Author: nidhin anil

The rise of the Indo-Pacific construct is coupled with the intensification of power competitions on the one hand and increasing levels of economic connectivity on the other. Such tumultuous dynamics have compelled middle and small powers of the region to strive harder to gain more agency and political autonomy. Among the regional players, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at the heart of this strategic dilemma. The primary catalyst for ASEAN’s creation in 1967 was not integration, but rather ensuring the survival and resilience of its members amidst the exacerbating power dynamics of the Cold War and the…

On February 15th, a momentous occasion unfolded in India as the Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict, declaring the Electoral Bond Scheme unconstitutional. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant stride towards promoting greater transparency and accountability in political funding, a realm long shrouded in secrecy and opacity. Introduced in 2018, the Electoral Bond Scheme allowed individuals and corporations to purchase interest-free bonds from the State Bank of India, which could then be donated to political parties. Ostensibly aimed at formalizing and digitizing political contributions, the scheme was met with criticism from its inception. Critics argued that it fostered a quid…

India, with its colossal population exceeding 1.3 billion encapsulates a reservoir of potential waiting to be unleashed on the global stage. But the nation grapples with formidable challenges impeding its stride towards sustainable and inclusive development. The trajectory of India’s economic growth tells a tale of unevenness, characterized by stubborn inequalities and a sprawling informal sector. To surmount these barriers and carve a path towards a more prosperous future, it is crucial that India embrace deep industrialization. The global economic landscape has undergone a significant transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a shift away from globalization. Nations around…

India, with its population exceeding 1.3 billion people, boasts the second largest electoral body worldwide, following only China. Since the inaugural general election held in 1951, India has witnessed a steady rise in voter turnout, a testament to the maturity and strength of its democratic institutions. According to the Election Commission of India, the total number of registered voters reached approximately 900 million in 2019, representing a 71% turnout rate. As India gears up for the 2024 general elections, projections by the Election Commission indicate a landmark moment in the nation’s electoral history. With an expected eligible voter count of…

In an era characterized by shifting global dynamics and evolving power structures, the decline of America’s leadership on the world stage has become increasingly apparent. Once hailed as the beacon of democracy, innovation, and progress, the United States now finds itself grappling with internal challenges, external pressures, and a loss of credibility that have eroded its standing as a global leader. Throughout history, the United States has demonstrated periods of exceptional global leadership, contributing to the establishment of a more secure, prosperous, and equitable world. Three notable instances highlight America’s historic role as a global leader: Firstly, the United States’…

Ladakh, once an integral part of the broader state of Jammu and Kashmir, underwent a transformative journey with the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of the state into two distinct Union Territories in August 2019. Since then, Ladakh has found itself navigating the complexities of its newfound administrative status, grappling with questions of identity, autonomy, and representation. At the heart of Ladakh’s aspirations lie several key demands articulated by prominent socio-political organizations. Foremost among these is the call for statehood, a fundamental step towards granting Ladakh greater political autonomy and decision-making powers. This elevation from Union Territory…

The specter of conflict once again hangs heavy over the Middle East as tensions between the United States and Iran reach a boiling point. Recent events, like the targeted killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and retaliatory missile attacks, serve as stark reminders of the deep-seated animosity and the potential for a devastating escalation. Understanding the current situation necessitates delving into the historical context. The 1953 CIA-backed coup that toppled Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, marked a turning point, fostering lasting anti-American sentiment in Iran. The subsequent US support for the Shah further strained relations, culminating in the…

A fragile democracy located in South Asia, Pakistan, the sixth most populous country in the world, is set to conduct elections for its lower house on 8 February 2024. It is an election that will decide the next government for Pakistan, and the governments of its four provinces — Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These elections are taking place against a backdrop of multiple crises including economic and food crises, natural calamities, mass protests and violence, terror attacks, and political arrests, including that of former prime minister Imran Khan. Additionally, three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned from…

India’s defense manufacturing sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, with the government targeting a turnover of $26 billion in aerospace and defense manufacturing by 2025, including a substantial chunk in exports. The private sector is emerging as a linchpin in this growth trajectory, with estimates projecting private companies’ defense production in India to reach INR 1.5 trillion by 2024. Over the years, India’s defense manufacturing landscape has undergone a significant transformation, primarily driven by the government’s push for indigenization of military hardware to curtail dependence on imports. This strategic shift has yielded promising results, evident in the remarkable growth of…

Introduction to the India-Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEC) The 6th budget under FM Nirmala Sitharaman has brought to the forefront the India-Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEC), a transformative initiative that aims to create a comprehensive transportation network, comprising rail, road, and sea routes, connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe. The corridor will consist of Railroad, Ship-to-Rail networks, and Road transport routes extending across two corridors: the East Corridor, connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, and the Northern Corridor, connecting the Gulf to Europe. The IMEC comprises of an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline, and a high-speed data cable. The…