Latest news with #Fiction
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Police confiscate books in IIOJK raids
Police in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir raided bookshops on Thursday after authorities banned 25 books, including one by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, saying the titles "excite secessionism" in the disputed region. The raids came after the government accused the writers of propagating "false narratives" about IIOJK, "while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth" against the Indian state. "The operation targeted materials promoting secessionist ideologies or glorifying terrorism," police said in a social media statement. "Public cooperation is solicited to uphold peace and integrity," it said. Authorities also seized Islamic literature from bookshops and homes after a similar directive in February. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the ban "only exposes the insecurities and limited understanding of those behind such authoritarian actions". "Banning books by scholars and reputed historians will not erase historical facts and the repertoire of lived memories of people of Kashmir," Farooq said on social media platform X. The ban listed 25 books authorities said "have been identified that propagate false narrative and secessionism", including Roy's 2020 book of essays, "Azadi: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction". Roy, 63, is one of India's most famous living authors but her writing and activism, including her trenchant criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, have made her a polarising figure. Other books banned include titles by academics, including one of India's foremost constitutional experts A.G. Noorani, and Sumantra Bose, who teaches political science at the London School of Economics. Historian Siddiq Wahid said the edict contravenes the constitution, "which allows for the freedoms of speech and expression".
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India bans 25 books in IIOJK over 'secession' claims
Listen to article Police in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) raided bookshops on Thursday after authorities banned 25 books, including one by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, saying the titles "excite secessionism" in the contested Muslim-majority region. The raids came after the government accused the writers of propagating "false narratives" about Kashmir, "while playing a critical role in misguiding the youth" against the Indian state. "The operation targeted materials promoting secessionist ideologies or glorifying terrorism," police said in a social media statement. "Public cooperation is solicited to uphold peace and integrity," it said. Authorities also seized Islamic literature from bookshops and homes after a similar directive in February. The order banning the books was issued on Tuesday -- the six-year anniversary of New Delhi's imposition of direct rule -- although the ban took time to be brought to wider attention. Chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the ban "only exposes the insecurities and limited understanding of those behind such authoritarian actions". "Banning books by scholars and reputed historians will not erase historical facts and the repertoire of lived memories of people of Kashmir," Farooq said on social media platform X. Kashmir elected a new government in November, its first since it was brought under New Delhi's direct control, with voters backing opposition parties to lead its regional assembly. However, the local government has limited powers and the territory continues in practical terms to be governed by a New Delhi-appointed administrator. Read More: Indian Supreme Court to hear plea on restoration of IIOJK's special status The ban listed 25 books it said "have been identified that propagate false narrative and secessionism", including Roy's 2020 book of essays, "Azadi: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction". Roy, 63, is one of India's most famous living authors, but her writing and activism, including her trenchant criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, has made her a polarising figure at home. Other books banned include titles by academics, including one of India's foremost constitution experts A G Noorani, and Sumantra Bose, who teaches political science at the London School of Economics. Historian Siddiq Wahid said the edict contravenes the constitution, "which allows for the freedoms of speech and expression". "The list of banned books numbers several that are authored and published by individuals and institutions whose reputations depend on supplying evidence, logic and argument towards the conclusions they draw," Wahid told AFP. "Does that count for anything anymore?"
The Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
India bans 25 books in Kashmir over secessionism claims
SRINAGAR: Indian authorities in Kashmir have banned 25 books, including a work by Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, for allegedly promoting secessionism. The government order claims the books spread 'false narratives' and mislead Kashmiri youth while glorifying terrorism. This follows earlier actions in February when Islamic literature was seized from homes and bookshops. Kashmir remains a disputed region between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. Rebel groups have fought Indian rule since 1989, seeking independence or merger with Pakistan. The ban was issued on Tuesday, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of New Delhi's direct rule over Kashmir. Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the move, calling it a sign of insecurity. 'Banning books by scholars will not erase historical facts or Kashmiri memories,' Farooq said. Kashmir elected its first local government last November, but real power remains with New Delhi. The banned books include Roy's 2020 essay collection, 'Azadi: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction.' Roy is a prominent critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Other banned works include those by constitutional expert A.G. Noorani and scholar Sumantra Bose. Historian Siddiq Wahid argued the ban violates constitutional freedoms of speech. 'The banned books rely on evidence and logic—does that not matter anymore?' Wahid asked. – AFP
Irish Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Éilís Ní Dhuibhne is new Laureate for Irish Fiction
Éilís Ní Dhuibhne is to be the new Laureate for Irish Fiction 2025-2028, the Arts Council has announced. The Laureate for Irish Fiction is an Arts Council initiative to honour an established Irish writer of fiction, nurture a new generation of writers, promote Irish literature nationally and internationally and encourage the public to engage with high-quality Irish fiction. The laureateship was most recently held by Colm Tóibín , following Sebastian Barry and the inaugural laureate, Anne Enright . 'The Arts Council is very proud to award Éilís Ní Dhuibhne the honour of Laureate for Irish Fiction from 2025 to 2028,' its chair, Maura McGrath, said. 'Her novels and short stories, published in both English and Irish, have rightly earned her critical acclaim and a devoted readership. We know she will bring remarkable vitality and deep understanding to the role, building on the great work of her predecessors.' READ MORE Mariella Frostrup, a member of the international selection panel, said: 'I'm so excited by the appointment of Éilís Ní Dhuibhne. It's a welcome opportunity to acknowledge and highlight a remarkable writing career, encompassing short stories, novels and non-fiction, and also to celebrate her valuable contribution to Gaelic via her bilingual prose. 'Her short stories, novels and non-fiction profoundly speak to the female experience while dealing with universal themes of aspiration, disappointment, love, jealousy, hope and human inadequacy – often with a hefty ladle of humour thrown in! 'As a teacher of creative writing, she's shown a deft ability to inspire writers and readers alike, adding to her credentials for this new public-facing role. I'm delighted that her wonderful books will now be introduced to an even wider audience and very much looking forward to the programme of activity that she will lead during her term as laureate.' Ní Dhuibhne said: 'I am absolutely delighted, very pleasantly surprised, and highly honoured to be offered the Laureateship in Irish Fiction. I feel lucky. Why me? Many writers deserve the accolade. 'So, after the first stunned few days, I am considering how to be an active and creative Laureate. Writing is something you do in privacy and solitude of course, but it always has an obvious public face. It moves from the inside of the writer's head, from their room or laptop or whatever, to the book or the screen. It's published. [ The best books for summer 2025: our critics' top picks Opens in new window ] 'And while the actual writing is a 'solitary' task, it generally has a social aspect in the more regular sense. Writers belong to their own community, and to the community of writers. All my life I have been meeting writers at book launches, classes, festivals, and in the writers' group I've belonged to for almost 40 years.' The overarching theme of her laureateship will be 'The Island of Imagination', exploring the question, 'What makes a good story?', as well as celebrating fiction in the Irish language and other European languages. She will be in conversation with Niall MacMonagle at a free public event in the National Library, Dublin, on September 16th at 7pm. Details will be published shortly on the Arts Council's website . Ní Dhuibhne was born in Dublin. Author of more than 30 books, her work includes the novels The Dancers Dancing; The Shelter of Neighbours; Fox, Swallow, Scarecrow; Hurlamaboc; Dordán; and Cailíní Beaga Ghleann na Blath, among others. She has published seven collections of short stories. Her most recent books are Twelve Thousand Days: A Memoir (shortlisted for the Michel Déon Award, 2020); Selected Stories (Blackstaff, 2023); Fáínne Geal an Lae (Clo Iar Chonnacht, 2023); Look! It's a Woman Writer! (Arlen House, 2021); and Well! You Don't Look It! Essays by Irish Women Writers on Ageing (Salmon, 2024). [ Éilís Ní Dhuibhne on the best Irish language books of 2025 so far Opens in new window ] She has received the Pen Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Irish Literature, a Hennessy Hall of Fame Award, many Oireachtas Awards for her writing in Irish, and the Stuart Parker Award for Drama. The Dancers Dancing was shortlisted for the Orange Prize (now the Women's Prize for Fiction) in 2000. She has written many scholarly articles on folklore and literary topics, and is a regular book reviewer for The Irish Times. In autumn 2020 she held the prestigious Burns Scholarship at Boston College. She is a member of Aosdána, and president of the Folklore of Ireland Society.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Squid Game's blunder turned woman's life into a nightmare until a 100 million offer from a politician. But did she take it?
Squid Game Season 3 is all set to drop its first six episodes on Netflix on June 27, bringing fans back to the deadly, high-stakes world that first shocked global audiences in 2021. With its trademark suspense and social commentary, the third and final season picks up where it left off—Gi-hun's mission to take down the organisation behind the games intensifies, even as the mysterious Front Man remains two steps ahead. But as fans clear their schedules and prepare for binge-watching, few may recall that the show's incredible success also brought real-life chaos to someone who never signed up for the game. When Fiction Dials Reality In Season 1, the protagonist Seong Gi-hun receives a cryptic business card with symbols and a phone number—an invitation to the deadly game. It was meant to deepen the show's aura of mystery. However, when fans dialled the eight-digit number out of curiosity, their phones automatically added South Korea's standard mobile prefix '010,' turning the number into a real, functioning line. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Unbeknownst to the showrunners, they had effectively broadcasted the personal phone number of Kim Gil-young , a businesswoman in Seongju who had been using it for over ten years. What followed was nothing short of a horror story—thousands of texts and calls flooded her phone day and night. In an interview with Money Today, Gil-young shared, 'Since Squid Game aired, I've been receiving texts and calls 24 hours a day, to the point where it's difficult to live my daily life… I've had to delete over 4,000 numbers from my phone.' You Might Also Like: Squid Game creator once sold his laptop to pay house rent. Now, fans await season 3 of a billion dollar phenomenon Netflix Intervenes Amid the Chaos At first, Gil-young had no idea what had triggered the barrage of calls until a friend pointed out the connection to Squid Game. The calls weren't just from curious fans; some pranksters reportedly phoned her in the middle of the night asking, 'Can I join Squid Game?' before abruptly hanging up. Changing the number wasn't an option for Gil-young, who used it for business purposes. She turned to Netflix and Siren Pictures , the show's production company, to resolve the issue. In response, Netflix quickly edited the scene and replaced the number with a fictional one, 010-034, just weeks after the show's release. A Guardian report confirmed that Netflix had edited out the real number and issued a statement asking viewers to refrain from prank calls and messages. The company stated, 'Together with the production company, we are working to resolve this matter, including editing scenes with phone numbers where necessary.' An Offer to Buy the Chaos In the media frenzy that followed, the situation escalated in unexpected ways. South Korean presidential candidate Huh Kyung-young reportedly offered 100 million won to purchase the phone number, making headlines for his strange proposition. Meanwhile, reports claimed Gil-young turned down compensation offers of up to 5 million won, though Netflix has never officially commented on these negotiations. You Might Also Like: Squid Game Season 3 sneak peek: Netflix drops chilling 6-minute opener as Player 456 returns in a coffin. Internet reacts By the time Squid Game Season 2 premiered in 2024, the infamous business card returned—but this time, with fictional numbers carefully inserted to avoid another fiasco. Screenshot of presidential candidate Huh Kyung-young's Facebook post offeriung to buy the number that featured on Squid Games. (Image: Facebook) A Lesson in Caution and Consequence The incident became a cautionary tale in entertainment circles, spotlighting the importance of vetting even the smallest production details. According to a trivia post on IMDB, the show originally used only an eight-digit number, not accounting for South Korea's tendency to auto-append the '010' prefix—an oversight that turned fiction into far-reaching reality. For Gil-young, the viral fame was unwanted. Her ordeal may not have involved life-or-death games, but it certainly highlighted how quickly the boundaries between on-screen fiction and real-world consequences can blur. Season 3 Arrives, But the Backstory Lives On As the much-anticipated Season 3 rolls out across global time zones—from 12:30 p.m. IST in India to 5 p.m. in Japan—millions will return to the thrilling universe of Squid Game. But behind the blood-red sets and masked men lies a strange footnote in TV history: a woman whose phone never stopped ringing, thanks to eight digits that should never have been real. Because sometimes, the most surprising twist in a survival drama… isn't even in the script.
