Author: Supriya Jena

  • NDP’s Jagmeet Singh Faces Tough Battle in Burnaby Central Election

    NDP’s Jagmeet Singh Faces Tough Battle in Burnaby Central Election

    Toronto: The New Democratic Party (NDP) is facing a tough situation in the upcoming federal election, but their leader, Jagmeet Singh, believes he can win his seat. Singh was first elected to the House of Commons as the representative for Burnaby South in British Columbia in early 2019 and won again in the 2021 election. This time, he is running in a new area called Burnaby Central because his old district has been divided into two.

    Unfortunately for the NDP, their popularity is dropping across the country. According to a poll, the Liberal Party has 40% support in Burnaby Central, while the Conservatives have 32%. Singh and the NDP only have 25%, putting them far behind. This means the Liberals are expected to win easily, with a 92% chance, while the NDP has less than a 1% chance.

    When asked about his challenges in the riding, Singh initially hesitated to answer but later said he was hopeful about representing Burnaby Central again. The NDP is struggling financially and doesn’t have much support, so Singh is traveling in a bus for his campaign while other leaders are flying around the country. This has led to some people on social media calling it Singh’s “farewell tour.”

    Polls from Angus Reid Institute show the NDP with only 7% support, while Nanos Research showed slightly better numbers at 8%. Nanos’ chief data scientist, Nik Nanos, noted that this low level of support could lead to the party’s worst results in 25 years.

    Singh has had a hard time because he was seen as supporting the former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was not popular. They worked together under an agreement that kept Trudeau’s government in power by helping it survive votes of no confidence. Even though Trudeau left office in January, people still seem to blame the NDP for supporting him. Now, with a new leader, Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Liberal Party is gaining more support, and some of the NDP’s followers are switching to the Liberals.

    Last year, the Conservative Party accused Singh of propping up the government to ensure he could reach certain benefits for MPs by February this year. While he may have secured those benefits, doing so might hurt his party in the long run.

  • Vinod Kumar Shukla: The Poetic Voice of Chhattisgarh and 2023 Jnanpith Winner

    Vinod Kumar Shukla: The Poetic Voice of Chhattisgarh and 2023 Jnanpith Winner

    In the quiet green of Raipur lives Vinod Kumar Shukla, a famous writer in India. At 88 years old, he won the 2023 Jnanpith Award and continues to charm readers with his unique style. Shukla is known for his simple yet powerful writing, which highlights everyday life and gives it a sense of importance. Recently, he spoke with Hindustan Times about his beginnings in Rajnandgaon, the role of language in politics, and how literature can serve as a quiet form of resistance in a broken world.

    Congratulations on winning the Jnanpith Award! What does this award mean to you?
    Thank you! I believe no writer writes just to win awards. Awards may come when you focus on your writing.

    Can you share your memories from your first poetry collection?
    My first collection was called Lagbhag Jai Hind. Ashok Vajpeyi, a notable figure, selected my poems even when he was a collector in Mahasamund.

    Your language is very distinct. How did it become so simple and clear?
    I developed my style to express myself naturally. It just comes to me.

    How has your small-town upbringing in Chhattisgarh influenced your work?
    I was raised in Rajnandgaon, where my mother inspired me to read by sharing stories of Bengali authors. This support helped me grow as a writer.

    Do you think literature has a role in dealing with political issues like the Maoist movement?
    Yes, literature can help address social and political problems. It should be part of discussions about society and politics. Sadly, literature might not always have the space it needs in society.

    Has the Chhattisgarhi language shaped your writing?
    Definitely! The local dialect has had a big impact on my work.

    Do you think stories should be written in simple language?
    I believe every writer should express themselves in a way that feels natural to them, whether it seems simple or hard to readers.

    Has poetry been more significant in your life than prose?
    Both poetry and prose are equally important for how I express myself. Sometimes writing prose can feel like writing poetry.

    What is your experience in writing for children? Is enough being written for them today?
    I enjoy writing for kids. When I write for them, I often find that I’m also writing for adults.

    How do you see the connection between literature and film? Could a movie be made from your works?
    Film is another strong way to tell stories. Yes, there have been plays and movies based on my writings.

    What impact do awards have on a writer’s work?
    Awards usually help bring attention to a writer’s work in a positive way.

    What advice do you have for young writers today?
    Keep writing and believe in your own voice!

    Do you see yourself more as a poet or a storyteller?
    I truly consider myself a poet.

    In your book Naukar Ki Kameez, what does the “shirt of the writer” represent?
    The writer’s “shirt” is indeed Naukar Ki Kameez.

    Does poetry help create a better humanity?
    Yes, poetry reinforces our sense of humanity.

    What do you think about how your books were handled by publishers?
    Currently, I’m getting better royalties from Rajkamal but have ended all contracts with Vani Prakashan because they continued to sell my works even after I asked them to stop. It has deeply hurt me.

  • RJ Mahvash Cheers for Yuzvendra Chahal: Dating Rumors Heat Up

    RJ Mahvash Cheers for Yuzvendra Chahal: Dating Rumors Heat Up

    RJ Mahvash and cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal have been rumored to be dating for a while now. Recently, Mahvash was seen cheering for Yuzvendra’s team, Punjab Kings, during an IPL game against Chennai Super Kings. She shared her excitement on Instagram, posting a fun video where she cheered loud and proud for her team. In her post, she wrote, “Go Punjab! Win or lose, you stars. Doesn’t matter. Go team!”

    Many fans spotted her in the audience, fueling more talk about her connection with Yuzvendra. Earlier this year, they were seen together at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, celebrating India’s win. Mahvash had posted pictures and videos from the event, hinting that she might be a good luck charm for the team.

    Punjab Kings won the match against Chennai Super Kings by 18 runs, and Mahvash’s support added to the excitement. Rumors about Yuzvendra and Mahvash started when they were seen together during Yuzvendra’s separation from his ex-wife, Dhanashree Verma. Although Mahvash said they were just friends back then, sightings of them together at various events have sparked more speculation.

    Yuzvendra married Dhanashree in December 2020, but they went their separate ways in 2022. They officially divorced on March 20, 2025, at the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai.

  • Iran-US Nuclear Tensions: Is Military Action Imminent

    Iran-US Nuclear Tensions: Is Military Action Imminent

    The conflict over Iran’s nuclear program is getting worse. An expert on national security warned that if Iran doesn’t talk directly with the United States, it could face serious bombing attacks and a long war. This warning comes after US President Donald Trump said Iran would be in “great danger” if it blocked negotiations. According to Trump, a meeting between American and Iranian officials was scheduled for Saturday in Oman, but Iran stated that any talks would happen through a third party.

    Trump said, “We’re having talks with Iran, and they’ve started. It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very important meeting, and it could go well.” He emphasized that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. “If the talks fail, it could be a bad day for Iran,” he added.

    The US is increasing its military presence in the area. They are sending an extra aircraft carrier to the Middle East and have deployed stealth bombers that can carry nuclear weapons to a base within reach of Iran.

    Dr. Oz Hassan, a national security expert, warned that a military strike could happen if tensions rise again. He explained that a small strike on a nuclear site might send a message, but it wouldn’t stop Iran’s nuclear program. A serious attack would involve a lot of military action, which could lead to a big war.

    Dr. Pierre Pahlavi, another expert, said it’s unlikely the US will go to full-scale war with Iran. However, it’s possible there could be targeted bombings of Iranian nuclear sites. He mentioned that the US could use its Israeli allies to help with this effort. The idea would be to use military pressure to convince Iran to negotiate about their nuclear program.

    In Iran, there’s growing opposition against the ruling government. Some Iranian American scholars are calling for a democratic choice supported by local groups instead of foreign military action.

  • Congress Critiques Modi’s Foreign Policy After Trump’s ‘Tariff Abuser’ Comment

    Congress Critiques Modi’s Foreign Policy After Trump’s ‘Tariff Abuser’ Comment

    A new draft resolution from the Congress party, being discussed in Ahmedabad, talks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Washington in February. It mentions that PM Modi felt embarrassed when former US President Donald Trump called India a “tariff abuser” while standing right next to him. Congress accuses the government of putting personal fame and unfair interests above the country’s needs.

    The Congress party supports good relations with the US but insists these shouldn’t harm India’s best interests. During Modi and Trump’s meeting, they agreed to start talks on an important trade deal, even after Trump criticized how India treats American businesses and announced new tariffs.

    Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured that India will look after its interests while making trade deals with other countries. This comes as the US has imposed an extra 26% tax on some Indian exports.

    The draft warns that lowering taxes on imports further could hurt farmers and India’s growing auto and medicine industries. It also highlights the mistreatment of Indian migrants in the US, stating they were deported in a cruel manner. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced criticism for justifying this treatment in Parliament.

    The Congress draft expresses concern over India’s relations with neighboring countries and claims that the ruling party, BJP, has shown weak leadership in foreign policy. It says that previous Congress governments raised India’s global standing and had a thoughtful approach to foreign relations.

    Additionally, the draft claims the current government has failed to address issues with China, such as the loss of Indian land in Ladakh. It raises alarms about China building a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River, which could impact northeastern states like Assam.

    The draft also mentions the risk of “radical elements” in Bangladesh creating an unsafe environment for religious minorities. It criticizes the Indian government for staying silent on the ongoing violence in the Palestine-Israel conflict, calling it a failure to uphold long-standing diplomatic values.

  • RBI Cuts Repo Rate: Home Loan Rates May Fall Below 8%

    RBI Cuts Repo Rate: Home Loan Rates May Fall Below 8%

    Home loan interest rates are likely to drop more after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), headed by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, announced a 0.25% cut in the repo rate, bringing it down to 6%. This exciting news is part of the first monetary policy for the financial year 2025-26, and it could help borrowers with home loans. Many experts believe rates might go below 8% per year.

    Banks often don’t pass on all the benefits of these cuts to customers, so it will be interesting to see how major banks respond this time. If banks reduce their rates by another 0.5%, it would provide significant relief for home loan borrowers struggling with high interest rates.

    HDFC Bank and Axis Bank have previously confirmed that they passed on the full 0.25% benefit to their current customers. According to RBI rules, banks must check their interest rates at least once every three months, but when they change rates can differ depending on the loan terms. New borrowers may also start enjoying lower rates soon.

    So, how will this latest repo rate cut affect your home loan EMI (Equated Monthly Installment)? Let’s say you have a ₹50 lakh home loan with a 20-year term at a 9% interest rate—the EMI would be around ₹44,986. If banks apply a 0.5% reduction, your new EMI would drop to about ₹43,391, saving you ₹1,595 every month, which adds up to ₹19,140 a year. Over the 20-year loan, you could save more than ₹3.8 lakh!

    Adhil Shetty, CEO of Bankbazaar.com, pointed out that home loan borrowers with floating interest rates tied to the RBI’s repo rate can expect their EMIs to go down if the RBI cuts rates by 0.25%. While banks may take their time passing on the full benefit, some relief is expected.

    For loans approved after October 1, 2019, most floating-rate loans are linked to an external benchmark—typically the repo rate. The effective interest rate for home loans includes three parts: the repo rate, a spread set by the bank, and a credit risk premium that depends on the borrower’s credit score. Prime borrowers (those with a credit score over 750) and those refinancing their loans can benefit the most from these changes. If you’ve been paying considerably higher rates, Shetty advises you to consider refinancing your loan to take advantage of the lower rates.

  • Scandinavian Airlines Launches Exciting ‘Destination Unknown’ Flights

    Scandinavian Airlines Launches Exciting ‘Destination Unknown’ Flights

    Earlier this month, a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight took off from Copenhagen with a secret destination called “Destination Unknown.” This special flight was just for members of SAS’s EuroBonus loyalty program. The passengers didn’t know where they were going, except it was somewhere in the Schengen area, which is a group of European countries where people can travel freely.

    To keep it a surprise, even the tracking website, Flightradar24, didn’t reveal the destination until the last minute. Why do this? SAS wants to bring back the thrill of adventure when you travel. You don’t know where you’re going, which makes it exciting! “Travel is about discovery, and Destination Unknown helps people explore new places without all the planning,” said Aron Backström, a VP at SAS.

    To avoid problems with visas, this flight only went to places in the Schengen Zone. Do people actually want to fly to a surprise location? Yes! In a press release, SAS said that tickets for the last flight sold out in just four minutes!

    The first Destination Unknown flight took place in 2024, and passengers ended up in Athens. This year, on April 4, the flight took off from Copenhagen and landed in Seville, Spain. The trip lasted three days, from April 4 to April 7. Because travelers didn’t know where they were headed, they couldn’t book hotels normally. Instead, they picked types of hotels in advance without knowing their exact locations.

  • Trump Urges Republicans: Support the Senate Budget Plan Now

    Trump Urges Republicans: Support the Senate Budget Plan Now

    Donald Trump told House Republican lawmakers who don’t like a budget plan passed by the Senate to “close your eyes and get there,” encouraging them to support it. Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s dinner, Trump said that not passing this “big, beautiful bill” would be a disaster for both Republicans and the country.

    “They have to get there,” Trump said. “And I think we are there.” He mentioned that they had a great meeting and he feels confident about the situation.

    However, at least 10 House Republicans have said they will not back the budget plan, with some criticizing the Senate for planning to cut only $4 billion, while the House wants to cut at least $1.5 trillion. Trump dismissed those who want more cuts, claiming that if they keep asking for too much, they might end up with nothing.

    At the same event, House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the Senate bill, calling it one of the most important pieces of legislation in years. He humorously added that it’s easy for Republicans to pass bills now since they have more seats in the House.

    Trump also talked about his new tariff policy, saying it would help Republicans support the bill. He claimed that the U.S. is making a lot of money from tariffs and that it’s a good way to protect American interests. Trump expressed confidence that the Republican Party would have a big win in the upcoming midterm elections, saying, “We’re going to win in a tremendous landslide.”

  • US Tariffs Raise Recession Fears: Impact on Global Markets Explained

    US Tariffs Raise Recession Fears: Impact on Global Markets Explained

    Recently, US President Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on many countries, leading to big concerns in the stock markets all around the world. Many Wall Street experts are now worried that the US might fall into a recession, which is when the economy gets really bad.

    Just last week, Trump introduced a 10% tax on goods coming from almost every country. This tax affects India by adding a 26% charge on exports to the US, while China and Vietnam are facing even higher tariffs. Although some of these taxes might be reduced through future talks, many on Wall Street believe they could strongly influence the economy and potentially lead to a downturn.

    Goldman Sachs, a major investment firm, increased its odds of a US recession from 35% to 45% because of these tariffs. They are even considering lowering their forecasts if the tariffs stay long-term. Another big firm, JP Morgan, predicts that the US could face a recession by the end of 2025, estimating a 60% chance of this happening. Other banks like HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and BofA also share similar concerns.

    If these tariffs remain, they could make everything more expensive. This might cause businesses to hesitate in hiring more workers, investing in technology, or exploring new markets. When prices go up, people tend to spend less money. After growing at 2.8% in 2024, the US economy might slow down or even shrink.

    In the last 25 years, the US has faced three major recessions: in 2001, the economy shrank by 0.6%; in 2008, it dropped by 4.3%; and in 2020, it fell by 3.4%. These downturns didn’t just hit the US hard; they also affected global markets and trade.

    India’s economy is mostly based on its own people, with strong growth predicted at 6% for the next financial year. However, it’s still connected to global supply chains, which means a US recession could have negative effects, especially on the stock markets in India. If the US economy weakens, foreign investors might pull their money out of India, leading to falling stock prices and more market swings. IT companies in India, which rely on the US, could also struggle.

    The historical data shows that during past US recessions, India’s stock market (Sensex) fell significantly—by 18% in 2001 and by a huge 52% in 2008. Even during the Covid pandemic, there was a massive sell-off but a quick recovery later brought the index back up by 15%.

    Still, some analysts believe Indian markets are doing pretty well, despite the challenges. They point out that India has strong economic fundamentals, with steady growth expected. This means India might handle global problems better than others.

    So, how can investors manage this situation? Experts suggest staying calm, not panicking, continuing regular investments (like systematic investment plans or SIPs), and looking for good stocks at lower prices. They recommend checking investment portfolios and making sure to have a mix of different investments.

    This period could be an opportunity to buy strong companies, as the current drops are more about tariffs than actual bad business situations.

  • Mike White Hits Back at Composer’s Criticism of The White Lotus

    Mike White Hits Back at Composer’s Criticism of The White Lotus

    Mike White, the creator of “The White Lotus,” is not happy with the show’s composer, Cristóbal Tapia de Veer, who recently said he won’t be returning for the next season. Cristóbal feels Mike didn’t give him enough freedom to create the music, which has won awards.

    During a talk with Howard Stern after the show’s season finale, Mike explained that he and Cristóbal never had major fights, just email discussions about improvements. He thinks Cristóbal doesn’t respect him and prefers to work alone. Mike found it surprising that Cristóbal criticized him in The New York Times right before the finale.

    Mike mentioned that he faced challenges working with Cristóbal in the first two seasons. By season three, Cristóbal had gained fame and seemed uninterested in collaborating effectively. Mike described his experience as trying hard to get Cristóbal to join the creative process.

    Cristóbal accepted he was sometimes unprofessional and thought Mike felt the same way because he didn’t meet Mike’s expectations. He believes the tension led to a great final product for the show, which resonates with viewers.

    “The White Lotus” is a comedy-drama series on HBO that follows the lives of hotel staff and wealthy guests. The third season premiered on February 16, 2025, and features stars like Jason Isaacs and Leslie Bibb. You can watch it in India on Jio Hotstar