Suspension of military aid to Ukraine shows Trump is doubling down on Zelenskyy after their disastrous meeting. Without US support and Europe’s inability to fill the gap, Ukraine may just have to bend to US demands. All this is moving toward a ceasefire with Russia that will leave Kyiv devastated.
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme was doomed to fail—unfit for Indians, undermined by import duty hikes
The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme was doomed from the start. It belied a complete lack of understanding of India’s cultural affinity for physical gold. Government’s bet on stable gold prices was also undermined by its own import duty hikes. Only a 930% spike in liabilities could make bureaucrats see sense
Mayawati’s reasons to expel Akash Anand are ludicrous. Won’t help revive BSP
Expelling her nephew and successor Akash from BSP betrays Mayawati’s autocratic streak. Being under wife’s and father-in-law’s influence is a ludicrous reason for expulsion. Mayawati’s insecurities emanate from BSP’s shrinking votebank and cadre’s disillusionment with her leadership. For BSP to revive, she must change her style of functioning or quit.
Fortunately Europe, including Britain, is not bending to President Trump. A declining power, poor demographics, a costly war in Ukraine which showed up its in some ways primitive equipment and capabilities, will now face a $ 20 trillion economic bloc, intent on rebuilding its military capabilities. Two nuclear powers part of the mix. Future trade and investment ties severely damaged. President Putin, who started by giving Russians back their pride and confidence, is not leaving a country that is well positioned to meet future challenges.
President Trump knows how to get Zelensky on the negotiating table.
If the EU leaders think they can support Ukraine against Russia, let them try and find out for themselves. The reality of their military capabilities will dawn on them soon enough. Europe desperately needs a reality check.
SGB was a great scheme. The Indian government, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, has sucked the Indian middle class dry.
SGB was the only instance on which the great Indian middle class got the better of the Modi government. Let us all celebrate this strike by the middle class on the Union government.