Narendra-Devendra double engine government has been pivotal for post-2014 Maharashtra. There are set of problems and controversies surrounding this government for sure, but there have been extremely beneficial things as well. There is a fair share of goods and bads. Even harshest critics would agree Fadnavis was better than other alternatives we were offered (Prithviraj Chawan, Uddhav Thackeray, Nana Patole). Fadnavis is known for winning Maharashtra multiple times, for breaking apart two strong regional rivals, he has maintained the caste matric very well. A Brahmin guy backed by a strong OBC, SC ST voterbase. That's rare in Maharashtra politics. But throughout his tenure, Fadnavis has been completely subservient to Narendra Modi.

It was expected in the initial years. Fadnavis was young, elected based on the Modi wave of 2014. But his 2019 and 2024 wins are entirely his. The MVA fiasco almost ensured end of Fadnavis era, but he resurged stronger than ever. That's rare coalition politics. Even Modi as a Chief Minister didn't have to face such scenarios. Fadnavis totally is sticky, and knows Maharashtra well. He should have an independent strong face for himself by now.

Narendra Modi is old, there is heavy anti-incumbency wave against New Delhi currently. 2029 could be a tough fight, and thus, fighting barely on Modi's facecard isn't a viable solution. Also, considering Modi's age, Fadnavis has to prepare for a post-Modi phase too. He should rise upto the status of a regional satrap in BJP, potentially even rise up in Central ranks amongst the new generation of leaders.

Yogi Adityanath is going to be a tough contender for the next-gen of BJP. He's infact leagues ahead of Fadnavis. But if Fadnavis holds Maharashtra as his stronghold, and his developmental face grows, he can easily match or even surpass Yogi. Fadnavis has to learn to be bold, unapologetic, rugged at times. Because that's what our Maharashtra is. We are known for firebrand leaders. Fadnavis still appears to be so soft in comparison.

If Fadnavis wants Maharashtra to rally behind him, he will have to strongly uphold Marathi identity, alongside Hindutva. Maharashtra will become the first state economy to reach trillion dollar GSDP. And, Fadnavis should hope he gets to be the CM to take praises for it at that time. For that, he has to grow his own bold image.

That's basically the problem with all BJP state level leaders across states. But since we are from Maharashtra, I'm focusing on Fadnavis. Also, he has the most realistic scope to become a Marathi Prime Ministerial candidate of the future. So, hedging our bets as a Marathi man who wants Maharashtra's political influence to grow.

The euphoric moment a long-standing regime falls is often hailed as a permanent turning point in a nation's history. Millions of citizens fill the streets, united by a singular, powerful desire to oust the incumbent rulers who they feel have stalled progress, bred corruption, or stifled freedom. This shared fury, known as anti-incumbency, acts as a magnificent, destructive force, capable of leveling entrenched political structures overnight. Yet, history repeatedly demonstrates a sobering paradox. The very energy that makes an anti-incumbency revolution successful in the short term is precisely what dooms it to failure in the long run. Once the shared enemy is removed, the unifying glue dissolves, and the fragile coalition of rebels is forced to confront the grueling task of governance, a arena where raw anger is a poor substitute for institutional stability.

The primary reason these movements fracture over time lies in the fundamental difference between tearing down an old system and building a new one. Anti-incumbency is an ideology of opposition, not construction. It brings together disparate groups, liberals, traditionalists, labor unions, and wealthy elites, who share absolutely nothing in common except a mutual hatred for the current ruler. When the regime collapses, this grand coalition faces an immediate identity crisis. Without a singular villain to fight against, the underlying ideological rifts violently reemerge. The romantic unity of the public square rapidly devolves into bitter bureaucratic infighting, as factions realize they have vastly different visions for the country's future. Consequently, the new government becomes paralyzed by indecision, leaving the public disillusioned as the promised utopian dawn turns into a legislative stalemate.

Furthermore, revolutions rarely account for the sheer resilience of a country's deep-rooted institutional machinery. A change in leadership does not instantly erase a deeply embedded culture of corruption, inefficient bureaucracies, or systemic economic crises. New leaders, often possessing immense revolutionary zeal but zero administrative experience, suddenly find themselves holding the levers of a broken machine. When they fail to deliver immediate, magical fixes to complex structural problems like inflation or unemployment, the public’s impatience festers into a new wave of anger. The tragic irony of the anti-incumbency revolution is that the new rulers quickly find themselves targeted by the exact same public rage they once weaponized. To maintain order amidst growing chaos, these new governments frequently resort to the same heavy-handed tactics, censorship, and centralized control practiced by their predecessors, effectively morphing into the very monster they overthrew.

Ultimately, long-term political stability requires patience, compromise, and slow institutional design, qualities that are entirely antithetical to the explosive spirit of a revolution. When a movement is built entirely on the premise of kicking the current insiders out, it trains the electorate to view political change as a theatrical act of purification rather than a continuous process of civic engagement. When the new regime inevitably stumbles, the disillusioned populace often reacts not by engaging in reform, but by succumbing to a cyclical fatigue or, worse, welcoming back the old guard under the guise of restoring stability. In the end, anti-incumbency revolutions fail because anger is an exhausting emotion that cannot be sustained across generations; it can brilliantly ignite a spark to burn a decrepit house down, but it lacks the warmth and structure required to build a lasting home.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that the number of vehicles in his convoy be reduced by 50 per cent, a move aimed at promoting austerity and reducing fuel consumption amid the current global situation. The Prime Minister has also asked the Special Protection Group (SPG), the agency responsible for his security, to increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in his carcade but insisted new vehicles should not be purchased for this purpose.

The austerity drive is now being mirrored across the Bharatiya Janata Party-led states. Other ministers, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, have decided to reduce the number of vehicles in their official convoys.

The move is being seen as part of broader efforts to encourage responsible fuel usage and administrative austerity amid the Prime Minister's recent call for reducing avoidable travel and conserving national resources.

News Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-orders-cut-in-convoy-size-calls-for-more-evs-in-austerity-push-11487076

The Feasibility:

Electric armoured convoy vehicles would weigh extremely high due to the armoured plating. So, until EV technology becomes more efficient and gains higher load bearing, the main armour plated luxury vehicle range could continue to be Internal Combustion Chamber based. However, several other non-armoured vehicles can definitely be switched to EVs, especially the local police fleet. The torque of these vehicles would be supreme, giving the convoy a much faster speed than usual, and quicker maneuvering capabilities.

What's your opinion? Need EV experts to comment.

In Photo: Shubham Kulkarni Ji, victim's father, who participated and spoke at different peaceful protests for women safety. Not blurring the photo, since he has chosen to willingly come forward actively on social media recently.

Shubham Ji and his wife have shown deep resilience for the Nasrapur Rape case. Despite facing the loss of their daughter at the hands of that culprit, they are not resorting to any abuses, not even any casteist remarks. He said he wants to fight for every rape victim ever, and demand their justice.

Pune organised several peaceful protests to demand justice for the victim. The protest culminated at the same spot where Swatantryaveer Savarkar burnt the Holi of foreign clothes, signifying liberation (from the victim's father's own words). I'm proud of Punekars for their stance.

At the same time, he has chosen to not allow politicians to misuse this sad event. According to his own statement, the Government has appointed a Government Advocate for the late victim, and the case is running on fast-track, with almost everyday hearings in the court. CM Fadnavis calls him daily and gives him updates. Pune top cops visit his house daily and update him.

Now, all our eyes should be at the Judiciary. Let us hope the Judges fast-track the case as soon as possible, and give the harshest punishment. We hope the culprit is given capital punishment through proper procedure as soon as possible. If the Judges show any mercy, and give him life sentence instead, the whole nation will be agitated at them.

Also, FYI, the accused's family has also come out and asked for the harshest punishment for Bhimrao Kamble. That's a good thing. The ball is in the Judiciary's court. Let's hope there is speedy justice. Om shanti to the victim.

Recent Instagram Video covering his speech: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYKSTYdoN1H/?igsh=MWdmcXV6MDVzdTdxag==

Hindu minor held captive through blackmail and gang rape for one and a half years as Muslim youth demands conversion

08 May, 2026: Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Bharat.

A Hindu girl, a 10th-class student from a village in Bagpat district, Uttar Pradesh, was gang raped for approximately one and a half years and forced to convert by Arif, a Muslim youth from her village, and his two companions.

The abuse was sustained through blackmail. Approximately one and a half years prior to the complaint, Arif created a fabricated obscene video of the victim and used the threat of making it viral to maintain control over her and silence her. Throughout the period of abuse, Arif also pressured the victim to convert from Hinduism to Islam and conduct a nikah [Islamic marriage ceremony]. Fear of the video being made viral and threats against her family prevented the victim from disclosing the abuse to her family for the entire duration.

On 14 January, as the victim was walking to school, Arif arrived in a vehicle and attempted to forcibly make her sit in the car. When she resisted, Arif threatened to make the obscene video viral and to kill her brother. Frightened by the threats, the victim sat in the car. Arif then demanded that she convert her religion and conduct a nikah. The victim raised an alarm, upon which Arif got her out of the car and fled.

The victim returned home and, for the first time, disclosed the entire course of conduct to her family. She told them that Arif had been following her with his companions from her home to school every day, standing near the house as she left and pursuing her the entire four-kilometre route.

The victim's father filed a complaint with the police. An FIR [First Information Report] was registered against Arif and his two companions. Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai confirmed that Arif was arrested, produced in court, and sent to jail.

Sources:

1. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/tETsZ

Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/foreign-secretary-vikram-misri-s-planned-visit-to-nepal-postponed-article-13913892.html

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah has refused to meet Bharat's Foreign Secretary. The official refusal indicates issues with the PM's schedule, but rumours are that Balen Shah refused to meet because he wants to meet someone of 'equal stature'.

Funnily enough, netizens reacted to it, stating that we should be sending one of our own rappers to meet him, or some extremely low level government officer. I'm sure Vikram Misri (our Foreign Secretary) is a man of much higher stature. Even a MLA from Bihar has more real world influence than Balen Shah.

Balen Shah is trying to reignite the Lipulekh Kalapani Corridor border issue. It is apparent that Balen Shah knows he can't bring any major real reforms to Nepal, so, he has to rely on such media gimmicks to stay relevant. And he has learnt from his Pakistani counterparts, that blaming Bharat is the best strategy for their politics.

Coming to geopolitics, this has become a repeated trend. Our ungrateful neighbours exploit our tolerance towards them, because our foreign policy doesn't intend to worsen our relations. But this will lead to a weakened perception on the global stage.

It is not our government's fault that we are surrounded by such ungrateful neighbours, but it is definitely our government's fault, if we are unable to provide a befitting response. It is necessary to ensure our relationship with Nepal doesn't turn bitter. But at the same time, atleast verbal response is necessary.

What is your opinion on this?

कापूस उत्पादकता मिशन : एका दुष्टचक्राचा अंत

महाराष्ट्रात, विशेषतः विदर्भ आणि मराठवाड्यात, कापूस हे प्रमुख नगदी पीक आहे. मात्र, याच भागात शेतकऱ्यांच्या आत्महत्यांचे प्रमाण सर्वाधिक राहिले आहे. या आत्महत्यांमागे कर्जाचा डोंगर, विविध रोगांचा प्रादुर्भाव, घसरलेली उत्पादकता आणि निसर्गाचा लहरीपणा ही प्रमुख कारणे आहेत. आता मोदी सरकारने जाहीर केलेले पाच हजार ६५९ कोटी रुपयांचे 'मिशन फॉर कॉटन प्रॉडक्टिव्हिटी' नेमक्या याच समस्यांवर तांत्रिक घाला घालणारे आहे.

अ) उत्पादकतेतील तफावत आणि नवे लक्ष्य

भारताची सध्याची कापूस उत्पादकता सुमारे ४४० किलो प्रति हेक्टर आहे, तर जागतिक सरासरी ७०० ते ८०० किलोच्या आसपास आहे. भारतातली ही उत्पादकता शेती किफायतशीर होऊ देत नाही. या नव्या मिशनचे मुख्य उद्दिष्ट ही उत्पादकता वाढवून निदान ७५५ किलो प्रति हेक्टरपर्यंत नेणे हे आहे. जेव्हा प्रति एकर किंवा प्रति हेक्टर उत्पादन वाढते, तेव्हा स्वाभाविकच उत्पादन खर्च विभागला जाऊन नफ्यात वाढ होते.

ब) विदर्भातील कापूस शेतीसाठी तांत्रिक उपाय

हाय डेंसिटी प्लांटिंग (HDPS): विदर्भातील कोरडवाहू जमिनीवर आता 'हाय डेंसिटी प्लांटिंग' पद्धतीचा मोठ्या प्रमाणावर प्रसार केला जाईल. यात दोन रोपांमधील अंतर कमी करून एकरी असणाऱ्या एकूण रोपांची संख्या वाढवली जाते. ज्यामुळे कमी पावसाच्या प्रदेशातही अधिक उत्पादन होऊ शकते.

कीड-प्रतिरोधक बियाणे: कापसावर पडणाऱ्या रोगांमुळे होणारे नुकसान हेही शेतकऱ्यांना निराशा येणारे एक प्रमुख कारण आहे. या नव्या मिशनमध्ये १० आयसीएआर (ICAR) संस्थांच्या माध्यमातून नव्या, मजबूत बियाणांचे संशोधन केले जात आहे. हे नवे बियाणे कीड आणि हवामान बदलाला यशस्वीपणे तोंड देईल, अशी अपेक्षा आहे. स्वाभाविकच उत्पादनात आणि मग उत्पन्नात वाढ होऊ शकेल.

कस्तुरी कॉटन ब्रँडिंग: विदर्भाच्या कापसाला जागतिक स्तरावर 'कस्तुरी' हा स्वतंत्र ब्रँड देऊन त्याच्या निर्यातीला चालना दिली जाईल. यामुळे, जागतिक बाजारातील चढ-उतारांपासून शेतकऱ्यांचे संरक्षण होईल.

उसाच्या दरवाढीचे देखील संकेत

कापसाच्या तुलनेत ऊस हे अधिक खात्रीशीर पीक आहे. अर्थातच, उसाचे पीक घेण्यासाठी खात्रीचा पाणीपुरवठा आवश्यक असतो. अलीकडे काही वर्षे वाढत्या मजुरी व इतर खर्चांमुळे ऊस शेतकरी गांजला होता. आता केंद्र सरकारने यंदाच्या म्हणजे २०२६-२७ या हंगामासाठी उसाचा दर ३६५ रुपये प्रति क्विंटल जाहीर करून ऊस शेतकऱ्याला आधार दिला आहे.

अ) आर्थिक गणित आणि नफ्याची खात्री

सरकारी आकडेवारीनुसार, उसाचा प्रत्यक्ष उत्पादन खर्च१८२ रुपये प्रति क्विंटल आहे. ३६५ रुपये दर प्रतिक्विंटल दिला जातो, तेव्हा शेतकऱ्याला त्याच्या खर्चावर १००.५ टक्के इतका नफा मिळतो. हा दर १०.२५ टक्के साखरेच्या उताऱ्यासाठी असेल. तो काही प्रमाणात कमी-जास्त होण्याची शक्यता आहे.

या निर्णयामुळे लहान शेतकऱ्यांचे हित साधले जाणार आहे. ज्या कारखान्यांचा उतारा ९.५ टक्क्यांपेक्षा कमी आहे, अशा शेतकऱ्यांना ३३८.३ रुपये प्रतिक्विंटल असा किमान दर देऊन त्यांचे नुकसान टाळण्याचे धोरण केंद्र सरकारने ठेवले आहे.

ब) थकीत देणी चुकविण्याचा प्रश्न आणि साखर उद्योग

उसाच्या थकीत देण्यांमुळे अनेकदा शेतकरी अडचणीत यायचा. मात्र, सन २०२४-२५ या वर्षातील हंगामात ९९.५ देणी शेतकऱ्यांना अदा करण्यात आली आहेत. इथेनॉल निर्मितीला चालना मिळाल्याने बहुतेक साखर कारखान्यांची आर्थिक स्थिती सुधारली आहे. त्याचा थेट फायदा शेतकऱ्यांना होतो आहे. त्यांची देणी त्वरित चुकविली जात आहेत.

Source: https://www.vayuveg.com//Encyc/2026/5/8/maharashtra-cotton-sugarcane-farmer-support-policy-2026.php

This is exactly why all of us should come together and ensure that 1slamist parties never get a single seat whatsoever in our Maharashtra. They are not conducive for our culture, infact, it only damages us, and divides us further.

It is sad that AIMIM has more seats than MNS. Voters of BJP, Shiv Sena, UBT, NCP, NCP SP, MNS, etc can have their differences, but when you see an AIMIM candidate in your constituency, please unite and vote for a Hindu, or atleast someone who isn't contesting on behalf of those 1slamist parties. Don't vote NOTA, it is worthless.

Mumbai: Against the backdrop of the recent rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Nasrapur, Pune district by a 65-year-old man booked earlier for molestation, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed that no parole/ furlough be given to convicts in sexual assault cases.

During a meeting of the state cabinet, the chief minister directed the law and judiciary department to make necessary changes in rules and amend the law if needed to deny parole/ furlough to convicts in sexual assault cases.

“It has been observed that in 80-90% of sexual assault cases, the accused are repeat offenders who had previously been convicted in similar cases but were out of jail on parole. Taking this into account, the chief minister has directed the law and judiciary department to introduce necessary changes, either in the law or in prison rules,” a senior official said.

In 2016, when Fadnavis was chief minister, amendments were made in the Maharashtra Prisons (Furlough and Parole) (Amendment) Rules, 2016, denying regular parole to convicts sentenced for serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, sexual offences and trafficking of minor children. The decision was then taken after murder accused Sajjad Moghul, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment and was serving time in Nashik jail, jumped parole and absconded. The amendment to the prison rules was later struck down by the Bombay High Court.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/cm-fadnavis-orders-no-parole-for-convicts-in-sexual-assault-cases-101778008972004.html

Mumbai: Against the backdrop of the recent rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Nasrapur, Pune district by a 65-year-old man booked earlier for molestation, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed that no parole/ furlough be given to convicts in sexual assault cases.

“It has been observed that in 80-90% of sexual assault cases, the accused are repeat offenders who had previously been convicted in similar cases but were out of jail on parole. Taking this into account, the chief minister has directed the law and judiciary department to introduce necessary changes, either in the law or in prison rules,” a senior official said.

In 2016, when Fadnavis was chief minister, amendments were made in the Maharashtra Prisons (Furlough and Parole) (Amendment) Rules, 2016, denying regular parole to convicts sentenced for serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, sexual offences and trafficking of minor children. The decision was then taken after murder accused Sajjad Moghul, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment and was serving time in Nashik jail, jumped parole and absconded. The amendment to the prison rules was later struck down by the Bombay High Court.

Image Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/cm-fadnavis-orders-no-parole-for-convicts-in-sexual-assault-cases-101778008972004.html

Hindu woman targeted for speaking out against anti-Brahmin hate; Ambedkarite man threatens to r1pe all Hindu women and abuses revered deities on social media.

04 May, 2026: Bharat.

A Hindu woman named Tulip Sharma faced vicious targeting by an Ambedkarite man on social media for speaking out against anti-Brahmin hate. The accused hurled vile abuses at all Hindu women and issued rape threats against them. He also denigrated Hindu deities and Hindu kings like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire.

According to information available, the accused Ambedkarite handle on Instagram made a post issuing abuses and rape threats against Tulip Sharma and all Hindu women. He tagged Tulip Sharma, who is an advocate and a content creator by profession. She speaks about anti-Brahmin and anti-upper-caste hate fuelled by Ambedkarites on social media.

The accused posted an image of Tulip and tagged her. In the post, he wrote a derogatory comment about Tulip, calling her a 'Manuvadi R*nd', meaning a Manuvadi prostitute, in this case referring to Hindu women. He also targeted Tulip by saying, "Whoever r1pes her will get a big reward". He also wrote a caption saying, "Whenever Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe people are abused by Savarnas (upper caste Hindus), then a r1pe of a Savarna woman would happen. I would do it myself."

This screenshot of this post was posted on X by Tulip from her official handle on 4 May 2026. She also posted a screenshot of the accused's Instagram bio, which contained abuses and vulgar remarks towards Lord Shiva, Goddess Sita and Hindu king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha empire.

On her tweet, Tulip wrote: "This man has publicly sent me a r1pe threat on Instagram by misusing my image. He declared that every Savarna woman will be r1ped and that he will do it himself. They abuse our gods, issue rape threats to Savarna women".

Sources:

1. https://archive.ph/rs9Fh

2. https://www.hinduphobiatracker.org/app/case/30a82c7

#hindumisiatracker #brahmin #ambedkar #hindulivesmatter #india

Image Source: https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultAcGenMay2026/index.htm

BJP earned more seats in a much unfavorable state like Kerala, than Tamil Nadu, which had a serious anti-incumbency wave this time. BJP sidelined Annamalai, and conveniently sat in ADMK's lap, waiting to be demolished.

Had BJP contested on its own, under Annamalai's credible leadership, they could have secured some 10-20 seats at the least. A lot of disgruntled BJP supporters actually voted TVK, because BJP ignored their best hope in the region.

TVK won because of the huge anti-incumbency wave, and crushed both DMK and ADMK, and scored almost single majority in the assembly. A new party with no experience of governance at all, mostly reliant on an actor's fame, manages to crack an election. But the largest political party on earth barely manages to win one seat, fortunately.

That's the beauty of Bharatiya democracy. You really can't expect what happens here. New warriors rise, dynasts are demolished. It's a battle of fame, cadres, caste compositions, freebies and what not.

Image Source: https://results.eci.gov.in/ResultAcGenMay2026/partywiseresult-S22.htm

TVK's sudden rise in Tamil Nadu politics is so unexpected, I'm sure even Vijay Joseph wasn't prepared for such a behemoth win for his political party. But, how did TVK manage to win more votes than DMK and ADMK combined?

Removal of the DMK-ADMK duopoly was needed for TN politics. This was necessary to crush egos of leadership in either DMKs. It's a breath of fresh air after a long time, obviously with a pinch of salt, since TVK has no experience of governance.

Please explain me, with detailed analysis. What caste metrics did Vijay crack? He's close to forming a near-simple majority government soon. Does TVK have on-ground cadre, or is this just hype? How will it materialize in TN politics throughout the assembly tenure?

TVK is getting Tamil Nadu. BJP is keeping Assam, BJP is winning West Bengal. INC (out of nowhere?!) is winning Kerala for some reason. BJP ally is winning Pondicherry.

The Nashik Sessions Court has officially rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Nida Khan, a prime accused in the high-profile case involving alleged sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at the TCS Nashik unit.

Despite her legal team citing her pregnancy as a ground for relief, the court took a stern stance based on the gravity of the charges.

Seriousness of Allegations: The court highlighted that the charges which include sexual exploitation, workplace harassment, and coercion into religious practices are of a severe nature.

Need for Custodial Interrogation: Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar argued that Nida Khan's custody is essential to uncover "financial links" involving locations like Malaysia and Malegaon.

Absconding Status: The court noted that the accused remains untraceable and has been evading the investigation, making pre-arrest bail a risk to the ongoing probe. The search for Khan continues across Maharashtra. Still absconding.

Source: https://lawbeat.in/amp/news-updates/tcs-conversion-case-nashik-court-rejects-nida-khans-anticipatory-bail-1587092

India has successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile (LR-AShM) off the Odisha coast. The missile, developed by DRDO, accurately struck a designated target at a range of 1,500 km, marking a major milestone in extending the country’s defensive reach at sea.

The missile is designed to hit targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (it can reach speed of Mach 10).

DRDO & Indian Navy Successfully Conduct Maiden Salvo Launch Of NASM-SR Missile System

The test validated the precision of its advanced terminal guidance systems, completing all mission objectives from launch to final impact, including mid-course manoeuvres and sustained high-velocity flight.

Though DRDO is yet to release an official statement, BJP has posted a video of test on X with the text: "India's hypersonic edge just got sharper. DRDO’s LR-AShM Phase-II test off the Odisha coast signals a new era. Reflecting the vision of PM Modi for a self-reliant, future-ready India, it marks a powerful leap in indigenous defence innovation."

The missile operates in the hypersonic regime, reaching speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining an average speed of around Mach 5.0 during its trajectory. It is a hypersonic glide missile that follows a low-altitude, quasi-ballistic trajectory with multiple skips, allowing it to evade radar detection for most of its flight. It can engage both static and moving targets (such as aircraft carriers) using indigenously developed sensors for high precision in the terminal phase.

The missile is a major achievement toward self-reliance in advanced defence technologies, developed by DRDO’s Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) and various industry partners.

Sources:

1. https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/india-tests-1500-km-hypersonic-anti-ship-missile-mach-5-plus-speed-bolsters-maritime-defence-ws-n-10427546.html

2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/news/boost-for-navys-defence-india-successfully-tests-long-range-hypersonic-anti-ship-missile-off-odisha/articleshow/130715921.cms

Video Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/94ulWgTQLCE?si=eZZKg-RYuEt2HMx1

Finology Legal starts discussing about the new rule mandating Marathi for autorickshaw drivers in Maharashtra. Then conveniently relies on whataboutery. Diverts attention by the usual rhetoric, that if politicians don't have any criteria to contest, why should autorickshaw drivers be mandated to speak Marathi.

Furthermore, she ignores that Maharashtra Government recently extended the limit, and even provided assistance in providing Marathi learning. So, no one is being forced to learn a language in two weeks. Tbh, I think the Maharashtra Govt played a smart move by extending the time limit. Now, the onus is shifted onto the drivers totally.

Politicians' education is a different issue, there was no need to club two completely irrelevant things to deviate from the issue. If Maharashtra Government and majority of Marathi people expect all drivers to learn Marathi, just learn Marathi, respect their decision making authority. Whataboutery doesn't help

The speech was delivered during the Varunraj Bhide Smruti Puraskar in Pune. His comments regarding "teaching Marathi to migrants" were made in direct response to the Maharashtra government's recent decision to make practical Marathi compulsory for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, with an extension granted until August 15, 2026, for compliance. Thackeray suggests that he views these bureaucratic measures as insufficient or misdirected, arguing instead for a fundamental shift in how the Marathi community protects its cultural and economic interests against external migration.

What I liked personally?

On Infrastructure and Governance:

He criticized the current state of urban planning, specifically highlighting Pune’s waterlogging issues as a symptom of neglect. He alleged that politicians are targeting the valuable land occupied by Marathi-medium schools for commercial redevelopment. He questioned the lack of accountability regarding illegal construction on government land, citing large-scale land holdings (e.g., Godrej) and the absence of intervention by local representatives.

On Journalism and Democracy:

Reflecting on his background, he noted that "journalism has changed." He urged journalists to resist political pressure and to continue highlighting issues even if the current administration seems indifferent to public discourse. He challenged the media to stop acting as mere conduits for political narratives and to focus on holding the government accountable for development failures.

On Language and Migration:

He said "जिथली माती भुसभुशीत असते तिथेच घुशी होतात, खडकात घुशी होत नाहीत. त्यामुळे मराठी माणसाने एकत्र येऊन खडकासारखं कडक उभं राहणं गरजेचं आहे." (Translation: "It is only where the soil is soft [loose/unstable] that rodents [rats/burrowers] enter; they do not enter solid rock. Therefore, it is necessary for the Marathi person to unite and stand firm like rock.")

That's true. Marathi people have to unite beyond caste borders, and have proper confidence. I believe we should confidently strive to achieve successes in businesses and grow our economy.

What I didn't like personally?

He said "सध्या भैय्यांना मराठी शिकवायचं सुरू आहे... जर तुम्ही त्यांना मराठी शिकवली, तर उद्या तुम्हाला त्यांना मराठी पुरस्कार देताना पाहावे लागेल." (Translation: "Currently, there is a push to teach Marathi to the 'bhaiyyas' [North Indian migrants]... if you teach them Marathi, then tomorrow you will see them receiving Marathi awards.")

That's wrong. If he really wants people to respect Marathi and speak Marathi (which I wholeheartedly agree with, I am Marathi), then he should not have a problem if a non-Marathi origin journalist who works in Marathi news media gets this award, or any Marathi literature award in the future. If anyone works for the betterment of Marathi language or media, they definitely deserve the award.

What's your opinion, Marathi brothers and sisters? Just stated analysis of his talk points, and my opinion. So, I hope I don't get downvoted. Take criticism constructively. I liked three things, and disliked one.

The argument presented by Dhruv Rathee relies on a geographic oversimplification, specifically, the idea that a "choke point" is defined solely by the physical width of a strait. While the post correctly points out that the Strait of Hormuz is narrower (roughly 33–50 km) than the Great Channel near Great Nicobar (roughly 150–200 km), it ignores the geopolitical and functional realities that define strategic maritime locations.

Functional Choke Point

​A maritime "choke point" isn't just about how close the land masses are; it’s about the concentration of shipping traffic.

​The Strait of Hormuz is critical because it is the only exit for Persian Gulf oil. ​The Great Channel (Six Degree Channel), located just south of Great Nicobar, is the primary gateway for ships traveling from the Suez Canal/Red Sea toward the Strait of Malacca. ​Almost all East-West global trade passes through this corridor. Even if the water is 200 km wide, ships follow specific, narrow Shipping Lanes for safety and efficiency. Controlling the "mouth" of the Malacca Strait gives a nation the same "on-off switch" capability that Iran has over Hormuz.

Power Projection

In modern naval warfare, the physical width of a strait is secondary to the range of modern weaponry. Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD), with BrahMos missiles (range 300–450 km) and long-range radar stationed at Great Nicobar, India can effectively monitor and strike any vessel within that 200 km gap. From a military perspective, a 200 km gap is closed if you have the sensors and ordinance to cover it. In this sense, Great Nicobar acts as a Fixed Aircraft Carrier that dominates the entrance to the Indo-Pacific.

Strategic and Economic Potential

China is highly dependent on the Strait of Malacca for its energy imports. By developing a deep-sea port and military infrastructure at Great Nicobar, India gains the ability to choke Chinese trade during a conflict. This is functionally identical to the leverage Iran holds over global oil markets in Hormuz.

By building the International Transshipment Terminal at Great Nicobar, India aims to capture the business of the thousands of ships that currently bypass India to dock in Singapore or Colombo.

In modern geopolitics, distance of 50 or 200 km doesn't really make a difference, when you have literal long range missiles in your weaponry, ready to serve you at moments notice.

Sources:

1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/news/great-nicobar-island-indias-new-economic-and-military-outpost-that-can-threaten-chinas-energy-security/articleshow/130553190.cms?hl=en-IN

2. https://www.wgi.world/great-nicobar-indias-new-geopolitical-frontier-in-the-strait-of-malacca/?hl=en-IN

3. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/great-nicobar-island-project-3?hl=en-IN

Image Credit: https://x.com/dhruv\_rathee/status/2049837450822828065?ref\_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet