In this issue

Aadhaar was originally pitched as a way to eliminate identity fraud in the delivery of public benefits. Today, its application far exceeds that purpose. Nandan Nilekani, the technology billionaire who was the prime mover behind Aadhaar, has said that “data has become the new oil,” and that “if we canrestructure data to benefit every individual and every business, then we can lead to enormous amount of activity and economic growth.” He has also said, “In the West, the identity business was privatised. That’s a much more unsafe model than when a government issues an ID.” But while Aadhaar is presented as a way to mobilise Indians’ data for the public good, the lines between those who run Aadhaar and those who profit from it are blurry.
Also in this issue:
Praveen Donthi on how the dilution of the SC/ST Act is reigniting Dalit anger against the BJP and RSS; Nilakantan RS on the deepening fault lines between southern states and the Indian union; Kamayani Sharma on October’s experiments with the Bollywood romance genre; Sanam Meher on what Qandeel Baloch left behind; Ross Adkin on how Brexit negotiations are raising uncomfortable questions in Northern Ireland; Senthil Kumaran on the conflict between humans and tigers in India.

Breaking The Code

Two women from Afghanistan hold courses in computer programming / Technology

4 mins

Exit Talk

Brexit negotiations are raising uncomfortable questions in Northern Ireland / Politics

9 mins

Rocking The Boat

The dilution of the SC/ST Act reignites Dalit anger against the BJP and RSS / Politics

10+ mins

Going South

The deepening fault lines between southern states and the Indian union / Politicsc ratheesh kumar / the hindu

7 mins

Read all stories from The Caravan

The Caravan Magazine Description:

The Caravan Magazine is an Indian English-language, long-form narrative journalism magazine covering politics and culture. It is published by the Delhi Press Group.

The Caravan is known for its in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and literary criticism. It has published a number of award-winning articles and essays, and has been praised for its commitment to independent journalism.

The magazine's coverage includes a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, social justice, culture, and the arts. It has published articles on a variety of controversial and sensitive issues, such as the rise of Hindutva, the Kashmir conflict, and the plight of Dalits.

The Caravan is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest news and developments in India. It is a valuable resource for journalists, academics, students, and anyone who is interested in politics, culture, and society.