Indholdsfortegnelse for 7 April 2025 i India Today

All her life, Santana Das had watched from a safe distance as others entered the Shiva temple in Gidhagram village in Katwa sub-division in Purba Bardhaman district. Born into the Muchi (cobbler) community—a Dalit group historically excluded from the temple—she had accepted this passively. But, on March 12, wearing her finest saree, she stepped inside for the first time. With her were three women—Pooja Das, Lakshmi Das and Mamata Das—and a man, Shasthi Das, all from the 130 Dalit families in the village. Their entry, under the watchful eye of the local administration, was a declaration of dignity and equality. Later, emerging from the temple after performing the rituals, Santana said, her voice trembling with emotion, “We are elated. I never thought this day would come.” The exclusion of Dalits…

Ex-Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, 60, has been handpicked by the BJP’s central leadership to head its faction-ridden Kerala unit. The tech-savvy business mogul will lead the BJP charge in this year’s local body polls and the 2026 assembly election. The appointment, though, has not gone down well with senior state leaders, who remain sceptical of what he can deliver. Already memes are out of him bumbling away in Malayalam, some of it, sources say, put out by partymen themselves. Rajeev’s last electoral battle, against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, ended in a narrow defeat in Thiruvananthapuram—an outcome that underscores both his potential and the uphill challenge ahead. His surprise elevation, though, has got tongues wagging: is the BJP quietly test-launching a CM candidate for Kerala?…

SHAHI JAMA MASJID | Sambhal THE ROW The 16th-century mosque in UP is embroiled in a legal dispute with claims that it was built on Babur’s orders after razing Harihar Mandir, dedicated to Lord Kalki. The dispute boiled over into violence in November 2024 during a court-ordered survey of the mosque. THE PETITIONERS The legal challenge is led by Supreme Court lawyer V.S. Jain and seer Mahant Rishiraj Giri, backed by Hindutva groups. CURRENT STATUS The SC has stayed further trial court proceedings till the Allahabad High Court decides the mosque committee’s challenge to the survey order. It has also ordered status quo over a disputed well near the mosque. The next HC hearing is on April 8. GYANVAPI MOSQUE | Varanasi THE ROW A similar story is playing out in Varanasi,…

Q. How do you see the recent controversy around Aurangzeb and subsequent violence in Nagpur? Our view is very clear. There should not be any glorification of Aurangzeb…. He imprisoned his own father; brutally killed his own brothers; executed Sufi saint Sarmad Kashani, Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur; the entire family of Guru Gobind Singh was killed on his instructions; led large-scale conversions; desecrated temples. He can’t be our hero. Q. There has been a call for razing his tomb… The VHP and other affiliates are working to build monuments that commemorate the heroes who stood against Aurangzeb. It is their valour and courage that must be taught to future generations. Q. There is a similar confrontation at Sambhal in UP. There is no confrontation with the VHP there. There were…

Originating from the icy grip of the Angsi Glacier, near the northern slopes of the Himalayas, close to Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet, the Yarlung Tsangpo—known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and the Brahmaputra in Assam—embarks on a long and winding 2,900 km journey. It flows eastward across the Tibetan Plateau, a seemingly calm giant, until it reaches the easternmost edge of the Himalayas. And then, it encounters an obstacle—a towering 7,782-metre peak called the Namcha Barwa. But the river does not stop. In one of nature’s most breathtaking feats, it takes a dramatic U-turn around the mountain—the Great Bend, one of the sharpest and most spectacular river bends on Earth. What follows is pure fury. The river plunges into the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, a monstrous 500km-long chasm with…

DINESH BHIL Archery trainer, Eklavya Archery Training Academy, Naswadi, Gujarat Despite acute poverty and limited access to education, he has coached hundreds of tribal youth in central Gujarat DR VISHAL RAO Oncologist and robotic surgeon, Trustwell Hospital, Bengaluru Invented voice prosthesis Aum that ‘cheats the brain’ into using the food pipe as its voice box. It has benefited over 4,000 patients METHIL DEVIKA Mohiniyattam dance guru and performerMerged Indian sign language with the traditional hasta mudras (hand gestures) in her performances DR SHALINI MISHRA Cow protection activist; Director, Dhyan Foundation Gaushala Her gaushala in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district is a sanctuary for nearly 14,500 cattle cared for by a team of 300 locals MORNINGSTAR KHONGTHAW Environmental activist; Founder, Living Roots Bridges Foundation His foundation protects and promotes the trees crafted from Ficus elastica roots by the Khasi tribe. Maintains…

The Viewfinder, wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast Sanket Reddy’s debut coffee table book—which flaunts a foreword by actor R. Madhavan—is filled with jaw-dropping photographs. Sanket has shot wildlife all over the world, and it would be good to remember that this is a distillation of a huge and doubtless patient body of work. His India photographs are particularly impressive, given wildlife photography on Indian terrain can be challenging—as opposed to say the African savannah. These include images of the Star-Eyed Tree Frog, indigenous to the Western Ghats, the playful image of langurs and the classic red panda shot. Pithy descriptions of each species featured are accompanied by quirky quotes, which prevent the book from getting too academic. Like this one from the pit viper page: “Patience is a virtue that’s…

Remember the hill station holidays of your childhood? Languid walks, promenading on Mall Road, stuffing your face with fudgy ‘chocolate, perhaps a boat ride on the lake. As nostalgic as that sounds, the new-age traveller holidays differently—whether it’s chasing experiences, embarking on thrilling treks or visiting historical sites. If you’re planning a summer vacation in the picturesque hill stations of southern India, here’s a curated list of unmissable experiences. Nilgiri Mountain Railway For the most scenic train journey Built by the British in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers a ride like no other. The scenic 46km railway links the plains at Mettupalayam with the hill stations of Coonoor and Udagamandalam (Ooty). It is the only one of its kind in Asia, operating on metregauge ‘rack and pinion’ traction as…

In 2010, when the youngest whisky in Amrut Expedition was being placed in casks at a warehouse somewhere near Bengaluru, few could have predicted that it would develop into a fine 15-year-old single malt. At that time, Indian whiskies were just starting to gain recognition and respect was still a tall ask. Over the past 15 years, things have changed. Even though age has always been a discerning factor in whisky, today, there is a competing appreciation for grain whiskies and non-aged varieties too. Although age still conveys distinction and often correlates with higher quality and premium pricing, this does not necessarily imply that all aged whiskies are superior or that non-aged whiskies lack merit; rather, age introduces additional dimensions. The new Amrut Expedition showcases layers of aroma and complexity while…

The culinary gods have been smiling upon Los Angeles for a long time. Don’t forget, the city was once part of Mexico, so it has good genes when it comes to food. And LA hasn’t rested on its laurels. Today, this sprawling city in Southern California is a melting pot of world cultures and, consequently, cuisines. Here, heirloom tomatoes ripen effortlessly on vines, fresh Pacific oysters come with a whiff of the sea, and the wine flows freely at every meal (and otherwise). The food is marked by fresh produce, bold, uncomplicated flavours, and flawless execution. You can do many things in LA, but it’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal here. This time was no different. OLD IS GOLD SHIRLEY BRASSERIE My culinary sojourn began at the storied…

A late-night fire at the residence of a senior Delhi High Court judge has sparked an intense controversy around the judiciary and its complex appointments system. The incident, which unfolded on March 14 around 11.30 pm, saw a blaze erupt in an outhouse at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma. At the time, Justice Varma and his wife were in Bhopal, leaving only his daughter and elderly mother at home. When first responders—firefighters and police—arrived at the scene, they reportedly discovered stacks of cash in the storeroom, some of which had been charred by the flames. The revelation has raised troubling questions about corruption and accountability within one of the nation’s most venerated institutions. Videos and photographs of the scene, later released by the Supreme Court in an unprecedented move…

The desert state of Rajasthan has had a somewhat more placid image compared to its neighbours but that reputation is fast losing its shine. Street violence over perceived slights has often been a bane but what’s proving worse is the lack of restraint higher up, with the words and deeds of politicians bordering on the boorish. This year’s Holi brought out some of the symptoms of the rash that has begun to ail the state. It started with the St Angela Sophia School in Jaipur issuing a circular to students to not bring colours to school, possibly because they wanted to avoid any untoward incident of harassment. But it took no time to snowball into a communal controversy, so much so that on March 11, school education minister Madan Dilawar…

The success of a film is measured not only by its box-office earnings, but also by the emotions it can rouse in its audiences. Chhaava (meaning ‘lion cub’), based on a popular Marathi novel on the 17th-century figure of Sambhaji, son of the iconic founder of the Maratha empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji, delivered on both scores. It had already raked in upwards of Rs 541 crore by the sixth week of its February 14 release. But what really propelled the drama to the headlines was an extended and graphic sequence of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (played by Akshaye Khanna) torturing and killing Sambhaji (Vicky Kaushal) in 1689. The scenes had people breaking down in tears and shouting patriotic slogans in theatres—dutifully recorded on videos and circulated widely on social media. Its stature…

↘ Instead of relying on temporary MoUs with China, India must push for a legally binding treaty that guarantees fair and transparent water distribution ↘ An alliance with lower riparian nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal can increase diplomatic pressure on China to adopt more responsible water-sharing policies. India should demand year-round hydrological data-sharing rather than just seasonal flood reports to prevent unexpected surges or shortages ↘ India needs to strengthen its river management systems by investing in advanced flood forecasting, efficient drainage networks and climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard vulnerable regions. Cutting-edge surveillance technology should be deployed to monitor Chinese dam activities in real-time and identify any unusual changes in water flow ↘ To counter China’s growing influence over the Brahmaputra, India must expedite the construction of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project…

Srinagar’s almond trees are in bloom, and nowhere more stunningly than at Badamwari, a historical garden set in the foothills of Hari Parbat Fort. The almond blossoms, some of the first to appear as spring comes to the valley, are a sight to behold, and herald the start of Kashmir’s flower season. Asia’s largest tulip garden had its annual reopening in Srinagar on March 26 with much fanfare. Cherry and pear blossoms will follow, not to mention the numerous wildflowers across the meadows of Kashmir. The horticulture department has also planted thousands of lavender plants in the upper reaches of Badamwari and plans to turn it into a themed garden. Provence in paradise? Nam for the Gram Vietnam has seen a surge in tourists from India in recent years. From…

It is a rainy 4.30 pm and a monk, his maroon robes creating their own private ritual with the flickering lamps, conducts a prayer. He chants in front of a large bay window, in a lounge full of windows, all facing the mountain range ahead. By his side, a young Taj employee creates immaculate vibrations on a Tibetan meditation bowl. The monk is praying to the goddess we call Mt Kanchenjunga, though she can’t be seen on this cloudy evening. I am completely in tune with the ceremony. I feel reverential towards the Kanchenjunga not only for her glorious silver self, and her status as the third highest peak in the world, but also in my capacity as a puny mortal who has been denied a glimpse by the capricious…

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”—Oscar Wilde Every journey is distinctive, laced by a matrix of variables specific to a unique set of circumstances. They say, “it’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” This story chronicles the road to self-discovery of three fabulous women: the titular Maharani of the erstwhile state of Baroda, actress Jyotika and art collector and now OTT star, Shalini Passi. Each of them has carved out a special niche for themselves, claiming their own space despite being ambushed by doubts and challenges. Their inner brilliance has helped connect them with their dreams; using their creativity to embrace their essence and feminine energy, all the while remaining authentic to their sense of self. These women have been reborn,…

Much like the form versus function discourse, the Mumbai vs Delhi argument has been a never ending volley. However, if there is one person who has upended this debate in recent times, and in favour of Delhi, it is Shalini Passi. Literally storming the bastion of reality television, she has become an overnight sensation, with the most quotable lines, sound byes that went viral almost immediately and the highest recall value for any of the six stars outlining the Netflix show Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives. Passi confesses that despite an extremely fulfilling life and career, this has been a born-again moment for her. “I’d like to see it as a rebirth—one that hopefully brings more opportunities and success,” says Passi, who has metamorphosed from being a diffident and reclusive…

I’ve always been curious about Chettinad’s mansions. The luxurious family homes of a wealthy mercantile community came on the tourism map only a few decades ago. Now there’s a new—but very old and venerable—kid on the block, by THE Park Hotels group. THE Park Hotels’ pivot into the heritage hotel space began modestly with The Denmark Tavern in Serampore, but has gathered pace with two dramatic openings in quick succession. One is Ran Baas The Palace, an elegant heritage hotel nestled inside the Qila Mubarak in Patiala. The other is THE Lotus Palace Chettinad, which, with its maximalist aesthetic, is the prettiest of the trio. Being a heritage junkie, I had to check it out. Leaving Trichy Airport, we were greeted by a rugged landscape, mellowed by low-hanging clouds and…

On March 20, Punjab Police launched a midnight crackdown on farm union protest sites at Shambhu (on the Patiala-Ambala highway) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind border), where demonstrations had been ongoing since February 2024. The operation was one of the most intense actions against farmer protests in the past decade. It was preceded by the detention of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal just as they re-entered Punjab after meeting Union ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi and Piyush Goyal in Chandigarh. The protest sites were forcibly cleared, with hundreds of farmers detained in the process. (Later, about 800 were released on March 24 with the promise to let another 450 go in the coming days.) The move marks a significant…

First came the shock and dismay—throughout January, the discovery of hundreds of carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles on the beaches in and around Chennai raised the hackles of wildlife conservationists. Then, from mid-February and through March, emerged a remarkable silver lining: the Rushikulya beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district witnessed an unprecedented mass nesting event, with close to 700,000 turtles laying eggs. This astonishing spectacle comes after the site saw no nesting at all last year, making it a moment of triumph for conservationists. Redemption, it seemed, had arrived further up the coast. Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the most abundant of all sea turtles and they inhabit the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Olive Ridleys travel 9,000 km from the Pacific Ocean, as well as…

A n environmental activist preserving centuries-old root bridges in Meghalaya (Morningstar Khongthaw); a doctor (Shalini Mishra) who left her medical practice to work for cow protection; a mechanical engineer (Vimal Govind M.K. of Genrobotics) who has developed the world’s first manhole-cleaning robot in a bid to eliminate manual scavenging and a social worker (Sudha Varghese) who moved to Bihar at age 16 to uplift the marginalised Musahar community. These were just some of the changemakers celebrated at the second edition of Drivers of Change. Organised by the India Today Group in collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, the event held on March 17 in Mumbai recognised 15 individuals across India who through their work are ensuring that ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ becomes a reality. Rajesh Jejurikar,…

Once a royal kingdom, Sikkim has been one of India’s northeastern states for 50 years. Even so, not too many travellers have unlocked its great potential. Rich in natural beauty and indigenous culture, it’s one of the few unspoilt destinations where you can count on engaging with the local and the authentic. Mountains, glaciers, glacier-fed rivers and lakes, hot springs… it has a wealth of wonders for those who love nature. The Khangchendzonga (or Kanchenjunga) is the country’s tallest mountain peak at 8,586 metres, though off-limits to climbers from its Indian side. As a biodiversity hotspot, Sikkim boasts over 4,500 types of flowering plants, including 550 orchid species and 36 rhododendrons, 16 types of conifers, 11 different oaks, 28 kinds of bamboo, 362 varieties of ferns, over 424 medicinal plants,…

Sure, any laptop can crunch numbers—but can yours start conversations? Forget drab plastics; welcome to the era of designer laptops—sleek, sophisticated, and expensive enough to raise even your accountant’s eyebrows. Whether you’re casually closing deals in a Parisian café or just pretending to, these machines don’t just compute, they charm. Because when your laptop can turn heads faster than your convertible, you know tech just got haute. Here are our top picks. Apple MacBook Pro Apple’s new MacBook Pro 14-inch is like a meticulously groomed marathoner who also holds a PhD in rocket science, blending sleek style with mind-blowing performance. The M4 chips turn tasks into exhilarating sprints, while the Liquid Retina XDR display practically dazzles the peepers. Plus, it runs circles around lesser laptops, even unplugged, thanks to a…

“My rebirth came from the goddess in 2019,” says Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the titular maharani of the erstwhile state of Baroda, a textile revivalist and heritage conservationist. “It happened when we organised the garba at the Laxmivilas Palace in Vadodara for the first time. It was a high pressure event to organise and entailed charting completely new territory. Though I was a passionate dancer for many years, to host an event for 40,000 people was quite overwhelming,” she recalls, sitting gracefully in an ornate chair, wearing a gorgeous Single Ikkat Rajkot Patola saree at the Laxmivilas Palace in Vadodara. Coming from an unrestrained childhood, backing down in the face of a towering challenge was not her style. And so this became the ‘turning point’, she admits. “I looked inward, went deep…

Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, Off the Grid Whoever refuted the theory of time travel has clearly never set foot in Kalbarri National Park. Defined by a sea of red sandstone that dates back millions of years to a time when the river carved out deep gorges on its way to the ocean, the landscape is striking. The soundtrack is bird life – the shriek of wedge-tailed eagles, for example, and the new friends are the kangaroos and emus. There are multiple walking trail options to get as deep into the park as you like. Just 500 metres from the car park is Nature’s Window – a rock formation that neatly frames views of the Murchison River. The newly-opened Kalbarri Skywalk is an essential meander for the compelling views it…

Many smartphones make you choose between brains or beauty. But then comes Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and it’s got both, grabbing eyeballs immediately. While many may argue that the design upgrades have been incremental compared to its predecessor, but you need a discerning eye to see the improvements. However, naysayers also keep a lid on when they see the innovation and performance; making the device feel both familiar yet refreshingly new. Design At first touch, the S25 Ultra impresses with its thinnest bezel yet. While its boxy form might seem like a design faux pas to some, it offers an incredibly secure grip—like holding a modern piece of art that just happens to be smart. The S Pen, always a delightful companion, remains as charming as ever for jotting down…