Neha Banka
Neha Banka is a journalist based in Kolkata and writes about Asia, women’s rights, religion and culture.
Articles By Neha Banka
Shinzo Abe as Japan’s longest-serving PM; here’s why his tenure is unique
Along with being at the forefront of domestic political controversy surrounding reports of cronyism last year that threatened his prime ministership, Abe has also had to deal with worsening relations with neighbour South Korea. However, Abe has managed to survive it all.
Street-wise Kolkata: How Park Street got its name
Kolkata’s decision to rename Park Street after Mother Teresa is a perplexing one, since she had little to do with the thoroughfare and its environs, but the street’s name change is hardly a new occurrence.
Explained: The fall of the Berlin Wall and how it impacted geo-politics
In 1961, the borders between East and West Germany were closed, and the division cost common people their homes, families, jobs and changed their lives irrevocably, creating two separate nations built on different socio-political and economic ideologies, separated by blocks of concrete that were collectively 140 km long.
BTS’s Jungkook under police investigation for car accident in Seoul
Jungkook’s entertainment agency, Big Hit Entertainment, said they had reached a settlement with the injured taxi driver and admitted that the singer was responsible for the incident.
The death of one of K-pop’s biggest stars reveals its toxic fan culture
What could have prompted one of South Korea’s most visible pop stars, with an international fan following, to take her own life?
Indian-origin woman scientist heads to Antarctica, eyes space
According to the French Embassy in India, of the 75 women selected for the programme from around the world, Rajkakati is one of the youngest women of Indian origin to be selected for the opportunity.
Death of Korean pop star Sulli highlights South Korea’s toxic fan culture
Sulli was one of the few Korean pop stars who had found the courage to break out from the confines of traditional roles for female artistes in Korean pop music and actively spoke on issues that she felt strongly about.
Works of two Indian film students premiered at Busan film fest
Film and Television Institute of India graduate Rahul Rabha and freelance photographer Supriya Sundaresan showcased their films The Perfect Wife and Lipstick, respectively, at the 24th Busan International Film Festival 2019.
Khasi director wins big at Busan International Film Festival 2019
While accepting his award on the Busan stage, Pradip Kurbah thanked his producer Shankar Lal Goenka, a Guwahati-based producer who has produced two National Award-winning films and his first Khasi film with ‘Market’.
Busan International Film Festival has a weakness, and that’s India
BIFF director Jay Jeon says, "It takes so much money and time to contact Indian producers. I think the Indian government should set up an institution to promote Indian films to the world as a whole."
Explained: Why Kim Kardashian West met Armenia’s Prime Minister
According to Kardashian’s tweet, she was considering moving production of SKIMS, her shapewear brand to Armenia and her visit was aimed at increasing trade and creating jobs.
No, Kumartuli’s Durga idols are not always made by men
The art of clay idol-making in Kolkata is more than 250 years old and it has traditionally centred around Kumartuli, a neighbourhood named after the artisans who live there.
Keeping alive Hyderi Manzil, Gandhi’s last residence in Kolkata
In the last week of September, renovations at Hyderi Manzil were feverishly ongoing for the museum to be ready in time for Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary commemorations on October 2.
Gandhi Jayanti: 5 places in Kolkata linked with Mahatma Gandhi you should know about
During his first visit as a young lawyer in 1896, Gandhi tried mobilising support for the Indians oppressed in South Africa, but received little attention. His last visit was when India gained Independence.
For this Mumbai collector, ‘Gandhi is all around him’
According to Kishore Jhunjhunwala's own estimates, he has more than 10,000 items that can be classified into more than 100 categories of collectibles and memorabilia.
How Trinca’s of Kolkata kept a live music industry alive for decades
In the constant chaos of Park Street, 60-year-old Trinca’s is one of the last remaining establishments that are a throwback to when the neighbourhood was the epicentre of entertainment in the city.
India leads commemorative tributes for Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary at UN General Assembly
The Gandhi Peace Garden is a combined initiative of the Consulate-General of India in New York, the State University of New York-Old Westbury (SUNY-Old Westbury) and the Shanti Fund, a New York-based NGO.
Explained: What is the Mid-Autumn Festival all about and how is it celebrated?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important celebration across East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, particularly those that have Chinese communities.
Failed Rohingya repatriation from Bangladesh to Myanmar: A status check
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh refused to board buses that would have taken them to Mynamar. This resulted in Myanmar missing the August 2019 target for repatriation.
Explained: How Juventus FC signed a North Korean football player to play on its under-23 team
Playing for Juventus would give Han a bigger platform and a larger paycheck, despite details of the payment not being made public.