art and migration

A non-binary transgender Indian national, Q Manivannan, has been elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) on a student visa. This historic win marks the first time a foreign citizen without permanent residency has held such a position. Manivannan's election has drawn controversy, with debates arising over their immigration status and political stance.

Archaeologists have uncovered 260 ancient circular burial sites in Sudan's Atbai Desert, dating back to 4000-3000 BCE. These "enclosure burials" contain human and animal remains, suggesting a nomadic culture with emerging social hierarchy and high regard for cattle. The discovery offers a new perspective on Saharan prehistory and its connection to early Egyptian kingdoms.

Curated by Italian Cultural Institute director Andrea Anastasio, the exhibition will travel, following its Venice presentation, to the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia in Rome, the MAO – Museo d’Arte Orientale in Turin, and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in New Delhi.

A version of the British Parliament has been around since 1265 in one form or another, and has survived murderous kings, civil and world wars, lord protectors, skirmishes that inspired the Game of Thrones Red Wedding, and one lettuce that briefly became a constitutional actor. It has seen its fair share of entertaining characters.

But Vivek’s rise, if things go according to plan he might become the third Indian-origin governor of an American state after Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley, is not just a litmus test of an Indian-American’s success story in US politics. It is a test of how far the MAGA tent will accommodate a brown non-Christian man and also how far an Indian-American can go in Trump’s America.

In the vibrant tapestry of Mithila, the festive spirit of Madhu Shrawani once echoed the joys of community and nature. However, as modernization sweeps through the region and migration pulls families apart, these treasured rituals are quietly disappearing. Today, young individuals find themselves increasingly distanced from these ancestral customs.

US immigration routes for skilled Indian professionals are facing unprecedented uncertainty. Elite visa categories, including EB-1 and EB-2 NIW, have seen rejection rates nearly double and more than triple respectively. Even temporary visas like O-1 and L-1 are experiencing increased denials, signaling a significant tightening of pathways for top talent.

Vipul Shah breathes new life into vintage textiles within a 17th-century Udaipur haveli, transforming his family's Ahmedabad-based Ganesh Emporium. He masterfully reinterprets heirloom fabrics into contemporary designs, most notably the iconic Banjara Clutch, preserving craft and supporting a vast network of artisans.

Discover hidden heritage beyond Delhi, from Agra's quieter corners to Haryana's ancient sites, offering story-driven experiences and vital conservation efforts.

A new exhibition, 'Wild Grass,' at Eikowa Contemporary explores the dynamic transformation of rural India, moving beyond simplistic views of nostalgia or neglect. Featuring artists like Bhuri Bai and Hiren Patel, the show highlights how villages are adapting to digitalization, climate change, and migration through diverse artistic mediums. It presents rural life as a site of constant negotiation and evolution.

Google is shutting down its Firebase Studio AI workspace on March 22, 2027, less than a year after its April 2025 launch. The company is consolidating its AI developer offerings, moving lessons learned into Google AI Studio and Google Antigravity. Core Firebase services remain unaffected, with a year-long transition period for users.