ways and means committee

Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel laureate born in Istanbul, is a pivotal voice in contemporary literature. His novels, deeply influenced by his city's East-West duality and rich history, explore themes of identity, memory, and cultural clashes. Pamuk's work, often described as postmodern, masterfully blends autobiography, historical fiction, and social commentary, offering profound insights into the human condition.

Eminent political scientist J Prabhash explains why the Congress-led alliance won so comprehensively in Kerala and why it will need to demonstrate efficiency in governance very quickly

India’s higher education expansion looks impressive on paper: more students, more colleges, more seats. But behind the growth story sits a stubborn faculty shortage that exposes a deeper fault line. Recruitment delays, state-level bottlenecks, contractual hiring and weak academic infrastructure are leaving classrooms overcrowded and teachers stretched, raising a sharper question: Is access expanding faster than education itself?

Initially conceived as a backup for the slow-moving Nupedia, Wikipedia's open editing model proved to be a revolutionary success. This workaround allowed for rapid content creation and self-correction, ultimately surpassing its predecessor and becoming the world's go-to source for information. The project's accidental triumph highlights the power of accessible participation in knowledge sharing.

China's economic planning body, the NDRC, has effectively halted Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus. Despite the company reincorporating in Singapore and moving its operations, Beijing intervened, barring founders from leaving and ordering the deal unwound. This move signals a significant shift in China's oversight of tech deals, impacting future foreign investments.

Allyson Felix has shocked fans by coming out of retirement at 40 to target the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The 11-time Olympic medalist plans to restart training in October under Bobby Kersee. A mother of two, Felix says this comeback is about testing herself again, not chasing past glory, after stepping away from track in 2022.

FIFA has approved a landmark rule change allowing the Afghan women’s team, now competing as Afghan Women United, to return to international football despite being in exile since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The decision removes the need for approval from Afghanistan’s ruling federation, restoring their pathway to competition and marking a major step for displaced athletes in global sport.

Winter brings a common household challenge. Drying clothes indoors releases moisture, increasing humidity. Poor ventilation traps this dampness, creating ideal conditions for mould. This can lead to respiratory problems for residents. Experts advise opening windows or using fans. Maintaining humidity below 50 percent is crucial for a healthy home environment.

India and the US concluded three days of trade talks in Washington, aiming to finalize an interim trade pact and advance negotiations for a broader bilateral agreement. Discussions covered market access, digital commerce, and economic security.

Fresh reports reveal internal Pentagon discussions exploring punitive measures against Nato allies, including Spain, for perceived lack of support during the Iran conflict. These discussions, alongside President Trump's continued questioning of US commitment, expose deep divisions within the alliance, raising questions about its future and European security.

Under the proposed interim trade deal, the US has lowered tariffs on India from 50% to 18%. In August last year, Trump had imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on India and an additional 25% penal tariff for India’s crude oil purchases from Russia.

US President Trump's second term prioritizes oil, leveraging energy dominance for global influence. Campaign funding from oil interests aligns with policies boosting domestic production and easing regulations. Sanctions on rivals and geopolitical events like the Hormuz crisis engineer demand for American exports, impacting nations like India and reshaping global energy markets.

Congress leader Margret Alva remembers a Congress leader saying this during a debate on reservations for women in Parliament years ago. Alva, who has been at the forefront of bringing the issue of quota for women in electoral politics centerstage, believes it is nothing but male ego that is not allowing women their due