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Karan Thapar

Karan Thapar is a super-looking genius who’s young, friendly, chatty and great fun to be with. He’s also very enjoyable to read.

Articles by Karan Thapar

Retro-chaotic sleuth in a crumpled suit and tie

Have you ever considered how much a book can reveal about the author’s personality?

Krishnan Srinivasan in 2021(Murthy V R Garigipati/Wikimedia Commons)

Opinion

Published on Mar 09, 2024 10:00 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Outspoken, committed to doing the right thing

“Fali Nariman had a way of saying things that could be pertinent and pointed but never offensive or hurtful.”

Fali S Nariman has an exemplary career spanning over seven decades. (HT Photo)(HT_PRINT)

Opinion

Published on Mar 02, 2024 10:00 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

MSP as subsidy for consumer, not farmer

When MSP is higher than the market price, private traders will refuse to buy, thus leaving farmers with unsold surpluses or forcing the government to step-in

Members of the farm union Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) block railway tracks during a protest to demand minimum crop prices (AFP Photo)

Opinion

Updated on Feb 26, 2024 11:09 AM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Caught in Mumbai, a spy who came in from China

Found by the police in Mumbai in May, with what appeared like Chinese writing on the reverse side of its wings, the pigeon was held in custody for eight months.

A pigeon that was captured eight months back near a port after being suspected to be a Chinese spy, is released at a vet hospital in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Jan.30, 2024. (Anshuman Poyrekar/Hindustan Times via AP)(AP)

Opinion

Published on Feb 17, 2024 10:11 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Why LK Advani is a truly special politician for me

The unhesitating willingness to accept a mistake is, perhaps, LK Advani’s greatest quality and immediately attracted me to him

BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani. (HT file)

Opinion

Published on Feb 10, 2024 10:09 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Turncoats thrive in politics because voters allow them

Has Nitish Kumar brought into focus a sad and sorry truth about Indian politics?

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar with deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha during death anniversary function of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Ghat in Patna, Bihar,(Santosh Kumar/Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Feb 03, 2024 10:00 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Debunking propaganda myths, restoring truths

For those who genuinely care, this book is revelatory. It tells you the truth in simple terms that are easy to handle. I hope it’ll be equally easy to accept.

Navi Mumbai, India - Feb. 26, 2023:Jan Akroshk Morcha by Hindu Sakl Samaj in protest against Love and Land Jihad held at Vashi in Navi Mumbai in Navi Mumbai, India, on Sunday, February 26, 2023. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO)

Opinion

Published on Jan 27, 2024 10:10 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

What INDIA could do to stop BJP juggernaut

PM Modi and the BJP cannot be defeated easily. Bringing them below 272 should be the target for 2024.

Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders hold a meeting in Mumbai on September 1. (Hindustan Times)

Opinion

Published on Jan 20, 2024 10:15 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

At Heathrow, you are always in the queue

What happened at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 on the evening of December 23 cannot — indeed must not — be forgiven.

Passengers are seen waiting for delayed flights in London's Heathrow airport. (AP)

Opinion

Published on Jan 13, 2024 11:18 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

My resolutions for New Year, present and past

A resolution is an acknowledgment of what needs to be done even if the commitment to do it lacks resolve. So today let’s, at least, take that first step.

Fireworks explode over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill during New Year's celebrations in Athens, Greece, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)(AP)

Opinion

Published on Jan 06, 2024 10:12 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Is there an Indian way of telling the truth?

This morning, I want to compliment my late-night interlocutor for helping me appreciate a quality I had not properly thought of before.

Opinion

Published on Dec 31, 2023 08:00 AM IST

ByKaran Thapar

What is it like to be a Muslim in India?

The answer to the question “What is it like to be a Muslim in India?” could threaten the integrity and future of our country

Indian Muslim students wearing burqas leave Mahatma Gandhi Memorial college after they were denied entry into the campus in Udupi, Karnataka state, India, February. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Opinion

Published on Dec 23, 2023 11:01 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Article 370 order flags several federal concerns

Is this a potential Pandora’s Box the Court has opened?

The five-judge bench held by unanimity that the constitutional order by which Article 370 was altered by amending Article 367 was ultra vires to the extent it used an interpretation clause for amending Article 370. (ANI)

Opinion

Published on Dec 16, 2023 10:00 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

In botched murder plot, a few tough questions

The case of unsealed American Superseding Indictment is going to trial and we cannot brush it aside dismissively

Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is pictured in his office on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, in New York. U.S. authorities said an Indian government official directed a plot to assassinate Pannun in New York City after he advocated for a sovereign state for Sikhs. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) (AP)

Opinion

Published on Dec 09, 2023 10:15 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Palestine through the eyes of the Israeli State

If one wants to understand the wider relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, they should be aware of how Israel treats its Palestinian citizens

A picture taken from southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on December 2, 2023, shows smoke billowing over the Palestinian territory during Israeli bombardment amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Israel carried out deadly bombardments in Gaza for a second day on December 2 after a week-long truce with Hamas collapsed despite international calls for an extension. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)(AFP)

Opinion

Published on Dec 02, 2023 10:39 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

World Cup takeaway: Great team, bad losers

Our cricketers are great players but they have to learn to be good losers. The first is a matter of sporting prowess. The second is a quality of moral fibre

India's Virat Kohli, left, and Mohammed Siraj react after losing the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final match against Australia.(AP)

Opinion

Published on Nov 25, 2023 10:50 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Elusive character of Indira Gandhi

After Indira Gandhi, we’ve had other strong rulers. We’ve had many impressively attired prime ministers. So why does Indira Gandhi remain special?

Like Caesar, it’s true of Indira Gandhi as well, the good has been interred with her bones and we only remember the worst. (File)

opinion

Published on Nov 18, 2023 10:39 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Questions Netanyahu’s Palestine policy provoke

Israel has said “obliterating” Hamas is its goal. But at what cost? Is there a level of death and destruction that will satisfy Israel’s quest for punishment?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference.(REUTERS)

opinion

Published on Nov 11, 2023 10:38 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow!

They are voices that cannot be silenced and, therefore, our conscience will continue to speak.

Smoke rising during Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip on October 29, 2023. (Fadel Senna/AFP)

opinion

Published on Nov 04, 2023 10:46 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Bishen, Tiger and Baig: A toast for three friends

“I’m all too aware that often the important thing about friends is the memories that linger with you.”

Bishan’s death on Monday brought back memories of these three friends and this morning, as a toast to them, I want to share them with you.

opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2023 10:54 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

In West Asia, it’s my country right or left

The saddest most lamentable conclusion is that the ground is being laid for another tragic chapter in this unending story of Israel and Palestine.

Israel-Hamas War: A Palestinian boy sits on the rubble of the building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Bureij refugee camp Gaza Strip.(AP)

opinion

Published on Oct 21, 2023 10:36 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Moral choices that confront politicians

Aakar Patel surprises with his novel, revealing a talent for storytelling and deep moral dimension.

After Messiah reveals a talent for imaginative and gripping storytelling alongside the capacity to create characters whose inner struggles give the narrative a deep moral dimension.(Penguin)

opinion

Published on Oct 14, 2023 10:13 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

In divided Manipur, disturbing questions

Manipur throws up disturbing questions from both sides, which is why an answer from just one perspective can only make the situation worse.

The ethnic violence between dominant Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur has since May left at least 175 dead. (PTI)

opinion

Published on Oct 07, 2023 10:00 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

How the West viewed Trudeau’s allegations

How should we respond to such commentary about our country?

opinion

Published on Oct 01, 2023 12:12 AM IST

ByKaran Thapar

The cat that rules 10 Downing Street

Defeat will ensure prime ministers are turfed out of Downing Street. Only death – or old age — can remove the Mouser.

Larry, the official 10 Downing Street cat, seen before the nationwide Clap for Carers to recognise and support National Health Service (NHS) workers and carers fighting the coronavirus pandemic on May 21, 2020.(Frank Augstein / AP)

opinion

Published on Sep 27, 2023 01:11 AM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Ifs and buts about simultaneous polls

We need to reflect on three concerns in particular: The desirability of the concept, the implications of implementing it and the consequences that could follow

One Nation, One Election narrows our democracy by reducing the opportunity for citizens to vote and choose governments. (PTI)

opinion

Published on Sep 16, 2023 10:06 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Reminiscences from a former diplomat

Aftab Seth's memoir, "A Diplomat's Garden," offers a glimpse into the life of an Indian diplomat, filled with action and excitement.

Aftab Seth's deliberate caution is even more apparent when he turns to late former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto(Reuters file photo)

opinion

Published on Sep 11, 2023 02:54 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Save schools from the pitfalls of polarisation

Two harrowing incidents took place in Indian schools. The teachers must be taught a lesson. It’s the least we expect of our government.

The victims are little children. Not only have they suffered physically, but the mental trauma inflicted on them could be deep and ineradicable(Representative Image- File photo)

opinion

Updated on Sep 02, 2023 09:08 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

Ruminations on a maverick’s career

Mani Shankar Aiyar's autobiography is long-winded at first, but becomes a gripping narrative with valuable insights into Pakistan and India's foreign service

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar(Photo: Pardeep Pandit/HT Photo)

opinion

Published on Aug 26, 2023 10:21 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

A delightful chronicle of our prime ministers

Neerja Chowdhury's book on six Indian prime ministers combines history and biography with anecdotes and in-depth research, leading to a delightful read

It’s Rao’s relationship with Atal Bihari Vajpayee that transfixed my attention.(HT File)

opinion

Published on Aug 19, 2023 10:25 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

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Karan Thapar

Karan Thapar is a super-looking genius who’s young, friendly, chatty and great fun to be with. He’s also very enjoyable to read.

Have you ever considered how much a book can reveal about the author’s personality?

“Fali Nariman had a way of saying things that could be pertinent and pointed but never offensive or hurtful.”

When MSP is higher than the market price, private traders will refuse to buy, thus leaving farmers with unsold surpluses or forcing the government to step-in

Found by the police in Mumbai in May, with what appeared like Chinese writing on the reverse side of its wings, the pigeon was held in custody for eight months.

The unhesitating willingness to accept a mistake is, perhaps, LK Advani’s greatest quality and immediately attracted me to him

Has Nitish Kumar brought into focus a sad and sorry truth about Indian politics?

For those who genuinely care, this book is revelatory. It tells you the truth in simple terms that are easy to handle. I hope it’ll be equally easy to accept.

PM Modi and the BJP cannot be defeated easily. Bringing them below 272 should be the target for 2024.

What happened at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 on the evening of December 23 cannot — indeed must not — be forgiven.

A resolution is an acknowledgment of what needs to be done even if the commitment to do it lacks resolve. So today let’s, at least, take that first step.

This morning, I want to compliment my late-night interlocutor for helping me appreciate a quality I had not properly thought of before.

The answer to the question “What is it like to be a Muslim in India?” could threaten the integrity and future of our country

Is this a potential Pandora’s Box the Court has opened?

The case of unsealed American Superseding Indictment is going to trial and we cannot brush it aside dismissively

If one wants to understand the wider relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, they should be aware of how Israel treats its Palestinian citizens

Our cricketers are great players but they have to learn to be good losers. The first is a matter of sporting prowess. The second is a quality of moral fibre

After Indira Gandhi, we’ve had other strong rulers. We’ve had many impressively attired prime ministers. So why does Indira Gandhi remain special?

Israel has said “obliterating” Hamas is its goal. But at what cost? Is there a level of death and destruction that will satisfy Israel’s quest for punishment?

They are voices that cannot be silenced and, therefore, our conscience will continue to speak.

“I’m all too aware that often the important thing about friends is the memories that linger with you.”

The saddest most lamentable conclusion is that the ground is being laid for another tragic chapter in this unending story of Israel and Palestine.

Aakar Patel surprises with his novel, revealing a talent for storytelling and deep moral dimension.

Manipur throws up disturbing questions from both sides, which is why an answer from just one perspective can only make the situation worse.

How should we respond to such commentary about our country?

Defeat will ensure prime ministers are turfed out of Downing Street. Only death – or old age — can remove the Mouser.

We need to reflect on three concerns in particular: The desirability of the concept, the implications of implementing it and the consequences that could follow

Aftab Seth's memoir, "A Diplomat's Garden," offers a glimpse into the life of an Indian diplomat, filled with action and excitement.

Two harrowing incidents took place in Indian schools. The teachers must be taught a lesson. It’s the least we expect of our government.

Mani Shankar Aiyar's autobiography is long-winded at first, but becomes a gripping narrative with valuable insights into Pakistan and India's foreign service

Neerja Chowdhury's book on six Indian prime ministers combines history and biography with anecdotes and in-depth research, leading to a delightful read

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