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The Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Chori

2026-07-09T14:53:18.751+05:30

Millions of devotees across India, visit to the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a deeply spiritual experience. From farmers setting aside a portion of their harvest to daily wage laborers contributing hard-earned savings, the money dropped into the temple's donation boxes carries immense emotional and spiritual weight. Devotees wait in lines for hours under a simple, profound assumption: that their offerings will directly serve the deity.

However, a massive controversy exposed by investigative reports, whistleblowers, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe has shaken this trust, revealing allegations of theft, system manipulation, and questionable land deals within the temple administration.

The Core Issue: The "Autonomous" Loophole

The foundation of the issue tracing back to 2019–2020 lies in how the temple’s governing body, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, was structured. Unlike other prominent Indian temple boards (such as Vaishno Devi or Tirupati etc) that are subject to state oversight and the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Ram Mandir Trust was set up as an autonomous, private entity and kept out of RTI Act.

While on paper this removed government control, in practice, 12 out of the 15 trust members were nominated directly by the ruling government. This autonomous status meant the public could not file RTIs to check incoming donations or project expenditures, creating a serious lack of transparency from day one.

2. Early Warnings Ignored

The cracks in the system were predicted long before they became headlines:

· The 2020 Audit Warning: An independent audit firm hired by the trust warned that the management system was highly unprofessional, lacked systematic record-keeping, and lacked second or third-party verification filters. The firm explicitly warned of potential theft, but the report was quietly shelved.

· The Whistleblower Engineer: An aluminum construction engineer noticed that bills being inflated by up to 1.5 times. When he objected, he alleged his payments were stopped and he was removed from duty.

3. How the Cash Room "Syndicate" Operated

When the temple opened to the public in early 2024, daily donations averaged between ₹8 Lakhs to ₹12 Lakhs, soaring to ₹50-60 Lakhs during festivals. To handle this influx, the trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India (SBI) to manage the counting professionally.

But instead of a transparent hiring process, local political connections and nepotism allegedly dictated who handled the money. Close relatives, drivers, and associates of key trust officials were placed into critical cash-handling roles despite their lack of qualifications and low base salaries (ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹22,000).

Despite high-tech counting machines and multi-layered security guards, this close-knit group allegedly exploited the physical counting system through two main methods:

Method A: The Pocket Method

Because mandatory rules regarding "pocket less uniforms" were completely ignored, counters would coordinate to block the view of specific CCTV cameras, slip bundles of ₹500 notes into their clothing, hide them in the washrooms, and walk out with them at the end of the day.

Method B: The Voucher Fraud

When mixed cash was sorted into standardized bundles of 100 notes, corrupt counters would intentionally pack 120 notes into a bundle but write "100 notes" (e.g., ₹50,000 instead of ₹60,000) on the official voucher. The delivery team would then skim the extra 20 notes out of the bundles en route to the bank, ensuring the bank deposit matched the falsified voucher perfectly.

4. The Investigation and Mind-Boggling Wealth

The scheme unraveled in mid-2026 when bank officials, noticing an unusual shortage of ₹500 denominations, secretly installed hidden cameras. On June 4, 2026, a review of the footage clearly showed staff members pocketing cash.

The gravity of the situation deepened further when Mahipal Singh, the Trust's former Accounts In-charge from 2020 to 2021, came and revealed that systemic theft had been brewing since the very inception of the temple's construction.

According to his statement, massive crowds meant that devotees frequently dropped high-value gold and silver jewelry straight into the donation boxes instead of registering them formally at the trust office. Singh alleged that insider networks exploited this chaos: high-value jewelry was routinely bypassed from the official ledger, and he personally witnessed ten separate chest boxes filled with undocumented silver jewelry being carted away without any receipts or accounting entries. When he attempted to raise internal red flags about the missing treasure, he was promptly dismissed from his position.

The subsequent SIT (formed by UP CM Sh. Yogi Adityanath on June 13, 2026) raids on these low-salaried employees unearthed staggering fortunes:

· Avinash Shukla: Raids at his residence recovered over 20 Lakhs in cash and foreign currency.

· Tinu Yadav (a former auto driver turned trust insider): Found Jewelry with over ₹50 Crore in assets, including a 70-room luxury hostel near the airport, restaurant stakes, and luxury vehicles.

· Manish Yadav: On June 13, 2026, the SIT raided the residence of Manish Yadav—Tinu Yadav’s nephew who had been squeezed into the cash-counting room despite having no formal background. Investigators recovered ₹36 Lakhs in hard cash from his possession. Local accounts revealed that a youth who once struggled to own a bicycle had rapidly accumulated multiple vehicles.

· Lavkush Mishra (a former car mechanic): Found with ₹10 Lakhs cash hidden inside a compost pile (gobar ka dher), alongside a newly built multi-story home.

5. The Land Deal Discrepancies

Beyond the direct theft of cash donations, political leaders brought forth evidence of 11 highly irregular land deals conducted by the trust using public funds.

· In one instance, a piece of land was bought by an associate for ₹20 Lakhs and sold to the trust just two and a half months later for ₹2.5 Crore.

· In an even more extreme case, a plot of land valued at ₹2 Crore was flipped and purchased by the trust for ₹18.5 Crore just 10 minutes later.

Furthermore, serious questions remain regarding the unaccounted disappearance of physical gold and silver donations—including 200 kg of silver bricks donated by the Sindhi community—which were reportedly accepted without any formal receipts ever being issued.

The Path Forward: Restoring Faith

The tragedy of the Ayodhya temple controversy is not just financial; it is a profound breach of public faith. While lower-level employees, drivers, and relatives have been arrested, critics and devotees argue that such massive, systemic fraud could not have occurred without the protection or ignorance of higher-ups.

To ensure this never happens again, major structural changes are desperately required:

1. Dismantle the Autonomous Wall: Bring the trust back under standard government regulations, or at the very least, make it fully answerable to the RTI act.

2. Real-Time Dashboards: Implement a public digital dashboard displaying real-time digital donations, physical inventory of gold/silver, and audited expenditures.

3. Independent Professional Auditing: Ensure the bodies counting and auditing the funds have absolutely zero personal or political alignments with the trust members overseeing them.

Public money requires public accountability. Only through absolute transparency can the true sanctity of the devotees' offerings be preserved.

How Israel and US Tracked Khamenei

2026-05-07T14:11:00.003+05:30

On February 28, 2026, the world witnessed one of the most sophisticated intelligence and military operations in modern history. Ali Khamenei, Supreme leader of Iran, man who had been among the most protected individuals on planet for 36 years, was targeted in a precision strike. This wasn't just a moment of coincident. It was the culmination of a decade of planning, high-tech espionage, and strategic patience by Mossad and CIA. The tracking of Ali Khaenei was nit a single event but a multi-year intelligence siege that combined ancient spying techniques with futuristic technology.

The Shift in Strategy: From Nuclear Sites to Leadership

For years, Israel’s focus was on delaying Iran’s nuclear program by targeting scientists and facilities. However, a major turning point occurred on January, 2018, when Mossad agents raided a secret warehouse in Tehran, seizing half a ton of nuclear documents.

These documents revealed a startling reality: Iran had secret underground locations that satellites couldn't detect. It became clear to the Israeli War Cabinet that as long as the core leadership remained intact, they would simply keep rebuilding what was destroyed. The mission shifted from "stop the program" to "eliminate the leadership".

Penetrating the "Pasteur Street Compound"

Khamenei resided in the Pasteur Street Compound in Tehran—a 30-acre fortress guarded by three layers of elite security forces.

· Surface Security: Hundreds of cameras, frequency detectors, and mobile jammers.

· The Deep Bunker: Below the surface lies a massive bunker so deep the elevator takes five minutes to reach the bottom. It is connected to a 5-kilometer network of tunnels stretching under Tehran.

The Intelligence Web

To crack this fortress, Israel and the US used a multi-layered approach:

1. Human Intelligence: Agents were planted as maintenance staff, electricians, and plumbers. They even analyzed the trash coming out of the compound.

2. Digital Infiltration: Using Chinese-made cameras (Hikvision) installed throughout Tehran, Mossad exploited a software bug to hijack the live feeds. They were essentially watching the compound from the inside.

3. Space Surveillance: The US's Orion satellite and Israel’s Ofek series tracked every movement. They could identify car license plates from 600km away and intercept walkie-talkie signals.

The Role of AI: "Maven Smart System"

Processing millions of gigabytes of data—video feeds, phone calls, and satellite images—was impossible for humans. The Pentagon’s Maven Smart System was used to create a "Pattern of Life" for Khamenei. The AI predicted:

· Which driver drove which car?

· The exact shift changes of guards.

· The difference between Khamenei and his body doubles based on walking posture.

February 28, 2026: The Final Strike

The "Golden Opportunity" arrived when intelligence confirmed a high-level meeting of 40 top officials at the Beit-e Rahbari (House of Leadership). Crucially, the meeting was held above ground rather than in the bunker.

Paralyzing the Defenses

Before the jets arrived, a massive cyber-attack was launched:

· Malware: Embedded in the Air defense system during supply chain years ago, malware was activated to turn Iranian radar screens blank.

· Electronic Jamming: US Navy EA-18G Growlers broadcasted powerful electromagnetic waves to drown out Iranian communications.

· Internal Sabotage: Smuggled drones already hidden inside Iran were activated to take out S-300 air defense batteries.

The Strike

At 09:40 AM, more than 30 Blue Sparrow missiles hit the compound with pinpoint accuracy. The strike wiped out the core leadership on the spot. Within 12 minutes, a popular Iranian religious app was hacked to send a notification to millions of citizens: "Help has arrived".

Conclusion

The elimination of Khamenei marks a tectonic shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics. It showcased a level of technological and intelligence integration never seen before—where AI, cyber warfare, and traditional spying converged to breach one of the world's most secure locations.

US Israel Attack on Iran | Oil Crisis | Strait of Hormuz

The Fuel Price Hike | India vs. Rest of World

2026-03-30T16:13:00.001+05:30

This blog post synthesizes the global energy crisis following the 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict, focusing on the dramatic shifts in fuel prices across world from west to east.

The geopolitical landscape shifted overnight in late February 2026. As the conflict between the United States and Iran escalated into open warfare, the immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most vital oil artery—sent shockwaves through the global economy.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is calling the "largest supply disruption in history" has seen Brent crude leap from $72 to over $112 per barrel in a matter of weeks. Here is how the crisis is playing out across the globe.

While nations across the globe are reeling from the U.S.-Iran war 2026 and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, India has emerged as a unique global outlier in maintaining internal energy stability. While petrol and diesel prices have spiked by 20% to 50% in Europe, North America, and neighboring South Asian countries, retail rates in India have remained stable. On March 27, 2026, the Government of India executed a massive fiscal intervention to absorb the "war premium" on oil. The Centre slashed excise duty on petrol by ₹10 per litre (bringing it down to just ₹3) and completely eliminated the ₹10 excise duty on diesel.

The Western Front: Record Highs in the U.S. and Europe

Despite being a major energy producer, the United States has not been immune. Domestic prices are tethered to global benchmarks, leading to a 30% surge in petrol prices. In early March, Americans watched as pump prices climbed by nearly 10 cents per day, hitting a national average of $3.96 per gallon. Diesel, the lifeblood of American logistics, spiked even higher to $5.37 per gallon.

Europe is facing what analysts call a "second energy crisis." Still recovering from the shocks of 2022, the EU is now grappling with the loss of Middle Eastern crude and Qatari LNG.

· Germany & France: Petrol has exceeded €2.00 per litre.

· Ireland: Diesel has hit a staggering €2.30 per litre, threatening the transport sector.

Southeast Asia and Emerging Markets

Asian economies are at the "epicenter" because they rely on the Middle East for 60–80% of their crude imports.

· The Philippines: One of the hardest hit, with gasoline prices jumping more than 50%, leading to a declared state of emergency.

· Vietnam and Thailand: Both are experiencing severe shortages and "panic buying" as distribution networks struggle with the lack of incoming tankers.

· China: limited the hike to about 11-23% by ordering refineries to suspend exports.

· India: effectively neutralized the spike for consumers by cutting excise duties by ₹10 per litre on March 27, 2026, though global costs remain high.

· Pakistan: Already under the weight of IMF mandates, Pakistan saw a massive PKR 55 per litre hike in early March. With Petrol at PKR 321.17, the country is bracing for a "food inflation bomb" as the high cost of diesel threatens the spring wheat harvest.

· Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the crisis has moved beyond price to availability. To preserve a collapsing energy grid:

· All universities have been ordered closed.

· Government offices must shut by 6:00 PM.

· Fuel rationing was implemented on March 8th to prevent a total dry-out of reserves.

· Nepal: dependent on the Indian Oil Corporation, has passed costs directly to the public. Two major price hikes in just 11 days have pushed petrol to NRs 187 per litre in Kathmandu. With reserves only lasting a few weeks, the government has issued a plea for national "prudence" in fuel consumption.

Region	Status	Response to War
Europe/USA	Crisis Mode	Prices up 20-30%; passed directly to consumers.
SE Asia	Emergency	50% hikes; rationing and states of emergency.
Pakistan/Nepal	Inflationary Spiral	Rapid-fire price hikes to meet IMF/import costs.
India	Stability	0% Retail Hike; government absorbs cost via tax cuts.

US | Israel Attack on Iran | Oil Crisis | Strait of Hormuz

2026-03-10T15:00:00.006+05:30

January 3, 2020: The U.S. carried out a drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq, killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strike significantly escalated tensions between the two countries and brought them close to open war. Iran retaliated by launching missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq.

Strait-of-Hormuz

Recent Escalation

In 2026, reports indicated that U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian facilities, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In February 2026, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically when the United States and Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iran, targeting military installations and high-ranking leadership facilities.

Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader

On 28 February 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed during a coordinated airstrike on leadership compounds in Tehran. Iranian state media confirmed his death the following day. The strike was part of a broader military campaign conducted jointly by the United States and Israel, which targeted several strategic sites and Iranian officials. The killing of Ali Khamenei in 2026 marks a major turning point in Middle Eastern politics and could reshape the balance of power in the region for years to come.

Details of the Operation

· Multiple airstrikes were carried out across Tehran and other strategic locations.

· Intelligence from Western agencies reportedly helped locate Iranian leadership meeting sites.

· Several senior Iranian officials were also killed during the attack.

· Iran declared 40 days of national mourning after confirming Khamenei’s death.

Escalation of the 2026 Iran War

The strike triggered a wider conflict often referred to as the 2026 Iran war.

· Iran launched missile and drone retaliation against Israeli targets and U.S. bases in the Middle East.

· Naval clashes and airstrikes followed around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

· The conflict caused major geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global energy markets.

Global Reaction

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader triggered reactions worldwide:

· Protests erupted in several countries condemning the attack.

· Some Western governments expressed concern that the conflict could destabilize the Middle East and global energy supply routes.

· The event has been described as one of the most significant geopolitical developments in the Middle East in decades.

Global Oil Crisis and the Strait of Hormuz Tension (2026)

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in February 2026 during joint strikes by the United States and Israel triggered not only a military escalation in the Middle East but also a major global energy crisis. One of the most serious consequences was the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil shipping route.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Is So Important

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world.

Key facts:

Around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow strait. Roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day are transported through it. Major oil exporters relying on this route include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Iran. Because of this, any disruption to this route immediately impacts the global economy and fuel prices.

Iran’s Response after Khamenei’s Death

· Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and warned ships not to pass through the region.

· Tanker traffic sharply declined as ships avoided the conflict zone.

· Some oil tankers and cargo vessels were damaged during missile and drone exchanges near the Gulf.

The Iranian military also threatened to attack vessels attempting to pass through the strait, dramatically raising the risk of global shipping disruptions.

Impact on Global Oil Prices

· The conflict triggered immediate shock in global energy markets.

· Oil prices jumped 7–13% within days of the strikes.

· Analysts warned that oil could exceed $100 per barrel if the disruption continues.

· Some forecasts suggested prices could even reach $120 per barrel in a prolonged conflict.

· For oil-importing countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea, this could significantly increase fuel costs and inflation.

Impact on the Global Economy

The crisis around the Strait of Hormuz has several global consequences:

1. Energy price shock

Higher oil prices increase transportation and manufacturing costs worldwide.

2. Shipping disruption

Many shipping companies temporarily suspended routes through the Gulf due to safety concerns.

3. Strategic military tension

The U.S. Navy and allied forces increased patrols to protect oil tankers and shipping routes.

4. Risk of a wider Middle East war

If the strait remains blocked, the conflict could expand to include more regional powers.

Why This Matters for the World

The Strait of Hormuz crisis following the death of Ali Khamenei demonstrates how geopolitical conflicts can rapidly trigger global economic instability.

Even a partial closure of this route can:

· Disrupt global oil supply

· Increase inflation worldwide

· Trigger energy shortages in major economies

For this reason, analysts describe the 2026 Iran conflict as one of the most dangerous geopolitical crises affecting global energy markets in decades.

Countries Attacked by US Since 2001

2026-03-07T15:16:00.002+05:30

Since 2001 (after the 9/11 attacks), the United States has carried out direct military attacks, invasions, or airstrikes in roughly 10–15 countries. Below is a list of countries where the U.S. used military force since 2001.

Major U.S. Military Wars Since 2001

1. Afghanistan

Year started: 2001
Operation: Operation Enduring Freedom
Reason: To destroy Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban government after the 9/11 attacks.
Duration: Nearly 20 years, making it the longest war in U.S. history.
Outcome: U.S. troops withdrew in 2021 and the Taliban regained control.

2. Iraq

Year started: 2003
Reason given: Iraq allegedly possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
Result: The government of Saddam Hussein was overthrown.
Long-term impact: Political instability and the rise of ISIS.

Countries Hit by U.S. Airstrikes and Drone Warfare

3. Pakistan

Drone strikes mainly in tribal regions (FATA) targeting Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants.
Hundreds of strikes occurred between 2004–2018.

4. Yemen

U.S. drone strikes targeted Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
Operations increased after 2011.

5. Somalia

Drone strikes and special forces operations targeting Al-Shabaab militants.
Operations intensified after 2016.

6. Libya

The U.S. participated in NATO airstrikes during the Libyan civil war.
Resulted in the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s government.

7. Syria

U.S. airstrikes began in 2014 against ISIS.
The U.S. also targeted Syrian government facilities in some incidents.

Other Countries with U.S. Military Strikes or Combat Operations

8. Iran

In January 2020, a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

9. Philippines

U.S. special forces assisted the Philippine military against extremist groups such as Abu Sayyaf.

10. Niger

U.S. forces conducted counterterrorism missions in the Sahel region.

11. Iran

· January 3, 2020: The U.S. carried out a drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq, killing Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strike significantly escalated tensions between the two countries and brought them close to open war. Iran retaliated by launching missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq.

Recent Escalation

· In 2026, reports indicated that U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian facilities, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In February 2026, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically when the United States and Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iran, targeting military installations and high-ranking leadership facilities.

Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader

· On 28 February 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed during a coordinated airstrike on leadership compounds in Tehran. Iranian state media confirmed his death the following day. The strike was part of a broader military campaign conducted jointly by the United States and Israel, which targeted several strategic sites and Iranian officials.

12. Venezuela

· The United States historically had tense relations with Venezuela, but the conflict escalated dramatically in 2025–2026.

Military operations

· The U.S. launched naval deployments and airstrikes in the Caribbean and near Venezuelan territory as part of Operation Southern Spear. The campaign targeted vessels suspected of drug trafficking linked to criminal organizations. Multiple strikes were carried out against boats and later against targets inside Venezuela.

Capture of President Nicolás Maduro

On 3 January 2026, U.S. forces conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown to the United States to face criminal charges.

Conclusion

With the 2026 attack on Iran, the number of countries directly targeted by U.S. military operations since 2001 has expanded further. The War on Terror and subsequent geopolitical conflicts have led to military actions in multiple regions including the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The killing of Ali Khamenei in 2026 marks a major turning point in Middle Eastern politics and could reshape the balance of power in the region for years to come.

US | Israel Attack on Iran | Oil Crisis | Strait of Hormuz

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

2026-01-29T16:27:00.002+05:30

India-EU Free Trade Agreement:

A New Era of Economic Partnership

The relationship between India and the European Union, two of the world's largest economies and democracies, is poised for a significant leap forward with the ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This ambitious pact, officially known as the Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), holds immense potential to reshape global trade dynamics and unlock unprecedented opportunities for businesses and citizens alike.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Why an FTA between India and the EU?

Both India and the EU are economic powerhouses, with complementary strengths. The EU is a technologically advanced bloc with a strong manufacturing base and a vast consumer market, while India boasts a rapidly growing economy, a large and young workforce, and an expanding middle class. Despite this potential, trade between the two has not reached its full capacity. An FTA aims to dismantle barriers and foster a more integrated and efficient economic relationship.

Imagine a world where Indian textiles and handicrafts find easier access to European boutiques, and European machinery and technology contribute directly to India's manufacturing prowess.

Why is the India–EU FTA Important?

The EU is one of India’s largest trading partners. An FTA can:

· Boost Indian exports like textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, gems & jewelry, and IT services

· Give Indian consumers access to high-quality European products at lower prices

· Create more jobs in India

· Encourage European companies to invest in Indian manufacturing and technology

For the EU, India offers a huge market, skilled workforce, and strong growth potential.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Key Areas of Focus

The negotiations for the India-EU FTA are comprehensive, covering a wide array of sectors and issues:

· Trade in Goods: This involves reducing or eliminating tariffs on a vast range of products, making goods cheaper and more competitive for consumers and businesses in both regions. It also addresses non-tariff barriers, such as complex customs procedures and differing standards.

· Trade in Services: Given the strength of both India's IT and business services sector and the EU's financial and professional services, liberalizing trade in services is a crucial component. This could mean easier movement of professionals and greater access to each other's service markets.

· Investment: The agreement seeks to create a more stable and predictable environment for investors, encouraging greater foreign direct investment (FDI) in both directions. This could lead to job creation and technology transfer.

· Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Robust protection of IPR is essential for innovation. The FTA aims to establish strong IPR standards that benefit creators and innovators in both India and the EU.

· Sustainable Development: Recognizing the importance of environmental and labor standards, the FTA is expected to include provisions on sustainable development, ensuring that trade growth goes hand-in-hand with social and environmental responsibility.

Potential Benefits for India

For India, an FTA with the EU offers several compelling advantages:

· Enhanced Market Access: Greater access to the EU's vast single market of over 450 million consumers will provide a significant boost to Indian exports across various sectors, including textiles, agriculture, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals.

· Increased Investment: European companies are major investors globally, and an FTA can attract more FDI into India, leading to job creation, technological upgrades, and economic diversification.

· Technological Advancement: Closer ties with European industries can facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies and best practices, aiding India's manufacturing capabilities and innovation ecosystem.

· Diversification of Trade: Reducing dependence on a few key trading partners and diversifying India's export markets will strengthen its economic resilience.

Potential Benefits for the EU

The EU also stands to gain significantly from this agreement:

· Access to a Growing Market: India's rapidly expanding economy and burgeoning middle class present a massive untapped market for European goods and services, from luxury products to high-tech machinery.

· Supply Chain Resilience: Deepening trade ties with India can help European businesses diversify their supply chains, making them more robust and less vulnerable to disruptions.

· Strategic Partnership: Strengthening economic ties with India, a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, aligns with the EU's broader geopolitical and strategic objectives.

· Talent Pool: The agreement could facilitate easier access to India's skilled workforce, particularly in areas like IT and engineering.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While the potential benefits are immense, negotiating such a comprehensive agreement is not without its challenges. Issues such as differing regulatory frameworks, market access for sensitive agricultural products, and robust data protection standards require careful deliberation and compromise from both sides.

However, the political will on both sides appears strong, with leaders expressing a clear commitment to concluding the negotiations. Regular high-level dialogues and technical discussions are underway to bridge differences and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Conclusion

The India-EU FTA is more than just a trade deal; it's a strategic partnership that reflects a shared commitment to open trade, rules-based international order, and sustainable economic growth. As the negotiations progress, the world watches with anticipation for an agreement that promises to usher in a new era of prosperity and collaboration between two of the world's most dynamic economies.

India's Free Trade Agreements and Partners

US-India Trade Deals | Tariffs

Israel–Gaza Conflict

2026-01-22T16:08:00.001+05:30

Introduction

The Israel–Gaza conflict entered one of its most devastating phases on 7 October 2023, reshaping the political, humanitarian, and security landscape of the Middle East. What began as a sudden attack quickly escalated into a prolonged war with far-reaching consequences, drawing in regional actors, global powers, and renewed diplomatic efforts — including references to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace vision?

This blog traces the conflict chronologically, examining key events, humanitarian impacts, international responses, and the role of Trump’s peace plan in the evolving discourse.\

1. October 7, 2023: The Trigger Point

On 7 October 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack from Gaza into southern Israel. Fighters crossed the border, targeting Israeli towns, military bases, and civilians. Hundreds of Israelis were killed, and many were taken hostage.

Israel declared a state of war, calling the attack the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. The Israeli government vowed to eliminate Hamas entirely.

This day marked turning point, transforming a long-standing conflict into a full-scale war.

2. Israel’s Military Response in Gaza

Following the attack, Israel launched massive airstrikes across Gaza, targeting what it described as Hamas infrastructure, leadership, and weapons facilities. Soon after, a ground invasion began.

Key features of Israel’s response included:

Intensive aerial bombardment

Siege of Gaza, restricting fuel, electricity, food, and water

· Large-scale ground operations in northern and central Gaza

Israel maintained that civilian harm was the responsibility of Hamas, accusing it of using human shields. However, civilian casualties rose sharply.

3. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

As fighting continued, Gaza faced an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed or injured

· Hospitals, schools, and refugee shelters were damaged or destroyed

· Over a million people were displaced

· Severe shortages of food, medicine, and clean water emerged

International organizations, including the UN and Red Cross, warned of famine-like conditions. Calls for ceasefires grew louder, especially from the Global South and humanitarian groups.

4. Regional and Global Reactions

United States:

The U.S. strongly supported Israel’s right to self-defense while urging restraint. Military aid continued, alongside diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation.

Arab World:

Public anger surged across Arab nations. While some governments maintained diplomatic ties with Israel, pressure mounted domestically to cut relations.

Iran and Hezbollah

Tensions rose along Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah, raising fears of a broader regional war, though full-scale escalation was largely avoided.

5. Targeted Killings of Hamas Leadership:

As part of its war objectives following October 7, 2023, Israel launched an intensive campaign to eliminate Hamas’s political and military leadership, viewing decapitation of command structures as essential to dismantling the organization.

Key Hamas Leaders Targeted or Killed

· Mohammed Deif – Head of Hamas’s military wing (Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades). Long considered Israel’s most-wanted militant, Deif was repeatedly targeted in Israeli airstrikes. Israel claimed successful strikes against his command network during the war.

· Yahya Sinwar – Hamas’s top leader in Gaza and a principal architect of the October 7 attack. Israel declared Sinwar a primary target, holding him personally responsible for the assault and the subsequent conflict.

· Ismail Haniyeh – Hamas’s political leader based outside Gaza. Israel publicly stated that Hamas leaders would not be immune regardless of location, signaling a global reach in its counterterrorism policy.

· Senior Commanders and Battalion Leaders – Dozens of Hamas field commanders, intelligence heads, and tunnel-network coordinators were killed during airstrikes and ground operations.

6. Ceasefires, Hostage Deals, and Stalemate

Short humanitarian pauses were negotiated, allowing:

Limited aid deliveries

· Exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners

However, lasting ceasefires failed repeatedly. Israel struggled to fully dismantle Hamas, while Hamas continued asymmetric resistance.

By mid-2024, the conflict had reached a military and political stalemate, with immense human cost and no clear endgame.

7. Re-emergence of Trump’s Peace Plan

As diplomatic efforts stalled, discussions resurfaced around Donald Trump’s Middle East peace vision, originally unveiled in January 2020.

Core Elements of Trump’s Plan

Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

· Israeli sovereignty over settlements

· A demilitarized Palestinian state with limited territorial continuity

· Economic incentives for Palestinians

The plan was rejected by Palestinian leadership but supported by Israel and some Arab states under the Abraham Accords.

8. Trump’s Position Post-2023 Conflict

Following the Gaza war, Trump and his allies argued

Hamas must be completely eliminated before any peace

· Regional normalization with Israel should continue

· Security-first solutions are essential

Supporters viewed Trump’s approach as “realistic,” while critics saw it as dismissive of Palestinian rights and self-determination.

9. Can Trump’s Peace Plan Work after Gaza?

The post-2023 reality poses serious challenges:

Gaza’s devastation makes governance uncertain

· Palestinian political leadership remains fragmented

· Public trust in diplomatic solutions is at historic lows

Any peace plan — Trump’s or otherwise — must now address:

Reconstruction of Gaza

· Political legitimacy of Palestinian leadership

· Security guarantees for Israel

· International accountability and humanitarian justice

Without these, lasting peace remains elusive.

Conclusion

The Israel–Gaza conflict since 7 October 2023 has reshaped the region, deepened human suffering, and exposed the limits of military solutions. While Trump’s peace plan has re-entered discussions, it alone cannot resolve decades of grievances intensified by war.

Peace will require more than plans and power — it will require mutual recognition, justice, reconstruction, and sustained international engagement.

US-India Trade Deals | Tariffs

2026-01-21T17:30:00.002+05:30

US-India Tariffs | Trade Deals

The US-India tariff situation has been a hot topic in global trade discussions. Let's break down the complexities and what they mean for both nations.

US-India Tariffs: A Balancing Act in Global Trade

The relationship between the United States and India is one of the most critical bilateral partnerships in the 21st century, encompassing strategic, economic, and cultural ties. However, recent years have seen increased friction over trade policies, particularly concerning tariffs. This blog post delves into the intricacies of US-India tariffs and trade deal, exploring their origins, impact, and potential future.

A Historical Glimpse: Preferential Treatment and Rising Tensions

For decades, India benefited from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a program that allowed duty-free entry for thousands of Indian products into the US market. This was a significant boost for Indian exporters, fostering economic growth and strengthening trade ties. However, in 2019, the Trump administration revoked India's GSP status, citing concerns over market access barriers for American products in India. This move marked a turning point, escalating trade tensions between the two countries.

The "Tariff King" vs. "Retaliatory Tariffs"

President Donald Trump often labeled India the "Tariff King," criticizing its high import duties on various American goods, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles and agricultural products. In response to the GSP withdrawal and other US tariff impositions, India implemented retaliatory tariffs on 28 American products, ranging from almonds and apples to walnuts and chickpeas. This tit-for-tat approach created a complex web of duties, impacting businesses and consumers in both nations.

The Elusive US-India Trade Deal:

Despite the ongoing tariff disputes, both countries have expressed a desire to forge a comprehensive trade deal. Discussions have been ongoing for several years, with the aim of addressing market access issues, reducing tariffs, and fostering a more balanced trade relationship. However, striking a deal has proven challenging due to divergent interests and priorities.

India has been keen on regaining its GSP status and securing better market access for its agricultural and manufacturing products. On the other hand, the US has pushed for greater access to the Indian market for its dairy, medical device, and technology sectors, along with stronger intellectual property protection.

While progress has been made on some fronts, a breakthrough on a comprehensive trade deal remains elusive. The complexities of balancing national interests, protecting domestic industries, and addressing regulatory differences have made negotiations protracted and difficult.

India’s Agriculture and Dairy Market: Major Barrier in US-India Trade Deal

While the US and India are close partners in many areas, the agriculture and dairy sectors remain the "ultimate red line" for New Delhi Even as a trade deal is discussed in 2026, these sectors are kept off the table for three primary reasons: livelihoods, religion, and subsidies.

Here is the detailed breakdown:

The "Dairy Fortress": Why India Won’t Budge

For the United States, India represents a massive untapped market of 1.4 billion people For India, however, the agriculture and dairy sectors are not just "industries"—they are the social and livelihoods backbone of the country.

1. The Livelihood Crisis (80 Million Families)

In the US, dairy is an industrial-scale business. In India, it is a smallholder enterprise.

· The Math of Survival: Approximately 80 million rural Indian households depend on agriculture and dairy for their daily income.

· The "Price Crash" Fear: Recent reports from SBI Research (2025) suggest that opening the market to US imports could crash domestic milk prices by 15–25%.

· The Economic Hit: This would lead to an estimated annual loss of over ₹1.03 lakh crore ($12 billion) for Indian farmers, potentially driving millions into poverty.

2. The Religious Red Line: "Non-Veg Milk"

This is perhaps the most unique cultural barrier in global trade.

· The Feed Problem: In the US, cattle feed can legally include animal by-products (like blood meal or bone powder).

· The Purity Factor: In India, cows are sacred, and dairy products are used in religious rituals (pujas). Indian law mandates that imported dairy must come from animals fed a 100% vegetarian diet.

· The Impasse: The US argues this is a non-scientific trade barrier. India views it as a non-negotiable matter of cultural sovereignty and religious purity.

3. The "Subsidy" War

India argues that the playing field isn't level.

· Artificially Low Prices: The US government provides heavy subsidies to its dairy and corn farmers. This allows US exporters to sell products like milk powder at prices that are lower than the actual cost of production in India.

· Protectionism vs. Preservation: India maintains high tariffs (up to 60% on milk powder) to "shield" its unorganized farmers from what it calls "subsidized dumping" by American corporations.

The Current Status (2026)

India’s commerce Minister Sh. Piyush Goyal has consistently stated that India is ready to buy more American defense equipment, energy (LNG), and aircraft, but agriculture and dairy are excluded from the current BTA (Bilateral Trade Agreement) negotiations. Until a compromise is found on the "Vegetarian Feed" certification, this remains the single biggest hurdle to a "Free Trade" future.

The 50% Cliff: A New Era of Trade Friction

In a rapid escalation during 2025, the US implemented two massive tariff hikes that have effectively doubled the cost of many Indian exports entering American ports.

1. The 25% "Reciprocal" Tax

President Trump followed through on his campaign promise to address what he termed "unfair" trade practices. Citing India’s high import duties on American products (like Harley-Davidson motorcycles and premium agricultural goods), the US imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on a wide range of Indian exports.

· The Logic: If India charges high duties on US goods, the US will "reciprocate" with equal force.

· Impact: This initial hike targeted labor-intensive sectors like textiles, gems, jewelry, and leather goods, making "Made in India" products significantly more expensive for American consumers.

2. The 25% "Russian Oil" Penalty

The situation intensified on August 27, 2025, when a second 25% additional tariff was implemented. This was a direct geopolitical penalty for India’s continued and massive procurement of Russian crude oil following the conflict in Ukraine.

· The Accusation: The US administration argued that India was buying Russian oil at a discount and reselling refined products on the open market at a profit, thereby "funding" the Russian economy.

· The Total Burden: When added to the reciprocal tax, the cumulative tariff on most Indian goods skyrocketed to a staggering 50%.

The Economic Fallout & India's Response

The impact of this "50% tariff club" has been profound. Indian exporters have had to pivot quickly to survive.

Sector	Impact of 50% Tariff
Pharmaceuticals	Partially exempted due to US healthcare needs, but supply chain costs are rising.
Gems & Jewelry	Significant slowdown; buyers are looking toward competitors in Thailand and Vietnam.
Information Tech	Less affected by physical tariffs, but strained by overall diplomatic tension.
Textiles	Major hit; Indian garments now face a massive price disadvantage in US retail.

India's Free Trade Agreements and Partners

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

The Russia-Ukraine War: From 2022 to 2025 Endgame | Trump's 20 Points Peace Plan

2025-12-29T17:23:00.004+05:30

The Russia-Ukraine conflict that reshaped the 21st century is now approaching its fourth year. It is late December 2025, the landscape of the Russia-Ukraine war has entered into a critical phase.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022, is a conflict with historical roots and complex geopolitical implications. Here's a look at its origins, key events, and current status.

Russia Ukraine Conflict

Why the War Started

The roots of the conflict go back decades, fueled by a mix of security fears and imperial legacy:

NATO Expansion: Russia long argued that the eastward expansion of NATO posed an "existential threat."
Sphere of Influence: President Putin has historically viewed Ukraine as part of Russia’s "spiritual and historical space," challenging its legitimacy as a sovereign nation.
The 2014 Catalyst: Following the Euromaidan protests and the ousting of pro-Russian President Yanukovych, Russia annexed Crimea and fueled an insurgency in the Donbas region.
Western Alignment: Ukraine’s constitutionally enshrined goal to join the EU and NATO was seen by Moscow as the final break from its influence.

Current Status (December 2025): A War of Attrition and Diplomacy

As of today, the war is defined by a "grinding" frontline and high-stakes diplomacy:

Territorial Control: Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine, primarily in the east (Donbas) and south. While Russian forces have made tactical gains in late 2025—seizing towns like Siversk and moving toward Pokrovsk—there has been no massive breakthrough.
The 20-Point Peace Plan: For the first time, a concrete 20-point peace plan (thrashed out by Washington and Kyiv) is on the table. President Zelenskyy has signaled a willingness to accept Demilitarized Zones (DMZs) in the Donbas and near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant in exchange for security guarantees.
The "Energy Front": Russia continues to strike Ukraine's power grid, leaving the country's electricity generation at roughly one-third of its pre-war capacity as winter peaks.
Public Sentiment: Recent polls show that over 70% of both Russians and Ukrainians now favor a negotiated end to the fighting, though the terms of "victory" remain sharply contested.

The Maps: Then and Now

Ukraine (Pre-February 2022)

Ukraine (December 2025)

Summary Table: The Human & Economic Toll

Indicator Estimated Figure (Dec 2025)
Military Casualties Over 1.2 million (combined killed/injured)
Displaced Persons ~10.6 million Ukrainians
Economic Damage Over $450 billion for Russia; 70% of Ukraine's energy grid damaged
International Aid ~$370 billion provided to Ukraine by US/EU

Indicator	Estimated Figure (Dec 2025)
Military Casualties	Over 1.2 million (combined killed/injured)
Displaced Persons	~10.6 million Ukrainians
Economic Damage	Over $450 billion for Russia; 70% of Ukraine's energy grid damaged
International Aid	~$370 billion provided to Ukraine by US/EU

The Economic Front: Sanctions by the US and Europe on Russia

Western nations have deployed a "financial bazooka" to drain the Kremlin’s war chest. As of December 2025, over 16,000 sanctions have been placed on Russian entities and individuals, making it the most sanctioned country in history.

Key Sanctions Categories:

· Energy Exports (The "Oxygen" of the War):

o Oil Price Cap: The G7 and EU have lowered the price cap on Russian crude (currently around $47 per barrel) to ensure Russia can sell oil but cannot make a significant profit.

o The Shadow Fleet Crackdown: In late 2025, the US and EU began blacklisting hundreds of "shadow fleet" tankers used by Russia to bypass Western insurance and shipping restrictions.

o Natural Gas Phase-Out: The EU has reached a provisional agreement to completely ban Russian natural gas imports by fall 2027, with LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) projects like Arctic LNG-2 already under total US blockade.

· Financial Isolation:

o SWIFT Disconnection: Major Russian banks remain cut off from the global financial messaging system.

o Asset Freezes: Approximately $300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets remain immobilized in the West. In a major 2025 development, the EU and UK have begun using the interest generated from these assets to fund a "Reparations Loan" for Ukraine.

· Targeting the "War Machine":

o Secondary Sanctions: The US has begun penalizing third-country firms (in countries like Turkey, China, and India) that facilitate the transfer of "dual-use" technology (like microchips and drone parts) to Russia.

o Corporate Exodus: Over 1,000 global companies (including McDonald's, Apple, and Volkswagen) have fully exited the Russian market, leading to a "brain drain" and a reliance on domestic or Chinese alternatives.

The Impact (2025 Data):

Revenue Decline: Russian fossil fuel revenues hit their lowest point since the invasion in October 2025.
Technology Lag: Russia’s domestic aviation and high-tech sectors are struggling due to a lack of Western spare parts and software.
Economic Cost: The US Treasury estimates that sanctions have cost Russia over $450 billion in lost growth and asset access since February 2022.

Sector	Primary Action	Current Status (Dec 2025)
Banking	Asset freezes & SWIFT ban	Most major banks remain isolated from USD/EUR trade.
Aviation	Airspace closure & parts ban	Russian airlines restricted to "friendly" nations; fleet aging rapidly.
Technology	Semi-conductor export ban	Russia heavily reliant on "shadow" networks and Chinese chips.
Luxury	Import/Export bans	Designer goods and high-end tech now sold via "grey markets."

Trump’s 20 Points Peace Plan

Yesterday, Sunday, December 28, 2025, President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for approximately two and a half hours at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing cautious optimism, though no final peace deal was signed. The "20-point peace plan" is the latest iteration of a framework aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. According to President Zelenskyy, the current version is 90% agreed upon, while President Trump estimates it is 95% done.

Key Provisions of the 20-Point Plan

Security Guarantees: Zelenskyy described this as "100% agreed." The plan includes "ironclad" security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future Russian aggression. Trump noted that European nations are expected to take the lead on these guarantees, with U.S. backing.
Military Size Caps: Ukraine would maintain a peacetime military of 800,000 personnel to deter future attacks. (Earlier drafts suggested a lower cap of 600,000, but Ukraine pushed for a higher number).
NATO and EU Status: The plan generally prohibits Ukraine from joining NATO for the foreseeable future but explicitly confirms Ukraine’s right to join the European Union.
Territorial Freezes: The conflict would be frozen along current battle lines in regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. However, the plan seeks "de facto" recognition of Crimea, Luhansk, and parts of Donetsk as Russian.
Donbas "Economic Free Zone": This is one of the "thorny" unresolved issues. The proposal suggests creating a neutral, international demilitarized zone in the Donbas that would function as an economic free trade area monitored by international forces.
Prisoner and Child Returns: A comprehensive exchange of all prisoners and the return of all Ukrainian children taken by Russia is a central humanitarian component.
Reconstruction and Investment: The plan involves using frozen Russian assets (roughly $100 billion) for a U.S.-led reconstruction effort. Trump also mentioned that Putin has expressed a willingness to help with energy supplies and infrastructure rebuilding.

Unresolved "Thorny" Issues

Despite the high percentage of agreement, two major obstacles remain:

1. The Donbas Sticking Point: The most significant unresolved issue is the status of the Donbas region.

1. Ukraine wants the front lines frozen at current positions.

2. Russia demands a full withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region.

3. Trump floated the idea of an "economic free zone" in the area as a potential compromise, but both leaders admitted this remains "unresolved."

2. Ceasefire Timing: Trump acknowledged that Putin is reluctant to sign a ceasefire.

India's Free Trade Agreements and Partners

2025-12-23T13:54:00.008+05:30

This blog explores the transformative landscape of India’s trade diplomacy. From the sands of the UAE to the innovation hubs of the UK, India is aggressively rewriting its economic future through a series of landmark Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

The New Era of Indian Trade: A Deep Dive into Key FTAs

India is no longer a bystander in global trade. By moving away from multi-nation blocs and toward high-quality bilateral deals, India is securing market access for its "Make in India" goods and opening doors for its world-class services sector.

1. India-Australia: The ECTA & Beyond

The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), signed in 2022, was a watershed moment.

· The Deal: Australia offered zero-duty access to 100% of Indian exports.

· Strategic Win: India gains critical minerals (lithium, cobalt) for its EV industry, while Australia gets a massive market for its premium wine, wool, and agricultural products.

· Status: While ECTA is active, both nations are currently negotiating a more "Comprehensive" agreement (CECA) to further liberalize services and investment.

2. India-UAE: The Gold Standard

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), active since May 2022, is India’s most successful recent pact.

· Impact: Bilateral trade is eyeing the $100 billion mark by 2030.

· Sector Winners: Gems and jewelry, textiles, and engineering goods.

· Innovation: This deal paved the way for the "Bharat Mart" in Dubai and simplified rules of origin, making the UAE a gateway for Indian goods to Africa and Europe.

3. India-UK: The Historic Bridge

After years of intense negotiations, the India-UK FTA was signed in July 2025.

· The Deal: India agreed to slash tariffs on iconic British goods like Scotch whisky (from 150% to 75% initially) and cars.

· Services Focus: A key win is the Double Contributions Convention, ensuring professionals moving between the two countries don’t pay social security twice.

· Timeline: Implementation is expected in early 2026 following parliamentary scrutiny.

4. India-EFTA: The $100 Billion Pledge

In October 2025, India’s agreement with the European Free Trade Association (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) officially came into force.

· The Big Number: This is the first FTA where the partner bloc has legally committed to investing $100 billion in India over 15 years.

· Jobs: The deal is projected to create 1 million direct jobs in India.

5. India-Oman: Strengthening the Gulf

Signed on December 18, 2025, the India-Oman CEPA is India’s newest bridge to the Middle East.

· Duty-Free Access: Oman has granted zero-duty access to 98% of Indian goods.

· Energy Security: Beyond trade, this pact secures India's energy interests and allows 100% FDI for Indian firms in Omani service sectors.

6. India-New Zealand: The Recent Breakthrough

On December 22, 2025, India and New Zealand concluded their FTA negotiations in a record nine months.

· Key Highlights: 100% zero-duty access for Indian exports and a $20 billion investment pledge from New Zealand.

· Mobility: It includes generous post-study work visas (up to 4 years) for Indian doctoral scholars.

7. India-Mauritius: The African Gateway

The CECPA (2021) was India’s first trade pact with an African nation.

· Role: It serves more as a strategic foothold. Mauritius acts as a hub for Indian companies to expand into the broader African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Table: India's Major Trade Partners (2025 Status)

Partner	Agreement Type	Current Status	Key Benefit for India
UAE	CEPA	Active (2022)	$100B trade target; Gems & Jewelry boost
Australia	ECTA / CECA	Active / Negotiating	Access to critical minerals & energy
EFTA	TEPA	Active (Oct 2025)	$100B investment & 1M jobs commitment
UK	FTA	Signed (July 2025)	Professional mobility; Whisky/Auto tariff cuts
Oman	CEPA	Signed (Dec 2025)	98% duty-free goods; Gulf strategy
New Zealand	FTA	Concluded (Dec 2025)	Education & student mobility; MSME growth
Mauritius	CECPA	Active (2021)	Strategic gateway to Africa

US-India Trade Deals | Tariffs

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

G20 Summit 2023 New Delhi Highlights

2023-09-27T17:00:00.001+05:30

The G20 New Delhi summit 2023 was the 18^th meeting of G20 (Group of Twenty). G20 summit 2023 was held successfully in Bharat Mandapam, International Exhibition Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023. It was the first G20 summit held in India.

The theme of summit, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad, which means "The World Is One Family". Indian tradition mentions "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" meaning all living beings on the earth are a family.

The G20 New Delhi Summit is chaired by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. India's presidency of G20 began on December 1, 2022. India will continue to hold the position until November 30, 2023. The presidency handover ceremony was held at the close of the G20 Bali summit 2022, in which the G20 Presidency Gavel was transferred from Indonesian President Joko Widodo to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Presidency is supported by the Troika – previous, current and incoming Presidency. During India’s Presidency, the troika will comprise Indonesia, India and Brazil, respectively. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi formally handed over the G20 presidency for 2024 to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil .

Bharat-Mandapam

Participating Leaders and Countries in G20 New summit

The Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the summit. Their places were taken up by Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese premier Li Qiang, respectively. India invited representatives of International organizations like the UN, IMF, World Bank and WTO, for the meeting.

Country India	Leader Name Narendra Modi (Host)
Argentina	Alberto Fernández
Australia	Anthony Albanese
Brazil	Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Canada	Justin Trudeau
China	Li Qiang
France	Emmanuel Macron
Germany	Olaf Scholz
Indonesia	Joko Widodo
Italy	Giorgia Meloni
Japan	Fumio Kishida
Mexico	Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Russia	Sergey Lavrov
Saudi Arabia	Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
South Africa	Cyril Ramaphosa
South Korea	Yoon Suk-yeol
Turkey	Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
United Kingdom	Rishi Sunak
United States	Joe Biden
European Union	Ursula von der Leyen
European Union	Charles Michel

G20 Summit Invitees

Country	Leader
Bangladesh	Sheikh Hasina
Comoros	Azali Assoumani
Egypt	Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Mauritius	Pravind Jugnauth
Netherlands	Mark Rutte
Nigeria	Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Oman	Haitham bin Tariq
Rwanda	Paul Kagame
Singapore	Lee Hsien Loong
Spain	Pedro Sánchez
UAE	Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Key Outcomes of the 2023 G20 Summit

G20 Leaders' New Delhi Declaration achieved unanimous consensus, addressing diverse global issues, from Russia-Ukraine tensions to sustainable development.
The G20 leaders agreed to admit the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, which is a major step towards increasing the representation of developing countries in the forum.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is an India-led initiative that aims to develop an alliance of Governments, International Organizations, and industry to promote the adoption of biofuels.
A MoU was signed between the Governments of India, USA, Saudi Arabia, European Union (EU), UAE, France, Germany and Italy to establish the India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). IMEC is a significant infrastructure project connecting India, Middle East, and Europe. The project aims to establish a network of transport corridors, including railways and sea lanes.
The New Delhi Leaders Declaration was adopted with consensus.

G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration

About G20:

The G20 originated in 1999 in response to the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98, initially serving as an informal platform for finance ministers and central bank governors from both developed and developing economies. In 2008, the global financial crisis, the G20 expanded to include the heads of state of member countries.

The G20 Presidency rotates annually under a troika system, involving the current, previous, and next host countries. In 2022, India took over the G20 Presidency from Indonesia, the preceding member of the troika. The presidency has now been passed to Brazil, the next troika country.

G20 meetings to be held in Jammu Kashmir

Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Lands on Moon's South Pole

2023-09-20T13:44:00.003+05:30

About Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission to achieve soft landing on the Moon's South Pole. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Chandrayaan-3 Mission using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM-3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 14, 2023, at 2:35 PM. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) is one of the Spaceport of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space (DoS), Government of India (GoI). Chandrayaan-3 consists of an indigenous Lander Module (LM) named Vikram, Propulsion module (PM) and a Rover Module (RM) named Pragyan.

With the successfully soft landing of Chandrayaan-3, India became the first nation of the world to soft-land on the South Pole of Moon and overall the fourth nation (after USA, Russia and China) to do a soft landing on the moon’s surface.

Objectives of Chandrayaan-3

1. To demonstrate Safe and Soft Landing on Lunar Surface.

2. To demonstrate Rover roving on the moon’s surface.

3. To conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Landing Date and Time

Chandrayaan-3 took total 42 days from launching to landing at moon. The Chandrayaan-3 entered in the lunar orbit on August 5. The lander module separated from the propulsion module on August 5. The lander Vikram landed on Moon’s South Pole successfully on August 23, 2023 at 6:05PM (IST). The rover Pragyan started its exploration on August 24. On August 30, the rover Pragyan confirmed the presence of sulphur on the moon.

Significance of Moon’s South Pole

According to scientists, the South Pole of moon may contain water. Experts believe that the craters in these regions contain fossil records of the early planetary system. The soft landing on Moon’s South Pole is more challenging compared to the equatorial region. There is lack of enough sunlight and extreme cold conditions (up to -230 degrees C) at South Pole.

Cost of Chandrayaan-3

Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the estimated cost of the Chandrayaan-3 is Rs 600 crore, which is lower than the budget of some films made on the themes of space and moon. According to the former Chairman of ISRO, K Sivan, the total cost of Chandrayaan-3 is Rs. 615 crore. The cost of Lander, Rover, and Propulsion module is around Rs. 250 crore and the launch costs around Rs. 365 crore. The mission has an estimated total cost of around $75 million. Christopher Nolan's movie Interstellar, renowned for its depiction of space, had a budget of $165 million, which is more than double the budget of Chandrayaan-3. Chandrayaan-3 costs less than many other films, such as “The Martian” ($108 Million) and even the Bollywood Hindi film “Aadipurush” (estimated at $88 Million).

India’s Other Chandrayaan Missions

Chandrayaan-1 was the first Indian lunar probe under the Chandrayaan programme. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in October 2008, and operated until August 2009. The mission included an Orbiter and an Impactor. India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket on October 22, 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission was a major boost to India's space program, as India researched and developed indigenous technology to explore the Moon. The vehicle was inserted into lunar orbit on November 8, 2008 and the Moon Impact Probe separated from the Chandrayaan orbiter on November 14, 2008.

Chandrayaan-2 is the second lunar exploration mission developed and launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It consists of a lunar Orbiter, the lander: Vikram and, the Rover: Pragyan. All of which were developed in India. The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on July 22, 2019 by a LVM3 - M1 rocket. The craft reached the lunar orbit on August 20, 2019 and began orbiting moon for landing of the Vikram lander. The lander and the rover were scheduled to land on Moon’s South Pole on September 6, 2019. However, the lander crashed while attempting to land on September 6, 2019.

Revamp of Indian (Colonial-era) Criminal Laws

2023-08-28T12:41:00.002+05:30

The Central government introduced three new Bills in the Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Indian Evidence Act. The government moved to overhaul criminal laws in India completely and also proposed a provision to replace the colonial-era (British-era) sedition law with Section 150 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, which deals with "acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Sanhita Suraksha Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Criminal Laws. It seeks to revamp British-era laws. Home Minister Amit Shah said that from 1860 to 2023, the country’s criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made by the British.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill respectively. With these three laws there will be a major change in the criminal justice system in the country.

All three bills were referred to a standing committee for review and recommendations.

All three laws Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act will be repealed. Home Minister Amit Shah said that the focus of those laws was to protect and strengthen the British administration and the aim of laws was to punish and not to give justice. Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha “By replacing them, the new three laws will bring the spirit to protect the rights of the Indian citizen. The aim will not be to punish, it will be to provide justice. Punishment will be given to create a sentiment of stopping crime."

Sedition Law

Section 124A of the IPC, which deals with sedition, says that, "Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the Government established by law in India, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine." The British Government introduced the Sedition Act in 1870. The Act gave the British supreme authority to arrest or detains any person without a fair trial if he/she was seen protesting against or criticizing the British.

Section 150 of the Nyaya Sanhita is longer and adds references to "secession", "armed rebellion", "subversive activities" and "separatist activities". The section 150 reads: "Whoever, purposely or knowingly, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or by electronic communication or by use of financial means, or otherwise, excites or attempts to excite, secession or armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encourages feelings of separatist activities or endangers sovereignty or unity and integrity of India; or indulges in or commits any such act shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine."

Clause 69:

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023 tabled before Parliament includes specific provisions to tackle offenses involving marrying a woman by concealing identity, false promise of marriage, promotion and employment. The provisions call for a 10-year imprisonment for these offenses. Such a section does not exist in the IPC of 1860. Currently, the issue of false promises of marriage to a woman and has sexual intercourse with her, is dealt under other sections of the IPC.

Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita pertains to sexual intercourse under the false promise of marriage or deceitful means. The section reads: “Whoever, by deceitful means or making a promise to marry a woman without any intention of fulfilling the same, and has sexual intercourse with her, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offense of rape, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to a fine."

Some New proposed laws:

1. The current sedition law will be completely repealed. Provisions under the sedition law will be retained in Section 150 for acts of endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

2. Specific provisions to tackle offenses involving marrying a woman by concealing identity, false promise of marriage, promotion and employment.

3. Special provision, law, and punishment will be made for all those who establish relationship by hiding their identity.

4. Punishment for mob lynching and sexual assaults on minors, from seven years in jail to the death penalty.

5. For the first time, community service will be one of the punishments for petty offences.

6. For gang-rape, the punishment can be 20 years in jail to a life term.

7. One-year jail for bribing voters during elections.

8. Offences have been made gender neutral.

9. An E-FIR can be lodged from anywhere.

Best Quality Lithium reserves Found in Jammu-Kashmir

2023-02-15T14:53:00.001+05:30

The Union Ministry of Mines said that it has discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in the Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir, Union territory of India. This is the first major lithium reserve that has been found in India.

On February 9, India’s Ministry of Mines announced that the Geological Survey of India has located 5.9 million tonnes of lithium resources in the Salal-Haimana area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. This is a first lithium reserve in the country.

Lithium is a crucial mineral for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels. Lithium is also called ‘white gold’ because it is a key component of electric batteries. Now, India has its own lithium reserves, it wouldn't need to rely as heavily on imports as it does now to meet its demands.

Last year, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research and Geological Survey of India showed the presence of lithium about 1,600 tonnes in the Mandya district of Karnataka.

Reserves of Lithium are rare in the world. According to Rishabh Jain, senior programme director for the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, there are 98 million tonnes of lithium in the world. Now, India has discovered around 5.5 per cent of these resources. As per one estimate, Chile has 9.2 million tonnes – led the world in lithium reserves, followed by Australia (6.2 million tonnes).

The first lithium reserve, found in Jammu and Kashmir, is of the best quality, a senior government official said. India's mining secretary stated that normal grade of lithium is of 220 parts per million (PPM), but the lithium found in J&K is of 500 ppm-plus grading, and with a stockpile of 5.9 million tons, India will surpass China in its availability.

Lithium is a rare mineral and an essential component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic gadgets like smartphones and laptops. The supply of lithium is essential as the government plans to meet its de-carbonization goals by boosting sales of electric vehicles in the country. Production of minerals is necessary for the clean energy transition could increase by as much as 500% between 2020 and 2050 according to the World Bank.

World Lithium reserves 2022, by country (Source: statista)

In 2022, reserves of lithium in Chile amounted to an estimated 9.3 million metric tons, the largest worldwide. Chile has the largest lithium reserves worldwide by a large margin. Australia comes in second, with reserves estimated at 6.2 million metric tons in 2022.

About Lithium

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. Most lithium is used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric cars and mobile devices. The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. Lithium metal is made into alloys with aluminum and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter. A magnesium-lithium alloy is used for armour plating. Aluminum-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains.

India's Union Budget 2023 | Point wise Highlights | Summary

2023-02-04T13:17:00.005+05:30

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the last full-fledged Budget of the current government on the 1st of February 2023. According to Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Budget is referred to as the Annual Financial Statement (AFS). It is a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government in a Financial Year.

The Union Finance Minister has listed seven key priorities called as the “Saptarishi” guiding the government through the Amrit Kaal. They include:

Infrastructure and Investment
Inclusive Development
Reaching the Last Mile
Unleashing the Potential
Green Growth
Youth Power
Financial Sector

Budget Estimates 2023-24:

Total estimated expenditure: Rs 45 lakh crore.
Total estimated receipts: Rs 27.2 lakh crore
Net tax receipts: Rs 23.3 lakh crore.
Fiscal deficit: 5.9% of GDP.

Expenditure: The government proposes to spend Rs 45, 03,097 crore in 2023-24, which is an increase of 7.5% over the revised estimate of 2022-23.

Receipts: The receipts (other than borrowings) in 2023-24 are expected to be to Rs 27, 16,281 crore, an increase of 11.7% over revised estimate of 2022-23.

Deficits: Fiscal deficit in 2023-24 is targeted at 5.9% of GDP, lower than the revised estimate of 6.4% of GDP in 2022-23. The Government is committed to sticking to this plan to reduce the fiscal deficit to below 4.5% by 2025-26.

Allocation for different Ministries:

Ministry of Defense: 5.94 lakh crores
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: 2.7 lakh crores
Ministry of Railways: 2.4 lakh crores
Ministry of Consumer Affairs: 2, 05,764 crores.
Ministry of Home Affairs: 1, 96,034 crores.
Ministry of Chemical & Fertilizers: 1, 78,481 crores
Ministry of Rural Development: 1, 59,964 crores
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare: 1, 25,035 crores.
Ministry of Communications: 1, 23,393 crores.
Ministry of Education: 1, 12,899 crores.
Ministry of Health: 89,155 crores
Ministry of Science & Technology: 16,361.42 crores

Capital expenditure increased significantly by about 33% to 10 lakh crores as compared to 7.3 lakh crores in FY 2022-23. Capital expenditure for FY 2023-24 accounts for about 3.3% of the GDP.

The highest percentage increase in allocation is observed in the Ministry of Railways (49%), followed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (31%), and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (25%).

A capital of Rs 2.40 lakh crore has been allocated to the Railways - the highest ever outlay and about 9 times the outlay made in 2013- 14.

Agriculture credit target will be increased to Rs 20 lakh crore with focus on animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries.

Government to launch a new sub-scheme of PM Matsya Sampada Yojana with targeted investment of Rs 6,000 crore to further enable activities of fishermen, fish vendors, and micro & small enterprises.

Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Program with an outlay of ₹2200 crore to be launched to boost availability of disease-free, quality planting material for high value horticultural crops.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0, to be launched to skill lakhs of youth within the next three years covering new age courses for Industry 4.0 like coding, AI, robotics, mechatronics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, and soft skills.

30 Skill India International Centres to be set up across different States to skill youth for international opportunities.

To commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a one-time new small savings scheme, Mahila Samman Savings Certificate to be launched. It will offer deposit facility up to Rs 2 lakh in the name of women or girls for tenure of 2 years (up to March 2025) at fixed interest rate of 7.5 per cent with partial withdrawal option.

157 new nursing colleges will be established in co-location with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014.

Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047.

PM PVTG Development Mission:

To improve socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission will be launched. An amount of Rs 15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next 3 year for the Scheduled Tribes.

The Centre will also recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for the 740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, serving 3.5 lakh tribal students.

In the drought prone central region of Karnataka, central assistance of Rs 5,300 crore will be given to the Upper Bhadra Project to provide sustainable micro irrigation and filling up of surface tanks for drinking water.

The outlay for PM Awas Yojana is being enhanced by 66% to over Rs 79,000 crore.

50 additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes and advanced landing grounds will be revived for improving regional air connectivity.

100 labs for developing applications using 5G services will be set up in engineering institutions to realize a new range of opportunities, business models, and employment potential.

An outlay of Rs 19,700 crores has been allocated to the National Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate transition of the economy to low carbon intensity, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under GOBARdhan scheme will be established. Total Investment - Rs 10,000 crore.

TAXES

Rebate limit of Personal Income Tax to be increased to Rs. 7 lakh from the current Rs. 5 lakh in the new tax regime. Persons in the new tax regime, with income up to Rs. 7 lakh to not pay any tax. The new income tax regime to be made the default tax regime. However, citizens will continue to have the option to avail the benefit of the old tax regime.

The new tax slabs in new tax regime rates are

0-3 lakh - nil
3-6 lakh - 5%
6-9 lakh- 10%
9-12 lakh - 15%
12-15 lakh - 20%
above 15 lakh- 30%

The limit for tax exemption on leave encashment on retirement of non-government salaried employees to increase to Rs. 25 lakh.

Agniveer Fund to be provided EEE status. Payments received by Agniveers enrolled in Agnipath Scheme, 2022 will be exempt from taxes.

Income from investments in life insurance policies will be taxable if premium of Rs 5 lakh has been paid in any year. The amount paid upon the death of the policy holder will continue to be exempt from income tax.

Allocation to Foreign Countries

India has cut the overall allocation for aid to foreign countries from Rs 6292 crore in Budget 2022 to Rs 5408 crore in Budget 2023

Bhutan: Rs 2,400 crore
Nepal: Rs 550 crore
Mauritius: Rs 460 crore.
Myanmar: Rs 400 crore
Maldives: Rs 400 crore
African nations: Rs 250 crore
Afghanistan: Rs 200 crore
Bangladesh: Rs 200 crore
Sri Lanka: 150 crore
Other developing countries: Rs 150 crore
Chabahar Port: Rs 100 crore
Eurasian Countries: Rs 75 crore
Latin American Countries: Rs 50 crore
Seychelles: Rs 10 crore
Mongolia: Rs 7 crore
Disaster Relief: Rs 5 crore

World Most Powerful Army | Global Power Index 2023

2023-01-20T16:04:00.004+05:30

The Global Firepower Index ranks the army of a country based on their military strength. India is ranked at fourth place in the index same as last year. The Global Firepower Index, 2022, puts the US at the top, Russia at the second spot, China at No. 3, and India at No. 4.

The Global Firepower Index ranked 145 countries. The Global Firepower ranking utilizes over 60 individual factors to determine a nation's Power Index ('PwrIndx') score. Power Index score relies on several factors ranging from quantity of military units, weapon diversity and financial standing to logistical capabilities and geography.

The Perfect Score:

A Global Power Index (GPI) rating of 0.000 is the perfect score. No country has attained perfect score so far. The smaller the score value, the more powerful is the fighting capability. The GPI does not take into account nuclear capabilities. The ranking is purely in terms of conventional capabilities.

Here is the list of the Top 10 and some major countries on Global Power Index 2023:

Rank Country GPI Score

1 United States 0.0712

2 Russia 0.0714

3 China 0.0722

4 India 0.1025

5 United Kingdom 0.1435

6 South Korea 0.1505

7 Pakistan 0.1694

8 Japan 0.1711

9 France 0.1848

10 Italy 0.1973

15 Ukraine 0.2516

16 Australia 0.2567

18 Israel 0.2757

25 Germany 0.3881

38 Myanmar 0.5768

40 Bangladesh 0.5871

71 Sri Lanka 1.2478

114 Afghanistan 2.3118

129 Nepal 2.8728

145 Bhutan 6.2017

Top FIVE Toughest Exams in the World (2023)

2023-01-19T09:46:00.002+05:30

Here’s the list of the Top FIVE toughest exams in the world:

Gaokao Exam

The National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), commonly known as the Gaokao is a standardized college entrance exam held annually in China. It is required for entrance into almost all higher education institutions at the undergraduate level, including for short cycle (2 year) and long cycle (4 year) degree programs. Due to its difficulty level, some European and American universities have also started to accept Gaokao scores. The duration of examination is about nine hours over a period of two or three days.

Exam Name: Gaokao

Country Name: China

Duration: 9h

Pass rate: does not have a single threshold for pass/fail

Appearing Candidates (Yearly): 12 million (Approximately)

IIT JEE Exam - India

The Indian Institute of Technology - Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) is an engineering entrance assessment conducted for the admission to various engineering colleges in India. It is constituted by two different examinations: The JEE-Main and the JEE-Advanced. The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) conducts the joint admission process for a total of 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs), 25 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) and other Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) based on the rank obtained by a candidate in JEE-Main and JEE-Advanced.

Exam Name: IIT JEE

Country Name: India

Duration: 3h

Pass rate: 1%

Appearing Candidates (Yearly): 1,026,799 (Approximately)

UPSC Exam - India

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a national competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment to higher Civil Services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Police Service (IPS), etc. It is referred as UPSC Examination and is conducted in three phases: a preliminary examination consisting of two objective-type papers (General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II also popularly known as Civil Service Aptitude Test or CSAT), second a mains examination consisting of nine subjective papers, in which two papers are qualifying and only marks of seven are counted followed by a interview.

The Qualified candidates in preliminary, appear for the latter hard level of mains examination. Those who have successfully cleared the second level then move further to an interview round with a panel that tests personality, awareness and logic.

Exam Name: UPSC

India: India

Duration: Prelim has 2 examinations each of 2h, Main has 9 examinations each of 3h and Interview.

Pass rate: 0.1% - 0.3%

Appearing Candidates (Yearly): 500, 000 (Approximately)

Mensa - England

Mensa is one of the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world. It is a non-profit organisation open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardised, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test. Mensa has a renowned presence in several countries across the globe. The IQ test administered by society is an demanding test that analyses one’s intelligence on parameters of reasoning, problem-solving and logic.

Exam Name: Mensa

Country: England

Duration: 1-2h

Pass rate: don't use pass/fail. There is IQ scores.

Appearing Candidates (Yearly): 134,000 (Approximately)

GRE - United States & Canada

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for several graduate schools in the United States and Canada and a few other countries. The GRE is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). GRE is majorly conducted to check the proficiency of candidates applying to study in abroad. It is mainly conducted for master’s level and PhD programs at institutions abroad.

Exam Name: GRE

Country: USA & Canada

Duration: 3h 45min

Pass rate: any score above the 50th percentile

Appearing Candidates (Yearly): 700,000 (Approximately)

India’s G20 Presidency | G20 Logo | G20 Theme

2023-01-14T13:06:00.002+05:30

For the first time, India holds the Presidency of the G20 from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. The 43 Heads of Delegations- the largest ever in G20-will be participating in the G20 summit 2023 at New Delhi in September 2023. The G20 Presidency steers the G20 agenda for one year and hosts the summit.

December 1, 2022 is historical day as India received the G20 Presidency from Indonesia first time. India will convene the G20 Leaders' Summit for the first time in the country in September 2023. The 18th G20 Heads of State Summit will take place on September 9-10, 2023 in New Delhi.

"India's G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal sense of oneness. Hence our theme - One Earth, One Family, One Future", PM Narendra Modi.

Indonesia handed over the G20 presidency to India for the year 2023 as the G20 summit 2022 ended at Bali. Indonesian President Joko Widodo handed over the G20 presidency to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking over the Presidency of the G20, Modi said, Its matter of pride for every citizen in India. "Together with every countries’ efforts, we can make the G20 summit a catalyst for global welfare,” PM Modi said.

India’s special invitee guest countries are Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE. G20’s invited international organisations are UN, IMF, World Bank, WHO, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, AU Chair, NEPAD Chair, ASEAN Chair, ADB, ISA and CDRI.

Logo of India’s G20 Presidency

The G20's Logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of Tricolour, India’s national flag - saffron, white and green, and blue. It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India’s national flower that reflects growth amid challenges. The Earth reflects India’s pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature. Below the G20 logo “Bharat” is written in the Devanagari script.

Theme of India’s G20 Presidency

The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future”. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad, which means "The World Is One Family". Indian tradition mentions "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" meaning all living beings on the earth are a family.

The theme affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms and their interconnectedness on the Earth and in the universe. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development, leading to globally transformative actions resulting in a cleaner, greener and bluer future.

The concept of Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow on November 1, 2021. PM Modi called upon the global community and institutions to drive LiFE as an international mass movement towards “mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption” to protect and preserve the environment. LiFE puts individual and collective duty on everyone to live a life that is in tune with Earth and does not harm it.

G20 meetings in India

G20 meetings will not be limited only to New Delhi. Drawing inspiration from its G20 Presidency theme of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - One Earth One Family One Future", India will host over 200 meetings in over 50 cities across 32 different workstreams, and would have the opportunity to offer G20 delegates and guests a glimpse of India's rich cultural heritage and provide them with a unique experience.

G20 Presidency

The Group does not have a permanent secretariat. The Presidency is supported by the Troika – previous, current and incoming Presidency. During India’s Presidency, the troika will comprise Indonesia, India and Brazil, respectively.

About G20

The G20 or Group of Twenty is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and European Union. 19 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States.

The G20 was founded on September 26, 1999 after the Asian financial crisis as a forum for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. Later, It was upgraded to the level of Heads of State in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007. G20 was designated the “premier forum for international economic cooperation” in 2009.

G20 works to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.

The G20 is composed of most of the world's largest economies, including both industrialised and developing nations. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, about two-thirds of the world population and and 60% of the world's land area.

G20 meetings to be held in Jammu Kashmir

Two Governments in Pakistan | Pakistani Taliban declares its New Government

2023-01-04T10:19:00.001+05:30

On Saturday, December 3, 2022, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban announced its new government with new full Cabinet. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan announced new appointments to divide the outfit into various ministries. Direct challenge to Pakistan's sovereignty and civilians goverment, Pakistani Taliban formed a parallel government with a cabinet of ministers, ranging from Defence to Education.

"TTP announced its new appointments dividing the outfit into various ministries, Defence, Judiciary, Information, Political Affairs, Economic Affairs, Education, a Fatwa-issuing authority, Intelligence, and a Department for construction", TTP said in statement.

Moreover, TTP has divided areas in its loose control into two zones – North (includes Peshawar, Malakand, Mardan, and Gilgit-Baltistan) and South (includes Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Kohat).

About Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban

According to media reports, The TTP or Pakistani Taliban, in 2021 has conducted more than hundreds of terror attacks on the pakistan's police and even on the army headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Quetta in the Balochistan region.

TTP is allied with Afghan-Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in August last year. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is an umbrella organization of various Islamist armed militant groups operating along the Afghan-Pakistani border. It is an alliance of militant networks formed in 2007, to unify opposition against the Pakistani military.

The Pakistani Taliban share a common ideology with the Afghan Taliban and assisted them in the 2001–2021 war in Afghanistan. Two groups have separate operations and command structures. The TTP's aim is to overthrow the government of Pakistan by waging a terrorist campaign against the Pakistan armed forces and the state. The TTP receives ideological guidance from and maintains ties with Al-Qaeda.

According to Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists have strength of 7,000 to 10,000 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The success of the Taliban in Afghanistan in August 2021, has given a boost to these terror attacks by TTP in Pakistan. Pakistan was unable to persuade the Afghan Taliban to crack down on the TTP. The Afghan Taliban instead mediated talks between Pakistan and the TTP, leading to the release of dozens of TTP prisoners in Pakistan and a temporary ceasefire between the Pakistani government and the TTP. The ceasefire has expired between Pakistan's civilian government and Pakistani Taliban on December 10, 2021, after that, the TTP increased attacks on Pakistani security forces.

India successfully test fires Nuclear Capable Agni 5 Missile

2022-12-19T13:27:00.002+05:30

India, on December 15, 2022, successfully carried out the night trials of the Agni-5 nuclear-capable ballistic missile. The test was carried out to validate new technologies and equipment on the missile which are now lighter than before. This was the ninth test-firing of the Agni-5, first was tested in 2012. The full range of Agni-5 missile is 5,400 km. The Agni-5 now can reach most cities in mainland China, including Beijing.

The test of missile was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The nuclear capable missile Agni-5 has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Agni-5 can be equipped with the MIRV (multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles), which means Agni-5 is capable of carrying multiple warheads. A single MIRV equipped missile can deliver multiple warheads at different targets.

As per several reports, the weight of the Agni-5 missile reduced significantly and Agni-5 will now be able to strike targets beyond 7,000 km. DRDO has reduced the weight of the missile by replacing its steel content with composite materials. The weight reduction that has been achieved in the missile system is beyond 20 per cent.

About Agni-5 Missile

Agni-5 is an ingeniously built advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is a fire-and-forget missile, which cannot be stopped without an interceptor missile. The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) is started by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who aimed at making the country self-sufficient in the field of missile technology. The program had five missiles Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash (PATNA).

Medium to Intercontinental versions of Agni missiles systems 1 to 5 have varying ranges, starting from 700 km to 7000 km for Agni-1 to Agni-5 respectively.

Surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-5 has been successfully tested multiple times since 2012. Last test was carried out successfully in October 2021 from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The missile uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine and capable of striking targets up to 5,000 km with a very high degree of accuracy.

Clash between Indian-Chinese soldiers | India-China border dispute

2022-12-16T13:01:00.003+05:30

On Monday, December, 12, the Indian army said that there had been a clash with Chinese army in the Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh on December, 9. Soldiers from both sides injured in clash and no soldiers died or severely injured in clash. Media reported PLA's soldiers suffered more injuries than the Indian side. After a clash, both sides immediately disengaged from the area and commanders from both sides had held a meeting immediately after to restore peace and tranquility.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that no Indian soldier was killed or severely injured in the clash.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament on December, 14, that the encounter started between Indian and Chinese soldiers, when Chinese troops tried to encroach into Indian territory and attempted unilaterally to change the status of quo near Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh along the disputed border near the Yangtse area.

Mr. Singh said the Indian soldiers befitting replied and stopped the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from transgressing into Indian Territory. Indian Army forced PLA to return to their posts. He said that local military commanders met on December, 10 to discuss the dispute.

China' reaction

State controlled media Global Times said that there are no details of the incident and said that according to their knowledge, the situation on the border with India was generally stable.

The spokesperson of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Western Theater Command said that Chinese border troops were on a routine patrol on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) when Indian troops illegally crossed the line and blocked the Chinese forces.

Chinese Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said while briefing press that the current situation is “generally stable” and asked India to abide by the spirit of relevant agreements signed by the two sides.

US reaction

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the US is closely monitoring the situation and encouraging India and China to utilise the bilateral channels.

Karine Jean-Pierre said, "We are glad to hear that both sides appeared to have quickly disengaged from the clashes. We are closely monitoring the situation. We encourage India and China to utilise existing bilateral channels to discuss disputed boundaries. Again, we are glad to see that there has been some disengagement on the clashes at this time."

On the other hand, the Pentagon press secretary Patrick Ryder, while addressing a press conference in US, said that we fully support India's efforts to control the situation amid the India-China border clash. We will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure the security of our partners. We fully support India's efforts to control the situation.

"Department of Defense continues to watch developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at India-China border, we have seen People's Republic of China (PRC) continues to amass forces and build military infrastructure along so-called LAC," Ryder added.

UN calls for de-escalation

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for de-escalation on the Indian-China border. "We call for de-escalation and to ensure that the tensions along in that area do not grow," spokesperson to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

Agreement between India and China of 1996

In recent clash between Indian army and PLA including Galwan clash in June 2020, No side used any guns.The battle was fought with sticks and clubs because of 1996 agreement between India and China. Neither side shall use its military capability against the other side. No armed forces deployed by either side in the border areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as part of their respective military strength shall be used to attack the other side, or engage in military activities that threaten the other side or undermine peace, tranquility and stability in the India-China border areas.

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People's Republic of China

India-China border dispute

India and China went to war in 1962. China launched an attack on India on October 20, 1962. India was not prepared for the war and as a result, around 20,000 Indian soldiers had to clash against the Chinese 80,000 troops. China had occupied most of the parts of Aksai Chin after the conflict and consolidated its military grip over the area. China rejected all the attempts by India to settle border dispute peacefully.

China and India share a disputed long de facto border - called the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The soldiers from two world's largest armies - come face to face at many points.

Tensions sometimes escalate into skirmishes. However both sides have been trying to de-escalate since a major clash in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley in the Ladakh region, where 20 Indian soldiers died. China never disclosed about Chinese soldier's death. Many reports published more than 40 Chinese soldiers were died in Galwan clash. The battle was fought with sticks and clubs. No gun was used by either side because of 1996 agreement.

Another face-off in January 2021, troops on both sides injured. It took place along the border between China and India's Sikkim state.

In September 2021, both countries agreed to disengage from at a disputed area along a remote western Himalayan border area and both sides started troop withdrawals.

Xi Jinping Step down | Protests against Zero-Covid Policy across China | White Paper Revolution

2022-12-07T13:08:00.008+05:30

China's Zero-Covid Policy

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is implementing a aggressive approach: zero-covid policy to control Covid-19 in China. The objective of the zero-covid policy in China is to ensure that there are no new infections and to the elimination of Corona virus. It involves strict and complete control and maximum suppression for the elimination of the virus. Zero-Covid policy uses aggressive public health measures like contact tracing, social isolation and mass testing where cases have been reported and lockdowns even if positive cases are less. Under zero-covid policy in China, authority and security personnel are directed to impose stringent lockdowns and follow strict measures of social isolation even if number of cases are less. People are isolated at their homes or they are kept under quarantine at government facilities. Businesses and schools are closed in lockdown areas. Shops only selling food are allowed to open and lockdowns last until no new infections are reported. Tens of millions of people have been living under some kind of lockdown in China, BBC.

Vaccination in China

The rate of vaccination in China remain lower than many others countries because of China refused to import international vaccines and is using only domestically developed vaccines that have been found to be less effective than those widely used internationally. The Bloomberg reported, In China, only 69% of those aged 60 and above and just 40% of over 80-year-olds have had booster shots. China said it would bolster vaccination among its senior citizens. The government will also use big data to identify elderly people who need the vaccine.

Almost three years have been passed, when the first case of Covid-19 was found in Wuhan. China’s case numbers remain lower than in most other countries. But the numbers released by China can never be trusted as there is no free journalism in China and ruling party CCP never release actual data. The world is witness of recent Galwan clash (Indo-China boarder), where India reported twenty deaths. On the other hand, China never released about its loss.

Now, almost after three years while Covid-19 cases going down across the world, on the other hand, in China Covid-19 positive cases numbers are making new records. Acoording to National Health Commission, China has reported a record high of 39,791 new Covid-19 infections, of which 3,709 were symptomatic and 36,082 were asymptomatic on November 26.

Violent Protests at Apple’s biggest iPhone plant in China

China's strict zero-Covid policy has caused fatigue and resentment among the population of country. Many of them have been locked down for weeks at their homes, factories and universities. People are unable to travel freely. China's zero-Covid policy is one of toughest strategy to handle the virus. Local authorities have taken extreme measures, such as forcing workers to sleep inside factories so they can work while they are quarantined.

Violent clashes erupted between workers and security personnel at the world’s largest iPhone factory in China’s Zhengzhou city. Employees were living under tough Covid-19 restrictions in the factory. Employees at Apple's iPhone plant clashed with police and security personnel in a protest. Several workers were injured and police arrived on the scene to restore order.

The violence underscores the growing tension at the Zhengzhou plant since the new lockdown began in October. Many workers have fled in recent weeks over frustrations about how the outbreak was handled and insufficient food.

Foxconn, which employs about 200,000 people, is Apple's biggest iPhone plant. Foxconn accounts for about 70% of iPhone shipments globally. It makes most of the phones at the Zhengzhou plant.

Protesters demands Xi Jinping To Resign

According to BBC, Protesters in China publicly showed their anger at the ruling Communist Party and demanded President Xi Jinping to resign. Students have also demonstrated at universities. BBC said that protestors in Shanghai, the biggest city in China and a global financial hub, openly shouted slogans such as "Xi Jinping, step down" and "Communist Party, step down".

Protest against China's zero-covid policy also spread to Hong Kong. Protesters and students are on the roads are demanding for resignation of President Xi Jinping. "Xi Jinping Step down, CCP Step down", protesters chanted across China and Hong Kong. Protesters have been calling for the resignation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the end of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) rule. In November, Students in Hong Kong chanted “oppose dictatorship” in a protest against China’s zero-covid policy. Crowds in cities called for resignation of President Xi Jinping and CCP to step down.

Many protesters have been detained by security personnel, in the connection of protests demanding President Xi Jingping's resignation and to remove ruling communist party.

White Paper Revolution

Few days back in Xinjiang, China, at least 10 people were killed in a building fire. The building was under strict lockdown for more than 100 days. People blamed China’s zero-covid policy for the deaths. Strict lockdown was imposed in the region and building was locked.

Initially protests were started in Xinjiang and then eventually the wave of protests in many cities spread across China including Beginning, Shanghai, Chengdu, Wuhan, Lanzhou, and Nanjing. Protesters were holding up the blank sheets of white paper, so called “white paper revolution” or the “A4 revolution” for the size of the standard sheet of paper.

Over the weeks, the white sheet (A4 paper sheet) became a symbol of the protests. A4 sheet of paper has become symbol of the lack of free speech in China. Protesters said, "The white paper represents everything we want to say but cannot say."

New York Times reported “white paper revolution” or "A4 revolution" was sparked by a deadly fire in a apartment in Xinjiang region of China that killed 10 people and injured many others. People blamed the strict lockdown measures for slowing down rescue efforts at the building, which was under lockdown.

White papers were also used by the protesters as a sign of protest in Hong Kong in 2020, against China’s new National Security Law. Students at universities also were holding up blank sheets of paper in silent protest.

Indian-origin Political Leaders Across The World

2022-11-07T13:04:00.011+05:30

Indians are ruling over the world. From Sundar Pichai to Satya Nadella and Kamala Harris to Rishi Sunak, Indian-original people are leading not just top companies like Google, Microsoft, but also leading the nations. Today, we will see some of Indian-origin world leaders who are making India proud.

Indian origin leaders, Indian origin world political leaders, Indian origin world leaders, rishi sunak, kamala harris, world leaders, prime minister, president, minister.

Kamala Harris: Vice President of the United States

Kamala Harris is the 49th Vice President of the United States. She is the first female vice president and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. She previously served as the attorney general of California and as a United States senator representing California.Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964. Harris graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a Tamil Indian biologist, had arrived in the United States from India. Harris's father, Donald J. Harris, a Stanford University professor emeritus of economics, arrived in the United States from British Jamaica.

Rishi Sunak: Prime Minister of United Kingdom

42 years old Rishi Sunak is a British politician and financier who became leader of the Conservative Party and prime minster of the United Kingdom. Previously, Mr. Sunak served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022 and Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2019 to 2020. Mr. Rishi Sunak was born in a family with immigrant roots. His grandparents emigrated from Punjab, India to East Africa. From where, his parents migrated to Southampton, England in 1960s. Rishi Sunak studied at Winchester College and read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford in 2001. Mr. Sunak married to an Indian citizen, Akshata Murty, who is the daughter of N.R. Narayana Murthy, founder of one the top IT Company Infosys.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali: President of Guyana

Mohemad Irfaan Ali has been the ninth President of Guyana since 2020. He is also the first Muslim President of Guyana. Ali was born to an Indo-Guyanese Muslim family in Leonora, a village in the West Coast Demarara, region of Guyana.

Chand Satokhi: President of Suriname

Chandrikapersad ‘Chan’ Santokhi has been the ninth President of Suriname since 2020. He was elected through an uncontested election. Earlier he served in police. Santokhi was born to an Indo-Surinamese Hindu family in Lelydorp, Suriname.

Pravind Jugnauth: Prime Minister of Mauritius

Mauritian politician Pravind Kumar Jugnauth has held the Prime Minister post since 2017. He was born in a Hindu family; Jugnauth’s ancestors are from Uttar Pradesh, India. He has been the leader of the Militant Socialist Movement since 2003.

Prathvirajsing Roopun: President of Mauritius

Prithvirajsing Roopun has been the seventh President of Mauritius since 2019. He was born into a Hindu family who are followers of the Arya Samaj.

Wavel Ramakalawan: President of Seychelles

Wavel Ramakalawan is the president of Seychelles; Ramakalavan was born in Mahé, the principal island of Seychelles. He was born into a third-generation Indian migrant family, as his grandfather hailed from Bihar, India.

Hamilah Yacob: President of Singapore

A Singaporean politician and former lawyer, she is currently the president of Singapore. In the past She has also served as the country’s Parliament Speaker. She was born in 1954 to an Indian father. Hamilah Yacob is a notable Indian-origin world leader; Yacob is also the first female President of the nation.

Antonia Costa: Prime Minister of Portugal

António Luís Santos da Costa is the current prime minister of Portugal 2015. He is Indian-Portuguese. Costa was born in 1961 in Lisbon, the son of writer Orlando da Costa and journalist Maria Antónia Palla. Costa is half Portuguese and half Indian; his father was born in Maputo, Mozambique, to a Goan family. He was the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs from 1995 to 1997, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs from 1997 to 1999, Minister of Justice from 1999 to 2002, and Minister of Internal Administration from 2005 to 2007. He also served as the Mayor of Lisbon from 2007 to 2015.

Indian-origin Rishi Sunak becomes UK PM | Reinstates Braverman as Home Secretary

2022-11-02T22:04:00.016+05:30

October 25, 2022 was a historic day for the United Kingdom. UK got Rishi Sunak as its first ever Indian-origin non-white Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak is the former Chancellor of the Exchequer and youngest Prime Minister of UK.

Mr. Rishi Sunak, third Conservative Prime Minister this year, was chosen by his fellow Conservative MPs to lead the party and country, after Prime Minister Liz Truss’s announcement on October 20, 2022 that she was resigning as she has lost the support of her fellow MPs after a failed ‘mini budget’ that deeply rattled markets.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government had collapsed in July, 2022. Ms. Liz Truss replaced Boris Jonhson and became Prime Minister of UK. She beat Mr. Rishi Sunak in a vote by Conservative Party members. But Ms. Truss had to resign just after 45 days as she lost the support of her fellow MPs.

"Rishi Sunak becoming the first British Indian Prime Minister is an historic moment. This simply would not have been possible even a decade or two ago. This will be a source of pride to many British Asians including many who do not share Rishi Sunak’s Conservative politics," Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future.

Labour Party leader Starmer also welcomed Sunak as a the first Indian-origin British Prime Minister - saying that it's a reminder that "Britain is a place where people of all races and beliefs can fulfil their dreams".

About Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak is of Indian descent and was born to parents who migrated to Britain from East Africa. Mr. Rishi Sunak was born in a family with immigrant roots. His grandparents emigrated from Punjab, India to East Africa. From where his parents migrated to Southampton, England in 1960s.

Rishi Sunak studied at Winchester College and read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford in 2001. He also did his MBA as a Fulbright Scholar from Standford University in 2006.

Mr. Sunak married to an Indian citizen, Akshata Murty, who is the daughter of N.R. Narayana Murthy, founder of one the top IT company Infosys.

Mr. Sunak became Member of Parliament (MP), replacing Richmond in North Yorkshire in the 2015 general election. Mr Sunak supported Brexit in the 2016 referendum on EU membership.

Role of Home Secretary Suella Braverman

Suella Braverman is a politician belongs to Conservative party, was appointed as Home Secretary in Liz Truss's government. Suella Braverman made controversial comments on migration. Earlier in an interview Braverman said that she clearly opposed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India as she believes that it will further increase the number of Indian migrants to the UK.

“I do have some reservations. Look at migration in this country — the largest group of people who overstay are Indian migrants,” she added.

She also attributed the latest riots in Leicester after India-Pakistan match is due to uncontrolled migration of the people from subcontinent who failed to integrate into the host country.

Braverman, who was Home Secretary in Truss's government had to resign due to an alleged breach of security. Reportedly, she had used her personal mail to send an official document to her colleague breaching the protocol and the security compulsions.

As the issue came to notice, Suella Braverman resigned from the office taking the responsibility of what she calls a “technical infringement”. In her resignation she said, “I have made a mistake; I accept responsibility; I resign.” However, the reports indicate that she was asked to quit by the high office of Prime Minister.

Rishi Sunak reinstated Braverman as Home Secretary when he became Prime Minister of UK, just days after she was forced to resign over a breach of government ethics rules.

Criticism of Rishi Sunak's decision

Labour Party leader Starmer criticized Sunak's decision to reinstate Braverman as Home Secretary. Starmer asked Sunak that "Was the home secretary right to resign last week for a breach of security protocols?" Starmer said that Sunak has promised to govern with "integrity, professionalism and accountability." Starmer pointed out that PM Sunak has put in charge of the Home Office a woman forced to resign just a week ago. Starmer said that the post should be held by someone whose integrity and professionalism are beyond question and accused Sunak of doing a "grubby deal" trading national security because he was scared to lose another leadership election.

Elon Musk Acquires Twitter | Fires CEO Parag Agrawal | Top Legal Executive Vijaya Gadde

2022-10-30T22:19:00.013+05:30

Billionaire Elon Musk is now the new owner of one of the biggest micro blogging social media platform Twitter. Elon Musk has fired the company's CEO Parag Agrawal and Top Legal Executive Vijaya Gadde. Elon Musk who is also CEO of the Tesla, closed the $44-billion deal to buy Twitter on October 27, 2022. Elon Musk now hold 100 per cent shares of company and Twitter will now be operated as a private company. Twitter shares stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

image: newsonair

The deal has been embroiled in controversies since earlier this year. On Friday world's richest person Elon Musk confirmed the takeover of Twitter. The developments came after six months of public and legal wrangling. The acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk had been started in April 2022, and concluded on October 27, 2022. Business magnate Elon Musk started to buy shares of Twitter in January 2022. He became the company's largest shareholder in April, 2022 with a 9.1 percent ownership stake. Twitter then invited Elon Musk to join its board of directors. On April 14, 2022, he made an unsolicited offer to purchase the company for $43 billion. On April 25, 2022, Twitter's board of directors unanimously accepted Musk's buyout offer of $44 billion, with the company set to be taken private.

Mr. Musk announced his intention to terminate the agreement in July, 2022 asserting that Twitter had breached their agreement by refusing to crack down on spambot accounts. The company filed a lawsuit against Musk in the Court. Thereafter, with a trial scheduled for the week of October 17. Weeks before the trial was set to begin, Musk reversed course, announcing that he would move forward with the acquisition. The deal was closed on October 27, 2022. Elon Musk immediately becameTwitter's new owner and fired several top executives, including CEO Parag Agrawal.

Reason to Acquire Twitter By Musk

Mr. Musk stated that he planned to introduce new features to the platform, make its algorithms open-sourced, combat spambot accounts, and promote free speech. Elon Musk posted an tweet after taking control of Twitter and firing its top executives. "The bird is freed." Musk tweeted after completing the $44 billion deal. Twitter has a blue bird as its logo. Mr. Musk said he didn't buy the firm "to make more money. I did it to try to help humanity, whom I love".

Elon Musk said, “The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide Age of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence. There is currently great danger that social media will splinter into far right wing and far left wing echo chambers that generate more hate and divide our society.”

About Elon Musk

Elon Reeve Musk is a business magnate and investor. He is the founder, CEO and chief engineer of SpaceX; angel investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, founder of The Boring Company; co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI; president of Musk Foundation; and owner of Twitter. His estimated net worth of around $210 billion as of October 2022. Musk is the wealthiest person in the world according to both the Bloomberg Billionaires Index and Forbes's real-time billionaires list.

Donald Trump's Reaction

Former President of US, Donald Trump, who has been suspended on Twitter since January last year said on his own social networking app Truth Social platform, "I am very happy that Twitter is now in sane hands, and will no longer be run by Radical Left Lunatics and Maniacs that truly hate our country." Elon Musk has indicated he would lift Trump's Twitter ban. Trump's Twitter account has been banned since January last year, when Trump's supporters attempted insurrection at the US Capitol during US presidential election.

European Union (EU) Reaction

Responding to the Musk's tweet, “The bird is freed”, Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for the Internet market in European Union (EU) said, “In Europe, the bird will fly by our rules.” Breton tweeted with the hashtag #DSA referring to the Digital Services Act designed by the European Union to tighten the regulation of social media. European Union's recently approved Digital Services Act (DSA). Under DSA large tech companies will be required to have robust content moderation systems to ensure they can quickly take down illegal material such as hate speech, incitement to terrorism and child sexual abuse. The EU's rules are expected to come into force by 2024. Companies can be fined up to 6% of global annual revenues for violations.

Firing of Top Executives

Musk's takeover fired top executives. The Twitter's executives who were fired includes CEO Parag Agrawal, Top Legal Executive Vijaya Gadde, Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal and General Counsel Sean Edgett.

CEO Parag Agrawal had clashed with Musk publicly and privately in recent months about the Twitter's takeover.

From left: Parag Agrawal, Ned Segal, Vijaya Gadde, and Sean Edgett

Top Legal Executive Vijaya Gadde was at the forefront for the permanently suspension of Twitter account of Former President of US Donald Trump in January last year, when Trump's supporters attempted insurrection at the US Capitol during US presidential election.

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Indicator Estimated Figure (Dec 2025)
Military Casualties Over 1.2 million (combined killed/injured)
Displaced Persons ~10.6 million Ukrainians
Economic Damage Over $450 billion for Russia; 70% of Ukraine's energy grid damaged
International Aid ~$370 billion provided to Ukraine by US/EU