A study by the American Sunlight Project reveals that numerous Facebook groups, posing as Kamala Harris fan pages, are employing 'bait-and-switch' tactics to mislead voters by promoting disinformation and supporting Donald Trump. These groups, analyzed on the Meta platform, exploit trust within communities to spread false narratives, often run by lone actors, including some from outside the US. The phenomenon is not limited to Harris, as similar tactics are used across the political spectrum. Meta has stated its commitment to enforcing policies against such deceptive practices, although challenges remain following the shutdown of the CrowdTangle tool.

Israeli anti-war activists, known as conscientious objectors, are risking jail time by refusing mandatory military service amid the ongoing Gaza war. Despite being a minority, these objectors, supported by the volunteer group Mesarvot, oppose the war and Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. The article highlights the personal stories of activists like Nave Shabtay Levin and Sofia Orr, who face societal backlash and legal consequences for their stance. The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, has led to significant casualties on both sides, with Israel's military actions drawing global criticism.

In Kolhapur, India, Kisabai Biranje, a woman in her sixties, underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) to fulfill her dream of motherhood, despite societal stigma and health risks. The burgeoning fertility industry in India, valued at $2.3 billion in 2012, attracts both domestic and international clients due to its affordability and less stringent regulations. However, the rapid growth of fertility clinics has led to numerous ethical and medical concerns, including the exploitation of surrogate mothers and the health risks associated with advanced-age pregnancies. The Indian government is preparing to introduce new regulations to address these issues, but the debate over the ethical implications of such treatments continues. Key figures in the discussion include Dr. Anurag Bishnoi, who has facilitated several high-profile advanced-age pregnancies, and Dr. Pushpa Bhargava, who advocates for the right to procreation while emphasizing the need for informed counseling.

India faces deep-rooted corruption that permeates all levels of society, despite being a democracy. Activist Anna Hazare's hunger strike pressured the government to consider the Lokpal bill, aimed at establishing an independent ombudsman to tackle corruption. However, the bill is seen as a limited solution, as corruption is ingrained in both public and private sectors. Recent scandals and the public's acceptance of electoral bribes highlight the pervasive nature of the issue. Innovative solutions, including technology and public awareness campaigns, are proposed, but a cultural shift is essential for meaningful change.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Arundhati Roy's comments on Kashmir, which sparked national outrage and calls for sedition charges. It critiques the Indian government's heavy-handed approach in Kashmir, highlighting the region's militarization and the suppression of political dissent. The piece underscores the growing anti-India sentiment in Kashmir and the inadequacy of the government's peace measures, while acknowledging the complex geopolitical context.

The article examines the Indian government's counterinsurgency campaign, Operation Green Hunt, against Maoist insurgents in central India. It highlights the deep-rooted social and economic issues that fuel the insurgency and criticizes the government's focus on military solutions over development. The Maoists' strong relationship with the local tribal population is identified as a key factor in their resilience. The article suggests that without addressing the underlying social problems and improving the lives of the tribals, the government's efforts are unlikely to succeed.

The article explores the complex cultural relationship between Pakistan and Bollywood, highlighting the popularity of the film 'My Name Is Khan' in Pakistan despite political tensions. It delves into the historical context of cultural exchanges and bans, the impact of political actions by groups like Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and the eventual lifting of the Bollywood ban by Pervez Musharraf. The narrative underscores the enduring love for Bollywood in Pakistan amidst political and cultural barriers.

The article discusses the phenomenon of criminality in Indian politics, focusing on Mukhtar Ansari, a politician with a criminal background who has managed to maintain significant influence in Uttar Pradesh. Despite facing numerous criminal charges, Ansari has garnered support from local communities, who view him as a protector and benefactor. The article also highlights efforts by organizations like the Public Interest Foundation and the Association for Democratic Reforms to combat the influence of criminals in politics. The narrative underscores the challenges of electoral reform in India, where criminal candidates continue to win seats in parliament.

In the Brahmapuri Forest Division of Chandrapur district in central India, a conflict between humans and tigers is intensifying, with 40 people killed by tigers since 2006. Conservationists attribute the attacks to the depletion of the tigers' natural prey and habitat reduction due to human activities such as farming, logging, and poaching. The Satpuda Foundation's study highlights the decline in traditional prey and the shrinking habitat as key factors. The human population around the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is increasing, leading to more forest land being cleared. Kishor Rithe of the Satpuda Foundation and B. Majumdar, the region's chief conservator, suggest that human interference and pressure on forests are causing tigers to attack humans, often in self-defense. Villagers, like Nandaji Chalak, rely on forest resources to supplement their income due to inadequate agricultural earnings. The government is urged to create non-forest-based employment to reduce human intrusion into tiger habitats. The rising animosity towards tigers in affected villages contrasts with the coexistence observed in villages within the reserve, where strict enforcement of logging and poaching bans has been effective.

Sampat Pal leads the Gulabi Gang, an all-female vigilante group in Uttar Pradesh, India, fighting against social injustices such as domestic abuse, corruption, and bureaucratic apathy. The group, known for their pink attire, has grown to thousands of members and has taken significant actions, including exposing corruption in the public food distribution system and pressuring officials to improve local infrastructure. Despite facing legal charges and criticism for their methods, the Gulabi Gang is celebrated by locals for their efforts to bring justice and empower women in a patriarchal society.