Category: Features

Journalism Features goes beyond the headlines. It tells narrative stories about the people, places, and events shaping the news, while offering deeper analysis of breaking stories and their broader social, political, and cultural impact.

Crystal Palace wins the FA Cup: The third time’s the charm

Posted on by Jonathan

Crystal Palace pulled off a miracle by winning their first-ever major title. To say the odds were against them would be an understatement. But that’s the magic of football, the unthinkable can always happen. On their third attempt, they finally had the last laugh.

As expected in the preview, Manchester City dominated the opening 15 minutes of the match, controlling possession and showing their usual sharpness of the multiple Premier League champions. But Crystal Palace never panicked, they stayed patient and stuck to their original plan.

And it paid off in the 16th minute, when Eberechi Eze met a low cross from Daniel Muñoz with a first-time finish. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brilliance in holding up a long ball and playing a one-two with Kamada, who released the speedy Colombian fullback into space. A remarkable counter-attack move on display, one to be studied in academies.

The Crystal Palace supporters exploded with joy. Austrian coach Oliver Glasner had boldly declared in a press conference after their previous encounter, a 5–2 loss: “If we meet again, you can’t play in this system because we will solve it.” He proved to be a man of his word.

The stars delivered

From that moment, the Eagles grew into the match and even had a second-half goal disallowed for a marginal offside. In the meantime, Dean Henderson turned into a giant between the sticks, producing several crucial saves to preserve the lead — including a penalty stop against Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush.

Dean Henderson’s interventions proved to be key. (Photo via Fabrizio Romano Twitter).

The Palace backline showed remarkable resilience and bravery, especially Daniel Muñoz and Chris Richards. Muñoz, rewarded with a new contract until 2028 last month, locked down his flank with flair and consistently posed a threat going forward. Richards, the American centre-back, was a rock in defense, completing 12 clearances and winning 5 out of 7 duels.

The late introduction of Claudio Echeverri brought some threat to the Sky Blues, however, Henderson’s presence proved too much, as he kept his clean sheet with more crucial stops.

A date with history

Crystal Palace showed their credentials with a convincing 3-0 win against Aston Villa in the semifinals, making a strong statement against a team that competed fiercely against Champions League finalist Paris Saint-Germain.

They were ready; missing out today was not an option — and they did not. It was their third shot at glory, having fallen short in both previous finals against Manchester United (1990 and 2016).

This time, they were led by Eberechi Eze. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder took charge, scoring the only goal of the afternoon. He continued his impressive streak of goals in the tournament, having scored in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. Undoubtedly, the star of the competition. “This is special, this is what dreams are made of. Who would have thought we could do it?” he told ITV.

Eberechi Eze scored the decisive FA Cup goal. (Photo via AP)

In doing so, he carried on the legacy of past icons like Wilfried Zaha. Back in 2016, he was just 10 minutes away from success before Lingard’s late goal shattered their hopes. The Ivorian had been fundamental for the South London club over the years, and helped the club maintain Premier League status when the squad was not as strong as it is today.

The mastermind behind

Oliver Glasner is the key figure behind the success. The Austrian coach arrived in February last year and instantly improved the team and players. Despite losing a vital player in Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich for around €60 million last July, Glasner fought back with the addition of the talented Ismaila Sarr.

He proved crucial in transforming Jean-Philippe Mateta into a complete centre forward. The striker’s numbers speak for themselves: 14 league goals, several decisive moments and a call-up to the France national team for the Olympics last summer.

This title added another glorious chapter to his managerial career. He became the first Austrian coach to ever win the FA Cup, earning a place in history. Three years ago, he led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, beating Rangers 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. In the previous stages, he beat teams like Real Betis, West Ham and giants FC Barcelona — a winner in every sense.

The reactions

At times during the coach’s tenure, there were moments of tension and doubt after a short streak of poor results. However, the decision to keep the manager proved to be the right one. “We stuck by the manager because he’s an elite manager,” said Steve Parish, co-owner and chairman of Crystal Palace, in an interview with Sky Sports after the match.

Jean-Philippe Mateta was one of the key players in this success. He went from being a solid striker to one of the finest attackers in the league. “You know, we played against one of the best teams in the world and scored early in the game. To defend our goal for nearly 100 minutes, this is fantastic. I don’t have words to describe,” he revealed to Optus Sport.

Luke Weaser-Seychell, a content creator who goes by the name Luke Talks Palace on his YouTube channel, described the historic triumph as the greatest moment in the club’s history. “We are witnessing the peak of Crystal Palace at this current time, European football at Selhurst Park and away, amazing to see.” He emphasized just how special this moment is, something Palace fans never thought they’d witness in their lifetimes.

A worldwide passion

Mike, a die-hard CPFC fan from Alabama in the United States, reflected on the club’s success: “Winning that trophy was a real full circle moment for our supporters.”

He described it as a “very different feeling (for Palace fans), because we’ve devoted so much of our lives toward supporting this club despite knowing we might never see us lift a trophy”. 

Mike recalls his first connection to the club back in the mid-2010s, when he first started watching the Premier League. “What really got me hooked on Palace was the atmosphere at Selhurst Park and the passionate fanbase. Then, I started watching more and more games and was attracted to the style of football the club played at the time, led by Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie”.

A perfect balance between two mavericks and other players, perhaps less talented, but real hard workers. “It felt like the club represented South London really well,” he explained.

The long-awaited trip to Selhurst became a reality two years ago. “I finally made it to Selhurst in May 2023, and have been back twice since. I can honestly say a few people I’ve met through Palace are genuine friends of mine, and I cherish those relationships.”

The passion extends online too, as he has formed a real bond with fellow CPFC fans through Twitter. “The community I began forming here (X) made Palace even more worth my time,” he explained.

What’s next for the Eagles

Now the responsibility falls on those in charge to build on this success. Key players like Eze, Mateta, and Muñoz will definitely attract interest from bigger clubs this summer. If Palace hope to continue their rise, they must keep them and add fresh talent.

Securing their first-ever major trophy and a spot in next season’s Europa League, the smiles at Wembley belonged to Crystal Palace. They fully deserve to celebrate this historic moment.

Land Dispute Leaves Six Dead, Including Pregnant Woman

Posted on by Jonathan

A renewed outbreak of violence in a decades-old land dispute between two communities in Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, has resulted in the death of at least six individuals, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child, as confirmed by local authorities.

The involved communities are the Ndukwe Amasiri Community in Afikpo Local Government Area and Idima Autonomous Community in Edda LGA, specifically the people of Okporojo Idima. Over the years, related disputes have led to the destruction of lives and properties worth millions of naira.

On Saturday, 5th April, 2025, Okporojo community was attacked by assailants allegedly from the neighbouring Amasiri community. Among the deceased are a pregnant woman and her unborn child and one Abagha Chukwu, a native of Afikpo who resided in Okporojo until his ill-fated death.

Several pleas have been raised by members of both communities to the state governor Francis Nwifuru, urging him to step in and mediate an amicable resolution of the long-standing land dispute. Although the previous administration of Ebonyi State set up a committee to look into the feud, peace continues to elude the opposing communities.

Chima Ekumankama, who is the current Chairman of Edda Local Government Area, has confirmed the killing of four persons at Okporojo Idima, saying he visited the bereaved community and witnessed the harm done to it. He also praised the efforts of the Ebonyi State Government to ensure peace and normality by deploying security personnel into the disputed area.

The President General of Idima Edda Community also issued remarks to journalists confirming the attack. Comrade Nkama Okoro Agha expressed strong disapproval of the onslaught, recalling a previous incident on 6th February 2023 resulting in the death of innocents and the kidnap of three farmers whose whereabouts are unknown to date.

This 2023 attack was also exacted on Okorojo by suspected Amasiri natives. The President General added his voice to other appeals to the state governor for a more lasting resolution of the land dispute.

Another community leader weighed in on the unfortunate events. Hon. Imo Samuel Oduko, who sits as Chair of the Okporojo Development Union, maintained that the land in conflict belonged to the Okporojo people of Idima Edda, who hired Amasiri farm hands that settled in the area and began fighting their lessors over their rightful estate.

The Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Timothy Nwachi, stressed the unpleasantness of the resumption of hostilities between the two communities and confirmed the presence of security officials to quell the unrest in the area. He also urged the Amasiri people to remain calm while awaiting the government’s decision regarding the conflict.

Another voice spoke out on behalf of the Amasiri people. Maduabuchi Idam, a civil rights lawyer and Amasiri local, petitioned the heads of several security agencies within Ebonyi State over brutality and aggression against his community.

His petition is titled “Re-Emergence of Military Invasion, Brutality, and Aggression Reign Freely Against My Community, Amasiri” and contains complaints regarding the military intervention that followed the renewed clash between the neighbouring communities.

Idam asserted that Amasiri was a peaceful party which had since sought to quash the quarrels in spite of irritation from the Oso Edda community. According to him, on Friday, 11th April, 2025, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police set up a peace committee to that effect in Abakaliki, which several Amasiri stakeholders attended.

However, their neighbours refused to take part in the meeting and alternatively attacked some Amasiri natives. He also made mention of the insecurity currently faced by the people of Amasiri on the Okigwe-Afikpo highway, along which Oso Edda natives allegedly waylay and identify commuters identified with Amasiri.

All this goes on without the intervention of the Ebonyi State Government, whom he calls on to take action. He protested military action in his community, which he said involved the destruction of properties, arrests and sporadic shooting in Amasiri while ignoring the neighbouring Edda people.

He petitioned the Commandant of Nkwegu Military Cantonment in Abakaliki, which the military personnel were reportedly deployed from, and the Chief of Defence Staff, naming the Edda people as aggressors who intended to illegitimately lay claim to Amasiri ancestral land.

Calling on fellow Nigerians to join him in denouncing the actions of these security agencies, he insisted that the people of Amasiri have remained peaceful and attended meetings in hopes of resolving the decades-long conflict. He described the military activity in Amasiri as “unlawful, … unwarranted, illegal [and] unprovoked.”

Not Just an Export Shock: How US Tariffs Could Reshape India’s Trade Landscape

Posted on by Jonathan

India, 18 April 2025: A sweeping 26% US import tariff is sending shockwaves through global trade—and India could be one of the biggest collateral casualties. But is this crisis also an opening for opportunity? 

Despite the Modi government’s swift and strategic move to cut tariffs on over 50% of US imports in a fresh trade deal worth $23 billion, the real test lies ahead: navigating both the perils and possibilities of this tariff tsunami.

The Immediate Jolt: Exports Under Pressure

At the most direct level, the steep US tariffs will dent India’s export competitiveness, especially for sectors where products are easily replaceable. As Anirban Sanyal, an RBI employee, put it:

“The proposed 26 per cent tariffs, therefore, are going to hurt India’s export intensity to the US. But to what extent? That depends upon the tariff elasticity. As per IMF estimate, the tariff elasticity of India’s exports is around 0.9.”

In plain terms, that means if tariffs go up by 10%, India’s exports to the US could drop by about 9%—a near one-to-one hit.

Sectors like processed foods, textiles, and low-end consumer durables are particularly vulnerable. “These products… can be easily substituted with products from other countries,” Sanyal noted. So the hit won’t just be theoretical; it’s likely to affect thousands of small and medium-sized exporters across the country.

A Silver Lining? Trade Diversion Opportunities

But the story doesn’t end in gloom. There’s also a window of opportunity—and India may be uniquely positioned to seize it.

“With several other Asian exporters facing the same levies, India may emerge as a viable alternative for US buyers—particularly in pharmaceuticals and light manufacturing,” Sanyal emphasized.

The last US-China trade war offered a preview: Indian exporters saw modest gains in sectors like chemicals, machinery parts, and electronics. This time, the gains could be broader and deeper. Countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh—also targeted by US tariffs—are losing their price edge, making India a more attractive alternative for US firms scrambling to diversify sourcing.

Economic reforms must also be part of the equation, say experts.

“Middle-class Indians are struggling. Residential building sales, passenger vehicles and two-wheelers (sales) have declined… It is important domestic policies focus on the root cause,” said Kunal Kundu, India economist at Societe Generale, in an interview with Business Standard.

He emphasized the urgent need for a structural economic shift:
“India needs a 1991 moment,” Kundu said, referencing the landmark liberalization reforms introduced by then finance minister Manmohan Singh.

“We believe the tariff war offers a perfect opportunity for India to embark on this much-needed journey. Otherwise, despite being the fastest-growing large economy in the current low global growth environment, India is likely to fall significantly short of its long-term objective of becoming a developed nation.”

The Hidden Threat: Import Dumping on Indian Shores

Yet even as India eyes potential trade diversion gains, there’s a lurking threat from the east.

“India may face the burden of cheap import dumping from its neighbors,” Sanyal warned. Displaced by the US market, exporters from countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and China may offload their goods in India, flooding domestic markets with low-cost products.

This surge in cheap imports could be devastating for India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), many of which are still recovering from the aftershocks of COVID-19 and global inflation. Industries such as electronics, footwear, and garments are particularly at risk.

A Bigger Picture: Macroeconomic Ripples

Beyond trade, the impact of US tariffs is set to reverberate through broader economic channels.

“The global growth slowdown will accelerate as trade policy uncertainty elevates,” Sanyal wrote. The WTO expects global trade to decline by at least 1%, and that’s just the beginning. Commodity prices, from crude oil to metals, are already showing signs of softening amid weaker demand forecasts.

“There’s also an early sign of US dollar weakening,” Sanyal added, pointing to a potential appreciation in the Indian rupee—which, while helping tame inflation, could further hurt export competitiveness.

India at a Crossroads: Strategic Response Needed

As the world reconfigures its supply chains, India has a rare opportunity to reposition itself. The government’s recent tariff cut on US imports is a step in the right direction—aimed at securing better access for Indian goods in a friendlier trade environment.

But more must follow. To withstand import dumping, India needs tighter safeguards and more agile trade enforcement. And to truly capitalize on trade diversion, it must ease regulatory barriers, enhance infrastructure, and push ahead with long-delayed export incentives.

In Sanyal’s words:

“The impact of the tariffs may have a larger impact through global growth slowdown and subsequent reactions in commodity prices. The trade impacts will be felt… but the impact will be of lesser magnitude.”

Tariffs may rewrite trade maps—but it’s India’s response that will define its future.

J&K’s Public Schools in Crisis as Private Coaching Centers Surge

Posted on by Jonathan

Enrollment in government schools drops to 52% as parents flock to private coaching; officials promise reforms, but challenges persist.

SRINAGAR: Government schools in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) are rapidly losing ground to private coaching centers, with the latest National Achievement Survey revealing that enrollment in public schools has fallen from over 85% in the 1980s to just 52% by 2021.

This sharp decline reflects growing public distrust in government education, driven by underfunded infrastructure, inconsistent teaching quality, and the mushrooming growth of private coaching centers—now a ₹500 crore industry in the region.

“Parents see coaching centers as a lifeline,” says Prof. Tariq Ahmad, an education sociologist at the University of Kashmir. “But many rely on untrained tutors and rote learning—it’s a false promise.”

Government Pushes Reforms Amid Slow Progress

In response, the J&K government has rolled out initiatives aimed at revitalizing public education:

  • Smart classrooms in over 1,200 schools
  • Training for 15,000 teachers in collaboration with NCERT
  • Schemes such as free textbooks, mid-day meals, and scholarships for girls

However, implementation remains slow. At Srinagar’s Government Boys Higher Secondary School, upgrades have stalled. “Funds are delayed, and progress is patchy,” said a senior Education Department official who requested anonymity.

Teachers and Parents Caught in the Middle

While many families opt for private coaching, some educators are choosing to back public schools with personal conviction. Arshid Khan, a government teacher in Doda, enrolled his daughter in a government school. “If we don’t trust our own system, who will?” he asks.

A 2023 survey by the J&K Teachers’ Forum found that 68% of government teachers still send their children to public schools—seen by many as a quiet stand in favor of restoring trust.

Parents, however, remain divided. Mohammad Yusuf, a carpenter from Anantnag, took a loan to cover his son’s ₹20,000-a-month coaching fees. “Even graduates drive taxis now. I can’t risk my child’s future,” he says.

But experts caution against overreliance on private institutes. “Coaching centers don’t guarantee success,” says Dr. Neelofar Khan, an economist at Central University Kashmir. “In fact, 60% of J&K’s civil service qualifiers in 2023 were government school alumni.”

Community Interventions Offer Hope

Some grassroots efforts are filling the gap. The Hope Foundation, for example, runs free evening tutoring in 30 Budgam schools, staffed by retired government teachers. This initiative has led to a 22% rise in enrollment.

Online campaigns like #MeraSchoolMeraGarv are also making an impact. In Baramulla, students from a government school recently developed a water conservation app—highlighting the untapped potential within the public system.

What Lies Ahead

Experts suggest urgent reforms to regain public confidence:

1. Transparent fund allocation and timely infrastructure upgrades

2. Community engagement, empowering teachers and local leaders

3. Curriculum reform that includes vocational training and mental health support

Education Minister Sakina Itoo acknowledges the uphill battle: “This isn’t just about buildings—it’s about rebuilding faith, one classroom at a time.”

For now, parents like Razia Bano remain watchful. “If teachers fight for these schools,” says Razia Bano, “maybe I’ll bring my children back.” Until then, the battle for trust—and the future of public education in J&K—remains unfinished.

Kashmir’s Unemployed Youth Struggle as Government Measures Fall Short

Posted on by Jonathan

Jammu and Kashmir’s unemployment rate has surged to 23.1%, one of the highest in India, according to the latest Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data. This figure starkly contrasts with India’s national average of 7.4%, highlighting the alarming employment crisis in the region. Despite multiple government initiatives, thousands of job seekers continue to struggle as slow hiring processes and a weak private sector stall opportunities.

The J&K Directorate of Employment reports that the number of unemployed youth rose from 3.52 lakh in 2024 to 3.70 lakh by January 2025. The crisis disproportionately affects highly qualified graduates, many of whom are now forced to take up low-paying or informal jobs.

Hiring Delays, Weak Private Sector Growth

The J&K administration has launched self-employment schemes and job drives, but aspirants argue that these efforts have not yielded tangible results. While government job recruitment remains delayed due to legal and administrative hurdles, the region’s lack of industrial growth further limits private-sector employment.

A senior J&K Service Selection Board (JKSSB) official acknowledged the backlog, stating:

“We are working to expedite hiring processes, but legal challenges and administrative delays continue to slow down recruitment.”

Despite the administration’s push for private-sector growth, Kashmir still lacks large-scale manufacturing hubs, IT firms, and corporate offices, leading to heavy reliance on government employment.

“Kashmir’s industrial infrastructure remains weak, and investment is low. Without strong private-sector participation, unemployment will remain high,” said a senior Kashmir University economist.

Educated Youth Struggle for Jobs

While the administration highlights employment drives, many highly qualified graduates remain jobless.

Zahoor Hussain Hakeem, a Political Science postgraduate with a B.Ed., has applied for government jobs for years. Today, he sells Ayurvedic medicines door-to-door.

Rizwan Amin, who holds a Master’s in Public Administration, now runs a grocery store in Srinagar.

Zahid Ashraf, a B.A. graduate with IT certifications, works as a private cab driver, far from his dream job in the tech sector.

Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, a 48-year-old postgraduate in English with a B.Ed., is now overage for most government positions. “I did everything—studied, qualified, applied. But now, I don’t even meet the age criteria,” he says.

Rising Mental Health Concerns

A study in the Journal of South Asian Economic Studies links joblessness in Kashmir to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among youth.

“Young people feel hopeless. Many are overqualified for the jobs they are forced to take,” said Dr. Mudasir Ahmad, a Srinagar-based mental health expert.

Government Response and the Road Ahead

The J&K administration has urged unemployed youth to explore self-employment, but job seekers argue that loans and financial aid for startups remain difficult to access due to bureaucratic hurdles. Officials claim that new initiatives are in the pipeline, including simplified loan processes and efforts to attract private investment.

A government spokesperson stated:

“We recognize the challenges and are working to create more employment opportunities through industrial growth and entrepreneurship support.”

However, economists emphasize that urgent policy shifts are needed, including:

Faster, more transparent government recruitment to clear backlogs.

Investment in industries and IT sector growth to create sustainable jobs.

Improved entrepreneurship support with easier access to loans.

Market-aligned skill development programs to enhance employability.

With thousands of graduates entering the job market every year, experts warn that without significant reforms, Kashmir’s educated youth will remain trapped in a cycle of unemployment, frustration, and financial insecurity.

Gujarat Child Murder Sparks Debate on Superstition-Driven Crimes

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A four-year-old girl was allegedly murdered in Gujarat in what authorities suspect was a superstition-driven crime, sparking calls for stricter laws against such practices. BJP MLA Abesinh Tadvi has urged “exemplary punishment” to deter future incidents.

 The accused, reportedly of unsound mind, allegedly killed the child as part of a tantrik practice, according to his police statement. “It appears that this brutal killing has been committed as part of superstition. It has anguished me and tainted the image of the community,” Tadvi told reporters, adding that he had spoken to Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi about imposing the death penalty to prevent similar incidents.

According to the FIR filed by the victim’s mother, the accused “dragged the child from her custody into his house, where he hacked her to please the gods.” District police officials are investigating whether the accused acted alone or was influenced by external beliefs.

This case has reignited concerns over superstition-driven violence in India. In 2023, over 100 cases of human sacrifice and black magic-related crimes were reported across the country, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Experts say that many such crimes go unreported due to fear and deep-rooted cultural beliefs.


During Holi celebrations, a ritual is observed in various regions of North India, people leave diyas and worship materials at intersections, believing they absorb negative energy. If someone unknowingly steps over them, they fear inheriting the bad luck.. 

Renu Kumar, resident of Rohini, Delhi  says, “It is a belief that if you ward off the evil eye and place the ingredients at an intersection, it takes away negative energy and various problems. If someone crosses over those ingredients, the negative energy gets transferred to them.”

“We were always told not to leave the house 3-4 days before Holi and sometimes after as well.” says another resident, Rahul Kumar, 

It has been known to cause stress, if one passes over the material kept at cross sections, believing that someone else’s problems are now their burden. This ritual is not usually discussed and is passed down from one generation to the next due to the nature of the belief.

Several villages in Uttarakhand were noticed not celebrating the festival of holi, in interviews conducted by Times of India, it was found that Holi celebrations were ceased due to a superstition. The belief is that if the community celebrates the festival it will bring disaster and decease. In one of those villages, Holi has not been celebrated for 90 years, because a ‘Cheer bandhan’ flag that marked the start of the festival was stolen and no one dared to start the tradition again. Communities threatened to take adverse actions against anyone to tries to fight the superstition, instilling the need to follow these superstitions out of fear. 

While some rituals are cultural, others have resulted in severe consequences, including murder, ostracization, and mental distress. Social scientists say that superstition-based fears, once passed down through generations, become ingrained and difficult to break.

Sociologist Dr. Stuart Vyse told the American Psychological Association, “In the modern age, we adopt science and reason as our standards. When we call something superstitious, it’s because it doesn’t meet those criteria and doesn’t fit with that worldview.”

In response to rising superstition-related crimes, activists have urged the government to strengthen laws and raise awareness about the dangers of blind faith. While states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have laws against black magic and human sacrifice, experts argue that more stringent enforcement is needed nationwide.

With growing concerns over superstition’s impact on society, lawmakers and activists continue to push for education and legal measures to prevent further tragedies.