Elephanta Caves' 'Adoption' Triggers Familiar Row With Stakeholders

India | Asia | Heritage Management

In an unprecedented step that heralds a new chapter for India’s approach to heritage conservation, Maharashtra’s iconic Elephanta Caves have been adopted by a private firm, marking it as the first monument in the state to fall under the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) ambitious 'Adopt a Heritage’ scheme. 

This adoption comes as a turning point in India’s conservation ethos, where private corporations are invited—through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—to take on the responsibilities of not merely safeguarding but actively enhancing the country’s cultural legacy. 

India's Trans Community Struggles Despite Sec 377 Repeal

India | Gender Rights | Law

Once seen as an outdated relic that criminalised same-sex relations, Section 377 gradually evolved, through judicial interpretation, into a protective tool for those on society's margins, writes Gajanan Khergamker.

In the corridors of justice, the spirit of the law often collides with its literal meaning, particularly when that meaning undergoes profound change. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Justice Code), which came into force in July 2024, marks a major shift by removing Section 377 from the Indian Penal Code.

India Flexes Muscle, Rebukes Iran With Swift Retort

India | Iran | Diplomacy

In a move reflective of its firm diplomatic stance, India has unflinchingly responded to the contentious remarks made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the purported discrimination against minorities within India’s borders. 

The assertion, laced with veiled criticism, drew an immediate and sharp rejoinder from New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), unequivocal in its response, dismissed Khamenei’s observations as “misinformed and unacceptable,” setting the tone for a larger geopolitical rebuke.

Sweden's Deportation Scheme Is An Affront To The Rule Of Law

Europe | Immigration

Sweden’s recent proposition to introduce a voluntary deportation scheme specifically targeting foreign-born individuals who hold Swedish passports presents a spectrum of concerns that challenge the very foundation of democratic principles. 

Although this scheme is presented as a seemingly innocuous, voluntary measure intended to address the complexities associated with Sweden’s immigration policies, the initiative harbors a range of disquieting implications that, upon closer examination, pose significant threats to the integrity of the nation’s democratic ethos.

India, That Is Bharat - Law | Policy | Perception | Practice

India | Asia | Democratic Processes

Within the legal framework of India, provisions exist to facilitate a transition from India to Bharat. It is plausible for this transition to occur, contingent upon political resolve and a societal climate conducive to change. All talk, till it converts into action, remains empty, writes Gajanan Khergamker

The roots of “Bharat”, “Bharata”, or “Bharatvarsha” are traced back to Puranic literature, and to the epic Mahabharata. The Puranas describe Bharata as the land between the “sea in the south and the abode of snow in the north”.

Breaking Speed, Even The Law

India | Public Space | Law

Installed at whim randomly by locals in violation of the law, with the authorities looking the other way, speed breakers harm more than help, writes Gajanan Khergamker

The most customary method for regulating traffic remains the use of traffic calming devices, commonly referred to as vehicle speed reducers. These calming mechanisms aka speed breakers are employed to prevent accidents and often turn into the cause of accidents, injuries and loss of life, if employed incorrectly. 

Sadly, in India, speed breakers are installed at the sweet whim of vociferous residents enjoying the patronage of local political leaders while giving the law a miss.

We, The People | World Population Day

India | World | Population | Democracy

We, The People is a DraftCraft International report, authored by Manu Shrivastava, analysing what it means for India to become the world’s most populated nation, the State’s attempts to tackle issues and the challenges ahead.

Burgeoning India Must Reap In Rich Dividends Smartly

India has now overtaken China to become the world's most populous nation. And, that could have well happened sometime last year itself, feel experts. South Asia already had a larger population — around 1.8 billion people — than China for at least a dozen years and had the shift from British rule not divided the landscape into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, an undivided India’s population would have already exceeded China’s long back.

The Food Report January 2023 (Maharashtra)

India | Public Health | Food and Health

We are living in tricky times. Older generations, which valued the merits of naturally-produced foods like the small Gauthi Methi (indigenous fenugreek) or the thin-skinned locally-produced Tamatar (tomato) consumed on a daily basis once, have now either been elbowed out of an existence that counts towards consumers or simply relegated to a minority whose opinion doesn't matter, writes Gajanan Khergamker

Food choices, patterns and benefits were brought down generations by families that cherished values and processes innate to the land. But, with the burgeoning of consumers and, concurrently, their market-manufactured desires, the compulsion to copy tastes and ratify non-native foods and choices, is now overwhelming. Also, gluttony is the new normal.

World Street Art: Bold, Inspiring And Grabbing Headlines

World | Arts and Cinema | Public Space | Freedoms 

Street Art has origins from a time we are yet to fathom and, in time, discover, writes Gajanan Khergamker

Limited as we are by man-made language, nomenclature, and terminology besides the means so simplistic and apparent like paper and other media, like say walls, Art, and in particular, Street Art, is an extension of that what can be generated on traditional medium but extends to public spaces.

Mere Legislation, Awareness Won’t Help Widows’ Cause

India | Affirmative Action
There is a general perception when it comes to the plight of widows. Bereft of their husbands, an Indian widow is perceived as losing her ‘unique’ social status too. And, in this regard, there have been innumerable instances in history, mythology, movies and art to underline the pain. And, if that’s not bad enough, there’s Sati, Johar and more by way of social practice that amplify the exacerbated position of the widow – read the Hindu widow - in particular.

Law, Awareness Must Address Inherent Risks of ‘Natural’ Foods

India | Public Health

When Western Russia Sarov’s Saint Seraphim, one of the most renowned Russian saints and venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church also generally considered ‘the greatest of the 18th-century startsy’, had said, “Drink water from the spring where horses drink. The horse will never drink bad water. Lay your bed where the cat sleeps. Eat the fruit that has been touched by a worm. Boldly pick the mushroom on which the insects sit. Plant the tree where the mole digs.”