A Decade of Living Dangerously: The Wire Marks its 10th Year with Pressing Unmute in Naya India
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A Decade of Living Dangerously: The Wire Marks its 10th Year with Pressing Unmute in Naya India
The Wire Staff
34 minutes ago
Directors Dibakar Banerjee, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Alankrita Shrivastava, actor Shahana Goswami and documentary film-maker Vani Subramanian will be in discussion with The Wire's Deputy Editor Jahnavi Sen.
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Directors Dibakar Banerjee, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Alankrita Shrivastava, actor Shahana Goswami and documentary film-maker Vani Subramanian will be in discussion with The Wire's Deputy Editor Jahnavi Sen On Monday, May 12, 2025, at New Delhi's Jawahar Bhawan at 5 pm.
New Delhi: The Wire turned ten today (Sunday, May 11, 2025). It was a decade ago that we began our journey as a digital platform, committed to serving up good information, news, analysis and opinions.
Its three founding editors, Sidharth Bhatia, Siddharth Varadarajan and M.K. Venu, were leading names in big media before taking the plunge and testing the waters in the digital sphere. What has evolved now is a platform in English, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu along with a YouTube channel drawing millions to it.
We derive our strength from many things. Our sprightly team that is our workforce and brings The Wire to you, 24X7, at present and also those who have worked for us in the past. But The Wire is also the larger ecosystem of fellow-independent media and others who work in the creative space, both fact and fiction. People with whom we share values in the ultimate objective towards interpreting monumental changes in India and the world.
On Monday (May 12, 2025), at New Delhi's Jawahar Bhawan at 5 pm we are marking the first of many discussions we hope to hold in the year, centred around the challenges of speaking the truth through film.
Directors Dibakar Banerjee, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Alankrita Shrivastava, actor Shahana Goswami and documentary film-maker Vani Subramanian will be in discussion with The Wire's Deputy Editor Jahnavi Sen.
Those in Delhi, do come, the closest metro station is Central Secretariat.
It is about A Decade of Living Dangerously: Pressing Unmute in Naya India. We look forward to catching you there.
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The Hindu
37 minutes ago
- The Hindu
The Census and the remaking of a people
A population is a group of inhabitants in a particular place. A people, as in 'We the People,' in the preamble of the Constitution, is a political community. The counting and the labelling of the population under multiple categories, i.e., a census, is not merely a technical exercise. It mediates the transformation of the population to a people in a significant manner. The people — a political community — have a shared view of how they govern themselves and allocate their resources. The 2027 Census will so impact the notion of people that it is going to be a centennial event, like the COVID-19 pandemic that delayed the decadal census which was to happen in 2021. A census counts the total population, and under various categories and qualities — rural and urban, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), economic activity, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, migration, fertility and mortality. It also enumerates the latest administrative map of the country. A census, technically speaking, only captures the reality that exists. But the very act of capturing it under definitive categories alters and creates realities. There are organic, natural demographic trends which are underway, whether you document them or not. For instance, we know that more people in Chennai or Mumbai speak Hindi today than 20 years ago. In the same time period, we know that Kerala received and sent out a large number of migrants, but we do not know the exact numbers. These patterns of birth, death, migration, languages, and economic activity will have political implications; their recording itself is an influencer of that process. The study of this link, between demography and politics (political demography), is an underdeveloped field the world over. Issue of parliamentary representation After half a century, India's parliamentary representation will be redistributed between the States. Article 81 of the Constitution mandates that the next inter-State redistribution representation according to population will be done after 'the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year 2026 have been published'. The Census of 2021 was delayed due to the pandemic, but it could have been done much earlier than now. In normal course, the first Census after 2026 would have been in 2031, with the new delimitation exercise after that. The delay in the 2021 Census has advanced delimitation by at least five years. This is going to be the first census in which all data will be captured digitally, and its processing can be much faster than previous ones which took up to three years. The work of past Delimitation Commissions took years, but that too will be much quicker in the next round. All things considered, it is possible, and even likely, that the general election in 2029 can be conducted on the basis of a new parliamentary map of India. What happens if the distribution of population becomes the sole criteria for the redistribution of parliamentary seats? Some States have grown faster population-wise and slower economy-wise; for some States, the inverse holds true. People are moving from where there are more of them to where there are fewer of them such as from the north and central regions of the country to the west and southern regions, and also to Delhi NCR which is in the heartland. This movement is linked to demography and the economy. People are moving in search of better opportunities, and, in many cases, to escape distress. Regions of higher economic growth attract people from elsewhere, while their native populations age. If relative population remains the only and sole criteria for an inter-State reallocation of parliamentary representation, political power will move from regions with a 'stronger economy-low birth rate' combination to regions that have a 'weaker economy-high birth rate' combination. The Centre has said that the demand for fair delimitation from States that fear a reduction in their political representation will be discussed at the appropriate time, but there is no clarity as yet on its thoughts on this issue. Factors of caste, revenue sharing There are other adjacent factors that are inherent and contingent upon Census 2027, which will be determinants in this remaking of the people. For the first time since Independence, all castes will be counted separately as against the counting of only SCs and STs now. The caste census until 1931, during British rule, triggered multiple claims and resultant politics. It will be difficult to predict the political impact of a new caste census, but it is certain that the clamour for removal of the 50% ceiling on quotas will get louder. The next delimitation will allocate one third of the seats in Parliament and Assemblies for women. The Centre has made it clear that it will push for simultaneous elections to Parliament and the State Assemblies. The individual citizen is considered to constitute the elementary unit of people, in liberal democracy. But a simple reading of the relevant provisions of the Constitution makes it clear how group identities were accepted in the constitutional scheme of things — before that in the national movement, and later in governance. National unity of the modern Republic of India was designed in three dimensions — unity of religions, castes and regions as highlighted in an article in this daily, 'National unity, a three-dimensional view' (Editorial page, October 6, 2023). That contract of unity is now being renegotiated to make place for the changes and the learnings of at least 50 years. Census 2027 is a milestone in this ongoing process and will unleash unpredictable forces. There is also a simultaneous development that is also relevant in this context. The Sixteenth Finance Commission (tasked with making recommendations for revenue sharing across States and between the Centre and the State for five years and commencing its work from April 1, 2026), is in deliberations with stakeholders. It is required to make its recommendations available by October 31, 2025. The mechanism devised by the previous Finance Commission for revenue sharing remains a source of grievance for many States. The Sixteenth Finance Commission's report will have the additional import of its timing, coming as it does on the cusp of a dramatic realignment of political power across social groups and regions. From a population to a people, the transition is achieved by administrative measures and politics. Census categories have been a key determinant in Indian identities. The first Census of 1881, under the colonial administration, had rigid religious and caste categories of its Indian subjects — which have remained key determinants of politics since then. All politics in India has been about various attempts to slice and dice and aggregate and disaggregate these categories. Population management involves the absolute numbers of people, their spatial distribution and their quality through health care and education. None of this is apolitical; education is a particularly notable field. Integral to political strategies The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to achieve its goal of national consolidation through a change in thinking of how Indians see themselves as a people. It is not a disinterested actor in this emerging scenario of a demographic transition. A population-based inter-State delimitation will shift political power to its strongholds and weaken its political opponents. Gender and caste are national categories. By introducing these factors, the BJP can shift the delimitation debate beyond the conflicting demands of regions, and create new political constituencies. The Congress and the Left too are theoretically national formations, which require them to balance regional aspirations and national requirements. The Congress is trying to reclaim some space in heartland politics by joining the caste debate, but it remains to be seen how its contest with the BJP will progress on this count. The BJP has a totalising vision of national identity, and a population-based delimitation is a tempting route for it to follow. Alternatively, if it wants to emerge as a truly national party which reassures interests across castes, regions and religions, then this is a good opportunity for it. varghese.g@
The Wire
an hour ago
- The Wire
Chhattisgarh: Additional SP Killed, Two Officers Injured in IED Blast
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Security Chhattisgarh: Additional SP Killed, Two Officers Injured in IED Blast N. Rahul 5 minutes ago DSP Bhanu Pratap Chandrakar and Inspector Sonhal Gavla, who were injured in the blast, were airlifted for treatment at a hospital in Raipur. Akash Rao Giripunje, Additional SP, was killed in an IED blast in Chhattisgarh. Photo: Special Arrangement Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Hyderabad: At least one police personnel was killed, while two others were injured in a blast caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists near Dondra village of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh on Monday morning. The incident took place a day ahead of a nationwide bandh called by the Maoists to protest the encounter killing of Communist Party of India (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Kesava Rao in an encounter in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh on May 21. A 42-year-old additional superintendent of police, identified as Akash Rao Giripunje, succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital in Konta. Rao was a direct recruit DSP of 2013 batch. He was posted at Konta last year. Meanwhile, DSP Bhanu Pratap Chandrakar and Inspector Sonhal Gavla – who were injured in the blast – were given first aid before being airlifted for treatment at a hospital in Raipur. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P. said that their condition was out of danger. The incident happened around 10 AM on May 21 when ASP Rao was leading a police party on foot on Konta-Errabor road. The police were on foot patrol after receiving information that the Maoists had burnt an earth mover in the area. According to Sundarraj, Rao faced the full impact of the explosion as he stepped on the IED pressure bomb. Another senior police officer said the Maoists have planted IEDs deep inside the surface of several roads passing through forests in Chhattisgarh whereas the detection equipment of police are designed to identify explosives only up to a depth of two feet. In this case, it was buried more than five feet below, the officer noted. Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said in a post on X warned that the 'Naxalites' will have to face its consequences. 'Our security forces have been fighting a big battle against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh and achieving continuous successes in it. Frustrated by this, the Naxalites have carried out such cowardly acts and they will have to face its consequences. The day is not far when their existence will end in Chhattisgarh,' he said. Sundarraj said any attempt by Maoists to break the morale of the police will fail. 'Our unwavering commitment to root out Maoism has only become stronger after the incident,' he said. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Seven Maoist Leaders Killed in 3-Day 'Encounter'; Rights Groups Allege Brutal Torture 'A Pattern of Calculated Cruelty': Indian Organisations Abroad Condemn Chhattisgarh Encounters CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshava Rao Killed In Encounter in Chhattisgarh Not Even Skeletal Remains, Ashes of N. Keshava Rao and Other Slain Maoists Given to Kin Is the Red Star Setting over India? Adivasis Against Maoism: From Resistance to Negotiation Under-Trial Prisoner Killed by Two Inmates at Saket Court Lock-Up Spotlighting Lax Security Why Aren't Peace Talks With Maoists an Option? Chhattisgarh: Union Govt Must Declare Ceasefire With Maoists; Affected Citizens Must Get a Voice About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
A prayer for peace: Pilot reaches out to Gehlot, raises hopes in Congress
Congress leaders are hopeful of a new beginning in the Rajasthan party unit after AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot broke ice with his celebrated in-house opponent, Ashok Gehlot. Pilot visited Gehlot at his residence in Jaipur on Saturday and invited him--marking a first--to the prayer meeting being organised on June 11 for the 25th death anniversary of his father, Rajesh Pilot . There's now suspense--and hope--among the Congress campers, of Gehlot reciprocating by visiting Dausa to attend the prayer meeting, something that he has not done for a long time. Pilot's visit to Gehlot's residence has raised hopes of the melting of a decade-old chill in their relationship, which has turned them into two opposite poles of Rajasthan Congress , even when they functioned as then PCC president and chief minister, respectively, resulting in a bitter power-struggle and fallout. "A prayer meeting is being organised on the occasion of the 25th death anniversary of my father, Rajesh Pilot ji. I thought it would be appropriate to visit Ashok ji and invite him to the prayer meeting," Pilot told ET, when asked about his visit. Live Events Gehlot, on his part, shared on social media a video clip of Pilot meeting him. "AICC general secretary Shri Sachin Pilot invited me to the programme being organised on the 25th death anniversary of former Union minister, Late Shri Rajesh Pilot. Rajesh Pilot ji and I reached the Lok Sabha together for the first time in 1980, and we were MPs together for almost 18 years. We are still saddened by his sudden demise. His departure was a big blow to the party," Gehlot said. Both leaders were closeted for about an hour during their meeting. The meeting comes at a time when the BJP state government of Rajasthan, headed by Bhajan Lal Sharma, is completing one-and-a-half years this week without facing any active anti-government mobilisation on the ground by the state Congress leadership, as current PCC president Govind Singh Dotasara and the leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Tikaram Jully, are widely perceived to be lacking the political stature, reach and skills of Gehlot or Pilot to rally the Congress for a fight back. Gehlot, 74, now a legislator, has not held any PCC/AICC post since his government was voted out in 2023. Pilot, 47, also an MLA , is currently an AICC general secretary looking after the party affairs of Chhattisgarh. The visible consolidation of the BJP government in Rajasthan has led to talks within the Congress circles in Delhi and Rajasthan that the time has come to restructure and reactivate the state Congress--where Dotasara has completed five years as PCC chief after he was picked for the post as a compromise nominee after Pilot's revolt in 2020 --in order to start the party mobilisation with an eye on preparing for the next elections in the key Hindi heartland state. Pilot's meeting with Gehlot has added to the party circles' hope of a new dawn.
