Category: India

The Virus That Will Not Go Away: DRC’s Outbreak of Ebola

On 5 May 2026, World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of an outbreak of an unknown disease in Mongbwalu Health Zone, Ituri Province, in the Democratic republic of Congo causing high mortality, including among health workers. These patients showed symptoms common in Ebola viruses. Ten days later on 15 May scientists at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa confirmed that 13 blood samples were positive for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD).

Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease is a very rare and severe variant of Ebola virus disease, also known as viral haemorrhagic fever. It is a zoonotic disease ,with fruit bats suspected to be the natural reservoir. Human infection is attributed to direct exposure to blood or other body fluids from infected wild animals (such as bats or non-human primates) and then to direct contact with the blood, other body fluids, organs or contaminated surfaces or items from infected humans. A vaccine or specific therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus is not available. The Virus therefore presents a significant threat to the potential widespread international spread.

In response to the outbreak, the DRC Ministry of Public Health declared an Ebola outbreak on May 15. By the next day there were confirmed cases of BVD in Kampala, the capital of neighboring country Uganda. They were attributed to travel from the Congo into Uganda. On May 17, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The highest alert given by WHO, it seeks coordinated international funding and response mechanisms.

As of June 17 the DRC’s total number of confirmed cases was 837 and the total number of confirmed deaths was 196, with sixteen health workers confirmed infected. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) reported that the health care workers in DRC were reporting shortages in PPE and testing kits leading to high points of exposure to the disease.

There are a number of problems that are slowing down the response to the outbreak. In eastern DRC conflict amongst various militant and ethnic groups is an obstacle in providing medical care. Large amounts of the population in disease stricken regions such as Ituri are displaced. Estimates put the number of displaced populations at over 990,000.

Out of a $319 million response budget, $2,87 million still remains unsecured. With the cutting of USAID by the Trump administration and the exit of the United States from the WHO, raising funding still remains to be a big issue in combating the epidemic.

There have also been multiple instances of people not cooperating with health workers and clashing with police and authorities over the deceased bodies of family members. Multiple suspected Ebola patients have run away from their medical centers where they were kept for observation.

Eastern DRC borders 9 countries and is a crossroads of trade, mining and industry. The region also has frequent movement of refugees due to various conflicts leading to a high risk of transmission that might affect trade and commerce around the world. Unlike Mongbwalu , Kampala is a capital city. The international airport in Kampala has routes to other parts of Africa along with several intercontinental destinations. Transmission could soon leave Africa and trouble the rest of the world.

The DRC has successfully contained Ebola outbreaks before. There are numerous international organizations and institutions set in place to fight back against the virus. At the forefront of response is the development of a vaccine. The coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has announced funding to fast track 3 vaccine candidates that can counter BVD. The vaccines are being developed by IAVI, Moderna and the University of Oxford. According to health officials the outbreak needs to be fought on a global level with various nations providing financial, logistical and medical support. The next few months are critical in the fight against the outbreak and is a test of not only DRC’s medical safeguards but the world’s.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

June 26, 2026
FIFA 2026 and the Indian Dilemma: Why Cricket Still Prevails

With a grand opening ceremony held separately at three different venues, the FIFA World Cup began on 12 June. Except for not holding it twice, when the world was at war in 1942 and 1946, the mega sports extravaganza has been consistently held every four years since 1930, and is now in its 23rd edition.
The Indian sports enthusiast is viewed as a consumer of sports rather than being physically on the ground (India, ranked third in the world, has a considerable adult and children population that is classified as obese), and is now all geared up for FIFA26. From which OTT or subscription channels are live-telecasting the FIFA matches, to which matches to view and which players not to be missed, while in action, all these calculations were clearly mapped by the Indian television audience much in advance and even before the games kicked off.

Whenever football is discussed, it inevitably brings the game into question, in contrast to the most popular game in India, cricket. No one would disagree with this choice. Despite the spirit of shrugging off colonial baggage and the decolonisation of various spheres of knowledge and ways of life, the game of cricket, handed down to Indians by the colonisers, still seamlessly sneaks into conversations people wish to have at typical social gatherings.

With the addition of the glamour quotient from Bollywood, which is a strong allyship to the game (cricketers’ affairs/marriages with Bollywood cine idols) and, in some instances, partnerships in the ownership of IPL teams (Periti Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla), as well as ownership of teams, has helped draw more viewers and spectators to the game.

Cricket is always regarded as a religion in India, and its demigods are followed by millions. Not long ago, the celebrations (victory parade) that culminated at the Chinnaswamy stadium left 11 people (RCB Fans) killed in a stampede. Just for argument’s sake, in India, is cricket and a cricketer worth dying for? This is altogether taking a different trajectory from the present argument. Though India has never played in FIFA, hopes are always high that cricket is one such game where both the men’s and women’s teams are sure to bring laurels.

The likes of Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri (called in after he retired from active participation) are among the very few men’s football players in the country whose names people usually drop. It would take some effort and would not immediately strike one’s mind to shout out a few more names. Though, for commercial interests, the Indian Super League (ISL) did generate some interest in Football amongst the TV viewers in India, it failed to be an economically viable proposition, muddled with bureaucratic hurdles. ISL failed to exist this year.

Which game has a longer historical past? The obvious answer is football. The modern game of football originated from the Chinese game of tsu chu (also known as cuju), which was played around 2500 BC. Tsu chu, which translates to ’kicking the leather ball with feet’, was part of physical instruction for troops during the Tsin Dynasty. The game has unquestionably grown to be the most popular, played, and watched game in the entire World, as it has spread to all corners of the globe over time. According to FIFA, more than 250 million people play Football across more than 200 Nations. Cricket is predominantly patronised by countries that were once British colonies. No wonder there is a strong lobby pushing to make cricket a permanent sports event at the Commonwealth Games.

When it comes to the nuances of both games, there are far too many rules that govern the game of cricket than football. Can anyone explain to someone without throwing them into a state of confusion about the DLS rule (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) in cricket? The rule (which involves a lot of calculations) is applied when a game of cricket is interrupted by conditions not suitable for playing. Football, however, is considered an all-weather game with fewer rules compared to cricket. No disruption to the game from rain or slight snow. Moreover, the equipment for the game of cricket is far larger in comparison to football, where 22 people huddle in and play with a leather ball. The UN has a special mention of the game and its power for global peace and solidarity. May 25 is designated as World Football Day by the UN. Except for offside, Football is simple to understand, follow, and play.

Cricket continues to attract viewership irrespective of the formats. May it be 20-20, IPL, Legends (players from yesteryears), Women’s IPL, or the extended version of a 5-day test series. An average Indian, on any given day, can double up as an expert in the game. From choosing the playing eleven to the role of winning the toss and making the right choices. The well-informed audience is aware of the pitch condition 22 yards pitch. How overcast weather can actually help the seamers, and the dew that makes the ball grip difficult.

Most discussions, predominantly on football, frequently start and end with the goal scores of teams. Not much discussion thereafter is sustained. Unless a first-world nation and a few look out to watch for players in this World Cup edition, or the underdog team becomes part of social interactions.
An extended game (soccer as in America and Football for the rest of the dwellers on the planet) lasts at least 90 minutes. With no result from the designated time, an extra 30 minutes is granted, and even when the result is a draw, it would be decided by penalty shootouts. Despite all this, at times the final score may be read as a draw. The predictability of the match is difficult because if the ball is found inside the net, the game would have been in the last few minutes/seconds before the final whistle is blown three times) Indicating the game headed towards its conclusion. Well, in a typical 20-20, each ball seems to be far more exciting. Even a dot ball leads to the planting of trees.

Sport and Geopolitics

People who prefer following and commenting on geopolitics will be much more interested in watching Iran and the US face off on the pitch and in the field. Remember, during the Cold War, the Olympics were one of the battlefields to show superiority beyond military accomplishments and technological advancements. Sports, as one of the tools for the exhibition of soft power, may gather some traction in high-brow people’s gatherings. The ongoing war between the US and Iran (15 weeks since it began) is still dictating the world economy, grabbing headlines in the media, and competing for the Cup. With Iran and the US playing in different groups (Iran in G and the US in D), there is no immediate chance to play each other. However, the possibility may not be ruled out completely as the progress beyond the Group stage. Depending on the performances of both teams in the group stage and the various qualification permutations, an Iran–United States clash in the knockout rounds would not come as a surprise to either football fans or geopolitical observers.

This year will see a total of 6 women referees officiating in the FIFA tournament. Have we ever, by chance, witnessed women umpires in men’s cricket matches? Well, football has set the precedent of inclusivity in sports. The ever-encountering discourses in academia strongly speak about how to break away from Eurocentrism. Third-world nations, particularly Latin American countries, have so far won 10 FIFA World Cups. This is very close to the European countries’ tally of 13 wins. One can clearly place football as a sport that has come close to breaking away from Eurocentrism.

Fouls and rule-breaking are celebrated and fresh in the memories. The controversial ‘hand of gold’ (Maradona) statues are installed at various places. So is head-butted by Zidane. As a tribute to yesteryear football players who were legends in the game, roses were given their names. David Beckham is one of them. There are some streets and roadways named after football players for their contributions. Naming of food and drinks in celebration of a football player is not a new phenomenon. One of the primary sources of fashion is diffused through football. Inking of the body(tattoos), styling of the mane, wearing the wrong color shoes and socks.

Catching up about the highlights is another way to take part in those office conversations about last night’s game/games. This year’s tournament has a tri-nation fixture with the US, Canada, and Mexico hosting FIFA 2026. 48 teams from nations with populations as small as 5 lakh people (There are 46 cities in India with a population of 10 lakh and above) make the cut for the most-watched sport on the planet. Cabo Verde qualified for the present World Cup for the first time along with three more nations.
The question then pops up, which leads to what the youth of the country are doing and what the country is doing for sport. With over 350 million youth population, what has India’s contribution been in football? Does the game demand more endurance? Team camaraderie. A batsman or a bowler can decide the fate of the result in cricket. Football required more than a bit of anticipation, collaborative efforts expected from the playing 11. Can India, with its social hierarchies and favoritism exhibited on all fronts, be a good team? Well, the glories brought by hockey to the country stand as testimony to a team sport on display. What then is holding back football in India? Like all arguments and suggestions point out, at the end is the lack of proper infrastructure, nutrition, professionalism, and the incapacity of political offices and administration in encouraging and promoting sports culture. As a career, sports is always a second option. Gopichand, the all England badminton winner, cautioned the Indian middle class to keep their options open before choosing sports as a career.

The question of which nation will emerge as the best among the 48 competing teams will be answered in a month’s time. The experience is a sort of rarity, as the next edition will take place only in 2030. Till 19 July, happy owl-viewing for people who go by the IST.

June 25, 2026
Cockroaches in Politics: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Recently, a new party has become the topic of many conversations. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is a youth-centered party that was born as a satirical movement, quickly gaining momentum and virality. Though it’s more of a protest collective than a registered official party, it seems that the youth is using this space to voice their concerns about the undemocratic practices that are plaguing India right now.

The CJP emerged in May 2026 after a remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant sparked a lot of controversy. He allegedly had compared the unemployed youth who turn to journalism and activism with cockroaches saying, “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists and they start attacking everyone.” Later on, he clarified that his statement was targeted towards those who get bogus, fake degrees and was blown out of proportion. But the comments had already begun to make its rounds over X and other social media sites. As a response to this, Abhijeet Dipke, a 24 year old Indian student in Boston posted a tweet announcing the nascency of a political platform “for all the cockroaches”, with an enrolment Google Form. The popularity of this platform was unseen with 46,000 people signing up in a few hours and 100,100 people, a website and a party anthem emerging within 28 hours. In less than three days, the party had gained nearly 3 million followers across all social media platforms. The reason for this huge surge in their popularity was the criteria required to be part of the party: being unemployed, lazy, chronically online, and able to rant professionally. The youth of India identified with these traits and related to them, and may even have planted the sapling of hope for change amid the current scenario of unemployment, limited opportunities, and constant bureaucratic failures.

The party labelled itself as “apolitical” and “spontaneous” but political experts have found deep political connections fabricating the CJP network and thus started the suspicion of apparent opposition backing of the party. Abhijeet previously was a part of AAP’s communication team and spokesperson Saurav Das’s opinions have resurfaced online where he backed Umar Khalid and opposed Article 370 and the Ayodhya – Ram Mandir verdict. CJP also garnered celebrity endorsements with Anurag Kashyao and Sonam Wangchuk supporting the party. Some speculate that the movement might be orchestrated by opposition while some might argue that CJP has a varied base.

CJP’s manifesto, named the “The Swarm Manifesto” lists five non-negotiable demands from the government regarding judicial reforms, youth representation, media and democratic accountability and electoral rectifications. The party seeks to address issues that get lost or ignored by mainstream media and politics. Dipke has stated that he would not engage with “Godi media” and even passed comments like “Why is the government so scared of cockroaches?” after CJP’s website and certain social media accounts were blocked on national security grounds.

Recently, CJP has evolved from AI generated content and online memes to physical protests across the nation. The protestors in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune all demanded the resignation of Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan and warned against an indefinite sit-in if their stipulations were not attended. Due to the gravitas of their demands and protests, critics have started to consider CJP more than just a Gen-Z trend or viral bandwagon with actual concerns being vociferated by the party.

The hopes raised by the party are the silent dreams and aspirations that get clouded by identity and power politics and seldom find any outlet. Countless count upon the party to get a flicker of the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully the party can render these expectations successfully.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

June 21, 2026
Namo Oxygen Parks or Court-Mandated Afforestation? Investigating Delhi’s Green Branding Claim

On World Environment Day, June 5, Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated “Namo Oxygen Parks” at Maidangarhi. A total of 185.5 acres of land throughout 18 parks are covered under this initiative, where they will be developed as green zones and a place where indigenous, environmentally beneficial species such as peepal, banyan, jamun and mango trees will be planted.

“The Delhi government has set an ambitious target of planting 70 lakh trees and saplings this year. The objective is not merely plantation but ensuring 100% survival through geo-tagging and proper maintenance.” Rekha Gupta said. However, questions have emerged over whether the initiative is entirely new or largely overlaps with a court-mandated afforestation programme.

The controversy can be traced back to the Delhi Ridge tree-felling case dating to May 2024, which came before the Supreme Court after around 1,100 trees were allegedly felled in the Southern Ridge area, which serves as the ultimate environmental lifeline for the National Capital Region (NCR) and Delhi. The felling was for a road-widening project linked to the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS). The Court found that the felling had taken place without obtaining the necessary permissions and initiated contempt proceedings against officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). In its judgment dated 28 May 2025, the Supreme Court held DDA officials guilty of contempt and directed extensive compensatory afforestation measures to restore the ecological damage caused by the tree loss.

According to the Supreme Court judgment, the restoration exercise was to be carried out under judicial supervision through a large-scale plantation programme. Subsequent DDA status reports filed before the Court proposed afforestation across 18 land parcels covering nearly 185 acres, with approximately 1.67 lakh saplings to be planted. The Court later approved the afforestation plan and sought periodic compliance reports from the DDA and the Delhi Forest Department.

The overlap between the court-approved afforestation plan and the Namo Oxygen Parks initiative has raised questions among journalists and environmental activists. Both programmes involve 18 sites spread across roughly 185 acres. Media Reports done by PeekTV and Times Of India examining DDA filings and court records found that several of the locations inaugurated as Namo Oxygen Parks correspond with land parcels identified for compensatory afforestation in the aftermath of the Supreme Court proceedings. The connection became more apparent after a DDA status report referred to the plantation exercise as part of compliance with the Court’s directions.

Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who was among the first to publicly raise questions about the project, argued that the branding of the parks obscures their origins. “Calling these parks a new environmental achievement is misleading. This was a penalty and a restoration measure,” she said.

Government officials, however, maintain that the initiative forms part of a broader environmental agenda. At the inauguration event, CM Gupta said the previous government had not shown the required rigour in addressing the growing pollution problem over the years, whereas the present government has placed environmental protection among its highest priorities.

Field biologists note that while newly planted saplings begin producing oxygen within weeks, they may take between two and five years, depending on the species, to deliver broader ecological benefits such as temperature regulation, biodiversity support and a meaningful increase in green cover.

This leaves a question about the initiative, whether trees are being planted as an independent program or compensatory afforestation mandated by the Supreme Court. The extent of overlap between the two programmes will remain a matter of public interest and scrutiny until further reports from the supreme court proceedings become public and an on ground report of reviewing the 18 zones with the court assigned areas are done.

June 18, 2026
Met Gala 2026: Interpreting ‘Costume Art’ Through Fashion

If fashion is art, then the 2026 Met Gala was its boldest gallery yet.

On the first Monday of May, The Metropolitan Museum of Art held the year’s most anticipated night of fashion. As guests arrived, the 2026 Met Gala carpet showcased a multitude of celebrities in expressive outfits, all true to the evening’s theme. Each year, the Met Gala theme is designed to align with the museum’s spring exhibition; in 2026, this was ‘Costume Art.’ The red carpet dress code, ‘Fashion is Art,’ emphasised portraying one’s body as a canvas for sculptural and conceptual art through fashion choices.

The theme ‘Costume Art’ was set to explore the relationship between the body and garments. The exhibition highlights the theme by analysing dressed bodies through art-driven reinterpretations. This particular theme celebrates over 5000 years of art history. The guests were encouraged to present themselves as wearable art with a theme so diverse that it leaves a lot of room for imagination. Several outfits were seen that were directly inspired by famous artworks, sculptures, and paintings.

The evening’s highlights began with Emma Chamberlain, Vogue’s red-carpet correspondent, unveiling the first impactful look. Emma appeared in a custom hand-painted Mugler gown, created in collaboration with artist Anna Deller-Yee.

The gown incorporated visible influence from painters Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch with intricate brush strokes and a raw blend of art.

This incredibly captivating look was followed by Anna Wintour, the lead chair of the night and her co-chairs, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams. Beyoncé, who is also a part of the chair, arrived later in the evening in a magnificent Olivier Rousting gown portraying a silver skeleton look, with her daughter, Blue Ivy. Although only 14 years old, Blue Ivy’s debut was just as spectacular and also rule-defying, considering individuals below the age of 18 are forbidden to attend the Gala.

Some of the most talked-about looks of the night included that of supermodel and television host, Heidi Klum. Heidi arrived at the carpet in a complete head-to-toe transformation into a living sculpture. Her look referenced the famed 1847 sculpture, ‘The Veiled Vestal’ by Raffaelle Monti. She achieved this look with the help of prosthetic makeup designer Mike Marino, who had also previously worked with Klum.

Another memorable look of the night was that of singer-songwriter SZA. She had adorned herself in a beautiful marigold-yellow corset gown with an embroidered layered skirt. Her colour theme included radiant combinations of yellow, golden and hints of rose. Her stylist, Emily Adams Bode Aujla, revealed that the two worked with a vintage dealer who sourced over a hundred yards of fabric in various materials to work with. The Grammy winner’s look included a floral headpiece and butterfly wings that appeared when she lifted her arms. The look was rooted in the craftsmanship of Viennese artists that aligned with SZA’s love for nature.

Amongst the numerous debuts this year, Hudson Williams’ look stood out the most. The actor arrived in a baby blue Balenciaga cropped blazer, adorned with ornate black tassels. The show stopper, however, was his bold makeup look featuring metallic blue and red eyeshadow and his spiked hairstyle. The makeup look was inspired by the 2010 film ‘Black Swan’.

Sabrina Carpenter arrived at the Met Gala steps dressed in Dior and channelling old Hollywood with her look. The singer was wrapped up in actual film strips of the 1954 Oscar-nominated film ‘Sabrina’ featuring Audrey Hepburn. Following this look, Sabrina changed into a 2018 Versace piece for her performance. As she treated the guests with her iconic hits ‘Espresso’ and ‘House Tour’, she captivated the audience with the silkscreen prints of pop culture icons like Marilyn Monroe on her dress.

Karan Johar made his debut dressed in a custom look by collaborator and friend Manish Malhotra. He arrived in a structured jacket and a dramatic hand-painted cape that took over 5600 hours to make. The paintings were a homage to the legendary Indian painter, Raja Ravi Varma. Pieces like Kadambari, Hamsa Damayanti, Krishna Shishtai and many more were painted by over 80 artists in the span of three months.

Also deriving her looks from historical Indian references was Isha Ambani. She wore a custom-made Gaurav Gupta sari adorned with two hundred old mine-cut diamonds, collected over time as Nita Ambani’s private collection, that were sewn across the bodice. To complete this look, Isha carried an actual sculpture of a mango made by renowned artist Subodh Gupta. Her look was said to be inspired by India’s rich textile heritage for this piece.

A notable element about this year’s gala was the number of young debuts. Influencers, young actors, and global pop culture figures are given the exclusive opportunity to present themselves on the biggest fashion stage in the world. Sombr, Alyssa Liu, Tate McRae, Odessa A’zion, Connor Storie, Jisoo, Lauren Wasser, Marcello Hernandez and many others marked their debut as emerging rising talents.

As the evening concluded, it ultimately showcased that fashion continues to evolve beyond trends. It is a culmination of craftsmanship, self-expression and unapologetic extravagance. This year’s theme, ‘Costume Art,’ pushed the attendees to experiment with their knowledge of fashion while celebrating artists who deserve to be remembered in history. With striking debuts and creative interpretations of the theme, the biggest night in the landscape of contemporary fashion came to an end.

May 6, 2026
Identity Issues in India: Transgender Rights at Risk

After the passing of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 on 24 March by Lok Sabha and consequently on 25 March by Rajya Sabha, many have expressed their annoyance and frustration. The bill that follows the edicts of exclusion more than inclusion under the guise of welfare and protection has been sent for the President’s assent to become law.

The bill amends the 2019 Transgender Persons Act, which allowed for a considerable amount of freedom on the matters of identity and dignity. The 2019 law was based on the landmark National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgement passed by the Supreme Court in 2014. It recognised the right to identify one’s gender as a fundamental right. Individuals could identify as transgenders, legally, without the interference of any medical or bureaucratic board.

According to the amendments in the new bill, the right to self-identify gender has been removed and self-identification carries no legal sanctity. The law involves a verification system that requires medical and official inspection. The District Magistrate can issue a Certificate of Identity only after reviewing a recommendation from a designated medical board, headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Many argue that this gives undue control to the state over personal identity. The amendment restricts the definition of ‘transgender’ and who qualifies as one under the law. The focus has been shifted to protect specific socio-cultural groups like the Hijras, the Kinnars, the Aravanis and the Jogtas and cater to certain biological conditions. It excludes broader categories and identities and self-perceived gender. There also exists ambiguity about the legality of the previously issued transgender certificates which were based on self-identification which might cause chaos and disruption administratively.

The law is considered controversial as it reverses the progress made since 2014 in terms of identity and autonomy and aims to “gatekeep” the right to self-identify. Critics, including activists like Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Grace Banu say the law violates the right to dignity, privacy and bodily autonomy and differs from Supreme Court rulings and constitutional principles. Two members of the National Council of Transgender Persons (NCTP), Kalki Subramanium and Rituparna Neog, even resigned from their posts consequently after the passing of the bill. The government and its supporters argue that the amendment provides a precise legal definition, preventing misuse of benefits for transgenders persons and improving implementation of welfare schemes.

The law is already affecting people, those who had recently secured legal recognition of their gender now face uncertainty. Families and healthcare workers are also concerned about the access to gender-affirming care and documentation. The near future probably holds legal challenges in courts, protests and activism related to the law and debate over balancing regulation with human rights.

As the bill remains unpassed as a law yet, the breach of right to self-identification and autonomy seems concerning to say the least. The amendment marks a turning point in India’s transgender rights framework. Though opinions seem divided, the compassion for the people subjected to the law must not diminish. Everyone regardless of their identities and orientation are entitled to live a life of dignity based on their terms and idea of self.

April 4, 2026
India Without Spring: A Season Disappears

Spring, in essence, is a transition. It is a narrow window between the retreating winter and the advancing summer. The season has always been a gentle bridge between the two extremes of nature, offering enough time to nature and to human life to adjust and thrive in the climate of India. However, unseasonably high temperatures have arrived early across India this year, shrinking the window and making the transition more abrupt. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the shortening of winter and absolute disappearance of the spring season is a consequence of the vigorous climate change across India. The energy imbalance has increased significantly over the past years since its observation began in 1960, specifically over the past two decades, and has been recorded to peak in 2025. Spring has been a season of equilibrium in India, between the cold of winter and the heat of summer.

The World Meteorological Organisation reports that the Earth’s climate is more out of balance now than any other time in observed history with rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

The Indian Meteorological Department has also issued a warning for possible above-normal heatwaves in India throughout March and May. Experts also warn that such weather conditions may turn into a norm if immediate measures to adapt to such changes are not implemented, which may further lead to an ecological disbalance in India.

According to climate data, over the past year, there has been a mean land surface temperature of 0.28 degrees above average over the 1991-2020 period. Land Surface Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold the Earth would feel to touch. It measures the temperature of the air near the surface of the Earth. The increase in this temperature over the past decades has heavy implications on the planet. Although the change may appear minimal, it is significant at a global scale as it marks the increase in the temperature of the total heat stored in the atmosphere and oceans. Therefore, a 0.28 degree rise in the mean land surface temperature is not negligible. It is the biggest contributor to the rise in sea levels, melting of ice and more frequent extreme weather conditions.

Analysts suggest that if this trend continues, India may completely be void of the spring season.

On March 11, Delhi recorded its hottest day of the year with the temperature peaking at 36.8 degree celsius which is the highest it has been in early March since 2011. These searing temperatures are not just confined to Delhi. Cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Vidarbha region of Maharashtra have also shown a significant rise, where temperatures rose several degrees above the seasonal average.

The fading of spring has its implications on the livelihood of many as it plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector. Most crops rely on the gradual rise in temperatures to mature under proper conditions. The loss of spring heavily impacts the traditional practices linked to planting and harvesting crops. An absent spring can lead to reduced yields and affect the food security, produce and farmer incomes. In areas where the economy relies on agriculture to drive it, a failed spring season will have a trickle-down effect on the economy, thereby creating instability in the economy and an increase in the price of rations. There can be little argument against the reality that the spring season, with all of its connotations of rebirth and viability from an agricultural standpoint, is in peril.

This season, which has been so predictable in past years and has been able to provide for nature and man, is now most likely unforeseeable, and the land, the farmer, and the tradition are struggling to cope with this instability. A substantial factor for the unusual warmth is the sharp decline in winter precipitation across India. February alone has registered an 81% deficit, receiving a mere 4.2 mm compared to the usual 22.7 mm. The rainfalls in winters not only take away the respite that provides a balancing effect to extreme heat but also result in a chain effect that includes a rapid increase in temperature, water management problems, and the premature onset of summer heat. India is in a state of transition in terms of traditional changes in seasons and is now in a critical state. The minimum intensity has resulted in marginal rainfall and snowfall, accelerating temperature rise in India.

Scientific explanations apart, the loss of spring has an important effect on India due to the cultural and symbolic significance that the spring season enjoys. The spring season is commonly accepted by different cultures to be a symbol of rejuvenation, growth, and new beginnings; it is the season that marks the revival of life. The festivals of Holi and Vasant Panchami, which occur during the month of March, have an embedded association with the cultural essence of India and the arrival of the spring season. This is not limited to weather phenomena; it is about festivals, it is about agriculture, it is about the fauna that is so synchronized with the seasons that occur in India. The loss of spring, therefore, is not only about environmental loss; it is about cultural loss, it is about the loss of time within which India celebrates life.

The shortening of spring in India has disrupted not just nature but also the cultural fabric of society in the country. The festivals associated with the arrival of spring and the seasons, the agricultural patterns and cycles of nature associated with the arrival of spring, and even the cultural fabric of society in India are all adversely affected by the shortening of spring in India. The impact of the shortening of spring in India is also visible in the fact that the agricultural cycles and the weather patterns in India are adversely affected by the shortening of spring in the country. The waning of spring is an indication of more than just a change in the season; it illustrates the fragility of natural equilibrium. The rhythm of life that depends on the beauty of landscapes is likewise impacted by this slow erosion. As spring becomes less noticeable, it serves as a reminder to cherish its fleeting existence and acknowledge the minute environmental shifts that are reshaping our world.

April 3, 2026
Analysing the Bihar Election Results With The Chronicle

January 9, 2026
Beyond the Myth: The Living Power of the Maha Kumbh

Life is filled with curves and circles, looping through birth, death, and rebirth. Each soul is affected by karma and longs for release, Moksha. In this journey for liberation, only once every 144 years comes a moment when the heavens align. This moment is the Maha Kumbh Mela, a spiritual phenomenon where millions gather to cleanse their sins, dissolve their egos, and connect with something far greater than themselves.

At the heart of this divine convergence is Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the sacred convergence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. According to ancient scriptures, this Sangam is not just a sacred place where these rivers meet, but it is a doorway to spiritual awakening. A dip in these holy waters during the Maha Kumbh is said to wash away lifetimes of accumulated karma, breaking away from the very cycle of life and death.

When the Sun, Moon and Jupiter align, it is believed the rivers become charged with Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality. There existed a time when the universe itself was in a state of instability. The Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) joined forces to churn the cosmic ocean in pursuit of Amrit. As the pot of Amrit emerged, chaos unfolded. To protect it from falling into the wrong hands, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, whisked it away. In the celestial fight that followed, four drops of Amrit fell on Earth, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. These four cities became sites of sacred convergence. And thus, the Kumbh Mela was born.

“In the eternal churn of the cosmos, gods and demons wrestled not for gold or land, but for a drop of immortality.”

But the Maha Kumbh is not just about myths. It is also a breathtaking display of humanity. Over 400 million people visited from all corners of the world, rich and poor, saints and sceptics, to participate in this unfathomably vast gathering. Temporary cities rise on the riverbanks, complete with roads, clinics, tents, and sanitation, all for a few sacred weeks. The air hums with chants, conch shells, and the scent of incense, forming a sensory experience unlike any other.

Leading the way into the waters are the Naga Sadhus, warriors devoted to Lord Shiva. Covered in ash, with matted hair and tridents in hand, they march nude and unbothered, a living challenge to the materialistic world. For many pilgrims, witnessing the Nagas is as transformative as the dip itself.

And then there is the spirit of seva, selfless service. Bhandaras, or community kitchens, are set up on every lane of the city. Here, everyone eats for free. Volunteers, often anonymous and unpaid, serve hot meals from sunrise to nightfall. There is no caste, no status, only humanity sharing a meal together. It is extraordinary kindness on a massive scale, showing that devotion does not just lie in prayer, but in action.

The Maha Kumbh Mela might appear, at first glance, like overwhelming chaos – crowds of people surging into muddy rivers, noise echoing in every direction, giving one no space to breathe. Yet, for those who stand on the riverbank, it becomes something else entirely. It feels like everything has a purpose, as if there is a deeper meaning beneath the surface.

When you step into those cold waters, you are not just taking a bath. You’re letting go of stress, guilt, regret, or even ego. You’re washing off layers of your past. And in that moment, as the river flows around you, you don’t just feel clean, you feel light, open, and somehow… free.

Image Source: Official Instagram Handle/ @mahakumbh_25

December 22, 2025
A Journey through Chettinad Heritage and Craftsmanship

Legend has it that within the walls of the mansions of Karaikudi lie hidden treasures, carefully concealed by the wealthy Chettiars to protect their fortunes from invaders. Rumours of ghostly apparitions drifting through the corridors only add to the intrigue as residents and visitors share stories of eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena. But it’s not just the supernatural that lurks within the walls of these opulent homes. Behind the façade of wealth and splendour lies a darker history of family feuds and betrayals. Sibling rivalries, clandestine affairs, and secret alliances are whispered in hushed tones, their echoes reverberating through the halls. Yet amidst the tales of curses and hexes, there is also a sense of awe and wonder at the architectural marvels that testify to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Chettiar builders. Each mansion tells its own story through its unique blend of indigenous and colonial styles, its hidden symbols and motifs hinting at mysteries yet to be unravelled.

Initially a part of the Pandiyan Dynastry and later under the rule of various dynasties such as the Cholas, Cheras and Pallavas, Karaikudi is tied to the Nattukottai Chettiar community. The Chettiars were renowned for their business astuteness, engaging in trade and banking across Southeast Asia. They established a network of businesses, bringing wealth and prosperity to Karaikudi and the surrounding areas.

The profuse mansions of Chettinad stand as a testament to the region’s prosperous past and architectural prowess. At first, these houses might seem compact from the outside; however, hidden behind the exterior walls are spacious inner courtyards adorned with luxurious Burmese teak furnishings and majestic Italian marble columns. Beneath your feet lie the Athangudi tiles, whispering tales of a past long gone. The spaces above the window frames are adorned with miniature paintings of everything ranging from different flowers and patterns to even paintings of gods and goddesses.

Each mansion is a work of art, reflecting a unique blend of indigenous and colonial influences. These architectural marvels offer a glimpse into Chettinad’s illustrious history and cultural heritage. The Atthangudi Palace in Karaikudi stands tall to attest to the region’s rich cultural heritage. This magnificent palace is a sight and portal to the past, beckoning visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era. A personal visit to Karaikudi exposed me to these architectural marvels. I vividly remember a younger version of me staring up at the tall ceiling, the geometric tile pattern below and the timeless elegance of the window and its paintings.

The Athangudi tiles felt so perfect yet simple at the same time. Witnessing the tile-making process, one will realise why they are popular and how sustainable they are, making them stand out. First, the glass base is placed on a foundation, followed by the outer frame and a brass pattern mould. Colours are poured into the design grill according to the desired pattern, and after laying the colour layer, a dry mixture of sand and cement is spread on top, and then the mould is filled with wet mortar. The tile is left to dry, soaked in water, and dried again before removing the glass and sanding the edges. This process makes these tiles economically affordable, sustainable, and durable, representing a blend of tradition and modernity without the need for firing or electricity during manufacturing.

The spiritual wealth of Karaikudi is not to be underestimated either. With each clan having their respective temples built, only nine clan temples are considered the most auspicious and are also known as the ‘Nine Temples of Chettiars’. The Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, popularly known as the Pillayarpatti Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is a revered temple 12 km from Karaikudi. It is well-known for its magnificent rock-cut images of Ganesha, Siva linga, and other splendid carvings. The temple’s history dates back to the 7th century, with some parts possibly even older. The temple has a colourful gopuram, intricately designed mandapams, and shrines that follow Agamic texts and Shilpa Sastras, still attracting devotees, particularly

women during annual festivals and chariot processions like Vinayaka Chaturthi and Brahmothsavam in Vaikasi month.

During my stay at the Bangla and Heritage Resort, I took a cooking class and watched the chefs expertly prepare local Chettinad dishes, and it became evident why this cuisine is so beloved. What sets Chettinad cuisine apart is its masterful use of freshly ground masalas, incorporating a blend of spices like fenugreek, star anise, and peppercorns. Combined with onions, tomatoes, coconut, and aromatic herbs, these masalas transform regional dishes into gastronomic delights. Chettinad cuisine is particularly renowned for its non-vegetarian offerings, including Nattukozhi Kozhambu (country chicken), Aatukari Kozhambu (lamb), and Karaikudi Eral (prawn) masala. These dishes are commonly enjoyed alongside staples like idli, dosa, parotta, and appam, enhancing their flavours and elevating the dining experience.

Photo Credits: A Chettinad House in Karaikudi /Poornima Narayan

December 22, 2025