Category: Geo Politics

Wildfire Crisis in Southern California: The Hughes Fire Adds to Devastation

Manish Kumar

A Region Under Fire Wildfires have long been a recurring threat to California, with previous blazes causing significant damage and loss of life. In recent years, fires have intensified due to prolonged droughts, strong winds, and climate change. The latest catastrophe, the Hughes Fire, has rapidly expanded near Los Angeles, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate as firefighters struggle against extreme conditions. Hughes Fire: Rapid Spread and Widespread Evacuations On Wednesday, a new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles, quickly engulfing over 9,400 acres (38 square km) in the Castaic…

Pakistan-Bangladesh Rapprochement: A New Geopolitical Challenge for India?

Manish Kumar

A High-Stakes Intelligence Visit Raises Eyebrows For the first time in decades, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt Gen Asim Malik, visited Bangladesh, landing in Dhaka via Dubai earlier this week. He was received by Lt Gen Muhammad Faizur Rahman, Quarter Master General of the Bangladesh Army—an official reportedly known for his close ties with Islamists and Pakistan. This development, first reported by The Economic Times, has triggered intense scrutiny in India, given the visit’s potential strategic implications. This high-profile meeting is being perceived as part of a broader intelligence-sharing…

Trump Cuts Ties with WHO—What’s Next for Global Health?

Manish Kumar

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again taken a bold step by signing an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks the second time in less than five terms that Trump has moved to sever ties with the global health body. Citing claims of mismanagement, political bias, and financial burden, Trump’s decision has sparked widespread concern among health experts, world leaders, and international organizations. Given the United States’ historical role as WHO’s largest donor, this withdrawal could have serious implications for global…

Trump’s Bid to End Birthright Citizenship: Can He Overturn a 150-Year-Old Law?

Manish Kumar

U.S. President Donald Trump reignited the immigration debate by issuing an executive order challenging birthright citizenship, a principle that has been a cornerstone of American identity for over 150 years. His policy aimed to restrict automatic citizenship for certain U.S.-born children, sparking intense legal and political controversy. This move was part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, reflecting his administration’s hardline stance on undocumented immigrants. However, questions remain: What is birthright citizenship, and does the president have the authority to revoke it? Understanding Birthright Citizenship Birthright citizenship, enshrined in the 14th…

Marco Rubio’s First Diplomatic Move: Strengthening US-India Ties Under Trump

Manish Kumar

Just a day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, his administration began to take shape. One of the first major confirmations was that of Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of State. Sworn in on Tuesday after a successful Senate vote, Rubio wasted no time in assuming his duties, immediately signaling the strategic importance of India in US foreign policy. In a notable first move, Rubio chose India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his inaugural bilateral meeting. This decision underscores the…

Donald Trump’s Bold Agenda: Ending the Ukraine War and Restoring America

Manish Kumar

As Donald Trump prepares to be inaugurated as the President of the United States on January 20, he has set forth a bold vision for his administration. At the “Make America Great Again” victory rally at Capitol One Arena, Trump made several promises that have sparked both domestic and global interest. Among his top priorities are ending the Ukraine war, preventing a potential World War III, securing American borders, and revitalizing the nation’s strength and sovereignty. His ambitious agenda has drawn both praise and scrutiny, as the world watches closely.…

Ahead of Inauguration, Trump Pledges to Undo Biden’s Radical Executive Orders

Manish Kumar

Donald Trump stated that within hours of taking office, he would sign nearly 100 executive orders and noted that his administration would act decisively to address multiple challenges facing the country, including immigration, inflation, and border security. Washington DC: Just hours ahead of his inauguration, US President-elect Donald Trump said that within hours of him taking office as the 47th President of the US, he would be revoking dozens of “destructive and radical” executive orders issued by the Biden administration, and will declare those orders as “null and void” by…

US President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day 2025: All You Need to Know About Today’s Events

Manish Kumar

Donald Trump inauguration: President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are set to take the oath of office, marking the start of a new administration. The day will be filled with celebrations, featuring musical performances and a parade. In a momentous ceremony, Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday (January 20). Vice President-elect JD Vance will also take the oath of office, signalling the beginning of a new administration. With the theme “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise”,…

Kathmandu Hosts India-Nepal Meeting on Trade, Transit, and Tackling Unauthorised Trade

Manish Kumar

The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade was held in Kathmandu from January 10-11, 2025. Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Sunil Barthwal led the Indian delegation which included senior officials from various Ministries and the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. The Nepali side was headed by Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal, Mr. Gobinda Bahadur Karkee, accompanied by representatives from different Nepali Ministries and Departments. This meeting of the IGC, a bilateral mechanism aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties, carried…

Felony Conviction and the Presidency: What Donald Trump Can and Cannot Do

Manish Kumar

Felony convictions carry profound implications, altering an individual’s rights, responsibilities, and public perception. The case of Donald Trump, the first U.S. president-elect to assume office with a felony conviction, has sparked widespread attention due to its unprecedented nature and the complex legal and civic questions it raises. Trump’s conviction stems from falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. While he avoided jail time or fines, the legal and practical consequences of his conviction remain significant. Can Trump…