Though the list of superstitious beliefs is long, often dissolving distinctions of class, caste, religion and education, Karnataka's anti-superstition bill is seen as a big step ahead.
The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has ordered a probe after a video of an occultist performing a ritual on an ICU patient went viral. The occultist, who identified himself as Mukesh Bhuva, claimed credit for the patient's treatment in the video. The hospital's medical superintendent, Dr Rakesh Joshi, urged people not to believe the occultist's claims and said the incident is being investigated. The hospital is reviewing CCTV footage to determine how the occultist entered the ICU. The incident has sparked outrage, with rationalist Jayant Pandya calling for immediate action against those responsible.
The strange practices that politicians adopt before they file their nomination papers
Take this quiz to see how prepared you are to filter the buzz around your bump and whether you can differentiate between fact and old wives' tale, science and superstition.
A nation that aspires to be a superpower and wants to join the ranks of global leaders in knowledge, science and technology should declare an all out war on ills like superstition and black magic at all levels, says Dinesh C Sharma.
The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.
Sukanya Verma celebrates the icon and his imagery in 23 super special Aamir Khan frames etched in her head.
How would you define superstition or blind faith?
His remark comes in the wake of Shiv Sena's Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad kicking up a row by announcing a Rs 11 lakh reward to anyone chopping off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tongue for his remarks on scrapping the reservation system.
The casting of Marathi theatre and screen actors gives Manvat Murders its stamp of authenticity, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Additional sessions judge A A Jadhav of the special court for cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is likely to pronounce the judgement on Friday, said special public prosecutor Prakash Suryawanshi.
Most rituals that we blindly follow today have a scientific and logical history to it.
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A day after the anti-superstition and black magic ordinance was passed by the Maharashtra cabinet, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan tells Neeta Kolhatkar in an exclusive interview that 'fundamentalists' behind the cold-blooded murder of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar will try to scuttle the Bill, but he will fight for it.
'It is our duty to keep space sustainable and free of debris.'
Arjun Menon looks at 2024's top Web series from South India.
We explain to you the science (and sometimes plain logic) behind some of the most popular superstitions.
State school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi assured that action will be taken against the speaker for his controversial speech at a government school in Chennai.
Abhishek Bachchan conveys the numerous chapters and challenges his mind, body and soul go through with a never-before candour, observes Sukanya Verma.
It looks like Stree 2 has been granted a bigger budget for VFX and sound, bringing with it a promise of more chills, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Don't miss the red-hot Campari Calendar for 2013, starring Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz!
Tiger-tattooed Aryna Sabalenka clawed her way back from injury and disappointment to hoist the US Open trophy at last.
Police have claimed that the probe into the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar is on the "right track". But no concrete clue to the broad daylight slaying seems to have emerged a month after the incident that jolted the progressive social movement in Maharashtra.
Dabholkar (67), an anti-superstition crusader, was shot dead while on a morning walk on Omkareshwar Bridge here on August 20, 2013.
Reason must triumph over blind faith, says Praful Bidwai in this tribute to murdered rationalist Narendra Dabholkar.
The Maharashtra government dillydallied for over seven years to pass the anti-superstition and black magic bill, and it took the murder of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar, who tirelessly pushed for the bill, to goad it into passing it through the ordinance route at its cabinet meeting on Wednesday as a tribute to him
The information and broadcasting ministry has issued a stern advisory to all TV channels against telecasting programmes promoting superstitions, occult practices and blind belief, warning that punitive action will be taken in case of any violations. The advisory comes in the wake of the civil society and many media critics expressing concern over a flood of such programmes of late -- especially on Hindi and regional language channels -- to garner TRPs.
Superstition of his parents that a dip in the Ganga could cure him of cancer cost a seven-year-old child his life in Haridwar on Wednesday, police said.
Since Kakuda is made for OTT, the film might find its audience of horror fans but it is not particularly scary, and not the least bit funny, observes Deepa Gahlot.
The investigating agencies could not expose the masterminds behind the murder of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar, and must introspect whether it was a mere failure or a 'deliberate inaction' due to the influence of any 'person in power', the trial court here said on Friday in its judgment.
The Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other evil and Aghori practices Act, which faced immense opposition for over seven years, was passed in the Maharashtra State Vidhan Sabha (lower house) on Friday.
Brinda examines some alarming aspects of religious fanaticism through the narrative engine of a well-oiled serial killer mystery, observes Arjun Menon.
If you are looking for a fluffy rom-com without much pravachan, Kushi is worth a watch, recommends Divya Nair.
Australian great Ian Chappell blamed the batters for wasting too much time in the middle in Test cricket.
Accused Sagar Barve is working in the data feeding and analytics section of a private firm, the official said.
A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and SVN Bhatti said the high court has passed a reasoned order while granting bail to the accused in the matter.
At least one commentator felt that both the BJP's reach and popularity had been underestimated in Kerala. They have shown systematic gain; one that seems personality-neutral and therefore institutionalised, explains Shyam G Menon.
Stories of friendship, former life and fights against the system dominate the OTT this week. Sukanya Verma lists her recommendations.
Disapproving the remarks made by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatan Dharma', Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut has said it is not right to attract the anger of the entire country and that no one agrees with his statement.
Amazon Prime Video has announced 69 assorted Web series and movies, and the slate sure looks interesting.
Shah also said that such murders have taken place in Pakistan too, mentioning the violent deaths of politician Salman Taseer and rights activist Sabeen Mehmood.
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