Rahul Haldar

A tribute to a prolific writer and intellectual whose legacy will endure The passing of Abdul Ghafoor Noorani on August 29, 2024, has left a void in India’s intellectual landscape. Noorani, an eminent constitutional expert, lawyer, and writer, devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge and justice. Over six decades, his prolific writings illuminated a range of socio-political issues, shaping the nation's discourse and leaving an enduring legacy. A Prolific Chronicler of India’s Socio-Political Landscape Noorani’s writings encompassed a wide array of topics, including the intricate Kashmir issue, the evolving dynamics of Indian political parties, and the complexities of India's constitutional framework. His profound understanding of these issues stemmed from meticulous research, a sharp legal mind, and unwavering commitment to truth. His writings, characterized by clarity, depth, and rigorous analysis, enlightened readers and provoked thought. Kashmir: A Lifelong Endeavor The ...

In the heart of Central Asia, a silent war rages against the women of Afghanistan. The Taliban, having reclaimed power in August 2021, has systematically stripped women of their rights and freedoms, turning back the clock on decades of progress. Their draconian edicts have banished women from public life, education, and even the simple act of singing. This regression into darkness has been met with an alarming silence from the international community, including India, a nation that once held significant economic influence in Afghanistan. A Glimmer of Hope Extinguished Prior to the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan, while still grappling with conflict and instability, had witnessed a gradual expansion of women's rights. Women held positions in government, attended universities, and contributed to the nation's burgeoning economy. India, a key regional player, had invested heavily in Afghanistan's reconstruction, with an estimated 50% of the Afghan economy under its influence. Thi...

The shockwaves reverberated through the tech world when Pavel Durov, the enigmatic CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France on August 24, 2024. Durov, a staunch advocate for privacy and freedom of speech, found himself at the center of a legal storm, accused of facilitating criminal activities through his platform. This incident has ignited a global debate on the delicate balance between online privacy and law enforcement, raising profound questions about the future of digital communication. The Rise of Telegram and its Privacy-First Ethos To understand the significance of Durov's arrest, we must delve into the origins of Telegram and the philosophy that underpins it. Founded in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, Telegram quickly gained popularity for its focus on privacy and security. Its end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and cloud-based storage appealed to users seeking a safe haven from the prying eyes of governments and corpora...

In the annals of Indian jurisprudence, the Supreme Court has once again emerged as a guardian of liberty, delivering a series of landmark rulings that promise to reshape the nation's political discourse and legal framework. The focus of this judicial intervention is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), a powerful tool that, under the Narendra Modi government, has been accused of being weaponized against political opponents. By curtailing the sweeping powers granted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under PMLA, the apex court has signaled a potential turning point in India's ongoing struggle to balance national security concerns with the protection of individual rights and the preservation of democratic values. PMLA: A Controversial Legacy The PMLA, enacted in 2002, was initially designed to combat the menace of money laundering, a complex financial crime that often serves as the lifeblood of organized crime and terrorism. Over the years, the law has undergone severa...

A seismic report exposing pervasive sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry. Examines the report's findings, its impact on the industry, and the path forward. Advocates for systemic change, transparency, and a culture of respect for all. The Malayalam film industry, renowned for its artistic brilliance and storytelling prowess, found itself at a crossroads in 2024. The release of the long-awaited Hema Committee report, detailing widespread sexual harassment and gender discrimination within the industry, sent shockwaves through Kerala and the nation. This landmark document, the result of years of careful research and brave testimonies, brought to light the dark underbelly of an industry often perceived as glamorous and progressive. This article delves into the report's findings, its impact on the Malayalam film industry, and the crucial steps that need to be taken to ensure a safer and more equitable working environment for all. Genesis of the ...

  A Chilling Incident Shakes Kolkata, Sparking National Outrage and Calls for Change Introduction In the heart of Kolkata, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant intellectual life, a horrific incident unfolded within the hallowed halls of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. On the morning of August 9, 2024, a 31-year-old trainee doctor was found brutally raped and murdered in the seminar hall, sending shockwaves throughout the nation and triggering widespread protests. The incident, now infamously known as the 'RG Kar Medical College Horror,' has ignited a fervent debate on the safety and security of women in India, particularly those working in the healthcare sector. Unveiling the Horror The gruesome discovery of the young doctor's body in a semi-naked state left the medical community and the nation reeling in shock and disbelief. Initial investigations revealed that the heinous crime took place between 3 am and 5 am, during the victim's night dut...

When investment dreams turn into financial nightmares In the digital age, where information flows at the speed of light and connectivity transcends borders, opportunities for innovation and growth abound. Yet, as we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, we must remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit our aspirations for personal gain. The world of finance, particularly the stock market, has long been a breeding ground for both legitimate wealth creation and unscrupulous schemes. Today, we delve into a new and alarming trend that leverages the popularity of WhatsApp groups to lure unsuspecting individuals into a web of deceit. The Bait: WhatsApp Groups Promising Stock Market Riches The modus operandi of these scammers is deceptively simple. They create WhatsApp groups under the guise of providing valuable stock market advice and insights. The group administrators often portray themselves as successful investors, flaunting their supposed expertise and track record. They may ev...

Navigating the Complexities of Waqf Management and Governance in India The Waqf Board, an institution deeply rooted in India's history, holds a unique position in the nation's socio-economic landscape. Tasked with the management of vast endowments dedicated to charitable and religious purposes, the Board has the potential to be a powerful force for community development. Yet, it finds itself at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, facing challenges that threaten its effectiveness. The recent amendment bill proposed by the Modi government has further stirred the waters, raising concerns about the future of Waqf management and the potential impact on the Muslim community. The Legacy of the Waqf Board The concept of Waqf, or endowment, has its origins in Islamic law. Muslims with means would dedicate properties or assets in perpetuity for the benefit of the community, creating a sustainable source of income for charitable endeavors. In India, Waqf Boards were established to ...