The killing of 26 tourists at Pahalgam in the Kashmir valley has once again brought pain and instability to a region already burdened by decades of conflict. The loss of innocent lives — whether of civilians, security personnel or others...
With reference to ‘Education for sale: Middle class contradictions’; the government must ensure equal access to education by addressing disparities in infrastructure, resources and opportunities. At the same time, citizens must demand accountability, advocate for a strong public education system...
Refer to ‘Nepal can ill afford return of monarchy’; the recent pro-monarch demonstrations are a result of deep anger, dissatisfaction and resentment of the people against the main political parties who have been alternately sharing power for the last two...
Apropos of ‘Ominous churning on India’s frontiers’(The Great Game); Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have remained hostile since the 1971 Liberation War, but the dynamics have changed since PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year. Recent strategic military collaboration between Bangladesh and Pakistan...
Refer to ‘New Waqf law reeks of divisive agenda’; the aim of the law is to empower the poor and protect women, claims PM Modi. But his government failed to explain how it would be done. It was not able...
This refers to ‘Deep tech needs deep investments’; Indian scientists and engineers are conducting groundbreaking research in deep technology in other countries, but not in India. Spending on research and development (R&D) is relatively low here compared to smaller countries...
Refer to ‘Sounds of a shotgun wedding’; the AIADMK has become the BJP’s crutches that it needs to make its presence felt in Tamil Nadu. Given the allegations that the BJP is trying to impose Hindi on south Indian states...
Apropos of ‘India, Lanka no longer confined by bounds of bilateralism’; it is no secret that the majority of India’s diplomatic capital is spent on its complex neighbourhood, where even friendly countries often take New Delhi for granted. India’s approach...
Apropos of ‘Guvs have no discretion, are bound by the Cabinet advice: SC’; unfortunately, governance has become so politicised that the Supreme Court has to intervene in every matter, big or small. Now, the SC has ruled that governors don’t...
Pak silence implies complicity Apropos of ‘The sounds of silence from Pakistan’ (The Great Game); for 17 years, justice has remained hostage to Pakistan’s desperation to bury the truth. When concerned citizens like the chief of its investigative agency, Tariq...
Apropos of ‘America’s great unravelling begins at home and abroad’; Trump’s tariff war is dismantling the settled trade system, which was beneficial to the comity of nations. Trump wants to Make America Great Again (MAGA), but can it grow in...
Refer to ‘Proposed changes to transplanting dates raise alarm’; despite the hue and cry over the depleting groundwater level, neither the state government nor the Centre is coming out with a concrete policy. The state must take up the matter...
Refer to ‘India’s strategy to win trade war’; Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are a disruptive and unfair trade practice. It is quite unlikely that such a system will be acceptable to any nation. India cannot afford to grant tariff concessions on...
Refer to ‘Shun toxic mix of religion, politics’; India is witnessing a disturbing trend where political parties are blatantly mixing religion with politics. This venomous blend fuels communal tensions, silences dissent and polarises society along religious lines. Instead of addressing...
Refer to ‘When Modi met Yunus in Bangkok’ (The Great Game); the article aptly captures the shifting sands in Dhaka — from Yunus’ provocative remarks in Beijing to the quiet re-entry of the ISI and signs of US orchestration. His...
With reference to ‘The tariff challenge’; the reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods imposed by the US pose a threat to trade in sectors such as textiles, engineering and fisheries, whereas pharmaceuticals and energy products have escaped the blow. India enjoys...
Apropos of ‘AI tools are fuelling a free-for-all’; AI’s rapid expansion is reshaping work culture, but the debate over its ethical use is crucial. The flood of AI-generated content is diluting originality, making it harder to distinguish human intellect from...
Refer to ‘Balancing trade’: India’s response to tough US tariffs reflects a careful balancing act. The amendment to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act may open the nuclear energy domain to private sector investment and operation, exemplifying India’s long-term...
Refer to ‘Recognising signs of suicidal distress before it’s too late’; when a child contemplates ending his or her life, it’s a clear indication that society has failed him/her. Where do we go wrong? Do we prioritise academic achievement over...
Apropos of ‘How Punjab can contain its debt burden’; the state may consider establishing an independent Public Debt Management Cell as an interim arrangement. A similar cell is working at the Centre under the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of...
With reference to ‘The shifting lakshman rekha of fear’ (The Great Game); the Supreme Court’s dismissal of an FIR against Imran Pratapgarhi for posting a song that hurt religious sentiments and Kunal Kamra’s defiant stand on his remarks against Maharashtra’s...
With reference to ‘Suicidal course’; the Darwinian struggle implies that only the fittest and strongest survive. However, it also suggests that it is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most adaptable...
Apropos of ‘AAP’s Budget vision’; Rs 14,524 crore has been allocated for the agricultural sector in the Punjab Budget, which is significantly higher than the previous year. The new scheme to diversify from the traditional paddy crop to maize in...
Refer to ‘Gig economy faces grim reality’; the gig workers are doing a yeoman’s service and they deserve to be treated with respect. In the present times, where joint families have become redundant and old people have to live alone...
Apropos of ‘Anti-dumping duties’; the imposition of these duties on Chinese goods is a welcome step. Anti-dumping duties are slapped on goods to protect the domestic industry from a surge in cheap imports. Though both India and China are members...
Refer to ‘Myriad hurdles impede course of justice’; a critical barrier to judicial reform is the lack of public persuasion and political will. Most citizens get a peek into the legal system only during a personal crisis, making reform a...
With reference to ‘Why AAP chose to confront farmers’; the police crackdown on protesters on the Punjab-Haryana borders is a betrayal of the farming community. The reasons for the sudden clampdown may have been a secret pact with the Centre,...
With reference to ‘Govt vs farmers’; the sudden U-turn by the AAP government towards the demands of farmers has raised eyebrows. The midnight operation at protest sites was perhaps prompted by political compulsions. The demand to allow free movement of...
Apropos of ‘Quick, surprise eviction after 399 days’; political compulsions compelled the AAP government in Punjab to launch an eviction drive at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders after over a year. The government acted after Ludhiana traders warned AAP’s national...
Apropos of ‘Looking forward to hosting you: PM to Sunita’; NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are back after spending nine difficult months in space. Both waved and smiled as they emerged from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which splashed...
