By Janusz Bylinski (Expert, Centre for International Relations, Poland) Since December last, Somaliland has been at the centre of a cyclone that has gripped the Middle East and Horn of Africa. Israel’s recognition of its sovereignty sent ripples from Turkey across Africa. Was this a catalyst for the crystallization of a new balance of power,
Towards Green Energy By Dhurjati Mukherjee In the wake of the Middle East crisis, the need for acceleration of green energy in India assumes great significance more so because the country has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070. Agreeably, rapid strides are manifest in cultivating clean energy, but more concerted efforts are needed. Let’s start with
By Inder Jit (Released on 1 September 1990) Free India’s foreign policy and its conduct has suffered from one grave failing over the years. Its Foreign Office has mostly reacted to developments, seldom anticipated and, accordingly, acted. The appointment of Mr I.K. Gujral, a suave diplomat amongst politicians, as Minister of External Affairs in the
Private Universities By Dhurjati Mukherjee Just at the end of the year, the Supre Court gave a landmark judgment whereby it has ordered nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities, transforming a student’s grievance into a deep scrutiny of India’s sprawling education sector. In a sweeping directive, the apex court asked the Centre, all
CBI: His Master’s Voice By Poonam I Kaushish With the world in a tailspin thanks to US-Israel war against Iran with Middle East caught in the crossfire, in India BJP-AAP are trading charges over a CBI special court judgment acquitting all 23 accused, including Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal for his role in irregularities and kickbacks
Delhi’s Racism By Insaf Three cheers to social media! Notwithstanding the fears of it playing mischief, the recent incident of racism in the nation’s national capital, Delhi, going viral and sparking outrage has served the North-East and more importantly served national interest. On the one hand, the Centre is heavily promoting and trying to integrate
Modi’s Visit to Israel By Dr. D.K. Giri (Prof of Practice, NIIS Group of Institutions) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel has sparked geo-political controversy in addition to criticism from the Opposition at home. Prime Minister Modi is currently on a 24-hour stand-alone visit to Israel to upgrade bilateral relations. The controversy consists of
By Inder Jit (Released on 20 April 1982) Lusty cheers greeted the Supreme Court’s recent decision on the controversial West Bengal poll. This is as it should have been. The Supreme Court’s verdict is of fundamental importance to the future of India’s democracy. It is also in accordance with the wise decision taken by Nehru
Freebies = Appeasement By Poonam I Kaushish Beware Voters: With high-octane poll tamasha in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala soon, be ready to open your purse strings as Parties and netas are busy rolling out a perfect electoral cake iced with populist schemes, lip-smacking freebies galore for all. Merrily converting political sops into
India’s AI Vision By Dhurjati Mukherjee Much hype has been created about Artificial Intelligence (AI) before and after the recent summit as world leaders and leading technical experts shared their experience and expertise. It offered an opportunity for India to delve deep into AI implementation and understand its risks and benefits. In his inaugural address,
Enlargement Imperative By Prof. Danuta Hübner (Expert, Centre For Intl Relations, Poland) The unprecedented environment in which Ukraine has been preparing for European Union membership, reminds the fight for its future goes beyond the battlefield and security guarantees, including its reconstruction and integration. This accession is not only about the benefits of membership for Ukraine,
Macron Meets Modi By Dr. D.K. Giri (Prof of Practice, NIIS Group of Institutions) The jogging by Emmanuel Macron, the President of France in the streets of Mumbai is not only a story of routine physical exercise, it is also a sign of the fast-growing friendship between two countries. The bilateralism between France and India
By Inder Jit (Released on 5 November 1976) Both New Delhi and Washington will need to keep their fingers crossed. By all accounts, Dr Kissinger’s visit was truly a success. Years of nagging distrust and misunderstanding has been removed in a big way. Important first moves have been made to establish a basis for what
Creating Employment By Dhurjati Mukherjee The hype around the budget will be over within a few days but the recent trade deals need analysis, keeping in view the total potential in creating jobs. The scenario does not look quite encouraging though there are some positive points that cannot be denied. Questions have been raised about
Anhoni Jab Honi Ho Jai By Poonam I Kaushish Fatigued and bored of first phase of Parliament’s tumultuous Budget session. Wake up. Three, unthinkable things happened resulting in a first rate emotion-filled politico-drama. Questionably, anhoni jab honi ho jai, tab kya hua… One, Prime Minister Modi did not reply to President Murmu’s Motion of Thanks
Record Returns, Shrinking Revenue By Shivaji Sarkar It has been a week of pure hungama in Parliament. Rarely has the Lok Sabha appeared so charged, so combative and so visibly tilted against the government. The Opposition seized the initiative early and never let go. Tempers flared, slogans echoed, and adjournments became routine. Yet beneath the
Ailing Health Sector By Dhurjati Mukherjee India’s large population—about 30–35% of whom live at or near the poverty line—needs strong healthcare prioritisation. However, governments have long neglected this sector, leaving many rural and underprivileged health centers without sufficient staff or basic equipment like operational x-ray machines. A thorough examination of the recent Budget is necessary
Parliament Face-off Again By Poonam I Kaushish “Jo uchit samjho woh karo. I was handed a ‘hot potato’.” Two sentences which have brought Parliament’s Lok Sabha to a grinding halt, yet again. All over retd Army Chief Gen Narvane’s unpublished autobiography ‘Four Stars of Destiny’ which has triggered a maelstrom. It has its genesis during
Himalayas Face Snow Famine By Shivaji Satkar An alarm bell is tolling. A “snow famine”, or more accurately, recurrent and intensifying snow droughts, is occurring in the Himalayas due to climate change and weakened weather patterns (Western Disturbances). This decline in seasonal snowpack has severe, far-reaching impacts on India’s water security, agriculture, hydropower, and overall ecosystem stability.
Governor-CM Face-Off By Insaf The face-off between Governors and Chief Ministers in Opposition States sadly has become a norm rather than an exception. The week saw Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka Assemblies witnessing fresh confrontation. On the opening day of the first session on Wednesday last, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi declined to read
