Odisha’s remote Malkangiri district, once synonymous with Maoist violence and isolation, was officially declared “Naxal-free” on February 4, 2026. The announcement followed the surrender of Sukhram Markam, a key insurgent commander carrying a significant bounty, marking the end of an era in a region that had long been considered one of India’s most entrenched rebel strongholds….
A new US–India trade arrangement announced by President Donald Trump has reduced tariffs on a large share of Indian exports to 18% from earlier punitive levels near 50%, while also removing a proposed 25% penalty tied to India’s purchases of Russian oil. The revised tariff rate places India marginally ahead of Pakistan, whose exports to the US…
War, Stalled Diplomacy, and a Grinding Stalemate Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, another attempt at diplomacy has begun, with US-mediated talks resuming in early February 2026. The negotiations follow a protracted conflict marked by battlefield stalemates, failed peace initiatives, and deep mistrust between Moscow and Kyiv. While frontlines have shifted only marginally in…
Odisha has set out to reposition itself as a global centre for artificial intelligence, financial technology, and insurance innovation through the Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar. The event, bringing together international investors, policymakers, and technology leaders, reflects the state’s ambition to move beyond its traditional industrial base and emerge as a major node in India’s digital…
The Washington Post’s decision to lay off more than 300 employees — roughly a third of its newsroom — has underscored the accelerating upheaval within legacy media. The sweeping cuts, affecting reporting desks from international coverage to culture and sports, illustrate how even storied institutions are reshaping operations as digital disruption, declining advertising revenue, and changing…
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink on Wednesday delivered an emphatic endorsement of India’s long-term economic prospects, declaring that “this is the era for India” and urging millions of citizens to invest alongside the nation’s ascent. Sharing the stage with Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, the discussion centered on India’s sweeping economic ambitions — including a potential expansion toward a $30 trillion…
Origins of the JF-17 Thunder The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft positioned in the 4.5-generation category. It emerged from a 1998 joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, conceived to replace the Pakistan Air Force’s ageing Mirage III/V and F-7 fleets. Designed with affordability as…
India’s defence manufacturing ambitions received a major boost with Adani Defence & Aerospace signing a strategic partnership with Italy’s aerospace major Leonardo to expand helicopter production in the country. Announced on February 3, 2026, the collaboration marks a significant step toward building a domestic helicopter ecosystem at scale—one that supports both military readiness and civil aviation needs…
President Returns to Her Roots President Droupadi Murmu began a six-day visit to Odisha—her home state—on February 2, marking one of her most extensive engagements in the region since assuming office. Spanning key districts including Khurda, Jajpur, Balasore, Puri, and Mayurbhanj, the visit blends personal symbolism with public purpose, reflecting both her deep roots in the…
Odisha has emerged as a major beneficiary of the Union Budget 2026–27, securing an unprecedented ₹10,928 crore allocation for railways—the highest ever for the state. Announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the outlay marks a clear step-up from last year’s ₹10,599 crore and represents a dramatic rise from the pre-2014 annual average of under ₹900 crore….
