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On February 1, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting not the final Union Budget, but an interim one, since the Lok Sabha elections in the country are scheduled to be held in April/ May this year. Sitharaman was unequivocal that there will be no ‘big announcements’ this time around, meaning that this year’s Budget will be passed only as an end to meet expenses until the financial year. The allocation for the defence sector in Budget 2024-’25 could take a hit because of the elections. This could impact India’s deterrence posture.

It remains debatable whether or not Assam Chief Minister Mr Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most corrupt chief minister in India, as claimed by top Congress leader Mr Rahul Gandhi. What cannot be denied as of now, is Mr Sarma’s unflinching adherence to pursue what his opponents allege to be an all out ‘Hindutva’ agenda.

New Delhi: India has been placed in very tough pool B for the Paris Olympics along with defending champion Belgium, as per the draw released by the international hockey federation (FIH) draw released on Monday.

Nearly nine months have passed but the ethnic conflict in Manipur continues. The fallout of ethnic clashes has led to Manipur's present maladies which are undeniably man-made. The state which gave birth to a form of dance all its own together with a unique culture, has been in flames since May 3 last year following clashes between Kukis and Meiteis.

New Delhi: Six-time Asian Championships medallist Shiva Thapa and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Jaismine will spearhead nine -member Indian challenge at the first World Qualification Tournament of Paris Olympics scheduled to take place in Busto Arsizio, Italy from February 29 to March 12.

The January 22 event, that of the supposed ‘consecration’ of Ram Temple, will not only have a major impact on the identity of Bharat or India, it will also vertically divide the Hindu community and Hinduism. The worst sufferer of this temple sanctification will be the Sanatan Hindu Dharma.

In Bangladesh, the recent Awami League (AL) victory in the 2024 parliamentary polls has left major world powers sharply divided and common people confused. Significantly, the none-too-unpredictable outcome has not left too many Bangladeshis noticeably jubilant, excepting ruling AL leaders.

The involvement of Iran in the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza has been somewhat downplayed and indirect. However, in the last week, a series of direct retaliatory actions by Iran have sparked fresh discussions about Tehran's strategic objectives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government has resorted to go offensive afresh against Trade Unionism in India. Reconstitution of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) amply demonstrate it. Three members are given place into it from Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, an organization of the RSS-BJP family, while three from Trade Unions that have been continuously opposing anti-labour policies of the Union Government are kicked out from the CBT. Two seats are kept intentionally vacant, out of 10 to complete the Board, as per the legal provisions.

Every BJP manifesto since 1996, with the sole exception of 1991, had promised the construction of a grand Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. So it would be rather naïve to expect the party not to make political capital out of the January 22 Pran Pratishta at the brand new Ram Mandir of grandeur, particularly in view of the crucial parliamentary elections only months away. There is nothing anyone can do about it and this very well explains the dilemma faced by opposition parties.