Articles

There’s No “Later” Anymore, Only “Now”. That Realisation Has Done Wonders For My Productivity During the Pandemic

Some people have taken this year as a gift of unlimited time that can be used on any number of personal projects or self-improvement schemes. I am not one of them. All I’m aware of, all I can focus on, is today. Curiously, this has done wonders for my productivity.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 11, 2016

Gender

How to Slowly Give Up on Vrats: A Married Indian Woman’s Cheat Sheet

“Why do you fast if it makes you so cranky,” my daughter asked. Really, why are women expected to fast, especially for the well-being of the patidev, who anyway fritters away this hard-won long life by watching cricket matches and silly political debates on television?

Ashwina Garg July 11, 2016

Sports

Growing and Grieving Alongside Roger Federer

For two decades, significant moments in my life have seemed to intersect with those in Federer’s. Even his retirement comes at a time of definite change for me. We were in a sense, meant to grow older together.

Palash Kulkarni July 11, 2016

Technology

Deep Fakes Have Infiltrated Indian Politics. Where Will They Go Next?

Over the past few years, the technology needed to map a person’s voice has been steadily improving. Although far from perfect, this, when coupled with a virtual avatar that looks a lot like the real thing, is a recipe for disaster.

Adhirath Sethi July 11, 2016

Love and Sex

The Bangover: The Morning-After that Needs No Cure

Your life on the working day after a raunchy tryst can feel sometimes like a Moods condom commercial. Enter: The Bangover, a feeling where everything reminds you of your partner’s naked body and your face has a perpetual post-coital glow.

Dr Mahinder July 11, 2016

Sports

Mithali Raj and Virat Kohli: The Batting Partnership Team India Needs

Cricket and its players would benefit from mixed-gender teams. If players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Poonam Raut were on the same team as Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Hardik Pandya, they’d be eligible for the same lucrative contracts, playing for the same crowds, and benefitting from the same level of exposure.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 11, 2016

Gender

Cab-Pooling Only With Women Option Must in Ola, Uber: How Long Will We Segregate Women to Keep them Safe?

According to the latest notice issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ola and Uber must provide a “female-only co-passengers” option while cab-pooling. While regulations like these encourage women to travel, it also raises the question: In 2020, why do we still have to rely on safety in numbers?

Sahej Marwah July 11, 2016

Pop Culture

“Kaagaz Nahi Dikhayenge”: From Streets to the Spoken Fest, Protest Poetry is Everywhere

In the age of CAA, words are the weapons on the tongues of wounded artistes. I witnessed the power of poetry first-hand at Mumbai’s Spoken Fest, where Varun Grover reiterated, “Kaagaz Nahi Dikhayenge” and Faye D’Souza asked, “Is the government reading the Constitution?”

Anand Holla July 11, 2016

Gender

Why Transpeople Are Upset with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019

The trasngender community’s frustration at the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill is understandable, as their campaign to have a say in the Bill has gone largely ignored for months.

Kahini Iyer July 10, 2016

Modern Family

Folks in Town: How to Parent-Proof Your House

I live a dual life. I’m an outspoken liberal guy in the streets, and a religious, paavam one in the sheets. So when my parents decided to visit me after three years, I upturned mattresses to look for old condom packets and purchased tons of room spray to get rid of any lingering cigarette smell.

Vishal Dayama July 10, 2016