Author: Sharad Natani
In a heartfelt gesture of cultural pride and global connection, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, where he fondly referred to the island nation’s leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar as “Bihar Ki Beti”—a daughter of Bihar. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has been re-elected as the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago in 2025, proudly traces her ancestral roots back to Bhelupur village in Bihar’s Buxar district. Her story is one of inspiration, grit, and the enduring strength of heritage. From Labourer’s Daughter to National Leader Kamla’s family history is deeply rooted in India’s migration story. Her…
In a significant policy shift, the Delhi Government announced that end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) will not be impounded, reversing its earlier position following heavy public and political backlash. The controversial fuel ban on older vehicles, set to begin July 1, drew flak for being impractical and “un-Indian” in spirit. Fuel Ban Paused, New System on the Way Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that while the government remains committed to protecting the environment, vehicle confiscation is off the table. Instead, a new, tech-driven policy framework is being considered. “We will not let Delhi’s environment be harmed, nor will we permit…
In a landmark development poised to enhance regional mobility and economic integration, the Indian Railways has officially announced the upcoming launch of the Meerut–Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, the first-ever direct high-speed rail service linking these two populous cities. Set to commence operations on August 28, 2025, this initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to expand its semi-high-speed rail infrastructure across tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The new Meerut–Varanasi corridor, which includes strategic stops at Ayodhya Dham, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Moradabad, will significantly reduce travel time, offering an approximate 12-hour journey across 782 kilometers. This cutting-edge rail service replaces the existing…
IAS officer Abhinav Gopal, serving as Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ghaziabad, made history as part of a record-breaking six-member Indian relay team that conquered the treacherous English Channel in just 11 hours and 19 minutes. The swim marked the fastest Channel crossing by an Indian six-member relay team, showcasing a rare blend of discipline, endurance, and teamwork. Balancing Bureaucracy and Bravery Training in 12–13°C water temperatures while managing administrative duties wasn’t easy. “Having a target like this forces you to manage your time. It keeps you sharp,” said Mr. Gopal. His disciplined routine—swimming thrice a week while fulfilling his…
In a landmark decision that could influence narcotics law enforcement across India, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that cannabis seeds and leaves do not fall under the legal definition of “ganja” under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Justice K Sreenivasa Reddy, presiding over a bail plea, clarified that only the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant are criminalised under the law — not the seeds or leaves when found independently. “The seeds and leaves of the cannabis plant, in the absence of the flowering or fruiting tops, do not fall within the…
The world’s obsession with matcha is reaching a boiling point — and Japan’s centuries-old tea farms are paying the price. Once a ceremonial drink reserved for traditional tea houses, matcha has exploded into mainstream culture. Now featured in everything from Starbucks lattes to viral TikTok recipes, matcha has gone from niche to necessity. But this viral success has a downside: Japanese producers are running out of stock. “No matter what we try, there’s just not more to buy,” says Zach Mangan, founder of Kettl Tea in Los Angeles, where over 20 varieties of matcha are listed — but most are…