The Workhorse of Indian Air Power For more than six decades, the MiG-21 has been the face of the Indian Air Force (IAF)—a supersonic interceptor that evolved into a trusted combat companion. Introduced in the early 1960s, this Russian-origin jet was once the very symbol of speed and agility, shaping generations of fighter pilots and forming…
A New Front in Sino-Indian Tensions Water, once viewed as a shared natural resource, is rapidly becoming a strategic weapon. The announcement of China’s plan to build the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet has reignited concerns in India about a looming “water war.” For India, this is no minor…
A Land of Timeless Culture Odisha, often described as the land of temples and traditions, is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wealth. With monuments that date back centuries, intricate architecture, and a living legacy of art and spirituality, the state has long been regarded as a custodian of India’s civilisational glory. Recognising this heritage…
A Bill That Reshaped the Playing Field The Indian Parliament’s recent passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 has altered the contours of the sporting and sponsorship ecosystem. Designed to prohibit real-money gaming and its promotion, the law has already claimed its first high-profile casualty: Dream11’s withdrawal as Team India’s principal sponsor. This development has…
India’s Pursuit of Impenetrable Security India’s security challenges have consistently evolved with changing geopolitics and technological advancements. Protecting its skies, critical infrastructure, and cyber domain has never been more crucial. Over the years, India has fortified its defences through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), advanced missile interceptors, and global collaborations. Yet, the rising…
Two Boards, One System in Transition For decades, Odisha’s school education system has been overseen by two distinct bodies: the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), which manages curriculum and examinations for Classes I to X, and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), which supervises Classes XI and XII. In a landmark step, the state…
The Controversial Polavaram Project The Polavaram multipurpose irrigation project on the Godavari River has remained at the heart of a long-standing inter-state dispute. While Andhra Pradesh champions it as a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water, neighboring states, especially Odisha and Chhattisgarh, have consistently raised alarm over its environmental and humanitarian costs. Odisha’s biggest worry…
A Home for Odias in the National Capital The Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi has long served as a bridge between the state and its citizens in the national capital, providing both accommodation and cultural representation. Now, with a new facility under construction in Chanakyapuri—the heart of Delhi’s diplomatic enclave—Odisha is preparing to showcase its…
Friends Divided by a Line India and Nepal share an enduring relationship rooted in history, culture, trade, and open borders. Millions cross freely for work, family, or pilgrimage, and the two countries have often described their ties as that of “roti-beti” (bread and marriage). Yet, despite this closeness, their relationship has occasionally been strained by recurring territorial disagreements. The…
A Landmark Step in Digital Regulation Parliament has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, a significant piece of legislation designed to address one of India’s fastest-growing yet most controversial industries. By banning money-based online games and regulating the digital gaming ecosystem, the Bill aims to curb addiction, financial ruin, and misuse of funds—issues that have…
