From The Caravan, a special issue on India in Afghanistan: Nation building or proxy war; and a cover story on how forty-five years ago, a joint Indo-US espionage mission lost five kilograms of plutonium in the Himalayas — it’s still missing, but the government has decided to ignore the ongoing threat. India's is a love-hate relationship with America — its democracy, culture, universities hold us in thrall; its bullying repels us. India has been grappling with a heightened threat perception on its borders with China, and complex preparations for a war that may not happen. An interview with Arundhati Roy: Is she a traitor to India or a fearless freedom fighter? VK Shahikumar sounds an early warning on a new kind of Muslim fundamentalism taking root in Kerala, a once secular state. A look at how archaeology and tourism have become handmaidens of Hindutva. An article on the afterlife of Subhas Chandra Bose, India’s fascist leader. Behind the rise of Mahatma Gandhi was a little-recognized team of followers he carefully recruited. A tale of two Indias: The hope that economic success would somehow transform old mindsets and lead to real changes in social behaviors is far from being fulfilled. A review of Mahabarata in Polyester: The Making of the World's Richest Brothers and Their Feud by Hamish McDonald. A rash of medals at the Delhi Commonwealth Games may create an impression that India has become a sports power — not so soon. The NBA awaits Satnam Singh Bhamara from India, so big and athletic at 14.
