Author: Sophie Landrin
Residents fill their drinking water containers at a tanker truck, New Delhi, India, June 13, 2024. PRIYANSHU SINGH / REUTERS Dozens of cans, jerry cans, and plastic buckets were piled up on both sides of the main street of Vivekanand Camp, New Delhi. Residents faced a severe water shortage amid a historic heatwave in the city, with temperatures soaring to 52°C. Government tankers make daily rounds, supplying water to informal settlements. Striking contrast In neighborhoods like Vivekanand Camp and Sanjay Camp, residents struggle to access water while upscale areas enjoy lush gardens and swimming pools. The disparity exposes the structural…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi bows as he is sworn in at the presidential palace in New Delhi on June 9, 2024. ADNAN ABIDI / REUTERS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his third term by taking the oath at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 9, in an extravagant ceremony attended by over 8,000 guests. The event marked Modi’s tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, the only other leader to hold three consecutive terms in India’s history. Among the distinguished guests were heads of neighboring countries, notable personalities, and religious figures, while Modi’s coalition secured victory in the parliamentary…
Congress Party supporters celebrate the results of India’s general elections in Chandigarh on June 4, 2024. – / AFP In a surprising turn of events, Narendra Modi’s grip on power in India was severely shaken as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of an outright majority in the recent general elections. Despite being the world’s largest political party, the BJP’s dominance was challenged by a resurgent Indian National Congress, sparking political negotiations and uncertainty. The BJP, led by Modi, now relies on strategic alliances with regional leaders to secure a stable government. However, key figures like Nitish Kumar and…
Once home to Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, Teen Murti House is now a museum showcasing his personal life and political legacy. The colonial building with lush gardens is a reminder of Nehru’s contributions to Indian independence and his enduring influence on the country’s history. However, recent developments, such as renaming the museum and building a new structure adjacent to it, reflect the changing political landscape in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024.PIB /PRESS INFORMATION/ZUMA-REA Modi’s recent electoral victory, while securing a third term, falls short of his ambitious goals.…
Screenshot of the video ‘Is India becoming a dictatorship?’ by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. DHRUV RATHEE/YOUTUBE Dhruv Rathee, a 29-year-old YouTuber based in Germany, is making waves in India with his impactful videos aimed at saving Indian democracy. Through animation, graphics, and press clippings, Rathee exposes the reality of Modi’s India to his 20 million subscribers. His video “Is India becoming a dictatorship?” has garnered over 25 million views, addressing government oppression, interference, and political controversies. Rathee, who considers himself a YouTube Educator, strives to uphold values of rationality and liberty. He challenges India’s political landscape by debunking false narratives and…
LETTER FROM NEW DELHI Valentin Hénault, in a village with Dalit women, Uttar Pradesh (India), 2023. / LE MONDE Valentin Hénault, a film student from Paris-Diderot University, embarked on a journey to India in 2023 to document the atrocities faced by Dalit women. However, his trip took a dark turn when he was mistakenly arrested by local authorities during a peace march in Gorakhpur. The Ordeal Hénault’s arrest on false charges of visa violation led to a night in police custody, prompting him to seek help from the French Embassy. Despite the misunderstanding, he was eventually released, highlighting the challenges…
Members of the National Union of Students of India cross barricades during a protest related to education and unemployment, in Bhubaneswar on March 13, 2024. HINDUSTAN TIMES/SIPA USA Neelam Azad, a young graduate, is currently imprisoned for her involvement in a protest at the Indian Parliament. Her actions symbolize the frustration felt by many Indian youths facing unemployment since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. The issue of youth unemployment is a central theme in the ongoing general elections in India, especially in regions like Haryana, where traditional agriculture no longer provides sufficient opportunities for the younger generation.…