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Despite the Union Government’s claim that social security coverage has been doubled under PM Narendra Modi government within three years from 24.4 per cent in 2021 to 48 per cent in 2024, there has been steep realtime decline in assistance under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) since 2014-15 which aims to provide social security and welfare to old age, disabled, and widowed individuals.

Alleged 26/11 Mumbai terror-attacks mastermind, Tahawwur Rana, the Pakistani-origin Canadian is up against the brag "Modi hai toh mumkin hai". Rana's planning took the lives of 166. Now, he is here in flesh and blood and the feeling one gets is that Rana is headed for the boot-hill!

The Ninth Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held at Tegacigalpa, capital of Honduras on April 9 concluded its deliberations of the 33 member regional body by calling for increased political and economic collaboration between the member nations through the synergy in their respective economies. The declaration emphasized the need for close cooperation in trade, commerce and investment amongst the member nations for getting benefits from the current global trade war.

NEW YORK: Not even the reality show La Casa de los Famosos, a spin-off of Big Brother, managed to surpass the audience of the first televised Council of Ministers in Colombia last February. Millions of Colombians watched live as some ministers criticized President Gustavo Petro, another lavished him with praise in a tone resembling a declaration of love, and other cabinet members exchanged reproaches.

The 24th Congress of the CPI(M), which concluded at Madurai on April 6 with a massive rally, was notable in many respects. There were changes both in the agenda and content of the Congress discussions.

In the two-day AICC session in Ahmedabad, the Congress has moved forward. The resolution finally adopted on April 9, 2025, shows that the party has made up its mind to adopt a modulated strategy which includes both the confrontational path against “inflicted grave injustice” upon the people by the BJP government and building a “future of hope, aspiration, and positivity” through the path of justice (Nyay-Path).

“Who are you threatening? Waqf Act will be law, and all will have to obey,” declared home minister Amit Shah. It was almost prophetic, leaving no uncertainties. Autocracy was spreading its wings with brutal intolerance against any voices raised in opposition.

The German conservatives under the leadership of Friedrich Merz finally clinched a deal with the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) for forming a coalition which will run Europe’s largest economy for the next four years amidst new global scenario following Donald Trump taking over as the U.S. President for the second time. The deal concluded on Wednesday was preceded by weeks of bargaining by the two traditional parties of governance in Germany. The agreement was signed after both sides agreed for a flexible approach diluting some of the demands made earlier.

National identity matters. Taking control of the Waqf properties is a strategic design of the saffron ecosystem to deny the national identity of Muslims of being Indian. Like the national identity, community identity nurtures a sense of belonging, mutual understanding and also strengthens social bonds. It revolves around cultural traditions, social values, which help shape future generations. Ironically, the ideas of the national and community identities are major deterrents in the path of the rightist fascist forces to accomplish their mission of completely polarizing the Hindu community and turning India into a de facto Hindu Rashtra.

This year’s World Health Day falls against the backdrop of strained multilateralism and a crisis in global health funding. World Health Day serves as a stark reminder that good governance, sustained financing, and collective action are essential to safeguard public health worldwide. It is crucial, at this juncture, to reflect on the United States planned withdrawal from the World Health Organization (‘WHO’) and dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (‘USAID’).