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The Problem of Academia: Favouritism, Nepotism, and the Crisis of Excellence in Indian Higher Education
Introduction: A Silent Crisis in the Temple of Knowledge Universities are meant to be the custodians of knowledge, merit, and intellectual integrity. In India, they also carry the weight of a civilizational legacy—Nalanda, Takshashila, Vikramashila—institutions that once attracted scholars from across the world. Yet, in contemporary times, Indian higher education faces a profound and uncomfortable…
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How China’s Governance System Works: Structure, Power, and Administration
Introduction China represents one of the most distinctive governance systems in the contemporary world. Unlike liberal democracies that follow a multi-party electoral framework, China operates under a single-party socialist system led by the Communist Party of China (CPC). Its governance structure combines political centralization with administrative decentralization, enabling the state to manage a vast population,…
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Understanding Public Policy and Its Role in Development
Introduction Every visible outcome of governance—education systems, healthcare services, infrastructure, climate action, poverty alleviation, or digital transformation—is shaped by public policy. While the term “policy” is frequently used, its depth, scope, and transformative power are often underestimated. Public policy is not merely a government decision; it is a structured response to public problems, anchored in…
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Output vs Outcome: Meaning, Differences, and Their Role in Scientific Project Evaluation
Introduction In development planning, governance, and public policy, terms like output and outcome are frequently used—but often misunderstood or used interchangeably. This confusion leads to weak project evaluation, misleading success claims, and poor policy learning. Understanding the difference between output and outcome is crucial for: This blog explains these concepts clearly and simply, using real-life…
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Storm on the High Seas: Geopolitical Implications of the U.S. Seizure of a Russian Oil Tanker
In early January 2026, U.S. forces captured a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Marinera (previously Bella-1), in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit. The operation involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and support from the United Kingdom, and marked an unusually direct enforcement action against a vessel linked to a major power on the high…
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From Monroe to Trump: A Doctrine Reborn in a Changing World
Foreign policy doctrines are not merely historical declarations; they are windows into how a nation sees itself and the world. From the early 19th century to the turbulence of the 21st, the United States has repeatedly articulated its vision of power, order, and influence through doctrines. Among them, the Monroe Doctrine stands as one of…
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Trump 500% Tariff Bill: Impact on India, BRICS & Global Trade Analysis
Introduction: What Is the Trump 500% Tariff Bill? In early January 2026, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump approved legislation known informally as the “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025.” This bill empowers the U.S. to impose tariffs as high as 500 percent on imports from countries that knowingly trade in Russian-origin energy and strategic…
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Diplomacy: Meaning, History, Principles, and Its Role in Modern Statecraft
Diplomacy: The Art, Science, and Strategy of Managing International Relations Introduction In an increasingly interconnected and conflict-prone world, diplomacy remains one of humanity’s most enduring and essential tools for managing relations among states. Long before modern nation-states emerged, societies relied on dialogue, negotiation, and emissaries to avoid war, form alliances, and protect collective interests. Today,…
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Democracy in the 21st Century: Meaning, Crisis and the Road Ahead
Introduction: Democracy as an Ever-Evolving Idea Democracy is more than a system of governance—it is a philosophy of power, a belief that legitimate authority flows from the consent of the governed. From the city-states of ancient Greece to modern constitutional democracies, democracy has continuously evolved, adapting to social change, technological advancement, and global power shifts.…
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Greenland: The Island at the Heart of Global Strategy
Introduction: A Frozen Giant with a Warm Global Role Greenland, the world’s largest island — with an area of more than 2.16 million square kilometres — is mostly covered by ice and snow. It sits between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, at the northern edge of the North American continent. Though physically massive, its population…
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