opinion

Today, the Iranian economy is in poor shape, despite the oil revenues that hold it back from the brink of collapse. People are unhappy with high unemployment rates, hyper-inflation and never-ending sanctions.

Experts argue that the prospects for the Quad-led initiative remain limited in the short term, even if it could, over time, help pave the way for a ceasefire.

There are many unanswered questions. What about copyright? What about your privacy? What happens if the technology becomes outdated or the business closes? Does the data get sold on? Does the digital twin also “die”, and what effect does this have for a second time on the bereaved?

These days the scene inside our parliament looks worse than the retreat ceremony at Wagah Border where the soldiers from two neighbours, India and Pakistan, resort to mock shows of hostility. In the parliament, sadly, the hostility is real.

Since taking control in a coup in 2022, President Ibrahim Traore has kicked out French troops, banned political outfits, developed ties with Russia, imposed tariffs and shaken up West Africa.

On February 4, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee became the first sitting CM to personally argue against the ongoing SIR exercise in West Bengal before the Supreme Court. However, this move sparked a wide debate with many questioning whether it was ‘appropriate’

If this is the end for Starmer, a serious and damaging pattern in British politics and public life will have been reinforced. Since David Cameron stepped down in 2016, no prime minister has lasted more than about three years. The impatience and intolerance of voters with the political classes has increased, and will only increase further.

In the mad race of being seen as “Modi’s critics”, these spokespersons go an extra mile and in the process, forget to draw a line between policy criticism and personal abuse.

Allowing New Start to lapse is a negative signal but it is unlikely to immediately trigger a cold war-style arms race. Washington and Moscow seem more confident in their assured second-strike capabilities than they were then, with fewer concerns about a disarming first strike. And, no matter the rhetoric, both will probably want to avoid rocking the boat too much or too soon.

When Navjot Kaur Sidhu described Rahul as Pappu and when Navjot Sidhu maintained a silence about it, there must have been some feeling of loss and regret within the family, realising that they had thrown away a pearl for a pebble.

Female genital mutilation is not tradition; it is violence. Southeast Asia has the tools to act, but action must come with urgency. A coordinated regional strategy, backed by strong legislation, accountability, and support for survivors, will be key to ending FGM/C and protecting future generations.

The 16th Finance Commission has recalibrated tax devolution to balance equity with performance, increasing the southern states’ share while retaining the overall 41 per cent allocation to states. New criteria, including GDP contribution, mark a shift from earlier redistribution models.