https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=GSS~inactiveBharatpedia - User contributions [en]2026-08-08T10:59:03ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Kingdom_at_the_Centre_of_the_World&diff=395157The Kingdom at the Centre of the World2023-07-05T13:25:19Z<p>GSS~inactive: </p>
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<div>{{Short description|2013 book by Omair Ahmad}}<br />
{{Infobox book<br />
| italic title = <!--(see above)--><br />
| name = The Kingdom at the Centre of the World: Journeys into Bhutan<br />
| image = File:Book_Cover_The_Kingdom_at_the_Centre_of_the_World.jpg <br />
| image_size = 200px<br />
| border = <br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = <br />
| author = [[Omair Ahmad]]<br />
| audio_read_by = <br />
| title_orig = <br />
| orig_lang_code = <br />
| title_working = <br />
| translator = <br />
| illustrator = <br />
| cover_artist = <br />
| country = India<br />
| language = English<br />
| subject = [[Travel]], [[History]]<br />
| genre = [[Nonfiction]] <br />
| set_in = <br />
| publisher = [[Aleph Book Company]]<br />
| publisher2 = <br />
| pub_date = <br />
| english_pub_date = <br />
| published = 2013<br />
| media_type = Hardcover<br />
| pages = 231<br />
| awards = <br />
| isbn = 978-9-3822-77019<br />
| isbn_note = <br />
| oclc = 853618401<br />
| dewey = <br />
| congress = <br />
| preceded_by = <!-- for books in a series --><br />
| followed_by = <!-- for books in a series --><br />
| native_wikisource = <br />
| wikisource = <br />
| notes = <br />
| exclude_cover = <br />
| website = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''The Kingdom at the Centre of the World: Journeys into Bhutan''''' is a [[non-fiction]] book by [[Omair Ahmad]].<br />
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== Overview ==<br />
The author commenced the writing process for this book in 2005, but but it was not until his visit to [[Bhutan]] in 2007 that numerous opportunities and venues became accessible for data collection. He acknowledges [[Karma Ura|Dasho Karma Ura]] and his [[Centre for Bhutan Studies and GNH Research]] for supporting the books' on-field research activities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Pallavi |title=Omair Ahmad {{!}} ‘Objectivity is a dream’ |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/1YJ65tumsUY1LtMXJj5KcI/Omair-Ahmad--Objectivity-is-a-dream.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref><br />
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== Reception ==<br />
Govinda Nair of [[The Hindu|''The Hindu'']] writes, "The strength of the book lies in making Bhutan’s unique history come alive through stories that explain not only how it survives, nay thrives, in its tough neighbourhood, but also how it epitomises the concept of ‘national happiness’."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nair |first=Govindan |title=The land where myths are true |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/the-land-where-myths-are-true/article5086263.ece |access-date=2023-07-05 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> <br />
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Writing for [[India Today|''India Today'']], Pavan K. Varma writes, "The best part of his book is its methodology. He doesn't give a mechanically chronological narrative of events, but tries to weave history with personal observation, fact with anecdote, trends with personal interaction, and analysis with readability."<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. Varma |first=Pavan |title=Pavan K Varma reviews The Kingdom at the Centre of the World: Journeys into Bhutan by Omair Ahmad |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20130708-pavan-k-varma-reviews-the-kingdom-at-the-centre-of-the-world-journeys-into-bhutan-by-omair-ahmad-764402-1999-11-29 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><br />
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''IndraStra Global's'' book review team writes, "One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of Bhutan's history and the complexities of its modern-day transformation. Ahmad skillfully weaves historical context into his travels, shedding light on Bhutan's monarchy, its pursuit of Gross National Happiness, and its delicate balance between tradition and progress."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Global |first=IndraStra |title=BOOK REVIEW {{!}} The Kingdom at the Centre of the World: Journeys into Bhutan |url=https://www.indrastra.com/2023/07/book-review-kingdom-at-centre-of-world.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=IndraStra Global |language=en |issn=2381-3652}}</ref><br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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[[Category:Books about Bhutan]]</div>GSS~inactivehttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_BRICS_leaders&diff=388126List of BRICS leaders2022-11-13T05:49:36Z<p>GSS~inactive: New page.</p>
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<div>#REDIRECT [[List of BRICS summit attendees]]<br />
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}}</div>GSS~inactivehttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=2015_Railway_budget_of_India&diff=3876062015 Railway budget of India2022-08-01T10:02:06Z<p>GSS~inactive: Finished writing a new chapter.</p>
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<div>{{use dmy dates}}<br />
{{use Indian English}}<br />
{{Infobox government budget<br />
| country = India<br />
| previous_budget = 2014 Railway Budget of India<br />
| previous_year = 2014<br />
| next_budget = 2016 Railway Budget of India<br />
| next_year = 2016<br />
| image = Emblem_of_India.svg<br />
| caption = [[Emblem of India]]<br />
| submitter = [[Suresh Prabhu]], [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Railway Minister]]<br />
| presented = 25 February 2015<br />
| parliament = [[Indian Parliament]]<br />
| party = [[Bhartiya Janta Party]]<br />
| url = {{url|http://www.indiabudget.nic.in}}<br />
}}<br />
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The '''2015 Railway Budget of India''' refers to the [[Railway Budget]] of the [[Indian Railways]] in the [[fiscal year]] 2015–16. The budget was presented by the Railway Minister [[Suresh Prabhu]] in the [[Indian Parliament|Parliament]] on 26 February 2015.<ref name=AsitRailway>{{cite news|title=As it happened: Railway Budget 2015|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/full-coverage-railway-budget-2015/article6936262.ece |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><br />
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==Summary==<br />
No new trains were announced. There were no passenger fare hikes announced. Passengers will be allowed to book tickets up to 120 days in advance, an increase from current 2 months. An initiative called the "Operation 5-minute" was announced which would allow ticket bearer passengers to acquire tickets within 5 minutes of entering a station. [[SMS]] alerts for the arrival and departure of trains will introduced. More general-class coaches would be added to select trains. A centrally managed "Railway Display Network" will be introduced at 2,000 stations to provide train information.<ref name=KeyPointIndianExpress>{{cite news|title=Key features of Railway Budget 2015|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/key-features-of-railway-budget-2015/|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref name=Laud>{{cite news|title=Railway Officials Laud 'Humanistic' Side of Budget|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Railway-Officials-Laud-Humanistic-Side-of-Budget/2015/02/27/article2689081.ece|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref name=FreightHiked>{{cite news|title=Railway Budget 2015: No new trains, no hike in passenger fares, freight hiked|url=http://www.business-standard.com/budget/article/railway-budget-2015-no-new-trains-no-hike-in-passenger-fares-115022600393_1.html|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref><ref name=Passengers/><ref name=CleanAmenities>{{cite news|title=Cleanliness, amenities top list as govt says fare enough|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/article/economy/cleanliness-amenities-top-list-as-govt-says-fare-enough/48153/|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Financial Express (India)]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227151057/http://www.financialexpress.com/article/economy/cleanliness-amenities-top-list-as-govt-says-fare-enough/48153/|archive-date=27 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />
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200 stations will be brought under the "Adarsh Station Scheme" and will be given basic amenities like toilets, drinking water, catering services, waiting rooms etc. Under the "Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat" programme professional cleaning agencies will hired to keep trains and stations clean and train staff. 650 stations will be getting new toilets. 17,000 old toilets on trains will be replaced by bio-toilets in 2015, increasing the number of 17,388 existing ones. A 24/7 toll-free system will be introduced, 138 for the helpline and 182 for security issues. Mobile phone charging will be introduced in general-class coaches and the number of charging points in sleeper-classes will be increased.<ref name=MobilePhone>{{cite news|title=Mobile phone charging facilities in General Class, on-board entertainment on some Shatabdis|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mobile-phone-charging-facilities-in-general-class-onboard-entertainment-on-some-shatabdis/530790-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301150540/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mobile-phone-charging-facilities-in-general-class-onboard-entertainment-on-some-shatabdis/530790-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2015|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[IBNLive]]}}</ref><ref name=Passengers>{{cite news|title=Rail Budget 2015: What’s in it for passengers|url=http://www.livemint.com/Home-Page/kr8147p879zhjhqYaPqScL/Rail-Budget-2015-Whats-in-it-for-consumers.html|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[Live Mint]]}}</ref><br />
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400 railways stations, including B-category stations, will be provided with [[Wi-Fi]]. [[CCTV camera]]s will installed in select trains and women's-only coaches of suburban trains to ensure the safety of women. [[Shatabdi Express|Shatabdi train]]s would be provided with on-board entertainment. Train collision detection systems will be introduced on selected routes. The number of stations from which passengers can pay a combined train and road ticket will be increased. The numbers of trains in which passengers can order meals and disposable bedrolls at the time of booking tickets to be increased. Differently-abled and senior citizens will be able to book wheelchairs.<ref name=betterservices>{{cite news|title=Technology to be tapped for better services|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/technology-to-be-tapped-for-better-services/article6938908.ece?textsize=large&test=1|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref name=KeyPointIndianExpress/><ref name=WomenCoaches>{{cite news|title=Thumbs-up for CCTV cameras in women's coaches|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-2015/rail-budget-2015/Rail-Budget-2015-Thumbs-up-for-CCTV-cameras-in-womens-coaches/articleshow/46390563.cms|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref name=Passengers/><ref name=Disabled>{{cite news|title=Benefits for disabled, but some unhappy|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150227/jsp/nation/story_5801.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227160602/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150227/jsp/nation/story_5801.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2015|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]}}</ref><br />
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1,38,000&nbsp;km of tracks will be added in the next 5 years, an increase of 10%. 3,000 unmanned railway crossings will be removed and 917 over or under-bridges will be constructed to replace some of them. Four dedicated [[freight]] corridors will be complete in 2015 and 6608&nbsp;km of tracks would be electrified. The feasibility study report of the Mumbai and Ahmedabad expected to be submitted in mid-2015. 9 semi-high speed corridors will be introduced with speed up to 200&nbsp;km/h. The carriages for such trains will be built in India. A push for better connectivity in the [[North-East India]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] was also announced.<ref name=KeyPointIndianExpress/><ref name=Coaches>{{cite news|title=Rail Budget 2015: Railways to build 200-kmph train coaches indigenously|url=http://zeenews.india.com/business/budget-2015/rail-budget-2015-railways-to-build-200-kmph-train-coaches-indigenously_118139.html-0|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[Zee News]]}}</ref><ref name=Cleaner200km>{{cite news|title=Rail Budget 2015: Travel at 200 kmph in a cleaner train|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150227/nation-current-affairs/article/travel-200-kmph-cleaner-train|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref><ref name=AsitRailway/><br />
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[[Barcode]] and [[RFID]] tracking of parcels and freight carriages will be introduced.<ref name=betterservices/> The fare of some freight goods were increased. The rate for urea was hiked by 10%, coal by 6.3%, iron ore and steel by 0.8%, cement by 2.7%, and grains and pulses by 10%. However, the rates for limestone, dolomite and manganese ore was reduced by 0.3%, and diesel oil by 1%.<ref name=Hitkey>{{cite news|title=Freight rate hike to hit key commodities|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150227/jsp/business/story_5720.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227141826/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150227/jsp/business/story_5720.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2015|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]}}</ref><br />
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Satellite stations will be built around 10 major stations to reduce congestion and serve the suburbs. Four Railway Research Centres will be introduced in select four universities.<ref name=Passengers/><ref name=AsitRailway/><br />
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The Indian Railway will raise {{currency|17,655|INR}} [[crore]] from the market through its two companies [[Indian Railway Finance Corporation]] (IRFC) and [[Rail Vikas Nigam Limited]] (RVNL). This was a 47% increase from then current fiscal year's revised estimates of {{currency|12,045|INR}} crore. IRFC will try to raise {{currency|17,276|INR}} crore to invest in [[rolling stock]]s. RVNL will try to raise {{currency|376|INR}} [[crore]] by [[money market|market borrowing]]. In the fiscal year 2014-15, according to the revised estimates, IRFC raised {{currency|11,772.60|INR}} crore, and RVNL raised {{currency|273|INR}} crore from the market.<ref name=17655Crore>{{cite news|title=Railways to raise Rs.17,655 crore from borrowing|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/railways-to-raise-rs17655-crore-from-borrowing/article6937795.ece|accessdate=1 March 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Overall {{currency|8,56,020|INR}} crore will be spent on the Railways in the period 2015-19.<ref name=BackonTrack>{{cite news|title=Wanted: Rs 8.56 lakh crore to put railways back on track|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-wanted-rs-856-lakh-crore-to-put-railways-back-on-track-2064563|accessdate=1 March 2015|work=[[DNA India]]}}</ref><br />
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==Responses==<br />
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After Railway Minister [[Suresh Prabhu]] presented his maiden budget, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] tweeted: "Rail budget 2015 is a forward looking, futuristic and passenger centric budget, combining a clear vision and a definite plan to achieve it." [[Nitin Gadkari]], the Transport Minister called the budget reformative. [[Smriti Irani]], Human Resource Minister, praised the budget for considering women's safety.<ref name=PMreaction>{{cite news|title=Prime minister's reaction on Railway budget 2015|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/railway-budget-2015-live-blog/1/420889.html|accessdate=26 February 2015|work=[[India Today]]}}</ref><ref name=Nitin>{{cite news|title=Rail Budget reformative, will change face of railways: Nitin Gadkari|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rail-budget-reformative-will-change-face-of-railways-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/46387174.cms|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref><br />
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[[Rajeev Gowda]], spokesperson of the [[Indian National Congress]] (INC) said the budget was leaning towards elites. [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] of INC said that budget did not clarify how revenues will generated to pay for the promises.<ref name=PannedPat>{{cite news|title=Rail Budget: Panned by rivals, Prabhu gets pat from his party|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/congress-criticises-rail-budget-sena-says-completely-dissatisfied/article1-1320868.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226114051/http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/congress-criticises-rail-budget-sena-says-completely-dissatisfied/article1-1320868.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 February 2015|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><br />
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[[Bihar]] Chief Minister [[Nitish Kumar]] said the budget had many lofty ideas but no action plan. He said that fares should have been cut due to fall in international oil prices.<ref name=Nitish>{{cite news|title=Rail budget 2015 full of lofty ideas but no action plan: Nitish Kumar |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/rail-budget-2015-full-of-lofty-ideas-but-no-action-plan-nitish-kumar/articleshow/46383140.cms|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref> [[Odisha]] Chief Minister [[Naveen Patnaik]] expressed disappointment due to lack of any special package towards his state and pointed out that Odisha had a much lower rail density than the national average. He said his state was committed on providing free land and 50% of expenses towards railway projects.<ref name=Odisha>{{cite news|title=Patnaik rues no special package for Odisha|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/naveen-patnaik-rues-no-special-package-for-odisha/article6938857.ece?homepage=true|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><br />
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India's stock index [[SENSEX]] fell 261 points, a drop of 0.90%, after the announcements.<ref name=Sensex>{{cite news|title=Rail Budget disappoints markets; Sensex drops over 261 points|url=http://www.thehindu.com/business/rail-budget-disappoints-markets-sensex-drops-over-261-points/article6937135.ece|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Jyotinder Kaur, principle economist at [[HDFC Bank|HDFC]] bank, said that he was unsure of how the funds for the proposals will be gathered as the budget did not mention it.<ref name=IndiaAims>{{cite news|title=India aims to invest $137 billion in railways in next 5 years|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-railway-budget-idINKBN0LU0HY20150226|accessdate=27 February 2015|work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><br />
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==See also==<br />
* [[2014 Railway Budget]]<br />
* [[2015 Union budget of India]]<br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist|20em}}<br />
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==Further reading==<br />
* {{cite web|title=Highlights of the Railway Budget 2015 - 16|url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/railbudget/rbudget2015/rh2015.pdf|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}<br />
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{{Union budget of India}}<br />
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[[Category:Railway Budgets of India]]<br />
[[Category:2015 in Indian economy]]<br />
[[Category:2015 in rail transport]]<br />
[[Category:2015 government budgets|Railway Budget of India]]</div>GSS~inactivehttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=India:_The_Modi_Question&diff=388010India: The Modi Question2022-02-25T12:28:08Z<p>GSS~inactive: Created an influential work.</p>
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<div>{{Short description|2023 British documentary TV series}}<br />
{{Use British English}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates}}<br />
{{Infobox television<br />
| image = India- The Modi Question thumbnail.jpg<br />
| caption = Title card<br />
| genre = Documentary<br />
| director = <br />
| music = <br />
| executive_producer = Richard Cookson<br>Mike Radford<br />
| narrated = <br />
| first_aired = {{Start date|2023|1|17|df=yes}}<br />
| last_aired = {{End date|2023|1|24|df=yes}}<br />
| num_seasons = <br />
| num_episodes = 2<br />
| runtime = 60 minutes (per episode)<br />
| country = United Kingdom<br />
| language = English<br />
| network = [[BBC Two]]<br>[[BBC iPlayer]]<br />
| cinematography = <br />
| editor = <br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''''India: The Modi Question''''' is a 2023 two-part documentary series aired by [[BBC Two]] about the Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and his relationship with the [[Islam in India|Muslim minority]] in the country. The first part covers Modi's early political career and his role in the [[2002 Gujarat riots]], which occurred when he was the [[List of chief ministers of Gujarat|chief minister of Gujarat]].<ref name="IE2023"/> It discusses documents found by the [[BBC]], including a UK government report stating that the violence in Gujarat showed "all the hallmarks of an [[ethnic cleansing]]".<ref name="Guardian 2023"/> The second part examines the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|activities of Modi's administration]] following his [[2019 Indian general election|re-election in 2019]]. It covers a series of controversial policies, including the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revocation of Kashmir's autonomy]] and a [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|new citizenship law]].<ref name="Hindu 2023"/> It also depicts the violent response to protests against the new laws, and the aftermath of the [[2020 Delhi riots]].<ref name="Hindu 2023"/><br />
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The [[Government of India]] banned the documentary from being screened, describing it as "hostile propaganda and anti-India garbage",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why India has banned this documentary about its Prime Minister Narendra Modi |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/why-india-has-banned-this-documentary-about-its-prime-minister-narendra-modi/6b947mrug |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=SBS News |language=en}}</ref> and asked social media sites to take down snippets of the documentary shared by users.<ref name="Guardian 2023">{{Cite web |title=India invokes emergency laws to ban BBC Modi documentary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/23/india-emergency-laws-to-ban-bbc-narendra-modi-documentary |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=the Guardian |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123080516/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/23/india-emergency-laws-to-ban-bbc-narendra-modi-documentary |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the government's ban, the BBC said that the documentary had been researched "rigorously", and that it depicted a "wide range of voices", including the opinions of figures within Modi's [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=India government criticises BBC's Modi documentary |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64342679 |access-date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123235634/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64342679 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ban was frequently circumvented, and several student organisations held screenings in various parts of the country. The ban was criticised by opposition politicians as censorship,<ref name="DNA23Jan23">{{Cite web |title=The Modi Question: Government blocks YouTube videos, tweets sharing BBC documentary on PM Modi |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-india-the-modi-question-government-blocks-youtube-videos-tweets-sharing-bbc-documentary-on-pm-narendra-modi-3018484/amp |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=www.dnaindia.com |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123113001/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-india-the-modi-question-government-blocks-youtube-videos-tweets-sharing-bbc-documentary-on-pm-narendra-modi-3018484/amp |url-status=live }}</ref> and described as an assault on [[freedom of the press]] by commentators and human rights groups.<ref name="NPR 2023" /><br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
[[2002 Gujarat riots|Anti-Muslim riots occurred]] in the Indian state of [[Gujarat]] in 2002.<ref name="NPR 2023">{{cite web | title=India's government scrambles to block a film about Modi's role in anti-Muslim riots | website=NPR | date=25 January 2023 | url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/25/1151359378/modi-question-bbc-documentary-india-censorship-2002-gujarat-riots | access-date=26 January 2023 | archive-date=25 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125224126/https://www.npr.org/2023/01/25/1151359378/modi-question-bbc-documentary-india-censorship-2002-gujarat-riots | url-status=live }}</ref> Over one thousand people were killed, most of them Muslim, and 150,000 people were displaced.<ref name="NYT Yasir 2023">{{cite news | title=As India Tries to Block a Modi Documentary, Students Fight to See It | first=Samir | last=Yasir | work=The New York Times | date=25 January 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/world/asia/india-bbc-modi-documentary.html | access-date=26 January 2023 | archive-date=26 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126012837/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/world/asia/india-bbc-modi-documentary.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The riots followed the [[Godhra train burning|deaths of Hindu pilgrims]] on a train in [[Godhra]],<ref name="NYT Yasir 2023"/> for which the state's Muslim minority was blamed.<ref name="Shih 2023" /> The riots were among the worst religious violence since India became an independent country in 1947.<ref name="Rajvanshi 2023">{{cite magazine | last=Rajvanshi | first=Astha | title=Why India Is Using Emergency Laws to Ban a Modi Documentary | magazine=Time | date=23 January 2023 | url=https://time.com/6249393/the-modi-question-documentary-bbc-india-controversy/ | access-date=26 January 2023 | archive-date=26 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126013716/https://time.com/6249393/the-modi-question-documentary-bbc-india-controversy/ | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Narendra Modi]], a member of the [[Hindutva|Hindu-nationalist]] [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP), was at the time the chief minister of Gujarat.<ref name="Shih 2023" /><ref name="NYT Yasir 2023"/> His administration is considered complicit in the riots,<ref name="Bobbio">{{cite journal |last=Bobbio |first=Tommaso |title=Making Gujarat Vibrant: Hindutva, development and the rise of subnationalism in India |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1047619 |journal=Third World Quarterly |volume=33 |issue=4 |pages=657–672 |doi=10.1080/01436597.2012.657423 |s2cid=154422056 |access-date=26 January 2023 |archive-date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301151004/https://zenodo.org/record/1047619 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Clash Within">{{cite book|last=Nussbaum|first=Martha Craven|author-link=Martha Nussbaum|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JLMQh4oc38gC|title=The Clash Within: Democracy, Religious Violence, and India's Future|publisher=[[Harvard University Press]]|year=2008|isbn=978-0-674-03059-6|location=|pages=17–28, 50–51|jstor=27639120}}</ref><ref name="Shani">{{cite book|last1=Shani|first1=Orrit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ouAB7o63B9IC|title=Communalism, Caste and Hindu Nationalism: The Violence in Gujarat|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|isbn=978-0-521-68369-2|location=|pages=168–173|access-date=26 January 2023|archive-date=18 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218154155/https://books.google.com/books?id=ouAB7o63B9IC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jaffrelot2013">{{cite journal |last=Jaffrelot |first=Christophe |s2cid=154404089 |author-link=Christophe Jaffrelot |title=Gujarat Elections: The Sub-Text of Modi's 'Hattrick'—High Tech Populism and the 'Neo-middle Class' |journal=[[Studies in Indian Politics]] |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=79–95 |doi= 10.1177/2321023013482789|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270671263|access-date=29 August 2021}}</ref> or otherwise criticised for its management of the crisis. A [[Special Investigation Team (India)|Special Investigation Team]] appointed by the [[Supreme Court of India]] found no evidence to initiate prosecution proceedings against Modi personally.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-17664751|title=India Gujarat Chief Minister Modi cleared in riots case|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220174351/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-17664751|archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sit-finds-no-proof-against-modi-says-court/article3300175.ece|title=SIT finds no proof against Modi, says court|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221082846/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sit-finds-no-proof-against-modi-says-court/article3300175.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016|last1=Dasgupta|first1=Manas}}</ref><br />
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Modi's role in the riots remains a source of controversy.<ref name="Rajvanshi 2023" /> After the BJP won the [[2014 Indian general election]] and Modi was appointed [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]], Indian Muslims have been the target of increased violence, on which Modi has largely not commented.<ref name="NPR 2023" /><ref name="Means 2023">{{cite journal | last=Means | first=Other | title=Indian Officials Search BBC Offices in Delhi After Modi Documentary | journal=The Diplomat | date=14 February 2023 | url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/indian-officials-search-bbc-offices-in-delhi-after-modi-documentary/ | access-date=18 February 2023 | archive-date=15 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215071054/https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/indian-officials-search-bbc-offices-in-delhi-after-modi-documentary/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The policies of the Modi administration have been seen as discriminatory toward India's Muslim minority, and as entrenching a right-wing Hindu-nationalist image of the country.<ref name="Ellis-Petersen 2023">{{cite web | last=Ellis-Petersen | first=Hannah | title=What is the BBC Modi documentary and why is it so controversial? | website=the Guardian | date=14 February 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/why-is-bbc-report-on-narendra-modis-handling-of-sectarian-riots-in-2002-so-controversial | access-date=18 February 2023 | archive-date=17 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217193954/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/14/why-is-bbc-report-on-narendra-modis-handling-of-sectarian-riots-in-2002-so-controversial | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Reporters Without Borders]] says that [[Freedom of the press in India|press freedom in the country]] has declined, and that the government has shut down criticism of it on social media.<ref name="NPR 2023" /> The Modi administration has often put pressure on Twitter to remove tweets the government perceives as [[Public image of Narendra Modi|critical of Modi]] or the BJP.<ref name="NPR 2023" /><br />
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== Content ==<br />
The first segment of the documentary, approximately an hour in length,<ref name="Rajvanshi 2023"/> covered Modi's early political career in the BJP, his appointment as chief minister of Gujarat in 2001, and his role in the [[2002 Gujarat riots]].<ref name="IE2023">{{Cite web |title=Under what emergency powers has the BBC documentary on PM Modi been blocked? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/under-what-emergency-powers-has-the-bbc-documentary-on-modi-been-blocked-8396305/ |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123094015/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/under-what-emergency-powers-has-the-bbc-documentary-on-modi-been-blocked-8396305/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="IT2023">{{Cite web |title='Will you ban movie on Godse too?' Owaisi's jibe after govt blocks BBC documentary on PM Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/will-you-ban-movie-on-godse-too-owaisis-jibe-after-govt-blocks-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-2325012-2023-01-23 |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123024550/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/will-you-ban-movie-on-godse-too-owaisis-jibe-after-govt-blocks-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-2325012-2023-01-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> It discussed documents found by the BBC, which showed that Modi's conduct was criticised at the time by diplomats and the [[Government of the United Kingdom]].<ref name="Guardian 2023"/> These include a report stating that the violence in Gujarat showed "all the hallmarks of an ethnic cleansing".<ref name="Guardian 2023"/> The documents also cited police officers who stated that the police were prevented from aiding Muslim rape victims by pressure from the state government, and noted religious bias in how relief funds were distributed.<ref name="Pahwa 2023"/> [[Jack Straw]], at the time the [[Foreign Secretary|UK Foreign Secretary]], is depicted saying that there were "serious claims" that Modi was actively restricting the activities of the police, and also "tacitly encouraging the Hindu extremists".<ref name="Bhattacherjee 2023">{{cite web | last=Bhattacherjee | first=Kallol | title=BBC documentary on PM Modi is 'propaganda' and reflects 'colonial mindset', says India | website=The Hindu | date=19 January 2023 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-a-propaganda-piece-designed-to-push-a-particular-discredited-narrative-says-mea/article66408578.ece | access-date=27 January 2023 | archive-date=27 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127024129/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-a-propaganda-piece-designed-to-push-a-particular-discredited-narrative-says-mea/article66408578.ece | url-status=live }}</ref><br />
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The second part, released on 24 January 2023, and also an hour long, examines the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|activities of Modi's administration]] following his [[2019 Indian general election|re-election in 2019]]. It examines a series of controversial policies, including the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|revocation of Kashmir's autonomy]] in 2019 and a [[Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019|new citizenship law]].<ref name="Hindu 2023">{{Cite news |last=Lakshman |first=Sriram |title=BBC documentary {{!}} Second part of 'The Modi Question' airs in the U.K. |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bbc-documentary-second-part-of-the-modi-question-airs-in-the-uk/article66429896.ece |access-date=25 January 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125025236/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bbc-documentary-second-part-of-the-modi-question-airs-in-the-uk/article66429896.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> It depicts the violent response by security forces to protests against the new laws, and interviews the family members of people who died in the [[2020 Delhi riots]].<ref name="Hindu 2023" /><br />
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== Release and reaction ==<br />
The first part of the two-part documentary was released by the BBC on 17 January 2023,<ref name="IT2023"/> and the second part on 24 January.<ref name="Hindu 2023"/> It was not scheduled to be broadcast in India.<ref name="Shih 2023"/> The [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] described the documentary as propaganda, stated that it lacked objectivity, and "reflected a colonial mindset."<ref name="IE2023"/> A government minister stated that watching the documentary was [[treason]]ous.<ref name="Shih 2023"/> It was later [[Censorship in India|banned]] in India, with the government invoking a [[Information Technology Rules, 2021|2021 law]] that increased its power to censor social media.<ref name="Syed 2023"/> Twitter and YouTube blocked posts linking to the documentary on their platforms following legal demands from the Indian government.<ref>{{cite magazine|access-date=25 January 2023|title=Why India Is Using Emergency Laws to Ban a Modi Documentary|url=https://time.com/6249393/the-modi-question-documentary-bbc-india-controversy/|first1=Astha|last1=Rajvanshi|first2=Armani|last2=Syed|magazine=Time|archive-date=25 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125040614/https://time.com/6249393/the-modi-question-documentary-bbc-india-controversy/|url-status=live}}</ref> The ban on the documentary has been frequently circumvented; clips from the documentary circulated on [[WhatsApp]], [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]], and Twitter,<ref name="Syed 2023">{{cite magazine | last=Syed | first=Armani | title=How Indians Are Watching the Banned BBC Modi Documentary | magazine=Time | date=26 January 2023 | url=https://time.com/6250480/bbc-modi-documentary-skirting-censors/ | access-date=27 January 2023 | archive-date=27 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127011735/https://time.com/6250480/bbc-modi-documentary-skirting-censors/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Virtual private network|VPNs]] were used to circumvent the ban.<ref name="NYT Yasir 2023"/> Commentators argued that the ban had drawn more attention to the documentary than it would otherwise have received,<ref name="Syed 2023"/><ref name="NPR 2023" /> a phenomenon known as the [[Streisand effect]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Modi and BJP want the BBC documentary to raise heat and dust |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/why-modi-and-bjp-want-the-bbc-documentary-to-raise-heat-and-dust-12050052.html |access-date=30 January 2023 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128160339/https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/why-modi-and-bjp-want-the-bbc-documentary-to-raise-heat-and-dust-12050052.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC documentary can't undermine India's sovereignty: Shashi Tharoor |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/jan/26/bbc-documentary-cantundermine-indias-sovereignty-shashi-tharoor-2541441.html |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128180538/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/jan/26/bbc-documentary-cantundermine-indias-sovereignty-shashi-tharoor-2541441.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ban was challenged in the [[Supreme Court of India]]. The court agreed on 3 February to hear two petitions by [[Mahua Moitra]] and [[Prashant Bhushan]].<ref name="Hindustan Times 2023">{{cite web | title=Supreme Court to hear pleas on BBC documentary row, asks petitioners seeking ban to mention case again | website=Hindustan Times | date=3 February 2023 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-to-hear-pleas-on-bbc-documentary-ban-asks-petitioners-to-mention-case-again-101675392015788.html | access-date=5 February 2023 | archive-date=5 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205163641/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-to-hear-pleas-on-bbc-documentary-ban-asks-petitioners-to-mention-case-again-101675392015788.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dasgupta 2023">{{cite web | last=Dasgupta | first=Sravasti | title=India's top court issues notice to government over banned BBC documentary on Modi | website=The Independent | date=3 February 2023 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/bbc-modi-documentary-ban-supreme-court-notice-b2275091.html | access-date=5 February 2023 | archive-date=5 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205021459/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/bbc-modi-documentary-ban-supreme-court-notice-b2275091.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Right-wing Hindu-nationalist groups also petitioned the Supreme Court to ban the BBC altogether; the court described the petition as "absolutely meritless", and rejected it.<ref name="Means 2023" /> In March, the [[Assam Legislative Assembly]], majority-controlled by the BJP, adopted a resolution put forward by the BJP MLA [[Bhubon Pegu]], who alleged that the documentary raised doubts over Indian press freedom, the [[Judiciary of India|country's judicial system]] and the government, seeking an action against the BBC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Assam passes resolution against BBC docu amid uproar |url=http://morungexpress.com/assam-passes-resolution-against-bbc-docu-amid-uproar |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=MorungExpress |agency=[[IANS]]}}</ref><br />
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Screenings of the documentary were organised in late January by a [[Fraternity Movement]] students' group at [[University of Hyderabad|Hyderabad Central University]] and the [[Democratic Youth Federation of India]] (DYFI) screened it in various parts of [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DYFI to screen 'banned' BBC documentary in Thiruvananthapuram, more campuses follow suit |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/01/24/dyfi-bbc-documentary-screening-kerala.html |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124035803/https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/01/24/dyfi-bbc-documentary-screening-kerala.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DYFI screens BBC documentary in Kerala |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/dyfi-screens-bbc-documentary-in-kerala-1.8249457 |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124084746/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/dyfi-screens-bbc-documentary-in-kerala-1.8249457 |url-status=live }}</ref> Discussing its decision, DYFI stated: "Let people see the fascist face of the [[Sangh Parivar]] outfits. We will go ahead with the plan and more screenings will be done at other places also in the coming days."<ref name="Babu 2023">{{cite web | last=Babu | first=Ramesh | title=Kerala: CPI(M) youth wing DYFI says will screen BBC documentary on PM Modi today | website=Hindustan Times | date=24 January 2023 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-cpi-m-youth-wing-dyfi-says-will-screen-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-today-101674542228521.html | access-date=30 January 2023 | archive-date=27 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127033000/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-cpi-m-youth-wing-dyfi-says-will-screen-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-today-101674542228521.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Indian Youth Congress]] said that it too would screen the documentary in Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DYFI, SFI, Congress to screen banned BBC documentary on PM Modi in Kerala |url=https://www.news9live.com/state/kerala/dyfi-sfi-congress-to-screen-banned-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-in-kerala-au1332-2035630 |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=News9live |language=en-US |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124054912/https://www.news9live.com/state/kerala/dyfi-sfi-congress-to-screen-banned-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-in-kerala-au1332-2035630 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union]] also decided to screen the documentary. However, electricity and internet access to the room where the screening was to take place were cut by university authorities, leading to students streaming the documentary on their cell phones.<ref name="NYT Yasir 2023"/><ref name="BBC News 2023">{{cite web | title=Jamia, JNU: India students angry after screenings of BBC Modi documentary blocked | website=BBC News | date=25 January 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64371327 | access-date=27 January 2023 | archive-date=26 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126100852/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64371327 | url-status=live }}</ref> After students at [[Jamia Millia Islamia|Jamia Millia University]] planned a screening, at least a dozen students were arrested, and the university entrances blocked.<ref name="BBC News 2023"/><ref name="The Indian Express 2023A">{{cite web | title=Dozen students detained after bid to screen Modi documentary at Jamia campus | website=The Indian Express | date=25 January 2023 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/students-detained-screen-modi-documentary-jamia-campus-8404652/ | access-date=27 January 2023 | archive-date=27 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127034301/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/students-detained-screen-modi-documentary-jamia-campus-8404652/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Witnesses stated that policemen with riot gear and [[tear gas]] had been sent into the university campus.<ref name="Shih 2023">{{cite news | last=Shih | first=Gerry | title=Censorship, arrests, power cuts. India scrambles to block BBC documentary. | newspaper=Washington Post | date=25 January 2023 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/25/india-bbc-narendra-modi-documentary/ | access-date=29 January 2023 | archive-date=28 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128155359/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/25/india-bbc-narendra-modi-documentary/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The [[All India Students Association]] also screened the documentary in late January, with students attending from several colleges in [[Bangalore]] including [[Christ University|Christ College]], [[Indian Institute of Science]], and [[Azim Premji University]].<ref name="The Indian Express 2023C">{{Cite web |title=AISA screens BBC documentary on PM Modi in Bengaluru, students of various colleges participate |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/aisa-screens-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-in-bengaluru-students-of-various-colleges-participate-8412398/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203034826/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/aisa-screens-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-in-bengaluru-students-of-various-colleges-participate-8412398/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />
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The documentary was screened at the Parliament House in Australia by lawmakers and activists, during Modi's Australia trip in May 2023 to meet the Australian Prime Minister [[Anthony Albanese]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=The Wire |title=‘In India, Telling Truth Can Be Crime’: Australian Lawmakers, Activists on BBC Documentary on Modi |url=https://thewire.in/rights/in-india-telling-truth-can-be-crime-australian-lawmakers-activists-on-bbc-documentary-on-modi |access-date=2023-05-24 |work=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]] }}</ref><br />
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The ban on ''India: The Modi Question'' was described as an assault on [[freedom of the press]] by independent commentators, human rights groups, and opposition parties.<ref name="NPR 2023" /><ref name="Shih 2023"/><ref name="NYT editorial Feb 2023">{{cite web | title=Opinion - India's Proud Tradition of a Free Press Is at Risk | website=The New York Times | date=12 February 2023 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/12/opinion/modi-bbc-documentary-india.html | access-date=12 February 2023 | archive-date=12 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212112121/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/12/opinion/modi-bbc-documentary-india.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Trinamool Congress]] leaders [[Derek O'Brien (politician)|Derek O'Brien]] and [[Mahua Moitra]], who tweeted video links to the documentary, criticised the move as censorship.<ref name="The Indian Express 2023B">{{cite web | title=TMC MPs share link to controversial BBC documentary on PM Modi, say they won't accept 'censorship' | website=The Indian Express | date=22 January 2023 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tmc-mps-share-link-to-controversial-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-say-they-wont-accept-censorship-8398142/ | access-date=30 January 2023 | archive-date=30 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130184941/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tmc-mps-share-link-to-controversial-bbc-documentary-on-pm-modi-say-they-wont-accept-censorship-8398142/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' wrote that the ban on the documentary had occurred during a period of [[Freedom of the press in India|restricted press freedom]] in India, during which journalists had experienced harassment by the government and the judiciary.<ref name="Guardian 2023" /> According to [[Human Rights Watch]] (HRW), the ban was an example of the harsh treatment of religious minorities under Modi's administration. HRW stated that the government under Modi had often used "draconian" laws to silence critics of the government.<ref name="NPR 2023" /><ref name="Human Rights Watch 2023">{{cite web | title=India's Blocking of BBC Documentary Reflects Broader Crackdown | website=Human Rights Watch | date=23 January 2023 | url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/01/23/indias-blocking-bbc-documentary-reflects-broader-crackdown | access-date=12 February 2023 | archive-date=12 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212043833/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/01/23/indias-blocking-bbc-documentary-reflects-broader-crackdown | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' described the ban as an example of "pervasive" hostility to freedom of the press and censorship of criticism.<ref name="Pahwa 2023">{{cite web | last=Pahwa | first=Nitish | title=Narendra Modi's Censorship Has Reached an Alarming New Level | website=Slate Magazine | date=25 January 2023 | url=https://slate.com/technology/2023/01/modi-question-bbc-documentary-censorship-india-twitter-youtube.html | access-date=5 February 2023 | archive-date=5 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205055408/https://slate.com/technology/2023/01/modi-question-bbc-documentary-censorship-india-twitter-youtube.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the first part of the documentary, more than three hundred Indian former judges, bureaucrats, and soldiers released a statement which criticised the BBC for "unrelenting hostility" towards India.<ref name="Free Press Journal 2023">{{cite web | title=Modi BBC Documentary: Over 300 Retired judges, bureaucrats slam broadcaster for its 'unrelenting hostility' towards India and its PM | website=Free Press Journal | date=21 January 2023 | url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/modi-bbc-documentary-over-300-retired-judges-bureaucrats-slam-broadcaster-for-its-unrelenting-hostility-towards-india-and-its-pm | access-date=30 January 2023 | archive-date=30 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130023813/https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/modi-bbc-documentary-over-300-retired-judges-bureaucrats-slam-broadcaster-for-its-unrelenting-hostility-towards-india-and-its-pm | url-status=live }}</ref> More than five hundred Indian scholars signed a petition criticising the ban, stating that it "violates our rights, as Indians, to access and discuss important information about our society and government".<ref name="The Wire 2023">{{cite web | title=More Than 500 Indian Scientists, Academics Slam Govt for Blocking BBC Documentary on Modi | website=The Wire | date=3 February 2023 | url=https://thewire.in/rights/500-indian-scientists-academic-slam-blocking-bbc-documentary-modi | access-date=5 February 2023 | archive-date=5 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205000717/https://thewire.in/rights/500-indian-scientists-academic-slam-blocking-bbc-documentary-modi | url-status=live }}</ref> A ''[[New York Times]]'' editorial described the ban as the most recent example of the Modi's suppression of press freedom.<ref name="NYT editorial Feb 2023"/><br />
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The BBC's offices in Mumbai and New Delhi were the targets of searches by the [[Income Tax Department|Income Tax Department of India]] in February 2023.<ref name="bbc raid">{{Cite news |title=BBC India offices searched by income tax officials |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64634711 |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214095440/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64634711 |url-status=live }}</ref> The searches began on 14 February, and continued for three days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian officials search BBC offices for second straight day |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-india-government-public-media-bbc-modi-b9c73312f62f72e94a593f658759244a |access-date=15 February 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215082333/https://apnews.com/article/politics-india-government-public-media-bbc-modi-b9c73312f62f72e94a593f658759244a |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mogul |first=Manveena Suri,Kunal Sehgal,Rhea |title=Search of BBC offices by Indian government enters third day {{!}} CNN Business |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/16/media/india-bbc-office-raid-third-day-thursday-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216074611/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/16/media/india-bbc-office-raid-third-day-thursday-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Phones and laptops belonging to employees were searched.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ahmad |first=Aftab |title=Indian tax inspectors examine mobiles, laptops of BBC employees |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-tax-inspectors-examine-mobiles-laptops-bbc-employees-2023-02-16/ |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216092729/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-tax-inspectors-examine-mobiles-laptops-bbc-employees-2023-02-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The searches were seen by commentators as being in retaliation for the documentary,<ref name="reuters">{{Cite news |last1=Das |first1=Krishna N. |last2=Maclellan |first2=Kylie |title=India tax officers search BBC offices weeks after critical Modi documentary |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-income-tax-department-conducts-searches-bbc-offices-sources-2023-02-14/ |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214100808/https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-income-tax-department-conducts-searches-bbc-offices-sources-2023-02-14/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and received condemnation from the [[Editors Guild of India]], a nonprofit organisation of journalists promoting press freedom, [[Amnesty International India]], and opposition parties.<ref name="bbc raid"/> [[Reporters Without Borders]] said that the Indian tax department raids "have all the appearance of a reprisal" for the release of the documentary, and denounced the Modi government’s attempts to clamp down on independent media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC offices raided in India in latest Modi assault on press freedom {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/bbc-offices-raided-india-latest-modi-assault-press-freedom |access-date=16 February 2023 |website=rsf.org |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216105713/https://rsf.org/en/bbc-offices-raided-india-latest-modi-assault-press-freedom |url-status=live }}</ref><br />
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== Reception ==<br />
A review of ''India: The Modi Question'' in the ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' was positive, stating that the documentary had notably given space to a variety of opinions, including those of BJP members.<ref name="Deccan Herald 2023">{{cite web | title='India: The Modi Question' – A sharp documentary with some blind spots | website=Deccan Herald | date=27 January 2023 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dh-talkies/india-the-modi-question-a-sharp-documentary-with-some-blind-spots-1185335.html | access-date=29 January 2023 | archive-date=29 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129065351/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dh-talkies/india-the-modi-question-a-sharp-documentary-with-some-blind-spots-1185335.html | url-status=live }}</ref> It described the portrayal of the Gujarat riots "comprehensive", and called the documentary "sharp". However, it stated that the documentary had fallen short in assessing other shortcomings of the Modi administration, and in understanding the links between religious majoritarianism and gender and caste.<ref name="Deccan Herald 2023"/> Political scientist [[Christophe Jaffrelot]], among the scholars interviewed in the documentary, stated in an interview that the BBC had produced an "incredibly rigorous" piece of work.<ref name="Katakam 2023">{{cite journal | last=Katakam | first=Anupama | title=Christophe Jaffrelot on 2002 Gujarat riots: 'The ghosts have never left me' | journal=Frontline | date=3 February 2023 | url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/interview-christophe-jaffrelot-on-2002-gujarat-riots-the-ghosts-have-never-left-me/article66462653.ece | access-date=6 February 2023 | archive-date=6 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206023307/https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/interview-christophe-jaffrelot-on-2002-gujarat-riots-the-ghosts-have-never-left-me/article66462653.ece | url-status=live }}</ref><br />
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A commentary in ''[[The News Minute]]'' was critical, stating that while the documentary had "interviewed the best voices", it had failed to uncover substantive new ground, and therefore allowed the Modi administration to "use the films for one more round of propaganda – painting themselves as victims".<ref name="Laul 2023">{{cite news |last1=Laul |first1=Revati |title=Opinion: BBC's 'The Modi Question' played it safe, failed in many ways |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/opinion-bbc-s-modi-question-played-it-safe-failed-many-ways-172572 |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=The News Minute |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205173838/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/opinion-bbc-s-modi-question-played-it-safe-failed-many-ways-172572 |url-status=live }}</ref> The author wrote that the first segment failed to interrogate open questions about the [[Godhra train burning]].<ref name="Laul 2023" /> She was more positive about the second segment, but criticised it for not being sufficiently bold, particularly with its footage of Hindu extremists fomenting violence and of Muslims being beaten by the police during the [[2020 Delhi riots]].<ref name="Laul 2023" /><br />
<br />
Discussing the first segment of the documentary, a commentary in the ''[[The Telegraph (India)|Telegraph]]'' noted that the majority of the narrative covered the well-documented history of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]], Modi's career, and the Gujarat riots, with the only new material being British government reports.<ref name="Joshi 2023">{{cite web | last=Joshi | first=Ruchir | title=Lingering shadow | website=Telegraph India | date=24 January 2023 | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/lingering-shadow-the-bbc-documentary-on-narendra-modi/cid/1911747 | access-date=5 February 2023 | archive-date=5 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205171401/https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/lingering-shadow-the-bbc-documentary-on-narendra-modi/cid/1911747 | url-status=live }}</ref> The author criticized the documentary for failing to interrogate why Western governments were willing to engage with Modi when documents in their position called him a violator of human rights,<ref name="Joshi 2023" /> an opinion echoed by ''The News Minute'' review.<ref name="Laul 2023" /> The author was also critical of the ban on the documentary, stating that any criticism of Modi and the [[Sangh Parivar]] was being derided as "colonial" by these same organisations even though they had acted as ''raj-toadies'' during the colonial period and did "precious little to remove colonialism from India".<ref name="Joshi 2023" /><br />
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== See also ==<br />
* ''[[Final Solution (2004 film)|Final Solution]]'', a 2004 documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0dkb144 India: The Modi Question, Part 1] ― ''BBC''<br />
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0dkb2kx India: The Modi Question, Part 2] ― ''BBC''<br />
*{{IMDb title|26422307}}<br />
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[[Category:2023 British television series debuts]]<br />
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[[Category:Cultural depictions of Narendra Modi]]<br />
[[Category:Political scandals in India]]<br />
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party]]<br />
[[Category:2020s English-language films]]<br />
[[Category:Censorship in India]]<br />
[[Category:2002 Gujarat riots]]<br />
[[Category:Censored television series]]<br />
[[Category:BBC television documentaries about politics]]</div>GSS~inactivehttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vasant_Gajera&diff=44309Vasant Gajera2021-02-26T17:14:03Z<p>GSS~inactive: Reverted edits by 103.37.182.48 (talk) to last version by Dam222</p>
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<div>{{Orphan|date=October 2018}}<br />
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{{Use Indian English|date=December 2014}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}<br />
{{Infobox person<br />
| name = Vasant Gajera<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1954|05|25}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Amreli]], [[Amreli district]]<br />
| nationality = [[India]]<br />
| occupation = {{plainlist|<br />
* Founder of Laxmi Diamond Group<br />
* Chairman of Gajera Charitable Trust}}<br />
}}<br />
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''' Vasant Gajera''', born 25 May 1954, is the founder of Laxmi Diamond Group, a [[diamond]] manufacturing and exporting company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/community/chi-ugc-article-vasantbhai-gajeras-contribution-to-indian-ed-2018-09-08-story.html |title=Vasantbhai Gajera's contribution to Indian Education |publisher=Chicago tribune|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://gss.debeersgroup.com/customer-directory/laxmi-diam-ltdond-pvt |title=Laxmi Diamond Pvt Ltd |publisher=Dee Beers Group}}</ref><br />
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Gajera was born to a farmer family in [[Amreli|Amreli, Gujarat, India]]. He left his home town to move to Surat in 1968 at the age of 14. After studying diamond cutting and polishing for a few years in [[Surat]], he started his business under the name of Laxmi Diamond in 1972.<ref>{{citation |title=Issuewire: Laxmi Diamond's CSR is an ambitious step to educate community |work= Issuewire |publisher=Gajera Foundation |date=31 May 2018|url= https://www.issuewire.com/laxmi-diamonds-csr-is-an-ambitious-step-to-educate-community-1601989864784601 }}</ref><br />
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== Arrest and controversies ==<br />
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Gajera, along with his brother, Chuni, was arrested on 22 March 2018<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/diamond-baron-vasant-gajera-held-for-allegedly-usurping-surat-land-1826996|title=Diamond Baron Vasant Gajera Held For Allegedly Usurping Surat Land|work=NDTV.com|access-date=2018-10-23}}</ref> under allegations that he used forged documents to unlawfully usurp land. He was charged on 5 April 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/diamond-baron-vasant-gajera-his-brother-booked-for-forgery-to-grab-land/articleshow/63629274.cms|title=Diamond baron Vasant Gajera, his brother booked for forgery to grab land|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-10-23}}</ref> The complaint dates back to 2003, with Gajera allegedly building a wall around the illegally acquired land. Initially, police failed to act upon the complaint, but after the complainant, Vajubhai Malani, contested the decision in the high court, the court ordered the police to charge Gajera.<br />
The charges under the [[Indian penal code]] were the following counts:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/diamond-baron-vasant-gajera-held-for-allegedly-usurping-surat-land-1826996|title=Diamond Baron Vasant Gajera Held For Allegedly Usurping Surat Land}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/vasant-gajera-remanded-in-police-custody-till-march-27/articleshow/63421064.cms|title=Vasant Gajera remanded in police custody till March 27 - Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/diamond-baron-vasant-gajera-his-brother-booked-for-forgery-to-grab-land/articleshow/63629274.cms|title=Diamond baron Vasant Gajera, his brother booked for forgery to grab land - Times of India}}</ref><br />
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* 468 – forgery for the purpose of cheating<br />
* 471 – using as genuine forged documents<br />
* 120 (b) – criminal conspiracy<br />
* 341 – wrongful restraint<br />
* 447 – criminal trespass<br />
* 465 – forgery<br />
* 467 – forgery of valuable security<br />
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On 27 June 2018 [[Umra]] police successfully requested the cancellation of his bail, citing that Gajera was non-cooperative and is the prime suspect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/police-seek-cancellation-of-gajeras-bail/articleshow/64770483.cms|title=Police seek cancellation of Gajera’s bail – Times of India}}</ref> A warrant for his arrest was issued the following day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/arrest-warrant-issued-against-diamantaire-vasant-gajera/articleshow/64796681.cms|title=Arrest warrant issued against diamantaire Vasant Gajera – Times of India}}</ref><br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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{{Authority control}}<br />
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gajera, Vasant}}<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:1954 births]]<br />
[[Category:People from Amreli district]]<br />
[[Category:Indian company founders]]<br />
[[Category:Diamond dealers]]<br />
[[Category:People charged with fraud]]<br />
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{{India-business-bio-stub}}</div>GSS~inactivehttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aakash_Ahuja&diff=85020Aakash Ahuja2020-06-08T10:53:14Z<p>GSS~inactive: WP:TOOSOON ; Redirect to Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas the only verifiable claim.</p>
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<div>#REDIRECT [[Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas]]</div>GSS~inactive