Top The Last Word News- IBNLive.com

The Last Word: Can Dr Manmohan Singh recover his political strength?

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:11:20 +0530

Karan Thapar discusses the question with a panel of experts.

The Last Word: Has Vinod Rai transformed the CAG office?

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:48:14 +0530

Wednesday was Vinod Rai's last day as Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

The Last Word: Are India-China ties about to turn a new page?

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:57:18 +0530

India and China on Monday signed eight agreements during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India. Premier Li held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and issues along the Indo-China border were also discussed.

The Last Word: Is the govt right to seek conciliation to resolve the Vodafone problem?

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:48:12 +0530

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday attacked Law Minister Kapil Sibal over Vodafone tax case and said all the corrupt ministers have joined the Group of Ministers on CBI autonomy.

The Last Word: Can the GoM convert the CBI into a free bird?

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:55:42 +0530

Karan Thapar discusses the future of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), called a caged parrot by the Supreme Court of India, with a panel of experts.

The Last Word: Is Nawaz Sharif's comfortable victory in Pakistan good news for India?

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:08:15 +0530

Nawaz Sharif, who is set to be Pakistan's Prime Minister for a record third time, on Monday issued a statement inviting Indian PM Manmohan Singh to his swearing-in ceremony.

The Last Word: Is SC pointing a finger at PM in coal scam probe?

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:10:56 +0530

It's not an exaggeration to say that the concerns raised by the Supreme Court on Wednesday over the coal scam probe not only appear to indict the CBI, but the Attorney General, the Law Minister and the PMO.

The Last Word: What does the SC's indictment mean for the CBI, govt?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:50:50 +0530

The Supreme court on Tuesday tore into the UPA government and the Central Bureau of Investigation demanding answers on the government's alleged interference in the CBI coal allocations probe.

The Last Word: Is Oppn justified in obstructing Parliament over JPC, coalgate issues?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:03:47 +0530

Parliament failed to transact normal business for sixth consecutive day on Monday amid protests on the coalgate issue.

The Last Word: Does India's handling of Chinese incursions issue suggest its response is timid?

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:46:22 +0530

As concern about the Chinese incursions into Ladakh continues, Karan Thapar asks whether India's handling of the problem suggests its response to China's toughness is timid.

The Last Word: How serious are the Chinese incursions in Ladakh?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:02:02 +0530

There is no let up in tension at the India, China border with China violating Indian airspace and incursions into Ladakh. Army sources said that two Chinese helicopters violated the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on April 21.

The Last Word: Remembering Justice JS Verma

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:50:46 +0530

Justice JS Verma, one of India's most highly regarded chief justices, died at the age of 80 on Monday.

The Last Word: What does Delhi child rape reveal about our society?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:10:36 +0530

What does the horrific Delhi child rape and the fact that several more have happened thereafter reveal about ourselves, our society and values?

The Last Word: Is JPC report controversial and unlikely to be adopted?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:39:20 +0530

The JPC on the 2G spectrum scam on Thursday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram, saying that the duo was not informed of the change in policy by the then telecom minister A Raja. Do newspaper accounts of the JPC report draft suggest it is both controversial and unlikely to be formally adopted by the committee?

The Last Word: What does cancellation of Musharraf's bail plea mean for him?

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:28:00 +0530

The former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf on Thursday fled from the court premises with the help of his bodyguards after the court ordered his arrest in a case related to the confinement of over 60 judges in 2007.

The Last Word: Is Nitish right to set criteria for NDA's PM candidate?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:26:05 +0530

In his speech on Sunday, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar listed the criteria for a prime minister and said only someone who can take all sections of society together can become take the top post.

The Last Word: Was the SC right to reject Bhullar's mercy plea?

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:31:08 +0530

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the mercy petition of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, who had sought commutation of his death penalty to life sentence on the ground that there was inordinate delay by the President over his plea for clemency.

The Last Word: Do WikiLeaks revelations serve any purpose?

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:09:36 +0530

WikiLeaks returned to haunt the Congress party on Monday which trashed reports claiming that Rajiv Gandhi was a middleman for a Swedish aircraft company before entering politics but the Opposition demanded that the "truth" be made public.

The Last Word: Was Margaret Thatcher one of the most influential world leaders of the 20th century?

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:13:56 +0530

Margaret Thatcher, the 'Iron Lady' who transformed Britain and inspired conservatives around the world by radically rolling back the state during her 11 years in power, died on Monday following a stroke. Was Thatcher one of the most influential world leaders of the last century? And what made her so special?

The Last Word: How significant is SC's order on red beacon lights?

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:17:05 +0530

How significant is the Supreme Court's order the red beacon lights' usage must be sharply curtailed? And will this end the culture of perks and privileges that is showered on important people?

The Last Word: Is Kejriwal's fast, campaign against water and power bills justified?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:21:21 +0530

It is Day 11 of Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal's fast against inflated power and water bills in Delhi.

The Last Word: April Fool's Day: Are Indians too serious to take a joke?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:48:33 +0530

On April Fool's Day, Karan Thapar asks a panel of experts if Indians are too serious or even supercilious to take a joke.

The Last Word: Is Tamil nationalism spiraling out of control?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:54:08 +0530

A Tamil Nadu assembly resolution calls for the government to stop regarding Sri Lanka as a friendly state, impose economic sanctions and ask the UN to pass a resolution demanding a referendum on eelam. Is this a sign of Tamil nationalism spiraling out of control and threatening India's interests?

The Last Word: Is a Third Front possible or is it just a tempting mirage?

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:20:22 +0530

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav hinted that a coalition government is the need of the country as the political scenario at the national level is favouring emergence of third front.

The Last Word: Would pardoning Sanjay Dutt be unjustified, unwarranted generosity?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:21:50 +0530

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh came out in support of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and said that he is a "great man" and simply indulged in some foolishness. Chairman of Press Council of India Justice Markandey Katju, along with a long list of celebrities, are also rooting for Sanjay Dutt. Karan Thapar discusses whether pardoning Dutt would be an act of unjustified and unwarranted generosity with a panel of experts.

The Last Word: What impact has Sonia Gandhi had on Congress, Indian politics?

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:54:43 +0530

Sonia Gandhi on Thursday completed 15 years as the Congress president, the longest that office has been held by any single person. What impact has she had on her party and Indian politics in all these years? This is the question Karan Thapar raised with a panel of experts in his show 'The Last Word'.

The Last Word: Has SC's order asking Italian envoy not to leave India further complicated the issue?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:02:56 +0530

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Italian ambassador to not leave India without its persmission. The apex court also asked him to explain his government's decision of not returning the Italian marines, who are facing a trial in the killings of two Kerala fishermen, to India.

The Last Word: Has confusion over anti-rape bill undermined govt's image, sincerity?

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:19:52 +0530

With the Cabinet divided over the government's proposed anti-rape Bill, Karan Thapar on his show 'The Last Word' asked if the confusion and indecisiveness has damaged the government's sincerity and resolve.

The Last Word: Does Manmohan's powerful speech in Parliament suggest he is an underrated PM?

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:54:00 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, known for his quiet demeanour, unleashed scathing attacks on the BJP on all fronts in Parliament. Was it just a flash in the pan or he is an underrated prime minister?

The Last Word: How should we understand Rahul Gandhi's statements?

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 09:49:52 +0530

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that he was not interested in becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

The Last Word: How should we understand the momentous political developments in Bangladesh?

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:31:27 +0530

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday night sent a strong message to Bangladesh, rocked by violence, counselling that political differences be resolved through dialogue and communal peace and harmony maintained.

The Last Word: Is Modi rising to the top of BJP or is that a hasty conclusion?

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:54:49 +0530

Karan Thapar discusses the question with a panel of experts on The Last Word.

The Last Word: How valid is the resistance to NCTC?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:52:40 +0530

How valid is the resistance to NCTC and how can states that are objecting be won over?

The Last Word: Does Bharat Bandh serve any useful purpose?

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:34:00 +0530

The trade unions began a two-day nationwide strike on Wednesday, which in many places became a forced bandh.

The Last Word: Did Justice Katju overstep the mark?

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:09:00 +0530

Did Justice Markandey Katju overstep the mark or was Arun Jaitley's criticism unwarranted?

The Last Word: Will chopper deal lead to another setback for defence procurement programme?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:23:44 +0530

The government is non-committal on axing the AgustaWestland deal. While External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the showcause notice was just the first step, he indicated the government may not go all the way.

The Last Word: Is the Indian system capable of getting to the bottom of the tainted chopper deal?

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:52:39 +0530

As the Ministry of Defence on Friday initiated the process to scrap the deal with AgustaWestland for 12 VVIP helicopters, the CBI, which is probing into the case, has decided to send a team to Italy within a week.

The Last Word: Is it impossible to eradicate corruption from defence deals?

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:53:53 +0530

The allegations of corruption swelling around the AgustaWestland deal raise critical questions about defence deals in India. Are they inevitably prone to corruption and have they badly affected the defence procure? Karan Thapar discusses this with a panel of experts.

The Last Word: Should the Indian govt have found a better way to inform Afzal Guru's family of ...

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:54:57 +0530

Karan Thapar asks a panel of experts whether the government was right to rely on Speed Post, in this day and age of modern communication, or should it have chosen a more efficient method.

The Last Word: Has the time come for India to abolish death penalty

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:41:23 +0530

At least five persons were injured as fresh protests broke out in Kashmir on Tuesday against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

The Last Word: How serious is the state of the economy?

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:47:39 +0530

How serious is the state of the Indian economy and what steps are needed to tackle it?

The Last Word: Rahul vs Modi who is a better leader?

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:40:18 +0530

Who is a better leader for India's future Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi?

The Last Word: Why is Indian society unable to stand up for freedom of expression?

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:05:42 +0530

The VHP's women wing on Wednesday continued to disrupt an exhibition at Delhi Art Gallery saying it portrayed women in a bad way.

The Last Word: How serious is Mulayam's prediction that LS polls could be held in Sept?

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:11:23 +0530

Sources said that Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh has asked his party members to prepare for general elections in September 2013.

The Last Word: Govt's rape ordinance betrayal of the spirit of the Verma committee report?

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:21:32 +0530

Union Minister P Chidambaram on Monday refuted claims that the recommendations of the Justice JS Verma panel have been rejected.

The Last Word: Does Shinde choose the wrong words when he speaks?

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:47:26 +0530

BJP president Rajnath Singh, who led the charge against Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, saw Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj by his side demanding apology from the Congress on Home Minister's remarks on 'Hindu terror' and the RSS.

The Last Word: What does Obama's 2nd term mean for India?

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:10:27 +0530

Barack Obama has started his second term as the President of the United States.

The Last Word: What does Rahul Gandhi's elevation suggest about the Congress?

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:45:01 +0530

What does Rahul Gandhi's elevation as the Congress vice president mean for the Indian democracy?

The Last Word: Did Sonia Gandhi's speech set the right tone?

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:42:00 +0530

The Chintan Shivir of the Congress is an attempt to introspect and reinvigorate the party.

The Last Word: What does Pakistan's internal crisis mean for India?

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:20:00 +0530

How serious are the multiple crises afflicting Pakistan and what do they mean for the country's democracy?

The Last Word: What is the state of the Indian Army?

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:09:21 +0530

A look at the state of the Indian Army as January 15 is marked as India's 65th Army Day.

The Last Word: Has India's Pakistan policy failed to deliver?

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:16:59 +0530

There seems to be no end to the frosty relations between India and Pakistan following the skirmishes at the LoC in J&K and the killing of soldiers in the firing from both the sides.

The Last Word: Higher tax for the rich justified?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:57 +0530

The Finance Minister has been advised to increase taxes for the rich as a way of tackling the fiscal deficit.

The Last Word: Indian media's response to soldiers' killing jingoistic?

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:16:53 +0530

Two soldiers were killed in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troopers. The Army confirmed that the body of one of them had been badly mutilated.

The Last Word: What does the beheading of an Indian jawan indicate?

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:49:00 +0530

What do the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan indicate and how should India respond to the development?

The Last Word: How should we respond to conservative mindsets?

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:30:20 +0530

Can we change the way conservatives Indians respond to incidents like rape?

The Last Word: How did constable Subhash Tomar die?

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 09:38:58 +0530

Has the time come to review how the police handle mass protests?

The Last Word: Political response to Delhi protest ineffective?

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:19:43 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday addressed the nation for the first time since the crisis, appealing for calm and peace.

The Last Word: What changes do we need in rape law and our attitude?

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:17:18 +0530

Nationwide protests continue for the fifth day against the brutal rape of a 23-year-old girl in the national capital.

The Last Word: Has Narendra Modi's rise become unstoppable?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:59:28 +0530

Do the exit polls suggest that Modi's rise has become unstoppable and are we about to open a new chapter in his political career?

The Last Word: Is quota bill in the best interest of India?

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:24:28 +0530

Parliament is debating reservation in promotion for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The Last Word: Have Oppn MPs misunderstood the nature of lobbying?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:23:14 +0530

Have Opposition MPs misunderstood the nature of lobbying as well as its legal status?

The Last Word: Tony Blair on Middle East crisis, media regulation

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:56:37 +0530

In this episode of The Last Word, Karan Thapar interviews ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair and gets him to speak on the crisis in the Middle East and the need for media regulation.

The Last Word: How significant is the FDI win for the government?

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:58:29 +0530

After four days of debate, Parliament has endorsed FDI in retail with a comfortable majority in both houses.

The Last Word: What impact has Babri demolition had on Indian politics?

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:45:52 +0530

December 6 is the 20th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

The Last Word: Has the FDI vote cleared the way forward?

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:00:10 +0530

The UPA on Wednesday defeated the Opposition's motions against FDI in retail in the Lok Sabha.

The Last Word: Is it already clear how the FDI vote will go?

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:18:54 +0530

Could the controversy over the FEMA rule changes bedevil the future of FDI for weeks if not months ahead?

The Last Word: The legacy of former PM Inder Kumar Gujral

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:18:13 +0530

A look back on the career of former prime minister Inder Kumar Gujral and his famously engaging personality.

The Last Word: How should we understand Sonia Gandhi's power?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:55:39 +0530

Sonia Gandhi is perhaps the most important player in Parliament but also for many a most intriguing and fascinating enigma.

The Last Word: Is government ready for cash transfers?

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:17:53 +0530

The benefits of the cash transfer scheme to be rolled-out from January 1 in 51 districts will reach the intended beneficiary only by February-March, said Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahlwualia.

The Last Word: Is government ignoring war crimes?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:05:59 +0530

13 years after Kargil, former foreign minister Jaswant Singh says it is not too late to take up India's case against Pakistan on Lt Saurabh Kalia's torture.

The Last Word: Is the BJP split wide open?

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:10:18 +0530

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a show cause notice to suspended party MP Ram Jethmalani for allegedly breaking party discipline.

The Last Word: Have the media, netas attempted to deify Bal Thackeray?

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:20:08 +0530

The proposal over late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's memorial at Shivaji Park in Mumbai has led to a controversy.

The Last Word: Will FDI in retail derail Parliament?

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:15:35 +0530

The war over FDI in retail reached Parliament giving a stormy start to the Winter Session on Thursday.

The Last Word: Is this a moment to reconsider the death penalty?

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:22:21 +0530

India and Pakistan on Wednesday sparred over communication about the hanging of the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks Ajmal Kasab.

The Last Word: Is there a need to review Information Technology Act?

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:11:53 +0530

Does the high-handed arrest of two young girls mean it's time to review and revise the IT Act?

The Last Word: Has the govt been casual in its handling of the 2G auction?

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:19:24 +0530

Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal speaks about the recent 2G spectrum auction and the CAG's loss figure.

The Last Word: Has 2G auction shown that CAG's estimate was wrong?

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:54:56 +0530

Has the recent allegedly flop 2G auction shown that the CAG's estimate for the presumptive loss in 2008 is mistaken?

The Last Word: How significant is Aung San Suu Kyi visit?

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:10:19 +0530

Does Aung San Suu Kyi's visit confirm a change in India's attitude to the Nobel laureate?

The Last Word: Has Kejriwal raised serious questions about black money?

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:29:26 +0530

Has Arvind Kejriwal raised serious questions about black money and money laundering?

The Last Word: Can LK Advani salvage the BJP's fortune?

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:08:32 +0530

BJP leader LK Advani on Friday celebrated his 85th birthday, making him the oldest politician to ever be in active politics.

The Last Word: What does Obama's victory mean for the US, India?

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:06:33 +0530

Obama in his presidential elections campaign had criticised outsourcing of jobs to countries like India saying that US needs to create jobs locally.

The Last Word: Who will win the US presidential election?

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:15:01 +0530

At least 120 million people are expected to render judgement on whether to give Barack Obama a second term or replace him with Mitt Romney.

The Last Word: After the mega rally, can Cong rouse itself nationally?

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:33:27 +0530

Huge crowds were present at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi for the mega rally of Congress party. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi addressed the crowds on the government's decision to back the economic reforms.

The Last Word: Are Swamy and Kejriwal hit-and-run practitioners?

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:34:14 +0530

Is the influence of Swamy and Kejriwal limited to large metropolises or is it nationwide?

The Last Word: Do the ghosts of 1984 still haunt the Congress?

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:31:22 +0530

November 1 is the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that left over 3,000 dead.

The Last Word: What does Kejriwal's third expose really amount to?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:32:27 +0530

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani came under attack from India Against Corruption (IAC) which alleged that the UPA and the previous NDA governments had favoured his company by giving contract on gas exploration in KG Basin and concessions at a huge cost to the exchequer.

The Last Word: Is former Army chief voicing a deeper malaise?

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:23:06 +0530

Should General VK Singh have demanded dissolution of Parliament when it has been constitutionally elected?

The Last Word: Does Cabinet reshuffle send out a clear message?

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:52:59 +0530

Can we expect better governance and renewed reform after the UPA Cabinet reshuffle?

The Last Word: How critical is it for Rahul to be brought into the Cabinet?

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:28:31 +0530

How important is it for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to weed out non performers?

The Last Word: Has justice been done to Rajat Gupta?

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:33:17 +0530

Rajat Gupta, a former Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble Company board member, was sentenced on Wednesday to two years in prison for feeding inside information about board dealings with a billionaire hedge fund owner who was his friend.

The Last Word: UK envoy visit sign of Modi's global rehabilitation?

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:31:52 +0530

Britain on Monday ended its decade-long boycott of Gujarat when its High Commissioner to India James Bevan met Chief Minister Narendra Modi to mark a 'cordial beginning' to fresh ties, with the two discussing opportunities for greater economic cooperation.

The Last Word: Digvijaya's 'never attack family' remark justified?

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:31:58 +0530

Digvijaya Singh had said that even though the evidence of corruption against families of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani is enough to embarrass the two leaders, the party would refrain from going public with it.

The Last Word: Did PM ignore former Cabinet Secy's advice on 2G?

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:28:10 +0530

Former Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar has created a controversy by revealing that he advised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to increase the entry fee for 2G spectrum from Rs 1,651 crore to Rs 36,000 crore but that the PM didn't follow his advice.

The Last Word: Was Khemka right to order an inquiry into Vadra deals?

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:58:57 +0530

Ashok Khemka, who was transferred by the Haryana government after he cancelled the mutation of the sale deed between Robert Vadra's company and DLF, said that anyone who feels his order is "unfounded" is free to go to court against it.

The Last Word: Kejriwal targeting Gadkari an expose or mud-slinging?

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:27:16 +0530

Kejriwal targeted Gadkari accusing him of receiving personal favours by getting around 100 acres of agriculture land in Maharashtra after the Congress-NCP government there bent rules.

The Last Word: Is Kejriwal a wild or a trump card in Indian politics?

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:57:09 +0530

With Arvind Kejriwal promising another major expose on Wednesday, we ask, is he wild and unpredictable card in Indian politics or a trump?

The Last Word: Was Khurshid's reply in press conference convincing?

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:30:09 +0530

At a press conference he held with his wife Louise, Salman Khurshid asserted that the camps for the disabled, organised by his Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust, were held at different places in Uttar Pradesh.

The Last Word: Has Robert Vadra damaged the Gandhi family's image?

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:45:04 +0530

Have the allegations and revelations about Robert Vadra irreparably damaged the Gandhi family's image?

The Last Word: Is honouring Gen Vaidya's assassins disrespect to the army?

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:52:23 +0530

In a controversial move the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) on Wednesday honoured the killers of former Army Chief General AS Vaidya in the Golden Temple, calling the Khalistani terrorists Sikh martyrs.

The Last Word: Is the Robert Vadra issue a case of smoke without fire?

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:30:43 +0530

Just a day after Haryana government denied favouring Robert Vadra, CNN-IBN has accessed documents showing how Vadra bought acres of land in the Mewat region of Haryana below the circle rate.

The Last Word: Arvind Kejriwal targets Robert Vadra, DLF again

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:30:57 +0530

Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday held another press conference and targeted Robert Vadra and DLF.

The Last Word: How should we judge the Kejriwal vs Vadra battle?

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:34:37 +0530

On The Last Word, Karan Thapar asks a panel of experts - How should we judge between Kejriwal's allegations and DLF, Vadra's rebuttal?

The Last Word: Was Kejriwal right in attacking Vadra in public?

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:50:18 +0530

Were Kejriwal and Bhushan right in levelling in public serious allegations against Vadra without giving him a chance to explain?

The Last Word: Do reforms suggest a committed UPA?

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:10:55 +0530

The UPA government on Thursday cleared a second bagful of critical reforms.

The Last Word: Should we know how much the govt spent on Sonia?

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:14:15 +0530

Do we have a right to know how much the government has spent on Sonia Gandhi's travels and treatment?

The Last Word: Has India done injustice to Lal Bahadur Shastri?

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:44:55 +0530

October 2 is not just Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, but is also the birth anniversary of the second Prime Minister of India.

The Last Word: Is Nitin Gadkari the best man to lead the BJP?

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:57:49 +0530

The BJP on Friday cleared the way to give Nitin Gadkari a second consecutive term as the president of the party.

The Last Word: Is SC ruling in 2G relief for the government?

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:11:47 +0530

The Supreme Court said that the auction route is not mandatory for allocation of every natural resource.

The Last Word: Is 80 too old for a Prime Minister?

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:59:10 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday turned 80, a landmark by any reckoning.

The Last Word: Is One Rank One Pension announcement short of demand?

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:41:59 +0530

Claims that the government has agreed to One Rank One Pension have been disputed by the ex-servicemen's movement.

The Last Word: Have Muslim protests become an over-reaction?

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:40:16 +0530

After a week of protests against the anti-Islam film, CNN-IBN asks - have Muslim protests become an over-reaction?

The Last Word: Has the PM explained the need for reforms?

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 10:50:56 +0530

The Prime Minister on Friday evening addressed the nation to explain the recent reform measures taken by the government.

The Last Word: Was Bharat Bandh successful or just disruptive?

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:14:06 +0530

The Bharat Bandh called by the opposition parties over FDI reforms and fuel price hike evoked mixed response on Thursday.

The Last Word: Is FDI in retail a panacea or a trap?

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:45:59 +0530

It's clear that FDI in retail is the real bone of contention that's dividing the Trinamool Congress from the UPA.

The Last Word: Will UPA survive without Mamata Banerjee?

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:36:50 +0530

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee took the decision to pull out of the UPA after meeting her party leaders.

The Last word: Have Manmohan Singh's reforms silenced his critics?

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:02:07 +0530

Have Manmohan Singh's reforms silenced his critics and salvaged the economy or endangered his government and destabilised politics?

The Last Word: Is UPA's populist caution damaging India's future?

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:31:09 +0530

More than 2 months have passed since Pranab Mukherjee resigned as Finance Minister but has the great hope that things will change been even partly realised or is it unfulfilled and now looking illusory?

The Last Word: Has confidence in the PM sharply diminished?

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:36:04 +0530

The Prime Minister's Office and the Washington Post are locking horns over an article critical of Manmohan Singh.

The Last Word: Will reservation in promotion be acceptable to the SC?

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:36:14 +0530

Amidst chaos, a bill to amend the constitution and introduce reservations in promotions was introduced in the RS on Wednesday.

The Last Word: Is Jayalalithaa's stand on SL students justified?

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 09:41:10 +0530

Is Jayalalithaa justified in prohibiting Sri Lankan students from playing football in Chennai?

The Last Word: How do India's top business leaders view the govt?

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:21:11 +0530

It seems clear that Parliament will not function and the hope of reforms to revive the economy could remain unfulfilled.

The Last Word: Should the PM have gone for the NAM conference?

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:43:32 +0530

Manmohan singh met Asif Ali Zardari to demand action against Kasab's handlers and justice for 26/11 victims.

The Last Word: Do the BJP and the RSS have a hand in Gujarat riots?

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:46:58 +0530

Does the conviction of Maya Kodnani and Babu Bajrangi suggest that the BJP and the RSS have a hand in the Gujarat massacres of 2002?

The Last Word: Could the CAG report on coal develop into a bofors?

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:03:21 +0530

With the paralysis in Parliament, could the CAG report on an alleged coal scam develop into a second bofors?

The Last Word: Is PM's statement on coal an effective reply?

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:46:08 +0530

The offensive by the government over the CAG report on the coal blocks allocation was on Monday led from the front by Prime Minister Manmohan, who made a statement in Parliament calling the report disputable.

The Last Word: What is happening to India?

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:01:44 +0530

Parliament paralysed, reforms postponed, grid failures and scams, mass killing and an exodus - What's happening to India?

The Last Word: Doesn't the Oppn share the blame for the lapses?

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:40:58 +0530

For the third consecutive day, Parliament was stalled as politicians quarreled over their response to the CAG report.

The Last Word: Should social media be subject to restrictions?

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:19:48 +0530

Is restriction on social media a matter of Freedom of Speech or hate speech and incitement to violence?

The Last Word: Can we reassure safety to people from Northeast?

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:05:26 +0530

For the third consecutive day, residents of Northeast have been fleeing in panic from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai.

The Last Word: Was Mamata right to claim judgements can be bought?

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:45:32 +0530

Chief Justice SH Kapadia has expressed fears that politicians can trample upon the independence of the judiciary?

The Last Word: Has India become chaotic and confused?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:05:49 +0530

India is ready to mark the 66th Independence Day with Baba Ramdev and Anna Hazare's campaigns in the background and the economy faltering.

The Last Word: Is India's performance in Olympics satisfactory?

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:32:23 +0530

With 1.2 billion people and one of the world's largest economies, India with just 6 medal ranked lower than Trinidad and Tobago.

The Last Word: Is the Chidambaram euphoria real or misleading?

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:02:27 +0530

The industrial production shrunk by 1.8 per cent in June, driven down by manufacturing which fell 3.2 per cent, compared to a year earlier.

The Last Word: Why do MPs resort to disruptions in Parliament?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:23:13 +0530

There was ruckus in Parliament on Wednesday after veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani made a controversial remark against the UPA government.

The Last Word: Does Anna Hazare still have a bright future?

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:50:00 +0530

Anna Hazare's latest fast ended without achieving any of his goals, following which he disbanded Team Anna.

The Last Word: Non-BJP, non-Cong PM a wise comment from Advani?

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:26:15 +0530

LK Advani sent ripples through his party when he blogged that a non-BJP and non-Congress prime minister was possible in 2014.

The Last Word: How significant is Anna's decision to join politics?

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:28:26 +0530

Anna Hazare has announced that he will provide a political option and will end his fast at 5 pm on Friday.

The Last Word: Why was India plunged into darkness?

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:30:41 +0530

For the second time in 24 hours, the northern grid collapsed on Tuesday. The eastern and the north eastern grids also followed suit.

The Last Word: Should Anna Hazare join politics?

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:55:50 +0530

Should Anna Hazare join politics either by forming his own party or by endorsing candidates he approves of?

The Last Word: What steps are needed to tackle Assam violence?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:10:11 +0530

How should we try to understand the violence that has suddenly overtaken Assam?

The Last Word: Are Anna's fasts still a weapon of change?

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:53:38 +0530

The last fast in Mumbai in December was an embarrassment that had to be called off after two days.

The Last Word: Does coalition politics make governance difficult?

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:10:42 +0530

The UPA government has been facing problems from its constituents, the NCP and the TMC, and outside supporter, the SP.

The Last Word: Foreign media unhappy with PM?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:49:42 +0530

In recent weeks there has been a spate of articles in the foreign press critical of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his handling of the problems he faces.

The Last Word: Is Mamata Banerjee a cornered politician?

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:21:57 +0530

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has decided to support UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee in the presidential elections.

The Last Word: How badly the K'taka drama damaged the BJP?

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:47:23 +0530

Jagdish Shettar replaced DV Sadananda Gowda, who quit following a rebellion by BS Yeddyurappa and his supporters, as the Karnataka Chief Minister.

The Last Word: Has Rahul Gandhi lived upto the expectations?

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 10:01:38 +0530

Salman Khurshid had said that the root of the problems plaguing the Congress was the lack of "ideological direction" from its next generation leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Last Word: Is Time's criticism of PM justified or unwarranted?

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:30:29 +0530

Time magazine's cover story has called the PM an underachiever and questioned if he's up to the challenge of rebooting India.

The Last Word: How serious is the monsoon situation?

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:00:39 +0530

In the wake of the weak monsoon, what steps should the government be considering?

The Last Word: Is a contest better than a consensus?

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 09:45:00 +0530

Pranab Mukherjee and P A Sangma on Thursday filed their nominations, formally starting the fight for the presidency.

The Last Word: Should we be sorry to see Pranab go?

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 08:51:13 +0530

Pranab Mukherjee resigned as Union Finance Minister on Tuesday to contest the presidential elections.

The Last Word: What sort of president will Mohamed Morsi be?

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:27:05 +0530

The election of Egypt's president is a momentous event with ramifications that cover not just the Arab spring and Middle East but the wider world.

The Last Word: Will Presidential poll end UPA policy paralysis?

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:17:42 +0530

Is the UPA's success in securing the presidency for Pranab Mukherjee an opportunity to re-energise the government and end the policy paralysis?

The Last Word: Is the Pak SC decision on Gilani a judicial coup?

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:56:56 +0530

The Pakistan SC disqualified Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and called upon President Asif Ali Zardari to appoint a new PM.

The Last Word: What's the road ahead for the Opposition

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:38:42 +0530

Former president APJ Abdul Kalam has opted out of the Presidential race despite intense pressure from the BJP and Trinamool Congress.

The Last Word: Is the demand for PC's resignation justified?

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:13:06 +0530

Jayalalithaa, the BJP and Subramanian Swamy have publicly demanded Home Minister P Chidambaram's resignation.

The Last Word: Does PM's speech indicate end of policy paralysis?

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:33:44 +0530

Does the PM's speech indicate that the government's policy paralysis has ended? Or is it just a promise which still awaits performance?

The Last Word: Is the situation worse than what the govt admits?

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:52:44 +0530

The government has put on a brave face when confronted by depressing economic data but is the economic situation worse?

The Last Word: Why does royalty have such strong appeal?

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:34:26 +0530

For four days, Britain and much of the world has been mesmerized by Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee celebrations.

The Last Word: Has Team Anna lost its way?

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:56:19 +0530

Ramdev disapproved Arvind Kejriwal's comments on the Prime Minister and other political leaders.

The Last Word: Is Advani's criticism a proof of division in the BJP?

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:59:08 +0530

Is L K Advani's repeated public criticism of the BJP proof of deep divisions at the top of the party?

The Last Word: Was Bharat Bandh a thoughtless mistake?

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:35:54 +0530

With growth sharply falling and exacerbating India's economic woes, was Bharat Bandh called by the BJP and the Left a thoughtless mistake?

The Last Word: Has Team Anna exceeded the bounds of decorum?

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:22:44 +0530

Has Team Anna exceeded the bounds of decorum both with its language and the substance of its criticism of the prime minister? Or was the Prime Minister's response over the top?

The Last Word: Can interlocutors' proposals turn around J&K?

Tue, 29 May 2012 09:51:04 +0530

Does the Kashmir interlocutors' report make proposals that could turn around India's troubled state?

The Last Word: Did the Govt mishandle oil prices?

Thu, 24 May 2012 09:23:53 +0530

How guilty is the government of mishandling the situation on petrol prices?

The Last Word: Is govt's explanation for rupee slide adequate?

Wed, 23 May 2012 09:27:20 +0530

Once again the rupee has fallen to yet another new low as the day ended with the rupee at 56 to the dollar.

The Last Word: How the UPA Govt performed in the last year

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:29:49 +0530

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday presented the UPA-II report card.

The Last Word: How does Italy react to murder charges on marines?

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:58:09 +0530

On Friday, two Italian marines were charged with murder for killing two Indian fishermen.

The Last Word: How serious is the economic situation?

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:52:42 +0530

After the Finance Minister's speech on the economy, it needs to be discussed what steps are needed to tackle it.

The Last Word: The real issues raised by the IPL sting

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:32:40 +0530

A TV channel on Monday claimed to have blown the lid off "murky deals" in the Indian Premier League among players, organisers and owners.

The Last Word: Why is the BJP targeting Chidambaram?

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:18:25 +0530

Is the BJP carrying out a personal vendetta against P Chidambaram as it has stepped up the campaign against the Home Minister.

The Last Word: How significant are Hillary's comments about Hafiz

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:33:37 +0530

Hillary Clinton ends the American flip-flops on Hafiz Saeed, saying he masterminded the 26/11 attacks.

The Last Word: Should VIPs get free houses post-retirement?

Thu, 03 May 2012 09:38:38 +0530

Purno Sangma has suggested that former speakers should be treated like former presidents, vice presidents and given a free house.

The Last Word: Is there a need for media regulation?

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:14:12 +0530

Parliament and the Supreme Court are considering guidelines or ways of regulating the media.

The Last Word: Will Congress's revamp plan weaken the Govt?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:51:17 +0530

Congress president Sonia Gandhi may be planning a major revamp by shifting ministers out of the Cabinet for party work.

The Last Word: Is the Govt signaling the end of reforms?

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:42:31 +0530

The Chief Economic Advisor has said that there are unlikely to be major economic reforms before the next elections.

The Last Word: How should India respond to Kayani's comments?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:21:22 +0530

Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that India and Pakistan must sort out differences for peaceful coexistence.

The Last Word: How credible is the army units movement story?

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:57:04 +0530

Is the Indian Express story an attempt to damage the image of the Indian army and General V K Singh?

The Last Word: how should we understand Army Chief's behaviour?

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:32:54 +0530

AK Antony has stood his ground defying his party colleagues in opposing the sacking of the Army Chief following the bribery allegation.

The Last Word: Is BSY blackmailing the BJP leadership?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:31:42 +0530

The BJP on Thursday decided to reinstate BS Yeddyurappa as the Chief Minister of the state, said sources.

The Last Word: Is amendment to Income Tax Act unfair?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:35:58 +0530

SC's rejection of the plea to review Vodafone judgement has made the announcement to amend the I-T act even more controversial.

The Last Word: PM's stand on UN anti-SL resolution a mistake?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:49:01 +0530

Is the PM's decision to support an anti-Sri Lankan US-sponsored resolution at the UN a wise concession or an unfortunate mistake?

The Last Word: Is Akhilesh ready to lead India's biggest state?

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:14:07 +0530

The announcement that Akhilesh Yadav will be the new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh raises critical questions.

The Last Word: Is the Govt incompetent or confused over gay-sex?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:28:32 +0530

Home Ministry opposes gay sex, but Health Ministry says it will help HIV patients get medical help.

The Last Word: Modi still in riot shadow?

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:05:22 +0530

Does he still face serious questions about his alleged role? Is he the best administrator in the country? Or can both coincide?

The Last Word: Arvind Kejriwal vs politicians

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:28:55 +0530

Has Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal gone overboard with his statements about politicians or are the latter just over-reacting?

The Last Word: The Kingfisher crisis

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:04:03 +0530

Kingfisher Airlines may risk losing a large number of its prime flying slots as it began operating a truncated flight schedule on Thursday.

The Last Word: demand to drop Dow sponsorship of the Olympics justified?

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:40:22 +0530

The charge is that Dow Chemicals bears responsibility for the horrible Bhopal gas tragedy.

The Last Word: Coverage of Rushdie row

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:57:25 +0530

Was the media responsible in handling the Salman Rushdie controversy? Or was it one sided?

The Last Word: The Army Chief age controversy

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:58:02 +0530

Indian Army Chief General VK Singh has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court on his date of birth controversy.

The Last Word: the road ahead for the UPA government

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:51:56 +0530

Watch the discussion with Karan Thapar on road ahead for the UPA government in 2012.

The Last Word: the three big stories of 2011

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:43:53 +0530

On this episode we look back at media's performance in 2011 and what are the lessons they need to learn.

The Last Word: How did media cover Gaddafi's death?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:46:13 +0530

Was it ethical for the media to show pictures and video footage of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's last moments? Join Karan Thapar for a discussion only on CNN-IBN.

New rules for broadcasters: Who decides on content violation?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:01:28 +0530

On 'The Last Word' this week Karan Thapar discusses the Information and Broadcasting proposal approved the cabinet recently.

How did media cover Sonia Gandhi's illness?

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:29:43 +0530

Karan Thapar this week discusses how the national media covered the Congress president's illness and her first public appearance since her operation.

2G: Has media assumed that Chidambaram is 'guilty'?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:21:11 +0530

In this edition of The Last Word, we ask whether the mainstream media is guilty of assuming that Home Minister P Chidambaram, who was the Finance Minister during UPA I, is also guilty in the 2G spectrum scam.

The Last Word: Remembering Tiger Pataudi

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:14:51 +0530

CNN-IBN pays tributes to MAK Pataudi, arguably the greatest Indian cricket captain ever.

The Last Word: Remembering Tiger Pataudi

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:40:59 +0530

CNN-IBN pays tributes to M A K Pataudi, arguably the greatest Indian cricket captain ever who passed away on Thursday. Karan Thapar in conversation with Pataudi's closest friends.