Independent Institute

The Indian Express has published a special investigation into the Election Commission of India, reporting that the Election Commissioners are divided on key issues concerning the body's functioning. The report offers an inside look at disagreements within the commission, which oversees elections in the world's largest democracy. The findings are drawing attention amid ongoing public debate about the independence and credibility of India's electoral institution.

India's electoral process is facing unprecedented scrutiny, with growing debate over public faith in how the country's elections are conducted. Questions are being raised about the independence and transparency of election institutions, prompting national and international discussion about whether trust in the world's largest democratic exercise has been shaken and what reforms might follow.

Poland's central bank is described as trapped in a political contest, according to the Financial Times. The report highlights growing tensions around the institution, suggesting its independence is under pressure amid a broader struggle over political influence in Poland. The row adds to scrutiny of the bank's leadership and policy decisions at a sensitive moment for the country's economy and institutions.

The Kennedy Center in Washington is being referred to as the Trump Kennedy Center, following Donald Trump's takeover of the institution's leadership earlier in 2025, when he removed board members and installed himself as chairman. Reports and commentary continue to focus on the renaming or rebranding of the iconic performing arts centre and what it means for its independence and legacy.

The American Alliance of Museums has endorsed the Smithsonian Integrity and Historical Independence Act of 2026, legislation introduced in Congress by Representatives Stanbury (D-NM) and Jackson. The bill aims to protect the Smithsonian Institution's independence from political interference, and the AAM says congressional action is needed to safeguard the museum and research complex's autonomy.

The Child Mind Institute is drawing attention to 'failure to launch' syndrome, a term used to describe young adults who struggle to move out of the family home, hold jobs or live independently. Discussion centres on why more young people are struggling with the transition to adulthood and how parents can help without enabling dependence.

Para Site, one of Hong Kong's best-known contemporary art spaces, is leaving its long-time Quarry Bay venue and will operate without a permanent home, staging projects at different sites instead. The move marks a significant shift for a non-profit institution that has been a fixture of the city's independent art scene.

The Independent Institute has published a news article examining the underlying causes of inflation. The piece questions commonly cited explanations such as supply chains or stimulus spending, suggesting alternative factors may be driving price increases. The precise arguments and findings are not detailed in the available information.

The Council of Europe presented an updated version of its Rule of Law Checklist to the European Parliament. The checklist is a practical tool used to assess how well states uphold the rule of law, covering areas such as independence of the judiciary and protection of fundamental rights. The presentation signals continued cooperation between the two institutions on rule-of-law monitoring.

An independent federal commission has criticized the White House's handling of antisemitism at Columbia University and other campuses, according to the Columbia Daily Spectator. The criticism targets the federal response to campus antisemitism concerns, with Columbia singled out among the universities involved. The report comes amid ongoing national debate over how institutions and the government address antisemitism on college campuses.

A Bozeman Daily Chronicle opinion piece argues that courts should remain free of political influence, making the case that judicial decisions should rest on law rather than partisan pressure. The piece weighs in on ongoing debates in the United States over the politicisation of the judiciary and public trust in legal institutions.

Reporters Without Borders brought together EU institutions and exiled Russian journalists in Brussels to promote the Svoboda satellite package, an initiative designed to bypass Kremlin censorship and deliver independent news to audiences in Russia and occupied territories. The event underlines growing EU interest in supporting exiled media as Russian state propaganda tightens its grip on domestic information channels.

The governor of Mexico's central bank, Banxico, said the institution can chart its own interest rate path independently of the US Federal Reserve. The statement signals that Mexican monetary policy decisions will be driven by domestic inflation and economic conditions rather than automatically following the Fed's moves. It comes as markets watch whether emerging-market central banks will diverge from US rate policy.

Reporters Without Borders brought its case to Brussels, urging European Union institutions to support exiled journalism as a way to counter Russian propaganda. The press freedom group argues that independent media forced out of Russia play a key role in providing accurate information to Russian-speaking audiences. The initiative calls for EU backing of these outlets as part of Europe's broader response to disinformation.

Dance Art Journal has published a feature on Pearl Seraphina, examining what it means to work as an independent artist today. The piece explores the realities of building a career without institutional backing, from self-producing work to sustaining a livelihood. It offers a window into the challenges and freedoms of independent practice in the performing arts.

Adventist Today is examining whether the Seventh-day Adventist Church maintains close institutional ties to the United Nations. The question touches on a long-running debate within the denomination, where some members worry that official engagement with UN bodies, including its status as an NGO, could compromise the church's independence, while others see advocacy work as consistent with its humanitarian mission. The publication invites readers to weigh the evidence behind the claim.

The governor of New York has called for an independent investigation into rape allegations connected to Cornell University. The move comes amid mounting public concern over how the allegations have been handled by the university and local authorities. Calls are growing for transparency and accountability, with officials under pressure to ensure the case is examined outside existing institutional channels.