The Poet and the State: Varavara Rao's Incarceration and the Platonic Fear of Poetry

The article discusses the plight of Telugu poet Varavara Rao, who has faced multiple arrests and legal challenges from the Indian state over his six-decade career. Recently, Rao was moved to a hospital after testing positive for COVID-19 while being held in Taloja Jail in connection with the Elgar Parishad case. The article highlights the increasing calls for his release, both in India and internationally, and criticizes the Indian state's treatment of Rao as a suppression of truth. The article also references Plato's views on poets and truth, drawing parallels between Rao's situation and the philosophical debates on poetry and truth. Additionally, the article mentions India's declining rankings in the Democracy Index and World Press Freedom Index, suggesting a broader context of eroding civil liberties and press freedom in the country.

The Third International Film Festival of India and the Politics of Cinema

Edith Laurie, in the 1965 summer edition of Film Comment, reflects on the third International Film Festival of India, which took place from January 8 to 21, 1965. The festival was noted for its high-level government support and marked the first time it was competitive. Satyajit Ray, the head of the jury, expressed concerns about the competitive aspect, fearing it would not attract quality films. Indira Gandhi, then Minister of Broadcasting and Information, announced a reduction in censorship and more licenses for foreign films. The article also critiques the film 'Haqeeqat' directed by Chetan Anand, which was included in the festival. Laurie compares the film's nationalistic and emotionally manipulative tone to Leni Riefenstahl's documentaries, noting its exoticization of Indian culture and its patriotic clichés. The film's music by Madan Mohan and its impact on audiences are also discussed, highlighting the film's role in reinforcing the image of then-Prime Minister Nehru following the Sino-Indian War.

Accused of 'Defaming Islam', B'desh Blogger Who Defended Buddhist Monk Fears for Family

Bangladeshi blogger and secular activist Asaduzzaman Noor, known as Asad Noor, faces government harassment for his online activism, including a Facebook video criticizing the appropriation of a Buddhist temple. Noor has been charged under the Digital Security Act, 2018, for defaming Islam, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years. The act has been criticized by Amnesty International as a threat to freedom of expression. Since 2013, bloggers and activists in Bangladesh have been targeted, with several murders and attacks linked to Islamist groups. The government's actions, including the harassment of Noor's family, have been condemned by international organizations like RSF and Humanists International. Noor, who has been in hiding and was previously arrested, continues to face persecution, reflecting a broader pattern of suppression against writers and dissidents in Bangladesh.

Viral and violent: The year of fake news mob attacks and lynchings

Hate crimes in the form of lynching, related to cow protection or fake texts spreading rumors about child abduction, persisted throughout the year, prompting strong responses from the government and private entities. The Indian government has urged WhatsApp, Facebook, and other messaging services to store their data within the country and is considering a new telecom policy to regulate data transmission. WhatsApp has limited the number of forwards to five at a time to curb the spread of false messages and has launched an advertising campaign to address the issue.

Sabarimala row: Gates still closed for women even after SC judgement

The article discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala temple, where gates remain closed to women despite a Supreme Court judgement allowing their entry. The issue highlights the tension between religious practices and judicial rulings in India.