Features

This article dissects Qala's lead single 'Ghode Pe Sawaar', through a feminist lens.

Has the popularity of social media hastened war news reporting or sensationalism? Does the youth of today find themselves torn between deciphering real news and misniformation? This article aims to look beyond the surface and uncover the answers to these questions and more.

On March 13, 2026, India's government introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, which swiftly passed both houses by March 25 and became law despite widespread protests from trans activists, lawyers, and opposition parties. The bill scraps self-identification for gender—upheld in the 2014 NALSA Supreme Court judgment—replacing it with mandatory medical certification by a board and District Magistrate approval, while limiting recognition to hijra, kinner, and intersex groups, effectively sidelining trans men, women, and non-binary individuals. It also imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for "coercing" others into transgender identity, which critics fear could criminalize family and allies. Activists like Krishanu, Raghavi, Aryan Pasha, and Kanmani slammed it as unconstitutional (breaching Articles 14, 15, 19, 21), arbitrary, and reminiscent of colonial-era laws like the Criminal Tribes Act, with protests erupting in cities from Delhi to Hyderabad. Amid global anti-trans backsliding (e.g., TGEU's 2025 index, US and UK developments), figures like Aakar Patel of Amnesty International India decried it as state overreach on inherent identity. Affecting ~487,803 trans persons (only ~32,500 with ID cards), the law unravels hard-won rights, framing the fight as one for the state's recognition of self-naming over official control.

Video Controversy SynopsisA video from April 9, 2026, showing 11,000 liters of milk (worth ₹5.5–7.7 lakh) poured into the Narmada River during a religious ritual sparked national outrage online, pitting devotion against accusations of waste, excess, and environmental harm.Public BacklashSocial media users condemned the act as irresponsible amid food insecurity and river pollution risks, arguing the milk should have fed the needy instead of treating the river like a "sink."Defenses and Expert WarningsSupporters defended it as sincere faith, but environmentalists like Subhash Pandey and Ajay Dube highlighted ecological damage: the organic load depletes oxygen, harms aquatic life, drinking water, and local communities.Broader ImplicationsThe Narmada's cultural significance amplified the debate, turning a local ritual into a flashpoint on balancing tradition with ethics, responsibility, and river health—raising timeless questions on when devotion crosses into waste.

Bennett University has launched BENNETT DIALOGUES, a fortnightly talk series conceptualized by Chancellor Vineet Jain (Times Group MD) to help students grasp global geopolitical shifts. Led by Prof. Dhiraj Singh (Head, Centre for Media & Technology), it features informal fireside chats and Q&A with experts in geopolitics, business, and media. The series aims to connect world events to everyday impacts, like how the US-Israel-Iran war affects India's petrol and LPG prices. The inaugural edition on April 21 explores "The War in West Asia," with Times Now's Zakka Jacob and Dr. Waiel Awwad (Syrian-origin expert on West Asia conflicts, based in Delhi). Prof. Singh highlights its blend of Times Group media legacy and Bennett's academic excellence, benefiting media, liberal arts, business, and law students.

On April 8, a fragile ceasefire briefly eased global tensions after 40 days of war between Israel, Iran, and allies, announced by Trump on Truth Social and confirmed by Iran and Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif, who brokered it. Celebrations ensued worldwide as markets surged and oil prices fell, until Israeli jets struck Lebanon that morning, killing 357 civilians in what Beirut dubbed "Black Wednesday," while Israel excluded Lebanon from the deal. No formal agreement exists; conflicting statements emerged immediately, with Pakistan and Iran insisting it covered Lebanon, but Israel and the US rejecting that after a Trump-Netanyahu call. Lebanon, already devastated with over 2,000 deaths since March, was sidelined in a multi-front conflict involving Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and Gulf interceptions. Post-ceasefire issues mounted: Iran kept the Strait of Hormuz choked, charging exorbitant fees and slashing traffic from 110 daily ships to four. Historic US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 11 collapsed, prompting a US naval blockade that doubled down on the disruption, halting all oil route traffic (20% of global supply). The two-week truce window lasts until April 22 amid ongoing messages, but optimism fades after the deadliest civilian day coincided with its announcement.

This article attempts to find an answer to whether Dhurandhar a propaganda film or not? For a film so highly acclaimed and criticized, Dhurandhar has managed to become a topic of debate in almost every Indian household.

The film "The Voice of Hind Rajab", directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, reconstructs the tragic final moments of six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, killed in Gaza amid the Israel-Palestine conflict. It serves as a powerful commentary on civilian suffering, war's human cost, humanitarian crises, and global indifference, transforming a personal loss into a broader critique of geopolitical silence. The documentary has sparked controversy in India, where distributor Manoj Nandwana reports an oral block by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to fears it could strain India's strengthening ties with Israel in defence, tech, and trade. No formal written order exists, raising concerns about transparency, artistic freedom, and censorship influenced by diplomacy rather than by cinematic guidelines. Director Ben Hania voiced heartbreak on Facebook, lamenting the decision amid her lifelong love for India and Bollywood, while questioning if the "honeymoon" between the "world’s largest democracy" and the "only democracy in the Middle East" is so fragile. The case highlights broader trends of political sensitivities curbing films on contentious issues, unequal treatment of global narratives, and tensions between art, authority, and empathy in India's media landscape.

Timothée Chalamet's offhand dismissal of ballet and opera as irrelevant sparked outrage from the arts community, including the Met Opera, Royal Ballet, and stars like Misty Copeland. Yet, post-pandemic declines in audiences and funding reveal harsh truths: these forms struggle against streaming, gaming, and inaccessibility due to high costs and elitism. The piece urges evolution over defense—through bold collaborations (e.g., Lady Gaga), innovative productions like Anna Nicole, and pop culture crossovers, akin to theatre's Tarantino buzz or Chalamet's own savvy marketing. Dismissal as "uncultured" misses the point: his words are vital feedback for survival in today's attention economy.

This article looks at the impressive story of Alysia Liu, Olympic Gold Winner in the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. It examines the underlying power and courage it takes to not only leave something you love but to come back stronger than ever before,

Social media erupted a week ago over a perceived surge in Delhi's missing persons cases, particularly young women, mirroring the plot of YRF's Mardaani 3. Netizens split into echo chambers, accusing either street gangs or YRF's marketing of panic-mongering. Delhi Police debunked the hype as a paid promotion.

This piece is a review of the original, Times School of Media produced short film 'Sanjha Kuaan'. Directed by BAFTW student Safin Laller. It tells a historic tale of love, selflessness and despair. While being exemplary of what the combination of true dedication and passion can look like.

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed linking the digital currencies of BRICS nations to simplify trade and tourism payments, potentially reducing dependence on the US dollar. Recommended for discussion at the upcoming BRICS summit in India, the move comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and stalled India–US trade talks. Russia’s ongoing experiment with a gold-backed currency, the “Unit,” reflects a broader shift as BRICS economies increase gold reserves and cut reliance on US treasury bonds. With strong resource complementarities and expanding digital currency pilots, the bloc may be laying the groundwork for gradual de-dollarisation.

This story offers an intimate glimpse into the unseen world of Indian Navy families — a life defined by sacrifice, silence, and unwavering hope. Through the eyes of wives, children, and sailors themselves, it reveals the emotional weight of long deployments, missed milestones, and the quiet strength required to endure distance. Set against the vast, unending sea and the lonely routines onshore, the narrative captures how love and resilience anchor both sailors and their families, even when duty pulls them worlds apart.

Correspondent: Mridvika Prashar When Pranavi Ambati joined Bennett University in 2022 for her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, she did not picture herself graduating with the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal. She had come from Mumbai, choosing Bennett after hearing about its industry exposure and the opportunities it offered. The shift to Delhi wasn’t an easy choice, but studying journalism mattered more. Her goals during her first year were simple: learn, adapt, and try to excel in whatever the program offered. “I do not think when I set my first foot into Bennett, I had ever imagined that I would be graduating with a gold medal,” she said. The idea first occurred to her only after attending the second convocation, where she watched seniors win medals. “It would be so nice if I could also graduate with one,” she remembered thinking at the time. Academically, her approach was steady but not repetitive. She didn’t believe in doing the same tasks every day for the sake of consistency. “Consistency is nice, but I feel consistency can also lead to stagnation,” she said. Instead, she pushed herself in small ways like reading new articles, exploring topics she wasn’t familiar with, and trying to grow her knowledge bit by bit. One moment that stood out for her came in her very first semester during the print journalism elective. Each student had to contribute to an eight-page newspaper they produced as part of the course. While most wrote about campus happenings or events in India, Pranavi experimented with a different angle. India’s position on the Russia–Ukraine war was being discussed widely at the time, and she decided to write an analysis on whether Nehru’s idea of non-alignment still held relevance for India in the 21st century. It was a small column, but she was proud of attempting something unique. “I was able to use the resources I had and put out something no other student in the class did,” she said. Her academic journey wasn’t without pressure. A significant challenge came in her fifth semester during the event management course, where she was selected as one of four students responsible for leading the AI x Media Summit, the first time such an event was organized at TSOM. Coordinating the entire batch, handling outreach, keeping morale steady, and making decisions during difficult moments tested her ability to lead. “There were moments when fights broke out,” she recalled, “and we had to make very difficult choices.” The summit eventually turned into a successful event, appreciated by faculty and guests alike, and it pushed her to grow beyond her comfort zone. Parallel to her academics, Pranavi found her footing professionally through internships at Times Now. Even as an intern, she was assigned real newsroom tasks, including writing copies and stacks for stories that went on air. Now, she works as a preview reporter on the output desk, contributing to national political stories and occasionally to international ones, areas she is naturally drawn to. She sees her current role as a space to keep learning, guided by senior colleagues and the fast pace of the desk. The news of her medal remained quiet until the convocation. Even faculty members were unsure who the topper would be until the final days. A few reached out to her, asking if it was her, but she didn’t want to assume anything. “I know my CGPA, but I haven’t discussed it with anybody else,” she had told them. Her friends found out only on the day of the ceremony when she was moved to the medallist seating. Walking on stage was a moment she took in with a mixture of calm and disbelief. The sound coordination on stage was poor, and she recalled the announcer’s voice not aligning with the order in which students were standing which made her a bit nervous in that moment. The highlight for her was meeting her parents afterward and handing them the medal. She saw it as the outcome of their efforts as much as hers. Now, she keeps the medal tucked away rather than displayed. For her, it marks a milestone, not a point to dwell on. She prefers moving forward with the same steady mindset she carried through her degree growing through quiet effort, learning through experience, and progressing without making noise about it. ( This article is written by Mridvika Prashar, a 3rd year BA Mass Communication student. She is passionate about social issues, and she likes exploring and writing about their influence on society. )

Matrubhoomi begins with a chilling thought: what if an entire nation erased its women? As decades of female infanticide take their final toll, a village that once celebrated life now spirals into desperation. When Kalki, the last young woman, is found and brought to marry five brothers, her existence becomes a battleground of desire, dominance, and collapsing morality. The men, starved of tenderness, turn feral. Through stark imagery and relentless tension, the film reveals a society stripped of empathy, warning us of the terrifying future patriarchy can create when left unchallenged.

Bennett University’s 7th Convocation, held on 15th November 2025, celebrated the achievements of its graduating students with grandeur and pride. Against a backdrop of vibrant red gowns, heartfelt anticipation, and a beautifully staged ceremony, graduates walked toward a future shaped by learning, resilience, and ambition. The event captured emotions of accomplishment and hope. photojournalist: Avni Rai

This article is a comparison of Mass Communication and Journalism studies between India and Australia. Based on an interview with a student from the Western Sydney University, who had visited the Times School of Media in Bennett University for a cultural and educational exchange program. The findings of this article delve into the structural and qualitative differences between the teaching methods and course structure for Mass Communication and Journalism studies in both countries.

This article talks about how the Content Creation side hustle is now the main hustle for students building digital empires alongside textbooks.

Anand Verma, a former graphic designer, runs MoJo Cakes, a modest bakery in Bhopal's Shahpura, fueled by his lifelong passion for baking. Despite challenges—including pandemic setbacks, financial pressures, and long, lonely hours—he persists without the aid of social media or tech platforms, depending on word-of-mouth and personal connections. Anand’s story is one of resilience; he finds solace in baking and values the quiet satisfaction of bringing comfort to his community, viewing entrepreneurship as an ongoing journey of endurance and sacrifice rather than glamour.

The article examines the controversial rise of disaster tourism, where travelers visit sites affected by catastrophes like tsunamis, nuclear accidents, and hurricanes. It highlights mixed motivations ranging from empathy, education, and bearing witness to thrill-seeking and social media-driven curiosity. While such visits can support recovery and raise awareness, they risk exploitation and insensitivity if poorly managed. Ethical disaster tourism depends on tourists’ intentions, local involvement, and responsible conduct, ensuring that visits honor victims and contribute to healing rather than commodifying tragedy.

Once revered as mystical guardians, the Nath snake charmers—or saperas—of India trace their roots to Guru Gorakhnath and his disciple Kanipa, believed to possess divine control over serpents. For the Naths, snake charming was a sacred duty symbolizing harmony between man and nature. Today, this ancient community struggles to preserve its fading traditions and identity amid modern India’s changing landscape.

Understanding the ripple effect of the H-1B visa price hike by the US government. The U.S. government’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike has sparked outrage among Indian professionals and tech firms, threatening to dismantle America’s skilled immigration system. While some foresee a “reverse brain drain” benefiting India, experts warn of harsh realities—limited domestic opportunities, tough work culture, and economic uncertainty—making a large-scale return of skilled talent to India more a distant hope than an imminent shift.

Humans of Bennett share the everyday stories and moments of the people who make this campus alive

The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi revolutionizes historical storytelling by integrating technology such as holograms, virtual and augmented reality, and interactive kiosks to immerse visitors in Indian political history. A key attraction is an AI-powered 3D avatar of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that allows interactive conversations about his life and pivotal moments. The museum aims to honor India’s Prime Ministers and inspire youth, but raises questions about whether technology truly educates or merely entertains with selective storytelling.

The September 10th, 2025, assassination of Charlie Kirk, a well-known right-wing activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, at a Utah Valley University event stunned the nation and heightened discussions about political polarization. Kirk was killed by a bullet fired from a rooftop, and Tyler Robinson, age 21, was identified as the suspect based on DNA evidence and incriminating texts that suggested political motivations. Conservatives lamented and denounced President Trump's announcement that Kirk would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as part of an increase in political violence. Kirk’s legacy, from grassroots campus activism to national conservative influence, remains controversial, shaping debates about division and American values.

This feature article is an overview on the moral boundaries of police brutality during protests. And upon how today’s youth, and their lives are being compromised under the façade of an attempt to maintain law and order. It focuses on the current protests taking place in Indonesia against its government, while shedding light on the reality of police brutality.

Exploring college students' journey of building startups from scratch while juggling both academics and entrepreneurship.

The BrahMos missile system has proved to be India's most crucial defence asset. With international recognition and demand, this indigenous technology marvel has placed India in a superior position on the globe. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, the former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, shared interesting stories and awestrucking facts about the BrahMos missile system.

Bennett University’s Business Bazaar, powered by Spark E-Cell, transformed the campus into a marketplace of ideas on August 25–26. From quirky handmade crafts like crocheted flowers and DIY candles, to tech-driven start-ups like TAGO, the two-day fest lit up the German Hanger with innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy, guided by Bennett Hatchery.

Bennett University’s Times School of Media has launched the Bennett Centre for Fact-Checking and Digital Integrity (BCFDI) to combat misinformation and promote media literacy. Led by Prof. (Dr.) Sumit Narula, the centre trains students in global-standard verification tools and empowers the Bennett Verification Squad to debunk rumours in real time. With a public helpline and plans for national outreach, BCFDI aims to uphold truth and strengthen digital integrity.Correspondent: Sampada Sharma

Ganesh pandals, NGOs, and the government step up their initiatives for a socially and environmentally sustainable Ganesh Chaturthi. From protecting the environment to promoting culture, ardent efforts have been made during this festival.

By Radhika Gupta More than 220 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army in the Gaza strip in less than 23 months, according to the latest data shared by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international non-governmental organization that promotes and defends freedom of information and speech worldwide. “At the rate journalists are being killed in Gaza by the Israeli army, there will soon be no-one left to keep you informed,” RSF’s general director, Thibaut Bruttin had said in a statement in September, last year. Israeli officials in turn have said that many of these journalists were “actively engaged in terror activities and using journalism as a cover”. However, no substantial evidence to support this claim has been presented by the country yet. On the night of 10th August alone this year, six journalists were killed in a targeted strike against Al- Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif. Israel’s military stated that Sharif was targeted as he had “served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas”, a claim that Sharif had denied in the past. Little evidence to support the accusation was provided by Israel, reported BBC . Palestinian Journalist Anas Al-Sharif Killed in a Targeted Israeli Strike Image Credits: Reuters Recently, five more journalists were killed on 25th August in two consecutive strikes by the Israeli army on the Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Some of these were working for Al Jazeera, Associated Press (AP) and Reuters. A week after this attack, 250 media organizations in over 70 countries brought together by RSF and supported by global campaign movement Avaaz, staged a front-page protest on Monday, 1st September. News outlets like Al Jazeera, the British newspaper The Independent and French newspapers La Croix and L’Humanité were amongst those participating. The Quint and The Wire also joined the movement from India. This protest included entire or partial blackout on the front pages of the print media, banners on online news sites and audio or video messages broadcast by radio and television stations. The demands raised included protection of all the journalists currently reporting from Gaza, an emergency evacuation of reporters seeking to leave the Strip and for governments across the world to host them. RSF has also demanded end to impunity for Israeli crimes against Gaza’s reporters, and for foreign press be granted independent access to the Strip, which had been banned by Israel since the start of the war two years ago. “When such a catastrophe takes place, unity is the need of the hour. Media outlets may compete with each other on a regular basis, but when it comes to issues like these, it is imperative for us to stand together as one fraternity. And that’s exactly what this global protest was all about. We’re always stronger together” said Sakshat Chandok, a senior correspondent and journalist from The Quint, who reports on politics and international affairs. The Israeli Foreign Ministry responded to the Reporters Without Borders initiative by stating that “the reports we see in the global media regarding Gaza do not tell the real story there. They tell the campaign of lies that Hamas spreads. This is not journalism. This is politics”. The protest takes place against the backdrop of the Israel–Gaza war, which began on 7 October 2023,when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, leading to Israel’s declaration of war and subsequent military operations in Gaza. At least 63,746 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry’s records. Radhika Gupta is a third year BAJMC student at TSOM who is passionate about writing articles on various socio-political issues. In her free time she enjoys reading murder mysteries, travelling and baking.

For decades, technology in India has spoken to us in a language that often wasn’t our own. English dominated the digital space,leaving millions excluded from the promise of the internet age. But India, home to over 1.4 billion people and over 19,500 mother tongues, was never going to let language become a digital barrier forever.

Editorial piece on the dowry-related murder of Nikki Bhati and how this archaic practice continues to claim women’s live. Despite laws, thousands of women are still silenced each year by a society that chooses complicity over justice. As a woman, I am filled with rage. Anger at the news, anger at the muted public reaction, but most importantly, anger that in 2025, I still have to write about a young woman being burned because of something as asinine as dowry.

Handloom Day at the Bennett University!