WORLD
Worsening India-China ties take a toll on Mandarin’s growth
Many Indian students and businessmen opting for the Chinese language because of its global reach and Beijing’s growing clout, in addition to booming trade ties with Taiwan and South-East Asia, begin to have second thoughts.
TRENDS
Relegated as ‘optional subject’, German language teaching takes a beating
The Ministry of Education’s decision dims prospects of a language that was gaining popularity in the country and opening up job avenues for many young Indians
INDIA
What does merit-based promotion of 3-star officers in armed forces imply? Five military veterans weigh in
The proposed plan has led to some apprehensions and reservations in the higher echelons of the forces, a policy process, which until now, was considered purely an internal matter of the military.
INDIA
Kerala spike shows why it is dangerous to let COVID guard down in festive season, warn experts
A long-drawn festive season can make or mar India’s handling of the pandemic and invite the Third Wave, loosening the country’s upper hand on the virus.
WORLD
Afghanistan: Five top diplomats decode India’s options in a fast-developing situation
New Delhi must wait and watch the scenario as it unfolds in its immediate neighbourhood. One thing is clear though: she will need to deal with the next Taliban-led government in Kabul
BUSINESS
Is a third vaccine booster dose needed? 7 experts weigh in
Experts remain divided on the efficacy of a third or booster dose of Covishield after the surprise proposal came from the chairman of SII Cyrus Poonawalla
TRENDS
India major loser in Taliban’s Afghanistan takeover, says leading South Asian strategic expert
Carol Christine Fair lauds New Delhi’s generosity in offering emergency and free visas to those stranded in Kabul, showing itself as a global leader, even as European nations have abdicated their responsibilities
WORLD
Activist Marvi Sirmed fears for women compatriots in Afghanistan
Political commentator, journalist, and human rights activist from Pakistan says she is unable to get in touch with her colleagues and friends, with social media on the blink in the country; finds chants of Islamic victory distressing.
POLITICS
Victory of Taliban extremely tragic for the region, says top Pakistani expert Ayesha Siddiqa
The thinking in Afghanistan is if we have knocked out two superpowers, USSR and the USA, what is India; predicts insurgencies like Kashmir to mushroom in the country.
POLITICS
Decoding the caste-based census, and its implications for Indian politics
With elections in Uttar Pradesh next year, followed by other state polls, regional satraps are trying to turn the clock back to the days of Mandal politics - the supposed antidote to Hindutva.
TRENDS
The dragon's growing footprint in India’s neighbourhood
With the US withdrawing from Afghanistan, the situation is ideal for China to fill the power vacuum with the help of its all-weather ally Pakistan. Afghanistan’s natural resources, its strategic location and Beijing's own investments in the CPEC are big enough temptations. But will it work?
TRENDS
Olympics 2021: Politicians squabble over India’s tiny gains
The success of the Indian men's and women's hockey teams and P.V. Sindhu, and the medal prospects of Lovlina Borgohain have started a war of words and set into motion a bunch of ludicrous claims.
BUSINESS
Kargil 1999: Lessons learnt, unlearnt and ignored
While the Indian victory came at huge human cost and indomitable courage, the same could not be said about the institutional apathy and laxity displayed by the higher echelons of the nation’s defence, intelligence, bureaucratic and political framework. It is an opportune moment to relook the Kargil Review Committee.
INDIA
India to introduce sweeping changes in defence land policy for the first time in 250 years
The new rules come ahead of a series of defence land reforms that is under consideration of the government, which is also working towards finalising a Cantonment Bill 2020, aiming to provide for development in special zones - considered virtually sacrosanct till now
WORLD
US pullout from Afghanistan: 5 top diplomats weigh in on New Delhi’s options
As the Americans plan troop withdrawal in a frenzy from a volatile region, what it means for India, Kashmir, and South Asia
INDIA
COVID blues: Doctors, hospitals brace for more assaults and lengthy litigation
The overworked, stressed out and fragile Indian health care system has new problems on its plate as the pandemic throws up fresh and substantive challenges hitherto not witnessed.
INDIA
5 top experts weigh in on the possibility of a Third Wave, COVID-inappropriate behaviour and vaccination
There have been enough warnings and road maps laid down on how to stockpile medical infrastructure. This, coupled with months of experience by the government and public alike on how to handle a pandemic, is ideal learning ground. If still the country fails now, it will be difficult to find scapegoats
BUSINESS
Serum Institute’s inability to meet global commitment will disrupt vaccine supply chains: Gavi
By the end of June, global vaccine alliance staring at a shortfall of 190 million doses.
INDIA
Some experts question 2-DG, but DRDO defends its Covid wonder drug
The lack of published data on 2-DG’s performance in human trials, opaqueness on whether the Phase-III trial objectively evaluated the benefit from, or lack of it, are uncomfortable questions surrounding the drug. But DRDO says approval for emergency use is given to the drug for saving lives in such a pandemic situation, which cannot wait the lengthy peer review process.
INDIA
How India’s vaccination drive could play out with the available shots
By August, suggest some experts, the situation will ease. July is the crucial month when indigenous production of vaccines will go up, as will imports
INDIA
What scientists know about Indian Covid variants such as B.1.617 and what the future holds
In order to minimise the impact of B.1.617 and keep an eye on future variants that are bound to be discovered, there is urgent need to ramp up genome sequencing to 5 percent of all tests on a monthly basis and ensure that the data on variants of concern from genomic surveillance is shared across the districts.
TRENDS
Assembly Elections Results 2021: Muslim candidates won 13% of seats in the four states and one UT that went to polls
'With the decline of the Congress and the BJP less than welcoming, it is the regional parties that are offering them (minority politicians) the opportunity to win elections from general constituencies.'
BUSINESS
Open up licensing to develop vaccines and accelerate vaccination drive, demand medical experts
Companies other than Bharat Biotech must be given contracts to manufacture the indigenously developed Covaxin in bulk. This is the time to open licensing to any company that wants to produce vaccines and for anyone who wants to take a jab, per doctors.
POLITICS
The lesson from West Bengal assembly election: Never undermine a street fighting, regional satrap
10 years on, Mamata Banerjee, who knocked out the well-entrenched Left from its bastion in 2011, delivers the Right a blow of epic proportions.
