The Power and Purpose of BRICS BRICS—originally a bloc of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China—was formed to provide a counterbalance to Western-dominated global institutions. South Africa joined in 2010, evolving the group into BRICS. Over time, BRICS has emerged as a powerful collective advocating for equitable global governance, economic collaboration, multipolarity, and inclusive development. Founded…
Global Diplomacy at Its Peak Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy continues to reach unprecedented heights as India cements its place as a key player in global affairs. Under his leadership, India has emerged as a voice of the Global South, an engine for economic collaboration, and a bridge for cultural exchange. This international recognition…
Understanding India’s Parliamentary Sessions The Indian Parliament functions through three main sessions each year: the Budget Session (February to May), the Monsoon Session (July to September), and the Winter Session (November to December). While the President of India summons Parliament on the government’s advice, the gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months, ensuring regular…
In a significant development for Indo-US defence relations, India and the United States have agreed in principle to sign a new 10-year defence framework. The announcement follows a high-level phone conversation between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, as confirmed by the Pentagon. The upcoming agreement signals a deeper…
Rivers Breach Warning Levels Amid Monsoon Fury As monsoon intensifies across large parts of India, multiple rivers have breached their flood warning levels, posing a growing threat to lives and infrastructure. While no sites have yet entered “severe” or “extreme” flood zones, water levels in 11 river monitoring stations have surged past cautionary thresholds. Amid…
CRIS and Its Journey Towards Digital Innovation The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), established in 1986, has been the technological backbone of the Indian Railways, powering everything from ticketing to logistics. Over the years, CRIS has developed multiple standalone applications such as UTS for unreserved ticketing, Rail Connect for reserved bookings, and Rail Madad for grievance…
A Death That Stirred a State The tragic custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a temporary security guard at a temple in Thirupuvanam, Sivaganga district, has rocked Tamil Nadu. Accused of a petty theft and later found dead after alleged police torture, his case has reignited serious concerns about custodial violence, police impunity, and the fragility of…
The Global Figure of Compassion The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is one of the world’s most revered spiritual leaders. Renowned for his teachings of peace, non-violence, and compassion, he has become a global symbol of moral clarity and cultural resilience. Living in exile in Dharamshala, India, since 1959 after fleeing Tibet during a failed uprising against…
With a looming deadline and billions at stake, both nations push to safeguard key exports and unlock future trade potential. A Race Against Time India and the United States are on the verge of finalizing an interim trade agreement aimed at averting a significant hike in tariffs on Indian exports. The urgency stems from a…
India’s diplomatic priorities are evolving—and fast. As the global order continues to shift, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for one of his longest overseas trips yet, spanning five countries in three continents from July 2 to 9. His itinerary includes Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia—each a key partner in India’s expanding…
