The age of overt, high-visibility strikes is diminishing in returns. Covert operations, cyber infiltration, and disrupting terror logistics silently deliver greater impact at a lower political cost. India needs to establish a dedicated Psychological and Information Warfare Command, rather than relying solely on MEA press briefings or tweets from leaders.
BRICS has the potential—and perhaps the will. Ahead of COP30, it should convene a high-level “Redefining Climate Summit” with other like-minded nations invited to the BRICS table. Let the world know: BRICS can indeed build the force to break the climate blockade. The clock is not ticking anymore. It’s screaming.
BRICS represents more than just an economic grouping; it symbolizes the emergence of agency in the Global South. For too long, the contours of the world order were drawn in the boardrooms of Washington, London, and Brussels. That era is drawing to a close.
A sharp 60% drop in Chinese rare earth exports this April disrupted Indian electric vehicle manufacturing—highlighting just how brittle alternative supply routes still are. Despite diplomatic friction, India lacks the industrial depth to delink quickly from China
The biggest problem of SAARC was the political rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has become a huge obstacle to effective regional policy making. BIMSTEC does not have that problem. Here, the goal is not competition, but cooperation to achieve economic prosperity. As a result, member countries are able to reach consensus and take practical development initiatives.
The diplomacy of restraint, recently practiced by both nations, can be a powerful asset in achieving ambitious climate targets. By working as complementary partners rather than competitors, India and China can manage growth and societal well-being in a more inclusive and sustainable manner, thereby mitigating the planet-wide existential threat of climate change.
A bridge between India and Sri Lanka is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the enduring historic bond between two nations. As you pointed out, both countries "do not have a land boundary." The bridge shall represent our shared histories, mutual aspirations, and a commitment to a future of prosperity and cooperation between two neighbours.
Currently, another organization called Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is gaining importance in which several countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand are associated. It is creating a connection between South Asia and Southeast Asia, where Pakistan and Afghanistan are not included. India is currently focusing on BIMSTEC instead of SAARC
The poor performance of Pakistan’s currency is primarily driven by rapidly depleting foreign exchange reserves, which currently stand at $15.95 billion. This amount is well below the three-month import threshold and significantly lower than Bangladesh’s $25.31 billion. Low reserves restrict the central bank’s ability to intervene in currency markets, leading to increased exchange rate instability.
The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan is a complex issue. A situation that has evolved over four decades cannot be resolved in four years. Moreover, the refugees have integrated into Pakistani society not only due to religious and cultural similarities but also because their children, born in Pakistan, have never visited Afghanistan. They know Pakistan as their home.
Works by Ali Kazim from Pakistan and Tayeba Begum Lipi from Bangladesh, besides Sri Lankan talent contributors featured in The Arts Trail, six exhibitions highlighting upcoming and renowned South Asian artists. The series, organized by Sri Lankan-based ARTRA magazine, explored themes from war to nature’s beauty.
Adding another layer of complexity is the rising specter of radicalism. Reports suggest that extremist elements are gaining traction, with foreign actors allegedly playing a role in fueling Islamist movements. The Yunus government’s perceived leniency toward certain hardline factions has sparked concern, both domestically and internationally
Large sections of Gwadar city have been fenced off effectively restricting access to its own people. As Dr Baloch pointed out, this militarization is not just about controlling the Baloch people but also about securing Chinese interests in the region
Pakistani forces have seized significant caches of American and other foreign-made weapons from TTP hideouts. The presence of M4 rifles, night-vision gear, and advanced sniper equipment among these stockpiles suggests a clear and steady pipeline of arms flowing out of Afghanistan and into the hands of militants
The attacks are important for more reasons than one. First, resentment of the Baloch people is a key reason for these attacks. Second, these could further slow down the CPEC project which already has not progressed as expected. Third, Islamabad’s ties with not just India but also Iran and Afghanistan are already strained. Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan could witness a further downhill trajectory.
At this digital crossroads, the choices made by users, policymakers, and tech companies will determine whether social media fosters empowerment or fragmentation. Society can navigate this transformation toward a more sustainable and authentic digital future by prioritizing ethical considerations, inclusivity, and mental well-being.
ISIS-K continues to launch deadly attacks inside Afghanistan, and Sharifullah’s arrest proves that its network remains active. If the Taliban were serious about counterterrorism, they would be working with regional partners instead of dismissing arrests like this one.
The rise of BNP as the most important party in the interim coalition, a party that is seen as more sympathetic towards China and Pakistan by New Delhi, and the diplomatic efforts by Beijing to woo Dhaka, opens the possibilities for increased Chinese influence in South Asia, making India more circumspect in its dealings with the interim government.
The interim government has established a ‘Constitutional Reform Committee,’ led by Dr. Ali Riaz, a Bangladeshi-American political science professor at Illinois State University. There is a widespread demand among students and civil society groups for necessary constitutional changes to prevent future dictatorships and eliminate anti-democratic provisions. The committee has already submitted its ‘Reform Report,’ addressing the demands of the mass revolution and laying the groundwork for democracy in Bangladesh.
