Bollywood fans were recently abuzz when a clip from R Madhavan’s latest thriller, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, triggered debate online. The scene in question shows Madhavan’s character, Ajay Sanyal, reciting a verse from the Dasam Granth while holding a cigarette. Some viewers felt this was disrespectful to the Sikh community.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt opens up about living with ADHD: ‘Last few weeks have been challenging’

Taking to Instagram, Madhavan addressed the concern head-on. “On behalf of the Dhurandhar family, thank you for showering us with so much love. Recently, we learned that some people were hurt by the scene where I recite lines from Guru Gobind Singh’s Dasam Granth while having a cigarette. I assure you, that is absolutely not the case,” Madhavan wrote.

Clearing the smoke: what really happened

Madhavan explained that the situation was a simple misunderstanding. He revealed that director Aditya Dhar, known for his meticulous attention to detail, instructed him to extinguish the cigarette well before reciting the sacred lines.

“No smoke would come out of my mouth, there would be no smoke on screen, and I wouldn’t even have a cigarette in my hand,” Madhavan clarified.

The actor reassured fans that if they watch the scene carefully, they will notice there is no smoke at all, not from his mouth, not anywhere in the frame, and no trace remains by the end of the scene. “We are very aware of the sensitivities, and hurting anyone was never our intention,” he emphasised.

Respect for Sikh values

Madhavan also stressed the filmmakers’ deep respect for the Sikh community. “We stand with the entire Sikh community and honor their values. I personally visit the Golden Temple before every film release. This is known to everyone, and I hope people trust our intentions,” he added.

He further clarified that the cigarette is a part of his character’s persona. Ajay Sanyal, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, is portrayed as a meticulous and intense officer whose habits include smoking.

The clip circulated widely online, with fans debating whether the scene was offensive or harmless. Some voiced concerns, while many others defended Madhavan.

Secret transcripts of a 1971 conversation between President Richard Nixon and his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger show the United States refusing to condemn Pakistan’s military crackdown in East Pakistan, despite warnings from its own diplomat of possible “genocide.”

The exchange, recorded on March 28, 1971, captures Kissinger informing Nixon about a dissent cable from US Consul Archer Blood in Dacca, who had reported large-scale killings of civilians.

“We’ve had a bleeding [bleating] cable from our Consul in Dacca who wants us to put out a statement condemning what the West Pakistanis are doing. But of course we won’t consider it,” Kissinger said, according to the transcript.

Nixon responded bluntly: “Oh for Christ’s sake.”

Kissinger then dismissed the diplomat, saying, “Well, he’s just one of these pansies.”

When Nixon asked, “And he says ‘condemning them?’” Kissinger replied: “Yeah, for genocide.”

Nixon then ordered action against the consul. “Well, now remove him. I want him out of the job,” he said.

The conversation further shows a clear decision not to publicly criticise Pakistan’s actions. “I wouldn’t put out a statement praising it, but we’re not going to condemn it either,” Nixon said later in the call.

Kissinger warned that taking a public stand could trigger backlash. “If we do that we’re going to have anti-American riots in West Pakistan,” he said.

The transcripts are part of The Kissinger Tapes, a newly published book by historian Tom Wells, released in March, based on hundreds of secretly recorded telephone conversations from Kissinger’s tenure during the Nixon administration between 1969 and 1974.

The book draws on thousands of pages of “telcons” that were recovered and declassified after a prolonged legal effort led by the National Security Archive. More than 15,000 pages of transcripts were eventually released in 2004.

Wells writes that the material offers “a panoramic view of his tenure in power” and sheds light on key decisions and controversies of the era, including US responses to human rights abuses committed by allied regimes.

The 1971 dissent by Archer Blood, later known as the “Blood telegram,” remains one of the most significant protests by US diplomats against official policy. Blood had urged Washington to take a moral stand against the killings in East Pakistan.

The events in East Pakistan in 1971 led to a humanitarian crisis and eventually to the creation of Bangladesh after India intervened militarily later that year. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands, and possibly millions, of civilians were killed during the conflict.

Bollywood’s darling Alia Bhatt has once again shown her human side, sharing that the last few weeks have tested her focus. The actress revealed that her ADHD made it difficult to stay on track, but she found a bright spot in some thoughtful post-birthday surprises from her close friends.

Taking to social media, Alia wrote, “The last few weeks have been a bit challenging getting into my days with focus (hello ADHD) but this morning was just everything.”

 

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Birthday fun with a padel twist

Alia’s birthday celebrations didn’t end on her special day. Her friends surprised her with a fun padel session, a sport she has been loving lately, making the day extra memorable. Sharing pictures from the outing, she gushed, “Birthday celebrations continue with the best best mamas/ladies playing a lot of padel.”

She added, “There’s just something about women showing up for you (and playing 2 hours of padel because you reaaallllyyy wanted to!!)”

Speaking out about ADHD and mental health

Alia has been open about her ADHD in the past, often talking about the challenges of focusing amidst a packed work schedule and personal responsibilities.

Mental health is also a deeply personal topic for Alia. Her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, has publicly shared her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Career highlights

Professionally, Alia Bhatt continues to make waves in Bollywood. From her breakout performance in ‘Highway’ to the critically acclaimed ‘Dear Zindagi’ and the powerhouse portrayal in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, Alia has consistently proved her acting chops.

She now has her eyes set on upcoming projects like ‘Alpha’ and ‘Love and War’.

Also Read: Baba Cop: Unbelievable story of the cop who took his name from Sanjay Dutt, and is now played by him in ‘Dhurandhar’

Iran on Wednesday conveyed to the Trump administration that it is unwilling to resume talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and would instead prefer engaging with Vice President JD Vance, CNN reported, citing sources.

Iranian officials believe renewed discussions led by Witkoff or Kushner are unlikely to yield results in the current climate, given the “deficit of trust following the breakdown of negotiations prior to Israel and the US launching military action”, the report said.

According to sources cited by CNN, Vance is seen in Tehran as more inclined towards ending the conflict, unlike Witkoff, Kushner and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The perception is that the US Vice President is focused on bringing the war to a close.

Trump insists all key figures are part of negotiation effort

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, however, maintained that multiple senior figures in his administration are involved in diplomatic efforts with Iran.

“JD (Vance) is involved. Marco is involved. Jared Kushner is involved. Steve Witkoff is involved, and I am involved,” Trump said while speaking about the ongoing engagement.

He also asserted that the United States has emerged victorious in the conflict, claiming that Iran’s naval and air capabilities have been fully destroyed.

The White House underlined that the final decision on who represents the US in negotiations rests solely with the President.

“President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN.

Pakistan offers to mediate as diplomatic chatter grows

Separately, Trump has fuelled speculation about Pakistan potentially playing a mediating role in easing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The development comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X that Islamabad was willing to help facilitate dialogue. He said Pakistan was “ready and honoured” to support “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the United States and Iran, provided both sides agree

The steady rise of colorectal cancer in India is increasingly being linked to shifts in urban lifestyle patterns. Sedentary routines, processed food consumption, tobacco use and irregular daily habits are converging into a significant public health concern, one that often progresses silently until advanced stages. Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, the terminal sections of the digestive system, typically presents early symptoms such as bleeding bowels, irregular metabolism and persistent acidity.

However, these warning signs are frequently overlooked or self-managed without clinical consultation. In an effort to assess public awareness and behavioral responses to these symptoms, Merck Specialities Pvt Ltd conducted a pan-India survey across metropolitan centers including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad and Jaipur. The study evaluated awareness levels regarding the seriousness of colorectal cancer, recognition of early symptoms, the urgency of medical consultation and lifestyle-related risk factors. The survey was administered through digital healthcare platforms, email campaigns and WhatsApp broadcast networks, capturing responses across a broad urban demographic. The findings indicate a critical gap between symptom onset and medical response.

More than 80 per cent of respondents reported resorting to self-medication for indigestion and constipation, expecting spontaneous resolution. Over 65 per cent experienced disturbed bowel habits, commonly associated with packaged food consumption, tobacco use and lack of physical activity. Notably, more than 80 per cent of respondents were unaware that blood in the stool can be an indicator of a malignant colon. Among the surveyed cities, Kolkata recorded the lowest awareness levels. Only 9.3 per cent of respondents identified bleeding bowel as a serious clinical sign, while 91.9 per cent reported delaying medical consultation despite observing irregularities in bowel patterns.

These findings were presented at a conference held on 17 March at the Press Club of Kolkata, organised as part of the national awareness initiative during Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The event featured oncologists including Dr Poulami Basu, Consultant Medical and Hemato-Oncologist at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cancer Centre and Research Institute; Dr Sudeep Das, HOD and Consultant Medical and Hemato-Oncologist at Manipal Hospital, Kolkata; and Dr Sanchayan Mandal, Consultant Medical and Hemato-Oncologist at HCG Cancer Hospital, Kolkata.

An audit report based on a national survey across 14 Indian cities, covering more than 10,000 participants, was also released at the conference. The report underscores that colorectal cancer ranks among the top five malignancies in India in terms of mortality. Despite this, it remains one of the most preventable cancers and shows high responsiveness to early treatment, particularly when medical intervention begins at the first indication of digestive irregularity or rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy continues to be the gold standard for screening, enabling early detection and improving clinical outcomes.

Preventive strategies also emphasize lifestyle modification, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity and metabolic health, all of which play a critical role in reducing risk factors such as obesity and poor gut health. Dr Sanchayan Mandal, speaking at the conference, said, “I am very happy with my media interaction today, especially with the relevant questions that were asked. Colon cancer is more of a menace in urbanized centers of India owing to the easy availability of artificial means of living.

These include ready-to-cook food, irregular lifestyles lacking physical activity, round-the-clock entertainment and pollution, all of which contribute to fat accumulation and disruption of the digestive system.” He further noted that these factors, combined with substance abuse, often manifest clinically as anemia, low hemoglobin levels, decreasing appetite, diarrhea, constipation and bleeding with stool, symptoms that frequently lead to delayed reporting due to fear and social stigma. “I would request everyone to set aside their inhibitions and consult a doctor at the earliest sign of any colorectal difficulty so that the condition can be treated at its root,” he said. Addressing treatment accessibility, he added, “We follow international standards of treatment and cater to patients from all parts of life.

Those who are financially constrained can avail themselves of government health schemes, while others can rely on medical insurance.” Highlighting age-related risk, he concluded, “People are most susceptible to colon cancer at age spanning 30 to mid 40s. However not all rectal bleeding is cancerous. In case of any sudden oozing of blood, one must consult a gastroenterologist. There can be many reasons for that like piles, fissures etc. A regular check up in the form of colonoscopy, endoscopy every 10 years is important after 40.” As India continues to urbanize, colorectal cancer is emerging as a significant non-communicable disease burden. The evidence underscores a clear imperative: improving public awareness, encouraging early screening and reducing behavioral risk factors remain central to mitigating the impact of this preventable malignant malady.

“By placing these structures along natural drainage lines, we ensure that every drop of rainwater is put to productive use.” Reviving Water Wisdom: WOTR Rejuvenates 147 Traditional Structures Across Rajasthan The Watershed Organization Trust (WOTR), a leading non-profit working at the intersection of climate-resilient agriculture and rural transformation, has achieved a significant milestone by rejuvenating and constructing 147 traditional water-harvesting structures across Rajasthan over the past three years.

The initiative centers on pokhars, stone-reinforced earthen ponds capable of storing up to 1.2 crore litres of rainwater, and pagaras, cement embankments designed to curb soil erosion. Together, these structures have created an additional water storage capacity of over 452 million litres. The impact is tangible: more than 1,000 rural households have benefited directly, and irrigation has been enabled across 845 acres of farmland in the districts of Karauli, Udaipur and Dungarpur. In regions marked by erratic rainfall, falling groundwater levels and persistent soil erosion, these low-cost, low-maintenance systems have delivered transformative results. Pokhars and pagaras have turned once barren stretches into productive farmland, supporting crops such as maize and wheat.

For many farmers, this has meant a decisive shift away from hazardous livelihoods such as sandstone mining. The change is particularly visible in villages like Mandi Bhat and Shamipur. Improved water availability has expanded cultivation, reduced distress migration, strengthened access to drinking water and improved school attendance. Fields that once lay fallow now sustain seasonal crops; livestock have dependable water sources; and families, once compelled to migrate in search of work, are returning to their villages. At the heart of this transformation lies strong community ownership. WOTR has trained Water User Groups comprising 10 to 12 farmers in water budgeting, crop planning and maintenance practices before transferring stewardship of the structures to them. Individual households, meanwhile, take responsibility for maintaining pagaras constructed on their land, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Dixit Joshi, Technical Officer at WOTR, explained the science behind the intervention: “The flat and gently undulating terrain of these villages in Rajasthan, combined with well-defined river systems, makes pokhars and pagaras especially effective. By placing them strategically along natural drainage lines, we intercept rainwater before it flows away, ensuring that every drop is put to productive use. Earlier, villagers had to rebuild mud embankments every year. Now, two to three years of hard labour are saved, allowing them to focus on farming rather than repeated repairs.”

This large-scale rejuvenation effort has been made possible through WOTR’s strong on-ground expertise, supported by committed CSR partners who share a common goal of strengthening climate resilience in some of Rajasthan’s most vulnerable rural regions. Prakash Keskar, Executive Director of WOTR, underscored the broader significance of the initiative: “Reviving traditional water-harvesting systems offers a practical and sustainable pathway to strengthening rural resilience in arid regions like Rajasthan. When communities plan, manage and maintain their own water resources, water availability improves. Such locally owned solutions ensure that development continues well beyond the duration of any project, supporting a more climate-resilient and self-reliant rural economy.”

(A REPORT BY WOTR WHICH IS COMMITTED TO REJUVENATING COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said Iran had made what he called a major oil-and-gas-linked gesture tied to the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a sign that negotiations between the two sides were gaining ground.

The remarks came as the United States also moved ahead with a detailed proposal aimed at ending the conflict and rolling back Iran’s nuclear programme, indicating a parallel push on diplomacy even as military pressure continues.

Speaking in the Oval Office during the swearing-in of Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary, Trump said talks were already underway. “We’re in negotiations right now,” he said, adding that “the other side… they’d like to make a deal”.

‘A very big present’ linked to Strait of Hormuz, says Trump

Trump pointed to a recent move by Tehran, which he described as a “present”, as proof that the US was now engaging with officials capable of delivering outcomes.

“They gave us a present and the present arrived today,” he said, calling it “a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money”. He later clarified that the gesture was linked to oil and gas flows and connected it to the Strait of Hormuz.

“Yeah, it was related to the flow and to the Strait,” he said when asked directly.

The President also suggested that Iran’s leadership had undergone a shift. “We have really regime change,” he said, adding that the current leadership was “very different” from those earlier in power.

He maintained that Washington was now in contact with a new set of Iranian officials and insisted that they had followed through on commitments. “They said they were going to do it and it happened,” he said.

US says war ‘won’ as diplomacy and pressure run together

Even as talks continue, Trump struck a confident tone on the military front, saying the conflict had effectively been decided. “This war has been won,” he said, dismissing suggestions that fighting was ongoing.

He argued that Iran was negotiating from a weakened position, claiming its military capacity had been significantly reduced. “They have no Navy left, they have no Air Force left,” he said.

Trump also said the US had dominance over Iranian airspace. “We are roaming free over Tehran… we can do whatever we want,” he added. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth backed that assessment, saying the opposing military had been “rapidly and historically obliterated”.

Despite this, Trump said Washington had paused further strikes to keep negotiations on track. Referring to a planned attack on a power facility, he said, “we held off based on the fact that we’re negotiating”.

At the same time, he made clear that the core US demand remained unchanged. “They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said, adding, “they’ve agreed they will never have a nuclear weapon”.

While expressing optimism that “they’re going to make a deal”, Trump also noted, “I don’t trust anybody… I don’t trust them”.

US sends 15-point plan to end war, dismantle nuclear programme

Alongside Trump’s remarks, media reports said Washington has sent Tehran a 15-point framework through intermediaries to bring the conflict to an end.

According to officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, the proposal calls for Iran to shut down its three key nuclear sites – Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow – and stop all uranium enrichment. It also calls for Iran to hand over its enriched material to the International Atomic Energy Agency within a fixed timeframe.

The plan outlines a one-month ceasefire and demands a commitment from Iran that it will never pursue nuclear weapons. It also proposes curbs on Tehran’s missile programme and restrictions limiting its military role to self-defence.

On the regional front, the proposal pushes Iran to end support for proxy groups and ensure uninterrupted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

In return, the United States would lift nuclear-related sanctions and support a monitored civilian nuclear energy programme at Bushehr. The proposal also includes removing the “snapback” mechanism that allows sanctions to be reimposed automatically.

The plan has reportedly been routed through intermediaries, with Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt playing roles in facilitating contact, according to The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Even with talks moving, both sides are still nowhere close, with strikes and tensions continuing across the region.

From long experience of working closely with young students and observing the wider social environment, one disturbing tendency has become increasingly visible. Individuals who fail to cultivate creativity, intellectual curiosity, or meaningful professional skills sometimes view politics as an easy refuge. Instead of investing effort in education, innovation, or constructive engagement with society’s real problems, they are drawn toward political spaces where visibility and influence may be obtained without demonstrating genuine competence or intellectual contribution.

This trend raises serious concerns about the long-term quality of leadership and the direction in which public life may be heading, of course there may be exception. In principle, politics should attract individuals with vision, imagination, and a deep commitment to public welfare. Leadership requires the capacity to analyse complex problems, understand social realities, and design policies that advance collective progress. When politics becomes a convenient option for those unwilling to pursue intellectual growth or creative endeavour, the standards of public discourse inevitably decline. Governance then risks becoming reactive rather than thoughtful, driven by short-term calculations rather than a clear understanding of society’s long-term needs.

Young people must therefore recognise that leadership begins with knowledge, not with the sudden desire for authority. Before aspiring to positions of influence, they must devote themselves to the demanding but rewarding process of education. Learning encourages disciplined thinking, nurtures ethical awareness, and develops the analytical skills required for responsible decision-making. These qualities cannot be acquired overnight; they emerge through years of careful study, observation, and engagement with diverse ideas. Without such preparation, political ambition may easily drift away from its true purpose of public service. Education is far more than a pathway to employment or personal advancement. It forms the foundation of responsible citizenship.

Through education, individuals develop the ability to question assumptions, interpret evidence, and understand the broader consequences of their actions. A society that undervalues intellectual development in favour of immediate authority risks producing leaders who may command attention but lack the depth to guide complex institutions. True leadership grows gradually through sustained interaction with knowledge and experience. When this essential preparation is bypassed, the quality of public decision-making inevitably suffers. The urgency of this concern becomes even clearer in an age defined by rapid scientific and technological change. Modern societies face challenges that demand informed and imaginative leadership.

Environmental degradation, climate instability, technological disruption, public health emergencies, and widening economic inequality require policies grounded in careful reasoning and scientific understanding. Leaders entrusted with public responsibility must be capable of evaluating data, interpreting research, and balancing competing priorities with intellectual clarity. Without such competence, policies risk becoming superficial responses to problems that require far deeper understanding. Yet politics is often perceived, in many contexts, less as a field of service and more as a pathway to prestige and material comfort. When power becomes associated primarily with privilege rather than responsibility, it inevitably attracts individuals motivated by personal advancement. Such a perception weakens the moral foundation of public life.

A political culture that rewards spectacle over substance discourages thoughtful participation and gradually erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. Addressing this challenge requires collective effort. Educational institutions, families, and communities must reaffirm the importance of intellectual preparation before the pursuit of public authority. Schools and colleges should encourage curiosity, critical inquiry, and scientific temper rather than limiting education to mechanical memorisation. When young people learn to question, analyse, and think independently, they become capable of contributing meaningfully to both professional fields and civic life.

Education thus becomes not only a personal asset but also a vital resource for democratic society. Equally important is the recognition that science and technology now play a decisive role in shaping national progress. Countries that have achieved sustained development have done so by investing heavily in research, innovation, and higher education. Their leaders understand that scientific advancement is not confined to laboratories or academic institutions; it drives economic growth, improves healthcare, strengthens infrastructure, and supports environmental sustainability. Policies that encourage research and technological development therefore benefit society in profound and lasting ways. For this reason, political leadership must be closely aligned with the advancement of knowledge.

Leaders who value scientific thinking recognise the importance of strengthening universities, supporting research institutions, and creating opportunities for young minds to explore new ideas. When politics encourages intellectual exploration and technological innovation, the results extend far beyond academic achievement. Such an environment generates employment, improves public services, and enhances the overall resilience of society. The strength of a democracy depends not merely on electoral processes but on the intellectual character of those who aspire to lead it.

Politics must never become a refuge for those unwilling to cultivate creativity or knowledge. Instead, it should remain a field where ideas, integrity, and informed judgment guide public action. When education is valued as the first step toward leadership, society benefits from individuals who combine knowledge with responsibility. Only under such conditions can public life regain its dignity and fulfil its essential purpose: guiding the nation toward thoughtful progress and collective well-being.

(The writer is former Senior Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board.)

India’s dependence on imported oil means global conflicts often end at the fuel pump. With nearly 85 per cent of crude oil imported, a fiasco in the Strait of Hormuz can trigger price shocks at home. Ethanol blending is one response to such a crisis. Diversifying fuel sources is a sensible policy. But the next phase of India’s ethanol strategy must ensure that energy security does not come at the expense of consumer choice. There is clear logic behind ethanol blending. It is produced domestically, burns cleaner than conventional petrol, and carries a naturally high-octane rating that improves fuel stability.

As a renewable alternative, ethanol can diversify India’s fuel basket while helping reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector. Over the past decade, India’s ethanol programme has reduced crude imports, saved more than Rs 1.40 lakh crore in foreign exchange, and created new demand for crops such as sugarcane and maize. It has also encouraged investments in rural bio-refining infrastructure and bolstered the link between energy market and farm output. Integrating fuel policy with agricultural markets has helped address persistent sugar surpluses and moderate price swings, making ethanol a more pragmatic addition to India’s energy resilience strategy. For an economy exposed to volatile global oil markets, exploring alternative fuel sources makes economic sense. Domestic brewed biofuels can curb reliance on imported crude, provide a buffer against supply shocks, and create revenue streams for rural communities.

Ethanol therefore is important for India’s broader energy strategy. But diversification should not mean rigid policy design. Fuel transitions are most effective when consumers and markets are allowed to adjust over time. When policy moves too quickly, the costs often fall on consumers, reducing their confidence in energy reforms. Brazil’s ethanol shows how fuel transitions can succeed without heavy mandates. Most vehicles are flex-fuel, capable of running on ethanol, petrol, or any blend of the two, giving consumers and markets a choice of fuel that works best for them. Market competition, not administrative framework, ultimately determines fuel usage. This freedom allowed fuel demand to respond to price movements and performance realities rather than administrative calculations. The transition itself was not smooth.

Fluctuating crop prices, patchy supply, and early investment uncertainty exposed the limits of a policy-driven expansion before market conditions began to stabilize. Steady growth in agricultural output and distribution later helped reduce costs and improved the supply. Ethanol gained acceptance not through policy promotion alone, but because it gradually became an economically viable option for both producers and consumers. Clear pump labelling and proper public communication also played an important role in building consumer trust. This stands in contrast to transitions that rely heavily on mandates without ensuring affordability or adequate infrastructure.

When policy targets move faster than market readiness, adoption tends to become uneven and politically sensitive. Brazil’s experience shows that durable fuel shifts are rarely the product of blending ratios alone. They take shape when technological flexibility, competitive pricing, and consumer confidence evolve together rather than being forced into alignment through regulation. With E20 now rolled out nationwide, India’s ethanol programme has reached an important milestone. The next step should expand choice rather than mandates. Encouraging flex-fuel vehicle uptake, improving distribution network, and providing clear pump-side labelling would allow ethanol to compete on market terms while keeping the transition smooth for consumers.

India’s energy security cannot rest on a single fuel pathway, no matter how promising it appears on paper. Real resilience comes from diversification, an environment where competing technologies balance risk and consumers retain the freedom to make price and performance driven choices. Ethanol’s long-term viability will depend on whether it offers consumers an affordable and reliable alternative, rather than relying largely on policy-driven support. A cleaner fuel future will therefore depend less on meeting blending milestones and more on whether policy fosters competition, improves efficiency, and preserves consumer choice at its core.

(The writer is Indian Policy Associate, Consumer Choice Center.)

When President Donald Trump announced a five-day halt to threatened strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, it appeared – at first glance-to signal a diplomatic opening in a rapidly escalating conflict. In reality, the pause reveals less about imminent peace and more about the limits of brinkmanship in a tightly coupled global system.

The immediate backdrop is a volatile military exchange involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the critical pressure point. Any sustained disruption there would not just hit regional adversaries but ripple across global energy markets, threatening inflation spikes and supply chain instability from Asia to Europe. In that sense, Mr Trump’s strategic confusion ~ ultimatum followed by a pause – was not merely directed at Tehran but constrained by the wider economic architecture that Washington itsell depends on.

The five-day window should therefore be read as a strategic recalibration rather than a conciliatory gesture. Having escalated rhetorically and militarily, the US faced a narrowing set of choices: either follow through with attacks that could trigger uncontrollable retaliation, or step back without appearing weak. The temporary halt offers a third path – buying time to explore backchannel diplomacy while preserving the optics of coercive leverage.

Yet the ambiguity surrounding the supposed “progress” in talks is telling. Claims of multiple points of agreement, unaccompanied by verification or detail, suggest that diplomacy here is as much about narrative management as it is about substance. For financial markets, even the suggestion of dialogue is enough to restore short-term confidence. For policymakers, however, the absence of clarity underscores how fragile ~ and potentially illusory ~ this opening may be.

There is also a deeper pattern at play. Mr Trump’s approach mirrors a broader doctrine of transactional geopolitics: escalate to create urgency, personalise the negotiation space, and then pivot abruptly when costs become visible. This method can yield tactical gains, but it carries structural risks. In a conflict environment where multiple actors possess asymmetric capabilities, miscalculation is not a side effect ~ it is a constant danger. Moreover, the pause does not alter the underlying drivers of the confrontation. Iran’s regional posture, Israel’s security calculus, and Washington’s credibility concerns remain fundamentally unchanged. A temporary halt in strikes cannot resolve these tensions; at best, it postpones their next manifestation. What this episode ultimately demonstrates is the shrinking margin for unilateral coercion in an interconnected world.

Military threats, once issued, reverberate through markets, alliances, and domestic politics in ways that constrain even the most assertive leaders. Mr Trump’s five-day pause is thus not a breakthrough, but an admission ~ implicit if not explicit – that escalation has costs he cannot fully control.The question is not whether this window will produce a deal. It is whether it will prevent the next, potentially irreversible, step in a conflict where every pause is provisional and every deadline carries consequences far beyond its intent.

When energy routes become battlefields, the global economy does not simply slow ~ it reorders itself. The current disruption centred on the Strait of Hormuz reveals less about the volatility of war and more about the enduring structure of power in the energy market. At first glance, the pattern appears familiar: producers gain, consumers lose. Yet this moment departs from past oil shocks in one critical respect ~ the benefits are not accruing to those at the epicentre of production, but to those positioned just outside it.

Countries like Russia, already under sanctions pressure, find themselves unexpectedly advantaged. As supply chains strain and political priorities shift, discounted crude becomes strategically attractive. In effect, geopolitical isolation is being partially offset by economic necessity. This inversion carries consequences that extend beyond short-term price movements. For years, Western policy – particularly following the Ukraine war ~ has aimed to constrain Moscow’s energy revenues. Yet the present crisis demonstrates how quickly such frameworks can unravel when global supply is threatened. What sanctions attempted to restrict, market conditions are now quietly restoring. The situation is no less paradoxical for the United States.

Despite its status as a leading energy producer, it remains deeply vulnerable. High domestic consumption, coupled with limited short-term flexibility in shale output, means that rising prices act more as a tax on the economy than a windfall. The same structural dependence is visible across Europe, where imported energy continues to anchor inflationary risk despite years of diversification efforts. Nowhere, however, are the stresses more immediate than in Asia.

Economies such as South Korea ~ with its critical semiconductor industry ~ and import-dependent nations such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh face the direct transmission of energy shocks into everyday life: rationing, curtailed production, and fiscal strain. Even larger economies such as India and China are not insulated so much as buffered ~ relying on reserves, diversified sourcing, and opportunistic procurement. What emerges is not merely a list of winners and losers, but a deeper structural insight: energy security remains the decisive axis of economic sovereignty.

The much-discussed transition to renewables has not yet displaced oil and gas as the organising principle of global stability. Instead, it coexists uneasily with it, leaving countries exposed to precisely the kind of disruption now unfolding. If the conflict persists, the risks will compound. Inflation will harden, growth will slow, and fiscal pressures will intensify across both developed and emerging economies. But perhaps the most enduring consequence will be strategic. Nations will draw a clear lesson: resilience lies not just in alliances or markets, but in control over supply ~ whether through domestic capacity, reserves, or flexible partnerships. In that sense, the real divide is not between winners and losers. It is between those who can adapt to disruption and those who must simply endure it.

In the late 1960s, scientist Spencer Silver accidentally created a weak adhesive while attempting to develop a super-strong glue. At first, the invention seemed useless because the adhesive was too weak for industrial applications. For years, he struggled to find a practical use for it. Eventually, his colleague discovered that the adhesive could be used to create bookmarks that would stick to pages without damaging them. This idea eventually evolved into the famous Post-it Note.

The lesson here is significant: even accidental discoveries can become valuable innovations when protected through patents and commercialized properly. What initially appeared to be a failed experiment eventually became one of the most profitable office products in the world. In an era where ideas, creativity, and innovation drive economic growth, intellectual property (IP) has logically emerged as one of the most valuable assets of individuals and nations alike. Intellectual property refers to the legal rights granted to creators and inventors over their inventions, artistic works, designs, and brand identities. In India, a rapidly growing knowledge-based economy, the importance of intellectual property education has gained increasing attention.

As innovation expands in fields ranging from technology to literature and biotechnology, the need to educate citizens about protecting their intellectual creations has become more urgent than ever. Intellectual property typically includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, and geographical indications. These rights ensure that creators are recognized for their work and can benefit economically from their innovations. Globally, countries that prioritize IP education tend to foster stronger research ecosystems, thriving creative industries, and competitive technological advancement. For a country like India ~ home to a large population of students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and artists ~ understanding intellectual property is essential for encouraging innovation and safeguarding creative output.

Historically, intellectual property education in India was confined largely to law schools and specialized legal training programmes. However, as India’s participation in the global knowledge economy expanded, policymakers and educators began recognizing the importance of spreading IP awareness beyond the legal profession. Today, intellectual property education is gradually being incorporated into universities, technical institutions, and even school-level curricula. A significant milestone in India’s IP awareness movement has been the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization, which collaborates with national governments to promote intellectual property education and training.

Through workshops, online courses, and academic collaborations, the organization has helped build a culture of IP awareness among students, researchers, and policymakers in India. Within the country, the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks plays a crucial role in promoting intellectual property awareness. Under the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy introduced in 2016, the government initiated several programmes to educate citizens about the value of protecting their innovations. These initiatives include intellectual property awareness campaigns, training sessions for start-ups, and integration of IP modules into academic institutions. Educational institutions have increasingly recognized that intellectual property literacy is essential for students pursuing careers in science, technology, business, and the creative arts.

Technical institutions such as engineering and management schools have also begun emphasizing the importance of intellectual property in innovation-driven industries. Students involved in research and development are taught how to protect their inventions through patents and how intellectual property can support entrepreneurship. Innovation cells and incubation centres in universities now often include training sessions on intellectual property rights as part of start-up development programmes.

Another major stakeholder in intellectual property education is the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission, which aims to reach millions of students across the country. This initiative conducts online and offline awareness sessions in schools and colleges, helping young learners understand the significance of respecting and protecting creative works. Through these programs, students are introduced to basic concepts such as plagiarism, copyright infringement, and the value of original thinking.

Despite these positive developments, intellectual property education in India still faces several challenges. One of the primary issues is the lack of widespread awareness among the general population. Many creators, particularly small entrepreneurs, artisans, and independent artists, are often unaware of the legal protections available to them. As a result, innovative ideas sometimes go unprotected, leaving them vulnerable to misuse or exploitation.

Another challenge lies in the uneven distribution of IP education across regions and institutions. While leading universities and metropolitan institutions may offer comprehensive courses on intellectual property, smaller colleges and rural institutions often lack access to such programs. This disparity creates a gap in knowledge that can limit the ability of students from underrepresented regions to participate fully in innovation-driven industries. Furthermore, intellectual property education must adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The internet has made the creation and dissemination of content easier than ever before, but it has also increased the risks of copyright infringement, piracy, and unauthorized reproduction. Students and young professionals must therefore be educated not only about protecting their own work but also about respecting the intellectual property rights of others. Another important dimension of intellectual property education relates to fostering ethical academic practices. In universities and research institutions, issues such as plagiarism, data misuse, and unauthorized reproduction of scholarly work have become matters of serious concern.

Teaching students about intellectual property rights encourages responsible research practices and strengthens the credibility of academic institutions. At the same time, intellectual property education can play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and economic development. Start-ups and small businesses often rely heavily on innovation and brand identity. By understanding how to secure patents, trademarks, and copyrights, entrepreneurs can protect their competitive advantage in the market. Intellectual property awareness also helps businesses attract investors, as protected innovations often carry greater commercial value.

India’s rapidly expanding start-up ecosystem illustrates the growing relevance of intellectual property education. Young innovators developing new technologies, software platforms, and digital services must understand how to safeguard their intellectual assets. Universities and innovation hubs are increasingly working to ensure that students receive guidance on patent filing, licensing agreements, and technology commercialization. Looking ahead, the future of intellectual property education in India will depend on sustained collaboration between government institutions, universities, industry leaders, and international organizations.

Integrating IP awareness into school curricula, encouraging interdisciplinary learning, and supporting innovation ecosystems can help build a generation that values creativity and respects intellectual ownership. Ultimately, intellectual property education is not merely about legal knowledge; it is about cultivating a culture of innovation, responsibility, and respect for creativity. As India continues to position itself as a global hub for technology, research, and creative industries, equipping citizens with the knowledge to protect and manage intellectual assets will be crucial.

(The writer is Assistant Professor, Pritilata Waddedar Mahavidyalaya, Nadia)

The US-Israel-Iran conflict entered a volatile new phase on March 25, with Washington pressing ahead on two tracks at once: heavier military signalling and a fresh diplomatic push. A sweeping 15-point American proposal to end the war and dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme has now been sent through intermediaries, even as the Pentagon prepares more troops for the Middle East and President Donald Trump declares that Tehran “would like to make a deal”.

But the gap between public claims and ground reality remains wide. Iran continues to deny direct negotiations, fresh projectiles and drone attacks are being reported across the region, and the Strait of Hormuz remains the central pressure point. Even so, Tehran has now said “non-hostile vessels” may pass through the route under coordination with Iranian authorities, offering one of the clearest signs yet that backchannel diplomacy is moving alongside continued military escalation.

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With issues like water supply, lift maintenance and other service disruptions already affecting their daily life, the residents of Supertech Ecociti in Noida’s Sector 137 now face fresh uncertainty as the Apartment Owners’ Association (AOA) is yet to receive handover of the society’s day-to-day operations from builder-appointed YG Estates Pvt Ltd even as the NCLT’s 30-day deadline expired on Tuesday.

In its order dated February 23, 2026, the NCLT had directed YG Estates to hand over the charge of maintenance and day-to-day operations in Supertech Ecociti and one other society to registered AOAs within 30 days.

However, according to AOA Vice President Om Dutt Sharma, the maintenance agency has not handed over a single document within the stipulated 30-day period.

He accused the agency of non-cooperation and of disrupting essential services.

“First lift disruption started. Then water disruption. Nowadays, DG & other related services are being affected,” Sharma said.

Last week, the emergency electricity supply through diesel generators (DG) was allegedly cut off by YG Estates, leaving thousands of households without power and prompting the AOA to seek police intervention.

Although the DG supply resumed after police intervened, other issues persisted. Lifts remained non-functional, and faulty water motors led to a shortage of water.

The AOA has alleged that following the NCLT order, the maintenance agency began creating hurdles and engaged in activities that disrupted essential services.

“The most important is the depletion of infrastructure due to negligence of YG Estates. The lack of services provided by the builder and its maintenance agency has led to substantial loss in financial terms,” he said.

“YG Estates wants to run away from Rs 75 crore liabilities”

Sharma further claimed that YG Estates has liabilities of around Rs 75 crore and that a legal notice had already been issued by the AOA on September 23, 2025.

“AOA has already issued a legal notice worth Rs 75.00 cr (Rs 52.00 cr as principal + Rs 23.00 cr as interest) dated 23.09.25 which tantamounts to around 95.00 cr at present. By non-cooperating with IRP (Interim Resolution Professional appointed by the NCLT to assist in the handover) as well as AOA, YG wants to run away from these liabilities,” he alleged.

He added that IRP Hitesh Goel has sent three reminders to YG Estates, but despite that, the agency has not handed over a single document.

“Logically, all documents must have been handed over to AOA within 15 days so that the next 15 days may have been used for transfer of technical knowledge from YG Estates to the newly appointed maintenance agency, Nimbus Harbour,” the AOA vice president said.

“This is a violation of the court order,” he added.

(The Statesman tried to contact YG Estates CEO Nitish Arora, but calls went unanswered and there was no response to queries sent on WhatsApp. The story will be updated once he or his representative responds.)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday observed that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had proceeded largely smoothly across the country, with concerns being raised mainly in West Bengal.

Referring to a write-up on the SIR, Chief Justice Surya Kant, heading a Bench that also comprised Justice Joymalya Bagchi, said, “I read an article on SIR. Apart from West Bengal, it happened smoothly everywhere.”

Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee, appearing for West Bengal, submitted that the situation in the state was marked by several unusual developments not seen elsewhere.

He pointed out that only in West Bengal had the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a “logical discrepancy list” and taken administrative decisions at odd hours during the process, including late-night notifications, which, according to him, added to the complexity of the exercise.

Responding to the Court’s observation that voter numbers had increased in some states following the revision exercise, Banerjee maintained that such increases were attributable to population growth over the last 20 years, noting that the previous revision had taken place in 2003. “That is because of the population increase after 2002. A 20 per cent rise is nothing,” he said.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted the immense pressure placed on judicial officers tasked with handling claims and objections arising from the revision. He noted that a large volume of cases—running into lakhs—had to be adjudicated within a short timeframe.

Banerjee echoed this concern, describing the pace of the exercise as excessively demanding and practically unworkable. He reiterated that a process of this scale would ordinarily require a much longer duration, extending over two to three years.

At the same time, the Bench acknowledged that the situation in West Bengal presented certain unique challenges but emphasised that the Court’s primary focus remained on safeguarding the democratic right to vote.

It noted that while logistical or administrative concerns were being raised, the larger objective of ensuring inclusive electoral rolls and enabling voter participation guided its approach.

The Court also observed that many of the issues flagged appeared to be administrative in nature and could be addressed at the appropriate level, including by the Calcutta High Court or the authorities overseeing the revision process.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the Delhi Budget 2026, branding it as a “Green Budget” to promote sustainable development.

The government has earmarked 21.44 per cent or Rs 22,236 crore of the Rs 1.03 lakh crore budget for green intiatives.

CM Gupta said that environment is embedded in every policy, nature innevery scheme and concern for future generations in every decision.

“This time, we have presented Delhi’s budget as a Green Budget. Environment is embedded in every policy, nature in every scheme, and concern for future generations in every decision. Therefore, we have allocated 21% of the entire budget for the Green Budget,” CM Gupta said in her budget speech.

Rs 822 crore have been allocated for the environment sector. The fund will be spend on pollution control measures such anti-smoke guns and sprinklers.

Several other measures include waste-to-energy products, development of urban forests and green spaces and Carbon Credit Monetisation Scheme.

Loaded with freebies, including free refrigerator and one-time cash dole of Rs 10,000 for every household as well as waiver of educational loans, the principal Opposition party AIADMK released its manifesto, comprising 297 promises, in a bid to wrest power from the ruling DMK in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

Releasing the manifesto to the media, AIADMK general secretary and the NDA’s chief ministerial face, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday, on the eve of kickstarting the party’s election campaign, said, “Free refrigerator will be provided to rice family card holders to reduce the workload of homemakers.”

Having announced poll pledges in two installments, the final manifesto includes the promises made earlier. If voted to power, the party promises to waive all educational loans, provide a one-time cash dole of Rs 10,000 to every rice card holding family to tide over inflationary pressure, monthly Rs 2000 to women family heads, under the ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’. Further, EPS said the homeless in the rural hinterland will be provided free houses under the ‘Amma Illam Scheme’ and multistorey apartments for those in the urban areas, and the current free bus travel will be extended to men as well.

The AIADMK leader made it clear that the party-led government would press the Union government to extend additional financial devolution in tune with the emerging situation. Drawing attention to the fact that the allocation to Tamil Nadu has been gradually reduced after the 12th Finance Commission, he said the party had been persistent in its demand for structuring financial devolution in a manner which does not adversely affect developed states like Tamil Nadu. “Our stance remains that taxes like cess and surcharge must be included in the divisible pool and shared with the states,” he said.

On delimitation of constituencies, EPS said the AIADMK would ensure that Tamil Nadu’s current representation is not reduced in the exercise and strive to bring back education and other subjects to the State List from the concurrent list of the Constitution.