People walk in the deserted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in central Milan after millions of people were placed under forced quarantine in northern Italy as the government approved drastic measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. — AFP
People walk in the deserted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in central Milan after millions of people were placed under forced quarantine in northern Italy as the government approved drastic measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. — AFP

The deserted Via Senato in central Milan, after millions of people were placed under forced quarantine in northern Italy. — AFP
The deserted Via Senato in central Milan, after millions of people were placed under forced quarantine in northern Italy. — AFP

A general view of Roma Termini railway station, after the Italian government imposed a virtual lockdown on the north of the country. — Reuters
A general view of Roma Termini railway station, after the Italian government imposed a virtual lockdown on the north of the country. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...