Author: Sharad Natani
When global fashion giant Prada unveiled a sleek pair of leather sandals eerily similar to India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals, they didn’t expect what followed — a cultural backlash, social media firestorm, and a call for credit from the very artisans who’ve handcrafted these symbols of tradition for over 800 years. What was initially seen as intellectual appropriation soon turned into a moment of global reckoning. Faced with outrage from craft advocates, fashion historians, and thousands online, Prada did the unthinkable: it acknowledged the roots of the design and sent a delegation to Kolhapur, the heartland of these heritage sandals. A…
In a world where hunters are often remembered with disdain, Jim Corbett stands tall as a legendary exception — a man who walked fearlessly among tigers, yet only raised his rifle when human lives were at stake. On the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, India remembers the man who didn’t just kill 33 man-eating tigers and leopards, but also laid the foundation for wildlife conservation in the country. From the Forests, For the Forests Born in 1875 in the lush foothills of the Himalayas, Edward James Corbett grew up with the forests of Kumaon as his playground and classroom.…
In a historic move to boost India’s sporting future, the Delhi government has significantly increased cash awards for Olympic and Paralympic medallists. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s Cabinet approved a hike that will now see Olympic gold medallists receiving ₹7 crore, silver medallists ₹5 crore, and bronze medallists ₹3 crore. That’s not all—Gold and Silver winners will now directly receive Group A government jobs, while bronze medallists will be appointed to Group B posts, said Minister Ashish Sood in a press briefing at the Delhi Secretariat. “This is not just a reward—it’s an investment in India’s sports talent,” said Sood. Free…
No bar in India feels complete without it. No spirit has inspired such loyalty. Meet Old Monk, India’s iconic dark rum that has quietly conquered hearts in over 50 countries — and it did it all without flashy marketing, celebrity endorsements, or even a television commercial. Launched in the 1950s, Old Monk is more than a drink — it’s an emotion. For generations, it has stood for warmth, friendship, and stories told over candle-lit evenings. Its classic bottle, deep brown hue, and smooth, mellow finish remain unchanged — a rare feat in an age where brands rebrand every few years.…
As cities around the world compete to touch the skies, Mumbai has emerged as a noteworthy contender. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), Mumbai now ranks 15th globally in the number of skyscrapers, standing tall among the world’s architectural giants. India’s Financial Capital Touches New Heights With 106 skyscrapers over 150 metres, 45 over 200 metres, and one soaring past 300 metres (Lokhandwala Minerva at 301m), Mumbai’s skyline is rising fast and with purpose. Though not in the global top 10, its climb reflects India’s growing urban ambition and architectural evolution. Global Skyscraper Leaders: China…
In a true tale of grit, innovation, and patriotism, two 20-year-old students from BITS Pilani Hyderabad have shocked India’s defence establishment — not with words, but with action. From the confines of their humble hostel room, mechanical engineering student Jayant Khatri from Ajmer and electrical engineering student Sourya Choudhury from Kolkata have created Apollyon Dynamics, a defence startup now supplying radar-proof, bomb-dropping kamikaze drones to the Indian Army. These cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) boast speeds of over 300 kmph, five times faster than commercial drones, and can deliver payloads with pinpoint precision — all while evading radar detection. Built…