Category: Polity

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

IEEPA is a US law empowering the President to regulate international economic transactions during a declared national emergency caused by external threats to national security, foreign policy or the economy. It mainly functions as a sanctions framework, allowing restrictions on financial dealings and foreign assets. Recently, the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under … Continue reading IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act), 1977

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename the State of Kerala as “Keralam”, initiating the constitutional process required for changing a State’s name. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, Parliament has the power to alter the name, area, or boundaries of any State through legislation. However, such a Bill can be introduced only … Continue reading Proposal to Rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’

The government has unveiled “Prahaar”, India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, outlining a multi-layered strategy built on a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism. The framework emphasises intelligence-led prevention, early disruption of extremist networks, and coordinated action against terror activities. The policy aims to cut off terrorists and their support systems by restricting access to funding, weapons, logistics, … Continue reading ‘Prahaar’ — India’s First Counter-Terrorism Policy

Operation Demolishment is a counter-insurgency initiative aimed at dismantling memorials and structures allegedly erected by Naxal groups to glorify their leaders and promote extremist ideology. The operation targets symbolic sites used for propaganda, recruitment mobilisation, and commemorative gatherings linked to Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The initiative is carried out by Indian security forces in coordination … Continue reading Operation Demolishment

The book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman, authored by senior political leader Vijay Goel, was released at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The publication reflects on the life, leadership, and political legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, highlighting his contributions to governance, diplomacy, and coalition politics in India. APSC … Continue reading ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman’ Released

Political tourism refers to travel motivated by political interests or shaped by political systems, ideologies, and governance decisions influencing tourism patterns. It reflects the intersection between politics, public participation, and mobility. Major Types:• Solidarity and Justice Tourism: Travel undertaken to express support for political causes or social justice movements, often linked to ideological or humanitarian … Continue reading Political Tourism

The year 2026 marks fifty years since India enacted the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, a landmark law aimed at eliminating modern-day slavery and debt bondage. The Act abolished bonded labour, cancelled bonded debts, and criminalised practices that forced workers into exploitative labour arrangements. Despite legal abolition, challenges remain in ensuring effective rehabilitation and … Continue reading 50 Years of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has launched Arctic Sentry, a new military coordination framework aimed at strengthening security cooperation in the High North. The initiative seeks to integrate Arctic-focused military exercises under a unified structure to enhance operational coordination among member states. The move follows internal tensions within the alliance after remarks by former US … Continue reading NATO’s ‘Arctic Sentry’ Initiative

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Government to constitute an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal within one month to resolve the Pennaiyar river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The direction followed a suit filed by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 of the Constitution of India, which gives the Supreme Court … Continue reading Pennaiyar river water dispute

The Union Government has decided to move a Privilege Notice against the Leader of Opposition for allegedly making misleading statements during the Budget discussion in the Lok Sabha. A Privilege Notice is a formal motion raised by a Member of Parliament alleging breach of parliamentary privilege or contempt of the House. Parliamentary privileges are special … Continue reading Privilege Notice in Parliament

The Ministry of Defence is preparing revised norms to regulate publication of books and memoirs by serving and retired armed forces personnel. The move follows controversy surrounding the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief M. M. Naravane. The new guidelines are expected to align closely with the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which … Continue reading Defence Publication Norms and Official Secrecy Framework

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has secured a decisive victory in Bangladesh’s general elections, ending nearly two decades of dominance by the Awami League. The outcome marks a major political shift in the country’s governance landscape. Bangladesh elects members to its unicameral legislature, the Jatiyo Sangshad (National Parliament). The Parliament comprises … Continue reading BNP Victory in Bangladesh General Elections

Raghav Chadha of the Aam Aadmi Party has advocated the introduction of the Right to Recall, arguing that it would deepen democratic accountability by empowering citizens to remove non-performing elected representatives before completion of their term. He has proposed safeguards such as an 18-month performance window and a minimum voter threshold to initiate recall proceedings, … Continue reading Debate on Introduction of Right to Recall

The Opposition has initiated a motion seeking removal of Om Birla, triggering the constitutional process for examining the Speaker’s removal. A no-confidence motion against the Speaker is a resolution to remove the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha before completion of tenure. This mechanism applies only to the Lok Sabha and not to … Continue reading No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker

On February 11, the Supreme Court of India permitted the Assam government to proceed with evictions in reserved forest areas, subject to scrutiny by a specially constituted committee. The Bench comprising Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe emphasised that forests are vital national resources requiring strict protection. The Court allowed the State to form … Continue reading Supreme Court Nod for Evictions in Reserved Forests

Form 7 is used to object to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll on grounds such as death, duplication, shifting, ineligibility (age/citizenship), or misrepresentation. It serves as a corrective mechanism in voter registration. It is prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 … Continue reading Form 7 in Electoral Roll Management

With a new government in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Ajit Lal, a retired 1974-batch IPS officer, as Adviser for North East Affairs. He succeeds AK Mishra, whose tenure concluded recently. AK Mishra, a 1987-batch Rajasthan cadre IPS officer, played a key role in tripartite negotiations with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups under the … Continue reading Appointment of MHA Adviser for North East

China’s recall of giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei from Japan ahead of schedule has underscored how panda diplomacy is increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and nationalism. Panda diplomacy refers to China’s practice of gifting (historically) or leasing giant pandas to foreign countries as symbols of goodwill and friendship. Over time, the model shifted … Continue reading Panda Diplomacy and Geopolitical Strain

The SESEL Declaration deepened cooperation between India and Seychelles, with India announcing a USD 175 million package (USD 125 mn LoC + USD 50 mn grant) for infrastructure, capacity building and inclusive growth. Seychelles was reaffirmed as vital to India’s MAHASAGAR vision, with enhanced maritime domain awareness, joint surveillance and defence cooperation in the Western … Continue reading India–Seychelles Joint Declaration (SESEL)

Yes, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha can be removed from office. Under Article 94(c) of the Constitution of India, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker may be removed by a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the House (i.e., an absolute majority of the total membership, … Continue reading Removal of Lok Sabha Speaker

The India–Malaysia IMPACT Framework, or India–Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation, is a strategic vision aimed at redefining bilateral engagement by integrating economic cooperation, digital connectivity, cultural exchange, and people-centric development. It seeks to move beyond traditional diplomacy by focusing on areas that directly impact citizens of both countries. The framework aims to accelerate the … Continue reading India–Malaysia IMPACT Framework

Katakey Committee (2025), appointed by the High Court, flagged a deep politico–criminal nexus sustaining illegal mining in Meghalaya, noting that its periodic reports were largely ignored by the executive. The committee’s observations highlight how politically influential mine owners and local patronage networks weaken enforcement, making regulatory action ineffective despite judicial scrutiny. This case illustrates a … Continue reading Katakey Committee and the Illegal Mining Challenge

The Union Public Service Commission has issued clearer and more detailed eligibility rules for the Civil Services Examination 2026 through a notification dated February 4. Candidates already appointed to the Indian Administrative Service or the Indian Foreign Service through an earlier examination and continuing in service are not eligible to appear in CSE 2026. If … Continue reading UPSC Clarifies Eligibility Rules for CSE 2026

A historic tripartite agreement has been signed between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, paving the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The FNTA will cover six districts—Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator—and will receive devolution of powers over 46 subjects … Continue reading Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Agreement

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee created a constitutional first by personally arguing her case before the Supreme Court of India, becoming the first sitting Chief Minister to do so. Appearing before a Bench headed by Surya Kant, she challenged the legality of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging selective targeting of … Continue reading First Sitting CM to Argue Own Case

Excerpts from Four Stars of Destiny, the memoir of former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane, have sparked debate on key defence and security issues. The book reportedly provides firsthand accounts of the 2020 Ladakh standoff with China and internal deliberations preceding the Agnipath recruitment scheme. It sheds light on crisis-time military decision-making and civil–military interaction … Continue reading Naravane’s Memoir and Defence Discourse

Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed direct air connectivity after a 14-year gap with the launch of the Dhaka–Karachi flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, signalling a cautious improvement in bilateral relations. For India, the development carries strategic significance in South Asia, as renewed engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh may gradually reshape regional diplomatic and economic … Continue reading Pakistan–Bangladesh Air Link: Implications for India

The results of the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced, recognising excellence across Services, forces, and states. The Assam Regiment won the Popular Choice Award among the Services, based on an online poll conducted through the MyGov portal, reflecting strong public appreciation. Among the Services, the … Continue reading Republic Day Parade 2026 Awards

Public Affairs / Social Service Techi Gubin, president of the Arunachal Vikas Parishad, has been named a Padma Shri awardee in recognition of his contribution to social service. Responding to the honour, he emphasised the importance of selfless work for societal welfare. Aged 62, Gubin retired in 2024 as the chief architect of Arunachal Pradesh … Continue reading Padma Shri Recognition for Techi Gubin

International Relations / Global Governance Global Future Councils are the World Economic Forum’s flagship multistakeholder knowledge platform, functioning as invitation-only, time-bound think tanks focused on anticipating future global challenges and opportunities. They were established in 2013 as part of WEF’s future-oriented knowledge architecture. Hosted strategically by the United Arab Emirates for 2026–2030, the councils bring … Continue reading Global Future Councils (GFCs)

International Relations / Peace & Humanitarianism Graça Machel, eminent humanitarian and women’s rights advocate from Mozambique, has been chosen for the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2026 in recognition of her global contribution to social justice and human development. The award is open to living individuals without distinction of nationality, race, religion … Continue reading Indira Gandhi Prize 2026 for Graça Machel

International Relations / Diplomatic Security Duty stations are classified by the International Civil Service Commission as family or non-family based on security conditions. Non-family duty stations are family-restrictive postings where officials are not permitted to be accompanied by family members due to safety concerns. Amid rising anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh, India has designated all its … Continue reading Duty Stations and India–Bangladesh Mission Safety

Polity / Fundamental Rights & Constitutional Law Prominent activists and religious leaders have urged the Supreme Court to recognise hate speech as a constitutional tort, arguing that it causes systemic discrimination and undermines constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity and fraternity. A constitutional tort allows the State to be held vicariously liable for violations of fundamental … Continue reading Hate Speech as a Constitutional Tort

Internal Security / Police Administration Sikkim Police have been conferred the President of India’s Colour, one of the highest and rarest honours for police forces, making Sikkim the 15th state to receive this distinction. The award is granted sparingly and often after long intervals, underscoring its prestige. For the Sikkim Police, with a strength of … Continue reading President’s Colour Award for Sikkim Police

Polity / Legislative Reforms A proposed National Legislative Index seeks to systematically assess the working of Parliament and State Legislatures using a set of standardised performance indicators. The framework is intended to introduce objective benchmarking of legislative functioning. By enabling comparisons across legislatures, the index aims to encourage competition, strengthen accountability and improve the quality … Continue reading Evaluating Legislatures through a National Index

International Relations / Trade Governance Proposed tariff actions by Donald Trump have brought renewed attention to the European Union’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, often described as the EU’s “trade bazooka”. The tool is intended to counter economic pressure exerted through unilateral trade measures. Triggered by concerns over US tariff threats, the instrument allows the EU to investigate … Continue reading Trump, EU Trade Tensions and the ‘Trade Bazooka’

Internal Security / Policing & Development Meghalaya has set up a Counter-Insurgency–Anti-Terrorism training school along with an Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara in South Garo Hills. The initiative marks a strategic shift for a district earlier identified as highly deprived. The region’s dense forests, rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions provide realistic training environments, … Continue reading New Counter-Insurgency Training Facility in Meghalaya

International Relations / Youth & Global Platforms Ishan Pratap Singh, a 22-year-old civic entrepreneur from New Delhi, is representing India at the World Economic Forum as one of 40 Global Shapers selected worldwide. He is the founder of Cooperation17, a global social startup focused on addressing civic dysfunction through collaboration among citizens, institutions, businesses and … Continue reading Indian Global Shaper at WEF Davos

International Relations / West Asia The Gaza Peace Board, also termed the Board of Peace, is a proposed US-led international mechanism to oversee post-war governance, reconstruction, investment mobilisation and security transition in Gaza following the Israel–Hamas conflict. Proposed by US President Donald Trump, the draft framework envisages him as the inaugural Chair with veto powers, … Continue reading Proposed Gaza Peace Board

Governance / Administrative Reforms Tripura’s receipt of 347 national and regional awards over the past eight years signals a sustained improvement in governance outcomes rather than isolated success. The pattern suggests effective policy execution, continuity in administrative priorities and strong alignment between welfare delivery and citizen feedback. For Assam, the experience underlines the value of … Continue reading Tripura’s Governance Performance and Implications for Assam

International Relations / Global Indices India has launched the Responsible Nations Index, a global composite framework that assesses countries on ethical governance, social well-being, environmental stewardship and responsible global conduct, rather than narrow GDP- or power-based metrics. Introduced under the aegis of the World Intellectual Foundation, the index seeks to redefine national success by embedding … Continue reading India and the Launch of the Responsible Nations Index