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After two decades of connecting people through pixelated video calls, Skype is shutting down on May 5th. Microsoft is encouraging users to migrate to Teams, as Skype has struggled to compete with newer platforms like FaceTime and Zoom. While remembered fondly for pioneering video calls, Skype ultimately failed to adapt to changing user preferences and technological advancements.
Food fights & battle reels: The patriotism surge post Pahalgam terror attack
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, social media platforms have been flooded with displays of armchair patriotism. Professionals on LinkedIn have pivoted from career advice to war strategies, while foodies are advocating for renaming ingredients to boycott Pakistani associations. This surge of online activism highlights the unexpected ways individuals are expressing their nationalistic sentiments, from office cubicles to kitchen cabinets.
In the name of OSV, MayThe Fourth with you be
Today marks Star Wars Day. The article explores Master Yoda's distinctive way of speaking. George Lucas revealed Yoda's unusual sentence structure was intentional. It was designed to capture audience attention. Yoda's speech pattern places the object before the verb. This technique enhances information retention. It also adds to his mystical persona. The article draws parallels to poetry and other languages.
A summer afternoon, a shadow, and Satyajit Ray: A childhood memory of the master
Satyajit Ray remains an integral part of Bengali identity. His films, music, and stories shaped the cultural landscape. Despite international acclaim, Bengal embraced him closely. Ray's work is now reaching wider Indian audiences through streaming platforms and restored classics. His influence on cinema continues to resonate, connecting viewers to their roots.
When everything depends on a higher power
A widespread power outage in Spain and Portugal, reminiscent of India's past load shedding, exposed modern society's dependence on electricity. The disruption impacted traffic, communication, and essential services, highlighting our vulnerability.
Brands may see reruns of the 14-year-olds eye-popping performance but will they Tendulkar?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's success mirrors startups disrupting established markets. Minimalist was acquired by HUL. Mamaearth faces legal issues with Lakme. Campa Cola's relaunch challenges Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. The Postcard Hotel inspires IHCL and ITC to launch similar concepts. Airbnb and Spotify thrive by filling market gaps. Failures like BluSmart and Dunzo offer lessons.
School's out in America: Why the US is flunking the global talent test
The US faces a decline in international student enrollment. Stricter immigration policies and visa refusals contribute to this drop. Universities risk financial losses due to decreased foreign student numbers. Indian students show a significant decline. Elimination of the OPT program may worsen the situation. Many students now reconsider studying in the US. Alternative destinations like Sweden and Singapore gain popularity.
Indias first digital census. Modis database for Viksit Bharat
The upcoming digital census in 2025, championed by Prime Minister Modi, aims to move beyond divisive caste politics and deliver accurate, real-time socio-economic data. Delayed by the pandemic, this initiative seeks to correct past errors stemming from colonial-era practices and outdated census information.
India is adopting a firm stance against Pakistan due to its support for terrorism. This includes reconsidering the Indus Waters Treaty. Despite India's past efforts to foster peace and economic growth in the region, Pakistan's actions have hindered progress. Pakistan's economy faces challenges, including slow GDP growth and high inflation.
With the pvt sector indifferent to R&D, India risks missing the deep-tech bus, or getting locked out
China recognized technological dependence as a weakness and invested heavily in R&D. India faces similar challenges now. The government has launched initiatives like ANRF to boost research. However, India's private sector lags behind in R&D spending. Indian firms underperform global peers in innovation output. India risks being left behind in the global innovation race.
The Supreme Court has affirmed digital access as a basic right. This decision addresses the exclusion faced by disabled individuals in digital identity verification. The court issued directives to revise digital identity verification norms. These revisions ensure accessibility for those with physical impairments. The ruling emphasizes the state's duty to create an inclusive digital environment.
View: Why Pakistan's misplaced ambitions have to be curtailed once and for all
Adopting a 'whole-of-nation' approach encompassing political, economic, diplomatic and synergised military measures are called for. This should span both kinetic (traditional warfare) and non-kinetic (cyberattacks, electronic warfare and information operations) spectrums. Some strategic analysts are warning stakeholders to refrain from the former, as India and Pakistan are nuclear powers, not to mention the presence of China and two-front war challenges. But sooner or later, India will have to call Rawalpindi's nuclear bluff.
The Modi government approved a caste census amid pressure from opposition parties and allies. Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar already ordered a caste census in his state. Opposition parties like RJD and Congress demanded a nationwide count. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticized Congress's stance on OBC reservation. Rahul Gandhi advocated for reservation based on population ratio.
Buzzkill: How India can dissolve the Pakistan problem, not just swat it
The article suggests that Pakistan has become a threat and needs to be confronted. The author proposes a unique solution: India should focus on its own progress and inclusivity. If India thrives, it would undermine Pakistan's anti-India stance. This would also allow Islam to regain its role as a driver of human progress. Ultimately, India's success could reshape Pakistan's identity.
Kashmir to cartography: How Pakistan lost the plot and India eyes the map
The Pahalgam attack has paradoxically united India on Kashmir while isolating Pakistan, highlighting a strategic miscalculation. India's security concerns are evolving amidst great power competition and Chinese influence. This necessitates a composite response, including revisiting agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty and addressing cartographic vulnerabilities to secure its peripheries and compete effectively.
Amidst rising India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack, Trump offers India support while maintaining neutrality, acknowledging historical tensions. Despite initial solidarity, US counterterrorism interests in Pakistan temper a strong stance. Trump's early presidency is marked by policy reversals, particularly on tariffs and foreign policy, impacting global trade and relationships, including those with China and potentially India.
The article examines the ongoing decline of the US dollar and its potential implications for India, considering whether this decline is a deliberate strategy aligned with the Trump administration's economic goals.
Big growth, bigger gaps: India's uneven pay story
Despite India's rising GDP per capita between 2017 and 2024, income inequality in the labor market persists. While median incomes increased, the top 1% experienced faster growth than the bottom 50%. Workforce composition shifts, with a rise in self-employment and a decline in regular salaried jobs, further exacerbate these income disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
View: A loaded trip to Taj in the scorching summer Tej
Agra has changed since I visited around eight years back - for the better. There is now an Agra Metro, which takes tourists from Taj Mahal to Agra Fort. And you are now driven to the entry of the Taj in a golf cart. While foreigners pay 1,300 to enter, Indians pay just 250. Indians are reminded that 'Atithi devo bhava' is being made to stand in long queues while foreigners are ushered in quickly to numb the pain of the high ticket price.
The major news headlines of the day, and more
Government holds meeting with Meitei-Kuki groups on Manipur conflict resolution
In an effort to secure lasting peace, the Centre held discussions with Meitei and Kuki community representatives to resolve ongoing conflicts in Manipur. The government prioritizes restoring normalcy and maintaining law and order, as well as reconciling the communities.
India should lead war on terror, play active role in conflict resolution, says army chief
Speaking at the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture, the Army Chief said that China has been challenging the rules-based system and taking a lead in disruptive activities.
Introspection by states and societies has always been important for conflict resolution: Ajit Doval
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasised the significance of introspection in resolving conflicts between state and religion. Speaking at the release of a Hindi book on the topic, he highlighted the importance of maintaining free thought and avoiding stagnation. M J Akbar also stressed the need for Muslims to embrace modernity and knowledge.
LG BD Mishra and First Lady Neelam Mishra during visit to the starting point of Chader Trek at Chilling on Tuesday. The post LG BD Mishra and First Lady Neelam Mishra during visit to the starting point of Chader Trek at Chilling on Tuesday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Erode (East) bypoll 2025 | Let Erode East be the starting point for revolutionary change,saysSeeman
This tribe in Andhra Pradesh preferstolive and let live-in
Some youngsters of the tribal group living on the banks of the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh, to avoid the expensive traditional wedding rituals, have begun to prefer entering into live-in relationships with the partners of their choice. With the elders of the tribe accepting the arrangement and offering the same community support that they give married couples, the live-in couples families are thriving
