Powerplay

From Kejriwal to Congress, BJP: A lesson in grassroots politics

Whereas the Congress and the BJP have gone off-message, Kejriwal stands out as a rare politician who is staying on course with his Jan Sabha campaign, intended to empower voters. More power to him.

ICC CEC recommends mandatory use of DRS

The International Cricket Council's Chief Executive Committee today recommended mandatory use of the controversial Decision Review System, in Tests and one-dayers. BCCI has consistently opposed the use of DRS.

Has Karunanidhi chosen his successor in Stalin?

The fight for supremacy within the DMK between brothers MK Stalin and MK Alagiri seems to have reached a decisive twist with the patriarch Karunandidhi ticking the latter off.

Who calls the shots: PM or Pulok?

Increasingly, it’s IAS officer and principal secretary to the PM, Pulok Chatterjee, who is the power-house.

Why the Centre is a drag on states; time to devolve power

India would be better off if its states had more economic powers devolved to them. The Centre must get off their backs.

Sanaa becomes ghost town as troops and rival forces clash

At least 12 people were killed in fierce clashes in Sanaa between President Ali Abdullah Saleh's troops and rival forces in escalating violence today, a day after the UN Security Council urged the embattled leader to hand over power.

Slowly, but steadily, India learns to project power abroad

In both Afghanistan and Vietnam, India is shedding its inhibition about finding a strategic foothold that looks beyond objections from Pakistan and China.

With 'allies' like Pakistan, does the US need enemies?

In another turn of the screw, US President Barack Obama warns Pakistan over its links to terrorist groups. Yet, US policymakers remain conflicted about how to deal with a problem like Pakistan.

With Afghanistan, India marks its rise in Central Asia

India's readiness to enhance its profile in Afghanistan with a strategic relationship despite the many perils in the Graveyard of Empires represents an important rite of passage in its emergence as a regional player.

India's Big Power aspirations face bigger hurdles

India's yearning for a place at the High Table of global governance isn't about to be realised anytime soon, given the cynical nature of Big Power politics. A reality check.