From Tariff Shock to Dialogue India–US trade relations have often swung between cooperation and confrontation, with tariffs under President Donald Trump creating a particularly sharp divide. Trump’s decision to double duties on Indian goods — reaching as high as 50 percent, including extra levies linked to India’s Russian crude oil imports — was seen in…
Vice Presidential Elections 2025 in Context India’s Vice-Presidential elections have historically been more than a procedural formality; they often serve as a reflection of the country’s political alignments and parliamentary equations. The 2025 election was particularly significant, as it followed the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July, citing health concerns but also sparking speculation…
A Timely Boost for Consumers Just ahead of the festive season, Indian car buyers have received an unexpected gift — a significant reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on passenger vehicles. The decision has led to major carmakers slashing prices, bringing relief to families planning big-ticket purchases. From budget hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, models across…
Strategic Partners at a Crossroads India and the European Union are racing to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) before the end of this year. After years of stalled negotiations, talks were relaunched in 2022 and have since gathered momentum, driven by shifting global trade realities. For India, the urgency stems from strengthening partnerships amid U.S….
A Nation in Crisis Nepal has plunged into its gravest political upheaval in years. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned abruptly after violent protests against his government’s controversial ban on social media platforms spiraled out of control. What began as youth-led demonstrations over digital freedom quickly transformed into a broader revolt against corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance. The…
War That Redefined Gaza The war between Israel and Hamas, now stretching into its second year, has devastated Gaza and reshaped the regional landscape. The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas fighters crossed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Israel’s military response was overwhelming—an offensive that has destroyed much…
A Generation in Revolt Nepal has witnessed one of its most turbulent weeks in recent memory. A sweeping ban on 26 social media platforms—including Facebook, X, and WhatsApp—sparked a powerful backlash led primarily by Gen Z activists. Within days, protests escalated into violent confrontations in Kathmandu and beyond, leaving 19 people dead and more than 300 injured….
India’s Semiconductor Mission – A Strategic Beginning India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor powerhouse has gained momentum since the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in January 2022. The program was designed to not only establish chip fabrication plants but also create a complete ecosystem involving specialty gases, chemicals, advanced machinery, and a highly…
Why the Raid Happened The United States’ immigration enforcement took a dramatic turn last week when federal agents raided Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia. The operation, part of a months-long probe into labor practices, resulted in the detention of 475 workers—nearly 300 of them South Korean nationals. Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs…
A Ban That Sparked a Generation Nepal is facing one of its bloodiest civil uprisings in recent years after the government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp. What began as a policy move to curb fake accounts and online fraud quickly ignited widespread anger among the country’s youth, who…
