Counterview

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  The lineage of monarchical practices in political communication—used to convey authority and dominance—was normalized in American democracy through traditions such as addressing the nation, presidential inaugural speeches, and the State of the Union address. These forms of political communication have since become universal practices, adopted by leaders in many countries around the world. Idealist leaders often use such occasions to unify people, highlight achievements, address challenges, and set goals for the nation’s future.

By  Jag Jivan   The Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI) has warned that the country’s biodiesel sector is facing a severe crisis due to the breaking of government assurances under the 2018 National Biofuel Policy, non-purchase of biodiesel by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and sudden price cuts.

By ​Raj Kumar Sinha*  ​Indians are the largest recipients of H-1B visas. Between October 2022 and September 2023, Indian citizens received approximately 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued by the US. This means that out of every 100 visas, around 70-75 go to Indians.

By A Representative   The Vadodara-based advocacy group Peoples Training & Research Centre (PTRC)-released  annual report for 2024-25 on silicosis in Gujarat has revealed alarming figures, showing a sharp increase in both diagnosed cases and deaths compared to the previous year. During the year, 721 workers were identified as having been exposed to silica dust, of whom 119 were diagnosed with silicosis. Among them, 38 workers died, a significant rise from 12 deaths in 2023-24.

By Bharat Dogra*  Despite the wide network of treatment facilities and nutrition support available for tuberculosis patients in India, those living in remote villages often face severe challenges in accessing care. Health facilities are frequently located far from villages, and the stigma attached to the disease discourages many patients from undergoing timely tests.

By A Representative   The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has released its audited Placement Report 2025 for the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-PGP), reaffirming the continued trust of recruiters in its talent pool. The report , prepared in line with the Indian Placement Reporting Standards (IPRS), reflects both an increase in salaries and broader recruiter participation despite a challenging job market.

By Harsh Thakor*  The recent statement announcing a temporary ceasefire in the Maoist armed struggle, attributed to Central Committee spokesperson Abhay, has sparked wide debate. The statement, issued with an August 15 dateline, declared a “temporary renunciation of armed struggle” and a willingness to lay down arms. It also addressed the prime minister and home minister respectfully and urged state governments in Maoist-affected regions to take a peace-oriented approach.