Articles

Two quizmasters, on the facts

Two quizmasters in conversation. Derek O’Brien: This is the first time we’re doing something like this. Thank you, Siddhartha. Siddhartha Basu: It’s the first time ever the both of us have been together, and I’m delighted. DOB: You and I met just three years ago. And it was such a beautiful occasion. We had dinner at home. You… Continue reading Two quizmasters, on the facts

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Unseeing the Northeast

Framing of Meghalaya honeymoon case speaks of a disconcerting pattern when it comes to the region “Even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don’t even open properly” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, May 27. If the Prime Minister of India can propagate a hurtful stereotype against the 4.5 crore people living… Continue reading Unseeing the Northeast

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BJP Manifesto: Promise versus Reality

June 9 marks exactly one year since Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in. Before the elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) published a 69-page manifesto. Here are 15 promises from the BJP Manifesto 2024. What is the reality in 2025. 1. Promise: Expanding our efforts to protect garib ki thali (page 11). Reality: According… Continue reading BJP Manifesto: Promise versus Reality

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The Government’s Parliament-ophobia

Centre’s skittishness about calling a Special Session is of a piece with its attitude to parliamentary precedents and principles This week, leaders from 17 political parties wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to call a special session of Parliament in June. Within hours of doing so, a skittish government hurriedly announced the dates for… Continue reading The Government’s Parliament-ophobia

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What Is Your ‘War Quotient’?

1. The operation conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the 1999 Kargil War was given the codename Operation Safed Sagar. What was the codename for the operation conducted by the Indian Army? 2. Which former President of India was responsible for the development and operationalisation of the Agni and Prithvi missiles when he… Continue reading What Is Your ‘War Quotient’?

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He was my Pope

  I am a Catholic and go to church every Sunday. On most weekdays, it’s the online service at home from 7 to 7.30 in the morning. Six popes have passed away in my lifetime. While I have no recollection of the first — the death of Pope John XXIII in 1963, when I was… Continue reading He was my Pope

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