The Daily Digest

  Indian politics, known for its vibrant democracy and dynamic political landscape, harbors a shadowy history that spans from the colonial era to contemporary times. While India’s journey to independence and its post-independence democratic progress are widely celebrated, several dark chapters remain lesser-known, painting a complex picture of the nation's political evolution. Colonial Manipulations: Divide and Rule The British colonial rule in India (1858-1947) laid the foundation for many of the political issues that would plague the country for decades. The infamous strategy of "Divide and Rule" systematically pitted religious and ethnic communities against each other to weaken the unified resistance against British rule. This policy sowed the seeds of communal discord, evident in the partition of India in 1947, leading to one of the largest mass migrations in human history, accompanied by widespread violence and loss of life. The Partition and Its Aftermath The partit...

  The Delhi liquor scam, a hydra-headed monster of alleged corruption and crony capitalism, continues to cast a long, dark shadow over the national capital. Unfurling like a gripping political thriller, the case has seen dramatic arrests, high-stakes allegations, and a complex web of intrigue that has gripped the nation’s attention. Introduced with the promise of a liquor policy that would revolutionize the industry, ushering in transparency and increased revenue, the Delhi government’s ambitious plan took a sinister turn. Allegations of collusion between government officials and liquor barons soon surfaced, painting a picture of a system compromised by greed and influence-peddling. The heart of the matter lies in the claim that certain liquor companies, including Mahadev Liquors, Brindco Spirits, and others , were extended undue favors, including license fee waivers and other benefits, while others were left out in the cold. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI...

  With the death toll rising and political stability at risk, the region’s deep-seated governance and economic issues come into sharp focus once again. Unprecedented protests have erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with residents openly challenging Islamabad's control over the region. The demonstrations, marked by chants demanding autonomy and an end to interference, underscore a growing sense of disillusionment among Kashmiris. For decades, PoK has been under the administrative control of Pakistan. However, the recent surge in protests indicates a tipping point in the relationship between the two. Critics argue that Islamabad's heavy-handed approach, coupled with economic exploitation and political marginalization, has fueled resentment among the local population. Protesters have raised a litany of grievances, including rigged elections, corruption, and the region's economic exploitation. They accuse Pakistan of using PoK as a pawn in its geopoliti...

  An Illustration showing how Pakistan's economy is affected by dirty politics Pakistan, a country with vast potential and resources, continues to face economic stagnation and instability. Despite having a strategic location, a large population, and rich natural resources, the country's economy remains in a fragile state. A key factor contributing to this persistent economic under performance is the pervasive influence of politics on economic policies and governance. Political Instability and Economic Policies Political instability in Pakistan has been a recurring theme since its inception. Frequent changes in government, military coups, and political infighting have created an environment of uncertainty. This instability discourages both domestic and foreign investment. Investors seek stable environments where long-term planning and returns on investment are predictable. In Pakistan, the lack of consistent economic policies, often altered with every change in administration, c...

  Pakistan’s government plans to file treason charges against imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan for wrongfully dissolving parliament in 2022 and to ban his political party for allegedly receiving foreign funding, the information minister said Monday. The moves are certain to deepen the country’s political turmoil, which began after Khan’s 2022 ouster in a no-confidence vote in parliament. Khan, the main rival of current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remains a popular figure despite a series of criminal cases against him that he and his supporters say are politically motivated. Khan’s spokesman said the government’s latest moves are a desperate response to recent court verdicts throwing out previous convictions against Khan, and an independent human rights commission urged the government to withdraw the plans. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government would file treason cases against Khan, former President Arif Alvi, and then-Deputy Speaker ...

  Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III received an unusual request from an unlikely caller: His Russian counterpart wanted to talk. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Mr. Austin had spoken by phone with Russia’s defense minister only five other times, almost always at the Pentagon’s initiative and often in an effort to avoid miscalculations that could escalate the conflict. In fact, Mr. Austin had reached out to Russia’s new defense minister, Andrei Belousov, just a couple of weeks earlier, on June 25, in an effort to keep the “lines of communication open,” the Pentagon said. It was the first phone call between the two men since Mr. Belousov, an economist , replaced Sergei K. Shoigu, Russia’s long-running defense minister, in a Kremlin shake-up in May. Now on July 12, Mr. Belousov was calling to relay a warning, according to two U.S. officials and another official briefed on the call: The Russians had detected a Ukrainian covert operati...

  Recently, the border dispute between Assam and Arunashal pradesh, which was going on since 1972 has been resolved permanently. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804-km long boundary. What are the Major Highlights of the Agreement? The agreement is expected to settle the dispute relating to 123 villages covering over 700 kilometres of the border between the two states, taking into account historical perspective, demographic profile, administrative convenience, proximity to the border, and aspirations of the residents. This will be final agreement neither of states will make any new claim in future relating to any area or village A detailed survey will be conducted by the SURVEY OF INDIA in the presence of representatives from both state governments to determine the boundaries after the agreement. What are the Other Border Disputes Between States in India? Karnataka-Maharashtra: The border dispute...