Open Magazine - Top Stories

PV Sindhu was struggling. Virat Kohli gave her one simple instruction — and then came the comeback
PV Sindhu was struggling. Virat Kohli gave her one simple instruction — and then came the comeback
4 min read
At one of the lowest points of her career, badminton player PV Sindhu told cricketer Virat Kohli that “nothing is happening”. His response was simple. Months later, Sindhu was a Japan Open champion.
Missiles, Money and Hormuz: Why the UAE Suspended Trade With Iran — And What Happens Next
4 min read
The UAE has halted all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran “until further notice” after accusing Tehran of launching two ballistic missiles towards maritime traffic. Iran ...
Trump Invokes India’s 646-million Voters; MEA Says Election System’s Credibility is Globally Established
4 min read
The US President has turned India’s voter-identification system into an argument for tightening American election laws. New Delhi says the country’s electoral machinery speaks for itself, while a form ...
The Invisible French Giant: How Sarovar quietly became India's third-largest hotel company
13 min read
Everyone knows Taj. Everyone knows Marriott. Everyone knows Radisson. Few know Sarovar. Fewer still know it is now French-owned. Yet, over three decades, the company quietly built one of India's bigge ...
‘Hormuz is now United Strait of America’
4 min read
Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated image labelling the Strait of Hormuz “NEW U.S. Territory” as Iran insists the vital waterway will remain closed until Washington meets its demands.
India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: Six Wickets Stand Between India and a Galle Victory
3 min read
Sri Lanka need 288. India need six wickets. After four days of fighting the weather, Shubman Gill's men finally have something they desperately wanted: enough time to finish the job
‘Ground Them’: What the Supreme Court’s Warning to Airlines Actually Means for Flyers
4 min read
The Supreme Court has warned airlines that they could face grounding if they fail to comply with regulatory directions, as the Centre races to finalise new aviation rules. But what does the warning ac ...
Sachin Chamaria Wins Silver, Bronze in Cairo; Sets Up Historic Boccia First in Seoul
3 min read
The Indian BC3 athlete returns from the World Boccia Challenger with two medals. His next stop is the World Championships, where he will become the first Indian in his category to compete after qualif ...
BJP Looks to Refresh Narrative With Major Party Recast
3 min read
BJP has rebuilt its team. The party is looking to refresh its conversation with younger voters, and the sweeping organisational churn sets out its roadmap to the 2029 Lok Sabha election. A revitalised ...
open magazine cover
14 Aug 2026 - Vol 05 | Issue 33

Freedom Issue 2026

Shashi Tharoor on being radical liberal | Ram Madhav on how Gandhi used his Hinduism | TCA Raghavan on a diplomat's travels in history | Sumana Roy on the novel beyond the Booker | Carlo Pizzati on the dissolution of Borders
Behold Gandhi the Hindu: How Sanatana Dharma Shaped India’s Independence Movement and Nationalism
Testament of a Radical Liberal
Freedom Issue 2026: Editor's Note
The Capital of Mobilisation: Delhi and the unfinished argument of the Republic