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The USA-Canada Relationship: A Pillar of North American Stability and Global Impact

 The relationship between the United States and Canada stands as one of the most enduring and cooperative bilateral partnerships in the world. These two nations share more than just the world’s longest undefended border — they share intertwined histories, economies, military alliances, and social values. From the thick forests of Quebec to the bustling ports of Seattle and Vancouver, this relationship has grown into a model of peaceful coexistence and mutual progress. Photo by Thomas K A Brief History of USA-Canada Relations The foundation of the U.S.-Canada relationship dates back to the colonial era. Though they were once adversaries during events like the War of 1812, the two nations have since built an exceptionally stable partnership. Canada gained independence gradually from Britain between 1867 and 1982, and over time, ties with the U.S. became more critical. In the 20th century, both countries fought side-by-side in World Wars, the Korean War, and NATO operations. The crea...

Balochistan: The Forgotten Frontier of South Asia

  A Brief History of Balochistan Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by area, has a history that predates the modern state itself. Historically part of the greater Baloch homeland—encompassing southeastern Iran, southern Afghanistan, and western Pakistan—this region was loosely governed by tribal chiefs until the British colonial administration incorporated it under British India through treaties and annexation in the 19th century. Photo by Jahanzaib Khan After the Partition of 1947, the princely state of Kalat (central to Balochistan) initially sought independence. However, in March 1948, Kalat was annexed into Pakistan, leading to widespread unrest and the birth of the Baloch nationalist movement. Since then, Balochistan has witnessed multiple insurgencies fuelled by demands for autonomy or outright independence, citing political marginalisation, military suppression, and economic exploitation. Economic Influence: The Backbone Yet the Bystander Balochistan is paradox...

Iran and the United States: A Tense History, A Troubled Present, and a Fragile Future

  Introduction Few bilateral relationships in international politics have been as complex, volatile, and consequential as that between the United States and Iran. Spanning decades of strategic alliances, ideological shifts, covert operations, and outright confrontations, the Iran-American relationship has played a critical role in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics. As the world witnesses a new round of military escalations and diplomatic breakdowns unfold, understanding the past is crucial to making sense of the present and envisioning a path forward. The Roots: A Partnership Turned Sour 1953 Coup and the Shah's Era The relationship between the U.S. and Iran began on a relatively strong footing. In the early 20th century, Iran was a key oil-producing state, and Western powers, particularly Britain, had significant influence. The turning point came in 1953 when the U.S. CIA and British intelligence orchestrated a coup to overthrow Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister M...

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution: Meaning, Importance, Recent Cases, and Insights

  Introduction In recent times, Article 142 of the Indian Constitution has emerged as a point of heated discussion in legal, political, and public discourse. From landmark judgments to controversial verdicts, this Article is often cited as the ultimate power of the Supreme Court to “do complete justice.” But what exactly is Article 142, why is it important, and why is it making headlines? Let’s explore. What is Article 142? Article 142 of the Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing “complete justice” in any pending matter. The Article reads: “The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it...” This gives the apex court the power to go beyond the boundaries of procedural law, if it believes that justice demands it. Importance of Article 142 Extraordinary Powers : Article 142 provides th...

Top 5 Air Conditioners on Amazon India to Beat the Heat This Summer [2025 Update]

 As the temperatures soar this summer, staying cool indoors has become more important than ever. Whether you want to upgrade your old unit or buy your first AC, finding the right air conditioner can make all the difference. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up the Top five Best Air Conditioners on Amazon  that combine performance, energy efficiency, and smart features. 1. LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI Dual Inverter Split AC Highlights: AI Convertible 6-in-1 cooling 5 Star BEE Rating with Energy Saving HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection Silent operation with Super Convertible Mode Why Buy It: LG’s AI Dual Inverter AC adapts the cooling performance based on room conditions, saving power and offering optimum comfort. Perfect for medium-sized rooms and energy-conscious buyers. Buy it - https://amzn.to/44QxGrM 2. Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC Highlights: Power Chill Operation for fast cooling Coanda Airflow for uniform cooling ...

Gold Price Hits ₹1 Lakh: What’s Driving the 2025 Surge?

 If you’ve been watching the markets lately (or even just your local jeweller’s shop window), you’ve probably noticed something big — gold is on fire . As of April 2025, gold has crossed $3,500 per ounce globally , and in India, it’s hit a whopping ₹1 lakh per 10 grams . That’s not just a record — it’s a wake-up call. So, what’s really going on? Why is everyone suddenly rushing toward gold like it's 2008 all over again? Let’s break it down. 1. Global Chaos = Gold Boom The world’s economy is wobbly. The U.S. has brought back aggressive trade tariffs (10% on all imports), which have made investors super nervous. As always, when uncertainty rises, people want safety, and gold has always been the go-to safe haven . With fears of a global recession, people are ditching stocks and diving into gold. It's a classic move. 2. The Dollar and Bonds Aren’t Cool Anymore Believe it or not, even the good old U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar are losing their shine. Risk premiums are up...

Understanding the Waqf Property Debate in India

 In recent months, the debate surrounding waqf properties and the functioning of Waqf Boards in India has reignited with the introduction of the  new Waqf Bill , leading to a political and social storm. While some see it as a necessary reform to bring transparency and accountability, others see it as an attack on minority rights. Here's a comprehensive look at what waqf property means, how the Waqf Board operates, what the new bill proposes, and why it’s facing sharp opposition. What is Waqf Property? In Islamic tradition, waqf refers to a permanent endowment made by a Muslim for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Once a property is declared as waqf, it becomes inalienable —it cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited. These properties are typically: Mosques and graveyards Religious schools (madrasas) Agricultural land Commercial or residential buildings donated for charity Over time, waqf properties have accumulated into one of  India's larges...

BluSmart Fraud Scandal: How India's EV Startup Misused ₹978 Crore and Collapsed

 India’s ambitious shift toward electric mobility has seen startups rise and scale rapidly, promising cleaner cities and smarter transport. BluSmart, one of the frontrunners in this EV revolution, was seen as a shining example of sustainable innovation. With its fleet of all-electric cabs and charging infrastructure in urban hubs, BluSmart was poised to disrupt the ride-hailing space long dominated by Ola and Uber. But that vision has now been clouded by a massive corporate scandal involving fraud, fund diversion, and governance failures , shaking not just investors but the entire EV startup ecosystem. What Happened? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched an investigation into Anmol Singh Jaggi , co-founder of BluSmart Mobility and Managing Director of Gensol Engineering Ltd , which is BluSmart’s parent and funding partner. SEBI’s findings were damning: Anmol Jaggi diverted public funds meant for EV procurement and business operations toward personal l...

Bihar Elections 2025: The Battle Between Legacy, Loyalty, and a Longing for Change

 As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, the state finds itself at a familiar yet unsettling crossroads. Political promises flood the airwaves, alliances are redrawn, and old narratives are dressed in new attire. But beneath the noise lies a more profound question: What has truly changed in Bihar, and what still desperately needs to? A Legacy of Missed Opportunities Bihar’s electoral journey has been turbulent, shaped by deep caste loyalties, social upheavals, and a persistent demand for development. Leaders have come and gone, but the core issues—unemployment, poor infrastructure, and migration—have stubbornly endured. Nitish Kumar once ushered in hopes of good governance. But over the years, his frequent shifts in alliance—most notably his back-and-forth between the BJP and RJD—have weakened the credibility of his political narrative. The 2020 election result was less a vote of confidence and more a reflection of voter fatigue and resignation. The Current Political L...

A Gripping Dive into Politics, Media, and the Future of Indian Democracy - Book Announcement

  A Gripping Dive into Politics, Media, and the Future of Indian Democracy We are excited to announce the release of Who Holds the Power? How Politics, Media, and Narratives Shape India’s Future , a thought-provoking and timely book by author and public policy thinker Vivek Kumar Jha . What the Book Is About? In a world increasingly influenced by digital media, political branding, and public perception, understanding the real levers of power is more critical than ever. In this compelling non-fiction work, Vivek Kumar Jha explores: The interplay between political power and media narratives in India How the democratic spirit has shifted since independence—and especially after 2014 The subtle machinery of propaganda , silence, and symbolism in governance The consequences of unchecked narratives on democracy, dissent, and development From newsroom spin to populist policymaking, the book uncovers how public discourse is shaped , manipulated, and sometimes silenced—al...