Politics

“The best politics is right action”

– Mahatma Gandhi

China US Indo-Pacific Strategy

China’s Perspective on the US Indo-Pacific Strategy: A Scholarly View

7 Comments / Politics, World /

With the adoption of the Indo-Pacific concept vis-à-vis Asia-Pacific, many Chinese scholars and strategists have been alarmed. The development shows inefficiency in the US to protect its interests worldwide causing friction with China. These scholars argue the Indo-Pacific strategy of the US being directed against China and meant to develop an exclusive regional block. Once it’s implemented, the strategy will challenge China’s BRI and global position. In such a situation, Chinese scholars argue that the peace and stability and China’s rise have been impacted and undermined to protect the US interests and position in the region.

China’s Perspective on the US Indo-Pacific Strategy: A Scholarly View Read More »

Ramifications of Russia-Ukraine War

Ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine War Within America

1 Comment / Politics, World /

Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine has shocked the world, producing an unprecedented opportunity for the Biden administration to use global public opinion, primarily in the West, to buttress the solidarity between the United States, NATO, and EU against Russia, its long-term adversary. Biden knows that the November midterm elections will determine his political standing and the war’s course. Most importantly, the economic and financial tools available, especially the sanctions regime, are going to become more important as the war grudges on into a stalemate of sorts, with no clear winners on either side.

Ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine War Within America Read More »

J Sai Deepak’s ‘India that is Bharat’ Attempts a Fresh Look at the Issue of Coloniality and Decoloniality

2 Comments / BOOK SUTRA, Culture, Politics, Society /

Raagini Shekher Sharma reviews the book titled-“India that is Bharat – Coloniality Civilization Constitution” written by J. Sai Deepak

The strength of the book lies in its total focus on the central theme and the same has been described and written in vivid detail without digressing from the subject. Being a lawyer, J Sai Deepak has a logical and incisive mind and that reflects too in the tone and tenor of the book as it is replete with facts, and research work that is amply seen. Lot many times, the tone becomes a little authoritative and the baritone springs up.  Overall, the book is written succinctly, presenting the facts, the research that has gone into writing and the analysis have been done in an exciting manner. Once, picked up, it cannot be put down unless fully read.

J Sai Deepak’s ‘India that is Bharat’ Attempts a Fresh Look at the Issue of Coloniality and Decoloniality Read More »

Fallout of the Pelosi Visit to Taiwan

Fallout of Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan: Increased Regional Tension

2 Comments / Politics, World /

In the latest eruption of regional tensions, China announced a resumption of military exercises around Taiwan which seems to be the fallout of the Pelosi visit to Taiwan. The American response is inadequate to the exigency of the threat as it does not project strength anymore. The pivot approach of the United States towards Asia will now become a reality. Any war is going to devastate the global supply chains, already encountering interruptions and insecurity.

Fallout of Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan: Increased Regional Tension Read More »

India and Uruguay_ Trade to New Heights

India and Uruguay: Taking the Trade to New Heights

Leave a Comment / Politics, World /

The relationship between India and Uruguay is amicable and cordial. In 1960, diplomatic relations were established. The two nations have consistently supported one another in international forums. Uruguay supported India’s bid to get elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2015–2017 term. Both nations are members of the Group of 77 and possess strategic significance. This article describes the significant developments in trade and commerce and how they will lead to new heights.

India and Uruguay: Taking the Trade to New Heights Read More »

I2U2 Significance Indo-Pacific

I2U2 and its Significance in the Indo-Pacific Region

3 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

The arrival of the I2U2 as a quadrilateral security structure in West Asia will act as a strategic group. Coupled with QUAD and the AUKUS, it will strengthen the position of the West in the Indo-Pacific Region. As the I2U2 focuses on the strategic concerns in West Asia as a geopolitical shift is taking place in the Western Indian Ocean, it will become a feature of the broader region with greater implications. I2U2 provides the opportunity for its members to collaborate and assist one another in six key areas. Being an economic group, it addresses the vacuum in West Asia and allows the Middle Eastern countries to view it as an alternative. With the smooth access and supply of oil being a prime aim across the world, the development of a security net under I2U2 will ensure peace and stability in the region.

I2U2 and its Significance in the Indo-Pacific Region Read More »

Pelosi visit Taiwan China

Crossing China’s Red Line: Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit on the Cards and Challenges Ahead

1 Comment / Defence, Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

Recently leaked information regarding the possible visit of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to Taiwan in August created a diplomatic row between the US and China, pushing China to object to such a visit strongly. Pelosi is a long-time critic of China. Newt Gingrich was the last US Speaker to visit Taiwan, 25 years ago. With August being critical for President Xi Jinping’s leadership, it coincides with the Biden-Xi virtual summit. Although a statement from President Biden regarding the visit is concerning for the US-Taiwan ties, the visit being called off will only convince China that its deterrence worked and will strengthen its position over the Taiwan Issue.

Crossing China’s Red Line: Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit on the Cards and Challenges Ahead Read More »

Tightrope for Pakistan with USA and China

Blinken-Zardari Meet: A Tightrope for Pakistan with USA and China

1 Comment / Politics, World /

During the May 18 meeting, both Blinken and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari focused on strengthening not just US-Pakistan security ties but also economic linkages. The US could nudge IMF towards imposing less stringent conditionalities on Pakistan in order to prevent political instability. The US remains an important destination for Pakistani exports and this is one of the reasons why the business community in Pakistan, along with the Pakistan army as well as the political class, was not particularly comfortable with former PM Imran Khan’s rhetoric against the West, in general, and the US, in particular. There is a growing realization in Pakistan that while ties with Beijing may be important, it can not afford to allow relations with the US to deteriorate any further.

Blinken-Zardari Meet: A Tightrope for Pakistan with USA and China Read More »

Decoding China's Hegemony in Indo-Pacific

Decoding China’s Hegemony in Indo-Pacific Region and Its Repercussions

5 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

The Chinese economy is faltering, the business sector is more indebted than ever, the fertility rate (1.702) remains below replacement level, the population is ageing, and the benefit of cheap labour is eroding. China’s debt-to-GDP ratio (US$27 trillion) is 159 percent. However, China’s objective has been to reclaim its former glory by controlling Asia in the short term and the rest of the globe in the long run. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the western world’s response have introduced a new dimension to the Indo-Pacific power struggle. China may be emboldened by the western world’s reluctance to intervene directly in the Ukrainian situation. India would need to tread carefully and traverse the rough waters in this new geopolitical context.China’s rise will continue to be a source of contention for states in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Decoding China’s Hegemony in Indo-Pacific Region and Its Repercussions Read More »

Russia Ukraine Conflict Defence India

Defence Sector During Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Implications for India

3 Comments / Defence, Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

Although several developed countries might propagate the idea that the conflicts and wars bring misery to humanity at large, they promote the idea of defence preparedness as a means and instrument of deterrence, and this ensures that their interests are served even during good times. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created all the needed threat perception amongst many a country to cause the global armament exports to flourish. Will the geopolitics permit, promote, and support India to capitalize on this export opportunity, or would it be prevented from doing so? 

Defence Sector During Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Implications for India Read More »

Caste or Religion in Elections- Representation or Appeasement

Publicizing Caste and Religion in Electoral Politics: Representation or Appeasement?

Leave a Comment / Politics, Society, SPOTLIGHT /

Dependence on caste and religion to win elections is observed frequently in India. Few call it appeasement while few others call it representation. Is it not paradoxical? Classification of victorious public representatives by their caste/religion tacitly enhances their importance in the country’s democracy. Apparently, it messages about corroborating the wide representation of communities through the leaders belonging to them. But at the same time, it evinces the unfading pertinence of caste/religion in our society. It is inevitable to delve into the disquietude nucleating from the issues of publicizing representation and appeasement of communities based on caste/religion for strengthening coherence in the society.

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International Relations: Beyond the Prism of 'Isms'

International Relations: Beyond the Prism of ‘Isms’

Leave a Comment / Politics, World /

The follies of international relations compel us to see beyond the prism of ‘isms’ to save generations in the quest for sanity and humanity. This pitch dwells on the salient glimpses of discursive disciplinary symptoms in International Relations wherein ideologies are emanating from diverse ‘isms’. Multiple ‘isms’ are replete with their framework of ideas to underpin principles chosen in praxis. An evolution, growth and development in IR rely on trendsetting discourse and rhetoric revelation.

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Russia-Ukraine Crisis_ A Big Boost for Iran

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: A Big Boost for Iranian Economy?

5 Comments / Politics, World /

While analysts focus on wrangling between great powers, the economic and geopolitical relevance of countries like Iran often gets relegated to the sidelines. The revival of the JCPOA, and closer economic ties between Tehran and the West, especially the purchase of Iranian oil by the US and other western countries, could actually result in Tehran re-orienting its foreign policy. If Iran and other signatories do manage to come up with an agreement, Iran’s sagging economy could get a big boost.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: A Big Boost for Iranian Economy? Read More »

Public perception of leader selection

People Prefer Their Leaders to Look, Feel and Behave Like Them

1 Comment / Politics /

“I often wonder, how would the governance and policies of a nation would get impacted, if there was a Union Political Public Service Commission (UPPSC) to conduct a tougher than the civil service examination to determine the minimum eligibility condition for contesting the election as MP or MLA?” People clamour for political reforms. They want politics to change. They want competent people to represent them in power and in opposition. Interestingly, however, they do not identify themselves with the educated and those holding official positions based on the merit determined by their educational attainment. They find them far removed from people to represent and promote their causes. Obviously, people prefer their political representatives to look, feel and behave like themselves.

People Prefer Their Leaders to Look, Feel and Behave Like Them Read More »

Goggling UP Assembly Elections

Goggling UP Assembly Elections

3 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

The fight in UP assembly elections remained primarily between the BJP and the SP. The star campaigners of ruling dispensation raked on the incidents during pre-2017 rule with few prominent ones being Kairana riots & associated migration in western UP, dynastic politics, law and order, camouflaged polarization, nationalism, etc. The law and order, women’s safety, free gas connection, free toilets, free houses, elimination of mafias, welfare schemes of a free ration on account of COVID disruption, direct benefit transfer, health care schemes, infrastructure, various freebies, etc. remained the mainstay for the BJP. Astoundingly, the SP leadership maintained reasonable decency in language while referring to the political opponents across the electioneering. The SP leadership continually reminded of its works, including the “Dial 100”, “Dial 1090”, police reforms, free ambulance service, solar energy initiatives, power plants, power station networks, farmer mandis, sugarcane procurement, the four-lane connection of district headquarters, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Lucknow Metro, IT park, tourism, welfare schemes of food, pension, etc.

Goggling UP Assembly Elections Read More »

Political Controversies at Beijing 2022 Olympics

Political Controversies at Beijing 2022 Olympics

Leave a Comment / Politics, Sports, SPOTLIGHT, World /

The 2022 Winter Olympics concluded recently in Beijing. What made the 2022 Winter Games stand out was that the political aspect of the games was talked about exponentially more than the sporting aspects. The 2022 Beijing Olympics might have been the most tainted game in the history of the Winter edition. There was already a trend of increasing controversies and the political nature of the competition, but the latest set of events in China might have set the tone for years to come. Politicization, environmental problems, doping, decreasing viewership, fewer hosting candidates, increasing criticism, and many more problems cloud the future of the world’s oldest and grandest sporting phenomenon.

Political Controversies at Beijing 2022 Olympics Read More »

Lessons for Taiwan from Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The Lessons for Taiwan from Russia-Ukraine Conflict

7 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict, there is an increasing suspicion that Beijing would follow Moscow’s lead and attempt to conquer Taiwan militarily. Ukraine’s experience should instil a stronger sense of urgency in Taiwan regarding the need to overcome bureaucratic and partisan impediments to coalescing around a military plan that is fit for Taiwan’s security environment and resource restrictions. This is an opportunity for Taiwan’s current and future leaders to instil confidence in the country’s future.

The Lessons for Taiwan from Russia-Ukraine Conflict Read More »

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: The Impact on India

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: The Impact on India

5 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

The ongoing Ukraine Crisis has transported India back to the Cold War era when it was expected to choose a side. However, given India’s growing stature in international affairs and its dynamics with the two countries, maintaining the same strategic autonomy as last time will be nearly impossible. While a Russia-China-India axis in the present scenario is next to impossible, jumping on the Washington wagon has its own set of ill consequences for India vis-à-vis Moscow. It is in India’s best interests for the Ukraine crisis to be de-escalated as soon as possible.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: The Impact on India Read More »

Olympics and International Relations Interwtwined

Olympics and International Relations: Uncovering an Intertwined Relationship

7 Comments / Politics, Sports, SPOTLIGHT, World /

*This is Part Two of the Two-Part Article Series on the Olympics and International Politics.* The Olympics are more than just a stage for international politics. They are a true reflection of the world order and what goes on in it. Hosting an edition of the Olympics is the most beneficial way of gaining soft power for any country. During the Cold War, the Olympics was not only a competition for power and a symbol of pride for the two countries, but also a representation of their global dominance. While the Olympics have been the victim of international political impact multiple times throughout their history, they keep showing their ability to overcome those challenges and continue to bring the international community together to promote sports with the objective of peace.

Olympics and International Relations: Uncovering an Intertwined Relationship Read More »

The Political Nature of the Olympics

The Political Nature of the Olympics: Protests, Boycotts and Violence at the Games

8 Comments / Politics, Sports, SPOTLIGHT, World /

A few countries, including the United States of America, have decided to stage a diplomatic boycott of the ongoing 2022 Beijing Olympics. The Olympics and politics have had a complex relationship even in the past. Almost every Olympics has had one or multiple instances of politicisation. In Olympic history, multiple countries have boycotted the games to express dissent on the basis of international conflicts and issues. The Olympic games also have had their fair share of violence, resulting in human and infrastructural casualties over the years.

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IN SEARCH OF ALLIES

In Search of Allies: Washington and the World

1 Comment / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

The high-profile statements of the White House administration about the reorientation of the foreign policy course from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific region have now become a reality and are reflected in the fact that Washington has focused on the formation of military-political blocs among the countries of the region. However, the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan has raised great doubts about the reliability of US security guarantees for its allies. India is not sure of Washington’s support in the event of another escalation of the Indian-Chinese border conflict. Moreover, Beijing has become the largest market for Australia and the largest exporter of goods to the UK. It is also the main trading partner, both for Tokyo and Seoul.

In Search of Allies: Washington and the World Read More »

Achilles' Heels of China in 2022

The Achilles’ Heels of China in 2022

2 Comments / Politics, World /

The aggression against Taiwan, the ‘China virus’, the oppression of human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, the seizure of islands in the South China Sea, and industrial espionage are phrases that have shaped the international community’s attitude towards China in the past few years. Anti-Chinese sentiment in the world has grown significantly with the onset of the pandemic and continues to grow. The lack of information about Beijing’s true role in the origin of the virus and other crimes against humanity does not allow for a final verdict on Xi Jinping’s government.
However, the ‘China containment policy’ of the United States allows us to predict what the new pain points of the People’s Republic of China in 2022 will be.

The Achilles’ Heels of China in 2022 Read More »

India and South China Sea

China’s South China Sea Claims Threaten India’s Economic and Geopolitical Interests

6 Comments / Politics, World /

The continued flow of commerce and naval movement in the South China Sea is vital for India. It handles around 55% of India’s trade with the Indo-Pacific region. Sustaining regional peace and stability is, thus, crucial for India. To counterbalance China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) effort, India must leverage its geographical advantage, increasing its naval profile, ASEAN collaboration, and heritage of goodwill.

China’s South China Sea Claims Threaten India’s Economic and Geopolitical Interests Read More »

Reinventing Resilience in Tough Times

Reinventing Resilience in Tough Times

Leave a Comment / Politics, World /

An overriding concern is the creation of a cultural wealth of nations where happiness and prosperity are within our means and resources. Despite turning the tide and time in favour of capitalism, everyone aspires for contentment and prosperous living today. It is appropriate to say some of the parameters of democratic civilization reinvent resilience in our tough times

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Geopolitical analysis of Afghanistan

United States, NATO, and the Taliban: Analysis of the Politics

4 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

So far, no government has recognized the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan. The US is no more a global hegemon. It has declined relative to other powers, like China. The US and NATO must, thus, prefer acting pragmatically rather than ideologically. Convergence of national interests of the US and Pakistan in stabilizing Afghanistan may improve their relations. Meanwhile, Biden must stay the course and completely pull out American military forces by the August 31 deadline.

United States, NATO, and the Taliban: Analysis of the Politics Read More »

Deuba Foreign Policy Continuity or Change

Deuba’s Foreign Policy Amid Fluidity: Continuity or Change?

Leave a Comment / Politics, World /

Deuba’s Foreign Policy is being watched by its neighbours as it will decide the fate of its international relations across borders. On the Nepali side, new Prime Minister Deuba has an opportunity to reach out to India and establish an honest line of communication to discuss all outstanding issues and find common grounds. Will his fifth-inning into the corridors of Singh Durbar be different or similar to his predecessors?

Deuba’s Foreign Policy Amid Fluidity: Continuity or Change? Read More »

Afghanistan A new opportunity for Quad

Afghanistan: A New Opportunity for the Quad?

3 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

The Quad’s Indo-Pacific policy is not limited to China’s containment or the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific, since there are several additional areas of concern, most notably in Central Asia. US army withdrawal provides a chance to engage the Quad partners in discussions on Afghan policy and to explore alternatives to existing peacekeeping arrangements. The Quad’s participation in Afghanistan will not only rebalance power in the wider Indo-Pacific region, but will also close a crucial continental chasm in the area’s conceptualization.

Afghanistan: A New Opportunity for the Quad? Read More »

Statecraft in Politics without Frontier

Statecraft in Politics Without Frontiers

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Politics seems to be everything and the core of anybody’s everyday talks. However, statecraft is sorely missing in the state of affairs when transcendence is important to focus on reform, perform and transform the state apparatus. The needs of public management are felt in the backdrop of international or global policy impinging inside a political territory in an ongoing political transition. Politics without frontiers has become a reality wherein knowns and unknowns are common among citizens.

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End of Oli Era

End of Oli Era: A New Start for Indo-Nepal Relations

3 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

For the second time in five months, the Supreme Court of Nepal reversed President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s decision to dissolve the House of Representatives (HoR) of Nepal. This time, it further ordered President Bhandari to appoint Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba as the Prime Minister by July 13, 2021. The ensuing end of the KP Sharma Oli era is likely to provide a renewed impetus to the relations between India and Nepal.

End of Oli Era: A New Start for Indo-Nepal Relations Read More »

Taliban at the Door of Kabul

Afghanistan Surge: Taliban at the Door of Kabul As US Troops Withdraw

3 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

On July 2, 2021, Friday, the US forces quietly vacated the Bagram airfield, considered to be the epicentre of its campaign to remove the Taliban and capture the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks, after nearly two decades. This effectively brings an end to the Afghan ‘forever war’, the longest war fought in US history. As foreign troops retreat, the Taliban forces are sweeping across Afghanistan. The possibility of civil war looms over the country as the region has been pushed into turmoil after the withdrawal of western forces. Twenty years down the line, are we back to square one?

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Way forward to farm laws

Can NEP-2020 show the way to Modi Government on Farm Laws Issue?

Leave a Comment / Politics /

Modi government has made repeal of three farm laws a prestige issue. There are lessons in how NEP-2020 received wide support from all stakeholders after the 2016 policy draft was widely criticized and the government went back to the drafting table. Modi-II regime can learn from Modi-I regime’s experiences on engaging meaningfully with stakeholders when working on crucial policy reforms.

Can NEP-2020 show the way to Modi Government on Farm Laws Issue? Read More »

Course Correction Needed in BJP

Is Course Correction Needed in the Election Engine of BJP? – Part 2

Leave a Comment / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

This is a two-part primer. Part 2 covers the main takeaways for BJP from the 2021 Vidhan Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. This part elaborates on the positives of the election outcome for BJP; along with analysing how BJP could’ve improved its performance in these states by critiquing its key decisions related to candidature, manifesto promises and strategies.

BJP’s religious politics worked best in West Bengal; hardly worked in Tamil Nadu while it never worked in Kerala.

With 2024 LS elections not far away, if BJP doesn’t take efforts to break-free from its stereotype of being a Right-Wing nationalist party trying to homogenize India under Hinduism using Hindutva, as openly advocated by senior party leaders like Dr Subramanian Swamy, there is a significant chance for an All-India Mahagathbandhan to steal the incumbency from NDA!

Is Course Correction Needed in the Election Engine of BJP? – Part 2 Read More »

BJP Juggernaut Halted in 2021

How was BJP Juggernaut Halted in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal – Part 1

2 Comments / Politics /

The 2021 Vidhan Sabha elections of five states – namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry happened in the Summer of 2021 while the country was grappling with the Coronavirus Pandemic. While the NDA alliance has formed the government in Puducherry and Assam, its defeat in the other three states is the most discussed topic. At this juncture, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been facing a severe backlash from many Indians as the party failed to contain the spread of the virus, which led to the devastating second wave.

How was BJP Juggernaut Halted in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal – Part 1 Read More »

positivity rate or positivity drive

New India: What to focus on – ‘Positivity Rate’ or ‘Positivity Drive’?

6 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

Rather than crediting all positives to the regime, and all negatives to the ‘enemies of the state’, we, as a democracy and as ideological inheritors of our freedom fighters, have the moral responsibility of taking the society forward while accounting for the positives as well as the negatives of all the governments democratically elected by us – we, the people!

If the reality is ‘negative’ news, let’s face it. If the reality is ‘positive’ news, let’s rejoice in it! But, let’s not ‘build’ positive news by concealing the reality!

New India: What to focus on – ‘Positivity Rate’ or ‘Positivity Drive’? Read More »

India’s Fall in Gender Index

Unravelling India’s Gender Slide

2 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

India’s fall in the world ranking based on the gender parity index warrants sincere introspection to strategize for achieving gender parity. We have already lost much of the ‘India 2020’ dream envisioned by Former President Kalam to petty politics and jingoism. Let’s not lose this golden phase of 37-year demographic dividend into which India entered three years ago!

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India Partly Free Status

India Slips Down to ‘Partly Free’ Status

1 Comment / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

As per the Freedom House Report, India is stated to have slipped from the ‘Free’ to ‘Partly Free‘ category due to rising violence, discriminatory policies, the crackdown on the expression of dissent by media, academics, civil society groups, and protesters. India is a proud nation to have Maha Upanishads professing “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning that the

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Should Ministers campaign

Should Incumbent Ministers and Chief Ministers Campaign for Civic Body Polls?

8 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

As of late, it has been observed that many charismatic leaders across major political parties of India, who happen to be incumbent Ministers of Union and Chief Ministers, have started campaigning even for civic body polls for their favoured candidates. However, should these individuals holding constitutional offices really campaign for their parties?

Should Incumbent Ministers and Chief Ministers Campaign for Civic Body Polls? Read More »

Rolling the Dice of Democracy through Protests

Rolling the Dice of Democracy through Protests

2 Comments / Politics /

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 has ironically been full of large-scale protests all across the world, including India. This includes the CAA-NRC protests in India, the ongoing farm act protests in India, the Black Lives Matter Movement in the USA and the ongoing Pro-Democracy Thai Protests of 2020, to name a few. This article analyses the impact of protests and public demonstrations on the democratic environment of any country in the light of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s recent verdict on protests in public spaces.

Rolling the Dice of Democracy through Protests Read More »

Anti or Pro incumbency in Bihar

Bihar Elections 2020: Anti-incumbency or Pro-incumbency?

2 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

The state, with more than 12 crore population, has the credit of influencing national politics significantly in the past. Thus, the outcome of Bihar state elections is likely to have serious implications on the future political moves in the Hindi heartland of India. With all political parties pursuing the voters through numerous tactics and tantrums, the canvassing for the first round of polling has come to an end. Nonetheless, it is not discernible to categorically conclude the swinging mood of the voters.

Bihar Elections 2020: Anti-incumbency or Pro-incumbency? Read More »

The Art of Ruling through Animosity – Humanity or Nationalism?

7 Comments / Politics, World /

The need of the hour is to fight the global pandemic through solidarity and cooperation with each other and putting the historically unresolved issue on the back burner for now. A society comprising of the well-aware citizens with a clear objective of their interest can very easily put this message into the ears of those

The Art of Ruling through Animosity – Humanity or Nationalism? Read More »

Farmer Unions and the Logic of Survival

Farm Acts 2020: Farmer Unions and the Logic of Survival

2 Comments / Politics /

The commentary around any policy change in our country, unfortunately, seems to boil down to who understands India better. The resulting discussion often devolves into adversarial claims about the ‘real vs. imagined’, with all sides, of course, claiming the real for themselves. Hence, this article intends to focus more on the drivers of the protests rather than forecasting the possible outcomes of the policy change.

Farm Acts 2020: Farmer Unions and the Logic of Survival Read More »

Why are farmers protesting?

Agri Bills: Why are Farmers Protesting even after PM’s Assurance?

9 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

The government needs to view the issue through the perspective of a farmer. The small farmers of today need safeguard from exploitation along with greater choices. Although the bill promises them more choices, it doesn’t attempt to strengthen the safeguards. This is what the farmers of today are protesting against!

Agri Bills: Why are Farmers Protesting even after PM’s Assurance? Read More »

Poetry as a Tool of Dissent in Modern Day

Poetry as a Tool of Dissent in Modern-Day Authoritarian Regimes

4 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

The recitation of poems and songs at the anti-CAA protests was in keeping with the near-universal practice of deploying poetry to question, challenge, and condemn. Poetry is commonly seen as a tool of dissent in Modern Day Authoritarian Regime in countries like China, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Ironically, all over the world, the violent governments that invest millions of dollars in arms and ammunition are precisely the ones hurt most by the weapon of poetry!

Poetry as a Tool of Dissent in Modern-Day Authoritarian Regimes Read More »

High Cost of Electioneering Fosters Corruption

Does High Cost of Electioneering Foster Corruption?

5 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

The largest democracy of the world is a successfully functional democracy. But, there also exist certain instances where unethical practices woo the voters. It seems that the high cost of electioneering fosters corruption. The money should not play any role in influencing the voters. A nationwide debate to have major reforms in the electoral process is inevitable.

Does High Cost of Electioneering Foster Corruption? Read More »

Strengthening democracy through scientific temper

Strengthening democracy through scientific temper

9 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT /

The all-important is to initiate public discourses through well-conceived opportunities to stimulate the scientific temper in all segments of the population across the country. For efficient deliveries in the democracy of around 1.33 billion population, there should not be any room for irrational thinking, else the country will lag in the present and an ensuing era of technology.

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Beginning of a new Cold War

Beginning of a new Cold War

9 Comments / Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World /

As we reach the midway of 2020, the year is giving no respite from its wrathful events. Apart from the pandemic, the year 2020 will also be remembered as the year of the beginning of a new Cold War. The COVID-19 pandemic has become the flashpoint as both countries blame each other for the devastation caused by the virus across the world. To avoid falling into Tacitus Trap, both the countries are playing the nationalist card to regain their lost legitimacy.

Beginning of a new Cold War Read More »

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