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Mojtaba Khamenei Emerges As Iran’s Next Supreme Leader

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Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the son of Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been chosen as the country’s next Supreme Leader following his father’s death in a joint United States–Israel strike. According to reports, Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba to assume the position, placing him at the centre of Iran’s political and religious leadership during a period of escalating regional tensions.

Early Life and Religious Background

Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei was born in 1969 in Mashhad, Iran. He is the second-eldest son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and grew up during a period of major political transformation in Iran. His family became influential after the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and established the Islamic Republic.

After the revolution, Mojtaba moved to Tehran and studied at Alavi High School, an institution known for producing members of Iran’s ruling establishment. He later pursued religious education in the seminary city of Qom under conservative clerics. Despite decades of theological study, he has not achieved the clerical rank of ayatollah, which traditionally strengthens a candidate’s legitimacy for the role of Supreme Leader.

Connections With Iran’s Security Establishment

During the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s, Mojtaba served in the Habib Battalion. This experience helped him build relationships with individuals who later rose to senior positions within Iran’s security and intelligence apparatus.

Over the years, analysts have described him as a key behind-the-scenes figure within the Office of the Supreme Leader. His influence is widely believed to stem from close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and economic institution in Iran that plays a major role in shaping national security and political strategy.

Controversies and International Scrutiny

Mojtaba Khamenei has been the subject of international attention and criticism. In 2019, the United States imposed sanctions on him, alleging that his father had delegated parts of his authority to him without formal accountability. Reformist politicians and foreign governments have also accused him of influencing elections and supporting security crackdowns, although Iranian authorities have rejected these allegations.

Reports have also suggested that he is linked to a wide investment network and global property holdings, though the scale of his wealth remains unclear.

Important Facts

  • The Supreme Leader is the highest authority in Iran, overseeing the military, judiciary, and key state institutions.
  • The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body, is responsible for selecting and supervising the Supreme Leader.
  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a powerful military force with major political and economic influence in Iran.
  • The 1979 Islamic Revolution replaced the monarchy with the Islamic Republic led by clerical leadership.

Significance of a Potential Dynastic Succession

If Mojtaba Khamenei formally assumes leadership, it would mark a controversial moment in Iran’s political system. The Islamic Republic was founded on opposition to hereditary monarchy, yet a father-to-son transition would resemble dynastic succession. Observers note that the durability of his leadership may depend on support from influential clerical networks and security institutions within the Iranian state.

Raisina Dialogue 2026: Know Dates, Chief Guest, Theme and Other Guests

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The Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship multilateral conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, starting from March 5 will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on pressing international issues and strategic cooperation. Earlier today, President Alexander Stubb of Finland arrived in India for a state visit during which he will attend the 11th edition of Raisina Dialogue 2026 as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker.

In addition to his engagement at the Raisina Dialogue, President Stubb will hold discussions with the Prime Minister, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.

His presence underscores Finland’s growing engagement with Indo-Pacific affairs and its expanding strategic dialogue with India.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials and business leaders, reflecting the intent to broaden cooperation across political and economic domains.

Bilateral Talks and Diplomatic Engagements

During the visit, President Stubb will hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties. The talks are expected to focus on trade, digital innovation, clean technologies, education and emerging technologies. Regional and global issues of mutual interest will also feature prominently.

Prime Minister Modi will host a luncheon in honour of the visiting leader. President Stubb is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, highlighting the diplomatic importance attached to the visit.

Strategic and Multilateral Cooperation

India and Finland share strong democratic values and support a rules-based international order. Finland remains an important partner for India within the European Union and the Nordic region. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums and deepen people-to-people ties.

The Raisina Dialogue will commence from March 5 to March 7 in the national capital.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will also be leading a US delegation to the Raisina Dialogue 2026.

The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held annually in New Delhi since 2016.

Organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, this three-day event convenes global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues.

This year, the Raisina Dialogue will be held under the theme Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement, reflecting the current global context.

Samskara represents the legacy of identity that allows civilisations to assert themselves, embrace diversity, and progress through continuous refinement.

Several foreign dignitaries across the world are set to arrive in India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

According to the MEA, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bhutan, Lyonpo Dina Nath Dhungyel, arrived in India today (March 4, 2026) to attend India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

Other key delegations scheduled to arrive include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration & International Trade of Mauritius, Dhananjay Ramful; Minister for Foreign Affairs & Diaspora of Seychelles, Barry Faure; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath, all of whom will be arriving on March 5.

Important Facts

  • Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship geopolitics and geo-economics conference held annually in New Delhi.
  • Finland is a member of the European Union and NATO.
  • India and Finland established diplomatic relations in 1949.
  • The Nordic region includes Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.

Water Cremation: Scotland First UK Nation to Legalise It; Know Its Scientific Advantages…

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Scotland has become the first nation in the United Kingdom to legalise water cremation, formally known as alkaline hydrolysis. The move represents the most significant reform in Scottish funeral legislation since cremation was first introduced in 1902. The new regulations were approved by the Scottish Parliament in response to growing public demand for environmentally sustainable end-of-life options.

Water cremation is widely regarded as a greener alternative to traditional burial and flame-based cremation. The decision reflects changing public attitudes towards sustainability, including within the funeral sector.

How Alkaline Hydrolysis Works

Alkaline hydrolysis involves placing a body in a sealed, pressurised chamber filled with water and potassium hydroxide, an alkaline solution. The chamber is heated to approximately 150°C for about 90 minutes. The combination of heat, water and alkali accelerates the natural decomposition process.

During the procedure, soft tissues dissolve, leaving only the bones. These are then rinsed, dried, and processed in a cremulator to produce ashes similar in appearance to those from conventional cremation. The remaining liquid by-product is treated and disposed of safely in accordance with environmental regulations.

Environmental Advantages

Supporters argue that alkaline hydrolysis has a lower carbon footprint compared to flame cremation. It generally consumes less energy and does not produce direct emissions such as carbon dioxide or mercury released from dental fillings during traditional cremation. Burial, meanwhile, requires land use and can pose risks of soil and groundwater contamination.

Scotland’s Public Health Minister, Jenni Minto, described the reform as a response to strong public support for greater funeral choice. A 2023 public consultation found that 84 per cent of respondents supported the introduction of alkaline hydrolysis as a legal option.

Global Adoption and Industry Perspective

Although new to the UK, alkaline hydrolysis is already legal in 28 states in the United States and is available in countries such as Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Industry providers maintain that the technology broadens consumer choice rather than replacing burial or flame cremation.

Key Facts

  • Alkaline hydrolysis is also known as water cremation or aquamation.
  • Scotland is the first UK nation to legalise the practice.
  • Cremation was first introduced in Scotland in 1902.
  • The process uses potassium hydroxide, heat and water to accelerate decomposition.

Broader Implications

The legalisation signals a broader shift towards sustainable funeral practices in the United Kingdom. As environmental considerations increasingly influence personal and policy decisions, Scotland’s move may trigger similar legislative discussions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Dark Oxygen Discovery In Pacific Ocean Deep Seafloor: Know Its Significance For Environment

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Scientists exploring the deep Pacific Ocean have reported the discovery of what they describe as “dark oxygen,” detected nearly 4,000 metres below the ocean surface in regions where sunlight does not penetrate. The finding challenges the long-standing scientific understanding that oxygen on Earth is produced primarily through photosynthesis, a light-dependent process. The discovery emerged during research on polymetallic nodules scattered across the Pacific seabed and has sparked fresh debate about oxygen generation in extreme, lightless environments.

What Is “Dark Oxygen”?

“Dark oxygen” refers to oxygen detected in deep-sea environments where sunlight is completely absent. Traditionally, oxygen production has been associated with photosynthesis, a biological process carried out by plants, algae, and certain bacteria that use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich compounds.

However, researchers recorded measurable increases in oxygen levels in parts of the deep ocean where photosynthesis cannot occur. The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, reported that oxygen concentrations near polymetallic nodules rose over time during experiments conducted in sealed chambers placed on the seafloor.

How Scientists Detected Oxygen in the Deep Sea

The research was carried out in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, a vast and mineral-rich region of the Pacific Ocean seabed. Scientists deployed specialised instruments known as benthic chambers to isolate small sections of the ocean floor and monitor chemical changes over time.

Unexpectedly, oxygen levels inside these sealed chambers increased rather than decreased. Under normal conditions, oxygen in deep-sea sediments is consumed by microbes and chemical reactions. The observed increase indicated that some process within the seabed environment was generating oxygen despite complete darkness.

To confirm the findings, researchers repeated measurements multiple times and conducted controlled laboratory simulations to rule out equipment malfunction or contamination.

Role of Polymetallic Nodules

Polymetallic nodules are rock-like mineral deposits found on abyssal plains of the ocean floor. They contain economically important metals such as manganese, nickel, and cobalt and form extremely slowly over millions of years.

Researchers propose that these nodules may function like natural electrochemical cells. Minerals within the nodules could facilitate reactions capable of splitting seawater molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, even without sunlight. Although the precise mechanism remains under investigation, such electrochemical processes could explain the unexpected oxygen production observed in deep-sea conditions.

Key Points

  • Photosynthesis is the primary natural process responsible for oxygen production on Earth and requires sunlight.
  • The Clarion–Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean is known for its extensive deposits of polymetallic nodules.
  • Polymetallic nodules form over millions of years on deep ocean abyssal plains.
  • Nature Geoscience is a prominent peer-reviewed journal publishing research on Earth and environmental sciences.

Implications for Science and Astrobiology

This discovery could significantly reshape scientific understanding of Earth’s oxygen cycle. If oxygen can be generated through non-biological, light-independent chemical reactions, it expands knowledge of how essential elements circulate in extreme environments.

The findings also carry implications for astrobiology. Oxygen in a planet’s atmosphere has often been considered a potential biosignature indicating life. However, if oxygen can be produced abiotically in dark environments, scientists may need to reassess how they interpret atmospheric oxygen on other planets.

Additionally, the research raises environmental concerns regarding deep-sea mining. Since polymetallic nodules may play an active chemical role in deep-ocean ecosystems, their removal could disrupt fragile and poorly understood marine environments.

Arjun Tendulkar & Saaniya Chandhok To Say I Do on March 5; Know More Details…

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The wedding season has officially begun for one of India’s most talked-about couples! Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and Saaniya Chandhok have started their grand pre-wedding celebrations in Mumbai, just days before their big day on March 5, 2026.

Grand Venue, Stylish Start

The festivities kicked off on March 3 with a dazzling Mehendi and Sangeet night hosted at the Royal Western India Turf Club, a venue that blended old-world charm with modern celebration vibes. Outside the beautifully lit entrance, photographers captured the couple posing with wide smiles, giving fans a first taste of the wedding atmosphere.

From rhythmic dhol beats to colorful decor, the ambience set the tone for what promises to be a week full of memorable moments. And if you missed it, here’s a glimpse from social media that’s been going viral:

The Couple & Their Style

Arjun looked elegant in a classic ivory embroidered sherwani, while Saaniya dazzled in a silver-embellished lehenga that perfectly reflected the festive spirit. The couple’s chemistry was unmistakable as they welcomed guests with warm smiles and gracious gestures.

A Star-Studded Guest List

The celebrations saw an impressive lineup of cricket legends and celebrity friends pouring in to bless the couple. Big names like Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan were spotted, along with political personality Raj Thackeray, making the evening glamorous and deeply personal at the same time.

Family members were equally in the spotlight. Sachin Tendulkar, beaming with pride, joined by his wife Anjali and daughter Sara Tendulkar, who stole attention with her vibrant lehenga and joyful energy.

Ahead: The Big Day

With these celebratory nights underway, all eyes are now on March 5, when Arjun and Saaniya will tie the knot in a private Mumbai ceremony. The blend of tradition, star power, and heartfelt family moments has already made these wedding festivities the talk of the town and the perfect start to this joyful union.

Maruti 800 Coverted Into Lamborghini Replica By This Mechanic By Spending Rs 4 Lakh

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In a modest workshop near Jamshedpur, where the smell of grease mixes with welding sparks, a dream quietly took shape. What began as an old, worn-out Maruti 800 ended up turning heads like a roaring Lamborghini — and it cost just ₹4 lakh.

Meet Mohammad Arif, a self-taught mechanic and the creative force behind Tarzan Garage. Without formal automotive training or a luxury budget, he spent nearly two years transforming a humble hatchback into a vibrant supercar lookalike. His mission? To prove that passion and persistence can rival price tags.

The Transformation

Arif didn’t import exotic parts or high-end kits. Instead, he relied on local materials, custom metal fabrication, and carefully shaped fiberglass panels. Piece by piece, he sculpted the body to mimic the sharp lines and aggressive styling of a Lamborghini — complete with dramatic air vents and a massive rear wing that commands attention from afar.

Under the hood, however, the original Maruti 800 engine remains. This isn’t about speed records or track performance. It’s about style, imagination, and engineering creativity. As Arif puts it, “It’s not about horsepower. It’s about heart.”

Internet Sensation

When videos of the bright, low-slung replica cruising through local roads surfaced online, they quickly went viral. Crowds gathered wherever the car stopped. Social media users hailed it as a masterpiece of Indian “jugaad” — a symbol of innovation born from limited resources.

Car enthusiasts across platforms praised Arif’s craftsmanship, calling it proof that talent doesn’t need expensive tools — just determination. Some viewers did raise practical concerns about RTO approvals and modification regulations, but that hasn’t dimmed the admiration pouring in.

A Symbol Of Grassroots Innovation

In a country where the automotive customization scene is still evolving, Arif’s creation has become more than just a car. It’s a statement — that skill can flourish in small garages, that dreams don’t need imported budgets, and that creativity can turn scrap into spectacle.

From a simple Maruti 800 to a head-turning supercar replica, this is not just a modification story. It’s the story of a mechanic who dared to redesign his destiny — one weld at a time.

Splash into Renewal – How Holi’s Colors, Fire, and Joy Purify Your Life and Spark Springtime Magic!

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Nirjala Gaud
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PC: (Png tree, The Yoga Institute )

Holi, the joyous Hindu festival of colors, marks the triumphant arrival of spring (Vasanta) and celebrates the eternal victory of good over evil, divine love, and the renewal of nature. Beyond the playful throwing of colors and lively gatherings, Holi weaves together profound spiritual symbolism, ancient wisdom from the five elements (Panch Mahabhuta), and tangible health benefits that rejuvenate both body and spirit.

The Deep Spiritual Essence: Triumph, Forgiveness, and Inner Cleansing

At its core, Holi commemorates the legendary victory of young devotee Prahlada over the demon king Hiranyakashipu, symbolizing the eternal triumph of righteousness and devotion. The night before the main celebration features Holika Dahan, a sacred bonfire that burns away negativity, ego, grudges, jealousy, and past conflicts-much like purifying the soul for a fresh start.

This ritual paves the way for the colorful day of Rang wali Holi, where people come together, blurring social boundaries of caste, class, and status. It promotes forgiveness, reconciliation, and unconditional love, encouraging participants to let go of resentment and embrace unity. Spiritually, it’s an invitation to “color” one’s inner self with virtues like peace, joy, and compassion, fostering emotional release, mindfulness, and a sense of community through shared laughter and celebration.

The Five Elements in Holi: A Cosmic Harmony of Purification and Balance

Splash into Renewal - How Holi's Colors, Fire, and Joy Purify Your Life and Spark Springtime Magic!

Holi beautifully integrates the five fundamental elements (Panch Mahabhuta) that form the universe and the human body, according to Vedic and Ayurvedic traditions. These elements symbolize purification, renewal, and harmony with nature:

Agni (Fire): Embodied in the Holika Dahan bonfire, it represents transformation and the burning of evil, purifying the atmosphere and igniting inner energy while protecting righteousness.

Jal (Water): Seen in the splashing of colored water (rang), it symbolizes emotional cleansing-washing away grudges, negativity, and conflicts to promote unity and emotional flow.

colored powders (gulal): into the breeze, creating a vibrant, joyful atmosphere that carries energy, joy, and even medicinal herbal benefits through the air.

Prithvi (Earth): Honored through natural, plant-based pigments from herbs like neem, turmeric, palash (tesu), and bilva, connecting the festival to the earth and offering therapeutic, detoxifying properties for the skin.

Aakash (Ether/Space): Reflected in the open-air, cosmic nature of the celebrations, signifying vast potential, a fresh spiritual beginning, and the universal interconnectedness of all beings.

The extended celebration on Rang Panchami (the fifth day) specifically activates these five elements within the body and environment, enhancing spiritual growth and balance.

Health and Wellness Benefits: A Natural Boost for Body and Mind

Holi isn’t just fun-it’s a holistic wellness ritual, especially when celebrated with traditional natural colors. The shift from winter to spring often brings sluggishness or seasonal vulnerabilities, and Holi counters this through joyful activity and healing ingredients.

Skin Rejuvenation and Detoxification: Herbal gulal from neem, turmeric, bilva, and palash offers antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects. These natural pigments detoxify the skin, remove impurities, balance doshas (like Kapha and Pitta), and leave it glowing and healthy-far safer than synthetic alternatives.

Immune Boost and Seasonal Protection: The medicinal herbs in traditional colors strengthen immunity against spring allergies and infections, while the bonfire and active play help eliminate accumulated winter toxins.

Physical Exercise and Vitality: Dancing, running, and playing provide a full-body workout that improves circulation, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and energy levels.

Mental Well-Being Through Color Therapy (Chromotherapy): Vibrant hues trigger positive psychological effects-red energizes and stimulates circulation, yellow uplifts mood and happiness, green promotes balance, and blue calms the mind. Socializing and play release feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting relaxation and joy.

Overall Renewal: The festival encourages

shedding winter lethargy, emotional detox, and a playful release of tension, leaving participants refreshed physically and mentally. Holi is more than a festival-it’s a powerful, therapeutic celebration of life’s renewal. By embracing its colors, rituals, and spirit of forgiveness, we honor nature’s cycles, balance the elements within us, and step into spring with renewed energy, joy, and harmony. This Holi, let the colors not just paint your face, but uplift your soul!

Vrindavan’s Widow Holi: A Celebration of Dignity, Inclusion, and Breaking Centuries-Old Taboos

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Nirjala Gaud
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PC: (TCO Journey, GMAX STUDIOS)

Holi, the festival of colours, love, and springtime renewal, holds special significance in the sacred region of Braj – encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan, and surrounding areas. Known as the land of Lord Krishna’s childhood and his divine Raslila with Radha, Vrindavan’s Holi celebrations are steeped in mythology, devotion, and vibrant traditions. Yet for generations, one group was excluded from this joy: widows. Historically, Indian societal norms forced widows into lives of austerity and isolation. They were expected to wear only white sarees, shun festivities, avoid public celebrations like Holi, and often seen as inauspicious. In Vrindavan, thousands of widows have lived in ashrams for decades – distanced from family, financial security, and the simple pleasures of life. Joy, it seemed, was no longer theirs to claim.

Colour as Resistance

All that began to change with Widow Holi – a modern tradition that shatters these taboos. What started as a quiet assertion has grown into a powerful symbol: grief does not erase a woman’s right to celebration, community, and visibility in public spaces.

The Catalyst for Change

The turning point came in 2012, when the Supreme Court of India issued a directive urging better welfare and social inclusion for widows in Vrindavan. This legal push aligned with the efforts of social reformer Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International – an NGO dedicated to dignity, sanitation, and women’s empowerment. Sulabh encouraged widows to reclaim Holi, linking the festival to dignity, welfare, and broader social reform.

A Historic Shift in 2013

Until 2013, widows could only offer colours to “Thakurji” (Lord Krishna) but were barred from participating themselves. That year marked the first true Widow Holi among the women. a gentle, empowering celebration

Vrindavan's Widow Holi: A Celebration of Dignity, Inclusion, and Breaking Centuries-Old Taboos

Holi in Full Bloom

Held annually at the historic Gopinath Temple (and sometimes other ashrams like Pagal Baba), Widow Holi – often called Phoolon ki Holi – fills the air with marigold and rose petals, dry gulal (coloured powders), devotional bhajans, and heartfelt hugs. Thousands of kilograms of flower petals rain down, creating a sattvic (pure and gentle) spectacle distinct from the street-side revelry. Widows, once confined to white, emerge drenched in vibrant hues a visual metaphor for reclaiming identity, joy, and belonging.

Widow Holi 2026: A Growing Movement

In 2026, the celebration reached new heights. Over 200 widows from multiple ashrams gathered on March 2 (a few days before main Holi on March 4), marking one of the most vibrant and widely attended events yet. The premises of Gopinath Temple bloomed with colours, flowers, and smiles as women danced, sang, and embraced – turning what was once seen as rebellion into an accepted, cherished tradition.

Shifting Mindsets and Faith Without Exclusion

What began as a challenge to deep-rooted stigma is now steadily becoming part of Vrindavan’s cultural fabric. Widow Holi proves that spiritual devotion and social reform can coexist – honouring faith in Lord Krishna while making space for equality, compassion, and shared celebration.

A Symbol of Dignity and Belonging

This is more than a festival; it’s a profound statement of inclusion. In a place where widows once lived in the shadows, they now stand at the center – colourful, visible, and joyful. Vrindavan’s widows are not just playing Holi; they are reshaping tradition itself, proving that dignity and belonging belong to everyone.

(With inputs from recent reports and ongoing social initiatives by Sulabh International.)

World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation:Breaking the Silence on March 4

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Nirjala Gaud
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PC: (Shutterstock, Global Survivor Network)

Since 2009, March 4 has been designated as the World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation. Every year on this day, hundreds of thousands of activists, community members, and leaders around the globe recognize the importance of combating this heinous violation of human rights and reaffirm their commitment to fight it and expand services and protections for survivors.

What the Law Says: Defining Sexual Exploitation

In international law, “sexual exploitation” is defined as any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including – but not limited to monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual profiting exploitation of another.

The Scale of the Crisis: Millions Trapped Worldwide

According to the International Labour Organization, close to 5 million people annually, predominantly women, are victims of forced sexual exploitation. Children comprise more than a fifth of all victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Male individuals are not immune either a significant number of boys and young men get trapped in sexual exploitation as well. Members of the LGBT community are especially vulnerable due to stigma and lack of specialized services.

A Gendered Crime Rooted in Inequality

While understanding that sexual exploitation can affect any individual, we recognize that this grave violation of human rights – often amounting to the crime of human trafficking – is gendered and rooted in structural discrimination and inequalities.

CEDAW’s Landmark Recognition of Gender-Based Trafficking

We support the General Recommendation on Trafficking of Women and Girls in the Context of Global Migration, adopted by the CEDAW Committee on 6 November 2020. It acknowledged that widespread trafficking in women and girls persists because of a lack of appreciation of the gender dimensions of trafficking, which leaves women and girls exposed to different types of exploitation, including sexual exploitation.

Holding Perpetrators Accountable Not Victims

The CEDAW Committee’s affirmation that trafficking in women and girls is rooted in sex-based discrimination and is a form of gender-based violence and consequently a function of abuse of male power and privilege – is critical to ensuring that responsibility and accountability is placed on perpetrators, and not on women and girls whose rights are being violated and need to be supported to exit sexual exploitation.

World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation:Breaking the Silence on March 4

The Demand That Fuels the Market

Across all societies, persisting norms and stereotypes regarding male domination, and their control and power over women and girls, enforce patriarchal gender roles and male sexual entitlement which generate the demand.

Governments Must Address Root Causes and Demand

We support the CEDAW Committee’s analysis and recommendation, which encourages governments to address underlying structural gender and socio-economic inequalities that make women and girls vulnerable to exploitation. We also applaud the committee’s call on governments to address the demand that fuels the criminal market of human beings for sexual exploitation.

Key Messages of the World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation

Since 2009, March 4 has been recognized annually as the World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation, focusing on raising awareness about sexual abuse, trafficking, and the protection of victims. The initiative seeks to combat the trafficking of women and children, with reports estimating that the vast majority of victims are women and children.

This structure makes the article easier to scan, more professional, and suitable for blogs, awareness campaigns, or advocacy materials. Let me know if you’d like any section expanded, shortened, or further refined!

Malwa Region Basks Under Colourful Spirit of Duleti and Ger Celebrating Colour, Excitement, and Joy

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In the Malwa region, Holi is not merely a one-day festival of colours but a vibrant, multi-day celebration rooted in rich folk traditions. Duleti, also known as Rang Panchami, which follows Dhulendi, is observed with extraordinary enthusiasm. The highlight of this celebration is the iconic “Ger” procession, held across towns and villages of Malwa — a tradition that stands out for its scale, spirit, and cultural uniqueness.

Ger is essentially a grand folk rally where people from all walks of life participate, setting aside social distinctions. The rhythmic beats of drums and trumpets echo through the streets as clouds of gulal fill the air. Large tankers spray coloured water over cheering crowds, who dance, laugh, and sing traditional folk songs. In some places, showers of gulal create a mist of pink and red; in others, flowers rain down from rooftops, transforming the surroundings into a living canvas of colour and joy.

A distinctive feature of the Ger is the presence of participants dressed in humorous and imaginative costumes. Some portray mythological characters, others use creative attire to convey social messages, while many simply don quirky outfits to spread laughter. In this playful celebration, the line between spectator and participant disappears — everyone becomes an integral part of the festival.

Beyond the exuberance, the Ger of Malwa symbolises collective harmony and social unity. There are no barriers of caste, class, age, or status; people apply colour to one another in a gesture of warmth and belonging. The celebration reflects how folk festivals serve not just as entertainment, but as powerful cultural bonds that strengthen community ties.

Participating in the Ger during Duleti offers a rare sense of uninhibited joy — a moment free from the constraints of routine life. Faces smeared with colour, clothes soaked in bright hues, feet moving instinctively to the beat of the drum, and gulal swirling in the air create scenes that remain etched in memory long after the festival ends.

Undoubtedly, Malwa’s Duleti and Ger represent the spirited essence of Indian folk culture — where colours do not merely adorn the body, but touch the heart. The festival reminds us that shared happiness, spontaneous humour, and mutual affection are the truest colours of life.

Malwa Region Basks Under Colourful Spirit of Duleti and Ger Celebrating Colour, Excitement, and Joy

(Writer of this article is Bhagyashree from Ratlam)

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