Congress MP Pramod Tiwari stated on Monday that the public will hold accountable those who attempt to "steal votes," as the Congress' 16-day-long 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar comes to an end today. The yatra, led by Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, aimed to raise awareness about voter rights and protest alleged "vote theft" and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Tiwari thanked the people of Bihar for showing their "strength" alongside Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA alliance. He said, "The way the people of Bihar have taken to the streets to protect the Constitution and safeguard voting rights demonstrates their support for Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc. I am confident that in the future, the public will punish those who steal votes."

On the concluding day in Patna, Rahul Gandhi was joined by senior INDIA bloc leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut, and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan. Raut described the yatra as a "unique movement to save democracy," which has generated awareness across the country.

The campaign, which began on August 17 from Sasaram with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, covered 25 districts including Aurangabad, Gayaji, and Siwan. Leaders from several parties, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, participated at various points. Other chief ministers, such as Karnataka’s Siddharamaiah, Himachal Pradesh’s Sukhvinder Sukhu, and Telangana’s Revanth Reddy, also joined the yatra.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In a twist of global political irony, Donald Trump’s strategies, originally aimed at curbing China’s influence, appear to be fueling the country’s ascent on the world stage. Since returning to office in early 2025, Trump’s administration has maintained a tough rhetoric and imposed tariffs aimed at protecting American industries. Yet, paradoxically, these same measures have invigorated China’s economy and diplomatic stature, particularly as Beijing leverages new trade partnerships and economic initiatives to counterbalance Washington’s pressure.

Trump’s renewed trade confrontations centralize on tariffs and export restrictions, notably surrounding rare earth metals critical for technology and defense sectors. His threats of imposing up to 200% tariffs on Chinese goods if restrictions tighten underline a transactional approach that prioritizes immediate leverage over long-term strategic alliances. Meanwhile, China’s control over these essential resources enhances its bargaining power, enabling it to deepen economic ties with other global partners and strengthen self-reliance in key industries.

Adding complexity, recent diplomatic signals suggest Trump is handling relations with a more pragmatic tone. There are reports of softened stances and tentative agreements to extend tariff truces, alongside reciprocal gestures such as allowing more Chinese students into U.S. universities. This nuanced dance reflects a shift from earlier confrontations toward managing friction while preserving avenues for cooperation on global challenges, including drug trafficking and technology transfer.

China, meanwhile, capitalizes on this evolving dynamic by hosting major summits like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization event, cementing its leadership role in Eurasian affairs. The country’s ability to attract major world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi, highlights how Beijing leverages both economic influence and diplomatic outreach to project power beyond its borders—an outcome indirectly shaped by the pressure from Trump’s policies.
Ultimately, while Trump’s goal was to "Make America Great Again" at China’s expense, the reality is more nuanced. His approach has unintentionally propelled China’s strategic depth by provoking adaptive responses, fostering new alliances, and reinforcing China’s centrality in global supply chains. This paradox offers a lesson in geopolitical complexity, where forceful policies can produce unexpected outcomes on the world stage.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV. 

The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on August 21, 2025, after nearly a month marked by intense unrest between the ruling party and the opposition. Throughout the session, repeated disruptions and protests by opposition MPs focused on various contentious issues, including opposition demands for debates on electoral integrity, the government’s handling of the Pahalgam terror attack, and Operation Sindoor, the retaliatory military strike.

Despite the ongoing chaos in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the government successfully passed several important bills covering key sectors like the economy, infrastructure, sports governance, and taxation. Some of the significant legislations cleared during the session include the Income Tax Bill 2025, the Merchant Shipping Bill 2025, the National Sports Governance Bill 2025, and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, among others.

The opposition voiced strong objection to certain bills, particularly those concerning the removal of elected representatives detained on serious criminal charges, which led to scenes of uproar in the houses, with opposition MPs protesting loudly and even tearing copies of the bills during parliamentary proceedings.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the opposition for deliberate obstruction, blaming them for missing debates on important legislation due to their persistent disruptions. While the opposition pressed for discussions on urgent national matters, the government maintained that legislative business could not be delayed.

The session saw a total of 21 sittings from July 21 to August 21, with a break in mid-August. Though marred by political confrontations, the session also managed to advance legislative work crucial to governance and national development. As Parliament now takes a recess before the next session, all eyes remain on whether the political parties will find more common ground to ensure smoother functioning in future sessions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent choice for the Vice President candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, sends clear political signals about the party’s approach both internally and in its broader electoral strategy. Hailing from Tamil Nadu and rooted deeply in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideological fold, Radhakrishnan’s nomination reflects a dual message aimed at consolidating ties with the RSS while also marking an overt appeal to Tamil Nadu—a state where the BJP seeks stronger influence.

Radhakrishnan, known as Tamil Nadu’s “Vajpayee” for his political ethos reminiscent of the consensus-building style of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, embodies a brand of politics that contrasts sharply with today’s often divisive electoral tone. As a seasoned RSS loyalist involved since his youth, and a political figure respected even by rivals for his principled stance and incorruptibility, his elevation is widely regarded as a peace offering to Sangh mentors amid internal BJP leadership tensions.

The nomination holds symbolic value beyond party politics: it communicates an effort by the BJP to balance the hardening ideological ground with inclusivity and regional relevance. Tamil Nadu, where the BJP traditionally struggles, becomes a crucial battleground ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. By selecting a leader with deep local roots and clean image, the party signals readiness to rebuild bridges and expand influence respectfully.

The choice also highlights contradictions within the opposition alliances, as while some parties openly reject Radhakrishnan’s RSS background, others like MDMK lend support, showcasing fissures in anti-BJP fronts. This polarization is likely to shape the vice-presidential electoral dynamics, underscoring how the role is more than ceremonial—it serves as a political bellwether.

Opinion-wise, BJP’s Veep pick is a smart, strategic blend of ideology and pragmatism. While it reassures the RSS base by promoting a long-standing Sangh loyalist, it also extends a hand of reconciliation and stability reminiscent of Vajpayee-era politics—something the BJP could use to temper internal discord and present a mature face amid evolving national challenges. It remains to be seen whether this careful balancing act will pay off electorally, but the signals sent here show BJP’s nuanced approach to coalition-building and nation-building narratives in contemporary Indian politics. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from IANS.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be considering escalating the military offensive in Gaza to achieve a complete takeover. However, reports from Israeli media indicate that there are internal objections within the Israel Defense Forces to such a move. At the same time, around 600 retired Israeli officials have sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to pressure Israel to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng discuss the latest developments with Professor Zach Levey, Visiting Professor in the International Affairs Program at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

This week marks one year since the killing of three young girls in Southport, an event that triggered riots across various parts of the UK. With recent unrest occurring near hotels housing asylum seekers, questions arise about whether any lessons have been learned from last year’s events. John Harris speaks with Dame Sara Khan, former counter-extremism commissioner and government adviser on social cohesion, along with Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff. They reflect on how the violence of last summer revealed deep vulnerabilities within communities and explore what steps can be taken to address the growing tensions today. 

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Tuesday (July 15), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that "dialogue" should be central to the relationship between Canberra and Beijing during his meeting with President Xi Jinping. In response, Xi praised the "benefits" of the strengthened ties, noting that the relationship had "recovered from past setbacks and made a turnaround." Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the state of Australia-China relations within the broader geopolitical landscape with Professor Carlyle Thayer, Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales Canberra, based at the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Paramount Global, which owns CBS News, recently agreed to a $16 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump. This follows similar settlements reached by Disney and Meta with the former president. Jonathan Freedland discusses with Guardian US columnist Margaret Sullivan why major media companies are giving in to Trump's demands and whether concerns about the implications for press freedom are justified.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.