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Around Town

New book investigates Bhima Koregaon—‘riots are manufactured, not spontaneous’

There’s no singular account of what happened at Elgar Parishad. In ‘Bhima Koregaon: Challenging Caste’, Ajaz Ashraf offers precisely this.

Gurugram school kids, offices, RWAs—how they rewilded Aravali Biodiversity Park

Historian Sohail Hashmi criticised the practices of agencies like DDA in the Sanjay Van. He said they plant non-native, invasive species of trees that grow fast but do not add to the ecological value.

From Mahabharata to Mughals—a queer play uses Indian elements to break the ‘for-elite’ norm

Love Beyond Love, directed by Yash Machhal and performed by Rangastra Theatre Group, captures the raw and painful journey of those who dare to seek love and acceptance in a society resistant to queer identities.

Film societies are dying in the OTT age. Nehru, Indira boosted their popularity

In the foreword of VK Cherian’s book, Indian director Adoor Gopalakrishnan writes, ‘Film society lost the unique position of being the one and only window to world cinema.’

J&K Utsav a VIP get-together—few visitors, fewer buyers, performers unsure of payment

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha arrived three hours late for the inauguration of J&K Sambhaav Utsav 2.0. And the crowd of officials and guests he brought with him stayed as long as he did.

Mahabharata to Mughal Empire—a 1,000 years encapsulated in the new Humayun Museum

"The museum serves as a link, not only reuniting Humayun's Tomb and Sunder Nursery, but also bridging the gap between history and the present day," said Prince Rahim Aga Khan.

Historians have given ‘marginal treatment’ to Punjab. A new book fills the gap

A discussion on the book ‘Punjabi Centuries’ focused on a few aspects of Punjabi identity and how they evolved. However, it did not specifically address what it means to be Punjabi.

A history student and Bahadur Shah Zafar meet in a play. Aurangzeb is Shakespearean King Lear

From Babur to Aurangzeb, the play sheds new light on Mughal emperors and challenges popular narratives.

Sambar did not originate in South India. It was first cooked in a royal Maratha kitchen

IIC’s quarterly issue ‘Food Cultures of India’ led to discussions on the transformative force of food—its evolution with migration, the biases and prejudices, and food policies.

Humayun pioneered architecture, art, and astronomy. Now he’s got his own museum

Sandwiched between Babur and Akbar, Humayun has been given the short end of the stick when it comes to popular representation. The Humayun World Heritage Site Museum, which opens on 1 August, bridges this gap.

On Camera

Nobel committee, note how Trump allowed Munir to make nuclear threat against India from US soil

So far, India has responded to his threats with a measured, diplomatic, strategic, and multi-dimensional approach. Now, it needs to react firmly.

Modi’s ‘Diwali bonanza’ for the common man—next-gen GST reforms, lower tax on daily-use items soon

Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.

What is Project Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Modi from ramparts of Red Fort

The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.