Chetan Bhagat
How ultrabhakts are going from BJP’s asset to biggest headache
BJP's staunchest, loudest, most aggressive supporters are resisting introspection and feedback, something that the party needs to do after its performance in the general elections recently
Why religion & caste based campaigns are good for India
As the pendulum swings between Hindutva & quota politics as dominant themes, BJP & Congress alternate as pole position parties. This is a positive for democracy
After this dismal show, should India just give up on Olympics?
The Olympics results show our inflated sense of self-worth compared to what we really are on the world stage. We ‘feeling great’ doesn’t make us great. It’s time to start doing what will actually make us great.
Counting castes is all politics, zero policy
There’s value in a caste census. But too much politics is driving the demand for it. It’s Congress’s tool to scatter BJP’s attempts at Hindu vote consolidation
Coach runs over dreams
What do deaths of 3 students in a Delhi coaching centre basement tell us? First, that coaching is a business preying on desperate customers. Second, exams with 1% success rate are to blame
From inept pappu to khatakhat neta, Rahul’s making a comeback
The signs are all there. If Rahul plays his cards right, he could be a serious PM contender, something unthinkable even a few months ago.
Is BJP in denial?
In the ABCD of politics, D doesn’t help. Just because BJP returned to govt, doesn’t mean June 4 didn’t change anything. Rumblings in UP are also saying it’s got problems. The party needs to make changes
No NEET answer, but time to make merit matter again
Not just NEET, it's the same story with other entrance exams — the money to be made in rigging them is massive. In a nation that has rarely prioritised merit and ethics, is it really surprising that a mini industry has come up to make money off these tests?
India’s Goldilocks moment?
LS polls produced a fairly strong government and a fairly strong opposition. Onus now on both sides to ensure fairly okay governance
Pune Porsche case shows the problems of affluenza parenting
Parenting is about striking a balance between empathy and boundaries. While one needs to understand a child, it's also important to say 'no' to them
India’s undereducated young
Millions of students, who have been to good schools and are going to good universities, are growing up on videos not books. There is no big purpose, no real interest in the world or in elections
How Indians vote, and why having a strong leader matters so much
While some Indian voters are party loyalists, others vote on the basis of wanting a strong leader as PM, their own identity or their policy positions
SBF's conviction is a warning for Indians: You can’t get rich quick
One time crypto-king Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction for fraud is a warning for Indians. Beware of financial advice that’s exciting or sexy
As US states consider age-gating social media, India should ponder curbs too
Age regulation for social media might be a rare exception where government intervention is necessary, given all that we know about the negative impacts of social media on even adults
What BJP's 2024 list can teach us about chasing success
BJP is in pole position and yet its first Lok Sabha list is full of new candidates. This is what it takes for anyone to succeed. Don’t take rest when you are winning and definitely don’t stay still when you aren’t
- Chetan Bhagat
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Spare us the trek! Airports shouldn’t just be Insta-worthy, they should be practical
Indian airports have good light and air-conditioning. Yet, like many other Indian airports, it lacks an important aspect that could have been handled at the design stage itself.
Why Opposition can’t bake a cake there
There’s no winning within the INDIA alliance. Everyone wants a bigger slice of seats. Infights are leaving fat trails of crumbling ties. Voters are watching
Move over Maldives, Lakshadweep can give fair competition
Lakshadweep can give the so-called island paradise fair competition. The Indian archipelago should upgrade and target only ultra high-end tourists
Three cheers for wine and dine. Now, three ideas to make GIFT city shine
Tax incentives and beer bottles only go so far. A full focus on quality of life is what will make GIFT truly shine. Ideally, this should be the case in every Indian city
- Chetan Bhagat
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM
24 predictions for 2024
Plenty will happen aside from the temple & a likely Modi win. Mobiles will be prettier, there will be more love marriages, Indians will take more loans & have fewer mithais…