Technology News
KR Meera’s Assassin seeks to respond to the socio-political realities of contemporary India | Eye News

[ad_1]
Demonetisation, the violent ways in which dissent is suppressed, the Hindutva discourse, and increasing intolerance are the issues that provide the background while the detective story-like narration unfurls Satyapriya’s life before the reader. It is a first-person narration that begins with a question – “Have you ever faced an attempt on your life? A pity, if your answer is no!”. The reader, who is hooked, is taken on a journey that swings disconcertingly between the past and the present, to places that are spread across the country.
Satyapriya’s story of the gendered treatment and abuse of women in a patriarchal system is not unique. It is a sad but telling fact of women’s existence in India that the domineering father and the abusive relationships she endures one after the other, are not unique to her. But what makes her story unique and worth listening to, are the ways in which she and her mother fight back against this system that has them in a deadly vice-like grip. This strand of female defiance of a patriarchal order is the gilt edge to what is otherwise a grim story of survival.
Satyapriya’s mother Vasanthalakshmi goes against the stereotypical image of a mother. She is strong, unsentimental, and completely devoid of self-pity. Trapped in a loveless marriage with a philandering husband who does not spare even young girls, she nonetheless becomes his primary caregiver when he falls literally and metaphorically. This is not because of any illusion of love but out of sheer magnanimity of spirit. She does not have any sympathy to spare for her daughters’ follies and teaches them the pragmatic way to live and love. In fact, her daughter at one point bemusedly asks her: “Are you a mother, Amma?” Vasanthalakshmi is a testimony to the inner toughness of most women who cannot be beaten back, reminding you that it is not men but women who can be “destroyed but not defeated”.
Meera has said that there are many autobiographical aspects to the novel, and that while Satyapriya “has a lot of me in her, her mother’s quirkiness is borrowed from my own”. ‘Quirkiness’ is perhaps downplaying her ability to survive, laughing defiantly at all the brickbats that are thrown at her. Satyapriya’s observation that her mother “stood for the very idea of freedom”, is closer to the truth. Vasanthalakshmi’s strength is not derived from external factors but from the depths of her own personality, and she is proof that only women’s bodies can be bullied, raped and abused while their spirits can be unbroken.
Satyapriya who is the protagonist is the true successor of Vasanthalakshmi; in a world that has grown more complex and difficult for women, she displays a rare courage of spirit that is simultaneously naïve and reckless. She is the sleuth who attempts to decipher the intricacies of the murder attempts on her life. In the process, she descends into the murky depths of her past, only to arrive at unsavoury truths that manage to shake her to the core.
Truth seems to be at the heart of the novel which has a lot of characters named after “satya”. Satyapriya is the protagonist who is haunted by the shadow of her antagonist, Satyaprakash. Their truths clash in a world where truth does not have any value at all, where it is devalued like the currency notes which were arbitrarily withdrawn. This is where the figure of Gandhi and his adherence to truth become the subtext of the novel. The novel begins with the demonetisation drive that drives out the currency notes with his image, and becomes a quest for personal truth as well as a larger truth that affects the country.
Demonetisation is a leitmotif in Assassin, and the novel, according to Meera, is “my own humble experiment with the Indian political truth”. It spans the length and breadth of a changing India, from the hi-tech city of Bengaluru, the ashram of a self-styled godman in Faridabad to the forests of Niyamgiri. This broad range helps her cover many of the socio-political problems plaguing India at present from caste issues, the Kashmir problem, and religious extremism.
Most Read
However, this attempt to encompass a plethora of issues threatens to destabilize the structure of the novel. At one level, it can be read as a fast-paced thriller which holds the reader in the grip of a compelling family saga that tells the story of horrible wrongdoings and their just punishment. At another level, it becomes a biography of a nation that is trying to cope with the injustices perpetrated by caste, class and gender. Meera has shown admirable craft in holding these two strands together but unfortunately it falters in places, and the pace flags. The reader is drawn into complicated labyrinths and traversing through the 600-odd pages appears tiresome after a point.
Devika’s translation has done justice to the intense and poetic style of the author. The novel is strewn with references to Malayalam poems, songs and other local references; these are a translator’s nightmare but Devika has managed to overcome these hurdles smoothly.
Mini Chandran is professor, department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur
[ad_2]
Technology News
Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.
This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.
Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.
Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.
Technology News
Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.
The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.
When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)
The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.
On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features
Display:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Processor and Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.
Operating System:
The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Camera:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging:
Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.
Connectivity:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.
Security:
For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.
Technology News
Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.
The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
Why Millennials, GenZs Are Riding The Investment Tech Wave In India
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
Startups That Caught Our Eyes In September 2023
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
How Raaho Is Using Tech To Transform India’s Fragmented Commercial Trucking
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
Meet The 10 Indian Startup Gems In The Indian Jewellery Industry’s Crown
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
WOW Skin Science’s Blueprint For Breaking Through In The $783 Bn BPC Segment
-
Crptocurrency12 months ago
Lither is Making Crypto Safe, Fun, and Profitable for Everyone!
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
How Volt Money Is Unlocking The Value Of Mutual Funds With Secured Lending
-
Startup Stories1 year ago
Why Moscow-Based Kladana Considers Indian SME Sector As The Next Big Market For Cloud Computing