Provocative Ghauri
A new milestone in the South Asian arms race has been crossed with Pakistan's test of the Ghauri surface-to-surface missile which is reportedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads and penetrating deep into Indian territory.
Question of ethics
Less than three weeks after it took office, the BJP government's credibility is being threatened by the appalling behaviour of one of its ministers. As a holder of high office, Union Surface Transport Minister R. Muthiah cannot refuse to quit on the ground that he is the victim of political vendetta.
BJP's version of stability
As a long-time avid reader of P. G. Wodehouse, I have often wondered about what exactly catnip is. According to that master story-teller, it is something which exercises an immense fascination as far as cats are concerned, just as aniseed sprinkled on trousers pulls dogs and Blandings Castle inexorably draws impostors.
First, tame the bureaucracy
The BJP proposes to enact a Lok Pal Bill and place even the Prime Minister under its ambit. While this may be welcome, it leaves the ordinary citizen's problem unresolved. He is more concerned with the hafta being extracted by the constable. How will the BJP rein in the corrupt bureaucracy? The National Agenda is alarmingly silent on this question.
Summer of discontent
After clever floor management by the BJP ensured its survival at the Centre during the vote of confidence, another major test awaits it this summer. And this time, the threat will come from within. It was a good thing that the BJP alliance was cobbled together in winter months when the demand for water is low.
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