The stupendous success and impactful delivery of Indian missiles upon the Pakistani land targets, in no small measure boosted by using the Russian S-400 surface-to-air, anti-ballistic missile systems, will now be upgraded through the S-500 version that President Putin has offered India along with the ‘Made-in-India’ tag for manufacturing and exporting across the globe. The Russian offer came four days ago and seeks to cement Indo-Russian ties further through joint collaboration, setting up a manufacturing base in India. Simultaneously, India has upped the ante against both Turkey and Azerbaijan that achieved the distinction of being the only two nations in the world that supported the terrorist Pakistani nation in its limited-capability war launched upon India. According to well-placed sources Turkey stands to lose out on the bulk of the annual Rs 600 crore tourism business it generates out of India, through tourists visiting the nation with close to 60% of scheduled tourist travellers to that nation having cancelled their plans this year. Similarly, Islamic Azerbaijan’s miscalculated support for Pakistan will now witness Indian weaponry arming the mostly Christian Armenia that has been in a state of war with that nation since 2020 when Azerbaijan attacked its neighbour. The South Caucasian nation (Armenia), that signed a defence deal with India in 2022 for 15 Akash missile systems, is set to further receive multiple launch rocket systems, anti-tank rockets, and ammunition. While Turkey suffers an economically gloomy fate similar to Maldives, both of whose economies are sustained through Indian tourism, Azerbaijan will find itself up against an Indian weapon system bolstering Armenia in the coming days.

Odisha government’s profit-making Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) at Bhubaneswar is likely to be privatised. The process to privatise the airport, set up in 1962 which handles 4.2 million passengers annually has already started by the Airport Authority of India.  Already the names of Adani, GMR and Zurich Airport Ltd are doing the rounds. But the general thinking is that the Union government may not be particularly inclined towards Adani to avoid a monopoly situation in the country. The tilt is towards Zurich Airport known for its world class management and security controls which is now constructing the new International Airport in Noida near Delhi. There is a strong feeling that Naveen Patnaik’s party, Biju Janata Dal, may oppose the privatisation move. It is understood that whoever wins the bid has to factor in absorbing 60% manpower cost or continue paying salaries till employees’ retirement age. With BPIA being privatised what happens to Puri’s ambitious international airport project backed by the Odisha government? That’s a big question mark as AAI is now fully focussed on how to utilise BPIA’s existing airport space which is not yet fully tapped.

Noted writer Javed Akhtar has invited sharp comments from both extremes due to his statement that If he had to choose between hell and Pakistan, “I will prefer to go to hell.” Similarly, his oblique praise of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has evoked different reactions. Akhtar’s frank speech at the launch of Raut’s book “Hell in Heaven” in Mumbai on May 17 became a highlight. Always a target following his speeches, Akhtar said, “Both sides abuse me. But there are also many people who treat me kindly.”  Akhtar observed in the speech that many memorable literary works had been written in prison. His reference was to Raut’s jail custody for a hundred days in connection with a controversial land deal in Mumbai. The book written by Raut describes his experience in that detention. The book is in focus owing to the various claims made by Raut regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. But Akhtar’s finding some similarity between Raut and many giants who went to prison for ideological reasons has angered leaders like Neelam Gorhe, deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra legislative council. She said, “Those leaders were in prison for fighting for the nation’s freedom or such noble causes, not for economic offences.” Akhtar’s remarks have generated ripples across social media and political circles. Expectedly, while some have praised Akhtar for his fearless stand against hate speeches, his critics feel that he is needlessly stoking a controversy.

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has given fair indications about his strong views regarding the relationship especially between the judiciary and the executive. In his first public address after becoming CJI, Gavai received felicitation from the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in Mumbai on May 17. At the event, Gavai pointed out the absence of three key officials — the state chief secretary, the Director General of Police and the Mumbai Police Commissioner. He said the three pillars of democracy are equal and every constitutional institution must show respect to others. Regarding his visit, Gavai said when a person from Maharashtra becomes CJI and visits the state for the first time and if the chief secretary, the DGP or the Mumbai CP don’t feel it appropriate to be present, then they need to reflect on that. Afterwards, when CJI visited Chaitya Bhoomi, chief secretary Sujata Saunik, DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai CP Deven Bharti were present, believed to have rushed to greet him after learning about CJI’s ire. When asked about this, he replied that he was not fussy about protocol but had only mentioned what had happened. The CJI’s remarks are considered significant against the backdrop of President Droupadi Murmu’s 14-point letter to the Supreme Court about the timeline suggested for President and state governors. Her reference to Article 361 of the Constitution is the crux of the matter as it says that the President or the governor shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise of the powers and duties of office.  

In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK headed by Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), is already in poll mode with the leader and his election analysis team hard at work taking stock constituency by constituency to shape the party’s strategy. The rest of the Opposition appears to be in disarray with the PMK sharply divided between the founding father and stalwart politician Dr S Ramadoss and his son Anbumani. Their division came out in the open when Dr Ramadoss convened a meeting at his residence but only 10 of 110 district presidents attended it. Son and 4 party MLAs also boycotted the event. Jayalalithaa’s confidante and aide Sasikala, her protégé and former CM O Panneerselvam and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran are striving to get back into AIADMK, but EPS is adamant that none will be allowed back in. Meanwhile, OPS claims that his rump element of the main party is still very much a part of the NDA, and the BJP has been supporting this. It is likely that the BJP will fork out some seats to the Sasi-OPS-TTV faction because EPS will not permit them from his party’s share of seats. The DMDK has always been a minor player after the spectacular debut that it had under the late Vijayakanth. With TVK, the fledgling party of actor-turned politician Vijay, intent on contesting on its own, it is only the AIADMK that has shown some stability a year out before the polls are due in the summer of 2026. Even so, the DMK has already cranked up its political work at the grassroots level to be prepared to take on the Opposition in whatever shape it may be next summer.

TVK chief Vijay is a confused man these days. He is also a man in a hurry. Add to this his confidence in his ability to draw and hold filmi crowds …the mix is overpowering.  So, he pulls out all the rabbits from his magical hat …the annual 10th, 12th toppers prize giving event is making his cadres scramble like headless chickens. Of course, this year’s event is extra special, just like the Booth Committee organization event for which he has zeroed in on Cuddalore as the location as his followers have impressed on him that he has much popularity in North Tamil Nadu to show muscle. The choice of city for his mega public meet is next on his anvil. This time Vijay has set his sights on a 1000-acre site and his team is super busy scoping out sites that meet police, public and security regulations. Siruganoor is a popular choice. But overriding all these issues his immediate concerns is choosing an alliance partner. Some psephologists have predicted a TVK win and formation of government. Prashant Kishor has already told him to fight the 2026 poll alone. Now, his right hand and general secretary Bussy N Anand is of the view that no alliance is needed; he could opt for a rotating CMship with the partner. Aadav Arjun mildly says go for AIADMK but bargain for more seats. John Arogyasamy, yet another influencer says no need for alliance. But through all this back and forth, Vijay is hesitant about BJP leading an alliance. But inwardly Vijay is sceptical though happy and has bumped up the survey results to both DMK and AIADMK. Whistling in the dark?

The Union government is planning to send teams of political leaders, former diplomats and experts to countries in key regions of the world to articulate India’s point of view on the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent clashes with Pakistan. Among the MPs from the Opposition camp who are expected to be roped in for the outreach are Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, the current chair of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, former Jammu and Kashmir CM Ghulam Nabi Azad and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asauddin Owaisi. Azad is being considered as he is a prominent face from Kashmir who can speak on issues related to the region and cross-border terrorism. Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP has been the most vocal voice against Pakistan in the Opposition camp ever since the Pahalgam terror strike that killed 26 of our tourists on April 22. He has rallied in support of Operation Sindoor. According to official sources, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is coordinating the foreign tour, which is expected to begin after May 22. Invitations have already been sent to the MPs. Each delegation is expected to comprise 5-6 MPs, who will visit different countries, including the U.S., the UK, South Africa, Qatar, and the UAE. According to sources, the government’s current aim in sending delegations of MPs from all parties is to send a clear message to the world. It is a lot like the time when PV Narasimha Rao felt the need that India must speak in one voice on Kashmir to counter a Pakistani onslaught. He had sent Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then an Opposition leader to lead an official delegation to the 1994 session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva and had forced withdrawal of a resolution to censure India on Kashmir.

In the wake of the Murshidabad killings and the terror attack in Pahalgam, Bengal’s political battleground has heated up, with both BJP and CPI(M) scrambling to secure the Hindu vote bank. While CPI(M) leaders like State Secretary Mohammed Salim and youth leader Minakshi Mukherjee visited Murshidabad post-violence, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari downplayed the incident, claiming victims were targeted for being Hindu, and dismissed the CPI(M)’s recent Brigade rally, stating Hindus have distanced themselves from the party. This intensified BJP attack is part of a broader strategy to erode the Hindu support base that still aligns with the Left in certain pockets. BJP leaders believe converting this segment could significantly alter Bengal’s electoral dynamics. Despite failing to win any seats in recent elections, the Left’s 11% vote share — largely perceived to include Hindus — remains a target for the BJP, especially as the Trinamool-BJP vote gap stood at 7% in the last Lok Sabha polls. Senior CPI(M) leaders assert Adhikari’s focus reflects his intent to pull Hindu voters from the Left into the BJP fold. Salim countered, stating Suvendu’s attacks show BJP’s internal frustration, citing leaders like Dilip Ghosh distancing themselves from the party. Districts like Murshidabad, Nadia, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, and Hooghly — once Left strongholds — have witnessed increasing communal tensions, providing a backdrop for BJP’s polarisation strategy. BJP finds Hindu voters aligned with the Left more reachable than TMC supporters, who are seen as bound by secular ideology or economic factors. However, a section of Bengal BJP leaders feel that after peaking in 2019, setbacks in 2021 and 2024, indicate that Hindu consolidation alone may not ensure success without strong momentum or triggering events.

Veteran leader Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, TMC MP Saket Gokhale and famous writer Javed Akhtar will be present for releasing Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s latest book in Marathi Narkatla Swarg means Heaven in Hell in Mumbai on Saturday. Even before the launch, the book that describes the experience of Raut’s one hundred days in jail custody has started creating waves. The recent distancing between Pawar and Uddhav, the presence of Akhtar and the TMC’s token appearance in Maharashtra are some of the factors that have heightened the suspense, which is enhanced by Raut with his warning that he could have disclosed much more but has held back. Expectedly, the claims made by Raut are in the midst of political comments. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, when asked by the media, said sarcastically, “I have outgrown the age of reading children’s literature. In fact, I gave up reading fiction long ago.” He advised the media not to read ‘such’ writings. Raut was arrested in connection with the Rs 1000-crore Patra Chawl redevelopment project by ED in Mumbai in August 2022 under PMLA. From the day he was released from custody by court, he has been levelling one allegation after another against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and breakaway Sena faction’s leader Eknath Shinde. There is seldom any response to his outbursts.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has lamented that although then Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray and veteran leader Sharad Pawar were instrumental in saving the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi from serious consequences, Modi paid back by splitting the Sena. He has warned that he possesses much more explosive information which will create havoc if disclosed. “But being a believer in Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Ram, I will not divulge it,” Raut says in connection with the release of his latest book in Marathi Narkatla Swarg means Heaven in Hell. The autobiographical account deals with the one hundred days Raut spent in jail custody after the Enforcement Directorate arrested him, alleging that he was involved in some suspect redevelopment projects in Mumbai. Raut was later released on bail by court, rejecting ED’s demand to extend the detention. Raut has also said that the two leaders helped Modi’s deputy, Amit Shah as well. “When the entire nation was against Modi, it was Balasaheb, the Shiv Sena and its daily Saamana (of which Raut has been editor for almost 30 years) which stood by Modi firmly,” Raut has reminded the BJP. Raut has written extensively about the land deal for which he was arrested. He has mentioned the names of certain power brokers and challenged the government to initiate action against them. The book has many more sensational disclosures.

Recently when DMK MP Kanimozhi took a meeting of party workers in her Thoothukudi Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency to ask them for things to be done in the area by the state government ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections next year, she was quite surprised by the feedback that she got from her team. Her party workers reportedly told her that there wasn’t much she would have to mobilise from her brother MK Stalin government. That is because the newly appointed state BJP President Nainar Nagendran, who is an MLA from Tirunelveli, which is part of adjacent Parliament constituency, more than ensures fulfilment of local area needs. Nagendran has such good equations with Tamil Nadu chief minister Stalin — for that matter with all leaders cutting across party lines — that DMK workers wanted to know from Kanimozhi what was his status vis a vis the DMK. After all, as soon as he took over as BJP chief, Stalin had wished him on X. Such friendly messaging naturally confused the party cadres. The DMK cadres wanted to know from Kanimozhi whether they oppose him or treat him well? These questions surprised Kanimozhi who asked the cadres to focus on strengthening the party. BJP sources admit that the forever pleasant Nagendran has always been a helpful leader. Ever since he took charge as BJP chief he has been renewing contacts with all old and senior BJP leaders from TN. He has been calling on them with the trademark Tirunelveli halwa and traditional sweets from the state. He has certainly been making waves winning friends.

With less than a month left for Mohan Charan Majhi government’s first anniversary on June 12, a mindless controversy has been created with regard to the Odisha chief minister’s recent visit to Mumbai for an investment meeting and his five-day stay at a 5-star hotel located in Nariman Point. This has set the tongue wagging whether a party like BJP has let go its principle of being judicious in cost and expenses. Veteran journalist Ruben Banerjee who closely follows Odisha politics brought this out and said the former CM Naveen Patnaik during his first 15 years’ governance created a positive impression by avoiding 5-star culture. But BJP sources say what about Patnaik’s party which splurged tax-payers money to allow Patnaik’s man Friday VK Pandian to use helicopters extensively to tour the state! The state government sources say the presidential suites in The Oberoi weren’t used for Majhi’s personal leisure. The CM was just matching the level of diplomacy and stature expected while interacting with industry leaders and CEOs. They say Banerjee has misinterpreted this as personal luxury which is misleading. Satyapatha, Odisha’s popular news channel editor said this is judgemental politics by Ruben Banerjee. He is close to Patnaik as he has written a book on him. Is this issue being raised because CM Majhi hails from a poor Adivasi family? As one BJP leader aptly put it, “Judge CM Majhi on what investments he bags, not where he stays.” Quite.

Foreign remittance into India has galloped to $118.7 bn in 2023-24, recording the highest growth ever of 7.6%. In 2022-23, the forex inflow was $111 bn. Remittance from the U.S. has emerged as the biggest at 27.7% followed by the UAE 19.2% and other Gulf countries, as per Reserve Bank of India’s 2025 bulletin. Now, U.S. President Donal Trump is proposing a 5% tax on all international money transfers made by non-US citizens. One key driver for the heavy inflow has been the weakening of Indian rupee vis a vis the dollar. Over the last five years, the U.S. dollar has depreciated from Rs 75.71 to Rs 85.45, a 13% drop in value. This adds more value to every dollar sent to India. Maharashtra has emerged as the highest recipient of forex at 20. 5% followed by Kerala at 19.7%. Interestingly, Kerala which has been a big dependent on remittances from the Gulf countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain today finds the U.S. as the biggest contributor. Incidents like 9/11, Covid-19, extreme weather conditions and obviously depreciating value of the rupee have all contributed to non-resident Indians investing in homes, land, stock market etc back home. According to sources at the International Institute of Migration and Development, remittances from the Gulf may fall in the coming years, while inflows from the U.S., the UK and Canada could rise. There are 45 lakh overseas Indians in the U.S., including 32 lakh PIOs. An international study at the FLAME University, Pune indicates that while students and skilled workers are increasingly heading West, the Gulf will remain important for many. There is a shift in migrant profile: more students, more professionals and more loans are taken to finance migration. This could help maintain strong inflows.

The Turkish firm Celebi Airport Services that handled the lion’s share of ground handling services at nine major airports in India, lost its security clearance following Turkey’s support of Pakistan over Operation Sindoor. Turkey has been facing massive backlash over its support that even includes Indian tourists cancelling trips to the country. An order from the Civil Aviation Ministry this evening said the security clearance for Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd “is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of national security”. Celebi has two separate entities — Celebi Airport Services India to manage ground handling operations and Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India to oversee cargo services at Delhi International airport. The first carries out several high-security tasks critical to the safe and efficient functioning of airport operations. These include ramp services, which involve directing aircraft on the ground; load control and flight operations to ensure proper aircraft balance; and bridge operations, which manage the passenger boarding bridges connected to aircraft. The company also handles cargo and postal services, and warehouse management. Not just in our social media platforms but also political parties like the Shiv Sena wanted them out of Mumbai airport. Security strategist Sushant Sareen batted for complete removal of Turkish aviation firm “Turkey is involved in hostile anti-India propaganda and is involved in sinister activity to incite and instigate and indoctrinate Indian Muslims,” he said. Aviation consultant Sanjay Lazar noted that Çelebi was given security clearance during the UPA era, post-26/11, and faced opposition from trade unions even then. Of course, speculation that Çelebi is linked to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s family, particularly his daughter, is being denied. It is described as an MNC set up in 1958.

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s endorsement of the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor may have won many friends for him across the aisle but his own party unfortunately viewed it as “crossing of the Lakshman Rekha”. At least this was made clear when party leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera were asked about Tharoor’s remark that India would never allow third-party mediation in its bilateral issues with Pakistan. That is because Tharoor’s remark had largely punctured Congress’ attack on the government. Jairam told the media, “When Tharoor saab speaks, it is not the party’s opinion.” The Congress, which assured full support to the Centre in its action against those behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, has now asked the government to come clean on what led to the ceasefire and questioned what role the U.S. played in it. The Indian leadership, including PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, has not mentioned the U.S. in statements following the ceasefire. For the last few days, the Congress has been asking why the U.S. President announced the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Some Congress leaders however felt party leadership was completely out of check with reality. It was felt the party was needlessly obsessing about President Trump. “Whether we like it or not, post Operation Sindoor, people are happy with PM Modi. India is happy that Pakistan has been beaten up.” That is precisely what Tharoor articulated and may be the reason why Congress is distancing itself from him. “People aren’t least bothered about Trump or what he claimed,” pointed out an AICC leader from the South. Meanwhile, official Congress briefings are worryingly becoming stuff for Pak TV to exploit.

The Indian box office is currently witnessing an exhilarating showdown as two major film franchises go head-to-head this week. First up is Final Destination: Bloodline, the sixth instalment of the iconic horror thriller series, making its much-anticipated return after a 14-year gap since its fifth film. This franchise has built a loyal fan base over the years, thanks to its masterful blend of suspenseful storytelling and innovative horror elements. The captivating narrative and high production values have earned it a cult status, making it one of the most awaited releases in the horror genre. On the flip side, we have Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the second part of the franchise’s final instalment and the eighth entry in this legendary action series starring Tom Cruise. Initially set for a May 23 release in India, Paramount Studios has opted to advance it to May 15 coinciding with Final Destination: Bloodline. The stakes are high, particularly for Tom Cruise starrer which has previously achieved remarkable box office success in India, demonstrating a strong appetite for action-packed thrillers. Meanwhile, Final Destination: Bloodline is poised to draw horror enthusiasts eager for the next chapter in this beloved saga. As excitement builds among moviegoers, early projections indicate that Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning could rake in Rs20 -22 crore on its opening day. However, with both films vying for audience attention, this week promises to be a pivotal moment for Indian cinema.

A day after he made it clear to Pakistan that  it can no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail, PM Modi visited Punjab’s Adampur air base early Tuesday (May 13) morning and met with the pilots and support staff who carried out Operation Sindoor in which India took out nine terror targets deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on May 7. “It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation,” he shared on X. PM Modi’s surprise visit to the airbase had a strong message. It sent a message that India stood firmly with its armed forces and the PM led the nation in personally thanking them. Even as he guided and monitored Op Sindoor, he thanked the military for its services in his address just a day earlier. The visit also demolished Pakistan’s false claims of having inflicted serious damage to the air base during its overnight strikes. PM Modi who was accompanied to Adampur by Chief Marshal A P Singh spent about an hour with the airmen. Adampur Air Base is the base for the Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fighter jets. Pakistan had falsely claimed that it had destroyed the S-400 base at Adampur on the night of May 9-10, in response to India’s Operation Sindoor. A photo of the PM saluting the brave airmen with the formidable and frontline S400 Triumf air defence system in the backdrop  decimated those claims.

From Punjab as we move to Purnia in Bihar. What comes to the fore is the endearing back story about Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Director General Air Operation (DGMO), the architect of the air operations in the ongoing Operation Sindoor and his father Jeevachhlal Yadav (85), back home in Purnia.  The aging octogenarian was not aware about the backstage heroics and the pyrotechnics his son had masterminded against Pakistan till his next door neighbour called out, asked him to tune into TV news channels on May 11 evening. By the time he got hold of the remote, Air Marshal Bharti was already into the media briefing in New Delhi, sharing details and evidence of the clinical precision with which the Indian Air Force (IAF) struck Pakistani air bases and other crucial targets as part of Operation Sindoor. The father was a bit disappointed that his son had not shared details with him. “He did not tell me anything when he called up and spoke to me last week. He could have at least told me that he would be on TV,” said senior Yadav. However, since that day an ebullient Yadav is glued to the TV. His son was on TV again on May 12 afternoon, as part of the media briefing. Senior Yadav watched him with glee and a sense of pride. Media reports said Air Marshal Bharti has given his parents newfound fame and respect in Purnia. Air Marshal Bharti’s father described him as brilliant since childhood and as someone who always stood first. He went to the NDA, Pune and got commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1987. He topped the NDA course and was awarded the prestigious “Sword of Honour”.  

Indian cricket will be hard-pressed to find replacements for the retired-from-Test-cricket stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both began their careers when first class cricket (three-day cricket to five-day Tests) had primacy in the ecosystem. Kohli and Sharma were raised in the tough world of Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup. There were other tournaments like the Vijay Hazare, Syed Mushtaq Ali and Challenger tournaments, but there is no denying the fact that the Ranji Trophy shaped their international careers that they made distinguished by keeping the cricket fan in mind and entertaining them, integrating all with their overall competitive streak. For 18 seasons they have plied their trade in the trailblazing Indian Premier League and have become legends amassing runs in the Twenty20 razzmatazz. Kohli was a product of Delhi’s hot-weather and other limited over tournaments. For Sharma Mumbai’s excellent club level cricket worked for him. After the exit of the “Fab-4” in Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, Indian cricket advertised itself on the fantastic accomplishments of its batters and captains in MS Dhoni, Kohli and Sharma. There has been some fine achievements by the bowlers too. For the cricket fans etched in their memory would by the deeds they achieved in white ball competitions (50 overs and Twenty20) at Kingsmead, Wankhede, Bridgetown and Dubai, but ultimately in Test cricket. India has been lucky to unearth talent out of its domestic system and build a brand to appeal to budding talents, and to the corporate and media world; the likes of Kohli and Sharma made India a “Super Brand” and have fascinated the purists and others alike.

With India’s armed forces engaged in the battle front against Pakistan, no way the Tata-IPL-18 could have continued, and the BCCI has rightly stopped all action (entertainment) for a week. It’s a matter of conjecture, even though a ceasefire has been called, as to when play will resume to complete season-18. Until the call was taken to bring the league to a halt, the interest and focus — apart from the performances of the 10 teams — was on the homegrown talents leading the teams like Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Rajat Patidar, Shubman Gill, Rituraj Gaikwad (replaced by MS Dhoni), Sanju Samson (replaced by Riyan Parag)  and Ajinkya Rahane. It was great to see so many Indians trying to show their leadership qualities, but only two or three could be said to be in contention for the leadership role for the five-Test series in England, even after Rohit Sharma called it “quits” from Test cricket. The notable absentee from this group was Jasprit Bumrah who was not a starter for Mumbai Indians this IPL, but he breathed fire soon after joining the MI ranks. Gill, Iyer and Patidar earned some brownie points and the Gujarat Titans captain Gill will get a role in England. But can the selectors ignore the claim of Bumrah who stunned one and all with his captaincy in Australia, in the first Test in Perth that India won with consummate ease. With the experience of playing nine Tests in England and bowling 357 overs there, Bumrah ought to be the captain for the tour of England. Gill can only be Bumrah’s sidekick. The selection committee has plenty to mull over.

Pakistan’s army is presently in a state of shock and awe. Gen Asim Munir failed to understand how Indian missiles and drones entered 100 km deep inside Pakistan and his army did not have a whiff about this attack. How his air defence system failed.  Gen Munir is deeply worried about this major gaffe. The terror hideouts that were destroyed were located in high-security zones. Prime Minister Modi had warned in advance that our armed forces would strike in a manner that Pakistan would never imagine. Terror headquarters of Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar and Syed Salahuddin were closely guarded by the Pakistani army near the cantonments and located in congested residential localities. Pakistan expected that many civilians would die in Indian attacks, but the precision bombs fell only on terror camps. Pakistan’s air defence systems were supposed to be strong near these nine sites. These targeted attacks have unnerved Islamabad. The attacks clearly show that the Pakistani generals have no idea about the efficiency and operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces. Meanwhile, it is being said “Operation Sindoor” was a tightly kept secret even within the Union Cabinet. PM Modi involved only Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Other members of the Cabinet Committee on Security — Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman — were kept in confidence. So, Rajnath’s importance has gone up. Modi wanted everything to be kept top secret. Within 25 minutes on May 7, our Army and Air Force destroyed terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by launching missiles and drones. The headquarters of terror masterminds Hafiz Sayeed and Masood Azhar were reduced to rubble, deep inside Pakistani territory. Masood Azhar lost his sister and nine other family members in the air strike. It was Modi who took the big powers into confidence in advance to control the after effects of...

In the fast-evolving environment, the winning strategy is defined by smartness. How else could one describe this move by Tractors and Farm Equipment (TAFE).  The Chennai-based tractor company has been engaged in a legal row with its U.S. Partner AGCO Corporation. Both have cross-holding in each other. TAFE is the largest shareholder in AGCO. They have been partners for over six decades. Yet, AGCO has chosen to raise an avoidable dispute with TAFE over the ownership of Massey Ferguson brand. The U.S. company, it may be recalled, confirmed the termination of its commercial agreement with TAFE. Even as the dispute has taken a legal route, TAFE is understood to have decided that it would not nominate its representative to the board of AGCO. TAFE, being the largest single shareholder with over 16% stake, has the right to have a nominee on the board of AGCO. But, it has chosen not to have its nominee on the board. Well, this should give the Chennai-based tractor company quite an elbow-room to chalk out an independent course in the marketplace. How will this strategy play out? One has to wait and watch. In the meanwhile, TAFE has voluntarily agreed to extend its `standstill commitment’ till June this year. The agreement essentially is about freezing TAFE holding in AGCO. The termination of the commercial agreement with TAFE is interpreted as a move by the U.S. firm to force TAFE to sign a permanent `standstill agreement’. In a new normal environment, Indian firms aren’t shying away. Indeed, they are out to establish their multi-national aspiration.

It was in 2004 when the Tamil movie M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi pole-vaulted a vanilla hero to fame in Kollywood. Ravi Mohan, credited as Jayam Ravi (to identify his lineage with Jayam Productions), was signed for many a family theme film that had little violence but much sentiment and romance. Suddenly he announced that he would be known now as Ravi Mohan despite his 25 years established brand name – Jayam Ravi. Simultaneously, he said that he is separating from wife Aarti of 18 years and started divorce proceedings. Name change and wife change? Yes …Ravi Mohan confidently walked into the lavish wedding of Producer and Vel’s Group Chairman, Isari Ganesh’s daughter Preetha. What set off the jungle drums was Ravi and escort Kenisha Francis were twinning in identical cream coloured attire. This was the moment for Aarti to go into a public lament and tear fest…“I kept silent all these days not because I am weak, but for the sake of my 14 and 10 year old sons and their emotional well-being. But Ravi has not only abandoned his family, but his responsibility as a father”. Was this the moment when Ravi Mohan reminisced about his very first movie where his mother, played by gorgeous Nadia boldly takes on her role as single mother, even as husband abandons his family? Trolls apart, the real reasons for Ravi Mohan wanting a divorce are not out in the open …only veiled talk in social media about Aarti’s mother Sujatha Vijayakumar’s overwhelming influence on the marriage. Now that Ravi Mohan has openly brought out his new choice, the pending case should take its natural course. Ah! Kollywood and its filmi, fragile marriages. 

Dinesh Beedi Workers’ Co-operative Society, an institution born out of a labour movement in Kerala in 1969, is struggling to keep its core business of beedi making afloat. The Kannur-based society which used to employ 42,000 women workers, today has only 2000 workers. As part of its survival strategy, many branches are being merged in Azhikode and Kannur into a single entity. During the best of its time, Dinesh had 16 branches under which 82 small scale units existed. Supporting the beedi manufacturing cause were 18 primary societies spread over Kannur and Kasargod generating a turnover of Rs 60 crore. Interestingly, working at Dinesh Beedi was considered as good as a government job, according to a beedi worker Savithri PV Dinesh used to pay Rs 50 for every 1000 beedis rolled. Today the competition is paying Rs 75 for 1000 beedis. Things took a turn for the worse in 1990 after increased health awareness, ban on tobacco promotion, smoking ban at public places, beedi being considered inferior and easy availability of cheaper brands from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Foreseeing an alarming future, the primary co-operative board of directors — all of whom were beedi rollers, chalked out an expansive diversification with the launch of Dinesh Foods in 1997. This was followed by Dinesh Information Technology Systems, Dinesh Umbrella, Dinesh Auditorium, 2001, Dinesh Apparels 2007 and Cafe Dinesh 2015. Almost all the beedi rollers who lost their jobs, found employment in garments and umbrellas making units, running cafes and upgrading their skills to IT. The diversifications are taking shape but it will take time to make up the loss of Rs 60 crore turnover from beedi rolling. 

Known as Maharashtra’s cultural capital and fountainhead of many social reform movements, Pune has been shaken over the past few days owing to two daylight incidents of publicly supporting Pakistan and Hamas. More shocking is the fact that the pro-Hamas activity has taken place in Karve Nagar, an elite locality in Pune. When local BJP workers learnt that a group of youngsters was distributing pamphlets in support of Hamas in that area, they rushed to the spot and tried to prevent the effort. There was a free for all and the BJP group has demanded urgent appropriate action against the Hamas backers. The police have assured them that no anti-national activity will be permitted and those breaching social amity will face action. In the other incident, a young girl, said to be an engineering student, has been sent into police custody for posting slogans like Pakistan Zindabad on social media. It is alleged that she recently visited her relatives in Srinagar. After some organisations declared that they would stage a demonstration against her, the police took adequate precautions while producing her in court. In recent months, intermittent news reports have appeared about the objectionable developments in certain Pune pockets. The police have intensified their campaign to identify and arrest illegal immigrants, especially those from Bangladesh. Pune is considered a BJP stronghold and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is its guardian minister. As these incidents took place amidst the height of Operation Sindoor, more follow up actions are anticipated.

In a notable shift in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student politics, the RSS affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) made significant gains in the recent student union elections. While the Left retained key positions, ABVP hailed its performance as “historic”. It now aims to expand its presence at Jadavpur University (JU). Aniruddha Sarkar, ABVP’s South Bengal State Secretary, called the JNU outcome a mandate for ideological change and declared the time had come to replicate it in JU. He emphasised that ABVP had disrupted Left dominance in JNU and would challenge the “Left ecosystem” in JU as well. ABVP has accelerated its activities at JU. Recently, it organized a Ram Navami puja at the university’s engineering gate placing a Hanuman image beside murals of Marx, Lenin, and Mao. While such acts had earlier triggered strong opposition, this time there was little protest, partly due to the Sunday holiday. Nonetheless, the event marked a symbolic assertion of right-wing presence in a traditionally Left-dominated campus. Srijan Bhattacharyya, an SFI All India leader and JU alumnus, who also contested the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on CPI(M) ticket, dismissed comparisons with JNU. He said JU’s ideological identity is fundamentally different and that a handful of non-Bengali-speaking engineering students would not enable ABVP to take over. He maintained that ABVP would remain on the periphery. However, ABVP leaders viewed the Ram Navami event as a breakthrough. One said it had given them the “oxygen” they needed and vowed to go further, framing future plans as a “surgical strike” on JU’s Left bastion — signalling a deepening ideological contest on Bengal’s premier campuses.

As the release date of Housefull 5 approaches on June 9, renowned producer Sajid Nadiadwala finds himself at a crucial juncture. This highly anticipated instalment of the successful franchise is expected to be a litmus test for both Nadiadwala and the current state of the Indian film industry, particularly amidst the backdrop of rising political tensions between India and Pakistan. The challenges posed by these tensions could impact audience turnout and overall box office performance. Nadiadwala, who recently faced a string of disappointing releases — including Sikandar, Chandu Champion and Bachchan Pandey — has invested significantly in acquiring the rights to the trending song “Lal Puri” hoping it will resonate with audiences. The recent underperformance of his films, coupled with a generally lacklustre box office climate, has raised questions about the viability of his production house, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Housefull 5 boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, and more, making it one of the biggest films in recent times. The film’s success is not just vital for Nadiadwala; it could also serve as a bellwether for the exhibition sector in India, gauging whether audiences are ready to embrace cinema again after a period of uncertainty. As the film aims to capture the essence of what the Housefull franchise represents—comedy, entertainment, and escapism—its reception will be closely watched. Will it manage to overcome the prevailing sentiment and deliver a blockbuster experience, or will it join the ranks of recent flops? For Nadiadwala, Housefull 5 is not just another film; it’s a pivotal moment that could redefine his career and the future of Bollywood in these testing times. 

The ruling DMK made its point in Tamil Nadu when it took out a rally to display its solidarity with the armed forces that were actively engaged in the conflict with Pakistan. The ceasefire announcement may have come just as the rally was moving on to the Marina Beach Road, but the DMK has only upholding a tradition of the party supporting the Union government during any external threat to the nation. Carrying the national flag and walking the Marina promenade has been a tradition since the war against China broke out in 1962, which was when the DMK founder Annadurai declared that his party was giving up its separate Tamil homeland (Dravida Nadu) demand in a national Indian cause. The Congress may have run the same kind of rally in Hyderabad and Chennai before chief minister MK Stalin walked to display his solidarity, but the DMK march for a national cause has been something that the party has always revered. So much so, even the Governor RN Ravi lauded the DMK for the rally. Of course, the DMK has come a long way since supporting such causes as Eelam, with a territory covering Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu as a Tamil homeland. Such thoughts are probably only nursed by the likes of Vaiko and other politicians who remain wedded to the romantic notion of a Tamil nation.

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy finds himself increasingly cornered in the liquor scam case and the buzz in political circles is that his arrest by the Chandrababu Naidu government seems imminent. This rumour is gathering steam following interrogation of key accused K Rajasekhar Reddy alias Raj Kasireddy. So far SIT has identified 29 individuals as accused in the liquor case. Recently, the AP High Court rejected anticipatory bail of Jagan’s two key aides — Dhanunjay Reddy and Krishna Mohon Reddy. Why is the probe not being fast tracked? Sources say the liquor scam probe is being led in slow motion strategically so as to mould public opinion. Allegations are being pushed through the media suggesting that the liquor deals were executed under Jagan’s direct instructions. The AP sources say the objective of the current chief minister Naidu is to prime public attention and their sentiments first, so that any potential arrest does not trigger backlash against his government but rather appears justified. Some political observers say arresting Jagan will serve as a symbolic counter to the arrest of Naidu during Jagan’s regime. Many believe there is no better time to act against Jagan in the next few months. The question now is not if but when! Naidu is assessing the likely impact of Jagan’s arrest in Andhra’s political landscape. One thing that comes out loud and clear is Jagan may once again face jail term. During the UPA regime, he was arrested in May 2012 by the CBI for allegedly amassing huge assets. He walked out of jail after 16 months.

In the post-Pahalgam scenario, while the entire Opposition had initially united in support behind the Narendra Modi government, Sanjay Raut turned out to be the first lone voice of dissent. Not content at just demanding Amit Shah’s resignation for his failure as home minister in preventing the Pahalgam attack, Raut also made snide remarks about state call for mock drills likening it to the call for banging of thalis during Covid. He also got his Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena to abstain from the all-party meet called on April 24. In the absence of Uddhav Thackeray, who is said to be vacationing in Europe, for which he earned some brickbats too for not cutting it short, it was left to veteran leader Sharad Pawar to tame him down. Pawar questioned his absence at the first all-party meet. Subsequently, Raut’s tune changed his tone. Not only did he turn up at the following all-party meet on May 8 chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Shah himself but also briefly muted his criticism of the Modi government. But this ceasefire too didn’t last long. He did a volte face on May 11; strongly demanded Shah’s resignation once again and even daring the PM to address an all-party meet. A considerably weakened Uddhav Thackeray, post the Sena split engineered by Eknath Shinde, is said to have given him a free hand. Despite being criticised, ridiculed and even despised for his daily-morning media bytes, earning him the sobriquet of “morning siren” , Raut has emerged as the lone ranger within his party, his alliance and even in the nation as the post-Pahalgam scenario revealed.

It was a PM Modi speech that the entire nation was waiting to hear. That was because everyone wanted to know why Operation Sindoor — that was going so well for India — had been called off. Today we finally heard from the horse’s mouth that Op Sindoor has only been paused. The action is not over yet. He laid bare his Pakistan policy —  he spelt out his terms of engaging with a terror sponsoring state like Pakistan post Operation Sindoor. He let it be known to the whole world that no power on earth can make him have a dialogue with Islamabad, post Pahalgam terror strike of May 7. “…If there will be talks between India and Pakistan, it will only be on terrorism and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)…India’s stand has been clear, terror, trade and talks cannot be done together,” he said. He said “Operation Sindoor is not just a name. It is a reflection of the feelings of millions of people in the country. Operation Sindoor is an unbroken pledge of justice. Late night of May 6 and morning of May 7, the whole world has seen this pledge turning into results.”  A quotable quote from his speech was “Pakistan ki tayyari seema par vaar ki thi lekin Bharat ne Pakistan ke seene par vaar kar diya“. But by far the boldest of what he said, “…No nuclear blackmail will be tolerated anymore…” He said “Terrorist attack on India will have to face a befitting reply, and the response will be on our terms”. The best part of the speech, he made no reference to President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance. 

With BrahMos making the news, trust some Congress leaders like Jairam Ramesh to ignite a credit war over the missile that is associated with former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Jairam surely doesn’t have the breadth and vision of a Shashi Tharoor to go with the flow and articulate mood of the nation. Instead as AICC media head he ferrets out info that he imagines will best please the Gandhis even in these strained times. On X, he went on to trace the origins of Brahmos — how it was named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers and how it was an outstanding example of Indo-Russian collaboration. The whole point of tracing Brahmos history — which began as an inter-government project in February 1998 when IK Gujaral was PM and the first contract was signed on July 9, 1999, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was PM — was continued by successful governments. The first successful launch took place on June 12, 2001. While all this happened when NDA was in power, Jairam mentions that the missile was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2005 and Indian Army in 2007 under the UPA regime. The air-launched variant of BrahMos appeared in 2012 when Dr Manmohan Singh was PM. Significantly, at the DGMOs briefing on May 12, the men in uniform gave a different picture. In a statement it was acknowledged that “our battle proven systems stood the test of time” said Air Marshal AK Bharti who quoted Ramcharitmanas said a highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system — the Akash system. “Putting together and operationalising the potent Air Defence environment has been possible only because of budgetary and policy support from the government of India in the last decade.”

There has been an outrage of sorts over the manner in which Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family have been trolled in the social media over India-Pak ceasefire agreement. Many bureaucrats have come in his support. Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon called the trolling “utterly shameful” and said it “crosses every line of decency”. The IAS Association expressing “solidarity with Vikram Misri and  his family” described “unwarranted personal attacks on civil servants” performing their duties as deeply regrettable. Misri’s rise is not just personal success; it is the triumph of memory over forgetting, of dignity over hate, of perseverance over persecution. Born in Srinagar on 7 November 1964, into the serene, intellectual world of Kashmiri Hindus whose peace was shattered by a storm of militancy that swept through the valley in the late 1980s and 90s—a storm not born of the people, but of political poison fed across the border by Pakistan. Like thousands of others, the Misri family was uprooted—not because they broke the law, but because they simply existed. Because they prayed differently. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989, the very year many of his own were forced to flee. He took over as Foreign Secretary on July 15, 2024. He also served in various capacities at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), worked in the PMO under three PMs (Gujaral, Dr Singh and Modi)  and in various Indian Missions abroad. He was part of the Pakistan desk of the MEA.

Cessation of the India and Pakistan war, albeit temporarily at the latter’s request, has upset India’s armed forces that were keen on consolidating, annexing tracts of Indian territory under illegal occupation of Pakistan. In a double whammy Pakistan faced a revocation of its civil aviation licenses from regulatory agencies in France in the wake of continued domestic air traffic flown over the country’s airspace while its rogue army continued launching drone, missile attacks on India after Operation Sindoor’s unprecedented success, destroyed launchpads, terrorists training grounds in Pakistan. This even while American civil aviation regulatory agencies chose to ignore the Pakistani infractions that put at risk air passengers by using them as aerial shields to ward off an intensive Indian aerial response to indiscriminate drone and missile attacks upon India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to launch an all-out war against its delinquent neighbour after failed attempts to impact military installations within India was slowed down untimely after Pakistan’s request for ceasefire brokered by U.S. president Donald Trump, who prematurely started town crying about his mediation having stopped the war. “No one asked Trump to play Santa Claus and look foolish when a segment of the Pakistani armed forces (read army generals from factions opposed to Asif Munir) refused to hold fire, instead continuing aerial warfare against India,” sources revealed. The PM’s resolve to reply with a bomb for every bullet fired by Pakistan towards India is elucidated further by the source thus: “While Islamic terror threatens a thousand cuts upon the non-Muslim world, the Indian adage of sau sunar ki, ek lohar ki was ably demonstrated by India by the 10 big anti-terror strikes launched under Operation Sindoor.”

The stoppage of firing and military action between India and Pakistan has been worked out directly between the two countries. The Pak DGMO initiated the call on Saturday, May 10 at 3.30 pm after which discussions took place and understanding reached. There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place. Official sources said India agreed to the ceasefire given that the final strikes were Indian ones on Pak air bases. The Pak DGMO reportedly told India counterpart that Pakistan would not undertake any more strikes and specifically requested a ceasefire.  The U.S. duress of withholding IMF loans was specific — the $1 bn provisional release linked to immediate acceptance and balance subject to compliance. The Indus Water Treaty suspension remains unaffected. No information will be shared with Pakistan and India will commence water projects on the 3 northern rivers. The U.S. has accepted India’s change of war doctrine. Any further terror attack will be accepted as an act of war. While U.S. President Donald Trump in a X post claimed the U.S. had mediated long nights of talks between Delhi and Islamabad for the ceasefire, EAM Dr S Jaishankar’s post on X made no reference to Washington’s role. The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while confirming the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, praised PM Modi, Sharif for “wisdom”. The “ceasefire” however disappointed hard-nosed security experts like Brahma Chellaney that PM Modi did not take Operation Sindoor to its logical conclusion ending war against India of Pak military generals through terrorist proxies. Commodore Raghu R Nair said, “While we will be adhering to the understanding reached today, we remain fully prepared and ever-vigilant and committed to defending the sovereignty and integrity of the motherland. Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength and every future escalation will invite a decisive response.”

Pakistan’s continued escalation along the western front through drone incursions and munitions is a matter of grave concern. On May 10 at 5 am, multiple armed enemy drones were detected over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar. Our air defence units responded swiftly, intercepting and neutralising all hostile UAVs. This blatant attempt to violate India’s sovereignty and endanger civilian lives is unacceptable. At a joint MoD-MEA presser, Col Sofiya Qureshi asserted how Pakistan’s spread misinformation on social media, falsely claiming it had targeted the S-400 air defence systems at Adampur, Suratgarh, and Sirsa Air Force Stations, BrahMos base and others.” Following Pakistan’s deliberate targeting of Indian air bases, the Indian Armed Forces responded swiftly with a well-coordinated and strategic operation. In retaliation, Indian armed forces targeted key military infrastructure including technical installations, command and control centres, radar stations, and arms depots. Col Sofiya said precision air-launched strikes and fighter jets were deployed to hit military bases at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian. Additionally, a radar site in Pasrur and the aviation base in Sialkot were precisely struck. Throughout the operation, India ensured minimal collateral damage and civilian impact. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri pointed out that Pak claims about attacking and destroying various places, various military installations and facilities, have been fact checked and are completely false. “The claim about the Air Force Station in Sirsa being destroyed is completely false, as you have seen. The claim about the Air Force Station in Surat being destroyed is completely false again”.  Details of terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor (May 7) that have come out reveal 3 Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives and 2 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists who managed operations in J&K and Punjab were killed.

India hit out against Pakistan for making a preposterous and outrageous claim that it was the Indian Armed Forces that were targeting its own cities. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this view was being articulated to give a communal overtone to the conflict.  He said, “…Instead of owning up to its actions, Pakistan made the preposterous and outrageous claims that it was the Indian armed forces that is targeting its own cities like Amritsar and trying to blame it on Pakistan… They are well-versed in such actions as their history would show…” Pakistan spread disinformation that India targeted the Nankama Sahib Gurdwara through a drone attack, which is yet another blatant lie… Pakistan is trying desperately to impart a communal hue to the situation with an intention to create a communal discord…” He referred to the Pak firing on a gurudwara in Poonch on May 7. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said, “Around 300 to 400 drones were used (by Pakistan) to attempt infiltration at 36 locations…Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done. Initial reports suggest that they are Turkish Asisguard Songar drones…” Wing Commander Vyomika Singh made an important point how ..Pakistan did not close its civil airspace despite it launching a failed unprovoked drone and missile attack on  May 7 at 8.30 pm. “Pakistan used a civil airliner as a shield, knowing fully well that its attack on India would elicit a swift air defence response. “The airspace on the Indian side is absolutely devoid of civil air traffic due to our declared closure. However, there are civil airlines flying the air route between Karachi and Lahore…IAF demonstrated considerable restraint in its response 

Ongoing hostilities with Pakistan will witness new outcomes in stark contrast to the 1971 war in so much that landed property falling into Indian hands will not be handed back to our perpetually unfriendly neighbour. As NSA Ajit Doval recently articulated, India has moved from defensive offence to offensive defence in a calibrated manner. A South block source said, “If Pakistan does not apologize within a couple of days and end its Don Quixote’s (Asif Munir’s) lame war efforts, the price to pay will sever parts of the Pakistani landscape from its army’s effective control. India won’t return captured land this time round unlike in 1971. Congress’ tenure, including AK Antony’s, when admittedly, roads, infrastructure was avoided on common borders with China, never spruced up on the Indian side as strategy to prevent Chinese incursions. During Modi’s regime the shoe is on the other foot now with massive roads, infrastructure created to facilitate quick transport of army personnel, weapons to borders at the drop of a hat. An unexpectedly positive fallout of the current war with Pakistan showcased the true calibre/capability of international weaponry systems and shortcomings exhibited by some. India not only showcased its indigenous military might but also demonstrated the potency of Rafael fighters, Israeli and Russian collaborations. Pakistan in turn was provided with American F-16s (on dole) and Chinese weaponry (price payable when able), both falling far short of international armoury benchmarks. The whole world witnessed live demonstration of war capabilities of multiple nations with Indian collaborations with France, Russia and Israel set to turn us into a big exporter of defence goods in the post war era.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has congratulated the Modi government and the armed forces for launching the military action against Pakistan, boosting the nationalistic fervour pervading the nation. “We congratulate the Central government leadership and our armed forces for decisive action Operation Sindoor taken against Pak-sponsored terrorists and their supporting ecosystem following the cowardly attack on unarmed tourists at Pahalgam. This action to serve justice to aggrieved families and the entire country in the brutal massacre of Hindu tourists has enhanced self-respect and morale of the whole country,” the RSS said in its official statement. Expressing solidarity with the government is rare for the RSS, which says “We totally agree that military action being taken against terrorists, their infrastructure and support systems in Pakistan is necessary and inevitable for the security of the country. In this hour of national crisis, the entire country stands with the government and armed forces in spirit and action.” RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence just a few days prior to the launching of the concerted action by the three arms of the Indian military. Such a visit has taken place after many decades. Earlier Modi had visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur to pay respects to its founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the first time the PM had gone there since taking over in 2014. Both visits had evoked a strong political comment. The intent of the visits is becoming visible now.

Rain or shine, the media in Maharashtra does not tire of reporting about the possible ‘reunion’ of the two powerful families – Pawar and Thackeray. Though there is a surcharged atmosphere across the country from the moment Operation Sindoor has been launched, the pen pushers in the state continue to indulge in speculation, partly fuelled by faceless sources in both factions of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. Similarly, ever since deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar walked out of the Nationalist Congress party (NCP) set up by his uncle Sharad Pawar, there is no dearth of the news stories, predicting either their distancing or coming closer. Even the most frivolous clue like “Pawar looked at his nephew and smiled” generates a plethora of ‘exclusive’ reports, patting the channels or newspapers on the back, each claiming to be the first with the story. Thus, breaking news is becoming a matter of ridicule since stories like ‘Fadnavis reaches Mantralaya’ also come under this category. The latest revival of such stories has happened since Uddhav has returned from his vacation in Europe while Raj came back to Mumbai just a few days ago. On the other hand, elder Pawar has said that any decision regarding coming together will be taken by Ajit and daughter Supriya Sule, MP. This is a plain truth but touted as a major political revelation. Leaders like Prakash Ambedkar and Sanjay Raut are readily available day in and day out to add to the grist.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is proud of her association with four Indian states, which in turn are elated to be related with her. Born and brought up in Gujarat, she has a Karnataka link through her marriage with Col Tajuddin Bagewadi of Belgavi. While her father and grandfather have served in the Indian Army, Sofiya’s great grandmother was in the army of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. Thus, she is associated, though indirectly, with Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, too. Sofiya and Bagewadi wedded in 2015 after meeting during their army postings. Sofiya is a distinguished officer and discharged varied responsibilities in different assignments in India and abroad. In an interview given in 2017, Sofiya had stated that she was an army officer’s daughter and hence familiar with a serving officer’s life. Her mother wished that of the two sisters, one should join the army while her grandfather, too, would impress upon them that it was everybody’s sacred duty to be prepared to rise for the nation’s defense. Her father Taj Mohamed said, “We are proud of our daughter, who has done so much for India. Pakistan must be decimated.” A post graduate in biochemistry, Sofiya was commissioned in 1999. Coincidentally, Col Tajuddin has been posted at present at Jhansi, thus reviving the age-old connection with the warrior queen of India. There is one more Maharashtra connection, albeit quite remote. It was then defense minister Sharad Pawar who took the decision to induct women in active military service. Col Sofiya has added glory to the success of Operation Sindoor.

This year’s Annual Met Gala at the NY Metropolitan Museum of Arts had many celebs from Hollywood and Bollywood flaunting their plumes and blinding the drooling audience with their bling and sass. One Indian actor invited much attention with her drop-dead gorgeous looks and her prominent baby bump. Kiara Advani dazzled and dazed those present, celebrating motherhood in unapologetic terms. Married to Sid Malhotra in 2023, Kiara didn’t think that her pregnant look was an impediment for a ramp walk. On the contrary, she was much appreciated for her panache with which she wore designer Gaurav Gupta’s bold outfit, décolletage and all. But wait, there was a fly in the ointment …there always is especially in the world of show fashion and haute celebrity. Did Kiara’s costume remind the fashionistas about Aishwarya Rai’s last year Cannes costume? The haute monde seemed to think so …Kiara got some trolls too. But hey, who cares …celebs like Aishwarya go on and on, like Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and the aged super stars of filmdom. Aishwarya has walked the Cannes ramp in many bizarre outfits …got trolled too. The fact is India and Indian celebs draw crowds globally…the Met Gala had Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt striding stylishly with chic and panache.  Kiara has arrived and plans to shine till the next Diva walks on her stilettos.

With just a year left for the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Bengal BJP is under pressure to finalise its new state president. Internal dynamics, however, have delayed the decision, pushing the central leadership to shift its approach — from finding a consensus candidate to identifying one without strong opposition. The central leadership recently met senior Bengal BJP leaders to discuss party programmes and key organizational issues. According to party sources, central observers Mangal Pandey and Amit Malviya also held one-on-one talks with leaders like Sukanta Majumdar, Suvendu Adhikari, Shantanu Thakur, five general secretaries, two organisation secretaries, Debasree Chaudhuri, Nisith Pramanik, Soumitra Khan, Manoj Tigga and Shamik Bhattacharya regarding the state leadership. Currently, the Bengal BJP suffers from multiple power centres — Majumdar, Adhikari, former president Dilip Ghosh, and two senior organizational figures — making it hard to present a unified front. Despite occasional friction, Majumdar and Adhikari have maintained a functional partnership for over three years, ensuring some organizational stability — something the central leadership values and is hesitant to disrupt. While Majumdar’s term is still ongoing, his induction into the Union Cabinet complicates matters due to the BJP’s “one person, one post” policy. Adhikari, being the Leader of the Opposition and not from the RSS, also presents a conflict. Various names have been proposed, including one from the RSS Bengal unit. Some Delhi-based leaders have preferences, but no clear consensus has emerged. Meanwhile, political survey agencies are influencing decisions, with a Karnataka firm submitting a unified leadership blueprint directly to Modi’s core team.

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted to escalate tensions by launching missile strikes at Indian military installations across J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Every single one of those missiles was intercepted or neutralized. None reached its intended target.  India’s rapid, coordinated response showcased the strength of its air defence ecosystem built painstakingly over the past 11 years under PM Modi’s leadership. It also exposed the hollowness of the Pakistani Air defence system. The Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 Triumf systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles and DRDO’s anti drone technologies came together seamlessly to create an aerial shield that held firm. India didn’t stop at defending. It retaliated with speed and precision. Operation Sindoor saw the Indian Armed Forces strike deep into Pakistani territory, destroying a Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence unit in Lahore and damaging key radar infrastructure. This level of preparedness didn’t materialize overnight. It was a decade of strategic preparedness. Since 2014, the Modi government has systematically upgraded India’s air defence architecture. It was a day when everyone remembered late former defence minister Manohar Parrikar with gratitude for acquiring 5 S-400 air defence missile systems from Russia in spite of stiff opposition from the U.S.in October 2018. It was the S-400 that played a key role not only in defending but retaliating with speed and precision. Additionally, Israeli-origin Harop drones—now locally built—were deployed to target and destroy air defence assets in Karachi and Lahore. These platforms, combined with the strategic deployment of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, demonstrated India’s capability to project power with surgical precision.  With airspace secured, the government ensured that its approach to defence has not been about flashy one-offs and that it has been about building...

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cannot be ignored or intimidated even by his own party. But surprisingly his talents, communication and diplomatic skills are overlooked…deliberate or by accident? Tharoor’s felicity with English and his fluent communication is often dubbed intellectual arrogance. A recent interview with Al Arabia is bound to make the country look at him with awe and admiration. It is a lesson in non-partisan voice in a time of national crisis. Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs he has hit home the fact that the current conflict with Pakistan is India’s “calibrated response” to Pakistan’s repeated terrorist incursions. “India is not escalating, merely reacting with precision and restraint by hitting back at terrorist locations.” Pakistan is a master of denial …the most humiliating one when Osama Bin Laden was given sanctuary in Abbottabad. Tharoor further goes on to laud the term “Sindoor” and how appropriate it is in the context of the terror killing of a newly-wed man at Pahalgam …in one swoop , his wife’s as well as many other victim’s sindoor was wiped off. Why then is the Congress High Command not openly volunteering his talents as a global media mouthpiece to defend India’s stand? The BJP and especially Modi have extended their hand openly. At the Vizhinjam Port inauguration, Modi was all admiration for Tharoor’s presence. Is the tipping point at hand now? Whatever the political exigencies and ideology compulsions, a resource like Tharoor could well be harnessed for India’s benefit.

India strongly protested state funerals for three terrorists killed in ‘Operation Sindoor’. At a Press Conference on May 8, foreign secretary Vikram Misri displayed a picture of Pakistan army personnel attending the funeral of three terrorists killed during Operation Sindoor. He said it was “odd that the funerals of terrorists were carried out with the coffins being draped in Pakistani flags and state honours being accorded.” India confirmed that several terror targets were eliminated in the strikes which Pakistan claimed to be civilians. Images of Pak Army personnel at the funeral of three terrorists killed during Indian military strikes surfaced on May 7. The funeral held in Muridke — approximately 40 km from Lahore — was also attended by members of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, the banned organisation led by Hafiz Saeed. The three individuals, Qari Abdul Malik, Khalid and Mudassir, were killed in the terror group’s headquarters in Muridke. “…I wonder what message this picture actually sends to all of you. This is a question that is worth asking. As far as we are concerned, individuals eliminated at these facilities were terrorists, giving terrorists, state funerals, maybe a practice in Pakistan,” Misri added.  On Pakistan’s propaganda that it downed Indian jets, Misri said, “…There is nothing surprising in it. After all, this is a country that started lying as soon as it was born. In 1947, when the Pakistani army claimed Jammu and Kashmir, they lied not to any random person but to the United Nations that we have nothing to do with it…So this journey started 75 years ago. Pakistan also alleges that we have targeted the Neelum-Jhelum dam in PoJK, it is absolutely fabricated and a blatant lie,” he added.  

Rohit Sharma deserves kudos for calling time on his Test career that has been far from spectacular, but nonetheless personally satisfying because he got to play so many Tests and led the country as well. He may have taken the call of his own volition, or may have been nudged by someone in the authority. But his expression upon his driving uppishly to mid-off in the MI v GT match at the Wankhede Stadium told its own dismal story. The fact of the matter is Sharma did not have a good run with the bat against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia (in all 8 Tests) and he even went to the extent of sitting out in the fifth and final Test in Sydney. The selection committee could not have turned a blind eye to the numbers delivered by Sharma — such a “Bindhas batter” — in the three preceding series. With an average of 10.50 against Bangladesh, 15.17 against New Zealand and 6.20 against Australia the selection committee would have been embarrassed to pick him for the five-Test series in England that would have demanded 25 days of challenging cricket. With a 50% success rate in Tests, Sharma could have continued but the last seven months showed him in poor light in the long form of the game. It’s never easy to quit, but Sharma has done it and he has to be told “Shabhash”. Sharma’s record in England Is good with 10 Tests, 402 runs for an average of 44.67 with his last inning at The Oval getting him a first and only century –127. He scored some runs against England when he was 27 and 34 years old. Now, running 38, it would have been tough on him, and so it was a right call for himself and Indian cricket.

The Indian armed forces successfully executed ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the early hours of May 7 carrying out targeted strikes on nine “terrorist infrastructure” sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that had left 26 civilians dead. Shortly after the confirmation of military strikes in Pakistan, the Indian Army in a post on X said, “Justice is served. Jai Hind!”. The best part about the strike was the surprise element. Delhi chose to strike Pakistan in the wee hours on a day when it may have least expected. That’s because across the nation citizens had been asked to prepare for civil defence for a war like situation! Modi, who had vowed stern action to the terror attack had monitored Operation Sindoor throughout the night. In a big boost to military strikes, JeM chief Masood Azhar who is responsible for multiple terror attacks in India admitted that 10 members of his family had been killed in the attack on Jama Masjid Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur. Details of Op Sindoor were shared with the media by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and two women officers from the services — Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Colonel Qureshi, who hails from Gujarat clarified that no military infrastructure of Pakistan was struck during the operation. Foreign Secretary Misri said that the probe into the Pahalgam terror attack had clearly established Pakistan links. He also noted  that Pakistan did not take any action against “terrorist infrastructure” after the Pahalgam terror attack. Misri said the Resistance Front, which claimed responsibility for the attack, was connected with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Responding to the attacks,  a Pakistan government’s statement noted that India’s “temporary pleasure will be replaced by enduring grief”.

Chennai Super Kings, which became the first team to be knocked out of the IPL this season when it dropped all chances of qualifying for the playoffs, may be preparing for life without Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the arena. Regardless of whether Dhoni dropped a hint about retirement before the match against PSBK or not, it is known that the skipper is prone to suddenly dropping out of the game as he did when he was Test captain. CSK, now being run professionally after its owner N Srinivasan became wheelchair-bound on losing his eyesight. CSK is looking at all options to rebuild despite the constraints of not being able to buy players at the next big auction that is years away. It appears there is no future at CSK for the likes of Ravindra Jadeja too though he has played a winning hand several times when appearing under Dhoni. There will be a role for Dhoni as mentor and team composition adviser at the auctions too if he is willing to take it. But CSK knows his contribution as a batter is not only limited because of his late appearance in 20-overs innings but also sharply declining even if his abilities as a ‘keeper are almost intact. The think tank has been told to start rebuilding for the future rather than fret over what happened in Season 18 in 2025. The brand value of the team in yellow is too huge to be lost in the fading of its super star Dhoni.

It is interesting to see the Congress blow hot, blow cold over the April 22 Pahalgam attack. First it extended unequivocal support to the government. Then when hot heads in the party from Karnataka including CM began shooting their mouths.  AICC social media manager Supriya Shrinate took the ultimate shot with her PM Modi “gayab” post that went way beyond reproach. It was seen as a crude post mocking PM Modi’s absence from all-party-meeting with a missing head that resembled a “sar tan se juda” caricature. Shrinate had not only crossed the line but was apparently reluctant to delete her post even after public outrage. Media reports say till Rahul Gandhi intervened she didn’t yield. Congress leaders were shocked that AICC leadership had to put up with such recalcitrant behaviour from influential office-bearers who seemed more interested in flexing their muscle than in protecting or furthering Congress’s or nation’s interest. Party’s media-in-charge Jairam Ramesh himself was also not doing any better. The day LoP Rahul Gandhi was interacting with the media on a sensitive issue like Pahalgam, one found Jairam was immersed in amplifying his own two-bit message to the media. “Our media strategy should be such that the attention should not be dispersed from Rahulji with a cacophony of   views,” pointed out a senior Congress leader. Meanwhile after all the talk of being fully with the government, the Congress was back to its old tricks. Emerging from a CWC meeting, two former CMs — Charanjit Singh Channi and Bhupesh Baghel — wondered why no action had been taken against Pakistan nearly two weeks post Pahalgam attack. Who is responsible for this deterioration? We want to know?

The cricket world in Asia could be altogether disrupted should India (BCCI) mull over not to take part in this year’s men’s Asia Cup. No one is even talking of the host venue yet, not even a hybrid model to facilitate the participation of India and Pakistan. Pundits have gone to the extent of saying that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) of which Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi is the Chair may plunge itself into a crisis for there is not even a remote chance of a solution. Naqvi’s predecessor was the BCCI’s Jay Shah, now the ICC Chair. The consequences of the Pahalgam terror attack on Indians will throw a monkey wrench into the works and observers seem to have seen hints of India boycotting the Asia Cup. The ACC was formed in 1983 by Jagmohan Dalmiya to keep the Asian bloc (read votes) together at the ICC meetings. India has won the Asia Cup eight times — with the tournament format alternating from 50 overs or Twenty20 depending upon the next format of the ICC World Cup — but taking part and winning the title will not be a paramountcy for the BCCI which will just go by what the Union government tells it to do. India and Pakistan have boycotted Asia Cup competitions in the past and India did not go to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy recently. But questions are being asked whether India will agree to be part of an ACC under the leadership of Naqvi who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister; he did not attend a recent ICC meeting chaired by Shah in Dubai, and the BCCI’s Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar may just do the same leading to a Domino Effect.