FPI Outflow Crisis and Capital Flight from Indian Markets

Data from the National Securities Depositories Ltd. (NSDL) reveals that foreign investors offloaded ₹60,847 crore from Indian equities in April 2026, continuing a persistent two-year trend of capital outflow. Key Points Explanation of Relevant Terms 1. FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investment) FPI refers to the investment by non-residents in Indian financial assets, such as shares, bonds, […]

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The Persian Gulf Maritime Standoff and the Strait of Hormuz

On Persian Gulf Day (May 2026), Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced plans for “new management” of the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a U.S. naval blockade aimed at forcing a new nuclear deal, leading to a “maritime battle of wills” that has pushed global oil prices to a four-year high of $126 per barrel.

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India-NZ Minister Signing FTA

Why the New Zealand FTA is a Masterstroke for India’s Strategic Autonomy

On the surface, the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on Monday might seem like a footnote. New Zealand’s economy is a mere one-sixteenth the size of India’s, accounting for less than 1% of our total trade. However, to dismiss it based on size is to miss the forest for the trees. In the

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Rare Earth Elements and the Mekong Toxic Crisis

While the Mekong has historically faced threats from dams and plastic, the new “existential threat” is toxic runoff from unregulated rare earth mines. Impact Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, is a global agricultural powerhouse. The pollution of the Mekong Basin threatens the entire food chain: Geopolitical & Administrative Hurdles The Mekong River Feature Details Origin Tibetan

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The Catalyst: China’s domestic self-reliance in Chip Making

The surge in demand for Huawei’s Ascend 950 AI chips following the release of DeepSeek V4 marks a pivotal moment in the global semiconductor race. This development highlights China’s accelerating transition toward domestic self-reliance in the face of U.S. export restrictions. For the first time, a major AI model has been specifically optimized to run

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E100 Automotive Fuel

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) taking this step toward E100 (100% Ethanol) is a landmark shift in India’s energy policy. It transitions India from a “blending-focused” economy (E20) to a “dedicated biofuel” economy. The Policy Change (Draft Notification) Understanding “Homologation” In the automotive context, Homologation is the legal certification process. Scientific Context:

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SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting 2026

The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting took place in Bishkek on April 28, 2026. On the sidelines of the summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun. India’s Stance on Terrorism Addressing the SCO gathering, Rajnath Singh highlighted: Expanding Strategic Ties Beyond China, India engaged with: What is

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West Bengal Assembly Election 2026

On 29 April 2026, there was a record turnout of 92.6% in the second and final phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly election, amidst isolated incidents of unrest and violence. Historical Turnout Statistics The Bhabanipur “Epicentre” The Bhabanipur constituency saw the most high-profile contest: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (TMC) vs. Suvendu Adhikari (BJP).

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