OPINION
Staring at default, will Pakistan go for debt restructuring kicking and screaming?
Even if Pakistan manages a breakthrough with the IMF and receives financial assistance, it will be a question of time before it once again falls in the same precarious situation. Latest data published by the SBP shows that Pakistan's total reserves stand at $8.54 billion, which includes $5.62 billion held by the country's commercial banks.
Spy's Eye: India's security lies in strong nationalism
Ignoring the constitutional test that all citizens continued to have the same opportunities and protection of the law, the narrative further alleged that the minorities in the country - principally the largest one of Muslims - had been put in jeopardy by the present regime. The concept that India represents 'unity in diversity' is being misinterpreted to claim that beyond 'freedom of worship' there was also freedom for 'communities' and 'regions' not to consider themselves as a part of the common nationhood denoted by democratic India.
FM did well to steer clear of poll-bound populism
It may be said that India and its economy have been able to pull it off in a better manner than many other global economies and is one of the fastest growing economies. This Budget being the last full Budget before next year's general elections scheduled in April-May 2024, it was expected that it would be a populist one, as is the norm for vote bank politics.
Despite shadow of polls, FM Nirmala Sitharaman steers clear of populism, focuses on growth
Despite being an election budget, it was mainly focused on long term growth of the country, while also managing to appease the populous expectations; without compromising on the fiscal deficit. While the capex is heavily focused on infrastructure, sunrise sectors like renewable energy, space technology, electric mobility and alternative fuels have also received increased impetus.
Why India must strengthen the government of President el-Sisi in Egypt
The three main areas highlighted during the visit were trade and investments; defence; and counter-terrorism. While the international community has been reeling economically from the aftermath of the pandemic, Egypt in particular has been badly hit. Sisi's visit came in the backdrop of an unprecedented economic crisis in his country.
US weapons for Russia, courtesy Taliban
As per reports in the British media, Russia is eyeing weapons left by the hastily-withdrawing US forces in Afghanistan in 2021. To secure these arms, Russian diplomats are reportedly wooing the Taliban elements of the caretaker government in Afghanistan. British tabloid The Sun reported last week, citing a Telegram channel 'Kremlin Insider', that Russia is seeking weapons from Afghanistan, including those left behind by the US forces in 2021.
India and Gulf eye common power grid, boosting connectivity
"This is a natural synergy. Connectivity will always boost economic activities which include trade. It is important to ink the trade agreement which is expected to be a win-win for both India and the Gulf bloc," a person working on the trade agreement said. India and UAE have already signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, negotiations of which were completed in a record time of just 88 days.
Why a Pakistan-UK nexus against PM Modi is bound to fail
Two events happened in quick succession. It began with a seething "butcher of Gujarat" personal attack on PM Modi by Pakistan's infantile foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto. It was soon followed up on a similar theme by a BBC documentary, in an apparent bid to reinforce Bhutto's diatribe. It would also not be surprising if these attacks have been coordinated for maximum impact.
Comparison between Indian and Pakistani Constitutions
The Constitution of Pakistan was approved by Parliament in 1973. It came into being after and as a result of popular revolt against the military that led to the breakup of its eastern wing which became Bangladesh in 1971. The Constitution was adopted after the masses of the country waged a bitter uprising against the military rule (1968-1971) of the former presidents General Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan.
CLOSE-IN: Is the pen mightier than the sword in cricket?
The recent tete-a-tete in a press interview with Rohit Sharma in which he was livid when asked about his recent century in One-day International cricket against New Zealand. Although it was his 30th one for India, it was scored after a period of three years. Sharma, quite understandably, was upset and stood to explain the time gap vis-a-vis the number of matches he had played. One could gauge his anger and fury against the broadcasters and he made no bones about it.
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