This article reviews a selection of fiction and non-fiction books that offer a layered understanding of queer life in India. It explores how legal frameworks, lived experiences, and intergenerational shifts shape LGBTQI+ identities. The review highlights the ongoing struggle for equality despite legal protections, pointing out issues like medical gatekeeping and discrimination in education, healthcare, and employment. Books discussed include "Transforming Rights" (examining law's impact), "Tell My Mother I Like Boys" (a personal memoir), and "Deviants" (a multi-generational story). The article also touches on "Queeristan" (LGBTQI+ inclusion in workplaces), emphasizing the need for safe and equitable environments.
- Books provide a layered understanding of queer lives in India, exploring identity, resistance, and equality.
- Despite legal protections, the LGBTQI+ community faces challenges like medical gatekeeping and discrimination.
- Personal narratives and memoirs offer insights into lived experiences and the struggle for acceptance.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the second set of Padma awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Eminent personalities from various fields, including tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, actors Mammootty and Satish Shah, cricketer Rohit Sharma, and playback singer Alka Yagnik, received their awards. Former Supreme Court judge K.T. Thomas was awarded the Padma Vibhushan. The Padma Bhushan was conferred upon individuals like American oncologist Dattatreyudu Nori, industrialist S.K.M. Maeilanandhan, and social worker Vellappally Natesan. Cricketer Rohit Sharma, hockey player Savita Punia, actor R. Madhavan, and aerospace scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu were among the recipients of the Padma Shri.
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the second set of Padma awards.
- Padma Vibhushan was awarded to former Supreme Court judge K.T. Thomas.
- Padma Bhushan recipients included Vijay Amritraj, Mammootty, Satish Shah, Dattatreyudu Nori, Alka Yagnik, and Vellappally Natesan.
The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has moved the Supreme Court challenging Madras High Court orders regarding the lighting of a lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah on the Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai. The High Court's Division Bench had confirmed a Single Judge's order directing the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management to light the Karthigai Deepam. The previous DMK government had expressed concerns that this could lead to public disturbances, but the High Court dismissed these as "imaginary ghost" fears, accusing the State of potentially sponsoring disturbances for political agenda.
- The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against Madras High Court orders on lighting a lamp on Thirupparankundram hill.
- The Madras High Court had directed the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management to light the Karthigai Deepam.
- The State government had previously argued that lighting the lamp could cause public disturbances.
This article reviews the book 'Obsession' by Nikiya Singh, which explores the horror of women being recast for male desire, drawing parallels with historical and mythological narratives. The reviewer highlights how the book delves into themes of female identity, agency, and the male gaze, referencing figures like Draupadi and Sita. It critiques how women's narratives are often shaped by patriarchal perspectives, leading to a loss of their original identities. The review praises the book for its exploration of how women navigate a world where their worth is often defined by male approval, making it a relevant commentary on contemporary gender dynamics and historical injustices.
- Nikiya Singh's book 'Obsession' explores the theme of women being recast for male desire.
- The book draws parallels between contemporary gender dynamics and mythological narratives like Draupadi and Sita.
- It critiques patriarchal perspectives that often define women's identity and agency.
This article delves into the controversy surrounding the renaming of a Kolkata street, focusing on two prominent figures named Suhrawardy: Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Sir Abdullah al-Mamun Suhrawardy. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation's decision to rename a road after Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a former Chief Minister of Bengal, sparked protests due to his controversial role during the 1946 Direct Action Day riots. The article clarifies that Sir Abdullah al-Mamun Suhrawardy, a distinguished scholar and politician, was a different individual. It highlights the importance of historical accuracy and public memory in urban naming, especially when figures have complex legacies. The debate underscores the challenges of reconciling historical narratives with contemporary social and political sensitivities.
- A controversy arose in Kolkata over renaming a street after Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a former Chief Minister of Bengal.
- Protests were sparked due to Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy's controversial role during the 1946 Direct Action Day riots.
- The article clarifies the distinction between Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Sir Abdullah al-Mamun Suhrawardy, a respected scholar.
This archival report from 1926 details the opening of the World Migration Conference in London, attended by 150 delegates. A key point highlighted by Mr. Brown of the International Federation of Trade Unions was the significant decline in European migration, from seven million in the five years ending 1913 to under three and a half million in the five years ending 1924. This decline was primarily attributed to immigration restrictions. The conference also noted the "silent penetration" of Asia by the Chinese and the movement of African natives to mining and agricultural centers, indicating broader global migration patterns.
- The World Migration Conference in London discussed global migration trends in 1926.
- European migration saw a significant decline between 1913 and 1924, primarily due to immigration restrictions.
- The conference also noted the "silent penetration" of Asia by the Chinese.
This archival piece from 1976 highlights a problem faced by Hindi Granth Akademies and the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology: a large number of unsold Hindi textbooks. These bodies were tasked with producing Hindi textbooks to facilitate the switch to Hindi as a medium of instruction. Out of 1008 textbooks produced, only 200 have been prescribed or recommended by universities in Hindi States, despite being written by reputed teachers from those very universities. This indicates a disconnect between production and adoption, leading to a significant inventory problem.
- Hindi Granth Akademies and the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology faced a problem of unsold Hindi textbooks.
- These bodies were established to produce textbooks for the switch to Hindi as a medium of instruction.
- Despite producing over a thousand textbooks, only a small fraction were prescribed by universities.
This article highlights the profound benefits of Yoga for healthy ageing, emphasizing its role in enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, particularly for the elderly. As the global population ages, Yoga offers a holistic approach to address associated health challenges, promoting flexibility, strength, balance, and cognitive function. It helps manage chronic diseases, reduce stress, and improve quality of life, enabling older adults to maintain independence and vitality. The recognition of Yoga by international bodies like the UN and WHO underscores its potential as a valuable tool for public health strategies aimed at supporting an ageing society.
- Yoga offers a holistic approach to healthy ageing, benefiting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- It helps address the challenges of an ageing global population by promoting active and independent living.
- Regular Yoga practice improves flexibility, strength, balance, and cognitive function in older adults.
The article argues that despite changes in government, Indian politics often follows an 'old playbook' characterized by recurring themes like centralisation of power, social engineering, and economic challenges. It traces this continuity from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, highlighting how different leaders have adopted similar strategies to consolidate power, manage social divisions, and pursue economic reforms. The piece suggests that while the faces in power change, the underlying political dynamics and governance challenges often persist, making it difficult for new governments to truly break from historical patterns and implement transformative change without falling back on established methods.
- Indian politics exhibits significant continuity in strategies and challenges across different governments.
- Centralisation of power is a recurring theme from Nehru to Modi.
- Social engineering and coalition politics have been consistent features of governance.
Scientists have uncovered evidence of plague outbreaks among hunter-gatherers near Lake Baikal in Siberia dating back 5,500 years. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that the plague only became a major threat after humans began living in dense, crowded farming communities. The team analyzed ancient DNA, estimating an infection rate of 39%. Interestingly, the ancient plague strains lacked the specific genes needed for flea-borne transmission, suggesting that the disease spread directly from person to person during this prehistoric period, indicating a different transmission mechanism than later outbreaks.
- Evidence suggests plague outbreaks occurred among hunter-gatherers 5,500 years ago in Siberia.
- This challenges the traditional view that plague became a major threat only with dense farming communities.
- Ancient DNA analysis revealed an estimated infection rate of 39% in the prehistoric population.
This article likely delves into the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), aiming to provide a balanced perspective on its role in Indian society and politics. It probably discusses the organization's historical background, its stated objectives of cultural nationalism and social service, and how it is perceived by different sections of society – from a cultural organization to a political force. The piece might argue that much of the controversy stems from misunderstandings, ideological biases, or selective interpretations of its activities, advocating for a more objective assessment of its contributions and criticisms.
- The article explores the persistent controversies and varying perceptions surrounding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- It likely examines the RSS's historical origins, its stated goals of cultural nationalism, and its extensive network of social service activities.
- The piece discusses how the RSS is viewed differently across the political spectrum, often leading to ideological clashes.
The Manipuri movie 'Boong', a BAFTA award-winning film, delves into the complex gender dynamics and patriarchal injustices prevalent in Manipuri society. While Manipuri women have historically been at the forefront of social and political movements, deep-seated patriarchal norms, such as polygamy, continue to cause profound hurt and humiliation, often invisibly. The film subtly portrays this anguish through its narrative of a boy searching for his father, who has remarried. It serves as a powerful commentary, urging social introspection and highlighting the silent suffering endured by women in a society where such practices are normalized.
- The Manipuri film 'Boong' won a BAFTA award, highlighting its cinematic brilliance and social relevance.
- The movie explores the complex gender dynamics and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms in Manipuri society.
- Despite women's historical activism (e.g., Meira Paibi, Nupi Lan), practices like polygamy persist, causing silent suffering.
The Indian Army has introduced revised dress regulations, outlined in the Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, to modernize military traditions and reinforce an indigenous identity. This new policy progressively removes residual colonial-era practices, terminology, and non-essential accoutrements. A key feature is the introduction of a common Uniform Numbering Scheme across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance clarity and interoperability. The policy retains four broad uniform categories: Ceremonial, Working, Mess, and Combat Dress. Notable reforms include incorporating the traditional Bandi Jacket, removing the pouch belt from Mess Dress, making sword carriage optional for reviewing officers, and discontinuing outdated terms like "Royal."
- The Indian Army has introduced new dress regulations to modernize traditions and promote an indigenous identity.
- The policy aims to phase out colonial-era practices, terminology, and non-essential accoutrements.
- A common Uniform Numbering Scheme for all three services (Army, Navy, Air Force) will improve clarity and interoperability.
Beaufort Castle, a 12th-century hilltop fortress in southern Lebanon, has re-emerged as a strategic flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. With a commanding view of northern Israel and the Beqaa valley, the castle has a long history of invasions and sieges, changing hands from Crusaders to Mamluks, Ottomans, and the French. Its military significance, including its use by the PLO and subsequent Israeli occupation (1982-2000), underscores its strategic value. The castle is on Lebanon's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, having received provisional enhanced protection. Recent escalations in the conflict, including Hezbollah's rocket attacks and Israeli air strikes, highlight the castle's continued relevance in the region's volatile geopolitics.
- Beaufort Castle, a 12th-century fortress in southern Lebanon, is a key strategic location in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
- The castle has a rich history of changing hands among various powers, including Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and the French.
- It served as a base for the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and was occupied by Israel from 1982 to 2000.
Brinda Karat critiques the Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, RSS progeny, for their majoritarian agenda targeting Adivasi identity and faith. The JSM demands delisting Adivasi communities converted to Christianity from ST status, citing the Presidential Order of 1950 for Scheduled Castes. Karat argues this ignores the foundational distinction that Adivasi identity is not religion-based, as upheld by the Patna High Court in 1963. She highlights JSM's coercive tactics, such as forced exhumations and exclusion from community festivals, to prove Adivasis abandon their culture upon conversion. She also criticizes the cooption campaign asserting Adivasis as part of the "sanatan parivar" and Home Minister Amit Shah's endorsement of this agenda, while ignoring urgent issues like Forest Rights Act sabotage and corporate takeovers.
- Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram advocate delisting Christian Adivasis from Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
- This demand is based on the Presidential Order of 1950 for Scheduled Castes, which links identity to religion.
- Adivasi identity is fundamentally not religion-based, as established by the Patna High Court in 1963.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards for 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I. Among the prominent awardees, legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, accepted by his wife Hema Malini, and violin virtuoso N. Rajam was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan for her exceptional contribution to classical music. Other notable recipients included Uday Suresh Kumar Kotak (Padma Bhushan) and Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar (Padma Shri). The awards recognize individuals for their distinguished service in various fields, celebrating their contributions to the nation.
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards for 2026.
- Dharmendra (posthumously) and N. Rajam were awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
- The awards recognize individuals for their exceptional contributions in diverse fields.
The Supreme Court is set to review the legal principle of allowing shared use of disputed religious sites, following its 2024 order to examine the 'true character' of the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh. This comes in the context of the Ram Janmabhoomi mobilisation and the Archaeological Survey of India's 2003 survey. The court's 2020 Ayodhya judgment, which allowed shared use of the disputed site, is a key precedent. The article discusses the challenges of applying the "preponderance of probability" and "faith and belief" principles in such cases, and the need for the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to be enforced strictly, especially concerning Gyanvapi, Shahi Idgah, and the Bijamandal complex.
- The Supreme Court will examine the legal framework for allowing shared use of disputed religious sites, building on the Ayodhya judgment.
- The court's 2024 order to determine the 'true character' of the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh is a significant development.
- The Ayodhya judgment (2020) allowed shared use, applying principles of "preponderance of probability" and "faith and belief."
The return of the Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates from the Netherlands marks a significant event in India's efforts to repatriate invaluable artefacts. Presented to PM Modi by Dutch PM Rob Jetten, these 21 large and three small plates, known as Leiden copper plates, document Raja Raja Chola I's grant of land to a Buddha vihara and subsequent grants by Rajendra Chola I and Kulottunga Chola I. Indian archaeologists advocate for further repatriation efforts, citing the Velvikkudi copper plates from the British Museum as another key artefact. The plates provide crucial insights into Tamil history, culture, and the Chola dynasty's royal insignia.
- The Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates have been repatriated from the Netherlands, marking a significant step in India's artefact recovery efforts.
- Known as Leiden copper plates, these 24 plates document land grants by Chola kings (Raja Raja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulottunga Chola I) to a Buddha vihara.
- Indian archaeologists are calling for further repatriation, specifically mentioning the Pandya ruler Parantaka Nedunchadaiyan's Velvikkudi copper plates from the British Museum.
Raghu Rai, a renowned photojournalist (1942-2026), is celebrated for his profound photographic documentation of India, capturing its essence from the mid-1960s until his passing. His work, characterized by patience, poetry, and an instinctive sense of order, revealed India through its leaders, labourers, musicians, monuments, and markets. Rai's black-and-white photographs were not mere records but powerful statements, bringing a unique symmetry to unfolding situations. He captured iconic moments and figures, from Pt. S. Balachander and Mother Teresa to Indira Gandhi and the Bhopal gas leak, leaving behind a luminous legacy that continues to inspire.
- Raghu Rai was a celebrated Indian photojournalist active from the mid-1960s.
- His work is known for its unique symmetry, patience, and ability to reveal the soul of India.
- He captured a wide range of subjects, from political figures to common people and historical events.
Hindu groups performed worship at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, a day after the High Court declared it a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) acknowledged the verdict, granting Hindu communities "unrestricted access" for worship and learning. Meanwhile, Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Kamal Maula Mosque Committee, rejected the High Court's decision, terming it "one-sided." They announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, in preventing the reopening of historical religious disputes.
- Hindu groups conducted puja at the Bhojshala complex following a High Court verdict declaring it a Hindu temple.
- The ASI has granted unrestricted access to the Hindu community for worship and learning at the site.
- Muslim organizations, including AIMPLB, have rejected the High Court's decision and plan to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Chola-era Anaimangalam plates, previously held by Leiden University in the Netherlands, have been returned to India. The plates were presented during a ceremony in The Hague, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch PM Rob Jetten. This repatriation highlights efforts to bring back historical artifacts and cultural heritage to their country of origin, emphasizing the importance of preserving and acknowledging India's rich past. The return of these plates contributes to India's cultural heritage collection and strengthens international cooperation in cultural exchanges.
- Chola-era Anaimangalam plates have been repatriated to India from Leiden University in the Netherlands.
- The return ceremony was attended by the Prime Ministers of India and the Netherlands.
- This event underscores the ongoing global efforts to restore cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the disputed Bhojshala complex and Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar district is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), allowing the Hindu community to worship there while dismissing Muslim community claims. The court quashed a 2003 ASI order that permitted Muslims to offer Friday prayers at the site. The ruling, a 242-page order by Justices Vinay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, rejected the Muslim side's argument that a 1935 proclamation declared the site a mosque. The court directed the Union government to retrieve an idol of Goddess Saraswati from the London Museum and re-establish it in the monument, emphasizing scientific survey findings.
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
- The court quashed a 2003 ASI order that had allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at the site.
- The ruling dismissed petitions from Muslim and Jain communities, suggesting Muslims seek alternate land for a mosque.
The Indian government's mandate to sing the full version of Vande Mataram at official events has reignited controversy. While celebrated for its literary excellence and role in the freedom struggle, the song, from Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel Anandamath (1882), has strong communal undertones, glorifying Hinduism and expressing anti-Muslim sentiment. Historical translations and analyses confirm its original context of Sannyasi rebellion against Muslim rule. Critics argue that imposing the full song, which was previously restricted to two stanzas by Congress due to its religious glorification, goes against India's secular and multicultural values, especially given the current political climate.
- The government's mandate to sing the full Vande Mataram at official events has sparked debate due to its communal undertones.
- Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel Anandamath, from which the song originates, depicted anti-Muslim sentiment and glorified Hindu religion.
- Historical translations, like Nares Chandra Sen-Gupta's Abbey of Bliss (1906), highlighted the novel's religious basis of nationality and morbid dislike of Mussulmans.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi's article discusses King Charles III's speech to the U.S. Congress, highlighting the enduring democratic message of the Magna Carta. He emphasizes the charter's historical role in establishing the rule of law, protecting citizens' rights, and asserting the supremacy of ethics over politics. The Magna Carta limited arbitrary power, making the monarch subservient to law. Gandhi traces its influence through history, noting its citation by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt, and its continued relevance for modern democracies in upholding checks and balances, ensuring fair legal processes, and promoting accountability of elected executives, even in contemporary India.
- King Charles III's reference to the Magna Carta in his U.S. Congress speech underscored its enduring democratic principles.
- The Magna Carta established the foundational principle of the rule of law, limiting arbitrary power and making the monarch subservient to legal processes.
- Historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt cited the Magna Carta as a significant document for human rights and governance.