The Buzz & Beyond

  When the Kitchen Falls Silent… Have you ever noticed how a kitchen is more than just a place to cook? It’s the heartbeat of a family — the invisible thread that keeps us connected. As our families lean more on restaurants and takeout, this warning from a few economists of the US who faced similar situation in the 1980's comes to my mind: “If companies cook our meals and the state cares for our children and elders, the very foundation of the family will weaken.” Most people ignored it then in the US. However, then look at the numbers today: In 1971, 71% of households were traditional families (husband, wife, and children) Today, it’s down to just 20% Divorce rates have skyrocketed (50% in first marriages, 67% in second, 74% in third) More people live alone, children are often raised outside marriage, and family bonds feel fragile This isn’t coincidence. It’s the hidden cost of closing the kitchen. We cannot ignore this stating what applies to the US might not a...

  Micchami Dukkadam – The Jain Way of Forgiveness   Have you ever come across the phrase “Micchami Dukkadam” ?  Every year, during the sacred Jain festival of Paryushan , millions of Jains greet each other with these simple, yet profound words. At its heart, Micchami Dukkadam is an apology, a prayer, and a spiritual practice all rolled into one. This is a word from Prakrit language close to Sanskrit. It means:  "If I have hurt you in any way – through my thoughts, words, or actions, knowingly or unknowingly – I ask for your forgiveness. May all the harm I have caused bear no fruit." Roots of the Phrase Prakrit Origins: The phrase comes from the ancient Prakrit language, widely used in Jain scriptures. Sanskrit Equivalent: In Sanskrit, it is expressed as Mithya Me Duskritam , carrying the same meaning: “May my wrongdoings be fruitless.” Modern Understanding: Today, it is often said as, “Please forgive me for any hurt I may have caused.” When is it S...

  India’s 79th Independence Day: Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Speech On 15th August 2025 , India celebrated its 79th Independence Day , a milestone of freedom, unity, and progress. From the iconic Red Fort , Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, reflecting on India’s journey so far and laying out the roadmap for the future. The speech honoured the past, highlighted present achievements, and painted a vision of a self-reliant, sustainable, and globally leading India. Here are the Top 10 Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s Independence Day address: Tribute to Leaders & Freedom Fighters PM Modi paid homage to India’s heroes, including Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee , for their role in building national unity. He also recognised the RSS’s 100 years of service and contribution to the nation. Success of Operation Sindoor A recent military mission that demonstrated India’s defence strength and preparedness, underlining the push for modernised, self-reliant armed forces . ...

  India’s Voter List Debate – Why Accuracy Matters More Than Politics In recent days, the hot topic in political circles has been the Opposition’s demand to correct errors in India’s voters’ list. At the center of this debate is the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls — a mammoth exercise aimed at verifying millions of voter records. Critics say the process lacks transparency and public consultation, while Opposition parties accuse it of being a ploy to manipulate the voters’ list in favour of the ruling party. Whatever the politics, this controversy shines a light on something much bigger: the urgent need for electoral reforms that inspire trust, transparency, and accountability. A Quick Journey Through India’s Electoral Evolution Pre-Independence: 1858: British Crown takes over; no representative governance. 1861 & 1892: Limited Indian participation in legislative councils. 1909: Separate electorates for Muslims introduced....

  FIELD MARSHAL ASIM MUNIR’S NUCLEAR THREATS FROM US SOIL – A DELIBERATE MESSAGE TO INDIA? On August 10, 2025, Indian journalist Praveen Swami ( The Print ) reported that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, delivered thinly veiled nuclear threats to India during a closed-door dinner in Tampa, Florida. Munir was in the US to attend the retirement of Gen. Michael Kurilla, former CENTCOM commander and a known friend of Pakistan. The event was a black-tie affair for 120 Pakistanis at the Grand Hyatt, with strict security—no mobile phones allowed. Yet, the details emerged. According to Swami’s sources, Munir’s remarks included: Existential Threat: “We are a nuclear nation. If we think we’re going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” Indus Water Treaty: “We’ll wait for India to build a dam, then destroy it with 10 missiles. We have no shortage of missiles.” Eastern Strike Plan: “We’ll start from India’s east, where their most valuable resources are, ...

  Surviving Tariff Trauma: How India Can Turn U.S. Trade Pressure into Strategic Advantage When the U.S. imposes tariffs on Indian exports, it’s not just about duties on goods—it’s about leverage. Tariffs are the economic equivalent of a poker bluff: meant to make the other side fold before the real game begins. For India, the challenge is to absorb the hit, resist short-term panic, and convert the pressure into long-term strategic gains. The History: Trade disputes are as old as trade itself, and history offers lessons: Japan in the 1980s faced U.S. tariffs on cars and electronics. Instead of caving, it invested heavily in R&D and shifted production to U.S. soil—turning a liability into global dominance. China in the 2018-2020 trade war used U.S. tariffs as a catalyst to deepen domestic consumption and accelerate technology self-reliance. Brazil navigated U.S. agriculture tariffs by pivoting to Middle Eastern and Asian markets, eventually boosting overall export...

  US Imposes 25% Tariff on Indian Imports: Trade Tensions Escalate Amid Geopolitical Crosswinds In a significant development in global trade diplomacy, US President Donald Trump announced on July 30, 2025, a 25% tariff on Indian imports—effective from August 1. The move also comes with a vague but looming "penalty" for India's continued energy and defence ties with Russia, underscoring a sharp escalation in economic pressure and strategic signalling. This marks a continuation of US tariff actions initiated earlier in 2025. A 26% reciprocal tariff on India had been announced in April but was put on hold. The new 25% levy is essentially its implementation—with a marginal reduction. Why the Tariff? Key Reasons Cited by the US : The US justified the decision through a combination of economic and geopolitical concerns: Trade Deficit: The US goods trade deficit with India hit $45.7 billion in 2024, up 5.4% from 2023—prompting claims of imbalance and unfair trade practices Non-T...