RBI is inflating the Indian Economy
By Syed Zahid Ahmad,
The recession in the US and prevailed uncertainty in the petroleum producing nations had provided an opportunity for India to pull capital resources from the US and Gulf countries, but the practical approach of RBI has converted the opportunities into challenges as the liquidity and inflation are certainly not under the control of the RBI which is attempting to freeze the liquidity by increasing the interest rate and cost of credits. FICCI and the corporate sector have already criticized RBI’s recent announcement to increase the rate of interest.
Maoists unleash new terror in the ‘heart of India’
By P.V. Ramana, IANS
Cadres of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), also known as Naxalites, are believed to be operating in over 200 districts across 17 states. The ultimate objective of the rebels is to capture state power through a protracted people's war and herald a New Democratic Revolution. Speaking in Kerala in January, Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar said the cadre strength of the CPI-Maoist was 15,000 armed men and women.
Minority hostels crying for government attention
By Tarique Anwar, TwoCircles.net,
Shams Alam Khan is doing M. Phil in Economics from Patna University. Resident of Brauli block in Gopalganj district in Bihar, Khan from a poor family is staying at the Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi Hostel in Patna College campus in the state capital.
In Assam, a 75 year old man struggles for justice
By Waliullah Ahmed Laskar
He barely manages to walk. His physical structure is so weak and fragile that it may collapse at any moment. A cultivator having a small plot of land and part time wage labourer, he crossed 75 years of his life and so far succeeded to provide his family members the minimum requirements for keeping them alive. He is a successful fighter so far fight for livelihood is concerned as per the standard applicable in this part of the planet. But on the other front he is a soldier who lost many battles.
“भारत माता के कॉन्सेप्ट में मेरा कोई विश्वास नहीं है” – उमर ख़ालिद से...
सिद्धांत मोहन, TwoCircles.net
नई दिल्ली- इसके पहले आप अनिर्बन भट्टाचार्य से हमारी बातचीत पढ़ चुके हैं. उसी कड़ी में आज हम आपको उमर ख़ालिद का...
Right to Education Act and Muslims’ concerns
By Abdul Hannan Siwani Nadvi,
There is no doubt over avails of this law. It provides children between 6 to 14 years of age with the right to get education. If we take a look at this law, it clears central government's intention in educating every child whether he is from tribal caste or from minority communities. However, some concerns raised by the Muslim community are genuine and need to be addressed.
Jat community students demonstrate in Delhi University
New Delhi: Students from the Jat community on Saturday demonstrated in Delhi University's north campus, demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.
Despite the...
Bihar poll diary: Campaigning in the time of call drops
By Brajendra Nath Singh
At least one thing is sure. Call drops don't just affect the common man. Even ministers are victims of the sudden...
Politics and psychology: a study of political campaign in Indian democracy
By Yash Nawaz
What is politics and psychology? How are both related to each other? I have tried to figure out these questions to understand political...
Fertiliser sector reforms will attract fresh investments
By Satish Chander, IANS,
The fertiliser sector in India has been through difficult times in recent years. Stagnant production, no fresh investment and poor financial health of the units were accompanied by high level of import, imbalanced use of nutrients and deteriorating soil health. Mounting subsidy bill posed a serious fiscal management problem to the government.
Why the Communists remain a peripheral force in India
By Amulya Ganguli,
Seven years after the deed was done, the new Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, has confessed that his party made a mistake by withdrawing support from the Manmohan Singh government on the India-US nuclear deal in 2008.
For Bebyda Khatun, a National award is the ideal recognition of her efforts as...
By Zaidul Haque, TwoCircles.net
Kolkata/Birbhum: For 38-year-old Bebyda Khatun, December 1 is likely to be a special day: a day that bears testimony to the...
A Specter is haunting Israel, its name is Goldstone
By Leonard Fein
Goldstone yes, Goldstone no, Goldstone yes and no, Goldstone here, Goldstone there, Goldstone everywhere.
An exchange in Jerusalem the other week with a close observer of the Goldstone report:
"I am so tired of talking about Goldstone."
"Me too."
And then, for the better part of an hour, we talk about Goldstone.
The day before, at a dinner party, one retired senior diplomat says, bluntly, "I've not read the report, but we deserve it all."
"Even 'crimes against humanity'?"
"Yes, all of it. The occupation, nearly 43 years now, what did we expect?"
Khap panchayats: No room for a parallel justice system
By Ranjana Kumari, IANS,
The khap has been a system of social administration and organisation in the northwestern states of India since ancient times. Written references are found as far back as 2500 BCE. During and since that time, there has been a shift from the nomadic way of life to settled agricultural practices. From this time on, the Indian social fabric was organised around the village unit and the mode of governing was often that of a council of five, which is called a panchayat.
Hail the Indian Ziaul Haq
The Nation to experience the Gujarat model now
By Faraz Ahmad,
The ninth and last phase of polling completed today, ending the longest ever election process of the world’s largest democracy, heralding the prospects of an authoritarian, divisive and controversial Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of India and thanks to the overt, aggressive and unapologetic campaign by the Rashtirya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and a humungous financial investment by the corporate India, it is not difficult to presume which way a Modi-led India would head.
Kashmir’s Largest Madrasa: Dar ul-Uloom Raheemiyyah
By Yoginder Sikand
Established in 1979, the Dar ul-Uloom Raheemiyyah, located in the town of Bandipora, is the largest madrasa in Jammu and Kashmir. Founded by a graduate of the Deoband madrasa, Maulana Muhammad Rahmatullah, it currently has more than a thousand students on its rolls. Patterned on the Deoband model, it is one of the few madrasas in the state that provide Islamic education till the takhasus or specialization level.
देश में उलटे पांव चलता बाल संरक्षण
कैसे तमाम राष्ट्रीय व अंतर्राष्ट्रीय प्रयासों के बावजूद देश में बाल संरक्षण की हालत किसी बद से बदतर होती जा रही है...
जावेद अनीस
26 साल...
Dilemmas of Defeat: Whither BJP?
By Ram Puniyani,
The humiliating electoral defeat continues to dodge the BJP. In quick succession lot of things are happening, old pillars are crumbling, earlier cracks are on display with bigger clarity and those who joined the party in the hope of basking in the glory of power are deserting. In the process a lot of things which were slightly hidden are becoming glaringly obvious.
Indian diaspora groups submit memo to Indian embassies across Europe, demand repeal of new...
TCN News
Several Indian Diaspora groups across Europe submitted a common memorandum to Indian embassies in their respective countries of residence, demanding repeal of the three...
भारत में सरकार नाम की कोई चीज़ है या नहीं?
डॉ. खजान सिंह
हाल ही में दबंगो द्वारा गुजरात के ऊना में दलितों के साथ किए गए अमानवीय व्यवहार ने सारे देश के बहुजनो को...
How myopic politicians see the Bharat Ratna
By Amulya Ganguli, IANS
The unseemly clamour by politicians for securing the Bharat Ratna for their heroes - alive or dead - has revealed how segmented the Indian polity has become. Virtually the entire political class is seeing the award through the tunnel vision of caste or community or party, demonstrating that partisan considerations alone matter to it even when recommending a supposed stalwart of national stature.
Why this ‘sarkari’ fetish for Turkish towels?
By Arvind Padmanabhan ,
It is a striking feature at Indian government offices and followed rather unfailingly by a minister down to the gazetted officer....
Price of terrorism: Mega sporting events at risk
By Veturi Srivatsa, IANS,
Pakistan's most charismatic cricketer, Imran Khan, must be feeling let down by the gunmen who attacked the Sri Lankan team coach on its way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore's upmarket Gulburg area on the third day of the second and last Test.
The former Pakistan captain has been insisting that the terrorists will never attack cricketers and implored other cricket-playing nations to visit the country without any fear. He, like many in the subcontinent, thought that cricket is like an elixir and players will not be touched by the zealots.
Maggi banned but what about oil, eggs, vegetables, pulses
By Abheet Singh Sethi
New Delhi, June 6 (IANS/IndiaSpend) Maggi two-minute noodles is only the latest food item to be found violative of food-safety standards...
Need for Reconciliation with Justice Babri Demolition and aftermath
By Ram Puniyani
In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court in a 2-1 majority verdict refused to refer the Dr. Faruqui verdict to Constitution bench....
Twists and tails in Rajbir Singh saga
By Maxwell Pereira, IANS
The delay in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) taking over the investigation into the murder of Delhi Police officer Rajbir Singh is baffling. Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced that he had instructed his Director General of Police Ranjit Dalal to transfer the case to the CBI. This, he said, was on the request of the deceased officer's family.
Will saffronites heed Modi’s I-Day counsel of restraint?
By Amulya Ganguli,
Perhaps the most important part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech from the ramparts of New Delhi's Red Fort was his call for a 10-year moratorium on caste-based and communal violence.
Are the Communists fast losing appeal in India?
By Amulya Ganguli, IANS,
While Mayawati has received a shot in the arm from her successes in the recent by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, the dismal run of setbacks for the Communist parties continues unabated. Not only did the Left lose all the three seats it contested in Kerala, the comrades received their most stunning blow in their other stronghold of West Bengal where they won only one out of 10 seats.
As a result, there is now a distinct possibility of the Communists losing the next assembly elections in the state after an uninterrupted success story since 1977.
Modi’s lost opportunity towards reconciliation
By Ayub Khan,
The Indian media and a section of the American media as well, have been showering fulsome praise over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public speaking skills. His Madison Square Garden speech has been especially highlighted as ‘inspiring’ and ‘rocking.’ Anyone disagreeing with this assessment is subjected to heaps of abuse including doubts about the critic’s sanity, ancestry, and in some cases even humanity. Perhaps the Modi’s fans have taken a cue from his controversial ‘puppy under the car’ remarks in categorizing those opposed to their leader in the canine species. Regardless of the fan outrage it cannot be ignored that Modi has failed to inspire confidence and hope. He had no healing touch to offer. His speeches were full of clichéd and vague remarks which can muster past the copy writer’s desk but are hardly befitting a leader who has just won elections with a thumping mandate. Modi disappointed the hopeless optimists with both what was said and what was left unsaid.
Hamdulay Heart Foundation a ray of hope for zakat eligibles
By Ziaulla Nomani,
Heart disease is the number one killer in India and across the world. However most of the heart ailments are curable and death can be prevented, but, not everyone is not fortunate enough to bear the treatment and hospital costs and they just walk away from the hospital to choose a slow painful death.
There are many who have even sold their only piece of land to foot the hospital treatment for cardiac treatment.
The cruel irony of Human Rights Day
By Abdullah Khan
10 December is internationally celebrated as the International Human Rights Day. In 1950, the United Nations declared 10 December as the International...
Advani’s memoirs – raising more questions than answers
By Monobina Gupta, IANS
L.K Advani's walk down memory lane is proving to be too bumpy for comfort. The release of his memoirs "My Country, My Life", coming close on the heels of the launch of his prime ministerial candidature by his party has opened up an unexpected can of worms.
The flood of controversy threatening to swamp the author has come at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was all revved up to answer the final call. He had finally got the backing of his party for the top job in the country that he had been eyeing for long.
Father, tell me about Kashmir
By Kay Al for TwoCircles.net
The protest
“B, We have to go a protest today. Do you want to come too?”
“What is this protest,...
What explains the Muslim debacle in Assam elections?
By Kaleem Kawaja for Twocircles.net
Assam has the second-highest percent (34) of Muslim population in India. Forty nine of its 126 Assembly constituencies...
Political history of Muslims of Muzaffarpur since 1857
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
History should not be merely recounting of exploits of famous people or important conflicts. It should also be about changes happening at...
Four years of community news
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net,
Four years ago, with one part-time employee and $1200 as budget, we started a daily news media in English focusing on Indian Muslims. I had no idea that we will still be here four years later and reaching new heights with every passing month. Credit for this success goes to our friends, staff, and supporters who have contributed immensely to this cause.
Rajsamand murder: Ghastly crime, gruesome hate
By Ram Puniyani
The ghastly incident in Rajsamand, Rajasthan, showed the impact which ‘Hate other’ can create. On December 6, Shambhulal Regar, an ex-marble trader...
Mappila Haal: A virtual exhibition celebrating 100 years of Malabar Rebellion
Mappila Haal is a comprehensive creative expression of the Malabar Rebellion enabling the viewer to travel through the revolutionary days and nights.
Amjad Ali EM...
Wealth of Badals increasing at state’s cost: AAP
Chandigarh : With the Punjab government selling and mortgaging government properties to run financial affairs of the state, the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday...
At least 14 dead in mounting South Africa xenophobic violence
By Xinhua,
Johannesburg : The death toll in a week-long wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa rose sharply over the weekend as reports of people being burnt and beaten to death poured in from squatter camps around the business capital Johannesburg.
The police said that 12 people were killed over the weekend as shack dwellers in one poor community after another turned on migrants living in their midsts, beating them, sometimes fatally, torching their homes and looting their possessions.
Obstinacy, feudalism guide both BJP and Congress
By Amulya Ganguli
There is a striking similarity between Arun Jaitley's reported comment that the government cannot "retract" from its decision on the new...
With farm output poor, India’s recovery projections premature
By Sushma Ramachandran, IANS,
With the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council projecting India's economic growth at 6.2-6.75 percent for the current fiscal, the question arises whether industrial output will rebound sufficiently to make up for the dismal performance of the farm sector.
Hashimpura, Srebrenica and Rohingyas: Similar and so different
By Saeed Naqvi
Incidents, similar in their chilling monstrosity, came to mind when I saw photographs of a row of Rohingya Muslim young men, on...
Are there more Satyams out there?
By Sushma Ramachandran, IANS,
The confessional letter written by Ramalinga Raju in the first week of 2009 about the massive fraud perpetrated at the country's fourth largest software company, Satyam, has opened a Pandora's box. The scam by Raju and his family could ultimately emerge as the mother of all corporate frauds in this country as even the initial investigations are revealing all kinds of manipulation.
Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Woh Kahan Hain?
Where are those who are proud of India?
By Shamsul Islam,
I am sure that every Indian patriot remembers this heart wrenching song penned by Sahir...
The silence of the Gujarati Muslims
While Muslims from Azamgarh demonstrated in New Delhi against random arrest of Muslims in the name of terrorism, Gujarat Muslims avoid any democratic agitation against indiscriminate arrest. While some say it is `fear psychosis' others hold community's 'mercantile culture' responsible for it.
By TwoCircles.net special correspondent,
Muslims’ Resolve Against Modi/BJP in the 2014 Election – Rare Instance of Unity
By Kaleem Kawaja,
The polling in the parliamentary election began on Monday in the northeastern part of India. This is one of the noisiest and most turbulent election in memory since India became a free nation in 1947. One of the primary reasons is that the Bharti Janata Party is trying to change the governing fabric of the nation. The nation has followed the tradition of first conducting an election and then the elected parliamentarians of the party with the largest number of seats, elect their leader and prime minister. In the instance of a coalition, the coalition of parties do the same. In 1996 when BJP/NDA won the election they followed the same tradition and BJP MPs elected Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister.
APCR building national network of legal activists for Muslim community
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
With rise in terror attacks in India in the last couple of years for which Muslims were blamed – in a few cases maybe rightly but generally without going into probe and proof – the already backward and deprived community have faced a new serious problem: picking of their youths from here and there, gross violation of their civil and human rights and boycott of lawyers to take up cases of terror suspects.
Growing demand among NRIs to become overseas citizens of India
By Kul Bhushan, IANS,
Regular NRI visitors to India are increasingly switching from a five-year visa to either a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card that allows them visa-free entry for 15 years or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) status that allows them a life time entry and stay in India. This is the Indian version of the much sought after American 'Green Card'.
Considering the current depression in the West, OCI status has become more attractive to overseas Indians, many of who are seriously thinking of resettling in India.
Terror cases in courts: Accused facing “Judicial Encounters”
By M Shahwar Khan,
"Terrorism" is always a hot topic for discussions and different people have different ideology about this term. Definitely I am not going to talk about the terrorism but I am going to share my experience of defending those who were labelled as "Terrorists" by the police and who have spent or spending their lives in a place where we can't even imagine to stay for a second.
Doesn’t Mr. Advani deserve better?
By Amitava Mukherjee
Very quietly, a very important thing happened in the BJP on July 20 when L.K. Advani was not invited to participate...
Chandy to hold reception for Ghulam Ali in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will lead a reception here for Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali on January 14 ahead of his performance.
Ali...
Labourer killed over petty issue in Delhi
New Delhi : Days after the killing of a Delhi-based dentist by a group of people over a minor issue, another man was beaten...
The Black Coat Terrorism!
By Mansoor Durrani for TwoCircles.net,
Some leading members of India’s fascist forces publically admire Adolf Hitler. Martin Niemöller was a German national conservative and also,...
Violence No Answer
By Mohammad Yousuf Naqash
Armed offensive conflict is not the answer to the problems confronting the world. Islamic principles show us the right path in this regard. As a matter of fact, Islam totally rejects extremism in whatsoever form and manifestation. We need to make a difference and draw a clear line between right and wrong and choose between the Islamic and the non-Islamic. Masked faces with double standards within our community have to be identified, exposed and isolated so as to help stop misinterpretation and misrepresentation of Islam.
Four Important Questions
By Dr Wasim Ahmad,
There are a few questions that I have been asked to respond to. My humble submissions are as follows:
1. Do you see Muslims having multitude of problems in India?
How a malicious report in Times of India has ruined my life and why...
By Arshad Mohsin for TwoCircles.net
The power of mainstream media in spreading information and forming public opinions cannot be underestimated. We all know that when...
‘द केरेला स्टोरी’: फिल्म बनी दुष्प्रचार का हथियार
- राम पुनियानी
केरल का नाम सुनते ही हमारे मन में उभरता है एक ऐसा राज्य जहां शांति और सद्भाव का राज है, जहां निरक्षता का निर्मूलन...
Triple Talaq in its current form must come to an end
By Anam Rais Khan for TwoCircles.net
“The most hated of the Halaal (lawful things) to Allah is divorce.” Recorded by Abu Dawood, Ibn...
BJP-Congress misusing Sohrabuddin fake encounter for political gains
By Fatima Tanveer, TwoCircles.net
Nitish-Modi close-up: Has Nitish cheated Muslims in Bihar?
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net
Better Back to Bukhara? A Take on: No Invite for PM Modi?
By Asma Anjum Khan for TwoCircles.net,
The phone was ringing. Absorbed in my daily dose of ,’noisy news of Indian TV channels’ I chirped, Hello, Shivani! Long time?
What do you think of this shahi Imam… everyone is talking about.
BJP’S anti-Muslimism
By Asghar Ali Engineer
The CD controversy in U.P. election has proved once again, if any proof is needed, how much BJP hates Muslims. BJP’s anti-Muslim record has touched new heights. How can any politically responsible party taking part in democratic election and taking oath for secularism, can produce such propaganda stuff. The CD is full of hate for Muslims and uses very derogatory language. The only parallel one can find is Nazi’s hate of Jews, no other example could be found.
Civility against Caste: Dalit Politics and Citizenship in Western India
Title: Civility against Caste: Dalit Politics and Citizenship in Western India
Author: Prof. Suryakant Waghmore
Publisher: Sage India
Year: January, 2014
Review by: Yogesh Maitreya for TwoCircles.net,
Civility is the least discussed discourse in India. In post-constitutional Indian society, the idea of civility has formed a binary: on one hand, ‘civil society’ that has been propagated by media and resources which are dominated and owned by Brahmin-Bania associations and on the other hand, the civility which has been practice by NGOs and political organisations led by Dalits. The latter had started with the core motive of annihilation of caste and, found its genesis in the struggles of Mahatma Fule and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar in Maharashtra. The idea of civility, practiced by Dalit NGOs and political groups, is contrary to the idea of civility which Brahmin-Bania possess and propagate in India, simply because idea of civility practiced by Dalits aims at annihilation of caste; precisely, Dalit civility is the ‘Civility against Caste’. India should take seismic protection more seriously
 By Sandeep Donald Shah, IANS
India's growing economic might is making many countries look at it with a sense of envy. This newfound economic prosperity has also left India more vulnerable and susceptible to natural calamities. It is imperative that we start following the global best practices and stop living in a sense of denial.
India's growing economic might is making many countries look at it with a sense of envy. This newfound economic prosperity has also left India more vulnerable and susceptible to natural calamities. It is imperative that we start following the global best practices and stop living in a sense of denial.
No overdose of cricket, when money to be made
By K. Datta, IANS,
If there is a theory doing the rounds that the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Cup may be weary because of an overdose of cricket in the run-up to the tournament, there is another school of thought which believes, not without good reason, that the weeks of hectic action that they were involved in IPL-2 in South Africa have helped them keep their competitive edge razor sharp. The theories will be put to test shortly.
Surrogacy gaining acceptance in India
By Syed Ali Mujtaba,
In a significant order, the Madras High Court on March 5, 2013 held that a woman who had a child through surrogacy is entitled for maternity leave.
Onam’s journey from harvest festival to shopping carnival
By B.R.P.Bhaskar, IANS,
There is a morning-after air in Kerala as the state recovers from the hectic annual Onam festivities.
Onam, the most important day in the Keralite's calendar, fell on Sep 12 this year. Keralites spread across the globe celebrated the festival with as much enthusiasm as their kinsmen at home.
Onam is built on nostalgia. According to tradition, on this day, Mahabali, the righteous ruler of ancient Kerala, visits his erstwhile subjects. The people, who remember his reign as a golden era, decorate their homes with flowers and put on new clothes to welcome him.
कैप्टन अब्बास अली- एक शख्स जिसने सियासत के मेयार को बुलंद रखा
By शेष नारायण सिंह,
कैप्टन अब्बास अली 94 साल की उम्र में अलविदा कह गए। कप्तान साहेब एक बेहतरीन इन्सान थे। आज़ाद हिन्द फौज का यह कप्तान जब अपनी बुलंदी पर था तो उसने किसी तरह का समझौता नहीं किया। और यह बुलंदी उनकी ज़िंदगी में हमेशा बनी रही। उनकी एक ही तमन्ना थी कि ज़िंदगी भर किसी पर आश्रित न हों। उम्र के नब्बे साल पूरे होने पर उनकी आत्मकथा को दिल्ली में प्रकाशित किया गया था। शायद इस किताब का शीर्षक यही सोच कर रखा गया होगा। शीर्षक है, “ न रहूँ किसी का दस्तनिगर” और 11 अक्टूबर को कप्तान साहेब ने आख़िरी सांस ली उसके एक दिन पहले तक अपने हाथ पाँव से चलते रहे और शान से चले गए। 94 साल की उम्र में कप्तान साहेब जब गए तो किसी के सहारे नहीं रहे। उनके बेटे कुर्बान अली हमेशा उनको अपने साथ दिल्ली में रखना चाहते थे लेकिन कप्तान साहेब अपनी कर्मभूमि अलीगढ़ और बुलंदशहर को कभी नहीं भूलते थे। मौक़ा लगते ही अलीगढ़ चले जाते थे। उनकी ज़िंदगी के बारे में शायद बहुत कुछ नहीं लिखा जाएगा क्योंकि वे डॉ राम मनोहर लोहिया की उस राजनीतिक परंपरा के अलमबरदार थे जिसमें सरकारी ओहदे के लिए राजनेता को कोशिश न करने की हिदायत है। लेकिन इस बहादुर इंसान की ज़िंदगी को कलमबंद होना चाहिए ताकि आने वाली नस्लों को मालूम रहे कि खुर्जा कस्बे के पास के गाँव कलंदर गढ़ी में एक ऐसा इंसान भी रहता था जिसने मानवीय आचरण की हर बुलंदी को नापा था।
Ongoing attack on Christians is attack on Indian secularism and democracy
By Madhu Chandra,
"The expertise to read the signpost of the attack on secularism and democracy in India and monitor accordingly is the need of the hour," said, Ms. Asma Jahangir, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief at her concluding press conference after a three-week mission trip to find the religious intolerance in India early this year.
"The Fascism will come to India, in the form of communalism," warned, Jawaharlal Nehru, first Indian Prime Minister.
Iran goes into space
MOSCOW. (Andrei Kislyakov for RIA Novosti) - On February 3, Iran fulfilled its promise to launch its first satellite, Omid (Hope), into orbit by its own carrier rocket before the end of the Iranian year (which ends in March).
The world media reported that it has already transmitted a message from the Iranian leader to the effect that the successful launch "officially seals Iran's presence in space."
Modinomics must address the rural economy
By Vatsal Srivastava
For a government that has been voted by a historic majority on the single promise of "ache din" and "vikas", today's agrarian...
A Tale of Two Winners :Indo-Pak Noble Peace Prize,2014
By Dr. Asma Anjum Khan for TwoCircles.net,
Begum Para is daughter of our Ghafoor uncle. This is her first article. It’s about the, ’joint’ Noble Peace Prize, for the two eternal foes called India and Pakistan.
#Satyrathi, #Malala#NoblePeacePrize2014#BenAffleck#HughJackman#MoonSighting#AshishVidyarthi#Taliban#Fudoos#Mullas #FawadKhan
Party Change during Elections: A Danger to democracy?
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Guwahati, Assam: With the 16th Lok Sabha election nearing, many political leaders including MPs have been seen changing parties at the last moment in Assam and elsewhere in the country. They have even explicitly said that the reason is their not getting a ticket as they desired. But this trend which has been on the rise is being termed as ‘danger to democracy’ by many.
Kashmir needs solution not suppression
By Syed Mujtaba & Mirza Jahanzeb Beig
From 1989, the People of Jammu and Kashmir are being killed, tortured, humiliated, and enforcedly disappeared. Thousands of...
India’s budget places common man above fiscal responsibility
By Sushma Ramachandran, IANS,
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has pleased the "aam aadmi" (common man) but made the "khaas aadmi" (the elite) unhappy in his 2009-10 budget proposals. Constrained by the global recession and domestic economic strains, he has provided a much awaited further stimulus to the economy by raising plan expenditure by as much as 25 per cent in real terms.
Dear Prime Minister, are you sure the rich are not sleeping well post...
By Soroor Ahmed for Twocirlces.net
As a son of a poor ‘chai-wallah’, Narendra Modi knows well how comfortably––‘aaram se’, to use his own expression––the...
Modi government in celebratory mode but concern over Hindutva outfits
By V.S. Chandrasekar
New Delhi, (IANS): Stepping into its fourth year in power on Friday, the Narendra Modi government is in a celebratory mood after...
A case for Muslim political party
By Karoly,
The options that have been placed for "what should be the future political approach of Muslims" have been (1) vote for UPA, (2) vote for NDA, (3) vote for the third front and (4) form their own secular democratic party.
Terrorism: A Political Cancer
Ram Puniyani,
The blasts in Jaipur (13th May 2008), have once again brought to fore the grim reality of global and local political scenario. In a short span of time close to hundred innocent lives were lost. What was heartwarming was the calm with which the society handled this grim tragedy. The amity with which the post blast situation was handled certainly needs million respectful salutes.
Karnataka’s six former CMs in election fray
By Fakir Balaji ,
Bangalore: Six former chief ministers of Karnataka, including one who was prime minister for 10 months, are in the fray for...
The right to change one’s religion
By Shaykh Abdallah Adhami, CGNews
From the Code of Hammurabi to the Code of Maimonides, most major systems of law have affirmed that apostasy must be punished.
In the renowned code of the Roman emperor Justinian (483-565 CE), corpus juris civilis — the basis of all Roman canon law and of modern civil law — apostasy was "to be punished by death" and there was "no toleration of dissent".
India embraces smoke-free policies on Gandhi’s birth anniversary
By Bobby Ramakant
India has boldly enforced the smoke-free policies banning smoking in public places and private areas with public access from 2 October 2008 – the birth anniversary of the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Why US wants to deploy its teachers in Indian madrasas?
By Sohail Arshad,
The writer takes an analytical look at the US proposal for appointing American teachers in Indian madrasas and smells a conspiracy in the proposal --Editor.
Munshi Premchand
By Jaspal Singh,
Today is the 134th birth anniversary of one of the greatest writers of Hindustan,Munshi Premchand.He is referred to as Upanyas Samrat(emperor of the novelists) Munshiji was born in a small village near Banaras in a family of limited means.His father was a Patwari.His earlier education was done in a local Madrasa,where he learnt Farsi and Urdu from a Maulvi.Later on he went to other schools and colleges in Banaras and Allahabad.
Inclusion of Dalit Muslims in Scheduled Castes: Apex court rekindles hope
By Mohammad Shahanshah Ansari,
PM speaks his mind: But his government needs to look inward
By Sushma Ramachandran
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appears to be in a mood to speak his mind. In a series of speeches lately, he has made blunt comments about the state of the economy and the role of private industry. The question is: what has prompted the prime minister to suddenly shift from his usual moderate tone to aggressively talk about the ills affecting the country.
NSG waiver means India has arrived as a power
By K. Subrahmanyam, IANS,
India had always strongly supported the nuclear nonproliferation regime. In 1965, India with Ireland and other nations sponsored Resolution 2025 which laid down the balance of obligations between the five nuclear weapon powers and the rest of the international community. The nuclear weapon powers were to enter into negotiations in good faith to stop the arms race and reduce their nuclear arsenals.
1971 war hero Albert Ekka’s family visits graveyard after 45 years
By Sujit Chakraborty
Agartala : It was a poignant moment for Balamdina Ekka, widow of Lance Naik Albert Ekka, martyred in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation...
The politics of survival in Kerala
By Karoly,
Everyone has a day. So goes the popular saying put in a polite manner. This is very much applicable to Abdunnasser Madani, the chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kerala. The erstwhile firebrand cleric who was the founder of the banned Islamic Swayamsevak Sangh (ISS), and who had to languish in jail without trial for ten long years for his alleged involvement in the Coimbatore bomb blasts is the media star in Kerala today.
Abu Dhabi Ascent: Global opportunity to abolish climate-apartheid
By Rajendra Shende,
The roads in Delhi are wet due to untimely rains followed by oven-hot temperatures. Undeterred by these climatic drama, a lady beggar...
The CIA-ISI axis: India should have no illusions of US support
By C. Uday Bhaskar, IANS,
India is maintaining politico-diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to comply with its international obligations apropos the Mumbai terror attack of Nov 26. Home Minister P. Chidambaram would visit the US in the course of this week with a detailed dossier that would include “irrefutable evidence” about the involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists in the Mumbai attacks.
Triumphant Shireen steps into Aliah University without veil
By Adnan Alavi,
Shireen Madiha has finally stepped into the university on her conditions. She had refused to bow down to the union's diktat that every woman teacher will have to wear a burqa on campus.
Now she has succeeded and the union is forced to accept its defeat. Shireen [her name wrongly appeared as Sirin Middya in some newspapers] had invited the ire of the students' union in Kolkata's Aliah University, where she taught Bangla literature, for not wearing the veil.
Growing intolerance in India is worrying: Shabana Azmi
New Delhi : Veteran actor Shabana Azmi on Friday expressed support to those raising issues of intolerance in the country. She said "the growing...
Plant inspired solar cells to revolutionise energy storage
New York A new technology developed by scientists at University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) can store solar energy for up to several...
Violence, Islam and the Islamic Movement
By Dr. Mohammad Nejatullah Siddiqui,
(Translated from Urdu by Yoginder Sikand)
What is the role of violence in human life? Under what conditions does Islam permit violence? What rules and conditions has Islam laid down for the conduct of armed conflict? When does violence qualify to be termed as ‘terrorism’? Does Islam at all allow for terrorism? This article deals specifically with these questions, although it is not possible for me to do full justice to these issues in a single article.
Democracy – Inclusion or Exclusion?
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
Barack Obama, who is in the race for being nominated as presidential candidate for America, made a remarkable speech on race relations in America. It was not merely complaining about discrimination against blacks (African Americans) but it was about extending hand of friendship towards whites so that people of America could stand together and form a more perfect union.
Muslim-Hindu Relations in Jammu Province – Part 4
By Yoginder Sikand, TwoCircles.net,
Full Series: Muslim-Hindu Relations in Jammu Province
‘Decision makers need not balance science versus nonsense on GM crops’
By Vivian Fernandes,
The moment you say GM food, you see a phalanx of activists lining up to shoot down any discussion on allowing it in India. But many scientists and some ecologists point to the benefits available from adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops. Several of them are now getting heard, their voices rising above the din.
Husain in exile reflects cultural decadence
By Uma Nair Zealots clip artistic freedom and Husain remains between Dubai and London zooming around in his Bentleys and Cadillacs, enormously nostalgic about...
Why Naseeruddin Shah is wrong on several counts?
By Mahtab Alam
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s much advertised article was published on Friday in Hindustan Times as its concluding part of the series titled,...
Muslim women and change
By Asghar Ali Engineer,
Mostly people think Muslim women are oppressed and forced to wear veil and confined to the four walls of their houses. This is mainly because we read every day in papers that Taliban force women into veil, burn down girls schools and always portray them wrapped completely in black cloth from head to foot. This image of Muslim women was further reinforced by the burqa controversy which erupted in France.
Time to Ponder over Hindu-Muslim relations
By Syed Ali Mujtaba
Special to TwoCircles.net
On August 15, 2007, India celebrates its 60th year of Independence. The day also marks the beginning of the centenary celebrations of India's first war of Independence in 1857. These two events undoubtedly have a symbiotic relationship as far as national independence is concerned, but it also throws open a challenging question about Hindu- Muslim relationship that has drifted apart during the course of ninety years of history.
LGBT community unclear about my project: Monica Dogra
By Siddharth Jha
New Delhi : After facing criticism on social media for asking fans to crowdfund Rs.50 lakhs for her art project...
One of the best planned transitions in corporate history
By Prasanto K. Roy, IANS,
It's finally happened. Thursday was Bill Gates' last day as full-time Microsoft employee. It is not, of course, a shock. It is possibly the best planned - and definitely the best publicised - transition in recent corporate history.
In 1998, Gates' long-time business partner Steve Ballmer became acting president of Microsoft. In January 2000, Gates handed over the chief executive reins to Ballmer, becoming its chief software architect.
Ayodhya temple: BJP’s fraudulent religiosity
(Dec 6 is the 20th anniversary of the Babri Masjid's demolition)
By Amulya Ganguli, IANS,
The Good News Project: How the BJP helps Muslims, unknowingly
By Shah Nawaz Afaque
Is it just me or is there a lot of negativity in the air? Ideological clashes at the dining table, political...
India’s Muslims are finally breaking free of the mold
There’s hope for India’s Muslims as they set new examples of excellence defying great odds
By Aijaz Zaka Syed for TwoCircles.net
Teaser of Film on Savarkar: Lies Galore
Dr. Ram Puniayni
Currently as the right-wing wing ideology is gaining ground many a film have already come to promote divisiveness, to glorify the icons...
India’s Defense Preparedness on Top Gear
By Syed Ali Mujtaba,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first leader to sail on INS Vikramaditya and dedicate it to the nation. During his planned tour in mid June, Prime Minister sailed for few hours on board of the giant warship and saw its capabilities.
Maharaja of the skies upsets NRIs on ground
By Kul Bhushan, IANS
Most NRIs travelling on Air India have horror stories to tell about their experiences. NRIs may well tolerate more hardships on other airlines but not on Air India, which they think is their own airline and so must treat them much better. The airline responds by saying that NRIs behave better on other airlines than while travelling with them.
How to counter side effects of antibiotics
By Amar Chandel,
There are times when it becomes unavoidable to take antibiotics. While these may cure you of your diseases, they leave you with nasty side effects like bloating, belching, gas, constipation and diarrhea.
As the very name antibiotics suggests, it kills bacteria. Unfortunately, it also kills friendly bacteria which are so very valuable for your health.
Muslim concentration districts: Is construction of Anganwadi centres justified under MsDP?
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Under the Multi-Sectoral Development Programme for the 90 selected minority-concentrated districts, the Central Government, in collaboration with the state governments, is spending hundreds of crore rupees on construction of new Anganwadi centres in thousands in Muslim-concentrated districts. The million-dollar question is: Are these centres justified under MsDP, and how much will they serve the community for whose development the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched the MsDP in the light of Sachar Committee recommendations?
Stop domestic violence now!
This is the spirit of the new law that was passed to prevent domestic violence, provide immediate relief, and stand firmly by victims.
By Nasiruddin Haider Khan
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is a historic step towards a gender sensitive law in India. However, the big question remains, how is it different from other existing laws of the land? Why is this law unique? Most importantly, what are the benefits an aggrieved person can get from this law?
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is a historic step towards a gender sensitive law in India. However, the big question remains, how is it different from other existing laws of the land? Why is this law unique? Most importantly, what are the benefits an aggrieved person can get from this law?
Scandinavia’s scarred Mr Dialogue
By Roger Cohen, CGNews,
Scandinavia does reasonableness well, even when faced with unreason. The Oslo Accords of 1993 were as close as Israelis and Palestinians have come to looking each other in the eye, admitting neither side is going away, and jettisoning a bitter past for a better future.
The mediation habit stayed with Norway, despite Oslo's collapse. Jonas Gahr Store, the Norwegian foreign minister, is a battle-hardened Mr. Dialogue. He took a personal terrorism course earlier this year while on a diplomatic mission to Afghanistan.