AS THE CONTROVERSIAL amendment to the Kerala Police Act was creating headlines nationwide for all the wrong reasons, one of the most circulated memes showed Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan looking into a mirror and seeing Prime Minister Narendra Modi staring back at him. The meme was shared by thousands, including ardent left supporters. And, that was something unusual.
No wonder, the LDF government took a U-turn within 24 hours of it coming up with the ordinance that mandated a jail term for any offensive social media post. Explaining this turnaround, the chief minister said: “The amendment evoked varied responses from several corners. Apprehensions were aired even by those who support the LDF and profess to defend democracy. In these circumstances, the government will not go ahead with implementing the amendment.”
He, however, defended the legislation, saying that it was brought in to check “malicious campaigns” on social media. He added that the fate of the ordinance will be decided after hearing opinions from all quarters, including a “detailed discussion” in the assembly.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Big brotherhood
It is not just Big Tech which is coveting your data; there are larger powers at play
THE WONDER THAT IS KAMALA
The first Indian American and African American to be elected vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris is a true representative of American multiculturalism, which will define the country’s politics in the coming years. Her unique life story and flexible policy priorities make her the ideal choice to work with President Joe Biden to heal and unite a deeply divided United States
Rainbow coalition
Joe Biden’s proposed cabinet looks truly representative of a multicultural America
TRIBUTE - Master of drapes
A few designers decode Satya Paul’s legacy and influence in fashion
The BJP wants to cage me again
AFTER HER release from detention last October, Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president, has been relentless in her attack on the BJP. She has also been active as vice president of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with THE WEEK:
Kamala Vilas and more
Your guide to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’s new home, wheels, wings, offices and family
Hard long path to light
An apolitical look at which way the new presidency will move in its early years
Dose too far
It will take some time before non-priority groups get the vaccine
Americans first
Although Biden attaches great importance to India-US ties, he will now be looking to make his foreign policy work for American people
Life Insurers Can Provide A Viable Pension Option
T.C. Suseel Kumar, managing director, Life Insurance Corporation of India
A Candid Business Insight Of Tekion And Cloud Native System
JAY VIJAYAN speaks about significant role of technology in auto industry…
GOLDEN NOOSE
A gold smuggling racket with an official of the CMO involved could pose the biggest challenge yet to the Pinarayi Vijayan government
Tune In
Personal Development
UNSUNG HEROES
Meet the innovators at the frontline of change, armed with empowering ideas, strategies and perspectives for economic development and environmental protection
Tinker Tailor Sprinklr Why?
Kerala government’s tie-up with an IT startup for pandemic management raises privacy concerns
‘Unemployed' man ends life after killing his two children
Police suspect depression can be the reason behind the extreme step.
Skippers play big-ticket game, come in aid for late footballer's family
Nothing free for Sunday games - The I-league football club has withdrawn all complimentary tickets, including free entry for women for the Sunday match. Tickets are priced between ₹60 and ₹200
CELLULOID DREAMER
Each of the films that Vikramaditya Motwane has directed — Udaan, Lootera, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and Trapped — grapples with the desire to change one’s circumstances; the relentless chase for happiness, love, success…freedom. He surveys the commercial Hindi movies of the last 70 years and picks seven iconic releases, exclusively revealing how each one has guided his own aspirations, especially once he found his métier
The Land Where Stones Sing
The erstwhile capital of the prosperous Vijayanagara Empire has over 1600 temples, monuments and royal ruins that attract visitors from all over the world. Words & photographs by Charukesi Ramadurai
Heritage Hampi: Splendour Of Ruins
Hampi, with its temple complexes, palaces and fortresses, epitomised the rich historical, architectural-cultural and cosmopolitan legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire, which flourished on the banks of the Tungabhadra for more than 200 years from the mid 14th century. It is second on The New York Times list of 52 places to visit in 2019.