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Opinion
]The new data bill will mark a paradigm shift
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 Digital Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in Lok Sabha on Monday](jpg/data_protection_bill_explained_1691145135068_1691417197029.jpg)
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/07/148x111/haryana_violence_1691380279132_1691424672582.jpg)
Published on Aug 07, 2023 10:10 PM IST
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) Import restrictions are placed on smart TVs and mobile phones(Stock)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/07/148x111/laptop-and-shopping-bags--online-shopping-concept-_1689881249545_1691424761912.jpg)
Published on Aug 07, 2023 10:10 PM IST
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) 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)](jpg/148x111.jpg)
Published on Aug 07, 2023 06:52 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/07/148x111/WhatsApp_Image_2023-08-02_at_102455_AM_1690952113991_1691374888871.jpeg)
Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:22 AM IST
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) People have freedom to live the way they want. That to me is the fundamental change driving the Union Territory (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/07/148x111/Director-MeT-Sonam-Lotus-said-that-the-precipitati_1680628911430_1691375295758.jpg)
Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:03 AM IST
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) The entire country, and the people who live in Manipur, are looking forward to a long term solution.(Photo by Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/07/148x111/Manipur-9_1691375039672_1691375075343.jpg)
Published on Aug 07, 2023 08:03 AM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/05/148x111/NDRF-calls-off-rescue-operation-in-Raigad-landslid_1690138620150_1691246384339.jpg)
Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST
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) Doesn’t the CM know that unless he can change the Constitution, he cannot make parental consent mandatory in love marriages?(Twitter Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/05/148x111/Bhupendra-Patel--chief-minister-of-Gujarat---Twitt_1679028313464_1691247030891.jpeg)
Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST
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) In India, the poorest of the poor live in the forests and are dependent on them for their livelihood. (HT file)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/05/148x111/The-forest-bill-was-passed-after-a-debate-lasting-_1691002691528_1691247377330.jpg)
Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/05/148x111/4e39449c-c633-11ec-8f8e-c061a3f3e6da_1651084255593_1691247632338.jpg)
Published on Aug 05, 2023 11:07 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/05/148x111/IndiraGandhi_Nicolae_1691248369979_1691248377298.jpg)
Published on Aug 05, 2023 08:52 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/04/148x111/Union-ministry-of-environment-allocated-a-budget-o_1690611651467_1691181118710.jpg)
Published on Aug 05, 2023 09:51 AM IST
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) A Japanese flag flutters atop the Bank of Japan building in Tokyo(Reuters file photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/04/148x111/japan-japanese-tokyo-flutters-japan-building-bank_512883ea-cf51-11e6-b3cb-dcd306bf19b8_1691181731252.jpg)
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/04/148x111/ANI-20230803306-0_1691101734528_1691162368184.jpg)
Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/04/148x111/57c5c2ac-1651-11ec-b5f0-8fc03d5e5335_1631730725783_1691162452150.jpg)
Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/04/148x111/INDIA-POLITICS-PROTEST-6_1691096861332_1691161466659.jpg)
Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:50 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/03/148x111/Mumbai--India---March-5--2023--Boats-are-floating-_1678978362831_1691092267633.jpg)
Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:08 AM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/03/148x111/Paramilitary-personnel-stand-guard-in-Haryana-s-Nu_1691089713619_1691093383289.jpg)
Published on Aug 04, 2023 09:08 AM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/03/148x111/In-2022--of-the-785-tigers-in-Madhya-Pradesh--346-_1690828362303_1691080563150.jpg)
Published on Aug 03, 2023 10:53 PM IST
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
![Flags of India and Taiwan(File) Flags of India and Taiwan(File)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/03/148x111/Taiwan_India_1688570905994_1691080747874.jpg)
Published on Aug 03, 2023 10:53 PM IST
Harsh 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) India is truly coming of age as a strong nation. (HT PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/03/148x111/Workers-give-finishing-touches-to-an-Indian-flag-a_1674058176127_1691080838784.jpg)
Published on Aug 03, 2023 10:53 PM IST
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) 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)](jpg/148x111.jpg)
Published on Aug 03, 2023 09:19 AM IST
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 ) Clearly, urban employment programmes are an idea whose time has come.( Sanchit Khanna/HT PHOTO )](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/02/148x111/402fb792-2866-11ed-9b13-2e13773bcef4_1661865739731_1690987865166.jpg)
Published on Aug 02, 2023 10:06 PM IST
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
![Supreme Court of India (File Photo) Supreme Court of India (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/02/148x111/Supreme-Court-of-India--File-Photo-_1690925292750_1690987707633.jpg)
Published on Aug 02, 2023 10:06 PM IST
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) India is cagey about Brics’ expansion which lets China gain the upper hand in decision-making and agenda-setting.(Reuters | Representational Image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/02/148x111/russia-africa-worker-stands-behind-brazil-national_9e2cfb28-d43a-11e7-a032-ea4e291afd66_1690988126962.jpg)
Published on Aug 02, 2023 10:06 PM IST
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) The BJP’s outreach to women has been dented due to issues ranging from Manipur to the WFI chief Brijbhushan Singh(HT Photo)](jpg/148x111.jpg)
Published on Aug 02, 2023 06:34 PM IST
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) 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)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/02/148x111/The-bustling-tourist-town-of-Manali-wears-a-desola_1689940596611_1690966798547.jpg)
Published on Aug 02, 2023 04:02 PM IST
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
![US President Joe Biden.(REUTERS) US President Joe Biden.(REUTERS)](jpg/148x111.jpg)
Published on Aug 01, 2023 09:41 PM IST
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. The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha despite concerns.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/08/01/148x111/The-Forest-Conservation--Amendment--Bill-was-clear_1690398443455_1690903098000.jpg)
Published on Aug 01, 2023 09:41 PM IST