Time for trust and unity, not division and hatred

The author reflects on a friend's distress over government inaction following a violent incident in Pahalgam, urging calm and trust in the government's strategic response. Drawing parallels to India's 1971 military strategy, he emphasizes the importance of careful planning, diplomacy, and social unity amidst rising tensions, advocating for support rather than division in these critical times.

Brands vs influencers ruling goes beyond free speech

The Delhi High Court ruled that evidence-based criticism doesn't constitute defamation, protecting free speech and consumer rights. The judgment challenges corporate intimidation, emphasizes accountability, and recognizes the role of digital actors in shaping market standards and public discourse.

Rich Kerala, poor Bengal, and the role of the party

Kerala transformed from below-average to prosperous through strategic demographic changes, Gulf remittances, and a pragmatic approach to business, while Bengal declined due to anti-business culture and rigid communist policies, resulting in economic stagnation.

In Indus treaty pause, a reality check for Pakistan

India's pause of the Indus Waters Treaty signals escalating tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. Both nations are prepared for potential military action, with India considering heightened diplomatic and kinetic responses while Pakistan defensively denies involvement.

Mind the Gap: The weighty business of words (and why they matter)

Advocate Vrinda Grover advocates for a new term to replace ?honour killings,? highlighting the inadequacy of the existing language to describe these caste-based murders. The article discusses the societal pressures on women regarding autonomy and family honour, while also addressing the gendered nuances in language that perpetuate stereotypes. The need for a more precise terminology reflects deeper cultural issues in India.

China question facing India after Pahalgam

China's response to rising India-Pakistan tensions post-Pahalgam terror attack reflects its strategic interests. While initially advocating for restraint, Beijing later reinforced its support for Pakistan, emphasizing their "all-weather" partnership. This contrasts with its earlier stance during the 2019 Pulwama incident. China's actions indicate a desire to exploit India's focus on Pakistan to strengthen its position in border negotiations.

Towards fixing India’s flailing justice system

The fourth India Justice Report for 2025 reveals systemic issues in India’s justice system, highlighting underperformance, inequity, and delays due to inadequate funding, staffing shortages, and overwhelming workloads. With a backlog of cases and overcrowded prisons, the report calls for urgent reforms to ensure justice is accessible and effective for all, emphasizing the need for better resource management and community engagement.

Weather Bee: Why north-west India didn’t see a pleasant April like rest of India

North-west India experienced intense heat waves in April, unlike the country's relatively mild average temperature of 35.11°C. Regional temperature variations were primarily due to low rainfall and weaker western disturbances, causing temperatures to be 2°C above normal in several states.

Short Stream | Artificial judgements

Dubai filmmaker Hariprasath Rajan's short film "Vision" explores AI ethics through a hotel butler's moral dilemma, questioning artificial intelligence's emotional capabilities and potential consequences during a 24-hour filmmaking challenge.

Book Box: Reading China - Part 2

A personal exploration of Shanghai's bookstores reveals a nuanced China: friendly, modern, yet with subtle censorship. The author discovers diverse literature, experiences local culture, and reflects on the country's complexity through books and firsthand encounters.

America will have a price to pay for targeting campuses

US tightening F-1 visa policies could deter Indian students, impacting universities and economy. With 332,000 Indian students facing potential deportation, the crackdown threatens America's reputation as a global educational hub and potential economic losses.

Justifying caste killings in the name of family honour

A Supreme Court ruling highlights the brutal reality of honour killings in India, where families murder children for marrying outside caste or faith. Recent cases show persistent violence against couples, reflecting deep-rooted societal prejudices and systemic challenges in protecting individual autonomy.

Portrait of Pope Francis: His life, message, legacy

Pope Francis transformed the Catholic Church through modest living, embracing the poor, and challenging traditional stances. He softened attitudes toward homosexuality, supported migrants, and engaged in interfaith dialogue while maintaining core Catholic principles. His legacy extends through his cardinal appointments worldwide.

Terror crosses borders, so must consequences

India must counter Pakistan's terror network through strategic measures: targeting its economic vulnerabilities, disrupting drug routes, exploiting geopolitical tensions, leveraging international mechanisms, supporting oppressed communities, and launching digital warfare to isolate and weaken its adversary.

A poet with camera, and his cinema of humanism

Renowned cinematographer-director Shaji N Karun, known for poetic filmmaking, passed away at 73. A pioneering artist who collaborated with G Aravindan, he created contemplative cinema like Piravi, winning numerous international awards and transforming visual storytelling through profound humanistic narratives.