To keep what is worth keeping
The Statesman|December 23, 2024
Those who know Winston Churchill only from his dogged wartime leadership when Germany attacked his country and have read only a few excerpts from his wartime speeches are aghast when they decipher his ugly elitism, racism and sheer blimpish stodginess, when they take pains to read his memoirs, reports of his contemporaries and his exchanges with President Roosevelt.

But nothing to my mind illustrates his boorishness so well as his decision to burn, yes burn, his brilliant painting by the great British painter Graham Sutherland, given him as a loving gift by parliamentarians when he retired from the House of Commons. The sole reason: he didn't like it (I, like many others, thought it magnificent).

I remembered this shameful episode when I read of the recent controversy regarding Gabriel Garcia Marquez's last novel. Marquez was unquestionably one of the greatest writers of our generation. His One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera are elegant classics, with their remarkable use of what is now called magical realism.

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FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE STATESMANSe alt
Seoul searching~I
The Statesman

Seoul searching~I

There were fast-paced developments in the prelude to the eventual impeachment.

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6 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The Statesman

Feel of print

SIR, The author of the write-up, \"Why every home must get a newspaper\" (Dec. 19) deserves praise for his excellent and thought-provoking piece.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Statesman

Fair Lending

The government's proposal to clamp down on unauthorised private lending practices signals a decisive move to tackle unregulated financial activities that have long preyed on vulnerable segments of the population.

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2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The Statesman

England announce squads for upcoming India tour and Champions Trophy 2025

The England Cricket Board on Sunday announced the squads for next month's white-ball tour of India, which includes three ODIs, five T20Is, and the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, as reported by the ICC.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Sports Minister flags off 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative in Delhi
The Statesman

Sports Minister flags off 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative in Delhi

Keeping continuity with the Fit India Cycling Drive launched earlier this week, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya flagged off the 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' initiative at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Sunday.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Pro Kabaddi League: Puneri Paltan aim to finish season on high as tribute to fans
The Statesman

Pro Kabaddi League: Puneri Paltan aim to finish season on high as tribute to fans

The defending champions of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Puneri Paltan have not had the best season by their lofty standards.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
ISL: NorthEast United aim to regain form against struggling Hyderabad
The Statesman

ISL: NorthEast United aim to regain form against struggling Hyderabad

Hyderabad FC are hosting NorthEast United FC when the two sides face off in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Monday.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
G Trisha, spinners star as India win inaugural U19 Women's Asia Cup title
The Statesman

G Trisha, spinners star as India win inaugural U19 Women's Asia Cup title

G Trisha stood tall to hit a fine 52 while spinners took seven wickets collectively as India beat Bangladesh by 41 runs to become first-ever winners of the inaugural U19 Women's Asia Cup at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval on Sunday.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
BBL: McSweeney hits fiery 78 to guide Heat to thrilling win after Australia snub
The Statesman

BBL: McSweeney hits fiery 78 to guide Heat to thrilling win after Australia snub

Australia batter Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped from the Test side after playing three games in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, bounced back to form with a scintillating 78-run innings to help Brisbane Heat register a thrilling last-ball win against the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) on Sunday.

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1 min  |
December 23, 2024
BGT: Richardson 'excited' to return to Oz Test squad
The Statesman

BGT: Richardson 'excited' to return to Oz Test squad

Australia have added Richardson as an extra pace option after a calf injury ruled Josh Hazlewood out of the series

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2 mins  |
December 23, 2024