India Archive

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between two political parties isn’t typically the stuff of intrigue, unless those parties are India’s Congress Party and China’s Communist Party (CCP). The nature of this particular MoU was elevated by its signatories: Rahul Gandhi for India's Congress and Xi Jinping for China, the latter of whom was then the Chinese vice-president. Adding to the curious nature of this agreement was the presence of Rahul’s mother and then party president, Sonia Gandhi, who stood witness.

Well, folks, our very own drama king, Derek O'Brien from Trinamool Congress (TMC), is back in the spotlight. And no, it's not for winning an Oscar, though he might just give Hollywood a run for its money with his performances. On Tuesday, during the Monsoon session of the Parliament, O'Brien managed to secure a ticket straight out of the Rajya Sabha. But how did we get here?

In Jammu and Kashmir, over three decades ago, the cold-blooded assassination of retired Judge Neelkanth Ganjoo sent shockwaves through the region. Today, the mystery behind the murder is once again being revisited, as the Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) decided to reopen the case that seemed closed to many. But to understand the importance of this decision, one must delve into the intricacies of this dark chapter in the region's history.

Pull up a chair and grab your favorite snack, folks, because we're diving deep into the world of Indian politics, and trust me, it's never a dull moment.

On a rather eventful Monday, the Supreme Court, seemingly bursting with newfound concern, established a three-member, all-female judicial committee to scrutinize the probe carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Manipur Police about the incidents of violence in Manipur. It's worth noting that while this sudden surge of judicial scrutiny targets Manipur, numerous similar incidents in states like Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Bihar have perhaps been conveniently overlooked.

Well, in a show of apparently boundless compassion for individuals suspected to be engaged in communal violence, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in an interesting twist, stepped in to halt the demolition drive in the Nuh district of Haryana. This was in response to recent clashes that had erupted in the city, leading to rampant violence and destruction. Apparently, the concept of accountability is taking a back seat here. [Court on its own motion vs State of Haryana]

In an exemplary instance of justice taking its rightful course, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has sanctioned the prosecution of six individuals involved in the grave case linked to the 2020 North East Delhi communal riots. The monumental decision marks a crucial step towards seeking justice for the victim and combating the forces of violence and disruption.

Excitement is in the air folks, as India paves the way towards a significant milestone in the pharmaceutical industry. Our very own Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, has made a triumphant announcement. It seems we've done it! India has successfully initiated the manufacturing of 38 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the past year and a half. If you're thinking, "Well, that's neat," hold on to your hats, because it's not just neat, it's a game-changer!

As we mark the four-year anniversary of the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the region's shifting landscape and dynamics present a potent cocktail of intrigue and humor that even the most skillful Bollywood screenwriter would struggle to fabricate. On this date in 2019, the Modi government stripped away the contentious article that had been a thorn in the side of India's unity, setting the stage for a drama that rivals any primetime soap opera.

In the heart of the Himalayas, where the sun can be unforgiving and the snowstorms blinding, where the altitude can leave you breathless and the bitter cold can freeze you to the bone, an unseen power is at work.