Firstpost Editor's Picks: Virat Kohli's war, Opposition's obstructionism, Meghalaya miners; today's must-read stories

Virat Kohli correct in not enforcing follow-on; he can't afford to win the battle and lose the war

Virat Kohli needs to ensure his bowlers stay fit and fresh for the forthcoming Sydney Test and beyond. Consequently, Kohli cannot run the risk of squeezing every ounce of energy from his bowlers in this test. He needs to handle them with care and nurture them for other battles too.

Triple talaq bill: Opposition's obstructionism erodes credibility of crippled parliamentary system

Though the gaps and lacunae were addressed, the triple talaq bill continued to remain stuck in the Rajya Sabha presumably because the Opposition remained opposed to the idea of criminalising a ‘civil offence’. In resisting the bill’s passage through the Upper House, the Opposition took an obstructionist approach instead of a solution-based one. The reason is obvious. The obstruction served a political purpose.

As wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, it's time to ask who gave lives of Meghalaya miners such low priority

Whenever there is a glimmer of hope that Indian life is not cheap, something happens to extinguish that faint hopefulness. The current failure, to show the world that we care, colours the rescue operations that are supposedly in progress to discover the fate of 15 miners trapped in an illegal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills.

J&K youths who grew up in the shadow of the gun are alienated and radicalised

Kashmiri children who have been brought up under the shadow of gun are perishing under it. Their lives, even in their games, are heavily militarised. In thick apple orchards, they play a game called “mujahid vs army” where playing the part of the soldier is a curse.

Simmba movie review: Ranveer Singh can't save this clichéd women's rights saga

Simmba is loud, steeped in clichés and has nothing going for it apart from the leading man's comic flair and willingness to lose himself in a role, however silly it may be. Those qualities make the first half somewhat enjoyable, despite its dated feel on many fronts. All is lost though by the second half when the screenplay shelves comedy in favour of grim speeches by a newly-minted messiah of India's beleaguered women.