A Different Oval Office Encounter When Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back to the White House on August 18, the atmosphere was noticeably changed. Unlike their earlier February meeting—marked by tense exchanges and Zelenskyy’s hasty exit—this time there was laughter, lighter exchanges, and a show of unity. Accompanying Zelenskyy was an impressive array…
A Fraught Visit to Washington Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has landed in Washington for one of the most critical diplomatic encounters since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Flanked by leaders from across Europe, he is preparing to face U.S. President Donald Trump, who in recent days has hinted at pushing for a peace settlement…
A Political Flashpoint Rahul Gandhi’s allegation of “vote chori” has ignited a fresh storm in Indian politics, bringing the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) under intense scrutiny. The Congress leader, accusing the poll body of aiding the BJP through manipulated voter rolls, has triggered both legal and political debates. What might have begun as…
AI Moves Beyond Routine Tasks Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from being a tool for homework assistance or office automation to a transformative force across industries. It powers medical breakthroughs, optimises transport systems, drives financial analysis, and even shapes personalised shopping experiences. Governments worldwide are now exploring how AI can serve society on a broader…
Why Reform Was Long Anticipated For years, consumers have borne the brunt of high Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on cars, insurance premiums, and even everyday essentials. Small cars, typically chosen by budget-conscious families, currently attract 28% GST, while insurance premiums draw an 18% levy, making both out of reach for many households. The pressure has…
Gold’s Place in India’s Economy Gold has always held a unique significance in India, not just as a cultural and religious symbol, but also as a critical economic asset. The country is one of the largest global consumers of the yellow metal, importing nearly 700–800 metric tonnes annually to meet domestic demand. Yet, India’s own gold output…
NATO’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Since the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, NATO has stood as both Ukraine’s greatest hope and Russia’s greatest fear. The alliance’s military aid, training, and intelligence sharing have been crucial in enabling Kyiv to resist Moscow’s advances. Yet the central question remains unresolved: will NATO extend its…
A Volatile Market Finds Fresh Momentum Stock markets across the globe have been swinging between optimism and caution in recent months, with the Indian indices no exception. Daily fluctuations in the Sensex and Nifty have kept traders and long-term investors equally on edge. Against this backdrop of uncertainty, Monday’s sharp surge brought relief and renewed enthusiasm. Both benchmarks opened…
A Sudden Vacancy at the Top The office of the Vice-President of India, the second-highest constitutional post in the country, fell vacant unexpectedly on July 21. Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had assumed the role in 2022, resigned citing health-related concerns on the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. His exit before completing his…
A Bond Rooted in History India’s 79th Independence Day not only echoed with patriotic fervor across the country but also drew warm greetings from leaders across the globe. Among them, Israel stood out as a steadfast friend, underscoring the deepening ties between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, India…
