Tag: Politics

Films

SC Refuses Ban on Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, Says Title Not Defamatory

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development highlighting the intersection of cinema and constitutional rights, the Supreme Court of India has refused to impose a ban on the film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, dismissing a petition that challenged its title. The plea, filed by the chief of the Vishwa Yadav Parishad, argued that the film’s name portrayed the Yadav community in a negative light and sought either a ban or a change in the title.

Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan examined the arguments and the material presented before them. The court ultimately found the concerns to be unfounded, stating that the title of the film did not contain any language or implication that could be seen as derogatory towards the Yadav community.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the court could not understand how the title alone could reflect negatively on an entire community, especially when it lacked any explicit or implied negative descriptors. The bench emphasised that none of the reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19(2) of the Constitution—which governs limitations on freedom of speech and expression—were applicable in this case.

The court also drew a distinction between this matter and a previous controversy surrounding the film Ghooskhor Pandat. In that instance, the word “ghooskhor,” meaning corrupt, was deemed to carry a clearly negative connotation that could reflect poorly on a community, prompting judicial intervention. However, in the present case, the bench noted that no such negative association existed in the title Yadav Ji Ki Love Story.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that their objection was not to inter-community relationships depicted in the film, but rather to how certain aspects, including the portrayal of a woman, were handled. Despite these arguments, the court maintained that the film is a work of fiction and does not warrant judicial interference based on speculative concerns.

With the petition dismissed, the path is now clear for the film’s release, scheduled for February 27. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on protecting creative expression while carefully weighing claims of community harm, once again underlining the importance of context and intent in such disputes.

National

Kerala Officially Renamed Keralam: A Cultural Shift with Political Undercurrents

Tanisha Cardozo

Kerala has officially been renamed “Keralam,” marking a significant moment where constitutional identity finally aligns with linguistic and cultural reality. For decades, “Keralam” has been the name used in Malayalam—the language spoken by millions in the state—yet the official name recorded in the Constitution remained “Kerala.” That distinction has now been erased, bringing a sense of closure to a long-standing demand rooted in history and identity.

The journey to this moment began with a resolution passed by the state assembly in 2024 under the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government. The resolution highlighted how Indian states were reorganised on linguistic lines in 1956, and how the formation of a unified region for Malayalam-speaking people was deeply tied to identity. November 1, celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day, marks that formation, yet the official naming had remained inconsistent with local usage. The push to adopt “Keralam” was therefore not about change, but about correction.

With the renaming now official, the spotlight has also turned to its political context. The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is working to strengthen its presence in a state traditionally dominated by the Left and the Congress. Leaders such as Rajeev Chandrasekhar have framed the move as part of a broader effort to reclaim cultural identity and address what they describe as unfinished work of previous decades.

At the same time, the renaming intersects with ongoing debates around language in India. Kerala has often been at the centre of discussions on linguistic autonomy, particularly in resisting the compulsory imposition of Hindi. While leaders like Amit Shah have emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages collectively, the state has consistently asserted the primacy of mother tongue and regional identity in education and governance. In that context, adopting “Keralam” strengthens the argument for linguistic recognition within the federal structure.

Beyond politics, however, the emotional resonance of the change is undeniable. For Malayalis, “Keralam” is not new—it is familiar, lived, and deeply personal. It reflects how people refer to their land in everyday life, in literature, in cinema, and in cultural expression. The official adoption of the name is therefore less about transformation and more about acknowledgement.

As “Keralam” enters formal use, it stands as a reminder of how names carry meaning far beyond words. They hold history, identity, and belonging—and in this case, they also carry the weight of timing, politics, and aspiration in a state that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its cultural core.

National

Navy Chief Urges Joint Action on Indian Ocean Threats at Goa Conclave

Tanisha Cardozo

The 5th edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave brought together naval leaders and maritime experts from across the Indian Ocean Region in Panaji, where India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Dinesh K Tripathi, underscored the urgent need for collective action to address growing maritime threats.

Addressing representatives from multiple Indian Ocean nations at the Naval War College in Goa, Adm Tripathi emphasized that the scale and complexity of challenges in the region make it difficult for any single country to manage them alone. He highlighted that coordinated maritime operations, when backed by clearly defined objectives, can generate both deterrence and reassurance, strengthening overall regional stability.

The Navy Chief pointed to a range of persistent and emerging threats, including piracy, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, trafficking of narcotics and arms, and irregular human migration. He noted that while there has been some progress—such as a reported decline in IUU fishing incidents due to enhanced surveillance and enforcement—several threats continue to evolve in scale and sophistication.

Piracy, which had seen a period of relative decline, is now showing renewed adaptability, with incidents being reported farther offshore. At the same time, maritime trafficking networks are expanding, with routes linked to regions such as the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle increasingly converging at sea. Irregular migration has also become a growing concern, with rising fatalities linked to unsafe and long-distance sea journeys.

Highlighting India’s role in fostering cooperation, Adm Tripathi referred to initiatives such as the deployment of an Indian naval ship under the SAGAR framework in the South-West Indian Ocean, which included a multinational crew drawn from partner nations. He described this as an initial step toward deeper collaboration and trust-building among regional maritime forces.

The conclave, attended by naval chiefs and senior officials from 15 countries, reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperative mechanisms aimed at tackling common challenges. Organised by the Indian Navy, the event focused on progressing lines of effort to mitigate dynamic threats in the region, reinforcing India’s position as a key facilitator of maritime dialogue and security cooperation.

As discussions concluded, the overarching message was clear: safeguarding the vast and strategically vital Indian Ocean requires sustained collaboration, shared responsibility, and a unified approach to ensure long-term security and stability.

TechPulse

Over 200 Women Attend Launch of Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana in Porvorim

Tanisha Cardozo

In a strong show of community participation, over 200 women gathered at Vetaal Temple Hall in Socorro, Porvorim, for the launch of the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana, an initiative of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa. The programme was organised in collaboration with Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited and marked a significant step toward enhancing digital literacy and grassroots empowerment among women.

The event was attended by Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery Rohan Khaunte, along with senior officials, local representatives and community leaders. Addressing the gathering, the Minister commended DITE&C’s efforts in taking digital empowerment to the grassroots level. He emphasised that initiatives such as the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana ensure that women from both urban centres and rural villages gain the skills, confidence and access required to participate meaningfully in Goa’s digital economy. He noted that the scheme enables women to access government services online, run businesses digitally, acquire new skills and compete effectively in today’s market landscape.

Under the scheme, participants receive hands-on training in using digital devices, navigating online platforms and accessing e-governance services. The training is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), ensuring accessibility through panchayat halls and community centres.

The programme began with a detailed presentation outlining the structure, eligibility criteria and benefits of the scheme, followed by an informative cyber security awareness session conducted by officials from the Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa. The session highlighted safe digital practices and the importance of protecting oneself from online fraud and cyber threats.

The event concluded with a significant number of women registering for the scheme, reflecting strong interest and engagement from the community. Through initiatives directly benefiting citizens, particularly women in rural areas, DITE&C continues its mission of bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology across Goa.

Special Occasion

Pulwama: Remembering the Day That Shook a Nation

Tanisha Cardozo

On February 14, 2019, what began as a routine convoy movement along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway turned into one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent Indian history. A suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force in Pulwama, killing 40 personnel.

The attack sent shockwaves across India. Images of smoke rising from the highway flooded television screens. Families waited anxiously for confirmation. The country watched in grief as coffins draped in the tricolour arrived in hometowns across states.

Responsibility for the bombing was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, escalating already fragile tensions between India and Pakistan. In the days that followed, India carried out airstrikes in Balakot, marking a significant shift in its response to cross-border terrorism. The episode triggered diplomatic offensives, international scrutiny and a renewed debate over national security strategy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that the sacrifice of the soldiers would not go unanswered. Across the country, candlelight vigils were held. Schools observed moments of silence. Social media turned into a space of collective mourning and solidarity.

For many Indians, Pulwama became more than a headline. It became a reminder of the human cost of conflict. Behind every uniform was a son, a husband, a father, a friend. The stories of the fallen — their dreams, their families, their everyday lives — resonated deeply with citizens who had never met them but felt the loss personally.

Years later, the attack continues to influence security policies in Jammu and Kashmir and shape India’s counterterrorism posture. It also remains a solemn marker in the national calendar — a day of remembrance.

As each anniversary passes, the questions remain complex, the geopolitics layered and the emotions raw. But one sentiment endures: the resolve to honour those who lost their lives in service of the nation.

Pulwama is not just a place on the map. For millions, it is a memory of grief, unity and unwavering tribute.