat’s Banasakantha, Congress calls for statewide protests

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s car was on Friday stoned and windows broken by hostile black-flag waving crowds shouting slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tour of flood-hit Dhanera town in north Gujarat’s Banaskantha district
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/rahul-s-car-attacked-in-gujarat-says-not-scared-of-cowards-1.2068956
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rahul-gandhis-car-pelted-with-stones-on-visit-to-flood-hit-gujarat/article19428634.ece?homepage=true
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/rahul-gandhi-shown-black-flags-stone-thrown-at-his-car-in-gujarats-flood-hit-banasakantha-4782221/

1st AUGUST 2017

Indian Forces kill senior commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group Abu Dujuna in Kashmir

Indian forces killed a top militant commander in Kashmir on Tuesday, triggering clashes in which one protester was killed and dozens injured
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/indian-forces-kill-elusive-let-s-kashmir-commander-1.2067518
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/encounter-breaks-out-in-pulwama/article19400523.ece?homepage=true
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-after-neutralising-abu-dujana-security-forces-to-target-six-high-profile-terrorists-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2520043

25 JULY 2017

Ram Nath Kovind sworn in as India’s 14th President

Ram Nath Kovind was on Tuesday sworn in as the 14th President of India with Chief Justice JS Khehar administering the oath of office in Parliament’s Central Hall
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-in-pictures-ram-nath-kovind-sworn-in-as-14th-president-of-india-2513245
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/ram-nath-kovind-takes-over-as-president-of-india-full-text-of-his-first-speech-4766306/
http://zeenews.india.com/video/india/watch-ram-nath-kovind-sworn-in-as-indias-14th-president-2026746.html

20 JULY 2017

Ram Nath Kovind, a Dalit, elected as India’s 14^th president, who is he ?

Ram Nath Kovind, a low-caste Dalit, has been elected as India’s president. Kovind was chosen for the post by the ruling BJP party in a largely symbolic move, which experts say is unlikely to improve the Dalit situation
http://www.dw.com/en/ram-nath-kovind-as-indias-dalit-president-symbolism-and-reality/a-39767055
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-40344572
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-who-is-ram-nath-kovind-all-you-need-to-know-about-india-s-next-president-2508467

30 MAY 2017

Three India’s ruling BJP politicians charged over 1992 mosque demolition

An Indian court has charged a minister and two senior leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with criminal conspiracy over the demolition of a historical mosque by Hindu extremists in 1992
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-bjp-narendra-modi-ayodhya-mosque-uttar-pradesh-hindu-muslim-destruction-charged-a7764026.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/babri-case-advani-joshi-bharti-charged-with-criminal-conspiracy/article18661463.ece?homepage=true

27 MAY 2017

Kashmir conflict: Top militant Sabzar Bhat killed

Eight militants, including the successor of slain Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, were killed in two anti-militancy operations in the Kashmir Valley since Friday night
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/burhan-wanis-successor-killed-in-kashmir-encounter/article18589337.ece?homepage=true
http://zeenews.india.com/jammu-and-kashmir/rejection-in-love-prompted-sabzar-bhat-become-a-hizbul-terrorist-complete-details-inside-2009606.html
http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-india-kashmir-20170527-story.html

12 APRIL 2017

Kashmiri youth: The new face of violent resistance against Indian rule

The Indian government was forced to postpone by-elections in Kashmir due to violent protests. Clashes between protesters and security forces have continued for months, with experts pointing to a new resistance movement
http://www.dw.com/en/kashmiri-youth-the-new-face-of-violent-resistance-against-indian-rule/a-38402220

3 APRIL 2017

Kishori Amonkar: Legendary Indian singer dies

Legendary singer Kishori Amonkar passed away last night at the age of 84. In her career spanning over several decades, she sang playback for Hindi cinema only twice
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rip-kishori-amonkar-death-geet-gaya-patthharon-ne-drishti/1/920062.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-39487737

23 MARCH 2017

Tamil writer Ashokamitran passes away

His oeuvre includes now over 200 short stories, eight novels, some 15 novellas besides other prose writings
http://www.thehindu.com/books/tamil-writer-ashokamitran-passes-away/article17616921.ece?homepage=true

11 MARCH 2017

Modi party wins India’s biggest state, strengthens grip on power

Narendra Modi’s party won a landslide victory in India’s most populous state on Saturday (March 11) in a massive vote of confidence for the prime minister halfway into his first term
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/modi-party-wins-indias-biggest-state-strengthens-grip-on-power
http://indianexpress.com/elections/election-results-2017-narendra-modi-guides-bjp-to-massive-win-in-samajwadi-party-amarinder-singh-rahul-gandhi-bsp-mayawati-harish-rawat-goa-assembly-manipur-laxmikant-parsekar-aap-kejriwal-akhilesh-y/
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/modi-wins-landslide-election-victory-in-india-s-biggest-state-1.1992116

30 JANUARY 2017

Why India’s Hindu hardliners want to sideline Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day 69 years ago but his ideas of Hindu-Muslim unity still haunt India’s Hindu hardliners, writes BBC Hindi’s Rajesh Joshi
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38794202

6 JANUARY 2017

Award-winning Indian actor Om Puri dies of heart Attack

Om Puri, the acclaimed Indian actor who appeared in hit films including Gandhi, City of Joy and East is East, died on Friday
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38527232
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2059973/award-winning-indian-actor-om-puri-dies-heart-attack

2 JANUARY 2017

Indian court bans politicians from using religion, caste to win votes

India’s top court on Monday prohibited politicians from using religion and caste to garner votes, a verdict that could force political parties to change their strategy in upcoming elections. “No politician can seek vote in the name of caste, creed or religion,” said Chief Justice T.S. Thakur in an order, adding that election process must be a “secular exercise”
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-no-politician-can-seek-vote-in-the-name-of-caste-creed-or-religion-supreme-court-2288542
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38487409

8 DECEMBER 2016

Muslim divorce practice ‘unconstitutional’ says Indian court

In a major boost for women’s rights, an Indian court on Thursday branded as “unconstitutional” the Islamic practice of divorcing a woman by saying the word “talaq” three times
http://www.atimes.com/article/muslim-divorce-practice-unconstitutional-says-indian-court/

6 DECEMBER 2016

India Jayalalitha death: Masses mourn ‘iron lady’

J Jayalalitha, one of India’s most influential and colourful politicians, has been buried in the presence of tens of thousands of mourners
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38218232
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/jayalalithaa-funeral-aiadmk-chennai-chaos-national-mourning-rajaji-hall-marina-beach-tamil-nadu-mgr-memorial-4413871/
http://www.dw.com/en/south-india-mourns-jayalalithaas-death/a-36657407

30 NOVEMBER 2016

Indian court orders cinemas to play national anthem

All cinemas must play the national anthem before screening movies and audiences should stand for it, India’s highest court ruled Wednesday, drawing angry accusations of an assault on civil liberties
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/indian-court-orders-cinemas-play-national-anthem
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-38155630

19 NOVEMBER 2016

India has opposed a UN resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty

India has opposed a UN resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty, saying it goes against Indian law and the sovereign right of countries to determine their own laws and penalties
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/india-opposes-un-resolution-for-moratorium-on-death-penalty-1.1932108

12 OCTOBER 2016

Jayaram Jayalalitha: Ailing India chief minister gives up powers

The ailing chief minister of India’s southern Tamil Nadu state has handed over all her responsibilities to her deputy, the state governor has said
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37627598
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-29392335

Militants killed as three-day Indian Kashmir gunbattle ends

A gunbattle which lasted almost three days in Indian Kashmir ended on Wednesday (Oct 12) with the killing of two militants holed up inside a government building, as the region reels from deadly unrest
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/militants-killed-as-three-day-indian-kashmir-gunbattle-ends/3200716.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pampore-encounter-enters-third-day/article9210373.ece?homepage=true

6 OCTOBER 2016

How India’s Muslims view the Kashmir dispute

Jammu and Kashmir, India’s only Muslim-majority state, has drawn media focus in recent months due to the volatile situation there. Muslim intellectuals say greater autonomy should be given to resolve the imbroglio
http://www.dw.com/en/how-indias-muslims-view-the-kashmir-dispute/a-35981601

2 OCTOBER 2016

Kashmir attack: Militants target Baramulla Indian base

Militants have attacked an Indian army camp in Indian-administered Kashmir with gunfire and grenades, killing one border guard and wounding another
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37536349
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/terrorist-attack-near-46-rashtriya-rifles-army-camp-in-jk-3062041/

18 SEPTEMBER 2016

17 Indian soldiers killed in attack on Kashmir base

 Seventeen Indian soldiers and four suspected rebel fighters have been killed in an attack on an army headquarters in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to a statement by the army’s northern command
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/20-dead-attack-army-base-kashmir-160918055803596.html
http://www.asiatimes.com.au/jaish-e-mohammed-terrorists-attack-in-uri/
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/uri-terror-attack-17-soldiers-killed-arms-recovered-had-pakistan-marking-jems-hand-indicated_1930818.html

4 SEPTEMBER 2016

Mother Teresa declared saint by Pope Francis at Vatican

Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa a saint on Sunday, honouring the tiny nun who cared for the world’s most destitute and holding her up as a model for a Catholic Church that goes to the peripheries to find poor, wounded souls
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37269512
http://news.asiaone.com/news/world/crowds-flock-vatican-mother-teresa-sainthood-ceremony
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/04/europe/mother-teresa-canonization/index.html

29 AUGUST 2016

50 days later, curfew on Kashmir lifted

Authorities of India-administered Kashmir lifted the curfew as it entered its 51st day from all parts of the Valley except Pulwama district and some parts of Srinagar. The decision was taken at a high-level security meeting, sources said
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/247166191
http://zeenews.india.com/news/jammu-and-kashmir/curfew-lifted-in-kashmir-valley-rajnath-singh-to-head-all-party-team-on-sept-4_1923756.html

28 AUGUST 2016

With successful test, India becomes fourth country to launch scramjet engine ever

On Sunday, India achieved a huge milestone in its future space transportation efforts after it successfully test launched a scramjet engine
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/247144317
http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-india-successfully-test-fires-scramjet-engine-joins-elite-club-of-nations-2249657

15 AUGUST 2016

Modi raps Pakistan in national address

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at supporters of “terrorism” in his Independence Day speech, ratcheting up criticism of Pakistan while avoiding direct mention of month-long protests in Indian-ruled Kashmir
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/modi-raps-pakistan-in-national-address
http://www.dw.com/en/indian-pm-modis-balochistan-comments-upset-pakistan/a-19475682

8 AUGUST 2016

Indian PM Narendra Modi criticises attacks on Dalits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised recent attacks against India’s low-caste Dalit community.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37007490
http://www.thestatesman.com/news/india/modi-was-sleeping-for-last-2-years-mayawati-on-dalit-atrocities/158962.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-stages-walkout-in-lok-sabha-over-attacks-on-dalits/article8959870.e

28 JULY 2016

India author and activist Mahasweta Devi dies aged 90

Mahasweta Devi, who was born to a poet father, Manish Ghatak, and a social worker-writer mother, Dharitri Devi, in Dhaka in 1926, never shied away from politics
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/mahasweta-devi-author-writer-social-activist-death-2941143/
http://www.thehindu.com/books/mahasweta-devi-indefatigable-chronicler-of-the-oppressed/article8912250.ece?homepage=true
http://indianexpress.com/photos/picture-gallery-others/mahasweta-devi-a-voice-committed-to-empowerment-of-tribals-in-india-2940604/

26 JULY 2916

India parliament passes controversial child labour law

India’s parliament on Tuesday (Jul 26) passed a new labour law that allows children to work for their families despite concerns by activists that it will hurt their development.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/india-parliament-passes/2989198.html
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-child-labour-bill-passed-in-parliament-admist-doubt-over-loopholes-2238402
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36901465

20 JULY 2016

Kashmir newspapers ‘ban’ lifted

 Last week, the Kashmir government asked newspapers to stop publication for a few days, saying that the ban was a “temporary measure to address an extraordinary situation”
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36842520

16 JULY 2016

Info blackout in Kashmir in bid to curb unrest

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir seized newspapers and shut down cable television on Saturday, aiming to quell a flare-up of tensions in the region which has seen violent protests over the killing of a separatist commander by security forces
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/info-blackout-in-kashmir-in-bid-to-curb-unrest-1.1863298
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-07/15/content_15463859.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36815815

 9 JULY 2016

Hizbul Mujahideen top commander Burhan Wani is killed in encounter in Kashmir

Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani (22), the architect of the social-media driven psychological warfare in Kashmir, was killed along with two other militants in an encounter in Anantnag district on Friday evening
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/245676779
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/burhan-wani-hizbul-poster-boy-killed-in-encounter/article8826275.ece

5 JULY 2016

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expands cabinet, inducting 19 new faces

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expanded the Union Council of Ministers by inducting 19 new faces
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/india/modi-expands-cabinet-adds-19-new-faces-1.1857866
http://www.thestatesman.com/news/latest-headlines/list-of-portfolios-of-narendra-modi-government-after-reshuffle/152409.html

22 JUNE 2016

India launches 20 satellites in record mission

India has once again proven its desire to become a key player in the global space industry. The country’s state-run space agency pulled off a massive 20-satellite launch in a single attempt
http://www.dw.com/en/india-launches-20-satellites-in-record-mission/a-19347663

17 JUNE 2016

A court in India has sentenced 11 people to life in prison for their roles in a notorious massacre during the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat.

An Indian court jailed 11 Hindus for life on Friday for the murder of dozens of Muslims during riots in Gujarat in 2002 that shook India at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the state’s chief minister.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36557036
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/indian-court-jails-11-for/2881136.html

2 JUNE 2016

India court convicts 24 over 2002 Gujarat riots massacre

Fourteen years after an armed mob set ablaze the Gulberg Housing Society, massacring 69 people, including former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, a special Gujarat court on Thursday convicted 24 people, including VHP leader Atul Vaidya, but rejected the serious prosecution charge of conspiracy
http://www.dw.com/en/india-court-convicts-24-over-2002-gujarat-riots-massacre/a-19299529
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36423413
http://zeenews.india.com/news/gujarat/24-held-guilty-36-freed-in-gulberg-society-massacre-conspiracy-charges-against-all-dropped-zakia-jafri-calls-it-half-justice_1891181.html

23 MAY 2016

India successfully tests reusable space launch vehicle

India on Monday successfully launched the first technology demonstrator of indigenously made Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), capable of launching satellites into orbit around earth and reentering the atmosphere, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-successfully-launches-reusable-launch-vehicle/article8635448.ece?homepage=true

14 MAY 2016

Two journalist shootings reinforce India’s sad record

Gunmen have shot dead two journalists in eastern India in separate incidents within 24 hours. They are the latest killings of members of the media in what is Asia’s deadliest country for reporters
http://www.dw.com/en/two-journalist-shootings-reinforce-indias-sad-record/a-19257552

10 MAY 2016

Why are many Indian Muslims seen as untouchable?

Although untouchability among Hindus is widely documented and debated, its existence among India’s Muslims is rarely discussed
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36220329

2 MAY 2016

Indian veteran RSS leader Balraj Madhok passes away

Rashtriya Swamyasewak Sangh (RSS) activist and former president of Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS) Balraj Madhok, aged 96, died on Monday
http://www.sify.com/news/veteran-rss-leader-balraj-madhok-passes-away-news-national-qfcmEcbidhhgg.html

25 APRIL 2016

Henri Tiphagne: Biggest challenge is ‘criminalization’ of human rights work in India

 Indian activist Henri Tiphagne is set to receive Amnesty International Germany’s human rights award in Berlin on Monday. DW spoke to him about his work and the obstacles faced by rights groups in India
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/japan-eyes-more-foreign-workers-stealthily-challenging-immigration-taboo

4 APRIL 2016

47 Indian policemen get life sentences for 1991 Sikh killings

A court in northern India has sentenced 47 policemen to life in prison over the massacre of Sikh pilgrims 25 years ago. The killings were committed during an insurgency by Sikh militants in the region.
http://www.dw.com/en/47-indian-policemen-get-life-sentences-for-1991-sikh-killings/a-19163431

15 MARCH 2016

Pope: Mother Teresa to be proclaimed saint on 4 September, in Rome

Francis’ decision came in today’s ordinary public consistory for the canonisation of the blessed. The life of the “little sister” devoted to the poorest of the poor went from a shack in a Kolkata slum to a Nobel Peace Prize and global reach of the Missionaries of Charity
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope:-Mother-Teresa-to-be-proclaimed-saint-on-4-September,-in-Rome-36952.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/vatican-announces-sainthood-mother-teresa-160315135935104.html

4 MARCH 2016

Loud and clear, Indian students send message of freedom

Freedom cries are back in the embattled campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has been at the centre of a nationalism debate after a few of its students were slapped with sedition charges
http://www.aljazeera.com/blogs/asia/2016/03/loud-clear-indian-students-send-message-freedom-160304162328179.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/india-student-leader-calls-freedom-moving-speech-160304073240045.html

22 JANUARY 2016

What is driving inequality in India?

While many Indians live on less than a dollar a day, the country boasts a relatively high number of millionaires. DW takes a look at the factors behind this gap between the rich and the poor.
http://www.dw.com/en/what-is-driving-inequality-in-india/a-18998489

21 FEBRUARY 2016

Unemployment down in urban centres, but persists in rural areas, says Survey

The unemployment rate in urban areas reduced from 4.5 per cent in 2004-05 to 3.4 per cent in 2011-12, new data from the National Sample Survey Office show. In rural areas, the rate has been stable at around 1.7 per cent during this period
http://www.thehindu.com/data/unemployment-down-in-urban-centres-but-persists-in-rural-areas-says-survey/article8264731.ece?homepage=true

20 FEBRUARY 2016

Patriot or traitor: Dark choice for Indian journalists

Some 800 journalists presented a petition to the Supreme Court in New Delhi this week demanding protection as well as an investigation into recent attacks against reporters
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2016/02/patriot-traitor-dark-choice-indian-journalists-160220042747985.html

18 FEBRUARY 2016

India protest march against ‘sedition’ arrest of student leader

Thousands of supporters of a student leader from a top Indian university have marched to protest against his arrest on sedition charges.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35601414
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jnu-crackdown-thousands-march-streets-of-delhi-2179330

4 FEBRUARY 2016

The New Threat to Islam in India

Recent months have brought several reports of Indian Muslims being arrested and deported back from the Middle East or, as in January, arrested by Syrian forces while attempting to cross into ISIS-controlled territory. One Indian Muslim has now joined ISIS in Afghanistan.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/02/the-new-threat-to-islam-in-india/

28 JANUARY 2016

India: Volatile Peace In Assam – Analysis

As Assam recorded the lowest insurgency-related fatalities in 2015, since 1992, hopes of a lasting peace were regenerated. Nevertheless, enduring challenges have scuttled such hopes in the past, and many of these remain unaddressed
http://www.eurasiareview.com/28012016-india-volatile-peace-in-assam-analysis/

26 JANUARY 2016

Arunachal Pradesh comes under President’s rule, opposition cries ‘murder of democracy’

The Centre on Tuesday brought Arunachal Pradesh under President’s rule and kept the Assembly under suspended animation after more than a month of political turmoil and in the midst of a raging battle in the Supreme Court, a decision that came under strong attack from Congress and other parties which called it “murder” of democracy
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-arunachal-pradesh-comes-under-president-s-rule-opposition-cries-murder-of-democracy-2170631

23 JANUARY 2016

India declassifies files on death of independence leader Bose

The declassfied files were published on a government website and hosted at the national archives. The move comes amid mounting public pressure on the government to shed light on the independence fighter’s death.
http://www.niticentral.com/2016/01/23/netaji-files-declassified-2-340202.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/narendra-modi-declassifies-netaji-files/article8145670.ece?homepage=true

22 JANUARY 2016

The Indian Republic & its virtues

 “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.”
http://www.freepressjournal.in/the-indian-republic-its-virtues/764239

20 JANUARY 2016

Indian Director EVV Satyanarayana passes away

Popular Telugu film director E V V Satyanarayana, known for his comedy films, died of cardia arrest. He was 53
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/EVV-Satyanarayana-passes-away/articleshow/7339620.cms

13 JANUARY 2016

2016 will test India’s democratic Framework

 If India is to emerge as a global economic and political player, it is imperative that the elected state allow institutional frameworks to function effectively and safeguard the property rights, civil rights and political rights of all Indians. 2016 will be a crucial year, not only for the current government, but for India’s eroding faith in its democratic institutional framework
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/01/13/2016-will-test-indias-democratic-framework/

11 JANUARY 2016

Modi fails to live up to high hopes

In his first calendar year as Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi focused on economics. Through high profile trips abroad and ambitious proposals at home Modi maintained an air of energy and initiative, but the results were modest. Meantime, domestic politics became more polarised, contributing to two high profile election defeats for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in state elections.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/01/11/modi-fails-to-live-up-to-high-hopes/

7 JANUARY

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Indian Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and prominent Muslim politician, dies

Sayeed took up the position for the second time in March last year after forming an alliance with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a junior partner in the government. He previously led the state government between 2002 and 2005
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/indian-administered-kashmir-cm-dies-delhi-160107064607813.html
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/mufti-mohammad-sayeed-the-death-of-a-statesman/article8078096.ece?homepage=true

2 JANUARY 2016

Communist Party of India leader Ardhendu Bhushan Bardhan passes away

Comrade Bardhan, as the General Secretary of CPI, helped build Left unity. He was continuously elected as general secretary till the 21st Party Congress held in 2012 in Patna. His wisdom and socio-political experience were benefitted to the movement of the left, democratic and secular formations, the party said
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/veteran-cpi-leader-a-b-bardhan-passes-away/
https://deadfamous.info/ardhendu-bhushan-bardhan-indian-politician-died-at-91

18 DECEMBER 2015

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Nobel prize winner who dedicated life to the poor, to be made a saint

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Nobel laureate who dedicated her life to helping the poorest of the poor, will be made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican says
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-12-18/mother-teresa-of-calcutta-nobel-prize-winner-who-dedicated-life-to-the-poor-to-be-made-a-saint/1527862
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35129463
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/missionaries-of-charity-delighted-over-paths-being-cleared-for-mother-teresas-sainthood/article8004437.ece?ref=relatedNews

26 NOVEMBER 2015

Is India becoming increasingly intolerant?   

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan faces backlash over what he describes as growing intolerance and insecurity in India. Is he right ? A TV debate
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2015/11/india-intolerant-151126163400696.html

17 NOVEMBER 2015

Ashok Singhal: Controversial Indian VHP leader dies

Mr Singhal was the international president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) – an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – for more than 20 years. The VHP is a close ally of Mr Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34830451

10 NOVEMBER 2015

India’s Modi attacked by party colleagues after big poll loss

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing a mutiny from senior members of his Bharatiya Janata Party for the first time in his premiership after a humiliating election defeat in the pivotal state of Bihar exposed deep rifts over his leadership
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/india-s-modi-attacked-by/2251362.html

8 NOVEMBER 2015

Huge blow for Indian PM Narendra Modi as he concedes defeat in Bihar key state election

Narendra Modi conceded defeat Sunday in a key election in Bihar, one of India’s poorest and largest states, in a major blow for the prime minister who fronted a no-holds barred campaign
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/1876771/huge-blow-indian-pm-narendra-modi-he-concedes-defeat-key-state
http://www.sify.com/news/bihar-assembly-elections-2015—full-results-news-national-pliw2Jbagjagc.html
http://www.business-standard.com/article/elections/bjp-gets-a-taste-of-voter-intolerance-115110900038_1.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34760794

29 OCTOBER 2015

PM Bhargava: India scientist to return award in protest at ‘intolerance’

One of India’s top scientists has said he will return a prestigious government award to protest against the “growing intolerance in the country”
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34664597

28 OCTOBER 2015

Indian filmmakers return awards in protest at ‘intolerance’

A group of 10 Indian filmmakers has returned national awards in protest at what they say is a rising climate of intolerance. The group, including prominent directors Dibakar Banerjee and Anant Patwardhan, made the announcement at a press conference in Mumbai
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34657716
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/dibakar-banerjee-nine-other-filmmakers-return-national-award-to-protest-rising-intolerance/
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/ftii-protest-filmmakers-return-national-awards/article7814594.ece?homepage=true

25 OCTOBER 2015

Persistent anti-Muslim violence in India (1992-2015): Gainers and losers

The gruesome lynching of a Muslim by an excited Hindu mob on September 28, 2015 has been the latest in the series of incidents of anti-Muslim violence in India. Like the demolition of the Babri Masjid, this incident too is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the Indian polity. It also sent a wrong message to Pakistan, which has had worsening relations with India following the emergence of the Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014
http://atimes.com/2015/10/persistent-anti-muslim-violence-in-india-1992-2015-gainers-and-losers/

24 OCTOBER 2015

Indian govt approves induction of women fighter pilots in IAF

The first women fighter pilots would be selected from the batch which is undergoing training at the Air Force Academy, the Indian Defence Ministry said
http://atimes.com/2015/10/indian-govt-approves-induction-of-women-fighter-pilots-in-iaf/

23 OCTOBER 2015

India literary council condemns attacks on writers

India’s Sahitya Akademi, which bestows literary honours, has condemned recent attacks on writers and rationalists. It came as 100 writers protested outside the council, demanding it take measures to protect freedom of speech
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34612800
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/sahitya-akademi-condemns-mm-kalburgis-murder-appeals-to-writers-to-take-back-awards/
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sahitya-akademi-condemns-kalburgi-murder-appeals-to-take-back-awards/article7797189.ece?homepage=true

17 OCTOBER 2015

Indian Writers Return Awards to Protest Government Silence on Violence

 In the last month, 35 leading Indian authors and poets have returned coveted awards from the National Academy of Letters in a collective revolt against what Salman Rushdie this week called the “thuggish violence” creeping into Indian life under the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/world/asia/india-writers-return-awards-to-protest-government-silence-on-violence.html?ref=asia&_r=1

16 OCTOBER 2015

Indian Supreme Court rejects Modi govt’s judicial reform move, revives collegium system of appointing judges

The Supreme Court Friday struck down a law giving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government a bigger say in the appointment of top judges, calling the new system harmful to judicial independence in the world’s largest democracy, agencies report
http://atimes.com/2015/10/supreme-court-scuttles-modis-judicial-reform-move/

11 SEPTEMBER 2015

Indian court convicts 12 men for 2006 Mumbai train bombings

Nine years after seven RDX bombs kept in Mumbai suburban trains exploded killing 188 people and injuring 829, a MCOCA court in Mumbai convicted 12 people in the serial blasts case
http://atimes.com/2015/09/12-convicted-one-acquitted-in-711-mumbai-train-blasts-case/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34218396