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Is Swachh Bharat really about cleanliness—or just another tax burden?

Swachh Bharat was sold as a movement towards a cleaner India. But what if I told you it is more about emptying your pockets than cleaning the streets? Between multiple taxes, questionable allocation of funds, and the government’s non-serious approach to sanitation, it is worth asking: Is this just a cash cow? Let us unpack it all. Why maturity means realizing Swachh Bharat isn’t about cleanliness but taxing you You probably cheered when the Swachh Bharat Mission was first announced back in 2014. Finally, a concerted effort to clean up our streets, improve sanitation, and rid our cities of that embarrassing public waste problem. I imagined clean roads, public toilets that actually worked, and no more open defecation in rural areas. Fast forward to today, and what do we have? A hefty tax burden, vague statistics on improvement, and a nagging sense that we have all been conned. Is it just another way to tax you? To begin, let us talk taxes—because if Swachh Bharat has achieved anything,
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Why did I Keep Getting gifts Instead of Love?

Wrapped in Gifts, Starved of Love: A Journey Through Emotional Neglect Growing up in a materially comfortable but emotionally desolate household, Elsa navigates her life burdened by gifts but starved of connection. Her journey of self-discovery, supported by witty conversations and dark humour, reveals the depth of damage caused by emotional neglect. With romanticism and raw vulnerability, she explores the consequences of a hollow upbringing. "Where do you see yourself in five years?" That dreaded interview question. At 28, I found myself staring at the HR manager, genuinely stumped. Where did I see myself? I didn't know where I was now, let alone in five years. When you grow up being showered with stuff — toys, gadgets, and pretty much everything money can buy — but deprived of emotional connection, your inner GPS goes haywire. My name's Elsa, by the way. Named after the Disney character by my mother, who fancied herself a modern-day queen, always too busy managing t

Swiggy IPO: A Detailed Look at India’s Food Delivery giant

Summary Swiggy, one of India’s largest online food delivery platforms, is set to launch its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO). This article delves into Swiggy’s journey, its business model, and the crucial financial details surrounding the IPO. We explore Swiggy’s 10-minute delivery controversy, examine the pros and cons of investing, compare it to competitors, and discuss Swiggy’s place in India’s changing economy. This is not investment advice, just a comprehensive look to help you make informed decisions. What is the Swiggy India story? Swiggy, a name synonymous with food delivery in India, started in 2014 as a simple solution to connect people with restaurants. Headquartered in Bengaluru, it was founded by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini. The idea came from the founders’ frustration with the inefficiencies of existing delivery systems. They wanted to create a seamless, user-friendly app that could simplify the entire food ordering process. In less tha

Do we ever really listen?

Thursday, January 11, 2007 In a charming café, Anjalika and I discover that quietly listening is an art, more powerful than voicing opinions. Through conversations and humour, we explore the depths of communication, where silence speaks volumes. Sometimes, the best thing we can offer is our attention—making someone feel heard, understood, and validated. Have you ever tried to really listen to someone? Not just nodding along while internally planning your next grocery list or mentally constructing a winning argument, but actually giving them your full attention. I had no idea how hard that was until I met Anjalika. And let me tell you, it is both an art and a challenge. It all started on a Tuesday, in one of those quaint cafés where the air smells like fresh coffee, burnt toast, and a pinch of procrastination. You know the type—wooden tables, potted plants hanging like they belong in a Pinterest board, and overly enthusiastic baristas who refuse to believe you just want black coffee. I

Book Review: An Old-Fashioned Girl by Betty Neels

A tale of unexpected romance and the charm of simplicity In Betty Neels’ An Old-Fashioned Girl , a quiet country girl with a sharp tongue and an unconventional style finds herself in the orbit of a wealthy Dutch surgeon, Julius van der Beek. Though Patience is far from the glamorous women typically drawn to Julius, her sincerity and strength slowly make her stand out. Neels’ classic blend of slow-burn romance and heartwarming character development makes this 1993 Mills & Boon release a must-read for fans of traditional love stories. What makes a n Old-Fashioned Girl a like-able read? Have you ever wondered if opposites really do attract? In An Old-Fashioned Girl , Betty Neels introduces us to Patience Martin, a quiet country girl with no desire to fit the mold of a cosmopolitan beauty. Standing in contrast to Julius van der Beek, a wealthy Dutch surgeon who seems worlds apart from her, the story explores whether the divide between them is truly as wide as it appears. Who is Patien

Can we really expect a "Sorry" from our toxic parents?

Sometimes, the fragile hope that our toxic parents will change keeps us trapped. This humorous yet deeply poignant tale follows the journey of a protagonist who learns that seeking apologies from those who wronged them can delay healing. Through witty conversations and vibrant storytelling, we explore how moving forward without waiting for closure brings peace and self-acceptance. The universe would probably implode if my mother ever apologized for anything. She once over boiled  the milk but spent two decades insisting I had distracted her by breathing too loudly . Classic Mum. But despite her stellar track record of not owning up to her nonsense, a part of me – that inner child still waiting for Santa – secretly clung to the hope that, one day, she might just utter the magic words: I’m sorry . Spoiler alert: I am still waiting. You’d think by the time you hit your thirties (give or take), you’d grow out of these childish longings. Yet, they are hard to shake. My therapist – a marvell

Book Review of Amul’s India: A Toast to Amul’s 50-Year legacy

A Toast to Amul’s 50-Year Legacy: Celebrating India, One Hoarding at a Time A Review of Amul’s India: Based on 50 Years of Amul Advertising by daCunha Communications If you’ve ever driven past a billboard in India and found yourself smiling at a witty, clever little ad featuring the famous Amul girl, you’re already familiar with what Amul’s India represents. This delightful book, filled with iconic advertisements, chronicles India’s cultural, political, and social landscape through the eyes of the nation’s most beloved butter girl. For half a century, the Amul hoardings have captured the pulse of the country, delivering humorous and sharp commentary on everything from cricket to politics. In this fresh edition, Amul’s India not only updates us on recent events but also invites readers to peek behind the curtain at the creation of these timeless ads. How Does Amul's India Capture the Nation's Heart? The magic of Amul lies in its ability to represent India—its joys, its co