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IOL News
an hour ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Preah Vihear: A reflection of colonial legacies
This handout photo from the Royal Thai Government taken and released on June 11, 2025 shows Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (C) with government officials during a visit to Kap Choeng District in Surin Province near the border with Cambodia. Thailand and Cambodia on June 8 reached an agreement to reposition their troops in a disputed border area where a Cambodian soldier was killed last month in a military clash, both sides announced. On the 28th of May, a routine border patrol between Thailand and Cambodia turned deadly. The exchange of fire near the sacred Preah Vihear temple, lasting ten minutes, may seem like just another regional skirmish. However, in reality, the situation represents a far more complex dynamic, one that collides nationalism, memory, colonial borders, and contested sovereignty that continues to unravel communities across the Global South; particularly formerly colonised nations. While Cambodia asserts defence and Thailand claims trespass, the crucial question transcends politics: how much longer will the people of this region pay the price for borders never drawn to serve them? The temple at the heart of this conflict is no ordinary site. Preah Vihear, a 9th-12th century Khmer Empire dedication to Shiva, a prominent god in Hinduism, boasting architecture so exceptional it arguably surpasses even Angkor Wat. Perched atop the Dângrêk Mountains, its panoramic views were meant to symbolise a profound spiritual link between heaven and earth. Yet, since the 20th century, this sacred meaning has been perversely politicised, caught between aggressive narratives of national pride. Despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) unequivocally ruling in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, and again in 2013 reaffirming Cambodian sovereignty over the surrounding land, many in Thailand reject these decisions. This persistent defiance, despite formal legal proceedings, ensures the region remains a zone of friction revealing how unresolved history and nationalist sentiment can ignite violence with alarming ease. This conflict isn't an isolated incident; it's just one of countless scars from arbitrary colonial map-making. Across the global south, from the family-disrupting borders of Lesotho and South Africa to the volatile lines in Kashmir between India and Pakistan, and between Rwanda and the DRC; we see nations grappling with inherited disputes that blur the sacred and the sovereign. Even in the 20th century, a highly televised and symbolic example was the Berlin Wall and its collapse in 1989. The Berlin Wall's fall was a historic moment, exposing how these man-made, imperial divisions continue to fracture societies, divide families, disrupt trade, stifle cultural expression, and transform places of unity into battlegrounds. As Thai and Cambodian commanders negotiate ceasefires, a profound question lingers, what if this entire region could be shared and celebrated, rather than eternally contested? The recent clash is also linked to Thailand's internal political tensions. The return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now facing charges under strict lese-majesté and Computer Crime Acts for alleged remarks deemed insulting towards the monarchy, has intensified political polarisation. This may explain the rise in nationalist rhetoric, and the incident's timing appears suspiciously convenient for factions seeking to deflect attention or consolidate influence. When colonial empires carved up the global south, often with no understanding of local languages, cultures, or histories they created borders for their benefit to extend power and control. Communities that once shared land, language, and lineage were suddenly split apart. The Preah Vihear temple is just one among thousands of sites now weaponised by states clinging to boundaries they never chose, but were forced to inherit. And now, as Thailand and Cambodia slash each other's visa-free entry periods to just seven days- from 60 days for Thais and 30 for Cambodians (by land)- a move that affects traders, workers, students, and families, who suffers most? Not the politicians, rather the general population who may regularly cross these artificial lines for numerous reasons whether it be the pursuit of love, food, work, or exploration. What's happening in Southeast Asia is part of a global pattern. Currently in Los Angeles, migrant communities are protesting against intensified immigration enforcement and deportation raids carried out by ICE. The very same America that brands itself the 'land of immigrants' is now criminalising the very people it once relied on to build its economy, culture, and strength. A characteristic extremely emphasised widespread globally. Children are being separated from their parents, workers are denied fair wages, and people are deported to countries they haven't seen since infancy or at all. A global wave of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment is gripping the world, fueled by a manipulated fear of 'the other', cultural dilution, and loss of societal standing. This fear is turning into hate with devastating consequences. We're witnessing the rise of narrow, inward-looking ideologies that dangerously ignore the historical truth: nations have always been built by movement and exchange. Migrants are not burdens; they are the teachers, nurses, vendors, and scholars who sustain our cities. This surge in nationalist policies and border restrictions isn't a sign of strength, but of profound insecurity. It reveals a need to confront colonial legacies and an unwillingness to envision an inclusive future. It offers only the illusion of safety through walls, papers, and passports. What occurred at Preah Vihear is merely a symptom of a deeper, more widespread issue. Unless we confront this underlying problem, history will tragically repeat itself, bringing more borders, more bullets, and more broken families. By: Banthati Sekwala Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Egyptian & South African Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
India.com
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Karun Nair's beautiful wife who converted to Hinduism for love, her name is..., the couple first met at...
In this collection of pictures we shall know about Karun Nair's beautiful wife who converted to Hinduism for love. Let's take a closer look. Indian batsman Karun Nair has returned to the Indian Test team after 8 years. Nair has been selected in Team India for the five-match Test series to be held in England from June 20. Nair played his last Test match against Australia in Dharamshala in March 2017. Nair's personal life is also quite interesting. Karun Nair has been in the headlines since being selected in the Test team. In such a situation, people now want to know about his personal life. Come, let us introduce you to Karun Nair's wife. The name of Karun Nair's wife, who batted brilliantly for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, is Sanaya Tankariwala. Karun Nair's wife's name is Sanaya Tankariwala. She is a media professional. Sanaya Tankariwala Nair works in the media industry and comes from a Parsi background. Explosive batsman Karun Nair's love story is quite interesting. Nair proposed to his long time girlfriend Sanaya in a romantic way by kneeling down. Karun Nair, a follower of Hindu religion, married a girl of another religion. First, they both fell in love and then started dating each other. However, both of them did not belong to the same religion. While Karun Nair was a follower of Hindu religion, his wife Sanaya is a follower of Parsi religion. Sanaya Tankariwala and Karun Nair, have been husband and wife for the last five years. Karun Nair and Sanaya Tankariwala got married in 2020 in Udaipur following Malayali and Parsi rituals. The couple has two children - a son named Kayan and a daughter named Samara.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
Yogini Ekadashi 2025 Date, timings, puja vidhi, significance and more
Yogini Ekadashi 2025 Date, Time, Muhurta, Mantra, Puja Vidhi: Ekadashi is one of Hinduism's most significant days, as on this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi in hopes of receiving heavenly benefits, and many fast. Yogini Ekadashi, specifically, is celebrated after Nirjala Ekadashi, falling during the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashadha, which corresponds to June or July, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Yogini Ekadashi will fall on Saturday, June 21, with the Ekadashi Tithi set to commence at 7:18 AM on that date and will conclude at 4:27 AM on June 22, as mentioned by Drik Panchang. Furthermore, the time designated for breaking the fast on Yogini Ekadashi will be from 1:46 PM to 4:34 PM on June 22. It is important to note that the Hari Vasara period on the Parana day will end at 9:41 AM, during which time devotees should refrain from breaking their fast. According to Hindu beliefs, fasting on the Ekadashi is considered an important ritual, as observing the fast of Yogini Ekadashi is equivalent to feeding eighty-eight thousand Brahmins, and all sins will be eradicated, and prosperity and happiness are attained in life. On this auspicious day, devotees should get up early and bathe before sunrise, followed by cleaning their home with Gangajal. This day is ideal for seeking blessings at the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi temples or home, and offering flowers, panchamrit, bhog (kheer, fruits, and dried fruits), while reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Stotra, Geeta, followed by Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi Aarti.
Malaysiakini
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Group backs PN, urges Harapan to honour judicial reform pledge
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has backed Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan's call to amend Article 121 of the Federal Constitution and restore its original form. MCCBCHST stressed the need to safeguard judicial independence at all times. The council urged the government to carry out the promised...
India.com
10 hours ago
- Climate
- India.com
India Vs England 1st Test Day 1 Weather Report From Leeds: Will Rain Disrupt Shubman Gill's Captaincy Debut in Leeds?
The much-anticipated India vs England 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds has dawned with a surprising twist — it's not the players but the weather forecast that has stolen the spotlight ahead of the series opener. As the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle kicks off with the debut of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the usually overcast Yorkshire skies have made way for bright sunshine and rare 30°C heat, setting up an enticing Day 1 battle between two evolving Test sides. Also Read: Meet Karun Nair's Wife Sanaya Tankariwala: Media Professional Who Converted To Hinduism For Love For Indian fans, this isn't just another series — it marks a generational shift. Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old batting prodigy, takes over the red-ball captaincy mantle from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. England, meanwhile, continue to ride the Bazball wave, with Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum at the helm of a daring, ultra-aggressive Test revolution. Leeds Weather: A Batting Day at Headingley? Historically, Headingley is known for its bowler-friendly conditions, often prompting captains to field first. However, BBC Weather's prediction of clear skies, light winds, and temperatures touching 30°C flips the script. Cloud cover is expected to hover around 45%, but with only a 4% chance of rain, Day 1 appears tailor-made for batting — a rare occurrence in June in Northern England. Given these dry and hot conditions, Gill could be tempted to buck tradition and elect to bat first. With his own impressive county stint for Glamorgan in 2022 — 244 runs in 4 innings at an average of 61 — he'll know the value of cashing in on a flat Day 1 wicket before the overheads start dictating terms. Trouble Brewing from Day 2 Onwards While Day 1 offers a golden chance for both sides to seize early momentum, Days 2 and 3 come with a caveat. AccuWeather forecasts thundery showers on Saturday morning and intermittent rain on Sunday and Monday, potentially disrupting rhythm and momentum. Overcast skies and moisture will play into the hands of swing bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh, while England's potent pace battery led by James Anderson and Mark Wood could come alive under gloomy conditions. The contrasting weather patterns across the five days demand adaptability — a trait that could separate contenders from pretenders in this early World Test Championship clash. County Experience to the Fore One of India's key trump cards could be the county cricket experience many of their players now bring. Karun Nair's 736 runs for Northamptonshire at an average of 56.61 and Sai Sudharsan's consistency for Surrey underline the growing familiarity with English conditions. Washington Sundar, with a 5-wicket haul for Lancashire, and Arshdeep Singh's stint with Kent offer valuable depth and versatility — especially if the weather turns bowler-friendly. Tactical Dilemmas: Four Pacers or a Spinner? Given the forecast, India's team combination remains a point of debate. If the clouds roll in early, Gill may opt for four seamers, leaving a single spin slot up for grabs between Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav. The challenge lies in balancing firepower with flexibility — something England have mastered under McCullum. For England, the Headingley track and weather suit their high-octane brand of cricket, but even Bazballers may have to recalibrate their risk levels if rain shortens game time. The Bigger Picture: Stakes Beyond Just a Test Match Beyond the tactics and team selections, the symbolic unveiling of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy sets the tone for a legacy-defining series. While England aim to sustain their Bazball momentum, India chase an elusive dream — only three Test series wins in England in over 90 years. A strong start is not just desirable but essential. If Day 1 goes uninterrupted, it may well shape the narrative of the entire series. The unpredictable Leeds weather will be the ultimate wildcard — not just on Friday, but throughout the five-Test showdown.
