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Monday, February 16, 2026
TopicSoft power

Topic: soft power

Sholay conquered Iran, China, Russia. At 50, restored classic is visiting Italy and Canada

Sholay made its European debut to cheers at a screening in Bologna, Italy, and is slated for its North American premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

RSS, power politics, and the Deep State—transparency is the only antidote

When any political executive has to choose between loyalty and competence, the former takes priority. And I say this with authority, having worked with multiple parties and governments.

Japan to Russia, why Fadnavis is wooing Marathi diaspora — long-term goals, short-term power tussle

Fadnavis has intensified his focus on the Marathi diaspora since he took charge as Deputy CM in the Eknath Shinde-led govt, as evidenced in his 3 foreign trips over the past year.

Talk of yoga & diaspora is fine, but hard power is where Indo-US relationship really shines

Because of its growing military and economic clout, India can afford to be assertive in its foreign policy, ignore the West when buying Russian oil & gain entry to key international clubs.

G20 kickstarts ‘subnational diplomacy’ in India. Smaller cities contributing to global conversations

By organising events and activities alongside meetings, India is involving local communities, civil society organisations, and youth groups. The regional approach to hosting G20 meetings allows India to showcase its soft power.

China trying to build soft power, but its voice outside is brittle and wooden

In ‘The Ultimate Goal’, former R&AW Chief Vikram Sood writes on how Chinese leaders presume the main method of exercising soft power is through state institutions.

Indian food fourth most popular in the world, a study of cuisine trade finds

With Italian, Japanese & Chinese food occupying top 3 spots, cuisine emerges as weakest link in Anglo-American cultural hegemony, says study by US economist.

Prasar Bharati wants to switch off AIR short-wave service, India’s voice around the world

Prasar Bharati's decision might hurt India's reach, but public broadcaster justifies move, saying 'short-wave transmissions hardly have any impact anymore on global opinion-making'.

Until 2016, India was on course to break into soft power group of 30 nations. Then it fell

It is systemic issues like corruption, poverty, inequality, gender inequality, and pollution that weigh on global perceptions of India.

Attempts at remaking India are eroding its soft power globally

India's soft power globally is being undermined by the fact by the impression that it is being governed by obscurantist and intolerant forces. 

On Camera

How Nehru defended restrictions on freedom of speech and the press

On 29 May 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru defended adding 'reasonable restrictions' to Article 19, arguing that free speech must be balanced with national security and unity.

Andhra proposes Rs 100-cr wealth fund, eyes Norway-style sovereign fund model to drive growth

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented a Rs 3.32 lakh crore budget for 2026–27 in the assembly Saturday.

Top US military commander applauds ‘India’s tactical execution’ during Op Sindoor; adds ‘there’s lessons too’

On bilateral ties, Admiral Paparo said India-US ties have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain the peace.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.