The death of Margaret Thatcher has set off celebrations among her opponents, these in turn attracting a torrent of criticism from her supporters. Read more

The swiftness with which British authorities have moved to arrest and charge suspects following the attack on Lt Gen Kuldip Singh Brar in London is a reminder that British attitudes towards extremists who indulge in violence have hardened over the years. Read more

In the aftermath of London 2012 Olympics success, Prime Minister David Cameron dismissed Indian dance as not-physical education. Sports lessons in schools were being filled with “Indian dance or whatever,” he said – activities that “you and I wouldn’t think of as sport.” Read more

The Olympics are supposed to bring together nations and peoples – as also the people of the host nation. For the last three weeks, Britain has become used to calling itself Great Britain, and with good reason: after a hesitant start in the medals tally (when it immediately slipped into the usual grumbling mode), the country has done superbly to finish third after the US and China. Read more

If the opening ceremony at the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games was all about might, London 2012 showcased what is right: health for all, deaf children singing the national anthem, seven young people lighting the flame, 500 construction workers giving a guard of honour to the Olympic torch carrier, Suffragettes, women athletes and nursing to name only a few. Read more

There’s growing talk in Europe about the reported political ambitions of Pascal Lamy, the Frenchman who heads the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO). There are implications for India and BRICS. Read more

The government, to its credit, has cleared the air over the confused and nonsensical approach to gay rights revealed by its lawyer in the Supreme Court. Read more

The first signs of political reforms in resource-rich Myanmar have been followed by visits in quick succession from US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and British Foreign Secretary William Hague. Read more

Defining moment: this modern-day cliché of English language usage probably best sums up 2011. Read more

There’s been growing speculation on the implications of the Eurozone crisis for the rest of the world, including of course Asia. Some it is ignited by Britain’s decision to keep out of the European ‘fiscal compact.’ Read more