opinion

Mann has often dared his opponents to play on “their pitch”. This time, the Akalis seem to have thrown a challenge back at him on a pitch where it is not easy for a non-Panthic party to play. The battle does not stop here, particularly when it concerns religion. People are highly emotive and sensitive towards religious matters, where they are not even ready to give benefit of doubt.

The Khet Bachao Andolan may carry a worthy long-term vision. But for it to succeed, or even to be taken seriously, the government must first address the immediate ground reality: farmers need fertilisers, not just awareness.

The first half of 2026 has been full of risks. Wars, tariffs and shaky military alliances have changed everything. NATO has been undermined, spending priorities have changed, and trading relationships are not as solid as they used to be. Perhaps now is the time for the EU to grab hold of some important economic innovations and stop being so dependent on the US.

Because family-run political parties do not have any checks and balances in place. These parties are exclusively controlled by a single person and/ or his/ her probable successor. When people have no vent available for airing their grievances, they turn rebels.

Efforts to exclude Islamists entirely may prove difficult to enforce. Yet attempts to restore them to the centre of power could deepen mistrust and internal divisions. This could further fragment Sudan’s political and military landscape.

Arvind Kejriwal’s suggestion that Punjab Assembly elections could be advanced to November has prompted rival parties to accelerate preparations amid growing political uncertainty.

The Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh marks two years in office with a focus on reviving Amaravati, restoring investor confidence, and expanding infrastructure. However, fiscal strain, rising debt, and heavy welfare commitments continue to challenge the state’s balancing act between development and financial stability.

Till now, Punjab has never thrown a hung verdict. However, given the situation prevailing right now, the outcome is going to be quite uncertain.

We must acknowledge the fact that the Rs 90,000 crore GNIP is not merely an infrastructure initiative. It is India’s declaration that it intends to be a consequential power in the maritime century, not just a spectator to it.

No matter how ruthlessly the Pakistan government may try to crush the protests, these are spreading across every nook and corner of occupied Kashmir. Pakistan is getting the taste of its own medicine.

Iran’s leaders are seemingly determined to turn the tables on their adversaries and humiliate them. Whether they succeed will depend on what Trump does next – and what he’s willing to compromise on to bring Iran to the table for a lasting, mutually acceptable agreement.

The biggest contribution of Prime Minister Modi to India has been that he has proved to be a single stabilising factor for the country's polity during the last 12 years.