On Valentine's Day, actor Kartik Aaryan will be performing at the 65th Amazon Filmfare Awards in Guwahati, Assam. Coinciding with the event is the release of his film 'Love Aaj Kal', directed by Imtiaz Ali and co-starring Sara Ali Khan. Kartik's performance will pay homage to the 90s, featuring him dancing to hit tracks of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, as well as songs from his new movie and the original 'Love Aaj Kal' which starred Saif Ali Khan. The performance, choreographed by Shiamak Davar and directed by Marzi Pestonji, will include a grand entrance with Kartik riding a bike onto the stage. The event will take place on February 15th and will be broadcast on Colors TV and simulcast on Filmfare’s social media on February 16th.

The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, particularly focusing on the social and economic consequences. It highlights the challenges faced by the lower strata of society, who are unable to practice social distancing and lack basic necessities. The article also covers the government's response to the pandemic, including the sudden lockdown imposed by PM Narendra Modi and the subsequent humanitarian crisis. It questions the reliability of COVID-19 data in India, citing under-reporting of cases and deaths, and the use of rapid antigen tests. The piece also touches on the potential exacerbation of the pandemic due to the festival season, air pollution, and political rallies. The author reflects on their personal situation, acknowledging their privilege compared to those who are struggling to survive during the pandemic.

The Indian government has eased the lockdown restrictions in rural areas, allowing farmers to resume work in their fields after nearly a month of inactivity due to the stringent quarantine measures. This move brings some relief to the vast rural population that has been hit hard by the lockdown. However, the agricultural sector faces significant challenges as the supply chain has been disrupted, and farmers may struggle to find labor, supplies, and buyers for their produce.

The article discusses Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors in various organs. It specifically highlights the renal manifestation of TSC, known as angiomyolipoma (AML), which can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. The case report illustrates the imaging features of TSC and notes that selective renal embolisation is the preferred interventional treatment for managing ruptured renal AML, providing a safe and effective approach.

Anuradha Sharma, CEO of Fulki Communications and self-described accidental entrepreneur, discusses her entrepreneurial journey and leadership qualities with Dr. Rajeshwari Narendran, an HR expert and academician. Sharma, an award-winning leader, shares five nuggets of wisdom to inspire readers.

The article discusses the Gorkhaland agitation of 1986, a violent movement in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, demanding a separate state for Nepali speakers in India. The author reflects on the collective amnesia surrounding the atrocities committed during the agitation, including state violence and intra-community conflicts. The article highlights the role of literature in breaking the silence, with recent books by authors like Chuden Kabimo, Lekhnath Chhetri, and others providing insider perspectives on the movement. These works explore the complexities of the agitation, the disillusionment with political leaders, and the community's struggle with its violent past. The author emphasizes the need for more comprehensive documentation of the events to promote reconciliation and understanding.

The article discusses the rising trend of wellness tourism, with a focus on Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic wellness practice. It highlights upcoming trends in Ayurvedic wellness travel, including destination retreats in exotic locations, customized wellness programs tailored to individual needs, Ayurvedic culinary experiences with farm-to-table ingredients, the integration of mindfulness practices, and digital detox retreats. These trends cater to the growing demand for wellness travel and promise a transformative experience for those seeking a holistic approach to well-being. The article emphasizes the balance and harmony Ayurveda brings to the mind, body, and soul, offering a unique wellness travel experience that combines traditional medicine, yoga, meditation, and natural remedies.

Loknath Chhetri, a teacher at the Niswarth School for Deaf and Mute in the Dooars region of West Bengal, is dedicated to educating deaf and mute children. The school, founded by Harsh Kumar, is the first English-medium institution for the deaf in the area and aims to provide better opportunities for children from tea garden workers' families. Chhetri, who is also an activist, emphasizes the importance of education and sign language for the deaf community. The school faces challenges such as transportation for remote students, but it has made significant strides, including organizing screening camps for disability certificates and offering vocational courses. The article also highlights the broader issues of sign language recognition and the need for educational policies that address the language development of deaf children.

The article discusses the experience of using Goodreads for tracking reading habits and participating in book clubs. It highlights the diversity of reading experiences, from easy, fast-paced books to more challenging reads with complex language. The author mentions specific books and authors, such as 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell and 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov, reflecting on the difficulty and emotional impact of certain works. Book clubs, including those led by celebrities like Oprah and Reese Witherspoon, are noted for their role in making reading a more social activity and influencing reading trends. The article also touches on the personal sense of achievement from reading large tomes and the varied personal reactions to books based on one's frame of mind.

The article discusses the influence of fashion on people's choices of attire, referencing cultural norms, personal preferences, and societal expectations. It touches on the impact of movies like 'The Devil Wears Prada' on fashion trends and the transformation of the protagonist, Andy, into a fashionista. The writer also mentions the dilemma of appropriate dressing for different occasions and the joy or burden of selecting accessories. Marie Kondo's philosophy on organizing and discarding outdated clothes is cited to address wardrobe management. The article critiques the fashion industry's emphasis on dress size and its potential health risks, as well as the limited dressing options for men compared to women. It concludes by highlighting the psychological benefits of dressing well and the importance of not being judgmental about others' clothing choices.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the author, a lacto-ovo-vegetarian, when traveling and seeking vegetarian food options. The author contrasts the ease of finding vegetarian food in India and the UAE with the difficulties encountered in other countries, including language barriers and misunderstandings about what vegetarianism entails. The author mentions specific experiences with restaurants and hotels where vegetarian options were either unsatisfactory or unavailable, and the frustration of finding closed or non-existent eateries after a long search. The article also touches on the limited vegetarian options in the US and the UK, and the author's reliance on fast food chains like Burger King and McDonald's for vegetarian meals. The author concludes by empathizing with the potential struggles of vegans and expressing a preference for fresh, hot food over carrying pre-packed meals.

The article is a comprehensive review of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male and female reproductive systems, the possibility of vertical transmission, and the implications for breastfeeding and psychological health. It discusses how SARS-CoV-2, believed to have originated from bats, uses the ACE2 receptor to enter cells, and how this receptor is present in various organs including the reproductive system. The article notes that males may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 due to higher ACE2 expression in the testes, and that the virus could potentially impact male fertility. For females, while the virus has not been frequently detected in the reproductive system, the potential for impact remains due to the presence of ACE2. Vertical transmission is considered possible but not yet conclusively proven, with some evidence of placental infection. Breastfeeding by COVID-19-positive mothers is generally encouraged, as the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Lastly, the article touches on the psychological impact of the pandemic on reproductive health, highlighting increased stress and its potential effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

The article is a personal narrative expressing the author's challenges and apprehensions with wearing a Sari, a traditional Indian garment. The author describes the complexity of draping a Sari, the need to match it with appropriate accessories, and the skill required to wear it comfortably. The article also touches on the cultural significance of the Sari, mentioning various styles such as Kanjeevarams, Banarasi, and others, as well as the traditional practices in different Indian communities. The author contrasts the Sari with more casual attire like jeans, discussing societal expectations and the versatility of the Sari in terms of fashion and practicality. The piece concludes with the author's continued nervousness about wearing a Sari despite recognizing its beauty and elegance.

The article discusses the intricacies of cooking, emphasizing that a good dish doesn't necessarily require a complex recipe or an abundance of spices. It highlights the importance of understanding the unique flavors of each vegetable and the appropriate cooking techniques, such as sautéing, frying, and steaming. The author stresses the significance of the cook's smell and taste quotients (SQ and TQ) and shares personal anecdotes about family members who are skilled cooks. The article also touches on the science of food, the concept of a balanced diet, and the challenges of replicating restaurant-quality dishes at home. It concludes by reflecting on the cultural aspects of food and the joy of sharing meals with family, while acknowledging that cooking can be both an art and a science that comes more naturally to some than others.

The article reflects the concerns of a modern mother grappling with various issues related to food and nutrition. She worries about pollution, population, deforestation, and ozone depletion, as well as the impact of virulent viruses and bacteria. The author is concerned about the nutritional content of her family's food, the presence of pesticides in vegetables, and the health implications of eating pizza or burgers. As a vegetarian, she is also concerned about getting enough B12. She questions the safety and quality of packaged foods, including rice, wheat flour, pulses, spices, and even the food served in restaurants. The mother tries to ensure her family eats a balanced diet and is mindful of food wastage. She also worries about the safety of cooking utensils and the quality of drinking water. The article ends with the author acknowledging the complexity of being a mother in the 21st century and the constant worry about making the right choices for her family's health and well-being.

The article discusses the political climate in the hills of India, where the BJP is popular, particularly for its distribution of Modi chamal (rice) during the pandemic. The local population credits Modi for their survival during the tough times. However, there is criticism from the Laliguras cultural resistance group, which accuses political parties of politicizing government schemes. The TMC is struggling to counter the BJP's narrative. The article also touches on the aspirations for Gorkhaland, a separate state, which remains unfulfilled by any political party. Despite the BJP's lack of organizational strength, it is seen as having superior communication and propaganda capabilities. The story is part of the NL Sena project, supported by contributions from readers.

Debolina Saha, a former corporate lawyer from Hong Kong, is seeking justice for a childhood sexual assault by her private tutor, Jitesh Ojha. The incident, which occurred when she was 14, was reported 23 years later, leading to Ojha's arrest. Saha, who lost her job during the pandemic, has since started a non-profit called Internship Bank to help young women. The article discusses the prevalence of child sexual abuse in India, the cultural silence around it, and the legal challenges in prosecuting such cases. It also highlights the support Saha received from various individuals, including her lawyer Gunjan Sherpa, her teacher Nima Yonzone, and Nirnay John Chettri, founder of MARG. The article underscores the importance of speaking out against sexual abuse and the ongoing fight for justice in such cases.

The article discusses the reaction of the Bengali media to the leaked audio clips of Trinamool Congress's poll strategist Prashant Kishor, which were tweeted by BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya. The clips featured Kishor acknowledging the BJP's strength and Modi's popularity in West Bengal. Despite the national media's focus on the leak, the Bengali media was more concerned with the Sitalkuchi violence and political rallies. News18 Bangla reported on the leak, including an interview with Kishor, who claimed his statements were taken out of context, and TMC leader Saugata Roy's defense of Kishor.

The article discusses the Netherlands' decision to freeze all international adoptions after an inquiry revealed systemic abuses such as baby theft, child trafficking, and corruption. The Minister for Legal Protection, Sander Dekker, apologized for the government's inaction. The story follows Jyoti Weststrate and Regina Schipper, both adopted from India, who are seeking their biological roots and considering legal action against Dutch authorities for the wrongs of their adoptions. The article also touches on the discovery of adoption files in an attic, the Milk Box Project initiative, and the challenges adoptees face in tracing their origins. It highlights the need for better adoption practices and record-keeping, especially in countries like India with many orphaned children and low in-country adoption rates.

The article profiles Raju Nepali, a 53-year-old anti-human trafficking activist in the Dooars region of West Bengal, India. Over the past 13 years, Nepali has rescued over a hundred trafficked children, mostly tribal girls. The story highlights the case of Sunaina Oraon, a girl who was kidnapped by a paedophile posing as a priest and later rescued by Nepali with the help of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police. The article discusses the plight of tea labourers in north Bengal, the high incidence of human trafficking in the state, and the efforts of individuals and organizations like Nepali, Rangu Souriya, Nirnay John, and NGOs to combat the issue. It also mentions Nepali's WhatsApp group 'Stop If You Can', which aids in coordinating rescue operations. Nepali's work is largely funded by individual donations, and he operates with a small team and volunteers through his NGO, Duars Express Mail.

Karimul Haque, known as 'Bike Ambulance Dada', has been providing free transport to the sick in remote areas of Jalpaiguri for many years, using his motorbike to ferry people to hospitals. His efforts have earned him the Padma Shri in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Haque has continued his service, even helping with the last rites of a woman abandoned due to fear of the virus. He has also been appointed as the district’s health ambassador for COVID-19 and has been distributing food and rations to the poor and quarantined migrant workers with the help of donations. Haque is constructing a clinic near his house, funded by donors like Kazi Iqbal Hussain and Kalyan Debnath, who have contributed significantly to his cause.

The article discusses the suppression of free speech and media censorship in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journalists are facing arrests and legal threats for reporting on issues that portray the government in a negative light or for questioning its actions. The government has been accused of censoring information and limiting journalists' access to press briefings, with only a few agencies allowed to attend. Prime Minister Modi has not held a press conference on the issue, and the health minister's interactions with the press are infrequent. The Supreme Court was approached by the government to legalize censorship, but it only directed the media to publish official versions of developments. West Bengal's chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, has offered insurance cover for journalists reporting positive stories, while threatening legal action against those reporting unconfirmed fatality figures. The article highlights the challenges journalists face in reporting the pandemic in India.

The journalist is an independent correspondent based in Siliguri, Darjeeling, India, contributing to Reporters Sans Frontiers and covering a range of topics including politics, culture, media, and social justice. They have been published in various notable outlets such as Scroll.in, Forbes India, and The New York Times. Their past experience includes working with The Telegraph and The Economic Times, and they have been recognized with fellowships and awards, including the Laadli Media Award for a piece on women in north Bengal's tea gardens. The journalist also identifies as a mother, wife, and sister.