Netram Defence Review

As of April 2026, the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway for global energy transportation—has undergone a dramatic transformation. No longer an open international waterway governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it is now under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This shift marks a new era where passage is treated as a commodified service, paid for in cryptocurrency and the Chinese yuan. The Backdrop: Tensions and the Turning Point The groundwork for this significant change began in late 2025, following the collapse of nuclear negotiations with the United States. The reimposition of "maximum pressure" sanctions led Iran into a spiral of hyperinflation, creating an environment ripe for unrest. The situation escalated dramatically on February 28, 2026, when the United States launched "Operation Epic Fury," a coordinated strike alongside Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. I...

India has recently crossed a significant milestone in its quest for energy independence with the successful attainment of criticality in the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) located at Kalpakkam. This achievement marks a pivotal moment not just for India’s nuclear energy program, but also in the global nuclear landscape. A Journey of Persistence The journey towards this accomplishment has been long and arduous. It all began 72 years ago when Dr Homi Bhabha envisioned a robust nuclear program tailored to India’s unique resources. Despite holding only 1-2% of the world's uranium, India boasts approximately 25% of global thorium reserves. This geographical reality motivated Bhabha to design a three-stage nuclear program to ensure the country’s energy independence. The Three-Stage Nuclear Program Stage 1: Utilise the limited uranium in standard reactors to generate electricity and extract plutonium. Stage 2: Employ that plutonium in fast breeder reactors to produce more fu...

In a remarkable turn of events, Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit has been cleared for promotion to the rank of Brigadier by the Indian Army, marking the culmination of a tumultuous 17-year legal battle. This decision comes after a Special NIA Court fully acquitted him in the infamous 2008 Malegaon blast case, a development that is not only significant for Col Purohit but also resonates deeply within the broader narrative of justice and integrity in India. A Distinguished Career in the Army Commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry in 1994, Purohit quickly established himself as a talented officer. His career took him to the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, where he served in high-stakes counter-terrorism operations. Specialising in Human Intelligence (HUMINT), he successfully infiltrated militant organisations, including the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), contributing significantly to national security efforts. However, the tide turned dramatically on September 29, ...

India's quest for a "Naxal-free" nation by March 31, 2026, sheds light on the deep-rooted insurgency that has permeated through decades of social, political, and economic turmoil. The history of Naxalism, which began in 1967 with Bigul Kisan's rights protest in Naxalbari, reflects the struggles of marginalised communities against oppressive structures. What started as an agrarian conflict spiralled into a formidable national security challenge, signifying the complexities of India's socio-political landscape. The Rise of Naxalism The movement was initially galvanised by key figures like Charu Majumdar, who advocated for radical actions against class enemies. His writings significantly influenced the ideology that fueled the movement. However, the death of Majumdar in police custody fractured the CPI-ML, leading to a division that continued to weaken the movement's initial fervour. The 1980s saw a resurgence with the emergence of organizations like the People’s...

The Iran-Israel rivalry is one of the most significant conflicts in the Middle East, characterised by complex geopolitical shifts that have transformed both nations' relations over the decades. Understanding this rivalry requires a look back at their history, tracing their journey from covert allies to sworn enemies. A Pragmatic Alliance In the decades leading up to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran and Israel maintained a pragmatic alliance. Under Israel's "Periphery Doctrine," the two countries collaborated against shared threats such as Soviet expansion and Arab nationalism. They engaged in oil trade and even partnered on a secret missile development project called "Project Flower," showcasing a level of cooperation that seems unimaginable today. The 1979 Turning Point The 1979 Islamic Revolution dramatically changed the geopolitical landscape. With Ayatollah Khomeini's rise to power, all ties between Iran and Israel were severed. Khomeini famously la...

India's civil society is on the brink of a significant transformation with the introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This legislation marks a pivotal shift towards what some are calling absolute state control over foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs). To understand the implications of this amendment, it’s essential to explore its origins and the broader geopolitical context in which it operates. Historical Background The crackdown on foreign-funded NGOs isn't a new phenomenon; its roots can be traced back to the 2014 Intelligence Bureau report which tagged many environmental and human rights organizations as vehicles of "economic sabotage." The report made serious claims about how these organizations allegedly impeded vital projects that could have contributed to India’s GDP growth, citing that their activities cost the nation between 2 to 3 percent of its annual growth potential. Notable international entities suc...