As visa delays spoil ‘revenge travel’ plans, the emotional and financial costs begin to take their toll. Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal and Ajay Awtaney on where Indians can still travel. 

The India Story Episode 11 | ‘Revenge travel’: Visa delays spoiling post-Covid tourism party?

As visa delays spoil ‘revenge travel’ plans, the emotional and financial costs begin to take their toll. Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal and Ajay Awtaney on where Indians can still travel. 


As visa delays spoil &lsquo;revenge travel&rsquo; plans, the emotional and financial costs begin to take their toll. Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal and Ajay Awtaney on where Indians can still travel.&nbsp;

As Covid-induced restrictions on travel ease up around the world, the phenomenon of &lsquo;revenge travel&rsquo; has become popular. After a gruelling few years, Indians want to travel the world and meet their families. However, unprecedented demand has clogged up the systems and facilities that facilitate travel, and caused delays in processing of visas. As a result, people have had to cancel or change their plans, causing great emotional and financial loss.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-10-gulf-backlash-balancing-act-required-1654870439228">The India Story Episode 10 | Gulf backlash: Balancing act required?</a>
On this week&rsquo;s episode, Vikram Chandra speaks to Jyoti Mayal, President of the Travel Agents Association of India, and Ajay Awtaney, aviation journalist, on what locations are still viable for Indians looking for a summer break.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

Amid backlash over remarks by BJP spokespersons about Prophet Muhammad, is a careful balancing act required? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on how the govt should navigate relations with the Gulf.


The India Story Episode 10 | Gulf backlash: Balancing act required?

Amid backlash over remarks by BJP spokespersons about Prophet Muhammad, is a careful balancing act required? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on how the govt should navigate relations with the Gulf.

References to Islam by the ruling party&rsquo;s now-suspended spokespersons have put India on the defensive on the global stage. At least 17 countries have protested against the comments, summoning Indian envoys and releasing statements condemning the remarks. In a bid to firefight the backlash, New Delhi has responded, calling the two saffron leaders &lsquo;fringe elements&rsquo;.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-9-sidhu-moose-wala-killed-need-to-counter-indo-canadian-criminal-nexus-1654265556771" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 9 | Sidhu Moose Wala killed: Need to counter Indo-Canadian criminal nexus?</a>
On this week&rsquo;s episode, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts and analysts on India&rsquo;s need to balance relations with the Gulf, as it courts economic and diplomatic relationships in the region.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

A large Indian contingent invited investment at Davos, as the WEF reflected a changing international order, with the Ukraine war, climate change, and global inflation at the top of the agenda.

India invites foreign investment in Davos as World Economic Forum reflects global conflict

Decoded | India invites foreign investment as Davos World Economic Forum reflects global conflict

A large Indian contingent invited investment at Davos, as the WEF&nbsp;reflected a changing international order, with the Ukraine war, climate change, and global inflation at the top of the agenda.

The war in Ukraine, climate change, and global inflation topped the agenda at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as political and business leaders converged to discuss global issues.
The first in-person event since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Economic Forum now reflects a changing world. Organisers asked those attending to take the train instead of travelling in an attempt to cut down on the event&rsquo;s carbon footprint, although how many took that advice is anyone&rsquo;s guess.
A large Indian contingent was in attendance at Davos, from Union Ministers to executives and leaders of India&rsquo;s biggest firms, who participated in a number of sessions at the forum. According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, a record high 200 people from India attended the WEF this year.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/decoded-quad-summit-2022-can-the-quad-counter-china-in-the-indo-pacific-1653572534368" target="_blank">Decoded | Quad Summit 2022: Can the Quad counter China in the Indo Pacific?</a>
India&rsquo;s large turnout was accompanied by &lsquo;The India Lounge&rsquo;, set up in a street in Davos, serving up local delicacies, and inviting foreign investment at the same time. Several states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, set up their own individual camps as well. &lsquo;Come, invest in India&rsquo;, seemed to be the message.
India recently reported its highest ever foreign direct investment inflow, with $83.57 billion invested in 2021-22. Indian states are trying hard to increase this number at Davos, with Maharashtra signing over $10 billion in investment intentions with 24 companies, and Telangana signing renewables investment pacts worth a total of around $16 billion.
The World Economic Forum reflected the tumultuous state of global affairs, with the war in Ukraine featuring heavily throughout sessions. Russian business and political leaders haven't been invited to the gathering this year, and the former Russia House has been converted to an exhibition covering alleged warcrimes committed by the country. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the forum, and asked business leaders to exit Russia.

As the Quad nations met in Tokyo to formalise their relationship, the battle for Asia is on. Can India consolidate its position as a bigger power in the region? Vikram Chandra speaks to India’s top foreign policy analysts.

The India Story Episode 8 | Quad vs China: ‘Game on’ in the Indo-Pacific?

As the Quad nations met in Tokyo to formalise their relationship, the battle for Asia is on. Can India consolidate its position as a bigger power in the region? Vikram Chandra speaks to India’s top foreign policy analysts on the new international order.

As the Quad nations met in Tokyo to formalise their relationship, the battle for Asia is on. Can India consolidate its position as a bigger power in the region? Vikram Chandra speaks to India&rsquo;s top foreign policy analysts on the new international order.

The &lsquo;Quad&rsquo; nations - India, Australia, Japan &amp; the United States - met in Tokyo this week under the shadow of the Ukraine-Russia war, and China&rsquo;s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The four nations committed to a series of investments for the Indo-Pacific region.
On this episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to India&rsquo;s top foreign policy analysts on the Quad&rsquo;s big step to take on China, and whether the Quad&rsquo;s big announcements mean a changing foreign policy landscape for the US. Far from focusing only on the Ukraine-Russia war, the US is also devoting foreign policy heft to take on China in Asia. As Asia becomes the battleground between China and the US, can India consolidate its position as a bigger power in the region?
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-7-global-inflation-woes-can-india-s-economy-emerge-victorious-1653055109926" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 7 | Global inflation woes: Can India&rsquo;s economy emerge victorious?</a>
We also take a look at the largest Indian contingent ever to attend the World Economic Forum at Davos, and how the United States has been rocked by a horrific mass shooting that killed 19 children, as calls for more sensible gun control begin to grow.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: <a href="https://editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

The Quad nations met for only their 2nd in-person meeting in Tokyo. On the agenda was a rollout of benefits to the Indo-Pacific region, in a bid to counter China's influence.

The India Story with Vikram Chandra | Quad Summit 2022: Can the Quad counter China in the Indo Pacific?

Decoded | Quad Summit 2022: Can the Quad counter China in the Indo Pacific?

The Quad nations met for only their 2nd in-person meeting in Tokyo. On the agenda was a rollout&nbsp;of benefits to the Indo-Pacific region, in a bid to counter China's influence.

PM Modi met the leaders of Australia, Japan, and United States at the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, meeting in Tokyo. This was only the second in-person meeting of the Quad, which has been seen by some as a vehicle for the US to counter China&rsquo;s influence in the Asia and Indo-Pacific region, with the help of like-minded nations.
This Quad meeting was held in the shadow of the Ukraine-Russia war, which has shaken up the world order, and reshaped global politics. The US has deeply engaged in the war, and has committed $54 billion to the effort.
There is some tension within the Quad over the war as well. Australia, Japan, and US all unequivocally stand against Russia&rsquo;s aggression, while India&rsquo;s position is one of studied neutrality, which calls for peace and respect for territorial sovereignty, but stops short of criticising Russia.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/joe-biden-at-quad-summit-putin-trying-to-extinguish-a-culture-1653365504294" target="_blank">Joe Biden at Quad summit: Putin trying to extinguish a culture</a>
The Quad, however, remains primarily an alliance for like-minded nations to counter China&rsquo;s influence. China does not find mention in any official Quad statement, but the four nations are banded together by the shared interest of creating a strategic balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, free from China&rsquo;s aims of expansion and subversion of the international order. Beijing has branded the Quad an &lsquo;anti-China alliance&rsquo;.
While all four countries are united in wanting to counter China&rsquo;s influence, the nature of the threat is different. While for the US and Australia, the Chinese threat is mainly about trade and the sovereignty of Taiwan, Japan and India face Chinese claims to territory. India is also facing Chinese economic overtures to its neighbours Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/quad-2002-north-korea-fires-three-missiles-after-joe-biden-leaves-japan-1653463301598" target="_blank">Quad 2002: North Korea fires three missiles after Joe Biden leaves Japan</a>
In a statement after the meeting, the four nations also announced co-operative measures including a Quad Fellowship programme, which will sponsor a 100 students every year to pursue graduate degrees in STEM fields in the United States. They also pledged $5.2 billion to the COVAX vaccination initiative, recognised the urgent need to address climate change, and recognised the importance of combating the financing of terrorism. The Quad also pledged $50 billion to improve infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region.
On the sidelines, Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and held his first in-person meeting with newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. PM Modi complimented Albanese on his commitment to the Quad, for being present at the summit just a day after being sworn into office. The two leaders held &lsquo;fruitful&rsquo; discussions, and affirmed their desire to continue the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship. Australia is set to host the next Quad summit in 2023.
China and Russia certainly took note of the Quad meeting in their backyard, as jets from both countries carried out joint flights over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea as the meeting occurred in Tokyo. Japan&rsquo;s defence minister called the move provocative, and expressed grave concern over the exercise.

Amid soaring global prices, is there cause for optimism for the Indian economy? Vikram Chandra speaks to Soumya Kanti Ghosh, SBI Group Chief Economic Advisor, about how India can ensure long-term growth while weathering short-term challenges.

The India Story Episode 7 | Global inflation woes: Can India’s economy emerge victorious?

Amid soaring global prices, is there cause for optimism for the Indian economy? Vikram Chandra speaks to Soumya Kanti Ghosh, SBI Group Chief Economic Advisor, about how India can ensure long-term growth while weathering short-term challenges.

The Ukraine-Russia war, following the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in soaring global prices and caused fuel and food shortages. The resulting inflation has hit India hard. Retail inflation has surged to the highest point in 8 years, and both home loans and petrol have gotten more expensive.
However, this crisis also presents an opportunity for India to transform its economy, and change the balance of power in Asia.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-6-is-foreign-education-viable-in-a-post-covid-world-1652451485256" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 6 | Is foreign education viable in a post-Covid world?</a>
This week on The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to Soumya Kanti Ghosh, SBI Group Chief Economic Advisor, about how the Indian economy can weather short-term challenges for long-term gains.
We also take a look at India&rsquo;s star-studded delegation at Cannes 2022, where India was the &lsquo;Country of Honour&rsquo;.
Watch full episodes of The India Story on the&nbsp;Editorji&nbsp;app. Download the app now! <a href="http://www.editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

A Supreme Court bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, has stayed all proceedings in sedition cases. What is sedition law, where did it come from in India, and is it time for it to go?

The India Story with Vikram Chandra: Time for sedition law to go after SC order?

Decoded | Sedition law: Time for 'colonial baggage' to go after SC order?

A Supreme Court bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, has stayed all proceedings in sedition cases. What is sedition law, where did it come from in India, and is it time for it to go?

A Supreme Court bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, has stayed all proceedings in sedition cases, and asked governments to not file any FIRs under the provision. This comes after the Central government had said that they will reconsider the law, as part of an effort to &lsquo;shed colonial baggage&rsquo;.
Which is great, but what is sedition?
The dictionary definition of the word is the use of words or action that are intended to encourage people to oppose the government.
Although the recent Supreme Court order has stayed this provision, sedition is defined under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code as both a non-bailable and cognisable offence.
Which means that the police can arrest any accused person without a warrant, and they would not be able to get bail until the case is closed. The recent SC order, however, allows any person currently booked under sedition to apply for bail.
Sedition is also a non-compoundable office, which meant that once charges are filed, they can not be withdrawn, and there can be no settlement. Any accused person had to go through the full trial.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/decoded-can-judicial-reforms-enable-the-delivery-of-swift-justice-1652104540858">Decoded | Can judicial reforms enable the delivery of swift justice?</a>
<h2>History of Sedition Law</h2>
The government has called sedition &lsquo;colonial baggage&rsquo;, because it was added to the Indian Penal Code by the British in 1870.
Freedom fighter Balgangadhar Tilak was be convicted for sedition and was sent to jail for 18 months in 1897.
Mahatma Gandhi was also arrested for sedition by the British govt in 1922.
Sedition was originally also a part of the draft Indian constitution, as a restriction on freedom of speech and expression. In 1949, it was dropped from the Constitution but retained in the IPC.
In 1951, Prime Minister Nehru amended Article 19(1)(a) that guarantees fundamental rights, to put in &lsquo;reasonable restrictions&rsquo; on the right to free speech.
Then in 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made sedition cognisable offence and authorised police to make arrests without a warrant.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/decoded-getting-a-foreign-degree-what-do-the-numbers-say-1652267453223" target="_blank">Decoded | Getting a foreign degree: what do the numbers say?&nbsp;</a>
<h2>Who can be charged with sedition?</h2>
So, could anyone be charged with sedition? In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled that even strongly worded criticism of the government would be considered within the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
There was, however, a catch. The Court did say that when words or actions have a destructive tendency, or the intent of creating disorder or disturbance, it can be called sedition.
But how exactly does one gauge the tendency or intention behind a word or action?
The vague wording of this order left scope for the government to slap any criticism with sedition, arguing that the words or actions have the tendency or intention to create disorder, or provoke disaffection against the govt.
The accused could approach the court for relief, but remember that this was a non-bailable and non-compoundable offence, and the burden of proof lay with the accused. The process, therefore, became the punishment.
The Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana, in 2021, had said that the law needs to go. He said that the law&rsquo;s conviction rate is very low, and its enormous power can be compared to a carpenter using a saw to cut an entire forest, instead of a tree.
So, are the Chief Justice&rsquo;s concerns about the misuse of sedition law well-founded?
A total of 326 cases were registered in the country under the sedition law between 2014 and 2019.
However, just six persons were convicted under the law, according to Home Ministry's recent data. For the rest, the process became punishment.
While we await the Central government&rsquo;s reconsideration of the sedition law, the point to be noted is that the United Kingdom, which gave India this law, scrapped it back in 2009.

Amid uncertain Covid protocols and dwindling job markets, is a foreign education still viable for Indian students? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts and students on the challenges faced by India’s youth abroad. 

The India Story Episode 6 | Is foreign education viable in a post-Covid world?

Amid uncertain Covid protocols and dwindling job markets, is a foreign education still viable for Indian students? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts and students on the challenges faced by India’s youth abroad.

Amid uncertain Covid protocols and dwindling job markets, is a foreign education still viable for Indian students? Vikram Chandra speaks to experts and students on the challenges faced by India&rsquo;s youth abroad.

India is home to one-fifth of the world&rsquo;s youth. India&rsquo;s student population has long looked to foreign Universities for a pathway to a better life abroad, or a leg up in the Indian job market. But since the onset of the Covid pandemic, fickle travel rules, uncertainty about covid protocols, and exorbitant fees have made life difficult for Indian students abroad. Add to that struggling economies and dwindling job markets, and the allure of a foreign education has been made uncertain.
Is a foreign education still viable in the post-Covid world? This week on The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to both experts and students about the current state of affairs on foreign education for Indian students.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-5-judicial-reforms-long-overdue-for-swift-justice-1651842674306" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 5 | Judicial reforms: Long overdue for swift justice?</a>
We also look at the Supreme Court&rsquo;s historic order on the sedition law, which has stayed the provision and directed governments to not file any new FIRs. Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: www.editorji.com/download

This week on the EJ Tech Show, we review the Realme GT 2 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite smartphones, and the OnePlus Nord Buds TWS earbuds.

The EJ Tech Show: Realme GT 2, OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite, OnePlus Nord Buds reviewed

This week on the EJ Tech Show, we review the Realme GT 2 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite smartphones, and the OnePlus Nord Buds TWS earbuds.

This week on the EJ Tech Show, we review the Realme GT 2 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite smartphones, and the OnePlus Nord Buds TWS earbuds.
<h2>Realme GT 2 specifications</h2>
The Realme GT 2 is powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, along with up to 12GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. It sports a 6.62-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass 5 for protection.
For optics, the phone offers a triple rear camera setup, with a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. There&rsquo;s also a 16MP front-facing selfie camera.
Realme has packed in a 5,000mAh battery with 65W fast charging support. The Realme GT 2 runs Realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-ej-tech-show-realme-gt-neo-3-review-oneplus-nord-ce-2-lite-first-look-1651304577365" target="_blank">The EJ Tech Show: Realme GT Neo 3 Review, OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite First Look</a>
<h2>OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite specifications</h2>
OnePlus Nord CE2 Lite specifications include a 6.59-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz high refresh rate. OnePlus says the refresh rate is dynamic and changes on the fly based on your usage habits to save battery life.
The phone is powered by Qualcomm&rsquo;s Snapdragon 695 5G SoC. The chipset is paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and the storage &nbsp;саn &nbsp;be &nbsp;further &nbsp;exраnded with the help оf а miсrоSD саrd.
For optics, it has a triple rear camera setup, which &nbsp;includes а 64MР main camera lens, a 2MP depth assist camera for portrait shots and a 2MP macro camera.
The рhоne &nbsp;also hаs &nbsp;а 16MР саmerа &nbsp;аt &nbsp;the &nbsp;frоnt &nbsp;for &nbsp;selfies &amp; video саlling. &nbsp;Keeping the lights on is a 5,000 mah battery and it supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging.
In terms of software, the Nord CE2 Lite runs on Oxygen OS 12.1, which is now integrated with the ColorOS codebase. OnePlus guarantees two major Android updates and three years of security updates.&nbsp;
OnePlus Nord&nbsp;CE2&nbsp;price in India starts at ₹19,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model.
<h2>OnePlus Nord Buds specifications</h2>
The OnePlus Nord Buds have been launched in India. The OnePlus Nord Buds features 12.4mm drivers, and Bluetooth v5.2 connectivity. The OnePlus Nord Buds specifications also include an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. The OnePlus Nord Buds battery is a 41mAh unit, while the charging case gets a 480mAh battery. OnePlus claims the buds will offer a listening time of 7 hours, and up to 30 hours with the case.
The OnePlus Nord Buds price in India has been set at ₹2,799.

India’s legal system is on the verge of collapse, says retired Justice Madan Lokur. Can judicial reform bring about meaningful change? 

The India Story | Judicial reforms: Long overdue for swift justice?

India&rsquo;s legal system is on the verge of collapse, says retired Justice Madan Lokur. Can judicial reform bring about meaningful change?

India&rsquo;s legal system is struggling. Over 70,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court, some for close to half a century. Nearly 76% of the country&rsquo;s prison population is made up of undertrials, according to a 2022 report. Despite high case pendency, thousands of judges&rsquo; posts lie vacant at all 3 tiers of the judiciary.
Judicial reforms are sorely needed to clear India&rsquo;s legal logjam. The Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both expressed the need to spruce up India&rsquo;s legal system.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-4-will-elon-musk-be-able-to-solve-twitter-s-disinformation-problem-1651236587447">The India Story Episode 4 | Will Elon Musk be able to solve Twitter's disinformation problem?</a>
This week on The India Story, retired Justice Madan Lokur says that the Indian legal system is on the verge of collapse, and explains the steps that need to be taken in order for meaningful reform to happen. We also look at PM Modi&rsquo;s diplomatically packed three-day tour of Europe, where green energy, economy, and bilateral relations were on the agenda.
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/download">www.editorji.com/download</a>

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In a freewheeling chat with Editorji's Vikram Chandra, spiritual leader Sadhguru explains the link between the deteriorating quality of soil and the high demand for irrigation.

Sadhguru explains how improving soil will lead to reduction in irrigation demand

In a freewheeling chat with Editorji's Vikram Chandra, spiritual leader Sadhguru explains the link between the deteriorating quality of soil and the high demand for irrigation. (PAL)

Sadhguru explains how improving soil will lead to reduction in irrigation demand

In a freewheeling chat with Editorji's&nbsp;Vikram&nbsp;Chandra, spiritual leader Sadhguru&nbsp;explains the link between the deteriorating&nbsp;quality of soil and the high demand for irrigation.

We don't give a second thought to alot of things – why people get tattoos, why memes go viral, why people have favourite colours – but all of these questions have layered, detailed answers. This show will leave you with something to think about! 

How & Why? | editorji's new show: coming soon! 

We don't give a second thought to alot of things – why people get tattoos, why memes go viral, why people have favourite colours – but all of these questions have layered, detailed answers. This one-of-kind ‘infotainment’ series will definitely leave you with something to think about!

The answers to these 2 questions can largely explain the complexities of any topic at hand. That's what we&rsquo;re trying to do!&nbsp;

We don't give a second thought to alot of things &ndash; why people get tattoos, why memes go viral, why people have favourite colours &ndash; but all of these questions have layered, detailed answers. This one-of-kind &lsquo;infotainment&rsquo; series will definitely leave you with something to think about!

In 1999, 15 people walked around Park Circus Maidan and the queer movement in India took a giant leap forward. We speak with Pawan Dhall, one of the first few walkers at the Kolkata Friendship March 1999! 

The Footnote | Revisiting India's first Pride Parade with Pawan Dhall 

In 1999, 15 people walked around Park Circus Maidan and the queer movement in India took a giant leap forward. We speak with Pawan Dhall, one of the first few walkers at the Kolkata Friendship March 1999!&nbsp;

23 years ago, 15 people took a symbolic round of the Park Circus Maidan, and the queer movement in India turned a began a new chapter in it&rsquo;s history. On this anniversary of the Kolkata Friendship Walk of 1999 we take a trip down memory lane with Pawan Dhall, a queer activist, writer and archivist.&nbsp; &nbsp; Nishtha Shanti: Can you take us back to 1999 and tell us what motivated you to hold the march and what preparation went into it? &nbsp;What was the day like, how did things feel and what was the kind of reaction you got after the parade? &nbsp;&nbsp; Pawan Dhall: I felt that this would have been just another &lsquo;michil&rsquo; or just another procession on the streets of Calcutta. And what big difference would it make? But I came around to the fact that we needed much more public visibility for the Indian queer movements. So, the Fire controversy, the controversy around the film Fire had already happened in the year 1998 and then also it spilled over into 1999. And that had brought the issue, the LGBT issues, into the public forum in one of the biggest ways ever. So, we had in the beginning, we had only 30 people who had agreed to participate. And on the day of the walk, only 15 turned up. And what we decided was that 15 people were not going to make much of a difference walking on the streets. So, we said that let's use this occasion to build bridges. So we did a symbolic walk in Park Circus Maidan, and then we split into two teams. So both the teams visited different NGOs, other social activists and government offices to talk to people to advocate on the issue of LGBT rights, and to explain LGBT rights are nothing different from human rights. The photographs went out all the media publications and one of the members who walked in in the first walk, he actually came out to his family through the walk, actually, because his photograph was also published and his family happened to see it and ask him questions. So, he used that occasion to come out to his family and fortunately he was quite well accepted &nbsp; &nbsp; NS: At the time how did the queer community react to the march? How important is inclusivity of all groups within the movement? &nbsp; &nbsp; PD: Some of the queer support groups said that &lsquo;Oh this is just a Western fad&rsquo; You have pride marches in New York and Sydney and you&rsquo;re just a poor copy of those pride marches. But I personally think that that is not how it was and for us straight acting gay men or bisexual men to be visible on the street and to be visible in public forums, it was something empowering I personally had to face a lot of criticism from fellow gay men that you are walking with lower class people, you are working with hijras, you are working with sex workers. They are not respectable. Is this the way you want to take the movement forward? So, my answer was that it is such a sad thing for you to say this because you guys are so scared all the time you are hiding in the safety of your house. You are running down people who are actually out there fighting for your rights. They are getting beaten up by the police, they are being joked about by the public, but they are facing it with courage and they are walking their pride. And this is actually nothing but misogyny as well as transphobia, which was present among many sections of the queer community and still is actually. &nbsp; &nbsp; NS: Most major cities now have their own parades that are held as a celebration and on a large scale, that largely can be attributed to the step you took all those years ago. How do you feel about queer activism today? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PD: There were something which the Supreme Court had said in its verdict of September 2018, is that we owe an apology to the queer community for all the stigma, discrimination and violence inflicted on the queer community through the years. But what have the governments done to honor the Supreme Court's verdict either for 2018 or for the NALSA judgment on transgender rights in 2014? It is eight years now, but how many government offices have become transgender inclusive? How many government hospitals have toilets where transgender persons can go confidently without being joked or without being called names? So why would these individuals come to the government hospital &nbsp; if they&rsquo;re not going to be treated with respect? &nbsp;Why does the police come and tell adult Indians that you have to listen to your parents? Be a good boy, be a good girl, get married, have children, that is destiny. That is not the police's job. The police's job is to protect our rights. And we have rights irrespective of gender and sexuality. So, the newer activists have to keep in mind the fundamentals and not be swayed just by the upper, you know, the flimflam, the rainbow colors. That doesn't make any difference at the end of the day.&nbsp;

As the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi steps down from power in Maharasthra, we chart the course of the rise and fall of this 'unholy alliance'. 

Maharashtra crisis: The rise and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi

As the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi steps down from power in Maharasthra, we chart the course of the rise and fall of this 'unholy alliance'.&nbsp;

Not only the former ally BJP, but even the rebels who ensured the fall of Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra repeatedly called the ruling coalition an unholy alliance. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, the formal term, used to describe the alliance between Hindutva-affiliate Shiv Sena and its once bitter opponents Congress and Nationalist Congress Party was formed in during a most unsuspected political churn in India&rsquo;s political history.&nbsp;
Masterminded by PM Modi&rsquo;s political guru Sharad Pawar, the Aghadi, which literally means front, fell flat as a coup within the Sena, outsmarted even one of the shrewdest politicians from the Opposition camp.
<h2>The rise of the MVA</h2>
In October 2019, the BJP - Shiv Sena Alliance fought the Maharashtra Assembly Elections together, and won a comprehensive 161 seats. The NCP and Congress won 54 and 44 seats each. But the Hindutva allies, despite having a majority, failed to form a government as Sena called for a rotational chief minister arrangement. Pages of Sena mouthpiece Saamna carried criticism for incumbent CM Devendra Fadnavis and heaped praise for the Maratha leader Sharad Pawar.
The BJP, which was no longer a smaller partner in the alliance, stuck to its gun. The partnership broke on November 8 of 2019 with Sena leader, who edits Saamna, stating that his Maharashtra-based outfit didn&rsquo;t need BJP to form a government.&nbsp;
4 weeks of political see-saws, parleys and intense speculations culminated in Uddhav, the first person from the Thackeray clan agreeing to take a seat of power. The photographer son and reluctant son of Sena co-founder Bal Thackeray, was to become the 19th chief minister of the Western Indian state, but Devendra Fadnavis had a trick up his sleeve.
Pawar&rsquo;s ambitious nephew Ajit Pawar, a chief minister aspirant, showed up on news wire video feeds taking oath as Fadnavis&rsquo; deputy in the Raj Bhavan. The NCP chief either was unaware of nephew&rsquo;s mutiny or set up a trap for the BJP leader.
The Aghadi moved Supreme Court which ordered a floor test, like Uddhav Fadnavis too didn&rsquo;t take it and quit 80 hours after taking oath. Ajit, as many described him as Pawar&rsquo;s Trojan horse, returned to NCP fold.&nbsp;
Finally, a Thackeray became CM for the first time on November 28, 2019.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-13-maharashtra-political-crisis-a-game-of-twists-and-turns-1656604715224">The India Story Episode 13 | Maharashtra political crisis: A game of twists and turns</a>
<h2>The fall of the MVA</h2>
The Sena adopted a softer stand on the core issue of Hindutva, the so-called unholy alliance had a largely smooth sailing till the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls on 20 June 2022. The BJP got the better of the Aghadi by winning more seats than predicted, as 12 Sena MLAs reportedly cross-voted in favour of the BJP.&nbsp;
Then came the news of senior aide of Uddhav, Eknath Shinde fleeing to BJP-ruled Gujarat with a pack of 11 rebel lawmakers. The message of rebels from a luxury hotel in Surat was explicit: they won&rsquo;t compromise on the Hindutva ideology laid bare by Bala Thackeray. In simple terms, Uddhav&rsquo;s softer Hindutva was unacceptable to them.&nbsp;
Emissaries were sent to placate the rebels; actions were taken but to no avail. Eknath Shinde, who was removed from key legislative post, in response called for patch up with old ally BJP and snapping ties with Congress and the NCP. &nbsp;
Amid an impasse, the rebels moved to a hotel in Assam, and their tribe grew to 40 legislators. Sitting over 2700 kilometers in India&rsquo;s commercial capital, Mumbai, Uddhav realized the patch up was impossible and showed first sign of demitting power. He shifted from the official CM residence in Varsha, to his ancestral home of Matoshree.&nbsp;
However, Aghadi kept the fight going with Deputy Speaker Narahari Zirwal from NCP sending disqualification notices to 16 rebels from the Shinde camp. He was acting on a petition filed by the Sena on June 24. Sitting in Guwahati, Shinde camp moved the apex court seeking to thwart speaker&rsquo;s move. In a reprieve for rebels the court stayed their disqualification, sought responses from all the concerned and scheduled a verdict on July 11.&nbsp;
While the political chess was on, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari was recuperating from coronavirus for much of the play, but as the game moved to the Apex Court, he had recovered from the deadly viral infection. Following the SC disqualification stay, Fadnavis met him in person, sought a floor test which he granted.&nbsp;
The Aghadi moved court which sided with the Governor. The apex court saw no merit in Aghadi&rsquo;s argument that the rebel MLAs who have defected cannot represent the will of the people, and thus a floor test cannot be conducted until the matter of their disqualification is resolved.&nbsp;
944 days after he took oath, Uddhav stepped down as the chief minister.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/maharashtra-shinde-govt-overturns-uddhav-thackeray-s-aarey-move-1656662154859">Maharashtra: Shinde govt overturns Uddhav Thackeray's Aarey move</a>
<h2>What lies next for the Shiv Sena?&nbsp;</h2>
The Sena draws its identity entirely from one family - the Thackerays. Founded by Bala Thackeray as a right-wing, pro-Marathi, and Hindu nationalist movement that birthed a political party, the Shiv Sena was led by the hardline leader for decades.&nbsp;
With Uddhav stating that he will return to Sena Bhavan, the seat of party&rsquo;s power in Dadar, and the rebels also claiming that they will continue to be Shiv Sainiks, an interesting battle over Bala Thackrey&rsquo;s legacy is bound to ensue much like the one that had ensued between Uddhav and his cousin Raj Thackeray when the Hindutva icon had passed away in 2012. &nbsp;

As the new regime settles in, is a Sena vs Sena battle on the cards? Vikram Chandra speaks to political and legal experts on all dimensions of all the twists and turns in a landmark week for Maharashtra politics.

The India Story Episode 13 | Maharashtra political crisis: A game of twists and turns

As the new regime settles in, is a Sena vs Sena battle on the cards? Vikram Chandra speaks to political and legal experts on all dimensions of all the twists and turns in a landmark week for Maharashtra politics.

A rollercoaster week in Maharashtra politics saw Uddhav Thackeray step down as Chief Minister 944 days after he was sworn in, even as rebel Eknath Shinde took over the post, with the BJP&rsquo;s Devendra Fadnavis in tow as Deputy Chief Minister.
After a long-drawn Shinde vs Thackeray struggle that tore the Shiv Sena apart, which is the &lsquo;real&rsquo; Sena? What are the legal quandaries in this unique political scenario? Will the Election Commission have to step in to solve the Sena&rsquo;s leadership tussle?
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-12-reversing-brain-drain-how-can-india-build-world-class-universities-1656079514934" target="_blank">The India Story Episode 12 | Reversing &lsquo;brain drain&rsquo;: How can India build world-class Universities?</a>
Even as the new regime sets in, sights are on the upcoming BMC elections. Will the Thackeray camp play spoilsport, and will there be a Sena vs Sena battle for the BMC? On this week&rsquo;s special episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to political and legal experts on all dimensions of a landmark week in the state&rsquo;s politics.&nbsp;
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: www.editorji.com/download

Why is India’s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? This week, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on the path ahead for Indian ed

The India Story Episode 12 | Reversing ‘brain drain’: How can India build world-class Universities?

Why is India’s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? Why can’t an Indian university crack the top 100 in global rankings? This week, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on the path ahead for Indian education. 

Why is India&rsquo;s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? Why can&rsquo;t an Indian university crack the top 100 in global rankings? This week, Vikram Chandra speaks to experts on the path ahead for Indian education.&nbsp;

India has an undeniable &lsquo;brain drain&rsquo; problem. While Indians occupy some of the most coveted spots in the global corporate order, they often only do so after attaining a degree abroad.&nbsp;
Why is India&rsquo;s best talent choosing to take their skills out of India, as opposed to flourishing at home? Why can&rsquo;t an Indian university crack the top 100 in global rankings? Is the state of Indian education causing our best and brightest to migrate abroad - and if so, how do we reverse this &lsquo;brain drain&rsquo;? On this week&rsquo;s episode of The India Story, Vikram Chandra speaks to India&rsquo;s foremost education and skill experts on the path ahead for Indian education.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/the-india-story-episode-11-revenge-travel-visa-delays-spoiling-post-covid-tourism-party-1655476995618">The India Story Episode 11 | &lsquo;Revenge travel&rsquo;: Visa delays spoiling post-Covid tourism party?</a>
Watch The India Story with Vikram Chandra, Fridays at 8 pm. Download the Editorji app: www.editorji.com/download

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