QUICKREADS

Quest for peace, progress in sight
PM Modi's first Manipur visit since 2021 ethnic violence offers hope for peace. Addressing displacement, community tensions, and political divisions, his intervention aims to restore normalcy and rebuild trust between Kukis and Meiteis amid ongoing challenges.

New PM in office, all quiet in Kathmandu
Nepal's new interim PM Sushila Karki, backed by Gen Z protesters, takes office after PM Oli's resignation. Fresh elections planned for March, addressing corruption concerns and quelling fears of monarchical return, with military supporting peaceful transition.

Signs of thaw, ties on mend
US and India show signs of diplomatic thaw, with Trump's nominee acknowledging past tensions. Positive social media exchanges between Trump and Modi suggest improving relations, focusing on trade negotiations and maintaining strategic autonomy amid global geopolitical complexities.

Polarising agendas and political violence
A right-wing activist, Charlie Kirk, was shot on a university campus, sparking political tensions. President Trump blamed the "radical Left" for the murder, highlighting growing polarization and political violence in the United States amid contentious campus debates and ideological conflicts.

Demography concerns ahead
India's fertility rate is declining nationwide, reaching replacement level of 2.1. Experts urge focusing on demographic dividend through skilling, investment, and social capital, while addressing regional disparities and avoiding political interference in population dynamics.

When Gen Z challenges the establishment
Gen Z protesters in Kathmandu challenge Nepal's political establishment, demanding social media access and fighting corruption. They've partially succeeded, but transforming institutions requires sustained effort and leadership beyond street demonstrations.

Israel’s reckless military actions
Israel attacked Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, breaching diplomatic norms and risking regional escalation. The strike, conducted without US knowledge, threatens peace negotiations and highlights ongoing tensions between Israel, Hamas, and regional mediators.

Challenges ahead for new vice-president
C P Radhakrishnan was elected as India’s 15th vice-president, defeating Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy. His victory is seen as a boost for the ruling NDA and a chance to restore decorum in the Rajya Sabha. Radhakrishnan aims to improve cooperation between government and Opposition, enhancing the legislative process in a politically polarized environment.

Gen Z moment in Kathmandu
Youth protests in Kathmandu, fueled by anger against the political elite and a government ban on social media, led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. With at least 19 fatalities and widespread unrest, the movement echoes recent regime changes in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, highlighting deep-rooted disillusionment with corrupt leadership in Nepal.

Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has lit up tennis circuit
Alcaraz and Sinner, tennis's top two players aged 22 and 24, have won eight consecutive Grand Slams. Their intense rivalry pushes each to improve, with Alcaraz currently leading 10-5, promising an exciting future for tennis fans.

Refreshing India, EU relationship
India and EU are intensifying free trade agreement negotiations, driven by global economic challenges. Despite differences, both sides seek deeper cooperation, focusing on trade, strategic partnership, and countering geopolitical uncertainties, with a summit planned for 2026.