India should balance relations with the US and China, prioritizing self-respect. Disasters in Himachal are often due to human activities, not just cloudbursts. Zero-GST on premiums lacks clarity, potentially benefiting insurers, not consumers. Effective anti-corruption efforts require unbiased enforcement of existing laws and a positive attitude towards political opponents.
Parliament's monsoon session was largely unproductive. Regulation of online money gaming should acknowledge human behavior. Urgent national awareness on the misuse of antibiotics is needed. India and China should strengthen cooperation. The passing of Jaswinder Bhalla is a loss to Punjabi culture.
UTs require greater autonomy for better governance, but central control hinders this. A controversial bill raises concerns of misuse and targeting the opposition. Toll taxes burden commuters despite road tax payments. The exclusion of Futures & Options trading from the Online Gaming Bill, despite similar risks, is questioned. Prompt payment of remaining arrears to Punjab pensioners above 85 is urged.
Stray dogs require vaccination, sterilization, and relocation; adoption is encouraged. Punjab's agriculture needs modernized techniques, streamlined loans, and support for commercial crops. Haryana's community service should include counselling and skill development. Accountability bills risk becoming political tools. The Sukhna Lake floodgate opening time should be adjusted.
Apropos of ‘Collapse of nuclear grammar’; the Pakistan Army Chief has been threatening to use nuclear weapons against India. The world has not forgotten the holocaust caused by the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It is the...
GST reforms simplify indirect taxation and need technological upgrades to counter fraud. Electoral integrity is crucial, with the ECI and political parties needing to ensure fairness. Rahul Gandhi must substantiate voter list manipulation claims. The BJP's VP pick aims for electoral gains, while Putin gains strength despite Trump's efforts. The SAD is declining due to internal issues and trust erosion.
Apropos of ‘Struggle for the freedom from fear’; India’s tryst with freedom was never meant to end with the lowering of the Union Jack. Our founding leaders saw Independence as the beginning of a deeper journey — towards a society...
As we celebrate Independence Day today, we would have failed in our mission of achieving complete victory over poverty if we cannot make our millions self-sufficient. Offering freebies is no solution for getting rid of poverty. This fight can be...
Apropos of ‘Nuclear peace hangs by a thread’; if there is no marriage, there will be no divorce. Taking a cue from this phrase — if there are no nuclear arsenals, there will be no nuclear war, which is like...
The Supreme Court emphasized judicial accountability and character, correcting a prior error. Exploitation in healthcare and education necessitates government action. India should strategically use tariffs, explore new markets, and subsidize exports. Asim Munir's nuclear threat demands global scrutiny. Stray dog relocation requires balance of public safety and animal welfare. Criticism of Chola rulers' actions is disputed.
India should use tact when dealing with Trump. Modi's 'hugs' failed to secure lasting outcomes. The judiciary risks undermining democracy by limiting free speech. The Election Commission's inaction on electoral discrepancies is concerning. Sand mining mafia operates with impunity, causing environmental damage.
Trump's anger stems from India's independent stance, especially ties with Russia. US tariff hikes will impact the textile sector. Allegations of voter irregularities raised by Rahul Gandhi need a transparent ECI investigation to ensure electoral integrity.
Punjab's AAP government struggles with unfulfilled promises, particularly regarding unemployment, drugs, and corruption. Concerns exist about politicizing the military. GM maize trials are supported. India should resist pressure to open its dairy market and has conveyed its stance on Russian oil imports. Trump's frustration drives tariff actions.
Environmental damage in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is fueled by unchecked development and government negligence, prioritizing short-term gains over sustainability. The Supreme Court's green clearance ruling reinforces environmental safeguards. US tariffs on Indian imports, driven by energy security, are unfair and hypocritical, especially considering Trump's family's business interests in India.
The BJP manipulates history to promote Hindutva. Trump's tariff threats against India are irrational. His behavior is bullying and undiplomatic. Nuclear war poses an existential threat, requiring global cooperation. Ram Rahim receives preferential treatment despite his crimes. Satyapal Malik courageously criticized the Modi government.
China's oil imports from Russia and Iran challenge US pressure, exposing inconsistent energy policies. India should diplomatically address this disparity while pursuing alternative energy deals and strengthening its refining capacity. Trump's trade tariffs appear motivated by self-interest, not concern for Ukraine. The Supreme Court's comments on Rahul Gandhi are inappropriate, given past inaction on BJP-related issues. India's young cricket team's performance was commendable.
Pakistan may be aligning with the US, potentially offering oil and crypto deals, which could enable illicit financial channels. Implementation of the National Education Policy needs a comprehensive audit. A recent conviction demonstrates how justice can prevail without political interference. Cheaper medicines require government intervention in drug pricing and availability.
Pakistan benefits from its strategic location, leveraging US and China's interest, while India faces challenges with Trump's unpredictable trade tactics. India should cautiously manage its relationship with the US. Recent court rulings in major blast cases highlight flaws in investigations and the justice system. The anti-defection law needs strengthening to prevent betrayal of voters' trust.
The US under Trump's policies has shifted trade, prompting FTAs and singling out BRICS nations. India should remain calm, diversify trade, and strengthen alliances. Rahul Gandhi criticizes the Indian economy mirroring Trump's views. India's growing economy and talent pool are significant. Punjab's land pooling policy needs reconsideration. Air safety must be prioritized with thorough oversight.
Parliament's response to cross-border terrorism was weakened by partisan rhetoric and lack of unity. Debates on national security were often used for political gains, undermining the focus on issues. Merging rural areas into municipalities diminishes local governance and taxes citizens unfairly. Combating drug abuse requires collective action from various societal groups. India's US trade tariffs are relatively higher than some, but not the worst.
Debates on military operations need transparency, accountability, and national interest, not political agendas. Strong intelligence is vital for national security. India must reassess its China policy due to unmet agreements and detrimental actions. The ICJ's climate ruling highlights the need for global action, considering historical responsibility and the needs of developing nations. Electoral roll verification in Bihar raises concerns.
Letters address societal issues. One discusses religious division and the manipulation of youth. Another criticizes hospital negligence leading to patient deaths. A third highlights monsoon-related infrastructure failures. Another concerns vacancies in aviation safety agencies. One celebrates Indian chess successes. The final letter bemoans stampedes at religious pilgrimages.
Terror investigations demand utmost integrity to uphold state legitimacy and societal harmony. Bihar needs police reform, fast courts, and accountability to combat crime. Gurugram's growth requires ecological and civic planning. Religious freedom violations must be prevented with clear guidelines. Stampede deaths at religious events highlight a lack of discipline. School infrastructure must improve to prevent tragedies.
Women should assert themselves against chauvinism, as they often surpass men. India's policies and laws fail to protect women due to political influence and loopholes. Elected officials should be held accountable for negligence, such as the school collapse in Rajasthan. France's recognition of Palestine is a positive step against global apathy. The Supreme Court advised an estranged couple to resolve their issues amicably.
Medical education suffers due to commercialization and unethical practices, demanding reform. The Left's role persists due to ongoing social injustice. Food adulteration and processed foods are contributing to malnutrition, threatening future generations. Fake institutions and impersonation highlight fraud. Dialogue is needed for communal harmony. Vijay Diwas commemorates soldiers' sacrifices, urging gratitude and patriotism.
The MiG-21's service ended despite its 'flying coffin' reputation. Punjab plans tree protection legislation with potential imprisonment. The Iran-Israel shadow war threatens regional stability, impacting India's energy security. A stalking case accused was appointed as Assistant Advocate General, which is considered insensitive. Handwritten writing is nostalgically remembered.
Dhankhar's actions as VP diminished impartiality due to excessive loyalty. His resignation creates an opportunity for the Opposition to challenge the BJP if united. The swift acceptance of his resignation is concerning given his past. The NPT's principles are jeopardized by current conflicts. Gaza's humanitarian crisis requires governmental action. Punjab's land pooling policy should start as a pilot project.
The proposed anti-sacrilege bill in Punjab appears politically motivated, potentially to regain rural support lost due to farmer protests. India-Nepal border disputes should be resolved through existing mechanisms. Cybercrime requires international cooperation and awareness campaigns. Job seekers should use verified platforms and be cautious of instant money offers. The Mumbai bombings' acquittals highlight justice system flaws.
Meghalaya's healthcare is improving, but education quality lags. Tesla's India entry offers tax revenue for the government. China's Brahmaputra dam raises environmental and strategic concerns for India and Bangladesh. Parliament must have meaningful debates. Registering Kanwariyas could prevent violence during the yatra.
Freedom of speech is crucial, but must be responsible to protect dignity and harmony. Dissent and lawful expression should be protected. The 'hard right's' influence hinders societal change. US hypocrisy is evident in its handling of terrorists and Pakistan. Sanctions on Russian oil have unintended consequences and highlight NATO's double standards.