What will Agra look like in the ‘Viksit Bharat’ of 2047? Will the city of the Taj Mahal and other historic monuments rise as one of India’s top five smart cities, or will it crumble into a dystopian nightmare, buried under urban chaos and neglect? Through the lens of a time machine, we take a haunting glimpse into the future. A report…

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur recently, did he discuss a succession plan if he decides to quit in September after turning 75? Who will succeed Modi? This question is doing rounds in the political corridors of many state capitals. Even the opposition is waiting for a breakthrough should there be a change at the top.

Recently, Section 144 has been reimposed in the city of Agra. Under the Indian Justice Code (BNS), Section 163 was previously known as Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Considering the festive season, public gatherings, and ongoing board examinations, this decision has reignited the debate over the continued application of this colonial-era law. 

Since assuming office in 2017, Yogi Adityanath has undeniably reshaped Uttar Pradesh’s law and order landscape. His administration’s unwavering zero-tolerance stance on crime, epitomized by the ‘bulldozer model’ and assertive policing, has demonstrably deterred criminals and reduced public offences. Even opposition voices acknowledge the decline of the ‘jungle raj’ that previously plagued the state.

Agra, once renowned for the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and the beauty of the Taj Mahal, is now yearning to quench its thirst.

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the gradual disappearance of an entire community – the one that made us laugh tickled our funny bones, and compelled us to think. Satirists, cartoonists, and masters of humour are slowly fading away. They have been replaced by YouTubers and stand-up comedians whose sick jokes are often laced with profanity and vulgarity. This is an era where laughter has been replaced by shouting, brawling, and hate-filled dialogues.