The Hindu Cartoonscope and Amul butter cartoons continue to be a great way to capture news in India with humor and satire. This Year in Review presents a montage of cartoons from the two sources to present highlights of what happened in India in 2011.
Reports of political scams and corruption continued to surface throughout 2011. 2G allocation, hoarding of black money and illegal mining at Bellary were some prominent ones.
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal claims, 2G allocation caused no loss to exchequer
Karnataka CM J.Reddy had to step down following charges of illegal mining
Pandora's Box: The Black Money issue in India
The media and public focus on corruption had two important fall-outs:
1) Some prominent leaders involved in corruption scandals were arrested
A.Raja, Suresh Kalmadi, M. Kanimzohi, J. Reddy, K.S. Naidu, Amar Singh have graced Tihar Jail with their presence in 2011
2) Anna Hazare, the Gandhian leader proposed and continues to wage agitation for anti corruption JanLok Pal Bill
Anna Hazare threatens another fast for institutionalizing the JanLok Pal
At the regional level, West Bengal, Telangana and Gujarat captured headlines. Assembly elections in 5 states resulted in some interesting surprises
Legislative Assembly elections took place in April- May 2011 to elect legislatures in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Pondicherry.
Trinamool Congress Party leader Mamata Banerjee made history by toppling the 34-year-old Left Front rule in West Bengal.
UPA continues flip-flop on bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to create separate state of Telangana
Public verdict vs. judicial process: Gujarat CM, Narendra Modi's role in 2002 riots remains undecided.
UPA Government’s populist announcements coupled with halfhearted policy changes were widely criticized. The seems to be focusing on short-term political gains by avoiding difficult decisions and long-term planning.
Rising inflation threatens India's economic growth potential
The promise of reforms is yet to be delivered
Indecision and political drama over Foreign Direct Investment continues
Aakash Tablet: bridging digital divide or enhancing class divide?
Freedom of speech, expression and personal choice were curtailed or threatened in numerous ways during 2011
IT Minister Kapil Sibal urges for screening material on Internet
Traditional councils in villages continue exerting social control through edicts that govern everything from marriage to property disputes.
Aarakshan, a film highlighting caste divisions in India was baned in some states
The high-points of 2011 for Indians were:
1) The World Cup victory by India’s men in blue
The nation erupted in celebration as Team India lifted the Cricket World Cup
2) Civil society outrage against political corruption
India Against Corruption mobilizes youth across the country
