In a landmark moment for Indian literature, Heart Lamp, a collection of short stories by 77-year-old Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, has clinched the 2025 International Booker Prize. The New York Times reports that this is the first time a short story collection has received the prestigious award. Set in the Indian state of Karnataka, the book delves into themes of resilience and the enduring grip of patriarchy. Mushtaq, in an interview, emphasized how her work reflects the ways in which women are subjected to the harsh expectations of religion, society, and politics—often forced into submission and stripped of agency.
Elsewhere, tensions in South Asia have brought China’s military hardware into the international spotlight. Amid the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Chinese-made fighter jets and air-to-air missiles were reportedly used with notable success, according to an NYT analysis. This has stirred a surge of national pride in China and reignited comparisons between Chinese and Western military technology. Despite not having fought a war in over four decades, the Chinese military has been undergoing significant modernization under President Xi Jinping. With defence budgets expanding even amid slowing economic growth, China has also become the fourth-largest arms exporter in the world. Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the state-affiliated Global Times, described the latest developments as the “most convincing appearance” of Chinese weapons on the global stage.
Back in India, the burgeoning stand-up comedy scene is navigating increasingly turbulent waters. Writing in the Financial Times, Veena Venugopal highlights the growing risks faced by comedians in what she describes as “the republic of hurt feelings.” High-profile performers, such as Kunal Kamra, have become frequent targets of complaints and legal scrutiny. With political material becoming especially risky, comedians are growing more cautious. “There is no ambiguity now,” a comic told the FT. “Earlier, we could test jokes and gauge reactions. Now we all know—if something goes wrong, it can spiral out of control.”
In a cultural deep dive, The Washington Post’s WorldView newsletter features historian William Dalrymple discussing his new book, The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World. The book sheds light on India’s pivotal role along the Silk Road and its impact on global culture and politics. Dalrymple argues that despite a wealth of academic research in India, much of it remains compartmentalized and under-recognized internationally. “There’s a vast pool of Indian knowledge and intellectual tradition that the West remains largely unaware of,” he told columnist Ishaan Tharoor.
Together, these stories highlight the global intersections of culture, power, and identity—showcasing both challenges and triumphs from the subcontinent to the world stage.
