In recent political discourse, especially in Bengal, the term "ghuspaithiya," which translates to "intruder" or "illegal infiltrator," has gained significant traction. But who exactly qualifies as a 'ghuspaithiya'? The word has been used broadly to describe individuals who are seen as threats to demographic balance and social fabric. While government officials and political leaders often characterize “ghuspaithiyas” as illegal immigrants from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, the term's usage has layers of social, political, and cultural implications that go beyond simple definitions.

The politics around "ghuspaithiya" in Bengal often centers on anxieties about illegal immigration's impact on employment, resources, and community identity. Political leaders argue that these so-called intruders are seizing jobs and government welfare meant for local citizens, stirring fears tied to demographic shifts. For example, some parties have linked the issue to the marriage of tribal girls with illegal immigrants or land grabbing by newcomers. This has heightened tensions in border regions and urban pockets where migrant populations live, spurring strong electoral rhetoric around identification and expulsion of such individuals.

However, the term’s application is controversial and not strictly about legality. It increasingly serves as a political tool to create an 'us versus them' narrative, often targeting specific linguistic and religious groups, mainly Bengali-speaking Muslims or Rohingya refugees. This shifts the focus from legal documentation to cultural belonging and perceived loyalty, intertwining welfare politics, religious identity, and citizenship debates. Such labeling can contribute to social exclusion and stigmatization, creating divisions within the community over who truly belongs.

The national and state governments have launched mechanisms like special voter rolls and demographic missions aimed at addressing the issue, but these efforts sometimes risk marginalizing innocent citizens or long-settled residents misclassified as 'intruders.' This calls for sensitive, inclusive policies that balance security concerns with human rights protections. Moreover, understanding the historical movements of people in Bengal and the porous nature of its borders is crucial before branding anyone an illegal migrant.

In conclusion, being labeled a 'ghuspaithiya' in Bengal is less about clear legal status and more about political narratives and social perceptions in a complex regional context. It is a term loaded with emotional, financial, and identity-related consequences. As Bengal approaches elections, it is important for the public and policymakers alike to scrutinize the term's usage critically, ensuring discussions around it do not devolve into exclusionary politics but rather lead to informed, humane solutions addressing genuine concerns about migration and integration
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from NDTV.

Zohran Mamdani’s economic vision for New York City paints a bold picture of social justice and equality, championing rent freezes, free public transit, a $30 minimum wage, and increased childcare pay. His agenda is driven by a deep commitment to making the city more affordable and equitable for all residents. However, while the moral intentions behind these policies resonate widely, experts warn there are significant economic trade-offs that must be considered to avoid unintended consequences.​

Mamdani’s proposal to freeze rents, for example, aims to protect nearly a million rent-stabilized apartments, providing immediate relief for many tenants. Yet historical evidence from similar policies, such as in San Francisco, suggests that rent control can shrink the overall housing supply and push rents higher elsewhere in the city. This creates a tension between fairness to current renters and the economic realities of housing availability—a challenge that any city-wide plan must carefully navigate to avoid deepening scarcity.​

Another pillar of Mamdani’s platform is a radical increase in the minimum wage to $30 an hour, alongside free bus transit and better pay for childcare workers. These policies, while appealing as steps toward economic justice, face questions of sustainability. Rapid wage hikes risk inflationary pressures and could strain small businesses unable to match these costs, potentially reducing employment. At the same time, funding free public transit requires substantial revenue, likely through higher taxes on high earners and corporations, which Mamdani proposes as part of his economic transformation.​

Critics emphasize that Mamdani’s vision reflects a classic dilemma in economics: the balance between moral goals and practical arithmetic. Policies promising “something for nothing” tend to create fiscal burdens and economic distortions that affect growth, investments, and job creation. The concept is sometimes referred to as “fiscal illusion,” where the benefits appear free but eventually manifest as higher prices or reduced services. Yet supporters argue that Mamdani’s approach is a much-needed response to growing inequality and the failures of existing economic systems to serve the working class fairly.​

Looking ahead, Mamdani’s model invites a larger conversation about the future of urban economics in an age challenged by wealth concentration, technological disruption, and social demand for equity. Integrating strategies like community wealth building, cooperative enterprises, and public ownership alongside traditional reforms could create more sustainable pathways. New York City’s experiment under Mamdani’s leadership will be a critical test case for reconciling ambitious justice-oriented economics with the hard math of feasibility.​

This nuanced understanding of Mamdani’s economic framework highlights the essential dialogue between purpose and pragmatism in public policy. As cities worldwide grapple with affordability and inequality, the “Big Apple style” experiment offers lessons on balancing compassion with economic realities for a fairer future.
Disclaimer: This Image is taken from Reuters.

Nigeria’s government on Wednesday (Nov 5) rejected its designation by the United States as a “country of particular concern” for alleged violations of religious freedom, calling the decision misleading and based on inaccurate information. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated Nigeria on the list of nations accused of restricting religious freedom and said on Saturday (Nov 1) he had instructed the Defense Department to prepare for potential “swift” military action if Nigeria failed to curb the killing of Christians.

The U.S. move has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. At a press briefing, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said Trump’s threats of military action were unjustified and distorted Nigeria’s complex security situation. He emphasized that claims of government inaction on religious violence were founded on “misinformation or faulty data.” Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said on Monday that the country was battling terrorism rather than targeting Christians. The presidency added that Nigeria would accept U.S. assistance in fighting Islamist insurgents, provided its sovereignty was respected.

Idris noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had made major strides against terrorism since taking office in May 2023. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to cooperate with the U.S. and other allies to completely eradicate terrorism, stating that over 13,500 militants have been killed, 17,000 suspects detained, and more than 11,200 hostages—many of them women and children—freed.

Idris also stressed that terrorism in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims, and that the government remains committed to ending extremist violence through military action, regional partnerships, and international dialogue. Nigeria, home to more than 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, has long maintained religious coexistence but continues to face sporadic violence rooted in ethnic and resource-based conflicts.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Humanitarian agencies reported on Tuesday (Nov 4) that far too little aid has reached Gaza nearly four weeks after a ceasefire, leaving residents facing hunger as winter approaches and tents deteriorate following Israel’s two-year military offensive. The truce was intended to allow a surge of aid into the densely populated enclave, where famine was confirmed in August and nearly all 2.3 million residents have lost their homes. However, the World Food Programme (WFP) said only half the required food has arrived, while a coalition of Palestinian aid groups reported that total aid deliveries are only a quarter to a third of what was expected.

Israel maintains it is meeting its ceasefire obligations, which call for an average of 600 supply trucks per day, and attributes food shortages to Hamas, accusing the group of diverting aid—a claim Hamas denies. Gaza’s local authorities, under Hamas control, say most trucks still fail to reach their destinations due to Israeli restrictions, with only about 145 daily deliveries occurring. The UN, which previously published daily aid truck statistics, has stopped doing so.

Manal Salem, 52, living in a tent in Khan Younis, described the situation as “dire,” saying her tent is “completely worn out” and may not survive the winter. Some improvements have been noted since mid-October, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Acute malnutrition among children has fallen slightly—from 14% in September to 10%—and half of Gaza’s families now report better access to food, averaging two meals a day. Conditions remain worse in the north than in the south.

WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa called the situation a “race against time,” emphasizing the urgent need for full and rapid access. Since the ceasefire, 20,000 metric tons of food have been delivered—about half of what is needed—with 44 out of 145 targeted distribution sites opened. She highlighted that households mainly rely on cereals and pulses, with meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruits rarely available. A shortage of cooking fuel forces over 60% of Gazans to cook by burning waste, creating additional health risks.

As winter nears, the need for shelter is critical. Many tents are worn out, and buildings that survived the conflict are often unsafe or exposed. Amjad al-Shawa, head of Palestinian aid agencies coordinating with the UN, warned of risks from rain, flooding, and disease due to nearby garbage, stating only 25–30% of expected aid has arrived. Shaina Low, spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council, said living conditions are “unimaginable,” with 1.5 million people in Gaza needing shelter. Large quantities of tents, tarpaulins, and related aid remain delayed, awaiting Israeli approval.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Singapore is making waves on the global technology stage with a strategic leap forward in quantum computing. Marking a major milestone under its National Quantum Strategy, Singapore is set to become the first country outside the United States to host Quantinuum’s Helios quantum computer by 2026. This partnership not only positions Singapore as a pioneering hub for quantum innovation but also promises to accelerate developments across pharmaceuticals, finance, and advanced material sciences with cutting-edge computational power.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA. 

This week, the US government shutdown became the longest ever, surpassing 36 days. Millions of Americans have had their food stamp benefits delayed, and major airports are seeing 10% fewer flights as government workers stay home due to halted pay. Rachel Leingang and David Smith examine why the president is prioritizing grand building projects instead.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Anthony Albanese may have enjoyed a brief surge of popularity after returning from the US, but the newest Guardian Essential poll indicates that voters remain skeptical about the results of his discussions with US president Donald Trump. Political reporter and Canberra bureau chief Josh Butler talks with Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, about how the absence of real tension in parliament undermines effective governance — and why the Liberal party resembles a bird struggling to fly with two injured wings.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Washington and Beijing have reached a fresh trade framework before a key meeting between Trump and Xi, but the possibility of 100 per cent tariffs remains. Daniel Martin interviews James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.