Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Revanth’s Political Fuel Leak

In politics, outrage is often cheaper than petrol. And in Telangana these days, both seem to be available in abundance. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy recently chose to mount his high-octane attack on the Centre over rising petrol and diesel prices, demanding a rollback with all the theatrical flourish of a seasoned opposition campaigner. Fair…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Mission Divyastra Signals India’s Nuclear Leap

India’s latest successful test of a MIRV-capable Advanced Agni-V missile was not merely another routine missile launch. It was a strategic declaration that New Delhi is no longer content with symbolic deterrence. India is steadily building a sophisticated, survivable and technologically advanced nuclear architecture capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with major global powers. Conducted from Dr….

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

India’s Mediation Moment in West Asia

The suggestion by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that India could emerge as a long-term mediator in the worsening West Asia crisis is not merely diplomatic courtesy. It reflects a changing geopolitical reality. The old power centres are exhausted, mistrusted, or too deeply invested in regional rivalries to act as honest brokers. Amid that vacuum,…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Has RSS Become a Loose Cannon?

There was a time when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh commanded respect for discipline, ideological clarity and its role in preserving Hindu civilizational consciousness. It functioned as a cultural force that sought to awaken national pride and social service among Hindus. But increasingly, some of its top functionaries appear unable to distinguish between cultural nationalism and…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Hinduism: Faith or Mere “Way of Life”?

As a responsible citizen and Editor of this e-paper, I felt deeply disturbed by certain observations made during the hearing on petitions related to women’s entry into the Sabarimala Temple, particularly remarks describing Hinduism merely as a “way of life” and suggesting there is no compulsion to visit temples. For millions of devotees, temples are…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Governance Before Grandstanding

There is a reason why some leaders inspire confidence during uncertain times while others merely issue statements and vanish behind press conferences. Leadership is not tested in times of abundance. It is tested when global uncertainty threatens domestic stability. And in that context, the swift response of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Madhya…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Pakistan’s Double Game Never Ends

There is an old saying in diplomacy: nations do not have permanent friends, only permanent interests. But in Pakistan’s case, even trust has become disposable. The latest allegations that Islamabad quietly allowed Iran to park sensitive aircraft at Pakistani airbases while simultaneously posturing as a mediator between the United States and Iran only reinforces a…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Lead By Example, Mr Prime Minister

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood before a massive gathering in Hyderabad after unveiling infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, his appeal to citizens carried both urgency and sincerity. In the backdrop of tensions in West Asia, volatile crude oil prices, and growing economic uncertainty across the world, Modi urged Indians to reduce dependence on…

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Columnist M S Shanker, Orange News 9

Vijay’s Risky Congress Embrace

Victory, when incomplete, often demands compromise. For actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay, that compromise may well define the credibility of his political debut. Sweeping into relevance with a strong mandate but falling short of a majority, his decision to seek support from the Indian National Congress is not merely tactical—it is fraught with historical baggage and political…

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