greater bangladesh

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.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge fiercely criticized Prime Minister Modi, calling him a "slave" to US President Trump. Kharge alleged Modi's foreign policy compromises India's interests, citing trade issues and the Middle East crisis. He questioned Modi's silence on perceived US injustices and accused the government of neglecting governance for election campaigning.

X has suspended accounts run from Pakistan that shared AI-generated war videos, impersonating "Iran War Monitor" and "IDF Girl" profiles. The platform is implementing stricter rules, including a 90-day suspension from its creator revenue-sharing program for undisclosed AI-generated conflict content, to combat misinformation amid the Iran war.

China affirmed its readiness to boost cooperation with Bangladesh's new government, warning that attempts to disrupt their partnership are destined to fail. This comes amid US concerns over Chinese influence in South Asia and a US emphasis on a free and open Indo-Pacific. Beijing also expressed hope for progress on the Teesta River project.

Indian musicians express readiness to perform in Bangladesh again. This follows statements from the Bangladesh Prime Minister about inclusivity and restoring peace. Artists who previously left Dhaka after an incident at Chhayanaut are open to returning. They believe music can foster healing and unity. Musicians are hopeful for renewed cultural exchange and stronger ties between the two nations.

Protests erupted across Assam against attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, with demonstrators demanding Centre's intervention. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a high alert following calls for a 'greater bangladesh' encompassing India's Northeast, vowing to intensify the drive against infiltrators.

The Bengal BJP president in a Facebook post on Thursday accused chief minister Mamata Banerjee of trying to create a “greater bangladesh” by raising “Jai Bangla” slogans at her public meetings, but Trinamool Congress countered by citing Rabindranath Tagore’s song that is Bangladesh’s national anthem.

India is set to construct underground railway tracks along the crucial Siliguri corridor, dubbed the "chicken's neck," to bolster connectivity to the Northeast. This strategic move addresses concerns over regional vulnerability and potential disruptions, aiming to ensure an uninterrupted lifeline for vital supplies and troop movement amidst heightened geopolitical rhetoric.

Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, issued a strong warning to Bangladesh regarding the Siliguri corridor, also known as the 'Chicken's Neck.' He dismissed claims of a 'greater bangladesh' map including Indian territories and asserted India's military strength, referencing 'Operation Sindoor.' Sarma downplayed Bangladesh's significance, stating it cannot be compared to India's power and influence.

Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin urged officers to expedite chargesheets to meet the financial year's target of 500 prosecution complaints. The Guwahati meeting, attended by other central agencies, focused on emerging financial crime trends and cross-border threats. Officials were advised to leverage intelligence platforms and international cooperation to combat illicit activities, particularly in the North-East.

Bangladesh's Nationalist Party appears poised for a landslide victory in the recent parliamentary elections, with preliminary results showing a commanding lead. Party chief Tarique Rahman is expected to become the next Prime Minister. However, the main opposition, the Awami League, has denounced the polls as a 'well-planned farce' and alleged widespread irregularities.

Yunuf gifted a book to the Pakistani general visiting Dhaka. Sounds harmless enough. But a specific image in the book has stirred up a row