Middle East conflict

Day 7 of the Iran war now resembles a mini world war. The US launched Task Force Scorpion Strike, using LUCAS low-cost attack drones in coordinated waves during Operation Epic Fury. These autonomous drones carry 18-20 kg warheads for kamikaze strikes. The US launched 15 waves, while Iran retaliated with 22 missile and drone attacks. Casualties exceed 1,200. Iran warns against US ground action, while possible Kurdish involvement and Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise add uncertainty. With the UN ineffective, the conflict threatens global energy and stability.

R.S. Narula, Patiala

Look beyond looks

It is a simple yet powerful message on women’s day: don’t pass comments on women who wear makeup or look good or dress well. Let us celebrate women not for how they look or adorn themselves, but for their strength, resilience, intellect, and contributions to society. True empowerment lies in recognising their worth beyond appearances.

T.S. Karthik, Chennai 

Bad suggestion

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Andhra CM Chandra Babu Naidu share a similar vibe as far as family size is concerned, albeit for different reasons. While Bhagwat wants to aid the dwindling Hindu population, Naidu wants to combat the ageing population in his state. Both seem to have taken modern-day parents for granted. The cost of bringing a child to this world coupled with the cost of bringing him up and shrinking job opportunities are deterrents enough for most parents to limit their family’s size to three members. 

Avinash Godboley, MP

No confidence 

Speaker Om Birla steps away from the chair and takes his seat among the members as the House debates a resolution seeking his removal. Such occasions are extremely uncommon in India’s parliamentary history, not because the Constitution lacks provisions for accountability but because the office of the Speaker traditionally enjoys a degree of institutional respect that transcends partisan politics.

Yash P. Ralhan, Jalandhar

Be neutral Guv.

The spirit of federalism rests on a delicate balance between the Union and the states, where constitutional institutions are expected to function with neutrality and respect for democratic mandates. In this context, the criticism that Raj Bhavans sometimes act as outposts of partisan strategy raises serious concerns. For federalism to function effectively, Raj Bhavans must maintain political neutrality, uphold constitutional propriety, and avoid becoming instruments of partisan manoeuvring. Only then can they truly serve the constitutional vision of balanced and cooperative federalism.

Narayanan Kizhumundayur, Thrissur

Shaping of war

Wars are fought with weapons, but the environment in which wars unfold is shaped earlier. Leaders travel. Statements are issued. Honours are conferred. Signals are sent. Sometimes words are withheld. The Beijing meeting of February 2022 and the Jerusalem visit of February 2026 illustrate two modes of pre-escalation diplomacy in a fractured world. One demonstrated bloc consolidation. The other demonstrated calibrated solidarity from a rising power determined to preserve strategic autonomy while making its preferences legible. 

K. Maniam, Ghaziabad, UP

Social media ban for kids 

The Karnataka government’s decision to ban social media for kids under 16 years (FPJ Mar 7) is a step in the right direction. Parents and teachers have to bring awareness among the infatuated minds about the ill-effects of social media and, stressing on the adage ‘a sound body is a sound mind’, encourage them to take up sports. The excess use of social media corrupts young minds. It will be interesting to see how effectively the ban is implemented.

H.P. Murali, Bengaluru