RSSFACTS: Mohan Bhagwat referenced HV Seshadri’s The Tragic Story of Partition, critiquing Congress leadership for compromising Bharat's unity, highlighting their exhaustion and political bargaining, while showcasing RSS efforts in protecting Hindus and Sikhs
It ticks all the right boxes by protecting the base which contributes the bulk of GST revenue while moving most items of mass consumption to a lower slab. That’s the template all political parties agree on
Her accusations against two cousins and frustration with her sibling has come after a steady erosion of power within the party. Kavitha’s isolation and the likelihood that the fallout of her exit will be negligible is a clear sign of the pecking order in not just in BRS but also other family-dominated political parties
Tariffs and sanctions cause economic pain but rarely achieve political goals. They increase costs for consumers, strengthen adversaries' resolve, and often serve commercial, not strategic, interests
WWII remembrance is a highly politicised contemporary global event. India doesn’t really figure in these narratives. That’s a pity because it’s Indian blood and treasure that played a consequential role in the outcome. Something Indians, unfortunately, are not well acquainted with
India's euphoria over Modi's visit to China masks deeper complexities. While terror concerns were addressed, subtle diplomatic wins were overshadowed by China's strategic vision. India navigates a tricky global landscape
Military training for youth, though patriotic in intent, lacks clear objectives and evidence, risks militarising society, burdens youth, diverts resources, and undermines democratic, philosophical, and developmental principles of good citizenship
Within the state’s BJP-led coalition there are differences on the cut-off dates that should be used if the Election Commission conducts a special intensive review, a demand of TIPRA Mohta which is a constituent of the coalition that represents tribal interests. Census data shows that demographic anxieties are overblown and their projection may have a lot to do with forthcoming local body polls
India’s approach to energy security, trade, and international relations is rooted in its sovereign rights, democratic principles, and commitment to peaceful progress. Navarro’s criticism that ignores these realities is counterproductive, and ultimately, it is global peace and prosperity that suffer from such divisive narratives
An ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court on a Presidential Reference has brought to the fore the perennial tussle between legislature and judiciary on the issue of which body is supreme. The widely accepted idea is that it’s the Constitution that is supreme and higher judiciary interprets it. A deeper look at the long and yet unresolved issue follows
Trump's mediation efforts blend diplomacy and trade, seeking economic benefits for the US and allies. This transactional approach raises concerns over sustainability, conflicts of interest, and long-term peace outcomes
India's proposed constitutional amendment on ministerial accountability highlights the complex challenge of balancing anti-corruption measures with democratic principles
A surprising thaw in US-China ties and an unsurprising bonhomie between Pakistan and Bangladesh alter the nature of India’s security risks. At this juncture, India should try to preserve and strengthen ties with Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives, and not neglect the importance of that regional buffer
BJP’s ascent to power in 2014 was shaped, among other things, by an astute communications strategy which had Arun Jaitley’s imprint. His absence has had an adverse effect on the party’s communication and other aspects which today don’t reflect its unprecedented political dominance. The next party president needs to introspect on these matters
Sanghnomics: The US tariff war is disrupting global trade, hitting India’s MSMEs hard. While diversification offers opportunities, India must remain cautious of China and prioritise self-reliance to safeguard economic sovereignty
It underscores three intersecting dynamics: first, the fragility of CPEC projects amid sustained insurgent violence; second, the possibility of a modest US-Pakistan reset on counterterrorism measures; and third, Washington’s careful navigation of its broader rivalry with China in the region
Government’s effort to amend the Constitution to mandate resignation of ministers, CMs or even the PM if they are arrested for 30 straight days, has evoked fierce opposition from its political rivals. While the BJP claims the legislation’s goal is to clean up public life, the opposition sees it as a mortal threat, given their distrust of enforcement agencies. The Bills have a long way to go but the moot point is will it change the political narrative in the forthcoming election season
Opposition grouping INDIA’s VP candidate described himself as a “liberal Constitutional democrat”. A scrutiny of his most widely discussed verdicts as a Supreme Court judge shows that this description is accurate. His deepest commitment lay in upholding human rights
RSSFACTS: Ramesh Prakash, a dedicated RSS organiser, quietly shaped the Sangh’s growth in North India, mentored BJP leaders, and played a key role during the Emergency and in educational initiatives
Demonstrating strategic autonomy without influence results in strategic isolation. India’s economic stake in a transforming Middle East is huge. As the West loses its attraction there, India, which doesn’t carry historical baggage, needs to capitalize on emerging opportunities
A tentative step forward has been taken by both sides but it’s unrealistic to expect quick progress. For now, China holds more cards than India and Delhi will have to move with caution and perspicacity
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi visited India this week, which led to an uptick in the bilateral relationship and the promise of enhanced trade and investment flows. It represents a prudent step as buying-in to the Western narrative of India as a counterweight to China comes with big risks that can undermine the country’s strategic autonomy
This choice should put to rest the rumour mill which has been working overtime to establish that there is a rift between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). CP Radhakrishnan is an RSS swayamsevak
Oil and gas revenues account only for 30 per cent of Russia’s budget expenditure. Russia has other significant sources for funding its expenditure, including war expenditure. Russia’s war finance is ‘an independent variable’ and largely immune from international sanctions
Rahul Gandhi’s example of Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura assembly constituency to make his case is unconvincing. However, he has brought to the fore a long festering wound which needs to be addressed squarely, rather than attacking and intimidating a leader, who after all is playing the role of a “messenger”