The social media takes advantage of the reward systems in the brain, especially the dopamine circuits within the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex. Using signals of micro-engagement, including the duration of time a user hovers over a video or the number of times a user rewatches a clip, algorithms develop a feedback loop that over time redirects the feed of a user to more intense or provocative content.
To step into the role of mediator in a conflict of this nature would inevitably test that balance. It would invite scrutiny, of intent, of tilt, of perceived bias. Even the most well-intentioned effort could be interpreted through the prism of existing relationships. In such a situation, neutrality is not merely a matter of policy; it becomes a matter of perception, and perceptions are notoriously difficult to manage.
One notable point is that Awami League (AL) supporters and minority community voters reportedly did not vote for any of the contesting parties. This narrative may have been constructed to justify inflated vote counts. It may also suggest that none of the contesting parties—including the BNP, Jamaat alliances, and others—command the level of public support often claimed. Additionally, it can be inferred that communal politics has not achieved the level of social penetration in Bangladesh as was talked about.
The loss of 403 young lives is a stark wake-up call for Bangladesh. Schools and colleges are meant to nurture dreams, not silently witness the suffering of students. A collaborative effort involving the government, educational institutions, and families is urgently needed. With empathy, awareness, and institutional support, many of these young lives can still be saved.
Overall, India needs 7.0 to 8.0 % growth for 25 years continuously to become a developed economy. This does not seem to be plausible or possible at present. It appears that the government is neither able to define the term Viksit Bharat clearly and in detail nor has it been able to design the pathway to Viksit Bharat.
In the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, only 797 women filed nominations, out of a total of 8,360 candidates, and only 74 women were elected (Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Association of Democratic Reforms). From 2019 to 2024, the share of female candidates increased by only 0.5%, and their winning share remained below average, regressing to 13% of total MPs, a decrease that contrasts starkly with the legislated reservation of 33% of seats for women
The massive foundations for economic, educational, scientific and industrial prosperity were laid much before the divisive politics of Ram Temple got a boost in the decades of 1980 and 1990s. Bhagwat’s statement totally ignores the massive anti colonial movement. The reason for this is that those who stood for Hindu and Muslim nationalism were not part of it.
With China having around 1800 fighter aircraft and Pakistan about 400, India’s tally of approximately 530 combat aircraft amounting to 31 squadrons (each with 16 to 18 aircraft) means that it is woefully short of combat aircraft in view of the threat it faces from its two principal adversaries and two wide borders.
A recent study by the World Inequality Lab reports that India’s top 1% income share is among the very highest in the world. According to it, 1% of the population holds 22.6 % of the county's income and has access to a staggering 40.1% of national wealth. Hurun Global Rich List 2024 reports that India has 271 billionaires and ranks third, next to China and the USA.
For decades, we’ve allowed corporations to poison our planet, exploit our labor, hoard our resources, and abandon us in times of crisis. The flames we’re seeing today are the direct result of those choices.
While it is naive to expect a strong welfare system for the working class population in an intense and competitive business environment, what really bothers the proponents of social equity is that the physical and mental health of the working class have been hardly given thought to both by the state as well as the business class.
Bangladesh's real estate industry has evolved significantly over the past few decades, driven by rapid urbanization and increased economic activity. Dhaka, the capital, remains the epicenter of real estate development due to its role as the primary hub for commerce, education, and government services. However, land scarcity in Dhaka and other major cities has driven property prices to unprecedented levels
In fact, the decision to hang on in public life has given rise to the perpetuation of political dynasties. Successors like their parents or grandparents are not trained at the grassroots to understand the nuances of politics and often are not competent to occupy the seat of authority. Their politics produce suboptimal outcomes, and society is deprived of the benefits of the democratic franchise.
Communal divides are bad, Economic divides being created can be equally so, with increasing concentration of wealth in the hands of fewer people so that we have a nation split, literally and metaphorically, between the few within gated communities and the majority who cannot step in.
The BJP, time and again, has highlighted how PM Narendra Modi works 24X7 and sleeps for four hours, symptomatic of his due diligence pertaining to work. The idea of overworking is often draped as self-sacrifice, a cultural phenomenon typically revered in Indian society.
I think Jimmy Carter was one of the most decent and honest occupants of the White House who probably was undone by the Washington establishment who always considered him an outsider. His presidency was called a failed one, though in retrospect people feel he did not get the credit due to him.
And lo and behold most of the fringe organizations of Hindutva politics are coming out to oppose Bhagwat. One knows that RSS is a strict disciplinarian organization, and its members do not disobey the commands of its leader. So who are these Senas, Dharma Sansads springing up by a dozen and going against the appeal of Bhagwat?
On the one hand, we can see India pouring its heart out in memory of a life journey of grace. On the other hand, is a path of bitterness, a pulling down of civility and finger-pointing. It is the plain truth that the government delayed in naming a memorial spot so that the last rites for Dr. Singh was per force conducted at a public crematorium.
In my many discussions with him we discussed where the country was going. He felt sad about the present situation and said that this is not the India he recognizes. He said that India is a pluralistic society and the leader has to respect the diversity of opinion, divisive politics will not work, and will be harmful for the country.
