The rural population in India currently stands at 909 million (almost 68.8% of the total population) and has shown a growth rate of about 11%. Large parts of rural areas in the country are parts of clusters of settlements, in relative proximity to one another. These clusters typically demonstrate growth potential, have certain economic drivers, and have the ability to leverage locational and competitive advantages
The Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW), launched under the Ministry of Women and Child Development as part of the ‘Mission Shakti’ scheme, represents a transformative approach to addressing the multi-dimensional needs of women in India. Developed under the Samarthya sub-scheme, HEW serves as a comprehensive, one-stop support system that facilitates inter-sectoral convergence across services, schemes, and programs meant for women. It aims to ensure that women can access information, benefits, and entitlements in a streamlined and efficient manner, thereby fostering their holistic empowerment and participation in society. It reflects the government’s larger commitment to ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development, aligning with international goals like SDG 5: Gender Equality and national visions like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Indian federalism’s real challenge is to design institutions in a way that would encourage participatory democracy in terms of self-rule plus shared rule.
Pakistan based terror groups have been executing the cross-border terrorism against India for nearly four decades as an instrument of Rawalpindi’s designs in particular and their foreign policy in general. World knows and fully understands the source and sustenance of the rabid terrorist groups that have proliferated in our western neighbourhood for decades with the alacrity of misplaced Jihad and the impunity extracted from global majors including its iron clad friends.
In the complex tapestry of South Asian geopolitics, few agreements have held as much symbolic and strategic weight as the Simla Agreement of 1972. Signed in the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pak war—an event that not only redrew the map of the subcontinent with the birth of Bangladesh but also reshaped regional power dynamics—the Simla Agreement was envisioned as a framework for peace, coexistence, and bilateral resolution of disputes. Over five decades later, its relevance is once again under scrutiny, as Pakistan signals a suspension of the accord amidst renewed tensions.
The brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians and left many injured, has drawn widespread condemnation from across the West Asian region and the world. Leaders, ministries, and international Islamic organisations have denounced the attack and expressed deep solidarity with India, tweeting condolences and solidarity while reaffirming their commitment to the global fight against terrorism. Even the Taliban offered condolences and condemned the attacks against innocent Indian tourists who were targeted ion account of their religion.
India's infrastructure landscape is undergoing a digital revolution, with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan at its core. Announced in October 2021, this ambitious initiative seeks to transform how infrastructure is planned and executed through a unified digital platform that brings together 44 central ministries and all states/UTs. In the Union Budget 2025, the government of India decided to distribute particular geospatial data to private sector organizations. The government made this strategic choice to democratize data which will drive public-private partnerships (PPPs) forward as well as enhance logistical effectiveness and attract investments in essential sectors.