#sriGINthoughts #GoodBadUglyFunnyTrusk #GBUF #04May25
It’s been a fortnight of fireworks—some dazzling, some damaging. Here is XI of them ;-)
The Law Moves… Slowly, But Surely
The long arm of the law may be arthritic, but it still packs a punch. தெய்வம் நின்று கொல்லும் and all that stuff. Mehul Choksi - yes, the same diamantaire who swindled Indian banks (PNB, Canara, Bank of Maharashtra... take your pick) out of a cool USD 1.76 billion—has finally been nabbed by Belgian authorities. Extradition to India is on the cards. Tihar awaits with its famous daal-roti platter. Just ensure he isn’t smuggling in a diamond cutter to escape the clutches. (Doesn't he look like Jabba the Hutt?) #CuttingEdgeCarbon
It’s been a fortnight of fireworks—some dazzling, some damaging. Here is XI of them ;-)
The Law Moves… Slowly, But Surely
The long arm of the law may be arthritic, but it still packs a punch. தெய்வம் நின்று கொல்லும் and all that stuff. Mehul Choksi - yes, the same diamantaire who swindled Indian banks (PNB, Canara, Bank of Maharashtra... take your pick) out of a cool USD 1.76 billion—has finally been nabbed by Belgian authorities. Extradition to India is on the cards. Tihar awaits with its famous daal-roti platter. Just ensure he isn’t smuggling in a diamond cutter to escape the clutches. (Doesn't he look like Jabba the Hutt?) #CuttingEdgeCarbon
Of Clutches
and Brand Tags
Meanwhile, Chinese TikTok is buzzing—not with dances, but with deconstructions. Luxury bags, it turns out, cost peanuts to make. It's the LV, Hermes, and Chanel tags that drain wallets. A thoughtful Li from Shanghai summed it up: are you paying for quality of a no-name bag or just an expensive name tag to soothe your soul? #BagOfTricks
Meanwhile, Chinese TikTok is buzzing—not with dances, but with deconstructions. Luxury bags, it turns out, cost peanuts to make. It's the LV, Hermes, and Chanel tags that drain wallets. A thoughtful Li from Shanghai summed it up: are you paying for quality of a no-name bag or just an expensive name tag to soothe your soul? #BagOfTricks
Life in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
On the cosmic quality of life side, scientists (with desi Dr Nikku Madhusudhan in the mix) have spotted signs of life just 120 light years away in K2-18b. Naturally, important questions arise: Will DJT claim it’s American? Do they stream Netflix? And what's the visa category—ET or PR? #StarWarsOn
On the cosmic quality of life side, scientists (with desi Dr Nikku Madhusudhan in the mix) have spotted signs of life just 120 light years away in K2-18b. Naturally, important questions arise: Will DJT claim it’s American? Do they stream Netflix? And what's the visa category—ET or PR? #StarWarsOn
Blu(e) Turns Blood Red
Talking of paying, the Jaggi brothers, Anmol (neither invaluable) and Puneet (nor holy), of Gensol/BluSmart fame, seem to have paid themselves, kith and kin, more and some more from the funds (close to 1000 cr INR? ~100m USD) meant for running the companies that they have been promoting. And before you ask, no, Jaggi from Coimbatore is not involved in this fraud. #NotBluSmart
Tragedy in Pahalgam
Talking of repercussions, India was rocked by a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by five Islamist militants. It’s the deadliest since 26/11, and public anger is rising—many calling for swift retaliation against Pakistan, which seems to be tacitly complicit. Meanwhile, social media warriors on X and FB rage, question faiths, and demand action. But a direct war may not be wise. With trade tensions (hello Trump), a simmering standoff with China, and economic headwinds, India may prefer strategic, behind-the-scenes moves inspired by Chanakya Neethi over open conflict. #PahalGham
Talking of paying, the Jaggi brothers, Anmol (neither invaluable) and Puneet (nor holy), of Gensol/BluSmart fame, seem to have paid themselves, kith and kin, more and some more from the funds (close to 1000 cr INR? ~100m USD) meant for running the companies that they have been promoting. And before you ask, no, Jaggi from Coimbatore is not involved in this fraud. #NotBluSmart
Tragedy in Pahalgam
Talking of repercussions, India was rocked by a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by five Islamist militants. It’s the deadliest since 26/11, and public anger is rising—many calling for swift retaliation against Pakistan, which seems to be tacitly complicit. Meanwhile, social media warriors on X and FB rage, question faiths, and demand action. But a direct war may not be wise. With trade tensions (hello Trump), a simmering standoff with China, and economic headwinds, India may prefer strategic, behind-the-scenes moves inspired by Chanakya Neethi over open conflict. #PahalGham
Of Faith, Smoke, and
Succession
Two religious milestones this fortnight.
Two religious milestones this fortnight.
In Rome, Pope Francis passed away after a life of service to the poor and marginalized. The Conclave convenes May 7 to find the replacement to the People's Pope. Perhaps an Asian Pope? Watch for the white smoke—Netflix has a decent one if you want to prep.
In Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, the fabled Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt anointed a new pontiff - Jagadguru Sri Satya Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal (formerly Ganesha Sharma Dravid, no relation to the Wall). Two worlds, two traditions, same message: love, faith, and compassion are what we need. Here's to hope—and a little #MoreHarmony.
AuroMille
But there is one thing that may not be harmonious as we move forward. Ownership of gold. It crossed the psychological threshold of USD 3000 (per ounce) or INR 10,000 (per gram of 24K) recently. With Trump and his minions mucking around in the tariff swamp, anti-risk is the rusk that investors want to eat. I think next time when I type the word, ‘gold’, I might have to swipe the card 😊 #DazzlingShine
Namibia’s Visa Swipe
But there is one thing that may not be harmonious as we move forward. Ownership of gold. It crossed the psychological threshold of USD 3000 (per ounce) or INR 10,000 (per gram of 24K) recently. With Trump and his minions mucking around in the tariff swamp, anti-risk is the rusk that investors want to eat. I think next time when I type the word, ‘gold’, I might have to swipe the card 😊 #DazzlingShine
Namibia’s Visa Swipe
Speaking of visas, Namibia has decided to return the favour to the US. Starting now, American tourists must get a visa—and a pricey one at that. Want to see the big cats? Plan ahead, and bring a big wallet. #TitForTat
Not Your Usual Family Drama
Here’s a fraud twist straight out of an OTT soap: Rahul (not one of the famous one/s 😉) from Aligarh eloped with his bride’s mother—yes, you read that right—on his wedding day. They fled with the wedding jewellery and cash. Turns out he had done something similar before – as in eloping with someone and returned back with no repercussions. Some folks just don’t believe in tying the knot—only untying others’. #HabitsTieHard
Singapore Sticks To Stability
And dazzle it did, Singapore’s People’s Action Party (and its 4G leadership) returned to power after the elections on May 3 with a higher vote share than what they managed four years ago. The threat of losing potential office holders and ministers (remember George Yeo in 2011) seem to have worked in some of the key battlegrounds in the city-state parliament of 97 members. Main opposition Workers’ Party retained its existing seats and performed well in a few other seats auguring well for future hustings. Hope the ‘authoritative mandate’ doesn’t turn out to be authoritarian. #BrightThunder
Iberia Blacks Out
And finally, Spain and Portugal had a week best described as... dark. A massive blackout hit homes, transport, even the Madrid Open. Theories range from freak weather to renewable imbalances to cyberattacks. The lights are slowly coming back, but for now, they're still groping in the dark. #FragileEnvironment
But all is not doom and gloom.
- #RCB seems to be on their path to capture the #IPL Holy Grail. #18ForAReason! (no, let's not talk about #CSK)
💖💖💖
View are personal. No hurt intended.
2 comments:
Well summed up
Hashtags too good!
Post a Comment