1. After Masarat Alam, Afzal Guru Issue May Rock PDP-BJP Boat
Just as the issue over Hurriyat hardliner Masarat Alam’s release has begun to die down, the PDP-BJP alliance in J&K may face another hurdle over the debate regarding the mortal remains of Afzal Guru. Guru was hanged in 2013, for masterminding the attacks on the Parliament in 2001. The PDP was opposed to Guru’s hanging, while the BJP (which was in office at the Centre in 2001), had welcomed it.
Toufiq Rashid reports more about this slippery slope in the Hindustan Times.
2. Modi Brackets Hisar with Nadia
In the wake of a string of communally provocative incidents that has gripped the country over the last fortnight, PM Narendra Modi has broken his studied silence. Modi has expressed “deep concern” over the gangrape of the elderly nun in West Bengal and the attack on a church in Haryana.
Radhika Ramaseshan reports for The Telegraph.
3. Delhi School Asks Teachers and Students to Join BJP
A leading school in Delhi - Ryan International - has urged teachers and students to join the BJP. While the school management claims the drive is voluntary, teachers and student say it’s not, with some teachers claiming that their salary has been held back till such time that they enrol.
Maria Akram reports for Times of India.
4. IUML’s Crescent and Star in Question Paper Evokes Protest
Controversy around a 10th standard Social Science exam question paper in Kerala. At the end of the test, the question paper had the crescent and star, associated with the Indian Union Muslim League’s symbol, printed on it. The Kerala State Teachers Association and the BJP’s youth wing have protested, claiming that this was an attempt to Islamise question papers.
Shaju Philip reports for The Indian Express, explaining how this has sparked a controversy in the state.
5. Brace for shocks: IMF chief
As the United States gears up to increase interest rates at the end of this year, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde has warned that emerging economies such as India stand the risk of high market volatility and sudden flight of capital.
Lalatendu Mishra explains in The Hindu on how this could impact the economy.
6. Tehri: Panel Stalls Rehab of 414 Families
Over four hundred families that have been affected due to landslides triggered around the slopes of reservoirs near the Tehri dam in Uttarakhand, will have to wait longer for rehabilitation. The forest panel has reportedly refused to part with 406.8 hectares of forest land meant for rehabilitation.
Nikhil M Ghanekar reports on this delay in the DNA.
7. Stiff Opposition: The Fight for Land Will Go On
Hindustan Times tells you how, despite the Modi government’s fight to pass the Land Acquisition Bill, it will continue to remain contentious. Even though the Government has made nine amendments to the Bill, they are merely an eyewash and circumvent important issues.
Read full story here.
8. Why India Hated Suzette Jordan: She Defied Every Stereotype of a Rape Survivor
Rape survivor Suzette Jordan may have been brave and feisty despite her ordeal. Even as she gave millions of rape survivors an identity by refusing to keep her identity a secret, India wasn’t able to stomach her courage. Harish Iyer writes in Times of India here.
9. Conversation Stopper -The Downside of Mobile Telephony and the Internet
The technology revolution has woven a tight fabric of social interaction. While it comes with its deleterious effects, it has created a world that past generations hadn’t anticipated would exist. From authors churning out better writing to facilitating recruitments for terror group ISIS, technology has altered inter-personal relations. SL Rao digs deeper into this, in The Telegraph.
Read full story here.
From The Quint
1. Why Nobody Messes With Sharad Yadav
Aakash Joshi tells you why despite Sharad Yadav’s misogynistic remarks, nobody picks a fight with him.
Read full story here.
2. Why Did This Zoo Guard Steal Rhino Pee?
Delhi zoo authorities aren’t the happiest lot. They have suspended a guard who was found supplying rhinoceros urine to another guard. While this is supposed to possess medicinal properties, Namita Handa tells you more.
3. Oh Shuttle!! Kidambi Srikanth Isn’t Anonymous Any More
Gaurav Kalra goes deeper into how Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth shot into fame.
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