Introduction: Terrorism as a Contest of Information and Meaning
The struggle against terrorism has never been merely a contest of force. It is—at its core—a contest over information, meaning, and human motivation. Terrorist organizations do not simply plan attacks; they cultivate narratives, recruit adherents, and exploit vulnerabilities—both material and psychological. Their success depends not only on operational capability but also on their ability to imbue violence with symbolic significance. Counterterrorism, therefore, must be carried out on multiple levels simultaneously: disrupting networks, preventing acts of violence, countering ideology, and addressing the underlying needs that draw individuals toward extremist causes.
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI)...
India (Commonwealth Union)_ For much of India’s political history, the prospect of a prime minister emerging from Tamil Nadu was more an ambition than a realistic national possibility. That conversation has now taken an unexpected turn. C Joseph Vijay, the actor who entered politics only in 2024, has emerged as one of the three most preferred choices for the country’s next prime minister, according to the latest India Today-CVoter...
India’s 80th Independence Day
India (Commonwealth Union)_ India marked its 80th Independence Day on August 15 with a grand national celebration that brought together history, patriotism and a strong display of the country’s growing capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the occasion combined traditional military honours with a clear message about India’s ambitions for the future. The celebrations were...
India (Commonwealth Union)_ India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the main ceremony at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. This year’s celebrations centre on the theme “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047”, highlighting the role of young Indians in helping the country become a developed nation by 2047. The celebrations also mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, the...
India (Commonwealth Union)_ The Tata Group, one of the world's largest and most closely watched business conglomerates, is entering a period of uncertainty after Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran decided not to seek another term. His current five-year tenure ends on February 20, 2027. Until recently, a further term appeared likely. But his sudden decision to step down has shaken the entire Tata Group and the business world. It...
India (Commonwealth Union)_ India reasserted its dominance in the international sporting arena by finishing fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Indian contingent returned home with 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze, despite competing in one of the toughest editions of the games. Held from July 23 to August 2, Glasgow 2026 had a reduced sporting programme, with medal-rich events such as wrestling, badminton,...
Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has announced she will return to her country by December despite the prospect of being arrested, jailed or even facing threats to her life. Her plans come two years after she fled to India following the dramatic collapse of her government in August 2024 when a student-led uprising forced her out of power after 15 years in office....
