Wounding the spirit of the Constitution of India

We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, and to secure to all its citizens justice, liberty, and equality and promote fraternity among all, have been witness to a mockery being made of our constitutional compact, in full public view, at an event organised within the precincts of a constitutional court, the Allahabad High Court.

Distancing ourselves would be a disservice 

We have witnessed a sitting judge brazenly challenge the spirit and letter of the Constitution of India, in a speech that is nothing but a dog whistle that guarantees impunity to the mobs that will act on his words and views and have been acting on words such as his emanating from the seats of power.

Trump's return and the South Asia outlook

In January 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn-in as the 47th President of the United States of America. Mr. Trump's re-election, and subsequent return to office, have triggered curiosity and "nervousness" in many countries. However, in South Asia, he is likely to offer a distinct continuity. His ideology and foreign policy goals will continue to push for increased cooperation, collaboration, and consultation with India in South Asia even as his leadership style, decision-making nature, and management of great power politics will provide new opportunities and challenges.

Factors in U.S.-India ties 

India and the United States have enjoyed an upward trajectory in their relationship since the beginning of the millennium. Acknowledging its leadership in the region, the U.S. even labelled India as a net-security provider in 2009.

30 people drowned per hour in 2021, says WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) published its first-ever global status report on drowning prevention on Friday. The report, released at an event in Geneva, reveals that three lakh people died by drowning in 2021 around the world (an estimated 30 every hour). Close to 92% of such deaths took place in low and middle-income countries, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalised. The WHO's South-East Asia Region (which includes India) saw 83,000 deaths, or 28% of the global burden.

Compiled with the participation of 139 countries - including India - the report found that while drowning deaths declined 38% since 2000, the progress had been uneven and the pace slow. The WHO's European Region, for instance, saw a 68% drop, while the South- East Asia Region saw a decline of 48%.

Swiss Shock: EFTA member lobs back India's MFN tax volley

In a development that could hurt India's investment climate and affect firms' international taxation math, Switzerland has decided to suspend the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment for India under the two countries' 30-years old double-taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA), citing an October 2023 ruling against its validity by the Supreme Court on 11 petitions that were combined with a Nestle plea.

A statement by Swiss authorities dated December 11, said the MFN clause under the DTAA will no longer hold from January 1, 2025, considering that India's apex court had said it does not get automatically triggered until notified under the Income Tax Act