The Subcontinent: 3 February 2021
The Subcontinent: 3 February 2021
Greta Thunberg, Rihanna, Meena Harris Express Support for Farmers’ Protest
Honking Horns and Banging Pots: Public Reaction in Myanmar
The Myanmar Aerobics Dance Video Amidst the Military Takeover
Four TikTokers Shot Dead in Karachi
Indian Debut for Danish singer-songwriter Hasan Shah
1. Greta Thunberg, Rihanna, Meena Harris Express Support for Farmers’ Protest
Singer and actress Rihanna, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, and American lawyer Meena Harris (niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris), became the latest international influencers to express their support for India’s farmers’ protest.
Rihanna wrote:
“Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest,”
Greta Thunberg was more direct in her support:
“We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.”
Meena Harris wrote:
“We ALL should be outraged by India’s internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters.”
Kangana Reacts to Rihanna
Indian actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her support of the Narendra Modi-led government and who has repeatedly tweeted against the farmers’ protest, reacted by calling Rihanna a “fool,” and described the protesting farmers as terrorists.
Earlier, Kangana Ranaut was also involved in a Twitter war with Diljit Dosanjh over the farmers’ protest (India.com)
What Does it Imply?
The farmers’ protest has gradually moved from a Punjab-centric one to a more widespread protest involving farmers from other Indian states. Tweets by global influencers indicate that the protest is now getting increasing international media play (The Tribune) (NDTV).
Multi-Level Barricades
The creation of multi-level barricades on the Delhi border has been described as a ‘War-like fortification’ by the BBC.
2. Honking Horns and Banging Pots: Public Reaction in Myanmar
Cars honked, and people banged pots and pans in what may be the “first known public resistance to the coup” in Myanmar (Mint) at around 8.00 pm on Tuesday. Though initially planned for a few minutes, it continued for about a quarter of an hour with people chanting “evil be gone” (SCMP).
Why this Protest?
In Myanmar culture, beating a drum is like kicking out the devils, and this protest call resonated with the public (CBC).
Medics Join Protest
Medics in about 70 hospitals and medical departments in 30 towns have reportedly stopped work (Nikkei).
3. The Myanmar Aerobics Dance Video Amidst the Military Takeover
Against the backdrop of military vehicles moving in the takeover, a fitness instructor continues with her techno-pop aerobics. A physical education instructor, Khing Hnin Wai, was blissfully unaware that a military takeover was underway (NPR) as she continued with her routine while military vehicles moved behind her.
Where?
The video was recorded on the main road leading to the parliament complex in Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw. She has been performing at the same place for almost 11 months at the same venue.
She Wasn’t Alarmed
She remarked that it was not uncommon to have official convoys, and hence, she continued unhindered without being worried (BBC).
4. Four TikTokers Shot Dead in Karachi
Four TikTokers, including one female, were shot dead in Karachi in Pakistan. They were killed in Karachi’s Garden Area (Tribune). All four used to move around in the city and shoot videos for the popular social media application, TikTok.
Motive
While the motive behind the killing is being investigated, Dawn quoted a senior police officer stating that it “appeared to be the outcome of some personal issues.” (Dawn).
Who were they?
Two of them, Muskan Sheikh and Rehan Shah, have considerable following (The News).
5. Danish singer-songwriter Hasan Shah made India debut
Danish singer-songwriter Hasan Shah has made a debut in Indian non-film music with the song ‘Hawa’ (Daiji World) (GlamSham).
Who is Hasan Shah?
Hasan is a young Danish singer who has his roots in Pakistan. His biggest hit so far has been ‘Tyveri’ (Theft) (Gaffa).
Watch the Video
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