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The Wire
3 hours ago
- Business
- The Wire
India Shines – Sudha Reddy Becomes Miss World's First Global Ambassador
Hyderabad, Telangana, India (NewsVoir) In a historic first, the Miss World Organization has appointed Mrs. Sudha Reddy, a leading Indian philanthropist and businesswoman, as its first-ever Global Ambassador. The announcement comes ahead of the 72nd Miss World Grand Finale, marking a significant milestone in the global pageant's evolution. As a recognized women leader and changemaker, … Continue reading "India Shines – Sudha Reddy Becomes Miss World's First Global Ambassador"
The Wire
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Not Even Skeletal Remains, Ashes of N. Keshava Rao and Other Slain Maoists Given to Kin
Hyderabad: Not only did the Chhattisgarh police cremate the bodies of Communist Party of India (Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao and some others killed in the May 21 encounter in Abujhmad in the state's Narayanpur district on their own, they also refused permission to the deceased's relatives to even fetch their skeletal remains and ashes. Judicial intervention to help the relatives' cause also went in vain. In Keshava Rao's case, his kin also asked the police to hand over his spectacles that were recovered from the encounter site, but their request was not conceded. Of the 28 Maoists killed in the encounter, the police handed over 20 bodies to their kin but cremated the remaining eight themselves. The eight were Kesava Rao, four people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and three from Chhattisgarh. Keshava Rao's younger brother Ramprasad told The Wire that the stock reply they got from police was that a law and order problem would emerge if they handed over the bodies or remains. There would be a global congregation of rights activists as Keshava Rao was well known internationally. Then, a demand for the construction of a martyrs memorial would also be made. All this can lead to a law and order situation, he cited the police as saying. It was said that the police acted on instructions from the Chhattisgarh government to check the 'hero worship' of martyrs, as this could radicalise gatherings and lead to the recruitment of cadres. There were also concerns that a crowd may want to organise a rally. Ramprasad said the eight bodies were cremated by the police on the evening of May 26 despite orders by the Andhra Pradesh high court that they be handed over to their relatives. He and the relatives of other slain Maoists, including Sajja Venkata Nageswara Rao – who was an editorial board member of the Awam-e-Jung publication of the Maoist party – had reached Narayanpur on May 22 with three ambulances to take the bodies with them after hearing about the encounter, but were turned away by the police as they could not produce documents to establish their relationship with the deceased. Neither did they have Aadhaar cards, family photos or certification by the sarpanches of their respective villages in support of their claim for the bodies. With no other option, Ramprasad and others returned to Andhra Pradesh to knock on the doors of the judiciary. A vacation bench of the court at Amaravati, comprising Justices N. Harinath and Y. Lakshmana Rao, had disposed of two petitions on behalf of Keshava Rao and Venkata Nageswara Rao on May 24, asking their relatives to approach the Chhattisgarh police and claim the dead bodies in the wake of an assurance given by the advocate general of Chhattisgarh. The bench made the observation after hearing arguments from both sides on the court's territorial jurisdiction. The advocate general of Chhattisgarh, who appeared virtually, initially argued that the court was not competent to entertain the petition of the relatives as 'no cause of action arose within the jurisdiction of this court'. On the other hand, the deputy solicitor general, who also argued online on behalf of the Central Reserve Police Force that was involved in the encounter, said there could be a reason for not handing over the dead bodies as doing so could lead to a law and order situation. Under the guise of performing final rites, there could be a procession that may further escalate the law and order problem, the deputy solicitor general argued. Andhra Pradesh's advocate general, who was also present via videoconference, agreed with his Chhattisgarh counterpart that the high court of the latter state would have to be approached as the dead bodies were not in the custody of any state authorities within this court's remit. However, a senior counsel for the petitioners submitted that Article 226(2) of the constitution enabled his clients to seek relief from Andhra Pradesh even though the incident occurred in Chhattisgarh. He relied on a Supreme Court judgement that said a court can issue appropriate directions when part of a cause of action arose within the limits of the state that it adjudicated. Without going into the issue of the court's territorial jurisdiction, the bench disposed of the petitions, recording the submission of Chhattisgarh's advocate general that the post-mortem examination of the bodies would be completed on the same day (May 24) and 'they would be handed over to their relatives later'. Armed with the court order, Ramprasad and others went back to Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh to claim the bodies. But to their dismay, the police refused to hand over the bodies and instead offered to let them watch the cremation from a distance if they gave an undertaking giving consent to security forces to cremate the bodies. The cremation was to take place at a burial ground for tribal people on May 26. But they refused to sign any papers and returned to proceed with their ceremonies at home. Upon learning about the cremation, Chilaka Chandrasekhar, secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Civil LIberties Committee, filed a contempt petition in the Andhra Pradesh high court on May 27, with notices to Chhattisgarh's chief secretary and its director general of police, as well as to the inspector general of police of the Bastar region, P. Sundarraj, alleging a violation of the court's earlier order. He prayed for action against the senior officials for going back on a promise given to the court to hand over the bodies. But the court dismissed the case on the grounds that it cannot entertain a contempt petition for an incident that occurred in Chhattisgarh. The submissions of the advocates general of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh could not be attributed as an undertaking by Chhattisgarh officials, it said. An interim application filed in the court asking the Chhattisgarh government to give the skeletal remains and ashes to the kin was also turned down during arguments on May 29. Asked for comment, Sundarraj told The Wire that the bodies were disposed of after following due process and instructions from the executive magistrate. He did not want to elaborate further as the court had taken cognisance of the matter. The relatives of one deceased person from Chhattisgarh expressed unwillingness to carry his mortal remains to their village, apprehending the spread of communicable diseases. Chandrasekhar told The Wire that civil rights activist and research scholar Bela Bhatia mediated efforts by relatives to secure the bodies. It was she who learnt about the recovery of Keshava Rao's spectacles.
The Wire
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Wire
Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh to Play Key Role in FinTech & Banking Education with Industry Collaborations for Practical Learning: TCS Sr. Consultant, Ambrish Srivastava
For the best experience, open on your mobile browser or Download our App. Next Support independent journalism. Donate Now PTI 10 minutes ago Chandigarh University will create industry-ready professionals for Banking and Financial Services Companies says ICAI Chairman, CA Anurag Pandey Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India (NewsVoir) The Faculty of Business and Commerce at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh organised a panel discussion focused on India's transformation through education and its goal to become a $7 trillion economy by 2030. … Continue reading "Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh to Play Key Role in FinTech & Banking Education with Industry Collaborations for Practical Learning: TCS Sr. Consultant, Ambrish Srivastava" Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now Chandigarh University will create industry-ready professionals for Banking and Financial Services Companies says ICAI Chairman, CA Anurag Pandey Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India (NewsVoir) The Faculty of Business and Commerce at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh organised a panel discussion focused on India's transformation through education and its goal to become a $7 trillion economy by 2030. The event witnessed participation from industry leaders, academicians and expert panellists. Held in two sessions, the discussion delved into themes such as changes in education, the future of the economy, and the roadmap for achieving the $7 trillion economic goal. The panel also explored how AI will impact employment in the coming years. Speakers highlighted that AI-based jobs are likely to witness a 40 percent rise over the next five years. According to the India Skills Report 2024, the AI industry in India is expected to reach USD 28.8 billion by the end of 2025. Additionally, as per a report by ServiceNow and Pearson, AI is projected to generate 2.8 million new jobs in India by 2028. Under the Uttar Pradesh government's newly launched UP AI City Project, a target has been set to create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years, reflecting the promising future of AI in India. Dr. Ajay Yadav, Registrar, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh said, 'It is a proud moment for us to host the first business school panel discussion at Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh in the presence of esteemed dignitaries. This institution is not merely a project—it is a dream to create one of the finest educational spaces in India, with an investment of over ₹2,500 crore. Our vision is to build an iconic learning environment in the state capital region—one that parallels global standards and fulfills the aspirations of students who otherwise seek education abroad. We look forward to continued support and collaboration from academia and industry alike as we shape this dream into reality.' The Chief Guest, Prof. Manuka Khanna, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Lucknow said, 'It was a delight to visit Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh and witness the energy and vision shaping this emerging institution. The integration of AI across disciplines, coupled with a strong focus on skill development and incubation, reflects the future of higher education. Initiatives like these will empower students with real-world capabilities and position India as a global hub for innovation and talent. As the National Education Policy gains momentum, such models will play a vital role in transforming the educational landscape.' According to the Stanford AI Index 2024, India ranks first globally in AI skill penetration and has recorded a 263 percent growth in this sector since 2016. Moreover, India has now emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, having generated over 1.6 million jobs through 1.57 lakh startups. These statistics indicate that India is becoming a global power in AI skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship. While speaking on the role of AI in the finance and commerce sectors, speakers pointed out how AI is making processes such as data analysis, customer service, fraud detection and investment advisory faster, more accurate, and more secure than ever before. AI-powered chatbots and automated tools are not only improving customer experience but also enhancing critical functions like risk management and credit scoring. This is making banking and financial services more transparent and efficient. Speakers also emphasized that cyber fraud has become a major challenge in the digital era, and AI is proving to be an effective tool in combating it. AI-based systems can identify suspicious transactions in real-time. Thus, AI technology is playing a significant role not only in economic and educational development but also in strengthening cybersecurity. The event was graced by Prof. Manuka Khanna, Pro Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University as the chief guest, and by special guests including Prof. Neel Mani Verma, former Vice Chancellor of BBAU Lucknow, Prof. Amarendra Pratap Singh from IGNTU Amarkantak, and Mr. Ambarish Srivastava, Senior Consultant, TCS Lucknow. During the discussion, experts also stressed that aligning education with innovation, industry needs, and the vision of Digital India can not only make Indian youth globally competitive but also help India become economically self-reliant and prosperous. The discussion underlined that long-term thinking and an inclusive approach in education policies are essential to ensure that every section of society is integrated into the mainstream of economic development. In the first session, titled 'Future of Education and Economy,' in-depth discussions were held on changes in education and the future of the economy. The session was moderated by Prof. Alka Singh from the Faculty of Business and Commerce, Chandigarh University UP. Key speakers included Prof. Manuka Khanna, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Lucknow; Prof. Neel Mani Verma, former Vice Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; Prof. Amarendra Pratap Singh, Professor, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak; and Mr. Ambarish Srivastava, Senior Consultant, Tata Consultancy Services, Lucknow. This session saw a deep exchange of ideas on India's new education policy, technology-driven education systems, the relationship between industry and academia, and the role of education in economic growth. A key thought that emerged was that adopting innovation and industry-oriented vision in education systems can make India's economy stronger and more inclusive. In the second session titled 'Roadmap to a $7 Trillion Economy', the speakers discussed the necessary steps to take India's economy to the next level. This session was moderated by Prof. Ashutosh Bajpai from the Faculty of Business and Commerce, Chandigarh University UP. Key speakers included Prof. Manoj Agrawal, Professor, Department of Economics, Lucknow University; Prof. Saurabh, Dean, Siddharth University, Kapilvastu; and CA Anurag Pandey, Chairman of the Lucknow Branch of ICAI. All the speakers, being experts in their respective fields, shared valuable insights on the role of education, policy and investment in India's economic advancement. Mr. Ambrish Kumar Srivastava, Senior Consultant, TCS said, 'With nearly 60% of our population under the age of 35, India has a vast talent pool ready to be empowered through technology-driven education. Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh is leading this transformation by integrating AI across disciplines and building a future-ready curriculum. Its strong industry collaborations and focus on innovation are preparing students for diverse roles—from fintech and manufacturing to defence—making them truly industry-ready.' CA Anurag Pandey, Chairman, Lucknow Branch of ICAI said, 'Financial discipline, tax reforms, and a strong regulatory framework are crucial for sustainable national growth. As financial professionals, we play a vital role in shaping this journey. I appreciate Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh's beautiful campus and its commitment to practical, industry-aligned education. With a strong focus on AI and global collaborations, the university is empowering students with the skills needed to become future-ready professionals.' About Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) Envisioned to foster a culture of sustainability and empower future global leaders, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, immerses 21st-century learners in a personalised and experiential learning experience, integrating an AI-powered academic model and a multidimensional, futuristic perspective on education. Our Uttar Pradesh campus carries forward the venerable legacy of more than a decade of Chandigarh University, Punjab, which has established itself as India's No. 1 Private University and a torchbearer of groundbreaking pedagogy and research-driven innovation. The AI-augmented new campus offers a broad spectrum of industry-driven futuristic academic programs encompassing data-driven insights, virtual reality experiences, real-world simulations, corporate mentorship, international perspective, interdisciplinary research, cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit, and professional competencies. For more information, please visit (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire. PTIPRNEWS Krishi Mahotsav at SKD University: A Revolution in Agriculture and Innovation View More
The Wire
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Backstory: The Disappearance of Media Stories on the Disappeared Points to a Cruel Future
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Media Backstory: The Disappearance of Media Stories on the Disappeared Points to a Cruel Future Pamela Philipose 10 minutes ago A fortnightly column from The Wire's ombudsperson. File image. This photo shows people transporting goods to a camp for internally displaced Rohingya in Myanmar. Photo: EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid/Flickr/CC BY-ND 2.0. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Earlier this year, the sight of Indians deemed 'illegal' by the US government under President Donald Trump and peremptorily sent back in a US military aircraft to India, manacled and shackled, created widespread outrage in the country. Headlines like 'Indian Illegal Migrants Deported From US Tell Their Tales Of Abuse' marked the accompanying flood of media coverage. In sharp contrast, the Indian government's renewed attempts to push out Rohingya and Bangladeshis who have fled to India, into the shadow lands and waters bordering neighbouring countries, have been met by a conspicuous media silence. So rarely has there been any incisive, or even just plain, reportage on the issue, that when the Indian Express carried a front page report on May 20, headlined 'In last 6 months, at least 770 from Delhi alone deported to Bangladesh as part of crackdown', it came as a shock. While there may have been unconfirmed information floating around that a few individuals deemed to be Bangladeshi or Rohingya have been pushed across the Bangladesh or Myanmar borders, nobody knew that there was an actual 'crackdown', and nobody suspected that the number of those so deported had touched 'at least 770'. The forced evacuation of such a large cohort is alarming in a democratic country. It signals a breakdown of moral and ethical codes that had at one point in its history marked the country's response to those seeking shelter within its shores for their survival. There are five reasons why such developments do not capture empathetic media attention and why stories of the disappeared are literally disappeared from media coverage. First is the confusion of semantics, which in turn has clouded public understanding of who exactly constitute this unusually variegated group. India, after all, has not signed the Refugee Convention of 1951, so what is the legal framework by which to perceive a bewildering range of people who could be deemed as foreigners, refugees, the internally displaced, economic migrants, or even environmental refugees? Secondly, precisely because of this lack of a legal framework, they can be framed in dark shades as criminals or illegals, depending on political expediency. The use of terms like 'infiltrators', 'terrorists', 'militants' and even 'termites' (as the home minister once characterised them), only serves to dehumanise them further and invest them with an unverifiable patina of diabolism. Thirdly, what has made the confusion worse is the prism of communalism through which these communities have come to be viewed, particularly after the enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. While those regarded as 'our migrants' enjoy fast-tracked citizenship, particularly harsh treatment is meted out to 'their migrants', which includes police repression, vigilante persecution and summary expulsion. Also read | 'Thrown Into the Sea': How India Allegedly Deported 38 Rohingya Refugees Without Due Process Fourthly, over a period of time, this amalgam of untenable formulations, hate speech for electoral purposes and systematic stigmatisation has led to sections of the Indian population and media professionals left incapable of adopting a more rational approach to the issue. Some have even become convinced that the undocumented pose an imminent threat to their own security and that of the state – again without offering a shred of proof. When a few thousand Rohingya settled in Jammu came under the scanner, the cry went out that their crimes would need to be publicised. The long and elaborate compilation exercise that followed revealed no evidence of any major crime or security threat perpetrated by the frightened community. Big power projections comprise the fifth factor. Israel's deliberate and strategic take-no-prisoners approach in Gaza, which could lead to the near annihilation of an entire population, has unfortunately come to be seen by many within the Indian media, not as the genocide it is but as the template that India needs to adopt to emerge as a 'strong state'. In the process, the capacity to accommodate, assimilate and absorb diversity and difference to a level unparalleled anywhere in the world, which had made India what it is today, is in danger of being lost forever. The centuries' old belief, a tithi devo bhava (guest is akin to god), is now robbed of any meaning and remains an empty shibboleth to be mouthed at the international summits that India hosts, and forgotten thereafter. Today, as a result, we have a media that is willing to stomach extraordinary levels of state-driven cruelty meted out to helpless communities of stateless people in the name of national interest. The legacy media may even get reliable information about atrocities being committed against them, but they will do nothing about it. Once in a way, a newspaper like the Indian Express may flash stories of this kind on its front page, but for hundreds of news channels and thousands of 'large' newspapers, this is not what makes news. In early May, when 38 Rohingya men, women and children were allegedly detained by the Delhi police on the pretext of getting their biometrics done; herded into a holding centre; taken to Port Blair; transferred to an Indian naval vessel; beaten; given life jackets and then pushed into the sea fringing Myanmar, with no legal process being followed whatsoever and in violation of international and national law, the stray reports that surfaced were only on social media. When a petition on this case was taken before the justices of the Supreme Court, they termed it a 'fanciful idea' and dismissed it out of hand. Such plausible deniability would not have been possible if the media had taken such information with the seriousness it demanded. What does this mean for the future? The process of othering is unlikely to stop at the hapless stateless. The persecutors and prosecutors will find new communities to target, new ways to make those who are 'insiders' today into 'outsiders' tomorrow, with the media willingly playing the role of accessory to the crime. It is a cruel future that awaits us. § Thoughts on World Environment Day Today, the impacts of environmental destruction are widely known, partly because there is far greater media coverage of issues like climate change and ecological destruction than was the case earlier. But it has been a long, bumpy journey. The first international conference hosted by the United Nations, the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, was held in 1972 and it proclaimed to the world that 'Man is both creature and moulder of his environment, which gives him physical sustenance and affords him the opportunity for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual growth.' There was that ring of anachronism interlacing those words in the way it privileged the male gender, but even more conspicuous was the misplaced optimism that they evoked: 'through the rapid acceleration of science and technology, man has acquired the power to transform his environment in countless ways and on an unprecedented scale.' The fear amongst the countries in the South at that juncture was that an agenda of 'conservation', the buzz word of the era, would be at the cost of 'development', or the attempts of the poorer parts of the globe, labelled unambiguously as the 'underdeveloped world', to improve its prospects. Two decades later, another international conference on the environment, this time at Rio, saw the North-South divide get even more pronounced and its articulation more sophisticated. When emissions of cattle and the methane generated by rice fields were cited in a report from the Washington-based World Resources Institute as a major contributor to pollution, Indian environmentalists pushed back. Also read: Yes, Environment Ministry Took 'Many Steps' Under Modi – But They Came At the Cost of Environment Itself Anil Agrawal and Sunita Narain from the Centre for Science and Environment Delhi observed: 'Can we really equate the CO2 contributions of gas-guzzling automobiles in Europe and North America or, for that matter, anywhere in the Third World with the methane emissions of draught cattle and rice fields of subsistence farmers in West Bengal or Thailand? Do these people not have a right to live? But no effort has been made in WRI's report to separate out the 'survival emissions' of the poor, from the 'luxury emissions' of the rich.' This observation did not of course take into adequate consideration the 'luxury emissions' of the rich in the poorer countries, or the emissions of 'poorer countries' seeking to achieve First World arsenals. Ultimately, there was no getting away from the fact that everyone on the planet, whether from the North or the South, whether from the developed world or the developing world, needed to get more aware of just what was happening to their environment at the national and international levels. It was this spirit that egged a group of concerned scientists, environmentalists and journalists to come together in 1982 to produce a citizens' report, edited by Anil Agarwal, Ravi Chopra and Kalpana Sharma on the 'The State of India's Environment'. What was striking about this volume – dedicated to the women of Chamoli – was how far ahead of its times it was, not just by being the first publication of its kind brought out by concerned citizens under the banner of the Centre for Science and Environment, but the effort it took to put across complex issues in a readable, usable style through quality design and the wide use of data, infographics and illustrations. There was also a liberal sprinkling of 'not-so-fun facts' ('70 per cent of all the available water in India is polluted. About 73 million workdays are lost due to water-related diseases'). Many of those associated with the publication are no longer with us. They include Anil Agrawal, the passionate prime mover of this effort; Anupam Mishra, the Gandhian water conservationist; newspaper editor Darryl D'Monte; and Smitu Kothari, ecologist and author. Others went on to achieve personal milestones, many in the environmental field. Today, as we mark yet another World Environment Day (on June 5), it may be worth our while to revisit a paragraph in the introduction to this volume: 'Most of us come to know of environmental problems and effects in a piecemeal manner. But when we read this overview of the state of the nation's rivers, dams, forests, air, soil, plants, animals, towns, village, health and energy problems, the impact is certainly overwhelming.' It comes as a reminder that our journalism on the environment also cannot exist in silos and needs to keep the larger backdrop of climate change within its sights. As Sanjay Asthana recalled in the elegant environmental portal, Mongabay, the efforts made by students and environmentalists to protect the priceless 400-acre forest of Kancha Gachibowli adjoining Hyderabad University were invaluable. The courts woke up to the destruction too late. He recalled how that patch of forest had educated him on the local biophysical sphere as a young PhD scholar. Ecological destruction is happening in plain sight and if we don't have the information and words to push back against the onslaught, posterity will never forgive us. § Readers write in… Conversations that educate Santosh Gade writes on The Interview with Karan Thapar (excerpts)… 'As I reflect on the profound impact your work has had on my perspective and understanding, by and large, of the world and India in particular, I am filled with a sense of awe and reverence for the exceptional journalistic endeavors you have undertaken. Your series of interviews– The Interview with Karan Thapar–for The Wire, in addition to Devil's Advocate, Hard Talk India in the past with individuals from diverse spheres of life, are a masterclass in journalistic excellence, and I am deeply humbled to call myself an ardent admirer of your craft… 'What sets you apart, in my opinion, is your unique ability to create a space for meaningful dialogue, where ideas can be exchanged, and perspectives can be challenged. Your thoughtful reflections and insightful questions not only inform but also inspire critical thinking, encouraging us to reflect on our own values and principles. 'Your most recent conversation with Avay Shukla for the Wire (May 27) on the moral decline of our society metaphorically making us a Duffer Zone and the struggles faced by the intellectually liberal and spirited individuals resonated deeply with me. The way you navigated the complexities of this topic, shedding light on the duffer zone that many find themselves in, was nothing short of remarkable. The manner in which you teased out the author's thoughts on this pressing issue, and the ensuing discussion, was delightful yet enlightening and thought-provoking… 'Please continue to share your gift with the world. Your work has the power to inspire, educate, and challenge us, and I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with your ideas and perspectives.' Civility in the civic space Murali Reddy from New Albany, USA, however, expresses disappointment with a recent episode from The Interview… 'A recent episode featuring Mr. Karan Thapar and former Ambassador Hussein Haqqani was disappointing (May 20). Given the recent escalation in border tensions, particularly following the tragic killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam, I was eager to hear Ambassador Haqqani's perspectives on the situation. Unfortunately, throughout the conversation, Mr. Thapar interrupted his guest far too frequently. Instead of allowing Ambassador Haqqani to share his insights on the current crisis, Mr. Thapar often interjected, lectured, and appeared intent on compelling him to take a particular stance. This approach detracted from what could have been a meaningful and constructive exchange. 'Ambassador Haqqani is one of the few moderate voices advocating for rational dialogue between the two countries. His measured perspective is especially important at a time like this, and I had hoped to hear more from him during the discussion. As a longtime admirer of The Wire and its commitment to high-quality journalism, I found this episode to fall short of the standards I have come to expect from it. I hope Mr. Thapar might consider inviting Ambassador Haqqani back for a fuller, more respectful, conversation—one that allows for uninterrupted, thoughtful dialogue. A rational and open exchange is what we need now more than ever. 'Polarisation in civic space has corroded democracy in America, my adopted country. I'd very much like civility to prevail in public conversation in India.' Crores, not millions Adhiraj, coordinator, NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, makes a correction… 'I would like to flag an error I noticed in the Wire article titled, 'Demand For Work Under MGNREGS Goes Up, Actual Job Creation Declines: Report' (May 20). It mentioned that 'according to the data from the ministry of rural development, 20.12 million rural households were among those who sought employment under the scheme in April. The figure slightly increased to 20.37 million in May (till May 18), reported Mint.' The figures in bold (20.12 million and 20.37 million) should be in crores not in millions.' Facts about Odisha Deba Mohanty writes in… 'This is with regard to the Wire video, While it is good, it has some misinformation about Odisha. Odisha now ranks above Bengal in per capita income and it is also opposing delimitation. Its population has registered a declining trend as the female fertility rate is around 1.8. Replacement levels require a country/state to have a female fertility rate of 2.1. The fertility of women in Tamil Nadu has touched an even lower 1.5 something. I think your research team didn't present the statistic correctly. Remember, around the year 2000, Odisha was poorest/second poorest state of the country.' Write to ombudsperson@ Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News 'Tortured Like Criminals': Rohingya Refugees Reveal Chilling Details of Police Abuse Amid Deportations 'Thrown Into the Sea': How India Allegedly Deported 38 Rohingya Refugees Without Due Process When the Supreme Court Echoes Populist Sentiments, It Risks Undermining the Constitution's Voice Full Text: India is Getting Re-Hyphenated With Pakistan Because Under Modi We're Democratically Regressing Over 700 Undocumented Bangladeshi Migrants in Delhi Sent Back in Last Six Months Backstory | India's Media Betrayed the Country In a Time of War, Here's How From Balochistan to Kashmir, the Region's Unresolved Grievances Refuse To Stay Buried Organisation of Indian Origin People in the US Objects to Proposed Tax on Immigrants' Remittance Interview | What to Do When Your Mother-Tongue Fades Away About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Wire
6 hours ago
- Science
- The Wire
RBSE Class 10 Boards: PhysicsWallah Student Scores 99.8%, Three Others Above 99%
Bharatpur, May 31, 2025: Several students from PhysicsWallah (PW) have recorded strong performances in the RBSE Class 10 Board Examinations 2025. Among them, Chanchal from Gopalgarh, Bharatpur has scored the highest marks with a score of 99.83%. Other top-performing students include Deepika from Weir with 99.67% and Avani Sharma from Sikar with 99.33%. These students … Continue reading "RBSE Class 10 Boards: PhysicsWallah Student Scores 99.8%, Three Others Above 99%"
