PMN Patralok

Over the past 10 years, India has plummeted on the academic freedom index ranks, according to the “Free to Think 2024” annual report published by the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom Monitoring Project.

SAR is a network of 665 universities worldwide, including Columbia University, Duke University, and New York University. The report extensively examines India, Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Nicaragua, Nigeria, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Russia, Turkiye, Sudan, Ukraine, the U.K., and the U.S. The report documented 391 attacks on higher education communities across 51 countries between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

According to the report, India’s academic freedom score fell from 0.6 points to 0.2 points between 2013 and 2023. It highlights the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s efforts to impose political control and a Hindu nationalist agenda on universities, as well as policies restricting student protests, as the most significant threats to academic freedom. The Academic Freedom Index now ranks India as "completely restricted," its lowest score since the mid-1940s. The report also details instances where the Indian government enforced stringent measures on campuses.

Even in universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a powerhouse of academic freedom and critical thought, new policies have been introduced to restrict student expression. JNU barred students from protesting near academic buildings, while South Asian University (SAU) went further by prohibiting protests on campus altogether.

The report highlights conflicts between the BJP-led Union government and State governments over control of higher education. In Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, appointed by the Union government, clashed with the State government over a legislative amendment aimed at replacing him as Chancellor of the State’s universities. In April 2024, the Kerala government appealed to the Supreme Court after President Droupadi Murmu did not approve the proposed amendment. The report also highlights similar struggles for control of higher education in other States, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Punjab.

The report indicates that pressure from the Central government may have contributed to the resignation of Sabyasachi Das, an assistant professor at Ashoka University, after he presented a paper alleging political manipulation in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Following the paper's public attention, BJP leaders criticized his work.

Other restrictions noted in the report include the denial of entry to U.K.-based Professor Natasha Kaul for her remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the detention of over 200 students from JNU, Jamia Millia University, and Delhi University during a protest outside the Israeli Embassy, and the heckling of JNU professor Nivedita Menon by students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. The report also mentions the cancellation of a talk by Achin Vanaik at IIT Bombay, where he is a well-known writer and former political science department head.

365 Days of Media Bias Amid Genocide

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Journalists working for world's leading news networks allege pro-Israel bias and violations of journalistic principles in covering of the conflict in Gaza.

According to the latest report by Al Jazeera, ten journalists from CNN and the BBC have accused their news outlets of displaying pro-Israel bias in their coverage of the Gaza war since October 7, 2023. They claim the newsrooms applied double standards, violated journalistic principles, and downplayed Israeli actions. Senior figures at these outlets allegedly failed to hold Israeli officials accountable and interfered with reporting. At CNN, staff warned about false Israeli propaganda, but it was still aired, showcasing biased reporting practices.

Adam, a journalist at CNN, expressed that before October 7, he had complete confidence in the network’s journalism. However, after that date, he was unsettled by how easily stories favoring the Israeli perspective were released. He noted that while CNN occasionally pushed back, it became clear that the overall coverage was not always aligned with the truth.

In November, CNN’s Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson accompanied the Israeli army to Gaza's al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, which had been bombed. During the visit, an Israeli military spokesperson claimed to have found evidence that Hamas was using the hospital to hide captives, pointing to a document in Arabic that he said was a roster of Hamas members. However, Adam described this incident as an "embarrassing moment" for CNN, explaining that the document was just a calendar, but the report accepted the Israeli claim without questioning it.

Before CNN aired its report from Gaza’s al-Rantisi hospital, social media had already debunked the Israeli claim about a supposed Hamas roster, but CNN still broadcast the story. Despite warnings from a Palestinian producer and concerns raised by another colleague, Nic Robertson insisted on running the report as presented. Adam criticized this decision, saying it favored Israeli claims over internal warnings.

Adam also noted that CNN staff were sometimes required to confirm Israeli air strikes with Israeli sources before reporting them as such—an approach not taken in other conflicts. Additionally, CNN’s coverage was shaped by management directives to frame reports in a way that held Hamas accountable, even when high civilian casualties were reported.

A former BBC journalist, Sara criticized the BBC for showing a double standard in how it interviewed guests, particularly focusing on the Palestinian side. She noted that after October 7, the BBC created a chat for producers to vet potential interviewees based on their online presence, emphasizing Palestinians. They were flagged for using terms like "Zionist," while Israeli guests were rarely scrutinized and allowed to speak freely without challenge.

She cited an example where Israeli politician Idan Roll made extreme claims during an interview, which the presenter did not question. This lack of balance and accountability has led to increasing accusations from journalists and experts that major Western media outlets, including the BBC, exhibit a pro-Israel bias and downplay Palestinian suffering.

A few journalists at organizations like The New York Times and the BBC have resigned over these issues, while others attempt to advocate for change internally. Craig Mokhiber, a former UN human rights official, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the situation, suggesting that Western media has become complicit in the ongoing violence. Both the BBC and CNN have denied any bias in their coverage.

World

9 days ago

Mahalakshmi Murder: Right-Wing Media Amplifies False Narratives, Missing the Mark

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Following the discovery of the dismembered body of a 29-year-old woman inside a refrigerator in Bengaluru last week, the right-wing media immediately jumped in, spewing communal angles and drawing parallels to the Shraddha Walker murder case.

Remember the Shraddha Walker murder case? The 26-year-old woman was murdered and her body chopped into pieces by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawala in Delhi. Seizing the convict’s Muslim identity, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, Vishwa Hind Parishad (VHP), and right-wing Twitter handles soon came in flooding with communal angles, terming it as ‘Love Jihad’, and part of a larger “conspiracy” by Muslim youths to target Hindu women. The mainstream right-wing media too did not shy away from ignoring these claims.

Despite the police dismissing communal motives in the murder, the incident was hijacked by right-wing social media users to spread Islamophobic propaganda. They shared misleading cartoons, tweets, and images purporting to link the refrigerator to 'Love Jihad,' furthering divisive and harmful narratives.

Like dogs scavenging for fresh bones, the right-wing army have pounced on the Mahalakshmi Murder case in Bengaluru, sensing another opportunity to fuel their hateful rhetoric, after speculations began circulating online with many claiming that a man named Ashraf was behind the murder.

What followed was no different from the aftermath of Shraddha Walker's murder. Aman Chopra, from News 18 India, played a significant role in amplifying a theory with communal undertones during one of his bulletins. He compared Mahalakshmi’s murder to that of Shraddha. Chopra stated that the dismemberment method was similar, only differing in the names. By emphasizing Ashraf's name, Chopra hinted at a broader pattern of Muslim men killing their Hindu partners. He also echoed this sentiment in a tweet, asserting that the modus operandi remains the same while the names have changed.

In a tweet from the official BJP Karnataka handle, reposting a report from the widely criticized fake news outlet OpIndia, they directly accused Ashraf of being the murderer. The tweet also blamed Congress’s appeasement policies for the alleged breakdown of law and order in the state.

Radharamn Das, a spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata known for spreading communal misinformation, also made similar claims on social media, alleging a pattern of Hindu women being murdered by Muslim men. Right-wing influencer @MrSinha_ followed suit, repeatedly pointing to Ashraf as the culprit. The same claims were amplified by the RSS mouthpiece Panchjanya and other Right-wing figures like Kajal Hindustani, Jaipur Dialogues, Rishi Bagree, and others, further pushing this communal narrative online.

AltNews was the first to debunk the communal claims surrounding the murder. According to fact-checking reports, the victim had separated from her husband and was living alone. Her husband suspected she had an affair with Ashraf, who was questioned by the police but not identified as the prime suspect.

The police later named Mukti Ranjan Pratap Ray, a colleague of the victim, as the primary suspect. Ray was found dead by suicide in Odisha before the authorities could arrest him, leaving a note confessing to the crime. This confirmed that the murder was not related to 'Love Jihad’.

Investigations

17 days ago

Left Parties Allege Government's Role In GN Saibaba's Death

Politics

9 hours ago

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Left Parties blame Modi Government for the death of Prof. GN Saibaba, demanding accountability.

Mourning the death of former Delhi University Professor and Activist GN Saibaba, left parties have condemned his death attributing it to the alleged repressive policies of the Narendra Modi Government, demanding accountability from the government.

Saibaba had been lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail since 2017 in the alleged Maoist links case. In March this year, the Bombay high court had set aside the life term of Saibaba, noting that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt and he was subsequently released from the Jail.

He died on Saturday night at a government hospital in Hyderabad due to postoperative complications, seven months after his acquittal.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) condemned the Modi government, accusing it of being responsible for Saibaba's death. The party in a statement argued that he had been unjustly targeted due to the government's oppressive policies. It highlighted his prolonged denial of bail and necessary medical treatment, despite his severe health issues. The statement emphasized his lifelong dedication to seeking justice and resilience in the face of torture, holding the government accountable for his demise.

CPI General Secretary D. Raja criticized the government for its role in the professor's death, describing it as an "institutional murder" due to the denial of basic human rights. He noted that despite years of wrongful imprisonment, Saibaba remained resilient, particularly when he was acquitted earlier this year. Raja called for a determined fight against oppressive laws like the UAPA as a fitting tribute to Saibaba. Similarly, CPI (Marxist-Leninist) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharjee argued that India needs a fair justice system, contrasting the leniency shown to figures like Ram Rahim with the prolonged suffering of activists like Saibaba.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, one of the few opposition leaders to offer condolences, expressed his deep sorrow over Saibaba's death, calling it a significant loss for human rights advocates. In an emotional message, Stalin described Saibaba as a relentless champion for the oppressed, who sacrificed his own freedom and health in the fight against injustice. He praised Saibaba's unwavering courage in defending civil liberties despite numerous challenges, seeing it as a lasting symbol of integrity. Stalin extended his heartfelt condolences to Saibaba's family and loved ones.

While Congress leadership largely refrained from commenting on the incident, a few members voiced concerns, including the MP Karthi Chidambaram who criticized the system for the tragedy. The Kerala Congress unit through their X handle condemned the injustice, comparing victim’s treatment to the leniency shown to convicted criminals, including a reference to Father Stan Swamy, who was denied basic rights.

Konkana Exposes Caste, Class And Gender Discrimination In Bollywood

Entertainment

2 days ago

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Konkana Sen Sharma made shocking revelations about the instances of discrimination based on caste, class and gender in the film industry.

Actress and filmmaker Konkona Sen Sharma in her latest interview with Sucharita Tyagi on her YouTube channel has exposed troubling details about the dynamics on Bollywood film sets, highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment. She pointed out that the film industry is not only deeply patriarchal but also perpetuates discrimination along caste and class lines.

Konkona pointed out that the film industry is deeply hierarchical, with discrimination rooted not only in gender but also in caste and class. She described the industry as patriarchal, regressive, and problematic. She highlighted how even basic aspects, like food and bathroom access, are governed by one's social standing.

She emphasized that on film sets, only senior women receive respect, while others are treated like "furniture." She described how female actors and assistant directors are often physically pushed around, highlighting the pervasive mistreatment. She expressed how challenging it is to work in such an environment, noting the difficulty of both witnessing and experiencing this behavior.

Konkona also mentioned that many instances of sexual harassment on film sets go unreported because the perpetrators are highly respected figures within the industry.

When asked about the need for more female critics and journalists, Konkona strongly supported the idea, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives in film criticism.

She explained that different backgrounds, such as feminist or Marxist viewpoints, shape how people interpret films, which enriches the analysis. However, she cautioned that being a woman does not guarantee a progressive or feminist outlook, as patriarchy is a mindset that even women can internalize. She also noted that while some female filmmakers exhibit patriarchal tendencies, there are a few male filmmakers who write progressive and sensitive female characters, though such cases are uncommon.

Konkona's revelations align with the findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report, which examined the conditions on Malayalam film sets, particularly regarding sexual violence and gender inequality. The committee was tasked with investigating these issues and proposing solutions. In the wake of these investigations, numerous actresses from the Indian film industry have also come forward to share their experiences of harassment on film sets.

Supreme Court Ruling Paves Way for LGBTQ+ Banking Rights

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In a progressive step towards inclusivity, the Finance Ministry of India has issued a crucial advisory confirming that there are no restrictions on LGBTQ+ individuals opening joint bank accounts or nominating their partners in a queer relationship as beneficiaries. This announcement, made on August 28, 2024, comes in response to a Supreme Court ruling from October 2023.

Supreme Court's Pivotal Role

The advisory follows the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on October 17, 2023, in the case of Supriyo@Supriya Chakraborty vs. Union of India (Writ Petition Civil No. 1011/2022). In this ruling, the court addressed issues relating to the rights of individuals in same-sex relationships. The court emphasized that the queer community must be afforded equal access to banking services and other essential rights.

RBI's Action and Clarification

In alignment with the Supreme Court’s decision, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on August 21, 2024, issued directives to all scheduled commercial banks. These directives emphasized that LGBTQ+ individuals should face no barriers when opening joint accounts or nominating their partners as beneficiaries. This was a continuation of the RBI's commitment to inclusivity, which began in 2015 when it mandated that banks include a “third gender” column in their forms to cater to transgender individuals.

Past Initiatives and Growing Inclusivity in Banking

Since the 2015 directive, various banks in India have taken steps to support the transgender community. For example, ESAF Small Finance Bank Ltd. launched its 'Rainbow Savings Account' in 2022, which provided features such as higher savings rates and enhanced debit card services tailored specifically to transgender customers.

This latest advisory is another step forward, ensuring that no individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, faces discrimination when accessing financial services.

Small Steps Forward?

Further demonstrating its commitment to addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, the Central Government formed a six-member committee in April 2024. Led by the Cabinet Secretary, this committee is tasked with reviewing and proposing measures to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing goods and services. The panel also focuses on protecting the community from violence, harassment, and coercion.

Governance

2 months ago

Life In A (Safe) Metro: Women’s Safety in Metros Take A Turn In The Right Direction in Delhi

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In a decisive move aimed at enhancing the safety and comfort of women commuters, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched a special drive on Tuesday to curb the unlawful entry of male passengers into ladies’ coaches. On the very first day, 108 men were directed to deboard the reserved carriages, with 32 fined for violating the Delhi Metro (Operation and Maintenance) Act.

The DMRC’s decision to deploy 10 flying squads on each Metro line underscores the seriousness of the issue. For too long, women have endured the discomfort of sharing their designated coaches with male passengers, often leading to situations of unease or harassment. These squads, made up of personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Metro Rail Police (DMRP), and DMRC staff, are conducting random surprise checks to ensure compliance and deter violations.

“The primary focus is to ensure that men do not enter the ladies’ coaches and address any misbehaviour. Offenders who break the rules or refuse to pay the fine of Rs 250 will be deboarded and handed over to the DMRP,” said Anuj Dayal, DMRC’s principal executive director of corporate communication.

This drive is more than just about enforcing fines—it’s about creating an environment where women can commute without feeling vulnerable or exposed. The first coach in every Metro train is reserved exclusively for women, yet male passengers continue to violate this rule, often disregarding the discomfort and safety of female passengers. The DMRC’s new campaign stands as a clear declaration that this behaviour will no longer be tolerated.

Women commuters now have an additional layer of support through the 24×7 Helpline Number (155370), encouraging them to report unauthorized entry or misbehaviour by male passengers. This initiative reflects a growing awareness that the burden of safety shouldn’t fall solely on women’s shoulders. For too long, women have been expected to adjust, to “deal with” the presence of men in spaces explicitly reserved for them. But this drive signals that institutions like the DMRC are stepping up, taking responsibility, and creating systems that enforce respect for women’s rights to privacy and security.

The deboarding of 108 men on the first day alone is a testament to how pervasive this issue has been. Yet, the DMRC’s strict enforcement isn’t just about punishing violators—it’s about shifting the culture. It’s about changing the perception that women’s spaces can be infringed upon without consequence. The fine of Rs 250 although small, is at least a step in the correct direction - the direction of a safe environment for women.

India

2 months ago

UP's New Media Policy: Publicity Payouts or Election Strategy?

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The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved a new digital media policy aimed at promoting its developmental and welfare initiatives through social media influencers and digital platforms. Announced on August 27, the Uttar Pradesh New Digital Media Policy, 2024 offers lucrative incentives for influencers to promote the state’s achievements, while also threatening legal action for content deemed “indecent, obscene, or anti-national.”

Sanjay Prasad, the principal secretary to the Chief Minister and the state’s information department, elaborated on the policy’s intentions. "Under no circumstances should the content be indecent, obscene, or anti-national," Prasad said, emphasizing the need for appropriate digital content that supports the dissemination of the government’s welfare schemes and achievements.

The policy creates a significant opportunity for digital influencers, offering monthly payouts of up to Rs 8 lakh for content that promotes the state's initiatives. This system is tiered based on the reach of influencers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Influencers who create content for YouTube, including podcasts and short video clips, could earn the highest payouts, up to Rs 8 lakh per month. Influencers on other platforms, such as X, Facebook, and Instagram, could earn up to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the number of followers and engagement they generate.

According to Prasad, the primary goal is to ensure that information about various developmental and public welfare schemes is spread across digital channels. "The policy was prepared to disseminate information about various developmental, public welfare, beneficial schemes, and achievements of the state," Prasad stated. He further added that this would increase employment opportunities for residents of Uttar Pradesh, even those living in different parts of the country or abroad.

Controversy and Criticism

However, the policy has ignited its fair share of criticism. One could argue that this policy serves as an attempt to control digital narratives and suppress dissent. The Congress party accused the BJP government of trying to “capture” the digital media space by offering financial rewards for positive coverage while punishing any form of criticism.

"Now the government is bent on taking up the media for ‘adoption’ without any fear or hesitation. If this is not a danger to democracy, then what is?" said a spokesperson for the Uttar Pradesh Congress. This move comes at a particularly convenient time for the Uttar Pradesh government, just as it faces an uphill battle to secure enough votes ahead of the state Assembly elections. Following less-than-ideal outcomes in the Lok Sabha elections, there seems to be a need for a strong strategy to regain voter confidence. The introduction of this policy seems like a rather calculated attempt to boost (buy) their voter count.

The policy’s vague references to what constitutes “anti-national” content also raise alarm. Without a clear definition, the government could misuse the policy to target opposition voices or independent media.

Government’s Defense

BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi defended the new policy, arguing that it aligns with the government's responsibility to combat misinformation and promote positive contributions through social media. "Those who are doing good work will be provided advertisements as a means of employment," Tripathi said. He stressed that the policy is focused on ensuring that digital platforms are used for constructive purposes and warned that those spreading misinformation or creating social unrest would face strict action.

Tripathi also claimed that the policy would "set a precedent" for other states to follow, potentially reshaping how governments interact with digital media in the future.

As Uttar Pradesh moves forward with this policy, debates about its impact on free speech, media integrity, and political influence will likely continue. Whether it enhances the digital ecosystem or tightens control over dissenting voices remains to be seen.

Governance

2 months ago

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