Frontline on Air

Anuj Behal sheds light on the growing trend among Punjabi youth to marry women with top IELTS scores as a means to settle abroad. This phenomenon is driven by desperation and the pursuit of opportunities in foreign countries.

Subha J. Rao explores the pervasive exploitation of women actors in the Tamil and Kannada film industries, where silence, apathy, and insensitivity continue to enable such abuse. The article highlights the industry's complicity in these issues and the urgent need for systemic change.

In this piece, Ayesha Minhaz delves into the critical examination of gender discrimination, caste dynamics, and power structures within the Telugu film industry. The article sheds light on the complexities surrounding the #MeToo movement, ongoing reforms, and the impact of the Hema Committee's findings on the broader industry.

The article examines the findings of the Hema Committee Report, which highlights the persistent gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry. It also explores the deep-rooted patriarchy within the industry, touching upon the roles of organizations like AMMA in shaping its gender dynamics.

Prathyush Parasuraman reflects on the art of translation through the lens of Rumi’s poetry, Vikram Seth’s linguistic mastery, and the cultural resonance of texts like the Hanuman Chalisa. The column delves into the nuances and challenges involved in translating works across languages and eras.

Ashutosh Sharma provides an insightful analysis of the Agnipath scheme, weighing the risks and rewards for the Indian armed forces. The article explores the controversy surrounding the initiative and its potential long-term impact on India's defense structure.

Bangladesh-India relations face complex challenges, especially with Sheikh Hasina's leadership in Dhaka and India's diplomatic maneuvers under Narendra Modi. Kanak Mani Dixit examines the evolving dynamics and the strain in South Asia's neighborhood policy.

This article discusses the tragic rape and murder of a female doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College, drawing comparisons to the Nirbhaya case. It delves into the societal and institutional failures that contribute to such horrific incidents and reflects on the broader implications for gender justice in India.

This article addresses the distressing incident involving the rape of a doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Kar Medical College. It explores the political and social implications of the case, alongside reactions from the public and the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee.

This centenary tribute to James Baldwin commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of the influential American writer and civil rights activist. It explores Baldwin's enduring impact on literature and social justice, highlighting his powerful voice in confronting racial inequality and identity politics.

The tribute to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee (1944-2024) reflects on his legacy as West Bengal's former Chief Minister, poet, and politician. It delves into his vision for industrial resurgence, his leadership within the CPI(M) and the Left Front, and the challenges he faced in his political journey.

Jinoy Jose P. explores the devastating impact of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, particularly in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions, and their connection to climate change and ecological degradation. The article also reflects on the importance of the Gadgil Report in understanding and mitigating the risks to the Western Ghats.

T.M. Thomas Isaac critiques the 2024 Union Budget, highlighting its deviation from the Gadgil formula that ensured fair fiscal devolution between the Centre and the states. He argues that the BJP government’s approach undermines cooperative federalism, disproportionately affecting the financial stability of states.

C.P. Chandrasekhar discusses how the BJP-led central government has systematically attacked fiscal federalism, resulting in the deliberate withholding and reduction of funds for opposition-ruled states. This strategy, he argues, severely hampers the financial independence and governance capabilities of these states.

Savita Kulkarni and Neeraj Hatekar examine the proposal to convert Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha regions into Union Territories, highlighting the deep-seated multidimensional poverty affecting these areas. The discussion also explores the potential implications for governance and regional development.

Smruti Koppikar delves into the economic disparities and the challenges faced by Mumbai's Dharavi, focusing on how climate change and flooding exacerbate inequality. The article also touches on the broader implications of these issues in the context of the upcoming elections.

Radheshyam Jadhav discusses Maharashtra's ongoing agrarian crisis, highlighting issues such as crop failure, drought, and the resulting urban migration. The article explores how unseasonal rains and fragmented irrigation systems exacerbate the challenges faced by the state's farmers.

Neeraj Hatekar analyzes Maharashtra's economic challenges, focusing on urban and rural poverty, unemployment, and income disparities. The article sheds light on the state's struggles with maintaining economic stability and improving the livelihoods of its population.

Suhas Palshikar examines the pressing challenge for Maharashtra in reviving its culture of moderation amidst the current political landscape. The article underscores the importance of restoring balanced discourse in the state’s politics.

Divya Gandhi explores the intensifying heatwaves in India, linking them to extreme weather events driven by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The article delves into the Indian Meteorological Department's role in monitoring these alarming trends.

Nagraj Adve examines the escalating impact of climate change on India, spotlighting the Indian Meteorological Department's findings related to global warming and the increasing frequency of heatwaves. The article also explores the role of electric vehicles in mitigating these environmental challenges.

Greeshma Kuthar delves into the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, focusing on the impact of the junta's actions, the resulting refugee crisis, and the spread of misinformation. The article also highlights the situation in Manipur, where the conflict has led to the establishment of refugee camps and a rise in tensions.

Ayesha Minhaz examines the controversies surrounding Chandrababu Naidu's ambitious Amaravati capital project, detailing the challenges and allegations that have plagued its development. The piece explores the political and economic implications of the project for Andhra Pradesh.

Prathyush Parasuraman discusses the extravagant Ambani wedding in Mumbai, highlighting its intersection with Bollywood, wealth, and capitalism. He reflects on how such events epitomize the concentration of capital and the cultural spectacle surrounding India's elite.

Anuj Behal, an independent journalist and urban researcher, delves into the demolition and eviction drives in Lucknow's Akbarnagar, examining the impact on Muslims and Dalits and highlighting the broader issues of housing and land rights.