Articles by Karan Thapar
Why we say clip-clop, and never clop-clip
“I can’t compare myself to Henry Higgins, but the delightful rules of the English language never cease to fascinate me”
![Have you ever wondered why we say tick-tock and not tock-tick, or ding-dong not dong-ding or, even, King-Kong and not Kong-King? (Shutterstock) Have you ever wondered why we say tick-tock and not tock-tick, or ding-dong not dong-ding or, even, King-Kong and not Kong-King? (Shutterstock)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/20/150x84/Have-you-ever-wondered-why-we-say-tick-tock-and-no_1721490196690.jpg)
Published on Jul 20, 2024 09:14 PM IST
Three lessons for Indian politics from British polls
Now there’s an opportunity to see Blighty differently. And this time we, in India, can learn a few invaluable lessons as well.
![FILE PHOTO: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer looks on, at Number 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, July 9, 2024. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe/File Photo (REUTERS) FILE PHOTO: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer looks on, at Number 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, July 9, 2024. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe/File Photo (REUTERS)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/13/150x84/FILE-PHOTO--British-Prime-Minister-Keir-Starmer-lo_1720885396408.jpg)
Published on Jul 13, 2024 09:13 PM IST
A charter for Parliament to improve its functioning
Is the Lok Sabha living up to our expectations? What changes are needed to convince the Opposition that the voice of the Indian people is given time and, therefore, adequately heard?
![The Parliament House in New Delhi, India, on Monday, June 24, 2024. Photographer: Prakash Singh/Bloomberg (Bloomberg) The Parliament House in New Delhi, India, on Monday, June 24, 2024. Photographer: Prakash Singh/Bloomberg (Bloomberg)](https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2024/07/06/150x84/The-Parliament-House-in-New-Delhi--India--on-Monda_1720281593790.jpg)
Published on Jul 06, 2024 09:30 PM IST
Claim to prohibition is immoral, ahistoric
If safe and cheap alcohol is available for all adults to buy, within all the accepted conditions of the law, few people would risk their lives drinking hooch
![The truth is deaths caused by the consumption of spurious liquor are double tragedies. (Representational photo) The truth is deaths caused by the consumption of spurious liquor are double tragedies. (Representational photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/29/148x111/The-death-toll-due-to-the-suspected-consumption-of_1711102973260_1719685728703.jpg)
Published on Jun 30, 2024 12:00 AM IST
Seditious hearts and mature democracies
Today, when we claim to be vishwaguru, leader of the Global South, deserving of a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, does not this treatment of Arundhati Roy reveal a sad but inescapable truth about us?
![**EDS: FILE PHOTO** New Delhi: In this Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 file photo, writer and activist Arundhati Roy at a press conference, in New Delhi. Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has accorded sanction to prosecute Roy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly making provocative speeches at an event in 2010, Raj Niwas officials said on Friday, June 14, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)(PTI06_14_2024_000327B) (PTI) **EDS: FILE PHOTO** New Delhi: In this Thursday, Aug 30, 2018 file photo, writer and activist Arundhati Roy at a press conference, in New Delhi. Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena has accorded sanction to prosecute Roy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly making provocative speeches at an event in 2010, Raj Niwas officials said on Friday, June 14, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore)(PTI06_14_2024_000327B) (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/22/150x84/--EDS--FILE-PHOTO---New-Delhi--In-this-Thursday--A_1719069993478.jpg)
Published on Jun 22, 2024 08:57 PM IST
How (not) to read market swings in the poll season
Suppose foreign investors had commissioned their own exit polls, which pointed in the same direction as those of the pollsters, wouldn’t it be legitimate for them to buy shares based on such information?
![The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (NSE) building in BKC, Mumbai The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (NSE) building in BKC, Mumbai](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/16/150x84/The-National-Stock-Exchange-of-India-Ltd---NSE--bu_1718520038448.jpg)
Published on Jun 16, 2024 12:11 PM IST
The old order changeth, yielding place to new?
The key question is can Modi, temperamentally and psychologically, adjust to the very different circumstances he now faces as PM?
![India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd before his speech, after staking claim to form the new union government as he was elected for his third term following the country's general election, at the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 7, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of India on June 7, for returning him to power after he was invited to form a new government by President Droupadi Murmu. (Photo by Money SHARMA / AFP)(AFP) India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd before his speech, after staking claim to form the new union government as he was elected for his third term following the country's general election, at the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 7, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of India on June 7, for returning him to power after he was invited to form a new government by President Droupadi Murmu. (Photo by Money SHARMA / AFP)(AFP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/08/148x111/INDIA-POLITICS-VOTE-2_1717870190470_1717870225860.jpg)
Published on Jun 08, 2024 11:43 PM IST
Brotherhood of lapsed spies turned chroniclers
Covert doesn’t reveal the inner workings — leave aside secrets — of R&AW and ISI. Instead, it “explores the inner lives and motivations of spy chiefs …"
![Ex RAW chief and author AS Dulat. (Ravindra Joshi/HT Photo) Ex RAW chief and author AS Dulat. (Ravindra Joshi/HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/01/148x111/Ex-RAW-chief-and-author-AS-Dulat---Ravindra-Joshi-_1673959451174_1717266371621.jpg)
Published on Jun 02, 2024 12:02 AM IST
What questions to ask in an interview with a PM
What do I want to hear when I listen to interviews of a Prime Minister? After all, if the questions are asked on my behalf, what would my questions be?
![So what do I want to hear when I listen to interviews of a Prime Minister (PM)? After all, if the questions are asked on my behalf, what would my questions be? (Representative Image)(Pixabay) So what do I want to hear when I listen to interviews of a Prime Minister (PM)? After all, if the questions are asked on my behalf, what would my questions be? (Representative Image)(Pixabay)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/25/148x111/gfe73809a4d8582ad3962ea1a4cc0393331115b2e71068__1716650347429_1716650347667.jpg)
Published on May 25, 2024 10:09 PM IST
What if TN Seshan were leading the EC today?
Imagine what Seshan would have done. He would have called out the PM, loudly, bluntly and unhesitatingly.
![Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan in a picture dated 01 March 1991. (HT Photo) Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan in a picture dated 01 March 1991. (HT Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/18/148x111/Chief-Election-Commissioner-TN-Seshan-in-a-picture_1702066157087_1716055401273.jpg)
Published on May 18, 2024 11:35 PM IST
Listening to silence in the dance of language
It’s no secret that English is not a phonetic language. How you spell a word has little connection with how you pronounce it.
![As a document I’ve discovered on the net says, “letters persist in words despite not playing any discernable role in the word’s pronunciation”. As a document I’ve discovered on the net says, “letters persist in words despite not playing any discernable role in the word’s pronunciation”.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/11/148x111/ga303cacdd889fdbcea188e17a529d526ce008af60cb6d__1715442768522_1715442768739.jpg)
Published on May 11, 2024 10:07 PM IST
Addressing citizens in a secular democracy
We’ve travelled a long distance since the fifties and sixties. These days there’s nothing you would not expect of a politician
![Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/05/04/148x111/PTI04-21-2024-000024A-0_1714810646969_1714836458861.jpg)
Published on May 04, 2024 10:00 PM IST
Using words to remake and reclaim the world
Unlike his earlier masterpieces, in his latest book, on the terrible attack that almost killed him, Salman Rushdie speaks directly to the reader.
![Salman Rushdie poses for a portrait to promote his book Salman Rushdie poses for a portrait to promote his book](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/27/148x111/Salman-Rushdie-Portrait-Session-7_1714230184212_1714230216498.jpg)
Published on Apr 27, 2024 09:50 PM IST
In election season, saving politics from politicians
People may change and countries may differ but politicians and politics remain the same.
![Perhaps Carl Schurz, a former US Senator, got the balance right when he said: “My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.”(M.B. Brady/Wikimedia Commons) Perhaps Carl Schurz, a former US Senator, got the balance right when he said: “My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.”(M.B. Brady/Wikimedia Commons)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/20/148x111/Carl_1713627029139_1713627068561.jpg)
Published on Apr 20, 2024 10:07 PM IST
Manifesto promises to make Parliament work
What the Congress has promised needs to be delivered. For the good of our Parliament, our democracy and, beyond that, good governance.
![The Congress party released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi on April 5. (ANI) The Congress party released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi on April 5. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/13/148x111/Congress-leaders-Sonia-Gandhi--Mallikarjun-Kharge-_1712400451430_1713019525134.jpg)
Published on Apr 13, 2024 09:50 PM IST
Up and close: Ashok, the idol of my youth
Last week my cousin, Ashok Thapar, suddenly died. He was 15 years older but, in my teens and early twenties, he was an icon I sought to emulate.
![HT Image HT Image](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/06/148x111/960x540_1708936631185_1712414199850.jpg)
Published on Apr 06, 2024 08:12 PM IST
A World War II story of misplaced panic, scare
Why hasn’t The Great Flap received the attention it deserves? The book has delightful tales to tell, none more amazing than what happened at Madras Zoo.
![An Indian infantry section of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment about to go on patrol on the Arakan front in Burma, 1944.(Wikimedia Commons/ No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit) An Indian infantry section of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment about to go on patrol on the Arakan front in Burma, 1944.(Wikimedia Commons/ No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/30/148x111/INDIAn_TROOPS_1711803719887_1711803725900.jpg)
Published on Mar 30, 2024 10:00 PM IST
When Kandhamal cast a shadow over BJD-BJP ties
Naveen Patnaik's principled stand against BJP post-Kandhamal showcased his secular beliefs, ending a lengthy alliance.
![Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik (File Photo) Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/23/148x111/Odisha-CM-Naveen-Patnaik--File-Photo-_1709886774102_1711221442780.jpg)
Published on Mar 24, 2024 12:48 AM IST
Electoral bonds case casts SBI in a bad light
“The bank I knew would never have behaved the way SBI did last week. Its staff would have shrivelled at the rebuke from the Supreme Court.”
![SBI is the sole authorised bank by the government to sell and redeem electoral bonds. SBI is the sole authorised bank by the government to sell and redeem electoral bonds.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/16/148x111/5bca8552-c0da-11ec-96fe-8f3150f6bc16_1650480575446_1710602100867.jpg)
Published on Mar 16, 2024 10:00 PM IST
Retro-chaotic sleuth in a crumpled suit and tie
Have you ever considered how much a book can reveal about the author’s personality?
![Krishnan Srinivasan in 2021(Murthy V R Garigipati/Wikimedia Commons) Krishnan Srinivasan in 2021(Murthy V R Garigipati/Wikimedia Commons)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/09/148x111/Krishnan_Srinivasan_1709975637360_1709975653431.jpg)
Published on Mar 09, 2024 10:00 PM IST
Outspoken, committed to doing the right thing
“Fali Nariman had a way of saying things that could be pertinent and pointed but never offensive or hurtful.”
![Fali S Nariman has an exemplary career spanning over seven decades. (HT Photo)(HT_PRINT) Fali S Nariman has an exemplary career spanning over seven decades. (HT Photo)(HT_PRINT)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/02/148x111/Fali-S-Nariman-has-an-exemplary-career-spanning-ov_1708568856656_1709377021515.jpg)
Published on Mar 02, 2024 10:00 PM IST
MSP as subsidy for consumer, not farmer
When MSP is higher than the market price, private traders will refuse to buy, thus leaving farmers with unsold surpluses or forcing the government to step-in
![Members of the farm union Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) block railway tracks during a protest to demand minimum crop prices (AFP Photo) Members of the farm union Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) block railway tracks during a protest to demand minimum crop prices (AFP Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/25/150x84/Members-of-the-farm-union-Bharatiya-Kisan-Union--E_1708847828637.jpg)
Updated on Feb 26, 2024 11:09 AM IST
Caught in Mumbai, a spy who came in from China
Found by the police in Mumbai in May, with what appeared like Chinese writing on the reverse side of its wings, the pigeon was held in custody for eight months.
![A pigeon that was captured eight months back near a port after being suspected to be a Chinese spy, is released at a vet hospital in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Jan.30, 2024. (Anshuman Poyrekar/Hindustan Times via AP)(AP) A pigeon that was captured eight months back near a port after being suspected to be a Chinese spy, is released at a vet hospital in Mumbai, India, Tuesday, Jan.30, 2024. (Anshuman Poyrekar/Hindustan Times via AP)(AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/17/148x111/India-Suspected-Spy-Pigeon-0_1708182523674_1708182550678.jpg)
Published on Feb 17, 2024 10:11 PM IST
Why LK Advani is a truly special politician for me
The unhesitating willingness to accept a mistake is, perhaps, LK Advani’s greatest quality and immediately attracted me to him
![BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani. (HT file) BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani. (HT file)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/02/10/148x111/BJP-veteran-Lal-Krishna-Advani---HT-file-_1706984973234_1707576475630.jpg)
Published on Feb 10, 2024 10:09 PM IST
Turncoats thrive in politics because voters allow them
Has Nitish Kumar brought into focus a sad and sorry truth about Indian politics?
Published on Feb 03, 2024 10:00 PM IST
Debunking propaganda myths, restoring truths
For those who genuinely care, this book is revelatory. It tells you the truth in simple terms that are easy to handle. I hope it’ll be equally easy to accept.
![Navi Mumbai, India - Feb. 26, 2023:Jan Akroshk Morcha by Hindu Sakl Samaj in protest against Love and Land Jihad held at Vashi in Navi Mumbai in Navi Mumbai, India, on Sunday, February 26, 2023. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO) Navi Mumbai, India - Feb. 26, 2023:Jan Akroshk Morcha by Hindu Sakl Samaj in protest against Love and Land Jihad held at Vashi in Navi Mumbai in Navi Mumbai, India, on Sunday, February 26, 2023. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/27/148x111/Navi-Mumbai--India---Feb--26--2023-Jan-Akroshk-Mor_1678476299906_1706370858819.jpg)
Published on Jan 27, 2024 10:10 PM IST
What INDIA could do to stop BJP juggernaut
PM Modi and the BJP cannot be defeated easily. Bringing them below 272 should be the target for 2024.
![Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders hold a meeting in Mumbai on September 1. (Hindustan Times) Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders hold a meeting in Mumbai on September 1. (Hindustan Times)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/20/148x111/Opposition-s-Indian-National-Developmental-Inclusi_1701715500463_1705755650740.jpg)
Published on Jan 20, 2024 10:15 PM IST
At Heathrow, you are always in the queue
What happened at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 on the evening of December 23 cannot — indeed must not — be forgiven.
![Passengers are seen waiting for delayed flights in London's Heathrow airport. (AP) Passengers are seen waiting for delayed flights in London's Heathrow airport. (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/13/148x111/Britain-Air-Traffic-Problems-2_1693983146567_1705167866337.jpg)
Published on Jan 13, 2024 11:18 PM IST
My resolutions for New Year, present and past
A resolution is an acknowledgment of what needs to be done even if the commitment to do it lacks resolve. So today let’s, at least, take that first step.
![Fireworks explode over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill during New Year's celebrations in Athens, Greece, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)(AP) Fireworks explode over the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis hill during New Year's celebrations in Athens, Greece, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis)(AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/01/06/148x111/Pictures-of-the-Week-Global-Photo-Gallery-6_1704557764039_1704557848491.jpg)
Published on Jan 06, 2024 10:12 PM IST
Is there an Indian way of telling the truth?
This morning, I want to compliment my late-night interlocutor for helping me appreciate a quality I had not properly thought of before.
![HT image. HT image.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/12/30/148x111/HT_image_1651101765247_1703938584270.webp)
Published on Dec 31, 2023 08:00 AM IST