19 August 2012

Stories from 19 August 2012

Armenia: Reflections on National Psyche

  19 August 2012

Life in the Caucasus, a blog by Peace Corps volunteer John, posts reflections on Armenia as his service comes to an end after two years. The blog summarizes a few key points and opinions on how Armenia's potential is often clouded by the country acting as its own worst enemy,...

India: Uraniam Contamination in Jaduguda Kept Classified

  19 August 2012

Since 1967, the Jaduguda region in the Indian state of Jharkhand has been exploited for its uranium and its people and ecosystem were subjected to uranium poisoning. Anuj Wankhede informs that the locals had not sufficiently warned and rather the uranium contamination in Jaduguda has remained as India's one of...

Argentina: A Public Ethics Law for Journalists?

  19 August 2012

Through the use of national broadcasts, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner makes announcements about the achievements of her government and speaks on various topics. During her last national broadcast President Fernández suggested the creation of a public ethics law for the practice of journalism, a proposal that caused numerous reactions from Argentine bloggers and journalists.

India: Assam Riots – Truth Vs Hype

  19 August 2012

In July, clashes between indigenous Bodo tribes and Muslim settlers in the Indian State of Assam broke out which lead to riots, killings and mass displacement. After almost a month the situation is yet to calm down as politicians and organisations on both sides resorted to spread fear and exaggerated claims on the issue of illegal migration.

Puerto Rico: What's at Stake in the August 19 Referendum

  19 August 2012

Puerto Ricans have voted on a referendum to amend the Constitution. The are two proposed amendments: one to limit the right to bail and one that to reduce the number of legislators. The implications of limiting the right to bail and the campaign organized to oppose the referendum was marked by a heightened activity on social network sites.

China: Anti-Japanese Protests

  19 August 2012

A series of anti-Japanese protests in major Chinese cities has been triggered off by the arrest of Hong Kong activists who landed on the disputed Diaoyu Island by the Japan government. The Nanfang.com reported on the protests in Shenzhen and Guangzhou today on 19 August 2012.

Nationalism in Hong Kong

  19 August 2012

Dictionary of Politically Incorrect Hong Kong Cantonese discusses about the political contradictions of Hong Kong activists who travelled to Diaoyu Island against Japanese territorial claim.

India: Bullying in Educational Institutions

  19 August 2012

Mahitha Kasireddi at Youth Ki Awaaz writes about a perennial social problem in Indian higher secondary education and beyond. Ragging or abuse/bullying of the freshers has become a culture in many educational institutions which has even led to death of a newcomer.

Libya: Hijab Fiasco at Power Handover Ceremony

A problem marred Libya's National Transitional Council power handover to the newly elected 200-member General National Congress in a ceremony: The master of ceremony was the unveiled female presenter Sarah Elmesallati, who was ordered to leave the stage after an Islamist MP walked out of the ceremony in objection to her presenting the historic ceremony. Netizens go to Facebook to record their objection or support.