Counterview

By Dr Amitav Banerjee, MD*  “Corona ” is in the media once again, precipitating a déjà-vu feeling and some amount of panic among the people. Among viruses and microorganisms King Corona and its descendents enjoy Royalty Status. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." This classic quote from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is well known. But does it hold well in current times? The events during the past five years challenge the Bard's view.

By Bharat Dogra*  The recent tragic deaths of approximately 23 individuals in the Amritsar district of Punjab, along with the critical condition of several others, have understandably sparked significant concern. However, this incident should be viewed as merely a devastating glimpse into a far broader and steadily worsening crisis: the multifaceted tragedy of alcohol-related deaths, illnesses, and social upheaval across India.

By A Representative  In a strongly worded appeal addressed to the President of India, a group of senior retired defence officers, civil servants, academics and citizens have condemned recent statements made by Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda and Minister Vijay Shah, describing them as “derogatory and disrespectful” towards India’s Defence Forces.

By A Representative  The Socialist Party (India) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting that the government drop its plan to send seven delegations of political leaders abroad to present India’s position on terrorism. Instead, the party recommends sending one delegation to Pakistan to begin a dialogue process supported by confidence-building steps.

By A Representative  The National Alliance for Justice, Accountability & Rights (NAJAR), a collective of legal professionals associated with the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM), has written to the Minister of External Affairs urging the Government of India to reconsider its diplomatic and trade relations with Israel in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Counterview Desk  People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has strongly criticized the arrest of Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, calling it an infringement on constitutionally protected rights. The organization argues that his statements fall within the legal framework of discussion and advocacy, rather than incitement.

By Rajiv Shah  A new report by  Toxics Link , an Indian environmental research and advocacy organisation based in New Delhi, in collaboration with the  Environmental Defense Fund , a global non-profit headquartered in New York, has raised the alarm that Sabarmati is one of five rivers across India found to contain unacceptable levels of nonylphenol (NP), a chemical linked to "exposure to carcinogenic outcomes, including prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women."

By A Representative   The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) has filed a formal complaint against dairy giant Amul, alleging violations of the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992 (IMS Act). The complaint has been addressed to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.  

By Ram Puniyani*  The killing of 26 tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam stands as one of the worst tragedies in recent times. Baisaran, a scenic spot accessible only by horseback or on foot, became the site of brutal violence. The terrorists targeted victims after confirming their religion. A local Muslim escort who tried to resist was killed, while other Kashmiri porters carried tourists to safety, opening their homes and mosques to them. Kashmir observed a bandh, and processions raised slogans of Hindu-Muslim unity. Across the country, Muslims and other communities held candle marches and offered condolences for the victims.

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak*  Migrants play a vital role in sustaining essential services across Europe. They work as doctors and nurses, keeping healthcare systems running. They teach in schools, colleges, and universities, helping to develop and share knowledge.