Innholdsfortegnelse for December 21, 2020 i India Today

Introducing fundamental reform in any country is a painful and challenging process, and even more so in a democracy. There are vested interests to contend with, opposing political parties all too willing to exploit any popular protest. In India, it is especially arduous because not only are we a democracy but also a federal republic. In addition, we are an economy steeped in decades of socialism, which has bestowed on us a legacy of populist policies. Any attempt to liberalise the economy and make it more subject to market forces is met with stiff opposition. Over the past week, hundreds of thousands of farmers have laid siege to the borders of the national capital, the trigger being three contentious farm laws: the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation)…

Welfare schemes covered under the ‘Duare Sarkar’initiative Khadya Sathi Subsidised ration Outlay: Rs 5,000 crore a year Beneficiaries: 90 million Jai Johar and Taposili Bandhu Old-age pension for SCs/ STs Outlay: Rs 3,000 crore a year Beneficiaries: 2.5 million Swasthya Sathi Free health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh a year Outlay: Rs 2,000 crore in 2020 Beneficiaries: 25 million (75 million already covered) Kanyashree Stipend for higher education of girls Outlay: Rs 1,500 crore a year Beneficiaries: 6.6 million Rupashree Rs 25,000 grant for marriage of girls Outlay: Rs 1,500 crore a year Beneficiaries: 600,000 Krishak Bandhu Rs 5,000 crop cover and Rs 2 lakh life cover for farmer Outlay: Rs 1,100 crore a year for crop cover; Rs 89 crore for life cover Beneficiaries: 4.1 million Aikyashree Scholarships…

Traditionally, writers believe there is no such thing as fiction—a first novel generally tends to be autobiographical. Be that as it may, Asad Durrani, Pakistan’s foremost military intellectual, has produced a work of true grit, comparable with a spy thriller. The story emanates from Durrani’s earlier ‘dhamaka’, The Spy Chronicles, (referenced in his new novel as ‘the Spy book’) which created more than a stir in the subcontinent, landing him in a soup at home, ostensibly for coauthoring a book with yours truly, an adversary from a hostile country. Given the treacherous nature of the Pakistani establishment and friends who could be more unreliable than enemies, silence was never an option for a general who believed that the pen was mightier than the sword. The narrative had to be out,…

Balbir Singh Rajewal, 77 President of his faction of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) A widely respected farmer leader with a deep understanding of issues, he is the brain behind the protests. Believes in engaging with central ministers and has led the dialogue with them. Rajewal comes from Khanna—Asia’s largest grain market—in Ludhiana district of Punjab. He is considered close to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal. On the farm laws, his criticism forced the SAD core committee to get Badal to pull out of the NDA. He allowed AAP MP Bhagwant Mann to join the protests but not lead them. Has a lot of clout in Ludhiana, Mohali, Fatehgarh and Ropar regions. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, 75 President, BKU Ekta Ugrahan Ex-armyman from Sunam town in Sangrur district. The apolitical…

ASHOK GEHLOT Rajasthan chief minister Possibility: Both Sonia and Rahul trust him, has acceptability within the party but not close links with allies and the corporate world. More importantly, he is unwilling to quit as CM. MALLIKARJUN KHARGE Rajya Sabha MP, CWC member Possibility: Not known for backroom manoeuvring, lacks organisational outreach PAWAN BANSAL In-charge administration and interim treasurer Possibility: He is seen as a lightweight, and also lacks the “networking bandwidth” KAMAL NATH Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Possibility: Acceptable within the party, has close links with allies and the corporate world but he himself may not be willing DIGVIJAYA SINGH Rajya Sabha member, permanent invitee to CWC Possibility: The mercurial leader may not be accepted by the younger lot in the party MUKUL WASNIK One of the six-member…

In an industry prone to typecasting, Mallika Dua was glad to not be playing yet another “chubby sidekick” Five years ago, Mallika Dua broke the internet with the YouTube sketch “S**t People Say: Sarojini Nagar Edition”. Since then, her wit has got her two web shows, The Trip (YouTube) and The Office (Disney+ Hotstar), online gigs as host and judge, as well as cameos in films—Hindi Medium and Zero. A significant part in a feature had been missing thus far. That changes with Indoo ki Jawani in which she is the friend the protagonist leans on for advice. In an industry prone to typecasting, Dua was glad to not be playing yet another “chubby sidekick of the heroine”. “She is a gyaan ki dukaan,” says Dua. “That it was directly…

The name Amrapali instantly conjures images of delicate neckpieces, large danglers, pretty anklets and beautiful bangles. Get ready to change that perception. With the introduction of Tribe Home, the brand is now equipped to also dress up your interiors. The new vertical is aimed at bringing a touch a class and sophistication to your space. We caught up with Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali for a deeper insight into the offerings. Why start this, now? An increasing number of customers today aspire to build their dream homes that are a reflection of who they are. But it is quite a chore scouting for home decorative items at best prices and also find something refreshing amidst the off-the-shelf offerings. So, we launched a range of gold and Pichwai paintings, art objects…

TOP TABLE Ideal for festive feasts the Celebration Collection by Kika Tableware includes a mug and platter set. PRICE ₹5,050; AT www.kikatableware.com HANG IN THERE This brown metal Christmas tree hanging bell by Craft Tree is from Pepperfry. PRICE ₹623; AT www.pepperfry.com LET THERE BE LIGHT Infused with a special fragrance blend of vanilla, cinnamon and clove, these candles will fill your home with the Christmas spirit. PRICE ₹399; AT www.baromarket.in CUSHION COMFORT An Xmas-themed cushion is all you need to uplift the mood of your home. These cushions, made using sustainable cotton, from The Yellow Dwelling are a part of an embroidered festive furnishings range from the brand. PRICE ₹330 each; AT www.theyellowdwelling.com SPREAD CHEER What are Christmas festivities without stockings? The Prancer Christmas Stockings are made using 100…

As the temperature drops, out come all the carpets and rugs. They are nothing less than art for the floor. A quick way to make your space feel cosy is by layering rugs. Remember that layering rugs works best in a room where you have space and not that much furniture, like a bedroom, living room, or den. Years ago, the layering trend started with simply placing a patterned rug on top of a natural fibre carpet. But today, we’re seeing multiple rugs laid in a room that are more related to each other. Talking about natural fibres, if you don’t layer over them, they bring in a rustic charm. Do bear in mind that whether the rug should be bold and heavily patterned or neutral and earth-toned is determined…

If social media reports are anything to go by, paper art has taken the world by storm. Leading the pack are two very interesting artists—one makes flowers and the other miniature plants. What’s common to both is their passion for these unique and in demand pieces. PLANTING IDEAS For Gurgaon-based Himani Batra, the idea of making a paper plant came from a random discussion about how house plants die every now and then and how much care they need to survive. “I created my first life size paper plant in 2019 and after creating a few life size plants for myself and gifting friends and family, I recently created a series of miniature house plants for retail,” says Batra. So, Himani’s Art Studio was born soon after. Batra retails a…

The Indian Navy’s planned acquisition of a third Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2) is at risk of running aground. On December 3, during the annual navy press conference held in New Delhi, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, iterated the Navy’s determination to acquire IAC-2. But the first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Bipin Rawat, one of whose primary tasks is to prioritise acquisitions in the three armed forces, has cited budget constraints. At his first media interaction in February, after taking over as CDS in December 2019, Gen. Rawat had asked the navy to re-evaluate priorities and hinted that if they pushed for the IAC-2, they would have to forgo the nuclear powered attack submarines (SSNs), another service priority. “[IAC-2] is a major investment. What is it that the…

Two recent appointments by Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot have caused some consternation in the Congress. Sheetal Dhankhar is now an information commissioner in the state. Dhankhar is the daughter of party leader Randeep Dhankhar, but she is also the niece of West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, whose Hindutva leanings are an open secret. In October, he appointed Manju Sharma, wife of self-proclaimed poet and former AAP leader Kumar Vishwas, as a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission, with minister of state status. Vishwas, it must be remembered, contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Amethi against Congress chief-in-waiting Rahul Gandhi, and was the one who popularised the derisive ‘Pappu’ moniker for him. Siesta Time Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai has his poll plank ready for the 2022…

THE NUCLEUS OTHER GENERALS ACCOUNTABILITY SEEKERS By seeking organisational elections, the ‘group of 23’ have sought accountable leadership, but critics say it’s a rebellion against their marginalisation within the party THINKING CAPS These leaders provide the party policy insights but are not known for organisational skills and inter-party communication OLD WARHORSES They don’t focus on regular party affairs, but their counsel is sought when needed…

On November 28, Appupen put up an instalment from his new comic book Rashtrayana II: Divide and Fool, which is being serialised on Brainded, the website and collective he co-founded five years ago. The chapter featured a graffiti artist spraying slogans against the series’ ostensible hero, the saffron cape-swirling sarkari strongman Rashtraman. As the artist tags a wall, an arm snakes into the frame and nabs him. It is the long arm of Lady Justis, one of Rashtraman’s various sidekicks (others include Propagandhi, Vigil Aunty, Bat-Manu and Win Diesel). The artist is forced to edit the Constitution of Rashtria as penance for criticising the government. Just a few days later, on December 1, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal allowed contempt of court proceedings against Rachita Taneja, the artist behind ‘Sanitary Panels’,…

A man Nath’s is a celebrated life. The combination of entrepreneurship and non-monetary values he perfected is the object of wonder and, no less, the object of envy for many an aspiring businessman, looking to do something hat ke (different), finding that rare conjugation of capitalism and selflessness. The first lesson for that businessman from this festschrift, A Remarkable Friendship, anchored by Nath’s childhood friend Yogi Vaid, is the impossibility of their odds. It’s not because of a life of privilege, although not many children carried a folding bed from their house in Nizamuddin to do their homework on the gateway of Arab-ki-Sarai, the southern entrance to Humayun’s tomb. It’s a charming glimpse into the Delhi of the 1960s that one can see in films like Tere Ghar Ke Samne…

Q What made you write this book? My mom, who was a professor, used to say that you need to put the best experiences of your life on paper as those will stay with you forever. I felt like I had to share these stories with those who may want to know how ‘Ghar Bhejo’ was executed. It might also inspire some to come forward and change the life of others. Q There are some interesting insights into your early struggles in Bollywood. Your thoughts on the current debate about nepotism, triggered by Sushant Singh Rajput’s death? Everything was blown out of proportion. Everyone knows people from the industry have an edge over others, but talent is the only thing that will make you stay. Q You write about your…

Before you deck the halls, don’t forget the heart of the home, the dining table. Truth be told one should start decorating from the dining room and then slowly make your way to the other rooms in the home. The key is to make the space warm and welcoming, cosy and comfortable, subtle and sophisticated. Still confused? Take a tip or two from our Christmas setting. Get the Look To enhance the look and feel of your Christmas decor involve your family when doing up the space. It makes for a fun DIY. For our Christmas setting, we found inspiration from a vintage winter garden. After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Ensure that the setting easily moves from dusk to midnight to truly celebrate the festivities…

This year it’s more important than ever to make your home a comfortable place that makes you happy. As the weather turns cooler and we continue to spend more time at home, here are a few ways to bring joy into your space this winter. Consider Colour Psychology When we think of furnishings for autumn and winter we often think of darker hues such as brown, rust and navy or rich jewel tones such as purple, emerald and maroon. These can create a cosy, cocooned feeling which might complement our desire to slow down and hibernate over the winter months, but don’t rule out decorating with bright, sunny colours. Sometimes when the weather is foggy and grey we need a little help to lift our mood. Yellow will make you…

Our planet is inching towards a tipping point. In potential jeopardy is a critical global commitment—made in the Paris climate summit in 2015—to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degree Celsius. At stake are life, land and livelihoods in vast swathes of the planet, which will be rendered inhospitable to life should we fail to prevent runaway warming. In light of this emergency, the United Nations and the UK are co-hosting a landmark event in Paris on December 12, to rally global leaders to greater climate action and ambition. There are hopeful signs that positive action will follow. The US, China and India are the three biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. Outgoing US president Donald Trump had pulled the US out of the Paris agreement but president-elect Joe…

The India Today State of the States Conclave 2020, held on December 5, was a celebration of the country’s development beyond the political rhetoric. Known for being the most credible and comprehensive study on the performance of Indian states, it showcased the states’ progress over a dozen categories—economy, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, inclusive development, governance, law and order, entrepreneurship, tourism, environment and cleanliness. Looking at the current pandemic, this year the conclave saw the presentation of a onetime award to the states for their Covid-19 management. Following Covid protocols, the entire event also went virtual. While the winning chief ministers shared their mantras of success, the conclave primarily focused on building a new India which, along with the rest of the world, had to withstand the devastating impact of the…

A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, those words don’t say much—Marvel’s spandex-clad superheroes and Archie’s Chock’lit Shoppe gang, while excellent bathroom reading material, aren’t exactly profound philosophy. At other times, comics can be gems of brevity—like R.K. Laxman’s YouSaid It, Art Spiegelman’s Maus and Bill Watterson’sCalvinandHobbes—insightful commentaries that easily rank alongside the literary greats. In the world of desi comics, Orijit Sen is a trailblazer. His River of Stories (1994) is often described as India’s first graphic novel; it tells the story of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, the adivasi-led movement against the construction of dams along the Narmada river that resulted in hundreds of thousands of tribal Indians losing their ancestral homes. His latest project, Comixense, a collaboration between People Tree Studio and Takshila Publications, takes…

Every couple of years or so, a relatively unknown Indian name pops up in the nominations for the Grammys. This year, that name is Priya Darshini, a Mumbai-raised, US-based singer-songwriter whose debut album Periphery is in the running for the Best New Age album. Priya Darshini’s music label Chesky Records decided to submit Periphery in the category, associated with acts such as Enya and Yanni, because the record is somewhat unclassifiable. “It’s not world music or jazz or indie,” says Priya Darshini in a phone interview from New York City, where she lives with her husband and frequent collaborator, hammered dulcimer player Max Zbiral-Teller. The songs on Periphery, which feature Zbiral-Teller, cellist Dave Eggar and percussionists Chuck Palmer and Will Calhoun, bring together Indian and Western classical sounds and elements…

Christmas is all about the gooey warmth of spending it with your close friends and family and following certain traditions. Home decor for me is beautifully celebrating those unique diverse flavours and cultures and creating an eclectic mix of aesthetics with a soul that is still Indian. Growing up in Kolkata, a city that has an old tradition of celebrating Christmas and having studied in a missionary school, Christmas was always been an important festival despite being from a liberal Hindu brahmin family. Home changed from Calcutta to Bangalore 20 years ago, but the traditions carried forward and became an eclectic mix of both cities. Bangalore is on a plateau at a high altitude and our weather here, much to the envy of other parts of India, is like a…

Like fashion, home trends keep on evolving. With people staying in for most of this year, they have started to acknowledge the trends that are ruling the interiors. Winters in a large portion of the country stay for few months but layering up space and adding warmth is on trend in all parts of the country. Sofa, So Good A plush statement couch with extra comforts like wool throws and flannel sheets to snuggle in provides the sense of warmth and comfort weaving the space together. So, fully upholstered designs of furniture are surely going to make a comeback this winter season. That extra designer element, a handcrafted appeal and an interesting shape are markers of a stand out piece. Colour and Texture Many people think of furniture as just…

We all are now more mindful of the choices we made than ever before. With climate change becoming a conversation that needs more thought and action. Keeping this in mind, people are now focusing on spending more quality time indoors. And what’s better than enveloping that space with nature to get the best of both worlds? Here are a few indoor gardening insights. The fifth room With the pandemic and the “no-travel” protocols, we are looking for ideas to adapt our homes to meet our mood swings, taking the ‘don’t move, improve’ approach very deeply. Gardens and the plants are thought of more as an escape to another dimension of our home, the fifth room some may say. They are gradually becoming a space where people are spending more of…

While it isn’t a cabinet of curiosities, this cabinet is bound to bring out curiosity in onlookers. A beautiful melody of MDF, plywood, resin and brass, the Lotus Sanctum Basra by Kolkata-based Scarlet Splendour has been designed by Italian designer Matteo Cibic. Inspired by the purity of the lotus it stands testimony to skilful inlay and brass artisanal work of India. “The reflection of purity, of the human spirit, is brought to life through colourful resin and solid brass craftsmanship,” says Ashish Bajoria, co-founder of the brand. The piece is part of the handmade collection called Mandala that is all about spiritualism. PRICE on request; AT www.scarletsplendour.com…