Stories about India
Photo essay: The spirit of Navratri comes alive at Chittaranjan Park, Delhi
In this photo essay, photojournalist Shivansh Srivastava captures artisans as they breathe life into sacred clay to craft idols for Navratri, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar.
What does data governance mean to you? Join us for an online discussion on September 30
Connected Conversations is a series of informal, virtual discussion sessions focused on the principles of collective, democratic, participatory, and deliberative data governance.
‘The Goat Life’: The film that angered the Saudis
The film's portrayal of inhumane treatment under the kafala system ignites conversations about workers' rights and systemic exploitation in the Gulf.
Citizens place blame on India as flash floods ravage Bangladesh
Bangladesh is grappling with one of its worst floods in recent times, caused by heavy rainfall and influx of water from India's Tripura state rivers.
Website blocking in India: One arrow for all
A report last updated in March 2024 by a digital rights organization observed that 55,607 websites were blocked between 2015 and 2023.
New laws, old shadows: India's criminal legislation overhaul
In August 2023, the Indian government aimed to modernize and Indianize India’s legal frameworks by moving beyond the colonial legacy and overhauling the country’s criminal laws.
Love, marriage and rebellion: Exploring feminist themes in India's Angika folk songs
Songs and tales are used by practitioners as a medium to express discontent with the status quo and to assert their individuality.
How data shapes political narratives amid the 2024 super-elections
"The age of data might seem like a modern concept, but the notion of using information for political advantage has a long history."
‘Demodification’ of India: A Nepalese perspective
Indian voters rejected BJP’s religious extremism, favouring inclusion, tolerance, and equality — an important lesson for Nepal’s political landscape.
Minority journalists are under threat in South Asia
Journalists in South Asia face threats, censorship, legal obstacles, and physical and mental challenges. Minority journalists, however, encounter extra barriers and are especially vulnerable to increased risks and difficulties.
Riots against foreign students in Kyrgystan undermine its people-to-people ties with South Asia
The Kyrgyz government reacted strongly to the incident, condemning violence, apologizing to the students, and promising that such incidents would not happen again.
Southerly winds: How Nepalis are perceiving the ongoing Indian elections
Nepal has traditionally enjoyed a syncretic blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. However, if Modi's BJP wins in Indian elections, some fear that Nepal will slide back to Hindu nationalism.
Chai? Tea? How do Indians take their tea?
India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world, and we consume most of what we produce.
‘D voters’ remain a key issue in Assam during India's general elections
In Assam, some voters who lack proper documents to prove their Indian citizenship are labeled as 'D Voters', disenfranchised and barred from voting in the ongoing general elections.
South Asia sizzles: Record heatwave and extreme weather blamed on climate crisis
A scorching heatwave is ravaging South Asia, impacting the lives of hundreds of millions. Schools have been forced to close and the risk of health hazards has risen dramatically.
Democratizing elections: The Supreme Court of India’s landmark verdict on Electoral Bonds
By striking down the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court of India promoted principles of political equality, election transparency, and voter rights, despite fierce opposition from the BJP.
How are India’s new-age influencers shaping the electoral game?
Ahead of the Indian general elections, political parties are leveraging the power of the internet and social media to to maximise their outreach and engagement in the election process.
The slow but steady erosion of India’s civil society
While India has a rich, vibrant, and ideologically diverse political and civil society landscape, the state's systemic crackdown on dissenters and NGOs is becoming increasingly concerning.
How India’s amended citizenship law is creating a large pool of exclusion
Sporadic protests erupted nationwide after Indian government implemented the highly controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 just a few weeks before India's upcoming general election.
Overcoming the patriarchy in India's caste system: Minal's story
"I don't believe feminism should strive for matriarchy, which doesn't translate to equality, but for the equal acceptance of everyone as human beings, regardless of gender."
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: A springboard for the Indian National Congress's path back to power?
The India Unity and Justice March, led by the opposition Indian National Congress, is currently traversing various Indian states aiming to engage the common people ahead of the general elections.
