institute for works of religion

West Bengal's new BJP government is enacting swift policy changes, replacing TMC schemes with central programs like Ayushman Bharat and Annapurna Yojna. Mandatory 'Vande Mataram' in schools, revised OBC reservations, and increased age limits for government jobs are among the key decisions. The administration is also scrutinizing caste certificates and initiating corruption probes.

The University of Houston System will discontinue its undergraduate religious studies degree due to persistently low enrollment, a decision approved by the board of regents. While the program formally closes in 2032, a minor in religious studies will remain, allowing continued access to the subject. This move reflects broader trends of declining student interest in liberal arts programs nationwide.

The BJP government has also done away with the exisiting state OBC list in accordance with the Calcutta high court judgement and would set up a panel to decide quota eligibility. Last year on July 28, however, the CJI-led bench of the Supreme Court had vacated high court's stay on implementation of the new OBC list that had a total of 140 sub-groups under OBC-A and OBC-B categories, including 80 belonging to the Muslim community.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, known as 'King Khan,' transformed personal struggles into global success through relentless hard work and determination. His journey from humble beginnings to cinematic icon offers valuable life lessons. Khan emphasizes embracing individuality, learning from failure, preparing for challenges, and the power of focus and dedication to achieve any goal.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay appointed his spiritual advisor as Officer on Special Duty. Public outcry led to the swift revocation of this appointment. This event underscores the deep-rooted influence of astrology in Indian politics. Many leaders privately consult astrologers for crucial decisions. This practice continues despite public scrutiny and modern governance.

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

Terence Lewis opened up about questioning Christianity from a young age, recalling being asked to “get out” by a priest when he raised doubts. He shared the emotional impact on his family, especially his mother, and distinguished between faith and organised religion. Lewis remains a leading figure in contemporary dance and global collaborations.

During Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV and the Dalai Lama jointly condemned the use of God's name to justify war, emphasizing that religious traditions fundamentally teach love and compassion. Their powerful, unqualified appeal rejects the seductive arguments of necessity and exception that fuel conflict, urging a moral refusal of violence and a recognition of shared humanity.

A wave of over 60 bills, linked to Charlie Kirk, are reshaping education policy across more than 20 US states. These laws redefine campus free speech in places like Kansas and influence how history, including religion's role, is taught in Tennessee. This legislative pattern signals a broader ideological shift in educational priorities.

Researchers have identified the world's oldest known beer receipt, a small clay tablet from ancient Mesopotamia detailing beer supplied to workers. This everyday transaction, discovered during a review of museum collections, highlights the early use of writing for managing trade, labor, and resources, offering a human glimpse into ancient life.

Spouses & families of men killed in the April 22, 2025 terror attack recount loss, resilience, anger, and the long struggle to move forward

Bihar's political landscape shifts as Nitish Kumar steps down after two decades, paving the way for Samrat Choudhary's chief ministership. Kumar, lauded for transforming Bihar's image through development and improved governance, exits with a clean slate. His departure marks the end of an era, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the state's progress and social harmony.

Ambedkar Jayanti, celebrated on April 14, honors Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a key figure in modern India. His pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his lifelong fight against caste discrimination and for social justice are commemorated. The day serves as a reminder of his advocacy for equality and human dignity.

A bicycle mechanic from Ayodhya, Mohammad Sharif, transformed profound personal grief into a lifelong mission. After losing his son, he vowed to provide dignified final rites for unclaimed bodies, regardless of faith. For decades, he personally arranged cremations and burials, earning him the affectionate title 'Sharif Chacha' and culminating in a prestigious Padma Shri award for his selfless service.

Hindu philosophy highlights the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as a model for strong, balanced marriages. Their relationship exemplifies friendship, devotion, and harmonious energies. The mantra 'Om Gauri Shankaraya Namah' is used to foster spiritual connection, faithfulness, and peace between partners, aiding in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening commitment.

The challenges we face-climate change, inequality, conflict-are global and interdependent; they cannot be solved by technology alone. They require a shift in consciousness, says XIV THE DALAI

The Dhamma, as Ambedkar reinterpreted it, was a grammar of equality – a moral framework for reconstructing society. Its gods were not divine, but ethical: compassion, justice, fraternity. But in public life today, that language of ethics risks being drowned out by the louder, more performative religiosity of the Hindu Right

If CPM-led LDF loses in Kerala on May 4, India will see its first Left-free govt landscape in nearly half a century. The bigger story? Communist parties failed to find a new vocabulary for new India