The decision to designate the Popular Front of India (PFI) as an “unlawful association” on September 28 is the most concrete signal yet of the government’s intent to stem the growing radicalisation of Muslim youth. The decision, around which media speculation had been swirling for weeks, was immediately preceded by pre-emptive nationwide arrests of the PFI leadership on the 22nd and 27th. The decision will now have to be referred, in terms of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, to a Tribunal consisting of a sitting High Court judge for determining whether or not there existed “sufficient cause” for declaring the organisation unlawful. The office-bearers of the PFI will be presented an opportunity by this Tribunal to present their case. A final decision about the fate of the PFI should be known within six months. Given the media coverage that has been devoted to the issue, most readers will be at least vaguely familiar with the ideology and sphere of activities of the PFI. … [Read more...] about Ban on Popular Front of India: An Important Step in Countering Rising Islamism in India
Telangana
36th National Games Round-up: Nine Records Broken in Athletics; Mirabai, Bhavani And Elavenil Strike Gold
Olympic silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, pathbreaking fencer Bhavani Devi, wrestler Divya Kakaran and local shooter Elavenil Valarivan lived up to their billing to clinch gold medals in their respective events with relative ease in the 36th National Games in Gandhinagar on Friday. The athletics arena at IIT, Gandhinagar was on fire, though, with as many as nine Games’ records falling during the course of the day. Also Read: Djokovic Advances to Tel Aviv Semi-finals With a Straight-sets Win Munita Prajapati (Uttar Pradesh), daughter of a construction labour, and 17-year-old Parvej Khan (Services) overshadowed all with their feats. Munita set the first record of this edition in the Women’s 20km walk, clocking a commendable 1 hour 38 minutes 20 seconds. Parvej Khan’s then broke renowned Bahadur Prasad’s 28-year-old Games record in the men’s 1500m to the delight of the fraternity. He slashed nearly two seconds off his personal best time to win the metric mile gold … [Read more...] about 36th National Games Round-up: Nine Records Broken in Athletics; Mirabai, Bhavani And Elavenil Strike Gold
As India ages, keeping an eye on the elderly
The United Nations marks today as International Day for Older Persons (October 1), as part of the organisation’s efforts to draw attention to healthy ageing. Recently, a report by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), “World Population Prospects 2022”, has projected big shifts in global demographic patterns in the coming decades. As global birth rates stabilise and shrink, 16% of the world population by 2050 is expected to be made up of people over 65 years. India will be home to the largest population in the world which would include a large elderly sub-population. This demographic change will have a profound impact on its health systems. In this, eye care service delivery is uniquely placed to be the first point-of-contact with the elderly and to also help with health surveillance and planning. Changes to population structure ‘The HOMES data show us that the first step towards tackling basic issues of access and confidence in the elderly is to address … [Read more...] about As India ages, keeping an eye on the elderly
First Day First Show | India’s submission for Oscars, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ interviews
Around Tinsel Town >> India submits ‘Chhello Show’ for Oscars 2023, not ‘RRR’ Contrary to popular opinion, the Film Federation of India chose not to submit SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster film ‘RRR’ to the 95th Academy Awards under the Best International Feature Film category. Instead, Pan Nalin’s semi-autobiographical Gujarati drama ‘Chhello Show’ was selected as India’s official entry . The decision opened the gates to a huge online uproar, with some supporting the decision and some continuing to route for RRR in hopes of the film getting a golden Oscar run. But, can RRR still go the Oscars? Yes. Here’s how ‘RRR’ can still make a splash at the Oscars 2023 The debate also opens to the question of what the future of indie films look like . >> Woody Allen ‘announces’ retirement...oh wait! He didn’t On September 18, multiple western media outlets quoted Woody Allen telling the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia that his upcoming film ‘Wasp 22’ will be … [Read more...] about First Day First Show | India’s submission for Oscars, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ interviews