When the Travancore Devaswom Board announced its plan to organise the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, a global meet of Sabarimala devotees, in September, few expected it to expose another fault line in Kerala’s uneasy relationship between faith and politics. That a Left Front Democratic (LDF) government, which has long been proud of its commitment to rationalism, … Read more
The recent spate of Israeli victories has left the impression that Israel is now the military and political hegemon in West Asia and can shape the region to suit its preferences — the near decimation of Hezbollah’s military wing in Lebanon; the overthrow of the Assad regime leading to extended Israeli control of Syrian territory; … Read more
After two years of relentless Israeli bombardment, Palestinians in Gaza are finally getting a reprieve. The ceasefire agreement, signed by Hamas and Israel as part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, brought a pause in Israel’s attacks. Hamas is expected to release all living hostages on Monday and the bodies of the rest … Read more
Rights of workers I write this letter as the Deputy Director (Media and Communication), Ministry of Labour and Employment. The safety and health of workers working in factories are ensured through the provisions of Factories Act, 1948 and rules framed thereunder. These are implemented by the respective State governments. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working … Read more
From an ecological point of view, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be easily rated as one of the world’s most major biological diversity hotspots, acting as a global carbon reservoir and climate regulator. Unfortunately, the development trajectory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been largely influenced by mainland India which has often been … Read more
At a time when social media threats, reciprocal actions, and shrill rhetoric are becoming the global norm, the manner in which the India-U.K. economic relationship is unfolding is a refreshing change. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s two-day visit to India last week reinforced the existing solidity in economic relations and deepened them. India’s negotiations with … Read more
It all started with a young girl offering me her seat on an airport bus. The simple gesture hit me hard. I had always assumed that my silver hair exuded only experience and wisdom. Little did I realise that for Gen Z, I was history — a fast-disappearing remnant of the analogue era. I had … Read more
Being mentally strong is essential to ride out the storm, to tackle the newer and never-seen-before situations. | Photo Credit: Getty Images The lines “as tough as nails, a hard nut to crack” from a book got me thinking. Further reading made me realise it was not about bulging biceps or six-pack abs, but about … Read more
The innumerable emojis now available can fit into any context if one knows their meanings. | Photo Credit: Getty Images The other day, at the bus station, I met a gentleman I knew through common friends. “Hello, how are you,” I asked. He looked at me half-interested and gave the thumbs-up sign. Foolish me didn’t … Read more
Contentment, of course, springs from a sense of personal satisfaction or well-being. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Everyone relishes the feeling of blissful contentment or satiety that follows a hearty meal. Yet, arguably, personal contentment is an attribute that often eludes us in other spheres of life. Living as we do in a materialistic world … Read more