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The new data bill will mark a paradigm shift

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 10:10 PM IST

India is probably the last significant nation with no active data protection regime. The new bill fills that gap.

Digital Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday

ByRahul Matthan

In Nuh clashes lurk old patterns of sectarianism

Law enforcement agencies mishandled communal violence in Nuh, Haryana, showing bias and inadequate response.

After the communal violence in Nuh, Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed in sector-57 near Tigra Village to maintain law & order, in Gurugram, India, on Sunday. (Photo by Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 10:10 PM IST

ByVibhuti Narain Rai

An echo of licence raj in laptop import curbs

The decision to restrict laptop and PC imports, aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, may harm consumers and IT industry, and invite retaliatory tariffs.

Import restrictions are placed on smart TVs and mobile phones(Stock)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 10:10 PM IST

ByAnupam Manur

Keeping up with UP | The divide and the invisible silver lining

Muslims at crossroads: They fear getting marginalised in the new socio-political scenario. At the same time, they are apprehensive about BJP’s divisive politics

Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised on Pasmanda (meaning backwards or ‘left behind’ in Persian) Muslims at the party’s Hyderabad meeting in July 2022, the BJP in UP has attempted to woo them with representation in local bodies. (Photo by Santosh Kumar / Hindustan Times/ Representational)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 06:52 PM IST

BySunita Aron

A remarkable foray into contemporary India

Neerja Chowdhury's new book, "How Prime Ministers Decide," provides an inside account of India's power struggles over the past four decades.

The stories in the book start in the year 1980, when Indira Gandhi regained the premiership she had lost in 1977, and close with the end of Manmohan Singh’s second ministry, (File)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:22 AM IST

ByRajmohan Gandhi

J&K has built a fresh development lexicon

Four years after Article 370 was revoked, the UT has seen unprecedented development and people’s participation

People have freedom to live the way they want. That to me is the fundamental change driving the Union Territory (PTI)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:03 AM IST

ByManoj Sinha

A lasting solution for Manipur is important

Manipur faces ongoing violence and political tension, hindering Parliament's work and requiring a long-term solution.

The entire country, and the people who live in Manipur, are looking forward to a long term solution.(Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)

opinion

Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:03 AM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

India’s green regulation has entered a new era

Environmental norms have seen three distinct phases, beginning from the British times. Two key bills passed by Parliament this week mark the fourth.

Vagaries in climate patterns are sparking wildly varying extreme weather that has not only exacted a wrenching human cost, but a punishing economic one as well. (AFP)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST

ByJayashree Nandi

Politicians can’t stomp on constitutional rights

Gujarat CM suggests making parental consent mandatory in love marriages, potentially breaching constitutional guarantees.

Doesn’t the CM know that unless he can change the Constitution, he cannot make parental consent mandatory in love marriages?(Twitter Photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Can industrialisation and inclusivity coexist?

The government launches campaigns for inclusive development, but amendments to Forest Conservation Act may harm the poorest citizens.

In India, the poorest of the poor live in the forests and are dependent on them for their livelihood. (HT file)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST

ByMark Tully

The public and private life of marriage in India

Marriage is becoming less important for politicians, but is still used for political gain. Legislators are debating same-sex marriage based on electoral gains

In the Indian subcontinent, marriage still remains an all-weather industry — worth <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>3.68 lakh crore at last estimate, according to a report by KPMG (Getty Images)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST

ByNishtha Gautam

Just Like That: Unforgettable stories from State banquets

From IK Gujral to Indira Gandhi, here's how illustrious leaders dealt with the boredom and unusual circumstances of State dinners

In deference to Indira Gandhi's fast, Ceaușescu, in his imperious way, immediately announced that the banquet was over. (Romanian Communism Online Photo Collection/ Wikimedia Commons- Representative Image)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 08:52 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

Rising air pollution shows need for localized climate action in the Northeast

Air pollution in northeastern cities of India, including Guwahati, has reached alarming levels. Increased monitoring and scientific research is needed

In March this year, Guwahati, the largest metropolis in India’s northeast region, found itself in the global list of 100 most polluted cities, as well as in the list of 10 most polluted cities in Asia (HT File)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 09:51 AM IST

ByPradyut Bordoloi

How the Japanese overcame the US' soft power and preserved cultural liberty

After August 6, 1945, the US attempted and failed in imposing the English language in Japan. The Japanese language remained a symbol of pride and identity.

A Japanese flag flutters atop the Bank of Japan building in Tokyo(Reuters file photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 05, 2023 09:39 AM IST

ByS N Sahu

Inside Manipur’s battle zones, the State is missing

Either the Biren Singh government and the State apparatus is entirely absent or it is without the slightest modicum of compassion.

Paramilitary personnel stand guard as people stage a protest against the mass burial of Kuki-Zomi people killed in Manipur's ethnic violence, in Imphal on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST

ByBarkha Dutt

The long saga of the data bill holds crucial lessons

The Digital Data Protection Bill, 2023, introduced in Parliament, deviates from recommendations and narrows protections for citizens.

The 2023 data bill expanded ministerial power on implementation “as may be prescribed”, provided vague and perpetual exemptions, without a regulatory authority for enforcement(Stock)

opinion

Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST

ByApar Gupta

Keep politics out of the fight for women’s safety

The Supreme Court's intervention and comments are seen as a positive step, but more needs to be done to address the malaise of sexual violence.

Members of tribal community hold placards and gestures during protest over violence against women and for peace in the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, in New Delhi on August 3.(AFP)

opinion

Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST

ByNamita Bhandare

Dwelling in the ‘Anthroposea’

Human impact on the planet must be confronted head-on. Let’s start with Mumbai's seas which pose a significant predicament for the city’s futures

Mumbai’s sea, like other seas, is an “Anthroposea”: It is made up not just of water, tides, and non-human biota, but also of the matter and metabolic waste of its more than fifteen million human (and nonhuman) residents.( Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times)

opinion

Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:08 AM IST

ByNikhil Anand

Terms of Trade | Sectarian politics and its statistical hubris

Dismissing growing concern around incidents of sectarian violence by citing other numbers for communal harmony is a wrong application of statistical law

Paramilitary personnel stand guard in Haryana's Nuh as curfew is imposed. On Monday, large-scale violence erupted after a religious procession led by myriad Hindu groups passed through a Muslim-dominated town in the Nuh district of Haryana.(ANI)

opinion

Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:08 AM IST

ByRoshan Kishore

India’s tiger project is at a fork in the road

India’s tiger reserves have done well. But there remains a key question: How many wild tigers can the world’s most populous nation sustain?

Poaching remains one of the biggest threats to tigers. 30% of India’s tiger population — more than 1,000 animals — are outside the protection of reserves (PTI)

opinion

Published on Aug 03, 2023 10:53 PM IST

ByAnanda Banerjee

India must prepare for a conflict over Taiwan

India needs to consider the political and military consequences of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan and formulate a policy to support Taiwan's freedom

opinion

Published on Aug 03, 2023 10:53 PM IST

ByHarsh V Pant, Yogesh M Joshi

A peaceful India free of disturbances is taking the global centre stage

India will celebrate 76 years of Independence soon, with major milestones such as the removal of Article 370, the Ram temple, and the ban on triple talaq.

India is truly coming of age as a strong nation. (HT PHOTO)

opinion

Published on Aug 03, 2023 10:53 PM IST

ByGopal Krishna Agarwal

Cause and effect l Winter is here, but it's not enough

The Antarctic is seeing a winter that only comes about once every 7.5 mn years. The sea ice cover is the lowest it's ever been. Here's why this matters greatly

An aerial view of the 200-foot-tall (60-meter-tall) front of the Getz Ice Shelf with cracks, in Antarctica, in this 2016 handout image. (NASA/REUTERS)

opinion

Published on Aug 03, 2023 09:19 AM IST

ByTannu Jain

Urban job schemes can recharge our cities and fight deep inequalities

India should focus on investing in urban social protection programs to address inequality and improve the lives of the bottom 50%.

Clearly, urban employment programmes are an idea whose time has come.( Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO )

opinion

Published on Aug 02, 2023 10:06 PM IST

ByGautam Bhan, Shriya Anand

Bhima Koregaon bail curbs State impunity

The SC’s decision to grant bail to Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira attempts to infuse some measure of due process into the stringent provisions of UAPA

opinion

Published on Aug 02, 2023 10:06 PM IST

ByGautam Bhatia

Exercise caution on plans to expand Brics

A measured and gradual process of expansion for Brics is advised for the survival and effectiveness of the institution.

India is cagey about Brics’ expansion which lets China gain the upper hand in decision-making and agenda-setting.(Reuters | Representational Image)

opinion

Published on Aug 02, 2023 10:06 PM IST

BySreeram Chaulia

Distantly Close | Can BJP rebuild its dented pro-women image?

From the absence of discussion in the Houses on Manipur to the appearance of latitude to WFI chief Brijbhushan Singh, the ruling party must speak up

The BJP’s outreach to women has been dented due to issues ranging from Manipur to the WFI chief Brijbhushan Singh(HT Photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 02, 2023 06:34 PM IST

By Vinod Sharma

Urban Planning | Our cities are in shambles. What can we do about it?

Delhi. Noida. Mumbai. Ludhiana. Patiala. Junagadh. Several cities went under due to heavy rains in the past few weeks. What ails the modern Indian urban centre?

The Beas river washed away buildings on the riverbank in Mandi and other places in Himachal Pradesh. This is a prime example of bad planning and ineffective bylaws.(HT file photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 02, 2023 04:02 PM IST

BySonali Rastogi

Biden’s presidency is transformative

Despite his age, or maybe because of it, Joe Biden has been the most clear-headed and effective US president of this century

opinion

Published on Aug 01, 2023 09:41 PM IST

ByPrashant Jha

Forest bill poses a threat to hard-earned safeguards

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 threatens India's forests and environmental legacy, ignoring expert advice and public opposition.

The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha despite concerns.

opinion

Published on Aug 01, 2023 09:41 PM IST

ByDebadityo Sinha

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Opinion

India is probably the last significant nation with no active data protection regime. The new bill fills that gap.

Law enforcement agencies mishandled communal violence in Nuh, Haryana, showing bias and inadequate response.

The decision to restrict laptop and PC imports, aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, may harm consumers and IT industry, and invite retaliatory tariffs.

Muslims at crossroads: They fear getting marginalised in the new socio-political scenario. At the same time, they are apprehensive about BJP’s divisive politics

Neerja Chowdhury's new book, "How Prime Ministers Decide," provides an inside account of India's power struggles over the past four decades.

Four years after Article 370 was revoked, the UT has seen unprecedented development and people’s participation

Manipur faces ongoing violence and political tension, hindering Parliament's work and requiring a long-term solution.

Environmental norms have seen three distinct phases, beginning from the British times. Two key bills passed by Parliament this week mark the fourth.

Gujarat CM suggests making parental consent mandatory in love marriages, potentially breaching constitutional guarantees.

The government launches campaigns for inclusive development, but amendments to Forest Conservation Act may harm the poorest citizens.

Marriage is becoming less important for politicians, but is still used for political gain. Legislators are debating same-sex marriage based on electoral gains

From IK Gujral to Indira Gandhi, here's how illustrious leaders dealt with the boredom and unusual circumstances of State dinners

Air pollution in northeastern cities of India, including Guwahati, has reached alarming levels. Increased monitoring and scientific research is needed

After August 6, 1945, the US attempted and failed in imposing the English language in Japan. The Japanese language remained a symbol of pride and identity.

Either the Biren Singh government and the State apparatus is entirely absent or it is without the slightest modicum of compassion.

The Digital Data Protection Bill, 2023, introduced in Parliament, deviates from recommendations and narrows protections for citizens.

The Supreme Court's intervention and comments are seen as a positive step, but more needs to be done to address the malaise of sexual violence.

Human impact on the planet must be confronted head-on. Let’s start with Mumbai's seas which pose a significant predicament for the city’s futures

Dismissing growing concern around incidents of sectarian violence by citing other numbers for communal harmony is a wrong application of statistical law

India’s tiger reserves have done well. But there remains a key question: How many wild tigers can the world’s most populous nation sustain?

India needs to consider the political and military consequences of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan and formulate a policy to support Taiwan's freedom

India will celebrate 76 years of Independence soon, with major milestones such as the removal of Article 370, the Ram temple, and the ban on triple talaq.

The Antarctic is seeing a winter that only comes about once every 7.5 mn years. The sea ice cover is the lowest it's ever been. Here's why this matters greatly

India should focus on investing in urban social protection programs to address inequality and improve the lives of the bottom 50%.

The SC’s decision to grant bail to Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira attempts to infuse some measure of due process into the stringent provisions of UAPA

A measured and gradual process of expansion for Brics is advised for the survival and effectiveness of the institution.

From the absence of discussion in the Houses on Manipur to the appearance of latitude to WFI chief Brijbhushan Singh, the ruling party must speak up

Delhi. Noida. Mumbai. Ludhiana. Patiala. Junagadh. Several cities went under due to heavy rains in the past few weeks. What ails the modern Indian urban centre?

Despite his age, or maybe because of it, Joe Biden has been the most clear-headed and effective US president of this century

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 threatens India's forests and environmental legacy, ignoring expert advice and public opposition.

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