NATO Summit of 2025 And Its Shift in Defence Policy

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June 28, 2025, 11:44 PM

The NATO summit of 2025 marked shift in defence policy and international relations. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, NATO members agreed to a controversial target of 5% of their GDP for defence spending. This decision has far-reaching implications for the alliance and its approach to global security.

5% Defence Spending Target

NATO allies reached a consensus to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. This ambitious target includes 3.5% for core defence spending and 1.5% for defence-related expenditures. The latter encompasses infrastructure and innovation to boost national security. Each member country must submit annual plans to meet this target, with progress reviews scheduled after the 2029 US presidential election.

Challenges for Member Nations

Many NATO countries struggle to meet the new spending target. Most have historically spent around the previous 2% benchmark. In 2024, only three countries surpassed 3% – Poland, Estonia, and Latvia. Spain, which allocated only 1.24% of its GDP for defence, faced potential trade sanctions from the US for non-compliance.

Article 5 and Collective Defence

Article 5 of NATO’s treaty remains a mainstay of its collective security framework. It asserts that an attack on one member is an attack on all. This principle has encouraged nations to join NATO, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has prompted Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership.

Shift in Focus from Ukraine

Traditionally, NATO summits have prioritised support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. However, under Trump’s administration, the focus has shifted. Trump’s administration has ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership and halted military aid. This change contrasts sharply with previous commitments and has raised concerns among member states regarding the alliance’s unity and purpose.

Relations with Russia

Trump’s presidency has seen a thaw in US-Russia relations, with a notable shift in NATO’s stance towards Russia. The 2025 summit’s declaration acknowledged a “long-term threat posed by Russia” but refrained from condemning its actions explicitly. This nuanced approach reflects Trump’s previous cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Implications for NATO’s Future

The decisions made at the 2025 NATO summit may redefine the alliance’s future. The new defence spending target places pressure on member states while altering the dynamics of collective security. The sidelining of Ukraine in NATO discussions raises questions about the alliance’s commitment to its Eastern European members and its overall strategic direction

Former Commissioner Umashankar Sharma Honored by World Book of Records, London

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EBNW Story

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June 28, 2025, 11:21 PM

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Umashankar Sharma, who served as the State Commissioner (Persons with Disabilities) in the Rajasthan Government, was honored on Saturday with the Certificate of Excellence by the World Book of Records, London at a grand ceremony held in Indore.

Former Commissioner Umashankar Sharma Honored by World Book of Records, London

During his tenure as Commissioner, Sharma undertook several unprecedented initiatives aimed at the empowerment of persons with disabilities, protection of their rights, and promotion of inclusive governance. One of his most notable initiatives was the ‘Mission Tehsil 392 – By the Commissioner program’, under which he personally visited all 392 tehsils of Rajasthan. During these visits, he not only empathatically listened to the grievances of specially-abled individuals but also ensured on-the-spot redressal of their issues. In recognition of these outstanding efforts, the World Book of Records, London conferred upon him the Certificate of Excellence.

Upon receiving the Excellence Award, Sharma was visibly moved and remarked, “When any work is carried out with complete dedication, integrity, and honesty—especially when it is connected with the rights and dignity of the marginalized—it becomes a true achievement when it is recognized in this way. This award is not just a personal honor, but it represents all those persons with disabilities who continuously struggle for their rights to justice, equality, and self-respect. This moment will always remain a source of inspiration in my journey of service as a form of global recognition”.

This honor was bestowed upon Mr. Sharma in the presence of several distinguished personalities present at the ceremony, including former Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra, Founder of the World Book of Records Santosh Shukla, former Supreme Court Judge and former Governor of Himachal Pradesh Justice V.S. Kokje, renowned devotional singer Anup Jalota, and IPS officer Dr. Varun Kapoor, an expert in cyber security.

What is Digital Markets Act Under Which Meta Faces €200 Million Fine Over ‘Pay-or-Consent’ Model Breach …

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June 28, 2025, 11:02 PM

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The European Commission has issued a stern warning to Meta Platforms, citing violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The warning comes alongside a €200 million fine for non-compliance, as the EU intensifies its efforts to regulate Big Tech and ensure fair competition in the digital economy.

What Is the Digital Markets Act (DMA)?

The Digital Markets Act is a landmark EU legislation designed to curb anti-competitive behavior by tech giants that act as digital “gatekeepers”—companies with significant influence over online platforms and services. The DMA aims to foster a fairer digital market by increasing transparency, user choice, and competition, especially for smaller businesses.

Why Meta Is in Trouble: The Pay-or-Consent Model

Meta introduced a controversial pay-or-consent model in November 2023. Under this system, users could either:

Use Facebook and Instagram for free with targeted ads (by consenting to data tracking), or
Pay for an ad-free experience, thus declining data tracking.

The Commission has flagged this model as non-compliant with the DMA, arguing that genuine user consent cannot be considered freely given if it is tied to a financial burden. Meta made partial adjustments in November 2024, but the Commission says these changes still fall short of DMA standards.

Potential Penalties for Continued Violations

The Commission has warned Meta that continued non-compliance could result in daily fines of up to 5% of its average daily global revenue. These penalties are part of the EU’s strategy to enforce accountability and discourage repeated breaches by dominant digital platforms.

Meta’s Defense

Meta has publicly defended its approach, arguing that its model offers users a clear choice and is aligned with existing EU privacy rules. The company claims that other firms use similar models without penalty and alleges that the Commission is unfairly targeting Meta. It also insists that the level of control given to users exceeds regulatory expectations.

EU Commission Responds

In response, the Commission reaffirmed that the DMA is applied equally to all qualifying gatekeepers, regardless of their origin or market position. It emphasized that enforcement decisions are based strictly on compliance, and the goal is to protect consumer rights and preserve fair competition across the EU.

What’s Next?

The Commission will continue to monitor Meta’s compliance closely. A final decision on whether Meta’s revised model meets DMA standards is expected by June 2025. Failure to fully comply by the deadline could trigger further regulatory action and increased financial penalties.

Eternal Echoes by the River: The Saga of Krishnapura Chhatris,Weaving the past into presence

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Anjali Solanki

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June 28, 2025, 9:05 PM

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Indore, the cultural pulse of Madhya Pradesh, holds within its folds not only the grandeur of palaces and temples but also silent poems carved in stone. Just beyond the bustling lanes of Rajwada, where honking rickshaws fade into the rustling breeze, lies a realm of stillness and grace—the Krishnapura Chhatris. Perched beside the tranquil Khan River, these ornate cenotaphs are more than memorials—they are whispers of a regal legacy that shaped Malwa’s history.

The Stone Chronicles

Framed by the saffron sky of a setting sun, the Chhatris stand like a royal procession paused in time. Built as royal cremation memorials, their slender spires pierce the sky while temple-style shikharas, intricately carved columns, and domed sanctums reflect the divine aesthetics of Maratha architecture.

There are five Chhatris in this ensemble:

Maharani Krishnabai Holkar’s cenotaph, the earliest of the group, was built in the mid-19th century, marking the beginning of this sacred site.
Later, the chhatris of Maharaja Tukoji Rao II and Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar were added, continuing the tribute to the House of Holkar.
The more recent memorials—Maharaja Yashwantrao II and Maharani Manorama Raje’s—echo a quieter yet no less noble chapter in Indore’s royal story.

Each monument is flanked by life-sized effigies of the rulers, and the complex is adorned with statues of Lakshmi, Mahalakshmi, Ardhanarishvara, and Nandi—blending spiritual sanctity with regal solemnity.

Eternal Echoes by the River: The Saga of Krishnapura Chhatris,Weaving the past into presence

A Dynasty Etched in Memory

The Chhatris were envisioned and commissioned by the Holkar dynasty, descendants of the Maratha warrior clan. From Malhar Rao Holkar’s military genius to Ahilyabai Holkar’s benevolent rule, the family steered Indore through a transformative era. They resisted imperial aggression, patronized the arts, and built temples, ghats, and dharamshalas from Kashi to Kathmandu.

The Krishnapura Chhatris are symbolic tombs, not resting places. They were built not to mourn but to celebrate the virtues and valor of these sovereigns—each one a story frozen in red sandstone.

A Stroll Through the Chhatris

Imagine stepping onto a cobbled pathway where silence drapes itself like silk. The river glints beside you, and overhead, pigeons circle the carved domes in gentle arcs. At golden hour, the light dances on sculpted faces and ornate walls, making every corner photo-worthy. No filter can rival the texture of history itself.

“If these stones could speak,”
they’d recite oaths of loyalty, lullabies of queens, and echoes of royal farewells.”

Why It Matters Today

In a time when steel and glass rise rapidly, the Chhatris remind us of a heritage that breathes—not in textbooks, but in living stone. They also inspire civic pride and architectural wonder, standing as testimony to how art can become legacy.

#IndoreHeritage
#EchoesOfThePast
#RiverfrontLegends
#CulturalLegacy
#TimelessArchitecture
#IndiaThroughStone
#WeavingHistory

PM Calls From Earth to Space; Speak to History-Maker Shubhanshu Shukla. Watch Out The Video As Shared by PM…

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June 28, 2025, 7:23 PM

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, who made history earlier this week by becoming the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS).

Extending his heartfelt wishes, PM Modi said, “Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of Indians… Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai.”

The Prime Minister hailed Shukla’s feat as a defining moment in India’s space journey and a symbol of the country’s growing stature in global space exploration.

Group Captain Shukla’s mission is being widely celebrated across the nation, as it marks a new chapter in India’s human spaceflight capabilities.

I had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station. Watch the special interaction! https://t.co/MoMR5ozRRA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2025

June 29, 2007: The iPhone Launch That Changed Everything

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Udit Sharma

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June 28, 2025, 4:44 PM

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June 29, 2007: The iPhone Launch That Changed Everything

Apple’s first-generation iPhone debuted in the U.S. on June 29, 2007, introducing a sleek 3.5‑inch touchscreen and a revolutionary software interface under Steve Jobs’ mantra: “Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone”. Combining an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator, it integrated features like Safari, email, iTunes, Maps, and visual voicemail.

Immediate Impact & Early Sales

Swiftly becoming a cultural phenomenon, demand surpassed supply—enthusiasts camped outside Apple and AT&T stores, where iPhones sold out by midnight, with two-device limits per customer. It took 74 days to reach 1 million sales, compared to nearly two years for the iPod. By June 2008, Apple had moved over 6 million iPhones.

Evolution & Innovation

iPhone 3G (2008): Introduced 3G connectivity and launched the App Store with 500 apps, igniting a thriving app ecosystem.
iPhone 3GS (2009): Added video recording capabilities and a 3.2 MP camera.
iPhone 4 (2010): Debuted the Retina display, FaceTime, and a stainless-glass design.
iPhone 4S (2011): Introduced Siri and an 8 MP camera.
2012–2017 models: Expanded features including LTE, Touch ID (2013), larger screens in 6/6 Plus (2014), headphone jack removal (7), wireless charging (8), and a dramatic redesign with Face ID and OLED in the iPhone X (2017).

Market Influence & Financial Growth

The iPhone transformed Apple into a global powerhouse. In 2024, Apple reported $390.8 billion in revenue, with iPhones representing 51% of sales and a 17% share of the global smartphone market. Apple’s stock surged from $17.43 at the launch to over $200 by 2025, significantly driven by consistent iPhone performance.

Global Reach & Legacy

With over 2.3 billion iPhones sold since launch, Apple’s product reshaped mobile tech and inspired Android competitors. Despite early criticisms – like its high launch cost and limited features – the iPhone’s foundational software-led design remains unmatched.

A Device That Defined an Era

From its debut in 2007, the iPhone catalyzed a seismic shift in technology and consumer expectations. What began as a beautifully engineered device transformed into a global platform powered by the App Store, perpetual hardware upgrades, and services like Siri, FaceTime, and iMessage. Today, the iPhone sits at the heart of Apple’s ecosystem, fueling unparalleled financial success and shaping the future of mobile innovation.

Parag Jain: From Conflict Zones to RAW Chief – A Closer Look at His Journey and Operation Sindoor

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Udit Sharma

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June 28, 2025, 4:29 PM

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Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s premier external intelligence agency. His two-year term begins on July 1, 2025, succeeding Ravi Sinha .

Early Career & Foundation

Jain began his career amid the turbulence of 1990s Punjab, serving in critical roles in Bathinda, Mansa, and Hoshiarpur, and later as SSP Chandigarh and DIG Ludhiana . He was promoted to DGP-equivalent rank in January 2021, reflecting early recognition of his leadership and national security value .

International and J&K Deployments

Parag Jain also represented India abroad, working in Canada and Sri Lanka, where he contributed to countering Khalistani separatists and expanding diplomatic ties. Domestically, he was involved in counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly around the abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent operations .

Heading the Aviation Research Centre & Operation Sindoor

Before his RAW appointment, Jain led the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), a vital intelligence unit under the Cabinet Secretariat. ARC was instrumental in Operation Sindoor, a coordinated counter-attack following the Pahalgam terrorist assault in April 2025.

Operation Sindoor, executed on May 6–7, 2025, involved precise strikes using missiles and drones on terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. ARC under Jain provided crucial real-time intelligence on Pakistani military and terror assets, enabling surgical action.

Leadership Through Jointness

Operation Sindoor’s success was attributed to a high degree of inter-service jointness, leveraging coordination across intelligence, cyber, space, and military domains. Jain’s role in intelligence fusion with agencies like NTRO and DIA was central to this success, making him a strategic asset for modern hybrid warfare planning.

What’s Next?

In a period marked by evolving geopolitical dynamics and escalation of cross-border threats from Pakistan – including heightened terror risks and infrastructure strain – Jain takes charge of RAW at a pivotal juncture. His blend of field experience, diplomatic engagements, and intelligence operations positions him well to lead India’s external intelligence community.

A Strategic Shift for RAW

Parag Jain’s elevation to RAW chief symbolizes a strategic pivot. With deep roots in counter-insurgency during the tumultuous 1990s in Punjab and extensive postings in Canada, Sri Lanka, and Jammu & Kashmir, Jain brings a rare blend of operational expertise and geopolitical insight. More importantly, his leadership of the Aviation Research Centre and pivotal role in Operation Sindoor have demonstrated his capability to drive precise, technology-driven intelligence operations – an invaluable asset amid escalating regional tensions.

As global and regional threats intensify, Jain’s tenure, beginning July 1, 2025, comes at a crucial juncture. His success in cultivating integrated capabilities across military, cyber, and intelligence domains marks him as the right choice to steer RAW forward. Under his stewardship, India’s external intelligence apparatus is poised to evolve, embracing a dynamic, tech-savvy, and strategic future.

Kolhapuri Sandals: Ancient Heritage Meets Modern Controversy

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Udit Sharma

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June 28, 2025, 4:15 PM

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Kolhapuri sandals, known for their distinctive T-strap and braided leather design, trace their origins back to at least the 12th century in the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra, India. Initially created under the patronage of local rulers like King Bijjala and his adviser Basavanna, they’re traditionally handcrafted by cobblers using buffalo or cowhide, tanned with vegetable dyes. These durable, artisan-made sandals are often heavy and built to endure tough terrains, reflecting generations of regional craftsmanship.

Over centuries, figures like Chhatrapati Shahu and Rajaram II actively supported the craft, establishing tanning centers and boosting production across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Each pair, shaped entirely by hand, can take up to six weeks to complete. Though mostly utilitarian and priced between ₹300–₹1,500 in local markets, modern variants now incorporate decorative elements like gota, zari, braiding, and pom-poms, making them suitable for weddings and global fashionistas.

Maharashtra’s Pride Goes Global – and Sparks Controversy

In June 2025, luxury fashion house Prada debuted sandals strikingly similar to Kolhapuris during Milan Fashion Week. Initially labeled as “leather sandals,” they were styled with shorts and track pants, priced around ₹1.2 lakh (€1,200, ~$844). The design closely mirrored traditional artisans’ work, igniting worldwide social media backlash over cultural appropriation and luxury profiteering at the expense of Indian heritage.

Public outcry reached a fever pitch: netizens called it “shameless cash grab” and “cultural theft” – especially since original chappals cost under ₹1,500. Politicians and artisans from Kolhapur demanded recognition, fair compensation, and legal action to uphold the product’s Geographical Indication (GI) status, which it received in 2019.

In response to the uproar, Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada’s CSR head, issued a letter acknowledging the inspiration from Indian handcrafted footwear. He expressed openness to dialogue and proposed collaboration with artisan communities via the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce. However, artisans argue that recognition alone isn’t enough; they want legal safeguards, sustainable partnerships, and financial benefits to protect their craft from exploitation .

Where Do We Go from Here?

This controversy is more than a fashion kerfuffle – it’s a pivotal moment highlighting the tension between cultural appreciation and appropriation. It underscores the need for global fashion brands to ethically source inspiration and respect the origins of traditional designs. As Indian artisans advocate for patent protections, GI enforcement, and collaborative ventures, this incident could serve as a catalyst for establishing equitable models in the fashion industry .

Kolhapuri sandals are not just footwear – they’re a testament to centuries of craftsmanship, cultural identity, and regional pride. As they step onto global runways, let’s ensure that recognition, remuneration, and respect walk alongside them.

India’s Forgotten Marvels: Where Rivers Rise and Empires Prayed, The Kalchuri Temples of Amarkantak Await Your Journey

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Anjali Solanki

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June 28, 2025, 12:14 PM

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Tucked in the tranquil folds of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, where the sacred Narmada River takes her first breath, lies a cluster of temples that seem less built and more conjured—etched into time by devotion and dynastic pride. This is the Kalchuri Group of Temples in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh—a spiritual and architectural marvel that has withstood centuries of sun, storm, and silence.

A Dynasty’s Devotion: The Kalchuri Legacy

The Kalchuri dynasty, particularly under the reign of King Lakshmikarna (1041–1073 CE), commissioned these temples as a testament to their piety and power. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, the temples reflect the dynasty’s deep-rooted reverence for Shaivism and Vaishnavism, and their mastery over the Nagara style of temple architecture.These temples were not merely places of worship—they were statements of sovereignty, sanctity, and sophisticated design. Today, they are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), lovingly preserved amidst manicured lawns and the rustle of sal trees.

India’s Forgotten Marvels: Where Rivers Rise and Empires Prayed, The Kalchuri Temples of Amarkantak Await Your Journey

The Crown Jewels of Kalchuri Architecture

The temple complex comprises six major shrines and a sacred tank known as Suraj Kund. Each structure tells its own tale:

Karna Temple (Trimukhi Temple): The largest and most prominent, this temple stands on a raised platform with three sanctums dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jogila Devi. Its towering shikhara and intricate carvings are a masterclass in symmetry and symbolism.
Machendranatha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 11th-century shrine features a sanctum, vestibule, and mandapa supported by ornate pillars. The sukhanasi (vestibule tower) bears a lion motif, symbolizing strength and divine guardianship.
Pataleshwar Temple: Said to house a Shiva Linga installed by Adi Shankaracharya himself, this temple blends spiritual lore with Kalchuri craftsmanship. Its pyramidal mandapa and Pancha Ratha-style sanctum are architectural rarities.
Keshava Narayan Temple: A later addition by the Bhonsle rulers in the 18th century, this Vishnu temple dazzles with its Nagara-style shikhara and twin sanctums connected by a common mandapa.
Panch Math and Johila Temple: These structures, built in the 15th century by Gond rulers, showcase five distinct architectural styles—each a tribute to the evolving spiritual landscape of central India.

Where Myth Meets Mortar

Legend has it that the Kalchuri kings chose Amarkantak not just for its strategic location, but for its spiritual magnetism. The confluence of rivers, the dense forests, and the aura of ancient sages made it a natural seat of sanctity. The temples were aligned with celestial patterns, their sanctums designed to echo chants and amplify silence.

Even today, as the sun casts golden shadows across the moss-covered stones, one can almost hear the hymns that once rose from these mandapas—a chorus of faith carved in stone.

The Art That Breathes Through Paper: Exploring Gwalior and Ujjain’s Craft Heritage

By

Anjali Solanki

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June 28, 2025, 11:57 AM

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In the quiet corners of Gwalior and Ujjain, where history breathes through sandstone walls and temple bells echo through time, a delicate craft continues to thrive—paper-mache, the art of transforming humble paper pulp into vibrant expressions of culture and creativity.

Origins Rooted in Antiquity

The story of paper-mâché begins not in one place, but across civilizations. Ancient Egypt used a form of it called cartonnage to craft funerary masks and sacred objects. In China, artisans molded paper pulp into helmets and ceremonial items as early as the Han dynasty. Persia and Kashmir soon followed, refining the technique into a decorative art form that adorned everything from boxes to wall panels.

By the 18th century, Europe embraced paper-mâché as a cost-effective alternative to wood and metal. England and France saw a golden age of this craft, where it was used to create ornate furniture, trays, and even architectural elements.

The Art That Breathes Through Paper: Exploring Gwalior and Ujjain’s Craft Heritage

The Indian Touch: A Cultural Canvas

India’s tryst with paper-mâché is both artistic and spiritual. In Kashmir, it evolved into a fine art, often used to decorate religious artifacts and household items. But in Madhya Pradesh—particularly in Gwalior and Ujjain—the craft took on a more regional flavor. Here, artisans blend Plaster of Paris, chalk, and adhesive with paper pulp to create lightweight yet intricate forms, often painted in vivid hues that reflect local traditions and festivals.

These creations are more than decorative—they are echoes of heritage, passed down through generations, each piece telling a story of resilience, patience, and imagination.

Why It Still Matters

Sustainability: Made from recycled paper, this craft champions eco-conscious creativity.
Cultural Identity: It preserves regional aesthetics and traditional techniques.
Economic Empowerment: It provides livelihoods to rural artisans, especially women.
Artistic Expression: From home décor to festival masks, it offers endless possibilities for innovation.

A Living Legacy

Today, paper-mâché is not just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a living, breathing art form. Contemporary artists are reimagining it in installations, fashion, and even architecture. In a world racing toward the digital, this tactile, soulful craft reminds us of the beauty in slowness, in imperfection, and in the handmade.