What China’s $137B dam on the Brahmaputra means for India’s Northeast & Bangladesh
There are serious concerns about the risks from dam construction by China in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra. But the risks may have been exaggerated, because this is mostly a hydropower project. Besides, any flooding would first hit China’s Tibet region. India should focus on getting river flow data from Beijing
‘In era of Swiggy politics, ideology on decline’: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
“Bereft of ideological politics, Swiggy politics has come. (It is about) who can deliver fast, who are online. This is a threat to democracy,” Revanth Reddy has been quoted as saying.
LIVE: India-UK FTA- The real work begins now | Political Economy
What did India gain from the India-UK FTA? Why the FTA could nudge the next phase of reforms for India. Watch Shweta Punj in conversation with Ajay Shrivastava, Founder, GTRI ( think tank on trade)
Shrimp, Scotch and Strategy: India’s new trade doctrine in action
A trade deal is never just about tariffs; it is about the story a country tells about itself. With the India-UK CETA, this narrative is changing. India is no longer a hesitant participant in global trade. It is now a negotiator with ambition, willing to make tactical retreats in the service of strategic goals
Acquittal of 7/11 suspects calls for an intense review of India’s anti-terror mechanism
Bombay High Court’s judgement shows investigation agencies in poor light. Not only does it leave everyone with an unhealed wound, it also undermines India’s international campaign to highlight Pakistan’s use of terror as a strategic tool. It can no longer be business as usual
‘Fight political battles outside court’: SC to petitioner on plea for criminal contempt against Mamata
“Please fight your political battle outside this court,” a division bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said.
Russia’s recognition of Taliban government is anything but surprising
It had reached out even before the regime change in 2021 as Taliban is seen as the most capable force countering the dreaded ISIS-KP. Also, it’s promised not to allow anyone to use its soil to target a third country. Along with Russia, others such as India are looking for ways to build bridges with the Taliban
Rajasthan’s Green Crisis: Mass deforestation sparks fears of ecological disaster in desert state
Rajasthan's government plans to cut thousands of trees in Jaipur and Baran for commercial and industrial projects, despite public protests and ecological concerns, contradicting its environmental commitments and ongoing tree-planting campaigns
US exit from Paris Agreement begins to bite
The US alone accounts for over 50 percent of the pledged funding to the Green Climate Fund, which is the world’s largest climate fund. Other stakeholders now face a pivotal moment. They have to find a way to offset the exit of the most influential country in the funding mechanism
"More Time is Needed for Rolling Out Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists" Ashok Lavasa
The last special intensive revision of electoral rolls happened in 2003, the method used then was very different than what is being used now. A special intensive revision needs more time - Ashok Lavasa on the special intensive revision of electoral rolls ahead of Bihar elections. The perils and challenges of it.
Trump turns tariffs into political weapons
U.S. President Trump has gone beyond using tariffs to raise additional revenue. He has set out to use tariffs as a political tool to intervene in Brazil’s politics and force BRICS to give up its de-dollarisation agenda. There are concerns that such a tool can be used on other countries.
Bihar Elections 2025: Youth unemployment and migration top voter concerns
The Bihar assembly elections have evolved into a defining moment for Indian politics, where the BJP's quest to maintain its winning streak meets the opposition's determination to exploit anti-incumbency sentiment and leadership vulnerabilities
Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar outcome in Karnataka may hinge on ‘corruption scandals’
Shivakumar’s supporters through public statements are seeking to create conditions for a change in CM. All signs point to the current CM Siddaramaiah digging in and the Congress central leadership all at sea. The deadlock could be broken by adverse court rulings on ‘corruption scandals’ the CM confronts
India shouldn’t be unduly worried about a China-driven axis in South Asia
A trilateral meeting last month between China, Pakistan and Bangladesh triggered fears of an anti-India grouping. Regional mechanisms excluding India cannot be prevented from blooming. The only goal should be to develop as much leverage as is necessary to have India represented on more tables than not
India-Us Trade Deal- The Red Lines For India | Political Economy
What's at stake for India and the US in the fiercely negotiated India-US trade deal. Catch Shweta Punj in conversation with Harsh Gupta Madhusudan, Author and Investor, Ionic Asset by Angel One and Ajit Ranade, Economist and Senior fellow , Pune International Centre.
When Pakistan names its missiles after invaders of its own land, it’s rewriting history for war
The country’s missiles that are attributed to indigenous development are named after historical characters who primarily invaded or raided the Indian subcontinent, including contemporary Pakistan. The fallout of this rewriting of history reinforces historical grievances and will sow the seeds of conflict
Thackeray cousins gain, Shinde’s under pressure, but BJP remains in pole position
A joint rally last week by the Thackeray cousins was a landmark event. It’s likely to be followed by a joint campaign in local body elections which will be mutually beneficial. Shinde Sena will be hard put to claim the Bal Thackeray legacy. None of these developments however are likely change Maharashtra’s political reality: BJP is in pole position
Bangladesh’s budget reveals that Yunus-government is a mere placeholder
Bangladesh faces both political and economic challenges. The June budget offered the interim administration a chance to outline a vision, backed by appropriate allocations. Instead, the country got an uninspiring budget which kicked the can down the road
New discovery of rare earth deposits in Kazakhstan provides India opportunities
The discovery by geologists potentially puts the country among the top three nations in terms of deposits. India has a long-standing trade relationship with Kazakhstan which is a critical supplier of uranium for its nuclear plants. Moreover, a lasting legacy from the Soviet era is popular goodwill for India on account of its soft power. All the ingredients for a mutually beneficial relationship are in place
MIA: Gaps in China’s PLA as Xi Jinping unleashes a purge
Last week, China’s ‘Supreme Leader’ Xi Jinping purged high ranking military personnel. A look at the long list of purges unleashed by Xi leads to the question if it’s a form of insurance against being toppled from within. Is China’s contemporary ‘emperor’ a lonely and insecure man?
Farm products represent tricky terrain in India-US trade talks
In a week’s time the 3-month pause on the US’ unilateral announcement of reciprocal tariffs ends. Agriculture and dairy segments represent India’s 'red lines'. However, US pressure to open up these areas may not subside as it seeks to find an alternative to China’s market
Reconfiguring supply chains in a world where trust’s eroding
Thinking about supply chains has moved from just-in-time to just-to-be secure following geopolitical turmoil. A risk-based framework for reconfiguring India’s supply chains can address security considerations without jeopardising the country's economic growth
President’s Role in the Emergency: Fakhruddin Ahmed's unchallenged decision severely criticised
President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s approval of the 1975 Emergency proclamation, without Cabinet consultation, has been widely criticised for undermining constitutional norms and raising questions about the President’s discretionary powers and duty
How RSS broke the stereotypes in Northeast and bridged the divide
RSSFACTS: The RSS’s work in Northeast India has played a crucial role in bridging ethnic, political, and social divides over the past century
