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Tuesday, April 28, 2026
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Opinion

Zakaria report on China’s six-day long Covid coverup, and a hockey legend’s patriotism

In episode 479, Shekhar Gupta discusses the highlights of American journalist Fareed Zakaria's investigative report on a potential coverup of Covid-19 by China during the first outbreak.

Jobless workers’ crisis can be Congress’ suit boot ki sarkar moment. It can embarrass Modi

If handled astutely, the crisis affecting lakhs of poor labourers can help Congress corner Modi govt and come out of a deep rut of political irrelevance.

How India can end Chinese transgressions: Take conflict to a place Beijing is worried about

India can't deter China from using Himalayan skirmishes unless it goes on the offensive elsewhere. New Delhi's message must be: 'Do not poke us here and we won't poke you there'.

Covid pandemic has reminded us there are limits to our understanding of science

Similar to how the 2008 global recession left economists confused, scientists are still trying to figure out the right response to coronavirus.

Journalists want novelty in Covid coverage and end up amplifying the trivial

When novelty replaces context, the result is a less-informed but more up-to-date public. Rushing journalists can mistakenly inflate the importance of small updates.

WHO must report to UNSC on pandemics, make independent assessments

At present, the WHO cannot work independently of governments. The governance structure around the election of its leadership must be reformed.

By sealing Delhi NCR borders, Covid has ended fluidity between where labourers live and work

The very labourers who have held on for over two months of lockdown and not left, are now abandoning Delhi NCR in droves.

Congress has split into three parties, and not one of them is good at politics

The labourers’ crisis was a lifeline for the Congress, but it didn’t know how to take it.

Disabled Indians can’t be afterthought in Covid. Disability secys needed in all ministries

Most quarantine centres in India are inaccessible for the disabled. And those at home are struggling alone. Modi government needs joint secretaries for disability.

Mission Jai Hind, and why some of its key points are a bad idea for India

In episode 478 of #CutTheClutter, Shekhar Gupta analyses the seven-point agenda liberal economists have put together as a roadmap to recover from the Covid crisis.

On Camera

Bengal once had arenas for identity battles—stadiums, football, jerseys. Now it’s polling booths

From Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to Mohammedan Sporting, footbclubs once shaped identity, pride and belonging across Bengal’s social fabric. Now, the political field has taken over.

As govt weighs mandatory silver hallmarking, new report flags economic & operational bottlenecks

Koan Advisory report warns that infra gaps could hurt small businesses and artisans, recommends transition period of 3-5 yrs for industry to adapt.

What theaterisation could look like: Rotational CDS, three-star theatre commanders in initial years

The proposed structure envisions the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) rotating between the Army, Navy and Air Force, it is learnt.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.