The Problems with Westphalian Nation-State System

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We all associate ourselves with various identities such as Indians, Chinese, Pakistani, Americans, Canadians, French, British and much more. Why do you think we all associate with all these more? Are there any other identities which people associate with?  The identities which I mentioned before are relatively new compared to other identities such as religion, language, caste, and various other identities. It is not to say that people never had such feelings towards nations or the state. But the idea of loyalty and love for the motherland was very important which offset various other identities. The question we are arriving at is what is the motherland, who made and how it formed.  What we refer to today as a Nation or Country refers to what we know in political science as a Nation-State. Today almost all the countries we know are categorised Nation-States and some even as State-Nations. International Relations and Political Science suggest that states are the most important a...

Newscapsule for the Month of August 2023

Following are the top news for the month.  If you wish to follow and get notifications of future articles, you can signup using the email on the left sidebar. 





Article of the month

Kerala 

  • Kerala High Court Directs State To Provide Basic Amenities To Flood-Affected Tribal Families In Nilambur Villages.
  • Aluva murder: Cops told to take down content revealing the identity of the victim. 
  • K B Ganesh Kumar MLA criticizes the lack of progress in Kerala over 50 years. 
  • NSS escalates attack on Speaker, asks believers to offer prayers at Ganesha temples across Kerala. 
  • Police files case against Sangh Parivar for provocative slogans in Palakkad. 
  • Kerala government to stop its support for the Silverline project. 
  • Deployment Of Police Near Sabarimala Temple Without Nameplates: Kerala HC Directs Not To Repeat Such Duty Dereliction.
  • Speaker's controversial remark: NSS observed 'Faith Protection Day' on 2nd August.
  • Only AAY cardholders were eligible for the Onam kit. 
  • Speaker A N Shamseer will not apologise for remarks about the Hindu deity: CPI(M).
  • The government faces a cash crunch.
  • Shashi Tharoor distances himself from Ganesha's remark. 
  • Police case against NSS prayer-protest march to Secretariat on Shamseer's speech. 
  • Kerala police arrested four Karnataka police officials for accepting bribes.
  • Financial crunch: Govt bars treasuries from passing bills above Rs 10 lakh.
  • Tour operators launch a special travel package to Oommen Chandy’s tomb in Puthuppally.
  • B-Pharm admission released. 
  • Sobha Surendran was appointed as ‘prabhari’ of BJP Kozhikode.
  • Idukki girl Ann Mariya Joy, who was shifted to Kochi for treatment in record time, passes away.
  • Puthuppally to go for bypoll on Sept 5; Counting of votes on Sept 8.
  • Students Can't Be Discriminated From Other Passengers While Boarding Bus, Merely For Availing Student Concession Rates: Kerala High Court.
  • UDF claims Kerala govt failed to address price rise issue; ruling front hits back, Kerala assembly.
  • Lok Ayukta restarts hearing into CMDRF misappropriation during previous LDF govt, Lok Ayukta restarts hearing into petition challenging CMDRF allocation during previous LDF govt.
  • Siddique no more: Adieu to the director who taught us comedy is omnipresent and omnipotent.
  • VD Satheesan dismisses allegations against UDF leaders; seeks probe into Veena’s transactions.
  • Local body bypolls: UDF, LDF maintain tally, BJP gains 1 seat. 
  • UDF MLAs, MPs won't accept free Onam kits: Kerala Congress president. 
  • Kerala: NIA conducts raids at residences of former PFI activists in three districts.
  • CM's daughter's company received CMRL payments says IT dept. 
  • Kit distribution continues late into ‘Uthradam’ night. 
  • Land Board changes stance, finds MLA P V Anwar sitting on excess land of 19 acres.
  • RPF arrests three for pelting stones on trains in Kerala. 
  • Actor Bala makes Santosh Varkey apologize for online abuse.
  • Onam festival across the state is held amidst the political chaos in Kerala.
  • AICC skirts factional politics to elevate Tharoor to the CWC.
  • Puthupally bypoll has Chandy Oomen, Jaick C Thomas and Lijin Lal as the main candidates.
  • Kerala staring at drought, and power crisis as monsoon deficiency inches towards 50%.
  • Flawed Investigation, Lack Of Evidence: Kerala High Court Acquits 7 RSS Workers Booked For Murder Of CPI(M) Activist.
  • Kerala HC orders to stop construction of CPI-M offices in Idukki district.
  • Congress MLA claims Kerala CM's daughter got money from other companies too without providing services.
  • Kerala CM reinstates deleted NCERT topics in SCERT textbooks.
  • KSU protest march to CM Pinarayi Vijayan's residence turns violent, police use water cannons. 

India 


  • Gujarat govt to explore mandatory parental consent for love marriages.
  • Karnataka MLA threatens to resign at CLP meeting.
  • Karnataka CM announces slew of sops for minorities in Budget 2023-24. 
  • CBSE announces Class 12 compartment exam result.
  • Lawyers Can Take Action Against Litigant Harassing Them Over Queries Raised By Court: Madras High Court.
  • Use Of Expression 'Ta Khubzul Badlain' In Sale Deed By Itself Will Not Be Determinative Of The True Nature Of The Transaction: Supreme Court.
  • A research paper by an Ashoka University professor makes massive headlines. 
  • "Fundamentalist Muslim Cannot Be Equated With An Extremist Or A Separatist": Jammu & Kashmir High Court. 
  • Supreme Court Judgment Holding That Ayurved Doctors Can't Claim Equal Pay As Allopathy Doctors Sought To Be Recalled. 
  • SC criticised the Central government in Manipur. 
  • 'Petition Based On Assumption That One Community Is Guilty Of Violence': Supreme Court Turns Down PIL On Manipur.
  • Massive communal violence was reported in Nuh, Haryana. 
  • The violence later spilled to parts of Gurugram. It was later controlled systematically. 
  • Section 144 was imposed in Gurugram; guilty won't be spared, says Haryana CM. 
  • Earthquake Of Magnitude 5 Hits Andaman & Nicobar Islands, 2nd Time In 5 Days. 
  • Gujarat school claims Gandhiji died by suicide.
  • Can't Direct PM To Be Present: Rajya Sabha Chairman on opposition demand.
  • Bihar HC upholds caste survey. 
  • Chennai writer Badri Seshadri held for remarks on SC over Manipur violence.
  • Rahul Gandhi refuses to apologise for the Modi remark. 
  • Allahabad HC allows nod to conduct the survey. 
  • Speaker O M. Birla skips Parliamentary session.
  • DMK Ally MLA Jawahirullah 'Apologizes' After The Commune's Report On Anti-Hindu Banner Depicting Manipur Horror.
  • Man Accused Of Chopping Girlfriend's Body Gets Bail From Bombay High Court.
  • Delhi ordinance bill on control of services in capital passed in Lok Sabha.
  • Karnataka to use Rs 11,000 crore from SC/ST welfare fund to fulfil poll guarantees.
  • Police, Army Can't Protect Every Person: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar On Nuh Violence.
  • Dengue ‘emergency’ issued in Delhi’s hospitals.
  • SC stays Rahul Gandhi's conviction in defamation case, restores MP status.
  • Measures not to stop at suspension from the party; George M Thomas to face vigilance as well. 
  • 'Hindi is the national language,' says SC rejecting plea in MACT case.
  • Parliament passes Delhi Services Bill.
  • As J&K police reopened the Ganjoo case, four prominent Pandit murders were recalled.
  • Government to move Bill on the appointment of Election Commissioners; no CJI in the selection panel.
  • India passes data protection law amid surveillance concerns.
  • Centre Introduces Bills To Replace IPC, CrPC & Indian Evidence Act In Lok Sabha.
  • Mizo MP ‘cut off’ as he rises to speak on Manipur issue, says ‘tribal people not Myanmarese’.
  • Lakshadweep administration introduces new uniforms for school children, MP alleges ban on hijab.
  • NCERT forms textbook panel for Classes 3-12; RSS affiliate founder, Fields medallist, Sudha Murty among 19 members.
  • Akshay Kumar Is Officially An Indian Citizen Now, Says 'Dil Aur Citizenship, Dono Hindustani'.
  • Cloudburst occurred in Himachal Pradesh. 
  • Monu Manesar not directly involved in Nasir-Junaid murder case: Rajasthan DGP.
  • The 77th Independence Day of India is celebrated. 
  • PM Modi praises SC's initiative of making judgments available in regional languages, and CJI responds with folded hands.
  • On I-Day, CJI announced a plan to expand the Supreme Court with 27 additional courts and 51 judges’ chambers. 
  • SC releases handbook on ‘combating gender stereotypes'. 
  • Karnataka govt to scrap NEP.
  • Digvijay Singh's dig at Kamal Nath: Madhya Pradesh Congress leader says, 'those asking for Hindu Rashtra must resign'.
  • Scheme to help the urban poor build houses in cities 
  • 6630 CCTV Cameras Installed In Vulnerable Areas To Strengthen Women's Safety: Delhi Police To High Court.
  • BJP's Veteran Ladakh Leader Expelled After His Son Elopes with Buddhist Woman.
  • President Murmu launches indigenously built stealth-Frigate Vindhyagiri. 
  • Right to construct a temple on pvt property protected by Constitution: HC.
  • In India, 81% limit meat in their diet and 39% say they are vegetarian as per Pew Research Center.
  • Durga Puja is a secular festival, not purely religious: Calcutta High Court. 
  • Corruption biggest ideology of Congress, Chhattisgarh is its ATM, alleges PM Modi.
  • Chhattisgarh: ED's supplementary chargesheet in coal scam names two Congress MLAs, IAS official Sahu.
  • TN taking steps to protect Tamils in Manipur: Stalin.
  • ‘Forcing Woman To Have Child Born Out Of Rape Against Constitutional Philosophy’: Supreme Court Allows Survivor’s Plea For Abortion. 
  • Non. confidence motion against PM Modi fails. 
  • Disha Ravi Moves Delhi High Court Seeking Modification Of Bail Condition Restricting Foreign Travel Without Prior Permission. 
World/International


  • Florida governor Desantis claimed Blacks benefitted from Slavery.
  • Fitch downgrades US credit rating, White House “strongly disagrees".
  • Vivek Ramaswamy files lawsuit against DOJ after agency fails to respond to FOIA over Trump docs case.
  • Foreign nationals evacuate Niger as regional tensions rise after the coup.
  • As the threat of war looms, European nations prepare to evacuate hundreds of citizens from Niger.
  • The ISIL (ISIS) group has confirmed the death of its leader, Abu Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi, and named Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi as his replacement.
  • PM Modi attended the BRICS summit in Johannesburg later this month.
  • China, Bhutan hold first meeting on 'delimitation of boundary',  agree to speed-up border-resolution. 
  • SCO member states plan a single list of banned terrorist, separatist, and extremist groups.
  • India attended the Saudi-mediated peace talks for Ukraine. 
  • Expelled members from Tennessee were re-elected to the state legislature. 
  • Former Pakistan PM Khan was given three years in jail after a guilty verdict in a corruption trial.
  • Pakistan-cabinet approves security pact with the US.
  • Russian airstrike damages the Chinese consulate in Odessa. 
  • UP: Former BJP Leader Mahesh Baghel Declared Dead by Doctors In Agra, Found Alive After Brought Home
  • 'Without Exception': India's Stern Message To Russia On Ukraine | Doval At Jeddah Conference.
  • Pakistan caretaker PM visits Christian community vandalized by mob, vows to protect minorities. 
  • China's Beijing Witnessed Highest Rainfall In 140 Years.
  • Maui wildfires occurred in Hawaii, and several dead. 
  • Adhir Ranjan Chaudary suspended from Lok Sabha.
  • Four Americans wrongfully detained in Iran were released on house arrest, signalling a potential end to their imprisonment.
  • India protests the U.S. Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone.
  • Pakistan dissolved its parliament and the caretaker PM took over the control.
  • Pakistan: Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar becomes Caretaker PM.
  • Abortion referendum in Ohio defeated. 
  • A convoy of Chinese engineers attacked near Pakistan's Gwadar, 1 terrorist was killed.
  • 6 ex-officers, some of whom called themselves ‘The Goon Squad,’ plead guilty to state charges in the torture of 2 Black men.
  • Gas station explosion kills 35, injures dozens in Russia’s Dagestan region.
  • China stops releasing youth unemployment data after it hit consecutive record highs.
  • China's fertility rate drops to a record low of 1.09 in 2022.
  • India-China two-day military talks ended with the issuing of the joint statement on August 15th, agreeing to resolve LAC issues 'in an expeditious manner'.
  • ‘Significant milestone’: Assam delimitation approved by Prez, says CM Sarma.
  • NATO official apologises over suggestion Ukraine could give up land for membership. 
  • Russia Flaunts Captured Western Weapons From Ukraine at Theme Park.
  • Russia Flaunts NATO 'War Trophies' Seized From Ukraine, Displays Equipment At Army 2023 Forum
  • Taliban imposed a ban on all political parties in Afghanistan. 
  • Pro-Jinnah Christian leader who supported the creation of Pakistan had to resign as Speaker for not being a Muslim.
  • At least 75 people have died in a fire in a building in South Africa’s biggest city. 
  • Gabon military officers claim to have seized power after the election. 
  • Japan and South Korea signed a new pact to address China. 
  • The G20 health ministers' meeting ends with the priorities of India receiving consensus.
  • The first GOP debate was held in Wisconsin. 
  • Prosecutors propose the March 2024 trial date in the Trump Georgia case. 
  • BRICS Summit held in Johannesberg. 
  • Zelensky hails ‘historic’ supply of F-16s as Ukraine seeks to counter Russian air supremacy.
  • Wagner's boss, who rebelled against Putin, on board, crashed a Russian plane.
  • The 27th edition of joint Naval Exercise MALABAR concludes in Australia.
  • Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to join BRICS.
    Technology



    • China replaces elite nuclear leadership in surprise military shake-up.
    • India's bid to attract major global chip manufacturers.
    • Twitter HQ's bright, flashing 'X' sign leaves neighbours in San Francisco fuming.
    • BMTC to buy 5 more buses. 
    • Hyderabad is likely to get a second airport. 
    • Redefining education, India`s maiden AI school unveiled in the southern state of Kerala
    • Malayalam Director Vinayan Alleges State Film Awards Rigged, Says This About Chairman Ranjith.
    • The Internet ban in Nuh was extended.
    • Govt imposes a ban on laptops and tablets. 
    • Reliance Retail launches JioBook laptop for Rs 16,499.
    • MLAs and MPs locked in Kerala AI cameras. 
    • Mike Pence rebukes Trump after indictment: Constitution over president.
    • KMRL to announce Metro train in Trivandrum. 
    • Google scanner to let Android phones read QR codes from across the room.
    • Voyager 2 establishes a connection with NASA.
    • Qualcomm appoints a new President for India.
    • DPR says Ukrainian forces killed Polish mercenaries in Ugledar.
    • Chnadrayaan 3, an Indian lunar landing mission enters the Moon's orbit.
    • Iran bans weightlifter for life over handshake with Israeli competitor.
    • Niger’s junta rulers ask for help from the Russian group Wagner as it faces a military intervention threat.
    • Russia sees the biggest drone assault on its own territory since invading Ukraine, as Kyiv strikes back through the skies.
    • At least 15 killed after train derails in southern Pakistan
    • Japan condemns Russia's nuclear threat on Hiroshima anniversary.
    • Trump now has a mugshot in a police file. 
    • Pakistan passenger train derails killing 30.
    • The suspected shooter is also dead, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said for the shooting.
    • The Philippines accuses China of firing water cannons at boats in the South China Sea.
    • Japan began releasing treated radioactive water into the ocean despite China's outcry.
    • U.S. Tech Mogul Used Nonprofits to Sow Chinese Propaganda.
    • LiDAR survey complete on Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore railway.
    • Toshakhana Case: Relief For Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan As Islamabad High Court Suspends Conviction, Sentence
    • NDMA starts testing emergency cell broadcast tech. 
    • Bharat NCAP: India's new safety ratings for passenger cars to start on Oct 1
    • India now has three active space crafts around the Moon, more than China.
    • Kochi metro Kakkanad extension to be completed by 2025.
    • India's Chandrayaan makes a heroic landing on the moon. 
    • It's Pragyaan rover out and clicking photos and identifying sulphur on the surface. 
    • India is the fourth country to land its satellite on the moon and the first to land on the south pole of the moon through a soft landing. 
    • Products manufactured by 26 companies from Kerala used in Chandrayaan-3: Minister P Rajeev 
    • Reliance announces Jio AirFibre. 
    • ISRO completes launch rehearsal of Aditya-L1 solar mission.
    • Hurricane Idalia storms made landfall in Florida and moved towards Georgia and South Carolina. 
    Business and Finance

    • The 5-star hotel asks for its bank account to be restored which was accidentally frozen.
    • Indore named best city, Madhya Pradesh best state in Smart Cities Mission.
    • Integration of “Assemble in India for the World” into ‘Make In India’ Can Raise India’s Export Market Share to About 3.5 % by 2025 and 6 % by 2030.
    • Kerala government to take 1000 crore more as loan, total loan-debt taken this year 9000 Crore.
    • 6% More GST Is Payable If Construction Services Are Not Under Affordable Residential Apartments: Kerala AAR.
    • Unethical Financial Activities: District Commission Directs Vaidi Chit Fund Company To Pay Compensation.
    • Nandini hikes milk prices in the state of Karnataka. 
    • ATM Management Service To Banks Are Pure Services, No VAT Payable: Karnataka High Court Quashes Re-assessment.
    • Defence ministry inks Rs 19,000-crore contract with HSL for 5 fleet support ships.
    • Treasuries Start to Worry Morgan Stanley With US Debt Load Soaring.
    • China limits exports of drones to Russia.  
    • The high court orders payment of KSRTC salaries before the 10th of every month. 
    • Four UP men were held by Kochi police for siphoning off Rs 42 lakh from a realty firm.
    • Newsclick offices were raided by ED. 
    • Govt Slashes Cost Of Cooking Gas By Rs 200/Cylinder ahead of key elections. 
    • Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man, sells a swanky Manhattan condo worth Rs 74.5 crore.t
    • Bengaluru civic contractors meet Yediyurappa over pending dues.
    • Disney+ Hotstar loses 12.5 million subscribers in its biggest-ever quart.
    • Kochi's Lulu Mall achieves world record with spectacular hanging pookalam for Onam.
    • Monthly quota’ for CM’s daughter; Veena Vijayan gets Rs 1.72 crore from CMRL in 3 years. 
    • Deloitte resigned as statutory auditor for Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone.
    • Hindenburg report probe: Short selling in Adani shares led to ‘gains’ for 12 firms, ED to SEBI. 
    • Monson Mavunkal fraud case: ED serves notice to KPCC chief K Sudhakaran.
    • Kerala saw record sales of liquor in 8 days during Onam worth Rs 665 crore. 
    • Russia’s central bank raised interest rates to 12% after the ruble plunged.
    • The Education Department planned to adjust how it calculates student loan payments to correct past errors, resulting in about 804,000 people's balances being erased.
    • India accounts for 35% of cargo handled by Murmansk this year. 
    • China trust deficit: crisis spurs shadow banking policy response calls. 
    • Burger King employee who did not miss work for 27 years gets Rs 3.5 crore.
    • For 15-34-year-olds, the top concern is jobs and economic struggles: survey.
    • India bans exports on rice and onions. 
    • Interest Income Earned On Deposits By Clubs In Banks Which Are Corporate Members Taxable; Principle Of Mutuality Not Applicable: Supreme Court. 
    • Businessman held for GST fraud of Rs 10.14 crore in Bilaspur.
    • Japan's trade deficit soars on weak yen, and high oil prices. 
    • Ukraine's state budget deficit exceeds UAH 400 billion. 
    • Karuvannur bank fraud: ED raid at CPM MLA Moideen's residence.  
    • Credit card balances for Americans hit a record $1 trillion this year.

    Sports 
    • Australian Open: Prannoy squanders match point, and finishes runner-up.
    • Asian Champions Trophy: India emerge champions.
    • The Wrestling Federation of India membership was suspended on the World stage.
    • 5th T20I: Windies beat India to clinch series. 
    • Neeraj Sharma of India won the Gold medal for India at the World Championship.
    • Indian men's 4x400m relay team breaks Asian record, qualifies for World Championships final for first time.

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