Editorial Analysis

The ongoing Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have revived global concerns over energy security, maritime choke points and the strategic relevance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

A recent National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study on nearly 1.2 million ward members found that increasing elected representatives in panchayats alone has not significantly improved governance outcomes or welfare delivery.

Recently, Indian states imposed restrictions on the sale of several non-subsidised speciality fertilisers, raising questions about policy coherence in India’s fertiliser sector, as Prime Minister of India has repeatedly emphasised the need to reduce chemical fertiliser consumption to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce import dependence.

After more than a decade, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CES) for 2022-23 and 2023-24, reviving debates on poverty estimation, poverty line methodology and the actual extent of deprivation in India.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s visit to India for the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting has revived discussions on a comprehensive India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

The recommendations of 16th Finance Commission (FC) triggered debate over fiscal autonomy of states, equity and efficiency in resource distribution and growing concerns over political and demographic implications after delimitation.

The recent escalation of conflict in West Asia and the resulting rise in global crude oil and LNG prices have once again highlighted India’s vulnerability to external energy shocks.

The recent visit of India’s Prime Minister to the Nordic countries, Italy and the Netherlands was significant for India’s strategic outreach aimed at strengthening partnerships in deep technology, innovation, green energy and digital sovereignty.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025 was enacted to protect citizens from the harms associated with online real-money gaming and betting platforms. However, it appears to have pushed users toward illegal offshore betting platforms instead of reducing gambling activities.

The launch of ‘Su Sahay’, linked to the ‘One Case One Data’ initiative, highlights AI’s growing role in improving judicial accessibility and efficiency, even as courts are increasingly dealing with issues  like deepfakes, misinformation, and data privacy.