One Nation, One Election

One Nation, One Election: Staggered electoral cycle important safeguard of India’s federal structure

The leitmotif of ‘One Nation’ is strongly aligned with the BJP’s policy and rhetoric; consider the 2017 introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (‘One Nation, One Tax’) and the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 (‘One Nation, One Constitution’). The ONOE falls within this inherent paradigm: an overpowering centre under the guise of administrative cost-cutting and electoral efficiency.

Kolkata rape and murder case: Confronting our collective failures

The medic rape-murder case, which captured global attention in an era dominated by the attention economy, had the potential to ignite systemic reforms, given the brutality of the crime. The movement, like many before it, held the power to expose the moral failings of the ruling party in the state. Yet, as so often happens, it faltered within a couple of months—or perhaps was made to falter. Herein lies an uncomfortable reality: we, the aam aadmi (common man), must share the blame.

Why Pakistan needs to reform and regulate its madrassas

Many critics argue that madrassas are breeding grounds for extremism. While there are undoubtedly instances of some seminaries being linked to extremist ideologies, it is essential to recognize that the vast majority of mudarrassahs are not involved in such activities. However, the lack of regulation leaves these institutions vulnerable to misuse. 

Bangladesh's passport purge: Worrying signs of authoritarianism, undermining of democratic principles

The interim government's decision to cancel the passports of 22 military officials is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked executive power. It violates the Constitution of Bangladesh, contradicts international legal standards, and disregards judicial precedents. Moreover, it reflects a troubling disregard for due process and the rule of law.

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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.

The long march to Islamabad: Pakistan's persecuted Baloch community hit the road for justice

The judiciary, media, human rights activists and Baloch nationalist parties have almost exhausted their efforts in trying to persuade international institutions to intervene and end the sustained atrocities against the people of Balochistan.

The worsening water crisis: Need to adopt innovative water technologies

India’s mainland is endowed with a long coastline of over 5500 km. All the areas situated near this coastline can get clean drinking water through dew condensation.

Terrorism is a tactic of war; yet it defies a uniform definition

State-sponsored terrorism is often employed by smaller or weaker states to weaken bigger or stronger nations as it is more cost effective than traditional war. One of the most prominent examples of this could be the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan

With non-state actors altering geostrategic realities, Underwater Domain Awareness is a strategic imperative for region

The drone attacks in the Arabian Sea recently are an indication of the high-tech means available to the non-state actors and it won’t take much time for them to acquire deadly underwater drones with explosives to carry out unimaginable attacks in a politically volatile IOR

What South Asia can learn from the ASEAN integration experience on labour mobility

The South Asian region has much to learn from the ASEAN experience in integrating investment, trade and movement of labour which includes a skilled workforce