TRAVEL
What culture tells us about Vietnam’s ties to India
At the level of Vietnamese elite, a peaceful transfer of Indian culture to Vietnam from the beginning of the Common Era is used to balance the influence of China. For an India lacking powerful economic or military instruments, collaboration in preservation of Champa monuments, or support for the practice of Yoga in Vietnam, demonstrates willingness to deploy an effective China- facing capability
TRENDS
Indian hockey leaves Pakistan behind as economic heft catapults it back to the top tier
Between 1980 and 2000, Pakistan dominated bilateral clashes with India. Then, the economic tide turned with India pulling ahead. Along with it came more resources and attitudinal change. Result: India is an Olympic medal contender, while Pakistan isn’t there in Paris
SPORTS
Olympic history: How artificial surfaces altered the balance of power in world hockey
Summer Olympics: In 1976 Indian hockey failed to throw its weight around, to resist the switch from natural grass surface to artificial turf. Here's why India should reclaim its position of power in world hockey today.
WORLD
Explaining The Maldives’ tilt towards China
Muizzu is reaching out to a number of nations beside China. Diversifying foreign partnerships was one of his electoral promises. Muizzu follows a succession of leaders who have tilted towards either India or China by turn. It is really hard to put all the actions of former Presidents Solih, Yameen and Nasheed squarely in pro-India or pro-China boxes. Muizzu might pursue a similar policy straddling the India-China divide
WORLD
Explaining India’s stand on the Gaza conflict
India’s fixed pro-Palestine stand made the Arabs take it for granted and become disdainful of India’s core concerns like Kashmir. Tilting towards Israel is bad but tilting towards the Palestinians is worse, runs the thinking in New Delhi now
