greater bangladesh

BJP's Bengal win strengthens PM Modi’s hand in dealing with Bangladesh and with both the great powers – China and the US. Pakistan, too, will be particularly unsettled

A groundbreaking study in Bangladesh reveals captive-bred saltwater crocodiles adapt to new environments, unlike their wild counterparts who exhibit strong homing instincts. This discovery offers a vital conservation strategy, suggesting breeding facilities can act as training grounds, potentially revitalizing declining crocodile populations by overcoming relocation challenges and ensuring their return to the wild.

The assessment highlights the growing vulnerability of Himalayan countries to extreme weather events and multi-hazard disasters driven by climate change and fragile mountain terrain.

India's foreign direct investment is projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025-26, marking a significant increase driven by enhanced investor outreach and upcoming free trade agreements. Gross FDI reached $88.3 billion by February 2026, with net FDI showing a substantial rise compared to the previous fiscal year. Changes to FDI rules for neighboring countries are also nearing notification.

As the campaign sharpens, the familiar charge of “bohiragoto” has returned to the centre of the political stage, with the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) reviving a narrative that helped it decisively blunt the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) five years ago. The immediate trigger this time, as seen in the reaction to Leander Paes joining the BJP, shows how quickly the labels are deployed as "outsider, parachuted, not one of us".

Assam's assembly elections are shaped by a new political map. A 2023 delimitation exercise changed constituencies, impacting voter representation and party strategies. Reserved seats increased, and some areas saw shifts in influence. This realignment follows nearly 50 years without changes, marking a significant turning point for the state's politics.

Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, leader of the Tipra Motha party, has revived his push for Greater Tipraland, now expanding his vision to include certain areas of Bangladesh. He asserts that this plan, bolstered by 'Thansa', will bring empowerment to the tribal population.

As Assam's election campaign drew to a close, the BJP fervently promoted their 'jati-mati-bheti' ideology while the Congress leveled fierce criticisms against CM Sarma. The delimitation process has shifted the political terrain, significantly influencing the Muslim electorate.

In a statement that resonated with many, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stressed the BJP's dedication to protecting the interests of Assam by clarifying that their fight is specifically against illegal immigrants of Bangladeshi origin and not against the native Assamese Muslim population.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma is building a powerful personal brand, blending welfare schemes with a strong anti-migrant stance. His "jati, mati, bheti" pitch and focus on indigenous identity are central to his campaign, aiming for a bigger victory than ever before. Sarma's approach, though praised for development, is also criticized for divisive politics.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated a national political future, vowing to first dismantle land encroachment by Bangladesh-origin migrants within five years. He highlighted the vast scale of illegal occupation, emphasizing land reclamation for forests and the landless. Sarma also criticized the Congress's "Notun Bor Axom" slogan, questioning its cultural implications and the inclusion of Bangladeshi migrants.

US travelers from 50 countries may soon face visa bonds up to $15,000 for B1/B2 visas. This security deposit, based on overstay rates, is refundable if visa terms are met. The policy aims to tighten immigration compliance, with implementation dates varying by country.