Author: Deshwale Editorial Desk

Trump’s Tariff Tussle with India US President Donald Trump has slapped a hefty 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling down from 25%, and former diplomat Vikas Swarup has some thoughts. He says Trump’s miffed because India won’t credit him for brokering a ceasefire with Pakistan after May’s conflict. Plus, India’s BRICS membership and refusal to open its agriculture sector irk him. Swarup sees this as pressure tactics to force India’s hand in trade talks. He warns that caving in risks India’s strategic autonomy, a cornerstone since the 1950s. Meanwhile, Trump’s cosy deals with Pakistan, like crypto ventures, contrast with this…

Hidden beneath the plains of Pakistan and northwest India lies one of the oldest urban wonders: the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC). It thrived around 2600 to 1900 BCE. Often overshadowed by Egypt or Mesopotamia, the IVC featured advanced cities, far-reaching trade, and a mysterious script that remains undeciphered. Masterful Urban Design Cities like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira show city planning ahead of its time. Their layout included: Unlike other ancient civilisations with kings and palaces, the Indus cities lack evidence of grand palaces or large temples. This suggests a society organised around trade and local councils rather than a strong…

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Sampark Foundation have launched the innovative ‘Smart School-Smart Block’ programme across 217 municipal schools in Mumbai. This initiative aims to transform classrooms and improve foundational learning through technology and teacher training. The programme was inaugurated by Bhushan Gagrani, BMC Commissioner, along with key officials and Sampark Foundation leaders. It directly benefits over 3,000 students and equips 434 teachers with new skills and digital tools. Under this scheme, 273 classrooms will be converted into smart classrooms. Schools in wards like Chembur, Bhandup, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, and Borivali will receive 159 smart TV panels. These will…

Uttarakhand’s Bhagirathi River Faces New Lake Threat A massive cloudburst on 5 August in Uttarkashi, India, left a kilometre-long lake-like water body on the Bhagirathi River near Harsil. Debris and trees from the Khir Ganga and Tel Gad rivers blocked the river’s flow, submerging a helipad and raising fears of downstream flooding. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stressed urgent drainage to protect locals. Teams are clearing blockages, with the irrigation department and experts like Dr. Neeraj Joshi working to ensure steady water flow. Heavy rainfall continues to complicate efforts, and residents along the riverbank have been relocated for safety. District…

कल्पना कीजिए, एक ऐसा देश जहां हर सुबह लोग यह सोचकर उठते हैं कि उनकी ज़मीन का एक टुकड़ा शायद आज समुद्र में समा जाए। यह कोई फ़िल्मी कहानी नहीं, बल्कि प्रशांत महासागर में बसे छोटे से देश तुवालु की सच्चाई है। ये छोटा-सा द्वीप देश है। यहां 11,000 लोग रहते हैं। जमीन समुद्र से बस दो मीटर ऊंची है। जलवायु परिवर्तन इसे निगल रहा है। समुद्र का पानी बढ़ रहा है। तुवालु अब डूबने की कगार पर है। वैज्ञानिक कहते हैं, अगले कुछ सालों में जमीन पानी में समा सकती है। पहले ही दो द्वीप डूब चुके हैं। 2023…

US Tariffs: Treading Carefully with China and India President Trump is weighing tariffs on China for buying Russian oil, but Vice President Vance says it’s a tricky call. Unlike India, which faces hefty 50% duties for similar purchases, China’s complex US ties make sanctions tougher. Oil prices are dipping amid fears of oversupply after OPEC eased cuts, and US economic slowdowns aren’t helping. Trump’s reviewing his options, but no firm decision yet. The stakes are high—tariffs could disrupt global trade and energy markets. Investors are jittery, and with good reason: a misstep could spark a two-front trade war with economic…

India’s U-20 women’s football team has made history. For the first time in two decades, they have booked a spot in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup. This marks not just a sporting achievement but also a turning point for women’s football in the country. A Wait That Spanned Generations The last time India played in this tournament was in 2002. Back then, some of today’s players had not even been born. The long gap reflects years of struggle for infrastructure, training, and visibility. Now, the return signals change. This qualification came through a spirited campaign, with the team winning…

In Hindu thought, time does not move in a straight line. Instead, it flows in vast loops called yugas. Each yuga has a distinct moral and spiritual character. These cosmic ages rise and fall, repeating over and over. They are believed to shape the destiny of the world. The Four Yugas Hindu scriptures speak of four yugas. Satya Yuga, also called Krita Yuga, is the Age of Truth. In this era, Dharma stands on all four legs, virtue thrives, and people live long and righteous lives. Treta Yuga follows, with Dharma standing on three legs. Virtue declines slightly, lifespans shorten,…

Landslide Blocks Uttarkashi-Gangnani Road A massive landslide hit the Uttarkashi-Gangnani road near Netala, turning a busy route into a wall of mud and debris. It struck Monday morning, cutting off Gangnani entirely. Heavy machinery like JCBs is grinding away to clear the mess, but rain’s making it tough. This comes after a deadly cloudburst in Uttarkashi, with flash floods and landslides claiming five lives and leaving hundreds missing. Rescue teams are on day six, battling swampy terrain in Dharali. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says 1,308 people are safe, and the injured are in hospitals. The weather’s not helping—light to…

Raksha Bandhan’s sacred thread ties siblings in a timeless bond of love. It is an annual ritual that pulses with emotional significance. Celebrated on the full moon of Shravan, the festival symbolises protection, trust, and shared promises. Traditionally, sisters tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their well-being, while brothers vow to stand by them. Rooted in ancient myths like Draupadi and Krishna, this exchange of affection is more than a gesture, it’s a cultural cornerstone. But Raksha Bandhan isn’t alone in its sentiment. Across the world, cultures celebrate sibling-like bonds with rituals that echo the festival’s spirit, honouring…