Latest news with #Nivedita
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Towards an Indian GAIA-X: A civil society-led data infrastructure for democratic digital sovereignty
Nivedita is lawyer and company secretary by training and holds a masters in public policy from Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs. Context and rationale India's digital economy is marked by increasing centralization of data and platform control, with a handful of private actors – both domestic and global – exerting monopolistic influence over critical digital infrastructure. Such a centralization of data and platform power poses the following risks: Asymmetrical power relations between platforms and users, workers, and small businesses; Lack of interoperability and open standards, stifling competition and innovation; A vacuum of public accountability in data governance frameworks. This provides the imperative for public-interest alternatives that embed democratic values into data architecture, moving away from extractive, black-box models. Enter the European Union's GAIA-X GAIA-X is a European-led initiative that seeks to create a federated, open, and interoperable data infrastructure, not controlled by any single corporation, but shaped by a consortium of governments, civil society, and enterprises. Its architecture is built on trust, transparency, portability, and open standards, enabling data sovereignty within a competitive and inclusive ecosystem. Why India needs a GAIA-X-type initiative India could benefit immensely from a similar initiative that: Redefines data governance as a public infrastructure concern, not a purely market-driven or state-controlled project. Provides neutral digital infrastructure for small businesses, cooperatives, nonprofits, and worker platforms—who are otherwise dependent on Big Tech platforms with exploitative terms. Establishes certifiable, independently governed protocols for data interoperability, portability, and privacy. Supports community data stewardship models, particularly in agriculture, health, urban governance, and employment. Current landscape: Are there Indian equivalents? India has witnessed a few attempts that are fragmented, top-down approaches toward data infrastructure. These include: IndiaStack (Aadhaar, DigiLocker, UPI): A state-led, centralized digital identity and service delivery stack. While innovative, its control rests heavily with the state and lacks independent governance mechanisms. Data empowerment and protection architecture (DEPA) : A promising but framework to enable user-consented data sharing via Account Aggregators. While DEPA introduces a federated structure, its current applications are mainly on financial and health data, and operational control is largely private-sector-led. ONDC (open network for digital commerce) : A government-backed initiative to create an open, interoperable network for e-commerce. It promotes decentralization, but lacks strong civil society or worker group participation in governance. IndiaAI and India datasets program : These lean toward centralized curation and monetization of public data rather than enabling democratic participation or enforcing open standards. Thus, India does not yet have an equivalent to GAIA-X—a multi-stakeholder, independently governed, and open protocol-based public data infrastructure initiative. Challenges to GAIA-X model adoption in India Political-Economic Barriers : India's data governance model currently favors state centralization and techno-solutionism, rather than decentralization or cooperative ownership models. There is limited institutional support for civil society-led standard setting, especially in digital infrastructure. Market Resistance . Dominant platforms will resist interoperability and open protocols, as these reduce vendor lock-in and profit margins. The political economy of 'free' services has deeply entrenched monopolistic platforms. Policy & legislative incoherence . Fragmented digital policies and industry favourable laws (e.g., IT Rules, DPDP Act, data localization mandates) lack a unified framework to support open, federated architectures. Enabling frameworks: Legal and policy levers Despite the challenges, India has potential legal scaffolding to enable a GAIA-X-style initiative: Framework Relevance Digital personal data protection (DPDP) act, 2023 Offers a legal basis for data processing and protection; can be expanded to mandate data portability and interoperability. Competition act (2002, amended 2023) The CCI has started investigating digital market dominance; this momentum can be leveraged to promote pro-competitive, open data infrastructures. National data governance framework policy (2022 Draft) Proposes non-personal data governance, though still state-centric; can be reformed to include public-interest data trusts and open standards. Open network for digital commerce (ONDC) Offers a template for open protocol development and federated governance—yet needs broader civil society participation and legal anchoring. Path forward To adapt the GAIA-X model in India, the following steps are essential: Convene a civil society-led coalition (legal experts, technologists, nonprofit actors, worker representatives) to define open standards for key data sectors (health, mobility, education, etc.). Pilot sector-specific data commons under democratic governance structures—e.g., worker-owned mobility platforms or farmer-led agri-data cooperatives. Advocate for amendments in DPDP rules and sectoral data policies to recognize open, federated data infrastructures as essential public utilities. Push for independent regulators or data stewardship boards that certify and enforce compliance with open standards, fair data sharing practices, and privacy by design. Engage with global counterparts (e.g., GAIA-X, Solid, DECODE) to build international solidarity for decentralized, democratic digital futures. Conclusion India's digital future must not be confined to binaries of state control vs. corporate monopolies. A third path—rooted in open standards, participatory governance, and legal accountability—is both possible and necessary. As Pacta's research argues, structural reforms in the platform economy must be matched by technical infrastructure that redistributes power, not just data. A GAIA-X-like initiative in India can catalyze this shift, provided it is civil society–led, independently governed, and legally embedded in constitutional values of equality, privacy, and access. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Hindu
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Celebrate Madras Day 2025 at this thiruvizha-inspired pop-up
Five years ago, Nivedita Ganeshram launched Madras Finds as a platform to celebrate Chennai's homegrown artists, chefs, and makers. To commemorate Madras Day 2025, the digital strategist is hosting Vizha, a two-day pop-up this weekend. 'Vizha was born from a deeply personal place,' says Nivedita 'Growing up in Chennai, I was constantly surrounded by the richness of South Indian culture. That early influence shaped a strong appreciation for the beauty, craft, and rhythm of the region,' she says, 'I always felt that Chennai deserved more spaces where like-minded people could come together to celebrate our heritage in a contemporary, inclusive way. With this year marking the 385th Madras Day, it felt like the perfect moment for a heartfelt celebration of the city, one that goes beyond nostalgia and explores Madras through a more layered, creative, and community-driven lens.' Bringing together over 45 homegrown brands across fashion, food, home, art, and lifestyle, the event is a 'street-style thiruvizha with a contemporary twist'. Featured brands include Ink by Prashantini, Citta, and more in the art category, hand-knotted koodais by Knots Bags, Rein Studio Madras' jewellery, apparel by labels like Arohaa, Thogai, etc, perfumes by Idham Nature, Ensens Perfumery, and nostalgic treats by Madras Munch and Hot Pupps. Riya Rajiv of Studio Ūda, a homegrown design studio from the city, will be bringing her collection of undated planners, notebooks inspired by Madras checks, sun-catcher bookmarks, Chettinad tile keychains, and more to the event. 'Each product has been created with the idea of encouraging slow living such as the habits of reading, writing, and colouring which take you away from our fast-paced digital world,' says Riya, a social media strategist-turned-artist who launched the brand last year. If you are looking to gear up for the upcoming festive season, Tirunelveli-based gender neutral jewellery brand NO NA MÉ will also be at the pop-up. Founder Smruti Mathisekaran, who draws inspiration from architecture and clean geometric forms, will be bringing a mix of her bestsellers, and pieces from her new 8-Bit Love collection that is inspired by retro video games and pixel art. 'Some of our popular pieces include earrings that can be styled in multiple ways, bold neckpieces crafted from metal and leather, and festive animal-inspired designs like our Totem ring-necklace, which is modular and interchangeable,' says Smruti who is now working on her next collection, The Countdown, 'where each design takes inspiration from a number between 0 and 5'. Prernna Gupta, a revenue operations professional, will bring her Madras-themed puzzles to Vizha. A passion project launched earlier this year, at The Puzzlist, Prernna works with Indian artists to create jigsaw puzzles. 'We currently have eight designs which we will be bringing to the event, including our bestselling Chennai in the Clouds and Madras Mess Mornings.' Also debuting at Vizha is Studio Madras Finds, Nivedita's design-led initiative wherein South Indian culture is redefined through a contemporary lens. 'We're deeply inspired by Tamil aesthetics, but with a modern lifestyle in mind. From brass davara sets to hand-illustrated playing cards, our objects are meant for collectors who view products as cultural signifiers,' says Nivedita, who is launching filter kaapi dark chocolate at the event. As for Vizha's line-up, she is particularly excited about Picky Artz' custom miniature peg dolls, native snacks by Madras Munch, and Milli Mitra's vegan cheese. 'My long-term vision is to grow Vizha into a platform of its own, one that travels to different cities, carrying the culture and makers of Madras with it,' she concludes. On August 9 and 10 at My Bungalow, No 40, Eldams Road, Teynampet. From 11am to 8pm.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: National Flag Day —10 must-know facts for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC current affairs knowledge nugget for today on National Flag Day, focusing on the important facts related to the national flag. (Relevance: The topic of the evolution of the Indian national flag and important aspects of it holds relevance for the UPSC exam, as previously, questions have been asked on this theme (do check them in the post-read questions). Thus, knowing about it from a holistic perspective becomes essential.) On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag. The adoption of the tricolour marked a pivotal moment in India's journey towards establishing itself as an independent nation free from colonial rule. In this context, let's know about the Indian national flag in detail through 10 must-know facts about it. 1. Evolution of the Indian National Flag : In the early stages of India's freedom struggle, the need for a unifying flag emerged, leading to Sister Nivedita's proposal in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and strength, along with 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Bengali. The first tricolour flag appeared in 1906, showcasing blue, yellow, and red stripes with eight stars representing provinces. Subsequent designs included the 'Calcutta flag' in 1906, the Berlin flag in 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama, and the Home Rule flag in 1917, each reflecting the evolving nationalist sentiment. With India's independence announced by Lord Mountbatten in 1947, an ad hoc flag committee led by Dr Rajendra Prasad was established to create a flag representative of all communities. Following Gandhi's approval, it was decided to adopt a modified version of Pingali Venkayya's flag, which previously featured a charkha, was altered to the current flag with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre. 2. Adopted by Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947: With three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, the Trianaga or tricolour flag was officially adopted as the national flag of India on July 22, 1947. 3. Meaning and significance behind the Tiranga (Tricolour Flag) :Each colour in the Indian National Flag carries profound symbolism, reflecting the nation's values and aspirations: ♦ Saffron: The top band signifies courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, representing the valour and sacrifices of freedom fighters. ♦ White: The middle band embodies purity, truth, and peace. ♦ Green: The lowermost band symbolises fertility, growth, and auspiciousness, reflecting India's agricultural heritage and commitment to environmental harmony. ♦ Blue wheel-Chakra: The chakra is intended to symbolise that life is in movement and that stagnation leads to death. It emphasises the significance of continuous movement and progress, underscoring the importance of forward motion in the nation's journey. 4. Ashoka Chakra in Flag: The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the flag features 24 spokes, which represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolising the eternal wheel of law and the importance of righteousness. This is inspired by the Dharma Chakra and depicts the 'wheel of the law' in the Sarnath Lion Capital, which was created by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. 5. Flag dimensions and size: The flag can be as big or small as one wants, but the dimensions of the flag follow a specific ratio. 'The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the National Flag shall be 3:2.' So, the flag must always be a rectangle rather than a square or any other shape. 6. First Indian to raise the flag on foreign soil: Madam Bhikaiji Cama was the first Indian to hoist the Indian flag on foreign soil on 22 August 1907 during a revolutionary meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, showcasing India's aspirations for independence. 7. Flag Code of India: The use, display and hoisting of the National Flag in the country is guided by an overarching set of instructions called the 'Flag Code of India 2002'. It brings together all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag. It governs the display of the National Flag by private, public, and government institutions. It took effect on January 26, 2002. According to the Flag Code of India, paragraph 2.2, which came into effect on January 26, 2002, any person, organisation, private or public, or educational institution (including scout camps) can hoist or display the Tricolour on 'all days or occasions in accordance with the dignity and honour of the National Flag'. It is against rules to display a damaged or disheveled National Flag. At all times, the National Flag must be displayed in a position of honour and should be distinctly placed.'No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag; nor shall any object including flowers or garlands, or emblem be placed on or above the flagmast from which the National Flag is flown'. The Tricolour should never be used as a festoon, rosette, bunting or for a decorative purpose. No advertisements should be festooned to the pole from which it flies. Traditionally, the Indian National Flag is folded in a rectangular shape, ensuring the saffron band remains on top. According to Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, 'whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag….shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine, or with both'. The Tricolour should not be stored in a way that might dirty or damage it. In case flag is damaged, the Flag Code instructs not to cast it aside or treat it disrespectfully but 'destroy it as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any method consistent with the dignity of the flag'. People, who are waving flags made of paper, should not throw these on the ground after the ceremony. The flag 'shall not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water'. 8. Flag manufacturing: After an amendment on December 30, 2021, the material of the flag has been decided as 'handspun and handwoven or machine-made, cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.' 9. National Flag on vehicles: Notably, the National Flag cannot be flown on any vehicle except those of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor and other dignitaries. The flag should also not be used to cover the sides, back, and top of any vehicle. 10. Right to hoist the national flag is a fundamental right: In 2002, the Supreme Court of India declared the right to hoist the national flag as a fundamental right under Article 19(i)(a) of the Constitution, emphasising its significance in expressing freedom. 1. The design of the Indian tricolour is largely attributed to Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter. Venkayya was born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh on August 2, 1876. He went to school in Madras and then to Cambridge University. He joined the British Indian Army and was in South Africa where he met Mahatma Gandhi, became his disciple and plunged into the freedom movement. 2. After returning to India, he published a book of flags containing 30 different designs in 1916. He wrote letters to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi informing them about his idea of having a national flag and he spoke about it at Congress meetings. 3. In 1921, at a meeting in Vijayawada, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders approved Venkayya's design. The first design comprised only two bands—red and green—and a charkha but on the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi, Venkayya added a white band. Subsequently, the red colour band was changed to saffron and the Ashok Chakra replaced the charkha. 4. Venkayya passed away on July 4, 1963. In 2009, a stamp was issued in his memory. (1) Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: (UPSC CSE 2023) Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm. Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct (2) What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) 16 (b) 18 (c) 22 (d) 24 (Sources: How the tricolour was adopted by the Constituent Assembly, India's 78th Independence Day: 10 interesting facts about the our National Flag, Explained: What are the rules for displaying the Tricolour?, Who was Pingali Venkayya?) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Kay Kay Menon's wife? A look at Nivedita Bhattacharya's career and love story with the Special Ops 2 star
Kay Kay Menon, acclaimed for his intense performances in series like Special Ops 2, is known to keep his personal life low-key. Yet, curiosity around his wife, Nivedita Bhattacharya, has steadily grown. A talented actress with an impressive body of work in both television and theatre, Nivedita has built a career entirely on her own terms. From her professional journey to their enduring love story, here's everything you need to know about Kay Kay Menon's wife, Nivedita Bhattacharya. Who is Kay Kay Menon's wife? Inside Nivedita Bhattacharya's career Early Life and Artistic Roots Born on July 21, 1970, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Nivedita Bhattacharya hails from a middle-class Bengali family. She completed her education at Isabella Thoburn College, where her academic journey ran parallel to a growing passion for the performing arts. It was through theatre that she found her true calling an avenue that not only shaped her craft but also influenced her personal journey. Rise to Fame on Television Nivedita stepped into the world of acting in the late 1990s and quickly gained recognition in Indian television. She rose to prominence with her role as Avantika Agarwal in the popular daily soap Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki. Her ability to portray layered and complex characters stood out, earning her acclaim in other shows like Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar and Koi Laut Ke Aaya Hai. Film and Streaming Beyond the small screen, Nivedita built an impressive portfolio in cinema and digital content. In 2023, she starred in the Amazon Prime Video series Bambai Meri Jaan, playing Sakina Kadri opposite her husband Kay Kay Menon. The crime drama was well-received and offered a rare on-screen pairing of the real-life couple. That same year, she appeared in The Vaccine War, a film by Vivek Agnihotri that spotlighted India's scientific community during the COVID-19 crisis. Her earlier film work includes notable roles in Phobia (2016), Aiyaary (2018), and Shaadisthan (2021)—each of which showcased her talent for portraying strong, emotionally grounded characters. Whether on stage, television, or OTT platforms, Nivedita continues to deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences. Kay Kay Menon and Nivedita's love story Nivedita crossed paths with actor Kay Kay Menon during their theatre days in the early 2000s. Their shared artistic background and common struggles brought them closer, eventually leading to their marriage in 2005. Since then, the couple has chosen to maintain a low profile when it comes to their personal lives. In an interview with NDTV, Nivedita emphasized that they prefer to let their work speak for itself, adding, 'Those who know us, know we're married,' highlighting their desire to keep the spotlight on their professional journeys rather than their relationship. For the unversed, Kay Kay Menon was recently praised for his performance in Special Ops season 2.
India.com
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This 2 hour 40 minute crime thriller is a masterpiece, its suspense will leave you speechless, has 7.3 IMDb rating, name is..., lead actors are..
If you thought courtroom dramas had lost their edge, the film that we will be talkibga about, will prove you wrong. This south film is a gripping tale of justice, trauma, and the explosive power of a mother's love. This Kannada film, Yuddhakanda Chapter 2, which is also available in Hindi, directed by Pawan Bhatt and co-written with actor Krishna Ajay Rao, is packed with legal twists and emotional intensity that refuse to loosen grip till the final frame. Yuddhakanda Chapter 2: Plot The film opens with a shocking scene: a single mother, Nivedita, shoots a young man named Jackie outside the court premises—using a police officer's gun. He dies on the spot. But what led to such a drastic act? Turns out, Jackie is the younger brother of a powerful MLA and is accused of brutally raping Nivedita's 7-year-old daughter, who now lies in a coma. The courtroom has failed her. Endless hearings, no resolution. Meanwhile, the accused walks free under political protection. Yuddhakanda Chapter 2: Plot twist Thinking about the plot twist, don't you worry, we won't be giving you any spoilers but a quick snap. When brought to court for murder, Nivedita suddenly claims she remembers nothing. Did she really pull the trigger, or is there more than meets the eye? Enter Bharat, a sharp lawyer who defends Nivedita. What unfolds next is a cat-and-mouse game inside the courtroom, riddled with lies, power, and buried truths. The drama builds with every revelation, challenging the boundaries between crime and conscience. Archana Jois delivers a powerful performance as Nivedita, and Krishna Ajay Rao as Bharat adds depth and fire to the narrative. The film also features stellar performances by Prakash Belawadi and Satvik Krishnan in key roles. Yuddhakanda Chapter 2:streaming on… This 144 minutes movie is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It is as emotionally intense as it is socially relevant. It doesn't just entertain—it provokes. With an IMDB rating of 7.4/10, Yuddhakanda Chapter 2 has already garnered attention for its bold storytelling and courtroom realism.
