Anuradha Shankar posts a photo essay on the Varalakshmi Vratham (a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi), which is popular in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamilnadu.
17 August 2012
Stories from 17 August 2012
Guyana: Linden Protests Intensify
The protests in Linden, Guyana have intensified with the recent burning of buildings. Netizen commentary suggests that what began last month as a peaceful demonstration about increased electricity rates has broadened into political wrangling, while bringing to the fore serious questions about the power of the police and the military.
Russia: Pussy Riot's Guilty Verdict
'The judge said one of the reasons for a “real sentence” was to “caution others”. ' - Russian and anglophone Twitter users respond to the guilty verdict and two-year prison sentence handed down to Pussy Riot members.
Ecuador Reacts to Assange Asylum
"they talk so much about freedom of expression when in our own country IT DOESN'T EXIST!" - An Ecuadorian netizen criticizes the government's decision to grant asylum to the founder of Wikileaks. Some are celebrating the bold move as well.
Thailand: Olympic Boxing Defeat Disappoints Fans
Thailand won two silvers and a bronze in the recently concluded London Olympic Games but the controversial defeat of a Thai boxer disappointed many fans who believe that the gold medal should be given to Thailand
Malaysia: Government Vows to Review Web Censorship Law After Protest
Responding to the blackout protest organized by netizens, the Malaysian government has vowed to review a controversial amendment in the law which critics say would restrict internet freedom in the country.
Paraguay: Struggles and Threats Over Aché Indigenous Lands
August was supposed to be a month of prolonged celebration after the Paraguayan government transferred some 4600 hectares of ancestral lands back to the Aché indigenous community of Kuetuvy. However, an ongoing conflict with peasant groups that claim that this land should be ruled in excess has put a damper on this joyous occasion.
Italy: Uncertain Future for Polluting Ilva Steel Plant – and its 12,000 Employees
Europe's biggest steel plant in Taranto, Italy, has been put under judicial seizure: the last chapter of a complex struggle involving high environmental risks and occupational issues. Along with street protests, a broader debate has ensued online.
Russia: Millions of Taxpayer Rubles Earmarked for Facebook “Likes”
Earlier this week, Aleksei Navalny took aim at a pending state tender for advertising services to aid the state-owned broadcasting company The Voice of Russia. The dispute surrounding VoR and its Facebook marketing strategy reveals much about how Russians understand online popularity, particularly their low faith in the very concept.
Iran, Israel: ‘Not Ready to Die in Your War’
From mainstream news headlines it seems Iran and Israel are on the edge of war. Israeli politicians continue to threaten attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and Iranian authorities recite their old slogans that Israel will 'disappear from the map.' But as the noise of war rises from both sides, so does activism for peace.
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