#YearEnder 2017: Top 7 CONTROVERSIES that ‘mollycoddled’ 2017

Harvey Weinstein

Famed Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was accused by more than 80 women of sexual harassment, assault or rape that took place across decades say the reports. In early October 2017, The New York Times and The New Yorker have reported that dozens of women had accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault and rape. Shortly after the first allegations, Harvey Weinstein's membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was revoked by its board.

Paradise Papers

German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung released a huge stack of financial data collected by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) which was part of an investigative story. It revealed how big corporates and individuals keep their money in 19 tax havens to evade taxes. Paradise Papers has revealed big names like Queen Elizabeth II, Bono, and Madonna. A total of 714 Indians have been named in the Papers including Sachin Pilot, Ashok Gehlot, Amitabh Bachchan, and Vijay Mallya.

United States recognizes Jerusalem as Israeli capital

United States President Donald Trump on December 6, 2017 formally announced that United States will recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This is in contravention to the country’s foreign policy of nearly seven decades. Trump ordered the planning of the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The move was criticised by majority of international leaders, including the European Union's foreign policy chief. A motion condemning the move was proposed in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) but was vetoed by the United States after a 14-1 vote.

Russia Banned From Winter Olympics by International Olympic Committee (IOC) amid doping charges

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russia from competing at 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The move follows an investigation into allegations of state-sponsored doping at the 2014 Games hosted by Russia.

Instant Triple Talaq Controversy

After much brouhaha and bickering, both internal and external, The Supreme Court on August 22 declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional, illegal, and void saying it is against basic tenets of the Quran. The apex court termed triple talaq in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for equality before the law. The Lok Sabha on December 28 passed the contentious triple talaq bill making instant divorce illegal with up to three years in jail for the husband. The bill was passed after the House rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members. Under the law, instant triple talaq in any form, spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp would be illegal and void.

Palestine Envoy Shares Stage With Hafiz Saeed In Pakistan

Just a few days after India voted in favour of Palestine at the UNSC, its ambassador to Pakistan Walid Abu Ali was spotted sharing stage with Hafeez Saeed, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in Pakistan's Rawalpindi on December 29. The meeting with Hafiz Saeed, who has been designated a global terrorist by the United States and the Union Nations at India's request, "surprised and shocked" many in New Delhi.

Padmavati Row

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s dream project Padmavati is in the eye of the storm since its inception with the activists of Karni Sena damaging film’s sets at Jaipur’s Jaigarh Fort and assaulting Bhansali in January. The troubles continued for the film which was scheduled to hit the theatres on December 1. The protests only got intensified throughout the year with threats of beheading the lead actress Deepika Padukone who is playing the titular role. The Karni Sena claims the film distorts facts and hurts the pride and sentiments of the Rajput community. A note from producers Viacom 18 says, “We have faith that we will soon obtain the requisite clearances to release the film. We will announce the revised release date of the film in due course.”