Distinct View

 By RAHUL DIXIT :  Israel should consider itself extremely lucky to survive a 9/11 like disaster. A brave act by a clear-thinking human helped it escape a catastrophe. However, a Captain Smit would not be available every time against an indoctri..

The Mecca Pact has telling lessons for all the US allies. In this constantly changing geopolitical picture, controlled mostly by an unpredictable leader sitting in the White House, diversification and new alliances remain the most potent weapon for countries dependent on the US. The three signatories have shown that US’ deterrence capabilities during a military conflict cannot be counted upon...

 By Rahul Dixit :   Benefits of the redrawing of the security map in the Indo-Pacific are already on the table. After the Philippines, Indonesia is set to purchase BrahMos missiles from India. Two strategically located countries in the..

 By Rahul Dixit : The Government has an opportunity to take a relook at the entire system by keeping the NEET and CBSE episodes as case studies. There is too much bureaucratic control on our education system. It is not only stifling the ide..

The Pawar family drama has definitely moved on to the next generation. After Ajit Pawar’s desperate attempts to come out of the massive shadow of uncle Sharad Pawar finally culminated into a vertical split in the party, the story has travelled to ‘who is the most powerful Pawar in Baramati’. Though the Pawars are known for their close family relations away from politics, this time the aspirations of the new crop of leaders are likely to see the ‘friendly fire’ turning into a fierce turf war...

 By Rahul Dixit: The last few years have brought a humbling experience for all those flexing their military muscle against assumed minnows. Not only have the weaklings put up a sterling fight against the mighty but also have become the new David..

The Indo-US trade deal is yet to be inked formally. Some pain-points still need tender handling. The deal was unilaterally announced by Trump through social media. A joint note is yet to come out about the modalities of the agreement. India has acknowledged the US initiative to take ahead the negotiations. PM Narendra Modi has also thanked Trump on behalf of Indians for lowering the tariffs. However, there is still no clear word about finalisation of a trade deal. The purposeful silence over the words ..

The point here is not about the behaviour of IndiGo’s management but the confidence about its ability to come out unpunished despite grave lapses. It is impossible to believe that the DGCA was not aware of the lapses and the airline’s reluctance to carry out system changes. Yet, the regulator adopted a slow-go approach in correcting the flaws, perhaps pressured by the monopoly IndiGo enjoys in Indian aviation. The regulator is at a bigger fault here...

The Bihar dole for women is totally different from the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme in Maharashtra. Nitish Kumar’s scheme highlights economic self-reliance for women while the MahaYuti aid of Rs 1,500 per month focuses only on monetary relief to women. The difference in the two schemes is of a psychological shift. One aims at making women realise their true potential as entrepreneurs while the other sends a feeling of entitlement without accountability...

 By Rahul Dixit :   Anthropologists believe that the Gen-Z has always been, for all good reasons, an impatient generation. This generation wants progress much faster. Their eagerness is reflected in boarding a trending hashtag in a jiffy o..

Violent attacks by stray dogs, especially targeting children and old people, is a reality that cannot be denied. Dog bites have caused several deaths around the country. Disturbing visuals and reams of news clippings about kids being mauled by packs of dogs are not a figment of imagination. It is a serious problem which needs immediate solution...

 BY RAHUL DIXIT : Cinema experts still search for that one speciality which sets the film apart. Frankly speaking, even Ramesh Sippy would not be able to pinpoint that exact spark which makes Sholay a cult classic. There are simply too many reas..

FROM terming Operation Sindoor as a ‘tamasha’ to repeatedly questioning about losses incurred during the military conflict with Pakistan, an appalling sadism has laced the Congress party’s behaviour in the Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Its leaders are seeking vicious pleasure in demeaning the country’s military prowess instead of projecting a coherent stance aligning with national interest. As an Opposition party, the Congress has a duty to scrutinise government action but by swaying to external narratives ..

The Marathi manoos, for whom Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena was a huge security, is clearly frustrated by the inconsistencies of Uddhav and Raj. Their shifting stands, short-term populism and ill-advised political alliances have exposed the decay in both SS (UBT) and MNS strategies. It is a hard truth the factions will have to confront. The Marathi manoos sentiment on which Sena built its foundation under Balasaheb is no longer potent enough to end the brothers’ political oblivion...

 By Rahul Dixit :   The White House call to Munir was not to discuss the gains or losses in the conflict with India but it encompassed ways to push US interests in the Asian region with the security and Intelligence cover of Pakistani troop..

The Centre deserves credit for taking the entire political community on board to send across India’s message on zero tolerance for terrorism. It is a wise move to show India’s unity in diversity and make a statement that national security is paramount for every party. The point of intrigue here is whether the show of unity has the power to transform the larger thinking on having a political consensus on national issues including security, economy and communal harmony...