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Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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StateDraft

Many faces of actor Dileep—Ernakulam boy, Malayalam cinema ‘star’ & ‘villain’ in actress assault case

Once one of Malayalam cinema’s most bankable stars, Dileep became one of its most polarising figures. Acquitted after eight years, he now looks set to return to the spotlight with a new release.

Praise from citizens, brickbats from politicians: ‘Upright’ IAS Tukaram Mundhe & his many transfers

Mundhe had faced 23 transfers in 20 years, but his Nagpur posting remains the most contentious, still causing headaches for the IAS officer five years later.

Why Panjab University row struck such a chord. A 143-yr legacy shaped by Partition, patronage & politics

The Centre’s bid to modify the composition of the university’s two decision-making bodies from elected bodies to nominated ones has sparked an unprecedented student protest on campus.

Families hopeful as Kamathipura finally on brink of a makeover. But sex workers have no place in it

Mumbai: Gritty women dressed in bright saris or salwars walking down narrow alleys, their faces painted with garish make-up, flowers in their hair. Lecherous...

The Thevar factor in southern Tamil Nadu & how DMK, AIADMK have harnessed it for electoral gains

Traditionally an AIADMK votebank, the Thevars are now seen to be moving towards DMK. While they may influence how other communities vote, are they numerically strong enough to play kingmaker?

How Centre’s downsizing of Panjab University Senate has sparked larger debate on democracy & federalism

With PU's top decision-making Syndicate to function without elections, it marks control of Centre over 142-year-old university. The Senate’s strength is down from 90 to 24 members.

Punjab’s war on drugs fell victim to abuse. 8 years on, an overhaul begins

2016 survey estimated that 15.4% of Punjab's population was engaged in substance use. Latest NCRB report says state recorded highest no. of overdose deaths for 2nd straight year in 2023.

Rise of Murlidhar Mohol, Modi’s minister & former wrestler now grappling with Jain land row

BJP is keeping its distance from the controversy involving Murlidhar Mohol as it finds itself dealing with weight of alliance and risk of alienating Jains, a traditional support base.

How handover of Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘Jore Sahib’ has put spotlight on scattered relics of Sikh Gurus

Scholars say many of these relics, especially those in private hands, are at risk of getting lost or damaged without systematic documentation.

The hardliner BJP underestimated: Medha Kulkarni’s journey from sidelined MLA to Hindutva MP

BJP's Medha Kulkarni, now Rajya Sabha MP, came under the spotlight recently for her ‘gaumutra’ protest at ‘Shaniwarwada’ after a video showed women offering ‘namaz’ at the site.

On Camera

What happened at India-Pakistan Tashkent negotiations?

The Soviets paid great attention to protocol at the Tashkent talks. Arrangements for the two delegations were exactly the same. It was also backed by the US and the UK.

Trump threatens India with fresh tariffs on Russian oil, calls PM Modi a ‘good guy’

The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.