Once in a Blue Moon Academia (OBMA)

  Autopsy of RTI in the Police Universe of the Indian Polity Autopsy of RTI in the Police Universe of the Indian Polity Posted on 25th September, 2024 (GMT 16:28 hrs) AKHAR BANDYOPADHYAY ⤡ DEBAPRASAD BANDYOPADHYAY  ⤡ ABSTRACT The article critiques the weakening of the Right to Information (RTI) Act (2005) in the context of politico-economic policing in India involving the rapid censorship or suppression of democratic spaces for dissent by means such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. It highlights how crony oligarchical forces of exclusion often resist transparency, using legal loopholes or claiming exemptions under the guise of national security or privacy. Despite RTI’s intent to empower citizens and ensure accountable communicative competence, it is frequently undermined by bureaucratic hurdles, delaying tactics, and increased threats on RTI Activists. The piece underscores how this undermines democratic engagement and public trust in the various law en...

  Donation and Deletion: Is Wikipedia Crowd-Funded or Funded by the Superrich? Donation and Deletion: Is Wikipedia Crowd-Funded or Funded by the Superrich? Posted on 16th September, 2024 (GMT 16:45 hrs) ABSTRACT The article questions Wikipedia’s claim of being crowd-funded, suggesting that the platform is influenced by wealthy individuals and corporations. It shares instances of content deletions, such as references to academic topics and controversies involving business tycoon Ajay Piramal, alleging that Wikipedia may be censoring or manipulating information. The post calls for Wikipedia to stay true to its mission of objective, evidence-based content without being swayed by powerful entities. __________________________________________________________ Dear Wikipedia Team, We have noticed that you are constantly demanding crowd-funding to sustain your existence:​ No doubt, it is a laudable effort as a whole. However, one of our members, a professor, always insists that hi...