March 12, 2023 15:06 IST
Bhutan was included in the first group of 'Least Developed Countries' in 1971. However, over the last few decades, it has made remarkable progress on a variety of socio-economic metrics.
Mon, Mar 13, 2023March 03, 2023 17:13 IST
Hunting, either for sport or necessity, has been around for nearly 2 million years. It facilitated the evolution of the human brain, became the sport of kings, and was used to both form diplomatic alliances and subjugate undesirable populations. More recently, scientists posited that hunting, if regulated, could play an important role in wildlife conservation, a theory that has been much contested.
Fri, Mar 03, 2023February 05, 2023 08:51 IST
Cleopatra is known to have bathed in the milk of asses, a 16th century Hungarian countess covered herself in virgin blood, all for the sake of eternal youth. From anti-aging creams, to gene editing technology, the battle against age is a multi billion dollar industry and is only getting larger with time.
Sat, Feb 11, 2023January 26, 2023 09:27 IST
After independence, the leaders of India and Pakistan were tasked with creating a roadmap for their countries' futures. As they set out to form their respective constitutions they not only considered logistics but also national identity.
Thu, Jan 26, 2023January 18, 2023 15:36 IST
While India is divided into 28 states, Pakistan comprises of only four provinces. The history of the country, the size of the provinces, socio-cultural divisions, power imbalances, and the separation of Bangladesh have all resulted in long standing tensions between the different regions of the country, often leading to calls for autonomy or independence
Sat, Jan 21, 2023December 30, 2022 17:43 IST
Although Russia's invasion of Ukraine led many to predict that right-wing populism was on the wane, extremist candidates have seen electoral gains or victories in France, Israel, Italy and Hungary. To many this is a continuation of a long standing trend that has seen the right rise to previously unfathomable heights over the last decade.
Sat, Dec 31, 2022December 18, 2022 11:12 IST
The decision to award the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar was mired in controversy with international observers criticising the Gulf state for its human rights abuses. Some may argue that the World Cup has boosted Qatar's international reputation but others allege that it has served as a spotlight on issues that Doha would rather keep hidden from the world's view.
Sun, Dec 18, 2022November 25, 2022 13:53 IST
Nestled across Mithi river banks, there once were flourishing Koliwadas, the pride of the Koli community. As recent as 2006, one could fish in the waters of the Mithi, but today, it is dark, the fish are gone, and the Kolis are doing all they can to ensure that they don't succumb to the same fate.
Fri, Nov 25, 2022November 14, 2022 08:30 IST
Nehru and Ambedkar did not differ much in terms of ideology, but had significantly contrasting views about their execution, particularly with regard to their ideas on caste reservations, codification of Hindu law, and foreign policy. Kashmir too was an issue on which these two founders of modern India differed drastically.
Thu, Feb 08, 2024November 12, 2022 11:06 IST
Mumbai's Irani cafés are an iconic part of the city's social fabric, but over time, they have rapidly decreased in number. An homage to days of old, these cafés represent all that is cosmopolitan about Mumbai, carrying forward a centuries long tradition of inclusivity, simplicity and indulgence.
Sun, Nov 13, 2022October 30, 2022 17:44 IST
After Miami, India has the most Art Deco Buildings in the world. The movements originated in France and subsequently spread to the US and later, the rest of the world. Here's a look at how Art Deco evolved in Mumbai, and how local citizens are conserving the city's long legacy.
Sun, Nov 13, 2022October 29, 2022 08:49 IST
With the rise of the right in Europe, the escalation of ethnic tensions in the Middle East, and the increasing anonymity provided by social media platforms, anti-Semitism is once again a pressing matter of concern.
Mon, Oct 31, 2022October 27, 2022 16:51 IST
Giorgia Meloni's governing coalition in Italy veers considerably to the right, raising concerns that her reign may threaten the rights of minorities and strain Italy's relationship with the EU. However, for many, Meloni merely symbolises a shift long in the making. Since the time of Benito Mussolini, parties with fascist ideologies have featured in Italian politics in different ways and forms
Fri, Oct 28, 2022October 15, 2022 10:36 IST
While under the Shah's regime the veil was banned in Iran, it was made mandatory after the Islamic revolution of 1979. During the Iran-Iraq war the hijab in Iran underwent yet another tranformation as it was made a symbol of Shia Islam.
Thu, Oct 20, 2022October 05, 2022 21:10 IST
According to the organisers, the occasion is less religious and more cultural, a way of reconnecting with Bengali heritage.
Sun, Oct 09, 2022September 29, 2022 15:44 IST
While some argue that reparations are long overdue, others say that the rise and fall of empires is part of the natural course of history and that reparations are not only impractical but also unnecessary.
Thu, Sep 29, 2022September 16, 2022 09:32 IST
Roger Federer is an icon in sports. The best there is, possibly the best there was and, some might say, the best there ever will be.
Sat, Sep 17, 2022September 15, 2022 12:06 IST
Donald Trump is currently awaiting the results of 22 active cases against him. He is accused of mishandling government documents, a violation of presidential oversight and possible felony charges. While Trump has denied all charges, we look at the investigation into the Mar-a-Lago records, and the past cases of missing classified documents.
Thu, Sep 15, 2022September 14, 2022 16:28 IST
The Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict is decades old with its repercussions potentially engulfing all of the Caucasus. But, what's the reason for the current flare-up?
Thu, Sep 15, 2022September 10, 2022 11:15 IST
From Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, Queen Elizabeth II’s reign saw 15 prime ministers. In their weekly private audiences, the Queen served as a politically neutral sounding board, offering advice – and warnings – when needed.
Sun, Sep 11, 2022September 05, 2022 15:38 IST
The debate on alcohol consumption is a nuanced one with states having to balance the need to raise tax revenue with the need to combat the adverse effects of heavy drinking. The impact of liquor on state revenue was demonstrated by the effects of the lockdown. Meanwhile in Japan the government's campaign to promote drinking among the youth to boost the liquor industry and increase tax collection has been heavily criticised.
Sun, Sep 11, 2022September 02, 2022 16:03 IST
Following the death of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev earlier this week, tributes flew in towards the man who oversaw the collapse of the USSR and facilitated the end of the Cold War. However Gorbachev was a polarising figure in his homeland as many Russians blamed him for the collapse of the empire. Looking back at his foreign policy reveals a complex man whose policies, intended or otherwise made him one of the most influential leaders of our time.
Sat, Sep 03, 2022August 25, 2022 10:30 IST
Quiet quitting: While some acknowledge the need to strike a healthy work-life balance through quiet quitting, others consider it to be lazy, disloyal and potentially indicative of an overall downward spiral.
Thu, Aug 25, 2022August 23, 2022 09:53 IST
When US President Richard Nixon resigned from office after the Watergate scandal, the country was divided over whether he should face criminal repercussions for his actions. The debate over prosecuting Donald Trump for his litany of lawsuits raises many of the same political, practical and ethical questions. Ultimately, after years of extreme polarisation, discord and impropriety, the American public and their elected representatives must ask themselves if prolonging the Trump saga will do more harm or good for the country
Wed, Aug 24, 2022August 14, 2022 17:56 IST
In 1935, the British Government passed legislation introducing English education to the masses. Their intent was to create a generation of Indians who would aid the Crown in administering its colony but if the road to hell is paved with good intentions, the road to independence was paved with bad ones. The very policy that was meant to further subjugate Indians catalysed free thought and questioned the notion of British superiority, eventually culminating in the Congress’ demand for full independence.
Mon, Aug 15, 2022