Why Do Some Muslim Countries Want to Create Their Own NATO

Why Do Some Muslim Countries Want to Create Their Own NATO

In recent years, there have been discussions and efforts among some Muslim-majority countries to form a unified military or defense alliance similar to NATO. While no such alliance currently exists on the scale or structure of NATO, the idea continues to surface in political, religious, and strategic discussions. But why do some Muslim countries want to create their own version of NATO?

Understanding the Motivation

There are several reasons behind the desire among some Muslim-majority states to form a joint military alliance:

1. Defense and Security Needs
Many Muslim countries face common threats such as terrorism, regional conflicts, foreign military intervention, and instability. A united military force would allow them to protect their interests and respond to crises more effectively without depending on Western powers.

2. Reduce Dependence on Western Alliances
NATO is dominated by Western countries, especially the United States. Some Muslim states feel that Western military alliances do not represent their interests and may even act against them. Having their own military alliance would give them more independence in making decisions and defending their sovereignty.

3. Political and Religious Unity
A Muslim NATO-style alliance is often linked to the idea of unity among the Muslim world or the Ummah. Some leaders and thinkers believe that political and military cooperation could help overcome divisions between Muslim countries and create a stronger collective voice on the global stage.

4. Strategic Power and Influence
A united Muslim military force could give member states more leverage in international affairs, especially in dealings with global powers like the US, China, and Russia. It could also help Muslim countries play a stronger role in resolving regional conflicts like those in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Libya.

5. Economic and Military Collaboration
Joint defense production, shared intelligence, military training, and counter-terrorism operations could benefit member countries economically and strategically. Working together would reduce costs and increase capabilities.

Examples of Related Initiatives

  • Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC)
    Led by Saudi Arabia and announced in 2015, this coalition includes over 40 Muslim-majority countries and focuses on counter-terrorism. However, it is not a full military alliance like NATO and lacks a unified command or binding defense pact.

  • OIC and Other Political Bodies
    The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has often discussed greater defense and political cooperation but has not developed a unified military structure.

Challenges to a Muslim NATO

Despite the idea being appealing to some, there are major obstacles:

  • Political Divisions
    Many Muslim countries are divided by political rivalries. For example, Saudi Arabia and Iran compete for regional influence, while others are allied with different global powers.

  • Sectarian Differences
    Sunni-Shia divisions remain a serious challenge to unity. A military alliance could become dominated by one sectarian group, leading to mistrust.

  • Lack of Shared Goals
    Not all Muslim countries agree on who the threats are or how to respond to them. Some prioritize fighting terrorism, while others focus on defending against foreign intervention or internal rebellions.

  • Dependence on External Powers
    Many Muslim countries rely on the US, Russia, or China for weapons, training, and intelligence. Breaking away from these ties is difficult.

FAQs

Is there a Muslim version of NATO now

No. There are coalitions like the IMCTC, but there is no formal Muslim NATO with a mutual defense clause like NATO's Article Five.

Could a Muslim NATO ever happen

It is possible but unlikely in the near future due to political divisions, lack of trust, and differing priorities among Muslim-majority states.

Would it be aimed against the West

Not necessarily. Most discussions about a Muslim military alliance focus on self-defense, regional stability, and counter-terrorism rather than direct confrontation with the West.

Is the idea supported by all Muslim countries

No. Some countries support the idea while others are skeptical or opposed due to political or ideological differences.

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Is NATO Prepared for a War with Russia Key Insights and FAQs

Is NATO Prepared for a War with Russia Key Insights and FAQs

In recent years the question of NATO's readiness to confront Russia has become increasingly urgent. Tensions between Russia and NATO have escalated dramatically since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and more recently with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. NATO a military alliance of thirty one member countries has since taken significant steps to reinforce its eastern flank increase military spending and improve readiness. But is NATO truly prepared to face Russia if conflict were to break out

NATO's Military Posture

NATO has undertaken several strategic changes to enhance its defense posture. Member states have increased their defense budgets meeting or moving toward the goal of spending two percent of GDP on defense. NATO has also deployed multinational battlegroups in the Baltic states and Poland established new regional defense plans and increased its rapid response capabilities.

NATO's collective defense principle under Article Five means that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This principle is central to NATO's deterrence strategy. The alliance has also boosted its readiness with a forty thousand strong NATO Response Force and has introduced the Allied Reaction Force with even faster deployment capacity.

Russia's Military Capabilities

Russia maintains one of the largest military forces in the world with substantial nuclear and conventional capabilities. Its war in Ukraine has however exposed significant weaknesses including logistical failures low troop morale and strategic miscalculations. Despite these issues Russia remains a formidable opponent particularly because of its nuclear arsenal and its ability to mobilize large forces over short periods.

Challenges for NATO

Despite its strengths NATO faces several challenges

FAQs

Is NATO stronger than Russia

In terms of economic size combined military power and technological capability NATO as a whole is stronger than Russia However Russia still poses a serious threat especially due to its nuclear weapons and regional military advantages

Would NATO respond if Russia attacked a member state

Yes under Article Five of the NATO treaty an attack on one member is considered an attack on all triggering a collective response

Has NATO increased its presence near Russia

Yes NATO has significantly increased its military presence in Eastern Europe particularly in the Baltic states Poland and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia

Can NATO defend all its eastern members effectively

NATO has developed new defense plans for its eastern members and increased troop deployments However critics argue that more work is needed to ensure rapid reinforcement in case of a sudden attack

Is nuclear war possible between NATO and Russia

While it is highly unlikely and all sides seek to avoid it the presence of nuclear weapons on both sides means the risk cannot be completely ruled out NATO maintains a policy of deterrence and does not seek confrontation but remains prepared.

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When Will BRICS Currency Be Released? What We Know So Far

When Will BRICS Currency Be Released? What We Know So Far

1. What Is the BRICS Currency?

The notion refers to a proposed joint currency or unit of account among BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—that would facilitate trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Rather than a single fiat currency like the euro, ideas include:

  • A basket-based or commodity‑backed instrument, pegged to local currencies, gold, oil, or other resources. 

  • A special drawing‑rights style synthetic currency representing weighted contributions from member currencies.

  • A digital unit of account, possibly connected to central bank digital currencies and settlement platforms.

In practice, the concept remains theoretical—no official name, launch date, or physical issuance exists.

2. Why Is It Being Proposed?

Main motivations include:

  • De‑dollarisation and reduced US dollar reliance. The dollar remains dominant in global trade and reserves; BRICS seeks to shield itself from dollar volatility, monetary policy shifts, and geopolitical influence.

  • Resilience against sanctions. Sanction‑faced members like Russia and Iran would benefit from alternative currencies and payment channels.

  • Efficiency in trade. Using local or basket‑based instruments lessens exchange‑rate friction, lowers transaction costs, and could accelerate intra‑bloc settlement.

  • Greater financial autonomy and multipolarity. BRICS wants to build its own financial infrastructure, including New Development Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), aimed at enhancing South‑South cooperation.

3. What Exactly Is Happening Now?

Recent developments show the following trajectory:

  • BRICS Summit, Rio de Janeiro, July 2025: No unified currency announced; instead, focus was on strengthening local‑currency settlements, continued technical discussions, and development of BRICS Pay, a cross‑border payment platform.

  • BRICS Pay remains under development, with Brazil tasked to pilot the system and possibly launch a pilot before end of 2026.

  • Trade in local currencies has surged, reaching an estimated ninety percent of intra‑BRICS trade—up from about sixty‑five percent two years earlier.

  • India is actively internationalizing the rupee, signing agreements and memoranda for local‑currency trade with UAE, Maldives, and others, even as a unified BRICS currency remains distant.

4. What Are the Challenges and Obstacles?

Several serious hurdles stand in the way:

  • Economic divergence. BRICS economies vary widely in scale, structure, inflation, monetary policy, and capital controls—far broader than eurozone diversity. 

  • Political sovereignty concerns. Many member states—especially India, Brazil, and South Africa—are reluctant to cede monetary authority or create supranational institutions. 

  • Technical and legal complexity. A shared currency or platform requires robust infrastructure, governance, reserve regimes, and legal frameworks, none of which exist at present. 

  • Geopolitical risk. The US has threatened tariffs and retaliation against any challenge to dollar dominance, and internal rivalries (e.g., India‑China tensions) further complicate coordination. 

  • Trust and volatility. New currencies must earn credibility over time; member states’ economic instability or policy divergence could undermine confidence.

5. Outlook and Outlook Summary

Short to medium term (2025 to mid‑2020s):

  • No BRICS currency is imminent; local currency trade and BRICS Pay are the realistic priorities.

  • Pilot of BRICS Pay possibly launching by 2026.

Longer term:

  • A phased, basket‑based or digital settlement instrument could emerge—depending on political will, technical readiness, and institutional convergence.

  • A full currency union remains unlikely unless member economies align more closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a BRICS currency in use today?

No. As of now, no unified or official BRICS currency exists or circulates.

2. What is BRICS Pay?

It is a decentralized payment messaging system aimed at enabling cross‑border transactions in local currencies, reducing costs and bypassing SWIFT. It remains under development.

3. Are BRICS nations trading in local currencies already?

Yes. Around ninety percent of trade among BRICS countries is settled in their own currencies, a surge from sixty‑five percent two years ago.

4. When might a unified BRICS currency be launched?

There is no announced date. Leaders reaffirmed the pursuit of technical discussions at the July 2025 summit, but a timeline remains uncertain.

5. What structural model might such a currency take?

Proposals include:

  • A digital or basket‑based unit backed by national currencies, gold, or commodities;

  • A synthetic SDR‑style reserve unit;

  • A CBDC‑linked settlement layer via platforms like BRICS Pay.

6. What stands in the way of implementing it?

Key obstacles are economic divergence, political sovereignty concerns, technical complexity, governance gaps, geopolitical resistance, and the need for trust and stability. 

Final Thought

The concept of a BRICS currency is compelling in theory—a symbol of financial autonomy for a multipolar world. In reality, the bloc is advancing more gradual reforms: leveraging local currencies in trade, promoting digital infrastructure like BRICS Pay, and deepening financial cooperation through institutions like the New Development Bank. While a common currency may well arise in time, the nearer-term path lies in evolving the architecture that could one day make it feasible.

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Studying CBSE from Home Without Joining a School – FAQs

Studying CBSE from Home Without Joining a School – FAQs

Options for Studying CBSE from Home:-


→ Private Candidate Registration for Class 10 and 12

→ CBSE allows students to appear as private candidates for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.

→ You can study at home and register directly with CBSE for board exams.

→ This is usually allowed only for:

  • Students who have failed in previous exams

  • Students who couldn’t attend regular school due to valid reasons

  • NIOS pass-outs or equivalent qualifications

NIOS National Institute of Open Schooling

→ If CBSE doesn’t accept your application as a private candidate, you can enroll in NIOS, which is  government-recognized and accepted as equivalent to CBSE.   
→ You can study from home and appear for board exams.

Home-schooling and CBSE-aligned Curriculum

→ You can follow the CBSE syllabus using textbooks like NCERT, online classes, YouTube, or paid platforms like BYJU’S, Vedantu, Toppr, etc.
→ However, for certification, you must register with CBSE or NIOS as a private candidate.

Important Notes

→ CBSE does not allow home-schooled students to appear for board exams unless they qualify under specific private candidate categories.
→ You can still study the full CBSE curriculum from home, but to get a recognized certificate, you must go through a proper channel.

What You Can Do Now

→ Decide which class level you are in
→ Check CBSE’s private candidate eligibility for your class on the CBSE website
→ If ineligible, consider enrolling in NIOS for certification
→ Follow the CBSE syllabus at home using NCERT books and online resources

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I study the CBSE syllabus at home without going to school?

Yes, you can study the CBSE syllabus from home using NCERT books and online resources. However, for official certification, you need to appear as a private candidate or through an open schooling system.

2. Can I appear for CBSE board exams Class 10 or 12 without enrolling in a school?

Only in certain cases. CBSE allows some students to appear as private candidates, such as:

  • Those who failed in a previous attempt

  • NIOS or equivalent passed students

  • Female candidates Class 10 only in Delhi region

  • Differently-abled students
    Check the latest eligibility on the CBSE official website.

3. What is the alternative if I’m not eligible as a private candidate?

You can register with NIOS National Institute of Open Schooling, which is a government-recognized board. It allows full homeschooling and official certification.

4. Is NIOS equal to CBSE?

Yes. NIOS is a recognized national board under the Ministry of Education and its certificates are valid for college admissions, competitive exams, and jobs.

5. How do I follow the CBSE syllabus at home?

Use these resources:

  • NCERT textbooks free online

  • CBSE sample papers and syllabus from the official site

  • Online learning platforms like BYJU’S, Vedantu, Khan Academy for CBSE

  • YouTube channels with CBSE-aligned lessons

6. Can I get coaching or tuition if I’m studying from home?

Absolutely. Many students take online coaching or private tuition while studying from home.

7. Will colleges accept my home-schooling background?

Yes, if you have a valid board certificate from CBSE as a private candidate or NIOS.

8. Is it legal to home school in India?

Yes, but the law doesn’t directly regulate home schooling. For official recognition, students must appear for exams through a recognized board like CBSE private or NIOS.

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CBSE Training Portal Login, Registration, Certificate Download – Full Guide

CBSE Training Portal Login, Registration, Certificate Download – Full Guide

The CBSE Training Portal, also known as Prashikshan Triveni, is an integrated digital platform launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to support continuous professional development of educators and school leaders. It facilitates registration, attendance tracking, feedback submission, and certification for online, offline, and blended capacity-building programmes run by CBSE Centres of Excellence (CoEs) 

Official Website:

cbseit.in/cbse/training 

2. Objectives & Purpose

  • Strengthen pedagogical and subject-specific skills

  • Promote alignment with NEP 2020 (holistic & experiential teaching)

  • Ensure standardized training across CBSE-affiliated schools

  • Support teacher and school leader professional growth

  • Track teacher participation for policy planning and compliance 

3. Key Features

3.1 Course Types

  • Capacity Building Programmes (CBPs)—subject-specific and general for secondary & senior secondary teachers

  • Designated tracks for school leaders (principals, heads, coordinators) tailored to instructional leadership, governance, and policy implementation 

3.2 Delivery Modes

  • Online sessions (webinars, workshops)

  • Offline or blended programmes at CBSE Centres of Excellence
    All types use the same registration and certification system 

3.3 Learning Resources

  • Interactive modules, video tutorials, quizzes

  • Repository of downloadable materials—lesson plans, handouts, multimedia guides

  • Webinars with Q&A interactions and peer collaboration via forums and discussion groups 

3.4 Certification & Tracking

  • Digital e‑certificates issued upon completion

  • Progress dashboard to track courses, attendance, assessments, and certifications

  • Dashboard available for individuals and institutional users 

  • Custom course recommendations based on profile (subject, grade, interests)

  • Multilingual support to accommodate diversity in instructional contexts

4. How to Register & Participate

4.1 Individual Registration

  1. Visit the official portal: cbseit.in/cbse/training

  2. Select “Register for Online Sessions” (Individual login)

  3. Enter your personal and professional details, create login credentials

  4. Browse available programmes and enroll; complete payment if required

  5. Receive confirmation by email along with a session link 

4.2 Institutional Registration

  • Schools or CoEs can register groups of teachers via institutional login using school‑level credentials (LOC credentials) 

4.3 Attendance & Certificate Download

  • Attendance and feedback are submitted during training (online or offline)

  • After completion, participants can log in and download their e‑certificate from the certificates section or dashboard 

4.4 Payment & Fee Status

  • Some programmes may levy a nominal fee

  • If payment status remains “Not Paid” after debit, use the portal’s “Check Status” feature before retrying

  • Contact your CoE or portal support with transaction details if issues persist 

5. Benefits of the Portal

  • Empowers teachers with updated pedagogical knowledge and modern teaching strategies

  • Enhances classroom delivery via digital tools and blended learning methods

  • Fosters a collaborative community of educators

  • Supports policy-driven training hours—minimum 50 CPD hours annually for each CBSE-affiliated teacher/principal 

6. Official Contact & Support

PurposeContact Details
General query / trainingPhone: 011‑22043634<br>Email: it‑training@cbse.gov.in 
Training UnitDr. B Saha, Director – Training
Phone: 011‑23216873
Email: dirtraining.cbse@gmail.com 
Technical support / portal IT unitPhone: 011‑23214737
Email: trainingportal.itunit@gmail.com
Payment-related queriesAmit Singh, HDFC Bank
011‑23211700
amit.singh26@hdfcbank.com
CBSE IT‑Training support011‑23214737 / 011‑22043634 (depending on enquiry) cbseit.in

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Prashikshan Triveni?

It is CBSE’s official Training Portal, enabling online/offline registrations, attendance, feedback, and certification for teacher training.

Q2. Who can register?

Any teacher or school leader at a CBSE-affiliated school—either individually or via your school’s institutional login.

Q3. What kinds of training are offered?

Subject-specific workshops, pedagogical CPDs, leadership modules, NEP 2020-focused programs, and general capacity‑building sessions.

Q4. Are there fees?

Some programmes charge nominal fees. Others may be free. Check the listing credentials and site instructions before registering.

Q5. How do I download my certificate?

Log into your account, navigate to the Certificates section or dashboard, and choose the completed training to download the e‑certificate.

Q6. What if payment is debited but status shows "Not Paid"?

Use the portal’s Check Status feature. If still unresolved, email your Centre of Excellence or support staff with transaction details and screenshots.


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