The article explores the city of Varanasi, India, delving into its relationship with life and death. Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is considered the holiest city in Hinduism, where death is openly embraced and the cycle of life and rebirth is believed to end for those who die there. The Mukti Bhawan hospice is highlighted, where the dying come to find salvation, and the rituals surrounding death are described in detail. The article also touches on the daily life of the city's inhabitants, the mourning practices at the Ganges, and the cremation process at the Manikarnika Ghat. Personal stories of individuals like Kalikant Dubey, a priest at Mukti Bhawan, and Hanumat Pathak, who is mourning his mother, provide a human element to the narrative. The piece concludes with the story of Nakul Kumar, a child who dresses as the god Shiva for tourists, and Sagar Chaudhary, a Dom responsible for burning bodies at the ghat.

The article discusses the burgeoning art scene in Lahore, Pakistan, focusing on the Drawing Room gallery in the Gulberg district. Owned and curated by Sanam Taseer, the gallery showcases a diverse range of artwork, including Impressionist-style paintings, graphic prints, wooden sculptures, and watercolours of Pakistani landscapes. Lahore is described as Pakistan's 'capital of culture,' with a thriving art scene that includes galleries, exhibitions, and events. The city's art scene is characterized by a blend of traditional and contemporary influences, with a strong student art movement and a growing contemporary gallery scene that explores various art forms such as Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, and Cubism.

The article explores the severe impacts of climate change in Pakistan, focusing on the melting of the Passu Glacier and the drying up of the Indus River, which is crucial for the country's agriculture and livelihood. Amanullah Khan, a local villager, observes the glacier's retreat and the changing weather patterns. The article discusses the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, and their devastating effects on the population. It highlights the challenges faced by engineers like Amir Taimoor at the Taunsa Barrage, who struggle to manage water flow amid changing river dynamics. The piece also touches on the historical and cultural significance of the Indus, the geopolitical tensions with India over water, and the plight of people like Heer Munir Chandio, who lost her home to floods. The article concludes in Karachi, where many displaced families, such as the Jiskanis, have sought refuge after losing everything to climate-induced disasters.

Der Artikel beschreibt die Situation der letzten zwei Leprapatienten, Sena und Poniah, auf der Insel Mantheevu vor Sri Lanka. Obwohl Lepra als Krankheit weitgehend besiegt ist, leben diese beiden Männer immer noch in einer verfallenen Leprakolonie, isoliert von der Gesellschaft. Sena lebt seit über 40 Jahren auf der Insel, während Poniah seit 2014 dort ist. Die Insel war einst eine Zuflucht für Leprakranke, aber heute sind die Einrichtungen größtenteils Ruinen. Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation empfiehlt eine Behandlung mit drei Medikamenten, die die Krankheit effektiv bekämpfen, und die Zahl der Neuerkrankungen sinkt jährlich. Trotzdem sind Sena und Poniah auf der Insel gefangen, da ein Gesetz aus dem Jahr 1901 es erlaubt, Leprakranke zwangsweise zu isolieren. Der Artikel beleuchtet die menschlichen Aspekte ihrer Situation, ihre Einsamkeit und den Umgang mit der Krankheit, sowie die bürokratischen Hürden, die eine Umsiedlung auf das Festland verhindern.

The article tells the poignant story of the last two leprosy patients, Sena and Poniah, living on the isolated island of Mantheevu off the coast of Sri Lanka. Once a leprosy colony housing over 150 patients, the island now stands largely forgotten, with its infrastructure in decay. Despite leprosy being almost eradicated globally and in Sri Lanka, these two men remain on the island, cured but bearing the physical scars of the disease. The article describes their daily lives, the island's history, and the uncertain future of Mantheevu. It also touches on the broader issue of leprosy-related stigma and the outdated laws that still permit segregation of leprosy patients in some parts of the world.

The article is a personal account of a photojournalist's long-term project in Kashmir, focusing on the mental health issues faced by the local population due to decades of unrest. The journalist has visited Kashmir over a dozen times, developing a close relationship with the community and exploring the high levels of PTSD and depression in the region. The article discusses the impact of violence, including the use of pellet guns by security forces, and the emotional toll on families who have lost loved ones or are dealing with the disappearance of family members. The journalist also spent time in Srinagar's mental health facilities, witnessing the overwhelming demand for psychiatric help. The narrative is interwoven with personal stories, including that of an 11-year-old boy who was blinded in one eye by pellet injuries. The journalist's work aims to convey the deep-seated pain and resilience of the Kashmiri people.

The article discusses the UK government's new plan to allow leaseholders in shared ownership schemes to staircase, or increase their ownership stake, by a minimum of 1% instead of the current 10%. This change aims to make staircasing more affordable, as it significantly reduces the amount leaseholders need to raise to buy additional shares. However, the article raises concerns about the potential impact on housing associations, including increased legal and administrative costs, the need for frequent valuations, and adjustments to the association's asset log. While the change could reduce rental liability and the risk of unpaid rent for associations, it is unclear whether it will significantly increase the number of leaseholders choosing to staircase, given the additional fees they still face from surveyors, lenders, and solicitors.

The article discusses the evolving role of the chief of staff in organizations, particularly focusing on the 'strategic chief of staff' position. This role differs from the traditional administrative chief of staff by requiring experience in top strategy consulting firms and playing a key part in strategic decision-making alongside C-suite executives. The strategic chief of staff acts as a thought partner, communicator, and flexible leader capable of adapting to various strategic roles within an organization. The position is increasingly popular in private equity firms and serves as a pathway to senior strategic roles such as chief strategy officer. The article also mentions Charles Aris Strategy Practice's observation of the rise in this role and invites strategy consultants to participate in an anonymous compensation survey, which will contribute to charity for each completed response.

The article narrates the story of Sunita, a Nepali housekeeper working for a Swiss journalist in Delhi. It explores their relationship, Sunita's personal history, and her experiences as a domestic worker in India and the Middle East. The journalist reflects on the social and economic dynamics of their interactions, the cultural exchange, and the personal bonds formed. The story also delves into Sunita's past hardships, her dreams, and her resilience. It culminates with a trip to her home village in Nepal for a wedding, providing a glimpse into her life and the lives of those in her community.

The Rocking Horse Shop, located in Fangfoss near York, UK, specializes in designing, making, and restoring rocking horses. With nearly 50 years of experience, the company prides itself on its team of 10 craftspeople who create unique, custom rocking horses for a variety of budgets. They offer a range of products from chair horses for infants to larger models for adults. A recent project involved crafting a horse from a fallen cherry tree, replicating the customer's real horse. The Rocking Horse Shop also provides restoration services for old rocking horses, using traditional techniques. Additionally, they offer carving courses and DIY kits for those interested in making their own rocking horses. The company recently celebrated the creation of over 50,000 rocking horses from their plans worldwide, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining traditional craftsmanship and high customer service standards.