In the international system, a state's strategy is often analysed under the prism of its strategic culture. This aids in evaluating a state's actions, policies, and strategies while steering and even limiting the choices it makes. An essay regarding India's strategic culture written by international relations specialist George Tanham in 1992 sparked a number of academic discussions.
Uttarakhand, nestled in the Central Himalayas, is a land of timeless beauty. With a geographical area of 53,483 sq. km, extending between 28°43′ - 31°27′ N latitudes and 77°34′ - 81°02′ E longitudes, the state is marked by considerable diversity. Uttarakhand was established as a separate state on 9 November 2000, following its separation from Uttar Pradesh, and became the 27th state of the Indian Union. As per Uttarakhand's Economic Survey 2025 - 26, the state's GSDP has grown nearly 26-fold from ₹14,501 crore at the time of State formation to ₹3,81,889 crore in 2025-26, reflecting its growing significance in India’s growth story
Kerala is home to an estimated 25 to 35 lakh inter-state migrant workers, mainly from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Nepal (Sreedevi & Gopinath, 2024; Peoples Democracy, 2025). They are an important part of Kerala’s construction, manufacturing, agriculture and service sectors. The state officially refers to them as Athithi Thozhilali, or “guest workers,” reflecting its attempt to promote inclusion. However, migrant-rights researchers note that the term can also suggest that these workers are temporary outsiders who do not fully belong to Kerala (The News Minute, 2021).
India and Iceland established diplomatic relations in 1972, but ties remained limited for several decades, with both countries managing relations through missions in London and Oslo. The relationship gained momentum after India opened its resident embassy in Reykjavik in 2005, followed by Iceland’s resident mission in New Delhi.
Karnataka is one of the largest states of India, occupying an area of 1,91,791 sq.km. It is the sixth largest state of India and has a population of more than 6.1 crore (as per Census 2011), making it the eighth most populated state. There are sharp regional differences such as the technology-oriented metro-economy of Bangalore Urban district, the drought prone and less developed Kalyana Karnataka region in the northeast consisting of seven districts, the coastal region of Karavali and the ecologically vulnerable Western Ghats ranges of Malnad. Karnataka comprises 31 districts in four administrative divisions: Bangalore, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Mysuru.
The Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana (MMMSY), also referred to as Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, is Jharkhand’s flagship women-focused cash-transfer scheme. It was launched on 18 August 2024 by the state government under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, with applications opening from 1 August 2024.