In an industry often driven by immediacy and spectacle, some films choose a quieter afterlife—growing in meaning long after their first viewing. Nandita Das’s Zwigato is one such work. Three years on, its unhurried, deeply observant gaze at the fragile architecture of gig work , dignity, and survival in contemporary urban India feels even more resonant. In this conversation, she reflects on the origins of Zwigato, the instinctive choices that shaped it, and the evolving relationship between storyteller and subject.

What emerges is the portrait of a filmmaker who allows time, thought, and lived experience to guide her work—unhurried, attentive, and quietly assured. Your last directorial Zwigato completes three years, your thoughts?

I am happy that people are still watching it and talking about it. The other night, there was a screening of it at UPenn where I am right now for a fellowship. The audience was mostly of faculty. Their thoughtful questions after the film were a good reminder of why I made it. The relevance of the film has only increased with time. I hope those who haven’t watched it will do so now. On Prime video. Where and how did this saga of a delivery boy happen in your head? During the pandemic, we consumers, for our own convenience, became more and more dependent on the gig workers and less and less aware of their struggle. The film is about many small things that are hidden in plain sight. Very few films are made these days about urban workers. Apart from being about the life of a gig worker, Zwigato is also about our normalized biases of class, caste, and gender. They have all subtly found their way into the film, making the invisible, visible. It began as a discussion about growing unemployment and the complexity of gig work with my publisher friend Samir Patil. We then began writing a short film about a day in the life of a delivery rider.

How did you find a producer for this out-of-the-box project about a in-the-box delivery boy?

The enterprising Same er Nair of Applause Entertainment, who agreed to produce it, nudged me to expand it for a feature film. Initially I felt the subject would not immerse me enough, but as I began to delve deeper into it, I was drawn to the human aspects of this collision of new technology and the life of the workers, who are just a cog-in-the-wheel. I also began exploring what impact all this has on the family, especially the wife. With the rise of the gig economy, the struggle between man and machine that Chaplin depicted in Modern Times has now shifted to one between man and algorithms. So Zwigato is a story about the relentlessness of life, but not without its silver linings. The film explores the life of an ex-factory floor manager who loses his job during the pandemic. He then works as a food delivery rider, grappling with the app on his phone and the world of ratings and incentives. Simultaneously, his wife, a homemaker, begins to explore different work opportunities. But for her, the fear of this new life is coupled with the joy of a newfound independence.

This was your third directorial in fourteen years. Why such long spaces between your directorial assignments?

Acting, writing, directing and producing… all have happened rather organically. I just worked with my instinct, dipping into my life experiences and observations that have over the years, become an impulse. The compulsion to engage and find creative ways to share my concerns is what drives me. But I am not trained in any of them and so I take time to write and rewrite, put a project together and also I have done many other things in between the films during the last seventeen years, including becoming a mother! But finally now, I am a less hesitant director. The gaps will be less now! Though I will continue to do other things, be it social advocacy work or acting. I have multiple interests and concerns, and I feel no pressure to prove myself.

What made you select Kapil Sharma as the lead in Zwigato?

It is a very unusual choice. Did Kapil live up to your expectations? The pandemic’s dramatic impact on actor availability and shooting schedule over the past year had made casting for the film a nightmare. Then one day, Kapil Sharma poppe d up on my screen while I was surfing on the internet. I hadn’t seen his show, as I don’t have a TV for the last six years, but from the snippets I did see that his honesty, simplicity, and candour seemed perfect for the character. And so, I reached out to him on an impulse, not fully knowing if he would be right for the part or if he would even be open to doing a film that is not a comedy. He promptly responded and when we met , I was convinced that he would perfectly represent the common man.

Though he no longer was one in real life! Did Kapil turn out to be the right fit?

He has a natural charm and he got into the skin of the character quite effortlessly. He is easy and friendly with his co-actors, disarming everyone around him. He had always told me that he would completely submit to my process and he truly did. But he has a very sharp mind and always questioned if something didn’t make sense to him or if he had an interesting suggestion. He was effortless and real in the film and I am so glad I went with my instinct.

The United States on Friday (local time) signalled it will press ahead with military operations against Iran, with President Donald Trump rejecting calls for a ceasefire even as tensions deepen across the Gulf. Washington also urged allies and major economies to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route disrupted by the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran warned of wider retaliation, cautioning countries against allowing their territories to be used for attacks and signalling it would exercise its right to self-defence.

India’s debate over children’s digital safety has reached a critical turning point. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have proposed blanket social media bans for teenagers, while the Union government reportedly opts for a graded approach ~ a separate law, expected in the monsoon session, enforcing restrictions across varying age groups with time-based limits and mandatory parental consent. This marks a genuine awakening. However, restricting social media alone addresses only a fraction of the problem; it merely plugs one leak in a sinking ship.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, in 2021, issued General Comment No. 25 directing governments to protect children from online violence, sexual exploitation, harassment, and gambling. Effective legislation must regulate four other major threats beyond social media: exposure to unrestricted adult pornography, graphic violent content, addictive short-video quicksands, and predatory gaming-betting hybrids. If expanded thoughtfully, the Centre’s proposed legislation can become a historic ‘State Shield’ for Indian families. Adult pornography is viewed by 97 per cent of boys and 78 per cent of girls aged 12-18, according to the ‘Unprotected From Porn’ report (Carroll et al., 2025). In India, a LocalCircles survey found one in two parents had seen their children exposed to inappropriate content online.

Texas enacted law on ‘Liability for Allowing Minors to Access Pornographic Material’ (H. B. 1181) in 2023 to address the concern that the internet makes too accessible to minors “hardcore pornographic content,” depicting “sexual violence, incest, physical aggression, sexual assault,” which has harmful “developmental effects on the brain,” and leads to “risky sexual behaviors.” It requires pornographic websites to verify ages with a quick photograph or video or face penalties up to $250,000. The adult privacy vs. child safety debate was settled by the U.S. Supreme Court in Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton (2025) by establishing that the state’s “compelling interest in protecting minors from physical and psychological harms” outweighs the adults’ right to privacy.

The Court ruled that requiring age verification is merely an “incidental burden” because it “does not prohibit adults from viewing sexually explicit content; it merely requires them to verify their age before doing so.” The UK’s Children’s Code and Online Safety Act 2023 together require digital services to proactively mitigate harms – such as addictive algorithms and predatory content ~ before they reach the child, with penalties of up to 10 per cent of global turnover. As a result, traffic to major pornography sites dropped by as much as 77 per cent. Graphic violent content is the second pillar. Australia’s Online Safety Codes require platforms to use proactive technologies to identify and remove ‘Class 1’ material (child sexual abuse, pro-terrorist content) and ‘Class 2’ material (graphic violence and high-impact pornography) even before it is viewed.

In contrast, Section 79 of India’s Information Technology Act, as interpreted in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, requires platforms to act after receiving ‘actual knowledge’ through court orders. Platforms avoid proactive monitoring for fear that such diligence could reclassify them as ‘editors,’ thereby stripping them of safe harbour and exposing them to legal liability for all user-generated content. India can address this by introducing a ‘Good Samaritan’ protection clause, similar to Article 7 of the EU’s Digital Services Act to protect platforms from liability even when they voluntarily remove harmful content. Algorithmic short-video quicksands create addiction through 15-to-60-second auto-playing clips delivered through infinite vertical scroll.

Young brains crave constant novelty and spiking dopamine. Law must regulate platform architecture itself: disabling infinite scroll for minor accounts, restricting autoplay and imposing session-time limits. In the Los Angeles multidistrict litigation, a teenage girl, KGM, is now suing Meta and Google, arguing that Instagram and YouTube were intentionally engineered to hook young users. Unlike past suits that targeted harmful user-generated content ~ where platforms have strong defence of immunity ~ this trial focuses on product design itself: framing infinite scroll and autoplay as defective, addictive architecture that caused depression and suicidal ideation. Gaming-betting hybrids are the fourth pillar.

India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 is silent on child-protection provisions. Platforms must integrate mandatory ‘circuit breakers’ – cooling-off periods and spending caps on in-app purchases. These safeguards must apply not only to online platforms but also to downloadable games that can be played offline. India currently implements the ‘parental consent’ model under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, where parents ~ often under social or peer pressure ~ may end up consenting to their child’s use of virtually any app. Australia has shifted the responsibility to corporations through the innovative Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which mandates that social media platforms themselves block access for children under 16, with penalties of up to AUD 49.5 million for non-compliance. Legislation alone, however, cannot build resilient children ~ schools, families, and communities must act. The Economic Survey 2025-26 warned that digital addiction is eroding academic performance, recommending basic phones and education-only tablets. UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report urges countries to separate distracting “smart technology” from “educational technology.” At least 79 countries now restrict smartphones in schools.

Many UK schools now recommend basic ‘dumbphones.’ China has implemented a ‘Minor Mode’ built into phone hardware, blocking internet access between 10 PM and 6 AM. Digital hygiene curriculum in schools from Class 5 onwards must teach children to protect privacy, and maintain healthy digital habits. Parents must also be trained with a focus on modelling the behaviour they want to see – if parents are always scrolling, children will be too. Cities can find inspiration in villages. ‘Digital Detox Siren’, popularized by villages like Mohityanche Vadgaon, uses a daily community-wide siren at 7 p.m. to mandate a 90-minute interval when children switch off mobiles and televisions to prioritize family bonding and study. Finally, digital addiction must be recognized as a public-health challenge.

NIMHANS, Bengaluru runs ‘Service for Healthy Use of Technology’ (SHUT) Clinic for technology addiction; AIIMS, New Delhi has established ‘Center for Advanced Research and Advocacy in Behavioral Addiction’ (CAR-AB) programme for early detection of behavioral dependencies in children; and the national Tele-MANAS helpline (14416) provides mental-health counseling. These efforts must be scaled into district-level digital de-addiction centers in every district, along with an exclusive national digital-safety helpline for families. This is a battle between families and multimillion-dollar digital platforms. Parents cannot fight it alone; the nation now looks to Parliament to act.

(The writer is a transparency and equality advocate and founder member, 51ABI Foundation)

Dissent over candidate selection erupted within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal on Friday, as party workers staged protests outside the state headquarters in Salt Lake against the nomination of Partha Choudhury from Beliaghata Assembly constituency.

A section of BJP workers gathered outside the party office, raising slogans and staging a sit-in demonstration, alleging that the chosen candidate did not reflect their preferences. The protest intensified soon after the announcement of the party’s candidate list, with disgruntled workers voicing their dissatisfaction openly. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya and party leader Locket Chatterjee stepped out of the office to engage with the agitating workers and attempted to pacify them.

However, protesters continued to vent their anger in front of the leaders, demanding a change of candidate. Bhattacharya maintained that the party’s decision on nominations is final. Downplaying the unrest, Chatterjee said internal differences were not unusual. “We are a family. Differences of opinion may exist, but the issues will be resolved,” she said. Among the protesters was Biswajit Sarkar, brother of Abhijit Sarkar, who was killed in alleged post-poll violence in 2021. He questioned the choice of candidate, claiming it could weaken the party’s fight against the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC). Similar scenes were reported from Malda’s Baishnabnagar, where BJP workers burnt tyres and demonstrated against the candidature of Raju Karmakar, branding him an “outsider” and rejecting his nomination.

Protests also erupted at the Hooghly BJP district office. The workers were demanding a change in the party’s candidate for the Balagarh constituency. Inside the office, the workers hurled chairs and then sat down on the floor to protest.

The BJP has nominated Sumana Sarkar as its candidate for Balagarh.

Sumana Sarkar previously served as the Vice-President of the Hooghly zilla parishad representing the Trinamul Congress.

The BJP workers alleged, over the past few years, she was not seen actively participating in party activities in Balagarh, yet was selected as the candidate.

The unrest was not confined to the BJP alone. The ruling Trinamul Congress is also facing resistance over candidate selection. In Basirhat North, party workers have opposed the candidature of Tausifur Rahman, demanding the nomination of local leader Abu Taher Mohammad Abdullah, also known as Roni. Posters rejecting an “outsider candidate” have surfaced in the constituency.

With the Assembly election scheduled next month in West Bengal, there are some constituencies that might play a decisive role in shaping up the state’s leadership for the next five years.

Bhabanipur, the South Kolkata constituency tops the list as West Bengal Chief Minister is not only contesting from this seat but belongs to this constituency also.

Considered as the den for the Trinamul Congress, Banerjee earlier won two bypolls as well as a full-term Assembly election, but the contest has become more intriguing with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari entering the fray.

However, the recent electoral roll revisions and voter deletions have introduced an element of uncertainty, potentially making the contest more competitive than in previous elections.

Nandigram, a rural constituency in East Midnapore district which played a pivotal role in the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement and overthrowing the Left Front government, saw a high-profile clash in 2021 when BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Banerjee.

This year, however, Adhikari is contesting on a second seat in Nandigram along with Bhawanipore. In Nandigram, he is pitted against his ex-aide, Pabitra Kar.

In North 24-Parganas, Sandeshkhali remains a sensitive seat, with issues surrounding women’s safety and past controversies continuing to resonate in political campaigns.

Similarly, Bhangar stands out as a rare constituency where the TMC faces a strong challenge from the Indian Secular Front (ISF), led by Nawsad Siddique, making it a crucial test for the ruling party.

In 2021, despite the Trinamul Congress securing a sweeping victory across the state, it failed to win Bhangar, which was captured by Siddique, and it now remains to be seen whether the party can reclaim the seat.

Urban seats like Kolkata Port and Baruipur Paschim continue to be important for their demographic diversity and shifting opposition dynamics, while Asansol Dakshin reflects political trends in the industrial belt.

Considered a key urban constituency, Kolkata Port, located along the Hooghly river, has a dense population and a sizeable minority electorate. Represented by TMC’s Firhad Hakim since his comfortable 2021 win, the seat remains a party stronghold despite persistent opposition efforts.

Represented by Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee since 2011, Baruipur Paschim has remained a TMC bastion. However, shifting trends indicate a rising challenge from the BJP and CPI-M, with the BJP securing nearly 28 per cent votes in 2021 amid a gradually expanding opposition base.

Another key urban constituency, Ballygunge, is set to witness a closely watched contest, shaped by its socially diverse electorate and recent shifts within the Trinamul Congress (TMC).

The ruling party has fielded veteran leader Sovondeb Chattopadhyay, who is aiming for a remarkable 10th consecutive electoral victory. Chattopadhyay will take on a comparatively new BJP candidate Satarupa.

Two constituencies voting in the early phase ~ Kharagpur Sadar and Tamluk ~ are also drawing considerable attention for distinct reasons.

Kharagpur Sadar is significant due to its history of political swings between the BJP and TMC.

Once regarded as a saffron stronghold under former MP Dilip Ghosh, the seat has witnessed closely fought contests in recent elections.

However, this time, Ghosh who is contesting from his Kharagpur Sadar seat replacing sitting BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee, will give BJP a subtle advantage in this East Midnapore seat.

Tamluk, on the other hand, is politically sensitive due to the influence of the powerful Adhikari family, which has played a major role in shaping politics in East Midnapore.

As a result, Tamluk is expected to witness an intense contest, with its outcome carrying symbolic and strategic importance for both sides.

Meanwhile, the border constituency Gaighata remains significant due to the influence of the Matua community, with citizenship and refugee-related issues likely to shape voting patterns, while Samserganj has gained prominence following recent unrest, adding to political tensions in a minority-dominated district.

In North Bengal, Dinhata continues to be a key battleground between the TMC and BJP, marked by a sizable Scheduled Tribe electorate and a history of closely fought contests.

As the electoral battle unfolds, these constituencies together reflect the diverse political, social and regional dynamics of West Bengal, and their outcomes could collectively determine the direction of the state’s next government.

As election season begins in the hills, politics in north Bengal is heating up. New candidates are being introduced, some old leaders have been sidelined, and tensions are rising across the Darjeeling hills and nearby plains.

The announcement of fresh faces has created both excitement and resentment among party workers and supporters.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Bharat Chetri, a former Indian hockey captain, Olympian and Dhyan Chand Award recipient, from the Kalimpong Assembly constituency. He will take on sitting MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha, who is contesting on a Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) ticket. The BJP is aiming to capture Kalimpong while retaining Darjeeling and Kurseong.

In a significant move, the party has dropped sitting MLA Neeraj Zimba, a two-time winner from Darjeeling who had originally been elected on a BJP ticket belonging to Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF). The BJP has instead nominated Noman Rai, considered close to Bimal Gurung of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJMM). From Kurseong, the party has fielded social activist and BJP leader Sonam Lama.

Zimba aimed to contest for a third consecutive term to complete a record hat-trick, party sources said.

The announcement of new faces has triggered strong reactions within the party’s hill unit. Several senior leaders expressed shock, with former district president Manoj Dewan issuing a 48-hour ultimatum demanding reconsideration and threatening mass resignation. However, a Kalimpong-based political observer, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the backlash as “temporary emotional outburst,” predicting that most workers would eventually rally behind the candidates. “People of Kalimpong remain neutral for now and will deliver their verdict on polling day,” the observer said.

Political analysts believe Darjeeling MP Raju Bista will play a crucial role in reconciling dissent and consolidating support for the party in the hills.

Meanwhile, BGPM chief Anit Thapa ~ also the Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration ~ has launched an aggressive campaign centred on regional identity, accusing the BJP of failing to address the core issues of the hills. He announced that BGPM candidates Lepcha (Kalimpong) and Amar Lama (Kurseong) will file nominations on 31 March, while Bijay Kumar Rai (Darjeeling) will do so on 1 April.

Signs of internal unrest are not confined to the hills. In Malbazar of Jalpaiguri district, BJP workers vandalised their party office to protest the nomination of Sukra Munda, who had begun his political career as an MLA on a All India Trinamul Congress ticket.

In Malda’s Baishnabnagar constituency, another group of workers protested against the selection of Raju Karmakar, branding him an outsider. The constituency had slipped from the BJP’s grasp in 2021 amid internal discord, though the party won four of the district’s 12 seats that year.

Amid the heated political climate, voters in Siliguri and Jalpaiguri witnessed an unusual moment of civility on Thursday. Ranjan Seal Sharma, the Trinamul Congress candidate for Dabgram-Fulbari, visited the residence of sitting BJP MLA Shikha Chatterjee—his rival in the constituency—and sought her blessings, addressing her as “Maa.” Chatterjee responded warmly, wishing him well as her “son.” The two had earlier shared cordial ties when both were in the Trinamul Congress.

Sources said Sharma had allegedly supported Chatterjee indirectly when she contested against heavyweight TMC leader and then tourism minister Goutam Deb. This time, Deb himself is contesting from the Siliguri Assembly constituency, while the party has strategically fielded Sharma against Chatterjee.

Sharma’s campaign, however, has faced awkward moments, including pointed questions over alleged links to land scams and criminals. In one incident, he was even chased by a stray cow while canvassing in a marketplace ~ an episode that quickly became a talking point locally.

In Siliguri, campaigning by major contenders has gathered momentum. Sitting BJP MLA Sankar Ghosh joined morning walkers at dawn and played badminton with children, while Mayor Deb visited a gym, interacting with youth during his workout routine.

With emotions running high, alliances shifting, and campaigns blending drama with symbolism, North Bengal’s electoral theatre has clearly entered an intense opening act ~ one that promises many more twists before the final verdict.

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) on Friday expelled Swami Jyotirmayananda, popularly known as Utpal Maharaj, after he entered electoral politics as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Kaliaganj Assembly constituency in Uttar Dinajpur district.

The decision was conveyed through a letter issued by the Sangha’s general secretary, Swami Biswatmananda, following an emergency meeting of its governing body at the headquarters. The letter stated that the monk had “stepped into a political trap” and abandoned the ashram to join active politics, prompting immediate disciplinary action.

Reiterating its long-held position, the Sangha described itself as a strictly apolitical, socio-religious organisation, where monks, brahmacharis, and residents are prohibited from engaging in political activities or affiliating with any party. The communication warned that succumbing to political influence or inducement undermines the essence of monastic life and diverts it from renunciation to worldly pursuits. Citing the guiding principle of its founder ~ “Atmano mokshartham jagaddhitaya cha” (for one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world) ~ the Sangha emphasised that spiritual life demands detachment and discipline.

It cautioned members against being drawn into “material temptations” and indicated that stringent action would be taken in future against any such deviation. The development has triggered political debate in Kaliaganj, a constituency under the Raiganj Lok Sabha seat, where the BJP has replaced sitting MLA Soumen Roy with Utpal Maharaj as its nominee for the upcoming Assembly polls. The move has drawn criticism from opponents, including Trinamul Congress candidate Nitai Baisya, an academic, who expressed surprise at the monk’s entry into electoral politics. “I once held him in high regard. It is difficult to reconcile his spiritual standing with participation in political contests,” he remarked.

Kaliaganj has largely favoured the BJP in recent elections. Soumen Roy had won the seat in the last Assembly polls by a margin of around 21,000 votes. The Trinamul Congress has secured the constituency only once ~ in the 2019 by-election following the death of sitting MLA Pramath Nath Roy ~ when Tapan Deb Singha emerged victorious, before losing it again to the BJP two years later.

The Sangha’s decision is expected to add a new dimension to the electoral contest in the region.

As Iran navigates war and people are losing lives, a shadow of grief has fallen over Iranipara in Pandaveswar, West Burdwan, popularly known as ‘Little Iran’.

Residents have suspended this year’s Eid celebrations, even as the Muslim world prepares to mark the festival tomorrow.

“We are observing a 40-day mourning period and have suspended this year’s Eid celebrations,” said local resident Rustam Ali. The community comprises descendants of Iranians who fled political persecution over a century and a half ago and took refuge in India.

With repeated strikes hitting Iran’s skyline and reports of buildings and schools collapsing across different regions, the Iranian community in Pandaveswar remains on edge, closely following the developments on news channels and hoping for an end to the conflict.

More than a hundred Iranian families have lived in Pandaveswar for several decades, and the locality now has access to basic government amenities. During the holy month of Ramadan, residents are observing a 40-day mourning period following the death of their supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Black flags have been placed at street corners, and the usual festive spirit of Eid has been replaced by visible anxiety across all age groups.

“The state government has provided us with water, electricity, housing and other facilities here. We have no problems living here. But we cannot accept the way our country is being attacked. Iran is facing these attacks because it refused to submit to the United States,” said Amjad Ali, another resident.

Over time, many Iranian families came to India for trade and eventually settled here. They once travelled to what was then the world’s largest market to conduct business in Iranian food and other products. While some later returned to Iran, many embraced Indian culture and chose to remain permanently.

An elderly resident, Gholam Hossein Ali, said: “I have lived here since birth. Ayatollah Khamenei was our supreme religious leader. He was unjustly killed and became a martyr while trying to protect ordinary Iranians.”

“My grandfather, Syed Shiraz Alam Ali, settled here nearly a century ago, drawn by the prosperity of Bengal and the compassion of its people. We lived in tents near railway tracks and continued our trade,” added Ashiq Ali, regarded as a fatherly figure in the community.

Today, Iranian families are found in several parts of India, including Agra, Delhi and Murshidabad in West Bengal. In Pandaveswar, in West Burdwan district, around 350 people of Iranian origin are engaged in businesses such as selling spectacles and gemstones.

Although many left Iran decades ago, their emotional ties to their homeland remain strong. They continue to closely monitor the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The community regards Ayatollah Khamenei as its supreme religious guide. Following confirmation of his death, the entire locality entered a period of deep mourning, which still continues.

Women in the area are also deeply affected. While they acknowledge the advantages of living in West Bengal ~ earning livelihoods through door-to-door sales of handmade products ~ they say the attacks on their homeland have taken away any sense of joy.

This year, India once again witnessed a very brief spring, with winter transitioning almost directly into summer. The situation is unlikely to improve in the coming years, as climate change-induced shifts in weather patterns appear to be long-term. India, along with Southeast Asia and other tropical regions between the Equator and 20 degrees North and South, is warming rapidly, and the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible.

The impact is also evident in the crucial monsoon season – vital not only for groundwater, agriculture, and energy, but also for the overall well-being of the people and the country’s economy. Vibha Sharma of The Statesman spoke to Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet, to understand the present situation and what the future holds.

Q. This year again, summers seems to have followed winters almost directly, with hardly any spring. Why is this happening?

A: Yes, this year again, temperatures rose rapidly even before March. In the first week of March, temperatures reached 40-42 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Vidarbha . In Delhi, maximum temperatures were 5-7 degrees C above normal during the first 10 days of March. Over the past three to four years, we have consistently observed a rapid rise in temperatures during March. The transition from winter to summer has become very short, and the spring season is shrinking. Earlier, spring would last nearly two months, but now it is reduced to 10-20 days, or sometimes disappears altogether. By February, temperatures begin rising, often reaching the low to mid-30s degrees C in North India by the end of the month. The transition phase from winter to summer has become very abrupt. One major reason is the reduced frequency and intensity of western disturbances this year. Snowfall was low, and winter rainfall over northwest India was almost absent. As a result, conditions remained dry, with little soil moisture. This dryness, combined with solar radiation, led to a rapid rise in temperatures. These changes can also be attributed to climate change and global warming. Each year is becoming warmer than the previous one, with new temperature records being set regularly.

Q: Is this situation global, or specific to India?

A: We cannot say the situation is identical worldwide, but in India, it is certainly alarming. Temperatures are rising rapidly, and seasonal transitions are becoming more abrupt. In North America, temperatures are relatively stable, but in Europe and Canada, heatwaves have become more frequent and intense in recent years. Tropical regions, particularly those between the Equator and 20 degrees latitude, are warming faster, and climate change impacts are more visible there. Weather patterns in these regions are also changing significantly. Rainfall patterns, for example, have shifted. Earlier, rainfall was more continuous, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. Now, rainfall tends to occur in short, intense bursts rather than over extended periods. This increases the risk of cloudbursts, flooding, and other extreme weather events. At the same time, winters and spring seasons are shrinking, while summers are expanding and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Q : Why were there fewer western disturbances this season?

A: The frequency and intensity of western disturbances depend largely on the flow of the westerly jet stream. Sometimes, this jet stream shifts to higher latitudes, carrying disturbances towards regions like Tibet, China, and Russia instead of the western Himalayas. This year, higher latitudes received more rain and snowfall, while the western Himalayan region saw very limited activity. Normally, western disturbances begin affecting the region from November, but this year, November and December remained mostly dry, leading to drought-like conditions. The first significant snowfall occurred on January 23 in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, followed by another strong disturbance on January 27. After that, although disturbances occurred, their intensity remained weak. This led to reduced snowfall and minimal winter rainfall, which in turn caused higher temperatures across the northern plains and parts of central India. From mid-March, the intensity of western disturbances increased slightly, bringing some rain and thunderstorms to northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh. Overall, the primary reason for higher temperatures this year has been the lack of strong western disturbances, reduced snowfall, and almost no winter rain. As a result, heatwave-like conditions appeared as early as the first half of March, especially in Gujarat, south Rajasthan, and Vidarbha.

Q: IMD has predicted more heatwave days ahead. What is your view?

A: The IMD’s prediction of more heatwave days is correct; we, at Skymet, share a similar view. However, the remaining days of March may no t se e intense heatwaves, as pre-monsoon activities – such as thunderstorms, dust storms, and rainfall – have started earlier than usual. These activities typically begin in late March but have already commenced around mid-March this year. This may temporarily keep temperatures under control. However, during April and May, the situation will depend on the frequency of these pre-monsoon events. If such activity is frequent, it may provide intermittent relief from heatwaves. But if dry conditions persist for several consecutive days, heatwaves will intensify across large parts of the country. We also expect eastern India to experience more heatwave conditions this year. Additionally, with the possibility of El Niño conditions developing during the monsoon, there is a higher likelihood of below-normal rainfall, which could further intensify heatwaves during the pre-monsoon period.

Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming monsoon? What do SST trends – El Niño and La Niña – suggest?

A: The upcoming monsoon may not bring the same level of rainfall as seen in previous decades. Currently, La Niña conditions are weakening, and we are transitioning toward El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral conditions, which may persist until June or July. After that, there is a possibility of El Niño developing during August or September. Historically, an evolving El Niño tends to be more disruptive than the one already established in a season. In nearly 60 per cent of such cases, rainfall tends to be below normal. This means the second half of the monsoon season could be adversely affected, increasing the likelihood of an overall below-normal monsoon.

Q : Many cities a real so experiencing stronger urban heat island effects. Why is that happening ? Is it due t o urbanisation?

A: Urbanisation plays a significant role. Most metro cities, especially Delhi-NCR regions such as Faridabad, Gurugram, and Noida, are experiencing strong urban heat island effects. Rapid construction of high-rise buildings has led to a reduction in green cover. Forests and vegetation are being replaced by concrete structures. Unlike vegetation, concrete surfaces absorb and retain heat, leading to higher temperatures. In addition, higher population density in urban areas increases energy consumption, especially due to air conditioning and vehicular traffic. This leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions, further contributing to warming. Overall, urbanisation not only increases local temperatures but also contributes to broader climate change.

Q : Are current heat wave definitions and warning systems adequate?

A: At present, heatwave definitions and warning systems are adequate. A heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 deg C and is 4.5 deg C above normal. If the deviation exceeds 6.5 deg C, it is classified as a severe heatwave. Independently, if temperatures reach 45 deg C, a heatwave is declared regardless of deviation, and at 47 deg C, it is classified as a severe heatwave. These definitions remain effective for now, though they may need reassessment in the future as climate patterns continue to evolve.

Q: What would you advise farmers?

A: Be aware of the fact that rainfall patterns have changed significantly since the 1980s and 1990s. Today, the same amount of rainfall often occurs over shorter durations, increasing the risk of floods and cloudbursts while also reducing effective water retention. Farmers need to adapt by adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving water management, and diversifying crops. Rather, people in general need to be aware and alert of the changing weather patterns

The office of United News of India (UNI), one of the country’s oldest news agencies, was allegedly “forcefully” sealed at Rafi Marg in the national capital on Friday evening, triggering sharp reactions from employees who termed the move an “attack on press freedom.”

According to staff members, personnel from Delhi Police carried out the sealing operation citing an order of the Delhi High Court. Employees alleged that the action was abrupt and that several staffers were evicted without being allowed to collect their personal belongings.

The incident has raised serious concerns over press freedom, with UNI employees claiming that the manner in which the operation was conducted was coercive. Some staff members further alleged that female journalists were manhandled during the process.

Employees also claimed that they were not given adequate time to respond or coordinate with the management, which they said was left outside the premises during the sealing exercise.

Allegations were also made that some personnel involved in the operation behaved inappropriately, including claims of abuse and misconduct.

The police action followed the dismissal of a petition by the Delhi High Court filed by UNI challenging the cancellation of its land allotment.

The matter relates to an order issued by the Land and Development Office under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which had directed the news agency to vacate the premises after cancellation of the allotment.

The development has sparked outrage among employees and raised broader questions about the functioning and protection of independent media institutions in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a “fruitful discussion” with Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as the two leaders exchanged Eid greetings and reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, with a focus on regional security and global supply chains.

In a post on the social media platform X, Modi said he conveyed “warm greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to him and the people of Bahrain,” underlining the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said the discussions also covered the “current situation in the West Asian region,” particularly recent attacks on critical infrastructure.

“We condemned attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure in the region, underscoring their adverse impact on global food, fuel and fertiliser security,” he said.

The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened tensions in parts of West Asia, which have raised global concerns over potential disruptions to key supply chains, including energy shipments and essential commodities.

India, heavily dependent on imports of crude oil and fertilisers, has consistently stressed the importance of stability in the region for its economic and strategic interests.

Modi also highlighted the need to protect vital maritime routes, reiterating “the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lanes open and secure.”

The issue has gained prominence amid rising risks to international shipping corridors due to ongoing geopolitical instability.

India and Bahrain maintain close economic and people-to-people ties, supported by a large Indian diaspora in the Gulf nation. Acknowledging this, Modi thanked the Bahraini leadership, saying he “appreciated His Majesty’s continued support for the well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain.”

The exchange reflects sustained high-level engagement between India and Gulf nations, as New Delhi continues to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security while prioritising the welfare of its citizens abroad.

Shama Mohammed, spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, on Friday expressed dissatisfaction over the low representation of women in the party’s candidate list for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala.

Taking to the social media platform X, she urged Rahul Gandhi to intervene and address the issue. Highlighting the gender disparity, she pointed out that out of 92 seats being contested by the Congress, only nine tickets have been allotted to women candidates.

She also referred to the party’s performance during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, noting that only one woman candidate was fielded out of 16 seats contested in Kerala.

In her post, she wrote: “Denied but not defeated. I respectfully urge my leader Rahul Gandhi ji… to help the Congress women of Kerala. Out of the 92 tickets, only 9 tickets were given to women… Very, very sad.”

Shama Mohammed’s remarks came a day after the Congress finalised its candidates for the Assembly polls. Senior party leader and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan had on Thursday said that the party had completed the selection process for all 95 seats it is contesting in the state.

The development has once again brought the issue of women’s representation in electoral politics into focus, particularly within major political parties.

US President Donald Trump on Friday launched a scathing attack on NATO allies, calling them “cowards” over their refusal to join American efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz shipping route amid the war with Iran.

In a social media post on his Truth Social, Trump said that the Western security alliance is “a paper tiger” without the United States.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump said on Truth Social.

He said that NATO allies didn’t want to join the fight to stop a “nuclear-powered Iran”, adding that the US will “remember”.

He asserted that the US has “militarily won” and that there was very little danger for them now.

“Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk,” he said.

“COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” the US President added.

His remarks came after NATO allies refused to join the Iran war. Some European countries have reportedly said that they may be able to join the US mission in the Hormuz only after a ceasefire is announced.

Following the US and Israeli attacks, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz shipping route. The country is allowing only a handful of ships to sail through the Strait.

The blockade has resulted in a major global energy crisis, with crude and gas prices skyrocketing to record levels since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

At a time when global tensions, especially in regions like the Strait of Hormuz, often trigger concerns over cooking gas supply and rising LPG prices, one household in Kerala remains unaffected.

Meet Ratnamma from Arattuvazhi in Alappuzha, whose kitchen has been running for over a decade on an unusual and entirely local energy source: natural gas emerging from a borewell in her backyard.

The story dates back to 2011, when Ratnamma’s family drilled a borewell in search of clean drinking water. Even after digging up to 75 feet, they found only muddy water and eventually abandoned the effort due to rising costs. However, an unexpected twist followed.

While a plumber attempted to seal the borewell, a bystander lit a matchstick nearby—sparking a sudden flame at the mouth of the well. What initially caused panic soon turned into curiosity, as the family realised the presence of flammable gas.

Rather than letting the discovery go to waste, Ratnamma explored whether the gas could be harnessed for cooking. With the plumber’s help, a pipe was connected from the borewell to the kitchen stove.

The experiment worked. The first item prepared was a simple cup of black coffee—without any unusual smell or taste.

Despite the success, initial fears lingered. Her husband, Rameshan, worried about safety and even kept buckets of water ready through sleepless nights, fearing a possible accident. But as days turned into months and years, confidence replaced fear.

For more than a decade now, Ratnamma has been cooking all her meals using this unconventional fuel source—without relying on LPG cylinders.

Interestingly, similar cases have now been reported from parts of Alappuzha, including Arattuvazhi and Kalapura ward, where failed borewells have been found to emit methane-rich natural gas.

Residents using this “borewell gas” claim it is a sustainable and cost-free alternative, helping households save up to ₹10,000 annually on cooking fuel.

The phenomenon highlights how accidental discoveries, when combined with local ingenuity, can offer practical and eco-friendly energy solutions.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday held that a wife’s alleged failure to perform household chores such as cooking or managing domestic work cannot, by itself, amount to cruelty in matrimonial disputes.

Emphasising evolving social norms, the Court observed that marriage is a partnership of equals and not a relationship of servitude. It underlined that a husband is equally expected to contribute to day-to-day household responsibilities.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that expectations rooted in traditional gender roles cannot form a valid ground for divorce.

In contemporary society, both spouses are expected to share responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, and other domestic tasks.

The Court stressed that a spouse cannot be treated as a domestic help and that marital relationships must be founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared duties. “You’re not marrying a maid, you’re marrying a life partner,” the Bench remarked.

The observations came during the hearing of a plea filed by a husband seeking divorce on the ground of cruelty. One of his primary allegations was that his wife did not adequately perform household duties.

The couple, married in 2017 and parents to a young child, have levelled counter-allegations against each other.

The husband, a government school teacher, claimed that his wife’s behaviour became hostile after marriage including alleged use of inappropriate language, refusal to undertake domestic responsibilities, and exclusion from certain family occasions after the birth of their child.

The wife, a lecturer, denied the allegations, stating that she had moved to her parental home around childbirth with the consent of her husband and his family.

She further alleged that they did not participate in post-birth ceremonies and made demands for money and gold, besides pressuring her to share her earnings.

While a Family Court had earlier granted divorce on grounds of cruelty, the High Court set aside the decree, holding that the allegations were insufficient.

The matter is now before the Supreme Court, which noted that mediation efforts have failed and directed both parties to appear in person on the next date of hearing.

The newsroom of United News of India (UNI) did not shut down on Friday; it was stormed, seized, and silenced. In a shocking show of force, hundreds of police personnel barged into the Rafi Marg office, dragging journalists out and treating one of India’s oldest news agencies like a crime scene.

No warning. No discussion. Just force.

Journalists and staff were pushed out within minutes. Many say they were treated like criminals, not media professionals.

In an unprecedented atrocity and attack on freedom of media in India, the Rafi Marg office of the nation’s oldest news agency, United News of India (UNI), was literally attacked by a police force that would put an anti-terror operation to shame. Employees were not given time to… pic.twitter.com/O1H18imaPs

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 20, 2026

“Like we were a terrorist organisation”

Sarika Sahni from UNI’s HR department strongly criticised the police action:

“In a very atrocious manner, the Delhi Police today barged into our office in numbers that were so overwhelming as if we are not a media and news agency, but a terrorist organisation. Our staff, including women journalists, were manhandled in a very shameful manner. The staff just wanted some time to vacate the premises, but it all fell on deaf ears as if they had some vendetta against our organisation. We respect the courts and the law of the land, but this kind of police action reeks of motivation and malicious intent.”

In an unprecedented atrocity and attack on freedom of media in India, the Rafi Marg office of the nation’s oldest news agency, United News of India (UNI), was literally attacked by a police force that would put an anti-terror operation to shame. Employees were not given time to… pic.twitter.com/DhxBuoecbu

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) March 20, 2026

300 personnel enter, no notice shown

According to staff accounts, around 300 police and paramilitary personnel, along with officials and lawyers, entered the UNI premises at 9 Rafi Marg.

Employees say the team claimed they were acting under a court order. But no written order was shown.

Instead, they were told to leave immediately.

Staff requested time to understand the situation and contact management. That request was ignored.

The sealing of the office of United News of India (UNI), one of the country’s oldest and most respected news agencies, has raised serious concerns over press freedom.

Staff members were forcibly evicted, with several not allowed to retrieve their personal belongings.

… pic.twitter.com/dzaLObs49O

— United News of India (@uniindianews) March 20, 2026

“We were thrown out in seconds”

Sabir Haque, UNI’s social media head, described what happened inside.

“The sealing of the office of United News of India (UNI), one of the country’s oldest and most respected news agencies, is a serious concern for press freedom. We were startled to see a large police force enter the newsroom and push us around. They said we needed to leave within seconds. We pleaded, saying we had no idea what was happening and that we would like to see our management and hear from them. However, we later came to know that the top management was barred from entering the premises. Out of the blue, we were roughed up; even women journalists were not spared. Many were thrown to the floor and bundled out. We were frogmarched out of the office even as all our belongings lay scattered here and there. For a long time, we were not even allowed to take our bikes and cars to go home. They threw me out of the office and onto the road.”

“Police forcibly evicted staff and sealed the office”

Manohar Ajeet of UNI Varta gave a detailed account of the incident, calling it an unprecedented moment in India’s media history:

“Police forcibly removed journalists and staff from the UNI headquarters and sealed the premises. In an unexpected development in the history of independent India’s media, the office of the prestigious news agency United News of India was vacated without any prior notice on Friday evening by deploying a large number of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel. The agency had been operating from 9 Rafi Marg for decades,” he said.

Suddenly, government officials entered the premises along with around 300 police and paramilitary personnel and some lawyers. They began pressuring employees to immediately vacate the newsroom, according to Ajeet.

“They said the action was being taken under a court order, but they did not show any written document. And, they warned that force would be used if employees did not leave,” he added.

When employees requested time and asked to wait for management or to see official notice, some staff, including women employees, were dragged and pushed out of their seats and removed from the newsroom. Abusive language was also used during this process.

“It is difficult to understand why such action was taken without notice and in the absence of senior management,” Ajeet questions.

Due to the sudden shutdown, news services of UNI in English, Hindi, and Urdu stopped immediately, affecting more than 500 subscribers. This has raised serious concerns about the future of the organisation and the livelihoods of hundreds of employees and their families.

Gates sealed, management locked out

As the operation continued, police took full control of the building entrance.

Journalists who were outside on assignments were not allowed to return. Senior management officials were also stopped from entering.

Inside, employees were being removed. Outside, leadership was kept away.

Staff say they were not given even a few minutes to collect their belongings. Laptops, bags, documents and personal items were left inside. Vehicles were also stuck for some time, leaving employees stranded.

Many walked out with nothing.

News services collapse instantly

The sudden sealing of the office stopped UNI’s news flow immediately.

The agency provides services in English, Hindi and Urdu to more than 500 subscribers. All of that came to a halt within minutes.

This has disrupted news distribution across multiple platforms.

The incident has sparked concern across media circles. Why was there no notice? Why was management kept out? Is this a Black Day for India’s press freedom?

Ajit Pawar-led NCP MLA Amol Mitkari on Friday said that it must be investigated whether arrested godman “Captain” Ashok Kharat or his associates allegedly performed black magic or Aghori rituals targeting late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A similar demand has also been raised by NCP spokesperson Sunil Mane.

“Look at these dates carefully—November 18, 19, and 20, 2025. These days coincided with Shivratri and Amavasya. During this period, a type of Aghori puja was allegedly performed on Bhigwan Road in the Sahyog Society area (residence of the late Ajit Pawar),” Mitkari said, adding that certain objects related to black magic were reportedly recovered from the area.

“It appears that such rituals were performed in this ashram at the behest of some devotees to gain political benefits. Ajit Pawar never believed in such practices. However, Ashok Kharat’s links to VSR Ventures have come to light, and I had even posted about it on X,” he added.

Mitkari further questioned the circumstances surrounding Pawar’s travel plans.

“Why did Ajit Pawar, who was scheduled to travel to Pune by car on January 27, decide to fly on the morning of January 28 in an aircraft operated by VSR Ventures? Who was the devotee of Ashok Kharat involved in this? If the call data records of Kharat and his associates from November 16 to January 31 are examined, the full picture will emerge regarding the alleged conspiracy and the motives behind these rituals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sunil Mane also urged the police to investigate Kharat for allegedly engaging in black magic targeting Pawar.

“We have received information that witchcraft and black magic rituals were performed outside Ajit Pawar’s residence at the behest of certain individuals. It is suspected that Ashok Kharat, who is an accused in a Nashik case, may be linked to this,” Mane told reporters.

“It can be said that Kharat allegedly practised such rituals at the behest of some political figures seeking power. Based on the information available so far, there appears to be some level of involvement. Therefore, the police should conduct a thorough investigation into the matter,” he added.