<p>Indian singer-songwriter Sona wanted her label, Sony, to record more of her songs. Sony said wait. Sona went to Nokia instead. The World&#39;s Marco Werman tells us about Sona&#39;s attempts to market her music differently in a country dominated by Bollywood.&nbsp;</p>


Lisa Mullins

Marco Werman

India

Sona Mohapatra

Arts, Culture & Media

New animated film for Muslim children hits US and Canadian theaters

Animated poster for "Time Hoppers: The Silk Road" featuring four diverse characters in motion, set against a futuristic backdrop of curved architecture and digital screens, with the title prominently displayed above.

First animated feature made by, for and about Muslims hits US and Canadian theaters this weekend

New play reimagines Australian history from Aboriginal viewpoint

A group of seven people dressed in formal attire stand dramatically on a set designed to resemble a rocky outcrop, with a dark, earthy backdrop. Some are seated or kneeling, while one person stands with arms raised as though addressing an audience. They are surrounded by wooden props resembling spears and driftwood, suggesting a theatrical setting.

Indian-administered Kashmir's Christmas ornament business is on the ropes

Three people sitting on the floor of a room surrounded by shelves filled with neatly arranged round and cylindrical paper mâché items, engaged in crafting activities. A stove is positioned in the center, providing warmth to the room.

Lifestyle

Demand for Christmas ornaments hand-crafted in Kashmir drops amid US tariffs

Thrift store find leads to new college course

A person wearing white gloves holds an ornate circular artifact with intricate patterns carved into its surface.

A thrift store donation in Canada may turn out to be priceless ancient artifacts

The World

Asia

Entertainment

Mohapatra

Music

Performing arts

SONA

Story

Indian singer Sona Mohapatra

Testimony of a crackdown from Iranians crossing the border

A woman wearing a face mask and black coat stands outside a building with a group of people, some talking, in a public space.

Protest

Iranians crossing the border to Turkey say they can’t stop thinking of the family they left behind

Walking around the world takes a village

Six people smiling at the camera; the group appears to be outdoors, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy sky. Some are wearing backpacks, suggesting they are on a hike or travel adventure.

Out of Eden Walk

Protests in Nigeria over demolition of Makoko — the 'Venice of Africa'

A waterway scene in a densely populated area with people in wooden canoes navigating between makeshift structures on stilts. The canoes carry various goods, and several people are visible standing or sitting around the area.

Development

Protests in Nigeria over demolition of Makoko — the ‘Venice of Africa’

Buddhist monks on national walk for peace

A group of Buddhist monks in traditional robes walking along a roadside, followed by a white sheriff's vehicle. A woman in a white coat is kneeling on the grass, paying respects to the monks as they pass by. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

Lifestyle & Belief

Buddhist monks on national Walk for Peace receive flowers, tears and gratitude along a NC highway

Meet the team trying to make climbing Mount Everest safer

Snow-covered mountain peaks, including Mount Everest, illuminated by golden sunlight, casting shadows on the slopes under a clear sky.

A new path to the top of the world

Spanish weather forecasters face an alarming jump in online attacks

Silhouette of a city skyline with cranes against a sunset sky filled with orange contrails and wispy clouds.

Environment

Somali community in Minnesota on edge amid ICE raids

An indoor market hall with American and Somali flags hanging from the ceiling. There's a banner for "Queen M&M Beauty Salon & Makeup Artist" featuring various hairstyle images. Mannequins dressed in traditional clothing and people are sitting at a table in the foreground.

Conflict & Justice

Somali community remains on edge in the Twin Cities amid ICE raids

Sabbath observance dwindling on the islands of Outer Hebrides

A scenic coastal view with white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky, with a weathered wooden fence post in the foreground.

Sabbath observance is dwindling on the islands of the Outer Hebrides

Stunning purge of China’s military

A person in a military uniform with several medals and insignia sitting in front of a red background, appearing serious and focused.

Military

China’s stunning military purge

The World's Podcast

Lethal Dissent

Ways to Listen

The World Stations

Listen

Top of the World daily newsletter

Critical State

Newsletters

Culture & Society

Development & Education

Health & Medicine

Immigration

Money

Politics

Science & Environment

Technology

Women & Gender

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Bluesky

TikTok

Youtube

About Us

Contact

Donate Now

About

Donate

Meet the Team

Privacy

Terms of use

SEND US A NOTE! 

NO, THANKS.

cG9zdDo2NTc0Njk=

Yes, I’m with The World!

No, thanks.

cG9zdDo2NDEzOTA=

cG9zdDo2Mzk5NjM=

Subscribe

cG9zdDo2Mzk5NjU=

<p>I have read and agree to your <a href="https://theworld.org/privacy" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>.</p>
