Michael J. Luisi

China has for the first time publicly acknowledged providing on-ground technical assistance to Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor last year. Chinese engineers from AVIC's Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute were involved in ensuring Pakistani aircraft operated at full combat capability. This marks the first official indication of direct Chinese personnel involvement in supporting Pakistani military operations during the conflict.

The BJP, either on its own or in alliance, is in power in around 22 states, covering roughly 78% of India’s population. According to psephologist Sanjay Kumar, these figures reflect the party’s firm establishment of dominance in national politics

TVK has got the support of Congress (5 seats), CPI (2) and CPM (2). TVK is likely to cross the magic number of 118 as it is expecting a positive response from the VCK leader, whose party has two MLAs.

Desi consumption will hold ground, because non-rich still want to spend.

A US-based businessman, Graham Walker, gifted his 540 employees a staggering $240 million from the $1.7 billion sale of his family's company, Fibrebond Corp. This generous act, where workers received an average of $443,000, stemmed from a condition Walker imposed before the sale to power-management giant Eaton.

Lucknow Super Giants posted a massive 209 for 3 in 19 overs. Nicholas Pooran contributed a brisk 38 off 23 balls. A tense on-field moment provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 32 off just 10 deliveries. Krunal Pandya dismissed Arshin Kulkarni to break the opening partnership. Royal Challengers Bangalore faced a daunting revised chase in the rain-affected encounter.

India's labor market is shifting from agriculture to non-farm jobs, yet agriculture remains a significant employer. While overall labor force participation is steady, stark gender, caste, and geographic inequalities persist, impacting access to stable, better-paying work. Informality continues to dominate, with a substantial portion of casual workers earning below minimum wages.