The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) organized an International Webinar on ‘India-Pakistan Ceasefire on LoC: What Next?’ on 3 June 2021. Speakers from Pakistan and India critically evaluated whether the 26 February 2021 Joint Statement issued by the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India was just another Confidence Building Measure (CBM) or could pave the way for a comprehensive dialogue on all security issues between the two countries. In the statement a ceasefire and an agreement to discuss core issues of concern was announced. Speakers hoped that backchannel talks would lead towards rapprochement. However, there was consensus that optimism was overshadowed by genuine scepticism due to various obstacles and roadblocks in the way of this process.
The Conundrum of TTP in Pak-Afghan Relations
Over several decades, Pak-Afghan relations have been characterised by phases of turbulence and stability. The current phase of bilateral relations is also marked by relative friction between the two neighbours. The primary reason for the strained relationship is Pakistan’s concern about either the inability or lack of will by the interim Afghan government to rein in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Although the Afghan interim government has continuously stated that it would not allow its soil to be used for any terror activities, certain elements in the Taliban government have extended support towards the banned terrorist outfit (TTP) and its various affiliates. Relations reached a crisis point after Pakistan’s intelligence-based anti-terror operation in the border region of Afghanistan in the early hours of 18th March two days after the terrorist attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, in which seven Pakistani soldiers were martyred, including two officers.
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Work-from-Home to Vote-from-Home
The COVID-19 pandemic left behind many enduring legacies, with remote work, commonly known as Work-From-Home (WFH) being one of its more enduring ones. Back then, workplaces witnessed a remarkable revamp in routines, schedules and practices. Weekly office meetings shifted from conference rooms to living rooms via virtual meeting apps. Home desks assumed the role of office cabins, complete with the added benefit of flexible working hours in many instances. This new paradigm of work demonstrated a largely positive impact in different sectors with increased productivity, better work-life balance, and environment-friendly results – a reason that has led to the continuation of the trend even after the pandemic. Now, it’s time to analyse how to effectively increase adoption of this innovative mode to crucial domains – such as education, finance, media, marketing, customer service and political processes etc.
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India’s Agni-V Test and Its Ramifications for Region
On 11 March 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the first successful test launch of the Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It featured Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The launch was named ‘Mission Divyastra,’ – a reference to the Hindu mythological weapons of ultimate destruction. The test bears testimony to India’s continued endeavours to enhance the reach, precision, and assuredness of its delivery system even at the cost of impacting regional strategic stability. The test also signifies a subtle shift from India’s nuclear doctrine.
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