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October 25 Background What is a US government shutdown? click here Context The United States has had many government shutdowns over the years when leaders can't agree on spending money. The longest one happened from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. It lasted 35 days and affected millions of people. This shutdown was during President Donald Trump's time and was about funding for a border wall. Today, there's an ongoing shutdown that started on October 1, 2025, and it's already the second-longest at over 23 days. But...
October 11 Context In a major shift in its foreign policy, India has announced it will upgrade its presence in Afghanistan by turning its "technical mission" in Kabul into a full embassy. This move comes after a high-level visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi—the first such trip by a senior Taliban leader since they took power in 2021. While India hasn't officially said it "recognizes" the Taliban government yet, experts call this a clear sign of closer...
September 30 Overview In 2025, under President Donald Trump's administration, the United States has shown signs of warming relations with Pakistan while experiencing heightened tensions with India. This shift is driven by a mix of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors, including US efforts to secure military and counterterrorism advantages in South Asia, amid broader trade disputes and regional dynamics. While some analysts view this as a pragmatic recalibration of US policy in the region, others see it as a...
August 20 WHAT? A currency swap involves two parties exchanging a specified amount of one currency for another at an agreed exchange rate, with a commitment to reverse the transaction at a future date, often at the same rate plus interest. Currency swap agreements are financial arrangements between two central banks or monetary authorities to exchange their respective currencies up to a pre-agreed amount, typically to provide liquidity, stabilize exchange rates, or support trade and investment. Swaps are typically short-term...
August 15 CONTEXT India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, marking the beginning of a transformative journey from a colonized nation grappling with poverty, partition trauma, and economic fragility to a global powerhouse. Over the past 79 years (up to August 2025), India has made remarkable strides across multiple sectors, overcoming challenges like famines, wars, and internal conflicts while building a vibrant democracy. Key milestones include economic growth, scientific advancements, social...
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June 24 SUMMARY India's strategic efforts to reduce its heavy dependence on China for rare earth elements, which are vital for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, electronics, and other clean energy technologies. Strategic Efforts Import Dependency and Sources: In FY25, India imported 3,020 tonnes of rare earth compounds, with China supplying 74% (2,232 tonnes), Japan 18% (554 tonnes), and Vietnam 7% (224 tonnes). This reliance on China, which dominates 85% of global rare earth...
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June 04 SUMMARY Former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed "$5 million Gold Card" visa program aims to offer permanent U.S. residency to foreign nationals who invest $5 million, positioning it as a replacement for the existing EB-5 investor visa. This initiative is expected to appeal to wealthy Indian investors, offering benefits like immediate residency, flexible tax options, and no job creation requirements. However, legal experts caution that implementing such a program would require...
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