1. MJ Akbar Resigns From Post, Accusers Express Relief
MJ Akbar on Wednesday, 17 October, resigned from his post of Minister of State External Affairs.
This came after multiple women journalists came out in support of their colleague Priya Ramani, who has accused the Union minister of sexual harassment.
Ramani, meanwhile, said that she feels ‘vindicated’ after the Union minister resigned from his post. However, she added that she is now awaiting justice in court.
Another survivor, Ghazala Wahab, one of the women who had accused Akbar of sexual harassment, said that she feels ‘hugely relieved’ after the Union minister’s resignation. Speaking to CNNNews18, she said, “This should’ve happened three days back but I'm hugely relieved that this (Akbar's resignation) has happened now. I think it is just a moment of truth that is now staring him in the face [sic].”
“It doesn't matter whose might is behind whom, eventually it's the truth that prevails," Wahab added.
(Catch all the live updates here)
2. Sabarimala Row: Journalists Heckled & Attacked by Protesting Mob
On the same day that Kerala’s Sabarimala temple opened its doors to all its devotees, at 5 pm on Wednesday, 17 October, news regarding female reporters affiliated with News18, The News Minute and Republic, being attacked by those protesting against women entering the temple, was brought to light.
Later, female reporters from NDTV and India Today, also claimed to have been heckled and made to leave from the temple premises, by the protesters.
Following the alleged attacks, National Commission for Women (NCW) took cognizance of the attack on women journalists, ANI reported. A meeting was conducted at NCW office for further steps to be taken.
Despite the state government promising that it would implement the supreme court order and would protect the women visiting the temple, they are yet to take stronger action to ensure that the women are left in peace!
(Catch all the live updates here)
3. #MeToo: Nandita Das’ Father Called Out, New Claim Against Suhel Seth
Actor-director Nandita Das on Tuesday broke her silence over the sexual harassment allegations against her father, noted painter Jatin Das, stating that she will continue to lend support to the #MeToo movement.
A woman, who is the co-founder of a paper-making company, on Tuesday, 16 October, came forward to claim that she was sexually harassed 14 years ago by Jatin Das, allegations which the painter dismissed as "vulgar".
In a Facebook post, Ms Das said despite the "disturbing" allegations against her father, she would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the women coming forward with stories of abuse and harassment.
In another case, an Indian model, TV host and fashion designer joined the multiple voices accusing Suhel Seth of varying levels of sexual misconduct and assault. In a social media post, she narrates her experience at the after-party of a bridal fashion show, a few years ago in Delhi where Seth forced his tongue down her throat.
(Read the full story here)
4. The Durga Puja Feast with Addy and Andy
Bengalis are known for their obsession of non-vegetarian food and this obsession hits its peak during Durga Puja. Unlike other parts of the country the Bengalis don’t essentially eat vegetarian food during the navratris, the nine days when Goddess Durga is worshipped.
So this Durga Puja two food enthusiasts come together, Aditya Kaushal- a radio jockey and Ayandrali Dutta - Home Culiniare and Travel Enthusiast. They usher in the festival with two quintessentially Bengali dishes – Doi Mangsho (Mutton cooked in curd) and Bhetki Fry.
(Watch the full video here)
5. Dear Yogi Ji, Prayagraj Ain’t My Home, Leave My Allahabad Alone
Under the Yogi Adityanath government, the name of the city of Allahabad has been changed to 'Paragraj', and people are not happy. Their argument? With a new name comes a new legacy– so what off the decades-long legacy that came with the city of Allahabad?
Will it be another page to be turned over and forgotten? Watch The Quint's Mekhala express her ire at the name-change in this powerful poem.
(Watch the full video here)
6. SRK, Kajol, Rani Mukerji Celebrate 20 Yrs of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’
It’s been 20 years since Kuch Kuch Hota Hai hit screens and Karan Johar made his debut as a filmmaker. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji along with a host of A-list Bollywood celebrities turned up at a special 20th year anniversary celebration in Mumbai to bring back memories of the blockbuster. While Karan Johar chatted with his team from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and recalled the making of the film, the younger generation of Dharma Productions’ stars – Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi, recreated some popular scenes from the film.
(Read the full story here)
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