| Greetings from India! You're reading Meanwhile, Back Home, our daily newsletter specially curated for our overseas readers. While you were asleep, it was a whirlwind of a day here in India. We've got the top highlights lined up for you.
Dear reader, Let us begin this edition by exploring a wedding that has turned heads, raised eyebrows and sparked debate across the country. In the remote hills of Himachal’s Sirmaur district, an age-old tradition endures: polyandry, where a woman marries brothers. Known locally as Jodidara or Jajda, the practice once served a practical purpose: preserving land and family unity in rugged, resource-scarce terrain. While modernity has pushed it to the margins, the recent marriage of Sunita Chauhan to two brothers has brought it back into the national conversation. In this piece, I delve into the history, the lived reality, and the future of this fading custom.
💡Spotlight A friend in need Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a state visit to the Maldives, called India its “most trusted friend” and announced a $565 million credit line for key infrastructure and social projects. Speaking in Malé alongside President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi said, “Maldives is not just a neighbour, but a co-traveller.” The visit marked a boost in ties, with both nations launching Free Trade Agreement talks and signing seven key pacts. India also handed over housing units, community projects, and support vehicles. As Modi highlighted, “India is always the first responder,” reinforcing strong ties under the Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR strategies. Older and wiser After 21 years in politics, Rahul Gandhi reflected on past missteps, admitting he failed to protect OBC interests early in his career due to a lack of understanding. Speaking at the Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan, he said, “I worked hard on rights for Tribals, Dalits, women, and minorities, but I missed the mark on OBCs.” Calling it a personal mistake, not just a party failing, Rahul vowed to “work double” to correct it. He linked the Telangana caste survey to a political “tsunami,” predicting its ripple effect will shake national politics. “If I’d understood earlier, I’d have done the caste census then.” India bans 25 OTT platforms The Indian government has blocked 25 OTT platforms, including Ullu, ALTT, and Desiflix, for streaming obscene and pornographic content. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting issued the directive after repeated violations of IT Rules, 2021, and laws against indecent representation. Despite earlier advisories, several platforms continued uploading explicit material, often re-posting removed content. The ban, supported by legal bodies and child rights experts, aims to protect viewers from vulgar, contextless content.
☕ Spill the Expresso Himesh Reshammiya’s resurgence With sold-out concerts, cap-themed theatrics, and unapologetically nasal vocals, Himesh Reshammiya has staged a comeback that’s both bewildering and oddly heartwarming. It is a cultural moment powered by FOMO (fear of missing out), throwback fever, and our collective craving for something familiar (and a little cringe). In this story, Suanshu Khurana unpacks how the once-mocked hitmaker has become a Gen Z-approved live-show sensation. From Aashiq Banaya Aapne to “Lord Himesh,” the absurdity has never sounded more fun. Review Karan Johar’s Sarzameen attempts a patriotic-emotional blend but falters due to weak writing and execution. Prithviraj Sukumaran brings gravitas as Colonel Menon, with Kajol effectively mediating between a strict father and a troubled son. Ibrahim Ali Khan, spared solo lifting unlike in his debut Nadaaniyan, delivers a decent performance as a bullied boy-turned-mysterious man. While the premise, family fractured by loyalty and loss, had potential, the film remains disappointingly dull and forgettable. AI to Create More Millionaires Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, speaking on the All In podcast, claimed AI will produce more millionaires in five years than the internet did in two decades. Citing AI as the “greatest technology equaliser,” Huang said the barrier between ideas and execution has collapsed, anyone can now create with AI. He dismissed fears of job loss, instead stressing the need to rapidly create new roles.
🚨 Must Read EV@100 EV Chitnis, who turns 100 today, was a pioneering force in India’s space programme. A close associate of Vikram Sarabhai, Chitnis helped lay the foundations of ISRO and played a key role in selecting Thumba and Sriharikota as launch sites. An MIT alumnus, he famously declined a job there to return and serve India. He was also instrumental in identifying A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for NASA training. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1985, Chitnis later taught in Pune and continued contributing to science education. His legacy as a visionary and nation-builder remains deeply embedded in India's space and scientific journey.
📚Book Nook Quiet cameos Between all the drama, song-and-dance, and big Bollywood emotions, some of the most powerful moments are the quietest. A book on a nightstand, one handed over during a conversation, or simply resting in the background: these literary cameos often say more than dialogue ever could. In this edition, Kaashvi Khubyani spotlights four blink-and-you’ll-miss-it book appearances that deepen a character’s journey. From Catch-22 in Tamasha to The Alchemist in Queen, these thoughtful nods to literature are like secret messages about heartbreak, identity, and hope—hidden in plain sight on the silver screen. Jim Corbett at 150 A century and a half after his birth, Jim Corbett’s jungle tales still roar with life. Though known as a hunter of man-eating tigers, it is Corbett’s sensitive, field-rooted writing that made him a legend. Man-Eaters of Kumaon and its successors reshaped how India, and the world, understood forests and their apex predators. His stories were not about the glory of the kill, but about fear-stricken villagers, wounded animals, and human-nature conflict. From hunter to conservationist, Corbett evolved, advocating photography over trophies and respect over conquest. That’s all for now. Until next time, Aishwarya Khosla
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