To do list

A national security expert has listed 26 action items. All of them deal with issues within the country and the complexity of policing and securing it. A good place to start and if the Prime Minister's announcement of stationing a battalion of NSG commandos in the 5 major cities is followed up with immediate action, one item can be ticked off right away. 'Mumbai 26/11' should be treated as 'New York 11/9' and the response should be equally bold and decisive.

India, 61

On the occasion of the 61st Independence Day tomorrow, we wish all Indians, wherever they may be, health and prosperity. Most people retire as they enter the 60s. India, as it happens, is just taking off.