Chhattisgarh is projected to maintain strong economic growth in the financial year 2025-26. According to the Economic Survey presented in the state assembly on Monday, the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices is expected to rise from Rs 5.65 lakh crore in 2024-25 to around Rs 6.31 lakh crore in 2025-26, reflecting an estimated growth rate of 11.57 percent. This performance is set to surpass the national average, signaling continued economic momentum.
Even at constant prices (base year 2011-12), the state demonstrates solid fundamentals. The report, tabled by Planning, Economics and Statistics Minister OP Choudhary, estimates GSDP at Rs 3.31 lakh crore in 2024-25, rising to Rs 3.58 lakh crore in 2025-26, representing a real growth rate of 8.11 percent. This indicates sustained expansion in actual output and production capacity.
Sector-wise, growth remains broad-based. At current prices, agriculture and allied sectors are expected to grow 12.53 percent, industry 10.26 percent, and services 13.15 percent, highlighting balanced development across key sectors. In real terms, agriculture is projected to grow 7.49 percent, industry 7.21 percent, and services 9.11 percent, reflecting steady expansion and structural resilience.
In terms of GSDP composition at current prices, agriculture is expected to contribute 20.64 percent, industry 46.59 percent, and services 32.77 percent, emphasizing the state’s strong manufacturing and mining base alongside consistent growth in services. Per capita income is also expected to rise from Rs 1,62,848 to Rs 1,79,244 in 2025-26, an increase of 10.07 percent, which is likely to boost consumption, domestic demand, and overall economic activity.
Reacting to the survey, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the government remains focused on “inclusive and balanced growth,” prioritizing agriculture, industrial investment, and services. He expressed confidence that infrastructure development, a favorable investment climate, and human resource development will further strengthen the state’s growth in the coming years.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from CMO.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allocated an initial contingent of 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to Tamil Nadu as a precautionary security measure ahead of the upcoming 2026 state assembly elections. This deployment aims to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process by providing area domination and boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that the first batch of CAPF companies will be deployed in Tamil Nadu on March 10, 2026. The move forms part of the broader strategy to maintain law and order during the high-stakes electoral period. According to an official statement issued by the CEO, “50 companies of the CAPF have been initially allotted to Tamil Nadu by the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, for area domination, confidence-building measures in connection with the General Elections to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.”
The Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are expected to take place in April 2026. All 234 seats of the Legislative Assembly will be contested during these elections, along with the neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry, where legislative polls are also scheduled. The deployment of CAPF personnel is intended to support local law enforcement agencies, prevent any potential disturbances, and ensure voters can exercise their rights in a safe and secure environment.
This initial allotment may be followed by additional reinforcements if the Election Commission and the Home Ministry deem it necessary, depending on the security situation and the assessment of sensitive areas across the state. The proactive measure underscores the focus on maintaining electoral integrity and safeguarding democratic processes in Tamil Nadu during this critical political period.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Indian government has unveiled 'Prahaar', its inaugural national counter-terrorism policy and strategy, aimed at delivering a decisive blow against evolving terror networks. Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) earlier this week, the policy marks a shift toward proactive, tech-savvy defenses in an era of drone attacks, cyber radicalization, and cross-border financing.
At its core, Prahaar – which stands for Prevention, Response, Aggregation, Human Rights, Attenuation, Alignment, and Recovery – outlines a multi-layered approach to neutralize threats before they strike. It emphasizes real-time intelligence sharing through upgraded Multi-Agency Centres (MAC), empowering state police as frontline responders while elite forces like the NSG provide rapid backup. Officials highlighted how this addresses modern challenges, such as encrypted communications and cryptocurrency funding used by groups exploiting vulnerabilities from Jammu & Kashmir to urban hideouts.
The strategy also criminalizes all terror activities without exception, choking off safe havens and online propaganda pipelines. By integrating AI surveillance and border tech upgrades, Prahaar draws from real-world lessons, like the swift online mobilization seen in past attacks, to prevent repeats.
Prevention takes center stage with community outreach: partnerships with NGOs, schools, and local leaders to tackle root causes like radicalization in prisons and youth hotspots. Economic initiatives in high-risk areas aim to reduce recruitment appeal, fostering a "whole-of-society" resilience similar to successful models abroad. Globally, it pushes for collaborative operations and UN-level action on tech misuse by terror outfits. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Prahaar as a "zero-tolerance hammer" on terrorism, promising proportionate responses to any aggression. As states gear up for implementation, security experts see it as a timely upgrade to India's defenses amid rising global threats.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Canada has announced plans to help Cuba as the Caribbean nation struggles with severe fuel shortages after the United States tightened restrictions on oil supplies to the island. The Canadian government said on Monday that it is preparing assistance for Cuba but has not yet shared specific details about what this support will involve.
The shortages have deepened because the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has blocked all oil shipments to Cuba, including deliveries from its traditional supplier, Venezuela. This has driven up costs for essentials such as food and transport, contributed to widespread power outages, and added to the hardships faced by residents.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Ottawa is drawing up an aid plan but did not disclose what form the assistance might take. The United Nations has warned that if Cuba’s energy needs continue to go unmet, the situation could escalate into a humanitarian emergency.
Tensions between Canada and the U.S. have been growing over several policy issues, including trade tariffs and foreign relations, with Ottawa seeking to assert a more independent middle‑power role. Trump has publicly predicted that Cuba’s economy will soon collapse under the weight of the tightening U.S. measures, and his administration’s recent military action in Venezuela—leading to the capture of its leader—has further strained regional relations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen applauding at the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) held in Pyongyang, where he was re-elected as the party’s general secretary. The event, reported by KCNA, highlighted his continued leadership and the party’s ongoing consolidation of power under his guidance. Delegates attended the congress to witness key decisions shaping North Korea’s political direction.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump increased the US global import tariff to 15%, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated much of his previous tariff program. Trump described the new 15% rate as “fully allowed and legally tested,” replacing the earlier 10% plan, and said it would be temporary under current trade law for 150 days. Questions remain about how enforceable this measure is and what will happen once the 150-day period ends. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications with Angela Mancini, Partner and Head of the Global Risk Analysis Practice for Asia Pacific at Control Risks.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On Saturday (14 Feb), hundreds of thousands joined global protests against the Iranian government. Daniel Martin talks with Malminderjit Singh, Founder and MD of Terra Corporate Affairs.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
