Articles by Chetan Chauhan
Over 50% of NW India in grip of its hottest spell since 1951
Prolonged and intense heat waves in northwest India, with high day and night temperatures, cause heat stress and health emergencies.
![A man covers his face using a cloth to shield himself from the sun as he inspects railway tracks during a hot summer day in New Delhi. (REUTERS) A man covers his face using a cloth to shield himself from the sun as he inspects railway tracks during a hot summer day in New Delhi. (REUTERS)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/19/148x111/A-man-covers-his-face-using-a-cloth-to-shield-hims_1718735618682_1718765957423.jpg)
Updated on Jun 19, 2024 08:30 AM IST
Ecostani: If not climate change, too many people would surely kill Himalayas
Between June 1-13, Shimla, once a small summer capital of the British empire, received half a million tourist vehicles with hotel occupancy of close to 100%
![The tourist rush has increased in the state capital Shimla and its surrounding regions. The tourist rush has increased in the state capital Shimla and its surrounding regions.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/16/148x111/With-campaigning-for-the-Lok-Sabha-elections-reach_1716571967532_1718516301241.jpg)
Published on Jun 16, 2024 11:26 AM IST
Why Modi may find it difficult to accept Andhra, Bihar’s special status demand
Special status for Bihar and Andhra could disturb fiscal prudence and put constraints on central finances, which, in turn, will hamper key infra projects
![New Delhi, Jun 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in conversation with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party meeting, at the Samvidhan Sadan, in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Photo)(ANI) New Delhi, Jun 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in conversation with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party meeting, at the Samvidhan Sadan, in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI Photo)(ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/10/148x111/ANI-20240607118-0_1718044344482_1718044568813.jpg)
Published on Jun 11, 2024 08:30 AM IST
Exit polls indicate Modi’s popularity is unmatched, difficult to dent
BJP was always geared up to build a narrative on issues raised by Modi in speeches and interviews, giving little time to the opposition to counterattack.
![FILE-Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gather to greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a roadshow in Varanasi, India, Monday, May 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar, file)(AP) FILE-Supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gather to greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a roadshow in Varanasi, India, Monday, May 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar, file)(AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/03/148x111/India-Election-Photo-Gallery-1_1717415806876_1717415880477.jpg)
Published on Jun 03, 2024 05:35 PM IST
ECI’s delay does not augur well for faith in democratic institutions
EC released the final voting turnout for the first two phases only after the third phase, raising the question of why it was not done earlier.
![An Indian security personnel walks past the office of the Election Commission of India, (AFP FILE PHOTO)(HT_PRINT) An Indian security personnel walks past the office of the Election Commission of India, (AFP FILE PHOTO)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/27/148x111/An-Indian-security-personnel-walks-past-the-office_1716822896017_1716822926338.jpg)
Published on May 27, 2024 08:49 PM IST
In the Swati Maliwal case, AAP gets a taste of its street politics
It is for the first time that Kejriwal is facing heat from his trusted party colleague, Swati Maliwal, his associate since the AAP leader’s RTI activism days
![AAP MP Swati Maliwal leaves Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence after recreation of the May 13 incident by Police, in New Delhi.(ANI) AAP MP Swati Maliwal leaves Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence after recreation of the May 13 incident by Police, in New Delhi.(ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/20/148x111/Swati_Maliwal_1716224878893_1716229073954.jpg)
Published on May 21, 2024 09:00 AM IST
HT Explains: A 5-point FAQ on the Lok Sabha battle in West Bengal
West Bengal, which sends the third highest (42) lawmakers to Lok Sabha, is among the key states going to the polls in the remaining three phases of polls
![West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee addressing an election rally. (ANI) West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee addressing an election rally. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/16/150x84/West-Bengal-chief-minister-Mamata-Banerjee-address_1715857727105.jpg)
Published on May 16, 2024 04:39 PM IST
Ecostani | “Divisive” poll narrative misses its youth
BJP had tried to build a narrative on the long Congress history of ruling India and the mistakes the party is said to have committed during its years of rule
![BJP flags seen at a rally. (HT Archive/For Representative Purposes) BJP flags seen at a rally. (HT Archive/For Representative Purposes)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/13/148x111/Bengal_BJP_PTI01_31_2021_000119B_1614694600350_1614694609575_1715628253206.jpg)
Published on May 14, 2024 02:44 AM IST
Ecostani | Why the Congress may not go for the kill in Haryana
The Congress not having a clear majority may be a reason why the party is not staking claim to form the government.
![Congress candidate Deepender Singh Hooda was accompanied by his wife Hemsweta, his father, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan and Rohtak MLA BB Batra while filing the nomination papers in Haryana on Saturday. (Manoj Dhaka/HT)(HT_PRINT) Congress candidate Deepender Singh Hooda was accompanied by his wife Hemsweta, his father, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan and Rohtak MLA BB Batra while filing the nomination papers in Haryana on Saturday. (Manoj Dhaka/HT)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/09/148x111/Congress-candidate-Deepender-Singh-Hooda-was-accom_1715276884995_1715276899881.jpg)
Published on May 10, 2024 12:30 AM IST
Ecostani | The silence of the Muslim voter could be real and strategic
The idea is not to give an impression that Muslims are voting in large numbers as it could polarise voting, a community leader in western UP said
![Meerut: Muslim voters at a polling station to cast their votes for the 2nd phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Meerut, Friday, April 26, 2024. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) (PTI04_26_2024_000026B)(PTI) Meerut: Muslim voters at a polling station to cast their votes for the 2nd phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Meerut, Friday, April 26, 2024. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma) (PTI04_26_2024_000026B)(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/29/148x111/PTI04-26-2024-000026B-0_1714393732830_1714394608483.jpg)
Published on Apr 29, 2024 08:08 PM IST
Lok Sabha polls: Karnataka sees increase in voting as rest of India sees a dip
All Hindi heartland states have witnessed decline in polling in the two phases with Rajasthan recording a three percentage point decline as compared to 2019
![A voter leaves after casting her vote at a polling station in Bengaluru on Friday. (AFP) A voter leaves after casting her vote at a polling station in Bengaluru on Friday. (AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/27/150x84/A-voter-leaves-after-casting-her-vote-at-a-polling_1714231029525.jpg)
Published on Apr 27, 2024 08:47 PM IST
India reported over 75,000 forest fires in April; Odisha worst hit
A senior FSI official said usual than warmer April and drier winter this year are the reasons for sudden spurt in the forest fires
![The FSI data shows that close to 80% of the forest fires in April started after middle of the month. (ANI) The FSI data shows that close to 80% of the forest fires in April started after middle of the month. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/27/150x84/The-FSI-data-shows-that-close-to-80--of-the-forest_1714218665769.jpg)
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 05:21 PM IST
Voter apathy or political discontent? What low voter turnout means for 2024
Voter turnout dropped in phase I as compared to previous polls. Factors such as hot weather and weaker election campaigns may have contributed to this decline.
![Voters queue up to cast their ballot outside a polling station during the first phase of voting of India's general election, in Dugeli village some 33 Km (21 miles) from Dantewada town in Chhattisgarh state on April 19, 2024. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP) / TO GO WITH 'India-vote-conflict-Maoist', FOCUS by Bhuvan Bagga(AFP) Voters queue up to cast their ballot outside a polling station during the first phase of voting of India's general election, in Dugeli village some 33 Km (21 miles) from Dantewada town in Chhattisgarh state on April 19, 2024. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP) / TO GO WITH 'India-vote-conflict-Maoist', FOCUS by Bhuvan Bagga(AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/23/148x111/INDIA-VOTE-CONFLICT-MAOIST-0_1713875055990_1713878252096.jpg)
Published on Apr 23, 2024 06:56 PM IST
Polls not about personal ambition, Congress is united, says Sachin Pilot
Congress leader and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot speaks to Chetan Chauhan about his party’s chances in the national elections
![Congress leader Sachin Pilot (PTI) Congress leader Sachin Pilot (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/21/150x84/Congress-leader-Sachin-Pilot--PTI-_1713726969544.jpg)
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:54 AM IST
Ganga not an electoral issue in Uttarakhand this time
Cleaning the Ganga has been a political issue for decades. Leaders cutting across the political spectrum had promised to clean the river
![Devotees gather at 'Har Ki Paudi' to take a holy dip in the Ganges River in Haridwar. (PTI File Photo) Devotees gather at 'Har Ki Paudi' to take a holy dip in the Ganges River in Haridwar. (PTI File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/20/150x84/Devotees-gather-at--Har-Ki-Paudi--to-take-a-holy-d_1713585387462.jpg)
Published on Apr 20, 2024 09:27 AM IST
Election In Pincodes: In battle for the hills, UCC tensions cast a shadow
Uttarakhand town of Haldwani is tense as government introduces Uniform Civil Code bill, polarising Hindus and Muslims ahead of elections.
![Election In Pincodes: In battle for the hills, UCC tensions cast a shadow Election In Pincodes: In battle for the hills, UCC tensions cast a shadow](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/17/150x84/-p-Election-In-Pincodes--In-battle-for-the-hills--_1713383426058.jpg)
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 07:57 AM IST
Chetan Chauhan, Haldwani
Inflation, unemployment biggest election issues: Harish Rawat
Harish Rawat says there is lot of anger in hills among youth over paper leak and introduction of Agnipath scheme for recruitment in army
![Harish Rawat Harish Rawat](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/15/150x84/Harish-Rawat_1713162595239.jpg)
Published on Apr 15, 2024 12:00 PM IST
What’s on the mind of Indian voters as we go in for general elections in a week?
According to a pre-poll survey, jobs and price rise are the two biggest issues but the one that needs to talked about is how our trust in the EC is falling
![The findings from the CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey indicate that voters are worried about the Indian economy and blame both the central and state governments for shrinking job opportunities. (PTI) The findings from the CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey indicate that voters are worried about the Indian economy and blame both the central and state governments for shrinking job opportunities. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/148x111/5e423f1a-7615-11ec-8f22-243e37ddc844_1642259653223_1713021078942.jpg)
Published on Apr 13, 2024 08:45 PM IST
Ecostani | Cong manifesto is high on social justice, jobs; what about delivery?
The party has promised to convert all contractual workers to regular ones, fill up 30 lakh vacant posts in the Central government, and a national MSP law
![Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy, hold up the party’s manifesto Nyay Patra at a public meeting in Hyderabad on April 6 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy, hold up the party’s manifesto Nyay Patra at a public meeting in Hyderabad on April 6 (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/07/148x111/Hyderabad--Congress-leader-Rahul-Gandhi--AICC-Gene_1712429915629_1712497028244.jpg)
Published on Apr 07, 2024 08:54 PM IST
As ED action continues against opposition leaders, where is level playing field
The ECI must use its constitutionally guaranteed power to ensure that no action that upsets or suppresses free and fair elections must take place now
![Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves from ED office for the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Monday. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)(HT_PRINT) Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves from ED office for the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on Monday. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/01/148x111/Delhi-chief-minister-Arvind-Kejriwal-leaves-from-E_1711995067580_1711995099740.jpg)
Published on Apr 02, 2024 12:06 AM IST
Ecostani | India’s rising inequality questions country’s governance model
The report shows that there is growing inequality with the rich getting richer faster and incomes of those in the lower strata not increasing at the same pace
![A report by the World Inequality Lab, which is yet another example of income disparity in the country, said the distribution of economic growth in India has significant consequences on global inequality dynamics. (CES) (AP) A report by the World Inequality Lab, which is yet another example of income disparity in the country, said the distribution of economic growth in India has significant consequences on global inequality dynamics. (CES) (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/22/148x111/164b0ab4-d76a-11ec-a9a0-a5db2aa6f789_1652967586240_1711145541200.jpg)
Published on Mar 24, 2024 08:00 AM IST
Ecostani | CAA rules notified days before polls announcement is a clear sign
Most people who entered India legally before December 31, 2014, would get citizenship in pre-CAA rules. Only those who came illegally gain from the new law
![In a light moment, women protesters hold up a large stuffed teddy bear during a protest against the CAA, NRC and NPR at Shaheen Bagh on February 13, 2020.(Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo) In a light moment, women protesters hold up a large stuffed teddy bear during a protest against the CAA, NRC and NPR at Shaheen Bagh on February 13, 2020.(Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/17/148x111/shaheen-bagh-valentines-day-eve_9eaedfea-6de3-11ea-ab2c-59405e977d32_1710676713233.jpg)
Published on Mar 17, 2024 05:30 PM IST
Ecostani| What does election commissioner's resignation before the polls signal?
As the country heads for general elections, how the Election Commission keep parties in check will say a lot about the state of our democracy
![The schedule for the general elections 2024 will be announced in March (HT Photo) The schedule for the general elections 2024 will be announced in March (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/10/148x111/Bharatpur--EVMs-and-other-election-material-kept-a_1701758980874_1710085746571.jpg)
Published on Mar 10, 2024 09:23 PM IST
Ecostani | Himachal imbroglio is a commentary on the Congress high command
Today’s BJP is a party that makes quick decisions and does not miss an opportunity to show up the Congress. Party leaders cannot afford to make wrong decisions
![Himachal CM Sukhiwnder Sukhu and Congress MLA Rajinder Rana, who rebelled and was disqualified(HT Photo ) Himachal CM Sukhiwnder Sukhu and Congress MLA Rajinder Rana, who rebelled and was disqualified(HT Photo )](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/05/148x111/Screenshot_2024-03-03_110140_1709443903003_1709643154622.jpg)
Published on Mar 05, 2024 06:33 PM IST
Ecostani | A call to battle, and fight will be pitched
In a few weeks, the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will be announced. What narratives and strategies do the NDA and the INDIA blocs have in place?
![It is still a long way off before we can call the 2024 elections. (HT File Photo) It is still a long way off before we can call the 2024 elections. (HT File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/26/148x111/While-Lok-Sabha-polls-are-expected-to-be-held-soon_1706207564907_1708959801034.jpg)
Published on Feb 26, 2024 08:35 PM IST
Ecostani | Jayant Chaudhary hopes that the NDA will help his party — and the BJP
The RLD has sensed a shift of Jat voters over to the BJP, and the saffron party would like Jayant to campaign in Jat-dominated areas. Both hope it’s a win-win
![RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi on Saturday. (PTI PHOTO) RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi on Saturday. (PTI PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/19/148x111/RLD-chief-Jayant-Chaudhary-at-the-Parliament-House_1707588628674_1708354106362.jpg)
Published on Feb 19, 2024 09:06 PM IST
Ecostani | A national MSP law will be a tribute to MS Swaminathan
As farmers head towards Delhi to demand an MSP law for all crops, their 2020-'21 Delhi Chalo protests should remind us that their demand isn't new after all
![Farmers at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab, as they make their way towards Delhi for the Delhi Chalo protest march.(PTI) Farmers at the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab, as they make their way towards Delhi for the Delhi Chalo protest march.(PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/13/148x111/PTI02-13-2024-000039B-0_1707804295778_1707806258724.jpg)
Updated on Feb 13, 2024 12:18 PM IST
Bharat Ratna for MS Swaminathan: The pioneer of India’s Green Revolution
Before Bharat Ratna, Swaminathan had received India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, and the World Food Prize
![Swaminathan started as a young scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in 1959. (PTI file photo) Swaminathan started as a young scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in 1959. (PTI file photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/09/150x84/Swaminathan-started-as-a-young-scientist-at-the-In_1707468927449.jpg)
Updated on Feb 09, 2024 02:25 PM IST
Jan 31: ED arrests JMM chief. Feb 5: New CM, from JMM, wins trust vote
Hemant Soren says the BJP used agencies to topple his government as he is a tribal. The BJP, in turn, knows it needs a tribal leader for a headway in Jharkhand.
![Hemant Soren resigned on January 31 after he was arrested on the charge of “possessing 12 adjacent parcels of land measuring 8.5 acres” in Ranchi using falsified deeds and tampered revenue records (PTI file photo) Hemant Soren resigned on January 31 after he was arrested on the charge of “possessing 12 adjacent parcels of land measuring 8.5 acres” in Ranchi using falsified deeds and tampered revenue records (PTI file photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/05/148x111/Hemant-Soren-s-lawyer-said-they-have-filed-an-inte_1707120434488_1707145672822.jpg)
Updated on Feb 05, 2024 09:26 PM IST
Ecostani | New resolve for 10 mil homes to aim for the sun needs new incentives
250 million houses with solar rooftops can deploy 637 GW — even a third of this is enough to meet India’s electricity demand from the residential sector
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a scheme to install 10 million solar rooftops across households in the country.(HT Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a scheme to install 10 million solar rooftops across households in the country.(HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/28/148x111/Net-metering-is-a-billing-mechanism-that-credits-s_1701180864906_1706435753693.jpg)
Published on Jan 28, 2024 03:29 PM IST