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Wednesday, August 13, 2025
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Book Excerpts

Hir, homeland, and husband—A Punjabi woman’s longing for folk songs in California

In ‘Punjabi Centuries: Tracing Histories of Punjab’, edited by Anshu Malhotra, Nicole Ranganath recounts how diasporic Punjabi women used folk songs to express their loneliness in California.

When Imran Khan took on Pakistani military and failed—What did ‘the revolution’ leave in its wake?

Salman Masood’s ‘Fallout’ delves into the tumultuous political journey of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

Low promotions, borrowed officers: India’s hurdles in creating a professional intelligence service

In 'Institutional Roots of India’s Security Policy', edited by Milan Vaishnav, Shreyas Shende and Rudra Chaudhuri outline the history and organisational structure of India's R&AW.

15-year-old Nandini Satpathy uprooted the Union Jack. She was an overnight sensation

In ‘Nandini Satpathy’, Pallavi Rebbapragada highlights the daring exploits of the former CM who fought against British colonisation and became the 'Iron Lady of Orissa'.

How the food in Dalit kitchens is shaped by exclusion, leftovers, scarcity—bones, horns, monitor lizards

In ‘Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada’, Shahu Patole explores Dalit food history and caste politics through Mahar and Mang community recipes.

Ibn Battuta’s world tour started as a pilgrimage to Mecca

In ‘Airplane Mode’, Shahnaz Habib explores travel history as a Third World-raised woman of color amid colonialism, capitalism, and climate change.

From Bidar to Telangana – How Bidriware began and evolved with the times

The earliest evidence of a bidriware object comes from a Deccani painting dated to c. 1625, in which an officer of African descent is seen smoking a hookah made in the bidri technique.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham tune left Karan Johar in tears

Sameer Anjaan recounts the stories behind his iconic compositions, which accompanied colourful costumes, catchy melodies, and larger-than-life performances. They defined an entire generation.

‘Indira Gandhi wants Rs 60 lakh’ — when an SBI head cashier got a ‘very secret’ call

In 'The Scam That Shook A Nation', Prakash Patra and Rasheed Kidwai investigate the 1971 Nagarwala scandal.

Nehru had a diplomatic brigade. It had many soldiers from Bose’s Indian National Army

In ‘Nehru’s First Recruits’, author Kallol Bhattacharjee tells us the stories and experiences of India’s earliest diplomats.

On Camera

US bullying spurred Green Revolution. Let tariffs give us a Business Revolution

Perhaps the present crisis and trauma can force our country into something resembling that special moment we found in the sixties. Perhaps we can radically alter our business environment.

How mining, manufacturing & power sectors weighed on India’s industrial output since January 2024

India’s industrial output growth saw a 10-month low in June, with Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growing by mere 1.5% as against 1.9% in May 2025.

India expands Southeast Asia defence footprint with new joint venture in Philippines

Memorandum of understanding between SMPP and ADFC was signed during state visit of Philippines’ President to India earlier this month.

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.