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.
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.
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.
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.
PM Modi has made it clear that it cannot be business as usual. The UK would need to carefully consider whether its pre-1947 agenda of promoting an autonomous Muslim state at the intersection of South and Central Asia is a desirable objective for the West, wrties Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Pakistan is unhappy that major players which could bail it out at the UN are all embroiled in their own affairs – the US trying to quit Afghanistan and China facing a trying time in Hong Kong, writes Mahendra Ved for South Asia Monitor
Boris Johnson has ended the British stance till now that Kashmir is a bilateral India-Pakistan issue, thereby delivering a lethal blow to India-Britain relations, writes Prakash Chand Katoch for South Asia Monitor
CDS by itself without its essential adjunct of integrated theater commands would be of little avail. It may turn out to be just one more four star-general, without any enhancement in Indian military’s war fighting capabilities, writes Lt-Gen Harwant Singh ( retd ) for South Asia Monitor
India has rudely shaken China, pushing back the bilateral Wuhan understanding with Beijing. It has hit not just China’s prime ally, but has moved close to Aksai Chin, the Kashmir territory Pakistan ceded to China, writes Mahendra Ved for South Asia Monitor
Religious leaders should promote interfaith dialogue. They should bring together followers of different persuasions for meaningful conversations. They should promote a dialogue of understanding and a shared sense of community with other faiths, writes Frank Islam for South Asia Monitor
The abolition of J&K’s special status will complete the ongoing process of annexation into the Indian Union, as it was a temporary provision, and will bring misguided and stone-pelting Kashmiri youth into mainstream politics, writes Sudhanshu Tripathi for South Asia Monitor
Experts are divided about the legality and constitutional propriety of the August 5 decisions in relation to Article 3 and the reorganization of states. What is at stake is the sanctity of constitutionalism and for PM Narendra Modi the way the Kashmir issue unfolds will define his political legacy, writes C Uday Bhaskar for South Asia Monitor
Internationally, the impact has been positive across the international community and, even China, although initially negatively disposed, has chosen not to be too vociferous in its protestations, writes Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) for South Asia Monitor
Haj will continue to be the harbinger of cultural and economic cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, writes Dr H A Nazmi for South Asia Monitor
Those who have closely watched Modi believe that the prime minister wanted to give a clear signal that his government would be in a pro-active mode to handle long pending issues, writes Arun Anand for South Asia Monitor
The reason Pakistan was afraid of the plebiscite was that the raiders and troops it had sent in “had indulged in loot, arson, rape, and murder in the State. Scores of villages and towns were destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people uprooted, writes Arul Louis for South Asia Monitor
Pakistan can be expected to up the ante on terror, but any misadventure by Pakistan will be suitably responded to by India, writes Lt Gen Prakash Chand Katoch (retd) for South Asia Monitor
If, in the name of security, the BJP can, with one stroke, undo the federal asymmetry which was a product of the unique circumstances pertaining to the accession of J&K state to India, with a complex set of legal and constitutional mechanisms, the same can be done to the Northeast special powers, but with greater ease, writes Reeta Tremblay for South Asia Monitor
After a decade, these three countries - Nepal, a Hindu majority country, Bhutan, a Buddhist country and Maldives, an Islamic country - make a compelling study in the journey of democracy, writes Rishija Singh for South Asia Monitor
