Author: Mistu_paul

The nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards are in, and this year’s list is a proud moment for Indian-origin artists. Six exceptional musicians of Indian heritage, including Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej and sitarist Anoushka Shankar, are among the nominees, showcasing the growing influence of Indian talent on the world music stage. Ricky Kej, an environmentalist and three-time Grammy winner from Bengaluru, has earned his fourth Grammy nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for his album Break of Dawn. Known for blending Indian classical sounds with global ambient influences, Kej’s music reflects his commitment to environmental…

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has descended into turmoil for the third consecutive day, as a resolution seeking the restoration of special status—revoking the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A—ignited heated confrontations and dramatic walkouts. The resolution, proposed by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), demands a return of the state’s autonomy, a topic that has long divided the Assembly and the public. The conflict had started in early week when NC presented the resolution. BJP branded it “illegal” and demanded its withdrawal. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather refused, insisting that only the House had the authority to withdraw a…

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has clarified that once the recruitment process for government jobs begins, eligibility criteria cannot be altered midway. This ruling came from a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, solidifying the principle that transparency and fairness must be upheld throughout the recruitment process. The bench, which included Justices Hrishikesh Roy, P.S. Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal and Manoj Misra, highlighted that once a public sector recruitment process is initiated, the “rules of the game” should remain consistent unless specific provisions in the existing rules or advertisement allow modifications. This interpretation protects…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election, securing a decisive 277 electoral votes. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi addressed Trump as “my friend” and expressed optimism about further deepening the “India-U.S. Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership”,a relationship both leaders have actively supported. Modi shared his hopes for Trump’s term, envisioning collaboration that could bring progress on pressing global issues, including peace, stability and development. Modi emphasized the importance of cooperation on ongoing challenges, such as the conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war. His…

The Supreme Court has made a landmark decision, ruling that not all private properties can be acquired by the government under Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the distribution of “material resources” for the common good. In a nuanced judgment, a nine-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized that the state does not have an unrestricted right to acquire private resources simply by defining them as “material resources of the community”. The bench’s decision overturns the long-standing precedent set by Justice Krishna Iyer in 1977, which suggested that the state could seize private property under…

The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, has escalated safety concerns for the Indian community and added further tension to already strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The Indian High Commission in Ottawa expressed deep disappointment and concern over the disruptions, emphasizing that such acts threaten both community security and the routine work of Indian consular services. The consular camp, held near the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, was intended to facilitate life certification services for the Indian diaspora, offering a convenient resource for Indian nationals and citizens of Indian origin residing in Canada. The High…

Prashant Kishor, one of India’s most influential political strategists, has reshaped campaign tactics across the political landscape, working behind the scenes with major parties. Recently, Kishor revealed that he has charged over Rs 100 crore to advise top leaders and fund his own political endeavors, including the formation of his Jan Suraaj Party. At a recent rally in Bihar, he explained that his fee from a single election consultancy can sustain his party’s activities for up to two years, allowing him to campaign without relying on external funding. Kishor’s career took off with his role in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s…

In Guwahati, the Assam government’s plan to cut approximately 25 century-old trees along the Dighalipukhuri tank for a new flyover has sparked significant public protests and calls for environmental preservation. Responding to the mounting outcry, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on October 30 that the government would review its plans and explore alternative construction solutions to avoid felling the historic trees. A four-lane, 5.05-kilometre-long flyover is proposed for the city and would be the longest flyover in the city that connects Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati at an estimated cost of Rs 852.68 crore, to be completed by 2026. But…

In a significant push towards boosting youth employment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to young recruits in government departments and organizations during a Rozgar Mela on October 29. Conducted via video conferencing, the ceremony underscored the government’s dedication to providing stable government jobs to the youth, particularly in BJP and NDA-ruled states. Extending his Diwali greetings, PM Modi noted the festival’s unique importance this year, referencing the installation of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya after 500 years. “This Diwali is special as it marks the first since Lord Ram’s installation in his grand temple. Many have…

The State Level Recruitment Commission (SLRC) successfully concluded the Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE) for Grade IV posts on October 27. Conducted in three phases, the examination witnessed an extensive turnout and strict security protocols, including an eight-hour statewide internet shutdown, were implemented to ensure fairness and transparency. The move, which saw mobile internet, WiFi and mobile data services suspended, was described by officials as essential for preventing potential law and order disruptions and safeguarding the examination’s integrity. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured that results will be announced by February 2025. The Chief Minister added that following the results,…