The serpentine queues at banks and ATMs, post demonetisation, have ended by now. And no one is posting pictures of the new 500 rupee note as if it’s a trophy straight out of the ATM or what makes the pink of Rs 2,000 bleed. Like most news, this one has died down as well.

What remains however is the fact that a debate on demonitisation remains an interesting topic at social gatherings. It is fascinating to see how well it goes with a red wine, a working lunch or simply a perfect time killer at the airports.

Little surprise then that the Union budget this month is one of the most awaited ones. For most expect it to a balm of sorts for their frayed financial nerves. Interestingly the sops doled out by Arun Jaitley could also be the mood changer for the four Indian states going to elections in February-March. Who better than Arun Jaitley then, the go-to man for the government to interface with a variety of constituencies, from the media to the corporate sector to global.

In fact our ‘Budget and economy’ section as well as ‘Platform’ looks at the politics of demonitisation with a magnifying lens of sorts.

And if all of that sounds too much of serious reading, turn to our engaging interaction with M S Dhoni. The legendary cricketer might have stepped down as ODI captain but the fact that he was India’s most successful captain and is still a powerful player, always makes one want to hear him talk on cricket and more.

Another legend on our pages is the making of Dangal, a movie that seems to be going strong. The highest grossing Hindi film domestically is a powerful story that seems to be ruling our hearts and minds.

Talking of hearts and minds, for the ones who’ve been able to stick to their new year resolutions of getting fit or are looking at it anytime soon, our technology section looks at fitness apps as personal trainers.

So go on savor our varied platter of the interesting line up. After all variety is the spice of life!