Two contrasting images of India’s economy have emerged on the same day, forcing us to reflect on the deep divide between economic growth and inequality. The country’s largest-ever IPO, Jio Platforms, made its debut on the stock market, opening with a gain of around 21 per cent over its issue price and climbing to nearly 27 per cent by the end of the trading day, sparking enthusiasm among investors.

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If I had to describe my recent journey through Europe in one word, it would be water. I saw more than half a dozen rivers, canals and lakes up close. Sometimes I was on a cruise, sometimes on a ferry, sometimes looking down from a bridge, and sometimes simply sitting beside the water. I spoke with boatmen, ferry operators, cruise managers and gondoliers. I also watched ordinary people sitting along the banks in the golden afternoon light, chatting, watching the water or simply allowing life to slow down for a while.

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What has happened to our political leaders? Democracy demands questions, arguments and accountability. Governments must face scrutiny, and opposition parties must challenge those in power.

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In Bollywood films, faith in God is often expressed through prayers, devotional songs and surrender. Yet there are scenes in which heroes do not bow before their deity but instead question him. They want to know the reasons behind their suffering, seek answers for the injustices they have endured, and sometimes even hold God accountable through their reproaches. Two such scenes stand out in Hindi cinema. One is Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic “Aaj Khush To Bahut Hoge Tum…” scene in 'Deewaar', and the other is the song “Hey Shivshankar…” picturised on Girish Karnad in 'Sur Sangam'. The two scenes are presented in entirely different styles, but both convey a sense of grievance against Lord Shiva.

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With no visible wave of public anger and the opposition struggling to find a winning issue, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister appears firmly in the saddle. His supporters credit him with better law and order, stronger infrastructure and a more decisive style of governance. But after ten years in power, can Yogi turn this advantage into a third consecutive BJP victory in 2027? Or will anti-incumbency, unemployment and unmet expectations upset the political equation?

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Indian airports have achieved something remarkable. They have turned ordinary citizens into temporary aristocrats or nawabs.

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The battle for Uttar Pradesh has begun, even though the election is still months away. Tickets are being chased, alliances are being stitched together, and political camps are already measuring their strength. BJP leaders are saying with confidence, “Let our work speak.”

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Scientists have uncovered a pivotal mechanism that explains why the matter around rapidly spinning black holes, known as an accretion disk, may emit X-rays that oscillate rapidly.

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They promised to change the country. Yet the streets show the same scene: red lights ahead, wailing sirens behind. Ordinary people sweat in traffic while leaders’ convoys slice through, no longer kings on elephants but rulers in SUV caravans.

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Separations after age 50 can bring relief, particularly for men when the relationship has been burdensome, finds new research by the University of Cologne.

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