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Friday, February 20, 2026
TopicDemocracy Index

Topic: Democracy Index

Global index for free and fair elections suffers biggest decline on record in 2023, says IDEA report

The report is based on more than 100 variables and uses four main categories - representation, rights, rule of law and participation - to categorise performance.

Global index shows India’s democracy strengthened since 2020. But civil liberties have been in free fall

According to Economist Intelligence Unit, India’s 2023 performance in ‘Democracy Index’ has been best in last 3 years. But these gains have only partially reversed loss suffered since 2018.

Data shows robust democracies recognise same-sex unions, while authoritarian regimes don’t

Data analysed by ThePrint shows 88% of countries identified as 'full democracies' & 39 of 99 Christian-majority countries legally recognise same-sex marriages.

What gives Indian democracy its long life? The choices elites make

Brown University professor writes that Modi's India is still an electoral democracy. But the longer Hindu nationalists remain in power, the weaker it'll become as a liberal democracy.

Modi has actually given democracy a shot in the arm with his usual decision-making style

Indians are refusing to be silent spectators of Modi govt's disruptive policies. Agnipath protests are the latest indicator from a society that won't be muzzled.

SubscriberWrites: We will remain nation of ‘great potential’ another 75 years, unless our feudal mindset ends

A lesson from Uganda on the govenment’s social media rules, how Dalits could help BJP win Punjab’s state polls and more from our subscribers.

It’s The Economist, stupid. Indian democracy under Modi is too strong to slip on flawed index

The Economist has conducted a survey to assess the situation in India. Perhaps Modi government could use the team for its NPR exercise.

On Camera

India must govern AI with confidence. Use guardrails, not handcuffs

The good news is that India is not starting from zero. It knows how to innovate privately while also empowering innovation publicly.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.