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Unseen and Unheard: The Battle for Shelter and Healthcare in India’s Homeless Population
Sanjana Chawla, TwoCircles.net
India, home to approximately 142 crore people, is bustling with activity and teeming with its populace. Yet, beneath the surface of this vibrant nation lies a silent crisis: a widespread and multifaceted homelessness epidemic that reveals the stark reality of life for many. Thousands are living on the streets, contending not only with the lack of shelter...
एससी-एसटी आरक्षण के वर्गीकरण के खिलाफ और समर्थन में सजातियों में छुआछूत है बड़ी समस्या
Poonam Masih, TwoCircles.net
देश आजाद होने के बाद संविधान निर्माता डॉ. भीमराव अंबेडकर ने वंचित समुदाय के लिए आरक्षण की मांग करते हुए इसे संवैधानिक रुप देने की पहल की। इसमें वह सफल भी रहें।
इसके बाद साल 1992 में मंडल कमीशन की सिफारिश पर ओबीसी आरक्षण लागू किया गया। लेकिन समय-समय पर आरक्षण में कई तरह के बदल भी हुए...
Forensic report is confidential; it’s evidence’: Misinformation and Media Leaks Tarnish R.G. Kar Medical College Rape, Murder Probe
Utsa Sarmin, TwoCircles.net
Kolkata: The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s state-run R.G. Kar Hospital has sparked widespread outrage and protests in the city. However, the case has also been marred by a wave of misinformation, particularly surrounding the post-mortem report.
Initial reports and social media speculation claimed that a substantial amount of semen, ranging from...
Fact vs. Fiction: Unpacking the Viral Misinformation Behind the Bangladesh-Hindu Atrocity Claims
Yusha Rahman, TwoCircles.net
An image of a screenshot from a video showing a woman being raped went viral on social media. The image was accompanied by a description, suggesting that Islamist forces were celebrating the rape of Hindu women in Bangladesh and encouraging other Muslims to seize Hindu properties there.
This image gained widespread popularity in India with claims that the...
Disturbing and Contradictory: A Timeline of the Events at R.G. Kar Medical College
Utsa Sarmin, TwoCircles.net
Kolkata: The brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College on August 9 has sent shockwaves across the nation. The case, now under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court, has unfolded through a series of disturbing and contradictory events.
August 9
9:30-10:00 a.m.: The victim’s body is discovered by a fellow postgraduate...
‘I knew the victim as a colleague and friend’: Rape and Murder at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College Leaves Medical Fraternity in Distress
Musheera Ashraf, TwoCircles.net
“This incident has left us all shaken. I knew the victim as a colleague and friend; we shared long working hours and struggles. The incident has created a sense of fear and uncertainty,” said a resident doctor from Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. This reflection of collective anguish underscores the profound impact of a recent...
From Nepali Dreams to Kashmir’s Nightmare: The Journey of Trafficked Women and Their Lost Identities
Safoora Hilal and Kounsar Bashir, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: In the dimly lit room, barely illuminated by the single window, the space was cluttered with various items. The room was half-filled with a jumble of belongings, and in one corner, opposite to the chaos, sat a family of four, accompanied by a few neighborhood children. Nearby, a man leisurely smoked a hookah, the...
Digital Deceit: How AI and Voice Apps Were Weaponised to Sexually Assault Tribal Girls in Madhya Pradesh
Iqra Farrukh, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: In a chilling revelation from Madhya Pradesh, technology has been weaponised for deceit and cruelty. Approximately 80 kilometers from Sidhi district headquarters, impoverished tribal girls were tricked with promises of government scholarships and subjected to horrific sexual assaults.
The perpetrators employed advanced technology — using artificial intelligence and a magic voice app to mimic a woman’s voice and lure...
AIMPLB Fires Back at Modi’s UCC Proposal: ‘Sharia Is Not Communal; Misleading Terms Undermine Constitution, Erode Unity’
TCN News
New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day call for a uniform civil code, asserting that such a move would be unacceptable to Muslims as it conflicts with Sharia law. Criticising him for describing religious personal laws as communal, the board labeled the stance as highly objectionable.
PM...
Provocation, Misinformation: How a Schoolyard Brawl Escalated Communal Tensions in Rajasthan’s Udaipur
TCN Special Correspondent
Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Udaipur district is gripped by unrest as a student altercation at a local government school ignited a surge of communal violence on August 16. What began as a schoolyard fight escalated into arson, stone-pelting and vandalism, leading to market shutdowns and a flood of tourists fleeing the City of Lakes.
As per the orders of the Udaipur...
Udaipur Communal Unrest Aftermath: Muslim Teen’s Home Demolished, PUCL Decries ‘Goonda Raj’ Tactics
TCN News Desk
New Delhi: Demolition of the home belonging to the family of a Muslim teenager accused of stabbing his Hindu classmate in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district has sparked significant controversy. The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has condemned the action as an example of “goonda raj” and has called for urgent judicial intervention in a letter to the chief...
Bombay HC Rules Minority Schools Exempt from RTE Act Quota; Maharashtra Govt Ordered to Reimburse Past Admissions
TCN News
New Delhi: The Bombay High Court’s Aurangabad bench has recently determined that minority educational institutions cannot enrol students under the 25% quota designated for economically and socially disadvantaged children as outlined in the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), even if they wish to do so voluntarily, Bar and Bench reported.
This...
The Last Guardian of Turquoise: Mohammad Hanief’s Struggle to Preserve Kashmir’s Dying Art
Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: In the early morning, as the streets of downtown Srinagar — known for its artisans and art forms — begin to buzz with activity, shopkeepers display their goods and autowalas wait for customers. Mohammad Hanief Bhat, 62, starts his day by opening a window in his workstation, located on the first floor of a 100-year-old...
Hate Crimes Against Bengali-Speaking Muslim Migrant Workers in Odisha: Their Pain and Trauma
M I Khan, TwoCircles.net
Saidul Sheikh and Noorul Sheikh, both migrant workers from Murshidabad, West Bengal, have allegedly been forced to return to their homes prematurely. They are the latest victims of hate crimes in Odisha. Labeled as "Bangladeshi Muslims," they have been subjected to abuse, humiliation, threats, attacks and beatings allegedly by Hindutva activists and members of organizations linked...
From Famine Relief to Heritage Jewel: The Story of Lucknow’s Rumi Darwaza
Sidra Fatima and Syed Taqui Haider, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: Nestled in the heart of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, the Rumi Darwaza stands as a breathtaking testament to the city’s rich architectural legacy and cultural achievements. Often dubbed the “Turkish Gate”, this magnificent gateway was constructed in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, a pivotal figure in Awadh’s history. Positioned between the Chota...
Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024: Government Control vs. Religious Autonomy
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the Centre recently tabled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament, igniting a significant controversy. The proposed amendments have faced strong opposition from the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Muslim leaders and Opposition parties, who argue that the bill threatens the autonomy and...
Caste, Cash and Construction: The Struggle of a Dalit Student Aspiring an IIT Education Against the Odds
Iqra Farrukh, TwoCircles.net
Darbhanga (Bihar): Neha Kumari, a determined young woman from the Scheduled Caste (SC) Mehtar community, dreams of becoming an architect. Her ambition is not undermined by any lack of drive or desire typical of marginalized communities but is instead threatened by significant financial barriers.
At 17, Neha has recently completed her pre-university education with exceptional marks from the Bihar...
From Urdu to Sufism: Young Author’s New Book Illuminates Bihar’s Mystical Past
Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Hyderabad: Syed Amjad Hussain, 19, who previously authored a book on the celebrated Urdu writer Akhtar Orenvi, is now poised to unveil his second work, focusing on Sufi history in Bihar.
His new book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Sufi tradition, delving into the teachings of Sufi saints and the spiritual principles they established. Amjad Hussain explains,...
Amidst Ruin, Humanity Reigns: Compassion and Solidarity Shine Through Wayanad Landslide Aftermath
By Najiya O, TwoCircles.net
Wayanad (Kerala): At around 2:40 a.m. on July 30, Feroz Khan received a phone call about the landslide in Wayanad. Residing in Nilambur, 20 kilometers from the affected area and along the banks of the Chaliyar River, which originates in Wayanad, he and his family, along with their neighbors, remained awake, worried about rising water levels....
बजट 2024-25: माइनॉरिटी स्कीम मौलाना आज़ाद एजुकेशन फाउंडेशन के फंड में इस बार आवंटन नहीं
अल्पसंख्यक छात्रों को पढ़ाई में मदद पहुंचाने वाली योजना मौलाना आज़ाद एजुकेशन फाउंडेशन में साल 2022-23 के बजट में भारी कटौती के बाद इस बार कोई आवंटन नहीं किया गया है। क्या इस कटौती से अल्पसंख्यकों का विकास होगा?
एम.ओबैद, TwoCircles.net
सबका साथ, सबका विकास और सबका विश्वास का नारा देने वाली मोदी सरकार के तीसरे कार्यकाल के पहले बजट में ज़्यादातर माइनॉरिटी स्कीम...
With SC Denying Re-NEET, Indian Medical Aspirants Confront Persistent Hurdles at Home and Abroad
Md Kaifee Alam, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on July 23 decisively ruled out the possibility of re-conducting the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, concluded there is insufficient evidence to suggest a systemic leak of the exam paper that would undermine its integrity.
Though the ruling cleared...
Honoring a Legacy: Alums Rally to Support Journalism Students at Jamia Millia Islamia
Sanjana Chawla, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: In a significant move to support education and empower those in need, the Professor Obaid Siddiqui Memorial Scholarship 2024 has been awarded to six incoming students of the MA Convergent Journalism (MACJ) programme at Jamia Millia Islamia. The announcement was made by the MACJ alumni group in July 2024, ahead of the new academic session.
The MACJ...
Godna’s Decline: The Baiga Tribe’s Struggle to Preserve a Vanishing Tradition in a Modern World
Hamaad Habibullah & Anamika Yadav TwoCircles.net
Samarlin Agriya, a young Adivasi woman from the Baiga tribe, received her first tattoo at the age of 10. “I was scared of getting inked,” she recalled, describing her experience of having tattoos placed on her forehead, hands, back and other parts of her body. Despite her initial fear, she worries that the tradition...
बिहार : नीतीश सरकार के ड्रीम प्रोजेक्ट नल जल योजना को लेकर क्यों उठ रहे सवाल!
नल जल योजना में गड़बड़ी को लेकर पीएचईडी मंत्री नीरज सिंह बबलू को ज्ञापन सौंपा गया।
एम.ओबैद/ TwoCircles.net
नल जल योजना नीतीश सरकार की ड्रीम प्रोजेक्ट है। इसके कार्यान्वयन को लेकर सवाल उठते रहे हैं। इसी कड़ी में अब इस योजना में गड़बड़ी को लेकर बिहार सरकार के पीएचईडी मंत्री नीरज सिंह बबलू को लेकर एक ज्ञापन सौंपा गया है।
बता दें...
Cafés in Kashmir’s Smaller Towns: Crucial Hubs for Social Interaction and Community Engagement
Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: At 3 p.m., a steady stream of young girls begins to filter into Taste of Tibet, a café nestled between prominent coaching centers and the Women’s Degree College in Anantnag. Opting for Ting Mo Shapta, a beloved Tibetan dish, these girls are drawn to the café’s reputation for authentic Tibetan cuisine, a legacy brought...
Security Threats Loom Large: Militant Attacks Cast Shadow Over Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly Elections?
Auqib Javeed, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: More than a decade since Jammu and Kashmir regained the right to elect its own government, a wave of militant attacks in the Jammu region has cast a shadow over anticipated elections, plunging both the people and regional political parties into uncertainty.
On August 5, 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government revoked the region’s special status...
नेमप्लेट पर नाम लिखने के पीछे भाजपा का एक ही मकसद मुसलमानों को आर्थिक रुप से कमजोर करना?
पूनम मसीह/ TwoCircles.net
सावन का महीना शुरु होने से पहले ही उत्तर प्रदेश और उत्तराखंड में मुसलमानों के लिए प्रशासन द्वारा तुगलकी फरमान जारी किया है। जिसके अनुसार कावड़ यात्रा के दौरान रास्ते में पड़ने वाली सभी दुकानों, होटलों और ठेले-खोमचे पर दुकानदार का नाम लिखा होना चाहिए। ताकि आमुख व्यक्ति के धर्म की पहचान आसानी से की जाए। इतना ही...
लावारिस लाशों का अंतिम संस्कार करने वाली पूजा शर्मा को अपनों ने ठुकरा दिया, आसपास के लोग भी नहीं रखते कोई वास्ता
पूनम मसीह/ TwoCircles.net
“अब मेरे मोहल्ले के लोग भी मुझसे बात नहीं करते हैं. मेरे दोस्तों ने मुझे छोड़ दिया है। लेकिन मैं अकेली खुश हूं”। यह कहना है 28 वर्षीय पूजा शर्मा का जो पिछले दो सालों से दिल्ली में लावरिस लाशों को जलाने काम कर रही हैं। वह रोज सुबह 10 बजे घर से शमशान घाट की तरफ...
Breaking Boundaries: Gurez Border Youths Master Filmmaking to Share J&K’s Stories with the World
Tauseef Ahmad/ TwoCircles.net
Bandipora: For centuries, women in the border areas of Kashmir Valley have been predominantly confined to household and agricultural roles. However, a remarkable transformation is underway, challenging societal norms as young girls break barriers and excel in diverse fields. This shift signals a significant departure from their traditional roles, showcasing their talents and ambitions on broader stages.
Take Shaheena,...
In the Shadows of Safety: Delhi’s Homeless Women Navigate Fear and Heat
Tauseef Ahmad and Abdul Basit
New Delhi: Homeless women in the national capital are grappling with an unprecedented challenge: safety. They have been unable to sleep for months due to heightened fears of harassment on the streets.
One such woman, Sehrish (name changed on request), aged 28 and a mother of two children, said she has spent the past month staying awake...
Central Government’s Move to Seize of ‘Pandaram’ Land Ignites Fear and Tension in Lakshadweep
Mohammed Ramees, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: India’s smallest union territory, Lakshadweep Islands, has been tense following the central government’s action to take possession of 'pandaram' land, a type of land for which the Government of India holds proprietary rights. Tensions escalated after the deputy collector of Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, issued a notice to assume control over the land.
This move comes in the wake...
मेडिकल फील्ड में आती तब्दीली में दाई का काम हो रहा बंद
पूनम मसीह, TwoCircles.net
सावित्री (बदला हुआ नाम, 70) और सुनीता(55) अपने घर में दोपहर के वक्त आराम कर रही थीं। घर में 21 दिन पहले ही नन्हा मेहमान आया था। यह बच्ची सावित्री की परनातिन थी। जिसकी डिलीविरी घर पर ही हुई। लेकिन आजकल घर पर डिलीविरी के लिए सरकार ने रोक के साथ-साथ कई जागरुकता अभियान का भी आयोजन...
From Akhlaq to Vohra: Tracing India’s Lingering Tragedy of Lynchings, Amid Calls for Justice and Political Accountability
Mohammed Ramees, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Around 10:30 PM on September 28, 2015, 50-year-old Akhlaq was brutally beaten and dragged by a frenzied mob fuelled by rumours of beef consumption. This horrifying incident received widespread coverage from both national and international media outlets, shocking the nation with its brutality.
Eight years later, in June alone, six people fell victim to mob lynchings,...
Tragic Lynching Cases in Gujarat and Aligarh Spark Calls for Justice and Legislative Reform Amid Political Silence
Snobar, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Salman Vohra, 23, had planned a bike ride with his one-month-pregnant wife on a quiet Sunday. However, a sudden change of plans led him to a cricket match instead, a decision that would tragically cost him his life. On June 22, in Anand, Gujarat, known for its milk production, Vohra's distinctive attire — a white kurta...
From Tragedy to Triumph: How a Delhi-based IITian Empowering Survivors of Violence Through Education and Entrepreneurship
Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net
On February 16, 2024, 36-year-old Sajida, a mother of six, received the most
devastating news of her life. Her husband, Mohammad Junaid, the sole breadwinner
of the family, along with his cousin, Nasir, had tragically passed away. They were
brutally killed in a premeditated attack by cow vigilante goons. She was horrified to
learn that her husband had been...
Journalists Face Legal Persecution Amid Criticism of Anti-Lynching Laws: Upholding Press Freedom Amidst Controversy
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: On a tranquil Sunday morning, Zakir Ali Tyagi, an independent journalist, was roused from slumber by the persistent ringing of his phone — a fellow journalist extending congratulations for a newly lodged FIR against him. This was not an unfamiliar scenario for Ali; in fact, such incidents had become so commonplace that his colleagues now greeted...
Hidden Struggles of Aspiring Doctors in India: Navigating Competition, Corruption and Infrastructure Challenges
Shriya Sharma, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Medicine has historically stood as one of the most esteemed professions worldwide. The allure of perpetual learning and the fulfilment derived from easing human suffering serve as primary motivations for students opting for medicine over other careers promising quicker and more stable financial rewards. The excitement of exploring the mysteries of life at various levels —...
Caste Dynamics in Bihar Politics: Spotlight on Kushwaha Influence Amidst Shifting Alliances and Marginalized Muslims
M.I. Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: More than any other social group, the Kushawaha, an agrarian caste belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), has become highly sought after by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. Both political factions are actively vying to secure their support.
Despite constituting only 4.27%...
Fanning Communal Flames? Analysing Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Post-election Rhetoric Against Minorities
Arshad Ahmed, TwoCircles.net
Guwahati: In a recent speech at a felicitation program, celebrating the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma repeatedly labelled Bengal-origin Muslims in the state as “communal”.
Clearly implicating the Bengal-origin Muslim community without naming them explicitly, he stated, “I say it with pride that...
Unveiling Muslim Perspectives: Election Dynamics, Governance Challenges and Continued Atrocities
Snobar, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The 2024 Lok Sabha election results, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory with the backing of its coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), but fell short of a majority on its own, mark a significant democratic shift, particularly concerning minorities, notably Muslims. TwoCircles.net spoke to the members of the community to know their perspectives...
The Uphill Battle to Rejuvenate the Bahujan Samaj Party: Aakash Anand’s Daunting Task
Asad Rizvi, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: Rejuvenating the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will be a formidable challenge for Aakash Anand. Despite his reinstatement as the national coordinator of the BSP, his earlier removal from this position during the general elections significantly undermined his credibility, feel those close to the party.
BSP supremo has once again appointed her nephew Anand as her successor and party...
Foxconn’s Discriminatory Hiring Practices: Undermining Women’s Empowerment in India
Sanjana Chawla, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: A startling revelation regarding Foxconn’s alleged discriminatory hiring policies at its Apple iPhone plant in India has come to light. Shockingly, the company has systematically barred married women from employment opportunities at its assembling facilities, justifying this discriminatory practice by citing supposed heightened risk factors associated with familial responsibilities. This exposé has reverberated across the industry, shining a...
Fading Glory: Khrew’s Transformation from Saffron Capital to Sparse Cultivation
Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth and Hamaad Habibullah, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: Khrew in Kashmir’s Pampore town, which is known for its lush saffron fields, once thrived with abundant blooms. However, the emergence of nearby cement factories has precipitated a decline in farming of the world’s most expensive spice. “For generations, we cultivated saffron and enjoyed substantial profits. But with the increasing number of...
Underrepresentation and Expectations: Challenges and Hopes for Muslim MPs in India’s 18th Lok Sabha
Md Kaifee Alam, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Despite being a crucial vote bank for many parties, the number of Muslim Members of Parliament (MPs) has consistently remained low over the years. In this 18th Lok Sabha, it reached its second-lowest count ever. The current House of the People includes a total of 24 Muslim MPs, with two independents lawmakers, which is two fewer than...
Surviving Against the Odds: The Journey of Surendra — a Homeless TB Survivor in Delhi
Shobha Shukla, Bobby Ramakant
New Delhi: After enduring debilitating tuberculosis (TB) symptoms for over a year, a migrant homeless man received life-saving assistance from a community health worker. Thanks to timely intervention, he was eventually diagnosed with lung TB, started treatment, quit alcohol and even survived one of Delhi’s worst floods during his recovery, ultimately achieving a cure.
Surendra migrated to Delhi...
Eid’s Quiet Mourning: Unseen Tears of Families of Delhi Riots Accused Held Under UAPA for Years
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: In a poignant lament, 60-year-old Sayyad Tasneef Hussain spoke softly, his voice laden with grief that has settled deep within his heart over time. “Chashm-o chiragh to hai kisi aur ke liye, apne naseeb mai hai andhere likhe hue (eye and lamp are for someone else, in my fate, darkness is inscribed),” he said, recalling the sher-o-shayari...
Justice Niyay Bindu Faces Online Trolling for Kejriwal Bail Decision, Right-wing Critics Question Her Integrity as a Judge
Snobar and Sajid Raina, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The decision by Special Judge Niyay Bindu to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the city’s excise policy case has ignited a substantial backlash online. Supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and influential figures on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) have expressed strong opposition towards the judge. Critics argue that the judge...
Unanswered Calls: Himachal Government and Congress Silence Amid Muslim’s Shop Vandalism at Nahan
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Nahan (Himachal Pradesh): On June 19, a day after Eid al-Adha, a garment shop in the Himachal Pradesh city of Nahan was vandalized and looted allegedly by Hindutva groups. This followed after the shop owner’s WhatsApp status featured photos of an animal sacrifice. Despite police presence, a mob forcibly entered the shop, threw out clothes and chanted slogans...
Modi’s Rhetorical Shift: Examining the Absence of Muslim References in PM’s Recent Speeches
Atika Sayeed, TwoCircles.net
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public addresses have notably steered clear of any mention of Muslims, a departure from his past rhetoric where Muslim-related topics featured intermittently. This shift warrants thorough examination due to its potential implications for India’s democratic landscape.
During Modi’s previous electoral campaigns, he frequently employed divisive language that portrayed Muslims as a privileged minority...
Towards Unity: Shahanshah Naqvi’s Call and Shia-Sunni Harmony in Contemporary Lucknow
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: On a humid afternoon in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Maulana Shanshah Naqvi, a distinguished Shia scholar from Pakistan, addressed a crowd at Asafi Masjid on June 10 with fervour and passion. His hour-long speech passionately advocated for unity between Shias and Sunnis — a perennial theme resonating through the centuries-old arches.
“Sunni meri jaan hai,...
Resilience and Identity: Refugee Women in India Navigate Challenges Through Intersectional Feminism
Syed Muskan and Kulsoom Faiz, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The intersectional feminist approach illuminates the myriad issues confronting migrant women globally. As per the latest report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Refugee Population Statistics Database, India hosts over 46,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, with women constituting 46% of this population. The refugees and asylum seekers in India...
From Hope to Despair: NEET-UG 2024 Exam Results Leave Students Disheartened, Mentally Harassed
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on June 21 once more refused to halt National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG 2024 counselling amidst a significant controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in conducting the medical entrance examination. The apex court has instead issued a notice to the National Testing Agency (NTA).
It stayed proceedings related to paper-leak allegations in the Rajasthan, Calcutta...
Patna: Nitish Kumar’s Son Nishant Kumar Poised to Enter Bihar Politics, Challenging Established Dynasties
M.I. Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Young Tejashwi Yadav, Chirag Paswan and Santosh Suman may soon face competition in Bihar’s caste-ridden politics from another young man: Nishant Kumar, the only son of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and president of the ruling Janata Dal (United) or JD-U. Speculation is rife that Nishant will soon enter politics, fueled by reports from within the JD-U indicating...
Communal Unrest in Telangana’s Medak: How Police Passivity Escalated Clash Over Eid’s Sacrificial Animals
Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Hyderabad: Communal tensions flared in Telangana’s Medak district on June 16 following clashes over the procurement of sacrificial animals by two madrasas — Minhaj Ul Uloom Madrasa and Madeenat Ul Uloom. Allegations that the animals were cows, considered sacred in Hinduism, led to confrontations despite assurances from the authorities of the religious seminaries that the cattle were oxen.
The...
Shifting Allegiances: Dalits in Uttar Pradesh Explore ASP and Congress Amidst BSP’s Woes
Asad Rizvi, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: Amid the Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) existential crisis, Dalits seem to have begun exploring new political alternatives. They are apparently weighing their options between the Congress and the newly formed Azad Samaj Party-Kanshiram (ASP-Kanshiram).The community’s disenchantment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seemingly evident. At the same time, they are also reluctant to align with the...
‘Limiting Our Future’: Students from Marginalised Communities Condemn Maharashtra’s Revised Scholarship Requirements
Snobar, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship, aimed at supporting marginalized students from Maharashtra pursuing education abroad, has recently undergone significant revisions. Previously, the scholarship required Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students to achieve a 60% academic score, while SC students needed 55%. The updated criteria now mandate a minimum academic score of...
‘A Year of Hard Work Wasted’: Students Rage as UGC-NET Exam Canceled Amid Allegations of Paper Leak
Musheera Ashraf, TwoCircles.net
Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh): Twenty-five-year-old Shaheen, determined to secure a Ph.D. seat, chose to remain in her hostel room in Hyderabad for her exams despite Eid festivities back home in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, where her family resides 1,600 kilometers away. They supported her journey with meager financial resources. Confident of her success in this year’s University Grants Commission–National Eligibility Test...
Congress Launches Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Wayanad, Aims to Strengthen Electoral Presence in Kerala
Mohammed Ramees, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra announced her electoral debut in the upcoming Lok Sabha bypolls from Wayanad, Kerala, surprising many after Rahul Gandhi's anticipated decision to relinquish the seat.
During a post-election rally in Wayanad on June 12, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “I have a dilemma before me, whether I should represent Wayanad or Raebareli. What I...
Lowest Muslim Representation in Six Decades: Only 4.4% of MPs in 18th Lok Sabha are Muslim Despite Community Making Up 15% of Country’s Population
TCN News
New Delhi: The eighteenth Lok Sabha has the lowest representation of Muslims in six decades, with less than 5% of its members identifying as Muslims, despite the community constituting over 15% of India’s population. Presently, there are 24 Muslim MPs (4.4%) in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament). This record low comes despite a notable increase in the...
Right-Wing Duplicity: Protesting Eid Al-Adha Sacrifices, Promoting Meat Exports Internationally
Huneza Khan, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): As Eid al-Adha approaches, right-wing organizations and animal rights advocacy groups begin advocating for a vegan festival — condemning animal sacrifices as cruel. PETA India, for instance, called for the deletion of Section 28 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, arguing that sacrifices inflict unnecessary pain and suffering on animals and are...
Madhya Pradesh: Stark Contrast as 11 Muslim Homes Leveled, 16 Others Spared Amid Beef Suspicions
Adnan Ali, TwoCircles.net
Mandla (Madhya Pradesh): In a controversial move, the Mandla district administration in Madhya Pradesh demolished the homes of 11 Muslim residents of Bhainswal village on June 15 following the recovery of meat, suspected to be beef, from their refrigerators. All the homes are owned by members of the Qureshi community. The demolition has left at least 50 members...
Gender Representation Declines: India Elects 74 Women MPs in 2024, Down from 78 in 2019
Sakshi Srivastava, TwoCircles.net
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, India elected 74 women MPs, down from 78 in 2019, indicating a decrease in women's representation. Despite progress over the decades, achieving gender parity in the Indian Parliament remains a gradual and uneven process.
New Delhi: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, India elected 74 women MPs, four fewer than the 78 elected...
Communal Tensions Grip Odisha’s Balasore: Allegations of Cow Slaughter and Water Turning ‘Red’ Spark Curfew
TCN News
New Delhi: Tensions escalated late night on June 17 at Balasore town in Odisha, leading to the imposition of a curfew following a clash between two communities earlier in the day. The conflict erupted amid allegations of cow slaughter and reports of water bodies turning red, believed by some to be linked to the alleged slaughter.
Initial investigations indicate the...
From 2010 to 2024: UAPA Charges Against Arundhati Roy Spark Backlash
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: On June 14, 2024, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena granted sanctions to prosecute noted writer Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Dr Sheikh Showkat Hussain under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA. The charges stem from alleged incendiary speeches delivered at a 2010 seminar in support of Kashmir separatism, as confirmed...
Lucknow Fascinated: Rahul Gandhi’s Display Sparks Surge in Demand for Pocket Constitution Edition
TCN News
Lucknow: A leather-bound copy of the Constitution, measuring approximately 20 centimetres in length and nine centimetres in breadth, has strong ties to Lucknow through its publishers, who first printed it in 2009. This copy gained prominence during the Lok Sabha elections when former Congress President Rahul Gandhi frequently displayed it.
New agency PTI has quoted the Eastern Book Company as...
Bihar’s Healthcare Crisis: Dalit Woman Struggles for Kidney Transplant After Tragic Surgery
MI Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: There appears to be no hope for justice for Sunita Devi, a Dalit woman from Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, who allegedly had both kidneys removed at a private clinic nearly two years ago. Disappointed by the lack of support, she is now turning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help to undergo a kidney transplant and survive.
“Modiji is...
India’s $111 Billion Remittance Inflow: Triumph or Symptom of Economic Challenges?
Shriya Sharma, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The landmark World Migration Report 2024, released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on May 10, 2024 and corroborated by data from the World Bank, highlighted that international remittances surged from an estimated USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022. In 2022 alone, migrants globally sent an estimated USD 831 billion in...
How Muslims Received OBC Quotas in Karnataka: Understanding Historical Background and Legal Challenges
TCN News
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a campaign rally in Rajasthan’s Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha constituency on April 23, had accused the Congress party of reallocating reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Class (OBCs) to Muslims through covert means. He had linked the allegation to his broader claim that...
From Imam to MP: Mohibbullah Nadvi’s Surprising Victory in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur
TCN News
New Delhi: Mohibbullah Nadvi’s journey to victory in the general elections from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, was a tale of unexpected twists and challenges. Initially not the preferred candidate of the Samajwadi Party (SP), he filed his nomination papers on the final day (March 27).
Nadvi, who has spent nearly two decades serving as an imam (prayer leader) at Delhi’s...
From Homemaker to Entrepreneur: Asiya Begum’s Inspiring Journey in Indoor Mushroom Cultivation and Rooftop Vegetable Farming
Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: In a region where unemployment among youth is a pressing issue, Asiya Begum, a 29-year-old woman from North Kashmir, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. Through her innovative indoor mushroom farming techniques and rooftop vegetable cultivation, she has not only gained recognition but also established a thriving livelihood.
Living in the quaint village of Lankrishipora in Bandipora...
Pratapgarh in Turmoil: Murder of Renowned Cleric Sparks Outrage, Residents Demand Swift Justice
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: On June 8, 67-year-old Maulana Farooq was brutally murdered in his native village Sonpur, under the jurisdiction of the Jethwara police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district. The shocking incident has ignited significant tension among locals, who have taken to the streets, demanding immediate justice and the apprehension of those responsible.
Izhar, a resident of Pratapgarh and...
Unexpected Triumph: Engineer Rashid’s Electoral Victory Alters Kashmir’s Political Trajectory
Syed Taqui Haider
Srinagar: Engineer Rashid’s surprising victory over political stalwart Umar Abdullah in Baramulla constituency has reverberated throughout Kashmir's political landscape. The unexpected outcome challenges conventional wisdom and signals a profound shift in the priorities and aspirations of the valley’s voters.
In 2019, Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, was booked by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) under the...
Inclusive Living Challenge: Muslim Resident Faces Opposition in Vadodara Housing Complex
TCN News
New Delhi: A 44-year-old Muslim woman employed with the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development eagerly anticipated moving into a dwelling unit allocated to her at Harni in Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s low-income group housing complex under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana back in 2017. She looked forward to residing in an inclusive neighborhood with her then-minor son.
However, before she...
Empowering Taste and Women Entrepreneurs: Doodhpathri’s Culinary Queens in J&K Redefine Tradition
Mehar Zargar, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: Amidst the picturesque scenery of Doodhpathri in Jammu Kashmir’s Budgam district, where lush meadows meet flowing streams, a remarkable story unfolds. Here, dozens of women entrepreneurs run stalls, serving up not just delicious food but also breaking barriers and setting examples. One such entrepreneur, Afroza Bano, juggles kneading dough, cooking rotis and serving customers — all while...
Nitish Kumar’s Quest: Will the ‘Kingmaker’ Secure Special Status for Bihar After 18 Years?
M.I. Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: After playing a pivotal role in supporting the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar now stands at a critical juncture to leverage this opportunity for the maximum benefit of his state, which grapples with poverty and backwardness.
As the president of the...
Hijab Hurdle: Professor’s Resignation Roils Kolkata College
Snobar, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The resignation of Sanjeeda Quader, an assistant law professor at LJD Law College, a private institution in Kolkata, has ignited a fierce debate. Quader alleged that she was compelled to resign due to the college’s restriction against her wearing a hijab while teaching.
She began wearing the headscarf on April 1, coinciding with the beginning of Ramadan, a...
From Struggle to Success: How Samajwadi Party’s Policy Reforms and Youth Appeal Won Over Uttar Pradesh
Sanjana Chawla, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: The 2024 general elections have reshaped the nation's political landscape, with the surprising resurgence of the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh — a state known for its fierce political rivalries.
In a remarkable turn of events, the SP clinched victory with 37 seats, overshadowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won in 35 constituencies. This dramatic reversal...
Divisive Rhetoric to Ethical Quagmires: Women Politicians Under the Spotlight
TCN News
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the recent elections, several women politicians have come under intense scrutiny for their controversial actions and statements during their campaigns. These incidents have sparked a debate on the ethical conduct expected from public figures, especially those in positions of power and influence.
One such instance involves Madhvi Latha, who contested from Hyderabad on...
Murder and Mystery: Silence Shrouds Tragic Tale of a Dalit Family in Bhopal
TCN Correspondent
Bhopal: Following the deaths of three members in the past one year, silence prevails at Raghuvir Ahirwar’s home. This Dalit family lives on the outskirts of Naunagir village in Badohia area of Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district.
Besides his wife, he had three sons and one daughter. Last year, his youngest son, Nitin, was murdered. Subsequently, his brother, Rajendra, was killed...
Thirsty Streets in Photos: The Plight of Kusumpur Pahari Amid Delhi’s Water Crisis
Anushka Kogta and Mohsin Javed, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Nestled within a 1 km radius of the upscale enclave of Vasant Vihar, Kusumpur Pahari grapples with persistent water supply challenges. For four decades, its residents have endured the absence of running water from their taps. According to a recent World Bank report, 163 million Indians lack access to safe drinking water, with...
Press Under Siege? The Caravan Journalists Face Legal Wrath Post Mob Assault
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Three years after being assaulted by a Hindutva mob in northeast Delhi, three journalists from The Caravan have been booked under serious criminal charges. They have been accused of outraging the modesty of a woman and promoting communal enmity, raising significant concerns over press freedom in the country.
The incident occurred on August 11, 2020, when...
Anger Boils Over: Students Demand Justice Amid NEET Result Controversy
Snobar Khan, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Amid widespread dissatisfaction following the release of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET-UG 2024 results on June 4, hundreds of students staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Education on June 10 against the suspected irregularities surrounding the pre-medical entrance examination.
Emerging at around 11 am, a unified cohort of students displayed banners emblazoned...
From Struggles to Success: Inspiring Stories of Kashmir’s NEET Qualifiers
Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently announced the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024 for admissions into various undergraduate courses in medical colleges across the country.
In Jammu and Kashmir, approximately 48,545 candidates registered for NEET 2024, with 48,228 appearing for the exam and 24,565 qualifying. This marks an improvement from 2023, when 20,564...
High Hopes, Disappointing Results: Why Tejashwi-Led INDIA Alliance Performed Poorly in Bihar
M I Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: In politics, a week can make all the difference, and the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are a testament to this. Despite high expectations, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Congress-Left’s INDIA alliance failed to secure seats in double digits in the state. Leaders of the Opposition bloc had confidently claimed that they would...
A Hijabi’s Rise: Alfiya Ansari’s Success Story in the Face of ‘Bias’ at Mumbai College
K K Ahmed, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: Hijab-clad Alfiya Ansari allegedly faced discrimination at NG Acharya College, the first educational institution in the city that banned wearing headscarves and veils on the campus. Despite the decision reportedly forcing several Muslim women to drop out or discontinue attending classes, she remained dedicated to her education.
Her perseverance and determination led her to achieve the top...
From McDonald’s to Coca-Cola: Indians Lead Boycott of US-Israeli Brands in Solidarity with War-torn Gaza
Sumaiya Ali, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: It has been more than seven months since the Israel-Gaza war began, exposing the world to unimaginable horrors coming from the war-torn strip. As the situation escalated, thousands of Muslims in India shared pictures of wounded and deceased children, highlighting the atrocities occurring in the disputed territory.
In a show of solidarity with Palestinians, people in India joined...
Sweat and Sacrifice: Inside the Scorching Reality of Delhi’s Gig Workers
Anushka Kogta and Md Kaifee Alam, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Seeking respite from scorching temperatures exceeding 49 degree Celsius, Rahul, a 30-year-old Zomato delivery partner, finds solace under the scant shade of a tree. Despite the oppressive heat, he persists in his work, emblematic of the challenges faced by the city’s vast gig economy workforce.
Rahul is among the 7.7 million gig workers...
Dhubri’s Political Tectonics Shift: Congress Stuns AIUDF, Ajmal’s Future Uncertain
TCN News
New Delhi: In a major shift in Assam’s Dhubri constituency, Congress leader Rakibul Hussain defeated All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and former MP Badruddin Ajmal by a record margin of 10,12,476 votes, securing 14.71 lakh votes compared to Ajmal’s 4.59 lakh. This marks the second-largest victory margin in India, after Indore’s Shankar Lalwani of the Bharatiya...
Victory with a Void: NDA’s Third Term Marks Absence of MPs from Minority Communities
TCN News
New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has formed the government for the third consecutive time. However, among its 293 Lok Sabha MPs, the NDA lacks representation from Christian, Muslim and Sikh communities.
The only exception is Kiren Rijiju, a Buddhist and former Union minister, who retained his seat in Arunachal West...
Youth Voices Ring Loud: Modi’s Win, BJP’s Loss and What’s Next
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: In a riveting electoral showdown, Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi has clinched a remarkable third consecutive term, defying earlier predictions of a landslide victory. Leading the charge, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, while the Congress-led INDIA bloc secured 233 seats — leaving the BJP just...
Congress Left with Zero Seat in Historic Repeat of 1984: What Led BJP to Dominate with 59.26% Vote Share in Madhya Pradesh
Huneza Khan, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has upheld its claim by winning all 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, becoming the only major state where the saffron party has achieved a remarkable 59.26% vote share. The Congress party secured 32.44% of the vote but failed to get any seats. While the rest of India rejected aggressive Hindutva...
Anxious and alienated: How communalism fuels mental health crisis among marginalized communities
Samiya Chopra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: “I sometimes feel that my identity is the root cause of my lack of mental peace. Wearing a hijab, I often find myself grappling with my identity,” expresses Rukhsana (name changed), a young Muslim woman. She recounts instances of receiving stares and intrusive questions from strangers in public, which leave her feeling anxious and unsettled. She has...
The Enigma of Nitish Kumar’s Reverence: A Political Chess Move or Genuine Submission?
M. I. Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s act of bowing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the June 7 parliamentary party meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in New Delhi has stirred a flurry of reactions and speculation. While some view it as a customary gesture, others see it as a strategic move in the political landscape...
Public Pulse: Samajwadi Party’s Stunning Victory Sparks Waves of Reaction Across Uttar Pradesh
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Lucknow: The political landscape of Uttar Pradesh has taken a dramatic turn, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) surging ahead of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Defying expectations, the SP has taken over in a state where the BJP dominated the last two terms. This unexpected twist has set the state abuzz with reactions, putting the saffron party’s...
‘All Memes Necessary’: The Rise of Political Satire in India’s Digital Democracy
Maariyah Siddique,TwoCircles.net
In 2016, at the release of his book titled ‘Andhere Se Ujale Ki Aur’, the late Union Minister for Finance, Arun Jaitley, lamented the diminishing space for humor and satire in Indian politics — expressing hope for its resurgence. Fast forward to April 19, 2024, as India commenced its 18th Lok Sabha elections, spanning seven phases with a staggering 970 million registered...
Umar Khalid Remains Behind Bars: A Blow to Dissent and Democracy
Atika Sayeed
A Delhi court’s recent refusal to grant bail to Umar Khalid, an activist and former student leader, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for civil liberties and democratic principles in India. Khalid, who has been incarcerated for 1,358 days on allegations of being involved in the “larger conspiracy” of 2020 Delhi riots, faces stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act...
Controversial Film ‘Hamare Baraah’ Sparks Outcry Over Anti-Muslim Stereotypes
Samah Qundeel, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: In sync with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s inflammatory rhetoric labelling Muslims as “people who have more children”, the upcoming Hindi movie ‘Hamare Baraah’ has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Originally titled ‘Hum Do, Hamare Baraah’, the film addresses themes of Muslim family dynamics and women’s lack of agency — mirroring divisive narratives in contemporary...
BJP’s Madhavi Latha’s Arrow Backfires, Owaisi Secures Fifth Straight Term
TCN News
Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi won the Hyderabad parliamentary constituency for the fifth consecutive term, securing 6,61,981 votes. His closest competitor, Madhavi Latha from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), received 3,23,894 votes.
Hyderabad has been a stronghold of the Owaisi family since 1984 when Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, Asad’s father, won for six straight terms. Asad has...
“They Are Heartless or What?”: Assam Govt Bulldozes Dhalpur Settlement in Another Eviction Drive
Arshad Ahmed, Twocircles.net
Guwahati: A cloud of anxiety had been looming over Sahjahan Ali because of an impending eviction drive. The Darrang district administration in northern Assam had warned him and his fellow villagers that they would be forcefully evicted if they did not relocate to the land allotted to them.
For Shahjahan and many others living in Dhalpur, a Char...
Hyderabad Siblings Launch India’s First All-Women Taxi Bike Service
Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net
Hyderabad: “It was while commuting to college that I began exploring ideas for safe travel for women after personally facing security issues. I researched extensively to find a way for women to commute without harassment and inconveniences,” said Zainab Khatoon, one of the founders of Dovely — India's only bike taxi service for women, driven by women.
Zainab,...
Bill and Melinda Gates’ Forgotten Promise: Bihar’s Musahar Girl Still Waiting for Assistance 14 Years Later
M. I. Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Rani, a poverty-stricken Mushahar girl, was once hailed as lucky when Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates visited Jamsaut Musahari (a settlement on the margins of villages where people belonging to the socially outcast Musahar community live). The couple took the infant into their arms and promised her parents assistance. Fourteen years...
The Silent Discourse: Atheism and Agnosticism in Indian Politics
Atika Sayeed, TwoCircles.net
Kolkata (West Bengal): In the rich tapestry of Indian politics, discussions often range from economic policies to social justice. However, one significant topic remains conspicuously absent: the role of atheism and agnosticism. Despite the presence of atheists and agnostics both in the general population and within political parties, no political entity has ever acknowledged this group. In...
From Examination Centres to Passport Offices: The ‘Humiliation’ and ‘Identity Stripping’ of Muslim Women
Sidra Fatima, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Muslim women feel their religious freedom is under threat in the wake of rising Hindu nationalism across the country. The increasing incidents of hijab removals from public and governmental settings, justified under the guise of security concerns and uniformity, have emboldened their belief. For them, it’s a “systemic discrimination” and “gross violation” of their rights....
As Heat Waves Scorches India, Let’s Examine Political Parties’ Climate Change Commitments
Sakshi Srivastava, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: India’s scorching heat waves coincide with political pledges on climate change in the world's largest democracy. As parties unveil ambitious plans, a closer look reveals the nation's evolving stance on environmental challenges.
As India awaits the results of the world’s biggest-ever democratic election, it also grapples with more than just political tensions — severe heat waves...
They charred to death my 5-day child, grieves mother of newborn killed in Delhi hospital fire
The massive fire, which broke out at Newborn Baby Care Hospital at Vivek Vihar, exposes several lapses — non-registration, no NOC, single narrow exit, congested space, alleged illegal oxygen refilling, etc.
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
“They set my five days-old on fire,” lamented an inconsolable mother outside the city’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where bodies of seven deceased infants were sent for...
Gujarat: Muslim man lynched to death by cow vigilantes, cops say accused didn’t intend to murder deceased
Shahzeen Khan, TwoCircles.net
Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Ten months after a similar incident, a man in forties was allegedly lynched to death by cow vigilantes on the morning of May 23 at Nava village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha while transporting buffaloes to a cattle fair. However, the police refuse to acknowledge the incident as a case of mob lynching.
“This incident is not a...
Where letters still sail: Kashmir’s floating post office bridging tradition and modernity
Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: At a time when technology connects people from every corner of the world, the unique floating post office in the serene waters of Dal Lake in Kashmir stands as a remarkable testament to traditional methods of communication.
The post office continues to bridge the gap between modernity and heritage. It allows locals, tourists alike the charm and experience...
Ground report: For Modi supporters, rising unemployment, inflation a non-issue; construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is BJP govt’s biggest achievement
Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: As the national capital goes to polls on May 25, the sixth phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a public meeting in northeast Delhi on May 18, repeating the rhetoric of the Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratistha (consecration) ceremony in Ayodhya and INDIA alliance’s manifesto being being inspired by the...
Bangla language ‘martyrs’ of Assam and the fight against linguistic aggression
Utsa Sarmin, TwoCircles.net
Guwahati: A two-week commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of a turbulent and bloody moment in Assam’s history culminated at Silchar on May 19. The events, which began on May 4, saw thousands thronging the streets to join rallies and seminars and to create alpona (Bengali folk art).
On May 19, 1961, 11 Bengalis in Silchar, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl, lost their...
How two sisters’ commitment scripting Moradabad’s brass industry’s future
Anushka Kogta and Namya Jain, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: “This work not only supports our family but also sustains the entire Uttar Pradesh,” claimed 52-year-old Rashida Parveen, who has been working in Moradabad’s brass industry since her early teens.
Popularly known as “Pital Nagri” (Brass City), the western Uttar Pradesh district is famous for its brass handicrafts industry. It is home to...
Unsung heroes of Kashmir: A peep into the lives of socially outcast, untouchable and underprivileged Sheikhs
Sualiha Zubair, Irshad Fayaz, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: In the valley of Kashmir, amid the snow-capped mountains and lush green plains, exists a disadvantaged community historically overlooked and marginalized — the underprivileged sweeper community. For decades, the Sheikh (traditionally sweepers) community has remained the backbone of sanitation maintenance, yet their struggles continue to be unnoticed and their stories untold.
According to Adil Ahmed,...
Hijab Ban at Chembur College in Maharashtra: Girls Asked to Wear ‘Non-revealing’ Dress, But Not Veil, Headscarves
Shahzeen Khan, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: “If the college implements a change in the dress code, I might have to withdraw my admission,” said Parveen (name changed), a 20-year-old student at Acharya Marathe College at Chembur in Maharashtra, reacting to the new rules, disallowing students to wear “religious attire” on the campus.
As per the latest regulations, the students, who are pursuing bachelors,...
‘False’ Narrative, ‘Concocted’ Stories: A Closer Look at Power Play of Propaganda Films
Devanshi Batra and Syed Ahmad Rufai, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: As India is witnessing its general elections for the year 2024, the big screen has become a tool to drive political narratives. In recent times, a slew of movies inundating theaters has drawn attention not just for their entertainment value but for their unabashed alignment with political agendas — particularly those of...
Aligarh: Cross-cultural communication specialists, ELT experts discuss teaching methodologies in interdisciplinary context at AMU
TCN News
Aligarh: English is the language of the world, whoever and in whichever part it is to be taught, it has to be taught in the way they speak the language, said Professor Suresh Canagarajah, Department of Applied Linguistics and English, Penn State University, USA, while sharing his experiences of language teaching and learning at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
At a...
‘Muslims Aren’t Good’: Religious Bullying Becoming a New Normal in Posh Schools
Sumaiya Ali, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: “They tease me by saying Allah, Allah,” a fifth-grade student who studies in a popular girl’s school in Meerut, complained about her fellow students.
Instead of lodging a complaint with the class teacher, her mother advised her to take it lightly and better not react.
“Complaining about it won’t help. It will further make the children talk...
Train beggar to an acclaimed transgender photojournalist: Touching story of Zoya Thombs Loboo — who is still forced to survive on alms
Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: “Every cloud has a silver lining”, as the saying goes, a 20-minute delay in train arrival changed the life of Zoya Thombs Lobo — a transgender person who used to earn a living by asking for alms in local trains of Mumbai.
The third gender, who uses she as her pronoun, after coming to know about the train...
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why migrant workers in Bihar returning to different states without participating in voting
M I Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Rajesh Kumar was keen to cast his vote in ongoing Lok Sabha elections but had to leave his native village in Bihar’s Saran district to go back to work in faraway Maharashtra. The young migrant worker won’t be able to exercise his right to franchise on May 20 unlike last Lok Sabha elections.
“Yahan koi kaam-dhandha...
‘Consider us human’: Stigmatised, vulnerable sex workers at Kolkata’s Khidderpore, Bowbazar urge world
Atika Sayeed, TwoCircles.net
“Vaishya aur ba-ismat aurat ka muqaabla hargiz-hargiz nahi karna chahiye. In dono ka muqabla ho hi nahi sakta. Vaishya khud kamaati hai aur ba-ismat aurat ke paas kamaa kar laane waale kaee maujood hote hain.”
(One should never compare a prostitute and a chaste woman. These two cannot be compared at all. A prostitute earns a living on...
How a ‘footpath pathshala’ in Rajasthan is transforming the lives of children of Dalit migrant labourers
Deep Mukherjee, TwoCircles.net
Jaipur: Sitting amidst a loose cluster of children, 10-year-old Rajesh (name changed) flashes a grin as he looks at the blackboard and successfully identifies the names of animals written in English.
A year back, he was unable to do so and would spend his days picking up waste and recycling it to earn Rs 40-50 at the end...
Suffering in the Swelter: Delhi’s Homeless Battle Extreme Summer Heat
Md Kaifee Alam, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Sabina, 19, who prefers to go by her first name, has lived on the footpath near Sabz Burj in Nizamuddin for the last two years. She said in peak summers, the heat becomes unbearable. “It seems like the body is burning, we have to struggle in order to find shade under any tree and have...
Lok Sabha elections 2024: What people say about Modi’s ‘hate’ speeches and Nitish Kumar’s ‘atrocious connivance’
Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar often claims that he never compromised on three ‘Cs’ — crime, corruption and communalism. But in recent times, a ‘D’ (duplicity) has crept into his approach as he is completely ignoring unabated “hate” speeches being delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier, Kumar used to refute and denounce such Muslim “bashings” but in...
Despite it being a hot-button, why the BJP avoids talking about caste census
Shriya Koul, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Like every election, caste is the hot button of the 2024 Lok Sabha election as well. Political parties have already announced their nominees, keeping in mind their caste arithmetic. Addressing a rally in Jharkhand’s Ranchi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remarked that if the INDIA bloc (an alliance of the Opposition Congress and other regional parties)...
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: ‘Dull’ campaign to voter’s disinterest — what people in MP said after 3rd phase of polling
Huneza Khan, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: The third phase of ongoing general elections 2024 concluded with polls conducted across 93 seats in 11 states and union territories. People exercised their right to franchise in Madhya Pradesh’s nine Lok Sabha constituencies, including closely-watched Vidisha, Guna and Rajgarh. Voting was also held in the capital city of Bhopal, which witnessed its highest voter turnout in...
From Kairwan’s meadows to poetic pages, how Kashmiri woman attempting to revive native language
Tauseef Ahmad and Nuzhat Masoodi, TwoCircles.net
Kupwara: Each sunrise in Lolab, also called Wadi-e-Lolab (the land of love and beauty), gives the valley a golden hue. The sunset here casts a spellbinding array of colors across the horizon — leaving spectators in awe of nature’s grandeur. Beyond its visual allure, it captivates the heart with its palpable sense of peace...
Algorithm, Biryani and Chalis Futa Road — the culinary facelift of Shaheen Bagh
Roopashi Semalty, TwoCircles.net
Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) — a haven for the juiciest meats and most buttery kebabs? That sounds like old news. Lately, Shaheen Bagh’s 40-Feet Road (popularly referred as Chalis Futa Road) has managed to provide sawab (heaven) through its potpourri of savory meats from cultures (both Oriental and Persian), but of course, with one bite at a time!
Be it...
From madrasa to university in US — an inspiring journey of Mohammad Furqan
Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Patna: At a time when eyebrows are being raised on the kind of education being imparted in madrassas across the country, Mohammad Furqan from Madrasa Alia Arabia, Masjid Fatehpuri, Delhi, has been selected by the University of Notre Dame at Indiana in the United States to pursue masters in Global Affairs in Peace Studies.
Hailing from Darbhanga in Bihar,...
Broken promises, political disillusionment: The struggle of slum dwellers in Faridabad
Shriya Sharma, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: Despite flagship missions such the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) or the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana being in place to provide pucca houses to eligible urban households, the promise of a dignified abode remains elusive for many in Faridabad.
The district in Haryana epitomizes the intricate dynamics of urbanization, population growth as well as socio-economic disparities....
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: With 50% Muslim population, know who is better placed in Sambhal
TCN Special Correspondent
New Delhi: Sambhal is one among the Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh where polling will be held on May 7 — third phase of ongoing general elections. Muslims constitute nearly half of the population here, yet the constituency has so far sent only one leader from the community to Parliament.
Shafiqur Rahman Barq was elected as an MP...
Telangana Police files closure report in Rohith Vemula suicide case, claims research scholar wasn’t a Dalit
TCN News
New Delhi: Doubting Rohit Vemula to be a Dalit and speculating that he ended his life out of fear that his true caste identity would be uncovered, the Telangana Police filed a closure report in the alleged “institutional murder” case of the PhD scholar of the University of Hyderabad (UoH).
Investigators exonerated all prime suspects, including Bandaru Dattatreya, the then...
‘Muslims are just voters’: Community asks ‘secular’ parties what happened to their ‘hissedari’ promise
M. I. Khan, TwoCircles.net
Patna: The popular slogans of “jiski jitni sankhya bhari, uski utni bhagidari” (the greater the number, the greater will be his participation) or “jitni abaadi, utni hissedari” (the greater the population, the greater the share) seemingly went for a toss when the time came to walk the talk. Muslims in Bihar are upset after they were denied...
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: What Led BJP to Abandon ‘Development’
Anwar ST. TwoCircles.net
Eighty-eight constituencies across 13 states went to polls on April 26 in the second phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections. With the exception of Kerala, the lone southern state, where it did not register an electoral victory in 2019, the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have the majority of these seats.
What is noteworthy is...
Giving a Damn to EC Notice, BJP’s ‘Star’ Campaigners Continue to Echo PM Modi’s Overtly Communal Remarks
TCN Special Correspondent
New Delhi: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that it is confident of winning third consecutive national elections, and this time with more than 400 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament). It appears to have adopted a ‘divide and conquer’ approach — presenting Modi as...
‘Chinar Man’: Transforming Mountains and Minds in Kashmir’s Frontier
Bhat Yasir, Umar Farooq, TwoCircles.net
Srinagar: Nestled within the rugged terrain of Jammu and Kashmir’s frontier district of Kupwara lies a remote village where a man’s commitment to conserve nature is reshaping the landscape. Abdul Ahad Khan, a daily wage earner, has taken it upon himself to plant Chinar trees in an effort to restore the region’s natural beauty and...
Amroha: In the Razor Sharp Triangular Contest, Did the Politics of Hate and Polarisation Work?
Special Correspondent
Amroha/New Delhi: The western Uttar Pradesh city of Amroha cast ballots under the cloud of communally offensive remarks made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The region has a significant Muslim population; and therefore, two of the three primary candidates are Muslim: the Congress fielded incumbent MP Kunwar Danish Ali, while the Bahujan Samaj Party...
Why First Time Voters Are Choosing To Abstain From Voting This Election Season
By Shriya Sharma and Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: As India votes to reconstitute 18th Lok Sabha (Parliament’s lower house), a growing trend has emerged among first-time voters: abstention from casting their ballots. The practice of voting is now being questioned by a significant portion of the electorate — particularly by those who are exercising their right to franchise for the...
How a Mosque in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur is Serving as a Centre for Learning for Students Belonging to Different Faiths
By Sobiya Inamdar, TwoCircles.net
Ichalkarnji (Maharashtra): Naazim Latkar aspires to become a doctor and is preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). He lives in a small house and doesn’t have the much-needed separate place to study.
Realising the insufficiency of space and unsuitable conditions at his home that disrupt his study routine, he was provided a room in the premise...
Modi’s Islamophobic Speech: Is BJP Anxious About 2024 Despite Tall Claims?
TCN News
New Delhi: It is reasonable to assume that the outcry following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overtly anti-Muslim speech in Rajasthan, where he warned people that “the Congress would distribute people’s hard-earned money and property to infiltrators” and “those who have more children” and that it would not even leave gold and mangalsutra of mothers and sisters”.
Even though the prime...
‘We Don’t Employ Jai Bhim Walas’: Mumbai-based Event Management Firm Owner Tells Dalit Employee, Booked
TCN News
New Delhi: In a shocking incident of alleged caste discrimination and that too in a metropolitan city like Mumbai, a 23-year-old Dalit boy was told by his employer they don’t employ Jai Bhim walas.
“Tu Jai Bhim wala hai kya?” the man was asked. When he reverted in affirmation, he received another WhatsApp message from his employer Neha Dutt who reportedly...
Congress Would Distribute Nation’s Wealth to ‘Infiltrators’, ‘People with ‘More Children’, Says PM Modi in Rajasthan
TCN News
New Delhi: Ahead of the second phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in one of his most controversial speeches said on Sunday (April 21) that the Congress would give the nation's wealth to people with "more children" if they were elected to power.
Calling leaders of the grand old party "urban naxals" while addressing...
‘We Can’t Stay Silent’: New Delhi’s Ladakh Policies Fan Flames of Discontent
Zaid Bin Shabir, TwoCircles.net
Ladakh: For decades, Buddhists and other non-Muslim communities in Ladakh had desired for the day when they would be constituted as a territory separate from the predominantly Muslim region of Jammu and Kashmir. Among them was 75-year-old Chering Dorjay who had been eagerly waiting for the day.
However, when the special status and partial autonomy of erstwhile state...
Iqra Hasan: A Century-Old Struggle and the Ascent of ‘Brave’ and Consistent Daughter
Special Correspondent/ TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: “I don’t comment on numbers, but it’s for sure that I got blessings of people who want me to represent them in Parliament,” said Iqra Hasan who seemed confident of her victory after her fate was sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs) following first phase of the ongoing general elections that was held on April 19.
What...
Giving a Damn to EC’s Directions, BJP Appeals for Vote Invoking Religion Displaying Ram Idol as ‘Power of One Vote’
TCN News
New Delhi: A day before the first phase of polling (April 19) of the general elections 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is heading the government in the Centre, appealed for votes invoking religion. From its official handle, the saffron party shared an image of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya on microblogging website X (formerly Twitter) and referred...
‘Targeted Attack’, ‘Religious Bias’: Closure of Maulana Azad Education Foundation Leads to Outcry
Mohsina Malik, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: In a recent decision by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) of closing down the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) on February 7 without providing any substantive rationale, it defended its decision in front of the Delhi High Court, saying, “It’s continued operation was ‘obsolete’ when there is a dedicated ministry, holistically executing schemes for...
Ramadan Special: Women Of All Faiths Attend ‘Iftar’ in Masjid in Aurangabad
By Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net
Aurangabad (Maharashtra): “I stepped into the mosque for the first time. We were welcomed by the host with great love and respect. We witnessed how namaz (prayers) and other Islamic practices are carried out here,” said Renuka Kathar, a municipal corporation employee, sharing her experience of attending iftar (meal to break fast) at a mosque in...
Ramadan Special: Bandipora’s tribal girl promotes cultural heritage during the holy month of fasting
Tauseef Ahmad, TwoCircles.net
Bandipora: Shabnum Bashir, a 21-year-old tribal girl from Bandipora in Kashmir valley, is reviving a forgotten tradition of breaking fasts in open meadows during the holy month of Ramdhan. It is aimed at bringing communities together.
"My objective is to revive our tradition, culture and attire. Our lifestyle is different from others. These days, the young generation prefer...
‘He is a Muslim’: Nuh communal riots accused Bittu Bajrangi, who is out on bail, assaults Hindu man in police presence
Special Correspondent
TCN News: The violence was carried out at the cow vigilante's house at Faridabad on April 1. The police have registered an FIR and are in search of the accused.
New Delhi: Suspecting him to be a Muslim, cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi beat up a Hindu man black and blue, accusing him of sexually harassing a minor girl on the...
Ramadan Special: Fasting and Mustafa Idrisi’s Journey as a Cloth Vendor
KK Ahmed, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: Despite having the privilege to work in air-conditioned offices in a professional environment and access to nutrient-rich diets, many Muslims conveniently skip fasting during the holy month of Ramadan on one pretext or the other. They must learn from daily wagers how to keep faith unshakable.
This underprivileged section has no other option but to work to...
Exclusive: What led to Mukhtar Ansari’s death in Banda prison? Here’s what his son Umar Ansari revealed
Special Correspondent, TwoCircles.net
Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh): Former MLA Mukhtar Ansari, who represented eastern Uttar Pradesh’s Mau constituency in the state assembly for five consecutive terms from 1996 till 2017, did not die of “cardiac arrest” (as being claimed), but “institutionally murdered by jail administration on the instructions of mafia dons Brijesh Singh and Tribhuwan Singh who enjoy the blessings of...
Ramadan Special: A fruit seller’s story of hard work, dedication and unwavering spirit
K K Ahmed, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: Shaikh Rafiuddin is a familiar face on the bustling streets of Mumbai. For 14 years, the 43-year-old resident of Govandi has been bringing fresh produce to the city, no matter if it is raining or there is sunshine. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication and the unwavering spirit of a small businessman.
The day...
2010 Bareilly Riots: Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan Declared Absconding by UP Court, May Lose Properties
Tarique Anwar/ TwoCircles.net
The cleric-turned-politician has been described as the “mastermind” of the violence in a controversial order passed on March 5 by Additional District Judge-Fast Track Court Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who hailed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his religious belief and blamed Muslims for communal riots in the country.
New Delhi: A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district declared Ittehad-e-Millat Council...