You don't have to meet him to know he has that winning quality. You can hear it in his voice, see it in his gestures and sense it in the stories newspapers tell of him. The Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang, has abundant charm. Karan Thapar writes.
The first thing that strikes you about Nawaz Sharif is his smile. It’s big and broad and seems to cover his large face. And when he smiles his eyes light up.
Karan Thapar writes.
As we await the election results from Pakistan — and I believe we should have a clear idea of the outcome before the day is out, even if the outcome is not clear! — let’s pause and consider what sort of campaign it’s been, writes
Karan Thapar. 
Will Narendra Modi be the BJP’s PM candidate at the next polls? This question has started to obsess urban middle-class Indians. Mr Modi’s ceaseless self-projection has not only made it topical but even irresistible.
Karan Thapar writes.
I will always remember Jagdish Sharan Verma’s large round eyes and gentle chuckle. The former kept you transfixed during an interview, writes Karan Thapar.
Was the Supreme Court right to give Sanjay Dutt four extra weeks to surrender and go to jail or was this an unjustified indulgence? The question is important because its answer could determine whether we are all equal in the eyes of the law or whether, at least initially, some are more equal than others.
Karan Thapar writes.
I first met Margaret Thatcher in 1975. She was the upstart Leader of the Opposition, dismissed by Tory grandees as a mere Grantham grocer's daughter.
Karan Thapar writes.
Three weeks ago I spent an eye-opening half hour at the Australian House of Representatives. I witnessed Question Hour on the 19th of March and what I saw was almost unbelievable, writes
Karan Thapar.
What are the qualities necessary to become a good journalist? This question has become the source of a feverish exchange between Justice Katju, who believes journalists need proper qualification, and an assortment of journalists certainly seem critical of his stand.
Karan Thapar writes.
Last week, for the first time in its 65-year history, a democratically elected civilian government in Pakistan completed its full term. In India that would be no big thing, writes Karan Thapar.
How effectively has the Indian system handled the Italian marines issue? As the controversy dominates the news, its worth trying to answer this question.
Karan Thapar writes.
After all the miserable news of the last few weeks it’s time for a little fun. So, relax, cast your woes aside and let’s see if I can make you chuckle.
Karan Thapar writes.
Should the death penalty be abolished? My answer is a clear and unequivocal yes. I come to that conclusion both in terms of practical concerns as well as moral principles. Are there any grounds for claiming the death penalty is an effective deterrent?
Karan Thapar writes.
Rarely have I written in praise of politicians, so today is certainly an exception. However, the truth is I feel I have to support Omar Abdullah’s comments on the hanging of Afzal Guru.
Karan Thapar writes.
The truth is we've become an intolerant people. When we don't like a film we stop its screening. When we disapprove of a book we ban it. When we disagree with someone's speech we censor it.
Karan Thapar writes.