From the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the growing influence of China's ideology czar to the big infertility problem, THE WEEK brought you a variety of engaging stories this year.
As 2021 draws to a close, THE WEEK's editorial team picks the magazine stories that stood out this year. You can read them here:
1. INSIDE TALIBAN COUNTRY
Before the Taliban captured Kabul, Afghanistan witnessed an intense civil war. THE WEEK reports from ground zero the stories of Afghans who tried to stop the Taliban.
Ground report by Francesca Mannocchi: How the intense war played out before the sudden fall of Kabul
2. NOBEL WARRIORS
The stories of 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureates Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov highlight the challenges faced by journalists the world over. THE WEEK interviewed both the winners.
Opening piece by Philip Mathew: Maria Ressa, Dmitry Muratov typify challenges faced by media globally
Maria Ressa to Riyad Mathew: You can’t negotiate peace if you don’t agree on the facts
Dmitry Muratov to Ajish P. Joy: Nobel belongs to journalists who were killed at work
3. THE KING AND THE CARDINAL
With the sixth plenary session of the 19th central committee of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping moved a step closer to becoming China's paramount leader for life. But he has to solve a number of issues—within and outside the party—to ensure China's continued growth and stability. And for that, he is increasingly relying on the ideas of China's foremost political theorist, Wang Huning.
Story by By Navin J. Antony, Vaisakh E.H. And Nirmal Jovial: With China at crossroads, Xi Jinping is relying more on his ideology czar—Wang Huning
4. VANISHING SPERM
India finds itself at the centre of a paradoxical situation: an ever-mushrooming population on one hand and a dramatic year-on-year decline in its fertility rate on the other. While lifestyle issues do contribute to infertility, researchers are more worried about hormone-altering chemicals that surround us.
Story by Pooja Biraia Jaiswal: India's infertility war: Exposure to chemicals lowers sperm count, egg quality
5. MAKERS OF MODERN INDIA
In 1947, many doomsayers predicted that India would collapse in a few years. But all of them were proved wrong, thanks to visionaries who blazed new trails and built sturdy institutions. THE WEEK takes a look at some of the leaders.
Story by Rajmohan Gandhi: A look at visionaries—past and present, young and old—who continue to inspire India
6. JUSTICE FOR ALL
Retired Justice K. Chandru, on whose life the Suriya-starrer Jai Bhim was made, has always been a fighter for the rights of the marginalised both inside and outside the court. THE WEEK tracks his eventful life.
Story by Lakshmi Subramanian: Justice Chandru, whose life inspired Jai Bhim, was a lawyer who fought for people’s rights
7. WEST INDIA COMPANY
It is estimated that three out of every ten Fortune 500 companies are run by Indians. The cliched generalisation of being a dork crunching code on his lap in Silicon Valley is fast changing, as more Indians have moved up the ranks in some of the world's most prestigious companies. THE WEEK brings the voices of some of the top business leaders of Indian roots
Story by Sunil K. Thomas: Indians rising to stake claim on corner offices in the world’s biggest companies
8. GOLDEN GIRLS
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Naomi Osaka, Sue Bird... Tokyo 2020 was an Olympics with the spotlight on women stars. THE WEEK brings you the stories about some of the best athletes at Tokyo 2020.
Story by Anirudh Madhavan: Spotlight is firmly on the women at Tokyo Olympics
9. PORN DURING THE PANDEMIC
As the pandemic forced Indians to stay at home, the search for porn online hit new heights. This gave birth to many new adult content creators in India. Controversies and a slew of concerns followed.
Story by Pooja Biraia Jaiswal: Indians scoured the internet for porn during the pandemic
10. MY LIFE WITH JAYALALITHAA
V.K. Sasikala is well-versed in the nuances of Tamil politics, thanks to her decades long friendship with former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. As she prepares to make a comeback to active politics, Sasikala remembers her friend, sister and guide.
Story by Lakshmi Subramanian: My life with Jayalalithaa: V.K. Sasikala
