In the films Pagglait and Laapataa Ladies, the most powerful moment is when a woman quietly decides to choose herself. By the end of these films, we watch a woman board a bus all alone. No fanfare, no breakdown, just a simple choice. To leave behind everything expected of her, and to walk and ride … Read more
A mundane but important ritual. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, … Read more
A view of Madras of yore. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives I remember, as though it happened yesterday, my first train journey to Chennai, then Madras, half a century ago as a pre-teenager. Those days, our little town of Nagercoil did not have a railway station, and we took the train from Nellai Junction. … Read more
‘I’ve reached a stage where I’m done performing.’ | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStock I dread Saturdays. Not because of work. In fact, I often work through them, at least, in part. But because Saturdays have somehow become the unofficial day for social obligation. The kind that arrives via polite group chats, gentle nudges, or photos … Read more
Two sides of the horseman at Varadharaja Perumal temple in Kanchipuram | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj At the Varadharaja Perumal temple in Kanchi (or Kanchipuram), there is an image of a horseman that is rather peculiar. On one side, it appears to be a South Indian Nayaka king, but on the other side it … Read more
Zorvec Entecta is a fungicide, and not a pesticide (‘Business’ page, “Corteva launches pesticides for use on potato, grapes”, September 14, 2025). Published – September 20, 2025 12:32 am IST Read Comments Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
The signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh, on September 17, 2025, by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Premier Shahbaz Sharif, with Field Marshal Asim Munir in attendance, is a victory of future hope over past experience. Sunni majority Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share several commonalities. But they … Read more
In yet another press conference, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi levelled serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Election Commissioner of India. He accused the ECI of inaction in a case of fraud involving electoral rolls in the Aland constituency in the … Read more
Allegations, ECI’s response The swift response by the Election Commission of India (ECI) terming the accusations by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on alleged vote theft as baseless, is untenable and unacceptable (Front page, September 19). The poll body’s responsibility does not cease with strong rebuttals. It should clear the air to uphold its image and … Read more
On July 29-31, 2025, Brazil hosted the 2025 Global Conference on Climate and Health, with delegates from 90 countries shaping the Belém Health Action Plan. Set to be launched at COP30 to be held in November 2025,this plan will define the global agenda on climate and health. India was not officially represented — a significant … Read more