Backgrounders

Remembering Indian poet and Hindi film lyricist Qamar Jalalabadi on his death anniversary, January 9.

Lyricists in Hindi film songs remain unrecognized, overshadowed by singers and composers, except among connoisseurs.

Not long after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, a private song was released in 1948– “Suno Suno Ae Duniya Waalon Bapu Ki Ye Amar Kahani”

Conceived as tribute after Gandhi’s assassination, the song chronicled his life, decried violence, moved Nehru to tears, and sold a million copies in first month.

Sudha Malhotra: The Unseen Star of Hindi Cinema’s Golden Era

A luminous journey through melodies, myths, child-artist classics, and an artist who deserved far more.
Neighbourhood
Defence

Building on Australia-India comprehensive strategic partnership

The US’ punitive tariffs on India present an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen bilateral ties.

This war could kill millions and change the world

Israel wants to drag US in this war with Iran. If US enters the war then its impact will be felt across generations

The Indo-Pakistani “Phone War”: The world on the brink

Indo-Pakistani tensions mirrored a chilling mix of nationalism, miscalculations, and political games that pushed both countries dangerously close to war
Energy

Can AI offer the SDGs a lifeline?

With the global sustainability agenda critically behind schedule, a new AI-powered platform offers a novel approach to accelerating progress

How Trump’s pursuit of cheap oil will impact India’s energy security

The promotion of fossil fuel-driven growth by Trump poses significant challenges but there are mitigating factors as well

Can nuclear replace coal-based electricity in India?

India’s energy strategy should be a judicious mix of coal, nuclear power, and clean energy resources. The share of coal, however, needs to come down
World

Trump and Xi may meet in Beijing in April, but India’s worries remain

There is a temporary thaw in US-China relations, but India will have to balance its ties deftly with both powers.

Regime change in Venezuela and the crisis of global order

Its neighbours have been largely silent or supportive of the US raid that captured Maduro, but the impact of that raid will be felt far beyond South America.

A rivalry too entangled to decouple

Unlike the Cold War standoff with the erstwhile Soviet Union, today’s US-China competition is constrained by shared production networks, mutual dependence, and the high costs of economic separation.