Author: Manish Kumar

Farmers’ March to Delhi: Unpacking the Protest and Key Demands

Manish Kumar

The Farmers’ Voice and Their Long Struggle India’s agricultural sector has long been the backbone of its economy, yet farmers frequently find themselves at odds with policies they believe undermine their livelihoods. Protests and demonstrations have become a common tool for expressing grievances, and the latest “Delhi Chalo” march is another chapter in this ongoing struggle. Farmers from Uttar Pradesh and across India are rallying with demands for fair compensation and benefits under the revised agricultural laws. This demonstration is not an isolated event; it is part of a larger…

Kash Patel: Trump’s Provocative Choice for FBI Chief in 2024

Manish Kumar

Who Is Kash Patel? Kashyap “Kash” Patel, an Indian-American attorney and prominent figure in Republican circles, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This nomination has drawn both praise and controversy, reflecting Patel’s complex legacy as a public servant, legal professional, and outspoken critic of the FBI. Born in New York in 1980 to Gujarati parents who emigrated from East Africa, Patel’s journey embodies a classic immigrant success story. Educated at the University of Richmond and holding a law…

Cracking Down on Khalistan: India’s Tech Battle Against Separatist Agendas

Manish Kumar

The Roots of the Khalistani Movement The Khalistani movement, which aims to carve out an independent Sikh state from India, has its roots in the tumultuous 1970s and 1980s. Sparked by political grievances and fueled by separatist sentiment, the movement reached a crescendo with Operation Blue Star in 1984, followed by the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While the movement has since been largely subdued in India, its members continue to grow abroad, with factions like the US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) promoting the cause internationally through referendums…

UP government declares Prayagraj’s ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ area as new district

Manish Kumar

The upcoming Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. Maha Kumbh 2025: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the creation of a new district centred around the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj. The newly established district, officially named Maha Kumbh Mela, has been created to ensure seamless organisation and management of the grand religious event, as per officials. With this, the state will now have 76 districts instead of 75. This move aims to bolster…

Arrest of ISKCON Monk in Bangladesh Sparks Debate: Safety of Hindus and Religious Freedom Under Spotlight

Manish Kumar

Arrest of ISKCON Monk and Rising Tensions The arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh on sedition charges has ignited a heated debate about the safety of minorities and religious freedom in the country. The incident, which led to violent protests, has drawn international attention, with India expressing “deep concern” over the arrest and the subsequent denial of bail to Das. This development has brought the spotlight on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and its activities in Bangladesh, amid allegations of radicalism and communal tension. While…

Volkswagen Faces $1.4 Billion Tax Evasion Allegations in India: A Deep Dive into the Controversy

Manish Kumar

Volkswagen’s Indian operations have been accused of evading $1.4 billion in import duties, marking one of the largest tax-related demands against a multinational in India. The allegations stem from claims that the German automaker misclassified imported car components to pay lower taxes, a practice the authorities deem “wilful evasion.” This controversy adds to Volkswagen’s mounting challenges, both within India and globally, as it grapples with labor disputes, competitive pressures, and dwindling market share in key territories. The Allegations: Misclassification and Underpaid Duties Indian authorities allege that Volkswagen’s local unit, Skoda…

Putin Praises Trump as ‘Intelligent and Experienced’ Amid Escalating Tensions with Biden

Manish Kumar

In a notable departure from previous harsh rhetoric, Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised former US President Donald Trump, calling him an “intelligent and experienced” leader capable of resolving global tensions, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. These comments come at a time when relations between Russia and the West, especially the United States, have reached new lows, fueled by Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine and the West’s response. Putin’s praise of Trump stands in stark contrast to his recent criticisms of President Joe Biden, who has authorized further…

Hezbollah Declares ‘Divine Victory’ Amid Ceasefire with Israel: Challenges and Implications

Manish Kumar

In his first address following a historic ceasefire, Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem declared a “divine victory” over Israel, asserting that the militant group’s strength and resilience remain intact. This truce, brokered by the United States and France, comes after over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel that left thousands dead and devastated Lebanon’s southern region. Despite the ceasefire, the road to stability remains fraught with challenges, including accusations of violations and lingering tensions. The Ceasefire Agreement: Terms and Provisions The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah will withdraw from…

India on the Brink of Overtaking Japan to Become No. 4 Economy: IMF Highlights Key Growth Drivers

Manish Kumar

India’s economic trajectory continues to capture global attention as it maintains its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. With a 5.4% growth in the July-September quarter of 2024, the country has seen a slight deceleration from the previous quarter’s 6.7%. However, sustained growth and strategic initiatives are paving the way for India to overtake Japan as the fourth-largest economy by 2025. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s economy is projected to reach $4.34 trillion by 2025, marginally surpassing Japan’s $4.31 trillion. This achievement will stem from a…

The Future of EVs in India: Policy Revisions and Expanding Opportunities

Manish Kumar

India, poised to become a significant player in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, is revamping its EV policy to attract both domestic and international automakers. Initially designed to entice Tesla into local manufacturing, the policy has undergone significant changes after the U.S. automaker opted out of its plans earlier this year. The updated incentives, set to be finalized by March 2025, aim to broaden the scope for EV investments and production, leveraging existing automotive infrastructure while encouraging innovation. This shift reflects India’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen its…