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Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Daneesh Majid: 'History has mostly been written by those in power'
What made you address this important piece of our history and the unjustifiably long gap in public discourse? How did you approach writing about that politically sensitive moment? An epiphany back in early 2020 propelled me into action. A little before Covid, a video interview I conducted with Arshad Pirzada crystallized something I had been thinking about when carrying out some Hyderabad-centric features for The Hindu Business Line's weekly magazine two years earlier. Pirzada is a former Gulf NRI whose family came from a priestly lineage and had ties to the bureaucratic Asaf Jahi establishment. Post-1948, they had to adjust to life as numerical minorities in a democratic landscape unlike the old feudal setup in which the ruling Muslim minority held sway. The then chief editor, Ayoob Ali Khan, chided both of us for not emphasizing this fall and rise aspect of Pirzada's journey, one which included him becoming an economic migrant to Saudi Arabia and paving the way for his family's economic revival. There are plenty of such stories in Hyderabad that have remained undocumented (not only because many elders are no longer with us) and diluted through generations. A lot of these accounts have not been brought to the fore through crisp, timely and accessible narratives in the vein of works by authors like Urvashi Butalia, Anam Zakaria, Aanchal Malhotra and yourself. As for my approach, I could not solely rely on oral accounts. Besides my own enormous bookshelf, I scoured various bookstores, accessed personal libraries and found some academic articles to recreate the eras and build worlds that the 11 different families featured in the book lived in. My editor Vikram Shah's nudges in the right direction were key to this. Hyderabad is a city of syncretism, but also of stark divides – linguistic, religious, and class-based. How did you navigate these complexities while telling its story? Some of these divides existed pre-1948. For instance, many people believe that the Mulki agitation which began surfacing in the early 1950s was the earliest harbinger of the Telangana-Andhra divide. One story an acquaintance told me was about his father, a participant in the anti-Nizam and eventually anti-Indian government struggle. When his father was hiding out among Andhra Telugu cadres and interacting with ordinary citizens during the late 1940s in Bapatla, Madras Presidency, some of them either wondered how he was able to articulately communicate in Telugu while many poked fun at his Telangana dialect outright. That too, despite the fact that the Andhra Jana Sangham, which helped foment revolt in Telangana brought the Telugu populations from Madras Presidency and Telangana together on the basis of language. He also spoke of how Andhraites monopolized decision-making out of a sense of organizational superiority. So rather than only looking at these divisions through post-colonial, contemporary lenses, finding and citing primary/secondary sources that mention previous iterations of these divisions helped in navigating those present-day discords. Please tell us about your most important sources, and share any stories that surprised you or changed your thinking. Two important ones which altered specific notions come to mind — both my own and commonly held ones. Dr Rafiuddin Farouqui's compilation of the Aurangabad (then a part of the Nizam state)-born Maulana Maududi's letters, in which he beseeches Qasim Razvi to negotiate the best terms of accession with the Indian government. It showed a more farsighted, accommodating side to someone that many, including my own great-grandfather, who served as a Director in the Religious Affairs Department of Princely Hyderabad, saw as a hardliner. Chukka Ramaiah, the now 98-year-old activist who participated in the early days of the Telangana Revolt not only abhorred the ruled Hindu vs. ruler Muslim angle of looking at the anti-Nizam struggle, but a cruder version of the Andhra versus Telangana binary too. He was all praise for a class of Andhraites who arrived in Hyderabad state during the early 1950s, not as monopolisers of the commercial and ruling dispensations. This group of egalitarian-minded teachers from Andhra uplifted Telangana Telugus who previously didn't have access to education, especially in their mother tongue. Our respective works (mine on the Sindhis) trace the afterlives of two distinct but parallel communities deeply affected by the reshaping of India after Partition. What does this say about how we remember the 'unwritten histories' of India – the ones lived not by governments, but by people? History has mostly been written by those in power. Today, various political figures have been rewriting history especially through their election rhetoric. Since 2018, state, municipal and national polls saw certain opposition factions referring to then Chief Minister KCR as the 'New Nizam.'. The 'Nizam culture' was also blamed entirely for the city's so-called inability to become a global IT hub. All this amounts to a constant rewriting of the past by the powers that be as they evoke the powers that were! But it is the ordinary citizenry of today, the majority of which doesn't have the time nor resources to (re)evaluate bygone eras, who gets polarized as a result. Cinema, social media reels and WhatsApp forwards, backed by a robust ecosystem don't help either. Yes, the Nizam possessed his shortcomings, and princely Hyderabad had a dark side to it. But this us-versus-them prism, with the Nizam and the Razakars being equated as the sole aggressors, has gained too much currency. I was told first and second-hand stories from Kayasthas and Telangana Hindus about Osman Ali Khan's personal generosity and his patronage of temples. A lot of Telugu and Urdu literature chronicles how religious Muslims took to the onset of leftism against a feudal set up spearheaded by their 'own.' Micro-histories that ask the 'big' questions about historical occurrences, in the 'small' places are the need of the hour. Food, tehzeeb, language, architecture – Hyderabad's cultural distinctiveness is legendary. Which elements do you think are still thriving, and which are slipping away? Shervanis as well as Rumi topis are still worn at weddings and various functions. The food, for the most part, is still around. The feudal mentality that makes things more hierarchical while also inducing inertia among Hyderabadis won't disappear anytime soon. That being said, to varying extents, these elements certainly haven't been immune to the onset of McDonaldization. The Dakhani dialect, which isn't in danger of being fully cannibalized by shuddh Hindi or khaalis Urdu yet, can still be heard widely. But the nastaleeq script in which one can read Dakhani and standard Urdu literary gems, is rapidly fading away. Signboards on streets as well as government offices and Urdu 'jashns/anjumans' that often take place are in no way indicative of any substantive revival. Unless the prose is translated, which to some is code for 'diluted,' so much literature risks becoming obscure or an exotic relic of the past. In the past three years, some of my favourite Old City bookstores have closed or aren't selling non-religious content. Did you find yourself having to leave certain things out – whether due to space, sensitivity, or complexity? Are there stories you wish you'd been able to tell more fully? Yes. Throughout my research and fieldwork, I learned of some interesting reasons regarding why some Hyderabadis did or didn't undertake life-altering migrations to the West, the Gulf, other Indian cities, certain parts of Telangana/AP, or even Pakistan. There are some intriguing anecdotes about why some Muslims decided to either stay in India or make the move to Pakistan. After 1948, even the apolitical, professional class of Hyderabad's Muslims, regardless of whether they had ties to the nobility, considered settling in Pakistan. Despite the 1965 War, which put spokes in the wheel of Indo-Pak travel, many left for Pakistan in the 1970s out of personal grievances. Including such sagas would have provided a more personal, interior context as to why people decided to leave their families and native soil. However, if an interviewee requests for the omission of any detail or anecdote, out of respect and sensitivity, I have to oblige. Who did you imagine as your ideal reader while writing this book – and what do you hope they will take away from it? My ideal reader was always someone who wants to look at how people remember tragic episodes alongside common, sometimes militantly mainstreamed interpretations. Irrespective of whether the reader approaches my first book as such, at the very least, I hope that they get to experience the flavour of Hyderabad through its 11 diverse families. After all, a city's cultural distinctiveness isn't only defined by its monuments, cuisine and languages, but also by those who call(ed) it home. Saaz Aggarwal is the author of Sindh — Stories from a Vanished Homeland.
News18
30-05-2025
- Business
- News18
India's Economy Set For Strong FY26 Growth With Push In Global Economic Standing
Last Updated: India's economy in Purchasing Power Parity terms now stands at $15 trillion—more than half the size of the United States economy India's economy is poised for robust growth in the financial year 2025–26, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projecting a real GDP expansion of 6.7 per cent. Backed by solid domestic demand, high capital expenditure, and improved agricultural prospects, the country continues to cement its position as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. According to a report published in The Hindu Business Line, the RBI's quarterly GDP growth forecasts for FY26 stand at 6.7 per cent for Q1, 7.0 per cent for Q2, and 6.5 per cent each for Q3 and Q4. The central bank attributes this optimism to strong Rabi crop output, healthy reservoir levels, and a continuing recovery in manufacturing and services. The inflation outlook is also improving. CPI inflation is projected to average 4.8 per cent in FY25, with a further decline to 4.2 per cent anticipated in FY26. This moderation is expected due to easing food prices and effective monetary policy actions, helping maintain consumer purchasing power and support macroeconomic stability. A key contributor to this positive outlook is the rebound in household financial savings, which had declined in previous years. A Business Standard report notes that these savings have started to improve, reflecting increased disposable incomes and more prudent financial behaviour among Indian households. This resurgence in savings is likely to support consumption-led growth and provide a buffer against future economic shocks. On the global stage, India's economic footprint continues to grow. As highlighted by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery, India's economy in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms now stands at $15 trillion—more than half the size of the United States economy. 'This is a remarkable indicator of the real economic weight India holds globally," Bery was quoted as saying. This confidence in India's growth trajectory was shared by Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran at the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) Annual Business Summit. Speaking to Mint, he emphasised that India's growth continues to be broad-based and supported by structural reforms and resilient macroeconomic fundamentals. Nageswaran advised Indian industry to be prepared to deal with a stronger currency in the coming years by becoming more competitive through productivity improvements. From rising household savings to growing global stature and strong FDI flows, India's economic momentum appears not only sustained but also accelerating. With supportive fiscal policies, robust agricultural performance, and growing investor interest, FY26 could mark another milestone in India's journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN News18. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
The Wire
06-05-2025
- The Wire
Several Indian Defence Websites Hacked, Pakistani Group Claims Responsibility: Report
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Security Several Indian Defence Websites Hacked, Pakistani Group Claims Responsibility: Report The Wire Staff 37 minutes ago The Indian Army said it took 'appropriate and necessary measures' to 'strengthen digital defence and safeguard against further intrusion attempts'. Representative image. Photo: Tumisu/Pixabay New Delhi: Several Indian defence websites were hacked into by a Pakistan-backed hacker group, as per a report by The Hindu Business Line. Among the websites hacked are those of the Indian Military Engineering Services and the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The Hindu Business Line quoted sources in the Indian Army as saying that the hackers gained access to sensitive data. In response the Indian Army took 'appropriate and necessary measures' to 'strengthen digital defence and safeguard against further intrusion attempts', the report said. A report by Hindustan Times said that a Pakistani hacker group that calls itself the 'Pakistan Cyber Force' took responsibility for hacking into the Indian defence websites. According to The Hindu and HT reports, the extent of the breach has not yet been officially confirmed by Indian authorities. As per the report by HT, the attackers claimed – through a post shared via the group's X account – to have accessed classified personnel data, including login credentials related to Indian defence personnel. The Mint reported that the hackers' X account claimed that it had gained access to 10 gigabytes of data of over 1,600 users of the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses website. However, the report quoted unnamed members of the 'senior management' of the institute as saying that its website was not hacked into. The Pakistani hacker group also allegedly attempted to 'deface' the official website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, a PSU company under the Ministry of Defence, by using the Pakistan flag and the Al Khalid tank, Hindustan Times quoted officials as saying. As per the report, the website has been taken offline for a 'thorough and deliberate audit', to assess the extent of potential damage caused. As per HT, this is the second cyber attack after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. It reported that earlier, hackers had tried unsuccessfully to breach into several Indian websites, targeting digital platforms linked to children, veterans, and welfare services. The hacker groups, calling themselves the 'Cyber Group HOAX1337' and 'National Cyber Crew' attempted to deface the websites of the Army Public Schools in Nagrota and Sunjuwan – both in Jammu and Kashmir – with content mocking victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Caught Between Borders and Broken Promises, Pakistani Woman's Journey Through J&K's Militant Rehab Policy Pahalgam Shows Why 'Over-Propaganda' Can Send a Leader Riding the Tiger 'We Will be the First to Die': Uri Residents Voice Fears as India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Of All the Responses Modi Can Come Up With to Pahalgam, Plunging India Into War is the Worst Standing By the Indus Water Treaty Is in India's Best Interests The PM Has Vowed To Make Pakistan Pay. But What About Those Who Foment Communal Hostility at Home? 'Firm and Decisive Action': Modi Reiterates Pahalgam Stand After Meeting With Angola President After Pahalgam, the Real Test of India's National Wisdom—Thwarting the Invitation to Civil War Why Putting Indus Waters Treaty 'in Abeyance' Has Been Counterproductive For India View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
India.com
05-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to spin off this division from Reliance Retail, it will become separate…
Reliance Consumer Products is the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) arm of Reliance Retail which has achieved growth in a short span of time. The company is now considering spinning it off into a separate entity, according to The Hindu Business Line report. It was launched in 2022 when Reliance Consumer Products was a big player in the FMCG sector. In its FY25 Q4 results, the company reported revenues of Rs 11,500 crore more than its other competitors. Over 60% of these revenues were generated by general trade and major contributions were from its in-house brands. Considering the possibility of rapid growth and strong performance, Reliance Group may spin off the business, according to media reports. Reliance Retail Q4 Results In the March quarter, Reliance Retail saw over 2.4 times growth in terms of the number of orders, which is a significant scale-up, said its CFO Dinesh Taluja during the earnings call earlier this week. 'And we are seeing very strong traction with a 2.4x quarter-over-quarter growth in daily exit orders. And this number will scale up substantially in the coming year as well. We are also starting to proactively market this proposition, our proposition of no hidden charges, quick delivery, and no delivery fees continues to resonate very well with the customers,' said Taluja. Reliance covers hyper-local deliveries, a sub-30-minute delivery, at 4,000 pin codes across the country through its network of existing stores, which has a much wider reach than any other quick commerce player in the country. Through its JioMart app, Reliance Retail is offering quick and scheduled deliveries, which currently has three types of services. There is an under-30-minute quick service, and second is a scheduled delivery, where the assortment is much wider, and then there is a subscription service, where a customer can subscribe and everyday goods are delivered at doorsteps early morning. 'All three are picking up very well. The average daily orders were up 62 per cent on a Y-o-Y basis,' he said, adding, 'Specifically, our under 30-minute offering, which has the widest network reach. We have almost 2,000-plus stores which are on the network, covering more than 4,000 plus pin codes. So this is much wider reach than any other quick commerce player. We have kind of re-pivoted our model completely to under 30 minutes delivery. 'There are some dark pockets where we will set up dark stores also, wherever there is a genuine requirement, there is enough volume and we cannot service it within 30 minutes, we may set up some dark stores as well. So that is on the quick commerce side of it. 'Our stores, purely on a standalone basis, are seeing double-digit like for like growth for last several quarters. So stores are also growing pretty rapidly. We are not seeing that impact either in metro or in any other city,' he said. Similarly, for its online fashion business Ajio, Reliance Retail has launched same-day and next-day delivery across 26 cities. 'So, we are increasing the speed at which we are able to deliver the products,' he said. (With Inputs From PTI)
Mint
22-04-2025
- Business
- Mint
India halts ₹5,000-crore cross-border rail projects amid Bangladesh unrest; new routes via Nepal, Bhutan eyed: Report
Citing political unrest in Bangladesh and safety concerns for workers, India has halted a series of cross-border railway projects aimed at linking the seven northeastern states with the mainland via the neighbouring nation, a media report said. Nearly ₹ 5,000 crore worth of project funding and construction activities have been suspended, halting at least three active projects and survey work on five others, reported The Hindu Business Line. The railway projects were crucial for linking northeastern states through Bangladesh's railway network and were aimed at easing dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, which links the region to mainland India. The stalled railway projects are Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link and Khulabura-Sahabajpur rail line laying; Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line; and the Dhaka–Tongi–Joydebpur rail expansion project. The Akhaura–Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link project was going on with India's assistance of nearly ₹ 400 crore extended to Bangladesh. It is 12.24 km long, with a 6.78 km dual-gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura. The Khulabura-Sahabajpur rail line, part of the Akhaura–Agartala project, was intended to improve connectivity to Assam. The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line project, being developed under the concessional Line of Credit with a total project cost of $388.92 million ( ₹ 3,300 crore), entails the construction of approximately 65 km of broad-gauge rail route between Bangladesh's Mongla Port and the existing rail network in Khulna. The Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur railway expansion project, due for completion in June 2027, has seen delayed execution of less than 50 per cent till last year, the Business Line report said. New Delhi is exploring alternative routes through Bhutan and Nepal to bolster rail infrastructure in North India. ' ₹ 3500 – 4000 crore connectivity plan through Bhutan and Nepal is being explored, but construction work on the Indian sides is going on as planned,' the report said, citing sources.
