Venu Naturopathy

 

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BIMSTEC: Structural and political challenges hobble greater regional integration

India’s active role in BIMSTEC aligns with its broader strategic objectives under the Neighborhood First and Act East policies. The organization’s goals—connecting South and Southeast Asia, enhancing trade and connectivity, and boosting cooperation in maritime and non-traditional security sectors—complement India’s own regional priorities

Chill in India-Bangladesh ties taking heavy toll on cross-border trade and infrastructure

Bangladeshi authorities have noted that Matarbari Port  will also support feeder vessel services from India’s Kolkata and Haldia ports. This transshipment framework could facilitate efficient trade not only for India but also for landlocked neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan. However, much of this potential remains unrealized, and may continue to do so, amid Bangladesh’s current domestic challenges and diplomatic tensions with India

The rot within: Police assault on army officer highlights crying need for systemic reforms

While there is no debate that soldiers must be treated with dignity, civilians too are equally deserving of such respectful treatment. India is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law, which must apply uniformly—whether to a uniformed individual or a civilian. There should be no space for such high-handed behavior by the police or any other government agency that represents state authority.

Can a fish market and a temple co-exist? Fishy politics in an Indian capital corner tells a larger story

An eclectic faith with no supreme authority, that accommodate diverse centres of belief and practice, can always be susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation. A tendency to arrogate theological authority to a self-serving stream of thought and negation of other religio-cultural practices is alien to the spirit of Sanatan Dharma, which is inherently inclusive in character and sees no basis for excluding any belief.

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Spanish PM's visit will enhance regional security cooperation between Europe and India

The trip - coming as it does on the heels of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to New Delhi with a large delegation - is a reflection of Europe's increasing desire for greater collaboration with India. And growing Indo-Spanish trade and economic ties may expand further cooperation in commerce, investment, research, technology, education, defense, and security between Europe and India.

Political violence in India: Criminalisation of politics or politicisation of crimes?

Money is an integral part which ensures criminalisation of the political space remains dominated by many such non-state actors without much criticism and conflict. Corruption and the flow of money into politics, therefore, becomes codependent enabling a seamless structure that is vulnerable to uncontrolled hegemony and unlawful domination. 

Is multiculturalism dead? Restrictive immigration would impair cultural diversity and sharpen global polarization

A new narrative then emerges and multiculturalism starts to be perceived as a disruptive force with a contrary ideology that poses a credible threat to the Western worldview. Immigrants are perceived as foreigners, who are disrespectful of the prevailing cultural unity by asserting – even imposing – an alien way of thinking and behaving.

US-India ties: Trump has established track record on India ties, but Harris record is sparse

The Biden administration has taken a relatively low-key approach compared to Canada, but it will continue to be an irritant in India-US relations and could balloon in a Harris administration.

The shadow of the caliphate: Hizb-ut-Tahrir a threat to India's national security

In India, HT's message poses particular risks. India has a sizable Muslim population which exceeds 200 million, and around 47 percent of it consists of a young population under the age of 19. Socio-economic challenges of the community make the youth population vulnerable to the group's radical propaganda. This is especially concerning as India grapples with its own extremist threats.

South Asia: Redistributive growth needs to be the mantra for policymakers

It is estimated  that about 37% percent of the world’s 1.1 billion multi-dimensionally poor people live in  South Asia. And an estimated 272 million poor people in the region live in households with at least one undernourished person. 

Business and bonhomie in Kazan: The significance of the BRICS Summit 2024

For India, its adoption of The Kazan Declaration represents yet another significant turning point. The Kazan Declaration is anticipated to support the BRICS countries' joint endeavours to tackle global concerns, ranging from security to economic development, and to demonstrate the group's increasing global clout.

China-India agreement: West will need to adapt to a new reality

The broader message of the Sino-India pact is clear: the world is moving toward a multipolar order where the dominance of Western powers is increasingly being challenged by the rise of nations like China and India. This agreement exemplifies the ability of non-Western nations to resolve their conflicts without Western interference

India-China military disengagement in Eastern Ladakh: New Delhi should always be ready for a surprise

China has been saying that the border question should be left separate from the bilateral relationship, implying it should be kept on the back burner. Resumption of patrolling in Ladakh, in whatever form, will be good, But the reversion to pre-April 2020 posture by China is out of the question. 

Nepal Supreme Court’s landmark ruling sets benchmark for LGBTQI+ rights

Nepal made history with its 2007 judgment, becoming the first South Asian nation to formally register same-sex marriage, with a trans woman and a gay man legally marrying in the Lamjung district. It also passed affirming laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, including the legal recognition of a third gender over ten years ago, placing Nepal ahead of many other countries.

Building climate resilience in Pakistan: The SAFER project’s role in addressing water and ecosystem vulnerabilities

The SAFER project achieves two goals, by prioritizing participation of women, children, youth, and resilience of vulnerable communities, and by achieving gender equality and social justice. This ambitious project by Pakistan sets a precedent for other developing nations to follow, showing the importance of community driven, ecosystem based approaches to climate adaptation.

Alternative Dispute Resolution should be encouraged to reduce burden on courts

ADR law aims to make justice more accessible and reduce the burden on courts, which currently have over 4.48 crore (nearly 45 million) cases pending from District Court to Supreme Court, 1.08 crore of which are civil disputes and 3.40 crore of which are criminal cases. According to the National Judicial Data Grid, these cases have been pending for anywhere from one year to more than 30 years. 

Hardened positions in both capitals has India-Canada ties on the edge

Beyond the immediate flare up, the fact that Trudeau is sticking to his guns so publicly without offering any actionable evidence could mean that internally he is certain of the damaging nature of what his law enforcement has gathered. If not, then he is playing a dangerous game prompted by domestic political compulsions.

Mob justice: A growing threat to Bangladesh’s stability

The current government came to power with promises of systemic reform and state reorganization. However, the alarming rise of mob justice across Bangladesh suggests a shift from reform to revenge. Since the police returned to duty on August 11, 21 people have been beaten to death in 38 days, with only eight arrests. This highlights the failure of law enforcement to curb mob violence