Diplomacy, Desperation, and the Scandal India Can’t Bury

Presenting India Today Insight: Sharp analysis on topical issues by the editors of India Today magazine. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE Bridging the LAC: How the India-China reboot begins in Qingdao Signalling an intention to engage despite distrust, the defence ministers’ summit in China marks a cautious step by India towards a lasting thaw with the other big Asian power. By Pradip R. Sagar IN FOCUS: KASHMIRI STUDENTS IRAN WAR How Kashmir’s aspiring doctors demand rescue from an alien war More than a thousand medical students from the Valley are among the Indian citizens stranded in war-struck Iran as pressure builds on the Narendra Modi government to execute a major evacuation effort. By Kaleem Geelani SPECIAL REPORT: INDIA-US TRADE Deal or no deal? Inside India’s high-stakes trade gamble with the US Even if Washington reads India’s insistence on a balanced deal as resistance, New Delhi seems ready to pay that price instead of returning to the era of trade policy as diplomatic concession. By Anilesh S. Mahajan SPOTLIGHT: MP POLICE SCAM Madhya Pradesh Police recruitment scam revives Vyapam corruption Allegations of fraud in Madhya Pradesh’s constable recruitment exam reveals a persistent nexus of impersonation and biometric tampering, reflecting the state’s tainted history with the Vyapam scandal. By Rahul Noronha FROM THE STATES: WEST BENGAL Why the Digha juggernaut is grabbing eyeballs The first Rath Yatra after the Bengal CM inaugurated a Jagannath temple in the coastal town will test the Mamata government’s event-management competence—and success could be doubly sweet. By Arkamoy Datta Majumdar GROUND REPORT: TMC STRIKES BACK How Abhishek Banerjee is putting the Centre in the dock With his five questions pointedly aimed at the government that has largely dominated the discourse around Operation Sindoor, the TMC leader has turned the focus back on Pahalgam in the war of narrative. By Arkamoy Datta Majumdar BUSINESS: RARE EARTH SUPPLY SHOCK China's rare-earth curbs hit Indian auto industry As China halts rare earth magnet exports, Indian automakers face looming production cuts, supply chain disruption, and rising costs—especially in the electric vehicle sector. By M.G. Arun HEALTH: POSTPARTUM BONE STRENGTH Five bone health facts and tips for mothers after pregnancy Dr Anuj Chawla, Director, Orthopedics-Foot and Ankle, C.K. Birla Hospital, Gurugram, shares essential advice for bone health after pregnancy—a time when a woman’s body undergoes immense transformations. By Sonali Acharjee CINEMA: RS PRASANNA R.S. Prasanna on making ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ Director R.S. Prasanna shares his journey of making ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ with Aamir Khan, working with neurodivergent actors, and creating a film that challenges perceptions while celebrating the spirit within us all. By Suhani Singh FROM THE ARCHIVES (1985): BENJAMIN NETANYAHU From the India Today archives (1985) | Benjamin Netanyahu: Terrorism is a cancer As the Israel-Iran war enters its fifth day, Prime Minister Netanyahu warns that Iran is pushing Israel to the nuclear brink. We revisit his insights on fighting terrorism and strengthening Israel-India ties. By Inderjit Bhadwar Subscribe to the India Today Magazine