DIVING DEEP INTO BANGLADESH ELECTIONS 2026

Article by

Aaryan Kumar

BAJMC Sem 6

Bangladesh Flag                  Pic: Wikimedia Commons

The 2026 Bangladesh National Elections shaped up to be one of the most significant in the country’s modern history. For millions of citizens, this election carried the weight of a promise, a promise born from the beginning of August 2024, when student led protests ignited a nationwide movement that displaced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and exposed the fragility of a government long seen as untouchable. What began as chants on university campuses quickly became the voice of a nation, reflecting frustration over entrenched political power, corruption, and governance gaps.

In the two years since, an interim administration has worked to rebuild trust in institutions, reforming the judiciary, professionalizing the police, and preparing the election commission to oversee credible polls. The voters now head to the polls with both hope and nervousness, knowing that their decision could influence the country’s democracy for many years to come. Beyond just domestic stakes, the outcome carries profound implications for South Asia and the world.

The interim government inherited a fractured polity; a weakened Awami League, an emboldened Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Khaleda Zia's faction, and a resurgent Jamaat-e-Islami. This election is the first real test of whether Bangladesh can consolidate its democratic transition or risk slipping back into instability.

From Protest to Polls: The Road from 2024

August 2024 marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s political journey. What began as student-led protests on university campuses quickly spread across the nation, drawing in citizens from all walks of life. The demonstrations reflected growing frustration over corruption, lack of accountability, and the concentration of power. As the movement gained momentum, it transformed from campus activism into a nationwide call for democratic reform. Eventually, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down and went into exile, creating one of the most dramatic political shifts in the country’s recent history. For many Bangladeshis, this moment proved that even the strongest governments can be challenged when people unite.

Following this, turmoil an interim government assumed responsibility during a delicate period of transition. Its primary objective was to rebuild public trust and restore confidence in state institutions. Over the next two years, efforts were made to reform the judiciary, professionalize law enforcement, and strengthen the Election Commission to ensure credible elections in 2026. The journey from protest to polls was not smooth, but it represented a gradual move toward institutional stability. By the time voters returned to cast their ballots, the country stood at a crossroads shaped by the courage of protest and guided by the hope for a more accountable democratic future.

GLOBAL INTERESTS IN THE BAY OF BENGAL

Bangladesh sits at the strategic crossroads of the Bay of Bengal, India’s northeast gateway, and the wider Indo-Pacific supply chain. Its economic and geopolitical importance is now impossible to ignore. Dhaka plays an important role in the global garment industry, supplying clothing to markets in Europe and North America. If political instability rises, it can disrupt exports, delay shipments, increase business costs, and affect the flow of money that millions of Bangladeshi families depend on for their livelihood.

The country also hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world the Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar making governance and stability critical for regional humanitarian outcomes. The elections will signal to international actors, from the United States to the European Union, whether Bangladesh’s democratic institutions can withstand pressure and deliver credible governance. For global investors and multilateral partners, February 2026 is a referendum not just on leadership, but on predictability, rule of law, and resilience.

INDIA’S HIGH-STAKES GAMBLE

After the 2026 elections, the focus has shifted to how India will respond to the new political reality in Dhaka. For New Delhi, Bangladesh remains strategically important in both the short and long term. A stable government in Dhaka is essential for border security, controlling cross-border insurgency, managing migration, and maintaining cooperation on counterterrorism. India has also invested significantly in connectivity, energy projects, and trade corridors, making political stability crucial for economic continuity.

Diplomatically, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had built close ties with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The new leadership now tests whether India can maintain its influence while respecting Bangladesh’s democratic choices. Matters such as the Teesta water-sharing agreement and ongoing infrastructure projects have become key indicators of mutual trust. Ultimately, the post-election phase reflects how developments in Dhaka directly affect India’s security, economic interests, and regional influence.

THE GREAT POWER CONTEST

After the 2026 elections, Bangladesh stands at the centre of global strategic competition. China views it as a key partner under the Belt and Road Initiative, while the United States sees it as an important democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific. The new government must carefully balance these relationships while also managing ties with India.

Leaning too much toward one power could create diplomatic and economic risks. Bangladesh must protect its national interests without becoming overly dependent on any single country. The choices made after the election will shape regional stability, trade, and international partnership.

CONCLUSION: DEMOCRACY IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE

The 2026 elections were far more than a routine political event; they marked the outcome of Bangladesh’s determined struggle to reclaim its democratic voice. After years of tension, protest, and institutional reform, citizens finally witnessed a transition shaped by their participation. For many ordinary people, voting was not simply a civic duty  it was an emotional moment. It represented the transformation of frustration into action, uncertainty into decision, and fear into renewed confidence in the democratic process. The streets that once carried the energy of protest now reflect cautious optimism. The election proved that political authority ultimately rests with the people.

For India and the broader South Asian region, the results signal stability and continuity at a crucial time. A functioning and accountable government in Dhaka strengthens trade routes, energy cooperation, and border management. On the global stage, major powers such as China and the United States are closely observing how the new leadership shapes foreign policy and balances strategic partnerships. The post-election phase will test Bangladesh’s ability to maintain sovereignty while engaging with powerful international actors.

Yet beyond diplomacy and strategy, the deeper meaning of 2026 lies with the citizens themselves the students who first raised their voices, the workers who endured uncertainty, and the voters who believed that change was possible. Their patience and resilience have brought the nation to this defining chapter. The future will still require careful governance, economic reform, and unity. But after this election, Bangladesh moves forward with a clearer reminder: democracy may be fragile, but when protected by its people, it remains a powerful force for stability, dignity, and hope.

(Author's own opinion)

REFERENCES

·       Ahmed, N. (2019). The 2018 Bangladesh election: Democratic reversal and authoritarian consolidation. Asian Survey, 59(6), 1023–1045.

·       Bashar, I. (2020). India–Bangladesh relations: From security partnership to economic cooperation. Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, 7(3), 335–354.

·       Baruah, D. M. (2020). India in the Indo-Pacific: New Delhi’s theater of opportunity. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (scholarly policy paper frequently cited in Indian strategic studies).

·       Hassan, M. (2021). Authoritarian resilience and political opposition in Bangladesh. Contemporary South Asia, 29(2), 181–197.

·       Muni, S. D. (2015). India’s neighbourhood policy: Challenges and prospects. India Quarterly, 71(2), 115–130.

·       Pant, H. V. (2017). India’s regional diplomacy in South Asia: Strategic imperatives. Strategic Analysis, 41(4), 295–309

·       Riaz, A. (2022). Bangladesh in 2021: Democratic backsliding and the challenge of political pluralism. Asian Survey, 62(1), 148–155.

·       Scott, D. (2019). The Bay of Bengal in the Indo-Pacific: Strategic competition and regional security. Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, 15(3), 267–283.

·       Yasmin, L. (2016). Bangladesh–China relations: Strategic implications for South Asia. Strategic Analysis, 40(5), 450–463

 

IS INDIA STILL SECULAR? - An Opinion

 by

Anupama Shaw

BAJMC 6

Pexels

Secularism was once at the heart of India's democracy. It promised equal treatment for every citizen, no matter their religion. It meant more than simply tolerating differences, it meant respecting all beliefs and favouring none. But today, we must ask: IS INDIA STILL SECULAR? Has this principle been quietly altered? 

The founders of modern India, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar, did not view religion as a threat to democracy. Their main concern was communalism, the harmful belief that people from one religious group oppose those from another. For them, secularism was about preventing religion from being misused for political reasons. Ambedkar, who wrote India's Constitution, understood how religion could justify caste oppression and social hierarchy. To him, a secular state was not just a legal matter; it was a moral commitment to uphold human dignity. 

Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution guarantee freedom of religion. Article 14 ensures equality before the law. These statements were not just decorative phrases; they formed the backbone of the republic. The word "secular" was officially added to the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976, reaffirming that the founding vision was intentional. 

However, the current political forces in India have a different vision. The ruling party and its supporters openly promote a majoritarian view of nationalism, prioritizing the identity of the majority and viewing cultural diversity as secondary. This change is not subtle; it is loud, deliberate, and often unapologetic. It often presents secularism as a Western idea that does not fit India's cultural context. 

A key piece of evidence for this change is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019. For the first time in India’s history, religion was a clear criterion for citizenship. The Act expedited citizenship for persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but notably excluded Muslims. Critics argued this directly violated the Constitution’s guarantee of equality. The Supreme Court received over 200 petitions challenging the law. As of 2025, a final ruling is still pending, indicating the political weight of the issue. 

Additionally, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam left about 1.9 million people stateless, many of whom were Muslims who had lived in the state for generations. What started as a citizenship issue turned into a religious matter based on lived experiences. 

This shift is evident not only in legislation but also in everyday life. According to the India Hate Lab, incidents of anti-Muslim hate speech increased by over 62% between 2022 and 2023. The India spend database recorded more than 100 cases of cow-related violence from 2010 to 2022, with Muslims being the primary targets. Many of these incidents occurred in public, yet many perpetrators faced no consequences. When the state does not respond promptly and firmly to communal violence, its silence becomes a message rather than neutrality. 

Ironically, the decline of secularism did not begin solely with the ruling forces. Opposition parties share some of the blame, often using vote-bank politics to appeal to specific religious or caste groups. This approach has led to identity-based division and further weakened the nation’s secular fabric. The Congress party, which ruled India for decades under the banner of secularism, also faced its own communal failures. The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which followed Indira Gandhi's assassination, led to the deaths of over 3,000 Sikhs, mainly in Delhi. The state’s response to this violence was insufficient; justice was delayed for many years. 

It is important to note that selective secularism protecting minorities only when it is politically advantageous is not true secularism. The decline started long before 2014. It has quietly developed under various governments, led by leaders who viewed religious identity as a political tool rather than a constitutional issue. Recently, there have been signs of bias in parts of the judiciary, especially at lower levels, favouring majority interests in sensitive cases. While higher courts have generally maintained a balanced stance, these shifts at the grassroots level are concerning for a democracy that values justice and equality. 

In 2020, the Allahabad High Court made comments suggesting that conversion for marriage was unacceptable language mirroring the "love jihad" narrative promoted by right wing groups before reversing its stance. The fact that such ideas entered judicial discussions at all is significant. Courts should not reflect popular bias; they exist to challenge it. Moreover, the use of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against journalists, students, and activists, many of whom criticized government religious or cultural policies, has drawn criticism from groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. When dissent becomes dangerous, supporting secularism becomes even more challenging. 

The world is watching. Freedom House downgraded India from "Free" to "Partly Free" in 2021, citing shrinking space for religious minorities and civil society. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has continually raised concerns about India. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index ranked India 46th in 2023, a significant drop from previous years. These are not politically motivated attacks on India’s sovereignty; they are assessments that the Constitution itself prompts: a republic must be willing to evaluate itself against the standards it set at its founding. 

If India is to stay true to its Constitution, secularism must not just survive, it must be actively defended. It is no longer merely a legal term or an academic discussion. It is a reality that impacts how millions experience justice, dignity, and freedom in their daily lives. India is not a failed state. Its institutions, though under pressure, still function. Elections still take place. Courts still occasionally rule against the government. The press, despite challenges, still publishes. Civil society still protests. These are important developments. But being wounded is not the same as being safe. 

Democracies rarely collapse overnight. They erode gradually through countless small silences, through many moments when principles are sacrificed for convenience. The students in classrooms today, writing for college newspapers and debating in seminar halls, are not just observers of this story. They are part of its next chapter. The question "Is India still secular?" is one we cannot direct solely at our politicians. We must ask it of ourselves. The answer will depend entirely on what we are willing to uphold.

(N.B: Author's own opinion)

References & Further Reading:

I. Constitutional & Legal Documents

The Constitution of India: Full Text of Articles 14, 25-28 (Official Gazette).

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019: Ministry of Home Affairs Official Notification.

Supreme Court of India: SC to commence final hearing on 240+ CAA petitions from May 5, 2026 (India Today Report). 

II. Statistical Reports & Human Rights Data

Anti-Muslim Hate Speech: Hate Speech Events in India: 2023 Annual Report (India Hate Lab).

Cow-Related Violence: 78% of those killed in cow-related violence were Muslims (The Hindu/FactChecker.in).

Assam NRC Data: Final National Register of Citizens (NRC) List (2019) (Official State Portal).

III. International Democracy Indices

Freedom House (2021): India: Freedom in the World — Status: Partly Free.

Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU): Democracy Index 2023: India Ranks 46th Globally.

Amnesty International: India 2023/24 Report on Human Rights and Dissent.

IV. Judicial & Media Analysis

Allahabad High Court Ruling (Reversal): "Right to Choose Partner is Fundamental" — Order in Salamat Ansari vs. State of UP.

The 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry Report.

News Last Week - 23rd February, 2026 - 1st March, 2026

Compiled by 

Aditya Ghosh

BAJMC Sem 2

 

International News

 

1. U.S. and Israel Military strike on Iran

Pexels

·      The United States and Israel launched a large-scale military strike against Iran, striking multiple Iranian cities including the capital Tehran. (Source: Reuters, March 1, 2026)

·      Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died following a major attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early on Sunday (March 1, 2026) .Iran’s government and state media have officially declared a 40-day period of public mourning for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Source: Al Jazeera, March 1, 2026)

·       In the last 24 hours, Iran launched air strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq. Iran also attacked several locations in UAE's Abu Dhabi and Dubai; and Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. (Source: Mint, March 1, 2026)

·      Dubai's international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks spread across the Gulf states and the wider Middle East, reaching beyond U.S. bases and interests. (Source: Reuters, March 1, 2026)

·   Over 700 flights were cancelled worldwide as airlines rerouted or grounded flights due to airspace closures linked to the Middle East crisis. This has caused widespread travel chaos affecting carriers from multiple countries and regions, including India and the UAE. (Source: The Times Of India, March 1, 2026)

 

2. FIFA Holds Crisis Talks Over World Cup Participation

After the U.S. Iran strikes, FIFA held emergency discussions about the impact on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, especially regarding the participation and travel plans of teams like Iran. Other international sporting events and broadcasts are being affected by related disruptions. 

(Source: The Times of India, March 1, 2026)

 

3. Pope Leo Announces Major African Tour for 2026

The Vatican announced that Pope Leo will tour four African countries—Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon—in April 2026. It’s his first major overseas trip of the year, emphasising interfaith dialogue, development, and global outreach.

(Source: Reuters, 25^th February 2026)

 

4. Formula One Travel Chaos After Middle East Bombings

Formula One officials issued statements as teams faced major travel problems heading to the 2026 season opener in Australia, after Iranian missile strikes caused massive flight disruptions from Gulf hubs such as Doha and Dubai. (Source: The Sun, 28^th February 2026)

 

5. UEFA Takes Disciplinary Action in Racism Case

UEFA provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match after allegations he directed racist language at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League tie. An ethics investigation is now underway, and Prestianni will miss Benfica’s next match. (Source: Reuters, February 23, 2026)

 

National News

 

1. Accept Medal of the Knesset with humility: PM Modi

                          PM Modi                Pic Courtesy: WikiCommons

The award comes at a time when PM Modi is on a visit to Israel, where he delivered a historic speech to the Knesset, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, receiving a standing ovation from members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that he accepts the Medal of the Knesset with utmost humility and gratitude.

Israel's Parliament, the Knesset, conferred the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' on PM Modi, making him the first-ever recipient of this prestigious award. (Source: darpanmagazine.com, 25^th February, 2026)

 

2. India unveils first national anti-terror & cybersecurity policy: PRAHAAR

The Ministry of Home Affairs released PRAHAAR, India’s first comprehensive counter-terrorism and cybersecurity strategy, aimed at strengthening prevention, intelligence-led operations, multi-agency coordination, and national resilience against terrorism threats. (Source: The Economic Times, March 1, 2026)

 

3. CBI plea hearing in Delhi excise policy case scheduled

The Delhi High Court will hear the CBI’s petition challenging trial court orders that discharged Arvind Kejriwal and others in the excise policy case. The matter is set for March 9 proceedings, keeping the high-stakes legal battle in focus nationally. (Source: The Times of India, March 1, 2026)

 

4. Big changes in voter list ahead of polls

The Election Commission’s latest final electoral roll shows a major reshuffle in West Bengal: about 64 lakh voters removed and 60 lakh on hold after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), bringing the total to around 64.4 million registered voters. This revision comes as the state gears up for the 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election. (Source: The Times of India, March 1, 2026)

 

5. India vs West Indies: Must Win Clash for Semi-Final spot

India vs West Indies is a decisive Super 8 match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata — effectively a virtual quarter-final for a semi-final spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams have 2 points each from two Super 8 games. (Source: The Times of India, March 1, 2026)

 

 

 

 

 

The celebration of the World Radio Day 2026

Report By

Mishti Jain

BAJMC Sem 2

Event poster by Mishti Jain

The ASCO Team of both faculty members and students at the event

Prof. Dr. Akash Deep Muni, Dean ASCO 

The audience at Big Studio

On February 13, 2026, students of Amity School of Communication celebrated the World Radio Day with great enthusiasm held at Big Studio from 10am onwards. The event was organised by the B.A students of Journalism and Mass Communication Sem 2 under mentorship of Prof. Moumita De Das.

The event was significant because it was the first time that the Semester 2 students had organized an event and turned out to be a great success. The theme for World Radio Day was "Retro vs. Modern," and the event was skilfully executed through decorations which recreated the spirit of both old and new in the world of radio. An eye-catching combination of vintage props and accessories, vintage style decor, and soft lighting created an ambience which engaged the attendees and left a lasting impression. As a result of the success of the event (as seen by the high attendance of students and faculty members) the event was even more memorable due to the presence of our respected Dean, Prof. Dr. Akash Deep Muni.

There were plenty of engaging and fun activities at the event to keep the audience engaged! There was a great energy during the jamming session, where students performed music, and the atmosphere was filled with good vibes. The one mic event was another highlight of the event, where attendees expressed themselves through poetry and singing and through expressive performance that connected beautifully with the audience. Games created fun moments, which allowed everyone in the event to join in on the fun! The celebration also provided the opportunity for participants to showcase various creative projects, such as audio storytelling, reels on vox-pop etc..

The Convenor of the event Prof. Moumita De Das

The faculty members and the students of ASCO

One of the best highlights of the event was the screening of the horror short film “F.M. Bela”, which was produced by the event hosts! The film was charged with fantastic visuals, sound effects, and an amazing storyline that had the audience mesmerized from start to finish. The audience responded with loud cheers and applause for the film.

The day was filled with excitement, including awards for exceptional performance in many forms. One mic winners, Kunal, Om and Sohini received applause for their confidence and ability to leave an impact. At the end there was a brief ramp show on the best dressed attire, winners were Dr. Anisha Ray, ASCO faculty member and Jhilam Roy of BAJMC Sem 6. A group photo at the end capped off the evening, where all had the chance to come together to make happy memories.

The World Radio Day Celebration at Amity University Kolkata was a great success and resulted in many great memories by all involved. It honoured radio as a communication tool and celebrated the dedication and team spirit at ASCO, Amity University. Everyone left with smiling faces and a feeling of accomplishment; the event lived up to its theme of “From Static to Magic Celebrate Radio Day Classic.”

Pic Credit: Brahma Nand Samanta

Mighty Eagle lurking in the sand: Iran-USA Relations!

Article on Iran-US Relations

Aaryan Kumar

BAJMC Sem 6

 

Pexels

If you have been following the news lately, you have probably heard whispers or maybe shoutout about tensions between Iran and the United States. But why does this matter to us, and why are we talking about it now?

The simple answer is, what happens between these two countries will affect us. This article discusses about the potential military conflict in the Middle East region that supplies much of the world's oil, nuclear weapons development that could reshape global security, and a humanitarian crisis that can claim thousands of innocent lives. In December 2025, Iran's currency collapsed, sparking massive peaceful public protests. In January, The Guardian reported about the brutal crackdown of by the Iranian Government that resulted in bodies disappearing and more than 30,000 dead. Meanwhile, the U.S. has moved its mighty USS Abraham Lincoln and the military fleet into the region and is threatening military strikes. 

Read on to know more...

 Historical Setting

The Iran-USA conflict today started with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. This revolution changed everything between Iran and the United States of America. Before the revolution Tehran and Washington were allies but later became enemies. The Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 is a part of this conflict. The United States of America backed Iraq in this war. We also have to think about what happened in 1953. That is when the CIA helped removed Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh of Iran. This made a lot of people in Iran angry with the United States.

For a time, the United States has been putting sanctions on Iran. Then in 2015 Iran and the United States were part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This is also called the Iran nuclear deal. It helped to reduce tensions, between Iran and the United States for a while. Then the United States decided to leave the deal in 2018. The Iran-USA conflict is still an issue today because of all these things.

 

Present Geopolitical Context and Multiple Dimensions:

Nuclear Program Negotiations

Iran has suggested that it could lower its uranium enrichment from 60 percent to 20 percent. This move would depend on the United States agreeing to lift the economic sanctions currently placed on the country.

Iran had actually agreed to back in 2015. Now Iranian officials do not want to talk about Iran’s missiles or what Iran is doing in other parts of the region.

 Regional Military Threats

Iran’s ballistic missile programs and the proxy networks, which include Hezbollah and the Houthis, are a problem for the United States forces and its biggest ally Israel in that region. The proxies, like Hezbollah and the Houthis have attacked the United States forces in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This makes it very risky to lift sanctions, on Iran if they do not agree to limit the missile programs and the activities of these proxy networks, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis rebels.

Internal Instability

Iran is going through a tough time the worst it has seen since 1979. There are protests over the country, the economy is in big trouble and people are very unhappy with the government.

The people in charge are brutal on those who want to make changes. They are using aggressive consequences for people who are protesting on streets and gagging the usage of social media and internet. 

US Policy Options

The Trump administration putting its brain towards it, and focusing on ideas: that they could try to communicate to the other side, about nuclear weapons but just a little bit.

They could send in the military to help keep protesters safe. The Trump administration could also put tariffs on the country to hurt their economy. Another thing the Trump administration might try is to use their go to dish; to change the government of the country or to have the military coup.

 Why It Matters Today?

Global energy and trade: Iran sits on major oil and gas reserves; U.S. sanctions influence global prices.

Regional security: Tensions spill into Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, affecting global peace efforts.

Nuclear proliferation: The issue tests global non-proliferation norms.

Human rights and diplomacy: Dialogue on Iran’s internal politics connects to broader democratic debates.

The Iran-USA issue needs to be looked at because it is about the risks of nuclear weapons the possibility of more fighting in the Middle East region and the welfare of Iranian civilians. To solve this problem we have to find a balance between keeping people safe and being practical, through communication. This is a challenge right now because the Iran-USA issue is quite tricky and Tehran & Washington do not trust each other at any cost and they possess their different opinions. The Iran-USA issue is very sensitive as well as globally challenged. The world needs to brainstorm about the Iran-USA issue, as diplomacy & dialogue is the only solution for this noble world. 

Latest News

The rapid buildup of US military forces in the Middle East has reached a point where President Donald Trump could approve strikes against Iran soon. In fact, the strikes could come as early as this weekend, according to administration and Pentagon officials, reported The New York Times.

 Read on to know more: 

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/iran-us-conflict-trump-military-strike-date-10540041/

 

References:

·   Al Jazeera. (2025, June 23). History of US–Iran relations: From the 1953 regime change to Trump strikes. Al Jazeera English

·   Al Jazeera. (2026, January 29). US-Iran tensions soar: What do both sides want? Al Jazeera English

·   Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). Iran’s conflict with Israel and the United States. Global Conflict Tracker. Retrieved February 11, 2026

·   Anadolu Agency. (n.d.). Timeline – US-Iran tensions: From 12-day war to current standoff. Retrieved February 11, 2026

Opinion Piece on SIR

by

Aishwarya Siingh

BAJMC Sem 2

Source: BJP Goa (FB Page)

Sir (Special Intensive Revision), in my opinion, has been done with a greater intention to strike out all the fake voters from the upcoming voter list, particularly the illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants. However, what the government has failed to realize is that during the whole process, it has been observed that at many instances, illegal immigrants tend to had more credential and valid documents as compared to many genuine voters and Indian citizens, casting doubts on achieving the desired outputs from the process. Many credible citizens were observed opting out of the process due to their many reasons, including non-willingness to participate, trust issues regarding the whole electoral process in particular, and the system in general , skipping the whole process in fear of being included in any future list that may, as they feared, stripping them of their rights and titles, or even citizenship, and even worse, being deported to other country. The speed at which this process was announced and conducted added more to the worries of the common man, while the surprise element, with which the government expected to detain the illegal migrants unguarded, didn’t seemed to had any major impact on ground at large.

 

Source: BJP Goa (FB Page)

On the other hand, a number of Booth Level Officer (BLOs) committing suicide, out of pressure, was one of the major political issues raised by political parties. However, what raised doubts on the nature of these deaths, is that most of these were reported in West Bengal, a state poll bound for April-May 2026, with many analysts raising concerns and pointing out to a larger conspiracy, considering the fact that all these BLOs had faced pressure in the past, including the assembly and Lok Sabha election, and other government related activities and processes. Another Bengal related SIR issue was noncompletion of CAA on time, alarming the members of Matua community and other Hindus about their future in the country, who fled Bangladesh to avoid religious persecution. Both Centre and State governments tried to assure the community, but fear seemed to have inflated already.

It’s not that SIR didn’t had an impact, many Bangladeshi intruders were seen crossing various border outputs on Indo-Bangla border to back to home country citing possible crackdown by the authorities. Apart from that, all the states saw the deletion of many voters, most of them being either dead, or had been listed in voter list of multiple cities or states, reducing the number of fake voters across the country .In my view, certain trust building exercises and campaigns should have been conducted by both ECI (Election Commission of India) and the government, before implementing it. Also, SIR should not be held after two decades but rather be conducted regularly at every 5 or 10 years, making it a rather routine process, not attracting unnecessary controversy and political traction, and steps must be taken to make it more transparent, credible and effective.

The lack of time given to complete the process created a chaos amongst the government officials as well as the general public. Although later on the deadline was exceeded. The government officials confirm that the technology was not used in it's full capacity and the BLOs were not well trained for the job. The government failed to create awareness about SIR in general public. While conducting an interview on ground in Uttar Pradesh, I observed highly educated people like teachers , engineers and doctors also denied  to even put a comma in the SIR form as they feared smallest of mistake will lead to cancellation of their citizenship and some said "Yogi ji(CM of Uttar Pradesh) Pakistan bhejwa denge".

(Author’s personal opinion)

 

 

 

 

Union Budget 2026-27 – A brief Report

                            by

Sri Vani Harinmayi Somayajula

                  BAJMC Sem 2

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The economists termed this year budget by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as ‘producer centric’. The Union Budget of India is the annual financial statement of the Union Government, presented under Article 112 of the Constitution. In the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, rising geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures, the Union Budget places strong emphasis on sustaining India’s growth momentum. India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, with GDP growth projected at around 6.5–7 per cent. The budget seeks to consolidate this growth through public investment, structural reforms, and fiscal discipline.

A central pillar of the budget is the sharp rise in capital expenditure, which has been increased to over ₹11 lakh crore, amounting to roughly 3.4 per cent of GDP. This marks a significant jump compared to pre-pandemic levels and reflects the government’s infrastructure-led growth strategy. Major allocations have been directed towards roads, railways, metro projects, ports, airports, and logistics corridors. Railways alone have received an allocation exceeding ₹2.5 lakh crore, aimed at modernisation, safety, and expansion.

Fiscal consolidation remains a key concern. The fiscal deficit has been targeted at around 5.1 per cent of GDP, continuing the gradual reduction from pandemic-era highs. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the fiscal deficit below 4.5 per cent in the coming years, balancing developmental expenditure with macroeconomic stability.

On the taxation front, the budget continues to promote the new income tax regime by simplifying slabs and reducing compliance burdens. Increased tax buoyancy, driven by better GST collections and digital enforcement, has strengthened revenues without imposing new tax burdens on citizens. Gross tax revenue growth has helped reduce dependence on borrowing.

Social sector spending remains robust. Education and healthcare together receive allocations exceeding ₹2.5 lakh crore, reinforcing human capital development. Agriculture, which supports nearly half of India’s workforce, has received targeted support through investments in agri-infrastructure, crop insurance, irrigation, and farmer credit schemes. Welfare programmes related to food security, rural employment, housing, and women empowerment continue to receive priority funding.

The budget also reflects a forward-looking vision through strong emphasis on green growth. Allocations for renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure align with India’s net-zero commitments and long-term sustainability goals. Support for start-ups, innovation, artificial intelligence, and skill development highlights the shift toward a knowledge-driven economy.

Highlights of the Union Budget

Record Capital Expenditure: Capital expenditure has been increased to over ₹11 lakh crore, accounting for about 3.4% of GDP, aimed at boosting infrastructure-led growth and employment generation.

Surge on Defence Budget: Allocated ₹7.85 lakh crore to the defence sector in the Union Budget 2026, higher than the ₹6.81 lakh crore provided in FY26, signalling a continued focus on military readiness, modernisation, and personnel welfare. 

Infrastructure Push: Major investments in roads, railways, metro projects, ports, airports, and logistics corridors, with the Railways allocation exceeding ₹2.5 lakh crore for modernisation and safety.

Fiscal Deficit Control: Fiscal deficit targeted at around 5.1% of GDP, continuing the government’s commitment to bring it below 4.5% in the medium term.

Tax Reforms: Continued emphasis on the new income tax regime with simplified slabs and reduced compliance burden; no major increase in tax rates.

Strong Revenue Growth: Improved GST collections and digital compliance leading to higher tax buoyancy and reduced reliance on borrowing.

Education & Healthcare: Combined allocation of over ₹2.5 lakh crore to strengthen human capital through improved schooling, higher education, and healthcare infrastructure.

Agriculture & Rural Development: Targeted support for farmers through agri-infrastructure funding, irrigation projects, crop insurance, and expanded credit facilities.

Social Welfare Schemes: Continued funding for food security, rural employment, housing, and women-centric welfare programmes.

Green Growth Focus: Increased spending on renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and climate-resilient infrastructure in line with sustainability goals.

Innovation & Start-ups: Support for start-ups, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and skill development to promote a knowledge-driven economy.

In conclusion, the Union Budget represents a calibrated balance between growth, welfare, and fiscal responsibility. By prioritising capital investment, maintaining social protection, and advancing sustainability and innovation, the budget aims to strengthen India’s economic resilience while laying the foundation for long-term inclusive development. Its true success, however, will depend on effective implementation and timely execution of proposed measures.

Source: cleartax

Read on to know more:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2221458&reg=3&lang=2

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