Analysis

The Great Deception: Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death and the Web of Secrecy
Analysis, Europe, Featured, World

The Great Deception: Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death and the Web of Secrecy

The truth behind Yevgeny Prigozhin's death remains enigmatic, with multiple plausible scenarios and motivations. Prigozhin's confrontations with Russian authorities, his personal ambitions, and the June 24th mutiny potentially made him a target for an assassination by the Kremlin. While many suspect the role of the Kremlin, the West's interest in targeting Prigozhin due to Wagner's actions in regions like West Africa and Syria cannot be overlooked. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner organisation, is said to have perished in a plane accident on August 23 in Russia's South West. Later, a Russian aviation investigating agency confirmed the incident, and it was discovered that Yevgeny Prigozhin was one of nine passengers aboard the aircraft, along with Wagner Commander Dmitri U...
Dragon’s Territorial Chicanery: Time to Checkmate China at its Own Game?
Analysis, Asia, Featured, World

Dragon’s Territorial Chicanery: Time to Checkmate China at its Own Game?

While India lodged a strong protest against China's claims, Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan have expressed strong objections to China's new map. UN tribunal had already invalidated China's earlier claims, deeming them without merit in international law. India must strongly protest against international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum, that perpetuate inaccurate maps of India. Business-as-usual approaches in such circumstances should not be tolerated. India should proactively employ social media platforms to counter and promote its cartographic perspectives in a measured manner, in collaboration with cartographic scholars, security experts, and social media content curators. A storm of controversy has swept across the South Chin...
Music: Panacea for Mental Health Issues
Analysis, National, Science & Technology

Music: Panacea for Mental Health Issues

Music is one of the potent cures available to look for solutions to the mental health problems afflicting our population, especially the younger generation. Stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are becoming dangerously common in India, specifically in the metros and large cities.Lack of awareness coupled with the general prejudices surrounding mental health problems are brushed under the carpet which later develops into an unmitigated disaster. Many scientific studies conducted all over the world including India show the positive effect of music on the mental health of humans. India has a rich collection of stories and music that have been passed down from one generation to another. These not only include the historical grand creations of epics like Ramayana a...
Understanding the Objectives of India’s Space Programs
Analysis, Asia, Featured, Science & Technology

Understanding the Objectives of India’s Space Programs

The main objective of India's space program is not techno-nationalism but to motivate and support its scientists as well as increase the curiosity for space exploration among the population. As Anand Mahindra put it, what Chandrayaan does for India is that it helps restore its pride & self-confidence. ISRO's successes create belief in progress through science and give Indians the aspiration to lift themselves out of poverty. Chandrayaan 3's launch had the world in awe as the ambitious Lunar Mission by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) made its soft landing as well as its first landing on the South Pole of the moon. India became the 4th nation to land on the moon and the first on the south side. There was no dearth of excitement amongst the scientists who observed th...
BRICS+ | Understanding the Johannesburg II Declaration
Analysis, Asia, Featured, Middle East, South America, World

BRICS+ | Understanding the Johannesburg II Declaration

BRICS+ can play an effective role in facilitating diverse engagement and work for the common interests of all members provided the ambition of one nation is not allowed to jeopardise the growth agenda of other nations. President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of China Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pose for a BRICS family photo during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 23, 2023. GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/Pool via REUTERS BRICS formally declared that Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, UAE and Ethiopia will become full members as the group changed its name from 'BRICS' to 'BRICS+'. For Russia, it is an impor...
Renewal of CISMOA: Analysing the US-Pakistan Pact and its Implications for South Asia
Analysis, Asia, Featured, World

Renewal of CISMOA: Analysing the US-Pakistan Pact and its Implications for South Asia

Two years after its hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan, renewing the CISMOA agreement shows that the United States is still interested in the region contrary to what many geopolitical experts believed. The approval of the Pakistan cabinet to renew CISMOA shows that the US and Pakistan are on the path to redeveloping their relationship and chances of a military deal can not be ruled out. India’s concern lies in the type of military hardware the US shares with Pakistan and whether they can be used against India. For the United States, the strategic importance of South Asia is a roller-coaster thing. After WWII, US policymakers viewed South Asia as a strategic backwater. However, later on, Pakistan became part of a US-led military alliance such as SEATO and CENTO. At the same time, In...
Geopolitics of Football: Churning in Global Football and the Role of India
Analysis, National, World

Geopolitics of Football: Churning in Global Football and the Role of India

Not many sports can boast of being a global phenomenon irrespective of culture or geography like football. The impact football has on tourism has been recognised by countries across the world as increased tourism brings an economic boom. In India, The sorry state of affairs in football can be attributed to corruption, lack of accountability, and complete lack of vision. Filling the Football boards with dynamic people who are passionate about the game, popularising the sport at the grassroots level, and bringing European football clubs to set up their training academies are some of the steps to increase the role of India. From Lionel Messi's shocking decision to go to MLS to Killian Mbappe's saga with PSG, this has been a crazy transfer window in European football. Most cu...
Pakistan | In the Crossfire of Internal Politics and the Spectre of Foreign Interference
Analysis, Asia, Featured, World

Pakistan | In the Crossfire of Internal Politics and the Spectre of Foreign Interference

The exit of Imran Khan, the rise of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and questions on external influences especially the CIA, add to the woes of Pakistan which is already plagued by economic turmoil.Pakistan grapples with the dual challenges of soaring inflation and the ominous threat of defaulting on its massive $77.5 billion external debt.The challenge of external interference is not unique to Pakistan. It only echoes a larger global narrative where economic vulnerabilities can lead to compromises that may impact long-term stability. The political landscape of Pakistan finds itself at a crucial juncture, profoundly impacted by the removal and subsequent conviction of the once-prominent Prime Minister, Imran Khan, on charges of corruption. As the nation looks ahead to imminent elections, K...
Collusion or Cooperation? The India-UK Trade Deal’s Deceptive Facade
Analysis, Asia, Europe, Featured, World

Collusion or Cooperation? The India-UK Trade Deal’s Deceptive Facade

India's worry over the trade pact revolves around the impending inundation of the Indian market with cheap imports from the UK. As the UK grapples with its domestic economic challenges, there's a growing apprehension in India that these imports could threaten the survival of local industries. As India and the UK grapple with this pact, they traverse a tightrope between cooperation and suspicion, seeking to secure their interests while navigating a rapidly changing global landscape.The road ahead will be marked by tough decisions and delicate negotiations, as both nations strive to carve out a space that aligns with their visions. In the landscape of international trade, where nations engage in complex negotiations to further their economic interests, the India-UK Comprehensive Trad...
Beneath the Glitter: Unmasking the Economic Realities of Election Freebies in Indian Politics
Analysis, National

Beneath the Glitter: Unmasking the Economic Realities of Election Freebies in Indian Politics

As India navigates the complex intersection of electoral politics and fiscal management, it is imperative for political parties to tread a path of prudence and accountability. The need for comprehensive evaluation, informed decision-making, and sustainable fiscal policies has never been greater. The nation's economic health, the well-being of its citizens, and the stability of its governance all hinge on the balance that can be achieved by aligning electoral promises with fiscal responsibility. The Indian political landscape is no stranger to the allure of election freebies. These promises of subsidized services, financial assistance, and other incentives often play a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes. As the nation gears up for the Assembly Elections in Mizoram, Rajas...