My Viewpoint

In the turbulent theatre of global geopolitics, the United States under President Donald Trump’s second term has once again confirmed an uncomfortable truth: Washington is an unreliable partner for India. Behind the rhetoric of “democracy,” “fairness,” and “partnership” lies a cold, transactional calculus—one that prioritises short-term American gains over the stability and security of even its closest allies. Trump’s America First agenda is not merely a nationalist slogan—it is a doctrine that trades strategic depth for quick wins. From punitive economic measures that hurt Indian workers to quiet alignments with Pakistan and Bangladesh—both of which are increasingly hostile to India—the pattern is unmistakable. These actions expose the hollowness of U.S. claims that India is a “strategic partner,” revealing them as diplomatic falsehoods. Washington’s conduct speaks louder than its words, and the picture it paints is one of duplicity. Economic Hostility: Tariffs, Visas, and Strateg...

The United States is quick to point fingers, but it’s got a lot to answer for itself. Recently, former President Donald Trump went after India, accusing it of fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine by buying its oil and hitting India with a 25% tariff on goods as punishment. His aide Stephen Miller backed him up, calling India’s energy deals with Russia “unacceptable” and blaming them for Ukrainian deaths. This paints India as the bad guy in a war it didn’t start, conveniently ignoring how America’s own moves sparked the Russia-Ukraine conflict and pushed India toward Russia decades ago. It’s time to hold a mirror to the USA’s double standards—from Cold War betrayals to today’s bullying—and show why India’s choices, like the bold Sethusamudram project, are about standing firm, not causing trouble. Trump’s Attack: Pinning Ukraine’s Pain on India  On July 30, 2025, Trump took to Truth Social, blasting India for its “way-too-high” tariffs and its growing purchases of Russian oil, which he sa...

Hey there! You might’ve heard some bold claims lately, like former President Donald Trump calling India’s economy “dead” and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi jumping in to agree. Let’s cut through the noise, look at what’s really going on with India’s economy in simple terms, and address why Gandhi’s anti-India rhetoric is a problem. India’s Economy: Alive and Thriving Let’s get one thing straight: India’s economy is not dead. Far from it! India’s GDP is growing at a solid 6.4% a year, according to the International Monetary Fund, making it the fastest-growing major economy. With a GDP of $4.19 trillion, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy and is on track to hit $7.3 trillion by 2030. That’s the kind of momentum that screams growth, not collapse. India’s got some impressive wins. Exports are booming at $800 billion, and foreign investors are pouring money in. The digital economy is a global superstar—India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) handles over 640 million transactions...

The Indian National Congress, once a dominant force in Indian politics, is increasingly entangled in contradictions and political posturing that erode its credibility on national security matters. The recent parliamentary debates surrounding the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor expose a party struggling to articulate a coherent stance, prioritizing partisan point-scoring over national interest. The Congress’s handling of these issues—marked by controversial statements, internal discord, and a propensity for chaos—reveals a troubling lack of vision and a focus on selfish political goals. Chidambaram’s Reckless Claims: A Pattern of Denial Former Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s remarks questioning the origins of the Pahalgam attackers, suggesting they could be “homegrown” rather than Pakistani, are emblematic of Congress’s muddled approach. In an interview, Chidambaram demanded evidence of the terrorists’ Pakistani links, dismissing tangible proof...

 Reflecting on National Resolve, Leadership, and the Need for Unity Operation Sindoor has recently captured national and international attention, standing out as a pivotal demonstration of India’s resolve against terrorism. In the aftermath of the devastating April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, where 26 innocent lives were lost, the Indian armed forces launched a meticulously planned operation, dismantling nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoJK and neutralizing over 100 terrorist operatives, all with exceptional precision and restraint. Leadership at the Helm: Modi, Singh, and Jaishankar Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Unyielding Resolve Guided by a commitment to safeguard India’s sovereignty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a decisive role in the orchestration of Operation Sindoor. On April 26, 2025, he convened a high-level meeting, empowering the armed forces with operational freedom to respond robustly to the Pahalgam tragedy. The operation, carried out over May 6...

Hey, do you ever feel like the courts treat some people better than others? Take the case of Justice Yashwant Varma, reported in the news. In March 2025, a fire at his Delhi home revealed sacks of burnt cash—possibly ₹15 crore. An inquiry found enough evidence to suggest misconduct, and there’s talk of impeachment. But months later, no police case has been filed. If an ordinary person had that kind of cash at home, would they wait this long for action? This raises questions about fairness, and Sanatana Hindu Dharma has something to say on the matter. Is our justice system living up to its promise? The Varma Case:   A Question of Accountability News reports say firefighters found burnt cash at Varma’s home, and a three-judge panel linked him to the storeroom. The government’s planning to act, but as of July 21, 2025, there’s no FIR, and the Supreme Court has not rushed a hearing on it. For a regular person, like a Delhi businessman caught with less cash in 2024, the ED would’ve mov...

Hey, have you been following the language drama kicking up in Maharashtra and Karnataka? It’s getting pretty heated—people arguing over Marathi, Kannada, Hindi, you name it. From commuters being told to “speak Marathi or get out” on Mumbai’s local trains to pro-Kannada activists stopping buses in Karnataka, it’s starting to feel like more than just a regional pride thing. Some people are worried that this could spiral into something bigger, perhaps even eroding the idea of India as a single nation. So, what’s going on, and should we be pointing fingers at politicians for stirring the pot? Let’s unpack it. What’s Happening on the Ground? Picture this: you’re on a crowded Mumbai train, and someone starts yelling at passengers to speak Marathi or leave. Or you’re a shop owner in Thane, getting harassed because you don’t speak the local language fluently. These aren’t just random stories—they’re real incidents from 2025 that have people talking. In Karnataka, groups have been pushing hard ...

Picture India’s streets: dogs wandering, cows munching on trash, donkeys hauling heavy loads, and people—kids, old folks, beggars—trying to get by. It’s a messy, lively mix, but there’s something off about how we choose to help. Stray dog welfare has become a significant issue, with NGOs raising millions to feed and care for them. But humans—whether they’re begging, homeless, or hurt by stray dogs—get ignored. And don’t get me started on other animals like cows or donkeys, who barely get a second glance. It’s like we’ve picked who deserves our kindness, and people are often at the bottom of the list. That’s just not right. Stray Dogs Get Love, Humans Get Left Behind There are approximately 60 million stray dogs in India, and many people are stepping up to help them. NGOs run feeding drives, spay them, and even find them homes, all backed by substantial donations and social media hype. Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see cute dogs getting rescued, with everyone cheering. But what a...

The Kashmir conflict, a persistent source of tension between India and Pakistan since their 1947 partition, is a complex dispute rooted in historical, political, and cultural dynamics. Pakistan’s claim to Jammu and Kashmir, grounded in the two-nation theory, has been challenged by India, complicated by the role of British officers in the 1947 conflict, and further highlighted by recent geopolitical developments, including Pakistan’s calls for third-party mediation and U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s uninformed offers to mediate. The centuries-long persecution of Kashmiri Pandits and the actions of British officer Major William Alexander Brown in handing Gilgit-Baltistan to Pakistan underscore the flaws in Pakistan’s claim and its lack of locus standi. A 2017 British Parliament resolution reaffirming Gilgit-Baltistan as part of India further complicates Pakistan’s position. This article examines these elements and their implications for resolving the Kashmir issue. Historical Persecuti...

India's political landscape has recently been marked by intense debates over lateral entry into UPSC services and the effectiveness of caste-based reservations. Prominent opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Sitaram Yechuri have raised concerns about these issues, but their critiques often appear more focused on maximizing political gains than offering constructive solutions. Are they truly advocating for the upliftment of marginalized communities, or are they playing divisive politics to create rifts within the Hindu vote bank and serve their political interests? Lateral Entry into UPSC: An Opportunity Misunderstood The lateral entry initiative into the civil services is a progressive step to bring in domain experts to fill gaps in governance. The aim is to infuse fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge into a bureaucracy that has often been criticized for its lack of innovation and adaptability. By recruiting professionals from diverse fields for a fixed term, the go...

  Getting Paid to Watch Videos, Comment, and Engage: Is It Real? Short answer: While platforms have offered rewards for online activities, the model has evolved, and it's essential to approach such opportunities with caution. The Evolution of Paid Online Engagement In the past, some companies experimented with paying users to watch videos, comment, or engage with their products. This was often tied to market research or gathering user feedback. However, the landscape has changed significantly. Early Models: These platforms often relied on a points-based system, where users earned points for completing tasks like watching videos, taking surveys, or trying out products. These points could then be redeemed for rewards or cash. Shift Towards User-Generated Content: The focus has shifted towards user-generated content platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, where creators earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Micro-Influencer Economy: Influencers with smalle...

  Rakshasas and Devas: A Duel for Destiny The ancient Indian mythology of Rakshasas and Devas, often painted in stark, contrasting hues, offers a surprisingly complex lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of modern geopolitics. Far from mere caricatures of good and evil, these mythical figures embody the perennial human struggle between order and chaos, tradition and progress, and self-preservation and altruism. The Rakshasa, traditionally viewed as a monstrous villain, is in fact a more nuanced character. Beneath the fearsome exterior lies a rigid adherence to rules and a desperate defense of the status quo. They are the guardians of a world they believe to be perfect, and any deviation from this ideal is met with fierce opposition. Though often destructive, their actions stem from a deep-seated fear of change. On the other side, the Devas are more than benevolent deities. They are the architects of a better world, willing to challenge the established order to ...

When the Telangana agitation slipped out of TRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao's hands and taken by students of Osmania University in Hyderabad, there were violent incidents witnessed and infiltration of radicals, the students’ wing of Maoists in the campus of Osmania, created panic in Union home ministry. The home ministry pressed the panic button based on intelligence reports warning of a possible resurgence of Maoist violence in Telangana around the sentiment for a separate state. Home minister P Chidambaram pushed the assessment based on intelligence reports to the core committee that met to resolve the Telangana issue and there was a hasty decision taken on Telangana statehood. With the decision of the centre to let Andhra break up, the demand from other regions for separation is gathering some speed. Leaders in Vidharba, Bundelkhand , UP, WB, Tamilnadu, Gujrat see a window of opportunity to break away from the larger entities of which they are now a part. Letting Telangana separa...

The Centre plans to bring a "state-of-the-art" legislation in the Winter session of Parliament to deal with complaints of corruption against judges and ensure accountability in higher judiciary, says the Law and Justice Minister M Veerappa Moily. Good and thank you Mr Moily how about a similar bill to deal with the corruption of Politicians, Babus, police and doctors?

Following is the preamble of the constitution of India. I wonder, how relevant is the preamble and the constitution, today. Is India truly a socialist while we opened up our economy? Are we democratic in its true sense? Is there LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship? Do we experience EQUALITY of status and of opportunity? The political class and those who are in power made fun of the constitution and its spirit by their shameful actions. THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Preamble WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a [SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC] and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the [unity and integrity of the Nation]; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREB...

The strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh or Tawang in Chinese parlance the following need to be recognized: Arunachal Pradesh provides strategic depth to India’s Brahmaputra Valley and India’s other North Eastern states. Arunachal Pradesh provides security to Bhutan on it entire Eastern flank by geographical contiguity. Bhutan would be then be in a pincer group of China on both it flanks if Tawang is given away. This would be detrimental to India’s security. China’s borders would then rest on the plains of Assam; India might as well write off its other North Eastern states. The Chinese obsession with the Tawang Region is strategic in its aims. In any future conflict with China and if India singly or in coalition with some other power develops offensive capabilities against China, this region offers the shortest cut to China proper and to Tibet. India’s communications infrastructure in this region developed in World War II for US military aid to China is existent and can be further...

Going by the news reports on the spending of tax payers money by the MPs and ministers and governments one would wonder when will we the people of India get a break and how long these political class test our patience. At times during national calamities we in corporate or in private sector donate a days salary to the prime minister's relief fund etc. During economic down turn some of the corporate leaders take a cut in their salaries and employees were asked to reduce the travel costs etc. The political leaders who are supposed to lead by an example are not willing to do the same way as the salaried class. They do not want to give up their luxuries like stay in five star hotels or business class travel in air. They come out with all the excuses why they should not be giving up the luxuries. They spend a lakh a night in the five star hotels at the expense of taxpayer money. In simple words, the political leaders and ministers do not want to mingle with the common person, interact w...

Anti-corruption reforms have a good chance of success only when they are moved by a top leader and persistent enough to overcome bureaucratic resistance and inertia, according to experts. They also have to involve civil society and be free from political manipulation. When corruption becomes ingrained in the culture or is seen as part of, the daily struggle for survival, reforming governance becomes particularly difficult. When people get used to bribes, when they have financial obligations supported by bribes, it is very difficult to stop.

Way back in 1998 I did a case study along with my batch during my MBA at International Management Institute, New Delhi. Dr. Ajit Prasad a professor in strategy, gave us a case study titled “Should TTD be taken over by Government and maintain?” We all debated and concluded that it would be better if government does not meddle with TTD as governments lacks credibility and haunted filled with corrupt people. I had little idea then that I would be witnessing those scenarios we discussed, 10 years later. Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara the powerful God of Hindu faith managed by TTD is a richest temple next to Vatican City in the world, is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Upon hearing the news on corruption in TTD like many Hindus, my feelings were hurt. I am not particularly in support of any political party and do not want to be branded either. However, I must say ever since congress government in Andhra Pradesh took over the reins of government it encouraged and indulged in...

Pervasive corruption in our country tarnishes our image. It also discourages investors, who expect fair treatment and transparent dealings. As the country grows and integrates with the world economy, corruption continues to be an impediment to harnessing the best technology and resources," Today I was chatting with a few fellow residents of our society. One of them narreted his experience with Pune traffic police and their rude and corrupt behavior. His vehicle has a number plate, which does not belong to Maharashtra. He was carrying original driving license, original PUC and photocopies of all other documents that include NOC. To his surprise, the traffic constable asked him to pay Rs 3000/ as fine since the vehicle is not registered in Maharashtra. After arguing and wasting much of his time, he settled down for Rs 200 and let him go without giving him any receipt. Very familiar story is not it. We come across many such cases involving traffic police who lurk in the shadow, away ...