Indian attitude to official and private foreign aid has always been ambivalent — sometimes welcoming, at other times hostile. With U.S. President Donald Trump’s targeting of USAID, the death knell, at least for official aid, seems to have been rung. Other European countries may follow suit, thanks to continuing global conflicts, anti immigration sentiments, and … Read more
Sound appeal While we are still struggling to overcome the sorrow resulting from Pahalgam, we are further saddened to learn that some elements are turning hostile towards Kashmiri students in some parts of the country. In this context, one would like to highlight the adorable stand taken by a lady who lost her naval officer … Read more
Intense discussion on the population of castes and their interplay with politics seems to be the season’s flavour in Karnataka. Even before the opposition from dominant castes to the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (popularly known as the caste census) recommendations could come to a head, another caste survey is set to begin in Karnataka on … Read more
As conflict zones multiply globally, another frontier is quietly slipping into turmoil — the Arctic. Long seen as a realm of scientific cooperation and environmental protection, the polar north is becoming a theatre of military and geopolitical competition. With Russia more assertive, China expanding its Arctic ambitions, and Washington renewing interest in Greenland, the region … Read more
The re-election of the centre-left Labor party in the Australian general election on Saturday is a shot in the arm for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who became the first Australian leader to win a second term in more than two decades. The centre-right Liberal-National coalition was trounced, with Labor winning 87 of the 151 seats … Read more
The Pahalgam terror attack (April 22) has put Delhi and Islamabad into a different trajectory from the past, and is one that should alert the entire strategic community. This was the first such incident on this scale targeting civilians since the Mumbai 2008 attacks. The barbarity in Pahalgam, segregating men from women, identifying them by … Read more
India’s Goods and Services Tax collection in April, since the indirect taxation framework was implemented in 2017, has consistently hit record highs. This April was no different — generally because of businesses tallying their books and completing their financial year-end tax commitments. The gross GST collected this time was about ₹2.37 lakh crore, marking an … Read more
In our pursuit of happiness, we often chase grand achievements — career success, financial security, or material comforts — allowing the outside world to define us. Remember, positions and acquisitions can give you a temporary dose of joy, but it’s only family and friends who will be there at a time of crisis. Unhappiness thrives … Read more
Cats have been domesticated in Central Europe for 10,000 years. | Photo Credit: Getty Images “Why do cats meow, yowl, and cry so much at night?” I asked our Bulgarian driver. “It’s love season,” he replied in broken English with a smile. “Don’t the owners mind?” I continued. “Not all cats are pets, sir. Many are … Read more
