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The FinePrint

Iran’s terror bombings show Middle East is on edge. We don’t have infinite time for dialogue

Last week’s bombings, which claimed nearly a hundred lives, targeted mourners gathered to commemorate the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020.

‘Hard to see countrymen fight’ — Assam Rifles, Army soldiers in Manipur on family & ethnic strife

Eight months since ethnic conflict erupted in Manipur, security personnel remain deployed there to maintain order in a state where peace remains fragile.

Rise of veganism has been hard in vegetarian-friendly India. Milk is the final frontier 

The rise of veganism in India is reflected in restaurant and cafe menus incorporating vegan options, and the opening of more vegan-only food businesses like One Good.

Ayodhya joy sweeps NCR RWAs. LED screens, Ram recitals, temple replicas, havans

RWAs and housing societies have become the driving force of the Ram temple outreach programmes of the VHP and RSS across Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.

IAS officer KK Pathak is the TN Seshan of Bihar schools. But can fear bring reform?

Pathak's 'undemocratic' measures as the additional chief secretary of education are infamous in Bihar. He’s suspending teachers, slashing salaries, striking truant students off rolls.

Bangladesh elections have pitted the West against Sheikh Hasina. But she has Modi’s support

The UK’s BBC has described the Bangladesh elections as a ‘one-woman show’, while the US’ Associated Press says Sheikh Hasina ‘threatens democracy’.

Rama and the King: How an ancient hero was used by Pala poets, Chola emperors

For centuries, Rama has been used by litterateurs and rulers to legitimise themselves.

Tamil Nadu is the new China+1 for shoes. Crocs, Nike, Adidas foot India’s manufacturing push

Taiwan giants like Shoetown, Feng Tay, Pou Chen, and Hong Fu are setting up huge non-leather shoe factories in Tamil Nadu. Made in India footwear will take over world, say industry leaders.

If Rajiv Gandhi had listened to Arun Nehru, Ayodhya politics would look very different

Arun Nehru, who sought to be Court Chamberlain in the Rajiv Gandhi-era, argued to continue with Indira Gandhi’s policy of playing the Hindu card in a subtle way that did not alienate Muslims.

Red Sea attacks a rent-seeking gesture not war cry. Bombing Yemen won’t fix the crisis

For the moment, Israel's conflict in Gaza provides enough legitimacy to deploy substantial peacekeeping forces through the Red Sea, but the model is unsustainable.

On Camera

How Saba Azad became the accidental voice of Bengal’s language protests

Bengalis are hurt over a statement by the Delhi police calling Bangla a ‘Bangladeshi language’ and the lines Azad sang have unwittingly become protest music in Kolkata now.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

President awards 1st set of Sarvottam Yudh Seva medals since Kargil, 7 honoured for leading Op Sindoor

This year, the Indian Air Force received four of the seven awards, followed by the Indian Army with two medals, and the Indian Navy with one. 

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.