Counterview

  By Rajiv Shah A global civil rights group, Civicus has taken strong exception to how critical commentaries during the “recent conflict” with Pakistan were censored in India, with journalists getting “targeted”. I have no quarrel with the Civicus view, as the facts mentioned in it are all true.

By A Representative   In a disturbing escalation of tensions between state authorities and Adivasi communities in the Nagarahole forests, over 250 personnel from the Forest Department, Special Tiger Protection Force, and local police violently demolished six huts belonging to Jenu Kuruba Adivasi families in Karadikallu Atturu Koli Haadi on June 18. The demolition took place in the midst of heavy monsoon rains, leaving families exposed to the elements and stripped of their temporary homes.

By Bharat Dogra  In the arid landscape of Bundelkhand, where water scarcity and erratic rainfall define the rhythms of daily life, a quiet revolution is underway. At the forefront are rural women volunteers—known as jal sahelis—who are emerging as tireless champions of water conservation, community hygiene, and ecological revival.

By A Representative   The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), a U.S.-based advocacy organization, has released a report alleging that the Indian government is engaging in transnational repression (TNR) tactics within the United States to target critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration. The report claims these efforts are facilitated with the involvement of Indian consulates and pro-government networks.

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  After several days of travel and digital silence, I returned from a rare and deeply moving journey into the Amazon region of Colombia. It was not just another field trip, but an opportunity to witness the pulse of Latin America’s land rights movement, firsthand.

By Maninder Singh*  In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook one of the most vital aspects of our well-being—our mind. From meeting deadlines to staying focused and recalling important details, our brain is constantly at work. To keep it healthy and sharp, it needs consistent care and nourishment.

By Harsh Thakor*   Ka Louie Jalandoni, a long-time leader of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), passed away on June 7 at the age of 90. He played a prominent role in the country’s leftist revolutionary movement and was the NDFP’s chief international representative and chief peace negotiator for several decades.

  By Rajiv Shah  An action research report, “Invited Disaster: Khadi Floods in Surat City”, published by two civil rights groups, Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti and the People's Union for Civil Liberties, Surat, states that nearly half of Gujarat's top urban conglomerate—known for its concentration of textile and diamond polishing industries—is affected by the dumping of debris and solid waste, along with the release of treated and untreated sewage into the khadis (rivulets), thereby increasing the risk of flood disaster.

By Bharat Dogra  Two major challenges continue to limit the full participation of rural women in development. First, their crucial roles, potential, and capabilities often remain underrecognized. Second, even when women are encouraged to take on broader responsibilities, the overarching development models may not align with their needs or perspectives and may even appear counterproductive. Under such conditions, it is unrealistic to expect women to engage as enthusiastic and creative participants.

By Vikas Meshram  No matter how advanced or complex the world becomes, food remains an unshakable necessity for human survival. Whether in technologically advanced nations or in developing countries striving to catch up, every individual depends on food. Yet, as the global narrative of development unfolds, agriculture—the source of this essential need—has been increasingly sidelined. This shift is not only alarming but also dangerous, as it threatens both human health and environmental balance.