Explores the personal journey of reconnecting with Indian heritage through the traditional DIY beauty regime practiced by the author's grandmother, highlighting the cultural and emotional significance of these naturopathic beauty practices.

Facebook's user base in the Asia-Pacific region has more than doubled since 2016, reaching 1.2 billion and accounting for over 40% of its monthly active users, despite contributing less than a quarter of its total revenue in 2020. Internet Explorer's global browser market share has dwindled to less than 0.5%, with Microsoft announcing its discontinuation, although an 'IE mode' will be available in Microsoft Edge until at least 2029. In Russia, fake Sputnik V vaccine certificates are being sold on Telegram for $25 as the country faces challenges in vaccinating its population. Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has sold $3 billion worth of goods in the first half of 2022, with Chinese sellers using livestreaming as a key sales strategy and attending boot camps to better target Western consumers.

Akanksha Singh, a journalist based in Mumbai, discusses the widespread protests in India against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. She argues that the act is unconstitutional in India's secular democracy and is a threat to all Indian citizens, as it redefines Indian identity and suppresses dissent. Singh highlights the act's alignment with the Hindu nationalist agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and connects it to other anti-Muslim measures. Despite government efforts to quell protests with curfews and internet shutdowns, Indians continue to demonstrate against the CAA, demanding government accountability and upholding the unity of the Indian people.

The article is a tribute to Yasmin Ahmad, a renowned figure in the advertising industry, particularly known for her work as the executive creative director of Leo Burnett Malaysia. The author, Akanksha Singh, reflects on Ahmad's legacy, emphasizing her storytelling skills which were evident in her ads, especially those for Petronas, one of which won a Gold Lion at Cannes. The article discusses the importance of storytelling in advertising and the impact of Ahmad's work on the industry. It also touches on Ahmad's diverse background and the author's personal connection to her. The piece concludes with a quote attributed to Ahmad, highlighting the essence of creativity and observation.

The article critiques the 'chowkidar' campaign by India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the general elections. It discusses how the campaign, which encourages citizens to consider themselves as watchmen of the country, has gained popularity on social media. However, the author raises concerns about the campaign's implications in an environment where Indian identity is increasingly associated with Hindu nationalism. The article highlights the rise in hate crimes and vigilantism, particularly against Muslims and Dalits, since the BJP came to power in 2014. It also touches on the negative impact of cow vigilantism on the beef export trade and job losses. The author urges voters to demand more from their elected officials, emphasizing India's secular and democratic values.

Women have been integral to the practice of medicine since antiquity, contributing significantly despite historical barriers. Notable figures include Metrodora, Aspasia, and Elizabeth Blackwell, who broke gender barriers in their respective eras. The 19th and 20th centuries saw significant advancements, including the establishment of women's medical colleges and increased female participation in medical education. However, challenges such as gender bias, salary gaps, and family-work conflicts persist, contributing to the 'Leaky Pipeline' phenomenon where women drop out of academia and medical practice. The Women's Health Movement in the 1970s and subsequent legislation helped increase female representation in medical schools, but disparities remain in faculty positions and leadership roles.

India's vaccine diplomacy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been criticized for failing to protect its citizens and damaging the country's international image. Despite being touted as the 'pharmacy to the world,' India's healthcare system is overwhelmed by a second wave of Covid-19. The government's slow response, including delayed vaccine eligibility and failure to condemn superspreader events, has exacerbated the crisis. Internationally, India is now reliant on aid from other countries, including the US, EU, and even China, highlighting its desperation and lack of self-reliance.

The article discusses the backlash against an Indian jewellery brand, Tanishq, for an advert featuring a Hindu-Muslim couple, which led to calls for a boycott and threats against the brand. The controversy highlights the deep-seated religious tensions in India, exacerbated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's far-right Hindu ideology. The author expresses despair over the erosion of secular values in India and criticizes the focus on the brand's response rather than the underlying issues of intolerance and online trolling.

In July 2021, India saw $7.9 billion in new venture deals, surpassing China's $4.8 billion, driven by Zomato's successful listing and Flipkart's $3.6 billion funding round. Lawyers representing Rohingya refugees are suing Meta for $150 billion, alleging the platform's role in inciting violence in Myanmar. Taiwan's leading tech companies experienced an 18.5% revenue drop in March, indicating reduced demand for digital products. The average transaction cost to remit money to sub-Saharan Africa is 8.5%, the highest globally, with remittances expected to reach $44 billion this year.

Indian comedian Kunal Kamra was banned from multiple airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, after a viral video showed him heckling BJP ally Arnab Goswami. The bans were criticized as violations of aviation rules, which typically allow a maximum three-month ban for verbally unruly behavior. Critics, including opposition leaders, argue the incident reflects a broader effort to silence dissent against the BJP. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation clarified that the bans were not in line with regulations. The incident has sparked widespread debate on freedom of speech and political bias in India.

Princesses Mrinalika and Akshita of Mayurbhanj, India, are redefining the role of modern royalty by engaging in philanthropy, promoting local art and culture, and running a sustainable boutique palace hotel. They have international educational backgrounds, with stints at the United World College of South East Asia and universities in the US as Davis scholars. Their entrepreneurial ventures in New York have equipped them with skills that they now apply to their directorial roles at the Belgadia Palace hotel, which emphasizes sustainable luxury. They are also national-level sportswomen and are involved in supporting local communities through the Mayurbhanj Foundation and their mother's NGO, Ek Prayaas.

The Indian Supreme Court has overruled the Allahabad High Court's 2010 decision on the Ayodhya land dispute, granting the contested land to Hindus and allocating 5 acres elsewhere to Muslims. The ruling has been met with calls for peace by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, backed by significant police deployment to prevent unrest. The article suggests that the judgment may incite Hindu fundamentalists to target more religious sites, raising concerns about India's secular constitution under Modi's leadership.

The #MeToo movement in India has sparked complex discussions about sexual harassment, transcending Bollywood to address broader societal issues. Men's rights groups like Purush Aayog have raised concerns about false accusations, while women, especially those underprivileged or from lower castes, face challenges in seeking justice. The movement's compatibility with India's sociocultural reality is questioned, but it has initiated important conversations about patriarchy. Initiatives like the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign are highlighted, and there's a sense that women in corporate India feel more empowered to report sexual misconduct. The ongoing discourse signals progress, according to writer Akanksha Singh.

The article explores the Indian media's fascination with Nirmala Banerjee, mother of Nobel Prize-winning economist Abhijit Banerjee. Highlighting cultural dynamics, it discusses the centrality of family in Indian life and the idealization of motherhood, particularly the mother-son relationship. Nirmala Banerjee, an accomplished economist herself, is portrayed as a proud and supportive mother, defending her son's criticisms of the government. The piece also touches on the broader societal expectations and traditional values in India.

The article provides an in-depth look at the jewelry industry in Delhi, India, focusing on the working conditions of craftsmen in the Chandni Chowk area. The author, through a personal narrative, describes the cramped and unsafe conditions where workers eat, sleep, and craft intricate jewelry. Despite the health and safety violations, these conditions are normalized due to the high demand for gold jewelry, which is deeply rooted in Indian culture and considered a stable investment. The article contrasts the romanticized image of jewelry craftsmanship with the harsh realities of the trade, touching upon issues of worker exploitation and the broader socio-economic context, including the agrarian crisis affecting Indian farmers. The author reflects on the value of traditional craftsmanship and the ethical considerations of such labor-intensive work in a country grappling with poverty and modernization.

The article discusses the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand, criticizing the way society differentiates between Islamic extremism and other forms of extremism. It argues that there is a common thread of ignorance and poor education behind such acts of violence. The piece also examines the role of western education in perpetuating white supremacy and Islamophobia, citing the lack of comprehensive teaching on colonialism and the histories of indigenous peoples. The article further explores the impact of political and public figures' rhetoric on public discourse, highlighting the influence of such language on xenophobia and white supremacist ideologies. It calls for accountability of those with influential platforms in spreading hate or intolerance.

The International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella quarterfinals held at RPI featured 10 a cappella groups from five universities. SUNY Potsdam dominated, with the Potsdam Pitches placing first, A Sharp Arrangement second, and Potsdam Pointercounts third. Brittany DeLuca of the Potsdam Pitches won Outstanding Soloist and Arrangement, while she and Kristen Grajek won Outstanding Choreography. The high school quarterfinals saw For Good Measure from Mohonasen High School win, with groups performing a variety of songs.

The article discusses a significant event in Kerala, India, where over 5.5 million women formed a 620km 'women's wall' to promote gender equality and protest against the traditional ban on women entering the Sabarimala temple. The Supreme Court of India overturned this ban in September 2018, but the decision has faced severe backlash from conservative groups and politicians, including the BJP. The article highlights the tension between religious practices and gender equality, noting historical precedents for women's entry into the temple and the constitutional right to freedom of religion in India. It also touches on the political implications of the issue ahead of India's 2019 general election, with the BJP opposing the Supreme Court's ruling and the state experiencing violent protests and vandalism.

The author reflects on their journey of cultural self-discovery through cooking Indian cuisine while studying abroad. Initially rejecting their Indian heritage during their school years in the UAE, the author struggled with their identity and faced a culture shock upon moving to Montreal for university. The craving for home-cooked Indian food led them to YouTube, where they learned to cook traditional dishes from creators like Manjula, Harpal Singh, and Sanjeev Kapoor. This culinary exploration became a bridge to reconnect with their mother and Indian culture. The author's experience with Indian cuisine helped them to embrace their heritage and find acceptance among their peers back in India, realizing that their identity was more than just the food they ate.

The article describes the operations of the Nutan Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Trust, a cooperative in Mumbai, India, that delivers home-cooked meals to 200,000 office workers and students daily. Dabbawalas, or 'lunchbox people', like Nilesh Shankar Bachche, collect and deliver these meals using a complex coding system to ensure near-perfect accuracy. The system, which started in 1890, utilizes Mumbai's extensive railway network to navigate the city's dense traffic. Despite the rise of modern delivery apps, the dabba system remains popular due to its reliability and the quality of home-cooked food. The article also touches on the history of Mumbai and the diverse cuisines of its communities. It concludes with a personal note on Bachche's satisfaction with his job, highlighting the cultural significance and the efficiency of the dabba delivery system.

The article discusses the reaction to American actor Armie Hammer's criticism of people posting selfies with Stan Lee after the comic book creator's death. Hammer suggested that the act of posting a selfie as a form of grieving indicated a need for a cultural change, which sparked controversy on social media. The author reflects on Hammer's point, acknowledging that social media has indeed altered the way we mourn, with online tributes becoming commonplace. The article also notes that many Facebook accounts now belong to people who have passed away.

The article discusses the controversy sparked by Armie Hammer's criticism of people posting selfies with Stan Lee after his death. It explores how social media has changed the way people grieve and questions the appropriateness of certain online behaviors. The author agrees with Hammer's point that posting selfies can make the death about the person posting rather than honoring the deceased, and calls for a reconsideration of social media etiquette in the context of mourning.

Following Stan Lee's death, actor Armie Hammer criticized fans and celebrities for posting selfies with the comic book legend, sparking a debate on social media etiquette in grieving. Hammer suggested sharing impactful work instead of selfies, arguing that social media should not replace genuine compassion and physical interaction. The article explores how social media has altered grieving practices and calls for a reconsideration of behavior in digital forums.

The article discusses the impact of the Me Too movement in India, catalyzed by allegations made by actress Tanushree Dutta against actor Nana Patekar in 2008. Dutta's recent reiteration of her claims has led to a surge in Me Too stories from India, with significant attention on social media and Google Trends. The movement has exposed sexual harassment by powerful men in various industries and led to economic consequences, such as the dissolution of Phantom Films. The article also touches on the cultural implications of the movement for Bollywood, which has traditionally perpetuated gender stereotypes. It highlights the challenges that remain, particularly for lower-class and lower-caste women, and the potential global influence of the changes happening in India's film industry.

The article discusses the rise of the Me Too movement in India, highlighting the shift in the country's social climate as women begin to speak out against sexual harassment and assault. It mentions the case of actor Tanushree Dutta, who accused co-star Nana Patekar of harassment, and the subsequent allegations against other prominent figures such as actor Alok Nath, politician MJ Akbar, and a former CEO of Taj Hotels. The article notes the increase in reported rape cases and other crimes against women in India, as well as the low representation of women in parliament. It also points out the significant impact of high-profile women sharing their experiences, which is leading to a cultural change and holding powerful men accountable for their actions. The article suggests that this is a positive step towards gender equality and a society that supports and believes women.

The author recounts a personal experience of moving to Brisbane, Australia, from Montreal, Canada, and facing depression and financial strain. The narrative describes how the author's habit of ordering expensive delivery pizza contributed to both their emotional and financial downturn. Seeking therapy, they realized the need to cut back on expenses, leading to a moment of self-care through cooking. The act of making a simple penne in marinara sauce became a therapeutic experience, marking the beginning of their recovery. The story progresses as the author gains confidence, ventures out to shop for groceries, and finds joy in the prospect of cooking, symbolizing a significant step towards healing and personal growth.

Akanksha Singh discusses the personal and financial burdens of living with mysophobia, a condition colloquially known as germophobia. Singh describes the extensive cleaning routines and the need to maintain a sterile environment, which includes frequent laundering, sanitizing objects, and avoiding situations perceived as unclean. The condition leads to significant expenses on cleaning supplies, laundry, and therapy. Despite recognizing the irrationality of some fears and the desire to change, Singh accepts the current necessity of these costs as part of their life.

The author shares personal insights and lessons learned from dating a polyamorous man named CJ. Key takeaways include the importance of working through personal insecurities, the necessity of openness and communication, the challenges of dealing with jealousy, and the value of vulnerability. The experience also led the author to a deeper understanding of their own preferences and beliefs about monogamy and relationships.

The author shares personal insights and lessons learned from dating a polyamorous man named CJ. Key takeaways include the importance of working through personal insecurities, the necessity of openness and communication, the challenges of dealing with jealousy, and the value of vulnerability. The experience also reinforced the author's mostly monogamous tendencies while appreciating the growth that comes from multiple connections.

The article humorously outlines inappropriate responses to a friend disclosing their PTSD diagnosis, stemming from childhood sexual abuse. It satirizes common but insensitive reactions, such as interrupting, displaying ignorance, making irrelevant comparisons, suggesting they simply 'get over it', asking invasive questions, providing unhelpful solutions, and ghosting. The piece reflects on the lack of a perfect response to such disclosures, acknowledging that friends may struggle to respond appropriately despite their intentions. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of friends who persist in offering support, even after initial discomfort.

Tech-friendly letter writing merges the traditional practice of handwritten notes with modern digital convenience, allowing for personal reflection and meaningful communication. The author shares personal experiences and tips for incorporating this practice, emphasizing the benefits of slowing down and disconnecting from constant digital connectivity. The practice is highlighted as a way to enhance personal connections and mental well-being.

The author recounts their experience in Gangtok, India, where they engage in a game of mahjong while enjoying the local hospitality and scenery. They describe the challenge of learning mahjong, the organic food offerings such as Temi tea, momos, and ferns, and the fiery dallé chili. The author also mentions the local brew, Dansberg Beer, as a comforting companion to their game losses, with the majestic view of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga as a backdrop. The article paints a picture of cultural immersion, local cuisine, and the leisurely pace of life in Sikkim.

The author recounts their experience in Bhutan, where they visited the Tiger's Nest and enjoyed local cuisine, including momos and ema datshi. At a hotel bar in Thimphu, they tried a local beer called Red Panda, which had a surprising tartness. The bartender, Danny, suggested they try the peach wine Zumzin, which is made from peaches grown in the highlands of northern Bhutan. Despite initial skepticism, the author found the wine to be peachy and fruity, though sweeter than preferred. The article captures the author's interactions and the local beverages of Bhutan.

The author expresses frustration with hiring managers who do not respond to job applications, criticizing the lack of common courtesy in the hiring process. The author suggests that failing to acknowledge applicants reflects poorly on the hiring manager and the company, and could deter potential employees. The piece is written in a humorous and sarcastic tone, with the author proposing a generic rejection email template for hiring managers to use.

The author shares their experience of visiting Bhutan, highlighting a hike to Tiger’s Nest, enjoying local cuisine, and trying local beverages. They describe their initial skepticism and eventual appreciation for Red Panda beer and ZumZin peach wine, noting the unique flavors and cultural significance of these drinks.

In Gangtok, India, the author immerses in local culture by learning to play mahjong while enjoying the scenic Himalayan views and local delicacies. Despite initial struggles with the game, the experience is enriched by the organic food, the spicy dallé chili, and the local Dansberg beer. The narrative highlights the blend of traditional and modern influences in Sikkim, emphasizing the organic lifestyle and the cultural significance of mahjong.

The study focuses on evaluating genetic variation in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in lentil germplasm lines to address micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in developing countries. Using association mapping, the research identifies specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to Fe and Zn concentrations, which can be utilized in marker-assisted selection for developing biofortified lentil varieties. The study highlights the significant genetic diversity among lentil genotypes and the potential for improving micronutrient content through targeted breeding programs.