Venu Naturopathy

 

Constitution of India

Playing with the Constitution: India's Ruling BJP's Misdirected Priorities

While it is true that “socialist” and “secular” were inserted in the preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act during the Emergency, which remains a dark chapter in the history of free India, it is not true that the values go against the grain or the spirit of the constitution. These are effectively the only parts of the amendment that sit today 50 years down the line.

Tharoor - caught between two stools

However, a point will come soon when he has to make a choice and that choice is not necessarily the BJP even in the unlikely event of him being offered the position of India’s foreign minister in place of Subramanyam Jaishankar. The choice is also not necessarily leaving the Congress Party even if it means being treated cavalierly. The problem with him is that his entire appeal comes from his seemingly defiant equidistance from both the main parties. 

The Dalai Lama: A Global Beacon of Peace and Compassion

What stands out amidst this global indifference is the Dalai Lama’s unwavering grace. He harbours no ill will—not even towards China. In a world increasingly defined by conflict, coercion, and fractured diplomacy, the Dalai Lama remains an embodiment of moral strength and compassion, committed to the principles of non-violence and interfaith harmony.
 

Post Op Sindoor India Needs A Strategic Course Correction

There is increasing evidence that Trump has offered Pakistan advanced military equipment and financial aid in exchange for strategic cooperation—particularly access to airbases and logistics. How this plays out remains to be seen. India, meanwhile, finds itself once again let down by the U.S. Trump appeared unable to tolerate that India succeeded in neutralising Pakistan’s military and terror assets without American help and refused to validate his false claims of mediation.

More on Perspective

Pandering to separatists, Trudeau damages India-Canada relations

Trudeau, whose closeness to Canadian Khalistanis is amply borne out by photographs on the internet and his public outreach, has obviously not given any thought about risks to Canada’s future from the activities of the Khalistanis. 

The hand of God in the temple of justice: CJI's statement a disservice to sanctity of judiciary

The conduct of the CJI has thus invited some questions from even his admirers, and given rise to a new conversation on the motives for this distinctly religious bent being brought out openly in public debate, given that the CJI recently visited the Ram temple at Ayodhya. This is not good news for the legal system and the two sides in the Ayodhya judgement 

Climate meet COP 29: More despair than hope

Even as all countries are concerned about climate issues  and almost all of them are participating in the  global climate meets, some of the participating countries  are indulging in bloody conflicts and wars such as the ongoing Russia Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war.  All such wars and terrorist  activities involve use of missiles, dropping of bombs, shootings, drone attacks and so on  which cause emission of huge quantities of toxic gases and severe atmospheric pollution. It appears that climate meets have not discussed these conflict issues at all.

Mediation approach to inheritance dispute resolutions: 'Short term gain vs. long term relations'

Since India enacted the Mediation Act of 2023, one can not only reduce the burden on courts but also maintain family relationships through dialogue and discussion among family members with the assistance of a qualified mediator.

'Love Jihad' propaganda has had deep penetration into the Indian psyche

The Bareilly judgment shows how this propaganda is influencing Indian society, including judges who are supposed to base their verdict on concrete evidence.

Meeting the economic challenge: A litmus test for the interim administration of Bangladesh

Time is of the essence for the interim administration to take the bull by the horns and rein in the inflation by adopting innovative methods. Since the interim administration is composed mostly of professionals from reputable NGOs, many people are beginning to believe that the newly appointed advisers lack experience in statecraft, strategic thinking, and crisis management.

Shockwaves from a Mumbai gangland killing: More than what meets the eye

In some cases, politicians themselves are closely associated with land deals and builders, as Baba Siddique allegedly was, or politicians are builders themselves, like the BJP’s guardian minister for suburban Mumbai, Mangal Prabhat Lodha. 

Is Bangladesh becoming a pawn in a larger geopolitical game?

Those who are welcoming external forces by promoting Yunus should re-examine history. Yunus is being seen by many as a Morsi figure for Bangladesh. When Mohamed Morsi came to power in Egypt following the Arab Spring with Western support, it led to deterioration of law and order, spike in the prices of essential goods, and extreme public suffering. Even after two months of Yunus' interim government, there has been no significant improvement in law and order, market stability or public well-being.

Navigating the new climate reality in Indian cities: Need for greater political will and stakeholder engagement - (Part II of two-part series)

As cities grow and urbanise, they are becoming frontline battlegrounds in the fight against climate change. Incorporating green spaces, sustainable building practices, and raising public awareness are key to mitigating extreme heat. Indian metropolises are recognizing the need for comprehensive strategies, but climate action demands a coordinated, multisectoral approach at all levels of governance.

Tax-funded media and independent journalism: Finding the right model

While tax-funded media can work under specific conditions, India's experience suggests that a model focused on subscriptions and private advertisements is more suitable for maintaining editorial independence, fostering innovation, and creating a more democratic and informed society

Can development be at the cost of the environment?

Governments should recognise the fact that unaddressed environmental concerns will transform into a radical form of action if not into eco-terrorism. The religious terrorism what Middle East nations have been experiencing these days may turn into environmental terrorism down the line due to progressive resource crunch and the steady degradation of natural resources.

Navigating the new climate reality in Indian cities: Heat domes a serious public health challenge - (Part I of two-part series)

Heat domes have severely impacted India, particularly during intense heat waves. In the 2022 North India heat wave, temperatures soared above 45°C across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, with some areas nearing 50°C. A high-pressure system caused stagnant hot air and minimal cloud cover, intensifying the heat.

Bangladesh victim of its faultlines; will the revolution's children make the same mistake?

There is a saying revolution devours its children. Like the ousted regime who were the self-proclaimed legacy bearers of the revolution of 1971, the July revolution of 2024 could create a similar thermidorian reaction in the future if the torchbearers of this revolution play a similar political game of ‘Us’ and ‘Them’

On Gandhi’s birth anniversary, a reminder of the Gandhian values South Asia - and the world - needs

If a true aristocrat is to be defined by courtesy and good manners, then the Mahatma was no less than the most refined princes and maharajas of India. His interactions were marked by legendary grace, respect and courtesy even in times of acrimony and division. He even addressed Mr. Jinnah, a political opponent, as the Quaid-I-Azam, the title given to Mr Jinnah by his supporters.

Volatile Balochistan has a long history of exploitation

Balochistan remains a Pakistani faultline and it must be understood that it is a ‘political problem' even though the Pakistani state has been trying to deal with it all through as 'security problem'. The clear dissatisfaction of the people during accession to Pakistan is yet to be resolved. Forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are now the trademark policy impulses of the oppressive Pakistani regime.