China is ahead in military might, but India is catching up fast

Painting over pain: After an election season he would want to forget because of the controversies generated by his remarks, Congress leader Sam Pitroda is letting his creativity do the talking. A less known aspect of the technocrat-turned politician is his talent as a painter. Recently, the National Indo American Museum in Lombard, Illinois, showcased a collection of abstract paintings by Pitroda. The exhibition featured 32 works. Pitroda has an impressive body of over 500 paintings and doodles | Illustrations by Jairaj T.G.

Burning passion: Rajasthan’s Education Minister Madan Dilawar has said that all text books that refer to Mughal Emperor Akbar as “the great” shall be burnt. He added that comparing Akbar to Maharana Pratap was an insult as the former killed his own for gain, while the latter refused to bow down. The two had faced off in the Battle of Haldighati. He also termed Akbar the enemy of Mewar and Rajasthan and dubbed all those who praised Akbar as foolish. Dilawar added that all school books were checked and “the great” reference to Akbar had not been found; but if such a book were to be found, it would go up in flames.

Linguistic wizard: There is a nature versus nurture debate on whether the knack of picking up new languages is something inborn or cultivated over the years. In that context, it is difficult to decide which category Pabitra Margherita, Union minister of state for external affairs and textiles, fits into. Hailing from a far eastern town in Assam, the 49-year-old filmmaker, journalist and entrepreneur-turned politician is known for speaking several languages and picking up the local language wherever he goes. He recently won hearts in Gujarat’s Dantiwada when he delivered an address in chaste Gujarati. Even his pronunciation and accent were perfect. Every sentence was greeted with applause. However, his message may have got lost amid all the excitement.

She’s worth it: Alia Bhatt has joined Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the global ambassador of L’Oreal Paris. She announced the news in a monochromatic pant suit over a T-shirt with the slogan, “I’m Worth It.” In a promo video she posted on social media, she spoke about things women have heard forever. Such as “look good, but don’t look too skinny or too curvy”. Or: “Speak up, but don’t think you’ll be heard.” What is Bhatt’s response to that? Nothing. Because what’s important is what she says to herself. “That’s the true test of my self-worth,” she says. “The words that I say to myself and the choices that I make. Because my word is my choice.” Powerful words indeed! | Instagram@lorealparis

Bro banter: It has been announced that Vicky Kaushal will be joining Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar as hosts of IIFA 2024 in Abu Dhabi from September 27 to 29. The bromance between Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar is, of course, legendary. Remember the time in 2007, when Johar asked Khan what he would do if he woke up as him in the Rapid Fire round of his show, Koffee With Karan? Khan replied with one of his classic zingers: “You know Karan, the chances of me waking up in the morning and turning into you are less, but waking up with you are more. At least that is what everyone says.” So can Kaushal enhance the chemistry of the Laurel and Hardy of Indian cinema, or will he end up being the third wheel? | PTI

Simba, dethroned: Move over, Simba! The Disney-Pixar film Inside Out 2, about the conflicting emotions inside the mind of a girl called Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman), has beaten the live-action remake of The Lion King (2019) to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. This time around, Riley (who was 11 in the first instalment of the film) has become a teenager. Everything’s going well, except for a teeny-weeny hitch: puberty. With it, Riley is assaulted by four new emotions: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui. Teenage is like a tourist destination you are glad that you have ‘covered’, and Inside Out 2 understands that beautifully. The question is, will Mufasa (The Lion King prequel-sequel out in December) edge out Riley and her roiling emotions? | Getty Images

Urban beats: Rapper 50 Cent is now the second-largest property owner in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, with more than 10 properties in the region, and Shreveporters could not be more thrilled. Others like Hall of Fame golfer Jack Nicklaus and country music legend Kix Brooks came, conquered and left, leaving the bitter aftertaste of broken promises. Residents are hoping 50 Cent will be different, and his promise to enhance the city’s nightlife, promote sporting events and build entertainment centres won’t be pies in the Louisiana sky. “He is definitely super sharp at what he does,” said Gerod Durden, the owner of Durden Property Group that is working with 50 Cent. “He’s not just a rapper or singer. He’s really a business guy.” | Shutterstock