Refer to ‘Xi has the measure of Trump’; the trajectory of the US-China relationship has become the defining geopolitical story of 2026. When Trump visited China about a decade ago, he appeared to believe that Beijing could be pressured into making concessions. But now Trump’s approach appears to be more flexible and quite respectful that reflects the reality of China’s increased economic, technological and military strength. Xi, for his part, has approached the relationship with greater confidence. China’s objective is to secure greater recognition of its interests, and to ensure that the US respects what Beijing defines as its core concerns, especially on the Taiwan issue. For Asia, India particularly, the challenge is to recognise that the US-China relationship will continue to combine elements of rivalry and selective cooperation.
Mona Singh, Amritsar
Italy, a gateway to Europe
Refer to ‘Made in Italy+Make in India = Excellence’; the India-Italy relationship has travelled far from the bitterness of the 2012 Italian Marines controversy that once cast a long shadow over bilateral ties. Today, with global supply chains fragmenting and maritime competition intensifying, cooperation between India and Italy in defence manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, connectivity and the Indo-Mediterranean corridor carries genuine strategic weight. Italy provides India with an industrial and technological gateway into Europe, while New Delhi offers Rome scale, markets, talent and strategic depth in the Indo-Pacific. The emerging Indo-Mediterranean framework concerns resilient supply chains, energy security, digital infrastructure and maritime stability, linking Europe and Asia.
Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak
Natural surroundings
Apropos of ‘Dog menace’, the administration mostly remains a silent spectator under public pressure. Dog feeders add to the problem. In advanced countries, hefty fines are charged if someone feeds birds or animals because their governments don’t want these creatures to be dependent on people for their survival; instead, they provide them with natural surroundings. Happiness doesn’t lie in feeding dogs on the streets; it lies within the four walls of your house. Be human and humane.
Sham Murari Sharma, Chandigarh
Moral duty towards animals
Humans can cope with the heat using various amenities at their disposal, but animals are left to suffer. It is our moral duty to make water and feed available on our terraces for birds and in front of our houses for cats and dogs. Taking cognisance of the cruelty perpetrated on draught animals, the government enacted the animal draught rules, which prevent the use of draught animals from noon to 3 pm when the temperature hovers around 40°C. Cart drivers must be persuaded to follow these rules. Pet stores pack poultry birds, parrots and pigeons in crates with no provision of water and food and no space even to stretch their wings. Such blatant cruelty must be discouraged.
Soshil Rattan, Amritsar
Justice through legal means
Refer to ‘UP encounters’; it was shocking to note that under Yogi Adityanath’s rule, five encounters have been taking place daily for the last nine years. Yogi wants to drive home the point that orders will have to be followed without fail. Public safety is a vital responsibility of the state; hardcore criminals, gangsters and anti-social elements must definitely be dealt with strongly. The message should be — no one is allowed to take the law into their hands and criminals will be brought to justice using legal means.
Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram
Fair exam nation’s responsibility
Incidents of paper leaks, cheating and other malpractices have weakened public confidence in examinations. Punishment should be severe enough to discourage future misconduct, and investigations must be completed quickly and fairly. A fair testing system is not only an academic necessity, but a national responsibility. A strong and secure examination system is essential to ensure that every hardworking student receives an equal opportunity.
Richa Sharma, Chandigarh
