As U.S. pulls back from WHO and Paris climate deal, China is primed to expand its soft power

The Democracy Perception Index survey revealed that most countries have a more favourable view of China compared to the U.S. this year. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has been withdrawing from several key international commitments it had long supported and invested in. It announced its departure from the World Health Organization (WHO) and then … Read more

What’s killing Indians: share of cardiac and diabetic deaths soar

The share of Indians dying from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes has surged, while deaths from malaria, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, and perinatal conditions have declined. Notably, the share of deaths from fevers of unknown origin has increased over the years. In contrast, the share of deaths due to cancer has remained relatively flat. Over time, while more … Read more

National Herald case, Bengaluru rains, Harvard foreign enrolment ban and more: The week in 5 charts

(1) India’s global outreach on Operation Sindoor The Centre on Saturday (May 17, 2025) released the list of seven all-party delegations, spanning a total of 59 MPs from various political parties, that would travel to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, to convey India’s message of … Read more

India-Pak. tensions put strain on struggling western border districts|Data

Army soldiers take position as they patrol along border fence at India-Pakistan Line of Control (LoC) on the forward post of Gowhalan, Uri. Except in Gujarat, exports from most western border districts of India were already minimal and stagnating, and reductions in poverty levels were significantly slower. Recent India-Pakistan tensions and cross-border shelling along the … Read more

Turkey-Azerbaijan boycott: Understanding India’s relations with these nations

Tourists and commuters sail through Bosphorus on a ferry in Istanbul, Turkey, April 23, 2025 | Photo Credit: UMIT BEKTAS Following Turkiye and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan after India’s military confrontation in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre, many online travel platforms reported a sharp spike in cancellations of tour bookings to these countries. Many … Read more

Madras HC judge picks: 88% not from general category

The Madras High Court received the highest number of women appointees | Photo Credit: PICHUMANI K Of the 17 appointees to the Madras High Court approved by the Supreme Court Collegium during the tenures of former Chief Justices of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Sanjiv Khanna, 15 (88.2%) belonged to the Backward Classes (BC), Other Backward Classes … Read more