Author: Sharmil Shah

Japan is facing a severe demographic crisis, with its population declining at an alarming rate. The latest figures indicate a drop of over 800,000 people in 2023, a trend that has persisted for more than a decade. If this continues, Japan’s population, 125 million in 2023, could shrink to 90 million by 2075 and further decline to 75 million by 2100. Why is Japan’s population declining? Consequences What is the government doing? The Japanese government has introduced financial incentives for childbirth, relaxed parental leave policies, and invested in automation to address labour shortages. However, experts warn that unless birth rates…

Anil Joshi, one of Gujarati’s most celebrated poets and writers, passed away Wednesday morning. He had been undergoing treatment in a hospital due to illness for some time. Joshi had been in the ICU for nearly two weeks and had only returned home on 21 February following treatment. His son, Sanket Joshi, announced the news of Anil Joshi’s passing on social media. Many writers and literary figures paid tribute to the departed soul through heartfelt messages on Sanket’s post. In his English post, Sanket Joshi wrote, “This is to inform that my Papa is no longer with us. Today early…

Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, has ignited speculation about internal discord within the party following his recent remarks and social media activity. On Saturday, Tharoor shared a quote from poet Thomas Gray on X (formerly Twitter): “Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.” This post comes amid reports of a rift between Tharoor and the Congress leadership, allegedly triggered by his praise for Kerala’s entrepreneurial growth under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. Tharoor clarified that his comments were based on the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, emphasising the need to acknowledge positive developments regardless of…

The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel Project, officially known as the Alimineti Madhava Reddy Srisailam Left Bank Canal Project (AMRP-SLBC), is a major irrigation initiative in Telangana. Designed to tackle water scarcity, the project aims to divert Krishna River water to Nalgonda and nearby drought prone districts, benefiting over four lakh acres of farmland and providing drinking water to fluoride affected villages. First conceptualised in 1983, the project has undergone multiple revisions and delays, evolving into one of the most ambitious irrigation projects in South India. Background: The Nalgonda district and surrounding areas have long faced severe droughts and…

The Pope is one of the most influential religious figures in the world. He serves as the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the leader of Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state. The role is often compared to a spiritual and political head combined, guiding over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. For instance, in India where Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths are predominant, understanding the papacy can be easier by drawing parallels. Just as Hinduism has Shankaracharyas and other religious heads, and Islam has Grand Muftis and influential scholars, the Pope serves as the highest religious authority in Catholicism.…

The Unprecedented Resurrection of a ‘Dead’ Language Imagine walking into a bustling marketplace in Tel Aviv, hearing the vibrant chatter of vendors, students, and families, all in a language that, just over a century ago, was considered dead. This language is Hebrew, once confined to religious texts and scholarly discussions, now thriving as the mother tongue of millions. Languages die all the time. Latin faded into scholarly obscurity. Ancient Egyptian vanished into the echoes of hieroglyphs. But Hebrew’s story is different. It is the only language in human history that has been successfully revived from liturgical use to become a…

What makes a nation truly tolerant? Imagine walking through a bustling street where people from all walks of life, different languages, skin tones, beliefs, and traditions, coexist in harmony. There’s a vibrant café owned by an immigrant family, a same-sex couple holding hands without fear, and a mosque, church, and temple standing side by side. This isn’t an idealistic dream; it’s the reality in some of the world’s most tolerant nations. But what exactly defines tolerance? Is it the absence of conflict? The legal protection of rights? Or is it something deeper, an ingrained cultural ethos that celebrates diversity, encourages…

In today’s interconnected world, personal branding has become essential for individuals aiming to distinguish themselves professionally and personally. A well crafted personal brand not only highlights your unique skills and experiences but also communicates your values and the value you offer to others. What is personal branding? Personal branding involves the deliberate process of defining and promoting what you stand for as an individual. It’s about creating a consistent narrative that showcases your strengths, passions, and goals, thereby influencing how others perceive you. This perception can significantly impact career opportunities, networking, and personal growth. Steps to building a strong personal…

Odia, the official language of Odisha, holds deep historical and cultural significance. With over 35 million native speakers, Odia is one of India’s oldest and most linguistically rich languages, boasting a heritage that spans more than 2,500 years. Recognised as a Classical Language of India, Odia’s literary tradition intertwines ancient scripts, poetry, and folklore, marking it as a cornerstone of India’s diverse linguistic heritage. Origins and Historical Context Belonging to the Indo-Aryan language family, Odia evolved from Prakrit and Sanskrit. The earliest known Odia inscriptions date back to the 10th century CE, and by the 14th century, the language had…

In a historic moment at Delhi’s iconic Ramlila Maidan, Rekha Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi at 12:35 PM today, Thursday, 20 February 2025. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath of office to Rekha Gupta in the presence of a massive crowd. The grand oath taking ceremony saw an overwhelming turnout of over 50,000 attendees, including key political figures, party workers, and enthusiastic supporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President J. P. Nadda graced the occasion, underlining the significance of this…