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By Dilip Cherian Scratch the surface of sarkari rules, and they quickly become about power, career pathways, and the familiar tug-of-war between the Centre and the states. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ latest directive fits that pattern neatly. IPS officers from the 2011 batch onwards...

The fresh Indo-US trade deal announced by US President Donald Trump 2 February will see American tariffs on Indian goods go from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. An additional 25 per cent ‘penalty’ imposed on India for its purchase of Russian oil has...

China’s President Xi Jinping now finds himself in an enviable position enjoying kind of a special superpower status as countries, including US allies in the NATO, are going out of their way to forge ties with China. Irony is that the position has been thrust...

For an economy plagued by multiple ailments – a daily depreciating currency, growing household debt, high unemployment and inequality, exodus of foreign capital, and distressed agriculture – the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 came with seemingly no panacea. In fact, given the uncertain...

By Aakar Patel As a democratic society, it is expected that India’s authorities follow the rule of law. This includes the assumption that governance will not be arbitrary, especially when it comes to criminal law. This element is important because criminal law has the power...

By Dilip Cherian Three hours is barely enough time for a working lunch in New Delhi. Yet when UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed flew in last week at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation, the visit packed the punch of a far longer engagement. It was...

Invariably US President Donald Trump says one thing and means something completely different has, by now, become clear to the world. But those in the Indian ruling establishment who still set store by his words or false promises need to sit up and redraw their...

We are aware how, once the month of January gets over, the rest of the year flies past in the blink of an eye. This 2026 also seems ready already to end its innings. True that many more events are bound to take place in...

By Aakar Patel This week, Rajasthan is set to pass a segregation law modelled after one in Gujarat. It is unlikely that most Indians will know of its existence because it is unlikely that the media will report it. Let us look at what it...

By Dilip Cherian Not long ago, a central deputation was the IPS equivalent of a promotion without paperwork. A stint in the CBI, IB or a central armed police force meant prestige, influence, and a ringside view of national power. Today, that attraction is visibly...