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Showing posts from August, 2025

Mithila Region and Culture: History from Vedic Times to Modern Day

The Mithila region, located primarily in the northern part of Bihar (India) and the eastern Terai of Nepal, is a land rich in heritage, traditions, and intellectual legacy. Known for its vibrant culture, deep-rooted traditions, and scholarly past, Mithila has been an important cultural and political centre for thousands of years. Its history traces back to the Vedic age, and its identity continues to thrive in modern times. Janakpur  Mithila in the Vedic Age The earliest references to Mithila are found in the Satapatha Brāhmaṇa , a key text of the Yajur Veda, which describes the region as the kingdom of Videha . This kingdom was ruled by legendary kings such as Janaka , who became immortal in Indian tradition for his wisdom and philosophical depth. Philosophy and Spirituality King Janaka is remembered as the father of Sita (from the Ramayana) and as a philosopher-king who engaged in deep discussions with sages like Yajnavalkya. The court of Janaka was a hub of Vedic scholarshi...

US–India Relations 2025: History, Tariff Disputes, and the Road Ahead

The United States and India, the world’s largest and oldest democracies, share a relationship rooted in shared values, economic opportunity, and strategic goals. From decades of cautious engagement to today’s multifaceted partnership, the journey has been complex and dynamic. Yet, in 2025, the relationship faces a serious test—tariff disputes that risk overshadowing decades of progress. U.S. President Donald Trump (R) arrives for a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 26, 2017.  REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque This article examines the history of US–India relations, the current tariff standoff, and how both nations can move toward a stronger, mutually beneficial future. A Brief History of USA–India Relations The Early Years (1947–1991) After India gained independence in 1947, diplomatic relations with the U.S. began on a cordial note. However, during the Cold War, ideological differences and global a...

The Global Oil Game: U.S. and Russia's Energy Dominance and India's Strategic Buying Power

  Oil is not just a commodity; it's the lifeblood of the global economy. From fuelling vehicles and aeroplanes to powering industries and generating electricity, oil plays an irreplaceable role in modern civilisation. The global oil market, shaped by reserves, production capacities, geopolitical alliances, and strategic interests, has long been dominated by a few powerful nations. Among them, the United States and Russia have consistently stood at the helm due to their massive reserves and production capabilities. Photo by Tom Fisk However, in recent years, emerging economies like India have begun to influence global oil dynamics more significantly—not through reserves or production, but through consumption, strategic alliances, and refining capacity. As the world transitions into a new energy order—where geopolitics, climate goals, and market economics intersect—the roles of these three nations are becoming more complex and interdependent. Global Oil Reserves: A Snapshot Oil rese...