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Odisha, historically as a poor state has faced significant neglect and discrimination from various central governments prior to the current decade and a bit earlier. This, however, is less pronounced, and Odisha appears to be gaining some significance in the recent times. This article seeks to explain the transformation and its impact on Odisha and…

An auto-rickshaw screeched to halt, only a few feet away from me.  If the driver had been anyone else, I would have subjected them to a string of colorful expletives. But I knew that this one in particular was still getting her bearings.  Ravita emerged from her black and yellow tuktuk and flung her arms…

“When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing is to stop digging.” That’s what Trump did last week, after months of promising just how completely US would defeat Iran. Trump was right to end the war, and the terms on which he did so were not getting better. He decided to cut his…

You wouldn’t think the Trump administration has much in common in its treatment of India, with the British colonialists. But it does. It has proposed an additional 12.5% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s failure to legally prohibit the imports made with forced labour. India should recognise the argument behind the tariff, because it has…

How much loss of hearing will it take for India to wake up to its noise? Bring in the town crier A town crier? In 2026? That was the first question, when Canberra’s official town crier won the Guinness Record for world’s loudest voice. Joseph McGrail-Bateup bellowed ‘NOW’ at 122.4dB. Duck. That can cause permanent…

Be it Trump, Indian bureaucrats, or ministers, using privileged information for private gain is unethical, even if legal Trump bought shares of a major computer maker in Feb. In May, his govt gave the company a $10bn defence contract, making its share price jump. Within weeks, Trump’s stake had more than doubled in value. Would…

Parties are breaking up filmi style. Titles and all Now on screens, rebel-blocbusters. The record-breaking Bengali and its Maha copy are live-streaming simultaneously, plots thickening faster than a middle-age waistline. Like all great drama, this ‘netanki’ too requires a suspension of disbelief. Though, no sign of suspended dissidents. Updated  idiom: Deserting rats are sinking the…

Using secret information to make money may be legal, but is it fair? Imagine this. In February, US President Donald Trump buys shares in a big computer company. In May, his government gives that company a defence contract worth $10 billion. The company’s share price shoots up, and the value of Trump’s investment more than…

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Weekly Vine. It has been a slightly chaotic week, thanks to the World Cup, which is playing havoc with our circadian rhythm. On the bright side, that means we have something to write about that’s not as infuriating as politics. On the flip side, the World Cup…

Every year, we spend thousands of rupees on gifts for people we love or care for. We offer expensive premium bouquets for anniversaries or greeting occasions. We offer the most premium Hampers at Diwali and gift the most delicious Chocolates on birthdays. And how can we forget the golden all-time favourite greeting cards with pre-printed…