Latest Stories from Sahil
The rise of Instagrammable museums
In the age of social media and the pursuit of aesthetics it promotes, the way we engage with and appreciate art has undergone a radical transformation. Thanks to social media, the βinstagrammabilityβ of museums and galleries now plays a significant role in drawing in crowds. More and more, visitors are choosing to seek out visually striking exhibitions and instillations that will translate well online and make for captivating content. This has...
Female gig workers in India fight for recognition
Indiaβs first women-led gig workersβ union just orchestrated a nationwide digital strike on Diwali. The protest marked a significant milestone in the fight for labour rights across the country. The Gig and Platform Workers Union (GIPSWU) made history last week by organising Indiaβs first-ever digital strike across eleven major cities. Participants switched off their phones and refused to work on Diwali, which is traditionally one of the busiest...
Breaking down intersex variations in human biology
Recent studies indicate that intersex variations are as common as red hair, affecting approximately 1.7% of the global population. Public awareness about this facet of human biology remains limited however, highlighting the need for improved education and acceptance across the board. βIntersexβ is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of bodily differences, from variations in chromosomes and reproductive organs to atypical hormone levels and external genitalia. Specifically, it means...
India ranks lowest in Global Nature Conservation Index
The countryβs environmental protection efforts are being scrutinised after it ranked 176th. Indiaβs score of 45.5 out of 100 in this yearβs Global Nature Conservation Index positions it among the worst-performing countries in the world. The assessment, conducted by Ben-Gurion University and BioDB, looked at land management, biodiversity threats, governance capacity, and future trends. Indiaβs poor rating stems primarily from ineffective land management practices and escalating threats to its...
The silent crisis of obstetric violence in Indian hospitals
In maternity wards across India, a disturbing pattern of mistreatment and disrespect towards pregnant women has emerged. While government initiatives aim to promote hospital births, this raises questions about womenβs safety and the quality of care in these environments. Though relatively new to India, a silent crisis of obstetric violence has been garnering significant attention since 2010. It involves women being mistreated during childbirth, facing verbal...
Emergency contraception could be banned in India
Regulatory bodies are considering restricting access to over-the-counter morning after pills. This has sparked a debate about womenβs reproductive rights and public health priorities. Indiaβs Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is currently considering banning the sale of over-the-counter emergency contraception, particularly that which contains Levonorgestrel. Until now, morning after pills including Ipill and Unwanted 72 have been safely accessible without a prescription. The proposed restriction, which was initially...
The silent crisis plaguing Indiaβs prison system
In recent years, the health of political prisoners across India β from scholars to activists β has severely deteriorated in custody and some have even died as a result. This human rights issue reveals a systemic failure and demands immediate attention and reform.
The death of G.N. Saibaba, a 90 per cent physically disabled human rights defender, marks another tragic chapter in Indiaβs handling of political prisoners.
Saibaba, who
Why India needs feminism more than ever
The movement is addressing deeply rooted systemic issues countrywide β from workplace discrimination to social stigma β amid the continued fight for tangible gender equality. According to a recent analysis conducted by the Centre for Global Development (based in Washington DC), there exists widespread gender bias in Indian learning materials. The comprehensive study examined 526 textbooks, including 60 from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)...
Himalayan food systems are being threatened
People in the Himalayas are experiencing a silent crisis as climate change disrupts centuries-old food systems. A comprehensive 20-year review reveals how rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and changing agricultural patterns are pushing communities towards insecurity. In the vast expanse of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, a disturbing transformation is underway. Recent studies analysing data from 2000-2023 reveal that 80 per cent of research indicates significant reductions in staple...
Exclusive β Rohin Bhatt on navigating queer rights in India
We spoke to the Gen Z lawyer and author about their ground-breaking debut book, the complexities of Indiaβs LGBTQ+ movement, and why bridging law and activism is crucial. Rohin Bhattβs advocacy journey began at a pivotal moment in their life. As a young law student coming to terms with their own identity, they found themselves deeply affected by the landmark legal decisions shaping Indiaβs queer rights landscape. βI remember breaking down reading...
