Thursday, May 15, 2025
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Politics

“The best politics is right action”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Mula Gabharu Avenge Love
CultureEditor's PickIndiaSociety
Dhanya D

Mula Gabharu: The Woman Who Fought to Avenge Her Love

This is the fifth in a 5-part weekly essay series – Veiled Valour: The Forgotten Women of Warfare. Mula Gabharu was born into the Ahom Dynasty of Assam, as the daughter of King Supimphaa. She was married to Phrasenmung Borgohain, the chief general of the Ahom army. Legend has it that Mula Gabharu loved Phrasenmung deeply, with a devotion that becomes central to her story and her legacy. Her strength was born from love, her love for her husband, for her motherland, and for the ideals she refused to surrender. Even in heartbreak, she found bravery.

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Can BRICS Trump Trump
BusinessPoliticsWorld
Akshat Dwivedi

Can BRICS Trump Trump?

Multifaceted challenges confront BRICS in the aftermath of Trump’s second term. The convergence of economic strain, geopolitical rivalry, and financial pushback during Trump’s second term has undoubtedly weakened internal cohesion. But, China and India’s economies remain engines of global growth; resource-rich Russia and the Middle Eastern entrants hold keys to energy security; and Brazil and others are indispensable to food supply and climate solutions. These interdependencies ensure that the idea of BRICS, as a coalition of non-Western powers, retains appeal. The article analyses the alliance’s internal dynamics, the external pressures exerted by US policies, and the potential pathways BRICS might pursue to maintain its relevance on the global stage. The central question remains: Can BRICS navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger, or are we witnessing the gradual erosion of its influence?

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Razia Sultan Delhi Ruler
CultureEditor's PickIndiaSociety
Dhanya D

Razia Sultan: The Only Woman Ruler of Delhi

As the first woman to sit on the throne of the Delhi Sultanate, Razia Sultan had to claw her way through deeply ingrained misogyny. She was constantly under siege, not from foreign invaders, but from within, by those who couldn’t handle the idea of a woman as a Sultan. The glorious story of a women ruler who challenged norms and misogynistic culture remains quietly buried while grand monuments and roads are proudly named after invaders and corrupt statesmen. It speaks volumes about the India we live in, run by patriarchy, which immortalizes the actions of a king but questions the attire of a queen creating a revolution.

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Scrapping OPT American Universities
EducationPoliticsWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

American Dream in Doldrums: Scrapping OPT, International Students to Opt out of US Universities?

In recent years, while there has been a drop in the enrolment of Chinese students in US universities due to the deterioration of ties between both countries and some changes to the visa regime, the number of Indian students in the US has risen. However, the recommendation of a new bill introduced in the US Congress on March 25, 2025 – the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act 2025 – to scrap the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program could result in a dip in Indian enrollment in US higher education institutions. It would be important to point out that US universities are also dependent upon international students, and with a dip in the enrolment of students from China, they have become more dependent upon Indian students.

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Trump Inauguration Universities Students
EducationPoliticsTechnologyWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

US Universities Caution International Students Before Trump’s Inauguration

US colleges and universities have asked international students to return to the US before the inauguration of Donald Trump. According to estimates, it is the 4,00,000 international students who are undocumented who may face serious problems. Students on F-1 and J-1 Visas are unlikely to face any problems. Significantly, during the election campaign, Trump had even mooted the idea of Green Cards to international students who graduate from US universities.

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Maximum Pressure Iran Trump
World
Tridivesh Singh Maini

‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran: The Trump Redux?

Putin is preparing for talks with the incoming Trump administration for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine is understandably concerned about Trump agreeing to terms skewed in favour of Russia. Many believe that Trump is likely to continue with his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that Saudi Arabia’s ties with Iran have improved in recent years as mentioned earlier, despite some differences, and Russia’s proximity with Iran has increased as well. Iran and Russia have also been working together to circumvent US sanctions.

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Insurgency Recruitment Manipur Conflict
IndiaPoliticsSociety
Leivon Victor Lamkang , Karamala Areesh Kumar

A State of Crisis: Advanced Weaponry and Rising Insurgency Recruitment in Manipur Conflict

The use of highly advanced weaponry to strike people has reopened interest in the ongoing Manipur conflict, as several academics and media sources have labelled it an “act of terrorism”. A large number of young people who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or loss of employment are susceptible to recruitment by insurgent groups. The adolescents have turned to insurgency as a way of purpose and financial incentives, using it as a means of retaliation or survival against opposing ethnic communities. According to studies, the state’s youth gun ownership rate is at an all-time high, and the population is mainly in favour of it. This is becoming a significant challenge for counterinsurgencies to overcome

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Trump 2.0 India tariff
EconomyEditor's PickWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

Trump 2.0 and India: Trumping Tariff Tensions, Transactionalism Amidst Geopolitical Rebalancing

It is tough to make any predictions regarding Trump 2.0. While some commentators believe that his policies will be as disruptionist as in his previous stint, others are of the opinion that he may be transactional but less unpredictable. During the presidential campaign, Trump had said that he would impose tariffs on countries which are trading in non-dollar currencies. It remains to be seen if he goes ahead with such measures given that several countries with close links to the US, including India, have been favouring de-dollarisation. It also remains to be seen how Trump 2.0 would perceive the Chabahar project given the current turmoil in the Middle East.

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Smog Punjab India-Pakistan
EconomyPoliticsWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

Smog Diplomacy, Punjab Centrality: India-Pakistan Thawing Relations May Address Punjab Woes

Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, recently underscored the need for greater cooperation between both Punjabs to counter the challenge of smog. Earlier this year, while speaking to Sikh pilgrims from India at Kartarpur Sahib, she had underscored the importance of ‘Punjabiyat’. The Punjabs on both sides have played an important role in people-to-people, cultural as well as economic linkages between both countries. Since 2019, when trade links between India and Pakistan, via the Wagah-Attari land crossing, were discontinued, there have been significant job losses resulting in a major setback to the border districts of Punjab (India). Maryam Nawaz’s remarks have raised hopes of resumption of engagement – albeit incremental – between both countries via the Punjabs.

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Harris Trump USA World Order
PoliticsWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

Harris vs Trump: The Battle for USA Amidst a Changing World Order

The November 5 US elections is likely to be a close one and could swing either way. The US foreign policy is likely to be driven by ground realities and will remain the same on fundamental issues. Going by his election campaign and his previous tenure as President, Donald Trump could be more isolationist – especially on economic issues. Unlike Donald Trump, Kamala Harris is unlikely to ruffle feathers with allies and partners over economic issues, though she could be more vocal on issues of human rights and freedoms even vis-à-vis friendly countries.

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Netanyahuism zeitgeist Israel-Hamas
Editor's PickPoliticsWorld
Prateek Yadav

Netanyahuism: The Zeitgeist of Our Times?

The humanitarian crises unfolding in West Asia and Eastern Europe, along with the inability of the international community to enforce peace in these regions can be captured in a larger phenomenon engulfing the world today – ‘Netanyahuism’. Netanyahu’s approach of ‘eye for an eye’ has become popular all throughout the world. The taboo against the use of instrumentality of military actions to achieve foreign policy objectives is declining. The international community must show moral courage and start calling out the militaristic approach of both Iran and Israel. Solutions need to be found on the diplomatic table, not on the battlefield.

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DefenceEditor's PickPoliticsWorld
Sandra Sajeev D Costa

Operation Prosperity Guardian: West Asia in Splits

The Arab world has been witnessing exacerbating conflicts and spillovers in the region. Home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, Bahrain is the only Arab state to be part of the U.S. Naval Armada, Operation Prosperity Guardian. Both Iran and Saudi have been careful to not directly hit at each other since the restoration of their diplomatic ties. With this picture in mind, Saudi also would not want to harm the Iranian-backed Houthis. Like the Saudis, the Emiratis want to secure the Red Sea but do not want to be viewed as supporting Israel instead of solidarity with Palestine. With the nightmares of the previous Arab-Israeli wars still very much etched in the soil, the states have been trying to not escalate the tensions while trying to grapple for a balanced approach whilst also being steadfast in their solitude with Palestine.

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India Oman FTA Gulf
PoliticsWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

FTA with Oman Likely: Catapulting Gulf-India Synergies

The India-Oman CEPA will give a significant boost to bilateral trade between both countries. It will help Oman achieve its objective of reducing its dependence upon oil. The Gulf nation, which is strategically located near the oil transit point of the Strait of Hormuz, is especially important for Indian businesses — since they can set up manufacturing facilities and leverage Oman’s location and other advantages for exports to other West Asian nations and Europe.

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Riyadh Active Neutrality USA
Editor's PickPoliticsWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

Riyadh’s ‘Active Neutrality’ at Play: SCO, OPEC+ and Proposed Defence Deal with USA

In March 2023, Riyadh entered the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner. Saudi Arabia had also signed a Beijing-mediated agreement with Iran to resume diplomatic ties. The Gulf nation has played an important part along with Russia in the OPEC+ cuts in oil production much to the displeasure of Washington DC. Yet, in recent days, Saudi Arabia has been pushing for getting a defence pact with the US ratified before the US election of 2024.

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Middle Eastern Chessboard Gaza-Israel Pak-Iran USA-Iran
PoliticsWorld
Sohail Mahmood

The Middle Eastern Chessboard: Gaza-Israel War, Escalations between Pakistan-Iran & USA-Iran Hostilities

Wars often have unintended consequences, and the Israel-Gaza war is no exception. The earlier Iranian strikes in the region and the very recent Jordanian strike killing American soldiers imply that greater conflict in the Middle East emanating from the Israel-Gaza war cannot be contained and can spill out eventually in unforeseen circumstances. The decades-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict will persist causing the entire Middle East region to be further embroiled in persistent conflict, turmoil, and instability to the detriment of world peace.

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Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Higher Education
Editor's PickEducationIndia
Sameer Ahmad Khan

Beyond Books and Bells: Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Higher Education

Despite budget constraints, Indian universities like Jadavpur, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Aligarh Muslim University thrive, attributing their success to Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). OCB, defined as discretionary actions benefiting the organization, extends from academic staff to students, fostering positive change within higher education institutions. The unsung heroes embody dedication, commitment, and selfless actions, impacting holistic development despite the challenges.

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BJP Congress 2023 elections
Editor's PickIndiaPolitics
Tridivesh Singh Maini

BJP drubs Congress in Hindi Heartland, Congress Consolidates in the Peninsula: The Larger Trends in India’s Electoral Politics post-2023 Assembly Elections

National issues and leadership cannot be relegated totally to the sidelines in assembly elections, even though it is not possible to win state elections without strong regional leaders. What is clear from the election results of the MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana is that welfare schemes, which often draw strong criticism from certain commentators, strike a chord with the voter. All political outfits have also begun to focus on welfare schemes specifically targeted at women.

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International Relations Choices Concerns
PoliticsWorld
Rajeev Kunwar

International Relations: Choices or Concerns

The dichotomy of realists’ pessimism and liberalists’ optimism frames political debates globally. With international relations often dominated by authoritarian tactics, democracy becomes a challenging but desirable method in garnering global consensus. Though imperfect, democracy can offer strategies for balancing emotion and reason in its practices. Autocratic and democratic nations approach these issues differently. International society strives for a universal experience, aiming for cooperation despite differing political ideologies. Thoughts are converging, ushering in an anthropocentric world focused on existential rationality and mitigating global catastrophe.

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Biden Trump 2024 geopolitics
Editor's PickPoliticsWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

Biden Vs Trump 2024: The Geopolitics of Russia-Ukraine & Israel-Hamas in USA’s Politics

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College found former President Donald Trump leading over President Joe Biden in five key swing states for a potential 2024 presidential election match-up. The poll suggests Biden is losing support among young and black voters, and despite improvements in economic indicators, voters appear pessimistic about the US economy. Trump’s potential win could have significant implications for the ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East.

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Israel-Hamas Gaza Ground Operations
Editor's PickWorld
Sohail Mahmood

A Month Since the October 7 Attacks: Bibi’s Ground Operations to ‘Eliminate Hamas’ and Post-War Scenario in Gaza

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are now encircling Gaza treating Hamas as a target. This escalating conflict ignited anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world, with global opinion turning against Israel. A month of heavy bombardment killed over 10,000 people, including 4,104 children, leading to international calls for a ceasefire. WHO, U.N. agencies, and international charities express concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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Israel-Hamas War International Pressure
Editor's PickPoliticsWorld
Rajeev Kunwar

Israel-Hamas War: No Endgame Amid International Pressure

In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United Nations General Assembly has called for an immediate ceasefire. The warfare has resulted in significant casualties and prompts international concerns about an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Despite global pressure, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, remains resolute to continue ground operations. Simultaneously, diplomats are considering possible administration changes in Gaza post-conflict. The international community continues to advocate for a two-state solution, emphasizing the significance of justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.

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Chinese Tehran Israel-Palestine Tensions
Editor's PickWorld
Tridivesh Singh Maini

The Chinese Potential: Close Ties with Tehran, Dialing Down Israel-Palestine Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, urges Israel to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure Chinese interests in Israel. Amid tensions following Hamas’s multi-pronged attack, China criticizes the killing of civilians but avoids condemning Hamas. As the conflict escalates, upcoming meetings between Wang Yi and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, could present opportunities for dialogue. Despite increasing aggression from Iran, China’s influence in the Middle East could potentially help mitigate the situation.

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Israel Palestine Conflict Dynamics
Editor's PickWorld
Rajeev Kunwar

Israel-Palestine Conflict Dynamics in West Asia

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine marked a significant turn, with a surprise attack on Israel marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Arab-Israeli war. The violence, which has been consistent since post-WWII, escalated as Hamas launched over five thousand rockets at Israel. Despite international efforts, including the Cairo Summit for Peace, a resolution seems elusive. Accusations of Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and retaliatory violence add tension, while powerful countries attempt to exert influence and propose solutions.

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Vulnerability to Energy to Climate
Editor's PickEnvironmentSci-TechTechnologyWorld
Sneha Yadav

Vulnerability of Energy to Climate: A Perspective on Thermal Power Plant & Scope of Renewable Energy

Climate change’s severity in India is escalating, driven largely by the country’s dependence on coal-based power plants. Recognizing this, the government aims to satisfy 50% of energy needs through renewable sources by 2030 and has taken steps to limit pollution with clean coal technologies. However, the transition from coal presents challenges, including fluctuating costs of natural gas and the reliability of renewable energy. Implementing new technologies and shifting towards renewables requires strong local institutions, community involvement, and private sector participation.

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Israel-Hamas Gaza Hospital
Editor's PickWorld
Sohail Mahmood

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Hospital Attack, Biden’s Visit, Iran-USA Powerplay

The shifting global power equation combined with increasing advocacy for regional peace through a sovereign Palestinian state necessitates that the US rethink its global strategy. Tensions in Gaza are escalating, potentially leading to a large-scale conflict as Israel plans a comprehensive offensive against Hamas. Amidst growing fears of war and a worsening humanitarian crisis, there’s a pressing need for negotiating peace and ensuring timely humanitarian aid in the region.

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