Revenge of the villagers

Animals like leopards and elephants are not killed just in self-defence by communities living near forests – often, it is revenge for a killing that has already occurred In 2018, Thane police arrested a man from Chowk village in Raigad, for killing a leopard because this wild cat killed his livestock. A tigress was also […]

Flickering lamp to chandelier

It was a measure of Pranab Mukherjee’s longevity and influence in Delhi’s power corridors that the account of his career could also be read as an insider’s view of the shifting sands of Indian politics As he entered his eightieth year in December 2014, and almost midway through his presidential term, Pranab Mukherjee got his […]

The virus affects the Goddess

The Coronavirus lockdown has resulted in a shrinking of the economy, which has impacted Durga Pujas as well. While artisans and organisers face the heat, some are coming up with unique ways to handle the new normal Swapan Pal is sitting in front of his workshop in Kumartuli sipping a cup of tea as he […]

The rat race continues at night 

Some joggers feel the need to be competitive and create the impression that they can outrun you without ever uttering a word. They focus more on fake victories than of enjoying the pleasures of a late-night run   I go running fairly regularly, have done so for more than twenty years. And though there have been […]

Circus at Rhea Chakraborty’s house

After spending a day outside the actor’s house I have only one word for what I witnessed: Shame! It was around 9.15 am on August 27 when I arrived at Primrose Building on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai. Rhea Chakraborty lives with her family in an apartment in this building. A few reporters and camerapersons […]

Bat Woman and other tales

In a bid to increase understanding of the pandemic, this book comes at a time when the future is uncertain. Its main value is a look back at what has been happening in the scientific community after the outbreak of SARS and MERS   ‘Don’t blame the bats’, is the title of one of the […]

Rape on the rise in UP

Neither the police or the administration swing into action in the case of rape of minors and women of the SC/ST community. Is this why these heinous crimes continue with impunity? There have been at least 10 cases of rape in Uttar Pradesh reported by the media in August of this year. This will not […]

Delivery boys have few rights

Strike by Swiggy delivery executives is a reminder that companies care little for workers and will always resist paying fair wages and benefits to gig workers Ten years ago, if you heard the term “gig work” it might have conjured up images of freelancers, perhaps creative professionals, taking on gigs as and when it pleased […]