Category: Polity

The Islamabad Talks were high-level negotiations aimed at de-escalating the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Hosted by Pakistan, they marked the first direct engagement between the US and Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, reflecting urgent efforts to stabilise the region and global oil supply. Key issues included disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, reopening of the … Continue reading Islamabad Talks, 2026 – Crisis Diplomacy

The Union Government has proposed expanding the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats to facilitate the implementation of 33% reservation for women. The plan is linked to a fresh delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census, aiming to reconfigure constituencies. Under the proposal, 815 seats will be allotted to states and … Continue reading Lok Sabha Expansion and Women’s Reservation

In the literary compositions of Bishnu Prasad Rabha, the idea of Panchayat emerges as a critical instrument of grassroots governance and social transformation. His work Banua Panchayat particularly highlights the functioning of rural self-governing institutions in Assam. Rabha presents the Panchayat not merely as an administrative body but as a platform for empowering peasants and … Continue reading Panchayat in the Works of Bishnu Prasad Rabha

Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits the display or broadcast of election-related content through television, radio or similar media during the 48-hour silence period before polling ends. This restriction ensures that voters are not influenced at the final stage of elections. Media platforms must avoid airing any programme, debate or … Continue reading Silence Period & Exit Poll Ban — Representation of People Act

The practice of contesting from multiple constituencies (OCMC) varies across democracies, reflecting different approaches to representation and accountability. In Australia, a sitting legislator must resign before contesting for another house, ensuring clear separation of roles. United Kingdom and most European democracies have largely banned OCMC (UK since 1983) to promote electoral clarity and accountability. In … Continue reading One Candidate, Multiple Constituencies (OCMC) — Global Practices

Flow of Resilience (2024), directed by Pranami Koch, is a documentary that explores the lived experiences of individuals accused of witchcraft in Assam. The film sheds light on the social stigma, violence and gendered dimensions associated with witch-hunting, while also highlighting resilience and the need for awareness and reform. It contributes to ongoing discourse on … Continue reading Flow of Resilience — Film on Witch-Hunting in Assam

Immigration has emerged as a dominant electoral issue in both the United Kingdom and Assam, where complex socio-economic realities are often simplified into emotionally charged political narratives. In the UK, debates intensified from Brexit to policies under leaders like Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, influenced by figures such as Nigel Farage. Despite strict rhetoric, migration … Continue reading Immigration Politics — UK and Assam Comparison

India does not allow dual citizenship; if an Indian citizen acquires foreign citizenship, Indian citizenship is automatically terminated. However, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status provides a lifelong visa but does not confer citizenship rights. In limited cases, the government may issue a second passport booklet for administrative reasons, but this remains within a single … Continue reading Multiple Passports — Legal Position in India

Bahrain led a significant diplomatic initiative at the United Nations Security Council by tabling Resolution 2817 (2026), addressing Iran’s attempts to control the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. The resolution was adopted with a 13-0-2 vote, with Russia and China abstaining, and was sponsored by Bahrain on behalf of the GCC and … Continue reading UNSC Resolution 2817 (2026) — Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Gauhati High Court ruled that the Justice (retd) B.K. Sharma Commission violated the rights of accused persons while investigating the APSC CCE 2013–2014 cases, by not adhering to provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. Under Section 8B, individuals whose reputation may be affected must be given a fair opportunity to be heard and … Continue reading Gauhati High Court — Violation of Natural Justice in Inquiry

Jirga is a customary decision-making institution among Pashtun communities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where male elders assemble to resolve disputes through consensus. It operates under the Pashtunwali code, which emphasises honour, justice and community harmony. Jirgas function as informal local courts addressing civil and sometimes criminal matters. At a higher level, the “Loya Jirga” represents … Continue reading Jirga — Traditional Conflict Resolution System

Tripura has earned national recognition with three panchayats selected for the Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Nanaji Deshmukh Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar 2025, awarded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for excellence in local governance and sustainable development. Sepahijala district secured the top rank in the Best District Panchayat category, while Kanchanbari Gram Panchayat (Unakoti) ranked … Continue reading Tripura Panchayats — National Recognition

Kameshwar Das stands as a powerful symbol of intellectual excellence and ethical public life in Assam’s administrative history. Known evocatively as the “Lotus in the Muddy Pond,” he represented the triumph of merit over mediocrity in a system long burdened by hierarchy and privilege. A brilliant mathematician who secured first class first with a gold … Continue reading Kameshwar Das and the Making of Meritocratic Assam

For the 16th Census, live-in couples who consider their relationship a “stable union” will be treated as “married” for enumeration purposes, as clarified in the FAQ section of the self-enumeration portal. This reflects an evolving approach towards capturing diverse family structures. The self-enumeration facility will be available for both phases of the Census—Houselisting and Housing … Continue reading Live-in Relationship — Census Recognition

Kamdhenu has been introduced as the official election mascot of Bajali district to promote voter awareness ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections 2026. Designed as a smiling cow adorned with a traditional Assamese gamosa, it reflects local identity and cultural symbolism. The cow represents Bajali’s strong dairy economy and its role in livelihoods. Holding … Continue reading Kamdhenu Mascot — Voter Awareness in Bajali

Assam has witnessed a sharp fall in the number of candidates contesting the 2026 Assembly elections, with only 722 candidates across 126 constituencies—the lowest in nearly five decades. This trend has raised concerns about possible declining public engagement in electoral politics. Several factors are cited, including dissatisfaction with political parties, repeated candidature of the same … Continue reading Assam Elections 2026 — Decline in Candidates

Purvottar Institute for Persons with Disabilities (PIPWD), located at Tetelia in Assam, is the only higher education institution in Northeast India dedicated to students with disabilities. Established in 2017 in collaboration with Vision Sunrise NGO and affiliated with Gauhati University, it focuses on inclusive education and skill development. With over 155 students enrolled, the institute … Continue reading PIPWD — Inclusive Education in Northeast

Kerala has introduced MLATrack.com, India’s first platform designed to monitor the legislative performance of MLAs. It provides a public database covering activities of Members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly for the 2021–2026 term. The platform aims to enhance transparency and accountability by enabling citizens, researchers and media to analyse legislative participation, debates and interventions. It … Continue reading MLATrack — Digital Transparency in Legislatures

Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force (MPSAF) is deploying around 40 companies, comprising nearly 4,000 personnel, to assist in conducting free and fair elections in Assam and West Bengal. This marks one of the largest deployments in recent years, after 50 companies were sent during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections. MPSAF is the armed wing of … Continue reading MPSAF Deployment — Strengthening Election Security

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that the salary of serving Assam Rifles personnel cannot be directly attached by civil courts for recovery of maintenance dues. The judgment reinforces statutory protection granted under the Assam Rifles Act. The Court clarified that only the Central Government has the authority to deduct pay and allowances … Continue reading Assam Rifles Salary Protection — High Court Ruling

Assam has intensified surveillance on the suspected use of cryptocurrencies for routing unaccounted funds ahead of Assembly elections. Law enforcement agencies, including state police, are closely tracking digital transactions and financial flows. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be divided into small units and transferred through peer-to-peer exchanges, making them suitable for discreet transactions. Security has been … Continue reading Cryptocurrency Monitoring — Election Vigilance in Assam

Denmark is holding a snap parliamentary election after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for early polls while seeking a third term. Such elections are conducted before the scheduled tenure ends, often driven by political strategy or necessity. Snap elections may arise due to loss of confidence in the government, legislative deadlock (such as failure to … Continue reading Denmark Snap Election — Early Poll Call

The Supreme Court has ruled that a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste loses SC status upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism, regardless of birth. The decision clarifies that constitutional benefits are linked to continued adherence to the recognised religious framework. Regarding Scheduled Tribes, recognition flows from the Constitution (Scheduled … Continue reading SC Status after Conversion — Supreme Court Ruling

Gujarat has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill through a voice vote after an extended debate, becoming the second state after Uttarakhand to adopt such a law. The Bill was introduced following recommendations of a state-appointed committee. The legislation seeks to establish a uniform legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships, irrespective … Continue reading Gujarat UCC Bill — Second State to Adopt Uniform Code

A standoff attack was reported near an Assam Police Commando camp at Jagun in Tinsukia district, where unexploded ordnance such as RPG and UBGL rounds were found, posing serious risks to civilians. The Indian Army promptly carried out operations to safely neutralise these explosives. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) refers to munitions like bombs, shells or grenades … Continue reading Jagun Attack — UXO Threat and Response

The Supreme Court of India allowed termination of a 30-week pregnancy, placing a woman’s reproductive autonomy above concerns of fetal viability. The decision, delivered by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, involved a case where the woman was a minor at the time of conception, thereby extending relief beyond the usual legal limit. Under the Medical Termination of … Continue reading Reproductive Autonomy — Supreme Court Judgment

Ganabandhu, a Brahmaputra river dolphin, has been unveiled as the official election mascot of Sonitpur district for the Assembly elections 2026 under SVEEP initiatives. The move, along with the inauguration of a voter awareness selfie point, aims to enhance public participation in the electoral process. The Brahmaputra river dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, is commonly … Continue reading Ganabandhu Mascot — Voter Awareness in Sonitpur

Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel are being deployed in Assam and West Bengal to strengthen security arrangements ahead of Assembly elections. Around 800 personnel will assist in maintaining law and order and ensuring peaceful polling. TSR was raised in the 1980s to counter insurgency in Tripura and was formalised under the Tripura State Rifles Act, … Continue reading Tripura State Rifles — Deployment for Election Security

In preparation for the upcoming single-phase Assembly elections, Assam Police is planning preventive arrests across the state to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful polling. Such measures aim to deter potential disruptions during the electoral process. Preventive arrest is governed by Section 151 of the CrPC (now Section 170 of the BNSS), allowing police … Continue reading Preventive Arrest — Ensuring Peaceful Elections

Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh has secured first position in the “financial inclusion and skill development” category under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme. This achievement reflects strong progress in improving access to financial services and enhancing skill-based employment. In recognition of its performance, the district has been awarded ₹3 crore. The success highlights effective governance, … Continue reading Namsai District — Top Rank in Aspirational Programme

The Meghalaya government has extended the tenure of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) by six months amid unrest in the Garo Hills region. The decision, taken by the State Cabinet in Shillong, follows protests over the participation of non-tribals in the council’s electoral process, with local groups demanding exclusive tribal representation. Autonomous District … Continue reading Garo Hills Autonomous District Council — Tenure Extension

APSC PYQ TOPIC 2026 Under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, capitation fee refers to any extra amount collected by a school apart from the officially prescribed fee. It includes donations or unofficial payments demanded during admission, which are strictly prohibited to ensure fair and equal access to education. The provision aims to prevent commercialization … Continue reading Capitation Fee under RTE Act — Meaning

Gauhati High Court has established an exclusive fast-track sessions court for speedy hearing in the Zubeen-related high-profile case, reflecting a strong push for timely justice delivery. Justice Sharmila Bhuyan, District Judge of Baksa, has been appointed as the presiding judge. Court No. 3 of the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Kamrup (Metro), is conducting day-to-day … Continue reading Fast-Track Sessions Court — Zubeen Garg Case

Joseph Clay Kent, Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on 17 March 2026. A former Green Beret and CIA paramilitary operative, he cited concerns over misinformation influencing strategic decisions, particularly regarding tensions with Iran, in his resignation communication. The episode highlights the concept of the “Fog of War,” as explained by Carl von … Continue reading Joseph Kent — Resignation and “Fog of War” Context

India ranked 116th in the World Happiness Report 2026, improving from 118th in 2025 and 126th in 2024, though still behind neighbours like Nepal and Pakistan. The report evaluates well-being across more than 140 countries using multidisciplinary research. Released annually around the International Day of Happiness (March 20), this year’s theme focuses on “Happiness and … Continue reading India — World Happiness Report 2026

Arman Ali from Assam, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), has played a key role in preparing India’s first handbook for parliamentarians on disability inclusion titled “Beyond the Visible.” The handbook aims to guide lawmakers in designing inclusive policies using accurate and disaggregated data. It seeks to … Continue reading Arman Ali — Disability Inclusion Handbook Initiative

The death of Jürgen Habermas, one of the world’s most influential philosophers and a leading intellectual figure in Germany, marks the end of an era in contemporary social and political thought. Associated with the Frankfurt School, Habermas made significant contributions to theories of communication, rationality and democracy. His work explored themes such as the public … Continue reading Death of Jürgen Habermas — Influential Philosopher

The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has issued an advisory to newly selected candidates of the Civil Services Examination 2025, urging them to maintain professionalism, restraint and integrity from the beginning of their careers. Candidates have been advised to avoid self-promotion and impulsive behaviour on social media, and to uphold dignity in … Continue reading LBSNAA Advisory — Code of Conduct for Civil Servants

Northeast India was highlighted in the Indo-Pacific Northeastern Dialogue organised by the U.S. Embassy in India, the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata, and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi. The discussion aimed to connect Indo-Pacific and Quad strategic frameworks with the regional realities of Northeast India. Participants emphasised the region’s potential to support market … Continue reading Northeast India — Indo-Pacific Strategic Dialogue

The effective functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is based on the principle of “3Fs” — Functions, Funds and Functionaries. This framework ensures that local bodies have clear responsibilities, adequate financial resources and trained personnel to implement development programmes. At the grassroots level, Gram Panchayats (GPs) play a crucial role in decentralised governance by preparing … Continue reading 3F Framework — Functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has permitted the withdrawal of artificial life support of a 32-year-old man who had been in a comatose state for more than 12 years, marking the Court’s first specific order allowing passive euthanasia in such circumstances. Passive euthanasia refers to intentionally allowing a patient to die … Continue reading Passive Euthanasia — Supreme Court Order

A recent controversy emerged after the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her ministers during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Bagdogra Airport, raising allegations of a protocol breach. Such situations are governed by the Blue Book, which outlines official procedures during visits of top constitutional authorities. The Blue Book is a confidential … Continue reading Blue Book Protocol — Security Manual for VVIP Visits

Inside the UN Security Council by Jess Gifkins provides an in-depth examination of how the United Nations Security Council functions in practice. The book highlights the often underappreciated role played by the ten non-permanent members in shaping debates, negotiations and decision-making within the Council. It also challenges traditional rational models of diplomacy by showing how … Continue reading Inside the UN Security Council — Book by Jess Gifkins

The Raisina Dialogue 2026 is organised under the theme “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement,” reflecting India’s vision of balancing national interests with global cooperation in an evolving geopolitical landscape. The dialogue is structured around six thematic pillars addressing contemporary global challenges. These include Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity and Periphery focusing on geopolitical competition; Repairing the … Continue reading Raisina Dialogue 2026 — Theme and Focus Areas

Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu and a rapper-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent symbol of youth-driven politics in Nepal. Representing a new political generation, he has gained popularity among young voters seeking transparency, administrative reforms and a departure from traditional party politics. Nepal recently went to the polls six months after a … Continue reading Balendra Shah — Emerging Youth Leader in Nepal

Operation Sankalp is a maritime security mission launched by the Indian Navy on June 19, 2019, to ensure the safety of Indian-flagged merchant vessels and maintain stability in the Indian Ocean Region. The operation was initiated following rising security threats to commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Under this … Continue reading Operation Sankalp — Maritime Security Initiative

Following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US–Israel airstrikes, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last monarch Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, has re-emerged as a potential transitional figure in Iran’s evolving political scenario. From exile, he has called for democratic reforms, secular governance and free elections amid growing uncertainty in the … Continue reading Reza Pahlavi — Iran’s Political Transition Debate

The United States and Israel reportedly carried out a joint military operation, Operation Epic Fury (Operation Genesis), against Iran, leading to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. The development has triggered a wider regional conflict, sharply escalating tensions in West Asia. The crisis poses major global challenges, including risks … Continue reading Operation Epic Fury — West Asia Conflict

A “forever war” describes a prolonged conflict that continues without a clear end point, decisive victory or defined timeline. Such wars are typically sustained through ongoing military engagement against shifting adversaries, often involving non-state actors or ideological movements rather than conventional nation-states. These conflicts tend to remain low-intensity for long periods but may escalate unpredictably. … Continue reading “Forever War” — Concept in International Relations

Senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been designated as the jurist member of Iran’s temporary leadership council, entrusted with performing the responsibilities of the Supreme Leader during the transitional phase following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s constitutional framework provides for a collective interim authority to ensure continuity of governance until a new Supreme … Continue reading Iran’s Interim Supreme Leadership Mechanism — Governance Update

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died following a major attack by Israel and the United States. The attack opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, carried the potential for retaliatory violence and a wider war, and represented a startling flex of military might for an American President who swept into office … Continue reading Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed

The Druzhba Pipeline, meaning “Friendship,” is among the world’s longest crude oil pipeline networks and a major energy transport corridor in Eurasia. Built during the Soviet era, it functions as a key route for supplying Russian and Kazakh crude oil to industrial regions of Central and Eastern Europe. The pipeline originates at Almetyevsk in Tatarstan, … Continue reading Druzhba Pipeline

The Supreme Court of India ordered a complete halt on the reprinting, sale and digital circulation of a recently published Class 8 Social Science textbook by NCERT after objecting to certain references to “corruption in the judiciary” in a chapter discussing the role of courts in society. The Court expressed concern over the portrayal of … Continue reading Supreme Court bans circulation of NCERT Class 8 textbook

The Centre has appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan as the Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry probing the ethnic violence in Manipur, following the resignation of Justice Ajai Lamba effective from February 28. The commission is tasked with examining the causes, sequence of events and administrative response related to the unrest. … Continue reading New Chairperson appointed for Manipur Violence Inquiry Commission

The Prime Minister of India is undertaking a State visit to Israel at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. Israel remains one of India’s key defence suppliers and an important collaborator in sectors such as agriculture through the India–Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP), which promotes … Continue reading India–Israel State Visit and Strategic Partnership

The Prime Minister of India received the prestigious “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” during an address to Israel’s Parliament, becoming the first Indian leader to be conferred this honour. The award, the highest distinction of the Knesset, recognises efforts in deepening strategic, diplomatic and technological cooperation between India and Israel. The Knesset, Israel’s unicameral legislature … Continue reading Prime Minister honoured with Knesset’s highest parliamentary award