OPINION | The social contract from Brooklyn to Bihar represents a tussle between imagination and fiscal gravity
Voters may desire stronger state intervention, but they judge credibility through the prism of institutional muscle. Moral intention matters, but capacity determines whether the promise feels real
OPINION | Delhi terror attack strains old fault lines, but there’s been a silver lining in the response
Terrorism does not weaken our resolve when terrorists kill. It weakens us when we begin to doubt one another. The police can guard the streets. But only society can guard the soul
OPINION | Draft Electricity Amendment Bill represents a missed opportunity for reform
On the positive side, linking to tariffs to costs is a step forward. However, the underlying approach to legislation is hamstrung by a reluctance to allow genuine market-driven competition in the power sector
Beyond Freebies: How BJP's social engineering, coalition mastery delivered Bihar's landslide
The NDA's sweeping victory in Bihar is less about welfare schemes and more about strategic social engineering, disciplined coalition management, and the BJP's ability to transform political arithmetic into electoral dominance
Bihar's landslide verdict cements bullish case for India's political economy
Bihar's decisive verdict proves that targeted welfare and infrastructure spending build durable political coalitions while generating the consumption demand and policy stability that investors prize
OPINION | Trump’s Asia Visit: Key lessons for India in securing a fair deal with the US
Trump's Asia visit highlighted key economic and security deals with allies, offering India valuable lessons on leveraging market, money, and minerals to secure comprehensive deals and strengthen strategic ties with the US
OPINION | Why ‘Bharat Mata’ is central to the RSS’s concept of patriotism
RSSFACTS: For the RSS, patriotism is intertwined with devotion to the nation as a divine, collective entity. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the central role of ‘Bharat Mata’ in RSS ideology, emphasising its spiritual significance
OPINION | India’s foreign policy has become merely a domestic performance
Foreign policy isn't about theatrics, but endurance. True power lies in consistent influence. It's time for India to shift from performance to rebuilding quiet regional trust
OPINION | Karnataka’s proposed law to aid domestic workers will end up hurting them
Well intentioned it may be but the wholly foreseeable consequences of the Bill may make people reluctant to hire domestic help. In addition, it sets the stage for another inspector raj
OPINION | India needs to rethink its Central Asia strategy after the Ayni airbase exit
India’s exit from Tajikistan’s Ayni airbase underscores the need for renewed, sustained engagement with Central Asia, leveraging trade, investment and connectivity to balance regional powers and revive strategic influence
Women voters may shape outcome in Bihar’s second phase: 17 of 29 women-leaning seats go to polls
Constituencies in female-leaning regions of Seemanchal and Koshi will pose crucial tests for BJP and Congress
OPINION | As SIR of electoral rolls enters second phase, Opposition and legal challenges intensify
Opposition parties, led by the DMK, have challenged the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging constitutional overreach, flawed procedures, and potential voter disenfranchisement, with the Supreme Court set to examine its legality
OPINION | US Disengagement from East Asia: Rhetoric or reality?
Despite rhetoric of retreat, the US remains deeply engaged in the Indo-Pacific, where rising Chinese power and regional tensions demand greater allied contributions and shared strategic responsibility
The US is wooing Central Asia under the shadow of China, Russia
Several trade, diplomatic, and mineral deals have been announced. A new global race for critical minerals is now on. But challenges abound
OPINION | Bihar Votes: Women voters likely to stick to the tried and tested Nitish Kumar's promises
It’s raining sops for women in election manifestos as the two main alliances compete for their votes. A journalist who journeyed through the state argues that Nitish Kumar’s track record of delivery over 20 years appears to outweigh promises of greater benefits from the Opposition
OPINION | Pakistan’s Taliban miscalculation
The Pakistani State believed that its proxy, once in power, would remain subservient. However, the Taliban’s takeover in 2021 transformed an insurgency in need of sanctuary to a ruling administration providing it
Beijing is winning the Asia-Pacific
China is moving with strategic intent in the region, bringing countries closer with its regional integration efforts, while the US’ focus on tactical deals may see it lose out in the long run
Bihar's Job Promises: A confession of crisis
The extravagant job pledges dominating Bihar's elections reveal a deeper truth about the state's crippling underemployment and economic distress
OPINION | Trump-Xi Talks: Short-term truce, long-term friction
The cessation of trade hostilities covered just recent measures. China’s official stance was a candid “occasional friction is normal”. US’ need to contain China’s expanding capability makes conflict in economic and technological domains inevitable
OPINION | Sardar Patel’s Legacy: Unity, integration, and the spirit of Ekta
RSSFACTS: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy of national integration. His correspondence reveals nuanced views on the RSS, while modern celebrations, like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, promote unity and shared national identity
OPINION | BJP goes all out for Bihar election, with Modi leading from the front
Modi travelled to Bihar at least once every month since February to launch central projects. During some months, he visited Bihar more than once. Other BJP heavyweights too are pulling out all stops
‘Ashoka University Won’t Expand to Other Cities’ | Pramath Raj Sinha & Ashish Dhawan LIVE
Two institution builders, Pramath Raj Sinha and Ashish Dhawan, in conversation with Shweta Punj of Moneycontrol, discuss the opportunities and challenges of higher education in India and building institutions in India. Adapting curriculums to a fast changing world and nurturing the spirit of free speech on campus
Bihar Elections: Beyond caste, youth and women voters hold the key
As Bihar heads to polls in November, traditional caste equations are being disrupted by two powerful forces: empowered women and unemployed youth demanding change
OPINION | Cast(e) in stone in Bihar
Caste remains the decisive factor in influencing a voter’s choice. Given that, the opposition seems to have done a good job in stitching together an array, giving it an edge in a tight contest
