What Hurts Without a Name?

                                          A Poem by Simran Singh

BAJMC Sem 6

Pexels

Is it normal to miss what never existed?

To ache for a face, I can't define.

To carry a weight, I cannot see,

To cry in silence where no eyes be?

I love the hush, I crave alone

Yet something in me longs for home. A home not built, a hand not held, A whisper in me still compelled.

I smile, I laugh, I get things done,

The world sees light, not what's begun to quietly splinter deep inside,

Where even truth and tears must hide.

No heart was broken, yet I bleed.

No voice was lost, yet I still plead.

Years have passed, and still I pine

For someone my eyes are blind

I am whole, I am complete, I am enough Still, some nights feel strangely rough. Not lonely, not unloved, not wrong, just a soft ache that lingers long.

Maybe it's just the weight I bear, Of  being strong, of always there.

Of showing up, of standing tall,

And wondering who catches me at all.

I am tired, I am light, I am pain, I am free, I am happy, and not—both living in me. So, what's wrong, you ask? Maybe nothing at all…

Just a soul that's learning how to fall.

And rise.

Again.

Still whole.

Still wise.

Salaried for Surveys, Empty in the Classroom: How Administrative Duties are Hijacking Public Education

An opinion by

Aishwarya Siingh

Pexels

The persistent claim that public schools are achieving parity with private institutions is being fundamentally undermined by a systemic redirection of resources that prioritizes administrative data over student learning. Currently, a staggering 90% to 95% of the teaching workforce in Uttar Pradesh has been removed from the classroom to serve as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) survey. This administrative overreach has left schools in a state of functional paralysis; while students continue to attend, they find their classrooms empty of instructors. Only headmasters and supervisors remain on the premises, acting as mere caretakers rather than educators. This results in a miserable waste of the students' most formative years, as the core objective of the institution—the delivery of a curriculum—is completely suspended in favor of government surveys.

This crisis is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a perpetual cycle of non-teaching assignments that treat educators as an all-purpose administrative workforce. Beyond the current SIR survey, teachers are already being earmarked for duties involving the upcoming National Census (Janganana), followed by the Panchayati and Vidhan Sabha elections. Even in the rare windows when they are not in the field, they are frequently pulled away for mandatory training sessions, ensuring that their presence in the classroom is a rarity rather than the norm. By the time one government task concludes, the next begins, leaving the public education system in a permanent state of neglect. There is currently no mechanism for accountability or a platform for the public to question why election logistics are consistently placed above the academic future of millions of children.

Ultimately, the government's strategy reveals a troubling prioritization of fiscal utility over educational quality. The primary aim appears to be the total exhaustion of the salaries paid to teachers by utilizing them for every conceivable state function except for actual teaching. This approach renders the government’s promises of "reliable education" hollow, as the "Right to Education" cannot be upheld in an environment where the teacher is perpetually absent. While private school students advance through their studies without interruption, public school students are left behind by the very state that claims to protect their interests. Until the government separates pedagogical duties from administrative labor, the public school system will remain a building without a soul, and its students will remain casualties of bureaucratic convenience.

 (Author's own opinion)

NEWS LAST WEEK - March 2 - March 8, 2026

Compiled by

Aditya Ghosh

BAJMC Sem 2

 

National News

 

India Lifts ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Final Cup against New Zealand

Indian Team lifting T20 World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium     Pic:JioHotstar

India faced New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 8th March 2026. India reached the final after defeating England in the semifinal, while New Zealand secured their place by beating South Africa.

It might not have been the thriller neutrals wanted, but it was everything India desired. They became the first men’s team to defend the T20 World Cup and the first side to win it at home, after drowning New Zealand in a deluge of runs in front of 100,000 giddy and almost universally blue‑clad supporters.

New Zealand looked forlorn while conceding 255 and wretched when attempting to chase it, and after meandering through much of their innings with defeat already a certainty they were still 96 behind when it ended. They have now reached four World Cup finals of various hues since 2015 and lost them all, plus the Champions Trophy last year to boot.

Final: India, 255-5, beat NZ, 159, by 96 runs

Samson’s 89 leads way before Bumrah takes four for 15

Source: The Guardian, March 8, 2026

 

Delhi Gets India’s First Ring Metro

Delhi inaugurated India’s first operational Ring Metro after completing a new section of the Pink Line. The project includes an extension of 12.3 km with eight stations and a new bridge over the Yamuna River. The development is expected to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote public transport in the capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around Rs 33,500 crore in the national capital. The projects include new metro corridors, housing redevelopment and major infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving connectivity and urban infrastructure in Delhi.

Source: The Times of India, March 8, 2026

 

LPG price hike: Domestic cooking gas cost up by Rs 60 a cylinder

Domestic cooking gas will cost Rs 60 more per cylinder from Saturday while commercial LPG price rose by Rs 114.5, amid pressure on global energy markets and rising costs due to the West Asia conflict

The 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder now costs Rs 913 in the capital.

Officials said there will be no revision in the retail price of petrol and diesel, as oil marketing companies (OMCs) have enough cushion to absorb the rise in global crude prices.

Source: The Times of India, March 8, 2026

India's tech state Karnataka bans social media for children under 16

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, ‌banned the use of social media by those under the age of 16 on Friday, becoming the first in India to join global calls for more scrutiny of minors' digital usage.

Concerns surrounding children's growing social media addiction and exposure to unrestricted internet access have fired up a global debate, prompting Australia to become the first country to ban social media for children in ⁠December. Britain, Denmark and Greece are also studying the issue and similar considerations are taking shape elsewhere in India, one of the world's largest social media markets.

 Source: Reuters, March 6, 2026

 

India, Canada aim for trade pact by year-end, strike uranium deal

India and Canada will aim to conclude a free trade pact by the end of this year, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday during his first visit to New Delhi, as the two countries seek to move past years of diplomatic friction to get economic ties back on track. New Delhi and Ottawa hope to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during a joint media appearance with Carney, from nearly $9 billion in 2025-26.

Source: Reuters, March 2, 2026

                     

Regional News

(Kolkata and West Bengal)

 

Mamata Banerjee Holds Dharna in Kolkata

Mamata Banerjee at dharna   Pic: Muslim Mirror

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, held a sit-in protest (dharna) in Kolkata against alleged deletion of voters’ names during the revision of the electoral rolls. She accused political opponents of trying to remove legitimate voters before the upcoming elections

Source:  Economic Times, March 8, 2026

 

Rumours About ‘Chicken’s Neck’ Union Territory Declared Fake

The Indian government clarified that social media claims about turning the Siliguri Corridor (“Chicken’s Neck”) into a Union Territory are false. The corridor is a strategic region connecting mainland India to the Northeast, and officials urged people not to believe misinformation online.

Source: Times of India, March 8, 2026

 

West Bengal Assembly Election Preparations Begin

Political activity is increasing ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The state has 294 seats and a majority mark of 148, and parties have started preparing campaigns and strategies for the upcoming polls. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly has a strength of 294. It has a majority mark of 148. At present, Mamata Banerjee-led TMC enjoys a comfortable majority in the House, with 215 MLAs.

Source:  India Tv News, March 6, 2026

 

International News

Iran accused of attacks in the UAE and Bahrain, while Tehran blanketed by smoke from Israeli strikes

Gulf under Iranian attack   Pic: BBC

Israel on Sunday struck southern Lebanon, Beirut and an oil storage facility in Tehran as the war in the Middle East keeps escalating, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised “many surprises” for the next phase of the conflict. Iran also hit a desalination plant in Bahrain. Earlier Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a U.S. airstrike damaged an Iranian desalination plant on Qeshm Island, warning that in doing so “the U.S. set this precedent, not Iran.” Such infrastructure is critical for drinking water supplies in the parched deserts of the Gulf. An Israeli attack on an oil storage facility in Tehran sent up pillars of fire that could be seen in Associated Press video as a glow against the Saturday night sky. It appeared to be the first time a civil industrial facility has been targeted in the war.

Source: AP News, March 8, 2026

 

Iran war inflation shock could wreck global economic recovery

An inflation shock triggered by the US-Israel attack on Iran could wreck a fragile global economic recovery that had been expected to gain momentum this year.

With oil and gas prices spiking, despite a pledge from Donald Trump to protect tankers making their way through the crucial strait of Hormuz shipping chokepoint, central bankers and economists have warned that a prolonged conflict could increase retail prices around the world and force them to rip up growth forecasts for this year.

Source: The Guardian, March 8, 2026

 

Global bond markets tumble on inflation fears

LONDON, March 6 - Global government bond markets were headed for one of their worst weekly losses in months, on concerns that war in the Middle East will renew upward pressure on inflation and force more hawkish pivots from central banks.

Crude oil was ‌set on Friday for its strongest weekly gain since the extreme volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, as conflict halted shipping and energy exports through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Some German bonds posted their largest yield increases in almost three years and some U.S. short-term debt was on track for its worst week since the Liberation Day tariff turmoil.

"Energy price inflation is generally shorter term in nature. But that's going to hit headline inflation hard," said Thomas Urano, co-chief investment officer at Sage Advisory in Austin.

Two-year government bonds, the most sensitive to shifting rate expectations, have taken the brunt of the selloff, remaining weak ⁠even after news that the U.S. economy unexpectedly shed jobs last month.

Source:  Reuters, March 6, 2026

 

Scientists Create Biodegradable Plastic from Milk

The research was conducted by scientists at Flinders University in Australia, in collaboration with international researchers. The study was published in the scientific journal Polymers. In a recent study published in Polymers, researchers created a thin, flexible film using calcium caseinate, a commercially available form of casein, the primary protein found in milk. They blended it with modified starch and bentonite nano clay, then added glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol to improve durability and flexibility. The goal was to produce a material that performs like conventional plastic while being far more environmentally friendly.

The scientists created the plastic-like material using natural ingredients:

·       * Calcium caseinate – a protein derived from milk (casein)

·       * Modified starch

·       * Bentonite nano clay (volcanic clay)

·      *  Glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol to improve flexibility and strength  

Source: ScienceDaily, February 28, 2026

  

Climate change and geopolitics threaten water supplies

The United Nations warned in January that the world faces imminent water ‘bankruptcy’. Overuse, pollution and climate change are threatening water systems; many will not return to their historical levels. Glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are melting at a rapid rate, for instance. This affects the seasonal volumes of melt water entering the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems as well as the dynamics of monsoons in South Asia. 

Source: Earth.Org, March 6, 2026

 

 

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)