Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India faces international pressure for restraint despite evidence of Pakistan's involvement. The US, Europe, and Russia urge de-escalation, drawing criticism for seemingly equating India and Pakistan. China staunchly supports Pakistan, complicating the situation further as India navigates its response while balancing economic and developmental goals.

Following the Pahalgam attack, Indian and international stock markets showed surprising resilience. Nifty 50 even saw a slight increase. This contrasts sharply with the war rhetoric from political figures. Despite threats and counter-threats, markets suggest de-escalation. Investors believe the situation will not lead to full-scale war. Dow Jones also remained unaffected, indicating a global sentiment of stability.

Britain and India have solidified their partnership with a landmark FTA, symbolizing a commitment to shared democratic values and a vision for future collaboration. This agreement unlocks opportunities across technology, education, and clean energy sectors, sending a powerful message of unity amidst global challenges.

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam highlights Pakistan's ongoing efforts to undermine India's economic growth. Islamabad seeks to revive old narratives and gain international attention. India needs to strengthen its economic position and trade agreements. It must also hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. Revisiting FATF conditions and linking TRF to LeT are crucial steps.

India debates the need for a new caste census. Existing data from NFHS and NSS already provide caste demographics and socioeconomic indicators. Concerns arise about the census's objectives and potential impact. It may stir social divisions within SC, ST, and OBC groups. The census could also lead to demands for altered reservation policies.

Donald Trump's first 100 days were met with a US GDP contraction, defying growth expectations. This downturn, partly due to increased imports anticipating tariffs, raises concerns about a potential recession. Experts disagree on the long-term impact, but Trump's trade policies and global economic shifts pose challenges for India's growth prospects, requiring careful policy adjustments.

Outcome-based financing (OBF), rooted in ancient practices, is gaining traction in modern development projects. Multilateral agencies are using OBF instruments like PforR and DLI to enhance efficiency and accountability in infrastructure. While successful in tangible projects, applying OBF to social sectors requires nuanced approaches, considering long-term, qualitative impacts and systemic changes.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive century in the IPL has sparked a national frenzy, raising expectations for young athletes and altering childhood norms. The article humorously explores the potential societal impacts, from increased pressure on children to excel in sports to the commercialization of young talent. It questions whether this single innings will redefine success and overshadow ordinary achievements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indian institutions have a chance to lead in online education. The online course market is growing rapidly. Indian Institutes of Technology and other top universities can offer affordable, high-quality skill-based certifications. Government support is already in place. Collaboration among institutions is key. India can become a major global hub for online learning, meeting the needs of students worldwide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.