Editorial

A Metaphor for Understanding Power, Strategy and Society — Dr. Vinayak Ashok Luniya On a chessboard, there are 64 squares and a total of 32 pieces divided between two sides. At first glance, chess appears to be a game of kings, queens, rooks, bishops, knights and pawns moving across black and white squares. However, when viewed through the lens of politics, the same chessboard becomes an interesting metaphor for power, strategy, conflict, cooperation and the balance of power. The distinctive feature of chess is that no move exists in isolation. Every move contains the possibility of the next one. The position of one piece can change the strength or weakness of another, and sometimes even the smallest pawn can alter the direction of the entire game. Political circumstances work in ...

— Dr. Priyanka Saurabh (SDNA) Rapid urbanization in India is creating opportunities for economic growth, employment, and an improved standard of living. However, the scientific management of the solid waste generated alongside this growth remains a major challenge. Unplanned urban expansion, population growth, changing lifestyles, consumerism, and the increasing use of single-use products have increased both the quantity and diversity of waste in cities. In many cities, waste collection, transportation, and disposal still primarily follow the ‘collect-transport-dump’ model. As a result, open dumping, waste burning, water source contamination, foul odors, air pollution, and growing pressure on landfills have become widespread concerns. Therefore, India's challenge is not merely to remov...

When paid content begins to look like news, the issue is no longer merely about advertising but about the credibility of the media — Dr. Satyawan Saurabh Every piece of content published on the front page of a newspaper creates a special sense of credibility in the minds of readers. This is why, when a full-page advertisement supporting a controversial individual or organisation is published and presented in a manner that resembles news or factual investigation, the issue goes beyond advertising and payment. It becomes a matter of media credibility, editorial judgment and social accountability. On September 12, 2026, a full-page advertisement related to a ‘Dera’ was published in the Delhi, Mohali and North India editions of The Hindu. Reports also emerged that a similar advertisem...

UPI Transactions Up to ₹2,000 Remain Free; Possible Charges on Higher-Value Payments Raise Concerns for Consumers and Merchants New Delhi, September 17, 2026 | (SDNA) By Dr. Priyanka Saurabh The conclusion that American pressure has finally influenced the decision may appear attractive, but the September 14 notification of the Ministry of Finance needs to be understood with some caution. The notification prohibits banks and payment system providers from imposing direct or indirect charges on UPI transactions up to ₹2,000 and payments made through RuPay debit cards. However, no immediate consumer charge has been imposed on UPI payments above ₹2,000. The notification has only left open the possibility of introducing charges or MDR on larger transactions in the future. Will the Co...

Special Article (SDNA) To understand India's social and economic structure, it is essential to understand the contribution of communities that moved beyond their places of origin and made different parts of the country their workplace and home. The Marwari and Gujarati communities are important representatives of this vibrant tradition. The Marwari community, originating primarily from Rajasthan, spread across different parts of the country and established a strong presence in trade, industry, finance, services and social institutions. Similarly, the Gujarati community, originating from Gujarat, has made a significant contribution to India's economy through business acumen, entrepreneurship, cooperation, industry and global business networks. This is not merely a story of the succ...