What is CPI Why Base Year Matters Issues with the 2012 Base Year Perception vs Official Inflation New CPI Series (Base Year 2024) Implications for Policy Structural Limitation of CPI Overall Significance A regularly updated CPI is critical for aligning macroeconomic policy with everyday economic experience.

The Afghan Civil War refers to multiple phases of internal armed conflict in Afghanistan following the Soviet withdrawal in 1989. The most intense phase occurred between 1992 and 1996, but instability persisted into the 2000s and beyond. The war fundamentally reshaped Afghanistan’s political structure and contributed to the rise of the Taliban. Historical Background Soviet Withdrawal and Collapse of Communist Regime The power vacuum triggered intense rivalry among various Mujahideen factions. First Phase: Mujahideen Infighting (1992–1996) After the fall of President Najibullah: Kabul was heavily shelled and devastated during factional fighting. Casualties were significant, and civilian displacement increased sharply. Rise of the Taliban (1994–1996) In 1996: Northern Alliance Resistance Not all factions accepted Taliban rule. The conflict became a prolonged standoff between the Taliban and Northern Alliance forces. Humanitarian and Social Impact Afghanistan became a hub for extremist groups during this period. International Dimension The Taliban regime was recognised by only a few states. Post-2001 Transformation In 2001: However, insurgency persisted, leading to another prolonged phase of conflict until Taliban regained control in 2021. Structural Causes Key drivers of the civil war included: Long-Term Consequences Afghanistan remains politically fragile, with enduring consequences from decades of civil war. Conclusion The Afghan Civil War was not a single, isolated event but a protracted series of conflicts rooted in institutional collapse, factional rivalry and external intervention. It reshaped Afghanistan’s political trajectory, enabled the rise of the Taliban and produced long-term instability with regional and global implications.

Overview The Falklands War was a ten-week armed conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina in 1982 over sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Background In 1982, Argentina’s military government sought to assert control over the islands amid domestic political crisis. Course of the War Casualties Legal and Political Context Consequences Strategic Significance Conclusion The Falklands War remains a classic example of a limited interstate conflict fought over territorial sovereignty. Though brief, it had significant domestic and geopolitical consequences for both the United Kingdom and Argentina, and the sovereignty dispute persists in diplomatic forums.

Overview The Gaza conflict refers to recurring cycles of armed confrontation between Israel and Palestinian armed groups, primarily Hamas, in and around the Gaza Strip. The conflict is rooted in the broader Israel–Palestine dispute and has escalated multiple times since the early 2000s. Major escalations occurred in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021 and most recently in 2023. Background The blockade and recurring hostilities have shaped the humanitarian and security environment. Immediate Triggers in Recent Escalations In October 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale cross-border attack into Israel. This marked one of the deadliest phases of the conflict in decades. Military Dimensions Humanitarian Impact International agencies have raised concerns regarding humanitarian law compliance. Legal and Diplomatic Issues Key debates include: Multiple ceasefires have been brokered by regional and international mediators. Broader Regional Implications Conclusion The Gaza conflict remains one of the most protracted and politically sensitive conflicts in international relations. It combines territorial, ideological, humanitarian and security dimensions, with periodic escalations reinforcing cycles of violence and instability.