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India leveraging geopolitical strengths to develop its own AI-powered defense systems

Strategic initiatives such as "AI in Defense," "Make in India," and "Buy IDDM" demonstrate India's commitment to nurturing indigenous AI solutions.

With new government in Pakistan, is the US preparing to return to the AfPak theatre?

The US, it would seem, was awaiting the formation of the new government in Pakistan to nudge Islamabad to act against the various outfits operating from Afghan territory and this suited Pakistan. Simultaneously, the much-awaited tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been cleared at the staff level to help Pakistan ease its economic situation.

If Z.A. Bhutto hanging could be declared unjust, why not review hanging of Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries?

Since 1947, the establishments of Pakistan and India have aggressively promoted identities of ‘separateness’ based on religion. However, the people of both countries have a more mature understanding of the fluidity of identities.

Climate crisis does not figure in India's election campaign! Modi must mobilise youth for climate action

Accelerated climate action would continue if Modi retains his leadership after the election. Expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and enhanced investment in green hydrogen and electrical vehicles have already been announced in the interim budget presented recently.

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Muslim nations must call out terrorists and withdraw clandestine support

Though a vast majority of Muslims oppose violent extremism, it is a reality that most extremist and terrorist violence does occur in largely Muslim states, although it mostly consists of attacks by Muslim extremists on fellow Muslims and not some clash between civilizations. 

India’s Ram Mandir consecration sparks celebrations, yet raises questions in Nepal

The way this was done raises questions about whether Hindus have been spiritually awakened and also what this means for India as an avowedly secular, democratic country.

Red Sea crisis: Domino effect on Bangladesh and global supply chain

The protracted Red Sea crisis may hurt Bangladesh's exports, stoke inflationary pressures, and delay the recovery of the economy. Bangladesh’s apparel sector is highly dependent on the route, as nearly 70 percent of the country's clothes are exported to European countries

Millets should be used as food and not for fuel

Worldwide sorghum is the fifth highest-produced grain crop and fourth in India. Nutritionally it is better than rice as it contains beta-carotene, folic acid, fiber, thiamine, and riboflavin.

Can India become a Hindu theocratic state post-Ayodhya consecration?

Advani was gracious enough to handwrite his answer in which he said, “The Indian Constitution guarantees equality and justice to all citizens, irrespective of their faith. The BJP holds that this commitment of our constitution makers is a commitment of the nation. Anything else would be contrary to our history, tradition and culture. The BJP rejects theocracy. In India, we can never have Class I citizens and Class II citizens as you have in Pakistan and several Islamic countries.” 

No sermons, but tougher on trade, closer on geostrategy: If he wins, Trump 2.0 will pick up threads of India ties

Trump took a broader view of the Indo-Pacific region and its role that aligned with India’s in a world where China assumes an increasingly aggressive posture towards neighbours and vies for global dominance. In his tenure, he extended the Pacific remit to the Indian Ocean, embracing India in the strategy for the region.

The Ram temple issues are socio-political, not just religious

While the real issue of Ram temple is social, it is also a political play at its zenith. In a politically charged nation, what we see are distorted views of the developments in Ayodhya.

Is social media hijacking the narrative, impacting governance and policies?

The adverse influence of uncontrolled social media in the relations between India and Maldives is a case in point. Social media poses an existential threat to the conventional methods of conducting governance, diplomacy, and warfare. 

Spreading extremism in Pakistan has ominous implications for region

Al-Qaeda's strategic plan involves aiding "persecuted" Kashmiri Muslims once their objectives in Pakistan are achieved. Shifting the jihadist threat toward Kashmir will also align with the ambitions of the Pakistani military. 

India’s stigmatized mental healthcare cries for prioritisation

In India's close-knit communities, mental health struggles often face a deafening silence. According to a study by Deloitte, over 70 per cent of Indians use derogatory terms for mental disorders and nearly 40 per cent voice fear of a neighbour seeking help for mental health issues.

Why India, with its huge backlog of unresolved cases, needs robo-judges

The recent passage of amended criminal laws in India highlights the challenges of human judges' adaptability, contrasting with the instantaneous application capabilities of robo-judges. COVID-19 accelerated technology integration in Indian courts, paving the way for the use of AI in judicial administration. 

Recounting Indian Navy's1971 valour: Questions before the nation

With the spectacular achievements of the Indian Navy in the 1971 war under the daring and decisive leadership of Admiral Nanda, he could well have been considered for being made Admiral of the Fleet. As this involves rectifying past oversights, there are already precedents.

BNP's miscalculation can prove costly for party and Bangladesh

The absence of a strong opposition can potentially pave the way for the ascendancy of authoritarian, dictatorial, or undemocratic forces within the country's political sphere. 

India and the European Union: Growing partners in technology

Both DPI and AI are data-driven and integral to future human development. In 2024, India and the EU are looking to formulate a unified approach towards these two cutting-edge aspects of technology.

Victory of independent candidates: A new message in Bangladesh's electoral politics

The large number of independent candidates winning in this election has shown new thinking in Bangladesh's politics. And the time may have come for political parties to rethink their candidate selection process.