Mecca pact: Interests primary, not alliances

Lord Palmerston said in 1848 that Britain had no eternal allies, only eternal interests. Today, India faces a similar challenge with the Mecca pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. Many experts feel our old habits and friendships now cloud how we view these shifting regional dynamics in West Asia.

The federal dilemma of delimitation

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to freeze Lok Sabha seats at 543. The state wants to keep the current seat distribution and the 2.2:1 ratio between houses. It also asked for one-third women’s reservation in the 2029 election, without linking it to any future delimitation.

Toilets emerge as biggest infrastructure gap in government arts colleges

A recent assessment by the Directorate of Collegiate Education exposed major infrastructure gaps in 181 government arts and science colleges in Tamil Nadu. Toilets emerged as the biggest concern, with an immediate requirement for 968 units. "Toilets are a basic requirement for dignity, health and inclusion," said faculty member Lakshmi R.

Kushner has rare meeting with Hamas chief on Gaza road map; to meet Netanyahu next

Jared Kushner held a rare meeting with Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya on Sunday, August 16, 2026, to push for a Gaza ceasefire. Kushner will meet Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, August 17, as regional powers said Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in the war-torn Gaza.

Delhi Confidential: Showing Up

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 25 Atal Canteens in Delhi on Sunday to mark Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 8th death anniversary. Naidu attended the BJP event and met senior leaders. Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry ministries will soon move out of Krishi Bhawan as redevelopment plans start there.

AAP writes to L-G, seeks meeting over 'scams' by BJP government

AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha wrote to Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on August 16, 2026, seeking a probe into alleged BJP government scams. He wants a meeting to share documents regarding bicycle, medicine, and rice procurement. The BJP dismissed these claims on August 12, calling them baseless and politically motivated welfare criticism.

Rijiju offers 4-point definition of 'dimagi naxal'

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju offered a four-point definition of "dimagi naxal" after PM Modi warned of this new enemy at Red Fort Saturday. Rijiju said, “Only those who support these kind of people are called ‘Dimagi Naxals’.” Congress leaders hit back, calling the term a sign of desperation.