Latest news with #FortyThieves
Deccan Herald
7 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Behind NATO's open door lies exclusion
In the folk tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, a poor man overhears the magical phrase 'Open Sesame,' which grants access to a hidden treasure cave. But when the thieves mark his house for revenge, a clever maid marks every home in the neighbourhood. Faced with universal ambiguity, the thieves are disoriented. No one stands out, so no one is attacked, and aggression loses its if global security worked the same way?.What if the principle of collective defense—'an attack on one is an attack on 'all'—wasn't confined to NATO and its carefully curated allies? Imagine a world where this promise extended beyond the transatlantic sphere to India, South Africa, Brazil, and Iran. A world where no State stood alone, and no country could be singled out for aggression. As in the tale, if everyone is protected, no one is targeted. Of course, we don't live in that claims to uphold an 'open-door policy,' but that door is closed mainly in practice. Strategic alignment, historical ties, and economic interests remain the unspoken prerequisites for entry. Despite their demographic and geopolitical weight, nations like India, Indonesia, and Brazil are barely part of the Ukraine's pursuit of NATO membership is less about democratic values and more about Western strategic risk management. Georgia's application has languished. Meanwhile, countries from the Global South are kept at arm's length. This raises a hard truth: NATO does not merely defend liberal values. It defends a specific geopolitical hierarchy born in the Cold War and sustained through exclusive club membership. Those who are not inside the cave are not only locked out of the treasure—they are left India–China India and China ever form a truly universal security alliance? It sounds ideal for two major powers to stabilise the region through cooperation. But geography and history stand in the way. As far back as the 4th century BCE, Indian strategist Chanakya observed that neighbouring states are natural rivals. That remains true today. India and China remain locked in long-standing border disputes. China's sustained support for Pakistan diplomatically, militarily, and economically keeps India off balance. In this climate, the idea of shared defence seems implausible. Still, the issue is not whether universal security would be easy. It is that exclusion makes conflict more likely. When security is treated as an exclusive club, it generates suspicion, rivalry, and competition. That is the world we inhabit logic of exclusion extends beyond military alliances. It shapes how history is written, how voices are remembered, and which regions are seen as India's historical narratives. Much English-language scholarship on modern India continues to prioritise the north. Dalit movements in Bihar or Maharashtra are often highlighted, while equally significant struggles in the Madras Presidency, Telangana, or Tamil Nadu receive little towering national figures like B R Ambedkar are often framed primarily through their engagements in the north. His speeches and political activity in Chennai (then Madras) or Mysuru are routinely overlooked. Similarly, post-independence leaders like C N Annadurai, who shaped Tamil politics and identity, receive cursory treatment in standard texts. It reflects how knowledge systems often mirror power structures, privileging certain regions, figures, and ideologies while marginalising Ali Baba, the maid disrupts the thieves' power by confusing their targeting mechanism. She doesn't confront them directly; she scrambles the logic of attack. That's the kind of strategy the world needs today. We must move toward a global order in which solidarity is not restricted to select allies, safety is not transactional, and strategic protection is not reserved for countries that fit a particular ideological or economic a vision would require new institutions, deeper South-South cooperation, and a fundamental shift in how security is imagined. But without it, global peace will remain fragile, subject to alliances that exclude and structures that privilege a few. Until then, NATO's open-door policy remains a convenient half-truth. The treasure cave of collective security still responds to a particular accent, speaking the correct password: Open Sesame..(The author writes about politics, material culture, and economic history).The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH.
News18
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films To Launch Arabian Nights Fantasy Universe
Last Updated: Maddock Films, led by Dinesh Vijan, is developing a fantasy trilogy inspired by The Arabian Nights, starting with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and the "Chiranjeevi Universe". Following the success of recent projects like Stree 2 and Chhaava, Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films is now preparing to embark on two new large-scale cinematic ventures – a fantasy franchise inspired by The Arabian Nights and a mythological universe rooted in Hindu lore. These ambitious plans mark a significant leap in Maddock's storytelling approach, moving beyond horror-comedy into grander, world-building narratives. As per a report by PeepingMoon, Maddock has been quietly developing a fantasy trilogy based on The Arabian Nights for over two years. This universe will reinterpret the classic tales with an Indian sensibility, aiming to bring beloved characters and their stories to life with a fresh perspective and high production values. The trilogy will commence with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, followed by Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp, and finally Sinbad the Sailor. Each installment is expected to blend magic, adventure, and cultural heritage, promising visuals and storytelling on a scale rarely explored in Indian cinema. The production for Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is expected to begin in 2025. Parallel to this, Maddock Films is also building what's being described as the 'Chiranjeevi Universe" – a mythological world centered on the immortal figures of Hindu epics. The universe will be launched with Mahavatar, a film starring Vicky Kaushal as Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 'Mahavatar" will be directed by Amar Kaushik and is slated to begin filming later this year, aiming for a Christmas 2026 release. The term 'Chiranjeevi" refers to eternal beings believed to live on until the end of the Kali Yuga. Maddock intends to eventually introduce other mythological characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, depending on how Mahavatar performs commercially. First Published: July 23, 2025, 17:20 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Eatala too responsible for Telangana's financial crisis: TPCC chief
'Rajender was KCR's finance minister. He was one of the thieves in Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves story,' he said. Alleging that the people don't see Rajender as a BC leader, the TPCC chief sought to know whether the former belongs to Mudiraj community or the dominant Reddy community. It may be mentioned here that Rajender's wife is belongs to the Reddy community. Stating that Rajender was speaking the language of BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao, he wondered if the former was planning a 'ghar wapsi.' 'Rajender is talking about HYDRAA, forgetting that he faced allegations of encroaching upon the temple lands and assigned lands,' he added.
Asahi Shimbun
26-04-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
A little magic and Japan might be able to grow enough sesame
YOKKAICHI, Mie Prefecture--With the rallying cry of 'Open sesame,' Japan could do with Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves right now. The fact is that Japan relies almost entirely on imports to meet demand for sesame, an essential ingredient in the nation's culinary life. Yokkaichi-based Kuki Sangyo Co., which specializes in the production of sesame oil and sesame by-products, has been working to promote sesame culture in Mie Prefecture in the hope of turning the situation around. The endeavor, now in its 10th year, has both achieved results and highlighted challenges. Sesame is an indispensable commodity for Kuki Sangyo, founded in 1886 and known for its signature 'Kuki's pure sesame oil' products. Around 170,000 tons of sesame were consumed in Japan in 2023, but only about 80 tons were produced domestically for a self-sufficiency rate of just 0.05 percent. In short, imports account for more than 99.9 percent of domestic sesame consumption. Sesame is mostly imported from Africa, but the supply remains unstable due to world tensions. 'A big factor is that China, previously an exporter of sesame, became an importer due to growing consumption,' said Kazuo Kondo, a technical adviser to Kuki Sangyo. 'In addition, major production centers, such as Nigeria, are growing sesame as a cash crop, so they can convert to other, more profitable crops.' The only way for Japan to ensure a stable supply into the future is for it to improve its sesame self-sufficiency rate But unlike in the case of rice and other crop staples, no established techniques of mechanized sesame culture exist, even though it takes a huge amount of manual labor to grow sesame until the harvesting stage. Moreover, there are no registered agrochemicals for use in sesame culture and no sesame varieties suited to the warm and humid climate conditions of Japan and its mechanized farming culture. 'There is not much public interest in sesame, which is a minor crop,' said Eiji Fujisawa, head of development with Kuki Sangyo. 'We thought a company like ours, which is in most need of sesame, had to take the lead in addressing the question.' In 2016, the company tied up with 21 farmers and welfare centers based in Mie Prefecture to begin growing sesame on 7 hectares of farmland. Even before that, Kuki Sangyo had experimented with making fertilizer from the pressing residue from the sesame oil manufacturing process and related waste. It began growing sesame at its subsidiary Kuki Farm KK, an agricultural production corporation based in Taiki in the prefecture, to test the effectiveness of similar fertilizer. Kuki Sangyo drew on that experience to set up an in-house team, with three employees appointed to work full time on the project. The company has since enlisted the help of the Mie prefectural government and other entities to promote sesame farming, organize workshops on culture methods and compile a manual on sesame culture. Kuki Sangyo also set up a sesame culture mechanization project and introduced a harvesting technique that uses a combine for soybeans, along with a dryer. In addition, more agrochemicals have been registered for use in sesame culture, including as pesticide against shield bugs. It has taken nine years, but the improved culture techniques are finally attracting growing interest from farmers. By 2024, the number of sesame growers increased nearly threefold to 61, the culture area expanded to 21.7 hectares and the shipment volume rose 1.8-fold to 3,525 kilograms. The project made Mie Prefecture one of the biggest production centers in Japan after Kagoshima Prefecture, company officials said. ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH The project also highlighted several problems. Some farmers that got involved in the sesame culture program gave up due to crop harm caused by humidity and weeds, the officials said. 'We are continuing with efforts to improve our culture techniques by breeding varieties that are better adapted to a warm and humid environment, among other things,' Kondo said. 'Even combine harvesting is not without its own problems, including how to prevent sesame seeds from falling out, which they easily do.' The company officials said their efforts to increase domestic sesame culture are only at the halfway point, but that sesame culture is spreading not only in Mie Prefecture but also in neighboring Gifu and Shiga prefectures. Moreover, demand for domestically grown sesame is so high that supply is falling short of the needs of consumers, the officials added. 'The project has strengthened our relationships of trust with farmers and officials of relevant institutions, including the prefectural government, with whom we have shared the hardships,' Kondo said. 'It has also improved the technical skills of our employees. Our aim is to continue helping to improve Japan's sesame self-sufficiency rate.'
Observer
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
ROHM announces programmes for Feb
Muscat - February is set to feature an eclectic array of performances at the Royal Opera House Muscat that blend classic artistry and education. The lineup will feature A Thousand and One Nights , a beautiful classical ballet by Fikret Amirov, from the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre in Vladivostok. Adding to the standard of excellence which is the stamp of the season, ROHM presents the annual concert featuring ROHM's very own regal pipe organ, with renowned organist Claudio Astronio, and, a series of events and two concerts paying homage to the prominent Arab composer and singer Mohammed Abdul Wahab. As a cultural beacon in the Middle East, ROHM's commitment to a packed and engaging program of outreach events is also prominent over the next month. Upcoming Performances Beginning with A Thousand and One Nights on February 6 and 7, ROHM showcases a ballet to enchant a global audience, set to evocative Middle Eastern-inspired music, the ballet explores iconic tales such as Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Experience the grand explosion of sound at the Pipe Organ Concert on February 13. ROHM's unique pipe organ stars in the annual concert with organist Claudio Astronio, the Piccoli Cantori di Torino (children's choir), and the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gianluca Marciano. Two children's choirs from Muscat schools will join the children's choir on stage in an exciting connection between cultures and a young generation of voices, enabling lasting memories for participants and audiences. This concert celebrates the legacy and grandeur of Oman's pipe organ, in sweet contrast to the exquisite sounds of a celebrated children's choir. Homage to Mohammed Abdul Wahab on February 15 & 20 will honor Arab music legend Mohammed Abdul Wahab with two concerts featuring prominent singers Ali El Haggar, Mohammed Mohsen, Reham Abdul Hakim, and Jahida Wehbe. The event is part of a week-long tribute celebration for music lovers, including an exhibition, several discussion sessions, and a rare screening of his much-loved musical film 'A Bullet in the Heart'. ROHM's Exceptional Educational and Outreach Initiatives The rich educational and outreach program at ROHM aims to inspire and cultivate a passion for arts and music in Oman. In February, a special array of activities delve into the inner workings of the opera house. ROHM's Open House aims to nurture the next generation of musical technicians and artists. ROHM is offering children of different ages an invaluable exploration of each department of the opera house, a chance to meet the experts who 'keep the show on the road'. Workshops will be presented on make-up, costumes, lighting, props, sound, photography, storytelling, and design on February 1, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. As part of the opera house's Emerging Talents initiative, join us on 9th February for a special night with Thomas Hampson, a Grammy Award-winning international baritone. He will star in a concert joined by Muscat Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Omani Opera Choir Group, conducted by Lubnan Balbaaki. 7 pm at ROHMA. Yet another Emerging Talents initiative on February 24 brings together a concert by Simon Zhu, winner of the 2023 Paganini Prize. Zhu recently performed on Paganini's legendary Cannone violin in London before His Majesty King Charles III. His performance is accompanied by pianist Gile Bae, under the artistic direction of Nicola Bruzzo. Registration is free and open to everyone. The initiative extends to educational sessions consisting of a masterclass by Simon Zhu in collaboration with pianist Gile Bae, open to violin students in addition to a talk by the Paganini Prize President on the history of the prize. Both initiatives are on February 23rd. Inspired by a season full of fairy tales, Let's Read is a monthly event throughout the season welcomes to all ages experience and explore the stories with expression and imagination, reading aloud from the pages of Robin Hood. The readings will be in the Music Library at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts on February 22. As part of the program to honor the late Mohammed Abdul Wahab, Royal Opera House Muscat will be holding educational and outreach activities daily from February 12-18. February 12: A discussion by Dr. Shereen Badr on Abdul Wahab's collaboration with Umm Kulthum, examining their impact on Arab music. February 14 & 19: A casual session, Coffee and Dates, with leading singers of the concert at 5 PM. February 17: Spirit of the Orient, a quintet concert of instrumental pieces from Abdul Wahab's repertoire at 7 pm. February 18: Screening of 'A Bullet in the Heart' (1944) with a pre-screening discussion led by Ameer Ramsis, Nahla Mattar, and Mohammed Nabil. With diverse performances and hands-on educational experiences, ROHM offers something for everyone this February.
