“A fool, paid-to-tweet celebrity who can’t find Punjab on the map, member of global Left cabal”: Rihanna was called this and worse by one side in India’s Twitter akhara. For others, she’s an instant anti-Modi mascot. She got a cheat-sheet into the most argumentative democracy. It was an entertaining spectacle.
Putin is forgetting history. People’s anger over targeting Alexey Navalny will consume Russia
Russia’s decision to jail opposition leader Alexey Navalny for two years can only make him a more powerful symbol of the rising disapproval for President Putin. Authoritarian leaders, especially in flawed democracies such as Russia, shouldn’t forget history. Surging public unhappiness can consume the country if opposition isn’t given space.
BJP playing with fire by delaying CAA rules and decision on NRC
Modi government’s decision to further delay making CAA rules and not taking a decision on NRC ‘till now’ reeks of a cynical ploy to keep polarising issues simmering. Hyphenating CAA-NRC was always a bad idea. By keeping them dangling ahead of crucial assembly elections, BJP continues to play with fire.
Graded water tariff good. Modi govt’s move will help manage supply better
Modi government’s decision to accept 15th Finance Commission’s recommendation for graded water tariff deserves praise. People must pay for what they consume, especially a precious resource. Free supply leads to overuse and wastage. It’s a demonstration of political will but it can also help manage supply better and improve efficiency.