Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Arindam De
5 Ways to Tackle Patient Non-Adherence
How can pharma companies tackle therapy nonadherence effectively? Pharma companies lose $600+ billion each year due to patients not taking their medications. We present five strategies that can help them improve the return on investment from their adherence promoting initiatives and drive positive health outcomes for patients. 1. Personalization of solutions through AI and data-driven segmentation Patients face diverse barriers to take their medications as they go through the treatment.
Bengal all set to replace Uttar Pradesh as state with most BJP members
The central government had set a target of around 60 lakh for West Bengal. However, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh had publicly stated that there will be one crore new members from Bengal. As of August 2019 Uttar Pradesh BJP has a membership strength of 1.36 crore. (Photo: PTI) Kolkata: The number of applicants for the BJP membership drive is approaching one crore mark. Statistics available till late Wednesday indicated that at least 98 lakh people have applied for the BJP membership.
Woman gangraped for demanding return of bribe, TMC leader under lens
She alleged that they had paid Rs 7,000 bribe for allocation of a house under government scheme.
Kolkata American Centre terror attack accused might have new face, NIA suspects
The latest image of the main accused of the American Centre terror attack in 2002 bears little resemblance to the earlier image the NIA had in its records. Previous (L) and latest image of Amir Reza Khan. (Photo: www.nia.gov.in) Clean-shaven, with a receding hairline, suave, urbane, younger-- this is reportedly the new look of Kolkata's terror chief Amir Reza Khan.
Special Status for a special few: It was crucial Article 370 went and all the rights of Indian citizens reached J&K
PM Modi's speech on the actions in J&K provided a much needed 'healing touch' to assuage hurt feelings and address the immediate concerns of the ordinary people in the newly formed Union Territories. It was necessary in the light of the 'darkest hour' theories being floated around by vested interests. Those who benefitted from Article 370 were making the loudest noise — and they will continue to do so. The issue will linger for some time — it is safe to expect turbulence.
Hafiz Saeed, In and Out: The terrorist's detention was perhaps the shortest ever. But we know why
Wow, that was quick. Arrested on July 17, just prior to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's US trip, Hafeez Saeed was reportedly released by a Gujranwala court early on Wednesday, August 7. This was probably his shortest 'detention'. There were reports that his case has been 'shifted' to Gujrat and his trial would continue there. Well, we all know too well what connotations words like 'arresting', 'detaining', 'taken into custody' have vis-a-vis Hafiz Muhammad Saeed.
West Bengal: Ex-IAS topper, SDO treats patients on off days
She continues to attend to poor patients from her area, especially on her off days. She took charge as the SDO of Raghunathpur, some 41 kms from here, on June 2018. Akanksha Bhaskar. (Photo: Twitter) Before clearing UPSC and joining IAS as part of West Bengal cadre, she had completed her MBBS from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Her administrative responsibilities as the SDO of Raghunathpur, Purulia has done little to dampen her enthusiasm and dedication as a doctor.
Same hate, different measures: Weaponising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is wrong. In North India and in West Bengal
'Selective' is a tricky word. More so when prefixed with words like amnesia, intolerance, tolerance, or ideals like sympathy, empathy, humanity. From time to time, we have seen the 'intellectuals' and 'eminent(s)' of the land penning their sincere and secular angst against social evils. One common refrain, particularly since 2014, when the BJP-led NDA came to power, is that 'desh khatre mei hai' — suggesting that the essential moral fabric of the country has somehow degenerated during the NDA era.
JMB terrorist reveals he established terror modules in north Bengal
During the interrogation, the JMB terrorist revealed that he was in the process of setting up of a north Bengal-based terror module. The NIA investigators are trying to establish the number of modules the JMB terrorist established. (Photo used for representataion) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths had a few months ago nabbed a top Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB) terrorist, Habibur Rehman Sheikh, from the industrial hub of Dodabalpur in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Hafiz Saeed arrested yet again. Will Donald Trump take the bait?
I am sure this tweet would have left millions in splits: After a ten year search, the so-called “mastermind” of the Mumbai Terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 17, 2019 Hafiz Saeed, the fountainhead of anti-India terror networks in Pakistan, was reportedly absconding, with the Pakistani law enforcement agencies hot on his trail. Let your imagination take over.
How fake currency racket is targeting unemployed youth of Bengal
The problem of fake currency racket flourishing on the borders of Bengal is thriving on the state's problem of growing unemployment. File photo of Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Demonetisation had put a temporary stop to the fake currency racket operating across much of north Bengal. It had quickly resumed operations in 3-6 months of demonetisation in 2016 but the fake notes are now back with greater quality.
Party Hopping Season in Bengal: Councillors in Bengal are switching sides faster than the speed of light, leading to political unrest
Party hopping in Bengal post General Elections 2019 is becoming too confusing to keep track of. One day, reports emerge that a few score corporators or councillors have left the ruling party for BJP and the chest thumping follows. A few days later, there is a much publicised 'ghar wapsi' and it’s the ruling party's turn to rejoice. A few days back, we had heard that corporators have switched en mass and it’s BJP all the way in the municipalities of Kanchrapara and Halisahar.
Kar’nataka’: Where the government is doing everything but governance
An elected government losing majority via defections and resignations is always a rather depressing scenario. This is probably the ugly face of democracy. Claims that the centre is engineering it all remotely may be only half the truth. It is close to impossible to pry open solid coalitions. What happened in Goa is unbelievable. What's looming in Karnataka is almost a certainty. But only predatory behaviour has not triggered it.
The Jumlas of Pakistan: Pak says Hafiz Saeed will be arrested. Yet again.
'Hafiz Saeed arrested' — how many times have you heard that? A few months or weeks later, the small print would intimate you about his release. Yes, Pakistan is trying hard to get a new skin. The 'impending' arrest of Hafiz Saeed has been welcomed across quarters, the chest-thumping continues — but for India, there is a sense of déjà vu. How many Indian dossiers have featured Hafiz Saeed's name? What actions happened at the Pakistani end?
Is Mamata losing the plot? From doctors' strike to ‘cut money’ debacle, Didi is plunging into crisis
"Desh mei rehna hoga to Shri Ram kehna hoga/Vande Mataram kehna hoga" and ".............. if you are coming to Bengal] you have to speak in Bengali.” Is there any intrinsic difference in these two statements given what they insinuate? Is linguistic and regional nationalism an antidote to religious nationalism? Is it a cure? Is it a counter? Neither — it is the same old British-origin ideology of 'Divide and Rule'. Separate, segregate, create insecurities, stoke fear, all for a few votes more.
A Very Deep Cut: Why Mamata Banerjee asking TMC party men to stop taking 'cut money' is just too little, too late
Post the Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sounds determined to root out corruption from her party. The apparently easiest way is to sound a warning to party members. She has done that: very brusquely — she has reportedly told her party members to shape up or shift out. She has also reportedly asked lower-rung party functionaries to 'return' any cut money or commission that they may have received.
Book the culprits - Don't badmouth the doctors
The West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has a favourite refrain: We will not let Bengal become Gujarat. She is addressing PM Modi without naming him. What she conveniently forgets is that the ex-Gujarat CM has a resounding people's mandate of governing India for a second term. While people of her state once again reposed their faith in her, but with a lot of reservation and a much-reduced margin.
Is Mamata Banerjee inspired by the Modi wave to sign up Prashant Kishor?
Trinamool Congress has signed up Prashant Kishor as their political strategist for the 2021 assembly elections in West Bengal. That is a positive step. In a bid to counter the rising saffron tide, his appointment came after a longish meeting with the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. And, like all Trinamool decisions, this has come from her. This is a comparatively better approach to the situation than what she did on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
Get A Grip: Mamata Banerjee's appeasement politics, high-handedness and alienating the majority are now hurting her
Caste-based politics never made much headway in Bengal. Although discrimination was not unheard of, still it was not a big player. Whatever little effect it had was almost eliminated during the Left rule, who were atheists by religious grouping. They preached equality, and for the first two decades of their rule, the leaders from the older generation practised it too. The incumbent Bengal CM inherited this relatively 'caste-less' society in 2011.
Losing the Plot: From Rafale to Nyay, here's everything that went against the Congress in 2019
When Yogendra Yadav said: "Congress must die", the message struck a few raw nerves. While I am not sure of anything likely happening soon, the fact that political analysts have started to venture out on hitherto uncharted territory is an encouraging sign. Every mature democracy, at some point of time in its history, starts questioning itself. Even uncomfortable questions, those that were sidelined in its infancy and adolescence in 'national interest', are asked.
Poribortan Full Circle: Mamata Banerjee once called for 'change' in West Bengal. Is that rebounding on her today?
Change is the only constant. West Bengal, it seems, remained oblivious of this age-old saying for about 34 years — before a feisty Mamata Banerjee issued a rallying cry of 'poriborton' (change) — and the entire state responded. Red bastions that had voted Left legislators for decades and never knew any alternative suddenly saw poriborton — a tinge of green. Overnight, the CPM rule, which was floundering, capitulated. This was unbelievable. But it happened — and Mamata Banerjee achieved it.
Sorry, Mrs Dikshit! But the Nirbhaya outrage was not 'media manufactured'
On December 29, 2012, a part of me died. The girl I would never know passed away, after putting up a brave struggle. The girl named Nirbhaya, by large sections of the media and the public, was dead. The outrage that followed was unprecedented. But no, Mrs Sheila Dikshit — it was not blown out of proportion by the media, as you have opined in a recent interview. The timing — apart from everything you said — could not even be worse.
Masood Azhar 'Global Terrorist': Does the designation realistically mean anything? And what should India do now?
UN listing of Masood Azhar is flashing across all our screens. In election season, political pundits are terming this a victory for India, reflecting its diplomatic clout and political will. The Chowkidar stands tall. There will be lots of chest thumping and wallowing in glory. National fervour will be the proverbial cherry on the cake in election season. But, under the rhetoric, what exactly did we get?
In the heat of electoral battle do not forget Sri Lanka - terror must be tackled
As PM Modi was in Varanasi to file his nominations, the General Elections of 2019 is approaching its midpoint. Heated political campaigns form the order of the day, as netas crisscross the length and breadth of the vast subcontinent.
Can the Election Commission play a good referee and ensure a good match...err, poll?
Finally, it took a firm prod from the apex court for the Election Commission (EC) to shake off its apparent lethargy and crack the proverbial whip. CJI Ranjan Gogoi's observation “Mr Election Commission, you have to act very promptly. You cannot drag matters like this......" seemed to have the desired effect. The apex court had asked rather firmly why the commission was not cracking down on the proliferation of hate speeches during the campaigning for the 17th Lok Sabha elections.
Imran wants Modi back in power - seriously?
In the election season, Imran Khan hedging his bets for peace talks with India on the return to power for PM Modi added a bit of humour to the vein-popping serious public discourse and gave a proverbial stick to the opposition to bash the ruling party with. Political parties need all the ammunition when push comes to shove and a billion strong lining up to exercise their right to choose is an intimidating scenario that would make hardened politicians turn to jelly.
Frenemies of the political world: 'Extremists' of yesterday, lauded by the 'moderates' of today
There are no permanent friends or enemies in politics — it is all “frenemies”. It depends on the prevailing political opportunities. The voters also do not seem to mind. It is a democracy after all. So, when Didi hailed LK Advani's blog post, it all seemed quite normal. Strange — but I remember what happened after the demolition of the Babri Masjid. We were in college then and India had never seen a more emotive issue.
Congress has flunked the alliances test. What about the election exams?
To be or not to be — that's part of the Congress party's dilemma now. In an election season where most of the 'issues' it had lined up against PM Modi have fallen through, the Congress is in two minds on whether to peddle the 'soft Hindutva' line now. The line had fetched rich dividends in Karnataka, probably played a part in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and almost caused a massive upset in the lion's den itself — Gujarat. Are we going to see a lot more of Congress' soft Hindutva?
Parroting about Peace does not make China a peacenik
Constantly harping about peace does not work — one has to be faithful to the ideal. Our shared history has taught us to read between the lines — in statements and intents — when it comes to China. There was a nagging feeling that China would stick to its lines, and that is what exactly happened. Like its all-weather ally and friend Pakistan, China claims that it is against all forms of terrorism and is itself a 'victim' of terror — a Goebbelsian myth that it hopes to establish someday.
What did the air strikes achieve?
The Pakistan PM has said that Pakistan won't allow its soil to be used for terror activities. His DG ISPR said that JeM does not exists in Pakistan. Sounds familiar? Absolutely! This is the game of deceit that Pakistan have perfected over decades. The only issue this time around is that the US will soon be out of Afghanistan and no Soviet occupation looms. The idea is the very reason that made Pakistan useful. The reason no longer exists.
Why nothing will change on the ground even after Balakot airstrike
Ever since the IAF pounded JeM locations across the border, nothing seems to have changed. Yes, Wing Commander Abhinandan has been set free and handed over to India but little else changed. There have been dozens of ceasefire violations by the Pakistani army and at least three civiliahns have lost their lives and dozens injured because of it. Irony died a second death when a resolution was submitted in Pakistan parliament to endorse Imran Khan for the Nobel Peace Prize.
As politics breaks out over Pulwama, time for us, Kashmiris included, to ask hard questions
So, everything can be politicised — martyrdoms and terror attacks included. After a week of studied distance, the Congress has come out with a sharp attack on the government over the Pulwama terror strike. So far, the ruling party, by dint of its position, had been using the terror attack to mobilise opinion against terrorism. That is absolutely acceptable.
JMB operative arrested, was trying to free 2014 blast mastermind with multiple sleeper cells
Araful has also allegedly revealed the entire modus operandi of JMB mastermind Kausar. Araful has also allegedly revealed the entire modus operandi of JMB mastermind Kausar. Terror operative Araful, arrested for his alleged role in the Bodh Gaya blasts, had set up a new sleeper cell for the proscribed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Bengal. There were ten members in this module. Each of the members of this module was an expert in making explosives.
India was not taken in by Imran Khan. The realities of the situation have only become clearer today
The political antecedents and the support base of Pakistan PM Imran Khan were always, to my mind, suspicious. A spate of attacks on security force personnel in the Kashmir Valley, capped by the dastardly fidayeen VBIED strike in Pulwama, just reinforced those questions about the agenda he has and will be fronting in the coming days. Not that there was much doubt earlier.
Pulwama attack: As talks of retribution fly thick and fast, troubling questions are unanswered
Blood and gore visited the newsroom once again. Some 48 CRPF jawans were martyred in a deadly suicide attack in militancy-hit Pulwama of restive South Kashmir. In the afternoon, as a massive CRPF convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar, an SUV reportedly laden with over 300 kg of explosives rammed one of the buses near Awantipora. It was carrying Jawans from the 76th Battalion of the CRPF. The driver of the explosive vehicle, Adil Ahmad Dar, was apparently a Pulwama local.
‘Vikas’ take a backseat as the Prime Minister sharpens his attack on the Opposition
The narrative was focused on 'development' for the last four years and some months. It was the central theme whenever the Prime Minister, members of his cabinet or the BJP chief took to the stage. But that seems to be changing now. The elections act as odd catalysts in framing narratives. There is a marked change in the ruling that combines a choice of subjects in public forums. Verbal attacks on the Opposition have been getting sharper and shriller.
Authorities bust 2 men for smuggling fake notes into India via West Bengal
The accused persons had plans to circulate fake Indian notes across Andhra Pradesh markets. This is the first instance when an Andhra link of FICN smugglers has been established | REUTERS image for representation HIGHLIGHTS Police raided hotel in Bengal from where two accused were nabbed Police seized high quality FICN from their possession Interrogation shed light on involvement of a businessman Police from Farakka police station arrested two persons on Friday (February 8) in fake currency case.
It’s show time: What the Bengal drama tells us about 2019 elections, and its main players
The big election is approaching, and the mood is catching up with our politicians. Arguments are getting sharp and barbs sharper. Agencies under various political dispensations are not entirely untouched by these changes. While the law must take its course, the timings of certain actions can always raise an odd eyebrow. About half a year ago, not many would have given Bengal’s feisty Didi much of a chance of emerging as the leader of a non-Congress opposition.
There were no teachers in this Bengal school so locals united to teach the kids
In the absence of teachers since last December in this Bengal school, locals convened a meeting and requested educated youths to pitch in so that the future of the students is not jeopardised The students of the village and neighbourhood are attending classes regularly.
Budget 2019: Stop doles and grants, frame policies that can actually empower
Elections do seem to bring out the best of a democracy. Suddenly, the common man is everyone's priority. The political high and mighty, generally busy chest-thumping over yet another state conquered or flinging mud at each other, suddenly become the voice of the public. The aam aadmi's concerns echo in bytes by politicians, on debate fora, before ever-eager TV cameras, mojo kits and microphones of all hues and ideologies.
Why the Opposition needs more than just an anti-Modi agenda
The Opposition has realised that it must have a pro-people agenda before calling on the voters to oust the incumbent government. Getting rid of the Modi government cannot be the only agenda to approach the polls with. Diverse regional political parties need more common grounds than simply replacing the government. The United Opposition rally in Kolkata was very vocal about the diverse ills, real or perceived of the Modi government but offered little on how they will go about setting things right.
Will Priyanka Gandhi's entry in east UP end up helping the BJP?
Desperately looking to make a mark in Uttar Pradesh this Lok Sabha election, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) may have actually done enough to hand over the advantage to the BJP. By unanimously deciding to keep the Congress away from a pre-poll coalition, or even a tacit understanding, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav have pushed the national party on a path that will not just upset their own apple cart — but will also end up helping the BJP.
How Mamata Banerjee plans to use TMC's rally to showcase Opposition unity
Electoral success in India has often boiled down to public perception and the prevailing narrative. In 2014, both favoured the BJP and the results were there for everyone to see. We are en route to the next general election in 2019. While the government has succeeded in certain areas, it has not performed according to expectations in others.
Is the 10% reservation for the economically weak a quota to end caste discrimination in India?
Now we have a quota based on economic criteria rather than the caste-based ones that, up until now, dominated the political narrative of social justice. So, is this the first signs of a break-away from caste and religion-based appeasement politics? Can economic well-being be the defining base for reservations? Will this move end caste discrimination ultimately? Will it even work? Difficult to say.
Bangladesh terror group leaders keen on crossing border after Awami League's election win
Reports indicate that the terror group JMB and Jamaat leaders are congregating near the international border along West Bengal and Tripura for an opportunity to cross over. They have reportedly been in contact with their aides on the Indian side. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
As BJP, Congress spar over loan waivers, how regional parties are tackling farm distress
Approaching elections never fail to make the common man feel special in India. They are suddenly made to realise they are an important part of the country and make a valuable contribution in nation-building — mainly in the form of their votes. The aam admi suddenly realises he enjoys constitutional rights, just like his more fortunate brethren — VIPs of all hues and shades. This does not last long.
Are we mature enough as a society to agree to disagree?
Taking an extreme line often leads to clashes — of opinions, that may or may not lead to physical violence. Divergent ideas, expressions and beliefs should be welcomed in an evolving society. Accepting divergent ideas does not necessarily means following them. It just stretches our horizons. There is no need to agree with what veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah said, but one can still respect his work.
How the politics of loan waivers ensures farmers remain in debt traps forever
Is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government responsible for all the woes ailing the farm sector? Not really. There is no long-term policy to pull these farmers out of their debt trap. (Source: Reuters) Agrarian distress has been the untold story of India's economic surge in the last couple of decades. The current crisis, however, can be attributed to a host of factors like rising global oil prices and internal economic decisions like demonetisation and the implementation of GST.
GJM leader Bimal Gurung among 72 chargesheeted for Darjeeling violence
It has been alleged that GJM supporters had even resorted to firing during the clashes. The chargesheet also alleged that Bimal Gurung had facilitated the entry of 'outsiders' in the guise of protests.
Indo-Bangladesh border becomes smuggling hotspot during winter
BSF officials said that they have augmented the number of speedboats used to patrol along the odd 70 km riverine border between India and Bangladesh. (Photo: Reuters) HIGHLIGHTS Infrastructural issues make riverine borders difficult to patrol during winter Foggy conditions hamper thermal imagers BSF has doubled the number of patrols along the land and river borders Winters are a hard time for the border guarding forces along the odd 70 km riverine border between India and Bangladesh.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Arindam
Contact Arindam, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack