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The third phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 7 will witness an acid test of the solidness of the alliance between Congress and CPI(M) in West Bengal, both being allies in INDIA coalition. The four seats, Murshidabad, Jangipur, Malda (North), Malda (South) which go to the polls on May 7 were once part of an apparently impregnable stronghold of Congress in the state.

After official comments made by the US and Canada officials, reports have come from Australian sources about activities of Indian spies in that country. According to a report by ABC News Australia, Australian authorities expelled Indian operatives who were caught trying to obtain classified information on critical defense projects, airport security, and Australia's trade relationships.

During 2021 to 2023, Brent crude oil prices increased by over 60 percent. Surprises to many, prices of petrol and diesel in India did not rise proportionately. Global sanction on Russia, which led crude oil price spurred and dashed EU economy, became boon to India. Not only it shielded India from oil shock, but also rejigged its economy and exports.

The decision of the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to remain in his position in the midst of allegations of corruption against his wife and the rightwing pressure to resign, is a relief to the Left coalition in Spain as also the Left in Europe. Spain is the only country among the European Union members which leads a proper coalition of pro-left forces including the Communist Party. PM Sanchez has been fighting the rightwing onslaught against the coalition since he took over in 2020 as the Prime Minister of the newly formed left coalition.

Elon Musk's surprise visit to China, following his cancelled trip to India, has sparked controversy in Indian business circles. Many view it as a snub to India, prioritizing the massive Chinese market for Tesla. However, there might be more to the story. Recently, the US Secretary of State received a cool reception in China. He was received by some polit bureau members on his arrival in Shanghai. There was no red carpet for him to walk the tarmac.

Israel’s latest Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal puts the ball in Hamas’ court. The proposal, drafted in recent days by Israeli negotiators and Egyptian interlocutors, goes some way to address Hamas’ long-standing demands. The proposal makes concessions Israel has rejected in the past but raises as many questions as it opens doors to possible breakthroughs in the long-stalled negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

Karnataka has ultimately come under a political storm in the midst of the third phase of Lok Sabha election in the country on account of rape of the “Nari Shakti”, a slogan that BJP leadership has been using to attract the women voters of the country. The hypocrisy of the BJP exposed is the latest example of knowingly allying with the rape accused for a perceived political benefit during election. Barring a few BJP leaders, the party’s entire political machinery campaigned for the rapist, and when the entire scandal came into light Union Home Minister said that Congress government in Karnataka was answerable to delay in action. However, pertinent question is who is responsible, if he supported such a candidate despite being informed and warned?

When and if AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha returns from the United Kingdom, there will be clarity on lots of confusions in the Aam Aadmi Party including, perhaps, on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s unlockable mobile phone. Kejriwal is suspiciously not divulging the “password” to unlock the mobile to the Enforcement Directorate.

The judicial system of the country has been facing its biggest credibility crisis over the past ten years. Several instances that cannot be overlooked have battered public trust in the nation’s judicial system. Both Supreme Court and high court judges have been involved in controversies that have raised doubts about their trustworthiness to uphold fairness, impartiality and the rule of law.

South Africa celebrated its 30th anniversary of the end of the racist apartheid regime in the country last week end amidst intensive campaign that is going on among the electorate for the general elections to be held on May 29 this year. The African National Congress (ANC) which is ruling the country since the fall of the racist regime on April 27, 1994 is not feeling comfortable for the first time in the last three decades.