Modi's India: A Tumultuous Legacy Under Scrutiny Ahead of 2024 Elections
From Political Manoeuvres to Alleged Suppression: Unravelling the Modi Mystique
The Bloomberg explores the complex legacy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the 2024 elections. It delves into his leadership style, economic policies, and the challenges faced by his administration, including issues like unemployment and religious tensions. The piece examines Modi's impact on India's international relations, particularly with China and the United States. It also discusses the rise of opposition figures and the shifting political landscape in the country. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of Modi's tenure and the various factors shaping the upcoming elections in India.
The Supreme Court of India ordered the immediate release of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, deeming his arrest illegal. Purkayastha was detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly receiving funds to spread Chinese propaganda. The court found that the Delhi Police did not provide a copy of the remand application to Purkayastha or his counsel before his detention. Although he must furnish bail and bonds at the trial court due to a filed chargesheet, the SC's decision highlighted procedural lapses in his arrest.
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The Wire criticizes the BJP for communalizing various aspects of Indian life, including food, clothing, prayers, and population issues. It argues that the party's rhetoric and policies have deepened religious divides and fostered intolerance. The BJP is accused of using communal narratives to gain political advantage, marginalizing minority communities, and promoting a homogenized Hindu identity. This strategy is seen as undermining India's secular fabric and exacerbating social tensions. The article highlights the broader implications of these tactics on India's democracy and social cohesion.
The New York Times article discusses the increasing challenges faced by Muslims in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. It highlights incidents of violence, discrimination, and economic marginalization targeting the Muslim community. The article also examines how Hindu nationalist policies and rhetoric have exacerbated religious tensions, leading to fears among Muslims about their safety and future in the country. These issues are set against the backdrop of the upcoming 2024 elections, with concerns about the further entrenchment of divisive politics in India.
Meta approved several AI-manipulated political ads during India's election that incited violence and spread disinformation, according to a report. These ads, containing anti-Muslim slurs and Hindu supremacist language, were approved by Meta despite violating its policies on hate speech and misinformation. The ads were created by India Civil Watch International and Ekō to test Meta's detection mechanisms. Although some ads were rejected, 14 were approved and immediately removed by researchers. The report highlights Meta's failure to identify AI-generated content and enforce political ad regulations, raising concerns about its role in spreading harmful narratives during elections.
An Al Jazeera investigation revealed that India's Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) spent nearly $4.65 million on Google ads promoting BJP election slogans. These ads, funded by taxpayers, echoed BJP's campaign messages, raising concerns about misuse of public funds. The opposition Congress party filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that these ads violated election rules. Critics argue that such spending undermines the impartiality of government agencies and the integrity of the electoral process. The CBC was India's top political ad spender on Google, surpassing even the BJP itself.
The Wire article compares Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's self-promotion to that of Adolf Hitler, emphasizing the dangers of his personality cult. Modi is portrayed as attempting to position himself as a divine figure, reminiscent of historical authoritarian leaders who used similar tactics to consolidate power. The piece argues that this deification strategy undermines democratic principles and fosters a dangerous, unquestioning loyalty among supporters. It draws parallels between Modi's methods and those used by fascist regimes, highlighting concerns about the erosion of secularism and the rise of authoritarianism in India.
An international study found that 6.7 million Indian children have not consumed any food in a 24-hour span, ranking India third globally for 'zero-food' children after Guinea and Mali. Conducted across 92 countries, the study revealed significant deficits in infant and young child feeding in India. Despite using data from the National Family Health Survey, the Indian health ministry dismissed the findings as sensationalized. Experts argue the issue reflects poor feeding practices, inadequate dietary diversity, and broader socio-economic inequalities, calling for comprehensive measures to address child malnutrition and improve health outcomes.