Over 1,000 dengue cases in Delhi in 3 weeks

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Over-1000-dengue-cases-in-Delhi-in-3-weeks/articleshow/22963221.cms

In New Delhi, India, there has been a rapid spread of dengue, which is a viral disease passed on by mosquitoes. This has not been considered an outbreak because the numbers are not extremely high, but because of the amount of cases recently. This spread has been occurring mostly in the last three weeks, where a thousand cases of dengue were found. Most of the cases came from the North of Delhi due to the construction in that area. Only two people have officially died this year from it (Three did not count because they did not pass the Elisa test- recognized by the government). Because so many people have it,  hospitals have been taking in many patients and relying on the rapid kit test to confirm if the people have the disease. Government is helping to stop the spread of dengue through "fumigation and anti-larval routines" and "sensitization programs and health camps".

Do you think the Indian government is doing what is necessary to stop an outbreak of the disease?

Do you think everyone will get the same benefits to prevent dengue, or will it only be limited to the upper class?

Law catches up with Lalu, faces at least 3 years in jail in fodder scam case

Lulu a was recently convicted of being part of the Fodder Scam.  It took 17 years but him and many others were finally found out.  The Fooder Scam was a scam that took 300 million dollars from the Indian governments treasury.  As the former Bihar chief minister him and 45 others were very swiftly found guilty in the court of law.  The RJD president has now opened the door to his opposing party the JD(U).  With all this corruption we see in the Indian government what will become of this cracked democracy?

1.  Do you think that if the Indian government is so corrupt that good decisions could be made?

2.  Do you think that America can do anything about it?

A Village in Muzaffarnagar Recounts Rapes and Murder

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/a-village-in-muzaffarnagar-recounts-rapes-and-murder/?_r=0

About three weeks ago, deadly sectarian violence broke out in the Muzaffarnagar, a district of the northern Indian state of Uttar. Currently, cases of sexual violence against women which happened during the rioting are starting to surface. The article states that “Two hundred F.I.R.s have been filed and 800 people have been arrested, mostly on charges of murder, arson and loot.” The riots have brought much crime to these areas, and sexually violent and abusive attacks on women are one of the primary examples of this. 49 people have died and 42,000 have been displaced since Sept.7, when the riots began. This article focuses one a man who was displaced, Mr. Yamin. Yamin went to join his children in a refugee camp in Kandhla in a effort to seek haven, however his wife refused to accompany him, and she stayed behind. During her vulnerable state, group of men armed with guns, sickles and swords had surrounded Mr. Yamin’s house. Although she made efforts to escape, the men raped Mrs. Yamin and then proceeded to bur her alive. Although rape is a very prevalent issue, victims and their families are afraid to report sexual violence during the riots due to the social affects attached to rape in rural India. Mrs. Yamin was only one case out of many, but the prevalent injustices are exemplified.

1)   How does the economic and social standard of rural India affect the justice of women and families?

2)   How does Mrs. Yamin’s bravery and refusal to go to a refugee camp show courage similar to Gandhi's?

India seeks to regulate its booming 'rent-a-womb' industry

India is a giant nation that contains many different markets and forms of work. Now more than ever, the business of hiring surrogate mothers in India is booming.Now more than ever, the business of hiring surrogate mothers in India is booming. This business is becoming more prevalent in other countries like the Ukraine, Thailand, and a few states in the U.S. however; India is becoming the center for this business because of how cheap and available this service is. An issue that is arriving with this new service is innocent women dying during child birth. A recent government-funded study of 100 surrogate mothers in Delhi and Mumbai found there was "no fixed rule" related to compensation and no insurance for post-delivery healthcare. Laws of protection say that you must be between 21 and 35 yeas old and have a proof of insurance.

1. Do you think that having a business that creates a child artificially goes against how God's creation should be born?
2. Do you think that this method of having a child should be used even though there are many orphaned children who could be adopted?

Women Getting a Helping Hand

The non-profit organization, Anita Borg Institute presented the third installment of Women Entrepreneur Quest (WEQ). WEQ is a contest that provides women with the platform to showcase their start-ups with the right people, such as investors, other entrepreneurs, and consultants. While being able to advertise their projects these women are able to win valuable prizes, such being mentored or consulted from various companies. The contest will be presented by the Anita Borg Institute and the Association for Computing Machinery on November 15th in Bangalore. The India Head of the Anita Borg Institute, Gheetha Kannan has been quoted stating that she believes women have the ability to "achieve greater heights" and through this contest it will help to incite and inspire women to create corporations equivalent to those on global scale. The contest will be judged on several criteria and the final pitches will be presented at the Grace Hopper Conference.

1) In light of recent events, how are the rights of women in India being upheld?

2) How could this possibly help the dignity of women and promote gender equality in the future?

India and Pakistan will 'Work together over Kashmir'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24321051

India and Pakistan will 'work together over Kashmir'

The region of Kashmir is located on the border of India, but is under Pakistan control as well as Indian control, which leads to a territorial dispute. Kashmir is ethnically and religiously diverse, being a part of both India and Pakistan. For a long time, both India and Pakistan have had an ongoing dispute based on economies through war. An attack in Kashmir took place while both the Indian and Pakistanian prime ministers were at the United Nations Assembly in New York. Two to three militants forced themselves into a police station, started gun fire, and fled the scene. At least 10 people were killed. This attack took place while both leaders were trying to resolve their problems through dialogue. After this dispute, Both leaders agreed that they needed to stop the violence occuring so that they can move forward to start their peace talks and to come to a concensus with their issues. This year, the renewed amount of episodes of violence has dimished the 10 year cease fire. It is in Pakistans best interest to come together with india so they can better their trade. Overall, the fact that both Prime ministers have decided to come together shows that both leader's desire peace and economic prosperity over regions. 

Discussion Questions:

1) What human rights are being violated as a group of militia shoot the innocent civilians? How have the Prime Minister's of both nations stepped up to respect the rights of the people? 

2) Given Gandhi's ideas on selflessness and living desirelessly, what would Gandhi have said to the people in the position of either the Pakistanian or Indian Prime Ministers?

Execution of four men involved in rape case will do little to stop violence

There was an uproariously clear response on the day that the four men convicted for the rape and murder of a women had been sentenced to death by hanging. Crowds rallied in joy, considering themselves the winners of a terrible situation, hoping that the changes set in motion by the trial will have lasting effects. Unfortunately, prominent women’s rights advocates in India remain skeptical that the hanging will do anything to stop violence against women. The general consensus calls of celebration; people think the “evil” is localized, and thus it can be wiped out. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and for months women’s rights advocates have been wondering whether the death sentences would distract people from the fact that Indian girls and women are so vulnerable to sexual violence. It cannot be said that a public execution would do more than fulfill a collective need for revenge, so to speak. Ms. Nundy, the Supreme Court litigator, said that the real challenge lies in shaking up the criminal justice system: “Rape is not just something that is localized — you find these people, you wipe them out, you’re done,” she said. Little more is being done by police forces to stop the issue of rape, and women are still being blamed for the act and their cases being dropped. While the execution of these men is a success, there is still much to be done before there is absolute justice and protection for India’s women.

1) Is there any correct way of approaching this problem? Does that fact that these men are being sentenced to death violate their dignity? If so, in what ways does this add to the growing problem of violence in India?

2) How does the fact that women's claims are discredited affect the situation in India? Which of their rights are being violated?

3)What is your personal opinion on the issue? Do you think the awareness brought about by the execution of these men is enough to stop the violence?

Narendra Modi's Big Rally in Delhi

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Narendra-Modi-addresses-big-rally-in-Delhi-tears-into-prince-attacks-Sharif-defends-Manmohan-Singh/articleshow/23264522.cms

This article discusses the recent clashes within the government of India as the upcoming elections in June cause friction between parties and candidates. A recent legislative measure actually protecting convicted lawmakers was criticized by Vice President of the Indian Congress, Rahul Gandhi. The legislative measure, passed under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, actually seems to be condoning corruption in the government. Rahul Gandhi, who comes from a family of politicians, has in turn been criticized by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi. Modi sneeringly called Rahul Gandhi a "shahzada," or a prince, referring to Gandhi's family of politicians. Modi asserts that there is a fight between "democracy and dynasty" in the country, dynasty referring to Rahul Gandhi's family. The tension has increased significantly as the Pakistani politician, Nawaz Sharif, rudely called the Manmohan Singh a "village woman" in New York. This derogatory comment alarmed and angered Narendra Modi, who staunchly supports Manmohan Singh. Ultimately, the ordinance protecting convicted lawmakers has given rise to vast confusion and anger within the government itself.

Discussion Questions: 
1) How is Gandhi's dream of a new India being violated here? Is the government acting according to Gandhi's principles? What would Gandhi have done in this situation?
2) Is democracy being upheld in this situation? Does the ordinance reflect the wishes of the people in India? Are their rights being violated? 

The Waging War Between Traditionalists and Reformers in India

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/world/asia/battling-superstition-indian-paid-with-his-life.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0&adxnnlx=1380423641-4S5xDqNkYrOxTAn5T6Eu5A

Narendra Dabholkar, a former physician and activist against religious superstitions, was shot and killed for merely expressing his thoughts and opinions. Police Headquarters in Pune had access to surveillance cameras which showed two men shooting Dabholkar during his morning walk. Dr. Dabholkar, who was 67, spend nearly three decades going to various villages and promoting legislations that banned practices such animal sacrifice and  the selling of other ritual items that he thought were bogus. The amount of death threats and beatings he received from various Hindu groups serves as evidence of the prevalent war between traditionalists and reformers in India. Many of his followers, who were religious however, appreciated his teachings against blind faith and stressed the importance to focus on God rather than religious practices. Many admired Dr. Dabholdkar for his devotion to activism and his idealistic views. Others actively argued against the use of violence and suppression thought despite their differing views.

1. How is the right to free expression and thought from the Universal Declaration of Rights being violated here?

2. How does Narendra Dabholkar's fight against superstition relate to Mahatma Gandhi's fight for human rights?

In wake of gang rape, India sees rise of ‘women only’ taxis, buses and parks

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-wake-of-gang-rape-india-sees-rise-of-women-only-taxis-buses-and-parks/2013/09/27/9552caac-25e6-11e3-b3e9-d97fb087acd6_story.html

After the gruesome gang rape on September 16 and other forms of sexual harassment that has been raging on in India for years, the country has decided to take more safe measures regarding the lives of women. Many taxis, buses, and trains have opened up booths in the trains that are reserved only for women. This allows the women to travel in a safe environment free from the fear of sexually driven males sitting right next to them. In addition in Coimbatore, a park is being opened up that only gives entrance to women. As it can be seen, there are many new ways that women's rights are being protected in this way. However, many argue that it is the attitude of the males that should be changed not the women. The men seem to have won with the women needing to be extra careful with how they travel and live. Ultimately however, these new regulations should start to decrease the amount of disrespect that Indian women face.

1. What kind of justice is the government trying to uphold with the new women only settings? How does this relate to the Catholic Social Teaching of Rights and Responsibilities?
2. Which human rights are clearly being broken as a result of men in India? What are other possible solutions to make sure that the women's rights are upheld?

India's Building Collapses

On September 27, 2013, a large apartment building in the heart of Mumbai collapsed, and so far the death toll has been estimated upwards of 50 people. Sources such as the Times of India and British Reuters has connected this event to many other building collapses across India's big cities in the past 6 months. Occurrences similar to this building collapse in Mumbai are not uncommon, with 4 building collapses in June in Mumbai alone. Many across India has attributed such tragedies to illegal construction, often utilizing second-hand materials and inferior methods. So far, many of the construction workers and managers involved have been convicted of charges ranging from manslaughter and culpable homicide all the way up to murder. The families of the victims were given 100,000-200,000 rupees ($1600-$3200) for compensation.

1) Do you believe that the families of the victims should have received greater compensation? Why?

2) What do you think is a reasonable way for the Indian government and local authorities to prevent any more illegal construction?

Where have India's females gone?

India’s culture prefers sons to daughter because of cultural reasons. India females have their baby daughters killed after an ultrasound scan has revealed the sex of the baby as female. Narinder, a school teacher, had to marry a girl far away from his hometown because there are not enough brides in his town. People in this village even new it was wrong to prefer sons to daughters and still practiced the killing of unborn females. The culture of India says that sons are considered a blessing and daughters are considered a curse. Shafiq Khan, a former Maoist rebel, is a person who is trying to take action against the mistreatment of women in India. The reporter meets women who do not have a voice, women that are abused and raped. The Indian people call these women Paro, or strangers. The trafficking women mostly come from the poor northeastern states of India and accounts for all the missing women in India. There are many scenes of beatings in this article and raping’s of women and apparently the police are corrupt in India so the girls are forever scared once they have been raped or abused by their husbands.

1. What ways has dignity of a person been violated here

2. What human right is being violated and why? How can we prevent this from happening to women?

India's Human Safari

On the South and Middle Andaman Islands in India's Andaman and Nicobar Island territories, there is a small group of indigenous people known as the Jarawa, who number within 240-400 in population. As India’s economy has grown and a more active middle class has emerged, tourists have flocked to these islands to have a look at one the Earth’s last primitive tribes. Yet this tourism does not help the Jarawa in anyway, whatsoever. Photographing and interacting with the Jarawa is punishable under Indian law, but countless tour companies ferry visitors through the Jarawa reserve daily with no interference from police, and sometimes even their cooperation. With almost no communication between the Jarawa and Indian authorities, these indigenous peoples have not been introduced to inoculations and are thus susceptible to many diseases brought by encroaching tourists. As tourism continues to grow along with the Indian economy, what will happen this tribe who are gawked at like animals at a zoo?

Questions: 

After watching the video, what human rights that are being violated in respect to the Jarawa people?

What do you think can be done to solve these injustices?

How do you think the mindset of the police can be changed in this situation and how does it relate to conscience? 

India Gang Rape Case

This week, four men were sentenced to death in a gang rape case in New Delhi.  Last year, a 23 year old woman was raped and murdered by these four men when she and a male friend were coming home from a movie.  The woman and her friend were lured onto a bus where the man was beaten and the woman was raped repeatedly.  They were later left on the side of the road, and eventually the woman died in a hospital in Singapore.  The case became international news last year, which put pressure on India to deal with this situation.  The article argues that women are often treated as second class citizens in India, and they are usually blamed for rape.  Many people were happy to see this case move through the court system so quickly.

Questions for Discussion

• We have studied in class the Catholic Social Teaching theme of Dignity of the Human Person.  In what ways has the principle of dignity been violated here?  Is capital punishment a violation of the men's dignity?
• The article says that the Indian justice system is incredibly slow--right now, there are tens of thousands of rape cases waiting to be tried.  How is this a violation of people's rights?