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In this edition of Geopolitics with Swasti, ThePrint Consulting Editor Swasti Rao discusses whether strained India-US ties will affect engine procurements. She also discusses the significance of India-Isreal relations & details of Trump's fight against drug cartels in Venezuela

In her latest weekly column, Dr. Swasti Rao, Geopolitical Expert and Consulting Editor for International and Strategic Affairs, delves deep into the new phase of India-Japan partnership amidst turbulent global geopolitics. As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his visit to Japan and heads to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the video column outlines why the takeaways from Japan are far more significant for India's strategic future. Despite the “natural” nature of the relationship, India-Japan ties have historically underperformed, but this visit marks a crucial turning point. Swasti explores how India's longstanding relationship with Japan, grounded in shared values and mutual interests, has been overshadowed by historical frameworks and missed opportunities. From semiconductor investments to defense cooperation as latest developments , the potential for deeper collaboration is vast. Read the column here: https://theprint.in/opinion/india-must-move-japan-from-old-friend-trap-to-real-partners/2731559/

#nationalinterest What exactly does Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir mean with his imagery of Pakistan as a dumper truck ramming into India, the shining Mercedes zooming on a highway? From his point of view, a few bumps here and there is par for the course. He isn't going to drive his dumper truck to its doom. He wants to use it as a blunt ‘hard state' weapon. Watch this week's #NationalInterest with ThePrint Founder & Editor Shekhar Gupta. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To read this week's National Interest: https://theprint.in/national-interest/india-pakistan-asim-munir-us-donald-trump/2731955/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To visit ThePrint Store: https://store.theprint.in/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced By: Mahira Khan

Peter Navarro, who seems to be Trump's attack dog, recently posted a thread on X explaining the "India-Russia oil mathematics." In his rant, Navarro says India puts high tariffs on US goods, has a trade surplus and uses that money to buy discounted Russia crude oil. This, India then refines and exports at a high profit. In ep 1722, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta untangles claims from facts presented by Trump aide Peter Navarro.

For years, the country's wealthy have convinced themselves that money can buy sanctuary from the dysfunction around them. They've spent decades building elaborate fortresses to keep the chaos out. This infrastructure is designed to create a parallel India where things actually work. In the midst of urban flooding, heatwaves, and garbage mounds, the dreamy world is collapsing.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/indias-poor-little-rich-people/2728912/#google_vignette

At a 3-day lecture series marking 100 years of the RSS, its chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on many different issues, outlining the organisation's outlook -- from minority outreach, saying Hinduism means inclusivity, to 75-yr age limit. Bhagwat also said RSS won't get involved in Kashi & Mathura temple movements, but swayamsevaks are free to join. In ep. 1721, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta & Political Editor DK Singh unpack the RSS chief's speech. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research by: Saksham Thakur ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'We have the case of Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian who entered the US illegally, who drove a truck that killed three people and who, when arrested, failed tests for understanding English and understanding road signs.There are moves within the Indian origin community in North America to support Singh, using what may be described as the ‘bechaara ladka' or ‘poor boy' argument. These moves have found an echo in Punjab, where political leaders have asked the Indian government to intervene to help Singh. Once again, it's the ‘bechaara ladka' syndrome. We should let the US courts decide how to handle his case. It really has nothing to do with us.' says Author & ThePrint Columnist Vir Sanghvi. Watch this week's #SharpEdge:

The Navy has always been on board with the theaterisation plan, but the Air Force feels splitting up air assets into several theatre commands is futile & will tie up critical systems.  

In this episode of WorldView with Swasti, Dr Swasti Rao, Consulting Editor and Foreign Policy Expert, speaks with Gregory Priolon, former Intelligence Analyst at the French Air Force and Expert at “Intelligence Online”. The discussion uncovers risks of military technology leakage as global air-to-air warfare evolves. From expansion of the “Rafale Club” to the role of Pakistani pilots accessing Rafale's EW suite through countries like Qatar, the discussion highlights the dangers of cross-cutting defence value chains. This episode dives deep into the vulnerabilities surrounding the Rafale ecosystem and its electronic warfare suite, Spectra, through sales to countries that are detrimental to India's interests. The conversation highlights why Rafale exports to certain countries like Qatar and potentially to Bangladesh should raise red flags for India, how Qatari training programmes could expose sensitive systems to Pakistani pilots and the growing challenge posed by Turkey's expertise in reverse engineering. With Rafale central to both France's nuclear doctrine and India's frontline fleet, the episode closes by stressing why New Delhi must demand stronger guarantees in the next Rafale deal (MRFA) and build more sovereign countermeasures to safeguard its technological edge. #rafale #operationsindoor #pakistan #france #china #trump #defense

Thirty-day programme run by Congress's training dept, overseen by Rahul's close aide Sachin Rao, will also include training on election management, including voter list verification.  

The fresh deaths raise number of journalists killed in Gaza in 2 yrs of conflict to 192, says Committee to Protect Journalists. AP, Reuters demand official explanation from Israel.  

As three empires—Russia, Britain and China—collided on the roof of the world in the nineteenth century, a tiny strip of uninhabited land in the Pamir Mountains was carved out as a buffer zone. Today, that strip, called the Wakhan Corridor, offers Afghans the hope of a direct land route from Kabul to China, helping bypass Pakistan's chokehold. What China decides will shape Central Asian geopolitics for generations.

From establishing blood banks to guidelines on how to collect, store & match blood samples, the SoP makes blood donations easier & standardised for domestic animals.  

CutTheClutter: The great Trump purge, 'setback to US intel & security' & a CIA recruitment ad for Chinese traitors

Like China, India remains a big domestic market, which will continue to attract investment, but the US tariffs will make India unattractive for future investments.  

The borders that India and China went to war over in 1962, and are now trying to negotiate, were legacies of British imperialism—and held up by its guns. The crisis began in 1947, as Britain's influence over Tibet ended, plunging the region into chaos. The challenge today is to imagine new borders, free from the shadow of imperialism.

CutTheClutter: Modi govt's 100-day reform promise & fate of Indian privatisation

West Bengal & Assam elections almost happen simultaneously, so what will happen in Assam will depend on Mamata Banerjee & what transpires in Bengal, Rajya Sabha MP Dev tells ThePrint.  

It's only in CAPFs — BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and CISF — that a young officer joining as an Assistant Commandant sees no future beyond the middle rungs despite having all the qualities.  

Three battalions are being deployed along northern frontier with China and Pakistan, one in the northeast and another on western front, ThePrint has learnt.  

Imagine leaders of the greatest European nations, along with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sitting like contrite, obedient schoolchildren in front of Donald Trump, the imperial headmaster. What's the first emotion that comes to mind: sympathy, amusement, pity, schadenfreude, a call to wake up to the new world? Chances are it will be a combination of all of the above, except sympathy. We can see at least one leader's mind has no emotional muddle. Vladimir Putin sees this with pure contempt.

The idea of a self-contained labour force, be it intellectual or physical, seems redundant. Bihari migrants are an indispensable part of the domestic workforce.  

‘Karnataka's money belongs to Kannadigas, not to Gandhi family's political fortunes,' said Karnataka BJP chief on Siddaramaiah-led govt's disclosure & demand for additional funds.  

Scientists associated with Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) find that it often presents with more severe beta-cell dysfunction and relatively less insulin resistance.  

For decades, India has counted on Myanmar's military to secure its borders against North East insurgents and narcotics cartels. As Myanmar's military moves towards holding elections, though, that strategy is coming under pressure. China has developed deep links with ethnic militia who have overrun parts of the country, as well as the ruling Generals. India could find itself with few friends in the new dispensation.

In this edition of Geopolitics with Swasti, ThePrint Consulting Editor Swasti Rao discusses whether Europe will militarise Ukraine if Trump's assistance wanes. She also discusses the significance of India-Russia relations & whether Sudarshan chakra will become India's Iron Dome. 

ThePrintAM: Who is Satish Golcha, the new Delhi Police chief?

Rahul Gandhi is leading the Opposition charge of ‘vote chori' against the Election Commission & BJP. The opposition has also questioned timing and method of the Bihar SIR exercise. Ep 1718 of #CutTheClutter looks at the politics and constitutionality of the issue & what lies ahead. In this special edition, ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta is joined by Political Editor DK Singh & Senior Assistant Editor Apoorva Mandhani.

ThePrintPOD: Hours after attack, MHA directs CRPF to guard CM Rekha Gupta, specialised wing for VIPs in charge

ThePrint POD: House panel flags 50% staff gap in DGCA, urges whistleblower protection & autonomy for aviation watchdog

ThePrintAM:  What does India's new Gaming Bill say?

India & China have decided to return to the 2005 agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question. This, after crucial talks between China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi & NSA Ajit Doval. Both countries have agreed on crucial steps to address the border tensions & to push forward ties. Shekhar Gupta explains the significance of the return to 2005 deal in rebuilding India-China ties, de-escalation and what it means for the border issue. Ep 1717 of #CutTheClutter----more----Read India - China Agreement 2005 here: https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/6534/Agreement+between+the+Government+of+the+Republic+of+India+and+the+Government+of+the+Peoples+Republic+of+China+on+the+Political+Parameters+and+Guiding+Principles+for+the+Settlement+of+the+IndiaChina+Boundary+Question----more----https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40016/Visit_of_Chinas_Foreign_Minister_and_Special_Representative_on_the_IndiaChina_boundary_question

Traumatic brain injuries are a significant public health challenge,mainly in rural areas, and underserved populations where advanced diagnostic tools like CT or MRI scans are inaccessible or delayed. Now a Gujarat based company with the health of various government agencies has innovated a portable alternative to address the issue.

Even as Chinese discourse celebrates rapprochement, commentators stress its fragility. A thaw does not equate to normalisation of bilateral ties.

Who is B Sudershan Reddy, INDIA bloc's V-P candidate?----more---- https://theprint.in/politics/in-india-blocs-choice-for-v-p-candidate-a-bid-to-wage-ideological-battle-put-nda-allies-in-a-spot/2724067/

Ukraine President Zelensky, along with leaders of 5 European countries, met US President Donald Trump in the White House on Monday. As the leaders lined up at the Oval office to court Trump, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Dr Swasti Rao, ThePrint's Contributing Editor for Strategic & International Affairs, look at what the Ukraine talks will mean for the ongoing war and what Putin's next steps could be.

From RSS-Jan Sangh's Balraj Madhok to ex-Gujarat CM Modi, Opposition has always targeted the Election Commission. Why CEC Gyanesh Kumar is hurting Indian democracy by making it personal, ThePrint Political Editor explains in this episode of #politicallycorrect

What was discussed in Wang Yi-Jaishankar meet?----more---- https://theprint.in/diplomacy/india-china-now-seek-to-move-ahead-peace-at-borders-key-jaishankar-at-meeting-with-wang-yi/2723567/

Peter Navarro, the White House Counsellor for trade and manufacturing, wrote an opinion article in the Financial Times titled ‘India's oil lobby is funding Putin's war machine- that has to stop'. #CutTheClutter looks at the bizarre rant of the key Trump trade advisor. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta also explains how Navarro is key to understanding Trump's trade tirade against India.----more----Read Peter Navarro's Financial Times article here here: https://www.ft.com/content/286160e0-c0e6-4899-ad5c-3aa6dce85e82----more----Read The Atlantic article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/12/peter-navarro-trump-trade/573913/----more----Read The New York Times article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/20/business/economy/peter-navarro-trump-tariffs.html

The unusual metaphor had been used by Munir at a private dinner during his US trip earlier this month, as exclusively reported by ThePrint, and also in Brussels according to Naqvi.  

"Public response against the Supreme Court's order to relocate Delhi-NCR's stray dogs to shelters has already settled into the familiar shape of division. Most people seem to fall neatly into two camps—those who view the court's order as overdue action against a growing health threat, and those who see it as an attack on the basic dignity of animals. What's needed now is a policy-based solution. The situation cannot remain suspended between denial and inaction—it has already cost lives and money," says columnist Amana Begam Ansari

All of the active India-Pakistan wars and conflicts have been short, 22 days in 1965 being the longest. Op Sindoor was just over three days. Whenever a conclusive outcome like a capitulation and mass surrender is missing, there's scope for both sides to claim victory. Now that both the Indian Air Force and Pakistan Air Force have made formal claims of the other's aircraft they shot down in the 87-hour predominantly aerial conflagration in May, we can explore some deeper issues. Do these numbers really matter? What do these count for? – Watch this week's #NationalInterest with @ShekharGupta

https://theprint.in/india/appeasing-rss-to-secure-job-extension-congress-hits-out-at-modi-over-rss-praise-in-i-day-speech/2721928/

#cuttheclutter On India's 79th Independence Day, PM Modi delivered his longest speech from Red Fort. Episode 1714 of #CutTheClutter looks at the key takeaways from the PM's speech, what makes it the most political and why his unusual praise for RSS is extremely significant and signals a major shift in politics. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To watch PM Modi's full address: https://youtu.be/Bg3KJj4sCDU --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To visit ThePrint Store: https://store.theprint.in/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Produced By: Mahira Khan