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Two thought-provoking pieces by Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar made for a fascinating debate on the texture and trajectory of Indian nationalism. https://thewire.in/politics/nationalism-is-a-dishonourable-social-construct 

Yadav argues that the rich legacy of Indian nationalism from our freedom movement which was about “belonging without othering” and unity sans uniformity, has been overwhelmed in the last decade by a Nazi version that upholds national interest over individual freedom and identifies the government with the nation. But he also blames the liberal, secular elite for the regression in the pristine nationalist spirit, charging them with a “deracinated cosmopolitism” that ignored the cultural and spiritual undertone, because of which they lost touch with the common man.

Palshikar is emphatic that nothing can mitigate the virtual dismantling of nationalism by the current regime through practice and ideology which, he believes, is not backsliding “but a resolute replacement of Indian nationalism”. 

By Mathew John

20/06/2025

Israel-Iran conflict, India’s relations with Balkan countries & the importance of G7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcQHa0lxi84 ThePrintJun 18, 2025
In this edition of Geopolitics with Swasti, ThePrint Consulting Editor Swasti Rao talks about the latest development in the Israel-Iran conflict and the role of the US. She also explains the importance of the Balkans for India and whether G7 is still relevant 

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Unemployment rate in India (2008 to 2024): Current rate, historical trends and more https://www.forbesindia.com/article/explainers/unemployment-rate-in-india/87441/1  The second monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reveals that for May 2025, India's unemployment rate rose to 5.6 percent, up from 5.1 percent last month. This number is lower than the 7 percent rate measured by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), an independent think tank.

Throughout our economic history, several significant events have significantly impacted the unemployment rate in India.

    Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009): The 2008 global financial crisis severely affected India's economy, leading to a slowdown in growth and reduced employment opportunities in various sectors.
    Demonetisation (2016): The government's decision to demonetise high-value currency notes in 2016 caused economic disruptions, particularly in the informal sector, resulting in temporary job losses.
    Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation (2017): The introduction of GST aimed to simplify the tax structure, but it initially caused short-term disruptions in the economy, affecting businesses and employment.
    Covid-19 Pandemic (2020): The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown measures profoundly impacted the Indian economy, resulting in a surge in unemployment as businesses closed and economic activities came to a standstill.
    Inflationary Pressures: India has also faced inflationary pressures over the years, influencing the current unemployment rate in India. High inflation rates can erode the purchasing power of consumers, leading to reduced demand for goods and services. This can have a cascading effect on businesses, resulting in cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and hiring freezes, leading to higher unemployment rates.