Zee Media Group Chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra said that, "Media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy but faces increasing pressure from the Governing Class, whether the legislature, executive, corporations and more". Watch in!

Zee's Dr. Subhash Chandra's message to members of fourth estate

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 30) convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by Beijing. The ones found guilty include former&nbsp;lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan. The convicted individuals could face life in prison.

The convicted individuals were among 47 democracy advocates who were prosecuted in 2021 for the involvement in an unofficial primary election. Beijing accused them of attempting to paralyse Hong Kong's government and topple the city's leader by securing the legislative majority. Such majority is necessary to veto the budgets.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?&nbsp;</h2>

The subversion case shows how the security law is being used to crush the dissent and the political opposition amid huge anti-Beijing protests in 2019. But the Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist the law has helped bring back stability to the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-arrests-six-for-sedition-under-new-security-law-726461">Hong Kong arrests six for sedition under new security law</a>

When Hong Kong came under Chinese rule after British gave up on the city in 1997, the Communist China promised to retain the city's civil liberties for 50 years. But after the introduction of the 2020 law, Hong Kong authorities have severely limited free speech in the name of maintaining national security.

Also watch |&nbsp;China's national security law for Hong Kong: Explained

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After the enactment of this law, many city-based activists were arrested, silenced or forced into self-exile. Dozens of civil society groups disbanded.

Associated Press reported dozens of residents lined up outside the police-guarded court building before 6 AM (local time) to secure a seat in the public gallery.&nbsp;

Social worker Stanley Chang, a friend of one of the 16 defendants told Associated Press he arrived the site at 4 AM.

“I want to give some support for my friend and the faces I saw in news reports,” he said, who is in his 30s.

SL Chiu told the Associated Press the hearing marked a historic moment.&nbsp;

"Hong Kongers are still here. We haven't given up. We are still with you all," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 30) convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by Beijing. The ones found guilty include former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan.

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 30) convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the biggest national security case under a law imposed by Beijing. The ones found guilty include former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Helena Wong and Raymond Chan. The convicted individuals could face life in prison. The convicted individuals were among 47 democracy advocates who were prosecuted in 2021 for the involvement in an unofficial primary election. Beijing accused them of attempting to paralyse Hong Kong's government and topple the city's leader by securing the legislative majority. Such majority is necessary to veto the budgets. What does it mean? The subversion case shows how the security law is being used to crush the dissent and the political opposition amid huge anti-Beijing protests in 2019. But the Beijing and Hong Kong governments insist the law has helped bring back stability to the city. Also read | Hong Kong arrests six for sedition under new security law When Hong Kong came under Chinese rule after British gave up on the city in 1997, the Communist China promised to retain the city's civil liberties for 50 years. But after the introduction of the 2020 law, Hong Kong authorities have severely limited free speech in the name of maintaining national security. Also watch | China's national security law for Hong Kong: Explained × After the enactment of this law, many city-based activists were arrested, silenced or forced into self-exile. Dozens of civil society groups disbanded. Associated Press reported dozens of residents lined up outside the police-guarded court building before 6 AM (local time) to secure a seat in the public gallery. Social worker Stanley Chang, a friend of one of the 16 defendants told Associated Press he arrived the site at 4 AM. “I want to give some support for my friend and the faces I saw in news reports,” he said, who is in his 30s. SL Chiu told the Associated Press the hearing marked a historic moment. "Hong Kongers are still here. We haven't given up. We are still with you all," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong democracy leaders convicted in China's mass national security trial

China has put Taiwan on notice with its deadly military drills. 49 Chinese aircraft were detected since Beijing launched its two-day military exercises that it called 'punishment drills' after self-ruled Taiwan's new leader vowed to defend the island's democracy.

Chinese drills comes after Taiwan's Presidential polls result

Today, if you say something about the nation, people immediately try to associate you with some ideology – left, right or something else. This has become a phenomenon across the country, which is an unfortunate situation because these are the mechanics of destroying a democracy.

Earlier, I used to see this in the United States and feel, “What kind of democracy is this?” There, people are already committed to being either a Democrat or a Republican. No matter what happens, they will only vote for their party.

There is a joke about this phenomenon: When a veteran Republican leader was on his deathbed, he requested, “I want to join the Democratic Party.” People said, “Not you! You have been a Republican all your life, and so were your father and your grandfather. And now on your deathbed, you want to become a Democrat?” He said, “Yes, I want to become a Democrat.” They asked, “Why?” He replied, “I would rather have one of them dying.”

Right now, only a very small percentage of the people decide the election in the United States because the rest of them are already fixed on a certain party. This is not democracy. &nbsp;If you belong to one party, and regardless of what happens, you are going to vote only for your party, then it is a feudalistic society, not a democratic society.

In a living democracy, you should evaluate your stance before every election, and that should never be a permanent stance. At the end of every term, each one of us should look at what the elected representatives have done. We must decide individually, and vote based on whether what they have done is good for the current situation and the future of the country.

Unfortunately, in recent years, our country’s political atmosphere is also becoming like that of the United States, where people are fixed on one particular party. This means they are not interested in democracy. When everyone knows who will vote for which party, what is the point of a secret ballot? What is the point of offering citizens the opportunity of choosing the political leadership? You might as well go back to a monarchy, where you belong to either this clan or that clan.

If you want a living democracy, the most important thing is that, except for a few party workers, the rest of the population should not be committed to any party or ideology. We must go beyond this feudalistic mindset of voting as a family, caste or religion because even if one family votes as one unit, then it is not democracy. The idea of a secret ballot is that everyone should think for themselves and vote accordingly. Otherwise, we will subvert the democratic process.

I request all citizens, particularly the young people, not to take political sides. You must debate every issue in the country, and whoever is going to offer solutions must get the vote. You should not have a pet politician of your own. Is the politician that you have elected working for the nation or themselves? This is the first thing you have to see. The second thing is, do they have the breadth of mind, intelligence and competence to create what the nation needs? And do they understand the heartbeat of this nation? If these qualities are present in a politician or a leader, it is our business to support them. If this is not there, it is our business to replace them. But after the election, whomever people elect, you must bow down to the people’s will and support them because this is the idea of democracy.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Today, if you say something about the nation, people immediately try to associate you with some ideology – left, right or something else. This has become a phenomenon across the country, which is an unfortunate situation because these are the mechanics of destroying a democracy.

Today, if you say something about the nation, people immediately try to associate you with some ideology – left, right or something else. This has become a phenomenon across the country, which is an unfortunate situation because these are the mechanics of destroying a democracy. Earlier, I used to see this in the United States and feel, “What kind of democracy is this?” There, people are already committed to being either a Democrat or a Republican. No matter what happens, they will only vote for their party. There is a joke about this phenomenon: When a veteran Republican leader was on his deathbed, he requested, “I want to join the Democratic Party.” People said, “Not you! You have been a Republican all your life, and so were your father and your grandfather. And now on your deathbed, you want to become a Democrat?” He said, “Yes, I want to become a Democrat.” They asked, “Why?” He replied, “I would rather have one of them dying.” Right now, only a very small percentage of the people decide the election in the United States because the rest of them are already fixed on a certain party. This is not democracy. If you belong to one party, and regardless of what happens, you are going to vote only for your party, then it is a feudalistic society, not a democratic society. In a living democracy, you should evaluate your stance before every election, and that should never be a permanent stance. At the end of every term, each one of us should look at what the elected representatives have done. We must decide individually, and vote based on whether what they have done is good for the current situation and the future of the country. Unfortunately, in recent years, our country’s political atmosphere is also becoming like that of the United States, where people are fixed on one particular party. This means they are not interested in democracy. When everyone knows who will vote for which party, what is the point of a secret ballot? What is the point of offering citizens the opportunity of choosing the political leadership? You might as well go back to a monarchy, where you belong to either this clan or that clan. If you want a living democracy, the most important thing is that, except for a few party workers, the rest of the population should not be committed to any party or ideology. We must go beyond this feudalistic mindset of voting as a family, caste or religion because even if one family votes as one unit, then it is not democracy. The idea of a secret ballot is that everyone should think for themselves and vote accordingly. Otherwise, we will subvert the democratic process. I request all citizens, particularly the young people, not to take political sides. You must debate every issue in the country, and whoever is going to offer solutions must get the vote. You should not have a pet politician of your own. Is the politician that you have elected working for the nation or themselves? This is the first thing you have to see. The second thing is, do they have the breadth of mind, intelligence and competence to create what the nation needs? And do they understand the heartbeat of this nation? If these qualities are present in a politician or a leader, it is our business to support them. If this is not there, it is our business to replace them. But after the election, whomever people elect, you must bow down to the people’s will and support them because this is the idea of democracy. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Beyond Party Lines: True Democratic Spirit

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: A record 18 million voters aged 18-19 are set to cast their votes for the first time. As India's election summer heats up, WION's Mukul Sharma reached out to the Gen-Z voters to do some.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Youngest Voters Of World's Biggest Democracy

As per reports, the Indian government has approached a major Indian think tank. They aim to develop a homegrown democracy ratings index. Watch this video for all details.

Why is India planning its own democracy index?

What elections in India mean for the South Asian region. India has a long history of dominance in South Asia with over 5,000 years of civilizational ties it sees itself as the natural leader in the region to solidify this position India has provided over a hundred billion in development assistance to its neighbours however maintaining this influence is not without challenges.

Indian elections 2024: India's balancing act in South Asia

In a rare address outside No.10 Downing Street on Friday (Mar 1) night, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a stark warning about the challenges facing British democracy. In his address, he said that British democracy is facing "intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence."&nbsp;

This comes a day after&nbsp;Sunak met police chiefs to deliberate on ways to safeguard the "people, processes and institutions" in British democracy.

"In recent weeks and months, we've seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality," Sunak said in his address and added,&nbsp;"We are a country where we love our neighbours, and we are building Britain together. But I fear that our great achievement in building the world's most successful multi-ethnic multi-faith democracy is being deliberately undermined."

Taking aim at newly elected pro-Palestinian MP George Galloway, Sunak accused him of trivialising the severity of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. The British PM termed the tragic attack on Israel by the militant group as "horror."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicaragua-drags-germany-to-world-court-for-aiding-israels-genocide-in-gaza-695802">Nicaragua drags Germany to World Court for aiding Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza</a>

Notably, Galloway's victory in the Rochdale by-election after a contentious campaign added fuel to the ongoing political turmoil&nbsp;a day ago.&nbsp;

<h2>Vote on Gaza ceasefire and demonstrations&nbsp;</h2>

Sunak's address followed recent chaotic scenes in the British Parliament, including a tumultuous House of Commons vote on a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Speaker's decision to prioritise MPs' safety disrupted parliamentary conventions, reflecting the growing concern over safety amid vocal protests and even death threats faced by lawmakers.&nbsp;

“Don’t let the extremist hijack your marches,” Sunak had said to the people adding, “You have a chance in the coming weeks to show that you can protest decently, peacefully and with empathy for your fellow citizens.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-who-test-covid-positive-dont-need-to-isolate-for-five-days-us-cdc-695818">Americans who test Covid positive don't need to isolate for five days: US CDC</a>

The looming election has added urgency to Sunak's message, as he battles dwindling support for his governing Tories. As the Conservatives face potential internal dissent, voices calling for the return of Boris Johnson are also growing louder.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-biden-refers-to-gaza-as-ukraine-in-airdrop-announcement-white-house-clarifies-later-695811">President Biden refers to Gaza as 'Ukraine' in airdrop announcement, White House clarifies later</a>

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Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's suggestion that Rishi Sunak should reconcile with his rival underscored the deepening divisions within the party.&nbsp;Rishi Sunak “should swallow some pride,”&nbsp;Kwarteng earlier said.&nbsp;Despite the challenges and calls for change, the prospect of Johnson's return remains contentious, particularly in light of past controversies and divisions within the party.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare address outside No.10 Downing Street on Friday (Mar 1) night, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a stark warning about the challenges facing British democracy.

In a rare address outside No.10 Downing Street on Friday (Mar 1) night, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a stark warning about the challenges facing British democracy. In his address, he said that British democracy is facing "intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence." This comes a day after Sunak met police chiefs to deliberate on ways to safeguard the "people, processes and institutions" in British democracy. "In recent weeks and months, we've seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality," Sunak said in his address and added, "We are a country where we love our neighbours, and we are building Britain together. But I fear that our great achievement in building the world's most successful multi-ethnic multi-faith democracy is being deliberately undermined." Taking aim at newly elected pro-Palestinian MP George Galloway, Sunak accused him of trivialising the severity of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. The British PM termed the tragic attack on Israel by the militant group as "horror." Also Read | Nicaragua drags Germany to World Court for aiding Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza Notably, Galloway's victory in the Rochdale by-election after a contentious campaign added fuel to the ongoing political turmoil a day ago. Vote on Gaza ceasefire and demonstrations Sunak's address followed recent chaotic scenes in the British Parliament, including a tumultuous House of Commons vote on a ceasefire in Gaza. The Speaker's decision to prioritise MPs' safety disrupted parliamentary conventions, reflecting the growing concern over safety amid vocal protests and even death threats faced by lawmakers. “Don’t let the extremist hijack your marches,” Sunak had said to the people adding, “You have a chance in the coming weeks to show that you can protest decently, peacefully and with empathy for your fellow citizens. Also Read | Americans who test Covid positive don't need to isolate for five days: US CDC The looming election has added urgency to Sunak's message, as he battles dwindling support for his governing Tories. As the Conservatives face potential internal dissent, voices calling for the return of Boris Johnson are also growing louder. Watch | President Biden refers to Gaza as 'Ukraine' in airdrop announcement, White House clarifies later × Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's suggestion that Rishi Sunak should reconcile with his rival underscored the deepening divisions within the party. Rishi Sunak “should swallow some pride,” Kwarteng earlier said. Despite the challenges and calls for change, the prospect of Johnson's return remains contentious, particularly in light of past controversies and divisions within the party. (With inputs from agencies)

Sunak warns of 'threats' to British democracy, takes swipe at pro-Palestinian MP George Galloway

Post October 7, 2023, the world has been thrown into tumult. The proximate cause for that is the war between Israel and Hamas which has now entered into its third month. Mutually reinforcing traumas of both Palestinians and Israelis render this war ‘maximalist’ or almost zero-sum. This much is well-known and obvious. But there are broader ramifications and implications. These pertain to democracy and democratisation - two allied ideas and themes that trace their wellsprings to the Idea of the West. Concomitants and relates of western inspired modernity, it has been held, partly out of hubris and partly ignorance that both constitute the ‘endpoint’ of humankind’s political evolution and thereby history. The tone for this view was perhaps set by the great political scientist, the late Samuel Huntington and his ‘modernisation thesis’. The great scholar dwelt on the ‘Third Wave of Democratisation’ and held it to be an augury of the future. But we enter the third decade of the 21st century, there is a veritable ‘democratic recession’ on the anvil with ‘democratic backsliding’ taking place across the world.&nbsp;

Before exegeting on the thematic concern of this essay, a wee digression first: I do not aim to dwell on the reasons for ‘democratic recession’; neither am I making value-laden judgements on democracy itself. I have a far more limited point to make and adumbrate upon: the West’s almost missionary impulse and proselytisation about democracy. Is the West right about insisting upon democracy as the panacea for the non-West? If it is, does it stand morally and ethically qualified to do so?&nbsp;

In the war between Palestinians and Israelis lies most of the answer. This war has polarised world opinion, more stridently in the Western world. One immediate recall of this is the strident and poignant calls for ceasefire between Palestinians and Israel. Massive demonstrations have taken place across the Western world supporting the ceasefire. But no major government that has given unqualified support to Israel has even budged. In fact, the United States even vetoed a proposal for the same. Now the point I would like to make is inferential (but very valid): if those in power in the Western world owe and derive their power from the vox (people), then legislation and policy must reflect the distilled essence of the preferences of the very same people. On the proverbial ground, however, what is observed is that to quell these protests two prongs are employed: one is the policing power of the states and two discursive power of the media to decry these (sometimes). At the levels of legislation and policy, there is zero traction. My question (as naïve as it may sound) is: Is this democracy?

Watch | US: Obama fears Biden could lose in 2024? | Race to Power

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Two, mainstream Western media, either because of being wedded to ‘convention’ or ‘convention plus ideology’ chooses to put an interpretative grid on events that cannot said to be ‘objective’. Moreover, any dissenting view that goes against their respective news and editorial slants and stances are not given space. But power, privilege and interest as defined by conventional media is privileged. If media or the Fourth Estate is the guard rail of democracy, is not it failing this basic ‘acid test?

Third, at a more prosaic but nonetheless important level of analysis, if democracy loosely correlates with justice or fairness or ‘Justice as fairness’, which Western country can claim to be the society that emblematises this? ‘Facts’ suggest that in this regard a great elision takes place where contradictions are justified either with parsimonious explanations or ‘economics’ is employed as a justificatory premise. Instead of the ‘rule of law’, there appears to be ‘rule by lawyers’. By this I mean the very prosaic but very elemental fact that deprives many from access to justice let alone the tenets of justice. Consider a hypothetical illustration here. A student on an immigrant visa in a Western country falls foul of staff in his/her university. The staff member does not like the cut of her or his jib. Now ‘rules being rules’ – that is both subjective and objective or open to interpretation - and where hypothetical staff member can use his/her power and discretion to nullify the student’s studentship in the sense of enrolment at the uni.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-west-needs-to-take-a-fresh-look-at-itself-and-the-world-heres-why-638521">The West needs to take a fresh look at itself and the world. Here’s why</a>

This has immigration implications. If the student’s immigration status is hampered, effectively he/she does not have any real redress and his/her life is effectively ruined. This holds not only for outsiders to a Western society but its insiders in an 'n' number of permutations and combinations. In essence then if a native of a Western society especially from a socio-economic class that is not privileged and falls foul of the law, effectively he/she has no real and effective means of redressal. He/she has to live with the injustice. If the West’s ‘rule of law’ dictum falls short, not merely of the ideal but also in utilitarian terms, then how can the West use this dictum and lecture the non west?

Arguably, with respect to the latter, it can be said no society is perfect and dismiss this argument on utilitarian grounds with the caveat that ‘things are getting better’. Even if this explanation is accepted, what about the voice of the people, law, legislation and public and foreign policy? And what about the ‘sentinel of democracy’, the media? In terms of people, legislation and policy, if the war between Israel and Palestinians is employed as an illustrative example then the question is whether foreign policy drives domestic policy or vice versa? If it is the former, then again democracy stands implicated. And if media is instead of educating the public ‘manufacturing consent’ then the Fourth Estate is failing. This obviously constitutes another failure of democracy. The point to note is that these egregious failures are not happening in Africa or Asia but in the crucible and centre of gravity of democracy, the West.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/an-open-letter-to-donald-trump-yes-make-america-great-again-664540">An open letter to Donald Trump: Yes, Make America Great Again</a>

These then are moral and ethical failures. And if these hold, then the West has forfeited any claim – proselytizing or otherwise – to preach about democracy to the non-West. Now all this does not actually implicate democracy, in principle, but surely in practice. The obvious corollary here is that before looking outward the West must look inward and within. That is, it must set its house in order first.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-pity-of-war-why-israel-must-be-stopped-648509">'The pity of war’: Why Israel must be stopped</a>

The foregoing discussion is not an idle exercise in frivolity. I, the author of this essay, have vantage points on the issues delineated: I have earned this perch and vantage point. What has accrued, in the main is the synthesis between reason, rationality and tradition. I do not owe this to any university or an academic setting; it is my ‘blood and sweat’, so to speak that has gone into the making of these. The thematic concern of this essay is then an important and significant issue - fraught with consequences and implications for both the West and the world at large. All of us need to think and introspect - more so the West!

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Post October 7, 2023, the world has been thrown into tumult. The proximate cause for that is the war between Israel and Hamas which has now entered into its third month.

Post October 7, 2023, the world has been thrown into tumult. The proximate cause for that is the war between Israel and Hamas which has now entered into its third month. Mutually reinforcing traumas of both Palestinians and Israelis render this war ‘maximalist’ or almost zero-sum. This much is well-known and obvious. But there are broader ramifications and implications. These pertain to democracy and democratisation - two allied ideas and themes that trace their wellsprings to the Idea of the West. Concomitants and relates of western inspired modernity, it has been held, partly out of hubris and partly ignorance that both constitute the ‘endpoint’ of humankind’s political evolution and thereby history. The tone for this view was perhaps set by the great political scientist, the late Samuel Huntington and his ‘modernisation thesis’. The great scholar dwelt on the ‘Third Wave of Democratisation’ and held it to be an augury of the future. But we enter the third decade of the 21st century, there is a veritable ‘democratic recession’ on the anvil with ‘democratic backsliding’ taking place across the world. Before exegeting on the thematic concern of this essay, a wee digression first: I do not aim to dwell on the reasons for ‘democratic recession’; neither am I making value-laden judgements on democracy itself. I have a far more limited point to make and adumbrate upon: the West’s almost missionary impulse and proselytisation about democracy. Is the West right about insisting upon democracy as the panacea for the non-West? If it is, does it stand morally and ethically qualified to do so? In the war between Palestinians and Israelis lies most of the answer. This war has polarised world opinion, more stridently in the Western world. One immediate recall of this is the strident and poignant calls for ceasefire between Palestinians and Israel. Massive demonstrations have taken place across the Western world supporting the ceasefire. But no major government that has given unqualified support to Israel has even budged. In fact, the United States even vetoed a proposal for the same. Now the point I would like to make is inferential (but very valid): if those in power in the Western world owe and derive their power from the vox (people), then legislation and policy must reflect the distilled essence of the preferences of the very same people. On the proverbial ground, however, what is observed is that to quell these protests two prongs are employed: one is the policing power of the states and two discursive power of the media to decry these (sometimes). At the levels of legislation and policy, there is zero traction. My question (as naïve as it may sound) is: Is this democracy? Watch | US: Obama fears Biden could lose in 2024? | Race to Power × Two, mainstream Western media, either because of being wedded to ‘convention’ or ‘convention plus ideology’ chooses to put an interpretative grid on events that cannot said to be ‘objective’. Moreover, any dissenting view that goes against their respective news and editorial slants and stances are not given space. But power, privilege and interest as defined by conventional media is privileged. If media or the Fourth Estate is the guard rail of democracy, is not it failing this basic ‘acid test? Third, at a more prosaic but nonetheless important level of analysis, if democracy loosely correlates with justice or fairness or ‘Justice as fairness’, which Western country can claim to be the society that emblematises this? ‘Facts’ suggest that in this regard a great elision takes place where contradictions are justified either with parsimonious explanations or ‘economics’ is employed as a justificatory premise. Instead of the ‘rule of law’, there appears to be ‘rule by lawyers’. By this I mean the very prosaic but very elemental fact that deprives many from access to justice let alone the tenets of justice. Consider a hypothetical illustration here. A student on an immigrant visa in a Western country falls foul of staff in his/her university. The staff member does not like the cut of her or his jib. Now ‘rules being rules’ – that is both subjective and objective or open to interpretation - and where hypothetical staff member can use his/her power and discretion to nullify the student’s studentship in the sense of enrolment at the uni. Also Read | The West needs to take a fresh look at itself and the world. Here’s why This has immigration implications. If the student’s immigration status is hampered, effectively he/she does not have any real redress and his/her life is effectively ruined. This holds not only for outsiders to a Western society but its insiders in an 'n' number of permutations and combinations. In essence then if a native of a Western society especially from a socio-economic class that is not privileged and falls foul of the law, effectively he/she has no real and effective means of redressal. He/she has to live with the injustice. If the West’s ‘rule of law’ dictum falls short, not merely of the ideal but also in utilitarian terms, then how can the West use this dictum and lecture the non west? Arguably, with respect to the latter, it can be said no society is perfect and dismiss this argument on utilitarian grounds with the caveat that ‘things are getting better’. Even if this explanation is accepted, what about the voice of the people, law, legislation and public and foreign policy? And what about the ‘sentinel of democracy’, the media? In terms of people, legislation and policy, if the war between Israel and Palestinians is employed as an illustrative example then the question is whether foreign policy drives domestic policy or vice versa? If it is the former, then again democracy stands implicated. And if media is instead of educating the public ‘manufacturing consent’ then the Fourth Estate is failing. This obviously constitutes another failure of democracy. The point to note is that these egregious failures are not happening in Africa or Asia but in the crucible and centre of gravity of democracy, the West. Also Read | An open letter to Donald Trump: Yes, Make America Great Again These then are moral and ethical failures. And if these hold, then the West has forfeited any claim – proselytizing or otherwise – to preach about democracy to the non-West. Now all this does not actually implicate democracy, in principle, but surely in practice. The obvious corollary here is that before looking outward the West must look inward and within. That is, it must set its house in order first. Also Read | 'The pity of war’: Why Israel must be stopped The foregoing discussion is not an idle exercise in frivolity. I, the author of this essay, have vantage points on the issues delineated: I have earned this perch and vantage point. What has accrued, in the main is the synthesis between reason, rationality and tradition. I do not owe this to any university or an academic setting; it is my ‘blood and sweat’, so to speak that has gone into the making of these. The thematic concern of this essay is then an important and significant issue - fraught with consequences and implications for both the West and the world at large. All of us need to think and introspect - more so the West! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Dear West. You need democracy more than ‘us’. Work toward that Now!

A resolution has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. It urges Pakistan to uphold Democratic institutions human rights and the rule of law. This comes as the South Asian nation is gearing up for its delayed general elections scheduled for February next year.

US House resolution urges Pakistan to uphold democratic institution

The United States has expanded its visa restriction policy for Ugandan officials. This comes as authorities in Uganda are accused of undermining democracy and oppressing marginalised groups.

US restricts visa for Uganda, Zimbabwe officials, restrictions for undermining democracy | WION

Joe Biden abruptly ended his speech to address an unidentified "issue" that required him to be in the Situation Room. Regarding the ongoing conflict with Hamas and the hostages kidnapped in Israel, Biden was speaking to the nation. I must visit the Situation Room.

US: Democrat Biden still in the lead in New York

The United States of America, the Republican US house of Representatives still has no speaker. Watch our report to know more.

US house speaker crisis: Mike Johnson announced as the fourth nominee

US President Joe Biden announced that his administration has approved an additional 9 billion dollars in student debt relief.

Biden announces student debt-relief plan after top court ruling

The US house and Senate find themselves on sharply divergent paths in a high-stakes spending battle, just days away from a deadline that could force wide swaths of the government to grind to a halt for the fourth time in a decade. The democratic-controlled senate is poised to vote on a bipartisan stopgap funding bill, a temporary measure to keep the government running past the impending midnight deadline on Saturday. This move is aimed at providing negotiators more time to reach an agreement on full-year spending. Meanwhile, in the republican-controlled house of representatives, speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing an internal rebellion. He's pushing ahead with four full-year spending bills that reflect conservative priorities but have little chance of becoming law. It's a showdown that could have widespread consequences.

Navigating the US shutdown threat

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Sep 28) launched a personal attack on "extremist" Donald Trump, indicating that the Republican who could be his 2024 challenger, would challenge the country's constitution if he comes back to power next year. 
 
Speaking in the battleground state of Arizona, the Democrat said that Trump was driven by "vengeance and vindictiveness", and he appealed to Americans to take a stand for the country's democracy before it is too late. 
 
Biden delivered the speech as impeachment inquiry hearings were launched by House Republicans into the 80-year-old president on the basis of unproven allegations that he lied about the business dealings of his son Hunter Biden. 
 
"We should all remember: democracies don't have to die at the end of a rifle. They can die when people are silent, when they fail to stand up, or condemn threats to democracy,” Biden stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-republicans-open-biden-impeachment-inquiry-with-focus-on-hunter-640708">US: House Republicans open Biden impeachment inquiry with focus on Hunter</a>

Biden has tried to avoid commenting on the cases which stemmed from efforts of Trump to overturn his 2020 election loss and led to an attack on the US Capitol by a mob of his supporters on January 6, 2021. 
 
However, in Arizona, he took an unusual step of addressing Trump by name, as he accused the former president and his followers of attacking the rule of law and the free press and planning to gut the country's institutions if he gets a second term.

<h2>'Something dangerous happening in America'</h2>

"Trump says the constitution gave him 'the right to do what he wants'," stated Biden, while referring to the statements made by Trump regarding his powers in office. 
 
"I've never even heard a president say that in jest -- not guided by the constitution or by common service and decency towards our fellow Americans, but by vengeance and vindictiveness,” he added. 
 
Issuing a dark warning, Biden stated there was "something dangerous happening in America" and that the Republican Party was "driven and intimidated" by Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) fringe.

WATCH |&nbsp;US: Republicans began impeachment inquiry hearings into Joe Biden

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-republicans-began-impeachment-inquiry-hearings-into-joe-biden-640740/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He slammed the Republicans for not speaking up after the country's top military officer was recently accused of treason by Trump, and slammed the hardline Trump allies for pushing the country in the direction of a government shutdown this weekend. 
 
The president further recalled how Trump had reportedly called to service members killed or captured in action as "suckers and losers". 
 
"Was he [Beau Biden, the late son of Biden who served in military] a sucker for volunteering to serve his country?" asked the president.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Sep 28) launched a personal attack on "extremist" Donald Trump, indicating that the Republican who could be his 2024 challenger, would challenge the country's constitution if he comes back to power next year.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (Sep 28) launched a personal attack on "extremist" Donald Trump, indicating that the Republican who could be his 2024 challenger, would challenge the country's constitution if he comes back to power next year. Speaking in the battleground state of Arizona, the Democrat said that Trump was driven by "vengeance and vindictiveness", and he appealed to Americans to take a stand for the country's democracy before it is too late. Biden delivered the speech as impeachment inquiry hearings were launched by House Republicans into the 80-year-old president on the basis of unproven allegations that he lied about the business dealings of his son Hunter Biden. "We should all remember: democracies don't have to die at the end of a rifle. They can die when people are silent, when they fail to stand up, or condemn threats to democracy,” Biden stated. ALSO READ | US: House Republicans open Biden impeachment inquiry with focus on Hunter Biden has tried to avoid commenting on the cases which stemmed from efforts of Trump to overturn his 2020 election loss and led to an attack on the US Capitol by a mob of his supporters on January 6, 2021. However, in Arizona, he took an unusual step of addressing Trump by name, as he accused the former president and his followers of attacking the rule of law and the free press and planning to gut the country's institutions if he gets a second term. 'Something dangerous happening in America' "Trump says the constitution gave him 'the right to do what he wants'," stated Biden, while referring to the statements made by Trump regarding his powers in office. "I've never even heard a president say that in jest -- not guided by the constitution or by common service and decency towards our fellow Americans, but by vengeance and vindictiveness,” he added. Issuing a dark warning, Biden stated there was "something dangerous happening in America" and that the Republican Party was "driven and intimidated" by Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) fringe. WATCH | US: Republicans began impeachment inquiry hearings into Joe Biden He slammed the Republicans for not speaking up after the country's top military officer was recently accused of treason by Trump, and slammed the hardline Trump allies for pushing the country in the direction of a government shutdown this weekend. The president further recalled how Trump had reportedly called to service members killed or captured in action as "suckers and losers". "Was he [Beau Biden, the late son of Biden who served in military] a sucker for volunteering to serve his country?" asked the president. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden says US democracy in danger if 'extremist' Trump returns to power

91 felony indictments against Donald Trump but the former US President appears to be unstoppable. New Wall Street Journal opinion polls show that he is leading the Republican campaign for the 2024 Presidential elections

US: Donald Trump-Joe Biden rivalry intensifies

PM Modi urged the MPs to move ahead with a new spirit and leave behind the past bitterness. He said that the new Parliament building was a symbol of a new beginning for democracy and the nation.

PM Modi hails first and historic session of new Parliament building

The morning of 18 September 2023 saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak for the last time in the old Lok Sabha, as the country's MPs geared up to enter the new Parliament of India. 
 
In his historic speech, the prime minister spoke about the old parliament building's legacy and the battles it has withheld to uphold the country's democracy. The building, which was known as Imperial Legislative Council before independence, later gained the identity of Parliament House.

Modi reminded the nation&nbsp;how “the decision to construct the building was taken by foreign rulers” even though “we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/blood-sweat-tears-and-legacy-modi-reflects-on-indias-rich-parliamentary-history-637071">'Blood, sweat, tears &amp; legacy': PM Modi reflects on Indian Parliament's rich history</a>

<h2>Herbert Baker – the man who envisioned the parliament</h2>

On 12 December 1911, Emperor of India King George V was coronated in New Delhi, after the monarch said, “We have decided upon the transfer of the seat of the Government of India from Calcutta to the ancient Capital of Delhi.” 
 
Two architects - Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker – were then given a major task of designing the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's residence), North and South Blocks (administrative buildings), Rajpath (literally the royal path), India Gate, the National Archives building and the houses of princes around India Gate. 
 
For six years – from 1921 to 1927 – the construction of the parliament building, then called the Council House, took place. In the British era, the building housed the Imperial Legislative Council, the British India's legislature. 
 
Explaining how the need of the parliament building arose in British India, Historian and author of Connaught Place and the Making of New Delhi Swapna Liddle told WION, “It was planned after the Government of India Act of 1919 created a bicameral legislature which required to be housed in an appropriate building.

In that sense, unlike Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Secretariat Buildings, from the very beginning it's primary occupants were Indians.”

<h2>How was the old parliament building constructed?</h2>

In the year 1919, a blueprint for the Council House was finalised by Lutyens and Baker, as they decided on giving it a circular shape which, it is said, the architects felt was reminiscent of the Roman historical monument, the Colosseum. 
 
However, many believe that that circular shape was inspired by the Chausath Yogini temple which is located at Mitawli village in the Morena district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Commenting on the same, Liddle said, “That is a popular idea, but we don't know whether Herbert Baker had actually visited, heard of, or seen pictures of that temple.” 
 
For Baker, the ultimate goal of building the parliament house was to project the power and influence of British imperialism and hence, he believed that it can be achieved by mixing Eastern and Western styles.

WATCH |&nbsp;Parliament Special Session: Final sitting in the old parliament building

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/parliament-special-session-final-sitting-in-the-old-parliament-building-637066/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Lutyens believed in the superiority of European classicism which Baker also agreed upon, but he said that Indian traditions had to be the basis of construction. 
 
Thomas R Metcalf, in his book An Imperial Vision: Indian Architecture and Britain’s Raj, wrote, “In a letter to Baker, still in South Africa, he [Lutyens] described, facetiously, how one would erect buildings in the two chief Indian styles. If a ‘Hindu’ structure were required, he wrote, ‘set square stones and build childwise, but, before you erect, carve every stone differently and independently, with lace patterns and terrifying shape…’ If the choice were ‘Moghul,’ he continued, build ‘a vasty mass of rough concrete, elephant-wise, on a very simple rectangular-cum-octagon plan, dome in anyhow, cutting off square… Then on top of the mass put three turnips in concrete and overlay with stone or marble as before.” 
 
Finally, the architect added a few Indian elements like chhatris (a domed roof atop a pavilion-like structure) and jaalis (a latticed carving which depicted objects like flowers).

<h2>What materials were used for the construction of the old parliament building?</h2>

According to the data shared on the official Central Vista website, the authorities had employed around 2,500 stonecutters and masons to shape the marble and stones which were needed for the building's construction. 
 
The historic circular building included 144 cream sandstone pillars, each of which measured 27 feet. At that time, the construction's total cost was Rs 83 lakhs (approx $99,000).

It was the hard work and sweat of Indian workers that finally brought the Parliament building into existence. 
 
Viceroy Lord Irwin was invited by Sir Bhupendra Nath Mitra, a member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council, on 18 January 1927 for the inauguration of the building.

The next day, the British government's third session of the Central Legislative Assembly was held in the building. 
 
As the British regime ended and India gained independence, the building was taken over by the Constituent Assembly and in 1950 it became the Indian Parliament's location as the Constitution came into force. 
 
Now that the country has got new parliament building, the old one will not be demolished and the government plans to convert it into a ‘Museum of Democracy’ after the new Parliament House starts operation.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The morning of 18 September 2023 saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak for the last time in the old Lok Sabha, as the country's MPs geared up to enter the new Parliament of India.

The morning of 18 September 2023 saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak for the last time in the old Lok Sabha, as the country's MPs geared up to enter the new Parliament of India. In his historic speech, the prime minister spoke about the old parliament building's legacy and the battles it has withheld to uphold the country's democracy. The building, which was known as Imperial Legislative Council before independence, later gained the identity of Parliament House. Modi reminded the nation how “the decision to construct the building was taken by foreign rulers” even though “we can never forget and can proudly say that the toil, the hard work and the money that went into the construction was that of my countrymen”. ALSO READ | 'Blood, sweat, tears & legacy': PM Modi reflects on Indian Parliament's rich history Herbert Baker – the man who envisioned the parliament On 12 December 1911, Emperor of India King George V was coronated in New Delhi, after the monarch said, “We have decided upon the transfer of the seat of the Government of India from Calcutta to the ancient Capital of Delhi.” Two architects - Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker – were then given a major task of designing the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's residence), North and South Blocks (administrative buildings), Rajpath (literally the royal path), India Gate, the National Archives building and the houses of princes around India Gate. For six years – from 1921 to 1927 – the construction of the parliament building, then called the Council House, took place. In the British era, the building housed the Imperial Legislative Council, the British India's legislature. Explaining how the need of the parliament building arose in British India, Historian and author of Connaught Place and the Making of New Delhi Swapna Liddle told WION, “It was planned after the Government of India Act of 1919 created a bicameral legislature which required to be housed in an appropriate building. In that sense, unlike Rashtrapati Bhavan or the Secretariat Buildings, from the very beginning it's primary occupants were Indians.” How was the old parliament building constructed? In the year 1919, a blueprint for the Council House was finalised by Lutyens and Baker, as they decided on giving it a circular shape which, it is said, the architects felt was reminiscent of the Roman historical monument, the Colosseum. However, many believe that that circular shape was inspired by the Chausath Yogini temple which is located at Mitawli village in the Morena district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Commenting on the same, Liddle said, “That is a popular idea, but we don't know whether Herbert Baker had actually visited, heard of, or seen pictures of that temple.” For Baker, the ultimate goal of building the parliament house was to project the power and influence of British imperialism and hence, he believed that it can be achieved by mixing Eastern and Western styles. WATCH | Parliament Special Session: Final sitting in the old parliament building Lutyens believed in the superiority of European classicism which Baker also agreed upon, but he said that Indian traditions had to be the basis of construction. Thomas R Metcalf, in his book An Imperial Vision: Indian Architecture and Britain’s Raj, wrote, “In a letter to Baker, still in South Africa, he [Lutyens] described, facetiously, how one would erect buildings in the two chief Indian styles. If a ‘Hindu’ structure were required, he wrote, ‘set square stones and build childwise, but, before you erect, carve every stone differently and independently, with lace patterns and terrifying shape…’ If the choice were ‘Moghul,’ he continued, build ‘a vasty mass of rough concrete, elephant-wise, on a very simple rectangular-cum-octagon plan, dome in anyhow, cutting off square… Then on top of the mass put three turnips in concrete and overlay with stone or marble as before.” Finally, the architect added a few Indian elements like chhatris (a domed roof atop a pavilion-like structure) and jaalis (a latticed carving which depicted objects like flowers). What materials were used for the construction of the old parliament building? According to the data shared on the official Central Vista website, the authorities had employed around 2,500 stonecutters and masons to shape the marble and stones which were needed for the building's construction. The historic circular building included 144 cream sandstone pillars, each of which measured 27 feet. At that time, the construction's total cost was Rs 83 lakhs (approx $99,000). It was the hard work and sweat of Indian workers that finally brought the Parliament building into existence. Viceroy Lord Irwin was invited by Sir Bhupendra Nath Mitra, a member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council, on 18 January 1927 for the inauguration of the building. The next day, the British government's third session of the Central Legislative Assembly was held in the building. As the British regime ended and India gained independence, the building was taken over by the Constituent Assembly and in 1950 it became the Indian Parliament's location as the Constitution came into force. Now that the country has got new parliament building, the old one will not be demolished and the government plans to convert it into a ‘Museum of Democracy’ after the new Parliament House starts operation. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Making of old parliament, symbol of democracy in free India but a British colonial vestige

The Hong Kong singer-turned-democracy activist has been sentenced to prison for more than two years.

Hong Kong: Pro-democracy activist, Yuen jailed

If you thought a Republican presidential debate would be boring without Donald Trump then you might have been proven wrong

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The GOP has conducted its first presidential primary debate which saw eight candidates often engage in heated exchanges.

First GOP Presidential primary debate

For the 2024 US presidential elections, former president Donald Trump is planning to skip the first Republican presidential debate.

US presidential election 2024: Trump expected to skip GOP debate

Vivek Ramaswamy seems to be the choice with GOP supporters who seem to be favouring the newest entry to the Republican Presidential candidacy race in a new poll.

Vivek Ramaswamy dethrones Pence, ties with DeSantis as 2nd favourite

The controversy surrounding an Indian private university over the controversial research paper is refusing to die down as another faculty professor has quit, sparking a strong response from other faculty members who have threatened to quit en masse.

According to reports, Pulapre Balakrishnan, an economics professor at Ashoka University, put his papers on Tuesday (Aug 15) in protest against the varsity’s decision to accept the resignation of Sabyasachi Das, whose research work suggesting voter manipulation in 2019 elections sparked a major political controversy with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Following Balakrishnan’s exit, his colleagues have written to the university’s governing body threatening a faculty exodus if Das is not reinstated. The English and Creative Writing departments have also extended their support to the demand, reports PTI news agency.

<h2>'Won't carry out teaching obligations'</h2>

In a joint statement, they said that they would not be able to carry out their teaching obligations "unless questions regarding basic academic freedoms are resolved before the Monsoon 2023 semester".

"The offer of resignation by our colleague Prof. Sabyasachi Das and its hasty acceptance by the University has deeply ruptured the faith that we in the faculty of the Department of Economics, our colleagues, our students, and well-wishers of Ashoka University everywhere, had reposed in the university's leadership," the letter said.

"We urge the governing body to address this immediately, but no later than August 23, 2023. Failure to do so will systematically wreck the largest academic department at Ashoka and the very viability of the Ashoka vision," it added.

Furthermore, the professors have put out two demands. One, Professor Das' unconditional return to his position at Ashoka University, and second, the governing body to play no role in evaluating faculty research through any committee or any other structure.

&nbsp;"Unless these questions regarding basic academic freedoms are resolved before the start of the Monsoon 2023 semester, faculty members of the department will find themselves unable to carry forward their teaching obligations in the spirit of critical enquiry and the fearless pursuit of truth that characterise our classrooms,” the letter stated.

<h2>What was the controversy about?</h2>

The university had earlier distanced itself from Das’ research paper ‘Democratic Backsliding in the World's Largest Democracy’ after it came under immense criticism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-ashoka-university-distances-itself-from-disputed-paper-that-questioned-integrity-of-indias-elections-621555">India's Ashoka University distances itself from disputed paper that questioned integrity of India's elections</a>

On social media, the varsity stated that social media activity or public activism by Ashoka faculty, students or staff in their “individual capacity” does not reflect its stand.

Das later resigned and the university accepted his resignation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-33-academicians-demand-removal-of-names-from-rationalised-ncert-textbooks-604808">India: 33 academicians demand removal of names from 'rationalised' NCERT textbooks</a>

According to Das’ paper, the “disproportionate” wins were never observed in past elections by BJP or Congress, and also that they were mainly seen in states ruled by BJP at that time.

His paper cites that the reasons for this could be that either the BJP committed electoral fraud or it was able to accurately predict closely contested seats and mobilise party workers to campaign more intensively.

(With inputs from agencies)

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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The controversy surrounding an Indian private university over the controversial research paper is refusing to die down as another faculty professor has quit, sparking a strong response from other faculty members who have threatened to quit en masse.

The controversy surrounding an Indian private university over the controversial research paper is refusing to die down as another faculty professor has quit, sparking a strong response from other faculty members who have threatened to quit en masse. According to reports, Pulapre Balakrishnan, an economics professor at Ashoka University, put his papers on Tuesday (Aug 15) in protest against the varsity’s decision to accept the resignation of Sabyasachi Das, whose research work suggesting voter manipulation in 2019 elections sparked a major political controversy with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following Balakrishnan’s exit, his colleagues have written to the university’s governing body threatening a faculty exodus if Das is not reinstated. The English and Creative Writing departments have also extended their support to the demand, reports PTI news agency. 'Won't carry out teaching obligations' In a joint statement, they said that they would not be able to carry out their teaching obligations "unless questions regarding basic academic freedoms are resolved before the Monsoon 2023 semester". "The offer of resignation by our colleague Prof. Sabyasachi Das and its hasty acceptance by the University has deeply ruptured the faith that we in the faculty of the Department of Economics, our colleagues, our students, and well-wishers of Ashoka University everywhere, had reposed in the university's leadership," the letter said. "We urge the governing body to address this immediately, but no later than August 23, 2023. Failure to do so will systematically wreck the largest academic department at Ashoka and the very viability of the Ashoka vision," it added. Furthermore, the professors have put out two demands. One, Professor Das' unconditional return to his position at Ashoka University, and second, the governing body to play no role in evaluating faculty research through any committee or any other structure. "Unless these questions regarding basic academic freedoms are resolved before the start of the Monsoon 2023 semester, faculty members of the department will find themselves unable to carry forward their teaching obligations in the spirit of critical enquiry and the fearless pursuit of truth that characterise our classrooms,” the letter stated. What was the controversy about? The university had earlier distanced itself from Das’ research paper ‘Democratic Backsliding in the World's Largest Democracy’ after it came under immense criticism. Also read | India's Ashoka University distances itself from disputed paper that questioned integrity of India's elections On social media, the varsity stated that social media activity or public activism by Ashoka faculty, students or staff in their “individual capacity” does not reflect its stand. Das later resigned and the university accepted his resignation. Also read | India: 33 academicians demand removal of names from 'rationalised' NCERT textbooks According to Das’ paper, the “disproportionate” wins were never observed in past elections by BJP or Congress, and also that they were mainly seen in states ruled by BJP at that time. His paper cites that the reasons for this could be that either the BJP committed electoral fraud or it was able to accurately predict closely contested seats and mobilise party workers to campaign more intensively. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ashoka University: Another professor quits, faculty members threaten exodus over research paper row

The 2024 presidential race is heating up in the United States and it's not only the conventional red versus blue rivalry that's getting intense. The intra-party race for the Republican nomination is also getting interesting.

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It's time for a reality check for the United States of America the world's oldest democracy that keeps schooling countries across the world about democratic values as people in its own backyard do not seem really happy. A new poll has released that only one in about 10 Americans give a high rating to the way democracy is working in the country.

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According to a recent survey from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, only around 1 in 10 American adults are satisfied with how well democracy functions in the country or serves the interests of the majority of citizens.

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General David Berger has stepped down as the commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, leaving the position without a confirmed leader for the first time in a century.

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The United States Congress is set to resume discussions on how to fund the federal government, leading to a potential showdown between the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and the Democratic-led Senate.

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Tensions between China and Taiwan are no recent news. The two have been at loggerheads over the latter's Democratic status for a while now. China seeks to bring Taiwan under its control and the island country has left no stone unturned in asserting its military might to remain an independent region. These are visuals of Taiwan's battle preparedness. Take a look.

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