The best of all possible worlds

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 26 ELMAU, Germany (AP) — Leading economic powers conferred by video link with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday as they underscored their commitment to Ukraine for “as long as it takes” with plans to pursue a price cap on Russian oil, raise tariffs on Russian goods and impose other new sanctions. In addition, the U.S. was preparing to announce the purchase of an advanced surface-to-air missile system for Kyiv to help Ukraine fight back against Vladimir Putin’s aggression. The new aid and efforts by the Group of Seven leaders to punish Moscow come as Zelenskyy has openly worried that the West has become fatigued by the cost of a war that is contributing to soaring energy costs and price hikes on essential goods around the globe. U.S. … [Read more...] about G-7 leaders confer with Zelenskyy, prep new aid for Ukraine

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 65 ELMAU, Germany (AP) — The Latest on the G-7 summit, the annual meeting of the leading democratic economies, which this year is being held in the Bavarian Alps in Germany; and on the summit of NATO leaders that will start on Tuesday in Madrid: NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg says the military alliance wants to increase the number of its rapid reaction forces from the current 40,000 troops to 300,000. Speaking at a press conference Monday ahead of a NATO summit later this week in Madrid, Stoltenberg said allies … [Read more...] about Live updates | NATO to boost reaction force, Ukraine support

Over the last two decades, the attention devoted to the role of the judiciary has increased almost exponentially. It is rare for a day to pass without at least a couple of front page stories in our national dailies devoted to what transpired in the constitutional courts. Even as I write this, the cameras are slowly turning towards the Supreme Court to see how the Maharashtra imbroglio will play out. It is not surprising, therefore, that the events at court invite opinions and views, many of them from those who ply their trade within those hallowed portals (which includes this writer). Most of these pieces are devoted to specific judgments and ephemeral events, but ever so often, we see one that deals with institutional issues — larger malaises that need to be addressed — and then, we consider those suggestions through a wider lens. One of these is Sriram Panchu’s article ‘ A wish list for reform in India’s higher judiciary ’ (published in The Hindu on June 22, 2022). There are, … [Read more...] about Misdirected ideas can harm the judiciary

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport worldwide and has gained a massive following in recent years even in countries that don’t get to roll out the red carpet for racing; India being one of those countries and this author being one of those followers. This column is my attempt to connect with other new fans of the sport and share with them my journey of exploring this fast, furious, and yes, at times, frustrating, sport. Be careful what you wish for. After the back-breaking Baku race made Lewis Hamilton the go-to-meme for millennial health issues, Mercedes drummed up support in the paddock for the FIA to do something about porpoising . The FIA obliged, but its fix may end up biting Mercedes in the rear wing, dragging Ferrari for good measure, working Red Bull into a frenzy. And the Netflix cameras are watching it all. Let’s take it from the top. For the uninitiated, the phenomenon giving porpoises – cute aquatic mammals that resemble dolphins – a bad rep is the vertical … [Read more...] about Rookie on F1 Grid | Raise Your Car or Race Your Car? It’s Lone Wolff vs The Rest in F1’s Latest Civil War

Just three weeks ago Matthew Fitzpatrick was still rueing a golden missed chance to win a first major title at the PGA Championship at Southern Hills, after narrowly losing out by just two shots. A painful near miss like that can often be a tough one to take, but not one for being knocked down, Fitzpatrick was determined to redeem his misfortune at the next possible occasion. In the midst of his top three finish at Southern Hills, was the ongoing saga surrounding the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit led by ex-world No. 1 Greg Norman, which had sent the golfing world into disarray after luring some of the PGA Tour’s biggest names in Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson to sign up, thanks to a whole host of mega-money leap in the dark payouts. Like the rest of the sport’s elite Fitzpatrick was approached by Norman and his team to join the contentious series - which after months of deliberation, eventually kicked off early this month. For the Englishman though it was an easy decision … [Read more...] about Matt Fitzpatrick’s Saudi tour stance vindicated after creating his own legacy with US Open win