India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has recently addressed the current state of trade negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that discussions are ongoing despite mounting tensions and looming tariffs. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in 2025, Jaishankar dispelled any notion of a complete breakdown, using the metaphor that it’s not like there’s been a “kutti” — a Hindi term for a childish falling out. However, he made it clear that India has defined firm “red lines” that it will not cross in these talks, particularly regarding the protection of farmers and small producers.

The core of India’s stance revolves around safeguarding domestic interests that are non-negotiable. Jaishankar reiterated that India’s priority is the welfare of its agricultural community and small-scale manufacturers, sectors that could be disproportionately impacted by some of the demands in the US trade negotiations. This determination stems from India’s larger commitment to protect its vulnerable stakeholders and assert strategic autonomy in economic policymaking. The trade talks have seen friction primarily because India resists opening its vast agricultural and dairy markets, which remain integral to its economic and social fabric.

The backdrop to these talks includes the US imposing tariffs up to 50% on certain Indian goods as a punitive measure linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. A 25% tariff is already in effect, with an additional 25% set to begin soon. Jaishankar criticized these tariffs as unjustified, framing them as secondary sanctions disguised as trade measures. He highlighted the inconsistency, noting that while the US imposes penalties on India for trading with Russia, China—India’s geopolitical competitor and a major buyer of Russian oil—is not similarly targeted. His position underscores India’s insistence on making decisions based on its national interest without external coercion.

Jaishankar also reflected on the broader diplomatic style of the current US administration, noting its unprecedented openness and public handling of foreign policy, a departure from traditional diplomatic secrecy. While this has introduced challenges, it is a reality India is navigating carefully without compromising its negotiating principles. The External Affairs Minister’s remarks also stress that trade in today’s global environment is entwined deeply with political and personal considerations—there is no longer “just trade.” This insight reveals the complex dynamics shaping international commerce, where geopolitical relations heavily influence negotiations and outcomes.
In sum, while India remains engaged in dialogue with the US, it stands firm on its red lines, especially those protecting farmers and small producers. The country continues to navigate a delicate balance, striving for a mutually beneficial trade agreement without sacrificing its economic sovereignty or domestic priorities. These developments highlight not just the intricacies of India-US trade relations but also the evolving nature of global trade diplomacy in a world where commercial deals cannot be separated from strategic and political realities
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from NDTV.

India’s capacity to adapt and respond to the ever-evolving global geopolitical landscape is a testament to its growing influence on the world stage. However, foreign policy agility alone is not enough. For India to effectively navigate the challenges posed by a complex international environment, it must build strong foundations at home. This calls for national unity and targeted reforms that streamline governance, bolster economic self-reliance, and enhance technological and defense capabilities.

The global order today is marked by shifting alliances, regional rivalries, and emerging security dilemmas. India’s foreign policy faces pressures from balancing its relations with competing powers like the U.S., China, and Russia, while actively engaging with partners across the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Africa. Amid these challenges, India’s diplomatic efforts have shown flexibility—maintaining strategic autonomy, pursuing bilateral and multilateral engagements, and advocating for peace in regional conflicts. But sustaining this maneuverability depends heavily on addressing internal cohesion and reforming critical sectors such as defense manufacturing and economic infrastructure to reduce dependence on foreign sources.

Domestic reforms aligned with India’s foreign policy ambitions must prioritize boosting indigenous manufacturing in defense under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, investing in innovation-driven startups, and enhancing resource efficiency. Equally important is the fostering of social and political unity to present a coherent voice on the international stage. An internally divided nation risks projecting inconsistency and may lose diplomatic leverage. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring equitable development, and managing internal challenges collectively underpin India's credibility and influence abroad.

Ultimately, India’s external actions are deeply intertwined with its internal dynamics. Achieving a balance whereby foreign policy is not only adept but also backed by resilient domestic structures will empower India to emerge as a decisive global player. Such a holistic approach—combining diplomatic agility with unity and reform—will enable India to protect its interests, uphold its values, and contribute meaningfully to global stability and progress.
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from The Indian Express.

The Union Government is set to introduce a landmark set of bills in Parliament aimed at establishing clear guidelines for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers if they are arrested and detained on serious criminal charges for a continuous period of 30 days. This move signifies a major shift in India’s constitutional accountability framework and seeks to restore public trust by ensuring that leaders facing grave allegations cannot continue in office while under prolonged custody.

The proposed legislation will amend key constitutional provisions, including Articles 75, 164, and 239AA, alongside relevant sections of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The bills mandate that any Prime Minister, Union Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister of State or Union Territory, if arrested for offences punishable by imprisonment of five years or more, must resign if detained for 30 consecutive days. Failure to do so will lead to automatic removal from office on the 31st day.

Under this framework, the President will act on the advice of the Prime Minister to remove Union ministers, while Governors will act on the Chief Minister’s advice for state ministers. In absence of such advice, the removal will be automatic. Specifically for the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, the bills require mandatory resignation by the 31st day of continuous detention, or automatic termination of their post.

This move responds to long-standing public concerns over ministers continuing in office despite serious legal troubles and arrests. While current laws like the Representation of the People Act provide for disqualification of legislators upon conviction, there are no explicit provisions addressing removal during the arrest or detention phase. The bills seek to fill this legislative gap by focusing on serious criminal allegations with potential implications for governance and constitutional morality.

The initiative comes amid recent controversies where ministers have remained in positions despite facing arrests or charges, raising questions about ethical standards in public office. The government’s official statement emphasizes that this legislation intends to protect constitutional integrity and public trust by ensuring that those accused of serious crimes cannot wield executive power unchecked.

However, the government’s decision has drawn criticism from some opposition parties and legal experts, who argue that automatic removal based on detention without conviction risks undermining the presumption of innocence and could be misused for political vendettas. The bills are expected to face detailed scrutiny and debate as they are referred to a joint parliamentary committee.

If passed, this move will set a precedent in India’s democratic system by enforcing stricter accountability mechanisms on elected leaders, while balancing the need for due legal process. It signals a firm government stance on ethical governance and aims to reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice and political office.
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The third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) was held in Delhi on Wednesday, with leaders from both nations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The roundtable included a productive interaction with the India-Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR) delegation, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and industry in unlocking the next phase of bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the Singaporean ministers attending the ISMR for their dedication to advancing the bilateral relationship. In a post on X, he expressed his delight at attending the roundtable and thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng, and Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow for their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Indian delegation at the ISMR included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways, IT, and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The discussions focused on identifying avenues to broaden and deepen India-Singapore relations, including enhanced trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

The ISMR, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serves as a platform to set a new agenda for India-Singapore cooperation. The inaugural meeting took place in New Delhi in September 2022, followed by the second in Singapore in August 2024. The third round further reinforced the commitment of both countries to strengthen strategic, economic, and technological partnerships, emphasizing that synergy between government and industry is key to future growth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@DrSJaishankar.

Franchising can be a smart side hustle choice in 2025, giving individuals the chance to run a part-time business with the backing of an established brand and proven model, reducing the risks of starting from scratch. With benefits like training, marketing support, and operational guidance from franchisors, side hustlers gain valuable entrepreneurial skills while managing flexible, low-maintenance ventures such as service businesses, kiosks, or small food outlets. Technology and digital tools now make remote oversight easier, though challenges remain, including upfront investment, ongoing fees, strict brand rules, and time management pressures. By staying informed about market trends—like the rise of health, wellness, and eco-friendly franchises—entrepreneurs can maximize profitability while balancing a full-time job or family. For motivated individuals willing to commit some time and resources, franchising offers a structured yet rewarding path to building additional income and business experience.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA. 

Once the trendsetters of social media, fashion, and pop culture, millennials—those born between 1981 and 1996—now find themselves the target of a new wave of cultural mockery, often labeled as "cringe" by the younger Gen Z generation. But why did this shift happen, and what does it really say about how generations define "cool"? One major factor is the natural evolution of trends and tastes over time. What was fresh and edgy in the early 2000s or 2010s—think skinny jeans, “millennial pink,” avocado toast, and carefully curated Instagram feeds—now looks dated or overly rehearsed to Gen Z, who favor baggier clothes, more ironic humor, and fast-paced, unpolished social media styles like TikTok videos. Even small behaviors, such as millennials’ habit of the “millennial pause” in videos to check if recording started, have become emblematic of an out-of-touch generation trying hard to stay relevant.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.  

Singapore’s Internal Security Department has raised concerns over the growing threat of extremist ideologies, highlighting how artificial intelligence is becoming a potent tool in the radicalisation process. To explore how AI is reshaping the way individuals are drawn into extremist beliefs and what measures can counter this trend, Steven Chia speaks with Kenneth Yeo from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Associate Professor Razwana Begum from the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA. 

Authorities are extending liquor sale hours and permitting new nightlife venues to revitalize the city's evening atmosphere, particularly around Boat Quay, Upper Circular Road, and Clarke Quay. However, with increasing expenses and a shift in customer preferences toward unique experiences rather than just drinking, the question remains whether these measures will be sufficient to attract crowds once again. Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards discuss this with Danny Loong, president of the Singapore Nightlife Business Association, and Mogan Vithilingam, co-founder of the Singapore Pub Crawl.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.