Fayeza Asad

With a second round of high-stakes talks on the horizon, aimed at de-escalating a long-standing “shadow war” and establishing a sustainable ceasefire, the release of the frozen Iranian funds has become the primary “bone of contention.” For Tehran, these assets represent more than just numbers on a balance sheet; they are the potential lifeblood for a battered economy. For Washington, they are the ultimate leverage.

The issues of providing quality education to the most under-resourced group of students, particularly those living in low-income and rural parts of India, have been magnified due to the pandemic induced by Covid-19. In these uncertain times, now more than ever, underprivileged students require support to complete their studies. The pandemic has been a disruptor as well as a force for change. This is particularly significant in the context of education.

With the Brahmaputra and several other rivers flowing above the danger mark since mid-May, the flood situation has worsened in Assam. Heavy rains have been battering the North-Eastern state, with floods damaging bridges and sweeping away roads and houses. Sadly, this is not something new. Every year, heavy rainfall leads to the rise in water levels, which then quickly results in deadly floods, displacing millions.