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6 EDITORIAL DELHI

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022


THE HINDU
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How ideology muddled inflation control in India 
The agencies responsible for macroeconomic policy have hitched their wagon to Anglo­American economics 
how the global economy could be bank  can  fine  tune  inflation  by of monetary policy in controlling
lifted out of the morass it had sunk moving the interest rate. The An­ inflation  globally  today,  central
The Spirit of 1971 into. The central banks were ren­
dered helpless, for monetary poli­
glo­American  orientation  of  In­
dia’s policy makers meant that this
bankers concerned with retaining
their  relevance  make  a  renewed
India and Bangladesh must focus on future cy, the preferred macroeconomic view  of  inflation  control  came  to case for it by arguing that by pur­
instrument, proved to be impotent be adopted in this country too. suing  a  high­interest­rate  policy,
cooperation based on past partnership

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Pulapre Balakrishnan under the circumstances. The pro­ The allure of inflation targeting central banks can ‘anchor’ the ex­

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angladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongo­ fession  responded  momentously, is  the  implicit  premise  that  the pectation of inflation, and thereby
ing state visit to India and meeting with Prime Mi­ through  the  publication  by  J.M. authorities, in this case the central inflation itself.

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nister  Narendra  Modi  have  resulted  in  positive he Governor of the Reserve Keynes  of  The  General  Theory  of bank  of  a  country,  will  now  be But  why  would  economic
outcomes  and  seven  agreements,  which  include  the Bank  of  India  reportedly Employment,  Interest  and  Money. hike  the  price  of  oil.  This  both both  devoted  to  and  capable  of agents  harbour  such  an  illusion
conclusion of the first water sharing agreement in 26 stated that the inflation rate It  provided  the  insight  that  at sucked demand out of the oil im­ controlling  inflation.  Nothing  de­ when forming expectations of in­
would be brought to its target level times, capitalist economies would porting countries and gave rise to monstrates that the latter is make­ flation? “How,” they are bound to
years, the launch of free trade agreement talks, and in­
of  4%  within  24  months.  It  had require “the socialisation of invest­ inflation  in  them.  Stagflation,  a believe more than the runaway in­ ask,  “can  a  central  bank  ever
frastructure projects particularly in the railways sector. been  above  this  level  for  34  con­ ment”, by which he meant that the combination of inflation and stag­ flation  presently  on  view  across achieve this?” A central bank can
The water sharing agreement on the Kushiyara, which secutive  months  already.  If  the state  would  have  to  shoulder  the nant output, followed. It is indeed the world. Inflation in the U.S. and dampen expectations of a depre­
was preceded by the first Joint River Commission meet­ prognosis  is  correct,  by  2024  it burden of maintaining demand in correct  that  The  General  Theory the  U.K.,  the  epicentres  of  the ciation of its national currency so
ing in 12 years, is a particularly hopeful sign on resolv­ would have remained off target for the  economy  through  its  fiscal was unprepared for this phenome­ Friedmanite  revolution  in  eco­ long as it holds sufficient reserves
ing water management, and a very contentious issue, of close  to  five  years.  In  the  United policy. non,  but  a  complete  explanation nomics, is far higher than the tar­ of  the  dollar.  However,  would  it
54 trans­boundary rivers. While there has been a small­ States  and  the  United  Kingdom, At some level, the message that of it was quickly provided by the gets set for their central banks by have any leverage when it comes
the inflation rate has been off tar­ when private investment was de­ Keynesian  economist  Nicholas their governments. to commodity price expectations?
er agreement on the withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs from the
get for a lesser period, but it has pressed  public  investment  must Kaldor,  and  possible  solutions The question is whether this re­ No central bank holds stocks of pe­
Feni in the interim period, the Kushiyara agreement is lately  run  at  rates  close  to  four take over, is no more than an ap­ identified.  This  did  not  receive flects a lack of commitment on the troleum  or  wheat.  Therefore,  it
the first time the Centre has been able to bring on board times the target. What credibility plication of economic accounting, wide  enough  acknowledgement, part of the central banks of these can never directly influence com­
Assam and  other  north­eastern  States,  for  the  agree­ do the world’s central banks have but the proposal triggered an ideo­ however, and a revival of pre­Key­ countries  or  their  inability  to  do modity  prices,  and  the  public
ment since the 1996 Ganga water treaty. However, the if  they  fail  so  egregiously  in  deli­ logical  backlash.  Not  all  econo­ nesian  economics,  with  its  as­ anything in the face of an inflation knows  this  only  too  well.  Having
Teesta agreement, of 2011, held up by West Bengal, re­ vering on their mandate? Though mists  of  the  time  were  well  dis­ sumption of a self­regulating eco­ sparked off by a rise in commodity established  itself  by  arguing  that
mains elusive, a point Ms. Hasina made several times. the  characteristics  of  India’s  eco­ posed  to  the  government nomy, occurred. Its leader, Milton prices, notably the price of oil and Keynesian  economics  has  no  ex­
Clearly, the Teesta river agreement will require more ef­ nomy  vary  substantially  when intervention and larger public def­ Friedman, argued that in an unfet­ food, as is the case today. Obvious­ planation of stagflation, the chal­
compared  to  those  of  the  indus­ icits,  even  when  temporary,  that tered market economy, unemploy­ ly, it is the latter. Nothing else can lenge to it finds its own remedy for
forts by the Modi government, and flexibility from the
trialised West, their governments was  being  advocated.  However, ment would tend towards the ‘nat­ explain inflation rates that are over inflation discredited.
Mamata Banerjee­led State government, if the deal is to follow the same approach to infla­ confirmation of the validity of Key­ ural’  level,  where  presumably four times the announced target.
be sealed soon. The timeline grows more important for tion control, termed ‘inflation tar­ nesian  economics  came  from  an everyone  who  wishes  to  work Faced  with  high  inflation,  Eu­ In India
Ms. Hasina, who is due to hold elections at the end of geting’ and implemented by their unexpected  source.  Hitler, would be working. rope’s  policymakers  exhort  that Coming back to India, there exists
next year, after three terms in office. Much of her focus central banks. It would be reason­ through  greater  public  spending central banks should raise the in­ published research demonstrating
was also on attracting investment by Indian industry, able  to  surmise  then  that  the  ap­ on roads and armaments, showed Inflation targeting terest rate further, even if it means that household expectation of in­
which now constitutes a small fraction of Bangladesh’s proach is ineffectual because it is that a market economy would res­ Accordingly, public policy should triggering a recession. But we can flation, based on data released by
flawed in its imagination. pond to a Keynesian stimuli, and not  target  unemployment,  at­ now see that this is no permanent the Reserve Bank of India, is not a
FDI inflows. Ms. Hasina made particular mention of two
nothing like the hyperinflation of tempting which could destabilise solution to a supply­side driven in­ determinant  of  it.  This  makes  it
dedicated Special Economic Zones for Indian compa­ A particular problem the Weimar Republic followed. the  economy,  and  focus  on  infla­ flation as the present one is. Even difficult to claim that inflation tar­
nies, coming up at Mongla and Mirsarai. The approach to inflation current­ tion alone. And, inflation was sole­ if it were to be granted that the glo­ geting, which is supposed to work
Ms. Hasina’s visit, which follows her previous state vi­ ly  favoured  in  Anglo­American Impact of ‘oil shocks’ ly  a  function  of  money  supply bal inflation of the 1970s was con­ via the central bank’s ‘anchoring’
sit in 2017, and Mr. Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2021, economics is the result of an evo­ The  Keynesian  principle  conti­ growth which must always be con­ tained  by  the  policies  advocated of  expectations,  works  in  India.
have set India­Bangladesh ties on a firmer footing, and lution lasting close to a century. In nued to work after the war, when trolled.  Friedman’s  assertion  of by Friedman, we see the problem We have long known what needs
on course for closer engagement in trade, connectivity the 1930s, the world faced an un­ the  reconstruction  of  Europe the  optimality  of  the  market is back four decades later, driven to be done to control inflation in
precedented  crisis  with  the  capi­ meant that aggregate demand was gained impetus after the collapse this time by the disruption of glo­ India, but the agencies responsible
and people­to­people ties. However, the positive trend
talist economies plunging into de­ maintained by public spending on of  the  former  Soviet  Union.  His bal supply chains due to the war in for macroeconomic policy ignore
in ties goes further back, to Ms. Hasina’s advent to pow­ pression. We can now see that this the  infrastructure  that  had  been diagnosis of inflation led to a cla­ Ukraine. A recession works to low­ this  knowledge  when  they  hitch
er in 2009, her unilateral moves to shut down terror was a particular problem of such destroyed. The consequent unpre­ mour for central banks to be made er inflation when it does by lower­ their wagon to the ideology of An­
training camps, and to hand over more than 20 wanted economies,  for  the  Soviet  Union cedented  rise  in  living  standards independent of politicians and gi­ ing output, and thereby demand; glo­American  economics.  The
criminals and terror suspects to India. It is incumbent was unaffected. The Great Depres­ came  to  an  abrupt  end,  though, ven an exclusive mandate to target it cannot increase supply, a short­ consequences are there to see.
on New Delhi, which has benefited from such outcomes sion  was  as  much  a  crisis  for  the with  the  two  ‘oil  shocks’  of  the inflation.  The  arrangement  came fall in which had caused the infla­
and the turnaround in relations with what used to be an economics  profession,  for  it  was 1970s,  when  the  petroleum  ex­ to be known as inflation targeting, tion to start with. Pulapre Balakrishnan teaches economics
expected to come up with ideas on porting  countries  combined  to with  the  claim  that  the  central In the face of the evident failure at Ashoka University, Sonipat
inimical neighbour, to be equally sensitive to Dhaka’s
concerns,  particularly  when  it  comes  to  comments
made by ruling party leaders on deporting Rohingya re­
fugees,  comparing  undocumented  migrants  to  “ter­
mites”, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and more re­
The hits and misses in TANGEDCO’s tariff petition 
cent  references  to  annexing  Bangladesh  for  “Akhand There needs to be an overarching energy policy that addresses environmental issues and also ensures affordable supply 
Bharat”. While cross­border sensitivities in South Asia
tability  to  its  consumers  but  also er  plants  and  only  13%  from  re­ ingly  become  cheaper  than  coal­
often run high over such political rhetoric, it is neces­
avoid the one­time steep tariff in­ newables.  Commissioning  of  the powered  plants  and  have  conti­
sary that New Delhi and Dhaka remain focused on their crease every few years. announced coal power plants will nued  to  create  employment  op­
future cooperation, built on their past partnership, and It is a welcome step to protect lock­in  TANGEDCO  with  a  high portunities. It will be useful for the
what is referred to as the “Spirit of 1971”. its smaller consumers from the ta­ fixed cost and could result in more utility to carve out a robust strate­
riff impact in this petition. Howev­ expensive power for consumers in gy  to  assess  the  risks  associated
Uncertain future Martin Scherfler & er, some of the additional tariff ca­ the years to come — 1,890 MW of with building new thermal power
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Sandhya Sundararagavan tegories  in  this  petition  may  be TANGEDCO’s  coal  plants  are  30 plants,  especially  in  view  of  the
Chileans have rejected a new Constitution,  open to interpretation under non­ years and older, and are up for re­ State’s long­term energy security.
verifiable  conditions.  Hence,  a tirement. Also, 4,320 MW of TAN­
but they still need to replace the old one

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or the first time in years, the simplification  of  the  tariff  struc­ GEDCO’s  own­coal  power  plants Focus on sustainability

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hilean voters’ decision to reject a new Constitu­ Tamil  Nadu  Generation  and tures  which  is  easier  to  compre­ sumers (an increase of 624%). This need to be retrofitted with flue gas While there is a strong equity fo­
tion that would have replaced the 1980 charter Distribution Corporation Li­ hend could be considered. may make Tamil Nadu one of the desulphurisation  systems,  which cus in this petition, sustainability
written under the brutal military dictatorship of mited (TANGEDCO) has submitted most expensive open access mar­ will further increase the per unit must also receive priority. Despite
General Augusto Pinochet could deepen the country’s a petition which proposes an an­ Green tariffs, other charges kets in the country, potentially im­ cost. the climate change commitments,
political divisions and throw its future into uncertainty. nual increase of tariff by 6%. Reel­ Green tariffs have been emerging pacting  the  industrial  attractive­ According  to  the  Ministry  of there are still plans to add coal ca­
The new document, supported by Chile’s 36­year­old ing under the weight of mounting as an alternative renewable energy ness of the State. Power,  TANGEDCO  is  to  meet pacities  in  the  State’s  electricity
debts and long­pending payments procurement model for commer­ The inclusion of all high tension 35.95% of its energy from renewa­ mix, as in the petition. Holistic sce­
leftist President Gabriel Boric, would have transformed
to generators, this was a long anti­ cial and industrial consumers. Ho­ consumers  (except  lift  irrigation) bles by the financial year 2026­27 nario planning and exploring inte­
South America’s most free market­friendly country into cipated step. wever,  TANGEDCO’s  proposed under  the  time­of­day  tariff  is  a as in its renewable purchase obli­ gration of distributed generation,
a state­driven, rights­rich welfare society. But the voters premium  green  tariff,  at  150%  of positive step, but this could have gations. However, less than half of storage,  rooftop  solar,  green  hy­
seem  to  have  concluded  that  the  draft  went  too  far. Key reasons the applicable tariff rate, may dis­ also included low tension consum­ the  mandated  target  is  shown  in drogen, and offshore wind, will be
With almost all votes counted, 62% of voters said ‘No’. One  of  the  reasons  for  TANGED­ suade  consumers  from  availing ers. The domestic consumer cate­ TANGEDCO projections. Addition­ helpful in visualising Tamil Nadu’s
The Constitution drafting process itself was the result of CO’s  poor  financial  health  is  that this. Green tariffs, if properly de­ gory is a main contributor to the ally, it is not clear how the Ministry energy future, as well as building a
months­long  social  and  political  struggles.  Chile  wit­ tariffs have not been revised on an signed, could help TANGEDCO re­ evening peak load. In Tamil Nadu, of  Power  notified  storage  obliga­ climate­resilient infrastructure.
annual basis, thereby resulting in a duce  sales  migration  of  commer­ the  domestic  consumer  category tion (starting from 1% in the finan­ It is time to design an overarch­
nessed street protests in 2019 — triggered by a modest
gap  between  average  revenue  re­ cial  and  industrial  consumers  to (LT  I­A)  accounted  for  41.28% cial year 2024 to 2.5% by financial ing  integrated  energy  policy  that
rise in subway fares — which prompted then President quirement  and  average  cost  of open  access  while  at  the  same (30,390  MU)  of  the  total  energy year  2027),  20  GW  solar  by  2023 addresses  environmental  issues,
Sebastián Piñera to promise to rewrite the Constitution. supply.  Continuous  under­recov­ time  provide  export­oriented  in­ sales in the financial year 2020­21. (as  per  the  memorandum  of  un­ fosters  economic  development,
Despite amendments, the Pinochet­era Constitution re­ ery over the years and the cancel­ dustries  with  an  opportunity  to Therefore, including the domestic derstanding  signed  between  In­ and  ensures  reliable,  secure  and
mains a pro­business, pro­market document, restrict­ lation  and  or  delay  of  projects meet  their  sustainability consumer  category  under  the dian  Renewable  Energy  Develop­ affordable energy supply for all. It
ing state intervention in the economy. While Chile has have adversely impacted TANGED­ commitments. time­of­day  tariff  and  a  detailed ment  Agency  Limited  (a must  also  inform  the  decision­
seen fast development ever since its market reforms, it CO’s  capability  to  upgrade  and There is a steep increase in de­ loss  reduction  plan  could  poten­ Government  of  India  Enterprise) making process on tariff determi­
modernise  its  distribution  net­ mand (fixed) charges for high ten­ tially  result  in  cost  savings  for and the Tamil Nadu government) nation in view of the State’s vision
has also grown into one of the most unequal countries
work and hindered the transition sion consumers in this petition — TANGEDCO. and  3,600  MW  rooftop  solar  (as for a cleaner energy future.
in the region, leading to disquiet. Mr. Boric rose from towards  a  smart  grid  future. more  than  100%  as  compared  to per the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy
this chaos. In his election campaign in 2021, he had pro­ Hence, the proposal of an annual the  last  tariff  order.  Wheeling Coal and renewables Policy 2019) are considered in this Martin Scherfler is co­founder at Auroville
mised a new beginning. The referendum was his best adjustment of tariffs by the rate of charges for open access have been TANGEDCO  is  planning  to  meet petition. Consulting. Sandhya Sundararagavan is
opportunity to rewrite Chile’s future. But Mr. Boric and inflation  is  a  positive  step  —  this increased from existing ₹0.21/unit 87%  of  the  expected  increase  in Large­scale  solar  and  onshore the Lead on the Energy Transitions team
his comrades seem to have lost the momentum.  will not only provide more predic­ to ₹1.52/unit for High Tension con­ power demand from thermal pow­ wind  technologies  have  increas­ at the World Resources Institute, India
The 170­page, 388­Article document promised to le­
galise abortion, provide universal health care, mandate LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters emailed to letters@thehindu.co.in must carry the full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.
gender parity in government, empower labour unions,
To read more letters
and tighten regulations on mining. It also sought to de­ Ties with Dhaka sensitive issue, not only the staunch support of India, when the U.K. is perception of her online, scan the QR code
fine Chile as a “plurinational” state that would recog­ The friendship, trust and between the two countries in 1971. Ms. Hasina’s visit experiencing grave economic committing gaffes and
nise its 11 Indigenous groups, who make up some 13% of good neighbourliness but also within Bangladesh. should pave the way for a conditions. Brexit, the executing U­turns, there will needs to be decency,
the population — they could have their own governing between New Delhi and A failure to conclude the further strengthening of ties, COVID­19 pandemic, and the be much interest in her decorum and dignity. The
structures and legal systems. This proposal became the Dhaka should be agreement would weaken which is possible only if war in Ukraine are to blame tax­cutting agenda. fourth D, ‘derisive language’,
rallying cry of the rejection camp which argued that the strengthened, which will the standing of Ms. Hasina India sorts out the knots in for the sorry state of affairs. R. Sivakumar, should not find a place.
also help find a solution to before the general election in all vital bilateral issues. The U.K. is vulnerable Chennai Mani Natarajan,
enhanced  rights  of  the  indigenous  communities  (in­
the piquant subject of the Bangladesh. She has been N. Shantha Kumar, because of political and Chennai
cluding veto powers on big­ticket projects) and the li­ sharing of Teesta waters criticised by her opponents Bengaluru economic unpredictability. ■ Ms. Truss’s ascendance to
mits  the  new  Constitution  would  place  on  security among other issues. The for “selling out” to India. If That said, India could have a the top job was a foregone Nature left untouched
agencies would promote anarchy. Rising inflation and a ‘sharing ratio’ can be India fails to resolve the ■ India has gained much lot to look forward to in conclusion as it was very The interest former Prime
militant uprising by the Mapuche community made it arrived at mutually. Trade issue, it could lose an ally. from improved ties with terms of robust trade. Ms. unlikely that the British Minister Indira Gandhi had
difficult  for  Mr.  Boric to  sell  the  proposals  to  voters. and commerce, particularly S.S. Paul, Bangladesh. Therefore, New Truss can be counted among would have chosen someone in preserving the beauty
the import of garments Chakdaha, Nadia, West Bengal Delhi must critically analyse senior British politicians who was not of native spots of the country while
Chile is now back to square one. The old Constitution
from Bangladesh and the problems affecting known for championing ethnicity. For India, Ms. welcoming commercial
would remain in force until Chile’s political class finds a
export of India’s ■ The ties are an example of long­standing issues. Amid deeper India­U.K. strategic Truss can be counted as an activities should be an
way ahead. Mr. Boric has promised to repeat the Consti­ pharmaceutical products, the advantages of good the backdrop of the remarks and economic ties, even ally. She cannot afford to eye­opener for many in the
tution process — elections to the constituent assembly should be among the friendship and cooperation. on the Prophet and the describing them as a “sweet ignore the substantial Indian political class in India (OpEd
and then preparation of another draft that is put to a re­ elements of a strong There are some problems to Citizenship (Amendment) spot” of global trade vote bank in the U.K. page – ‘From The Archives’,
ferendum — which would take time. The conservatives relationship.  be resolved, but the general Act, it is time India finds dynamics.  Raju Mathai, September 7). So strong was
and centrists, who ruled Chile since the fall of the dicta­ K. Pradeep, state of ties is a reminder solutions and also counters Bobin Saji George, Kochi, Kerala her view that she was in
Chennai that people in the the inroads being made by Thiruvananthapuram favour of rerouting the new
torship,  would  try  to  maximise  their  interests  in  the
coming  elections.  But  political  struggles  could  only subcontinent can be one. China. Politics and the 3Ds rail link connecting
■ If India is committed to the Blessey Caroline M.R., M.P. Yuvaraj, ■ Ms. Truss, will not have an Some of the recent Tirunelveli, Nagercoil,
make  the  political  crisis  worse.  As  Chileans  have de­ Chennai
Teesta water­sharing pact, it Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu easy run, prime among her comments by Tamil Nadu Kanyakumari and
manded the old Constitution be repealed and replaced, would be the biggest many tasks being finding a BJP State leader K. Trivandrum. If memory
it is for the politicians to provide them a document that takeaway for Bangladesh ■ The relationship between Liz Truss it is solution to the cost­of­living Annamalai, in his spat with serves me right, I think her
they  would  support.  For  that,  they  should  start  with Prime Minister Sheikh the two neighbours has been Liz Truss assuming crisis in the U.K. Ms. Truss’s members of the ruling party plea was considered.
building consensus on the future of the country. Hasina, marking a cordial ever since the leadership role in the United political views have also smack of immaturity. In A. Jainulabdeen,
breakthrough in a politically liberation of Bangladesh with Kingdom comes at a time changed. Despite a political discourse, there Chennai

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THE HINDU DELHI

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022


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OPED 7

The evolving role of CSR in funding NGOs  Time for a joint space exercise 
If India is to become a defence power, then an Indo­U.S.
Beyond signing cheques, corporates are recognising that what’s good for society is good for business  military collaboration in every field is necessary 
up to 20% support for indirect costs.
The shift in practice came after the tially a missile launched from the Earth’s sur­
CSR team presented benchmarks of face to destroy a satellite passing overhead.
the higher rates paid by peer CSR or­ Both countries have demonstrated capabili­
ganisations and the beneficial effects ty in this. The test would be against a simu­
of a stronger NGO partner on its pro­ lated  orbital  target  as  that  does  not  create
gramme  outcomes.  These  peer  ex­ space debris and is not included in the word­
Pritha Venkatachalam & ing of the U.S. moratorium. 
Kanika Gupta amples  and  impact  stories  were  in­ Vinayak Dalmia & Vrinda Kapoor
strumental  in  ASK  getting  board Eventually,  this  will  lead  to  other  space
When  COVID­19  spurred  a  nation­ approval for changing its NGO fund­ India and the U.S. will undertake joint mili­ military  collaborations  such  as  directed
wide  lockdown  in  India  in  2020,  a ing policy.  tary drills in October in Auli, Uttarakhand. energy weapons, rendezvous and proximity
grave  need  for  localised  social  sup­ The pandemic also exposed how Auli is at an altitude of 10,000 feet and some operations  (RPOs),  co­orbital  ASATs  (in
port  emerged.  Giving,  both  private vulnerable  NGOs  are  to  financial 95 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).  space micro satellites as a kinetic kill option),
and public, flowed to NGOs working stress.  Our  research  revealed  that The  time  is  ripe  for  the  inaugural  India­ etc. 
GETTY IMAGES

towards  combating  pandemic­in­ 54%  of  NGOs  had  less  than  three U.S. joint space military exercise. First, this
duced challenges such as loss of live­ months in reserve funds in Septem­ single act will push India’s defence partner­ Space programmes
lihood for vulnerable communities, ber 2020. This number stood at 38% ship into a new orbit. Second, it will send a Every  country  worth  its  weight  in  salt  is
food banks, and health and medical before the pandemic. Without adeq­ strong  message  to  a  common  adversary. working  on  the  military  aspects  of  space.
*

support.  uate reserves, NGOs cannot pay sal­ Third, it will have other ripple effects for the France conducted its first space military ex­


In  any  such  social  effort,  pro­ lopment.  Programme  proponents rienced in the social sector.  aries or bills when faced with an un­ wider Quad.  ercise, ASTERX, in 2021. China is marching
gramme  expenses  attract  the  big value  programme  outcomes  above Further,  not  every  company  is expected funding shortfall.  Space  has  been  singled  out  as  a  critical ahead to the Cis­Lunar space (region beyond
cheques  —  especially  when  they all.  Adaptive  funders  are  not  rigid aware  of  all  the  facets  of  the  CSR The CSR programmes cannot cur­ area  of  cooperation  in  the  recent  Defence the geosynchronous orbit) with an ambition
come from corporate social responsi­ and  support  indirect  costs  and  or­ rules  they  are  complying  with.  For rently  contribute  to  NGO  reserves/ Technology  and  Trade  Initiative  (DTTI) to  establish  a  permanent  presence  on  the
bility  (CSR)  initiatives  in  India.  For ganisational  development,  if  the instance, the 5% cap on administra­ corpus by law. However, by covering meeting between India and the U.S. For the Moon by 2024.
example, an NGO working on educa­ NGO makes a case. Organisation buil­ tive overhead costs is applicable only indirect costs and organisational de­ first time in history, both countries are joint­ The doctrine in space is still evolving with
tion outcomes might receive funding ders see value in investing in stron­ to a business’ internal CSR operation velopment, they still help to relieve ly staring at a common adversary. Nothing the U.S. urging partner countries to lay down
for  books,  other  online  resources, ger  organisations  in  addition  to cost, not to the grantee’s administra­ financial pressure and make organi­ binds friends together as sharing the same rules and norms. China and Russia have re­
teacher training, curriculum design, programmes. tive costs, as is widely perceived. Ma­ sations more resilient. What’s more, displacement anxiety.  leased  a  draft  binding  treaty  of  their  own.
etc.  But  NGOs  have  other  expenses CSR funders, who now represent a ny CSRs make errors on safety with corporates  have  considerable  ac­ Red lines and norms will eventually emerge
too.  In  order  to  achieve  long­term fifth  of  all  private  giving  in  India, the unintended consequence of leav­ counting  and  finance  capabilities A military domain but  until  then  it  provides  an  ideal  new
and sustained impact, they need to principally  fall  under  programme ing  an  NGO  with  unpaid  bills  or that they can offer to NGOs, in addi­ Space as a military domain is a well­accepted theatre to push Indo­U.S. military collabora­
pay  for  administrative  and  support proponents. They mostly contribute worse still, drawing on its scarce core tion  to  their  funding.  NGOs  don’t fact. In 2019, the U.S. stood up its space force tion forward.
expenses not specifically tied to pro­ little or no money to organisational funding from other donors to pay for have  clear  financial  reporting  stan­ as a branch under the department of the Air Space has assets that form the bedrock of
grammes—  for  instance,  rent,  elec­ development and limit what they pay these essential costs.  dards  and  many  lack  the  internal Force. At the time, it became the world’s on­ the modern economy — GPS (PNT — position
tricity,  technology  and  human  re­ for indirect costs to a fixed rate often How  might  this  change?  For  one capabilities to undertake a true­cost ly independent space force. In India, histori­ navigation timing), telecom networks, early
source  costs.  These  organisational below  5%.  Our  2020  primary  re­ thing, companies can pool their re­ analysis. A corporate that has deve­ cally, space has remained the sole jurisdic­ warning systems for missiles and weather fo­
development  and  indirect  costs, search  showed  that  NGOs’  indirect sources  with  other  mission­aligned loped a relationship of mutual trust tion of its civilian space agency, the Indian recasts  all  are  enabled  by  our  satellites  in
combined with programme expens­ costs range from 5% to 55%, depend­ CSR or social sector stakeholders, in­ with an NGO could offer volunteer fi­ Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Howev­ GEO or LEO orbits. 
es, make up an NGOs’ true costs. And ing  on  their  mission  and  operating creasing  their  collective  impact  po­ nancial analysis services to help the er,  the  successful  demonstration  (dubbed But there could be some expected push­
underfunding an NGO’s true costs re­ model,  much  as  a  corporate’s  sales tential, and also hire or tap into pro­ NGO  calculate  true  costs  and  com­ Mission Shakti) of anti­satellite (ASAT) mis­ back from the usual naysayers. First, it will
duces the efficacy and impact of the and administration costs vary signifi­ fessionals  with  experience  working municate  with  other  funders,  and sile test in 2019 changed things forever. The provoke our eastern neighbour and compel
very  programmes  that  funders cantly by industry and product. with NGOs. Since 2020, the number build financial resilience.  same year, India conducted its first ever sim­ them  to  draw  a  new  redline.  Second,  our
support. These practices are partly a conse­ of philanthropic collaboratives, such Not many CSR funders think this ulated  space  warfare  exercise  (IndSpaceX) eastern  neighbour  will  use  our  western
To  understand  how  funders  and quence of CSR funders’ focus on reg­ as the Migrants Resilience Collabora­ way right now, but CSR practices are with an eye on Chinese threats.  neighbour as a proxy state. Third, it will de­
NGOs perceive an NGO’s true costs, ulatory  compliance  —  amendments tive that supports migrant workers or maturing.  As  our  research  has Furthermore, the launch of the tri­service rail the ongoing Core Commanders dialogue
and what it takes to build a financial­ to the CSR law in 2021 include sub­ Revive  Alliance  that  finances  semi­ shown,  more  CSR  decision­makers Defence Space Agency (DSA) has permanent­ in Ladakh. Fourth, the United States cannot
ly resilient social sector, we surveyed stantial  financial  penalties  for  non­ and  unskilled  workers,  have  more are  shifting  their  focus  from  com­ ly taken the military away from the shadows be trusted. Fifth, it will fastback militarisa­
and interviewed over 500 NGOs, fun­ compliance. Roughly 90% of the CSR than doubled. pliance  with  CSR  laws  to  the  social of civil space. The government has also set tion for space. Our response to all the above
ders and intermediary organisations funders are relatively small, unlisted impact they are making. CSR funders up  the  Defence  Space  Research  Agency is that it is an inevitable trend unfortunately,
across India as part of our multi­year companies  —  and  companies  that Learn from peer organisations are following several themes to make (DSRA)  to  help  develop  space­based  wea­ notwithstanding our action or inaction.
Pay­What­It­Takes­India initiative.  spend less than ₹50 lakh annually on In addition, CSR funders would learn this transition, such as hiring profes­ pons  for  the  DSA.  Space  is  as  much  recog­ Changing  times  now  require  us  to  inno­
CSR are not required by law to have a from peers who view organisational sionals, coming together in collabo­ nised as a military domain as land, water, air vate  on  doctrines,  technologies  and  deter­
The funder archetypes CSR committee. They generally leave development and indirect costs diffe­ ratives, and defining and publishing and cyber.  rence. Xi Jinping is on his way to building a
Based on a recent survey of nearly 80 decision­making and action plans to rently.  For  example,  ASK  Founda­ their  impact  metrics  to  hold  them­ India and the U.S. do drills on land, in air “world­class” Chinese military by 2049. If In­
diverse social sector funders, we dis­ company boards, who may have little tion,  the  CSR  arm  of  ASK  Group,  is selves  accountable.  The  idea  is  to and at sea. Why not extend it to the fourth dia is to become a space power and if the In­
covered three distinct funder arche­ to no experience working with NGOs working to enable better livelihoods move beyond signing cheques to re­ domain? It is inevitable as both countries can do­U.S. partnership is to become the alliance
types  —  programme  proponents, or  on  social  impact.  Hence,  their for  rural  communities.  Until  four cognising  that,  ultimately,  what’s expect the exact same conversation happen­ of  alliances,  then  imaginative  steps  will  be
adaptive  funders,  and  organisation priorities tend to sway towards risk years ago, the ASK gave annual pro­ good for Indian society is also good ing in their adversary’s strategy rooms.  needed. 
builders.  The  three  archetypes  re­ avoidance, compliance, and cost mi­ gramme grants to NGOs, limited indi­ for business.  It will have actionable spill overs for the It is time for the India­U.S. military collab­
present different beliefs in terms of nimisation. Several larger companies rect cost coverage to between 5% and Quad, transform the moribund DTTI from a oration to get bolder and travel from moun­
how philanthropy becomes impact. have added CSR to the responsibili­ 10%,  and  did  not  provide  organisa­ Pritha Venkatachalam is Partner and talk shop and send the right message to the tains to outer heavens. 
And  those  beliefs  manifest  in  diffe­ ties of their HR or administration or tional development expenses. Then, Co-Head, Asia and Africa, and adversary. 
Kanika Gupta is Senior Associate The lowest hanging fruit would be a joint The authors work at the intersection of national
rent  practices  around  funding  indi­ communications  head,  rather  than it shifted to a multi­year grant mak­ security and technology
Consultant, Bridgespan Group. anti­satellite (ASAT) missile test. It is essen­
rect  costs  and  organisational  deve­ hiring  professional  leads,  expe­ ing approach and started providing

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Congress and the Tharoor factor DATA POINT


FROM THE ARCHIVES
FIFTY YEARS AGO SEPTEMBER 8, 1972
The diplomat­turned­politician has positioned
himself as an alternative to the establishment  Resumption of Olympics
Biju Govind But it is also a fact that now the Con­ Jerusalem, Sept. 7: Israel yesterday began a
gress  party  in  Kerala  is  driven  by  a seven­day  mourning  period  for  its  11  dead
Outwardly,  Congress  leaders  from new  crop  of  independent­minded Olympic sportsmen amid the spectre of pos­
Kerala appear neutral on the possible and feisty leaders such as V.D. Sath­ sible armed revenge of the Arab terrorist at­
candidature  of  Shashi  Tharoor  for eesan, for whom Mr. Tharoor could tack at the Olympic Games. Mixed with the
the  Congress  president’s  post,  but be a promising choice. gloomy atmosphere throughout the nation
their  real  stance  on  the  sitting  MP Since he is identified with the dissi­ was a feeling of anger at the decision to con­
from  Thiruvananthapuram  running dent  G­23,  the  chances  of  Mr.  Tha­ tinue the games. Israel had expected — with­
for the office in the upcoming organ­ roor emerging as a compromise can­ out actually demanding — that they would
isational polls remains unclear. didate in the event of loyalists such as be cancelled. The Government warned that
Kerala Pradesh Congress Commit­ Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Geh­ it would “not save the terrorists’ accomplic­
tee (KPCC) president K. Sudhakaran lot and Leader of the Opposition in es”  from  responsibility  for  the  bloodshed.
said that if Mr. Tharoor wishes to con­ the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge The Government withheld official comment
test the polls, there is nothing wrong opting out of the race look bleak. Mr. on the decision to continue the games, but
in it as the Congress is a democratic Tharoor  was  not  among  the  G­23 Israeli  officials  privately  did  not  conceal
party. leaders the Gandhi family had tried their  annoyance.  About  a  thousand  young
Although Mr. Tharoor said that he to  engage  after  the  ginger  group people,  chanting  slogans  and  waving  ban­
would take a final call on entering the sought  an  organisational  rejig  and ners, yesterday staged a loud but peaceful
fray only after the elec­ called  for  collective  and  inclusive demonstration in front of the Bonn Embassy
tion notification was is­ leadership. in  Tel  Aviv  against  the  continuation  of  the
sued, he wants the spec­ He has already positioned himself Olympic  games.  Later,  addressing  about
ulation  of  his  possible as  an  alternative  to  the  traditional 3,000 students in Jerusalem’s Independence
candidacy to be a kite­fly­ Congress  establishment  symbol­ Square,  Israeli  Minister  Joseph  Burg  criti­
ing  exercise  because  he ised  by  the  Gandhi  family.  Like cised the Olympic Committee’s decision to
knows  that  a  candidate  not Manish  Tewari  and  Karti  Chi­ resume  and  to  complete  the  games.  The
sponsored by the Gandhi family dambaram, Mr. Tharoor has al­ nine Israelis killed at the Fuerstenfeldbruck
will be at a huge disadvantage. so  called  for  transparency airport in West Germany and two in the first
Therefore,  it  is  still  uncertain in the poll process and has attack  on  the  Olympic  Village  at  dawn  on
whether Mr. Tharoor would even­ written to the party's cen­ Tuesday will be given a State funeral in Is­
tually  take  a  shot  at  the  All  India tral  election  authority rael.
Congress  Committee  (AICC)  presi­ chairman  Madhusudan
dent's post.  Mistry,  demanding  the
Nonetheless, like any shrewd polit­ publication  of  electoral A HUNDRED YEARS AGO SEPT. 8, 1922
ician, Mr. Tharoor has been keeping rolls for the upcoming poll
people guessing. When, for instance, to  the  post  of  AICC  presi­ Malabar relief
he was asked whether the next Con­ dent. This looks like a show
gress president should be from a Hin­ of defiance as this demand was alrea­ Calicut: The Executive Committee of the Ma­
di­speaking State, Mr. Tharoor said, dy shot down by Mr. Venugopal say­ labar Central Relief Committee met on Sep­
"See, these days if you have to be in ing  that  the  Congress  presidential tember 6, Dewan Bahadur Varghese presid­
politics, you need to speak Hindi. Pe­ poll was an in­house process and that ing.  Mr.  Madhava  Rao  explained  how  the
ople from the south are able to speak electoral  rolls  need  not  be  made existing  stocks  of  rice  at  various  centres
Hindi. I, too, can do it."  public. were, at the suggestion of the workers and
But, he first has to charm Congress As  a  former  international  diplo­ District Collector, being distributed as char­
leaders  in  his  home  State,  of  which mat,  public  intellectual  and  a  best­ ity, which will last the people in most places
most are said to be Gandhi loyalists. selling author, Mr. Tharoor is also a for  one  month  and  how  this  decision  will
Considering  his  stature,  the  role  of non­conformist who had several run­ cost the Committee nearly Rs. 10,000. The
Congress Working Committee mem­ ins  with  former  KPCC  presidents. Committee approved of this and authorised
ber A.K. Antony, a steadfast suppor­ This  trait  in  him  perhaps  provokes the Secretary to appeal to Madras, Bombay
ter of the Gandhi family, will be keen­ sneers  in  traditional  Congressmen and  other  funds  and  individuals  to  remit
ly watched. Mr. Antony has not taken but for the aspirational middle class, their  entire  collections  and  subscriptions
any  position  on  the  organisational a constituency  the  Congress  can  ig­ immediately to Calicut. The Committee says
polls after the Gandhi family made it nore only at its peril. Mr. Tharoor is nearly 5,200 families are being relieved with
clear that none from the family will definitely  perceived  to  be  a  class cloth  and  other  things  during  this  month.
be contesting. apart. But to get elected as the AICC The Committee thanked Mr. Suryanarayana
Then  there  is  the  looming  pre­ president,  only  the  votes  of  these Rao  of  the  Servants  of  India  who  have
sence of AICC general secretary (or­ Congressmen count. worked very hard in Calicut and who is now
ganisation) K. C. Venugopal, a close in  Madras  for  explaining  the  Committee’s
aide of Rahul Gandhi, whose disap­ position in Calicut to the Secretaries of Mala­
proval  can  hurt  Mr.  Tharoor  badly. biju.govind@thehindu.co.in bar Relief Fund, Madras.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
8
DELHI

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022


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Text & Context


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Air quality management Unapproved antibiotics Quality of govt. schools Somalia famine Bengaluru floods


In lakh, the number of people The percentage of antibiotic The percentage of schools In $ billion, the amount required In ₹ crore, the amount

10 who need to be trained in the
next five years for air quality
management, according to a
new report. It also states that
around 50,000 jobs could be created
in the sector. The report has been
prepared by the International Forum
47 formulations used in India’s
private sector in 2019 that
were not approved by the
central drug regulator, a
study published in The Lancet Regional
Health-Southeast Asia revealed. The
research also found that Azithromycin
80 that are worse than
junkyards, Delhi Chief
Minister Arvind Kejriwal
alleged on Wednesday in a
letter written to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. Calling the Prime
Minister’s decision to modernise
1 urgently to avert famine in
Somalia, the UN humanitarian chief
Martin Griffiths predicted. The
fund would be needed in the
coming months and early next year
when two more dry seasons are
expected to compound the historic
300 released by the
Karnataka government
to manage the flood
situation in Bengaluru,
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj
Bommai announced. The torrential
downpour continues to create havoc in
for Environment, Sustainability & 500mg tablet was the most consumed 14,500 schools “a drop of water in the drought that has hit the Horn of Africa the city. A total of ₹1,500 crore has
Technology (iForest) with the support antibiotic formulation (7.6%) in India. ocean”, Mr. Kejriwal again pushed for a nation. Up to 7.1 million people across been allocated for the construction of
of the World Bank Group. It highlights The total defined daily dose (DDD) — plan to upgrade all 10 lakh government Somalia need urgent assistance to treat stormwater drains in Bengaluru, Mr.
the need for a national­level the assumed average maintenance schools in the country. On Monday, Mr. and prevent acute malnutrition and Bommai said, adding that the work will
programme to develop the capacity of dose per day for a drug in adults — Modi announced that 14,500 schools reduce the ongoing hunger­related begin once the water recedes.
all stakeholders — cities, State and consumed in 2019 was 5,071 million, across the country would be developed deaths, according to an analysis by the Additionally, ₹9.5 crore is being
central agencies, private sector, NGOs out of which 2,408 million were and upgraded under the PM­SHRI Integrated Food Security Phase released for boats and other
— to effectively tackle air pollution. PTI centrally unapproved formulations. PTI scheme. PTI Classification or IPC. AP equipment to deal with the floods. PTI
COMPILED BY THE HINDU DATA TEAM
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EXPLAINER

Content moderation on Wikipedia


What are the mechanisms Wikipedia uses to ensure that users do not have unrestricted editorial privilege?

THE GIST
Trishee Goyal the page to vandalism, disruption and abuse. administrators are in a position to exercise
To implement this system of protection, considerable power because they can take
The story so far: On Tuesday, India Wikipedia classifies users depending on the decisions of blocking users or reversing edits
summoned officials of Wikipedia, in edit rights that they have. For example, one in some circumstances, which can have
response to cricketer Arshdeep Singh’s of the highest levels of protection that can be content moderation implications.
B India has summoned
Wikipedia page being edited with misleading accorded to a page is “full protection”. This
officials of Wikipedia, in
response to cricketer
information that stated he was a means that only those users (called Therefore, can the Wikimedia
Arshdeep Singh’s Wikipedia “khalistani”. This was done by online trolls administrators) that have been given full edit Foundation be held responsible for the
page being edited with after Arshdeep Singh dropped a catch in rights (as per Wikipedia community review content that Wikipedia hosts?
misleading information that India’s match against Pakistan. The Minister process) can make modifications. A slightly There is no settled position on this.
stated he was a “khalistani”. of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev lower level of protection is “semi Typically, the architecture of Wikipedia is
Chandrashekhar tweeted that “no protection”. “Semi protected” pages cannot that of an intermediary i.e. it hosts content
B To increase Wikipedia’s intermediary operating in India can permit be edited by unregistered users. Another generated by its users. Under most laws
reliability and also to this type of misinformation” as it violated category of protection is “pending changes”, regulating online content, intermediaries are
prevent vandalism and the government’s expectation of a safe and which means that changes made will not be endowed with immunity from the user
disruptive edits, there are trusted internet. To determine the role and reflected on the page unless the changes are generated content they host, provided they
restrictions on edits to the liability of the Wikimedia Foundation (the accepted by an editor with those rights. maintain some due diligence over their
content that Wikipedia owner of Wikipedia), in such instances, it is Second, given that edit rights are platforms. Intermediaries are afforded this
hosts. One of these
important to understand how content on the widespread there have been instances of immunity because first, the sheer volume of
restrictions is to allow
certain “protections” to be platform is moderated. “content disputes” and “edit warring”. content generated makes it impossible to
accorded to particular Content disputes occur when editors monitor this content and second, being
articles. An article may have What is Wikipedia and its model for disagree with each other’s content. This personally responsible for user content
varying degree of protection functioning? could also lead to edit warring where editors would inundate them in legal battles making
depending on the Since its inception in 2001, Wikipedia has repeatedly override each other’s operations at that scale infeasible. 
vulnerability of the article become a household name. It describes itself contribution in a specific page. In such In previous challenges to content on
to vandalism, disruption and as a “multilingual free online encyclopedia circumstances also, administrators can Wikipedia, there have been rulings that the
abuse. 
written and maintained by a community of provide temporary or permanent protection Wikimedia Foundation does not own the
volunteers through open collaboration and a to a page to prevent edits. content, and does not have the legal
B In the case of social wiki­based editing system”. Unlike However, most of the individuals that responsibility for it. However, administrators
media platforms, platform traditional encyclopedias that have entries perform tasks for Wikipedia such as those or editors have taken heed of the content
owners such as Meta or from pre­identified authors, all of holding the designation of bureaucrats, concerns arising out of the situation and
Twitter are responsible for
Wikipedia’s encyclopedic content is user administrators or other editors with varying have made suitable edits. In case volunteer that is “patently false and untrue, and is The Wikipedia Monument
exercising due diligence in
content moderation through generated.  This means that anyone can levels of edit rights are not employees of editors do not make suitable edits, written or published in any form, with the in Słubice, Poland. CC BY-SA
*

individuals on their payroll. contribute to its pool of knowledge by Wikimedia. These individuals gain such Wikimedia, as per its terms of use states that intent to mislead or harass a person, entity 4.0


However, in Wikipedia, the making edits to existing pages for updation designations and exercise attendant rights it can “contribute, monitor or delete or agency for financial gain or to cause any
situation is slightly different or correction and can even add new pages. through a community review process. content” for legal compliance. Therefore, it injury to any person”. Therefore, in the
given that content While this model has its advantages in so Essentially, the more the trust they gain from is arguable that since Wikimedia can Indian context, even if the Wikimedia
moderation decisions are far that it allows democratisation of the Wikipedia community, the greater is exercise such power, it can be held Foundation does not own the information
not taken by employees. knowledge,unhindered access to edit has their degree of editorial responsibility. They responsible for illegal content being hosted hosted on Wikipedia, once Wikimedia
also resulted in concerns relating to the are not given or removed from a particular on Wikipedia.  Foundation has “actual knowledge” of such
reliability of information that it hosts. designation by the Wikimedia Foundation content being hosted on its platform, it
per se. What can the Indian government do if would be held responsible for the same.
Are there no control mechanisms for Although Wikimedia’s terms of use state it is aggrieved by content on In the context of the IT Rules, 2021 “actual
content on Wikipedia? that it “generally does not contribute, Wikipedia? knowledge” occurs when an intermediary
Even though majority of the content is user monitor or delete content” there are ways in In India, for intermediaries to claim the “safe has been notified by either a court order or
generated, the Wikimedia Foundation has which the Wikimedia Foundation exerts harbour” of not being responsible for the through an order of the appropriate agency
instituted some content moderation control over Wikipedia. First, the Wikimedia content they host, under Section 79 of the demanding removal of the offending
practices. Foundation legally controls the servers on Information Technology Act, 2000, they content. In this case while neither has
First, to increase its reliability and also to which Wikipedia’s content is hosted. This must abide by due diligence requirements happened, Wikipedia administrators and
prevent vandalism and disruptive edits, over means that even though they do not have under the Act and its Rules. As per the editors have removed the distortion from
time restrictions have been placed on edits ownership of the user generated content Information Technology (Intermediary Arshdeep Singh’s page and granted it certain
to the content that Wikipedia hosts. One of hosted on Wikipedia, they are in control of Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) protection such that only “trusted editors”
these restrictions is to allow certain the user activity information generated on Rules, 2021, there are certain categories of can edit the page.
“protections” to be accorded to particular the servers. Second, Wikimedia Foundation information that an intermediary should not Trishee Goyal is a research fellow at the
pages. A page may have varying degree of also exercises control on who the “system allow to be hosted or uploaded on its Centre for Applied Law and Technology
protection depending on the vulnerability of administrators” of Wikipedia are. System platform. One such category is information Research, Vidhi Centre for legal policy

EXPLAINER

The mandatory requirements for packaged commodities


Why is it necessary to list out the constituents of a product on the front packaging?
What are the proposed should be declared on the package’s front

THE GIST
G.S. Bajpai
Sangeeta Taak amendments? side along with the brand name.
As many blended food and cosmetic Currently, manufacturers list the
The story so far: The Department of products are sold on the market, the key ingredients and nutritional information
Consumer Affairs, Legal Metrology constituents need to be mentioned on the only on the back of the packaging.
Division has notified a draft amendment product packaging. It is common for The proposed Section 6(1)(ba) states B The Department of
to the Legal Metrology (Packaged consumers to assume that brands’ claims that when a commodity contains more Consumer Affairs, Legal
Commodities) Rules 2011. As stated in the are accurate, but such claims are usually than one constituent, the front side of the Metrology Division has
notification, the Department of misleading. Additionally, the front side of package must include a declaration of notified a draft amendment
to the Legal Metrology
Consumer Affairs Legal Metrology the package must contain the percentage two or more of the commodities’ prime
(Packaged Commodities)
Division has observed that many of the composition of the unique selling constituents along with the brand name. Rules 2011. 
manufacturers/packagers/importers do proposition (USP). As the name suggests, This declaration must also include the
not clearly label necessary declarations a USP also known as a unique selling percentage/quantity of the USPs of the
or prime constituents on the front of point, is a marketing strategy designed to product in the same font size as the B The Department of
Consumer Affairs has
packaged commodities, which are inform customers about the superiority declaration of the USPs. However, suggested that at least two
deemed essential to be disclosed in order of one’s own brand or product. Listing mechanical or electrical commodities are prime components should
*
CC BY-SA 4.0
to protect consumer interests. the USP of a product on the front of the excluded from this sub­rule. be declared on the
Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and and the online information in another package without disclosing its Moreover, public comments were package’s front side along
What are the mandatory provisions consumer care information. As a place. composition percentage violates solicited from all stakeholders, including with the brand name.
under the Legal Metrology consumer­oriented policy, all Additionally, Rule 9(1)(a) provides that consumer rights. Also, packages industries, associations, consumers, and Currently, manufacturers list
(Packaged Commodities) Rules, prepackaged commodities should also be the declaration on the package must be displaying key constituents must display voluntary consumer organisations, in the ingredients and
2011? inspected. legible and prominent. The consumers’ a percentage of the content used to make order to obtain their viewpoints.  nutritional information on
the back of the packaging.
It is mandatory under the Legal As stated in Rule 2(h), the “principal ‘right to be informed’ is violated when the product. For example, if a brand sells When the new provision of Section 6(1)
Metrology (Packaged Commodities) display panel”, in relation to a package, important declarations are not aloe vera moisturiser or almond (ba) is added, consumers will not be
Rules, 2011 to ensure a number of means the total surface area of a package prominently displayed on the package. milk/biscuits, then the maximum misled by the fake claims of B Public comments were
declarations, such as the name and containing the information required in If there is more than one major percentage of the product should be aloe manufacturers relating to the content in solicited from all
stakeholders, including
address of the accordance with these rules, namely that product, Rule 6(1)(b) states that “......the vera and almond, otherwise, the product blended foods and cosmetics.
industries, associations,
manufacturer/packer/importer, the all the information should be grouped name or number of each product shall be name is misleading. G. S. Bajpai is the Vice-Chancellor consumers, and voluntary
country of origin, the common or generic together and given in one place — the mentioned on the package.” This sub­rule The Department of Consumer Affairs, Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, consumer organisations.
name of the commodity, the net quantity, pre­printed information could be is however, not applicable to mechanical Legal Metrology Division has suggested Punjab where Sangeeta Taak is Assistant
the month and year of manufacture, the grouped together and given in one place or electrical commodities. that at least two prime components Professor.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
DELHI

Text & Context


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
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TOOLBOX

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THE DAILY QUIZ

Onam is being celebrated on September 8. A quiz on one of the most important festivals in Kerala.

1 In which month of the Malayalam almanac is Onam and what does F What is this dance called and on what day of Onam is it traditionally performed?  NAJEEB K. K.


*

it celebrate?

2 What is the name given to the clay pyramid with four faces and a
flat top that is used during Onam to symbolise Vamana? Please send in your answers to the dailyquiz@thehindu.co.in

3 If the festivities conclude on the tenth day known as
Thiruvonam, what is the day on which it begins called?
Questions (abridged) and Answers to the previous day’s daily quiz: 1. This bank, considered the oldest bank in
India, eventually became one of the four banks that were merged to form the Bank of Madras in 1843. It was once
closed and restarted in 1806. Ans: The Madras Bank founded in 1683
4 Leucas aspera is an integral part of the Onam festivities. What is
it called locally and where is it used? 2. This agency house established the Bank of Hindostan which is now a defunct bank. Ans: Alexander and Company.
Agency houses were trading companies.

5 One of the highlights of the festivities is the Onam Sadhya or
Onasadhya. Traditionally how many dishes make up the lavish
spread?
3. This Indian private sector bank, founded in 1920, sponsors the Gokulam Kerala FC. Ans: The CSB Bank Limited. It
was earlier known as the Catholic Syrian Bank Limited
4. The Oriental Bank Corporation, a British imperial bank founded in India in 1842, was the first bank to issue
banknotes in this country. Ans: Hong Kong, currently part of China
6 Which signature Sadhya dish is made with yogurt, yam, or raw
banana and grated coconut, and which dish is made with
pumpkin, red beans, and coconut?
Visual: The stamp of this bank was released by India Post during its 150th anniversary. Ans: Standard Chartered
Bank of India. It was earlier called the Chartered Bank of India

7 What competitive event, said to be the oldest of its kind in
Kerala, takes place on the Utthrattathi Nakshatra near the Sri
Parthasarathy Temple as part of Onam festivities?
Early Birds: Lakshay| M. Suresh Kumar 

Compiled by: V.V. Ramanan

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06 OPINION THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | THURSDAY | 8 SEPTEMBER 2022

Arrival of the gig worker


THE TRIBUNE established in 1881
Businesses must come to terms with moonlighting & changed nature of work
losing out in the long run by chasing
short-term gains.
The employment contract that

Sheikh Hasina in India Infosys, the second-largest software


company, hands out also does not
allow secondary employment. What
Go the extra mile in resolving irritants with B’desh is more, it gets a promise from its staff

T
that they will not work for a competi-
HE India-Bangladesh strategic and bilateral relations have been on SUBIR ROY tor within six months of leaving Infos-
an encouraging upswing ever since Sheikh Hasina took over as SENIOR ECONOMIC ANALYST ys, if they choose to do so.
Prime Minister for the second time in 2009. The bonhomie has been To the chairman of the third-

M
visible during her four-day visit and her extensive discussions with PM OONLIGHTING has largest IT company, Wipro, Rishad
Narendra Modi reflect a keen receptivity for each other’s concerns, be it always been around in Premji, moonlighting is ‘cheating,
regional security or the protection of minorities. As she eyes another term small measure. But dur- plain and simple.’
towards the end of 2023, Hasina would be hoping that the signing of agree- ing Covid, when work But there is a dissenting minority
ments and inauguration of projects would give a political leverage to her from home became the norm, moon- viewpoint within the IT industry. Tech
party, the Awami League. A strong votary against Islamic terror, she has lighting bloomed. After doing justice PERSPECTIVE: Traditionally, a side job is considered ‘unethical’, but green shoots Mahindra, another leading IT compa-
been an ally in weeding out safe havens for anti-India groups. That has put to your regular nine-to-seven work of change are appearing. ISTOCK ny, also prohibits taking up secondary
her under constant scrutiny by opponents back home for being weak from home, you could do an addition- employment. But its chief executive C
al something for some other entity P Gurnani recently said he had no prob-
while dealing with India. Her balancing act in the engagement with Chi-
from maybe the same laptop, as who If an organisation fails to recognise and respect this ‘need’, lem with moonlighting, adding that, ‘I
na, too, shows sensitivity to New Delhi’s apprehensions.
Irritants such as the Teesta river dispute remain, but a significant
was to know. But now that most it will not be able to hang on to the most creative talents. would like to make it a policy. I welcome
employers are asking staff to return to disruption in the ways we work.’
beginning in river-water sharing has been made through an agree- office, moonlighting has become a Mohandas Pai, a former director of
ment on the supply of water from the common border river Kushi- dilemma for the staff, particularly life changed under Covid, the gig delivers on his full-time job and Infosys and considered an elder
yara to parts of lower Assam as well as Sylhet in Bangladesh. It’s the those who do not want to miss out on worker became a significant issue in there is no conflict of interest. statesman of the IT industry, feels
first river-related agreement that the two sides have reached at in the additional bit they were earning. industrial relations. The last means that the second job moonlighting is not cheating. He
over two decades. The striking strides made in the development This has posed a dilemma for A gig worker is one who is his own must not be in the line of the first. To draws a distinction between office
partnership mean that Bangladesh is now India’s biggest trade part- employers. They have to decide agent, is not employed by anyone take an extreme case, a Swiggy hours and non-office hours. During
ner in South Asia, attributed to a large extent to the expanding con- whether they will crack down on but takes on a task from a business employee can’t, after office hours, office hours, an employee has to abide
nectivity. It also accounts for India’s biggest visa operation globally. moonlighting or come to terms with on a contractual basis. His dealing work for its major competitor Zomato. by the employer’s conditions, like
In March last year, PM Modi travelled to Bangladesh to attend events some form of it. They have to take a with the entity that gives him the Why has Swiggy broken ranks maintaining client confidentiality.
organised to mark the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, PM call on what kind of mix is good for task to execute is on a principal-to- with the rest of the employers? It But what an employee does after
Hasina’s father and the country’s founding leader. The expectation in their businesses. principal basis. He does not earn a realises that during Covid-related office hours is his own business.
Normally, regular established busi- salary and naturally there is no ques- lockdowns, a good number of work- Putting restrictions on that amounts
both New Delhi and Dhaka would be that her visit, in acceptance of the
nesses will frown upon moonlighting tion of long-term benefits like provi- ers have discovered new hobbies or to curtailing his freedom.
invitation to commemorate 50 years of Bangladesh’s liberation and
in the same vein as they will disap- dent fund. At the end of every work- activities that offer an additional A clue to explaining the whole con-
commencement of diplomatic ties, charts a new course. Her role in the prove of staff trying to earn some- ing day, he gets a portion of the job source of income. Be it volunteering troversy may lie in the following:
alliance is of critical importance and it would be in the interest of both thing on the side during their normal giver’s takings. for an NGO or working as a dance CRED, a fintech unicorn, has said it
countries to go the extra mile to resolve the differences. course of work. To them, moonlight- The first business that stepped out instructor or creating content for actually encourages side hustles.
ing is almost unethical. of line from the rest of the business- social media, such additional jobs Proof? Its heads of design and engi-
But the problem is that the nature es was Swiggy, which home-delivers can aid the professional or personal neering are part of the Carnatic rock
of work itself changed during the food. It deals with two kinds of work- development of the staff. If you band, Agam.

Broken Delhi-Shimla air link pandemic. With consumers going


in majorly for online ordering so
that they do not have to risk con-
ers — a large number of those who
deliver the packages and a small
number who run them, that is the
have a better or more contented
worker, he will do greater justice to
his full-time work.
The nature of work is changing.
The traditional ethos has been that
at least in the initial years of one’s
All-weather airport for Himachal’s capital a must tracting Covid by going out shop- permanent employees. This is not the majority viewpoint career, one must slog away without

I
ping, home delivery became a Swiggy has unveiled a new policy among employers. Who is opposed to having the time to note when day
NCLEMENT weather has caused further postponement of commercial major business activity. that allows its regular full-time moonlighting? To begin with, the had turned into night. Today, young
flight operations between Delhi and Shimla, prolonging the wait for a Similarly, instead of taking the fam- employees to take up a second job. foremost software company of the talented people not only seek satis-
regular air service between the national and the state capitals. The Del- ily out for a meal, householders The condition is that before going in country, TCS. It says flatly that the faction in their regular jobs but also
hi-Shimla flight service, which has not been in operation since early 2020, began to regularly order food at for such work, employees have to let employment contract does not per- look for a rich life outside of regular
was to resume on Tuesday, when the government-run Alliance Air abrupt- home. This gave a further fillip to the the company know. And the compa- mit an employee to take up second- office work when they can nurture
ly announced that the ‘weather conditions will not be appropriate for flight job of home delivery. And with home ny will decide after satisfying itself ary employment. Its chief operating their varied interests.
operations for the next couple of weeks.’The Alliance Air statement gave delivery snowballing, the gig worker on three aspects — the second job officer Ganapathy Subramaniam If an organisation fails to recog-
no indication about when the operations on this route would resume. The truly arrived. It is not as if he did not can only be done outside of office feels that moonlighting falls down nise and respect this then it will not
news is a dampener for travellers who wish to avoid the arduous eight-hour exist before. He drove the car that hours or during weekends, it does foremost on ‘ethical’ grounds. Plus, be able to hang on to the most cre-
road journey between Delhi and Shimla, though there is speculation that you booked via Uber or Ola. But as not affect the way the employee employees going in for it can end up ative talents.
flights would resume in the last week of September.
The Shimla Airport, located about 22 km from the city, provides

No one teaches like nature does


spectacular views during takeoff and landing, but presents challenges
peculiar to the hilly terrain. It’s a table-top airport and the runway is
much shorter than the standard one. Due to this, only lighter aircraft
can use this airport and amid air turbulence, airplanes filled to capac-
ity are unable to take off. Alliance Air started the Delhi-Shimla opera-
tions in 2017, but they were halted in 2020 when Alliance’s lease of Sumit Paul timers that Pune’s Fergusson Road marigolds and roses must grow times, gurus used to teach their
ATR 42 aircraft came to an end. Further, the disruptions caused by the had many trees and there were a lot there. Inmates of a prison should pupils under a tree, preferably a
Covid pandemic doused the urgency to restoring the operations. How- Nature is mankind’s noblest of birds. Where can you see trees in always be in touch with the aspects banyan tree, because it is said to be
ever, with the tourism sector in the state on the upswing, calls for the teacher. — Plato Pune now? Every piece and patch of of nature or else they might again a silent and sober master, with its
restoration of the air link with Delhi had become louder. land is being ‘utilised’ for new proj- walk on the path of crime. It’s a every branch and leaf imparting
The train service between Delhi and Shimla cannot be expanded due
to the single track between Kalka and Shimla. Roadblocks caused by land-
slides on the Kalka-Shimla highway, especially during rains, cause much
misery to travellers on the road to Shimla. Heavy traffic on the highway
I SN’T it a matter of pity, and also of
great worry, that today’s tech-
savvy children aren’t aware of
many common birds like sparrows,
nightingales (bulbul) and mainas?
ects and buildings and nature is suf-
fering. I read in a 1999 issue of the
Reader’s Digest that crime and
nature are closely associated. Accord-
ing to a survey conducted by New
pity that many prisons in India
have no garden or greenery.
Shantiniketan is ensconced in
nature’s lap because Rabindranath
Tagore wanted an academic insti-
the nuances of life —Nyagrodham
iti vastum gyanam sarvastum asti
saannidhyam (a banyan tree is
knowledge in itself and its compa-
ny spreads and disseminates that
during landslides or in the peak tourist season can stretch the travel time The ever-increasing jungle of con- York University, it was found that in tute that could breathe and exist deep knowledge; Aranyopanishad,
between Shimla and Chandigarh to up to eight hours, compounding the crete and absence of natural beauty the US, the places which were quite cheek by jowl with nature. Jiddu chapter 3).
troubles of those people who must travel fast due to an emergency or have contributed to the lack of aware- away from natural beauty witnessed Krishnmurthy called nature the Ralph Waldo Emerson’s immortal
urgent need. To such people, the air service is nothing short of a godsend. ness among the children of today. more crimes and violence. Green best teacher. words say it all, ‘Live in and with
Shimla, the capital of an important border state and a hub of tourism in Until a few years ago, there was vis- trees, flowers, birds and rivers make ‘ Vriksham guru sadrishyam’ nature because it’s the basic
north India, must have an all-weather airport operational 365 days. ible greenery in and around Pune, us happy from within. (trees are like masters) is an Upan- human nature.’
Noida, Gurugram and Bengaluru, It is a universal rule to have a gar- ishadic aphorism, repeated a num- Remember, nature is knowledge,
among others. I have heard from old- den in every jail. Flowers like ber of times. That’s why in ancient nay wisdom. Save it.

❝ ❞
thought for the day letters to the editor
Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget
Play it like a sport in six balls and he cornered Pak- team batting second. The toss is a worshipper when he goes into a
to make a life. — Dolly Parton Apropos of ‘Online hatred for a istani players by his fast yorkers. making all the difference between a trance at the temple. One may or
drop’, there are no bilateral tours Misusing social platforms, Pak- winning and losing side. The ICC may not believe in such spiritual
between India and Pakistan in istani fans tried to tarnish his should see to it that the pitch gives practices, but speaking from the
sports. Both countries mostly play image. Kudos to Arshdeep for equal opportunity to both teams. point of view of environment, this
on this day...100 years ago hockey and cricket in international brushing aside the trolls and also ARUN HASTIR, GURDASPUR decision is appreciable. Rampant
tournaments. Unlike other teams, the Indian Government for sum- construction of roads in the fragile
they don’t play it as a sport, but as moning Wikipedia executives. Silence on violence Himalayas have caused unprece-
war. The priority is not winning the VIRENDER SHARMA, SHIMLA Refer to ‘A slap reverberates’; the dented destruction by way of land-
Cup, but victory over the other. The scourge of domestic violence is slides. This is a matter of grave con-
lahore, friday, september 8, 1922
losing country reacts violently, both Hate posts highly condemnable and needs to be cern and needs to be checked. As
in words and acts. Unfortunately, The editorial ‘Online hatred for a dealt with legal proceedings. But the suggested by the villagers, a rope-
Pakistan has started bringing reli- drop’ points to the dangerous stony silence being observed by the way link is a better option.
Side-tracking the real issue gion and politics into it. When they trend of hate posts in social MLA and head of the women’s wing ASHOK BAHL, KANGRA
IN that part of his speech in which he dealt with the Non-co-operators and their won the T20 World Cup match media. The recent posts involving of the party is disheartening. It
tactics, Lord Reading spoke more as a diplomat than as the responsible head of against India, they said it was ‘vic- a young and promising cricketer affects the psyche of other such vic- Vocational training
the Government of India. Here what is visible is an attempt to side-track the tory of Islam’, and two days ago bodes ill for the social fabric and tims who will not muster courage to Refer to ‘Teaching as vocation needs
real issue, and to divert attention to an issue which, if not imaginary, is at any when Arshdeep Singh dropped a the already inflamed political sit- lodge a complaint against their men. to be valued’; since unemployment is
rate not the issue before the country at present. At a time when the whole catch, they called him ‘Khalistani’. uation in our democracy. Those An MLA’s conduct is, and should rampant, the writer has rightly laid
country is boiling with indignation at the attempt made by an irresponsible The matches between India and who initiate and spread ill feel- be, a source of inspiration to others emphasis on including vocational
statesman occupying the most responsible office in the Empire to go back on a Pakistan have become unpleasant. ings against any caste, sect, to fight cruelty and injustice. As a training in the syllabus so that the
sacred promise authoritatively made by the Parliament of Great Britain to the In such a situation, it is better to region or religion should be iden- public figure, she is expected to be a mindset of children may change from
Indian democracy, His Excellency wants the elected representatives of India to play without spectators and live tified and dealt with the firmly. brave fighter. If she has decided to marks-oriented education and
forget all about that attempt and to turn their fury against a section of their own telecast. Only the result and score ASHWANI KUMAR MALHOTRA, BY MAIL remain tight-lipped over the shame- obtaining degrees to attaining trade
countrymen who want exactly what they want, though they follow radically card should be made public at the ful episode and swallow the humili- skills. Educational institutions can
different methods for attaining the end. The words of His Excellency are clear end of the match. Pitch issue ation, the court should take suo play an important role in building the
and unmistakable. “You hear around you,” he said, “propaganda against the O PRASADA RAO, HYDERABAD In the Asia Cup T20 format in motu notice of the incident. present and future generations. The
Reforms; your rights are assailed by misrepresentation, your privileges and Dubai, the die is cast against the CHAMAN ARORA, FEROZEPUR CITY modern education system should also
prospects are attacked; your achievements are belittled; your aims are vilified. Well handled team batting first. In all matches focus on character moulding. Teach-
Last year I urged you to counter-action. I impressed on you that the electorate Reference to ‘Online hatred for a played so far, only the team batting Ropeway better ers should assess the mindset of stu-
required education. I have the same advice to repeat to you now, but I repeat it drop’; Arshdeep became the victim second has won the matches, except Apropos of ‘Malana residents dents who come from different socio-
with more force, for another year has passed and an election is within sight and of Pakistani trolls just because he Hong Kong. Pakistan, Sri Lanka refuse road link to village’, remote economic backgrounds. Education is
I make my earnest appeal to you in the interests of India so dear to your hearts dropped a catch. Nobody saw the and India won crucial matches bat- villages in Himachal have their not just something to add to qualifica-
to lend your influence and authority to help India forward to the attainment of dedication of this young Indian fast ting second. Bangladesh lost to Sri deities and villagers seek their guid- tions or a degree, but also makes a big
her ultimate aims, to continue the advance which will secure to her in the bowler in the last over. Pakistan Lanka, despite posting a fighting ance whenever there is a serious difference in an individual.
fullest degree the great place that awaits her within the Empire.” If this is not needed seven runs to win the match total. The pitch in Dubai helps the problem. The deity speaks through RAJ KUMAR KAPOOR, ROPAR
an exhortation to look upon the Non-co-operators as the obstacles in
their path, we do not know what it is. Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com
THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | THURSDAY | 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 OPED 07

Ukraine war shows that food is foremost


for eastern India. self-sufficient in food production.
Before the 1962 starving of the Indi- Farmer, fertiliser, food, famine Indeed, farmer, fertiliser, food and
an soldiers, there took place, 150 years famine collectively constitute the
ago in 1812, another savage slaughter
collectively constitute the biggest biggest takeaway from the Russia-
of the hungry and starving soldiers of takeaway from the ongoing Russia- Ukraine conflict. Not fire-power or
the Napoleonic regiment owing to a bombs, missiles or long-range artillery
food shortage caused by a monumen- Ukraine conflict. Not fire-power or guns. Thus, the fallout is so alarming
ABHIJIT BHATTACHARYYA
tal logistics failure, signalling the fall
of the mighty Parisians at the hands of
bombs, missiles or guns. The fallout that even Canada, the world’s sixth
biggest wheat producer (3.46 crore
AUTHOR AND COLUMNIST Romanov Czar’s unsung and under- is so alarming that even Canada, tonnes), is going all out to produce more
rated humans and their horses which than expected. The basics are simple:


THIS was the second full day with- kept the logistics line alive. Hence, the
the world’s sixth biggest wheat produce more, expand storage to face
out food. We were all suffering firing fusillade by the emaciated producer, is going all out to produce long-term crisis in the food supply and
from dehydration. Didn’t know French fighters was of no use, except distribution system. Feed own people
how much longer the men and I facing an inevitable rout as their stom- more. The basics are simple: first. Then help the needy neighbours
could go without nourishment as we
had already been without food for 60
ach was without food. The 1812 French
disaster was a historical inevitability.
produce more, expand storage. because well-fed people cannot remain
in peace with a starving neighbour
hours...I glanced at my watch. It’s Contextually, today’s Russia- OMINOUS: The Ukraine war has created global panic breathing down their neck for the mini-
exactly 9.22 am, Monday 22nd October Ukraine conflict, too, has created an over food production and distribution. REUTERS mum calories for sustenance. Distress
1962. I was prisoner of Chinese Peo- unprecedented global panic pertain- spill-over is inevitable.
ple’s Liberation Army. At this time, I ing to food production, consumption tic prices owing to the war effects. the globe. In fact, “double cropping” country more vulnerable than ever.” Coming back to India, there’s no
was without food for 66 hours; and distribution. From Tokyo to India is today the second ranked rice would be the way for the USA to play a Retired Vice-Admiral Toshiyuki Ito is doubt that food self-sufficiency is one
exhausted, hungry, unshaven, Chicago, Delhi to Dhaka, Canada to (12 crore tonnes) and third biggest bigger role in the world grain market angry: “They don’t do anything for marvellous achievement attained by
despondent,” (Himalayan Blunder; Argentina, every major grain-produc- wheat (10.04 crore tonnes) producer with a larger share of export to hither- national security...They think only the farmers and supported by succes-
page 390; Brigadier John P Dalvi). ing country is worried despite being and also an exporter thereof. Yet, to untapped consumers who were used about economic efficiency.” sive rulers from the 1960s, notwith-
That’s what happens to sovereign far from the war zone. Indeed, what alarm bells ring as her current rice pro- to the Asian and European products. How pointed and piercing is that? standing several fault-lines resulting in
nation’s fighters without food, owing potentially compounds the complica- duction is under threat from a weak The Ukraine war has, thus, opened Agriculture relegated in the overall agrarian-distressed suicides and poor
to the criminal negligence of the state tions of combat is its unpredictable monsoon in the two major growing profitable ways for the grain to new scheme of things by a vulnerable island- debt reduction mechanism.
machinery to supply provisions from duration and endurance. Despite the areas of Bengal and Uttar Pradesh buyers from surplus wheat producers. nation which hugely depends on import Nevertheless, just as the Japanese are
the benign base to the burning border six-month bloodshed, there’s no sign which account for a quarter of the Ukraine down has meant the USA up. through the sea? Japan’s suffering is reacting about agriculture and food
of the Himalayan highland. China of any peace. Far from it. The national output. The Indian govern- For Japan, however, food has always bound to be colossal in case of a major being ignored for the sake of non-agri-
inflicted a one-month-long humiliat- increased flow of lethal weapons from ment, therefore, has to tread a thin been an area of concern owing to its blockade or disruption to the sea lanes culture “economic efficiency”, India
ing military blow, thereby ruthlessly the West to the armoury of Ukraine line, balancing between the domestic island geography. The concern aggra- around the China/Taiwan strait. The must remember that feeding 1.3 billion
exposing the food crisis in the kitchen and the resultant Russian retaliation price rise, profitable export mart and vates when the war is long-drawn and Japanese have learnt the importance of heads is her foremost duty and responsi-
of the frontier fighters, which com- make the peace prospect a mirage. tight supply line as plantings have protracted. Thus Japan, despite being self-sufficiency. “Through the Ukraine bility. Neither a glitzy metro building
pelled the hungry warriors to experi- Nevertheless, a realisation is dawn- reportedly declined by eight per cent. the ninth biggest rice producer (77 situation, we’ve realised that what you nor an increased number of stock mar-
ence the prison of the foe. Clearly, ing that it’s got to be a food-world In the USA, too, the government is lakh tonnes) of the world, remains an can do domestically, you should. You ket multi-billionaires can assume the
wars invariably create a food crisis, beyond a fighting-world, first and prodding farmers to plant two crops importer. The remote Russia-Ukraine have to produce as much as you can at role of a rescuer in case food and agricul-
both in the frontier and farmhouse. foremost. Thus, Delhi’s neighbour (double-cropping) instead of one. conflict “spooked” Japan into boost- home, including fertilisers and seeds.” ture distress lead to en masse hunger,
Fortunately, however, global wars Dhaka, despite being the world’s Being the fifth biggest wheat producer ing its defence spending. But the In fact, gone are the days of the Japan- resulting in famine, born out of a war in
have always been at a distance unlike third biggest rice producer — 3.60 (5.5 crore tonnes) and exporter, the proximate Taiwan Strait tension is the ese being the sole unchallenged navy of a distant land. The signs are ominous.
the one in 1962 which was fought with- crore tonnes annually — is finalising Europe war worried a helpless Wash- real security challenge with “shrivel- Asia to protect its sea lanes. Today, any Eternal vigilance and agility are the
in India’s own territory. Nevertheless, deals with India and Vietnam to ington as wheat remained stuck in the ling rice paddies”. What’s ominous is direct involvement in a war will only need of the critical times because to a
World War II still stands as the most import 3,30,000 tonnes to replenish its blockaded ports, thereby disrupting the alleged “abandonment of rice pad- make the food situation dire. Not only man with an empty stomach, food is
destructive and catastrophic famine reserves and cool the soaring domes- the distribution-consumer axis across dies/agricultural land, leaving the for Japan, but all, as most nations aren’t god, as Gandhiji rightly said.

Build a strategic role for IORA in Indo-Pacific


T
HE Indian Ocean Rim Associa- The Indo-Pacific concept is meshing force of a few with clear thinking and
tion (IORA) is an inter-govern- with the IORA mainly because the efforts. What India, Australia and
mental organisation which is region covered by the IORA is the ful- Indonesia did a decade ago needs to be
now marking its 25th anniver- crum of the Indo-Pacific. The IORA is recreated and it can be done with
sary. Bangladesh is the current Chair one body in which China is not a mem- Bangladesh, Australia, Indonesia,
till 2023. The visit of the Bangladesh ber, though it is a dialogue partner, as France and India playing a bigger role.
Prime Minister may bring some atten- are Russia and the USA. There is The question then is how are the deep
tion to the future of the IORA. undoubtedly a greater movement pockets to be filled? When Bangladesh
GURJIT SINGH
The main purpose of the IORA is to towards having the IORA become a says that it has a vision for a bigger role
FORMER AMBASSADOR strengthen regional cooperation within part of the Indo-Pacific construct. The of dialogue partners, India needs to be
the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It has IORA will naturally move from being careful that this does not give China an
23 members and 10 dialogue partners. a functional organisation to becoming unnecessary headway. As Sri Lanka will
It was established in 1997 as the Indian a part of a larger strategic concept. be the next Chair, this infatuation with
It is time for the IORA to Ocean Rim Association for Regional The IORA could be the functional China may be accentuated. To counter
move to a position where Cooperation (IORARC) with a focus on
regional economic cooperation. It had OPPORTUNITY: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India is a chance
cockpit of the Indo-Pacific while play-
ing a strategic role for cooperation in the
that, Japan Germany, France and the
UK must come up with larger funding.
its policies and 14 member-states to begin with and for the two countries to strengthening the IORA. PTI region. Bangladesh, as the new Chair, is That requires an agreement on a
has since considerably expanded. expected to look at strengthening the core action plan and implemention of
programmes are firmly India is a founding member and chaired meet the IORA standards. port for economic and related interface. IORA. Bangladesh realises that mar- the confidence-building envisaged
guided. When Bangladesh it from 2011-13. In 2015, the IORA was
admitted as an observer at the UN Gener-
For almost 20 years, the IORA contin-
ued its journey in a genial manner and
Some elements of that are embedded
in India’s other regional discussions,
itime security and cooperation go hand
in hand and blue economy is important
by SAGAR by having specific pro-
grammes to promote capacity build-
says that it has a vision for al Assembly and the African Union. The everything was left to the Chair, who like between India and Africa and India for enlarging its ongoing economic ing and other support systems.
Secretariat is based in Mauritius and its had a two-year term. To give it impetus and the ASEAN and as part of its Act growth. It also realises that its chair- Invariably, many of these pro-
a bigger role of the IORA decisions are consensual and commit- in 2012, India evolved a six-year plan East Policy. It is important for India that manship is at an important juncture. grammes overlap with other external
dialogue partners, India ments voluntary. The IORA is perhaps
the single ministerial forum which covers
along with Australia and Indonesia,
involving coordination between the
the Indian Ocean remains safe. The
Security and Growth for All in the
Bangladesh aspires to leave its own
mark as chairman of the IORA and the
programmes happening bilaterally or
multilaterally. Some lighthouse proj-
needs to be careful that the entire Indian Ocean and has signifi- three countries for their respective peri- Region (SAGAR), as outlined by Prime visit of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina ects under the IORA will give it an
cant dialogue partnerships. While it is a ods of chairmanship from 2012-2017. Minister Modi, covers political, security, to India is a good opportunity for the identity. They can coincide with the
this does not give China an liberal developmental and functional That is seen as the golden period of economic and socio-cultural spheres. two countries to coordinate their Indo- Indian Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
unnecessary headway. As organisation, its strategic reach is vast —
from Australia in the Indian Ocean to the
IORA cooperation since all three coun-
tries played a significant role in coordi-
This quite matches the Act East Policy.
The IORA now has maritime securi-
Pacific policies and strengthen the
IORA and its programmes.
(IPOI). For instance, India, Indonesia
and Singapore are working on certain
Sri Lanka will be the next coast of eastern and southern Africa. nation with each other. The IORA works ty-related cooperation, too. The IORA Bangladesh has an interest in a new pillars of the IPOI; this could extend
India, geographically, lies at the centre of at the level of ministers and it was only and the larger Indo-Pacific seek action plan: the strengthening of the to cover the IORA. Other members
Chair, this infatuation with this. The IORA bolsters India’s African Indonesia in 2017 which held a summit. regional peace and prosperity based on Secretariat in Mauritius, giving the should be encouraged to look at the
China may be accentuated. partnerships and relationships with the
Gulf countries, the island countries of the
The UAE and Bangladesh spoke about a
summit, but it has not been held again.
a climate of trust and transparency
with respect for international maritime
dialogue partners a larger role and cre-
ating a new development initiative.
IPOI pillars and work on them so that
their programmes can synergise.
To counter that, Japan Indian Ocean, ASEAN and Australia. Bangladesh is the Chair from 2021- rules and equal rights under the inter- It is time for the IORA to move to a This will be on the same lines that the
The IORA has 10 dialogue partners, 2023, during which the IORA’s silver national law. Mutual sensitivity to each position where its policies and pro- IPOI and the Asean Outlook on the
Germany, France and the including China, Egypt, Germany, jubilee is being marked. It needs a focus other’s interests and peaceful resolu- grammes are firmly guided. In such Indo-Pacific (AOIP) are collaborat-
UK must come up with Italy, Japan, Russia, Turkey, South
Korea, the UK and the USA. Pakistan
on better working-level coordination. It is
a functional body with a large amount of
tion of disputes with increasing mar-
itime cooperation are clear objectives
organisations, this guidance does not
come from a consensus among all
ing. In the IORA, this can be more
functional and economic and have a
larger funding. is not a member due to its inability to collaboration to build capacities and sup- of the IORA and of India in the region. members. It comes from the driving bigger socio-economic impact.

quick crossword su do ku calendar forecast


ACROSS SUNSET: THURSDAY 18:37 HRS
SEPTEMBER 8, 2022, THURSDAY
1 Instrument of violin
family (5) 1 9 ■ Vikrami Samvat 2079
SUNRISE: FRIDAY 06:03 HRS

4 To hone (7) ■ Shaka Samvat 1944


8 Provide with personnel (3)
9 Boisterous
merrymaking (4,5)
4 1 7 ■ Bhadrapad Shaka

■ Bhadrapad Parvishte
17
23
Sunny Partly Cloudy Cloudy
CITY MAX
Rainy
MIN
Foggy

10 Proper (7) ■ Hijari 1444 Chandigarh 35 27


11 Shadowy (5)
13 Madness (6)
2 9 7 8 ■ Shukla Paksha Tithi 13, up to 9:03 pm New Delhi 37 26
15 Supremely courageous (6) ■ Atiganda Yoga up to 9:40 pm Amritsar 35 26
18 To free from blame (5)
19 Disperse (7) 8 9 ■ Shravana Nakshatra up to 1:46 pm

■ Moon enters Aquarius sign 12.39 am


Bathinda
Jalandhar
37
35
23
25
21 Keenly alert (4-5)
23 In the past (3) ■ Panchak starts 12.39 am Ludhiana 36 26
24 Love story (7)
25 A recorded reckoning (5)
7 3 5 2 YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION
Bhiwani 37 27
DOWN Hisar 37 26
1 Funny (7)
2 Extending well into 6 9 8 3 2 4 9 1 6 7 5 Sirsa
Dharamsala
37
29
26
20
future (4-5) 6 5 1 3 8 7 4 9 2
3 Brownish-yellow (5) Manali 25 26
4 Things worth seeing (6)
5 Deem (7)
9 1 6 7 7
4
9
8
4
5
5
7
2
1
6
2
8
9
3
6
1
3
Shimla 22 17
6 Cooking vessel (3) Srinagar 30 16
7 Objectionable (5)
12 Deficit (9) 2 3 8 2
9
7
1
3
6
6
8
5
3
9
4
1
2
4
5
8
7
Jammu
Kargil
34
30
23
12
14 Indisputable (7)
YESTERDAY’S sOLUTION 16 Perfunctory (7) Leh 25 09
8 3
3 4 9 2 7 8 5 1 6
Across: 1 Cappuccino, 8 Broad, 9 Cherish, 10 Athlete, 11 Tiger, 12 Jargon, 14 17 Getaway (6)
Backer, 17 Limit, 19 Parvenu, 21 Implode, 22 Value, 23 Darjeeling. 18 Crouch in fear (5) 1 2 7 9 6 5 3 8 4 Dehradun 33 23 1
Down: 2 Another, 3 Padre, 4 Cachet, 5 Inertia, 6 Owing, 7 Chartreuse, 8 20 Thoroughly proficient (5) Mussoorie 24 18
Beaujolais, 13 Outdoor, 15 Kremlin, 16 Sphere, 18 Moped, 20 Revel. 22 Faint (3) 5 6 8 1 4 3 7 2 9
V. HARD TEMPERATURE IN OC
>
OPINION 13
STAY INFORMED THROUGH THE DAY @ WWW.BUSINESS-STANDARD.COM

Volume XXVII Number 19 ILLUSTRATION: BINAY SINHA

MUMBAI | THURSDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 the direction of monetary policy from aggressive tight-
ening to some form of easing? For a few quarters at

Policy balance
least, that appears unlikely.
In the US, services are more than 60 per cent of
the consumption basket, and demand for them,
Higher trade and fiscal deficits can create risks which is still running below the pre-Covid trend,
should continue to rise for a while. In the last few

G
lobal developments would continue to affect economic outcomes and months, the services share of inflation in the US has
policy choices in the near term. Recent data shows India’s exports picked up, as wage growth remains elevated. One can
declined marginally in August on a year-on-year basis, while it con- debate the level of unemployment necessary for wage
tracted by about 9 per cent sequentially. There are a number of reasons growth to normalise, and whether that would require
why exports have moderated, and the outlook is likely to remain challenging in a US recession, but it is difficult to see monetary eas-
the foreseeable future. The global economy is slowing rapidly, which is affecting ing occurring for at least another year.
demand. Higher energy prices are upsetting household budgets in many parts of That means tight monetary conditions globally,
transmitted, not least through a stronger US dollar
the world, compressing demand for other goods. Indian exporters have reported
(USD), which would force non-US central banks to
a shift in demand to low-value products. Although exports have moderated, maintain a tighter policy than otherwise warranted
imports have remained sticky, partly because of higher crude oil prices. The ongo- just to keep their exchange rate stable. Most cur-
ing recovery in the Indian economy is also pushing up demand for foreign goods. rencies have depreciated meaningfully against the

Turbulence ahead
As a result, the trade deficit remains elevated. US dollar this year, whose strength is a sign of risk-
Despite some moderation from July’s record levels, the trade deficit in August aversion among global asset holders.
came at $28.68 billion. Most economists expect it to remain elevated and are Thus, for a few quarters, US policy spill-overs may
adjusting the current account deficit (CAD) forecasts for the year to 3.5 to 4 per be negative on both fiscal and monetary fronts for
cent of gross domestic product compared to 1.2 per cent in the last fiscal year. Asia and most emerging markets: Fiscal tightening
Although the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is confident of financing the CAD, global A sharp slowdown in global goods demand volume is hurts goods demand, and together with de-stocking
financial conditions could increase challenges. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) triggers weaker prices; and tight monetary conditions
have returned to Indian capital markets after aggressive selling in recent months,
underway. Pricing risks could be next, but monetary that preclude any policy boost to local demand. This
is over and above the energy-market disruptions
but their participation would remain anchored to global conditions. The recent conditions can remain tight caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and instability
Jackson Hole conclave of central bankers clearly indicated that central banks,
in the Chinese real-estate market.
particularly the US Federal Reserve, will use monetary policy aggressively to tame

T
his is supposed to be the busiest season for con- rates. Tessellatum readers would recall that China’s Most economic trends tend to have self-correcting
inflation. Sustained rate hikes by large central banks and tightening financial tainerships ferrying goods from Asia to the US, retail sales are now two-thirds as large as that of the attributes. Falling prices, for example, can help boost
conditions would affect flows to risky assets, such as emerging market equities. as retailers stock up, first for the “back-to- US (even though much lower on a per capita basis), demand for goods. Tight monetary conditions can
Besides, higher interest rates would further slow down the global economy, affect- school” shopping, and then for the upcoming holiday and even before Covid-driven lockdowns disrupted eventually force inflation down. Weak currencies are
ing exports from India. Though slower global growth could soften commodity season. However, freight rates have been falling, and sales and weakened consumer sentiment, growth a form of monetary easing, and conversely, a strong
prices, geopolitical factors may continue to drive energy prices. Sustained dis- on routes like Shanghai-Los Angeles, they have had been slowing visibly. USD is a form of monetary tightening, implying that
ruption in gas supply from Russia could again push up energy prices. halved from their 52-week highs. Given that shipping Analysts are cutting growth forecasts for various interest rates may not need to rise as much as earlier
The CAD is expanding at a time when the government is running a higher capacity has not yet expanded meaningfully (that end-markets. For example, the industry consensus anticipated if the USD continues to strengthen.
fiscal deficit, which is expected to remain elevated in the medium term. Even should start over the next year), this implies very for annual sales of personal computers is now below While equity markets (especially in India), appear
though India has buffers, higher “twin deficits” are always a risk for macro stability. weak freight demand. 300 million, and falling. From a pre-Covid level of to want to look through this period of weakness, the
It could become a worry for FPIs and affect flows, making the financing of CAD As important is the sharp fall in lead times. On around 260 million units, sales had picked up to above adjustments play out over several quarters if
more difficult. While the government should use the buoyancy in tax collection to key routes from China to the US, these have fallen more than 340 million units. Similarly, estimates not years. In the interim, the global economy runs
improve the fiscal position, the RBI can focus on CAD. RBI Governor Shaktikanta from 83 days to 63 days over six for annual global smartphone ship- the risk of accidents — vulnerabilities exposed only
months, and appear headed to the ments are now a quarter below the when growth has weakened. It could take the form
Das in a recent speech highlighted that the rupee has been comparatively stable.
normal 40- to 45-day range in the levels at the start of 2022. of an economy’s external account becoming unstable,
While the US dollar index has gone up by 11.8 per cent in the current fiscal year, the next few months. Easing of global A downward lash of the supply- sovereign debt coming under stress, or some large
rupee has only depreciated by 5.1 per cent— one of the lowest in the world. This is supply-chain pressures is a positive chain bullwhip is likely to trigger firms or a sector facing debt defaults. The growth in
largely because of aggressive intervention by the RBI. development, but for a few quarters, the next leg of the correction — goods exports between 2019 and 2021 for several
However, it is worth noting here that this stability could over time increase it could intensify the order weak- weaker prices. Lower factory utili- medium-sized economies was 6 to 15 per cent of GDP
risks. If the rupee is not allowed to adjust, its relative strength could worsen the ness for Asian exporters by prompt- sation forces firms to jostle for mar- — its reversal is unlikely to be painless.
current account position by making imports cheaper and exports uncompetitive. ing de-stocking. ket share with price discounts. For Equally importantly, given the current geopolitical
Since global conditions are unlikely to change in the near term, it is important The “inter-arrival period” is the metals like copper and aluminium context, the policy coordination one saw between
that the currency is allowed to adjust in an orderly manner. Visible adjustments most important variable for firms cal- that trade on exchanges with active major economies and economic blocs in recent dec-
in both fiscal and current account positions will help strengthen macroeconomic culating how much inventory to
keep. For example, if the truck/ship
TESSELLATUM futures markets, prices have
already corrected meaningfully.
ades may only revive if there is a crisis. A crisis pro-
vides cover for policymakers to take decisions that
stability, support economic activity, and boost investor confidence.
comes once a week, there should be NEELKANTH MISHRA Prices have been falling even in the political realities would otherwise prevent.
enough inventory to meet at least a high-technology commodity seg- For Indian policymakers, this means a prolonged
week of sales. As shipping lead times doubled, supply- ments like display panels and memory chips. The period of weak capital inflows and a wide balance-
The retail connect chains would have at least doubled the inventory next leg could be in segments where prices fall with
they hold, which becomes unnecessary once lead a lag. For example, recent news reports point to
of-payments deficit. The investment cycle in India,
which has seen a heartening pick-up in ordering in
times normalise. some semiconductor foundries offering 10 to 20 per the last few quarters, is also at risk. Evidence of excess
Stock market has benefitted from retail participation Recall that the global goods demand is already cent price discounts; supply in this sector had been capacity globally could push out the need for new

T
he total number of demat accounts crossed 100 million in August 2022, well below trend due to weakness in China and extremely tight just a few months back. capacity in India, not just due to the weakening of
up from around 40 million accounts in March 2020. This breakneck Europe. Europe’s trade balance in the June quarter Supply disruptions, like in Europe due to the prospects for exports, but also due to the rising threat
growth indicates changes in the attitude to financial assets within the was nearly 5 per cent of gross domestic product energy crunch and in China due to lockdowns of imports. The only relief could be from lower energy
(GDP), worse than the pre-Covid average, and goods (though this has had limited impact thus far), may prices, but supply reduction could forestall that.
average Indian household. The 100-million tally amounts to 60-70 million
imports are likely to weaken meaningfully going be too small to offset the fall in apparent demand.
unique investors since many hold multiple accounts. While the bulk of household
forward, due to either a weak euro, or higher interest Can these price declines allow a quick reversal of The writer is co-head of APAC strategy for Credit Suisse
financial assets continue to be held in fixed deposits and insurance-related assets
(much of which is also invested in the stock market), more savings are flowing
into equity, either through direct investments, or via mutual funds. The pandemic
led to what Americans are calling the “Robinhood effect”. Stuck at home during
lockdowns, millions of investors started dabbling in equity, in derivatives, and in
more exotic instruments like cryptocurrencies. Many of them used discount bro-
A brand new marketing strategy
I
kerages like Zerodha, the desi equivalent of Robinhood. Given the concerted effort n 2018, a year before the Lok Sabha election, a the only country in the world to affix the head of diums, buildings — after the Nehru-Gandhi family,
by large central banks to ensure easy monetary conditions, stocks looked like a distribution agent for a state-owned cooking government’s photo to this document. couldn’t have done better.
better bet than debt instruments. The National Securities Depository Ltd and the gas corporation in a small north India town did But you have to admire the forward-thinking The BJP’s welfarist reputation is being burnished
Central Depository Services Ltd, which manage those 100 million demat accounts, the rounds of his customers and sheepishly handed legerdemain of this early electioneering strategy by by a sub-liminal campaign on every bag of fertiliser
hold assets worth ~360 trillion under custody between them with roughly 45 per out wooden plaques that listed the key achieve- the party and its star campaigner, the PM, as the sold and through energetic ground-level marketing.
cent growth over the last two fiscals. ments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had benefactor for the Indian people. It is one thing for In a political economy in which the government
been instructed to tell his bemused customers that a ruling party to take credit for schemes and projects remains an intimidating power player, hapless fer-
Retail investors hold 52 per cent of the market share in average daily turnover
they should display these plaques prominently in that are perceived to have benefited the people, even tiliser companies, which have spent crores to build
in stocks, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and domestic institutional inves- their homes. if they are financed by taxpayer money. That much their brands all these years, are not in a position to
tors contribute 19 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively. Retail investors are also With the 2024 elections looming, the ruling party is accepted practice in any democratic polity. object. And it’s a safe bet that the bulk of Indians
very active in the derivatives segment. Thanks to a combination of institutional has gone a step beyond using the public sector net- But fertiliser, food and fuel subsidies have been are unlikely to comprehend the nature of the ploy
and retail support, global markets moved up between May 2020 and late 2021. works as a campaign resource. Starting early, it has around for yonks and cut across regimes, irrespec- anyway. Only some 81 million people out of a pop-
India was among the best performers with Nifty hitting an all-time high in October emphatically sought to claim direct tive of ideology (the BJP’s first- ulation of a billion-plus pay income tax and only a
2021. Around that time, the Fed decided to start tightening and subsequently ownership of the subsidies and term programme of subsidising minuscule proposition of those who pay Goods and
other central banks followed suit. This led to institutional caution. The FPIs pulled benefits the government extends to cooking fuel to poor households Services Tax have a dim understanding of what
$33 billion equivalent out of Indian stocks between January and June 2022, but its citizenry. The one-nation, one- was an astute and successful exten- happens with this money. The under-education of
they returned as net buyers in July and August. Retail investors ignored the cor- fertiliser policy, due to be launched sion of this largesse). Successive the average Indian citizen, thus, offers a great brand-
rection and continued investing, which provided a cushion against the FPI selling. on October 2, mandates that all fer- populist regimes have steadily building opportunity for any party smart enough to
India’s equity indices have held up quite well, with the six-month correction fol- tiliser products must be sold under raised some or all of these sub- leverage it.
lowed by a rebound. The Nifty is ahead by 1.5 per cent in calendar year 2022 the “Bharat” brand-name plus a sidies, often to the despair of mar- The bid to establish a direct connection between
logo that ingeniously translates to ket-oriented economists. ruler and ruled is very much a part of the authori-
whereas the US S&P500 is down 18 per cent.
PM-BJP (Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Even so, no party in power has tarian playbook. In Wild Swans, her account of grow-
It is quite likely that the market will see deeper corrections in the near
Janurvarak Pariyojna). The idea, sought direct ownership of these ing up in Mao’s China, writer Jung Chang recalls
future. Global growth is slowing while inflation rules high and supply chains apparently, is to underline to expenditures in quite the way the how school teachers were careful to ensure that stu-
are still disrupted. India’s 2022-23 growth estimates have been cut significantly
after the first quarter estimates were released. In the battle against inflation, the
farmers, a constituency with which SWOT BJP has managed. The roiling pub- dents knew that the daily PT and the eye exercises
the government has not enjoyed the lic discourse kicked off by the PM they did at school were specially prescribed by
Reserve Bank of India has raised policy rates three times since May and it may best of relations over the past year, KANIKA DATTA between welfare spending (appar- Chairman Mao. Jung Chang remembers feeling
increase again, given that the Fed is committed to further hikes and so is the that the BJP regime is footing the ently the BJP’s virtuous focus) and overwhelmed with adoration for a leader who
European Central Bank. Slower growth means lower corporate earnings and bulk of the subsidy for the fertiliser they buy. freebies (the seemingly egregious practice of all seemed so personally concerned for their welfare,
higher interest rates mean a “risk-off” attitude. Many retail investors are also If Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had had other parties) must be seen as an integral part of eventually joining the Red Brigades during the
returning to normal work schedules and some of them will cut their equity her way earlier this week, the PM’s mugshot would this campaign. Cultural Revolution — until her father’s torture
exposure in the event of a correction. Household exposure in equity is low in be plastered all over ration shops, too, so that the Positioning the government and the PM as some opened her eyes to the nature of the regime. In India,
absolute terms and high growth needs to be fuelled by risk-capital. If retail inves- aam aadmi would be fully cognisant of the govern- sort of angel benefactor of long-running schemes we often comfort ourselves with the notion that
tors can hold on to their portfolios through the long term, they will receive the ment largesse involved in keeping them fed. financed mainly by money compulsorily mobilised democracy remains India’ biggest strength against
Of course, the ruling party has had a head-start by the Indian citizenry through direct and indirect the exercise of untrammelled personal power. But
rewards of compounding. However, they do need to be cautious in a scenario
in terms of creating associative ownership of public taxes must rank as a genius move. Even the when the ruling party starts appropriating bags of
where interest rates are rising and valuations are high.
goods with the PM’s pic adorning the bottom of our Congress, which went about naming with gay aban- fertiliser for a branding exercise, you do wonder
Covid-19 vaccination certificates. India is probably don many publicly financed properties— roads, sta- where we’re headed.

How the car created the modern world one that is recounted colourfully and
wittily in this volume. Mr Appleyard
draws upon a vast knowledge of science,
mechanics and cultural lore as he suc-
mechanical excellence. The develop-
ment of the high-quality Japanese com-
pacts that eventually came to dominate
automobile manufacturing is covered in
horses and predictions were made that inventor Siegfried Marcus was lauded as motoring was that of Michigan-born cessfully supports his thesis that the car fascinating detail.
by 1930 that city’s streets would be piled the true originator until 1938, when the Henry Ford: Ruthless businessman, self- didn’t merely influence the modern Finally, the inevitable: The internal
three stories high with dung. Yet fact that he was Jewish put the kibosh styled progressive populist, reprehen- world — it created it. Think of road con- combustion era is likely over, to be
another dire prophecy fallen victim to on his claim. sible human being (his antisemitic rav- struction, interstate commerce, the abil- replaced by the electric vehicle.
the continuity fallacy — the belief that a Whoever invented it, by the advent of ings were cited by Hitler as a major ity of emergency vehicles to reach criti- Whether or not Elon Musk and those
current trend will endure forever. the 20th century, the automobile as we influence) and organisational genius. cally injured victims, the advent of who emulate him will succeed in miti-
BOOK REVIEW Things change because when prob- mostly know it was here to stay. Initially Ford invented very lit- self-propelled travel gating the car’s effects on the environ-
lems arise, people work at solving them. used for racing and other amusements tle but he knew how THE CAR: The Rise and tourism for an ment is an open question. Whatever
JONATHAN KELLERMAN and Fall of the
The answer to the psychosocial and by the same moneyed folks who’d luxuri- to put things together. unprecedented per- the future has in store, Bryan
Machine That Made centage of the pop-

E
ar-shredding noise, toxic air, physical degradation brought on by too ated in the velvet and marquetry cabins He abandoned the Appleyard has written an important
interminable traffic jams, chaos many people employing too many hors- of horse-drawn carriages, car travel, for manufacturing the Modern World ulation. account of automotive history that
and death — all the result of es in the burgeoning Industrial Age was, those who could afford it, brought about model that had lim- Author: Bryan Mr Appleyard avoids the frequent transgression com-
untrammelled population expansion. Is of course, the development of the motor an intoxicating new freedom. ited cars to the pros- Appleyard covers every con- mitted by Those Who Know A Lot:
this a description of a contemporary vehicle. Specifically, one powered by the When interest in the car crossed the perous, in which cus- Publisher: Pegasus ceivable automotive Tossing everything in and creating an
urban nightmare? Not quite: We’re talk- internal combustion engine. Atlantic, the United States’s open roads tomers purchased a Pages: 319 trend, from sleek unwieldy hodgepodge. This book is
ing about 19th-century London, As Mr Appleyard points out, the con- and open markets made for a perfect chassis and engine Price: $28.95 Italian bullets honed beautifully restrained, yet manages to
although the situation in Paris and other cept behind the ICE is ancient, dating match. The first American cars were from a carmaker then on the racecourse, to communicate a wealth of fascinating
major cities wasn’t much better. And the back at least as far as 350 BC, when a fire made by small companies, like the one brought it to a coach- meticulously engi- information. For all the carping at tra-
cause of all this misery was … the horse. piston was developed in Southeast Asia. founded by Ransom Olds. A charming builder, who fashioned a custom body. It neered German land yachts, up to and ditional automobiles — which Mr
As recounted by Bryan Appleyard in But channelling that technology to risk-taker named Billy Durant set about was time, Ford reasoned, to bypass all including the Nazi dream car, the Appleyard acknowledges as valid — he
his compelling new book, by 1900 the create an efficient mover of people combining several of those concerns that and create an inexpensive finished Volkswagen Beetle, ironically adopted is unabashed about his appreciation for
50,000 horses required to meet would have to wait. The question of who into the conglomerate that became product that could bring the car to the decades after the fall of the Third Reich the most important machine in human
London’s transportation needs depos- actually invented the automobile is General Motors. And when Durant man- masses. Utilising assembly line construc- as a symbol of stick-it-to-the-man coun- history. As he points out, “The car
ited 500 tonnes of excrement daily. open to debate, with the German engi- aged to blow through a personal fortune tion and cutting frills to a minimum, he terculture. Then there are the garishly emancipated the masses far more
Hooves and carriage wheels threw up neer Karl Benz, inventor of the three- of $100 million and die penniless, he was created the boxy Model T, only available chromed and murderously tail-finned effectively than any political ideology;
curtains of fetid muck. Accidents wheeled Motorwagen (patented in replaced by the gray-flannel-suit arche- in black, in 1908. By the time that model midcentury behemoths conceived by that it did so at a cost should not oblit-
caused by mechanical failures and 1886), most frequently cited. But there type Alfred Sloan, who grew GM into a was taken out of production in 1927, 15 American stylists like Virgil Exner and erate the importance of that freedom.”
spooked animals were often fatal to pas- are other credible candidates: Etienne dominant, international force. million had been sold, bespoke van- Harley Earl, who realised that selling sex Well said. Vroom.
sengers, drivers and the horses them- Lenoir’s Hippomobile preceded Benz by The most important development in quished by off-the-rack. appeal and self-esteem was a whole lot
selves. New York City employed 130,000 over two decades, and the Austrian domestic and, ultimately, international The rest is, of course, history, and more important than pointing out ©The New York Times News Service
12 ThURSDay, 8 SepTembeR 2022
New Delhi VIEWS LIVEMINT.COM

OUR VIEW THEIR VIEW


PTI

The US Federal Reserve mustn’t


overreact to economic readings
A tight US labour market can be explained by a new equilibrium of fewer workers at higher wages

increased by 5.2% year-on-year in July, home, or just not working. So, as


and are rising faster than the prices of markets begin to return to normal,
many goods. there is a shortage of labour and wages
But it is wrong to equate current are bound to rise.
strong wage increases in the US with Eventually, even after these habits
inflation. That is because the covid picked up during the pandemic wane,
pandemic has provided an intriguing the economy can end up at the other,
twist to a standard economic argument higher-wage equilibrium that always
in the form of the ‘Great Resignation’. existed in dormancy. Once this new
KAuShIK BASu This strange phenomenon, whereby equilibrium is reached, even though
is professor of economics at Cornell many Americans who left the labour wages are high, the country’s labour
University and a former chief economist of market during the pandemic because market will be tight, with no glut of job
the World Bank of workplace and school closures are seekers, and it will remain there.
not returning, even as the pandemic Many have noted that relatively few

The Congress must walk


wanes, has revealed a labour-market Americans are filing for unemploy-
equilibrium that was previously ment benefits these days. This would

A
t this year’s Jackson Hole sym- hidden from view. It is like seamount be a surprise if the labour market was
posium in Wyoming, US, a that becomes a visible island only when out of equilibrium, with many people
major event on the calendars the water level recedes. looking for work. Clearly, that is not

its talk to recover ground of the world’s central bankers, US


Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell
delivered an uncharacteristically
strong message about how the Fed
Consider a typical American family,
with two adults and some children.
When hourly wages are very low, both
adults probably must work full-time
the case. The American economy
has simply shifted to a higher-wage
equilibrium, thanks to the pandemic-
induced jolt to the labour market.
plans to combat today’s high inflation. to earn enough income to meet the Part of the rise in US wages reflects
The Fed raised interest rates sharply, household’s basic needs. But if hourly this adjustment. To overlook this and
Its Bharat Jodo Yatra and election of a party chief are occasions for reflection on how to effect by 75 basis points, in both June and wages were substantially higher, the regard current wage increases solely as
July, but Powell made it clear that rate adults would choose to work fewer the result of inflation can lead to an
a revival. The party must stay in touch with people and push hard for solutions on their behalf hikes are unlikely to stop there or even hours, so that they could take turns to excessive policy reaction. That is the
to taper off. Instead, he said, “unusually be at home in order to attend better to mistake the Fed will make if it persists
large” rate increases will continue into their children’s needs. Alternatively, in raising interest rates sharply.
the near future. The coming hikes will one adult might stay at home alto- My argument is admittedly a theo-

E
ven the Congress’s most forgiving nance and the rise of its Hindutva nationalism. hurt US households and businesses, gether or do some light work. retical one, but it can be easily assessed.
critics—and they do seem to be in Not only has today’s ruling party shifted the but “a failure to restore price stability Suppose that the economy is settled The US central bank has sufficient data
would mean far greater pain.” in the former, low-wage equilibrium, and expertise to work out how much of
short supply—will agree that it needs ideological ground of Indian politics, but also Powell’s hawkish remarks caused in which both parents work full-time. the wage movement is simply a shift to
to snap out of a sense of drift. In the pushed its rivals to play on its turf and terms. the S&P 500 to fall by 3.4%, with every Because all households do the same, the new equilibrium, and how much is
last few years, the party has hurtled The BJP has overcome perceptions of it being sector of this stock index declining. there is a large supply of labour on the a part of overall inflation.
from crisis to crisis without finding a party of upper castes by mobilizing other Many fear that if the Fed continues to market. That keeps the hourly wage My hunch is that, once the US Fed
firm ground. Senior leaders are jumping ship, groups with a powerful blend of welfare meas- raise interest rates in large increments, rate low, which in turn means both completes this exercise, it will want to
as Powell suggested, investment will parents must continue working full- temper its policy response to today’s
leaving a trail of scathing feedback on its leader- ures, religious polarization and heady national- plummet and unemployment will rise. time. The equilibrium persists. inflation. A less hawkish stance would
ship and party processes. And so, the Congress’s ism. The Congress hasn’t come up with answers In fact, aggressive monetary tightening Now suppose there is a major minimize the adverse side effects of the
decision to embark on a ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, a to this multi-pronged approach. Other parties would cause the economy, financial pandemic and children cannot go to Fed’s medicine and greatly benefit
3,500km cross-country walk and mass-contact too have struggled, but the Congress’s failure markets and people’s well-being to school. Even in low-income house- small and large US businesses, as also
programme that will see party members led by has implications not just for the party, but for suffer excessively. Like an overdose of holds, at least one adult must stay workers and financial markets, and
steroids, it may cure the illness, but at a home to look after small children. achieve the same results as far as
Rahul Gandhi cover 12 states over four months, our democracy too. Despite its critical failures, disproportionately high cost. Later, as the pandemic eases and inflation control is concerned.
is a rare sign of ambition, especially for a party the Congress still polled about 19.5% of votes in The Fed’s error reflects a misreading children return to school, there is Given that America’s monetary
that is seen as having rather little appetite for the 2019 general elections. Even if politics has of the US labour market, which Powell bound to be a lag in adults returning to policy has a much bigger effect on
ground-up politics, even as it fights low-stakes swung rightward, there is space for an inclusive noted “is particularly strong.” And it is in-person work. other countries than vice versa, this
social media battles. The party is also readying centre-left formation with non-sectarian indeed true that US wages have been As creatures of habit, many people could be a big relief for the global econ-
rising sharply. Average hourly wages become accustomed to working from omy too. ©2022/PROJECTSYNDICATE
itself for elections to the post of party president appeal. But that space is being carved up. The
on 17 October. After the electoral defeats of Aam Aadmi Party has successfully pitched itself
2014 and 2019, the party has been wishy-washy as a party that delivers on health and education,
even about identifying the reasons for its elect- though its silence on communal politics has
oral failures, forget forcing a course correction been too expedient. After its Punjab win, AAP
or holding leaders to account. This reluctance has made no bones of its national ambitions.
to face up to reality is partly out of an overly Regional parties like the Trinamool Congress www.livemint.com
New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh*, Pune* Saturday, September 8, 2012 Vol.5 No.215 `5.00 in Delhi­NCR/`6.00 outside Delhi­NCR 16
12 PAGES
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deferential internal culture, but also because of and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam combine Q&A: iGate’s Murthy on
shaking up IT industry >4
MONEY: NPS loses ‘lowest cost’ tag >2

a democratic deficit. Over the years, the party’s welfarism with an appeal to linguistic identity.
DIPLOMACY: Don’t link peace talks and
Mumbai attack, says Pakistan’s Khar >10
EXCLUSIVE PARTNER VIEWS: Respect for the rules >11

control has slipped into the hands of those who Even if the social justice agenda has lost its SENSEX 17,683.73 Æ 337.46 NIFTY 5,342.10 Æ 103.70 DOLLAR `55.36 æ `0.30 EURO `70.61 Æ `0.55 GOLD `31,350 æ `350

MUSTAFA QURAISHI/AP

QUICK EDIT
Strange
OIL $114.00 æ $0.35

wield power even if they fail the basic test of shine, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal tidings
W hen it comes to
foreign policy, the
Manmohan Singh
government’s choices are
often baffling. As reported

winning elections. Not surprisingly, the Con- (United) are trying to fox the BJP through a
in Mint today, Pakistan’s
foreign minister Hina
Rabbani Khar has equated

There is no risk-free path


the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
with the breaking away of
East Pakistan in 1971. Her
counsel to India was
simple: don’t be emotional
about the 2008 attacks.

gress has bled mass leaders and is widely seen as demand for a caste census.
She said this a day
before India’s minister for
external affairs S.M.
Krishna begins formal
talks in Islamabad. The

for monetary policy.


signing of a liberalized visa
agreement is on the cards
during his visit. That’s not
all, the Reserve Bank of

a party for the privileged. Its election of a party The big ask for the Congress, then, is to offer
India on Friday cleared
the decks for Indian firms
to invest in Pakistan.
These are strange,
almost schizophrenic
developments. On the one
hand, India continues to
complain loudly about
lack of progress in the

president then is an opportunity to revive the a broad economic, political and ideological
PARLIAMENT LOGJAM investigation of the
Mumbai attacks; on the

WHAT’S THE PLAN?


other hand, it’s not averse
to proceeding ahead with
normalization of ties. The
signal that goes out: with
Pakistan, everything goes.

muscle memory of internal democracy within alternative to the BJP. Invoking the Constitu- JE ROME P OWE L L
Government moves to strengthened its political case
MANOJ JAYASWAL
clarify stand on coal against Singh.
This could potentially Cipla wins
blocks, focus attention
on loss of the monsoon
session by blaming BJP
strengthen the BJP campaign,
with an obvious eye on crucial
elections to the state assem-
The man who fell to earth patent case
blies of Himachal Pradesh and
Gujarat. Not only does the UPA B Y M AKARAND G ADGIL, themselves by making false
over Tarceva

India’s oldest party, to open up channels of tion alone isn’t enough. What the Congress
B Y L IZ M ATHEW have to politically counter the A NIEK P AUL & claims in their applications
liz.m@livemint.com charges of alleged corruption, C ORDELIA J ENKINS for coal blocks with the con- B Y C .H . U NNIKRISHNAN
························· it has to also kick-start eco- ······················· nivance, or at least without ch.unni@livemint.com
NEW DELHI nomic reforms to revive growth NAGPUR/KOLKATA/NEW DELHI the due diligence, of public ·························

T O
he Congress-led United sentiment in the economy. For n the third floor of In- servants. MUMBAI

Progressive Alliance
(UPA) seems to have hit
the panic button, signalling
the last two years, it has been
too preoccupied battling politi-
cal charges and has been una-
signia Towers, an al-
most abandoned eight-storey
building in Kolkata’s infor-
His friends and relatives
are also among the accused.
According to CBI, the com-
C ipla Ltd won a landmark
patent case against Swiss
drug maker F Hoffmann-La Ro-
that the Bharatiya Janata Party ble to win over crucial allies mation technology hub, Salt panies connected to Jayaswal che Ltd in the Delhi high court

ambition for grassroot party workers and needs at this juncture is serious political action
(BJP) may have succeeded in such as the Trinamool Con- Lake Sector V, the curtains are JLD Yavatmal Energy Ltd on Friday over the Indian com-
its concerted campaign to tar- gress to back difficult reform are drawn and the lights (which it says is jointly con- pany’s generic copy of lung can-
nish the credibility of Prime measures such as an increase switched off. The tower, trolled by Congress member cer drug Tarceva after a four-
Minister Manmohan Singh. in fuel prices, financial sector dwarfed by its glass-and- of Parliament Vijay Darda’s year court battle.
On a day of rapid political reforms and enhanced foreign steel high-rise neighbours, is family and Jayaswal), Jas In- Justice Manmohan Singh ob-
developments, a defensive gov- direct investment in multi- the registered office of frastructure Capital Pvt. Ltd served in his 280-page judge-
ernment convened two press brand retail. around 60 companies that (a subsidiary of the Abhijeet ment that it had been scientifi-
conferences to clarify the gov- Predictably, Arun Jaitley, constitute the Abhijeet Group) and AMR Iron and cally proven that Cipla’s generic
ernment’s stand. In between, leader of the opposition in the Group, headed by Manoj Ja- Steel Pvt. Ltd, headed by Ja- version was a polymorph B vari-

leaders, and, above all, to initiate a difficult and programmes that address economic and
Singh took it upon himself to Rajya Sabha, justified the par- yaswal, a mining baron yaswal, his two brothers and ant of Roche’s patented drug and
address the media; once, just ty’s stance. “One session of named by the Central Bureau Devendra Darda, according that it didn’t actually infringe
after the monsoon session was Parliament has earlier been of Investigation (CBI) this Valuable assets: Jayaswal and to the agency. A report by the any patent in India. Roche’s pat-
adjourned sine die after the lost on account of the corrup- week in its ongoing probe his estranged family hold at government’s auditor claims ent on the drug is valid, the court
opposition and the govern- tion allotment of 2G spectrum. into irregularities in the al- least 10 coal blocks among them. the government lost `1.86 said.
ment failed to end the logjam, That helped this country lotment of coal blocks. trillion by not auctioning the The judgement order is not yet
and later in a detailed press cleanse up the telecom sector... In Nagpur, Jayaswal’s offices of the group’s compa- coal blocks. available for a detailed review.
statement issued by the Prime Today the country is faced with hometown, and whence the nies, Jayaswal has studiously On Friday, Jas Infrastruc- The ruling was the first in a
Minister’s Office (PMO) on be- an issue—how to clean up the Abhijeet Group was founded, avoided reporters clamour- ture and Power, one of Jayas- patent case in India under the

conversation on its crisis of relevance. social anxieties of the Indian electorate—from


half of Singh. entire allocation of natural re- the news of the business- ing for a statement. wal’s companies, finally re- current patent. Roche had filed
The effort at damage control sources. This time, the method man’s downfall has been Jayaswal wasn’t at his leased a statement express- the case in January 2008, alleging
was understandable as the ef- was arbitrary and discretionary greeted with surprise. “We home in Nagpur when a Mint ing its surprise at the com- that Cipla had infringed its pat-
forts of the BJP, which has led and corrupt,” Jaitlay said. have been hearing about his reporter went visiting and a plaint filed by CBI (it said it ent by launching a generic copy
the confrontation, have fo- However, he added, “We are bubble is going to burst any polite security guard, who was yet to receive a copy) of Tarceva in the local market.
cused entirely on the Prime also not happy with the disrup- time soon for last two-three took the visiting card, said he and denied that the group The case had drawn world-
Minister. The disclosure of an tion. But in the rarest of rarest years, but it seems it is only would pass it on to Saab. suppressed any information. wide attention as it was the first
internal PMO note by Times cases, we may have to resort to getting bigger and bigger,” CBI’s charge is one of It said the “allegations of time a local drug maker had
Now television channel en- such a cussed approach of the said a Bharatiya Janata Party cheating and criminal con- misrepresentation, suppres- gone ahead with the launch of a

The Congress’s worrying decline has come inequality to unemployment and religious
dorsing the coal allocation government.” MLA (member of the legisla- spiracy. The agency claims sion, or ineligibility are com- generic copy of a patented drug
process seems to have only Jaitley said the BJP would tive assembly) from Nagpur, that Jayaswal is a director of pletely wrong and miscon- after the country introduced its
now take the protests to the who did not want to be three of the five companies product patent regime for phar-
Mint is also available for R9.50 with named. While CBI has raided that it says misrepresented TURN TO PAGE 12®
Hindustan Times in Delhi-NCR only
TURN TO PAGE 3® TURN TO PAGE 3®

at a time of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) domi- discrimination. Can it walk its talk?

GUEST VIEW

Our perplexing eagerness to import higher education


from select universities in the UK and then prescribes, albeit a little more enthusiasti- of studies abroad have gone up from $218 The entry of foreign universities is often
FURQAN QAMAR refuse to recognize their qualifications? cally. One aim of the policy is to have the top million in 2009-10 to $5,165 million in justified on the ground that it would check
This apart, India seems to be going head 100 universities of the world come to India. 2021-22. the outflow of students to offshore destina-
over heels to usher in opportunities for its Policy planners and regulators have already Peculiarly, the outward remittances on tions and thus help reduce our foreign
people to pursue foreign higher education. identified as many as 250 from 60 countries, account of studies abroad were no more than exchange outflows. The argument may have
The University Grants Commission (UGC) not only to set up their campuses in India, $159 million in 2013-14. In relative terms, merit, but only to a limited extent.

T
he nation enters Amrit Kaal with the has been holding extensive consultations but also to offer programmes under twining such foreign transfers as a proportion of total There are few private universities which
news that India is now the largest pro- with foreign missions in India to invite their arrangements. remittances under the LRS claim to offer world-class higher education
vider of overseas students to the universities to enter the country. Nearly four India has traditionally shot up from 14.6% in within the country at only a fraction of the
United Kingdom. During the year ended on dozen foreign universities have already con- been a net importer of This is an area 2013-14 to 30.2% in cost charged by world-class universities
30 June 2022, the UK issued 117,965 study veyed their enthusiasm for twining kind of higher education. In 2000, 2020-21. overseas. They have indeed been able to
visas to Indian applicants. This constituted possibilities. the number of students of competence The per student outward attract a good number of students, but that
24.23% of all student visas issued by it and The UGC is working hard to come up with studying abroad for higher remittances on account of has not coincided with any decline in the
marked a whopping increase of about 89% a framework for the entry and operation of education was 10 times the
in which India studies abroad ranged number of Indian students going abroad.

is professor in the faculty of


over the previous year.
A recent Indian relaxation in the recogni-
foreign universities. Indications are aplenty
that such institutions would enjoy much
number of foreign stu-
dents studying in India.
ought to be a between $726 and $738
during 2010-11 to 2013-14.
Given the fact that most foreign universi-
ties have shown interest only in the twining
management studies of Jamia
Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and a
tion of Master’s degrees from the UK could
possibly be one of the major reasons for this
freedom with regard to fees, faculty and cur-
ricula. In the interim, Indian rules relating to
Even in 2020, this gap was
as wide as 9.7 times. By the
net earner Since then, this figure has
skyrocketed, and reached
arrangement, it would be naive to expect any
significant inflow of foreign direct invest-
former adviser for education in rise in the number. Denial of equivalence dual-degree programmes in collaboration Unesco Institute of Statis- of foreign $7,731 in 2018-19. ment (FDI) in the country’s field of higher
the erstwhile Planning had been a deterrent, but was an unexplain- with foreign universities have already been tics (UIS) data, in 2018-19, This tenfold increase education.
Commission able incongruity. The problem has been per- relaxed. India received 47,427 for- exchange over the span of half a dec- This doesn’t mean that there would be no
sisting for some time now, and it is good that Efforts to create an enabling framework eign students as compared ade suggests that the beneficiaries of the initiative. Private higher
the issue has been resolved at least to some for the entry and operation of foreign uni- to 461,792 Indians who higher cost of higher edu- education providers may hope to benefit
extent, if not fully. versities have been on since 1995. The gov- went abroad for higher education. cation does not necessarily deter people immensely. They could position themselves
How could India advertise, select and ernment had, however, put on hold the idea Obviously, this has had serious implica- from going abroad. as elite institutions offering foreign qualifi-
award Commonwealth fellowships for post- of allowing foreign universities to set up tions for our foreign exchange outflows on This could also hint at the fact that now a cations under twining arrangements. Many
graduate studies in the UK and at the same campuses in India in 2017, even though the account of studies abroad. Data on outward larger number of students are going abroad might emerge as multi-brand higher educa-
time not recognize the qualifications earned? Niti Aayog had favoured the idea. remittances under the Liberalised Remit- for undergraduate programmes that are less tion providers offering a diverse range of
How could the country sanction leave for its Our policy planners are now only pursu- tance Scheme (LRS) of the Reserve Bank of (or not) supported by financial aid packages ‘products’ at variable prices.
officers or sponsor them to pursue Master’s ing what the new National Education Policy India (RBI) reveals that outflows on account and scholarships. These are the author’s personal views.
LIVEMINT.COM VIEWS ThUrSDay, 8 SepTemBer 2022
New Delhi 13

THEIR VIEW M I N T C U R AT O R

What India could do now to make Boris Johnson could still cast
a long shadow on UK politics
progress against climate change His Tory fan base may make Liz Truss stay in tune with his views

We could stake a claim to leadership by following up our commitments with a finely detailed action plan for the next 10 years

BLOOMBERG

announcing a date after which the sale of new


internal-combustion-engine vehicles is banned.
8) Our minimum energy efficiency standards for
popular household appliances, especially fans,
refrigerators and air-conditioners, should be
reviewed and higher standards set periodically. ThERESE RAPhAEL
9) State governments should be encouraged to is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion
prepare climate action plans for cities and rural covering health care and British politics.
areas. These must have targets for expanding public
MOnTEk S. AhLUwALiA transport networks, water harvesting facilities, etc.
& UTkARSh PATEL 10) Any strategy for decarbonization would be
are, respectively, former deputy chairman, helped by the introduction of a carbon tax. Cap-
Planning Commission and currently and-trade systems are a substitute for carbon taxa-
distinguished fellow at the Centre for Social and tion and the Energy Conservation Bill makes a pro-
Economic Progress (CSEP); and associate fellow vision for introducing such systems. The 10-year

A
at CSEP. plan could involve studying the pros and cons of the s Conservative Party members in the
two systems. There is a strong case for introducing a UK elevated Liz Truss to leadership
carbon tax, as it will send the right price signals to on Monday, nostalgia for Boris
switch to renewables and will also raise revenues. Johnson is palpable. In his final speech from Johnson reshaped conservatism in the UK

C
limate change is one of the most 11) Finally, we should ensure progress towards Downing Street on Tuesday, the UK’s like Donald Trump did in the US REUTERS
important problems we face. It is also our Paris target of afforestation, and perhaps even former prime minister took a swipe at those
truly a global problem in the sense plan to ratchet it up. Investment in afforestation who “changed the rules halfway through” Johnson’s legacy. The early impact has been
that no country alone can influence helps not only in mitigating climate change by the race, before rolling through his greatest mostly one of added costs and frictions.
the outcome. It can only be solved if sequestering carbon, it also helps in adaptation by hits, from Brexit to the vaccine rollout. Relations with Europe are at a low point.
all countries mount a global submitted to UN Framework Convention on Cli- supporting water conservation. There’s been speculation that, like his Those who argue that Brexit will provide
response. The issue will come up for discussion mate Change (UNFCCC), but will serve as domestic A 10-year plan along these lines would help hero Winston Churchill, Johnson may one long-term opportunities say wait for it.
soon at CoP-27 in Egypt and then at this Novem- targets to monitor closely and ensure we are on increase public consciousness and generate a public day return from the wilderness. He com- Their hopes are placed partly in the bonfire
ber’s G20 Summit in Indonesia. Unfortunately, track to achieve our goals. The specific targets that debate on aspects of the strategy that may seem pared himself to Cincinnatus, the virtuous of regulations that Liz Truss has promised
this will happen at a time when major developed could be set for the first 10 years are as follows: contentious. It would show Indian leadership too. Roman consul who returned to his plough, in order to unleash growth and innovation.
countries are overwhelmed by other problems: the 1) Since achieving net zero emissions implies Financing the transition: How to finance the but may eye a return. Even if Johnson never In other areas, there was some vision to
ongoing Ukraine crisis, a sharp rise in gas prices in elimination of unabated coal-based power plants transition to a carbon-neutral economy is a major leads his party again, and though he prom- note. The policy paper published in Febru-
Europe, the fear that anti-inflationary measures well before 2070, we could specify an interim target unresolved problem facing the global community. ised to fully support the new government, ary was a serious effort to redress the under-
will induce a recession, and sustained geopolitical for peak coal use for power generation, perhaps Climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC few doubt that he will cast a long shadow lying causes of disparities in income and
tension between the US and China. around 2030. All capacity expansion in electricity were conducted on the understanding that devel- from the sidelines. That has made his legacy opportunity. But like Johnson’s pledge to
How should India navigate these choppy waters? generation could be from other sources. The peak oping countries will get financial assistance from contested territory. How that historic, often redress the covid gap in education or his
Two issues are critical. First, what do we say as we go date should consider the commissioning of coal advanced countries to help make the transition. The tumultuous time in office is viewed also net-zero pledge, his levelling up promises
into these negotiations about our climate strategy, power plants currently being built and the possible 2015 Paris Agreement promised assistance of $100 defines the Tory party, and conservatism. were never given the resources needed.
and second, what position do we adopt on the phasing down of inefficient ones. Studies show that billion per year by 2020, comprising an undefined To his followers, he is the saviour who Where he did deliver was for Ukraine. John-
issue of international financing for developing at least 50GW of coal capacity could be phased out. mix of public and private flows. This amount has yet delivered Brexit and the Houdini who con- son’s grasp of the stakes in Ukraine’s self-
countries to help manage climate change. 2) A date could also be set for peak economy-wide to be realized. The Glasgow Pact recognized the jured up a whole new electoral coalition defence and his all-in support for Kyiv
India’s strategy for managing climate change: The CO2 emissions, sometime in the 2030s. failure on this count and urged that the promised from swathes of the country that had voted revealed a keen sense of the geopolitical
major targets in our strategy for managing climate 3) The poor financial health of power distribution amount be delivered at the earliest and continued Labour for 70 years. To his detractors, he moment. This is a legacy positive.
change were announced at CoP-26 in Glasgow last companies (discoms) is a serious impediment that up to 2025, and increased substantially thereafter. was the reckless driver who crashed out of One wild card is the pending House of
year. They include: (a) a long-term commitment to discourages private investment in expanding RE Financing is a major issue because decarbonization the EU. His supporters may rue the messy Commons privilege panel probe of whether
reach net zero by 2070; (b) a shorter-term objective capacity since it poses payment risks. We are going commitments made at CoP-26 involve massive personal life, the chaotic way of working, he misled parliament over Partygate. A vote
of reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% through a fourth attempt to resuscitate discoms. investments in the energy and related sectors. Esti- the propensity to say whatever is conve- on the findings will thrust his future and
over our 2005 level, by 2030; and (c) raising India’s Targets emerging from this exercise could be mates of the amount needed above the business-as- nient. But they see in him a unique political legacy into the spotlight again. Last week,
non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity publicized as part of our decarbonization strategy. usual (BAU) projection of investment for develop- mind—charismatic, competitive, creative— the UK government released legal advice by
(mainly solar and wind) to 50% of the total by 2030. It should be possible to mobilize financing from ing countries excluding China come close to 4% of and a politician who could be capable of a David Pannick, a barrister, arguing that the
The target of taking renewable electricity (RE) multilateral development banks to help restructure GDP, or almost $1 trillion per year by 2025. There is comeback or at least of have a say in the committee’s review is flawed and would
capacity to 450GW by 2030 is a critical supply-side discoms. MDB involvement would offer a degree of no prospect of resources on that scale being availa- party’s future. They argue that he got the big “paralyze democracy.” The pressure is on
element of our strategy and many steps need to be independence in setting terms that might reassure ble from external sources. Developing countries things right, but let a pile-up of mistakes, Tories to go easy. Still, the government’s
taken to realize it. These must be accompanied by states, which could be encouraged to set targets for will have to accept that a large portion of this including tax hikes, throw him off course. clumsy attempt to override the privilege
demand side-steps to reduce fossil fuel use in trans- privatizing parts of the distribution system. amount, say 45%, would have to be mobilized The polls, however, suggest the broader committee’s sanction on the former MP
port through electric vehicles and electrification of 4) RE is an intermittent source of power and domestically. This would reduce the international public have come to a different conclusion. Owen Paterson ended in his resignation and
railways, and to promote green hydrogen-based increasing its share in total electricity supply will contribution to $550 billion. Since this is meant to To most Brits, he’s been a let-down. Only an embarrassment for Johnson.
technologies for steelmaking, fertilizers and petro- require innovations in electricity regulation and be a combination of public and private flows, we 22% of Brits in the latest YouGov poll think As he puts together a new life, Johnson is
chemicals. We must also increase the energy effi- grid management practices. Central regulators could break it up into $220 billion public flows he was either great or good; 55% think he unlikely to make much noise other than to
ciency of buildings through better materials and would have to collaborate closely with state regula- (bilateral and multilateral) and $330 billion of was poor or terrible. That’s a long way from support the new leader. But I wouldn’t
designs, and efficient cooling and lighting, and tors. Regulatory changes aimed at improving grid private flows. Public flows can be used to leverage where he started. Johnson got early credit wager that he stays quiet for long. For one
expand the use public transport. flexibility should be a top priority in the first 10 private flows through creative forms of blended for completing Britain’s departure from the thing, he’s nurturing a grievance. Johnson
We have examined these issues in detail in our years, as they would lay the basis for continued finance and risk mitigation. The problem is that EU and was rewarded with a huge majority has been clear he thinks he was thrown
CSEP working paper ‘Managing Climate Change: A expansion of RE later. A road map for such changes even this reduced amount of public flows is five in the 2019 elections. He reshaped the con- under the bus. And he’s always found an
Strategy for India’ (bit.ly/3x4Zlns). An important should be announced. times the level expected under BAU. servative voter base by speaking to the frus- audience impossible to resist. He will find it
point which emerged from our analysis is that suc- 5) Growth of green hydrogen production could The G7 countries have given no indication of trations of working-class people who were easy to send out bat signals to his substantial
cess will call for interventions in many areas, with be supported by setting offtake targets for major their willingness to consider funding on this scale. tired of stagnating wages, just as Donald follower base. Every speech and newspaper
different ministries of the Centre working in tan- industries that can shift to it. The upcoming G20 Summit under the Indonesian Trump reshaped the US Republican Party. column will be parsed by the media; a witty
dem with each other. Coordination will also be 6) The Indian Railways has announced that it will presidency will provide some indication of whether But he wasted no time in spending that well-aimed line could be devastating for a
necessary across different levels of government reach net zero by 2030. This would require the net- there is flexibility on this issue. The G20 baton will credit. Sweeping pledges were followed by particular Truss policy, or might prove
(Centre, states and cities) and also with the private work’s entire traction to be electric (from RE/car- then pass on to India in 2023, followed by Brazil drama, the distraction of various scandals powerful in an election.
sector, which will play a major role. bon neutral sources), and this implies phasing out and South Africa. It will be a test of developing and problems with implementing policy. In the meantime, the Tories will keep
While it is not possible to spell out all the policy diesel locomotives or converting them to electric. countries’ global economic diplomacy to see if Serious issues, from a creaking National debating Johnson’s legacy, some hoping to
interventions expected over the decades till 2070, a The timeline for this should be built into the target. progress can be made over the next three years. Health Service and unfunded social care to use it to bury him and others to resurrect a
good way of proceeding credibly is to announce a 7) Separate target/s should be set for increasing Whatever the outcome on financing, we should policing problems and public-sector strikes, stronger version from the ashes of failure.
10-year programme detailing what we intend to do the share of EVs in new auto sales of 2- ,3- and lay out our own roadmap for the transition with festered without serious engagement. Liz Truss rode to power on his coattails, but
in each major sector. These details need not be part 4-wheelers, and also for expanding EV-charging an associated investment cost. All developing Brexit, and its politics, represent such a will be nervously looking over her shoulder
of our formal Nationally Determined Contributions networks. The government could also consider countries should do the same. historic pivot that it must be at the centre of at what he does next. ©BLOOMBERG

MY VIEW | BEhAviOur By BrAin

How employers could persuade employees back to office


the added bonus of avoiding torturous com- Is a similar reconciliation possible in the about work alone. In a 2018 survey con- short time, the number of restaurants in the
BIJU DOMINIC mutes in big-city traffic. conflict between the knowledge worker and ducted by researchers at Olivet Nazarene US tripled, led by an increase in eateries that
Most events that come our way do not cre- his/her employer? University, 82% of respondents reported specialized in food that kids could enjoy with
ate much impact on us and are forgotten in This conflict is best understood if viewed having at least one work friend. While some sober parents. As economist Tyler Cowen
very little time. But some events lead to what from the employee’s perspective. Why work friendships stay firmly within working explains in his book, An Economist Goes to
is known as long-term-potentiation (LTP), a should an employee come to an office to hours, others extend beyond the 9-to-5 Lunch, that ban on alcohol sales pushed the

A
conflict is brewing in the knowledge process in the human brain involving a per- work? If organizations are asking employees schedule and into “real friend” territory. For US restaurant business to evolve, by putting
sector. According to recent data from sistent strengthening of synapses. LTP leads to spend a large part of many people, their best children at the centre of American culinary
Gallup, more than a third of US work- to the formation of strong long-term memo- their salary on city accom- support in times of distress culture. Similarly, organizations could use
ers who can do their jobs from home want to ries. The covid pandemic, with its unique modation and bear the The persuasion comes from their office col- insights gained on employee behaviour dur-
stay permanently remote. Meanwhile, with emotional and other experiences, is surely pain of commuting in leagues. In fact, claiming to ing the pandemic to redesign workplaces
pandemic restrictions being eased in most an event one cannot easily forget. It has dense city traffic to attend key lies in have a “best friend at work” and grant knowledge workers a better expe-
places, organizational leaders realize that if changed the status quo of many sectors. office every day, they need is a powerful predictor of rience. They could begin this journey by
they don’t soon persuade their employees to For example, in recent times, there has to provide a clear answer to
ensuring that workplace engagement. opening more offices in smaller towns.

is chief evangelist, Fractal


return to office, working from home will
become a norm that will be hard to undo.
been a lot of discussion on where one should
be watching a movie: in a theatre or on an
the employee’s question,
“What’s in it for me?”
the perceived Unfortunately among
those who work exclusively
Moving to smaller towns would help
employees reside closer to their places of
Analytics, and chairman,
FinalMile Consulting.
Each side has solid reasons to support
their point of view. Employers believe that
over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform.
Movie stalwarts like Steven Spielberg said
In the 2016 paper ‘Does
Working From Home
benefits of it in remote locations, a dis-
mal 15% strongly agree that
family origin and also possibly save a lot on
accommodation cost as well as commuting
unless all employees come to a physical loca- that “movie theatres need to be around for- Work?’, a team of econo- outweigh the they have a best friend at time. For the organization, this move will
tion, it will be difficult to build an organiza- ever” and that audiences should be given mists who studied the work. The emotional con- help gather employees under one roof,
tional culture, and so a stable, long-lasting “the motion picture theatrical experience”. work-from-home experi- drawbacks nections one develops at which would make it easier to build a strong
organization. They believe that when He so heavily supported the movie theatre ment at Ctrip, a 16,000- the workplace are among corporate culture. It will also help decongest
employees work in an office, their tendency side of the conflict that he even called for a employee Chinese travel the top unspoken benefits our big cities and foster the growth of
to moonlight also comes down. On the other ban on Oscar eligibility for films streamed company, found that at first the experiment of working in an office. Organizations could smaller urban agglomerations. It is a win-
hand, employees believe that by working online. But Spielberg has since reconciled to seemed a success. Employee productivity do more to build on this unique strength of win scenario for everyone concerned.
from home, they do not have to spend so the new forces that emerged during the pan- increased and the company saved more than office attendance. It has been more than two years since the
much on expensive city accommodation. demic, it would appear. He has even signed $1,000 per employee on reduced office Decades ago, the immediate effect of rules of the working world snapped. How
Savings from not having to stay in big cities a deal with OTT platform Netflix, which space. But soon, the company was swamped liquor prohibition in the US was the closing many corporate leaders will convert this
could be substantial, more so for those at means more people will be watching more of with one complaint: loneliness. down of hundreds of restaurants that catered challenge into an opportunity to reinvent
junior levels. Working from home also offers his movies at home. For many people, the workplace is not to alcohol-drinking customers. But within a their organization?
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millenniumpost
NEW DELHI | THURSDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER, 2022 Editorial 7
EDITORIAL Greening the autumns
Growing together Nexus of Good Elder’s Club was given the Nexus of Good Award for adding colour to the

T
he foundation of thriving Indo-Bangladesh rela- monotonous and forlorn lives of senior citizens in Jamtara District

W
tions is rooted in unwavering mutual trust. In addi-
tion to this historically ingrained trust factor, it hen Faiz Aq Targeted health check-up
is the globally acknowledged upward growth of Ahmad Mum- camps, that include free medi-
both the Asian nations that necessitates practical coopera- taz walked in cine distribution, are organised
tion between them. It is true that Indo-Bangladesh relations to receive the each month at all the Elder’s
have progressed a great deal over the past decade, but this Annual Nexus of Good Award Club for senior citizens. Regu-
bonhomie needs to be seen in a broader perspective, and not not many knew that this young lar Yoga and light exercises are
be stereotyped and propagated as regime-centric achieve- civil servant had come all the some other features of these
ments. Regimes are temporary but Indo-Bangladesh relations way from a remote District, clubs. Some clubs have musical
require a tint of permanence! Bangladesh Prime Minister Jamtara in Jharkhand. He was instruments such as ‘tabla’ and
Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in the latter half of a year pen-
ANIL SWARUP being recognised for having harmonium as well. They orga-
ultimate to general elections had raised speculations around achieved something unique nise ‘bhajans’ and ‘kirtans’ for
resolution of certain longstanding issues — including that of and setting up a model that is their members. Newspapers
the Teesta River water arrangement — between the two coun- already being replicated and are being made available by
tries. The visit has come a month after Bangladesh’s Finance scaled through public-private block officials for these clubs.
Minister Abdul Momen requested the Indian government to partnership. Many elders of the district have
ensure that Sheikh Hasina stays in power after the 2023 gen- Elder’s Club is an attempt taken the initiative with a lot of
eral elections. The minister’s erroneous route towards secur- to address old-age loneliness, excitement and are happy with
ing “political stability” had created an awkward ambience for extreme anxiety and depres- the way it has all been organ-
both the regimes then. Such a narrow-minded perspective sion, and other mental and ised. Both the initiatives of
doesn’t augur well for the larger framework of Indo-Bangla- physical health problems setting up community librar-
desh relations. Sheikh Hasina’s India visit was expected to be among the senior citizens of ies and Elder’s Clubs have had
free from petty political considerations. Politics can be uti- the district. The idea is to help extremely positive responses
lized to secure broader national goals, but issues of national the senior citizens lead a dig- from the beneficiaries.
importance cannot be used as pretext to make political gains. nified old age, find some pur- Recently, a poetry writ-
Thankfully, this doesn’t appear to be the case presently. Indo- pose in life and something to ing competition was organ-
Bangladesh relations have been witnessing opening up of new look forward to. This attempt ised for the senior citizens in
avenues and there shouldn’t be any scope for old issues to is to enable them to interact A beautiful park has been developed around each Elder’s Club for the members to indulge in physical exercises which many participated and
linger on. By the time of writing this editorial, a water shar- and socialise with people of the best three were felicitated
ing agreement on the Kushiara River — benefitting south- their age, and de-stress. It was istration appealed to the local tions and hand holding and the same. on Independence Day function
ern Assam and Sylhet region of Bangladesh — was signed believed that senior citizens businesses and officials as well training the members of the Police personnel teach at by the district administration.
but there was no headway in the direction of Teesta River had much to offer through as the residents to offer what- club to look after themselves the libraries every weekend. It Thus, their creativity was given
water sharing arrangement. Perhaps the complexity of the their wisdom and years of ever help they could. Police and the club. Issues relating presents a different picture of due recognition and they felt
issue is the reason for its prolonged perpetuation. While the These clubs are experience, and they can play department and civil adminis- to family disputes and neglect a much-maligned police force. appreciated.
water from Teesta is critically important for a large swathe of a vital role in bringing peace in tration donated chairs, weigh- by children are addressed at It will go a long way in We are all aware of the lone-
impoverished farming districts of West Bengal, it is equally now buzzing the society. ing machines, indoor games these clubs by holding monthly increasing the literacy of the liness and social isolation that
crucial for a significant proportion of Bangladeshi popula- with life and The Idea was conceptu- such as carrom, chess, ludo, hearings wherein district offi- district which is among the the aged have to go through in
tion in terms of generating livelihood opportunities. This is alised and implemented by badminton etc., and various cials also participate. most backward in the state. this fast-moving world where
a sensitive issue and carries a lot of political weight in both
have turned Faiz. Old dilapidated govern- religious and secular books These clubs and libraries It is providing hope to no one has time for others.
the countries. As Indo-Bangladesh relations is currently in its into places ment buildings, lying unused for the clubs. Local businesses are solving multiple problems: the local youth. With children mostly busy
golden phase, there is a greater opportunity for the leadership of cultural in each block, were revamped donated colour TVs, sofa, Old dilapidated build- A sense of community with their own work and life,
in both the countries to resolve this issue with the spirit of and redeveloped through cupboards and other furni- ings have been refurbished and participation and responsi- the elderly people are left to
helping people. On the issue of Rohingya influx, Bangladesh and social convergence of government ture, while outlets of IOCL repaired. These buildings were bility has developed in many fend for themselves. There are
has been looking towards both China and India to resolve activity for the funds and public participa- donated refrigerators for each salvaged and are now useful panchayats many health and psychological
the “burden” of Rohingyas. Lately, it has realized that India tion. A beautiful park has of the Elder’s clubs. These clubs assets for the panchayats. These clubs are now buzz- problems that the elderly face.
could emerge as a better problem solver than China in this senior citizens been developed around each have religious books like Gita, Good books for various ing with life and have turned Elder’s Clubs set up in Jamtara
regard. Firstly, Sheikh Hasina expects India to accommodate of these clubs for the members Mahabharata, Ramayana, competitive exams have been into places of cultural and have managed to address some
a significant part of Rohingya refugees. Secondly, consider- to indulge in physical exercises Quran etc. as well as books of provided in these libraries for social activity for the senior of these issues.
ing India’s apprehensive approach against Rohingya refu- in the open. Premchand and other literary students. citizens. All festivals, includ- The District Magistrate,
gees, she believes that India could be instrumental in building When Faiz came across figures. Members of these clubs Female students who ing Holi and Eid are celebrated Faiz Ahmad and his dedicated
an international consensus for making Rohingyas return to multiple instances of senior have become involved in social would otherwise have dropped and enjoyed by the members. team have gone well beyond
their “homeland” in Rakhine state in Myanmar where they citizens who had become activities like Swachh Bharat out are getting a place in their Similarly, national festivals their call of duty to care for
faced “state-sponsored ethnic genocide” five years ago, which depressed due to the loss of and plastic-free society. They village to pursue their ambi- like Republic Day and Inde- the elders and for setting up
forced more than 7,00,000 Rohingyas to flee to neighbour- their loved ones, especially a also advise and create aware- tions without having to leave pendence Day are celebrated libraries. They present a great
ing countries. Given the manner in which the Home Ministry wife or a child, he thought all ness among villagers against their village to prepare for by the members at the clubs. example of Nexus of Good.
of India negated the rehabilitation claims by another minis- that these people needed was various social evils. competitions. These clubs are exclusively for They richly deserved the award
try, it is highly unlikely that India will agree to accommodate company of friends, something These clubs are managed Poor but talented kids senior citizens with no mem- they got. They have managed
the Rohingyas. The second option is also unviable as it would to keep them busy. Thus, he and run by a management and who cannot afford to take bership fee. However, mem- to revive a sense of purpose
be difficult for India to advocate on behalf of Bangladesh came up with the idea of rec- maintenance committee con- coaching in metros have well- bers are free to donate funds. amongst this neglected seg-
before the international community to send Rohingyas back reational clubs exclusively for stituted from among the mem- stocked beautiful libraries in One of these clubs (Naray- ment of the society. It is a
to Rakhine State. Can India and Bangladesh successfully urge senior citizens. bers. Each Committee has a their panchayats. anpur) has a fully functional model that can be replicated
Myanmar to take back the refugees whom it had declared Once the locations and president and a treasurer. They As many people visit kitchen where lunch is cooked and scaled in more Districts
“stateless” in 1982? It is a difficult question. Successes and buildings were identified in all also have subcommittees for and benefit from the librar- daily while others have facili- of the country.
failures apart, this shared cause of concern is in itself a bind- six blocks, the district admin- carrying out various func- ies, it motivates others to do ties for making tea. Views expressed are personal
ing force between India and Bangladesh. The most important

Waste to wealth
takeaway from Hasina’s visit, however, was the anticipated
emphasis on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA). It may be recalled that the talks on Indo-
Bangladesh CEPA had started way back in 2018, against the
backdrop of increasing Chinese investments in Bangladesh.
Both the countries are fast-tracking the formulation of CEPA
as Bangladesh, with its graduation as a developing country
in 2026, will lose the duty-free and quota-free market-access
facility to India. It is important that the trade between the Best practices reveal that proper waste management can solve the twin problems of
two Asian neighbours remains unhampered and balanced.
CEPA will be the most prominent step in this direction. It
may be noted that with the completion of India-Bangladesh
rising pollution and resource crunch; write Pawan Sain & Akanksha Saini

T
Joint Consultative Commission in June, both the neighbours
had already broadened their cooperation with the inclusion he circular economy- If the waste is not man-
of Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, cybersecurity, startups, and based development aged, it eventually ends up
connectivity. To sum up, the roots of Indo-Bangladesh rela- approach is one of on land, either scattered or in
tions are placed deep in mutual trust, and its expansion is the key strategies landfills or polluting the water
being made on the shared landscape of growth and prosper- for achieving the 2030 agenda bodies. Waste may be an envi-
ity between the two countries. Once the longstanding sensi- for Sustainable Development ronmental issue as well as a
tive issues are resolved, the two countries can grow together. Goals (SDGs). A develop- resource. Poor waste man-
Greater convergence and least divergence will ensure solid ment strategy that promotes agement results in significant
growth for both partners. the best use of resources, lead- material loss and can have neg-
ing to optimum utilisation, is ative effects on the environ-
the need of the hour. Our wet- ment and human health. This

DearEditor lands are covered in moun-


tains of trash, there are oceans
of trash floating in our rivers
means that we need to make an
effort to produce as little non-
hazardous waste as we can. For
and canals, clouds of smoke trash that still occurs, material
FADING SPIRIT? have been formed due to plas- recycling should be prioritised
This is in reference to the editorial “Disgraceful!”. tic burning, and the ground- over energy recycling, where it
Wikipedia should be held liable for sharing false Sweden has water has turned reddish and is environmentally justified.
yellow from leachate contam- The focus should be on
information on cricketer Arshdeep Singh’s page that linked justified the ination. Waste management segregation at source, and
him to Khalistani movement. The episode came after
Arshdeep was trolled on social media for dropping a catch ‘garbage is has indeed become an urgent fresh plastic and other waste
issue. production should be made
in the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai on gold’ phrase Several reports suggest more expensive than recy-
Sunday. The episode had shades of what’s popularly termed
as 5th Generation warfare — using misinformation,
by generating that untreated solid and liq- Landfills have been successfully harnessed in some countries to generate electricity and gas cling by taxation policy.
uid waste exposes people to Innovative ideas and new
half-truths and complete lies to cause discord and conflict energy from several infectious and respi- more than a third of the coun- ing electricity and gas for the The construction of off- businesses should be sup-
in a region or a country. An analysis of the Twitter trends waste, and ratory ailments, raising the try’s daily sewage production city. Seoul in South Korea is grid sewage treatment plants ported financially to set up
around Arshdeep shows that immediately after the dropped expense of healthcare services as per Central Pollution Con- the best example to replicate. (STPs) has been very success- waste-to-energy units. All
catch, the term ‘Khalistani’ generated the greatest interest significantly while also decreasing produc- trol Board (CPCB). Singapore Only 1 per cent of the waste ful in small township areas. local governments should
in Pakistan, followed by India, the UAE, Qatar and reducing tivity, which will directly affect turned water vulnerability into in Sweden ends up in land- The best examples are Tamil have landfills in proportion
Canada. The Wikipedia entry for the Punjab paceman was the nation’s economic growth. an opportunity by launching fills. Source segregation is the Nadu Police Housing Colony to the amount of waste they
also edited, and ‘India’ was substituted with ‘Khalistan’ all
its carbon Additionally, the harm- NEWater in 2002. The city- main strategy behind this. The and President’s Estate in New produce after recycling. A
through the page. Damningly, the IP address of the person emission as a ful effects of the greenhouse state had always relied on majority of households sepa- Delhi. Not only has the sew- new tax can be introduced to
who made the changes was traced to Pakistan. Clearly, the and toxic gases caused by the Malaysia for importing pota- rate the waste into various cat- age treatment facility resolved tax the producers in propor-
consequence anaerobic decomposition of ble drinking water. But with egories. Sweden has justified the issue of sewage disposal, tion to waste generated. This
plan was to cause a rift between different communities in
India. The Pakistani establishment will do its utmost to waste include soil, water, and the establishment of NEWa- ‘garbage is gold’ by generating but it has also given a pond of will help in the generation of
cause trouble in our country; the sad part is that bigots in air pollution, global warming, ter, things changed drastically. energy from its waste and has treated water for fishing, veg- funds to adequately finance
India magnified the narrative. However, it’s heartening to climate change, and the result- After the treatment at vari- significantly reduced its car- etable farming, Gardening and SWM & LWM infrastructure.
note that the young Arshdeep has received overwhelming ing calamities. Furthermore, ous stages, the resultant water bon emission. groundwater recharge. The producer and the private
reduced soil fertility will result exceeds WHO drinking water Indore in MP and Surguja Various other Indian cit- sector should be given pri-
support from fans, cricketers, activists, politicians and
in low agricultural productiv- standards. in Chhattisgarh have been ies were identified for the mary responsibility for treat-
the entertainment industry. He himself has brushed aside ity, which will negatively affect The Ghazipur landfill in ranked as the cleanest big and best practices of waste man- ing and selling treated water
the trolls, saying: ‘I am laughing at all these tweets and economic growth. Delhi has grown 65 metres small cities, respectively, in the agement. Alappuzha (Kerala) for agricultural and industrial
messages. I am only going to take positives from it. This India faces huge health, high, just a little short of Qutub country as per Swachh Surve- and Panaji (Goa) for reduc- usage. Governance for waste
incident has only given me more confidence.’ To label him environmental and economic Minar, and covers an area of kshan Survey. Source segre- ing the operating cost through management must consider
a Khalistani just because of a dropped catch is against the challenges due to waste gener- 70 acres. The combination of gation, a decentralised waste source segregation. Mysuru the complexities and relation-
essence of our national psyche and spirit of sports. ation and inadequate garbage highly flammable items and processing facility and a com- (Karnataka) is applying sci- ships inside and outside of the
— KHOKAN DAS, KOLKATA via email collection, transportation, common rubbish at the site munity-based approach were entific techniques to turn government. Waste is a valu-
treatment and disposal. Things is a major problem since it all used by the community to biodegradable garbage into able resource that shouldn’t be
millenniumpost.in are changing at a faster pace increases the risk of fire. More- keep the city clean and orderly. compost. Paradeep (Odisha) ignored or thrown away.
and India can learn from inter- over, the creation of leachate They engaged in a variety of has adopted a decentralised Pawan Sain is Joint
Log on to write letters to the editor or send them to national experiences in dealing contributes to groundwater IEC activities using digital, and community-driven model Secretary, EAC-PM; and
letter2editor.mp@gmail.com. You can also send your comments to The Editor, with the chaos. India’s sewage pollution. But there are enough print, and social media to alter with micro-composing cen- Akanksha Saini is Young
Millennium Post, Pratap Bhawan, 5 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110 002 treatment facilities (STPs) are examples globally where such the behaviour of various popu- tres and material recovery Professional, EAC-PM.
only equipped to handle little types of landfills are generat- lation segments. facilities. Views expressed are personal
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ZDNHRIWKHWUDJLFGHDWKRIEXVLQHVVW\FRRQDQGIRUPHU7DWD6RQVFKDLUPDQ&\UXV
0LVWU\LQDURDGDFFLGHQW+HZDVQRWZHDULQJDVHDWEHOWDQGWKLVLVVDLGWREHWKH
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I many but the fact is that
India has witnessed around
80 million cyber-attacks
and threats so far. In the first
three months of 2022, we wit-
nessed some 200,000 cyber-
LQYHVWLJDWLQJWKHDFFLGHQWKDVIRXQG´DQLQIUDVWUXFWXUHLVVXHµWKHEULGJHSDUDSHWZDOO attacks every day and they are
ZDVQRWSURSHUO\PDGH$QGRIFRXUVHWKHYHKLFOHZDVIRXQGWREHRYHUVSHHGLQJ increasing with every passing
7KHYHKLFOHZDVVWXUG\EXWWKHQDFUDVKEH\RQGD day. The quantum of the attacks
FHUWDLQVSHHGFDQKDYHGDQJHURXVFRQVHTXHQFHV is enough to become alarmed
and take preventive measures.
DVLQWKLVFDVH$FDUFDQEHPDGHYHU\VWURQJLW But the fact remains that our
FDQ EH ORDGHG ZLWK VDIHW\ IHDWXUHV EXW WKHUH DUH cyber security has not kept pace
DOZD\V OLPLWV EH\RQG ZKLFK VDIHW\ FDQQRW EH with cyber warfare which has
HQVXUHG7KHUHLVQRVXEVWLWXWHIRUVDIHGULYLQJDQG grown in its scope and tech-
niques in leaps and bounds.
UHVSRQVLEOHEHKDYLRXU Most of us understand cyber
8QIRUWXQDWHO\VDIHGULYLQJLVVRPHWKLQJWKDWLV security on the personal level,
QRWYHU\FRPPRQLQ,QGLDHVSHFLDOO\LQWKHQRUWK online bank fraud or leaking of
HUQSDUWV3HUKDSVWKHPRVWGDQJHURXVLVGULYLQJ pictures on a smartphone,
cloning of the ATM card, and so
RQWKHZURQJVLGHRIWKHURDGLQRUGHUWRVDYHD on. Most of them are designed
IHZPLQXWHVDQGVRPHIXHOSHRSOHRIWHQGULYHRQ for financial bungling by an
WKHZURQJVLGHVRPHWLPHVUHVXOWLQJLQDFFLGHQWV individual or a group having
HYHQIDWDOLWLHV'UXQNHQGULYLQJRYHUVSHHGLQJDQG]LJ]DJGULYLQJDOVRWULJJHUFUDVK some understanding of how
digital stuff works. But the fact
HV%HVLGHVWKHORFDOLWLHVQHDUKLJKZD\VPDNHFKDQJHVWRVXLWWKHLUSXUSRVHV7UDIILF is cyber-attack is huge in their
FRSVKDYHWRFRPHGRZQKHDYLO\RQVXFKEHKDYLRXUIRULWFDXVHVPD[LPXPSURE scope and application. Indeed it life's savings. Cooperative break your government. So in which happened last year on
OHPV(YHU\\HDUVLQFH H[FHSWEHFDXVHRIWKH&RYLGSDQGHPLF RYHU can hack your credit card and banks, nationalized banks a way, it can destroy the our nuclear plant in Tamil
ODNKSHRSOHKDYHGLHGLQURDGDFFLGHQWVRQHWKLUGRIZKLFKWDNHSODFHRQKLJK skim the amount but it can also financial institutions are whole country in a fraction of Nadu. A North Korean hack-
destabilize the whole banking being targeted and thousands a second which is very scary. er group penetrated the sys-
ZD\VDFFRUGLQJWRWKH1DWLRQDO&ULPH5HFRUGV%XUHDX 1&5% 2YHUVSHHGLQJLV system of a country, cause a of crores of rupees are being So we are usually taking a tem. While investigating we
WKHELJJHVWFXOSULWUHVSRQVLEOHIRUPRUHWKDQKDOIIDWDOLWLHV'DQJHURXVDQGFDUHOHVV crash in the stock market or skimmed by the scammer very simplistic view of cyber- checked some 70,000 logs
GULYLQJZDVWKHFDXVHIRUGHDWKVLQDVSHUWKHODWHVW1&5%UHSRUW,Q even paralyze the economy. And yet we are unable to put up a attack and focusing on small and found that a person had
WKHODVWIHZ\HDUVDIWHUWKHODZWRFXUEGUXQNGULYLQJZDVPDGHVWULFWHUSHRSOHGR this is just the economic aspect system in place which can things whereas we must be used his personal email to
of the cyber-attack. When it stop them. preparing for the big cyber- send information to the
WHQGWRDYRLGLW%XWDORWQHHGVWREHGRQHRQRYHUVSHHGLQJDQGGDQJHURXVGULYLQJ comes to its military aspect it Imagine these are small- attacks as I mentioned earli- intranet, that is he connected
&DPHUDVWDNHFDUHRIRYHUVSHHGLQJ0D\EHPRUHFDPHUDVDUHQHHGHG$OVRVSHHG can be far more devastating time hackers/scammers with er that are right now missing. the intranet with the internet
OLPLWVKDYHWREHUHDVRQDEOHWKHVHFDQEHLQFUHDVHGZKHUHURDGVDUHJRRGDQGZLGH than we can imagine. It can limited resources and knowl- It is true in a way that no through a duct by that email.
2IWHQWUDIILFSROLFHVHHPWREHIRFXVHGRQYLRODWLRQVOLNHGULYLQJZLWKRXWVHDWEHOWV launch a missile attack, and edge base and we are incapac- foolproof system can protect The hackers were looking
cause nuclear plants to shut itated against them. Imagine you from cyber-attacks. for that moment and made
DQGMXPSLQJWKHUHGOLJKW,WLVWLPHWKH\DOVREHJDQFKHFNLQJXQUXO\EHKDYLRXURQ down or go haywire. To put it the scenario when a spirited Because it is impossible to the most of it. It turned out
URDGV-XVWHQIRUFLQJVHDWEHOWVIRUEDFNVHDWSDVVHQJHUVZLOOQRWEULQJGRZQURDG briefly cyber war can be far more group or country decides to make one. There is no such that they were tracking the
GHDWKV deadly than conventional war as wage a full-fledged cyber 8<068=4C74B4 thing as a device or program whole thing for over three
it can be waged by a few men sit- war. The government is tak- that if you deploy that you years and waiting for the
ting anywhere in the world and ing steps to counter it but I 0A4B<0;;C8<4 would be secure. You must be right time which they got
?82D1<; attacking its targets.
To stop it one has to be pre-
am afraid they are not ade-
quate. A robust ecosystem to 702:4AB vigilant enough to read data
that is coming to you.
that day and that was the
judgment day. Without going
pared not with arms and ammu- counter such attacks is miss- B20<<4ABF8C7 Suppose a pop-up window into details for security rea-
nition but with high-end digital ing. We still do not have a opens on your mobile how sons I just want to put a
security that not only detects the roadmap or a comprehensive ;8<8C43 you react to it matters. It may long story short a little com-
invasion in time but also effec-
tively gives a fitting reply. To do
plan to deal with such situa-
tions. No protocols to follow A4B>DA24B0=3 just be an innocuous notifi-
cation or it could be a smart
placency can ruin you, indi-
vidually or nationally.
that a robust ecosystem is in such a scenario. In an :=>F;436410B4 mischievous program (This is first of a two-part series.)
required and we are still lagging earthquake-like situation designed to hack your system (Author is Chief Strategic
on that front. It is not that the where no one knows what to 0=3F40A4 if you click it you have given officer and aerospace
government is not concerned, it
is but the tangible results are not
do.
We are pitted against hos- 8=20?028C0C43 it total access and opened the
gate of your citadel. Fishing,
security, & member Global
Advisory Committee,
coming. So clearly the situation tile neighbors who know our 0608=BCC74< flushing, etc. are minor things International Solar Alliance.
is very alarming. Think of weaknesses they can jolt the the bigger attacks happen on He is also an eminent expert
cyber frauds as miniature cyber- whole country, they can a much larger scale and years for counter-terrorism for
attacks. Everyday financial fraud spread rumors, incite riots to of planning go into them. West Asia & Middle East
is happening and rising. meddle with your election I will cite just one exam- countries. The views
Innocent people are losing their process and even make or ple of it, the cyber attack expressed are personal)

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6B55C@55389>9>4919C1=ID8 DSSWPeCWPRZTaPh

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Sir — Officially, India remains the largest
democracy on earth. Its regime claims 1^QRcebTS\QY]RiCYc_TYQ bXSTaTSWXb[XUT[TbbX\_^acP]ccWP]X\_[XRPc
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there is complete freedom to speak, write
X]VP]SUaP\X]VWX\CWT218WPbaTUdcTScWT \PZTPWPQXc^U
and express. But actually, is that so? Had
2QDPLVDFHOHEUDWLRQWKDWWUDQVFHQGVVRFLDOGLYLVLRQ it been, then an IAS officer of Jharkhand R[PX\P]SPbbTacTScWPcXcWPb]^cXbbdTSPR[TP] c^[TaPcX]VcaPXc^ab
RWXcc^P]h^UcWTPRRdbTS5dacWTacWT218WPb
DWLPHWRHQMR\'RQRWGHPHDQLWZLWKPRGHUQYLFHV would not have been arrogantly sued for
cTa\TScWTR[PX\^UBXb^SXPPb\XbRWXTe^dbP]S D]X^]7^\T<X]XbcTa
sedition. How many IAS officers have ¯0\XcBWPW

.
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HUDOLWHVDOORYHUWKHZRUOGFHOHEUDWH2QDPGHVFULEHGDVWKH6WDWH·VQDWLRQDO come out in support of the Jharkhand offi- CWTX]eTbcXVPcX]VPVT]Rh³bPdcW^aXcXTbWPeT
IHVWLYDO&DVWHFUHHGDQGUHOLJLRQJLYHZD\WRWKHUDUHVHQVHRIRQHQHVVDV cer? Now, in a country where such a sit- P[b^bcPcTScWPc:d\PafPbX]]^fPhR^]]TRc
$EGXOODK$EUDKDPDQG$VRNDFRPHWRJHWKHUWRVKDUHWKHMR\RIWKLVUDUHVSHF uation occurs, should the stamp of ‘largest TSfXcWcWTX]eTbcXVPcX^]^UcWTBXb^SXPRPbTCWT >da\PX]PX\Xbc^
democracy’ not be erased immediately? STRTPbTS^UUXRTaWPbaT_^acTS[h]^cWT[SP]hQ^Sh STeT[^_cWTTR^]^
WDFOH,WLVWRSHUSHWXDWHWKHPHPRU\RI0DKDEDOLZKRLVVDLGWRKDYHUXOHGWKH \hFXcWUaXT]S
Recently, billionaire Nadir Godrej was aTb_^]bXQ[TU^aWXbTgcaT\TbcT_CWTaTXb]^aTP
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3
heard saying: “Now enough, please stop T[WX3T_dch2WXTU<X]XbcTa<P]XbWBXb^SXP b^]U^aP]h^UUXRTa^aP]hbcPUUc^R^\\XcbdX bWX_h^dRP]b^[eT
LQWKHIRUPRI9DPDQDDWWKHUHTXHVWRIWKH'HYDV7KHODWWHUIHDUHGWKDWWKHGD\ dividing … Efforts should be made to unite WPb \PST P aXSXRd[^db R[PX\ cWPc 218³b RXSTc^bPeTb^\TQ^ShT[bT4PRWfX]]X]VRPbT P]h_a^Q[T\FT
ZDVQRWIDURIIZKHQ0DKDEDOLZRXOGFRQTXHUWKHLUHPSLUHDQGPDNHWKHPVODYHV 3T_dch ;TVP[ 0SeXb^a 9XcT]SaP :d\Pa aTU[TRcbcWTX]RaTPbTSP]SX\_a^eTSTUUXRXT]Rh^U P[fPhbS^cWPc
the country.”
7KHUHLVQRVFLHQWLILFKLVWRULFDORUDUFKDHRORJLFDOHYLGHQFHWRVXEVWDQWLDWHWKLVIRON He said he would like to see more free- ZX[[TSWX\bT[USdTc^cWT_aTbbdaTc^UaP\TcWT cWT^UUXRTabX]QaX]VX]VcWTRd[_aXcbc^Q^^Z2PbTb
1P]V[PSTbW?aX\T<X]XbcTa
U^a\TaX]cWTTgRXbTbRP\RPbT8U_aTbbdaTWPS [^bcS^]^cSXbcdaQP]hQ^Shc^cWTTgcT]c^UR^\
ORUH6LQFHLWLVDVHDVRQRIMR\ZKHQIORZHUVEORRPDQGWUHHVEHDUIUXLWVQRERG\ dom of expression where the powerful ¯BWTXZW7PbX]P
QTT]TgTacTS:d\Paf^d[SWPeTTXcWTa^QThTS \XccX]VbdXRXST8]bcTPScWT\X]S^U^UUXRTabfX[[
ERWKHUVDERXWWKHDXWKHQWLFLW\RIWKHOHJHQG,WLVDOVREHOLHYHGWKDWWKHUHZDVQR hands of the State do not reach and the
cWT^aSTa^aSTUXTSXcFWPcWP__T]bc^PcWXaS QTPcf^aZX]X\_a^eX]VcWTXaf^aZX]Vbch[Tc^
LQHTXDOLW\RUFRUUXSWLRQRUIDYRULWLVPDPRQJWKHUXOHUVGXULQJWKHUHLJQRI0DKDEDOL voices of protest are not crushed. We all _Tab^]WPaS[h\PccTabBXb^SXPWPbQTT]cah T]bdaTcWPcRPbTbPaT]^c[^bcX]UdcdaT
should salute Godrej’s courage. He’s one of 5^a\TUP\TP]S
([FHSWIRUDWHPSOHDW7KULNNDNNDUDZKHUHWKH X]Vc^bW^fcWPccWT3T_dch;TVP[0SeXb^aR^] :EBTTcWPaP\PXPWk1T]VP[dad
PRR[PX\PaT[XZTP
those few who dare to say all those things
SUHVLGLQJGHLW\LV/RUG9DPDQDWKHUHDUHQRWHP which are in the heart of every Indian, but QPQh³bUXabcbcT_b
SOHVIRUWKHPDLQSURWDJRQLVWIRUZKRPWKHIHVWL no one even speaks about these. I remem- There is a need to help the unemployed ently allowed the Pakistanis to take advan- CWTaT³bP[^]VfPh
YDOLVFHOHEUDWHG2QDPGXULQJPRGHUQWLPHVKDV people who go into depression and frus- tage and emerge victorious at the fag end c^V^
ber that the late Rahul Bajaj showed some
GHJHQHUDWHGLQWRDVKRSSLQJIHVWLYDO6XSHUPDUNHWV similar courage. In 2019, he asked uncom- tration caused by unemployment and of the match. Arshdeep became a target for 0Rc^a
PDOOV)0&*PDQXIDFWXUHUVVHWWKHVDOHWDUJHWVIRU fortable questions to Union Home Minister take up negativity like alcoholism, drug trolls and today, many Pakistani handles ¯APbW\XZP<P]SP]]P
WKH2QDPIHVWLYDOPRQWKVLQDGYDQFH7KH79FKDQ Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala addiction and other bad things. This is an lapped up the opportunity to throw muck
Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal. We all need invitation for us to imitate St Teresa of at the Indian cricketer and push its dirty
QHOVDUHIORRGHGZLWKWKH2QDPFHOHEUDWLRQVRIILOP Kolkata, who is known for ministering the
to show similar courage today. agenda.
VWDUVDQGWKHLPSUHVVLRQLVJHWWLQJZLGHUE\WKHGD\ Jang Bahadur Singh | Jamshedpur sick and the dying in the world’s poorest 0[[cWT[PbccWaTT
Many Twitter handles hurled vile
WKDW WKH IHVWLYDO RI RQHQHVV LV WKH SUHURJDWLYH RI areas. Let’s pray to St Teresa that she will VP\TbWPeTQTT]
abuses at the young pacer and called him RWPbTSS^f]WTaT
VXSHUVWDUVDQGPHJDVWDUV7KHVD\LQJWKDWZKHQ 6?<<?GCDD5B5C1µC5H1=@<5 lead us on the right path to follow Christ’s names, including branding him a 3dQPXFTW^_T
0DKDEDOL UXOHG .HUDOD WKHUH ZHUH QR WKHIWV Sir — On September 8, the Catholic divine path to heaven. ‘Khalistani’ and blaming him for India’s c^R^]cX]dTcWT
GDFRLWVPXUGHUVNLOOLQJRIEULGHVNLGQDSSLQJRIFKLO Church all over the world celebrates the Jubel D'Cruz | Mumbai five-wicket loss. Arshdeep dropped the bP\T
GUHQDQGJURZQXSSHUVRQVDQGDVHQVHRIKRQHVW\SUHYDLOHGDOORYHUWKH6WDWH feast of the ‘Nativity of the Blessed Virgin catch of Pakistan’s Asif Ali, who went on
%XWPRGHUQGD\.HUDODKDVEHFRPHDQHSLFHQWHURIDOOWKHVHHYLOGHHGV7KHFKLHI Mary’, who is also known as the role model GB?>7D?D1B75D1BC8455@ BaX;P]ZPRP_cPX]
to play a match-winning knock of 16 runs ¯3Pbd]BWP]PZP
of mercy. It is also a time for each one of Sir — The nail-biter between India and
PLQLVWHUKLPVHOIKDVWROGWKHOHJLVODWLYHDVVHPEO\WKDW.HUDODKDVEHFRPHDKXERI Pakistan on Sunday in the Super Four of
off eight balls in the Super Four encounter.
us to introspect on the values of St Teresa,
QDUFRWLFVVPXJJOLQJ:RPHQSOD\DVLJQLILFDQWUROHLQSXVKLQJGUXJV0RUHWKDQ who founded the Missionaries of Charity the Asia Cup saw an epic see-saw
Till that point, Asif had not yet opened his
SHUVRQVZHUHELWWHQE\VWUD\GRJVDQGSHUVRQVLQFOXGLQJD\HDU and worked to support the poor and the encounter between the arch-rival teams as
account. Some of the vitriolic tweets from
CWT1WPaPc9^S^
ROGJLUOORVWWKHLUOLYHVWRUDELHV1RWDVLQJOHGD\SDVVHVLQWKH6WDWHZLWKRXWUHSRUWV Pakistan dubbed Arshdeep as a ‘Khalistani’
downtrodden. This is also an invitation for Virat Kohli and Mohammed Rizwan hit HPcaPR^d[SP[b^
RI SHGHVWULDQV DQG WZRZKHHOHUV JHWWLQJ FUXVKHG E\ RYHUVSHHGLQJ EXVHV DQG us to imitate the values by reaching out to while many others sought to fan the ‘seces- d]XcT2^]VaTbb
solid knocks for their respective sides but
sionist’ agenda and propaganda against \T]P]Sf^\T]
WUXFNV1R2QDPVRQJVZRXOGEHVXIILFLHQWWRPDNH0DKDEDOLYLVLWKLVIRUPHUNLQJ the poor and the needy of the broken eventually the Men in Blue lost the
India. Pa^d]S^daeP[dTb
GRPZKHUHURDGVDUHIXOORISRWKROHVDQGLQIHFWLRXVGLVHDVHVDUHWKHRUGHURIWKH world and the shattered society, particu- cliffhanger in the very last over. Soon after
Bhagwan Thadani | Mumbai P]SXSTP[b
GD\.HUDODGHVHUYHVDPXFKEHWWHUDGPLQLVWUDWLRQDQGJRYHUQDQFH2QDPLVIRU larly the isolated and neglected ones. the match result became known, Indian
Let’s open our hearts and reach out to BT]Shh^daUUTTSQPRZcc^) 2^]VaTbb[TPSTa
FHOHEUDWLRQDQGQRWIRUODPHQWLQJ fast bowler Arshdeep Singh became a top
the people who need our help and care. target for dropping a catch, which appar- [TccTabc^_X^]TTa/V\PX[R^\ ¯BWPbWXCWPa^^a
=4F34;78kC7DAB30H kB4?C4<14A'!!!

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n the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides

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:
KDWLVWKHGLIIHUHQFHEHWZHHQD6DQ\DVLDQGDFRPPRQPDQ" an enemy is to find out certainly what
:K\GRHVD6DQ\DVLUDGLDWHFKDUPZKHUHDVDFRPPRQPDQ form of attack he is most frightened
ORRNVZRUULHG"7KLVLVEHFDXVHD6DQ\DVLHQMR\VVXSHULRU of and then to employ it against him". The
VXNKDZKHUHDVDFRPPRQPDQLVEHUHIWRILW insecurity of the US has easily led it to fall
into the trap of its competing powers.
/RUG.ULVKQDKDVVSRNHQDERXWWKLVLQVHYHUDOYHUVHVRIWKH*HHWD
Russia and China have worked together
:HDOODUHDZDUHRIWKHUHJXODUVXNKD7KH\DUHGHULYHGIURPVHQVH jointly to isolate the US by creating circum-
REMHFWV$QGWKURXJKRXUPLQGVRQDFFRXQWRIVXFFHVVHVRIYDULRXV stances in which Washington either adopts
NLQGV)RUH[DPSOH,DEXVLQHVVPDQUHFHLYHDODUJHSURILWDEOHRUGHU a very harsh approach or quits the region
,LPPHGLDWHO\FDOOIRUFHOHEUDWLRQVZLWKGHOLFDFLHVIRUDOOWKHHPSOR altogether. Iran and Afghanistan are two
\HHVDQGIHHOTXLWHVDWLVILHGZLWKOLIH,VKRXOGKDYHDGGHGDWOHDVWIRU such cases.
WKHWLPHEHLQJ%XW,GLGQ·WEHFDXVHSHRSOHGRQ·WWKLQNDKHDGLQVXFK The relations between Iran and Russia
had remained very minimal given the loss
PRPHQWV8QIRUWXQDWHO\JRRGDQGEDGNHHSRQKDSSHQLQJGHSHQG of Iranian territories in the South Caucasus
LQJXSRQRXU¶SUDUDEGKD IDWH ·7KHUHLVQRSHUPDQHQFHDQGZHDUH via the treaties of Gulistan (1813) and
DZDUHRIWKLVUHDOLW\ Turkmenchay (1828). Russia and Iran are
6RZKDWLVWKLVVXSHULRUVXNKD"/RUG.ULVKQDGHVFULEHV´%H\RQG the heirs to great empires; they have
WKHVHQVHVWKHUHLVXQOLPLWHGVXNKDZKLFKFDQEHH[SHULHQFHGWKURXJK inherited the same zeal to reclaim their
WKHLQWHOOLJHQFHµ  $VPHQWLRQHGHDUOLHUZHDUHTXLWHKDELWXDWHG rightful places. It was this instinct to bring
WRH[SHULHQFHVXNKDWKURXJKRXUVHQVHVDQGPLQGV*HWWLQJWRWKH back their respective past glory that acce-
lerated the process of their coalition.
OHYHORIH[SHULHQFLQJVXNKDWKURXJKRXULQWHOOLJHQFHLVDVXSHULRUKDELW As part of their geopolitical strategy,
7KLVLVSRVVLEOHRQO\DIWHURQHZKRIROORZVGKDUPDKDVHVWDEOLVKHG Russia and China always portrayed that
DJRRGFRQQHFWLRQZLWK*RGEHFDXVHRQO\ZKHQZHDUHOLQNHGZLWK they were willing to support the US, but ADBB800=3 As the new Cold War gradually Iran. It would raise the bargaining tan in 2016 and extended aid
*RG+HZLOOLQWHUYHQHRQRXUEHKDOI simultaneously worked jointly to cut short 278=070E4 progressed, Putin withdrew from power and geopolitical impor- worth $73 million to Kabul. It also
the American influence. For instance, several agreements with the US, tance of Iran. Israel might see it as proposed to set up an anti-terror
Russia concluded a secret deal in 1995, the 8=2A40B43 such as the Nunn-Lugar Coope- a shift in the American focus to alliance at a regional level with
Gore-Chernomyrdin agreement, in which
Moscow agreed to end the supply of its
BCA0C4682 rative Threat Reduction Program,
Open Skies treaty, etc. When Putin
prove its credibility to its other allies
owing to the Chinese threat to
Pakistan, Afghanistan, and
Tajikistan, thereby indicating its
conventional weapons to Iran by 1999. >DCA40278= visited Iran in 2017, Ayatollah Ali Taiwan, India and Japan. It might future military involvement in
Second, from June 2006 to June 2010, 8A0=0A<B Khamenei stated that the Russo- strain the American and Israeli ties. Central Asia. Thus, the US was
Russia and China did not use their veto in Iran cooperation could potential- For the US, the choices as of now lured strategically to continue its
the UNSC to stop sanctions against Iran. CA03414CF44= ly isolate the US. The current remain limited. It cannot risk a presence.
This was the same period wherein the US 8A0=0=3ADBB80 hardliner Ebrahim Raisi firmly conflict in West and East Asia For long, the US was in the
was involved in its war on terror in believes that Tehran is facing an simultaneously. classic Shakespearean dilemma of
Afghanistan. 10;;>>=435A>< 'existential threat' and should side Washington's uncertainty over "to be or not to be", which had con-
Statistically, during the period "<8;;8>= with the other similar oppressed the deal can somewhat be com- sequences. In 2015-16, Admiral
described above, Russia and China powers like Russia and China by pared to the same dilemma of the Bob Inman, a US security expert
increased their strategic outreach in Iran. 8= (('C> forming an "axis of resistance". US when questions arose over its understood the Sino-Russo game
Arms trade between Iran and Russia bal-  &18;;8>=8= Currently, the nuclear deal is withdrawal from Afghanistan. plan and called for the Americans
looned from $300 million between 1998 something that everyone is keenly Today, Russia and China have cre- to exit Afghanistan through a
and 2001 to $1.7 billion between 2002 and
! F8C7<>A4 watching. Biden has been hesitant ated the same labyrinth for the US cooperative security arrangement
2005, and more than 70 per cent of Iran's C70=&?4A to give vital concessions to Iran in as they did in Afghanistan. Russia with SCO, but given the questions
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and China aided by Pakistan, got
the tripartite talks on Afghanistan
on the "strategic ego", the recom-
mendation was sidelined. As the
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arms supplier. From 2010 onwards, Russia <>B2>F West Asian region and beyond. The thereby diplomatically entangling Washington hurriedly started
and China used their veto to favour Iran. West might lose its battle of non- the US. Simultaneously, reports of negotiations with the Taliban, and
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LWLQWRVWULGHDQGJRRQMXVWDV0HHUDMLGUDQNWKHSRLVRQJLYHQWRKHU macy. Grounds for further cooperation Accords. The success of the Biden Jaish–e- Mohammad (JeM). China, an insecure environment. China is
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stand having four dimensions brought the that the accords remain functional announced physical outreach to Afghanistan in lieu of its trade. The
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and Iran is kept engaged. From that
VXIIHULQJGLVWXUEHGKHUQRUDIIHFWHGKHUEHFDXVH*RGZDVLQWKHSLF the NATO expansion; Second, American perspective, the revival of the deal making the US feel insecure and US prepares to drop out from the
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of Sunni radicalism in South and West (The author is Assistant rests, and Israel might perceive it security cushion to Chinese region- and Iran is almost imminent. It
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Asia, and finally, their joint support to as a geopolitical 'compromise' with al investments. Also, Beijing nor- would usher in instability for South
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n an era when the ethos of tively want to let the student’s through,” announced a senior downwards drift of a flow from our professors would say ‘No’ melancholy thoughts, affecting

I children is more in sync


with social media and elec-
tronic devices than academic
whims who believes whatever
way he follows must be
endorsed (mein chahe ye karun,
CBSE official, briefing the
answer sheet evaluators in the
orientation session, adding that
abundance to scarcity, a teacher
imparts knowledge, wisdom,
know-how and foremost the
even at significantly lower
salary.
We can understand the
most others. In teaching, for
good delivery one has to keep
spirits of learning aflame,
pursuits and overall growth and men chahe wo karu, meri “no mark should be deducted blessings, reason enough he is quality of teaching of persons because knowledge is ever
wellbeing, it is ticklish for tea- marji). The student is catapult- for approximately correct held in high esteem in all com- with neither enthusiasm nor expanding and understanding
chers to do their job in earnest. ed to hero status and all answer”. munities and regions. In loyalty to the profession. The of latest developments can in
81B9C810AC7F0;
Gone are the days of a hard task machineries are supposed to In the end, students and grooming the learner, Aristotle founder of Infosys Narayan turn keep the students enligh-
master, who the parents also work in unison to serve his or parents celebrate the excellent placed good teachers above Murthy is on record to lament tened. It is with this premise
appreciated for keeping the her needs. And why not! results in big ways. Trouble parents who just gave birth. that engineers of our premier that in-service courses are
erring students on tracks. A A child is often raised in a starts when ushered in the In our pursuit of the mun- However, only a motivat- institutions first choose man- being continuously conducted
simple verbal reprimand in a system where he obliges par- realistic world like admission dane we often overlook that at ed teacher, with an abiding agement courses and then get by educational institutions.
classroom, let alone corporal ents by finishing his breakfast, closed at 98 per cent cut off or the back of any innovation — spirit to learn can deliver the busy selling soaps and oils. Apart from the sound
punishment, may lead the completing the home work, when compelled to join a lowly scientific, technological, spiri- best. Unfortunately, in recruit- We grow only so long as we knowledge of the subject, the
flared up parent interrogating and visiting his maternal job. Conditions in engineering, tual, and intellectual or else — ing teachers scholastic record keep learning, unlike non-liv- present day teacher not only
school authority the next day grandfather on his return from management and other institu- is the story of consistent, rather than fit aptitude has ing entities that entail no intrin- has the spirit to teach but also
for the harassment of the child, the mall. Over the years, edu- tions are hardly better: unin- painstaking efforts, discipline been the criteria. Conse- sic change or improvement. has to be well-grounded in
quoting the guidelines in place. cation boards have also been spired students sans professio- and uncompromising attitude quently, those aspiring to be in “Education is not preparation electrical gadgets so as not to
No wonder, one teacher in pampering students by liberally nal commitment. As for par- in accomplishing the given civil services, engineering jobs, for life,” said US educationist be fooled. Yet the foremost
every four or five schools in giving high marks on mediocre ents, they want their darlings to task. etc., join teaching; some of John Dewey, adding “it is life attribute is the teacher’s abili-
capital cities faces a police case performance in written papers. somehow grab an MNC job on It is only an arduous jour- them use it as a platform for itself ”. One with eyes on the ty to gain the confidence of stu-
to defend his alleged ‘miscon- “If a student is short of three or a decent package. That was the ney that leads to a beautiful competitive exams and switch future is reflexively attuned to dents. Only when a proper rap-
duct’. It is as if the entire four marks to pass, write down message being ingrained in destination. Teacher, basically over. Given an opportunity to learning; he is imbued with port has been set up between
society, media, politician and (The author is a Delhi-based the answer yourself with your the minds of the children over a giver, gives to the disciple become Tehsildar or police enthusiasm and optimism to the two that message shall go
child rights activists collec- journalist & blogger) pen, so the student gets the years. what nobody can. Like the sub-inspector, how many of steer clear of any depressive or down the heart.
06 NEW DELHI, THURSDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2022 Vol. CXXXXXVI 211

Partition and Independence~II A MEMBER


OF THE
Incorporating and directly descended
from THE FRIEND OF INDIA - Founded 1818
For years together, the leaders who surrendered to Britain‘s plan of control were in ASIAN VOICES
Spirit of '71 power. They relentlessly propagated their sole proprietorship of the freedom struggle.
Egypt and
T he announcement of a scholarship for the The communists did criticise the nature of freedom we achieved, but they did not make
direct descendants of Indian soldiers who
fought in the 1971 Liberation War by Bangla-
any attempt to expose the agenda underlying the Indian Independence Act 1947. They Viet Nam to
desh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on focused chiefly on economic issues. Other organisations‘ positions were insignificant
Tuesday was, as symbols go, a powerful and evoca- from the national perspective. They could not put up any effective challenge to the explore
tive one. It underlined the spirit of 1971, as it were,
which was perilously close to dissipating in the official propaganda bright future
decades which followed Bangladesh gaining its inde-
pendence ~ first due to the re-emergence of Islamist
forces in that country, both as terror groups and as
of friendship

T
factions in mainstream political parties, and in more
his year, the Egyptian national
recent times due to China’s concerted effort to
day marks the 70th anniver-
expand its strategic footprint in South Asia for which sary of the Egyptian revolution
Dhaka has been assiduously wooed with easy monies of July 23, 1952. This event
by Beijing. It is in this context that Prime Minister shaped the modern political history in
Narendra Modi’s call for both countries to resist and Egypt and significantly inspired other
fight forces looking to undermine and “attack” the countries in different parts of the
mutual trust between India and Bangladesh at a world, especially those struggling to
meeting with his visiting Bangladeshi counterpart achieve independence. The first Egyp-
needs to be understood. The rise of extremism in tian Republic was established to lead
Bangladesh, against which Ms Hasina and the party the path of modernisation, develop-
ment and social justice in Egypt.
she leads, the Awami League, are still the strongest
Not many years later, and in the
bulwark, is a clear and present danger to not only spirit of solidarity among nations
that country but India too. The radicalisation of aspiring for independence and devel-
Bangladeshi youth can be seen in their increasing opment, Egypt and Viet Nam estab-
involvement in the violent targeting of minority lished diplomatic relations in 1963,
Hindu religious festivals, places of worship, and and both countries are looking for-
women. To its credit, the Hasina Administration has ward to working together to celebrate
spoken out unequivocally against such attacks and the 60th anniversary of Egyptian-Viet-
crackdowns have been launched albeit with namese diplomatic ties and the long-
mixed results. But administrative action can at best standing friendship between our two
nations next year.
control, not eradicate, a societal mindset encouraged In recent years, the friendship
by religious fundamentalism. between Egypt and Viet Nam had its
The spill-over of Wahabi Islam, as opposed to highest political manifestation in the
the largely syncretic religious practices of Bengali

T
Muslims, into neighbouring states of India has led
to extreme polarisation. Within Bangladesh, pro-Pak- he end game was played It was propagated widely King as the fountain of honour were, before 15 August 1947,
istan elements are not only active but are suspected when political power was that the London Declaration ush- for the Commonwealth, Nehru included in British India, would historical exchanged state visits of
by the Indian establishment of being guided to target transferred to India in ered in the birth of a new Com- gladly accepted this…’’ This be under the sovereignty of the President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi to Viet
1947. In the name of In- monwealth which was no longer explodes the myth that Nehru British Crown. Nam.
moderate Muslim voices and paint them as “anti- dependence, Dominion Status an exclusively British organisa- was initially opposed to the idea If it were an innocent provi- These visits contributed further
Islam” thereby undermining ~ with an aim to even- was granted to us. H V Hodson, tion, but a free association of an of joining the Commonwealth, sion describing the status of for- momentum to the bilateral relations
tually delegitimise ~ the Sheikh Hasina government. the British advisor to the Viceroy international organisation that an organisation that had the mer British Indian Territories, between our two countries and peo-
The pincer-grip Dhaka faces today is of China’s debt- of India, said in his ‘The Great included even republics as its British monarch as its head. why did Britain repeal this by the ples in all fields, including political,
trap from one side and Pakistan’s promotion of fun- Divide’ that Dominion Status members. On the other hand, his elo- Statute law (Repeals) Act 1976? economic, military, parliamentary,
damentalist forces more amenable to Islamabad’s meant full nationhood within the A careful examination of the quent defence of complete inde- The Indian leaders, impa- and cultural aspects.
overtures on the other. That’s where New Delhi British Commonwealth. declared objectives of the so pendence is hardly convincing tient to come to power, accept- Furthermore, despite the impact
comes in, to keep the spirit of 1971 alive. Hodson defended the British called ‘new Com- because he never ed it as our independence. One of the pandemic, the economic ties
The inking of seven bilateral agreements between perspective on dominion status monwealth’, howev- opposed the Indi- would like to know why there between Egypt and Viet Nam contin-
India and Bangladesh during Ms Hasina’s visit and it is quite understandable er, reveals that this an Independence was no hue and cry over this hid- ued to grow. The bilateral trade vol-
that he would avoid any explana- was not substantial- Act 1947 in terms den agenda of the Transfer of ume between the two countries
including one for sharing waters of the Kushiyara
tion as to how the Dominions ly different from of which India was Power. For years together, the topped US$600 million last year.
River, as well as agreements to enhance cooperation could become free nations des- the objectives laid made a Dominion. leaders who surrendered to In addition, the second session of
in trade, energy, connectivity, water resources, secu- pite their common allegiance to down in the Balfour Let us now exam- Britain’s plan of control were in the subcommittee on Industry and
rity, and defence, are significant in this regard, as the British Crown. Report. ine how the Indian power. They relentlessly propa- Trade Cooperation was virtually held
was the inauguration by the PMs of phase one of the But, how did our leaders ac- The Balfour Re- Independence Act gated their sole proprietorship of in August 2021 to further promote
Khulna thermal power plant. Mr Modi emphasised in cept Dominion Status as inde- port emphasised stipulated that the the freedom struggle. economic cooperation between our
his remarks after the meeting that India is the largest pendence and decide to join the that Britain and the Indian Dominion The communists did criti- two countries. Currently, both coun-
market in Asia for Bangladeshi exports, hinting that Commonwealth? Britain’s Impe- dominions were au- would be subordi- cise the nature of freedom we tries are working closely to prepare for
NANDALAL
discussions on a free trade agreement would be rial strategy underlying member- tonomous and equ- CHAKRABARTI nated to the achieved, but they did not make the 6th session of the Egyptian Viet-
speeded up. Crucially, both sides also agreed to re- ship of the Commonwealth was al in their relations. British Crown. any attempt to expose the agen- namese Joint committee, to be held in
revealed long before 1947 in the Theirs would be a The writer is former Head of The Indian In- da underlying the Indian Inde- Cairo, and the 9th session of political
main mindful of each other's security concerns and Balfour Report. free association
the Department of Political
dependence Act pendence Act 1947. consultations in the capital.
Science, Presidency College,
strategic priorities in what has been officially The Balfour Report was pre- within the British Kolkata 1947 was passed in They focused chiefly on eco- Among the different fields of
described as a “cooperative matrix of engagement”. pared by the Committee on In- Commonwealth the British Parlia- nomic issues. Other organisa- cooperation between Egypt and Viet
ter-Imperial Relations at the Im- with a common allegiance to the ment. It stated in chapter 30, sec- tions’ positions were insignifi- Nam, cultural relations continue to be
perial Conference held in Lon- British Crown. Was this status tion 1.—(I), “… from the fif- cant from the national perspec- a very important pillar of our bilateral
Britain's new phase don in 1926. The Report was na-
med after a British Cabinet Min-
altered by the London Declara- teenth day of August, nineteen
tion? hundred and forty-seven, two
tive. They could not put up any
effective challenge to the official
relations. Several joint activities took
place in recent years, including the

N umber 10 Downing Street will boast a new ister, Arthur Balfour. It claimed There was only the change independent Dominions shall be propaganda. active participation in cultural festi-
resident this week. Beyond such ceremonial to have developed a new concept of name from British Common- set up in India, to be known It is not true that people of vals and events organised by the two
changing of the guard, so to speak, Britain’s of relations between Britain and wealth to Commonwealth of respectively as India and Pakis- India did not develop the spirit countries and the increasing numbers
next Prime Minister, Liz Truss, had a smaller margin the Dominions. Nations and inclusion of re- tan.’’ It clearly shows that we of nationalism to move from of Vietnamese students choosing to
It pointed out that Britain publics in the Commonwealth. were given only Dominion status Dominion status to complete study the Arabic language in Egypt.
of victory on Monday than any of her predecessors, and the Dominions would be Everything else remained exactly and not full independence. freedom. Over the years, despite These relations further contribute to
suggesting she might have to work hard to heal a gov- autonomous communities with- the same. The expression Independent the officially sponsored propa- raising the young generations' aware-
erning party deeply divided and lagging in opinion in the Empire. They would be Nehru signed the declara- Dominion would seem absolute- ganda, they cherished the mem- ness regarding the friendship between
polls. No less forbidding is the economic crisis. There equal in their relationship to one tion in 1949. Even before signing ly meaningless if one goes ory of the INA revolt and Naval our two nations and consolidating the
is little doubt that the contest with Rishi Sunak was another. The members of the the Declaration, he had expres- through the shocking text of Sec- Mutiny. The revolutionaries have cultural links between our countries.
closely contested, which itself is suggestive of the bic- British Commonwealth would sed his willingness to accept the tion 2.—(I.) of the same chapter. always been their heroes. This year, Egypt will host the 27th
kering within the ruling Conservatives, one that ap- remain united by a common alle- British King as the permanent 2.—(I) says, “… the territo- But unfortunately, such nar- session of the Conference of the Par-
pears to have exacerbated post Brexit. After a bitter giance to the British Crown. head of the Commonwealth. ries of India shall be the territo- ratives always remained beneath ties to the United Nations Framework
contest, Truss won 57 per cent of the votes from Con- ‘British Commonwealth’ Mountbatten, in his letter of ries under the sovereignty of His the surface. The spirit is there. It Convention on Climate Change on
became ‘Commonwealth of Na- 25 October 1948, to Noel-Baker, Majesty, which immediately has to be rekindled so that it can November 6-18, 2022, to address the
servative Party members compared to 43 per cent
tions’ after the London Declara- Secretary of State for Com- before the appointed day [i.e. 15 banish for good whatever colo- important challenges that the world
for her rival, the outgoing Chancellor of the Exche- tion, a declaration issued by the monwealth Relations informed August 1947] were included in nial mind-set is still left. faces as a result of climate change, and
quer. The margin, although seemingly comfortable, Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ “… Stafford came down with the British India…’’ In other words, discuss the different commitments
was not as overwhelming as some polls suggested. Conference in London in 1949. idea of asking India to accept the the territories of India which (Concluded) pledged in this regards.
Truth to tell, it was the narrowest victory since Con-
servative members were given a say on who to elect LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@thestatesman.com
as their party leader in 2001. Ms Truss has a lower
level of support among Conservative lawmakers than

CPM's blunder
any of her predecessors in this century. international award which Shailaja
Despite the grandstanding after Tuesday’s swear- fully deserved. SHAMEFUL
But the party to which she
ing-in at the Queen’s Balmoral Estate in Scotland, belongs stood in her way on flimsy SIR, Through the columns of your
indubitable must be the reality that politically the SIR, I was stunned to see the re- sembly election, the CPM is still grounds. I cannot find appropri- esteemed daily, I would like to express
ruling Tories are on a sticky wicket. Polls during the port, “Magsaysay award contro- sticking to its old idea of calling ate words to condemn the CPM for my opinion about the communal
leadership campaign suggested that Truss’s victory versy in CPM” in The Statesman of bandhs at the drop of a hat. such a misdeed which surpasses trolling on young Indian bowler
margin would be larger. A YouGov poll in August had 5 September. But I was really annoyed to the so called Himalayan blunder Arshdeep Singh for missing a catch in
Truss at 69 per cent to Sunak’s 31 per cent. “It was The Left in general and CPM learn from your report that on the committed by the party in deny- the last match against Pakistan. His
closer than expected,” said Andrew Bridgen, a in particular are known for their ground that Magsaysay was known ing Jyoti Basu the opportunity to Wikipedia page was vandalised to por-
Conservative lawmaker. om One must give it to dogmatic ghetto mentality. Know- for putting down communist gue- become the first Prime Minister tray him as a member of a ‘Khalistan
Ms Truss that she was remarkably gracious in her ing very well that strikes, bandhs rillas, the CPM has disallowed Ker- from West Bengal. Squad’. The Union ministry of elec-
and hartals serve no purpose other ala Health Minister KK Shailaja Yours, etc., tronics and information technology
acceptance speech. than causing severe inconvenience from accepting the Magsaysay Purushottam Chatterjee, stepped in, summoning Wikipedia offi-
She has ruled out a snap election and promised to people, the Left has resorted to award for 2022. Kolkata, 5 September. cials to explain how such fake infor-
to deliver a "great victory" for the Conservative Party such strikes time and again there- Shailaja had done a com- mation was published.
at the next general election in 2024. In terms of the by losing the acceptability which mendable job by effectively han- Challenges During Sunday’s Asia cup match
fallout in the United Kingdom, Scotland’s leader, they once had among a section dling the Nipah and Covid 19 out- SIR, After weeks of an often bad- against Pakistan he dropped an easy
Nicola Sturgeon, who wants her country to break of people. breaks in Kerala as health minis- tempered and divisive leadership catch in the 18th over that changed the
away from the rest of the United Kingdom, and Even after getting drubbed in ter. It is a matter of honour, dignity contest, Liz Truss, currently the complexion of the super four clash. But
Frances O'Grady, the general secretary of the Trades the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 as- and prestige to be selected for the foreign minister, defeated former for this should someone be attacked
Union Congress, mocked the scale of the victory. finance minister Rishi Sunak in a communally? No one drops a catch on
vote of Conservative Party mem- purpose. Such an incident is shameful
Sturgeon pointed out that the size of Truss’s victory
bers, winning by 81,326 votes for us.
was smaller than the support Scotland would need to to 60,399. Yours, etc., Diganta Chakraborty,
win independence under a new law she is said to be It was possibly closer than Hooghly, 6 September.
considering. some people had expected. The
Truss is planning a new referendum bill that Indian origin Sunak is expected to
would mean Scotland could only win independence continue to champion the cause of mised to cancel a planned hike in committed to act quickly to tackle
if 50 per cent of those entitled to vote were in favour, the over 1.5-million strong Indian corporation tax, reverse a rise in the cost of living crisis, saying that
not just a majority of those who voted. O’Grady said diaspora from the backbenches the national insurance personal within a week she will come up
the size of her win would not meet the threshold that along with his own constituents. tax, and unveil an emergency bud- with a plan to tackle rising energy
Truss wants unions members to have to declare for Going forward, Truss faced get soon after taking office. bills and securing future fuel
criticism during the campaign for However, Truss will take over supplies.
workers to legally strike in the future. In 2019, Truss’s her refusal to spell out a detailed as the UK faces a cost of living cri- It remains to be seen how
predecessor Boris Johnson, who was forced to resign plan to tackle the cost of living, but sis, industrial unrest, a recession Truss handles inflation in the
over a string of scandals, won 66 per cent of the vote. won over Tory members early on and war in Europe, where the coming days.
Suffice it is to register that British history has entered in the race with a promise to cut country has been a leading backer Yours, etc.,
a new phase and the world must hope that the power taxes and a turnaround in her de- of Ukraine. N Sadhasiva Reddy,
vacuum will be filled. bate performances. She has pro- But, the PM-designate has Bengaluru, 5 September.
NEW DELHI, THURSDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2022 07
Fishing or Phishing?
100 YEARS AGO

OCCASIONAL NOTE
Serious colliery disasters in Great Britain
are much more rare now than they used to
SUPRAKASH C ROY be in the days when the yearly toll of life
among miners amounted to a thousand

T
hose who have visited the or more. The explosion at Whitehaven
USA or lived there will brings back the recollection of many a
remember the shape and size harrowing tale, and one of the most
of the street-side letter boxes. poignant is that of the tragedy which
While walking down the street with occurred in the same district twelve years
a British professor during one of my ago. One-hundred-and-forty men and
visits to the US, I remember how des- lads were then entombed, of whom only
perately he was looking for a letter four could be rescued, all means of escape
box (Americans call it mail box). for the rest being cut off by a fire. The loss
When I pointed to a blue-coloured of life on this occasion, fortunately is not
box located on the pavement (the so great. Our London correspondent gives
British call it a footpath) as the mail- the total as thirty-nine. Once more, as in
box, he was taken aback and com- the former times when such tragedies
mented "Oh, my God! It looks like a were more frequent in British colliery dis-
trash bin. I would not have been able tricts, we read of the distressing scenes at
to locate the letter box if you were not the pit-head where the relatives of
with me.' Truly, it looks like a trash entombed men awaited in suspense the
bin. It has a huge opening with a big result of the rescue work going on below.
lid, which can be used as a tray when Again, the tragedy is relieved by the hero-
it is opened. Americans use the tray ism which has never yet failed in such
to place letters, British use it to place emergencies on the part of those who at
waste. Letter boxes in India and the imminent peril of their own lives have
Britain are very similar; a slim, red gone to the succour of their comrades in
iron cylindrical structure, with its top the depths of the wrecked pit. The British
looking like a human head, and a slit miner may have his faults like the rest of
in the front to drop letters. This is not us, but a disaster like this invariably brings
surprising as we have inherited all out the splendid courage and self-devo-
these from the British during the tion which are ingrained in his character.
colonial rule in India for more than
two hundred years. NEWS ITEMS
From my several short visits in
the last two years, I realized that the
scale of everything in America is huge EIGHTEEN
compared to England. The portion of
food served in restaurants is huge; the
DACOITIES
average size of a house, including
probably the owner of the house, on
IN A WEEK
an average, is bigger; the average size A communiqué issued by the Publicity
of the supermarket, including the Officer, Bengal, states that eighteen cases
available portion of the produce is of dacoity were reported in the presiden-
bigger. It is therefore quite logical that cy of Bengal during the week ending Sat-
the packets being mailed by Ameri- urday, August 26. Out of these three
cans are fatter and the mailboxes are chain stores, were going out of busi- street side mailboxes were smeared To prevent 'mailbox fishing', the resources for survival are susceptible cases each were reported from the dis-
made to accommodate them. ness due to the increasing trend of with a kind of gluey substance. The US Postal Service is now replacing to crimes such as robbery, petty theft tricts of Burdwan and Hooghly, two each
As reported in one of the issues on-line shoppers. Fortunately for design of the US mailboxes helped the old boxes with newer ones. They etc. while persons suffering from from the districts of 24-Parganas, Malda
of the New Yorker, the US is replac- India, the country has not yet gone the perpetrators fish out envelopes look identical to the old ones except deprivation out of income inequality and Mymensingh, and one each from
ing its mailboxes with ones having a completely digital; not all Indians containing documents like cheques that the huge opening on the top is are linked with more aggressive and the districts of Birbhum, Nadia, Midna-
smaller opening. You will be mistak- have internet access, and a large per- and packets carrying valuables. The replaced by a narrow three-eighth violent crimes such as murder, homi- pore and Faridpur. In the Faridpur case,
en if you think that this is due to a centage of the population is still digi- method was simple: insert any heavy inch slit in front. As usual public cide and assault. Is it not surprising no less than Rs 10,000 in cash was looted
sudden romance developed with tally challenged. I fear that the day is object like an empty glass bottle or a reaction to the change, like any other that a country with a low poverty and a reward of Rs 1,000 has been
Britain. It is entirely for a different not very far off when small local bottle of juice coated with glue tied to change, is mixed. index is behaving like a country with offered for information leading to the
reason - to protect theft and loss of stores will disappear. Many of the a long rope into the mailbox, move it Aristotle had once said "Poverty high poverty like India? And the situ- detection of the case and the conviction
packets. The US Postal Service is senior citizens find it difficult to han- around inside the box for a while and is the parent of crime". Multiple ation is so grave that the postal ser- of the culprits. In two of the Hooghly
under heavy pressure financially. dle on-line purchases and are often then pull it out. If one is lucky, he/she scholarly disciplines like economics, vice of the USA is forced to replace cases reward of Rs 50 has been awarded
Donald Trump once exasperated duped. Whether we realize it or not, may be rewarded with an envelope political science, anthropology etc. the mailboxes. for the same purpose. Fifteen of the
with the booming business of on-line with an increasing number of senior or a small packet sticking to the have indicated that poverty and The point that comes out loud cases were house dacoities, while three
stores like Amazon or Flipkart tweet- citizens living alone in cities in India, inserted object. It could be an enve- crime go hand in hand. Crimes origi- and clear is that crime is universal, were road dacoities.
ed "I am right about Amazon costing dukans or kirana stores provide a lope containing a cheque, or a packet nate from despair and a feeling of and perpetrators have no nationality.
the United States Post Office massive
amounts of money for being their
useful service to the society.
The main reason for the replace-
containing an expensive perfume, a
watch, or such other attractive prod-
insecurity. There are two major kinds
of poverty. One is absolute poverty
Given a chance people will behave
similarly anywhere. What is impor- AKALIS' FIGHT
Delivery Boy!".
It is true that on-line stores have
ment of older letter boxes is that the
US Postal Service is facing a new
ucts. Cashing a cheque from an enve-
lope, of course, requires the skill of
which arises out of non-availability
of minimum resources for survival.
tant is to cultivate the right values in
people and the rest will follow suit - WITH POLICE
already sucked in the traditional problem called 'Mailbox fishing' phishing by using software to over- The other is relative poverty that has be it in the East or the West. AMRITSAR, SEPT 7
stores. I witnessed this myself during which, in a sense, is the traditional ride the entire banking process in its origin in income inequality. Peo- One hundred and two Akalis represent-
my visit to the US in the pre-pan- way of modern 'phishing'. In 2015, work. But any other ready-to-use ple suffering from poverty arising out The writer is a man of letters and was editor- ing the Jullundur district left the Golden
demic era. Many stores, including US Postal Services staff noticed that product can be a prized possession. of non-availability of minimum in-chief of the journal Science and Culture. Temple yesterday at 10-15 A.M. after tak-
ing the pledge of non-violence. They

Man who gave the Soviets a chance


were stopped about 3 P.M. about eight
miles from Amritsar. The police endeav-
oured to send them back to Amritsar by
motor ambulance cars, but the Akalis
MAHIR ALI ed scrutiny and the doubts about his ret-ain what remained of the USSR jumped out and attempted to force their
agenda would be publicly aired. after the Baltic republics had exited way to Amritsar. They came into colli-

J
ust a couple of days after Mikhail Gorbachev wasn’t too worried. with a union treaty encompassing a sion with the police and it is reported
Gorbachev was laid to rest, a The initial domestic reaction to his looser Soviet federation was thwarted that several persons were injured and
Moscow court took away the reformism was largely positive. Hard- by the elected presidents of Russia, that two have died of their injuries. A
newspaper Novaya Gazeta’s ly any Soviet leader since Vladimir Ukraine and Belarus, who surrepti- female jatha has been formed but the
licence to publish. It seemed as if the Lenin had frivolously mingled with tiously signed an agreement that Parbandak Committee have not allowed
last vestiges of Gorbachev’s legacy ordinary citizens. In due course, effectively dissolved the Soviet them to proceed to Guru-ka-Bagh. All
were being buried alongside his mor- however, he became one of the most Union. women lately baptized to Sikhism wear
tal remains. hated leaders — and, thanks to him, Gorbachev had no choice but to kirpans. In the city Bhai Teja Singh
Novaya Gazeta’s editor-in-chief, the hatred did not need to be con- accept the fait accompli, and formal- Jathedar of Shiromany Akali Dal was
Dmitry Muratov, who shared last cealed. ly resigned his presidential post on arrested today.
year’s Nobel Peace Prize with Filipina That in itself was a triumph. It Christmas Day in 1991. What fol-
journalist Maria Ressa, was promi-
nent among the thousands of
also spelled the end of the USSR.
The end came rather suddenly.
lowed, for Russia in particular under
Yelt-sin, was a travesty. But it’s TELEPHONE
mourners who attended Gorbachev’s
funeral last Saturday. The indepen-
The fatuous coup attempt in August
1991 ought not to have come as a
absurd to blame Gorbachev for the
neoliberal ‘shock therapy’ and its CHARGES IN
dent newspaper was founded in
1993, partly with proceeds from Gor- natural and human, that could have pages of Soviet history. He did not
surprise, but its rapid failure owes as
much to the freedom of expression
consequences. That wasn’t his cho-
sen path.
CALCUTTA
bachev’s Nobel Prize, and had ever been deployed to overcome the stasis need to point out that such pages that Gorbachev had succeeded in Putin’s Russia suggests the SIMLA, SEPT 7
since remained a voluble source of of the Brezhnev-era stagnation were plentiful. instituting as it does to Boris Yeltsin’s appropriate lessons have not been Colonel Sir S.D.A. Crookshank replying
dissent in the Russia that emerged through much of the 1970s. But the The second related to trans- commendable posturing. learned from the freq-u-e-n-t--ly to a question by Mr. D'Arcy Lindsay in
from the dissolution of the Soviet path to achieving that goal was not forming a polity and an economy Gorbachev survived the coup uplifting Gorbachev era. At his the Legislative Assembly today regard-
Union 30 years ago. surprisingly, never clear. that stopped well short of meeting but returned to Moscow a dimin- crowded fu--neral, a photographer ing the recent agreement concluded by
It’s distressingly common for Gorbachev wasn’t initially sin- people’s needs. Gorbachev had been ished leader. The party he led had commented: “It’s been six months the Government with the Bengal Tele-
that collapse to be blamed mainly on gled out as a reformist when he in charge of agriculture during his sought to topple him and return to since so many decent people have phone Company, said the Government
Gorbachev, the last leader of the assumed power in 1985. It was obvi- journey to the helm. He knew all too the stagnant alternative, but the vast together been in one place.” Among of India were aware that the Company
USSR. In the aftermath, Gorbachev ous that he, at 54, was considerably well, including during his stint as the majority of Russians resented and them was the veteran liberal politi- desired to charge Rs 350 per annum, the
grudgingly acknowledged that the younger than his three geriatric pre- party chief in his native Stavropol, resisted the retrograde effort. This cian Grigory Yavlinsky, who noted: maximum subscription allowed for con-
criticism wasn’t entirely unfair. But decessors. It took a year for what he that much needed to change. He also was due, in large part, to what “These people came to Gorbachev to nections under the agreement. They
that was never his intent. He was had in mind to become a little more realised it wouldn’t be easy. Gorba-chev had achieved in the pre- say, ‘Thank you, Mr Gorbachev. You understand, however, that for the pre-
determined to transform the behe- clear. And it was momentous. It proved even harder than he vious six years. Dissent no longer gave us a chance, but we lost this sent the Company does not propose to
moth while preserving in a different Glasnost was the relatively easy had probably envisaged, not least seemed like a straight path to prison. chance’.” raise its rate at Calcutta beyond Rs 300.
form both its socialistic impulses and part. Perestroika inevitably proved because of his own reforms. Enabling Russians took to the streets en Perhaps “You gave us a chance” The Government of India had before
its multicultural essence. much trickier. The first involved lift- the right to free speech, unknown in masse to resist the atte-m-p-ted would serve as a suitable epitaph for them the views of the Government of
It wasn’t initially obvious that ing the curbs on free expression that the Soviet Union since the 1920s, coup. And, cruc-ially, soldiers a leader who tried, but failed, to save Bengal and of the principal commercial
the project was doomed. The Soviet had survived the Stalin era and, as meant that his accomplishments refused orders to shoot fellow citi- the Soviet Union. bodies at Calcutta prior to the execution
Union had plenty of resources, both Gorbachev put it, filling in the blank would be subjected to unprecedent- zens. But Gorba-c-hev’s project to of the agreement.
Dawn/ANN.

CROSSWORD NO 292185 ENCOURAGING


NEWS FROM
YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION
ACROSS 12 Tanned liar with Unionist, dear me not with head of 16 Britain cut free
THE FRONTIER
notes for no! (9) DOWN your fish (5) from leader? ALLAHABAD, SEPT 7
1 No offspring? No
problems! (9)
Congress (9) 25 Conservative 1 Authority’s bad 7 Fight to secure Time for a drink! According to reports from the frontier, the
6 Tory leader
13 Puzzle is prig, when out of at the top? Damn uncapped post (8) Abdur Rahman Khel tribe of Wazirs, who
uncivilised, head, is vulgar (5) straight! (3,3) and monetary 18 No man is
competent?
having been 26 Enduring awful 2 Private drug relief (7) unfamiliar with were responsible for the attack on the
That’s one to
written in drink racket, a jumbo stash (7) 8 Going by Greek’s this (7) Royal Welsh Fusiliers at the end of July,
dine out on! (5)
9 Missing family
(8) going over? (7) 3 Duties up on letter, glean 20 Scholarly earl and whose villages in consequence were
held by Charlie-
15 Bar allowing in 27 Arousing feeling I Italian energy – changes coming getting naughty subjected to bombing from the air, sub-
half-cut Tory have backing room for cuts? about (8) (sex involved) (7)
snorting convict
gets stick (5) revolutionary (4,5) 14 Out-and-out 21 Small bar mitted on Sunday last, says the Pioneer.
(7)
17 Two different book (7) 4 Unopened ale, a Conservative mounting lively With the submission of this unruly tribe,
10 Titillating stuff
shot around
Europeans going 28 Oceanographer gallon to be supporting Dutch celebrations (6) there now only remain the Gelal Khel
island near
west – to do with some cheek, drunk ... thirsty? ‘have got’ (9) 23 Old marriage that Wazirs as recalcitrants. They may reason-
this? (5) Mancunian? (5) (5) 15 Bishop raced you must leave?
California (7)
19 Reportedly much 29 Very in thrall to 5 A shade wishy- away after A tear-jerker! (5) ably be expected to consider whether they
11 Turns away,
more than just short-contract washy? Harden church: to go 24 Fancy little drink, should not follow the example of their
shunning leader
of The States (5)
pedestrian? (8) workers (one’s a up on that! (5,4) forth and drop of ethanol neighbours in view of the isolation in
22 In love with awful siren) (9) 6 Experiment, but multiply? (6,3) in it (5) which they now find themselves. These
developments are most encouraging and
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. (By arrangement with The Independent, London) give further proof of the success of the
present policy in Waziristan.
EDIT
THE ASIAN AGE | THURSDAY | 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 | NEW DELHI
pg 5

Subhani

8 SEPTEMBER 2022

Will Rahul’s yatra help


Congress reinvent itself?
I
ndia is the largest democracy in the world but over most of its life as
an independent nation saw its politics being dominated by one party.
It took 30 years for a political formation to unseat the Congress with
its legacy of the freedom struggle; but the Janata experiment which
did the unthinkable proved unsustainable and the Congress was back in
the saddle.
The political instability of the 1990s produced fragmented electoral
results and experimentation continued. After Rajiv Gandhi’s landslide
victory in 1984, it took another 30 years for a party to win a majority of its
own. Narendra Modi led the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance to
victory in 2014.
The Opposition is so weak that there is no party that can claim the post
of Leader of the Opposition following the last two elections as it needs 10
per cent seats in the Lok Sabha. It is in this background that the
Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra (Unite the Nation Walk) of
the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi is to be seen.
The 3,500 km Yatra, as per the Congress, seeks to unite the people against
policies of the NDA government which it alleges have resulted in the eco-
nomic ruin of the country. Another goal of the

As ‘tomato fever’ emerges,


It looks as if the yatra is to mobilise people to resist what it says
problem is not with are the BJP’s attempts to spread hate and to LETTERS
the party rank and divide the nation on religious lines.
file, but with the The Congress believes that the Yatra will help
it reinvent itself. The party is in a hopeless
WHO IS TEACHER NO. 1?
leadership. That the position when it comes to numbers in the Lok
grand old party of Sabha and it runs governments only in two
Indian politics has states. But the fact is that the party and its
no leader for the apparatus still exist in most states except per-
haps Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the two most
last three years says electorally significant states.
much about the However, the Congress is either the main
misinformation challenge Health reporting the challenge may contin-
It is to the credit of
AAP that it has brought
the neglected educa-
tion system back into
total disarray. Opposition or the United Progressive Alliance ue in the times ahead. It is, focus as an electoral
needs to be nuanced. therefore, extremely nec-
it leads is at striking distance of power in sev- issue. The success of
eral states. The party scored an unexpected number of votes when elec- Chandrakant Covid-19 has made essary that the govern-
AAP in running civic
the task tougher for
Lahariya
tions were conducted last in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya ments (both Central and
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, signalling the acceptance it still enjoys journalists as they state), the media and schools even made it
in these key states. every citizen assume some to the NYT, causing
It looks as if the problem is not with the party rank and file, but with the
have to fulfil the responsibility. Govern-
leadership which seems to have no plan to present before the people. It information needs of ments at all levels must much heartburn to the
watched disinterestedly when the BJP torpedoed its governments in sev- readers who have take prompt steps to curb BJP, which immediately
eral states. That the grand old party of Indian politics has no leader for the already seen various misinformation. The
set its propaganda

I
last three years says much about the total disarray at the top. n the third week of draws our attention to the health experts and policy-
verified and
To occupy the Opposition space and prepare people for a regime change August 2022, the continuing challenge of
unverified sources.
makers need to be better machinery in action
are the democratic mandates the Congress has. Whether the party has news of the emer- misinformation and “info- trained and equipped in
planned for it or not, the main yatra which passes through 12 states and gence of “tomato flu” demic” in the health sec- scientific communication.
claiming it to be paid
two Union territories and the contributories in several others will surely or “tomato fever” be- tor. The info-demic was reports to support their The government’s advi- news. However the
connect it with the grassroots. It will also impart a fresh momentum to the came a major headline in first acknowledged during entire claim. Their conclu- sories and information immediate rejoinder by
UPA. India. It started with the the Covid-19 pandemic. sion seems definitive and system must be adapted to
The critical point, however, is whether or not the party leadership has a correspondence in the However, the situation exceeds the information the new age needs of social the NYT took the wind
plan to fight the Narendra Modi government which it blames for the ills of medical journal The Lan- has not improved much in they have used. In fact, media communication. off the sails of the BJP
the country. If it can do that, it will survive its opponent and be back in the cet Respiratory Medicine the last two years. In fact, the authors went ahead by Health reporting is a
game. on August 17, which had there has been an naming the virus “tomato complex matter and needs the government of
reported that a new virus increased curiosity among virus”, while the naming to be nuanced. Covid-19 which has now an-
and disease — “tomato people about the viruses of the new viruses follows has made the task for jour- nounced the opening of
flu” and “tomato virus” — and disease occurring in a prescribed procedure nalists even tougher as
had emerged in some any part of the world. It is and done by the Inter- they have to wade into Pradhan Mantri schools.
The lessons of Bengaluru Indian states. The corre-
spondence reported that
around 100 cases had been
this demand for informa-
tion that we regularly read
and hear about in the
national Committee on
Taxonomy of Viruses
(ICTV). The “tomato vir-
competing space and fulfil
the information needs of
readers who have already
One only hopes these
schools will not propa-

T
he primary cause of the civic disaster that struck Bengaluru may reported in some Indian mainstream media — us” is not the official name seen various verified and gate myths that are
have been the heaviest September rainfall on a single day last states, with the majority of almost every now and of any virus which causes unverified sources. It’s camouflaged as history.
Sunday. But what lay hidden as Nature, the great equaliser, sent cases in children younger then — about emergence disease in humans. It is time health news is cov-
even the elite of India’s Silicon Valley scrambling for hotel rooms as their than nine years. of new viruses and dis- fair to say that if subjected ered in a “matter of fact” Anthony Henriques
villas got flooded and their luxury cars became afloat like so many idling Two weeks hence, it has eases, such as Langya to external peer review, way, with a balanced Mumbai
speedboats, was decades of poor governance, steep corruption and an become clear that what Virus, Marburg Virus or this correspondence may viewpoint, and catchy
unholy nexus between politicians and developers. has been reported is not a Ebola Viruses. The virus- not have been published. headlines are avoided. In
As India’s fastest growing city since the 1980s expanded unrecognisably new virus or disease but es and diseases were
always emerging, but now
Third, after the news
about “tomato flu”
many nations, media
houses have well-known
GOOD MOVE, GOVT
beyond Bangalore, the old garden city once revered by retired pensioners, rather a form of the “hand,
city planning rules and regulations were thrown to the winds to satiate the foot and mouth diseases” they get sizeable space and emerged, the Government doctors as their health THE UNION GOVERNMENT is
IT hub’s appetite for office towers and residences for techies. As the grow- (HFMD), a common illness attention in the newspa- of India did issue an advi- news editors or advisers. planning to make it mandatory for
ing city took over lake, tank beds and their surroundings to be converted for children of up to 10 pers, on TV channels and sory to clarify that “toma- It’s time this is considered automakers to introduce a seat-
into a concrete jungle, channels through which rainwater used to drain years and regularly repor- of course all over the to flu” was not a new dis- in newsrooms in India. belt alarm system for rear seats
into the lakes got choked. ted from India. Moreover, social media. ease but a new form of the There is a need for better too. At present, it is mandatory for
No government or municipal corporation has been honest in dealing “tomato virus” is not the Arguably, there are hand, foot and mouth dis- engagement between all vehicle manufacturers to pro-
with the demands of a runaway metropolis where traffic flow is a daily name of any virus which three broad reasons for ease. However, as it hap- health policymakers, vide seat-belt reminders only for
nightmare, power supply likely to fail any time and garbage clearance at causes diseases in “tomato fever” getting this pens, the official advisory experts and journalists. front-seat passengers. The tragic
best a patchwork. Unbridled growth, coupled with poor civil engineering, humans. Tomato fever is kind of exaggerated atten- came nearly a week later. Well-curated fellowship death of former Tata Group chair-
contributed to the crisis that came to a head at a time of climate not the official name of tion. First, the correspon- The advisory was drafted programmes for health man Cyrus Mistry in a car acci-
change rendering places prone to intense rainfall events in short spans of any disease. In short, the dence was published in a as a dull and lifeless docu- journalists and editors dent has necessitated the govern-
time. publication and news that sister journal of the presti- ment and repeated infor- and regular platforms for ment to take the decision. Now we
Small mercy then that the old inner city fared better than the metropolis followed about the virus gious Lancet; and thus it mation already published engagement need to be know why the people in our coun-
that encompassed semi-rural areas which were later linked by the Outer and disease were close to received wider attention. in the media and had bare- considered. try neglect to put on the rear seat
Ring Road. A waterlogged Greater Bengaluru is a warning for all big cities information excess and It became a sensation as it ly used additional scientif- Then, citizens need to be belt.
of India that don’t bother about monitoring city planning permissions misinformation. was widely (and wrongly) ic information and epi- aware about reliable Sankar Paul
and how builders bend them at will. Bengaluru is not the only city that suf- The hand, foot and quoted as “a new study”, demiological data. The sources of health informa- Chakdaha, West Bengal
fers when nature’s bounty, occasionally tending to such fury, manifests mouth disease is caused while it was merely corre- Indian government’s tion and get detailed infor-
itself in intense rainfall. Water bodies and waterways had long ago given
way to the developer’s greed to startling effect. All of India’s metropolis-
by a group of viruses
called Coxsackie A16,
spondence. The publica-
tion under this section has
health adviser has the
ability to do much more
mation only through these
sources. It is important
DEADLY BELT
es are grossly mismanaged. Coxsackie A6, the lowest weightage in than that. No surprise that no social media posts IN THE PAST two years, 100 people
Enterovirus A71 and hierarchy of scientific evi- then that the advisory should be forwarded with- have died and nearly 50 have sus-
Echovirus, etc. All these dence and is not externally barely received any atten- out fact-checking, and tained injuries between Manor and
viruses have been known peer reviewed. Such arti- tion in the media or by the unverified “forwards” Achad on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
for years. Across the coun- cles are to share some public. should be avoided. Health highway. This 52km belt has nearly
try, paediatricians and ideas or to generate debate In Covid-19, it has been misinformation will be a a dozen accident spots, including the
physicians attend many and peer scrutiny on a argued that while the big challenge in the bridge over the Surya river. NHAI
patients with HFMD on a new topic. virus itself was a chal- coming months and years, has been accused of ignoring letters
regular basis. Then, as in Second, even though it lenge, an equal or and it will be possible to about the poor condition of the
most viral diseases, the has been published in arguably bigger challenge tackle them only with Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. The
affected children develop reputed journals, health was “info-demic” — the coordinated action by accident, which claimed the lives of
THE ASIAN AGE symptoms such as cough, experts and scientists epidemic of information governments, health exp- former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus
cold, fever and rash in since then have argued or information excess. erts, the media and Mistry and his friend Jehangir
KAUSHIK MITTER K. SUDHAKAR mouth, extremities and that it is a very poorly HFMD is a self-limiting citizens. Pandole and injured two others,
Editor Printer & Publisher
feet, which can be painful. written and incompletely condition and not a public brought to light the alleged negli-
THE ASIAN AGE office is located at: However, the disease is substantiated correspon- health problem. Yet, the Dr Chandrakant gence of the NHAI.
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002. Phone: self-limiting and usually dence which fails to stand entire “tomato flu virus” Lahariya is a general C.K. Subramaniam
(011) 23211124. people recover within four up to scientific scrutiny. episode is a reminder how physician and also an Navi Mumbai
Published and Printed on behalf of and for to seven days without any There is no primary data a trivial matter could infectious diseases
◗ Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Centre, 219 Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New
medication. presented by the authors become sensational and specialist and vaccines Every Monday the best letter of
Delhi 110 002 at BFL Infotech Ltd., C-9, Sector-III, Noida -201301.
◗ London: Quickmarsh Ltd, 8th Floor, Block 2, Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, London, SE1 7NQ. Clearly, the entire and all they quote as a may cause alarm and expert. He can be reached the week wins `500. Email:
RNI Registration number: 57290/94 episode of “tomato flu” source are two newspaper panic. It is a reminder that at c.lahariya@gmail.com. asianage.letters@gmail.com.

T
his one went down to the wire. Until now clearly revealing signs of strain. The nor- Karmayogi. But the final word on Mr Capoor’s career is
the last moment, no one was sure mally subterranean tussle between the two In Ramadorai the Modi Sarkar has made an yet to be written, say some. Apparently, the
whether UP’s additional chief secre- power centres has resurfaced. And no sur- exceptional choice to head this programme. buzz is that he is likely to be named as the

Dilip Cherian tary (home) Awanish Kumar Awasthi


would get an extension or be allowed to super-
prise, it has hit the babudoms that both Yogi
and the Centre need and use. Whether it is an
Building institutions is what the formidable
ex-Tata honcho knows best among his other
next CEO of Prasar Bharati, which has func-
tioning under an ad hoc arrangement since
annuate. The radio silence on the issue from internecine war confined to UP is unknown, qualities. Further, he has an inside view of the tenure of its CEO Shashi Shekhar
Dilli Ka Babu both the Yogi Adityanath camp and the
Centre ensured that rumours kept swirling.
but the Awasthi saga bears the telltale signs of
a border skirmish. We await further develop-
government, having been the adviser to for-
mer Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the
Vempati ended two months ago. And if
rumours of a proposed merger of Sansad TV
Finally, Mr Awasthi was allowed to retire, ments on this front. National Council on Skill Development, hold- and Doordarshan under the Prasar Bharati
and senior IAS officer Sanjay Prasad has been ing the rank equivalent of a Cabinet minister. have any substance, it would give Mr Capoor
given additional charge of the state home KARMAYOGI BHARAT: RAMADORAI His expertise in economics, leadership and a good chance to head the public
department. Also, as a corollary to the ongo- AN EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE governance could prove useful provided broadcaster.

Babu exit saga ing churn and perhaps as an attempt to


“tame” the babus, the Yogi government has
transferred 16 senior IAS officers, including
The Modi Sarkar is hoping that private sector
talent will help create a competent civil ser-
vice with the aim of effective and efficient
babus are open to imbibing the wisdom of a
“non-babu”!
Mr Capoor, a retired IAS officer, was
appointed CEO of Sansad TV in March last
year after the decision to merge Lok Sabha TV

shows cracks in controversial additional chief secretary


(health) Amit Mohan Prasad.
While often discussed in quiet conversa-
tions, the Awasthi episode has once again
public service delivery. For that noble end,
former Tata Consultancy Services vice-chair-
man S. Ramadorai is being brought in to chair
the Karmayogi Bharat, the government pro-
SANSAD TV CEO GOES, BUT
MAY MOVE TO PRASAR BHARATI
Sansad TV CEO Ravi Capoor has been
relieved of his duties at the end of his tenure,
and Rajya Sabha TV.
Of course, nothing is certain about the
course the government will eventually
adopt, but it may be premature to write
Centre-UP ties brought the uneasy Centre-UP government
equation to the fore. Most observers would
have expected Mr Awasthi, who was known as
gramme for capacity building in the civil ser-
vices. In other words, the government wants
to mould babus into karmayogis, rooted in the
which surprised many observers. It was wide-
ly assumed that as in the case of Rajya Sabha
secretary general P.C. Mody whose term was
off Mr Capoor from the list of
potential candidates. His hat is still in the
ring.
a confidante of chief minister Adityanath, to Indian ethos. recently extended, Mr Capoor too may get an
stay on, but it seems the Centre did not Karmayogi Bharat owns, manages and extension. Utpal Kumar Singh, who is secre- Love them or hate them, ignore them at
process his file and kept it pending until it maintains the digital platform iGOT tary general of the Lok Sabha has been asked national peril is the babu guarantee and
was too late. Karmayogi on behalf of the government for to manage Sansad TV as an additional Dilip's belief. Share babu escapades at
The UP-Centre cracks in the woodwork are the implementation of the Mission responsibility. dilipcherian@gmail.com.
MUMBAI

4 THINK BusinessLine
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 8 • 2022

0
xyz

thursday, september 8, 2022


Realising India’s wind energy potential
Tax treat The Centre can’t do all the heavy lifting. Resource­rich States like Tamil Nadu need to adopt a merchant producer mindset
to say that we have not been trying. city  available.  And  then  there  is
Formalisation of the economy, lower corporate tax At first glance, India’s achievements money,  which  is  a  two­part  prob­
actually  look  quite  impressive.  In­ lem. 
rates and digital tracking are beginning to pay off dia’s  total  installed  capacity  of  re­
newable  energy  from  all  sources The money problem

A
fter taking a hit during Covid, India’s dir­ (excluding  large  hydro)  stood  at One part is access to finance. Renew­
114.07 Gigawatts (GW) as of June­end able  projects  are  easily  financed  if
ect tax collections have been displaying R SRINIVASAN this  year,  according  to  a  written clarity is available to lenders on how
unusual  buoyancy  lately.  In  FY22,  gross reply  to  a  Parliament  question  by the power producers will be paid. So
direct tax collections soared 49 per cent ON THE OTHER HAND the  Minister  for  New  and  Renew­ Centrally­backed  projects  with  as­
to ₹14.1 lakh crore, exceeding not just Budget estim­ able  Energy.  Further,  a  capacity  of sured PPAs get financed while inde­

W
ates (₹11.08 lakh crore) but also the revised estim­ hat Mukesh Ambani 60.66 GW is under various stages of pendent  and  State­level  projects
does today, the gov­ implementation, while 23.14 GW ca­ find it difficult to raise funding.
ates  (₹12.5  lakh  crore).  The  growth  last  year  how­ ernment — and the pacity is under various stages of bid­ The  second  part  of  the  money
ever,  could  be  explained  by  the  low  base  effect. rest of the country — ding, the reply stated.  problem is payments. India’s chron­
India’s GDP after contracting in FY21 due to Covid re­ will do tomorrow, it seems. Even as This  should,  provided  the  pro­ ically loss­making Discoms are no­
lated disruptions, rebounded in FY22 with corpor­ the  Central  Government  takes  its jects  under  implementation  get torious for payment delays. Accord­
first, tentative steps towards devel­ completed within this year, put In­ ing to an estimate by CRISIL, average
ate profits following suit. But recent data from the oping  its  hitherto  untapped  off­ dia at, or even past, its self­imposed receivables of renewable power pro­
Controller General of Accounts show that direct tax shore  wind  energy  potential,  en­ target of achieving 175 GW of renew­ ducers stood at 180 days as of March
mop­ups have continued their strong growth into ergy behemoth Reliance Industries able energy capacity by the end of 2022, which is expected to reduce to
this fiscal as well. Net corporate tax collections for Ltd is already moving to set up a cap­ 2022.  With  renewable  energy,  par­ 140 days by the end of the current
tive 5 MW offshore plant off the Gu­ ticularly solar energy, one of Prime fiscal, mainly due to rising central
April­July 2022 at ₹1.96 lakh crore were 35 per cent
jarat coast. Minister  Narendra  Modi’s  pet  pro­ The dense clustering of wind projects has sent land prices soaring NAGARA GOPAL offtake.
higher than the same period last year, while net per­ RIL’s subsidiary Reliance New En­ jects, capacity addition has seen im­ This is the crux of the challenge fa­
sonal income tax mop­ups were a good 50 per cent ergy  Ltd  —  which  has  already  an­ pressive growth during the years he the Global Wind Energy Council, al­ the Palghat pass on the Tamil Nadu cing the renewable sector in India.
more. With over a third of the direct tax collections nounced  a  ₹75,000  crore  invest­ has  been  at  the  helm,  growing most all of it concentrated off the side. This dense clustering has sent Despite  shortcomings,  it  is  the
budgeted for the year already in the kitty, the CBDT ment  plan  for  green  hydrogen  — nearly  four­fold  in  the  last  eight Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts. On­ land prices soaring manifold, mak­ Centre which has done most of the
already  has  a  tie­up  with  Danish years and a bit. shore  wind  is  also  highly  concen­ ing it now the single biggest com­ heavy lifting when it comes to actu­
Chairman’s hope that actual mop­up will again ex­ green  energy  specialist  Stiesdal, trated  in  Tamil  Nadu,  Gujarat  and ponent of a wind energy project. alising RE potential. States are lag­
ceed  Budget  estimates  may  not  be  misplaced.  But which also happens to have an off­ Estimating the potential Maharashtra. Against this, we have In solar too, the situation is little gards. This needs to change. States
this will hinge on the buoyancy sustaining through shore wind energy subsidiary of its However, the achievements need to an installed onshore wind capacity different. While the potential is cal­ like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, which
the year. own. As with everything it does, RIL be put in the frame of the existing of  around  40.8  GW  as  of  end­June culated on the basis of using ‘waste’ have high solar and wind potential,
plans  to  capture  the  entire  value potential, and how fast we are going 2022, while offshore has just got off land,  terminology  here  doesn’t  re­ need  to  stop  viewing  renewable
One factor behind the buoyancy in direct tax col­ chain  in  renewable  power  —  from to  exploit  that  potential.  The  Na­ the starting block with the govern­ flect  the  situation  on  the  ground. power  merely  as  an  augment  to
lections appears to be inflation. As they are levied manufacturing solar photovoltaics tional Institute of Solar Energy has ment  set  to  open  the  first  lot  of What  the  government  defines  as meeting their power demands. 
on  incomes,  direct  tax  collections  carry  a  greater to  wind  turbines  to,  earlier  this assessed the country’s solar poten­ tenders for a total capacity of 4 GW ‘waste’ land is actually land which is Instead, they need to treat it as a
correlation to nominal GDP growth than real GDP week,  buying  a  majority  stake  in tial  of  about  748  GW  assuming later this year. not  yielding  it  revenue,  which  is natural resource — like coal or oil.
Sensehawk,  which  makes  special­ around 3 per cent of wasteland area The trouble is, there is quite a dis­ quite  different  from  actual  waste­ They need to adopt a ‘merchant pro­
growth.  India’s  real  GDP  in  Q1  FY23  coming  at  13.5
ised  software  for  solar  power to be covered by solar PV modules.  tance to be covered between poten­ land  of  little  value  to  anyone  and ducer’  mindset  where  renewable
per cent was somewhat disappointing, but thanks generators. Its sister body, the National Insti­ tial  and  actualisation.  Some,  like hence available at low cost. power is seen as product and a rev­
to high inflation, nominal GDP growth was at a ro­ Unfortunately,  this  ‘get­up­and­ tute  of  Wind  Energy,  estimates  a land, are actually beyond the power The second big bottleneck is evac­ enue  source.  Investments  in  grid
bust 26.7 per cent. But both corporate and personal do’ attitude is largely missing when total wind energy potential of 302 of the government to control, par­ uation of the power generated. In­ and transmission capacity, to wheel
income  tax  receipts  in  the  April­July  period  have it comes to the government, which GW  at  a  hub  height  (where  the ticularly in the absence of a land ac­ dia’s  renewable  installations  are the  power  efficiently  to  where  de­
has been setting increasingly ambi­ centre  of  the  wind  turbine  sits  on quisition law.  densely clustered around a few sub­ mand lies, can transform state eco­
surged much faster than the nominal GDP. With re­ tious targets for renewable energy, top  of  the  tower)  of  100  metres The concentration of resource po­ stations in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat nomies,  like  they  have  done  for
spect to corporate taxes, this could be explained by but has often failed to address bot­ above  ground,  which  more  than tential,  for  instance,  has  sent  land which  are  used  to  evacuate  the Bhutan, which exports 70 per cent
two  factors  —  increasing  formalisation  of  the  eco­ tlenecks on the ground which have doubles  to  over  695  GW  at  a  hub costs  soaring  for  power  projects, power.  Decades  of  under­invest­ of  the  power  it  produces  to  India.
nomy and improving compliance. While input cost so far prevented India from actually height of 120 metres.  particularly in wind energy, where ment in transmission and grid ca­ Only then can India’s vast RE power
achieving  its  vast  potential  of  re­ In addition, India has a potential most  current  and  future  projects pacity  have  meant  that  several potential be actually realised. 
pressures  have  moderated  profit  growth  at  India newable energy from solar and on­ of  174  GW  of  offshore  wind  re­ are sited around the Kanyakumari­ tenders have had to be actually can­
Inc this year, the process of formalisation of the eco­ shore and offshore wind. This is not sources, according to an estimate by Tirunelveli­Tuticorin belt and down celled because there is no grid capa­ The writer is a senior journalist
nomy, with a shift in profits from the unorganised
to organised firms, seems to have gained traction,

Farming needs overhaul to survive climate change


post­Covid. A recent ICICI Securities study finds that
India Inc’s profits, which had dipped to 1.6 per cent
of GDP in FY20 had climbed back to 4.6 per cent by
FY22, with the trend expected to continue. It is also
likely that some part of the gains in corporate tax A climate risk management board should be set up. In Punjab, policies should change to promote less input use
collections have come from better voluntary com­
pliance. As a part of the stimulus package for Covid, AS MITTAL found  that  over  75  per  cent  of  In­ the soils of Punjab have become de­ and adapt to climate change.
dia’s  districts  are  vulnerable  to  ex­ ficient  in  micronutrients  resulting First, farmers need  hand­hold­

T
the Centre had effected a sharp cut in the corporate
he  effects  of  the  climate treme  climate.  Expert  estimates in soil fertility decline. ing  in  the  early  phases.  Support
tax rate from over 30 per cent to 22 per cent, if com­ crisis  are  a  study  in  con­ show that climate change might re­ Farmers need a decent income to them for knowledge exchange with
panies opted to give up exemptions. A recent Action trast — flooded roads in IT duce  global  agriculture  productiv­ solve their multidimensional crisis. skill­intensive practices.
Taken report submitted to Parliament showed that city Bengaluru on the one ity by 17 per cent by 2050. Could em­ The CEEW has identified 16 sustain­ Second, support technology in­
about 15.8 per cent of the corporate return filers ac­ hand  and  the  parched  earth  of bracing  sustainable  agriculture able  agriculture  practices  (SAPs), novation and adoption to mechan­
drought­affected Banka of Bihar on improve  farm  incomes  and  nutri­ such as organic farming, integrated ise  labour­intensive  activities  asso­
counting for over 61.9 per cent of the declared in­ the  other.  Climate  crisis  threatens tion security in a climate­changing farming systems, agro­forestry and ciated with sustainable agriculture
come, have opted for this new regime. The tax cut our food security. This year, record­ world? precision  farming.  These  could  be practices.  Incentivise  innovators
shrank  corporate  tax  mop­ups  during  Covid,  but breaking  heat  waves  trimmed economically  remunerative,  so­ and  entrepreneurs  to  encourage
seems to be paying off now. wheat  output  by  3  per  cent;  now, The challenges Overuse of resources is hurting cially  inclusive  and  environment­ the  development  of  farm  imple­
On personal income tax though, it appears to be large rice­growing tracts are staring Overuse  of  resources  like  water, ally benign. ments. Alongside, support local mi­
at a shortfall of crops due to insuffi­ soil,  fertilisers  and  pesticides  to tricts  face  waterlogging  and  soil Brazil  set  an  example  and  be­ cro­businesses through State liveli­
fear of the stick that’s behind the 50 per cent surge cient rainfall. boost yield resulted in greenhouse salinity  or  alkalinity.  The  Central came  the  top  producer  of  sugar­ hood missions to produce and sell
in collections. With the concerted digital push and While  large  parts  of  the  country gas (GHG) emissions, which exacer­ Ground Water Board put out a dire cane  and  soybean  without  using ready­made  inputs  such  as  vermi­
the taxman tightening reporting structures around reel under floods, drought­like con­ bate the climate crisis. After the im­ warning — ‘at the current rate of wa­ fertilisers. In India, a few States are compost and organic fertilisers.
high­value  transactions  while  deploying  techno­ ditions stare at farmers in UP, West plementation  of  the  Food  Security ter  extraction,  Punjab  would  be  a already  at  the  vanguard  of  this  re­ Third, instead of  input­based
Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand, which Act, the country is once again look­ desert  within  the  next volution. Sikkim is a 100 per cent or­ subsidies  for  fertiliser  and  power,
logy to track money trails, the wiggle room for indi­ are  among  the  top  paddy­produ­ ing  towards  Punjab.  But  Punjab quarter­century.’ ganic  State,  and  Andhra  Pradesh incentivise  outcomes  such  as  an­
vidual taxpayers to evade tax has shrunk consider­ cing  States.  For  farmers,  hot  tem­ farmers  need  to  conserve  its  soil The Green Revolution led by Pun­ aims  at  100  per  cent  natural  farm­ nual  nutrition  output  per  hectare
ably.  The  CBDT’s  recent  initiatives  to  present peratures  and  erratic  rainfall and  water  along  with  adopting  di­ jab  once  helped  India  overcome  a ing by 2027. and enhanced ecosystem measures
taxpayers with an auto­populated Annual Informa­ threaten the  livelihood  of  45  per versification in agriculture and ven­ food crisis. In irrigated areas, a typ­ such as water conserved or deserti­
cent of the country's population. It ture into agro­processing. ical farmer now uses 3.5 times more The way out fication reversed.
tion Statement and 26AS have reduced scope for un­ impacts  their  income  and  crop­ The State has never been able to fertilisers  and  pesticides  than  in Farmers  should  start  promoting Fourth and most significantly, is
der­reporting  of  income.  Having  tightened  the loan cycle — to return on time to get implement an agenda of crop diver­ 1970  to  get  the  same  output.  Al­ sustainable  integrated  agriculture enhanced  research  and  develop­
screws  on  individual  taxpayers  though,  it  may  be fresh  lending  and  to  invest  back sification. Punjab takes about 5,400 though  Punjab  has  only  1.53  per practices  that  could  enable  higher ment for impact studies compared
time for the Centre to consider some carrots, in the into  their  farms  as  well  as  to  fulfil litres of water to grow one kilogram cent of the land area of India, it uses crop diversity from staples to high­ with  conventional  farming  across
form of lower personal tax rates or a more friendly their basic needs.  of rice, five times as much as China about 23 per cent of the total pesti­ value crops, fruit and vegetables. In­ agro­climatic  zones.  Regular  com­
Policymakers,  agri­scientists  and uses, pointing to the State’s low wa­ cides used in the country. There are tegrated  farming  with  the  inclu­ parisons of outcomes amid climate
exemption­free regime in the days ahead. farmers  must  come  together  to ter  productivity.  That’s  why  131  of serious  environmental  problems sion  of  dairy,  poultry,  beekeeping, change  are  important  for  safe­
form  a  Climate  Risk  Management the 148 blocks in the State are over­ and health concerns resulting from fisheries  and  mushroom  cultiva­ guarding  farm  income,  nutrition,
Board  (CRMB)  to  create  a  sustain­ exploited.  About  15  lakh  shallow the use of pesticides. tion  can  give  additional  high­en­ food  security  and  natural
able solution in the form of climate­ tube  wells  dig  deeper  and  deeper Ironically, as much as 78 per cent ergy food without affecting the pro­ resources.
OTHER VOICES resilient farming. every  year.  The  northern  and  cent­ of pesticides and fertilisers are lost duction of foodgrains. 
A study by the Council for Energy, ral  districts  are  severely  water­de­ to  the  environment,  causing  soil, There  are  four  sustainable  ways The writer is Vice Chairman, Punjab
Environment and Water (CEEW) has pleted,  while  south­western  dis­ air and water pollution. In addition, farmers  can  produce  more  food Economic Policy and Planning Board

Liz Truss to the British rescue
LET TERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859­860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.
Liz Truss won the job of British Prime Minister Monday, and
now we’ll see if she can lift her Conservative Party and country
out of the economic and energy mess into which Prime Promote agri start­ups infrastructure  in  Bengaluru, celebrity economists have started signal  that  she  means  business Scale up schools
Minister Boris Johnson has driven it. Ms Truss defeated rival This  is  with  reference  to  ‘Agricul­ which  is  considered  the  Silicon acknowledging,  though  reluct­ when it comes to economic revival Politics  is  perennial  and  parties
former Chancellor Rishi Sunak by rallying the rank and file ture education needs to be repur­ Valley of India, has once again ex­ antly, the possibility of India mov­ then she would have won half the need to choose the right plank to
behind her with a Thatcherite economic message the party posed’ (September 7). The need of posed the callousness of the State ing  ahead  of  its  competitors  in battle. jump  into  the  election  fray.  The
and UK haven’t heard from the Conservatives in years. Tax cuts the hour is to re­examine the suit­ authorities over the decades in ef­ terms  of  economic  and  scientific Bal Govind corruption  plank  that  came  in
top her agenda. More important than the specific policies, ability  of  the  present  curriculum fectively  preventing  the  blatant progress,  the  views  within  the Noida  handy in 2014 is still a choice after
however, has been Ms Truss’s emphasis that economic growth in varied agricultural disciplines.  encroachment  of  hundreds  of country are also turning positive. all  these  years,  but  the  raids  are
rather than income redistribution can solve Britain’s Agricultural  technology  in­ lakes by vested interests. The  earlier  we  understand  the Ban on firecrackers only  increasing.  Clearly,  the  rem­
problems, and that private enterprise can do it better than volves environmentally sound and Given the growing vulnerability futility  of  the  fault­finding  brand This refers to ‘Delhi bans firecrack­ edies  thereto  are  proving  inad­
government direction. .  NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 6 sustainable  farming  methods  in of Indian cities to adverse weather of  politics,  the  better  for  the ers till January 1, 2023’ (September equate  as  corruption  is  agnostic
order to attain profitability and ef­ events  triggered  by  climate nation. 7). It is highly appreciable that the and  non­specific  to  a  political  re­
ficiency. This calls for rigorous in­ change, it is incumbent upon the MG Warrier Delhi government has announced gime. 
vestments and continuous promo­ State  authorities  to  turn  their  fo­ Mumbai a complete ban on the production, The AAP found success in riding
tion of agri­tech start­ups in India.  cus towards building climate­ resi­ sale  and  use  of  all  types  of  fire­ the  education  and  health  plat­
P Sundara Pandian lient infrastructure. Adoption of a Tough road ahead for Truss  crackers in the national capital till forms,  which  the  BJP  today  is  not
Virudhunagar, TN policy  of  zero­tolerance  towards This  has  reference  to  ‘Against  the January 1.  shy to imitate. 
The health system is on its knees the encroachment of water bodies odds’  (September  7).  UK  Prime Notably,  the  said  ban  also  ex­ For a couple of years now, it has
“I will deliver on the National Health Service” was as much Vulnerable cities and fixing the existing lacunae in Minister  Liz  Truss  finds  herself tends to online sale of firecrackers. been announcing plans on Teach­
detail as the new prime minister offered on health policy in Torrential  rainfall  that  lashed storm  water  drain  management between  a  rock  and  a  hard  place However,  one  genuinely  wishes ers Day to open thousands of new
her victory speech on Monday. One idea floated during her Bengaluru the past few days liter­ will go a long way in mitigating cli­ because she will have to revive the that the government really means schools  even  as  existing  ones  are
campaign, that £13 billion of new funding earmarked for the ally brought the city in to its knees, mate change­induced disasters. economy, reduce inflation and cut business  and  the  proposed  ban woefully  short  of  teachers.  A  dec­
NHS should be diverted to social care, might once have won with  several  of  its  arterial  roads M Jeyaram down taxes at the same time. It is does not remain on paper. It may ade  after  the  implementation  of
plaudits. But such is the crisis now engulfing hospitals that the flooded  and  people  living  in  the Sholavandan, TN going to be anything but easy.  be recalled that there were several the Right to Education Act in sev­
moment has passed. Next week, a ballot opens that could see tech parks located on the banks of On  the  political  front  she  will instances  of  blatant  defiance  of eral  States,  15  per  cent  of  the
nurses in England and Wales go on strike for the first time. Yemalur and Bellandur lakes bear­ Cautious optimism  have to regain people’s trust in her the  ban  on  the  bursting  of  fire schools are single teacher institu­
Almost 10 per cent of all NHS posts were vacant in June. The ing  the  maximum  brunt.  The  un­ This  refers  to  ‘Defying  the  head­ Conservative  party.  The  damage crackers. tions. 
service has gone from rude health to the brink of collapse in a precedented  rainfall  and  the  res­ winds’ (September 7). When inter­ done  by  her  predecessor  is  too SK Gupta R Narayanan
decade.  LONDON, SEPTEMBER 6  ultant  havoc  on  the  physical national  organisations  and deep, but if Truss is able to send a New Delhi Navi Mumbai

Published by N. Ravi at Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860, Anna Salai, Chennai­600002 and Printed by N. Vaidyanathan at Dangat Media Pvt Ltd, No. 22, Dighe MIDC, Vishnu Nagar, TTC Industrial Area, Dighe, Navi Mumbai­400701 on behalf of THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD., Chennai­600002. Editor: Raghuvir Srinivasan (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act).   ISSN 0971 ­ 7528

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BusinessLine
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 8 • 2022 THINK 5

Redrawing the office


WFH vs return­to­office is posing a dilemma for firms
Propelling exports, the DESH way
The Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs can achieve twin objectives of self­reliance and higher exports
banking, or social media, you see differ­
C GOPINATH 
ent  firms  choosing  to  enunciate  differ­ RAM SINGH/SURENDAR SINGH ternal, is opportune, as India can benefit
ent policies. from  the  shifting  of  industry  from

A
AMERICAN PERISCOPE There  are  some  kinds  of  work  that fter  missing  out  on  global China given the fact the India’s domestic
more  easily  support  remote  working. trade  opportunities  in  the economic  growth  and  prevailing  busi­

L
ego, the Danish manufacturer of These  are  usually  facilitated  by  IT  and past,  there  is  now  a  renewed ness  environment  are  conducive  for
children’s plastic brick sets, has may  require  a  lot  of  working  with  the focus  by  the  Commerce  Min­ such an endeavour from the Centre.
seen  its  products  grow  in  use computer or other forms of equipment istry to evolve an enabling policy frame­ The  DESH  Bill  is  aimed  at  addressing
from homes into offices. Human remotely.  Employees  can  still  work  in work which can foster an ecosystem of many  of  the  shortcomings  of  the
Resource  (HR)  departments  and  man­ teams, interact with each other or with innovation  and  research,  mobilise  for­ hitherto SEZ Act. A few sectors such as IT
agement consultants use it as a tool for clients/vendors,  and  undertake  tasks eign  investment,  synthesise  the  export & IT enabled services, gem and jewellery,
groups of individuals to work on assign­ that are easily measured and clear goals and logistics ecosystem and bring syner­ pharma  have  benefited  under  the  SEZ
ments that are aimed to express creative set. Some employees love the flexibility, gies among different sectors. Act but they failed in facilitating a large
abilities,  build  problem­solving  skills, the working from home saves commute All  these  efforts  are  aimed  at  achiev­ scale economic transformation vital for
improve communication, and so on.  time  and  allows  taking  care  of  home ing the much required global competit­ a country like India. 
Lego even helped formalise such activ­ chores too. The company saves on com­ iveness  in  India’s  manufacturing  and It is widely believed that the SEZs have
ities into a training tool called Lego Seri­ mercial  space  when  a  large  number services.  significantly contributed to the growth
ous  Play.  Exercises  using  tools  such  as works from home, and some are even fig­ In  the  Budget  2022­23,  the  Finance story  of  exports  but  industries  located
Lego  bricks  are  also  aimed  to  deal  with uring out that they would set compensa­ Minister had proposed the replacement in  SEZs  are  heavily  dependent  on  im­
work­related  stress  and  anxiety.  Many tion depending on where the employee of the SEZ law with a new legislation — ports  especially  in  sectors  such  as  gem
such tools and training programmes are lives rather than where the company is Development  of  Enterprise  and  Service and  jewellery  and  pharma.  Hence,  the
designed  for  a  work  environment  that located. Hubs  (DESH).  The  primary  objective  of true gains of such engines of exports are
may not be relevant anymore. Some  companies  are  requiring  their DESH  is  to  create  an  export  promotion debatable  especially  in  the  context  of
Because  many  such  training  tools  as­ employees  to  return  to  the  office  be­ ecosystem, aligning trade policy frame­ contribution  of  economic  growth,  em­
sume  employees  are  working  together cause they believe that for their kind of work  with  the  WTO  rules,  inculcating ployment  generation  and  foreign  ex­
under one roof, interacting work  and  work  culture, the spirit and enthusiasm among entre­ change earnings. 
with each other in person, that  is  what  works  best. preneurs,  ensuring  greater  transpar­ Further, the scope of measurement of Policy push The new policy will provide an enabling environment for exports /ISTOCKPHOTO
and  so  on.  That  kind  of  a Creative  juices  flow  when ency  in  business  ecosystem  and  mobil­ success of SEZs is defined as net positive
work  space  is  in  flux.  Soft­ you  run  into  each  other ising  international  investments foreign exchange which is too narrow a ployment and leverage foreign trade as create  a  vibrant  ecosystem  for  other
ware companies first shook and  can  lean  over  the  cu­ especially  under  the  ‘China  plus  One’ definition  to  comprehend  the  actual a catalyst  for  India’s  industrial downstream industries with export and
up  the  work  environment bicle  for  a  chat,  they  say. strategy  and  Supply  Chain  Resilience gains  made  from  the  existing  SEZs. transformation. import­substitution  opportunities  (de­
some  years  ago  when  de­ The  work  also  may  not  be Initiative (SCRI). Moreover,  the  SEZs  used  to function  in fence  products,  ship  building,  medical
signed  offices  that  were  a easily measurable. But em­ silos for export purposes only and were The missing dots devices etc.). 
fun and attractive place to ployees  who  have  tasted Missed global opportunity unable to capture the nuances of manu­ Even  with  these  incorporations,  the The DESH Bill should work on twin­ob­
be in, with free high quality the freedom of working re­ Due to inherent weaknesses in the man­ facturing operations outside. DESH draft Bill is aimed at looking at one jectives  of  substituting  imports  and
food  flowing  through  the mote  are  resisting.  Those ufacturing  sector,  India  has  not  be­ In  this  context,  the  proposed  DESH side  of  an  export  function,  that  is stimulating  exports.  Further,  the  draft
day,  flexible  hours,  and  in­ with  valuable  skills  are nefited  from  the  contemporary  global Bill  is  significant  as  it  allows  domestic strengthening  India’s  business  and  ex­ Bill  does  not  provide  transitory  provi­
door  entertainment  spaces  equipped quitting  the  jobs  on  this  issue  because environment.  India’s  exports  have  not tariff area (DTA) sales also but subject to port eco­system. Export is a function of sions,  if  the  existing  SEZ  and  units  in­
with  table  tennis  tables  and  the  like. they  are  confident  of  finding  another witnessed a major gain in the midst of duty payments to ensure order and par­ demand. Under India’s cluttered manu­ tend  to  convert  themselves  as  DESH
They  wanted  their  employees  to  be employment which would support their the  US­China  trade  war,  realigning  of ity with the DTA units.  facturing  landscape  under  Domestic units. 
present long hours and working! remote work preferences. global value chains, and even during the The DESH draft is historic as it brings Tariff Area/ Export Oriented Unites/ Man­ A predictable  and  transparent  provi­
Many  of  them  are  redrawing  that And then there are the employees who supply­chain  disruptions  in  the in  scale,  scope,  system,  and  synergy  in ufacture  and  Other  Operations  in  Cus­ sion especially on taxation and benefits
same work space. Covid shook many as­ want  to  return  to  the  office!  They  love Covid­19.  India’s  manufacturing  operations toms Warehouse (MOOWR) scheme, the will bring in more clarity to the industry
sumptions of work and showed alternat­ the  interaction  with  the  other  workers, Accordingly,  to  scale­up  domestic achieving the twin objectives of import­ DESH  Bill  should  not  become  another partners. The DESH Bill must be in sync
ives that were possible, and productive. like to get away from their home (and its manufacturing,  the  Centre  brought  a substitution as well as achieving export policy  document  but  a  means  to  make with  the  existing  scheme  MOOWR/
As the disruptions due to Covid recedes accompanying  responsibilities)  for series  of  measures  such  as  PLI  scheme, excellence. India among  the  five  top  exporters  of EOUs/DTA to reduce policy induced dis­
and  firms  prepare  to  return  to  ‘nor­ some time during the day, and miss the import  restrictions,  tariff  escalation, It  also  underlines  the  importance  of the world.  tortions. 
malcy,’  they  are  having  to  re­think  the office cafeteria. non­tariff  measures  and  even  picking addressing  the  existing  tug  of  war  on It  is  important  to  remember  that  in It should also offer a better enabling
work environment itself. And many are HR  managers  certainly  have  a  tough and  choosing  foreign  investments  in revenue  matters  (Minimum  Alternate exports, what can be sold is not market­ environment  (ease  in  entry  and  exit,
not very sure what they want. time trying to re­create the new work en­ areas of interests with the sole objective Tax,  Dividend  Distribution  Tax  among able, what is marketable cannot be sold . single  window,  fiscal  and  non­fiscal  in­
At  the  organisational  level,  the  de­ vironment. What should they do? Take a of “Self­Reliant India”.  others).  The  proposed  DESH  draft  Bill Considering  this,  the  DESH  Bill  must centives). India’s policymakers can offer
cision needs to be made whether to con­ poll?  Some  have  compromised  requir­ To take this journey forward, the pro­ presents a forward looking agenda and identify the sectors of opportunities for more  than  the  bench­marks  of  similar
tinue to allow remote work or make em­ ing physical presence three days a week. posed  DESH  Bill  will  incorporate the underpins the importance research and global  trade  which  are  engineering, incentives  in  ASEAN  countries  where
ployees  return  to  the  office  building. Others are letting the department heads concerns of industry, entrepreneurs, ex­ innovation  system  which  is  critical  in electronic  and  electrical  automobiles many units are relocating under China­
Three factors interact here — the nature decide  what  works  best  for  their  work ports  units,  small  enterprises,  and  ser­ the industrial revolution 4.0.  pharmaceuticals and plastics.  plus­One strategy.
of the work, the firm’s unique manage­ unit. And now, there is one more variable vice sector firms. The draft provisions of Most  importantly,  it  is  aimed  at  ad­ Moreover, they are already identified
ment culture, and the desire of the em­ to consider when you apply for a job. the  DESH  Bill  are  indeed  futuristic  and dressing the skewed profile of India’s ex­ sectors under the PLI scheme. Addition­ Ram Singh is a Professor at IIFT New Delhi
ployees. Each firm needs to weigh these are  expected  to  give  a  leg­up  to  the  ex­ isting SEZs, offer stable, predictable and ally, since DTA sales are allowed, there is and Surendar Singh is Associate Professor
three  to  find  a  unique  solution.  Even The writer is an emeritus professor at port sector.  transparent  fiscal  regime,  attract  large no harm encouraging the metal and me­ at FORE School of Management, New Delhi.
within the same industry, whether it be Suffolk University, Boston The  timing,  both  external  and  in­ scale foreign investments, generate em­ tallurgy upstream industries which will Views expressed are personal

SHORT TAKE
BusinessLine
EU to propose price PSB staff need exposure and incentives for performance TWENTY YEARS AGO TODAY
cap on Russian BIKAS NARAIN MISHRA jor role in ushering in radical re­ This  strategy  will  further  pay industry.  While  privatisation  of
September 8, 2002

gas, says EC chief forms in the governance of state­ rich dividends as the government two  state­run  banks  and  one  in­ CCD pours cold water over oil cos' sell­off

I
n a recent paper, the Reserve run financial institutions.  further looks to consolidate PSBs. surer is expected to gain steam, a In what is seen as a victory for those constituents opposing
Bank  of  India  pointed  out To  some  extent,  this  objective The  cross­cultural  training  will more  competent  staff  will  only disinvestment of PSUs, the Government today deferred by

T he  European  Commission


will  propose  a  price  cap  on
Russian gas, alongside measures
that not only have public sec­
tor banks done better in pro­
moting  financial  inclusion  but
was  achieved  with  the  govern­
ment  appointing  five  deputy
managing  directors  from  the
help in amalgamation and some
of the cultural integration issues
will be largely addressed. 
add  value  to  the  privatisation
deal.  Recent  reports  state  that
around 4,500 employees of Air In­
three months a decision to privatise oil refining
companies HPCL and BPCL and minority stake sales in IOC,
ONGC, NTPC and BSNL. ­ The decision, taken at a meeting of
including a mandatory EU cut in their labour­cost efficiency is also country’s largest bank, State Bank The  FSIB,  which  has  been  em­ dia have opted for VRS. Any new the Cabinet Committee on Disinvestment (CCD), would
electricity  use  and  a  ceiling  on higher than that of private banks.  of  India,  as  chief  executive  of­ powered  to  advise  the  govern­ buyer will also be interested in a mean that the "in­principle" clearance granted by the CCD
the  revenue  of  non­gas  power Yet,  to  date,  the  most  popular ficers  or  CEOs  of  other  national­ ment on a suitable performance more  competent  staff,  a  similar for strategic disinvestment in HPCL and BPCL in February
generators,  the  bloc’s  chief  said argument given for privatisation ised banks.  appraisal  system  for  whole­time situation can be avoided in state would have no sanctity any more. 
on Wednesday. in public sector institutions, one directors (WTDs) and non­ run  financial  institutions  if  the
Power  and  fuel  prices  have which gains the most traction is Scope for deputation executive  chairman, existing lot is given the right ex­ Naphtha pipeline ticking away at Dabhol
soared  as  Russia  has  cut  the — inefficient employees. But so far it has been a should also look at a disin­ posure to stay more relevant. While the IDBI­led lenders to the Dabhol Power Company
amount  of  gas  it  sends  to While the top brass is blamed unidirectional  move­ centive  structure  for  the PSBs as a group have done ex­ (DPC) and the Maharashtra Government wrangle over
Europe. Moscow has blamed the for  a  sedate  management  style, ment.  Executives  from moderate  performers  or ceedingly well during the last fin­ restarting the 658­MW Phase I of the station, an
supply  cuts  on  technical  issues those  lower  down  the  hierarchy larger or mid­level pub­ non­performers.  ancial  year  in  business  growth, eight­km­long, under­sea pipeline full of naphtha is lying
and Western sanctions imposed are  believed  to  have  a  lacklustre lic  sector  banks  also In the last six years, ex­ profitability, and also in improve­ unattended at the project site — a serious environmental
over its invasion of Ukraine. approach  when  compared  with need  exposure  in  lead­ cept once, whole­time dir­ ment  in  asset  quality.  Over  the hazard if the fuel leaks out into the sea and coast. A 7.8­km,
“We  will  propose  a  price  cap their peers in the private sector. ing  banks  such  as  SBI, ectors haven’t been trans­ years, they have played an instru­ sub­sea fuel pipeline that brings naphtha from ships
on  Russian  gas  ...  We  must  cut In  this  context,  the  newly  cre­ or  specialised  financial  institu­ ferred from one bank to another. mental role in delivering banking anchored at a 'singlepoint mooring' off the coast to the
Russia’s  revenues  which  Putin ated  Financial  Services  Institu­ tions like IIFCL or even NabFid to At  the  top  management  level, services to the last mile. The long shore is filled with naphtha and has been lying unattended
uses  to  finance  this  atrocious tion  Bureau  or  FSIB,  which  now further hone their skills. Bankers non­performers  can  be  shunted working hours during demonet­ for more than a year.
war in Ukraine,” European Com­ replaces the Banks Board Bureau can also be deputed across finan­ to  smaller  banks  or  put  at  the isation and their sacrifices during
mission  President  Ursula  von (BBB), gains significance.  cial  institutions  for  a  period  of back­end,  thereby  ensuring  that the  pandemic  have  no  parallels. States agree to new debt­swap package
der Leyen told reporters. The  FSIB  is  expected  to  play  a three to five years, at least at the performing candidates are given The  FSIB  can  focus  on  building States today initiated the first step for retiring high­cost
President  Vladimir  Putin  said bigger role rather than just short­ mid­management  level,  to  gain a fair chance to move upward in human resources both at the top debt contracted in the past by agreeing to implement a
on  Wednesday  that  Russia  will listing  candidates  and  recom­ experience  and  then  return  to the same capacity from a smaller and  bottom  to  further diluted version of the Rs 1,00,000­crore debt­swap package
stop  supplying  gas  and  oil  if mending  names  to  the  govern­ their parent bank. or  mid­sized  bank  to  a  bigger strengthen state­run institutions. originally proposed by the Centre. The decision to swap
price caps are imposed. ment  for  appointments  in It will ensure that the top lead­ lender. Of course, those doing ex­ highcost debt of Rs 25,000 crore every year over the next
Some  EU  countries  —  which state­run  financial  institutions. ership in the other large national­ ceedingly well and having the de­ The writer is Senior Adviser, Indian four years will help in easing the fiscal stress of States. The
would  need  to  approve  the  EU When the BBB was set up in April ised banks comes from within the sired remaining years of services Banks’ Association. Views are debtswap will, however, be restricted to loans extended to
proposals — are wary of a cap on 2016, it was expected to play a ma­ ranks to maintain continuity.  can move to higher levels in the personal States against small savings.
Russian  gas  prices  if  it  puts  at
risk  the  dwindling  supply  they
still receive from Moscow.
The  Commission  said  the
price  cap  for  Russian  pipeline
gas — which it said cannot be eas­
easy  bl two­way crossword 2110 not so easy
ily  rerouted  —  would  still  allow
ACROSS DOWN ACROSS DOWN
for  purchases  if  the  price  does
01. Railway coach (8)  01. Squat, bend low (6)  01. The way one bears the 01. Bend low to get the sofa right in
not exceed an agreed threshold.
07. American elk (5)  02. Rubbish; the scum of the cost of transport (8)  (6) 
“Significant  disruptions  are
08. One holding populace (4­4)  07. Fraternity member in US 02. People who are scum may drift
already  taking  place  without  a
price cap,” the Commission said commission (7)  03. Irritation (4)  sounds like a cow at far off when Dot is missing
in  a  note  explaining  von  der 09. Wander off the main 04. Flower, vegetable plot (6)  start of event (5)  (4­4) 
Leyen's  plans,  while  acknow­ point (7)  05. Prove wearisome (4)  08. Policeman found, if force 03. It will irritate a sorceress not to
ledging  that  Russia  could  seize 10. Mind (4)  06. Against (in competition) (6)  needed (7)  have a leader (4) 
on a European cap to reduce sup­ 12. Sewing implements (7)  07. Small generator producing 09. Leave the main subject ­­ 04. Plot tended to spell out the
plies further. 14. Purifier of oil etc (7)  sparks (7)  Greek ­­ in switching danger (6) 
The  Commission's  note  sug­ 17. Sword handle (4)  11. Large house, manor­house (7)  sides (7)  05. Had a child, which was a
gested  setting  the  acceptable 18. Coming away (7)  13. Shining, giving out light (8)  10. The looking after of acre nuisance (4) 
price  ceiling  above  production 21. Fascination, 14. General impression, opinion ploughed up (4)  06. Against five a variety of ruses
cost  —  though  below  current enchantment (7)  (6)  12. Pine leaves them in the are employed (6) 
market  prices  —  to  encourage 22. Teach an animal (5) 15. Shaggy, rough­edged (6)  hands of sempstresses 07. Producer of sparks got name
Russia  to  keep  on  selling  to Made into an object of 16. Placed in repository (6)  (7)  wrong (7) 
Europe. worship (8)  19. Back of army (4)  14. He purifies the right in 11. Great house of Mons in a
Von  der  Leyen  outlined  the 20. Come to the ground (4) free form (7)  restructured form (7) 
EU's  emergency  plans  to  lower 17. Handle fifty in show that's 13. Giving light to Open University
soaring  gas  and  power  prices, a great success (4)  in slum development (8) 
which  have  increased  bills  for 18. Leaving one another a line 14. The name one gains with tree
households  and  hammered SOLUTION: BL Two­way Crossword 2109 ahead (7)  up for review (6)
Europe's energy­intensive indus­ 21. 'It' gave first German the 15. Was teased for being so tattered
ACROSS 7. Cancellations 8. Breadcrumbs 12. Visits 14. Wedged 
tries.  The  EU  also  wants  to  cap love for France (7)  (6) 
16. Stripe 18. Prance 19. Detrimental 23. Circumstances 
the  revenue  of  non­gas  fuelled 22. Get in trim for a series of 16. Being put by when coming out
DOWN 1. Garb 2. Acme 3. Blades 4. Marrow 5. Film 6. Ants 
generators  and  channel  their coaches (5)  of Dorset (6) 
9. Reserve 10. Begonia 11. Adze 12. Vast 13. Tip 15. Ear 17. Enigma 
“unexpected  profits”  into  meas­ 18. Plenty 19. Drip 20. Tack 21. Tang 22. Lied 23. Worshipped by Dido, lies 19. Bring up the kids at the back (4) 
ures  that  support  households about it (8)  20. Become enamoured of a bout
and  companies,  von  der  Leyen of wrestling (4)
said.  REUTERS

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Where the waters do
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06 HYDERABAD THURSDAY 08 09 2022


� �

F
or several months, this column Leaders must adopt a regime of ‘corporate ayurveda’. looms and weaving, by producing textiles
has focused on organisational more productively than competition, viz.
INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN transformations. One may won-
The need manifests when the company enters a phase of Lancashire, Jamsetji became wealthy. On
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. der whether this subject is be- steady decline or suffers an enterprise ‘heart attack’ that base, he built his imaginative ideas for
— Ramnath Goenka coming increasingly crucial for a modern hotel, steelmaking, hydropower
the leaders of the future, and if
so, why. After all, transforma- AYURVEDA FOR generation, and the setting up of an insti-
tute for science and research. In due course,

CORPORATIONS
tions and strategy have been important these fructified as Taj Mahal Hotel, Tata
from the times of the Mahabharata. Steel, Tata Power, and Indian Institute of

LESSON TO LEARN
Organisational transformation is like re- Science in Bangalore. When explaining
juvenating the human body and mind. The what the ‘purpose’ of his enterprise was, he

FROM BENGALURU’S
pursuit of life and career imposes stresses unequivocally stated that it was to serve the
on managers just as nurturing of start-ups community. “The community was not a
does on the founding team. In the bloom of mere stakeholder, but the very purpose of
ENCROACHMENT HISTORY adolescence and youth, every person sub-
jects the human body to enormous stresses R GOPALAKRISHNAN Author and business commentator
the existence of the firm,” he said. Stated
that way, and that too in the 1890s,the view

O
through inappropriate habits, lifestyle, and was quite remarkable! Jamsetji and his suc-
n July 26, 2005, Mumbai experienced unprecedented and bravado. Rejuvenation means going to a cessors left wealth in trusts to engage in
the most dreadful rain of 944 mm in just 24 hours. The yoga center, naturopathy clinic, weight-loss social issues.
financial capital came to a halt. Flood water levels rose camp, and rediscovering new ideas in old BUILDING BUSINESSES Both William Hesketh Lever and Jam-
to submerge even the first floors of several buildings. It matters, for example, breathing techniques. setji Tata were influenced by the contempo-
cut off rail and road connectivity. People were forced to The leadership actions in organisational rary philosophical thinking in the world’s
transformation are the equivalent of yo- prosperous nations—Britain and America.
spend the night stranded in cars or risk venturing through the ga—what one may term as ayurveda for the Influenced by the thinking of English phi-
rising water. Over a thousand people died on that day. Thousands corporation. losopher, Jeremy Bentham, British capital-
were subjected to untold miseries. Over a lakh residential Leaders must, and do, adopt a regime of ism had several benign features. Entrepre-
and commercial buildings and about 30,000 vehicles lay ‘corporate ayurveda’, not necessarily by us- neurship in America developed more
damaged. The disaster was attributed to Mumbai’s drain- ing that phrase. The need manifests when sharply with the emergence of what histo-
age infrastructure unable to withstand the runoff water the company misses a few health parame- ry has come to refer to as the ‘robber bar-
ters, enters a phase of steady decline, or suf- ons’. Rockefeller, Carnegie, Ford, John Pier-
volume. It resulted in the failure of its massive sewer sys-
fers an enterprise ‘heart attack’. Taking pont Morg an, for example, were
tem. Drains were found blocked. Mumbai’s rivers over- further the metaphor, one could view the controversial initially, but left their wealth
flowed as discharge exceeded capacity. process as the equivalent of resetting habits to foundations for the community. Those
A flooded Bengaluru may have been spared the horror that and diet, strengthening the core muscles of foundations do a great deal of social and
Mumbai faced but has all the ingredients in place for it to the body, and keeping the mind active and economic upliftment to this day.
happen on a scale far worse than that. Most components are engaged. This requires an understanding Influenced also by prevalent ideas of the
of what patterns of action and mindset a late 1800s, the initial corporations seemed
man-made. Greed and corruption rule the roost. It benefits
long-life company adopts. One essential as- to develop an ethical and socially oriented
the real estate sharks who bend and break the rules in col- pect for the company, as with human be- outlook. Initially, it took entrepreneurs time
lusion with officials to encroach lake beds and stormwater ings, is to adopt a satwik and responsible to shake off trading conservatism in deci-
drains to build high-class residential complexes, some units lifestyle. sion-making. As entrepreneurs moved into
costing up to `13 crore. These encroachments obstruct run- There has been a resurgence of interest manufacturing, employing large labor forc-
off water, causing floods. Apparently indifferent to all this, among management scholars into the sub- es, attitudes morphed.
there is demand among the ultra-rich for these luxury villas ject of responsible (honest and sustainable) When such opportunity opens in an un-
business in societal matters. What is re- SOUMYADIP SINHA anticipated manner, some entrepreneurs do
and complexes. But they fail to realise its impact, which was sponsible business and what is the role of get carried away—as the current surge in
ingloriously unveiled on Sunday night to not only heap mis- business in society? evolved into an industrial mindset. With ually from one generation to another. He the start-up economy indicates. Innovation,
eries on themselves but also on the entire city and its repu- Two hundred years ago, the neanderthal the advent of the industrial revolution, in- also acquired a public profile. When asked creativity, and ambition abound, so also
tation. Despite Mumbai’s example, Bengaluru failed to learn version of modern enterprise adopted two dustry could earn disproportionate wealth what the ‘purpose’ of his soap empire was, does a cowboy mentality, greater risk-tak-
crucial lessons. It failed to learn from its own experiences remarkable innovations: double-entry ac- for the shareholder, which included the he simply stated that he was trying to wash ing, and an increased mortality among en-
when the city flooded every time it rained heavily in the counting and the joint stock company. founder. Traders too earned money, but the teeming millions around the world. Uni- terprises. In the drive for survival and
These two innovations permitted entrepre- never on the scale that industrialists lever still washes the teeming millions, growth, enterprises focused more on ration-
past. Encroachments continued unabated. Now, Bengaluru
neurs to think big even with limited capital could. though the word washing now includes al and technological aspects—labor produc-
needs to be hoisted as an example not to be emulated by because the joint stock company limited its Examples of such entrepreneurs are the beautifying and nourishing people. Lord tivity, new manufacturing techniques, capi-
civic authorities in other urban centres across India. liabilities to the owners’ share capital. It fa- founders of both the corporates where I had Leverhulme, as he became known by the tal efficiency, and squeezing out more and
Respective authorities need to plan satellite towns in the cilitated taking greater risks, which is, of the privilege of working—Unilever and time of his death, left his fortune in a Lever- more from less and less.
vicinity of a city once it reaches the urban expansion limit. course, at the heart of enterprise. The ac- Tata. By the 1880s, William Hesketh Lever hulme Trust with a mandated social The next few columns will cover how
Bifurcation or trifurcation of the local civic body needs to counting innovation required every trans- had amassed a fortune by launching his purpose. long-life corporations came to be so, and
action to be recorded in two aspects: debit Sunlight and Lifebuoy soap empire. He In a striking parallel, Jamsetji Tata be- how the responsible corporation evolved.
be considered once this limit is crossed, as has Bengaluru.
and credit, corresponding to the person giv- started to build a township at Port Sunlight gan his enterprise in textiles around the (The author was Director, Tata Sons and
Most of all, town/city planners need to understand that ing the benefit and the person receiving the where workers’ families would get educa- same time. By investing in risk-taking by Vice Chairman, Hindustan Unilever)
playing with nature only leads to the latter striking back, benefit. tion and health facilities, a steady income, acquiring sick textile mills, by deploying (www.themindworks.me)
which could be deadlier than we know. Thus, a trading mindset adapted and and standards of living could improve grad- the latest techniques of production on (rgopal@themindworks.me)

PROBE BAD FOOD SUPPLY


IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS THE CENTRAL POLITICS

L
ately, incidents of food poisoning at government residen-
tial schools in Telangana are on the rise, with dozens of
students landing in hospitals at alarming intervals. A girl
OF REGIONAL HISTORIES Karnataka nexus
The column Caste saffron and fixing the
soul of democracy (September 7) has held a
mirror to the politician-caste-pontiff nexus

I
student of the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Kaga-
znagar in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district died this t was a good day for India. The in Karnataka. Political parties compete with
prime minister commissioned each other to be in the good books of pontiffs
Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
the INS Vikrant, India’s first air- since the latter can amass a huge vote bank;
The cause of her death is yet to be ascertained, but her par- craft carrier that is wholly at- voters vote along caste lines. This trend is
ents attribute it to contaminated food. They staged a protest manirbhar (or, at least, has 76% KAJAL BASU Veteran journalist unlikely to change soon. We have no option
outside the school. This comes close on the heels of the hos- Indian componentry). Granted, but to bear it.
pitalisation of 33 students of a social welfare ashram school it’s not operational, and won’t be Hemanth Bhide, Mangalore
in Wardhannapet in Warangal rural district. The children until end-2023 (if not later). Granted, it was
delayed by seven years because of techno- trolling and engagements increased. modore Amar K Mahadevan, Naval Officer Congress’ padayatra
and parents claim a lizard was found in the meals. The usual
logical lassitude and a cash crunch follow- But, as historians from southern India in-charge (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry), The Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra or mass
reaction of the government in these cases is less than satisfac- ing a six-fold cost overrun. Granted, it can have begun to point out, Shivaji’s navy was had then said: contact programme is praiseworthy.
tory and can only be termed knee-jerk. In the Wardhannapet only handle helicopters at the moment as not the apotheosis of India’s naval prowess. “It is only fitting that a circumnavigating Interacting with citizens to understand their
case, the warden and the cook were suspended pending an the completion of its aviation flight com- That credit must go to the ancient Tamil ship is being involved in the celebrations of needs and address their grievances is a good
inquiry. In July, students of Basara IIIT were hospitalised plex (AFC), crucial for its combat air arm, kings Rajaraja Chola I and his son Rajendra a king, whose navy has gone beyond bound- decision. In ancient times and the medieval
after reportedly consuming contaminated food. A month is at the mercy of its dawdling supplier, Rus- Chola I. In CE 1010–1200, the far-ranging aries even in those ancient times.” ages, kings would embark on padayatras just
ago, they released a photo of a dead frog in the food. sia. Nonetheless, its commissioning was a Chola navy helped establish an empire that Three years later, on November 26, 2017, like this to understand the effect of their
muscular symbol of maritime sovereignty stretched from the upper Godavari in the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sithara- governance. This is the soul of democracy.
In most cases, the standard response from authorities is
on India’s 75th independence anniversary. north to parts of Sri Lanka to maritime man (then the newly installed Union min- K L Rao, Visakhapatnam
to take action against a few and offer a plethora of assur- There was, however, one hiccup—a sin- South-east Asia (present-day Indonesia and ister of Defence) had tweeted (tagging the
ances. The incidents are disconcerting symptoms of a deep- gultus that threatens to expand into a full- Cambodia) to the Maldives in the Indian PMO @PMOIndia and the prime minister Cong must fix its issues
er malaise of negligence, irresponsibility, and a lack of blown controversy. And this was the simul- Ocean, about 750-km south-west of the sub- @narendramodi, and hashtagging It is amusing to see the Congress embark on
transparency, affecting the administration of hostels run by taneous unveiling of a new Indian Navy continental mainland. The Cholas ran mar- #MannKiBaat): its padayatra when what it really needs is
the social welfare department. A survey by Hakku, an Insti- ensign, formally named ‘Nishaan’ (target/ itime trade and commerce with as far and “900 years ago Chola navy was consid- some major fixing. These yatras are simply
impression/indication). That the 72-year- wide as China, the Malayan archipelago, ered 1 of world’s best navies. Also men- opportunities for more rhetoric. The country
tute of Perception Studies initiative, defines the magnitude
old ensign needed refurbishing (its fourth tioned in Tamil Sangam Literature. Women needs to be spared of this agony and the
of the problem. It points out that in August alone, 350 stu- and probably definitive) is not in debate: it were part of the Chola Navy. Ship building party needs to tackle its own issues.
dents in nine districts fell ill after eating contaminated food. has long had vestigial but pronounced ten- was also well known about the Chola C M Umanath, Calicut
And in a matter of eight months ending August 31, approxi- drils of India’s colonial past. Kings.”
mately 1,070 students were affected in 17 districts. But the truth is that despite a statement It can’t, therefore, be the case that the What was BJP doing?
The government does not seem to understand the gravity released by the Prime Minister’s Office Centre, the PMO, the defence ministry, and Although Basavaraj Bommai may have
of the situation. It has announced the Swatcha Gurukulam (PMO) that it would do “away with the colo- the Indian Navy were or are unaware that a point in blaming the Congress for the
nial past…befitting the rich Indian mari- Shivaji’s navy is not India’s first—and not Bengaluru floods, what was his party as the
programme to keep the ashram schools spick and span. Its time heritage”, the new ensign is not en- its most outstanding and rangy, either. They then Opposition doing? What was BBMP
success is anybody’s guess. More often than not, the govern- tirely historically fidelitous. India’s knew about the paramountcy of the Cholas. doing? Was anyone paying heed to what the
ment withdraws into a shell, drawing an impervious iron PTI
maritime heritage goes a far longer way There is no logical—or good enough—rea- environmentalists had to say? The only way
curtain around itself. This compounds the problem as it is back than the PMO thinks it does: the best son to supremacise one region’s history to keep our heads above water now is if the
imperative to understand what is going wrong. The cash of naval times were precolonial. and the Baghdad caliphate. It is an indica- over another’s. It is difficult not to assume ruling party and the Opposition work together
crunch is surely not the reason. Things have come to such As it has since January 26, 1950, when In- tion of its power, economic mettle, and na- that this ahistorical renovating of the en- to solve this issue.
dia became a republic and the Navy Crest val endurance that the Chola empire—a sign of a national defence force is meant to Hemachandra Basappa, Bengaluru
a pass that several parents are now afraid of sending their
and flag were Indianised, the tricolour oc- full-blown thalassocracy—lasted more than serve a region-political purpose in which
children to these schools. That defeats the very purpose of cupies the top left corner (the canton). The a millennium and a half. the south figures only tangentially. B’luru floods, greedy babus
their existence. The need of the hour is transparency and bottom right quarter, however, has been re- In a sense, the Chola navy was both impe- This peripheralisation of swathes of In- In view of the Bengaluru floods, several
accountability. We cannot let our children die. fashioned into a gilt-edged octagon in- rial and bluewater—capable of ranging far dia—predominantly the south and the questions need to be posed to the public,
spired—going by a short documentary and wide oceanically. Shivaji’s navy was a east—and highlighting the history of north the administration and politicians. After
released by the Indian Navy (Spokesperson- defensive operation, and was brownwater– and north-central India is a Nehruvian leg- this mayhem, will the administration pull up
Q U I C K TA K E Navy @indiannavy)—by the Raja Mudra, designed for and tasked with manoeuvring acy. Left historiographers bought into it as its socks and punish the greedy and corrupt
the seal of the revered Maratha ruler Chhat- in the near-shore littoral zone and rivers. much as the Right’s. This had less to do with babus who permitted the illegal constructions
THE GOATS ARE FADING AWAY rapati Shivaji. It’s a doffing of the establish-
ment and natsec hat to his naval prowess.
The Cholas commanded giant tracts of both
the west and the east coasts of peninsular
ideology than with provincialism. The par-
titioning of Bengal in 1947 has for more
on storm drains and lake beds?
Dr Dinesh Kowshik, Gokak

R
According to an Indian Navy document: India; Shivaji, the Konkan coast. than a half-century now been rendered less
oger Federer is sidelined. Novak Djokovic wasn’t invited. Ser- India as a manufacturing hub
“The navy under Shivaji was so strong that Fully cognisant of the naval eminence of notable than that of Punjab (strangely
ena Williams bid adieu. And on Tuesday, unfancied American the Marathas could hold their own against the Cholas, the Indian Navy commemorat- enough, finding itself in focus largely in the Apropos of The challenge in becoming
Frances Tiafoe demolished the US Open’s last giant standing, the British, Portuguese and Dutch. Shivaji ed, as recently as November 2014, the 1,000th Hindutva Weltsicht, for the wealth of reli- a global manufacturing hub (Sept 7).
Rafael Nadal. The year’s final Grand Slam is, therefore, GOAT- realised the importance of having a secure anniversary of the coronation of Rajendra gious xenophobia that this history affords). Noel Quinn’s adulation towards India for
less. Age and ceaseless action are taking their toll. Nadal may coastline and protecting the western Chola. Referencing the Chola navy’s extra- While contemporary historiography is “unlocking its economy via simpler tax
have to decide between playing on with injections or being able Konkan coastline....” territorial reach, celebrations were marked seeking to repair this imbalance by high- structure and digitisation” is apt, since it is
to take the child he and Maria Perelló are expecting for short There is little to argue with here. Shiva- by the INS Sudarshini, a circumnavigating, lighting the many subhistories of India, the already in the process of implementation
ji’s navy, which came into existence in the three-masted barque of the Indian Navy, present dispensation seems far less inter- under the ‘Make in India’ mission. The only
walks soon. The world hasn’t seen the last of the GOATs yet. mid-17th century, increased its number of sailing to Nagapattinam, which had been a ested in addressing this inequity than in hitch seems to be regulatory systems that
They’ll all be at the lesser-known Laver Cup later this month ships from 20 in 1659 to more than 100 in the Chola naval base and a takeoff point for exploiting it. don’t gel well with international standards.
playing, on the same side for a change. early 1670s, even as its range of coastal pa- easterly adventurism and commerce. Com- (kajalrbasu@gmail.com) K Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS


Chairman of the Board: Manoj Kumar Sonthalia Editor: Santwana Bhattacharya
Resident Editor (Telangana) : T Kalyan Chakravarthy* Printed and Published by R K Jhunjhunwala on behalf of Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., at H.No.6-3-1113/1, B.S.Makta Lane, Somajiguda, Near Grand Kakatiya Hotel, Punjagutta, Hyderabad – 500 016 and printed by him at Sakshi Press, Plot No.D-75 & E-52, Industrial Estate (APIE),
Balanagar, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana. Hyderabad: Vol. 46, No. 214 RNI Reg. No. 32179/77. Phone: 040-23413908. * Responsible for selection of News under the PRB Act. Copyright: Express Publications (Madurai) Private Ltd., All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, electronic or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited.
4 EDIT DELHI THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2022

Congress needs completely new narrative LETTERS


Congress making right moves
B harat Jodo Yatra by rahul
gandhi has begun from
Kanyakumari. A 3,500 km
bian Sea and indian Ocean takes
place. Kanyakumari is popular be-
cause it is the only place on earth,
people. What the Congress pro-
poses to give to the people is
more important.
explain. When L K Advani took up
yatra from Kanyakumari in 1991,
BJP had a single point agenda –
about his ability to lead the party to
victory.
if Congress party remains con- T he grand old party Congress has taken a right step to start 3,500 km
padayatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. e former president of
walkathon spread over 150 days is where you can see the Sunrise and He should be able to tell the ram Temple at Ayodhya. at kind tended with the media attention the that party rahul gandhi is all set to lead and participate in this massive
certainly an appreciable act and is Sunset from the ocean. if handled masses what the party stands for? of clarity is lacking in Bharat Jodo yatra would get or what the Bhakt people contact programme raising hopes about the future of that party.
pregnant with the possibility of re- properly, the yatra has the potential What is the purpose of Yatra? yatra. mandali keeps posting on social me- For quite some time, the party had lost touch with the ground and paid
vival of the Congress. is is the to see the rise of Congress again. Bharat Jodo is a very vague state- One thing that needs to be kept dia then the yatra would be a political the price in the form of repeated failures at the hustings. Still it cannot be
first mass contact programme the is may be sounding as an op- ment. Bharat is and will always in mind by Congress leaders and disaster. ey should succeed not in written off on national stage of electoral politics with its presence, however
Congress party is undertaking at timistic view of the yatra. But at the be united unless the politicians the so-called strategists is that the mobilising crowds in each state but feeble, in a majority of states. e non-BJP parties cannot afford to ignore
national level almost aer two same time, the grand old party create trouble and incite commu- yatra would end around March should target at getting organic atten- it, in making alliances of opposition.
decades, if not more. Hence, there needs to ensure that there is no slip nal violence for narrow political 2023. it means elections would be dance at the public meetings. in every Dr DVG Sankararao, Vizianagaram
is a need to see that it is well-exe- between the lip and the cup. e gains. There is no need to duck at least six months to one year away. state, the Congress workers and lead-
cuted. Congress and the heir apparent under the guise of saying it is a ey should also have plans to keep ers should convince people about the
e Congress party has been rahul gandhi should be clear in peace yatra. The Congress should the people, and more particularly purpose of yatra and see that the II
holding road shows and rallies dur-
ing elections but has not taken up
any activity across the country to
his mind and speech about the pur-
pose of this yatra. He should not
only have broader vision but also
have the courage to say ‘Yes’ it is
part of election campaign. it just
does not make any sense to lash out
the cadre, engaged to sustain the
gains of the yatra. When it’s peace-
time, the army needs to be pre-
crowds voluntarily go to the public
meetings. is could be a major chal-
lenge since the Congress party has
C ongress proposal to walk and talk with public for a long distance will
help the party to know the public suffering and to plan to address
the grievances and establish a good governance. Jagan Mohan reddy un-
unite the party. More than Bharat be articulate enough to call a spade at the Centre. Congress should pared for war. e rank and file become so weak that it may not be dertook Padayatra and came to know the suffering of public. He planned
Jodo, it should certainly become a spade and hit the bull’s eye. no clearly offer an alternative plan and should remain connected with peo- able to mobilise the masses. welfare measures. it helped the party to plan the governance. i am sure,
Congress Jodo yatra. e yatra be- point giving lecture on importance explain what it would do if voted ple. rahul gandhi needs to establish Hurdles are there. One has to what rahul gandhi is planning will certainly help the party. in olden
gan at a place where a confluence of indian flag or what it means to to power. BJP is bad fine, but how a firm connection with voters. He wait and watch how the party’s old days, kings used to go out to public without revealing their identity.
of three oceans Bay of Bengal, Ara- the people or what it has given to different is Congress, they need to should aim at creating a new narrative horses will handle the yatra. KLRao, Visakhapatnam

Need to raise literary awareness

My run-ins with the fourth estate E ven in times of global crises, efforts are being continually made to
find alternatives ways to ensure the continuity of learning, through
distance and e-learning, etc. international Literacy Day (iLD) is celebrated
on September 8 to spread awareness about the importance of literacy for
individuals, communities, and societies and to stress the need for inten-
sified efforts towards more literate societies. it is necessary to raise aware-
TALKING OF officials meant for that purpose.
As we were going round, the whole
ness on literary issues that are faced by people and also to endorse cam-
paigns that help in increasing literacy for all people. unESCO continues
MANY THINGS event was being videographed by to play a leading role in improving global literacy and is promoting inter-
the electronic media. At one point national Literacy Day with governments and communities.
of time, one of the photographers Divyansha Sharma, ujjain
asked me to get out of the way so
that he could get a better view of
the Chief Minister. At the same A timely appeal for communal amity
time, a journalist asked me, rather
belligerently, why one particular
room was so dirty. at, for me,
“L et us denounce communal politics” (e Hans india, 7/9) is a timely
and well-written article by ramu Survajjula, in the interests of com-
munal harmony of historical Hyderabad which was ruled by nizam during
was the last straw and i lost my pre-independent period with good and bad governance, resulting in an
shirt. i grabbed his collar, and armed struggle with bloodshed and later Hyderabad state joined inde-
asked him if it was not merely the pendent india with military intervention as there was no way for the last
Dr Mohan Kanda fact that he was a journalist, and nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan and some le for Pakistan. ough com-
had a camera in his hand, that he munal disturbances were a major problem during the past decades, as

A
n interesting incident oc- was being so impertinent. Totally rightly said, it is gratifying that there has been dip in the incidents. is
curred when i was serving shaken, the photographer apolo- clearly indicates every citizen is for communal harmony, goodwill and
as the Chief Secretary to gised. Aer the tour was over, YSr togetherness with brotherhood. it is most unfortunate that some politicians
the government of Andhra gently chided me saying that i and leaders bank on faith and religion for the survival of their political
Pradesh in 2004. i had convened a should not have been so short- party as well as themselves and never bother about backwardness of the
conference at Vijayawada, in Kr- tempered with a journalist. Duly people and development of the areas. A worrying issue is that some ruling
ishna district, of the District Col- chastised, i felt that the incident political parties while criticising some political parties as communal
lectors of coastal districts of only went to show that one had to To quote the French writer, wit and philosopher Voltaire, “I may not agree with what themselves are supporting other communal party for their survival giving
Andhra Pradesh state, to discuss be extremely restrained and cau- you have to say, but I will defend the death your right to say it.” ‘Gagging’ the media is an opportunity to other party for communal polarisation.
the arrangements for the ensuing tious while dealing with the me- definitely not the way forward. The media, on their part, need also realise that compliance JP Reddy, nalgonda.
elections in 2004. i had just fin- dia.
ished the conference and was Sometime later, when a paper
with ethical standards is not an option, but a necessity II
walking out when a reporter from
a local newspaper hailed me and
asked what action was being taken
needlessly dragged me into a mat-
ter i had nothing to do with, i went
to YSr and asked him whether i
ative media coverage and refers to
false news stories disguised as au-
thentic ones. Fake news has be-
Tehelka.com known for its inves-
tigative journalism. e subject was
match fixing in cricket. e work
However, unjustified retaliation,
in the face of criticism of a construc-
tive nature is, regrettably, very much
T he writer Dr ramu Suravajjula's advice to all political parties to reject
communalism as it is causing great feelings of insecurity amongst
people is timely and apt. At the outset, communalism has no place in a
about a breach, which had oc- should issue a rejoinder. He smiled come a universal concern now. So won national fame and public sup- in evidence now. e recent in- democracy and in a multi-religious and multi-cultural country like ours
curred that morning, to the bund and said that i should never take much so that many countries have port. next came Operation West- stances where journalists were vic- which strongly believes and works on the principle of the powerful "unity
of a canal, somewhere in the media reports seriously. in fact, to enacted laws to contain the end, by the same magazine, aimed timised, harassed and even killed in in Diversity" for growth and development. e growing conflicts between
northern part of the district. Quite ignore the report would be the best malaise. at exposing the defence deals of the retaliation of their fearless exposure communities at the drop of a hat as a consequence of failure of all political
naturally, i knew nothing about insult to the paper. now coming Quite apart from the print and then ruling party, the nDA led by of corrupt and dishonest practices, parties to uphold the principle of rule of law is a matter of great concern
the incident and was not expected back to the question of sensational electronic media, another power- BJP. e investigation into the sting on the part of politicians and judges, because it acts as an impediment for growth. Parties blaming each other
to know either. When the reporter headlines in newspapers. “Dalal ful new generation of methods of that took a dramatic turn when it only go to show that the freedom of for using religious card to garner votes need to seriously introspect and
persisted, i lost my cool, grabbed Street dark” is one headline i re- communication has emerged in was revealed that prostitutes were expression, as guaranteed by the correct themselves before it becomes a Frankenstein monster to devour all.
the microphone from the hands of member from my younger days, recent times, broadly referred to supplied to three defence officials. Constitution of india, is being K R Srinivasan, Secunderabad
the reporter and asked him who which, apparently, was meant to as the ‘social media,’ such as email, Both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) treated with scant respect.
he thought i was, and how he ex- convey the meaning that the stock WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and and Samata Party condemned it and To quote the French writer, wit
pected me know the details of such market prices had fallen that day. instagram, among others. ese raised the questions on ethical side and philosopher Voltaire, “i may Speeding a dangerous thrill
a small incident, in the corner of a
vast state. at was in the heat of
the moment and i soon returned
Another interesting newspaper
headline i came across recently
was one which claimed that if you
have totally dismantled barriers and
anyone can communicate with any-
one else in the globe across inter-
of investigative journalism.
Clearly, the emergence of mod-
ern methods of communication, in
not agree with what you have to
say, but i will defend the death
your right to say it.” ‘gagging’ the
T he sudden death of industrial magnate Cyrus Mistry is an eye-opener
to speedsters. Highway accidents are happening due to high speed
beyond limits together with inattentive driving. Human errors lead to
the instrument and told him not snored you could be three times national borders and cultural di- what we have come to know as the media is definitely not the way for- heavy casualties than mechanical failures. Caution boards are not just
to ask such irresponsible questions more likely to die of Coronavirus. vides. While these social media have ‘digital age,’ has revolutionized, not ward. e media, on their part, for erection but for warning the possible dangers. When will the drivers
in the future. But as one went through the arti- opened up enormous opportunities, only the dimension and significance need also realise that compliance learn such lessons? A few decades ago, there were no seat belts, no helmet
YSr, who had recently assumed cle, it transpired that the point be- in terms of outrage and speed, they of the positive role that the new age with ethical standards is not an op- rule and no fines. Cautious driving and controlling the speed used to be
office as the Chief Minister of ing made was that people diag- have come at a price. Fake news in media can play, but also the serious tion, but a necessity. the hall-mark, though road accidents were occurring but minimum.
Andhra Pradesh, one morning, nosed with obstructive sleep alone social media is spreading like wild- adverse effects they can produce. Speed governors are to be provided during the manufacturing stage itself
went to inspect the Secretariat would be at higher risk, and not fire and people of all ages are suffer- One way of looking at it is that, (e writer is former Chief in all road transport vehicles.
premises to check cleanliness and people who snored for other rea- ing the adverse fallout. while humanity must, no doubt, Secretary, Government Dr NSR Murthy, Secunderabad
punctuality. i was the Chief Secre- sons! e print and electronic media harness the potential of the new de- of Andhra Pradesh)
tary and on his request, accompa- One concern that has emerged, have discovered yet another inter- velopments to the best possible ex- (e opinions expressed in this thehansreader@gmail.com
nied him. is was in spite of my in recent times, is the phenome- esting method of exposing the tent, every effort needs to be made column are that of the writer. e
telling him he was the Head of the non of fake news. e expression murky goings-on in higher places, to put in place a techno-legal regime facts and opinions
government of the state and that was first coined by the entourage the first ever sting operation was to ensure that undesirable practices expressed here do not reflect
such matters could be handled by of Donald Trump to discredit neg- conducted by the magazine are dealt with promptly and strictly. the views of e Hans India)

Why Putin still enjoys mass support


The West has made it easy for him to claim to be a defender of Russian interests
ALEXANDER HILL to reduce or give the appearance of reducing
It is a long monsoon for coastal Karnataka
The relative economic stability and corruption. MAngALuru: e Karnataka coast is having an extended rainy season.
order provided under the Putin
D uring the early stages of Vladimir
Putin's “special military operation” in
ukraine, there was speculation in the west-
regime has had widespread appeal.
Western sanctions have
Order after chaos
Putin, the strongman, had brought a degree
e South West monsoon have ended but the north East monsoon have
taken over now resulting in the entire coast going wet beyond their normal
season of rain. As a result, fisheries have taken a severe beating. e fish-
ern media that his days as russian leader undoubtedly hit many Russians. of order aer the chaos, and many russians ermen have already lost 10 days of the new fishing season 2022-23 (Sep-
were numbered. russian oligarchs were sup- welcomed it even though a number of demo- tember-May).
posedly going to shed their loyalty to Putin's
However, the blanket and cratic elements of the Yeltsin regime disap-
regime as their assets and yachts were seized unprecedented nature of western peared. Western-style liberalism had not of-
in the West. e wider russian population sanctions — and western hypocrisy fered most russians the sort of life promised Amputated leg of husband given to wife for burial
would soon feel the economic pain of sanc- in its treatment of Russia — feed to them by proponents of reform as the Soviet MAnDYA: in an inhuman incident, authorities of Mandya institute of
tions and be unwilling to accept the growing into Putin's narrative that the West union collapsed. Medical Sciences (MiMS) gave the amputated leg to wife of the patient
death toll for russian forces in ukraine. wants to keep Russia down Even today, evidence suggests many rus- to bury it. it is said that doctors amputated the gangrene affected leg of
sians — including those born aer the Soviet Prakash, a patient from Keelara village. But the hospital authorities gave
Increase in popularity guments that the russian population is sub- the 1990s. e collapse of the Soviet union union's collapse — value many things before the leg to Bagyamma wife of Prakash to bury it. e incident attracted
is scenario has yet to take place, and ject to a barrage of pro-Kremlin propaganda in 1991 was a major blow to russian prestige. democracy and western political liberalism. widespread criticism from various pro- people organisations and general
there aren't any meaningful signs that it will and therefore unable to really question the Devaluation soon followed, and yet the e relative economic stability and order pro- public. Bhagyamma who received leg expressed grief , seeing her husband’s
in the near future. in fact, russian public status is alternative to Putin's world view russian economy recovered far more quickly vided under the Putin regime has had wide- leg. She alleged that the hospital staff told that she has to pay thousands
opinion polls have suggested an increase in is almost nowhere to be found in russian than many observers expected. spread appeal. Western sanctions have un- of rupees if they dispose and asked her to bury leg herself. People have
Putin's popularity aer the invasion. Support media. Shortly aer the 1998 financial crash, doubtedly hit many russians. However, the urged authorities to take action against irresponsible hospital staff.
for the war itself is not as high as Putin's Yeltsin helped bring Putin to power as acting blanket and unprecedented nature of western
overall approval rating — but he can still Risking wealth, status president at the end of 1999. An unlikely sanctions — and western hypocrisy in its
count on majority support for the invasion. Most of russia's population is, at worst, successor for Yeltsin in terms of his political treatment of russia — feed into Putin's nar- Timeless ‘Kaavi Kala’ murals adorn
Additionally, the russian economy has re- willing to quietly acquiesce in Putin's regime. profile, i didn't expect much to change under rative that the West wants to keep russia
mained surprisingly robust — to a consid- ere are good reasons for this beyond fear. Putin. At first, Putin's policies were similar down. Mangaluru airport
erable extent helped by the sanctions meant First of all, many russian oligarchs and po- to Yeltsin's. nonetheless, by the time i visited e West has made it easy for Putin to MAngALuru: e Kaavi Kala the only art form from the Konkan coast
to damage it. By denying themselves russian litical leaders are closely bound to Putin russia for the first time in several years in claim to be a defender of russian interests. is now on the revival path from the beginning of the 21st century. e
oil and to a lesser extent gas, European coun- through a system of patronage that is deeply 2015, i could feel a palpable change in mood in the absence of obvious alternatives to last classical Kaavi Kala artist died some 70 years back taking along with
tries contributed to an increase in oil and entrenched. Without Putin, they are likely since my last visit. not only was there greater Putin, only his health is likely a significant him the secret ingredient that made Kaavi Kala an everlasting mural art
gas prices that has buoyed the russian cof- to lose much of their wealth and status. At order and cleanliness on the streets, but also potential threat to his rule at the moment, in the temples and houses of art lovers on the Konkan Coast for at least
fers. the same time, some of those in the upper a growing feeling of self-confidence in the and recent speculation about his ill health the last four centuries. But thanks to the Mangaluru international Airport,
Western commentators have also sug- echelons of russian society support Putin's russian capital. is was a year aer russia seems to be based on little or no meaningful the walls and roof of a particular section of the airport now have huge
gested that, simmering beneath the opinion nationalist agenda. had annexed Crimea. Most russians sup- evidence. As far as we can reasonably tell, murals made from Kaavi Kala.
poll numbers, there is latent opposition to Many russian nationalists believe russia ported that move. Putin had not rid russia Putin is here to stay.
Putin that isn't being expressed because of has been reborn under Putin. in some ways, of the hated oligarchs, but they had been (Writer is Professor of Military History, Read more at
fear. At the same time, there have been ar- that's true aer the widespread misery of brought into line. Attempts were also made University of Calgary; e Conversation)
https://epaper.thehansindia.com (Bengaluru edition)
14 NEW DELHI
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 08, 2022

Opinion

{ OUR TAKE }
E STA B L I S H E D I N 1 9 24 A plan for states to
What about farm propel the economy
stubble burning? Five Indian states
account for around 40%
ognised that with accelerated eco- trillion. Maharashtra is projected to
nomic growth, he can create jobs and achieve a $450 billion GSDP this fiscal
fulfil people’s aspirations. I call these year and can reach the trillion-dollar
five states the Five Horsemen as I see goal the earliest. The other four states
The early decision on crackers is welcome but of GDP. Other states them pulling away from the rest. The are at $250-300 billion GSDP and even
competition is fierce, with several though the trillion-dollar target may India’s structural transformation has been slow, so, Maharashtra, Tamil
curb the menace of farm fires to clean the air can emulate their high- states such as Delhi, Haryana, Mad- seem distant, these states are deter- Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka must reduce the labour force
performance trajectory hya Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana mined to accelerate growth and get in agriculture and increase the share of services and industry SHUTTERSTOCK
being well poised to keep pace. How- there sooner. India’s structural trans-
by announcing

D
elhi announced a complete ban on the manufa- ever, this is also an opportunity for formation has been slow, so these around 15% of their national exports. higher floor area ratio, and affordable
cture, storage, sale and use of firecrackers in the aspirational targets, states such as West Bengal, Rajasthan, states must reduce the percentage of All, but one, are coastal states, and the housing will increase the size and
Kerala and Punjab to emulate other the labour force in agriculture by 10 same strategy can be taken up by the density of cities. States should follow
Capital till January 1, 2023, keeping in line with and focusing on import, states, and return to a high-growth points by 2030, and consequently Five Horsemen. the National Capital Region (NCR)
the practice in recent years where the Supreme industrialisation, path. increase the share of services and Industrialisation and pro-business model to create mega clusters — e.g.,
Court and the city administration have clamped China’s example is instructive: industry by five percentage points reforms: States must be pro-business Greater Lucknow, the State Capital
pro-business reforms Five Chinese provinces — Guangdong, each. and investment. Some states such as Region, which is already work in
restrictions on the celebratory usage of crackers as Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang and Chinese provincial leaders are Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharash- progress — with a 100km radius
part of efforts to check spiralling air pollution. The and urbanisation Henan — account for 40% of fiercely competitive, and tra (especially the western region) around the core centre. Services are
announcement, which has come earlier than usual China’s GDP. These provin- their key performance indi- have industrialised rapidly. UP and the largest share of GSDP and must

T
he locus of India’s devel- ces on the eastern seaboard cator (KPI) is economic Bihar have diverged with the former grow at 10+ % real growth rates per
this year, may give the civic administration more time opment is at the state (Henan is a bit inland) have growth. Lower-level officials making capital outlays that are 4-5x year.
to fine-tune its implementation, which has been patchy level. Almost two-thirds of led the nation’s miraculous at the 3,000-odd county divi- the latter’s to create the enabling If India wants to catch up during
and unsatisfactory in the past few years, allowing illegal the expenditure is by state economic growth over sions are held accountable infrastructure for industrialisation Amrit Kaal (the run-up to 2047), then
governments, which cov- the past four decades. for economic growth and job (roads and industrial parks). UP plans every CM must make economic
shops to sell crackers. It might also help avert the ers the most critical Guangdong and Jiangsu are Ashish creation. Every state must to spend over 20% of its net expendi- growth their top priority, set aspira-
financial losses suffered by manufacturers who find it aspects of development. While many each within 15% of the Dhawan follow this path and set aspi- ture in FY23 on capital outlays while tional 2030 targets, develop a strate-
difficult to deal with inventory with a late ban chief ministers (CMs) are now $2-trillion GDP mark. rational targets following Bihar and West Bengal linger around gic and implementation plan, appoint
focused on welfare and service deliv- Shandong and Zhejiang their current baseline. 12-13%. India can grow at over 10% if the best officials in key posts, priori-
announcement. ery, they also need to prioritise eco- crossed the $1-trillion Exports: Four of the Five all our CMs spend a larger percentage tise enabling infrastructure, drive bet-
When burst in large quantity simultaneously — as nomic growth. Apart from being the threshold in the past few years and Horsemen (other than UP) are coastal of the budget on targeted and effective ter outcomes in social sectors, and
happens during a number of festivals, including Diwali engine of prosperity, rapid economic Henan will do so in the next year or states that have prioritised exports — capital expenditure, create the ena- usher in real ease of doing business.
growth also creates resources that the two. Eight other provinces/municipal- collectively, they account for almost bling conditions for business, and This is the surest way to reduce pov-
— crackers lead to a spike in pollution levels, with gases, government can redistribute. ities are at the $0.5-1-trillion mark, 65% of India’s exports. They will con- have the right attitude to attract pri- erty.
pollutants and heavy metals such as arsenic, carbon Five states — Maharashtra, Tamil and with aspirations to enter the tril- tinue to dominate and three other vate investment. My personal dream is that the Five
monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (UP) lion-dollar club. states (Haryana, UP, Telangana) each Urbanisation: States must proact- Horsemen will all cross the trillion-
and Karnataka — account for around What can we learn from the Five account for almost 5% of total ively increase the level of urbanisa- dollar mark by 2035, and many others
being released, alongside dust. The combustion process 40% of India’s Gross Domestic Prod- Horsemen and the Chinese miracle? exports. These states must super- tion by five percentage points by 2030. will be galloping swiftly behind them.
leads to a spike in both PM2.5 and PM10 concentr- uct (GDP). Other than UP, all of them Aspirations and Targets: Four of charge exports (three-four times the Cities are the engine of growth for ser-
ations, often reaching 20-30 times the safe standard. have a per capita Gross State Domes- the Five Horsemen have announced current level by 2030) with a particu- vices and innovation, which, in turn, Ashish Dhawan is the founder-CEO of The
tic Product (GSDP) above the national an aspirational target of a $1-trillion lar focus on labour-intensive exports. leads to improved productivity and Convergence Foundation (TCF) and found-
The impact is transient, but it doesn’t help that this average. UP wants to catch up with GSDP, and the fifth one (Gujarat) has Four Chinese provinces account for higher wages. Investment in urban ing chairperson, Ashoka University
spike happens at a time of the year when farmers in others as CM Yogi Adityanath has rec- a medium-term goal of achieving $0.5 64% and another three account for transport (particularly metro lines), The views expressed are personal
Punjab and Haryana burn stubble, wind speeds are low,
rainfall non-existent and temperatures dip, creating a

Reforming the UNSC to


noxious vortex of pollutants shrouding the Capital.
Last year, for instance, Delhi woke up to one of its { VLADIMIR PUTIN } RUSSIAN PRESIDENT
most polluted post-Diwali mornings. This was not
P
because the ban was unsatisfactorily implemented, but
due to farm fires that had spiked in the run-up to the
festival (and had contributed as much as a quarter of
tackle a changing world They say Russia uses energy as a
the pollution load on Diwali) and sluggish wind speeds he high-level segment of the 77th veto on any progress. They have stopped text- weapon. We supply as much as
that were inadequate to disperse the pollutants.
Another report by the System of Air Quality and
Weather Forecasting And Research (Safar) found that if
T United Nations General Assembly based negotiations without which no text can
(UNGA) will begin in the third week of be adopted by UNGA. IGN is now hostage to
September in New York. In some them. The outside world, demanding reform
ways, this will be the first “normal” UNGA due to a paralysis of UNSC — the recent exam-
required according to requests.
Give us a turbine, we will
no firecrackers were to go off, air quality in Delhi would after 2019. During the high-level week, a sig- ple being the conflict in Ukraine — can’t even
nificant side event will be a high-level ministe- witness IGN proceedings since they are not turn Nord Stream
still stay in the poor range, but that widespread bursting
on tomorrow.
A
rial meeting to commemorate the 15th anni- open for public viewing, unlike other UN
would likely push air quality into the severe range (if versary of the L.69 Group, which is commit- meetings. IGN now serves as a smokescreen
only temporarily). This underlines the importance of ted to comprehensive reform of the UN for the naysayers.
Security Council (UNSC). It gets its name from African nations have always claimed,
announcing the ban early, promoting awareness the draft resolution number L.69 tabled by rightly so, that their historic injustice needs to
among the people, creating robust mechanisms to this group in 2007, which eventually led to be corrected, especially since they are now 54
implement it and prevent violations, and looking at the establishing the informal Intergovernmental countries and many of the agenda items in the

Why the India-Japan


Negotiation (IGN) process in the UN in 2008, Council are from Africa. The common African
restrictions as part of a holistic plan to clean the city’s the deliberations of which are supposed to position has been outlined in the Ezulwini
air and not as an isolated policy response. It will be lead the member-States towards Security Consensus (2005) and the Sirte Declaration
interesting to see if Punjab, which, like Delhi, is Council reform. (1999), which, inter alia, calls for two perma-
governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, is equally proactive
in dealing with stubble burning — a bigger problem
than firecrackers when it comes to bad air.
L.69 has 30 members, including India and nent seats for Africa, which L.69 has strongly
several developing countries from Africa, supported. But the African Group has been
Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the
Caribbean. It is chaired by the
plagued by internal contradictions
(readily exploited by the naysayers),
ministerial is crucial
dynamic Permanent Representative which prevent them from taking he Indo-Pacific is front and centre in public opinion on security, compared to a dec-

Expand the focus on


of St Vincent and the Grenadines,
Ambassador I. Rhonda King. St Vin-
cent and the Grenadines became the
smallest member of the UN to get
elected to the UNSC (2020-21), where TS
their common position forward.
Many pro-reformists amongst them
are not vocal. Their common posi-
tion has remained only on paper.
This year, they even opposed text-
T this week’s high-powered diplomacy,
whether it be aligning the coordinates
on geo-economics at the Indo-Pacific
Economic Framework (IPEF)’s ministerial
meeting in Los Angeles, geo-strategy at the
ade ago.
As the defence and foreign ministers meet,
one of the key lookouts includes how the
revised NSS designs the China strategy? The
2013 NSS frames China as a “mutually benefi-
it left an impressive imprint on the Tirumurti based negotiations. Do they only Quad meeting in Delhi or a series of India-Ja- cial relationship based on common strategic

foundational learning Council’s work.


L.69 has emerged as an unequivo-
cal voice for UNSC reform. It derives
want to keep talking about UNSC
reform?
The G4 faces headwinds primarily
pan ministerial dialogues in Tokyo. The takea-
ways from each of these conversations will be
consequential in further consolidating the
interests”. In today’s strategic calculations, this
sounds disoriented. Tokyo today talks of a
“three front war” in its threat assessment —
its strength from the fact that it has develop- because of opposition to Germany and Japan building blocks of a rules-based Indo-Pacific from China, North Korea and Russia.
nationwide study carried out by the Union

A
ing country members, ranging from Small by China, Russia, the Republic of Korea and amid a fluid balance of power, order, values One of the fundamental fault lines is their
ministry of education and the National Island Developing States to medium-sized others. India has widely been recognised to and ideologies. competing visions of the regional order. And
Council of Educational Research and Training countries to large nations such as India, Bra- have the strongest claim for permanent mem- The conversations in Tokyo is of pivotal yet, the discussion of a two-tier economic policy
zil, South Africa and Nigeria. bership. Among the current five permanent importance as 2022 is a decisive year in the Japa- — intensifying free trade on one hand and
(NCERT) in March has, once again, underlined the But equally important, it has many mem- UNSC members, the P-5, France and the nese calendar. Tokyo is buzzing with debates on pushing back on Chinese coercive economic
deepening crisis in India’s public education sector, bers that do not themselves aspire to be per- United Kingdom (UK) have been vocal in their shoring up deterrence by rewiring the statecraft on the other — demon-
made worse by the pandemic. The study found that manent members of the Council, but are support for India; China has demurred. How- National Security Strategy (NSS) as the strates the challenge Japanese policy
deeply committed to reform and, inter alia, ever, expressing support to individual candi- era of great power competition returns. elites are navigating. It also shows
37% of students enrolled in Class 3 have “limited” the expansion of the Council in both the per- dates is only the next stage after the reform The NSS of 2013 does not reflect the that Japan’s posture on economic
foundational numeracy skills, such as identifying manent and non-permanent categories of resolution is adopted. drastically altered strategic calculus as security does not inevitably imply
numbers. And 11% lack “the most basic knowledge membership. Even more significantly, L.69 Developed countries, especially from it predates the US-China disorder, the economic decoupling from China.
members have withstood poaching from Europe, lament that the P-5 have paralysed emergence of Free and Open Indo-Pa- Defence and security verticals consti-
and skills”, The Indian Express reported on Wedne- those against reform or the “nay-sayers” and the Council through their veto, but show little cific (FOIP) in the strategic lexicon, the Titli Basu tute one of the core pillars of our part-
sday. The study, the largest-ever assessing foundati- stayed in the group. Such commitment has enthusiasm for pushing IGN to an outcome. resurrection of Quad, the pandemic, nership.
onal level learning, also showed that 15% lacked been critical for L.69’s credibility. They merely tinker with procedures and hold and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the latitude of our maritime security
L.69 is quite unlike the G-4 Group or Unit- them up triumphantly as reform. The price De-cluttering the domestic discourse, it is cooperation stands on qualitative depth, dis-
“basic skills” in English, and 30% were found to have ing For Consensus (UFC) Group, since G-4 the developing world pays is heavy. Only 51 imperative to understand how India is weighed cussions on defence equipment and technology
“limited skills”. Based on one-on-one interviews, the consists of “aspirants” and UFC consists of members formed the UN in 1945. We now in the current national security debate, and cooperation need greater traction.
study assessed 86,000 students in 10,000 schools. Its “nay-sayers”. For example, in UFC, for India have 193. The worsening decade-old problems largely in the post-Abe politics. Today, the pri- Japan has eased its arms export policy in
you have naysayer Pakistan, for Brazil you in Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen and elsewhere macy of Delhi in the Japanese security outlook 2014, but that in itself is not sufficient. Despite
outcome is important because 80-90% of the brain have Mexico, for Germany you have Italy (and stand as mute witness to the impact of vested is firmly entrenched, as evident in the 2022 the prowess of its civilian manufacturing base
develops when a child is six to seven years old. others), and for Japan, the Republic of Korea. interests of the P-5 on international peace and Defence White Paper, which featured India as and dual-use technology, cost competitiveness
Therefore, building a solid foundation with the right Outside the UFC, China and Russia are nay- security. an “extremely important country for Japan” owing to structural constraints and relative
sayers for Council reform. In this scenario, if there has to be any move- owing to its strategic geography, demographic inexperience in the global arms market are
educational and nutritional inputs is essential. But the IGN process, after 15 years, is ment on Council reform, one has to go outside profile and economic potential. Some in Tokyo fundamental challenges confronting the Japa-
It is important to remember that attaining regressing. The naysayers in IGN have the IGN process for an outcome. Reform must also argue the case for a possible G3 (the United nese defence industry.
foundational skills was a critical challenge even stopped any progress by invoking, incorrectly, be done in a formal process, transparently and States, China and India) in the next decade Going forward, positioning the economic
the need for consensus to take decisions, in an inclusive manner, which IGN is not. shaping the basic direction of global politics, security agenda centre stage is critical. Com-
before the pandemic. Data from the 2019 Annual thereby ensuring that they effectively have a The primary vehicle thus must be L.69. It’s and Tokyo’s urgency to buttress the strategic plex policy choices balancing national security
Status of Education Report showed that less than time the L.69 high-level ministerial meeting in arc with India. and economic cost are at play while dealing
half of Grade 5 students had mastered Grade 2 level September takes the bold step of tabling a The discussions in Tokyo will allow India to with high-tech supply chains. The discussion
draft in the UNGA and start negotiations in sharpen its understanding of Japan’s evolving between the government and the private sector
literacy. The last two pandemic years have only earnest. No one can stop L.69 from tabling a character as a security actor amid turbulent needs a deeper dive to realise better synergy.
accentuated the problem. The ministry-NCERT draft. Such a move will galvanise the UNSC tides in the Taiwan Straits. It is important to Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads
report’s findings will set the baseline for National reform process and bring back sceptics. Nay- grasp the nuances in national security dis- to Tokyo later this month to bid a final goodbye
sayers can no more hide behind smoke- course — be it doubling defence spending to India’s biggest champion, Shinzo Abe, these
Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with screens. Let’s focus on the outcome now, not despite fiscal pressures, framing of the Taiwan ministerial dialogues will be a force multiplier
Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Bharat, the just the process. September 2022 is as good a contingency, domestic discourse on nuclear- in advancing the late PM’s vision of a “Conflu-
Centre’s scheme to improve foundational learning. time as any to start. sharing arrangements alongside Japan’s three ence of the Two Seas”, and position the India-
non-nuclear principles, or pursuing counter- Japan arc as a net-positive asset in stabilising
The government’s focus is welcome since this strike capability within the constraints of an the Indo-Pacific.
strategy, if rolled out properly with the help of states, The present process for reforming the TS Tirumurti is former Permanent Representative/ exclusively defence-oriented policy.
has the potential to empower children to rebuild UNSC is regressive and non-inclusive. It’s Ambassador of India to the United Nations While none of these strands is new, the
time the L.69 Group tables a draft in the in New York and President of the Security Council Ukraine conflict has accelerated the prevailing Titli Basu is associate fellow, Manohar Parrikar
what was lost and ensure wider-ranging impacts on upcoming UNGA and starts negotiations in for August 2021 trends in Japanese national security discourse. Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses
education systems, communities, and the country. right earnest AFP The views expressed are personal This echoes in the marked shifts in Japanese The views expressed are personal

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THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2022 | BHUBANESWAR power post P6

FOCUS SOCIETY
By your stumbling, the world is
perfected.

END OF REAL SOCIAL NETWORKS


SRI AUROBINDO

N
ot only are billions of an outcome that we should count

Childish Morality? people around the world


glued to their mobile
phones, but the infor-
mation they consume has changed
on, given the direction the indus-
try has been heading.
Social media’s most corrosive ef-
fects are starting to look exactly like
onsider the following statements describing our moral judgments: dramatically – and not for the bet- what the cultural critic Neil
If a child is hungry, or hurt, the child’s parents or friends have a ter. On dominant social-media plat- Postman anticipated almost four
greater obligation to help than a stranger does. forms like Facebook, researchers decades ago in his landmark book
If we have to choose between saving the life of a human or that of have documented that falsehoods Amusing Ourselves to Death.
a dog – or even many dogs – we ought to save the human. spread faster and more widely “Americans no longer talk to each
Almost everyone agrees with these moral judgements, right? Wrong. A siz- than similar content that includes other, they entertain each other,”
able group of people disagree. In the past two years, separate studies have accurate information. Though he observed. “They do not ex-
compared adults’ views on these two issues with those of children between users are not demanding misin- change ideas, they exchange im-
the ages of five and ten years, and found that their responses differed significantly. formation, the algorithms that de- ages. They do not argue with propo-
Both studies seek to shed light on the formation of our moral judge- termine what people see tend to sitions; they argue with good looks,
ments, and so to help us to answer one of the Big Questions about morality: favoUr sensational, inaccurate, celebrities, and commercials.”
is it rooted primarily in our culture, or is it innate? and misleading content, because Comparing George Orwell’s
When anthropologists spread across the globe in the nineteenth and early that is what generates “engage- What happens when platforms such as “1984” to Aldous Huxley’s “Brave
twentieth centuries, their reports emphasised the variation in moral beliefs Daron Acemoglu ment” and thus advertising revenue. Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit start manipulating New World,” Postman then added
between societies. As a result, the view that morality is a cultural phenom- As the internet activist Eli that, “What Orwell feared were
enon became dominant. Pariser noted in 2011, Facebook also what we perceive as our social network? The those who would ban books. What
In the 1970s, however, evolutionary theorists like EO Wilson and Richard NO ONE creates filter bubbles, whereby in- worrying truth is that nobody knows Huxley feared was that there would
Dawkins began to push back against cultural explanations of morality. A DISPUTES THAT dividuals are more likely to be be no reason to ban a book, for
great deal of human behaviour, they argued, could be explained by genetic presented with content that rein- there would be no one who wanted
selection, not necessarily aimed at the preser- SOCIAL-MEDIA forces their own ideological lean- Google/Alphabet) do much more But such measures fail to ad- to read one. Orwell feared those who
vation of each individual organism, but rather ings and confirms their own biases. to police hate speech and misin- dress the depth of the problem. would deprive us of information.
at the preservation of genes that are likely be PLATFORMS And more recent research has formation than their smaller ri- Social media is not only creating Huxley feared those who would
shared, not only with offspring, but also with HAVE BEEN demonstrated that this process vals do, especially now that bet- echo chambers, propagating false- give us so much that we would be
other kin. Thus, moral rules imposing stronger has a major influence on the type ter moderation practices have been hoods, and facilitating the circu- reduced to passivity and egoism.
obligations to assist kin rather than strangers A MAJOR of information users see. developed. Moreover, other re- lation of extremist ideas. It also Orwell feared that the truth would
would have evolved, along with other rules
encouraging reciprocal, mutually beneficial
CONDUIT FOR Even leaving aside Facebook’s al-
gorithmic choices, the broader so-
searchers have challenged the find- may be shaking the very foundations be concealed from us. Huxley feared
ing that falsehoods spread faster on of human communication and so- that the truth would be drowned
relationships. HATE SPEECH, cial-media ecosystem allows people Facebook and Twitter, at least cial cohesion, by substituting ar- in a sea of irrelevance.”
The evolutionary view of the origins of to find subcommunities that align when compared to other media. tificial social networks for real ones. Whereas Postman was worried
morality has a lot going for it, including the
DISINFORMATION, with their interests. This is not Still others argue that even if We are distinguished from other more about a Huxleyan future
discovery of precursors of human morality in AND necessarily a bad thing. If you are the current social-media environ- animals mostly by our advanced than an Orwellian one, social
other social mammals, some of whom, as the only person in your community ment is treacherous, the problem ability to learn from our commu- media have been ushering in both
Frans de Waal showed, clearly have a sense of Peter Singer PROPAGANDA with an interest in ornithology, is transitory. After all, novel com- nity, and to accumulate expertise at the same time. While govern-
fairness. And this sense can be more developed you no longer have to be alone, be- munication tools have always been by observing others. Our most ments acquire the means both to
than just, “you scratch (= pick the lice from) cause you can now connect with or- misused. Martin Luther used the profound ideas and cherished no- manipulate our perceptions of re-
my back and I’ll scratch yours.” It can mean
It is only by nithology enthusiasts from around printing press to promote not just tions come not in isolation or from ality and to reduce us to passivity
demanding something rather like equal pay remaining open to the world. But, of course, the same Protestantism but also virulent reading books, but by being em- and egoism, our virtual “friends”
for equal work: “I’m not accepting a food pel- the evidence that applies to the lone extremist who anti-Semitism. Radio proved to be bedded in a social milieu and in- are increasingly policing our
let for doing the same task that you gave that can now use the same platforms to a powerful tool in the hands of teracting through argumentation, thoughts. One now must contin-
other monkey a grape for doing!” we may eventually access or propagate hate speech demagogues like Father Charles education, performance, and so uously signal one’s virtue and call
Evolutionary theory does, however, have untangle the roles and conspiracy theories. Coughlin in the US and the Nazis forth. Trusted sources play an in- out people who deviate from pre-
great difficulty in explaining the idea that we No one disputes that social- in Germany. Both print and broad- dispensable role in this process, vailing orthodoxy. But “virtue” is
have obligations to come to the aid of strangers. culture, biology, and media platforms have been a major cast outlets remain full of misin- which is why leaders and those whatever one’s artificial online
In my book The Expanding Circle, I accepted our capacity to conduit for hate speech, disinfor- formation to this day, but society has with bully pulpits can have such social circle says it is; and in many
the evolutionary explanation of the basis of mation, and propaganda. Reddit adjusted to these media and man- outsize effects. Earlier media in- cases, it is based entirely on lies.
morality, but supplemented it by arguing that
reason play in the and YouTube are breeding grounds aged to contain their negative effects. novations capitalised on this, yet Hannah Arendt, another pre-
our capacity to reason does more than enable formation of our for Right-wing extremism. The This argument implies that a none of them modified the very na- scient twentieth-century thinker,
us to survive and reproduce: it also enables us moral judgements Oath Keepers used Facebook, es- combination of stronger regula- ture of human networks the way warned about where this can lead.
to take a universal perspective from which pecially, to organise their role in tion and other new technologies that social media have. “If everybody always lies to you,
we see that strangers are like us, and disre- the January 6, 2021, attack on the can overcome the challenges posed What happens when platforms the consequence is not that you be-
garding their needs is wrong. United States Capitol. Former US by social media. For example, plat- such as Facebook, Twitter, or lieve the lies, but rather that no-
Children certainly seem to think so. One of the two studies, led by Julia President Donald Trump’s anti- forms could provide better infor- Reddit start manipulating what body believes anything any longer.”
Marshall, a postdoctoral fellow at Boston College, shows that children be- Muslim tweets were found to have mation about the provenance of we perceive as our social network? At that point, social and political
tween five and ten years of age say that if a child is hungry or hurt, a fuelled violence against minorities articles; or the same platforms The worrying truth is that no- life become impossible.
stranger has an obligation to help them. Older children and adults, by con- in the US. True, some find such ob- could be discouraged from algo- body knows. And though we could
trast, are more likely to differentiate between strangers, who don’t have to servations alarmist, noting that rithmically boosting items that eventually adapt to this change The writer is Professor of
help, and parents or friends, who do. large players like Facebook and might be incendiary or contain and find ways to neutralise its Economics at MIT.
The study was carried out in Germany, India, Japan, Uganda, and the United YouTube (which is owned by misinformation. most pernicious effects, that isn’t ©PROJECT SYNDICATE
States, and in all these countries, younger children thought that strangers
ought to help. The main cultural difference found is that in India, Japan, and
Uganda, participants gave less weight to the differences between parents,
friends, and strangers than they did in Germany and the United States. In
Uganda, in fact, older children were even more inclined than younger chil-
SPECTRUM NATION
dren to regard friends and strangers as being obliged to help.

Illusion of fifth-largest economy


The study of priorities regarding saving a human or animals, led by
Matti Wilks, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, also showed that chil-
dren aged 5-9 take a broader view than adults. But in this case, it was a broader
view of the value of life. Whereas almost all adults chose to save one human
rather than as many as a hundred dogs or pigs, many children gave as much

T
weight to saving a dog as they did to saving a human, and although the chil- he country should not get parity (PPP) is better way to meas- the UK, in terms of GDP, India to touch the global average of 55%,
dren valued dogs more than pigs, the majority still chose to save ten pigs rather carried away by the reports ure than the exchange rate expressed should be much ahead of the UK. India needs to give employment to
than one human. that Indian economy has over- in relation to the dollar for com- While economy of India is the 19 crore people.
This may shed some light on why some children raised to eat meat refuse taken that of the UK to become the paring GDP. PPP is used to com- third-largest by PPP, the economy Comparison should be made
to eat it after they discover that meat is the flesh of an animal who has been fifth largest in the world. First thing pare the economies and incomes of the UK is eighth-largest by PPP. among the comparable. India should
killed. Both studies suggest that young children have broad moral sensitivities, is that it is not the first time that India of people by adjusting for differ- But when India’s nominal per capita be compared with China which
both in terms of who should help someone in need, and in terms of the range has overtaken the UK. According to ences in prices in different countries. GDP is $2,543 and per capita GDP also has a huge population. In 1987,
of beings for whom they are concerned. The studies also indicate that in most IMF, in 2019, India became the fifth- According to a World Bank report (PPP) is $8,358, the UK’s nominal the size of India’s economy was
cultures, these sensitivities are narrowed during the child’s development. largest economy with a nominal released in April 2014, India emerged per capita GDP is $49,761 and per the same as China’s. But now
Does this narrowing result from the children’s upbringing and cultural im- GDP of $2.94 trillion overtaking as the world’s third-largest econ- capita GDP (PPP) is $55,301. Since China’s economy (with a GDP of
mersion, or could it be that the children revise their judgements in the light France ($2.71 trillion) and the UK omy in 2011 from being the tenth 2008, India continues to be a lower- nearly $18 dollars) is 5.43 times that
of greater knowledge of the world? We don’t yet have the answer. ($2.83 trillion). But the joy was short- largest in 2005, moving ahead of middle-income country while the of India’s. In 1990, the per capita in-
The studies have something else in common: the co-authorship of Paul lived as India's $2.94 trillion for 2019 Japan, while the US remained the UK is a high-income country. come of India was $367, and China’s
Bloom, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. Bloom has was revised down to $2.83 trillion, largest economy closely followed India is no way nearer to the UK was $317. That was the last time
acknowledged that the findings of both studies challenge claims he made
Santosh Kumar while France’s and the UK’s were re- by China. But, over the last eight in terms of per capita income. we were ahead of them. But now,
in his book Just Babies. That is of course laudable. It is only by remain- Mohapatra vised upward to $2.73 trillion and $2.88 years, no further improvement in According to IMF, on a per capita in- China with a per capita income of
ing open to the evidence that we may eventually untangle the roles cul- trillion, respectively. ranking of India was seen while come basis, India ranked 142nd by $12,556 is much ahead of India.
ture, biology, and our capacity to reason play in the formation of our GDP IS ONLY During the UPA regime, there China has overtaken the US. GDP (nominal) and 128th by GDP GDP is only a symbol of eco-
moral judgements. was a projection that India would Countries like the US, the UK, (PPP), while the UK ranks 24th by nomic activities, not the well-being
The writer is Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University. A SYMBOL OF overtake the UK in terms of GDP Germany, and Japan have exhausted GDP (nominal) and 28th by GDP of people. When GDP grows, the rich
©PROJECT SYNDICATE ECONOMIC by 2020, because of India’s faster the scope of growth after becoming (PPP). In Human Development garner major benefits while the
growth of population and per capita developed nations. While develop- Index, the UK is placed at 13th while poor suffer. There is no meaning of
ACTIVITIES, NOT income. But this was delayed due ing countries like India have to ac- India is placed at 131st position. GDP growth if it does not reduce
to a slowdown triggered by the dra-
WISDOM CORNER THE WELL-BEING conian demonetization, flawed GST
celerate their growth rate to be-
come developed countries. The
The currency of the UK is the
pound sterling where 1 pound is
poverty, hunger, unemployment,
and inequality as seen in our coun-
Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them. OF PEOPLE implementation and the pandemic- growth rate of developing coun- equal to 1.36 US dollars now. But 1 try. Even if the government levies
BOB DYLAN induced supply disruption and de- tries should be much higher than dollar is equal to 79.82 rupees. We more indirect taxes and reduces
mand compression. developed countries and there need to pay `91.82 for one pound. subsidies, the GDP will increase.
Knowledge will give you power, but character respect. The GDP measured in national should be no comparison between The unemployment rate in the UK This is happening in our country
BRUCE LEE
currency or in dollar term is not com- the UK and India. Household con- is 3.7%, while in India it is ranging which is regressive.
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an parable with other countries be- sumption contributes 60.8% of from 8 to 9%. In 2017-18 India’s un-
understanding of ourselves. CARL JUNG cause if one’s currency appreci- India’s GDP. The population of India employment rate had touched a 45- The writer is an Odisha-
ates in terms of dollar, GDP in the is 140 crore while that of the UK is year high of 6.18%. While the em- based economist
dollar will automatically be higher 6.72 crore. When 140 crore Indians ployment rate in the UK is 75.6%, and columnist.
and vice versa. Purchasing power consume as against 6.72 crore of in case of India it is only 40%. Even Views are personal.
WORDSWORTH
Preoccupation to be ‘liked’ Truss faces challenges

L
Black swan

A black swan event is related to the butterfly effect. The latter was coined
by the American mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz in
1973 as a way to illustrate the chaotic nature of weather and the huge etters
Sir, A 17-year-old boy was almost killed by a high speed train near Kazipet railway station in
Hanamkonda district of Telangana due to the ever increasing “Instagram craze”. He report-
edly wanted to garner a lot of “likes” by walking beside a fast moving train. The boy should
Sir, A loud hurrah to Liz Truss for
winning the Conservative race
and being chosen as the next Prime
difficulties of modelling it on computers. A tiny change in the initial thank his stars that he is still alive considering how the train mowed him down as seen in the Minister of the UK. The UK for-
conditions can often lead to dramatically different outcomes. His example video that has become viral on social media. Earlier, selfie obsession claimed precious young eign secretary beat her Indian-
was of a butterfly that fluttered its wings in Brazil, setting off a tornado in TO THE EDITOR lives, now Instagram mania seems to have taken over -- but the common denominator of both origin rival Rishi Sunak to the
Texas. The phrase black swan gained some popularity in 2008 because of the Readers of Orissa POST is “self obsession”. No age or sex is exempt from selfie and Instagram fixation that has earned top post by a margin of 20, 927
book The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable by Nassim are most welcome to contribute letters India a dubious distinction of topping the number of selfie related deaths in the world. The sad votes. As a result, Truss will be
Nicholas Taleb, a former market trader. The phrase was not new: Taleb had (200 words), articles and part of these deaths: all were preventable. Due to the preoccupation to be “liked”, young minds Britain’s 56th Prime Minister and
columns (between 750-1250
introduced it in his work of 2001, Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of words). Contributors are are losing the ability to think right. No corner of the country is safe for selfie and Instagram the third woman to hold the po-
Chance in the Markets and in Life and a few appearances are known before requested to send their maniacs -- sea sides, highways, mountain cliffs, high buildings, railway tracks, waterfalls. Interestingly, sition. Although Truss will in-
2008, such as in Maggie Mahar’s book of 2003, Bull!: A History of the Boom, contact numbers and full both overconfidence and low self-esteem contribute to these deaths. Fixation with selfie leads herit a UK economy in dire straits,
postal address/email ID. They may also
1982–1999. Taleb argued that the stock market is as unpredictable as any
send in their valuable comments, opinion
to escalated affinity to a person’s mirror image than their usual self. A selfie can be nothing she vowed to go the extra mile to
chaotic system and that people who thought they could forecast it on the and suggestions, preferably by email, but mere “face”; there is no room for “feelings”. Governments should maintain a combined death deliver the goods. As one who be-
basis of past trends were fooling themselves. This was considered a to: edit@orissapost.com register on selfie, Instagram and Facebook, and report such deaths to create awareness among lieves in strengthening India-UK
contrarian view in 2007, but recent events have convinced many doubters of the parents. Vulnerable addicts can easily be identified to be put on counselling. Warning trade and strategic ties, her vic-
its truth. For Taleb, a black swan is an unpredicted and unpredictable event boards in high risk zones are steps in the right direction. More selfie zones should dot impor- tory augurs well.
that resembles the finding of black swans in Australia by the seventeenth- B-15, Rasulgarh Industrial Estate,
tant tourist places. Apps that are in vogue should add more warning features to alert the users. NJ Ravi Chander,
century Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh. Bhubaneswar-751010 Ganapathi Bhat, AKOLA BANGALORE
8 SEPTEMBER 2022 4
BHUBANESWAR THURSDAY

EDITORIAL SAREES OF ODISHA(2)


The challenge of becoming a global and tell me which details you spotted.
PATTACHITRA HANDPAINTED SILK
that comes off beautifully. This confidence
comes from close association and working
nished on both sides with a coarse stone and
subsequently with a smooth pebble. The

manufacturing hub Patta-chitra means painting on cloth/


patta. It has flourished in Odisha since
earlier than 15th century.Earth, stone,
with master weavers and craftsmen of differ-
ent traditional styles across India since three
decades.
colours used in paintings are extracted from
rocks and sea shells. Patachitras have two
kinds of borders - floral and geometric. The
It is flattering to hear the head of a global bank applaud and mineral colours are used for painting There was a time when women used to pre- common motifs painted on these borders are
India for unlocking its economy via a simpler tax struc- on patta or specialised canvas medium pare the materials, provide the initial back- called dahaniyamacchi, kangura,
ture and digitisation. Noel Quinn, Group CEO, HSBC, prepared organically for painting such as: ground colours on the canvas and also give laharamacchi, goolai, sapa and chaukThe
recently in the country, commended the government for vermillion red- hingula (cinnabar); brick the final coating touches on these paintings patachitras have an important role in the ritu-
lessening bureaucratic red tape and initiating reforms such red- geru (red ochre); yellow- hartala als of the temple at Puri . They are tempo-
as the Goods and Services Tax (GST). More specifi- (orpiment); white- sankh (conch shell); rarily installed in place of the deities during
cally, Quinn pointed out that India could be a huge ben- black- lamp black; gum resin- kaintha Dr. N. N. Mahapatra the few times the idols are taken out of the
eficiary of the post-Covid process of ‘re-globalisation’ plant etc.Patachitra or Pattachitra has its temple for the processions.
where buyers in markets like the US seek more than one origin in Orissa, India. 'Pata' is cloth and while the men or 'chitrakars' as they were "These exclusive handlooms are dying be-
source of supply to avoid dependence on traditional 'chitra' means picture or painting in San- called, painted the main themes on them. To- cause of lack of awareness, or may be be-
manufacturers like China. The banker said that India has skrit. Hence Pattachitra would come to day painting on these sarees follows more or cause of less supply. One Patachitra saree
‘all the raw material it needs’ and a significant supply of mean painting on a cloth or canvas. less the same pattern but with tasks inter- takes 2 months time, now a days hardly 25%
labour to be a supplier to the world. An old art form, it displays epics and spersed and more divided.It was and still is of Indian women are aware of the handloom
All this praise was not without reason. After all, HSBC’s religious themes in detailed narration on a family tradition where all members of a fam- sarees and varieties of handloom sarees avail-
operations out of India reported a pre-tax profit last year any broad canvas. The Indian saree with ily are involved. able in India. Few designers have started
of $1.11 billion. However, reading between the lines, its ample spread offered sufficient scope The area where the painting has to be made working in handloom and hence it has be-
for this painstakingly executed, unique is prepared by coating a mixture of chalk and come a trend. There are few Indian women
Quinn urged India to build on a scale—construct large-
ethnic offering that 'wowed' even the a special kind of gum. This gives a leathery who still think handloom is designer wear and
scale manufacturing plants within reliable timelines; ease
contemporary audience of today. finish to the surface on which the painting with hence they are expensive. Nobody gives due
regulations and approval processes to make them more vegetable and earth colours are done. Lines respect to the craft or the craftman. Sutra is
A traditional art dating from historical to
business-friendly, and improve supply chains and logis- are drawn direct without any hint of tracing trying to focus of Handloom products from
ancient times, this Odisha craft of paint-
tics for better efficiency.But despite the window of op- ing on any form of canvas has themes and then colours are filled in. This is then given various part of the country not only from one
portunity, India cannot emerge as a significant global from Hindu mythology inspired especially some form of coating to provide the gloss. region. So if you see the Dhakai's from Ben-
manufacturing hub. The fact is the ground reality is quite by the Jagannatha and Vaishnava cult. Organic colours used in the Patachitra saree gal, you will also find Muga silks from Assam
different from all the production and tax incentives prom- Rich in color, with extraordinary designs are primarily bright and with red, yellow, in- and Pattachitra from Orissa. You will also get
ised to foreign investors and domestic manufacturers. and motifs, the Pattachitra painting on the digo, black and white given prominence. Ap- the flavour of Shibori from Rajasthan and
From running the gauntlet of pre-production permissions saree involves the narration of epic In- plication of colour is through the use of ani- Ajrakh from Gujarat. " Anindita.
to the harassment of the Tax Man, foreign companies dian stories in a simple and lucid mal hairs reared domestically, bunched to- 10. BAPTA SAREES
hoping to set up a base in the country have not experi- manner.Murals of religious venues gether and tied to a bamboo stick. It is in- The weaving with cotton and silk amalgam-
enced a smooth ride. Last December, the government centeredaroundPuriKonark and deed a marvel that despite the crudity of the ation is known as Bapta. Bapta saris are im-
admitted in Parliament that as many as 2,783 foreign com- Bhubaneshwar, themes from Gita tool, the outcome is so detailed. provised with the use of gold coloured yarns
panies ceased operations between 2014 and November Govinda by Jaydev, stories about Lord Despite the time consumed and the effort or threads to enhance its elegance. Bapta is
2021.These included some big names such as Cairn En- Jagannatha and the Radha Krishna saga, being tremendous the devotion and dedica- basically a design of the famous Sambalpuri
ergy, Holcim, Daiichi Sankyo, Carrefour, Henkel, Harley scenes from the epics Mahabharata and tion of these ethnic craftsmen remains intact sari. The originality of the saris is its
Davidson and Ford. The inability to manage quality con- Ramayana, are all popular subjects for even today. Small wonder then if the exquis- `Baandha` or `Ikat`.Bapta is an Indian term
trol is another area denting perception. The instance of Pattachitra. Individual gods and god- ite and flawless Patachitra creations enjoy the for rough handloom fabric made from very
Ranbaxy falling foul of the US regulator for gaining ap- desses, folk tales and classical elements attention of an appreciative market.Patachitra thick cotton yarns along with silk yarn…The
provals for drugs by falsifying records is a classic case of also figure now and then as themes for or painting on cloth, is amongst the most dis- weaving with cotton and silk amalgamation
low production ethics. Unless we get our regulatory sys- these sarees. tinctive forms of traditional painting in Orissa. is known as Bapta. Bapta cotton mainly used
The Patachitra painted sarees that are The word is derived from the Sanskrit word for famous Odisha handloom. Bapta is basi-
tems in line with international standards, it will be difficult
available at Unnati Silks, as a style within Patta meaning 'canvas' and 'chitra' meaning cally design of famous Sambalpuri saree.
to emerge as a manufacturing destination of choice.
its designer range, have certain marked picture. The iconic paintings , a domain of A combination of Silk and Cotton. Beautiful
features.Lines are bold, very clean, an- the chitrakar community of painters, depict colour combinations with bomkai embroidery
Red tape won’t draw gular and quite sharp. There is an ab-
sence of landscapes, perspectives, or
intended views. The backdrop would
religious themes - stories from the Ramayana
, Mahabharta, Krishna Lila incarnations of
Lord Vishnu . But the most important depic-
all over and traditional ikat designs with
temple border.
Bapta saris are improvised with the use of
investment to Odisha have flowers and other floral represen-
tations to distinguish the figures that are
drawn or represented in the foreground.
tion is that of Lord Jagannath. The pattachitra
has its roots in the schematic paintings of the
Jagannath temple that were made as the sou-
gold coloured yarns or threads to enhance
its elegance.
Bapta Tussar is a perfect blend of cotton and
After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the Odisha
There are decorative borders and a venirs for the pilgrims. The paintings are tussar silk; The saree looks very elegant and
government is shifting gears for the third edition of its
theme designed in the form of a narrative colourful and characterized by creative mo- graceful. Pallu is kept unstitched so that you
flagship investment meet, Make in Odisha 2022. Chief tifs and details of human figures, jewellery and can leave it loose or pin it up as per your
becomes evident.
Minister Naveen Patnaik interacted with ambassadors Unnati creations do not dilute traditional costumes. The canvas is skilfullymade. Cloth choice. You can iron or dry clean the ready
of 16 countries on August 31 in New Delhi, for partnering style in a weave. There is only additional is bonded with gum made from powdered to wear saree similar to a lehenga or any
with the state’s industrial dream. In June, at Dubai, he adornment incorporated to market tastes tamarinds seeds, dried in the sun and bur- stitched garment.(TO BE CONTIUED)
had set the tone for the biennial summit by holding his
career’s first-ever overseas investment meet. The meet
promises to be a mega affair, and the Biju Janata Dal
government is leaving no stone unturned to make the
DHEMSA"- A UNIQUE TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCE
marquee event successful.There is much to root for Make Dhemsa - is a traditional folk dhemsa dance from maharastra.
in Odisha Conclave, which had kicked off in style in 2016, dance of tribal people of cen- Dhemsa dance is going to be famous
with Naveen flanked by the then Finance Minister, late tral india- southern odisha ad- Pratap chandra sahu in national as well as in international
Arun Jaitley, and chairman of Adani Group, Gautam jacent areas of chatisgarh level. In near past you all have known
and andhra pradesh. The that a social worker forced to
Adani. The two editions generated a combined invest- padmashree kamala pujari who
ment intent of a whopping `6.22 lakh crore, but the ground dhemsa dancers form a
chain by clutching each was in ill to dance dhemsa with
reality is starkly different. By the government’s admission h e r a l l e g e d l y. S o t h e t r a d i -
in the State Assembly, investment materialised so far other at a shoulder and
waist and dancing to tune tional folk dance is famous
stands at `5,674 crore, generating employment for only throughout india as well as in
around 5,800 persons.Nearly 17 years after Naveen
of traditional instrument.
Dhemsa is a unique folk abroad. There are varieties of
rolled out the carpet, Odisha’s story of industrialisation dance form performed in dances and music's in tribal
has left much to desire. A simple analysis shows that the groups. It is a traditional community. Most of the tribals
state has refused to change its focus from extractive in- deliverence firm of the are fond of dancing and
dustries. The heft in investment proposals comes from tribal people of central music,they dance and sing
expansion projects in the minerals and metallurgical sec- india and southern odisha. when they have leisure and
tors, while the much-talked-about ancillary and down- It is a paisa dance form in happy. The tribal women wear
stream industries have not taken off. Yet, there is hardly many parts of andhra "keranga" sarees while they
pradesh also. perform dhemsa dance in
any change in the investment basket. Food processing, groups. The menfolk play the
agro-based industries, and tourism sectors have grown The gadaba tribe specially is trict. The ancient folk dance dhemsa
very popular for it's tribal dance is performed by the peasents of musical instruments while women
slowly; pharma and automotive industries have very little dance in semi- circle with steps of
i.e dhamsa dance. It is per- odisha after yielding the crop. A
to show.Bhubaneswar, which once vied for space on the three and four which they gradually
formed in groups ,wearing equal group of 15 to 20 women forms a
national IT/ITES map, has attracted no international soft- chain keeping one hand (right) on change to right. Their body is often
ware companies of note—which have then taken flight
sarees by the women and equal
dress by the men who have one's shoulder and keeping one bent forward. Very skillful moves are
elsewhere. All this points to a jaded outlook that has re- bands for music. In all special hand(left)on one's back forming a made in the heels. The musical in-
fused to adapt. The disappointments of big-ticket projects occassions they perform " chain &dance. The gadaba tribal struments are large drums ,the ta/
in the mid-2000s pegged back the industrial dream. Still, dhemsa"dance. While perform- women are very fond of dance and mudibaja,mada/flutes,tamak and
land acquisition remains a major hurdle despite the gov- ing this dhemsa dance it dusk music. They are famous for their mahuri. They can also compose their
ernment creating a land bank. Despite all proclamations down,the setting sun is painting typical dhemsa dance which is per- own songs sometimes. You c a n s e e
of bringing Ease of Doing Business by eliminating red- ,the sky looks reddish and am- formed by the women wearing equal also paraja tribes dance dhemsa
tapism, the bane of the smug bureaucratic machinery that ber ,soon it will be dark. sarees. Gadaba tribalwomen perform o f t e n . To w e l c o m e t h e p o l i t i c a l
Dhemsa dance enthrals specta- the traditional dhemsa dance for har- dignitaries and officials dhemsa
is not entrepreneur-friendly persists as strong as ever. dance is performed. While the
Make in Odisha cannot be translated on the ground un- tors t gain uttshavs in khurda. It vest season in undivided koraput dis-
performed in gain uttshavs trict of odisha. You can see also the dhemsa dance is performing the
less a fresh approach is adopted and a conducive invest- spectators are also so anxious to
organised by the people of lepcha tribe from Sikkim odisha's
ment scenario is created. participate in the group.
malipada village in khurda dis- birli dance by dharua tribe,the gondi
4
mail us at >> desk@thegoan.net

log on to thegoan.net @thegoaneveryday Facebook.com/thegoaneveryday The Goan (Playstore) Instagram.com/thegoaneveryday Thursday September 8, 2022

New age expectations from teachers


Teachers have to try to �ght against societal problems and orthodoxy
It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.
prevalent in our society, and this calls for treating all students equally
William Shakespeare
>The author is
an accomplished
academician and

On preventing crime
the Principal of
MES College, Vasco

and cracking cases

C
DR (MRS) MANASVI M. KAMAT

hief Minister Pramod Sawant, who has been facing �ak


over the spate of crimes in the State, had very little to de-


It is the knowledge, dedication, and
fend on Wednesday but took solace in last year’s crim- positive outlook of teachers that ena-
inal record to justify that the situation is better o� this bles them to work with students relent-
year. Strangely, the crime detection rate is believed to lessly for their improvement’ remarked
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while in-
be the highest in the country. The million-dollar question, howev- teracting with the winners of the Nation-
er, is what the police are doing to prevent crimes and what are the al Teachers Awards on the occasion of
the 50th National Teacher’s Day. digital citizenship, critical thinking, and students.
deterrents it is setting. Incidentally, a day earlier, Panaji constit- The above remarks are pertinent creativity. This blend will help sustaina- Attention also needs to be drawn to
uency MLA Atanasio Monserrate came to the defence of the men in wake of two developments at the ble learning, which will hold up to a rap- the fact that there are many challenges
in khaki and said they were doing a �ne job in solving crime and beginning of the present decade that idly changing world and not just be lim- in recruiting and retaining high-quali-
drastically changed the work pro�les ited to prescribed content that has been ty teachers in India, mostly in un-aided
booking culprits. The issue, however, is not about solving crime. It of teachers. The �rst was the pandemic chosen for its past relevance. institutions, schools well as higher edu-
is essentially about saving lives. and the second was the introduction The NEP aims at the integration of cation spheres awaiting to be addressed.
On another count, the National Crime Records Bureau data has of the National Education Policy (NEP) industry-relevant skill building and A recent UNESCO report states that In-
2000. The pandemic forced teachers vocational education into the educa- dia has nearly 120,000 schools with just
shown an alarming 62 per cent increase in o�ences against sen- into a hybrid mode of teaching while tion mainstream in a phased manner. one teacher each and that 89% of these
ior citizens in Goa in 2021. That includes four cases of the elder- the NEP expects the teacher to be the In this sense, teachers will have to act single-teacher schools are in rural ar-
ly hacked to death and others like criminal trespass, grievous in- centre of the fundamental reforms in the as collaborators to help associate their eas. This report also estimates that In-
education system. The PM has thus re- schools with ITIs, polytechnics, and lo- dia needs nearly 1.2 million additional
juries, cheating and kidnap. The State reported 50 cases in 2021 emphasized the mandate of NEP in re- cal industry, by which other institutions teachers to meet the current shortfall.
against the 31 cases in 2020. The sad part is that there has been no establishing teachers, at all levels, as the will be allowed to use their facilities. The In the private sector, the rapid prolif-
most respected and essential members of UGC in the last week has come up with eration of loosely-regulated schools has
conviction in any cases involving senior citizens. At a time when our society. guidelines to enable the transformation resulted in a cadre of teachers who have
Goa is on a boil and crimes are becoming rampant, the data re- Given that teachers played a major role of higher education institutions through varying levels of training. Many teacher
leased by NCRB paints a grim picture, especially when senior cit- in the formulation of the NEP, we now academic collaboration by using the education programmes are being run
need to imbibe it in letter and spirit to ‘cluster’ concept to promote multi-disci- without adhering to the National Curric-
izens look forward to the police to give play a catalyst role as the policy will be plinary education and research in online ular Framework for Teacher Education,
them justice. implemented. The NEP has reiterated the and o�ine modes. undermining the quality of teachers and
The determination restoration of high respect and status for Teachers are also expected to act as an the delivery of education. The presence
shown by the chief The kind of crimes happening in a
teachers in society with empowerment. agent of social change in civil society. By of formalized and professionally trained
minister in the Sonali peace-loving and harmonious State like As educational campuses will have not con�ning themselves to impart only educators would go a long way in ensur-
Phogat death case Goa, let alone the frequency, is something a modern and transformational infra- education in the classroom, they must ing greater retention of students at the
structural upli�, teachers must be ready address con�icts and contradictions in higher level and could ensure a seam-
to take it to a logical to ponder. The insider versus outsider to adopt a holistic method of imparting
Inspiring and the lives of the students experienced in less transition of the goals envisaged in
conclusion should narrative that the CM consistently drives education. Emphasis must now be on a guiding the school and society as per the PM. Teach- the NEP.
also extend to other cannot be a subject where Goans can �nd discovery-oriented, learning-centric way students in ers also have to try to �ght against so- The teaching profession today has
criminal cases. The peace. Crimes are reported in their most of teaching with a medium of the latest increasing cietal problems and orthodoxy widely evolved drastically into the new normal.
technology, smart classrooms, engaging prevalent in our society, and this calls Today, India is home to approximately
glamour attached to brutal forms, which is why the State lead- pedagogical tools, emerging so�ware employability for treating all students equally, with re- 9.7 million teachers across 1.5 million
Phogat and the sheer ership and its machinery have to focus on applications, and more. A radical shi� in skills will be spect and attention. schools. This calls for urgent measures
fact that she was a BJP deterrents against crimes. the role of a teacher is in place due to the the prerequi- According to the Indian Journal of Psy- and increased investment in the teach-
smartest innovations in teaching-learn- site for a new- chiatry 2019, even before the pandemic, ing community to bring more quali�ed
leader cannot merit any The State has regularly witnessed peace ing. Only delivering classroom lectures at least 50 million children in India were and empowered educators into the Indi-
preferential treatment shattered amid an environment of un- would not be su�cient for a teacher but age teacher. a�ected by mental health issues. These an workforce.
she/he would also be required to adapt to The educators numbers are growing and it is impor- The recent speech by our PM reiter-
ease. If we consider Goa’s vibe as a peace- the changing forms of examination, eval- of today need tant to address them. Teachers with ad- ates the view that teachers continue to
ful State, such crimes have a terrible in�uence on society hence the uation, and research. to be curious, equate mental health literacy can play be a major marker of socio-economic
Inspiring and guiding the students in a vital role in empowering parents in development and are a critical piece in
need to treat all forms of crimes on a war footing, irrespective of increasing employability skills will be flexible, and identifying symptoms of mental health our quest to be a global powerhouse
the origin of the victim and the accused. The determination shown the prerequisite for a new-age teacher. forward-think- issues and ways to deal with them. Since of learning. As we prepare ourselves to
by the chief minister in the Sonali Phogat death case to take it to a The educators of today need to be curi- ing to increas- children spend most of their time in ac- take large strides in the education space
ous, �exible, and forward-thinking to in- ademic spaces, teachers can become through the implementation of the NEP,
logical conclusion should also extend to other criminal cases. The creasingly emphasize mediated learning.
ingly empha- their support system and can play a lead it is desired to have a policy outlining the
glamour attached to Phogat and the sheer fact that she was a BJP It needs to be all about empowering stu- size mediated role in the early identi�cation of stress- need to build vibrant teacher communi-
leader cannot merit any preferential treatment. dents with transferable skills of growing learning ors and risk of mental health issues for ties for a better India.
We only hope something productive emerges from the series of
high-level meetings conducted by the chief minister and there is a
sustained e�ort to put deterrents in place against crimes. But un- THE INBOX >> I
fortunately, history tells us that our system is emotion-driven. If
we were to recount the tragic accident at Zuari bridge last month Our politicians need to learn selective shops in two sizes. The bigger
and the subsequent drive against drunken driving that ended as some lessons from British Growing crimes blamed on migrants size bags will cost Rs 25 and the medium
size bags will be available for Rs 20. The
briskly as it started, one would question the sincerity behind the Goa is grappling with law order problem with rise in heinous money is completely refundable and the
At the recent UK Prime Minister’s
crimes like murders, rapes, robberies, drug-related murders person can use the bag as long as is nec-
intent that the government is initially showing. elections, more than one person of
to name a few are taking place on almost daily basis. Tha essary and the money will be refunded
Indian origin, was allowed to contest
Instead of handpicking crimes, every e�ort should be made to for PM UK without any racist attacks
Revolutionary Goans Party has time and again warned of the once the bag is returned to the particular
the consequences of migrant influx in Goa which will increase shop. The money will be refunded even if
restore the common man’s con�dence. Policing must be intensi- by opposition/other UK politicians!
number of crimes causing great hardships to niz Goans to the
Even when the No 2 contender Rishi the bag is completely torn. It is learnt that
�ed, night nakabandis need to restart, and police must reconnect extent of losing precious lives. Finally the Chief Minister has around 6,000 bags made of recyclable
Sunak did cow worshipping, no other
with the villagers. Goondas charging in with daggers and koitas British politician mocked/insulted him
made a press statement blaming most outsiders (migrants) cloth were distributed free of cost to the
for the current law and order problem prevailing these days as shoppers and customers at the Panaji
and murdering people in the open is not what Goans want to see. on his faith ! I also like the way the
evident from the arrests made by police whereby 99 per cent Municipal Market. This unique initiative
PM contenders went through various
of the culprits arrested are migrants from neighbouring States. by CCP is indeed laudable. Vendors and
exhaustive widely publicized contests
We must praise the police as they are doing a �ne job by arrest- shoppers need to make a serious e�ort
and were �nally elected by their party
ing those responsible within 72 hours. The criminals are taking to use other alternatives to plastic bags.
members; can we think of the latter thing
advantage of the less number of police force on patrolling Such an initiative needs to be adopted by
happening in India / Goa ? Sad to say,
duty and commit such heinous crimes very easily and try to other civic bodies across the state as well.
OPEN SPACE >> currently the general character of Indian/
Goan politicians is very low versus
escape easily. The police need to work overtime and increase
patrolling in sensitive areas. Criminal activities are bringing a ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
Our police must enhance British politicians. I think it’s important
that Indian and Goan politicians in India
learn some great lessons from British
bad name to the State and may a�ect tourism.
Stalking is a crime that
DIOMEDES PEREIRA, Corlim
their policing techniques politicians! Just for some Indian senior
ruling politicians to self proclaim India as
must be taken seriously

W
The crimes against women like rape,
ith rising levels of crime there “mother of democracies” is not enough; murder, tra�cking, foeticide, dowry
is an urgent need to take all it needs to be backed by appropriate government agencies themselves. Of
what use are the hollow periodic visits death, child marriages molestation
necessary steps for the overall action and proper ways to ensure are being actively pursued. The latest
improvement of the police force in Goa. that India is a proper and not pseudo (mere photo ops) by the Chief minister
and ministers if we treat the memory stalking of girls students have led to
Murders, rapes, kidnap and ransom cas- democracy! stabbing, murder, shooting. burning
es are now a regular a�air. Major robber- of our liberators this way. I request the
ARWIN MESQUITA, Colva state government to treat the memorial by petrol and dis�guring by acid. These
ies and even contract killings have also incidents have seen phenomenal
been happening. E�cient methods of and its surroundings with the respect
investigation, detection and better and Treat Cuncolim Chieftain’s and dignity it deserves and maintain it increase in many states and cities
threatening normal movement and
accordingly.
quicker conviction rates are the only de-
terrent to such crimes. Prevention of many of these heinous crimes through
Memorial with due respect freedom of girls.There is increasing threat
I went to the Cuncolim Chie�ain’s VIANY DWIVEDI, Benaulim and real danger. The police complaints
better surveillance and e�ective use of technology as well as a good quality
Memorial recently to pay my respects Send your are treated leniently and in casual
well-resourced professional police force free of any external interference must
always be a priority. Goa’s police o�cers can be trained in scienti�c investi- to the braves, but what I saw there was Rent-a-bag initiative by CCP letters to us manner. The culprits are not seriously
warned against this menace and have
gation of crime at the Central Detective Training School in Kolkata and at the absolutely appalling. The forecourt of
the Martyrs Chapel outside was used to
will boost �ght against plastics at editor@ not been placed in preventive custody.
National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science in Delhi both these in- With the Corporation of the City of Panaji thegoan.net. The law provides easy bail. Many
stitutions coming under the Union Home Ministry. Specialised advanced train- park the Cuncolim Municipal Council’s
ing can be sought at the Border Security Force (BSF)’s School of Weapons and garbage trucks / utility vehicles and the (CCP) actively working towards e�ective Letters must more innocent lives will be lost by this
enforcement of the ban on single-use dangerous infatuation which is o�en one
Tactics at Indore. The Goa Police have some very brilliant o�cers with aptitude space just outside the Martyrs me-
plastics in the city, it is understood that be 150-200 sided. Religious angle is a potent danger.
morial boundary wall was a veritable
who could be sent for intense training so that there is a marked improvement
rubbish dump with cattle making merry the corporation will initiate a campaign words and Those involved in killing must be jailed
in policing and a methodical investigation of crimes.
and mucking up the whole place. It is called ‘Rent-a-Bag’ in order to curb the mention the with no remission. Serious changes in
AIRES RODRIGUES, Ribandar shocking that the holy, hallowed ground sale and use of plastic bags. Under the writer’s name criminal law must nip it in the bud.
initiative rental bags will be available at
is being abominably desecrated by and location NELSON LOPES, Chinchinim

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU
daily
Excelsior Established 1965
Misinformation about the Maharaja
Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Brig Vijay Sagar Dheman of Indian Army. Maharaja's garrison was left defenseless and it was
V P Menon, Nehru ji's emissary, who forced Maharaja to shift to
Of late, there is a lot of talk in Jammu about declaration of hol- Jammu. The point being, if the Pakistani Army succeeds in reach-
Ranking Higher iday for Maharaja Hari Singh's birthday. A large section of youth,
supported by a host of local parties, has come out in support of this
ing Srinagar before the arrival of Indian Army, they will unleash
loot, plunder, rapes and arson in Srinagar. So he advised that if
Educational Institutions campaign. Traditionally, The Yuva Rajput Sabha had been demand-
ing holiday on Maharaja's birthday i.e 23 September by sitting in
Maharaja is captured, he will be forced to sign another Instrument
of Accession in favour of Pakistan. Moreover, they can assassinate

‘P
protest at Maharaja Hari Singh park Tawi Bridge every year. This him as well. Indian establishment represented by Nehru ji, obvi-
erform or perish' has become not only a
year they have declared that they will sit indefinitely on hunger ously, did not want this scenario. But the British Governor Gener-
truism but a necessary requirement to sur- strike till the demand is met. This invited reaction from local admin- al wanted this to happen as per the final culmination of their con-
vive in the highly competitive system. We istration resulting in lathi charge and arrests by JK police. Sec 144 spiracy (started in July 1931) due to whivh J&K goes to Pakistan
have been seeing such performance indexes been was declared in the area to maintain peace and tranquility. Now for British geostrategic objectives. This gets vindicated by a Top
question arises that do we need a holiday on Maharaja's Birthday? Secret War Cabinet note (Now declassified) written by Winsten
specified in respect of implementation of various
What purpose will it serve? Is this demand limited to the Rajput Churchil, British PM, on 19 May 1945 titled 'Security of India and
schemes and performance of number of depart- community only? To answer this, lets analyse the role that Mahara- Indian Ocean'.
ments and institutions and accordingly ranking ja Hari Singh played in Jammu and Kashmir. The same is confirmed by Mehar Chand Mahajan ji in his book
accorded to the best performing on all India level Maharaja Hari Singh was a great patriot who sacrificed all his 'Looking back'. He clearly mentions that this offer was given to him
worldly possessions including his CROWN for a just cause to ensure as well by V P Menon, which he politely refused saying that the
about which we duly keep on reporting. In educa-
that Jammu & Kashmir State accedes to India in a smooth manner. protection of Maharaja has been ensured by your advice. But if I
tional institutions, especially Universities and IITs It was his devotion and love for our motherland- INDIA (apparent also leave, then the Srinagar will not have leadership to coordinate
etc such a ranking of performance at Pan India from his speeches as Chairman 'Princes' Chamber', during 'Round the defences. This is how Maharaja ensured that the British Diplo-
level is already being conducted which imparts Table Conference' at London n 1930-1932) that we have J&K State- macy, to give J&K to Pakistan, for British selfish geostrategic gains
a geo strategically important state- as an integral part of India. He did not succeed. And the 'Crown of India' Jammu and Kashmir
vigour and zeal in the better performing institutions
was a just, secular and a man of pluralistic instincts who on his coro- remained in India albeit less truncated. Though Indian Army was
to do still better and at the same time, it lets open nation declared that his religion is JUSTICE and all his subjects are We need to research miniscule no in a position to retrieve the entire state but was prevented by British
a window to show to lesser performing ones where equal irrespective of religion, caste, creed or gender without any (to gain their geostrategic objectives) and Nehru ji to ensure
actually they stood and why, given the reckoning on discrimination towards any one. He abolished untouchability even of publications available from supremacy of Sheikh Abdulla, over the particular type of Muslims
before Gandhi ji did it in India. He ensured right of education for in the region. So that Shiekh Sahib could be presented in UNO as
the fixed parameters, factors and hence the index Jammu, accept conflicting views
women, abolished Begar Labour, introduced myriad administrative true Muslim leader in Kashmir. More 'Fallacies' like 'Maharaja
levels. This exercise has a very important ingredi- reforms and many other People friendly issues were streamlined. wanted to be independent and he dilly dallied on signing of Instru-
ent associated with it in that the students / parents Now the moot point is, why few segments of Jammu society from authors inimical to interests ment of Accession' will be analysed in later articles (i.e to be con-
get a sort of autonomy and varied choice to choose support him and why few segments are against him? Answer is very tinued).
simple. Every man in prominence has some supporters and some of Jammu as well and depend on This holiday will remind the Dogra Youth of all the sacrifices
perhaps the best one institution based on the latest
detractors. Let's analyse views of the detractors. Recorded history that the Dogra icons of yesteryears have laid to ensure laurels to
comprehensive ranking system. The choice so has forced us to believe few perceptions appearing in print during
'Oral History' which is new branch our great nation India in general and Dogra race in particular. This
expressed is also buttressed by there being an ade- 1947. Before I move further let me quote an ancient adage, “If the of 'Research in History' accepted holiday will inspire all Dogra youth to relive the valour, justice
quate number of Higher Education Institutions in King of Jungle i.e LION did not have good scribes, then the writ- and stellar qualities that Dogras displayed as true nationalists of
the UT of Jammu and Kashmir to make a choice ten History would always favour the HUNTER". Here, obviously,
the Lion, Maharaja Hari Singh was at the mercy of few local com-
by modern Historians world over. India. There are many instances from Maharaja Hari Singh's life
which is a motivation to Dogra race that contributed whole heart-
from. munists and plethora of press supporting British, Jinnah sahib and edly towards nation building and bring laurels to Dogras and our
rians world over.
The exercise, when analysed in broader per- Nehru ji. Hosts of adages read 'DANTKANTIES' have been pub- We will address couple of issues here just to put up a point for motherland India. This holiday will also stir the nationalistic feel-
spective, is with a great vision that of ensuring qual- lished, repeatedly quoted in the books and thus have become perusal of public. First one 'Maharaja Hari Singh 'RAN AWAY' from ings even in the minds of majority of Maharaja Hari Singh's erst-
‘TRUTH’. We need to research miniscule no of publications avail- Kashmir on 25 October 1947' leaving the gullible masses to the while subjects in Kashmir, Ladakh ,POJK and rest if India who
ity education which, therefore, calls for a compre-
able from Jammu, accept conflicting views from authors inimical mercy of Pakistani Army raiders. The truth is that Brigadier Rajin- will realize the injustice to Jammu and Kashmir and geostrategic
hensive assessment of different parameters, levels to interests of Jammu as well and depend on 'Oral History' which importance which we are encashing world over with advent of
der Singh, Chief of J&K Army, had mobilized the guards and resid-
and standards. National Education Policy which is new branch of 'Research in History' accepted by modern Histo- ual troops in Badami Bagh to stop the Pakistani Army, untill arrival rule of our PM Modi ji.
has inbuilt mechanism of basket of choices and "lib-

Amrit Kaal Ke Panch Pran


erties" to choose from and switch from one disci-
pline to the other and so on, has a broader outlook
keeping in view international standards and require-
ments. Hence, no wonder students from various
Arjun Singh Rathore of the colonial mind-set; taking pride in our lega- unique strengths of India that will take it to new dream vision of India, in his speeches. One of his
countries study in our Universities and professional cy; our strength of unity; and fulfilling the duties heights. most-known ones is using the mathematical for-
institutions. Education planners have envisioned a This 15th of August was a historic day for of citizens, which include prime minister and In February 2016, kick starting the Make in mula (a+b)2 to explain the ties between India and
scenario when there shall take place an "export" of India as we celebrated the completion of 75 years chief ministers as well. India week in Mumbai, Modi built on his idea of Canada. The relations between the two countries,
teaching talent of high reckoning from this country of Independence, and now it is a time India must The motive behind is that the nation should three Ds and added one more, Deregulation, to the PM explained in Toronto in 2015, were like
move forward with a new resolve for coopera- now only be setting big goals. That big goal is a the list, saying these would help India an easy the 2ab that appears when the formula is expand-
to other countries. tive federalism, celebrating the country's diver- developed India and nothing less. India has to place to do business. At the Bloomberg Global ed.
An academic commitment from all stakeholders sity, unity among citizens, gender equality, and move forward with these five resolves in mind Business Forum in New York in September 2019, In 2017, Modi came up with a new formula
including students for subjecting working of our research and innovation. and take up the responsibility to fulfil the dreams Modi had a different take on the 4Ds. The PM to explain India's future. While launching a dig-
Higher Educational Institutions to strict comprehen- Dressed in a traditional Kurta and Churidar, ital system developed to help the Supreme Court
paired with a blue jacket and a white Safa with The purpose of introduction of Amrit Kaal was to go paperless, the PM said that if the country had
sive ranking system shall result in doing away with a Tricolour stripes, Prime Minister Modi, unfurled to adapt to new technologies and stay ahead of
sort of lethargy in working - say in teaching, learning, the national flag amid a 21-gun salute by the improve the lives of the citizens of India, lessen the the curve, it would have to follow the equation
innovative and creative initiatives, research and the indigenously-developed Howitzer Gun, ATAGS, IT+IT = IT, (Information Technology plus Indi-
like and not merely with focus at best on completing which the Prime Minister noted with pride is the divide in development between villages and cities, an Talent equals India Tomorrow).
first from Red Fort in 75 years. On 15th August, 2022 while addressing the
hurriedly the syllabus but a ranking on the basis of The term Amrit Kaal was first used by Prime reduce the government's interference in people's lives, nation about his vision of 5Ps Panch Pran of
asset of transparent criterion and a unique index shall Minister Modi in 2021during the 75th Indepen- AmritKaal, he introduced five pledges as First
become the rule, not any exception. It is obvious that dence Day celebrations, when he unveiled a new and welcome the latest technology. Pran- Goal of Developed India; Second Pran-
roadmap for the country for the next 25 years.The Remove any trace of colonial mindset; Third
the intervention of Information Technology would term Amrit Kaal comes from Vedic astrology. It of our freedom fighters in the next 25 years when said the government was working hard to achieve Pran- Take pride in our roots; Fourth Pran- Uni-
become absolutely non-optional so as to collect data is described as the critical time when the gates we attain 100 years of independence. Amrit the goal of a $5 trillion economy. ty; and Fifth Pran- Sense of duty among the cit-
and other information. It is likely that initially the exer- of greater pleasure open for the inhuman, angels Kaal, is a reference to the next 25 years, when The following year, in September, Modi izens.
cise shall come across certain impediments but in the and human beings. Amrit Kaal is considered the every Indian will be aspiring to see the fast addressed a conclave on 'School Education in the When dreams are big, hard work is important;
best and most auspicious time to start new work. progress of a new India with enthusiasm and 21st Century' that the Ministry of Education it needs to be inspired by pledge, and determina-
near future, the unique exercise shall become quite And taking a clue, the Prime Minister described impatience, dedicating himself/herself to fulfill- organised under the National Education Policy tion of freedom fighters who dreamt of a free,
smooth and enviably fully reliable. the journey of next 25 years is the Amrit Kaal of ing Mahatma Gandhi's wish to empower the last (NEP) 2020. At the event, the PM emphasised strong and self-sufficient India. The world looks
Modalities are being worked out presently for new India. The fulfilment of our resolutions in person in the queue. the importance of 5Es: Engage, Explore, Expe- at India with pride and hope and as a destination
the exercise of assessing such performance of this Amrit Kaal will take us till 100 years of Inde- If we deeply analyse the chronology of events rience, Express, and Excel. where problems are solved and aspirations are
pendence. the Prime Minister Modi was always clear about Earlier that year, in June 2020, Modi spoke met.
Higher Educational Institutions not only to cover The purpose of introduction of Amrit Kaal his mission of Amrit Kaal right from the very first of the 3Ps People, Planet and Profit, in his The young India (youth) has to dedicate the
mere academics though that is the hard core area was to improve the lives of the citizens of India, day of assuming the office. He has always shown address at the inauguration of the 95th Annual next 25years of their lives for the nation's devel-
but even in activities like diversity, innovation, lessen the divide in development between vil- a fondness for using acronyms and numbers to Plenary Session of the Indian Chamber of Com- opment. We have to move ahead with big goals
sports, placement, research quality of imparted lages and cities, reduce the government's inter- explain his vision of Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal, merce. to fulfil the vision of a developed India in the cen-
ference in people's lives, and welcome the latest which included 4Ds, 5Es, 3Ps, 5Ts and formulas Before coming to power at the Centre, Modi, tenary year of independence. In 2047 when India
educations and the like. The management of IIT, technology. like 2ab& IT+IT=IT and the recent 5Ps. in an address to the BJP National Council, had celebrates it's 100th Independence day, we may
Jammu is expected to contribute in a major way While giving the roadmap for Amrit Kaal, in In September 2014, months after he came to also spoken of creating a globally recognised not be alive to witness the event but our children
towards making this exercise a success and sus- his independence day address to nation from the power, Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at Brand India on the foundation of 5Ts: Talent, Tra- must keep their heads high and have proud in us
ramparts of Red Fort the Prime Minister Modi Madison Square Garden in New York City in dition, Tourism, Trade and Technology. for once again making India the Vishwa Guru.
tainable and that in itself demonstrates the quantum
spelt out the five pledges, Panch Pran, as a which he singled out three Ds, Democracy, Not only alliterations, the prime minister has (The author is Chief Manager IAPM JK Bank, Zon-
of trust in the managerial capabilities and the requi- resolve for a developed India; removing any trace Demographic dividend, and Demand, as the three also employed formulae, for the fulfilment of his al Office Mumbai)
site wherewithal of its management. So, stress on

Private Sector Investment for Saffron Seed Production


result oriented performance, hard work, innovation
and creativity must be the guiding principles of any
institution of higher level engaged in imparting edu-
cation. Chander Mohan Sharma instances of saffron cultivation have been Saffron Trade at Global Level: for increase in consumption. Saffron is heavily
Pak acknowledges hand Since early July 2022, an entrepreneur was
reported recently in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarak-
hand and even Rajasthan. But where is the seed?
In 2020, Saffron trade world over was val-
ued at $240M. Between 2019 and 2020 the
demanded by consumers due to its application
in the food and beverage industry, which is

in terror violence in search of 40 to 50 qtls of quality saffron seed


corms to establish his project under Controlled
High Seed Requirement:
It is reported that despite of awareness cam-
exports of Saffron grew by 3.77%, from $231M
to $240M. In 2020 the top exporters of Saffron
anticipated to be a significant factor driving
growth of the global saffron market. In food,
Atmospheric conditions outside the Union Ter- paigns and technical support by the government were Iran ($108M), Spain ($50.8M), saffron is used as a flavouring agent, spice and

A
fter all, Pakistan army accepted and owned ritory of Jammu and Kashmir. He was prepared under National Saffron Mission to revive and Afghanistan ($45.4M), United Arab Emirates yellow food colouring, which makes it one of
the body of its trained agent and guide of a to buy it from the private producers, even at dou- rejuvenate saffron industry in Kashmir by pop- ($5.86M), and Greece ($5.19M). It is reported the most preferred spices for consumers. Apart
ble the cost fixed by the Government Depart- ularizing scientific saffron production, the saf- that a number of prestigious re-exporters such from that, saffron is also used as a dye, spice,
notorious terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba who
ment, but failed. After strenuous and door to fron growers have shown poor adherence to the as Spain, France and Italy add value to Iranian fragrance and for medicinal purposes. Saffron,
was sent for subversive activities like attacking door efforts, he could get just about 10 qtl. of practice of changing its corms/seeds. The grow- bulk imports and resell the saffron at a higher unsurprisingly, is one of the world's most expen-
army camps etc in Jammu and Kashmir but died of the seed and that too, much later than his desired ers sow 2,25,000 corms per hectare, while sci- price. sive spices and also lends itself to a fascinating
a cardiac arrest at a Military Hospital in Rajouri. date. Most of the seed quantity collected was ence suggests it should be 5,00,000. After a Saffron Demand in India: history of underground trade.
from Kishtwar and the remaining was from four-year cycle, farmers should change the Against the national demand of 100 M.T Inference:
Here, it is pertinent to note that in the highest tradi-
Kashmir. This episode highlights the major seeds, but they change the corms after many besides providing livelihood security to the Taking into account the parameters like sig-
tions of keeping human values over and above any- obstacle in saffron production in J&K and that years which results not just in poor crop pro- marginally poor farmers of J&K, India's pres- nificance of saffron as a very high value spice
thing, Indian Army had admitted the young is, the deficient availability of adequate and duction but also in depleted seed vigour. ent saffron consumption is estimated at 20 and medicinal crop in national and internation-
Pakistani terrorist in a Military Hospital to receive quality seed. Saffron in Global Context: tonnes a year, half of which is met by leading al trade, scope of area expansion in traditional
Frequent occurrences of unfavourable In the global context, India (more precisely, producers - Iran, Spain and China. With a spice and non-traditional areas, need for increasing
the best possible medical treatment instead of what
weather conditions encourage the deadly 'corm J&K) is currently ranked as the second largest loving population that tops 1 billion, India's planting density, enhancing Seed Replacement
he out rightly had otherwise deserved. rot disease of saffron' in the field and both of producer of saffron, but she ranks twelfth production levels are insufficient to meet Rate (SRR) and advances in tissue culture tech-
On the other hand, our valiant but highly kind these conditions severely impair the seed mul- among global saffron exporters and produces domestic demand. To satisfy this demand, US$ nology for quality seed production, it is pro-
hearted Army jawans donated their blood to the tiplication rate. These cause severe setback to approximately 7 per cent of the total world pro- 18.3 million in saffron was imported to India in posed that:
injured terrorist in the Army Hospital where he was area expansion programmes that are very often duction. In comparison, Spain with just 600 ha 2018, making it the world's fourth-largest a) Government must encourage private
envisioned for this very high value crop. Rapid of land is the 3rd largest producer with an aver- importer. India predominantly imports Saffron investors to seize the opportunity to establish
operated upon to keep him alive. We proudly salute
urbanization is the other detrimental factor. age productivity of 8.33 kg/ha which is highest for consumption and not for re-exporting, Bio-technology Units in the healthy and peace-
such a spirit of our Army soldiers. This must open Area & Production Trends in J&K: in the world. Iran, Spain and Greece with inten- unlike other major saffron exporters mentioned ful environs of Kishtwar or Jammu for mass pro-
myopic eyes of Pakistan where human rights viola- In 1997, the area under Saffron in J&K was sive production technologies are able to achieve above. The other top importers of Saffron are duction of quality seed of saffron under con-
tions of its own citizens is the way and the conduct of 5707 hectare which declined to 3674 hectare in higher production and productivity than our Hong Kong, Spain and Saudi Arabia. United trolled atmospheric conditions through Tissue
its state policy. 2015. Production of saffron during the same productivity and posing great threat to our saf- States follows India next. Culture techniques. It has been claimed at var-
Accepting and thus "owning'' the saboteur sent period declined from 15.95 Metric Tonnes to 9.6 fron industry as imports are increasing every Government Interventions to Promote ious technical platforms that the desired proto-
Metric Tonnes during the same period. Lately, year. Exports: col exists for growing tissue cultured saffron
by it, Pakistan even under compulsions did it prob- the CSIR-IIIM, Jammu (2021), reports that total Currently, the Saffron crop is being cultivat- In 2015, Government of India set up SPE- seed-corms in standardized medium.
ably also to keep up the ''morale'' and confidence area under saffron cultivation in J&K is 3715 ed in Iran, India, Afghanistan, Spain, Greece DA (Saffron Production and Export Develop- b) High and quality seed production
in other similar type of infiltrators attempted to be ha, with production and productivity of 16 MT Italy, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Israel, Azer- ment Agency) to promote its production and obtained under controlled conditions will fulfill
pumped into our territories in the near future to and 3.0 - 4.0 kg/ha, respectively. baijan, China, Egypt, UAE, Japan, Iraq and export-related activities. Most of the saffron the requirement of bringing more area under
pursue its avowed policy of promoting hostilities, Saffron in India is exclusively cultivated in recently Australia (Tasmania). The world's total output from J&K goes to the plains with exports saffron cultivation.
hate and violent activities against India and dis- Jammu & Kashmir and ranks as the second- production of dried saffron is estimated to be of just about Four tonnes. Local brands are c) Seed will become available through tis-
largest producer of saffron. The major bulk around 325 tonnes a year. largely present within the country and there is sue culture technology for the recommended
turbing peace and tranquillity in Jammu and grows in Kashmir division in the districts of Iran produces more than 90% of the world's absence of large international/national brands. higher density sowing per unit area.
Kashmir. Chakan-Da -Bagh crossing point on the Pulwama (86%), Budgam (8%) and Srinagar total production of saffron and accounts for 70% There is still an opportunity for developing a The intervention will facilitate doubling the
LoC in Poonch sector thus became "witness" to (4%), but some quantity comes from Kishtwar of global exports, despite of the fact that Crocin nationwide brand of saffron. average productivity of saffron, while efficient
such handing over and taking over of the dead district (2%) also. It is reported that there exists content of J&K Saffron - which gives the saf- Importance of Saffron: processing and marketing going hand in hand,
Pakistani agent who had infiltrated into this side. a potential for saffron cultivation in about 600 fron its darker colour and medicinal value - is India is a nation where a burgeoning middle to make it globally competitive and remunera-
Can Pakistan learn to live in peace and let its hectares as against the existing normal of about 8.72% as compared to the Iranian produce class is now craving for a wide range of prod- tive to growers.
120 hectares of land in Kishtwar. Some which contains 6.82%. ucts with health benefits, which is a big driver (The author is Retd. Dy. Director of Agriculture, J&K)
"neighbour" of which it was a part, live in peace
free of the terror exported by it for the last four
decades? (The views expressed by the authors are their personal) feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
II September 8, 2022, Thursday, The Hawk, Saharanpur Analysis www.thehawk.in
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The Hawk Padyatra Politics To Opposition Unity— Continued From Page 1


Bugle Before The Battle PM To Inaugurate....
Lifespring M R Lalu a large number of notable
leaders deserting the
reason to part with the
rest. A galaxy of political
spective of an opposition
hotchpotch blowing the
harvesting, water conservation and energy efficient
lighting systems, among others. The statue of Netaji
"As nature unfolds itself daily, suddenly it dawns The Congress Party’s party and the rest is brew- parties with their paranoia poll bugle together, what Subhas Chandra Bose, which will be unveiled by the
upon me the valuable lessons it teaches us: that to a padyatra is all set to evoke ing for unrest, the Gandhi has ideally learnt to se- Modi could successfully Prime Minister, is being installed in the same place
man looking for wisdom unlocks a lot of precious a political imbroglio well family could successfully cretly hide their face un- build in the minds of a where a hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled ear-
gems to be mined freely. Observe how a bamboo before the storm of the convince its devotees on der an elusive cohesion large section of India’s lier this year on Parakram Diwas (January 23) by him.
reacts under a tempest: pliant yet sturdy. Study how general elections 2024 a time taking and outdated and they would further electorate would remain The statue, made of granite, is a fitting tribute to the
a rice stalk after an honest labor finds itself filled to begins. The foot march event that it defines would envisage their individual untouched and unham- immense contribution of Netaji to our freedom
the brim yet bows down quietly." —Unknown from Kanyakumari would expose the megalomania prospects, in case their pered. That is the depth struggle, and would be a symbol of the country’s indebt-
go through states and that the Congress fre- dream of dethroning the into which he could en- edness to him. Crafted by Shri Arun Yogiraj, who was
Bogus Entities-III Union Territories and ul-
timately the tiresome re-
vival exercise of the party
the main sculptor, the 28 feet tall statue has been carved
from a monolithic granite stone and weighs 65 MT.
All that it reflects is a general erosion of basic values
even in our institutions of higher learning where aca- would culminate in Kash- Rajpath Renamed As....
demic standards and norms have been sacrificed. Not mir with the padayatris NDMC vice chairman Satish Upadhyay said the pro-
to speak of fake universities, recognised ones cannot (participants) putting posal was received from the Union ministry of hous-
be categorized as first-rate universities as per NAAC their swollen foot on the ing and urban affairs.
norms. Experience has it that certain universities have ‘Paradise on Earth’. The He said now the entire stretch and the area from
received sufficient funds to increase their size and raise Congress leadership, hav- the Netaji statue at India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan
the levels of operations in the field of higher educa- ing had the severest of will be known as 'Kartavya Path'.
tion, but the colleges affiliated to them could not get shocks from the recent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is also
the attention they deserved. It is known that both the exodus of Gulam Nabi the member of NDMC, was not present in the meet-
Union and the state governments can legislate in the Azad and his henchmen ing. The civic body later released the resolution that
field of education, which is a concurrent subject un- from the party in his was passed in the meeting to rename Rajpath.
der the Indian Constitution. True, a government of home state, has planned to "NDMC council has resolved the renaming of
India legislation will prevail over any law passed by have the last rites of the Rajpath and Central Vista Lawns as Kartavya Path in a
the state legislature, but this does not mean that Parlia- padyatra be performed in special meeting held at Council Room Palika Kendra ,
ment can prevent a state legislature from functioning within Jammu and Kashmir. The New Delhi today (Wednesday)," the resolution read.
its own sphere. Taking advantage of the situation, leaders of the party, at The resolution also stated that the department con-
Chattisgarh passed the Private University Act in 2002 present, are presumably cerned may initiate further necessary action such as
and began to grant recognition to private state universi- unclear about the achiev- quently blames the Modi Modi regime gets articu- grave an essential feeling changing of names on boards and signages, following
ties in a way quite prejudicial to higher education. able outcome that the regime with. Social lated. Without a common of being Indian with all the decision taken by the council.
More than 100 private universities sprang up yatra would conclude Media’s fire fighting ca- face to plant against the that is nationalistic taking Rajpath was known as Kingsway during British
within a short time without having any infrastructure with. And the name that pabilities would expose independent India’s most the centre stage. The Con- Rule. In his Independence Day speech this year, Prime
worth the name. They further mushroomed across the the yatra got to be known the thick and thin of the popular Prime Minister gress party’s attempt to Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the abolition of
country in a demand- driven surge that drew allega- as, is more conflicting, padyatra. What could with his consistently huge attack Modi would always symbols related to colonial mindset.
tions of irregularities including franchising out courses than the modus operandi have been better for the popularity mandate, the be seen as cynical. De- Modi has stressed on the importance of everyone
in violation of the rules. The country cannot afford a itself. “Bharat Jodo Yatra” party was to try methods collective efforts of the cades of its activities and fulfilling their duties in the 25 years leading to 2047
rerun of what happened in Chhattisgarh from 2002 to would at least have irri- of meaningful agitation warring titans should trim ideological perspectives when India will be celebrating 100 years of Indepen-
2005 when a large number of universities were estab- tated Sardar Patel, who is against the government size their ambitions for hold proof of its alacrity dence.
lished through executive orders issued under one act. known to have stage-man- and a positive tutoring of personal prospects into a and cynical behaviour in Both these factors can be seen behind the name
As it turned out, the Supreme Court had to order the aged the incorporation of the country’s electorate on certain level of detail, contradictory to its 'Kartavya Path', officials said, adding, "This is also a
closure of most of these institutions. It seems that edu- rebellious principalities everything that it keeps affordability and mutual ideological oratory when- message to the ruling class that the era of rulers and
cational institutions in India have been plagued by the into the spectrum of In- accusing the regime of. acceptance. With its de- ever the country's national subjects is over."
perquisites of the Nehruvian state that guaranteed an dian nationality. India, Whatever, the primary creasing charisma to lure interest was put to test. In 2015, the name of the road on which the prime
endless flow of taxpayers’ money without any account- under the most controver- knowledge that the Con- the Indian voters, the October 17 would be a minister's residence is located was changed from Race
ability for the quality of teaching and research con- sially famous nationalist gress should have gained Gandhi dynasty should red letter day for the Con- Course Road to Lok Kalyan Marg.
ducted. Complaints were received by the union hu- government led by Prime was to capture the depth come up with an open gress if the loudly pro- The same year, Aurangzeb Road was renamed as
man resource development ministry that the deemed Minister Modi, would of imprint and impact that mind when the insiders of claimed yet bound by A P J Abdul Kalam Road. In 2017, Dalhousie Road
universities had been affiliating colleges despite the take the nomenclature of the ‘Modi initiatives’ had the party demand a demo- technical glitch election was renamed as Dara Shikoh Road.
fact that they were not allowed to do so under the the Congress revival foot on a large segment of the cratic process electing a for a full time President, Also, the name of Teen Murti Chowk was changed
UGC Act. The ministry ordered the UGC to withdraw march to be its rebellious Indian voters. He could non-dynast. This defi- probably one from out- to Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in 2018.
a controversial order that allowed the deemed univer- adventurism loaded with successfully cut across nitely does not guarantee side the dynasty takes There have been several proposals to rename Akbar
sities to mislead students by claiming themselves to be insensitivity. The country and carry out his welfare a complete revival of the place. Rahul Gandhi’s Road, but no decision has been taken yet. The re-
fullfledged universities. The ministry had reason to at present does not need a schemes to all levels of Congress. But of course it propensity to take politics vamped Central Vista Avenue will be inaugurated by
derecognize 44 such universities in 13 states for not clinical surgery for the in- the society and the event can take a breath of relief as a part time vocation the prime minister on September 8.
standing up to their claims. That the UGC Act lacks corporation of any slice of management that the Con- by throwing its hat into would deepen the crises of The Avenue will have state-wise food stalls, red
teeth is not refutable. Lately, it came down on land into its mainstream gress is busy in should gain the ring for a non-dynast. his party and the exodus granite walkways with greenery all around, vending
unauthorised centres of learning. It identified some administration. Except strength and courage and But Modi, on the other that the Congress is ha- zones, parking lots and round-the-clock security.
10 universities that claimed to be UGC-certified with for the captured landscape be genuinely appealing to hand, has managed to bituated today would However, food will not be allowed on the lawns
validated degrees and ordered them to shut down their by our blatant and envi- a country that got ‘Modi- convince the electorate of mount further. To bring between India Gate and Man Singh Road.
off-campus centres. Periodically, the Commission is- ous neighbours China and fied’ since 2014. the country about his him out of the cocoon of The stretch will reopen for public from Septem-
sues public notices, press releases and paid advertise- Pakistan, we are intact Opposition parties plans with genuine sensi- a sulky, reluctant leader, ber 9 after remaining closed for 20 months. —PTI
ments for the awareness of the people. A few years ago, with no stitching of uni- confined to state politics tivity and dream fulfilling the Gandhi family ought
the UGC informed that Bharatiya Shiksha Parishad, fication required. have realised the need of examples such as the ab- to have thought of a Rahul To Stay....
Lucknow, and Indian Institute of Planning Management The present political arresting a Modi jugger- rogation of Article 370 padyatra. If it doesn’t help is where his father Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in
(IIPM), New Delhi were unrecognized. The High Court scenario in India probably naut, a plan that they and many other initiatives him to improve his status a bomb blast on May 21, 1991, while campaigning
gave the final decision against the institute and ad- quells all hopes of recov- have many-a-time silently with respect to the and relevance as a leader, for the Lok Sabha polls.
vised that acts of the IIPM constitute a criminal of- ery that an aspirational cherished and now began strengthening of India as Modi will definitely have Rahul Gandhi paid floral tribute at his father’s
fence of cheating punishable under Section 420 of IPC. Congress has been ventur- to enact on, well before a military and economic the last laugh when the memorial. “I lost my father to the politics of hate
To comply with the court decision, the UGC ing about; giving its vot- the 2024 national election. power. The most recent Congress culminates its and division. I will not lose my beloved country to it
lodged an FIR against the institution. AICTE also gives ers across the country With no leader as popular example is the procure- journey in Kashmir. too. Love will conquer hate. Hope will defeat fear.
details of fake technical institutions on its web portal. which is roughly an esti- and audacious as Modi in ment of the Rafale Ousted from the states, Together, we will overcome,” he tweeted.
lt has also published an approval Process Handbook as mated 20 percent, a sense the opposition casket to fighter jets and India’s once its bastions, and de- Local Congress leaders including Karnataka
per the AICTE (Grants of Approval of Technical In- of delusion on what the counter his fiefdom, the Atmanirbhar initiative, scending to a gloom na- state party chief DK Shivakumar were present at
stitutions) Regulations, 2012. CBSE displays the list party is capable of except parties that are trying to the INS Vikrant. tionally, the party needs the prayer meeting.
of affiliated or disaffiliated schools on its website for a foot march that the corroborate alliances Modi as a statesman to discover methods to After the prayer meet, Rahul Gandhi left for
ensuring the genuineness of the marksheets. Needless country’s ‘saint on earth’ stitching new equations - is a consistently rooted reinvent its importance. Kanyakumari where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK
to say, the existence of fake universities shows the in- the Mahatma tried when would have to take Con- iconoclastic belief. Aspir- But a padyatra seems to Stalin will present him the Tricolour. The Congress
creasingly low morale of our people. This calls for a India was under the colo- gress on board. But the ing to eradicate his image be a snail-space activity leader will address a rally while officially kickstarting
system that can inculcate proper values among the nial oppression. Instead of Congress, with its tradi- is impractical. Irrational that the present political the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
youth as proposed by the National Education Policy emboldening its cadre tional belligerence should attempts to tarnish his im- scenario in India can af- Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress
(NEP). The government, media and UGC should from the nuts and bolts, at least have learnt a les- age have always bounced ford to wait for. party’s general secretary, on Tuesday asserted that
proactively highlight the existence of such universi- with adequate tightening son by now to not make a on the opposition. Irre- —The Hawk Features through the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ people will be united
and fixing, the party on issues like inflation, and unemployment among
ties. The national regulator needs to be more vigilant
to keep an eye on upcoming bogus universities. It is seems to have set out for Kamaal Gets Bail In Controversial Tweets Case other matters of public importance.
also imperative that before taking admission the stu- a blindfolding exercise Mumbai: A court here on granted bail to him in a on the film titled “Laxmii “We are starting a positive politics. We want to
dents check the authenticity of the university concerned which is haphazardly en- Wednesday granted bail to molestation case of 2021. Bomb” (released as only hear from you, we want to solve your problems. We
from the UGC website as well as from the website of gineered. Ambiguity that actor Kamaal R Khan, Khan, currently in “Laxmii”) and no offence want to unite our beloved country. Let us unite India
the higher education department of the state. What is the party has been a mas- popularly known as KRK, judicial custody, was ar- as alleged by the police together,” Priyanka said in a Facebook video.
needed is to strengthen the hands of the UGC by mak- ter of and was capably in the 2020 case of contro- rested by the police from was committed. Khan is Politics today has turned a blind eye towards
ing the running of such institutions a cognizable of- articulating with all dili- versial tweets about actor the Mumbai airport last acting as a “critic and/or people and their issues, she added.
fence. We can no longer afford to put up with the gence and expertise in its Akshay Kumar and film- week in connection with reporter in the film Indus- “Political discussion today isn’t focusing on the
gimmicks of the fake degree mafia and non-serious previous ventures is once maker Ram Gopal Verma. his tweets. He is likely to try”, the bail plea said. people of the country, it has taken a different turn
promoters of education who are bent on minting again thickly unfolding in On Tuesday, an- walk out of jail on Thurs- The FIR against him altogether. Politics today has turned a blind eye to-
money by exploiting the innocent. its revival yatra too. With other court here had day morning. Police have was registered in 2020 wards people and their issues. Through this ‘yatra’
claimed that Khan’s posts under various Indian Pe- we want to bring out the problems and concerns of
were communal and he nal Code (IPC) sections, the common man,” Priyanka said.
targeted Bollywood per- including 153 (wantonly The senior Congress party leader urged people
sonalities. However, Khan giving provocation with to join the ‘yatra,’ adding that people should unite to
in his bail plea moved intent to cause riot) and make the country prosperous.
through advocates Ashok 500 (punishment for The yatra will proceed mainly through 12 states,
Sarogi and Jay Yadav, said defamation), and provi- including Himachal Pradesh, where Assembly polls
that the tweets in question sions of the Information are due later this year.—ANI
were only his comments Technology Act..—PTI
Nitish In Delhi....
are being run by media outlets likening the 33-year-old
Mongolian President.... to the protagonist of Nayak, starring Anil Kapoor who
The horse was named Kanthaka'. Mongolia is known shakes up the system as a hands-on chief minister.
as the land of the horse, according to the American The hospitals where the deputy CM conducted
Museum of Natural History (AMNH). surprise checks included PMCH, the state's largest
Mongolia is home to more than 3 million horses, government health facility, besides the hospitals at
making the horse population almost equal to the hu- Gardiner Road and Gardani Bagh.
man population in the vast nation. Yadav had showed up wearing a track suit and a
Even in the 21st century, Mongolia remains a cap, with a mask covering his face -- and the staff's
horse-based culture and retains its pastoral traditions. failure to recognise him until reality dawned on them
Meanwhile, Singh also visited the Gandan Mon- is a sight to behold.
astery in Mongolia on Wednesday. "Raksha Mantri Shri The cool-headed politician was visibly displeased
@rajnathsingh visited the Gandan Monastery in at the lack of cleanliness on the premises, poor avail-
Mongolia today and interacted with the highest Bud- ability of medicines and the apparent indifference to-
dhist monk of the country," the Defence Minister of wards their duty by those on night roster.
India tweeted. Defence Minister Singh is on a five- "Take notes of all shortcomings. We will take
day visit to Mongolia and Japan from Monday with an action at the review meeting of the department," the
aim to expand India's strategic and defence ties with deputy CM can be heard telling his personal staff.
the two countries in the backdrop of evolving regional Notably, the health department had remained with
security matrix and geo-political turmoil. the Bharatiya Janata Party for the entire period Nitish
Singh's visit to Mongolia from September 5 to 7 Kumar remained with the National Democratic Alli-
A Congress party poster fixed on a pole ahead of the party's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' launch, in is the first-ever tour to the East Asian country by an ance. Yadav has bagged the portfolio eyed by his elder
Kanyakumari. Indian defence minister.—PTI but relatively less adept brother Tej Pratap. —PTI
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Suvasa Apparel and Furnishing Pvt. Ltd.

www.firstindia.co.in I https://firstindia.co.in/epapers/jaipur I twitter.com/thefirstindia I facebook.com/thefirstindia I instagram.com/thefirstindia


PERSPECTIVE JAIPUR | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
04

COVID ORIGIN DESTINED IN-DEPTH

TO BE A FOREVER SECRET WILL TRUSS


REHABILITATE
KEYNES?

T
he United Kingdom
finally has a new
prime minister, but
will Liz Truss im-
prove the dismal out-
look for the British economy
and political life? The conven-
tional answer is no. As Shake-
speare said, “when sorrows
come, they come not single spies
but in battalions.” That is cer-
tainly true of Britain today.
The UK is cursed with the G7’s
highest inflation, steepest decline
in real wages, and biggest budget
and trade deficits. Making matters
worse, Britain’s battalion of sor-
rows also overwhelms its politics.
Truss’s three predecessors were
the worst prime ministers in mod-
ern British history. So says the
British public: According to the
latest polling, David Cameron,
Theresa May, and Boris Johnson
all score postwar records for doing
“a bad job as PM,” with each suc-
cessive Tory leader rated worse
than the previous one. This core
Keynesian analysis is sometimes
exaggerated in extreme versions
of Modern Monetary Theory,
which is sometimes parodied as a
“Magic Money Tree.” Last month,
I joined in, calling the notion that
rope, and much of non-China US policymakers will be able to
Asia, very few people are still reduce inflation without causing
asking the question of what a severe recession a “fairy tale.”
JIM GERAGHTY started the worst global pan-  SOURCE: PROJECT SYNDICATE
The writer is the senior political
correspondent of National Review demic since the Great Influ-
and author of several books enza of 1918. We have collec-
tively moved on.
A bit more than a year ago,
SPIRITUAL SPEAK
the U.S. government issued its

R
emember the lab-leak theo- summary statement about its Whatever action is performed by a
ry? A few scientists argue investigation, infuriatingly great man, common men follow in
that it is dead, with new stud- shrugging and declaring, his footsteps, and whatever
ies contending that the global “The [intelligence communi- standards he sets by exemplary
acts, all the world pursues.
pandemic, which likely killed ty] remains divided on the
—Bhagavad Gita
three to four times the offi- most likely origin of COV-
cial death-toll numbers, must ID-19. All agencies assess that
have started from someone two hypotheses are plausible:
catching the virus from an
Among the world’s 156 countries with at least natural exposure to an infect-
animal in a wet market. Oth- 1 million people, we managed to obtain data ed animal and a laboratory-
TOP TWEETS
er science writers say, “Not on total mortality from just 84. Some of these associated incident.” This
so fast,” arguing that the lack was akin to declaring that the
of cooperation from China places update their figures regularly; others have coin could have landed heads Amit Shah
@AmitShah
and incomplete data make it published them only once up or tails up.
impossible to rule out any A bit more than a year ago,
point of origin. But two and the U.S. government issued its
Two and half years on, we a half years after Covid ar- and infected 611 million peo- tumn of 2022, Covid-19 is a summary statement about its
are still very much in the rived and turned our lives ple around the world. Those nonentity in American daily investigation, infuriatingly
dark as to when, how and upside down, the U.S. and the numbers are undercounts; life, with most Americans shrugging and declaring, “The
even where SARS-CoV-2 world have grown disturb- the estimate at the Econo- giving the virus little thought [intelligence community] re-
first made its appearance. ingly comfortable with not mist calculates that since the since the end of the Omicron mains divided on the most Under the leadership of Modi, the
This isn’t because our efforts knowing the answers. start of the pandemic, hu- wave. That’s not the case over likely origin of COVID-19. All cabinet approved the proposal of land
manity collectively experi- in China, where “more than agencies assess that two hy- amendment of railways to implement
to get to the bottom of the PM Gati Shakti Framework. With this
mystery have proved WE HAVE GROWN enced between 15.8 and 26.2 70 Chinese cities have been potheses are plausible: natural
decision 300 PM Gati Shakti Cargo
fruitless, but rather because ACCUSTOMED TO NOT million more deaths than it placed under full or partial exposure to an infected animal Terminals will be developed in the next
those efforts have been KNOWING THE ORIGIN ordinarily would. The team Covid lockdowns since late and a laboratory-associated in- 5 years, which will increase the revenue
systematically thwarted by OF COVID-19 at the Economist explains August, impacting more than cident.” This was akin to de- of Railways and generate about 1.2 lakh
the world’s two most According to the official the difficulty in nailing down 300 million people.” With claring that the coin could have employment opportunities.
powerful governments: numbers, Covid-19 has killed a more precise figure. daily life returning to nor- landed heads up or tails up.
Jagat Prakash Nadda
America and China more than 6.5 million people As we approach the au- mal in North America, Eu-  SOURCE: NATIONAL REVIEW @JPNadda

INDIA’S LADAKH IS
U
ntil 2019, Ladakh In 15th century, the spread been finding refuge in the re-
was a part of the of Islam in Ladakh began gion. The first large wave of
Jammu and Kash- Tibetans arrived in India in

A UNIQUE CASE OF mir state. Since


then, it has become
through migration of Muslim
traders from Kashmir, Af
1959 following the Chinese
invasion of Tibet. Now, there
It was a pleasure to have a fruitful
interaction with ambassadors from
different countries today under the

RELIGIOUS COEXISTENCE
a union territory with Bud- and Central Asia. They are more than 6,500 Tibetans
“Know BJP” initiative at the Party HQ.
dhism and Islam are its main started coming to Ladakh, living in Ladakh. The cul- They expressed great eagerness to know
two religions. Buddhism first settling there and marrying tural heritage of Ladakhis about the history, struggle, ideology &
came to Ladakh in the first and Tibetans is similar, contributions of the BJP to our country.
century of the common era local Buddhist women which is why Ladakh is often
during the reign of the Kushan called “Little Tibet.” l Vol 4 l Issue No. 93
Empire. For centuries, Bud- while Buddhists form 39.7%. l RNI NO. RAJENG/2019/77764.
dhism flourished practically Yet the Ladakhi tradition of MUSLIM-BUDDHIST
Printed and published by
unchallenged by other reli- peaceful coexistence contin- RELATIONS STILL CORDIAL
Anita Hada Sangwan on behalf of
gions. In the 15th century, how- ues. Even as anti-Muslim sen- The removal of special status First Express Publishers. Printed
ever, the spread of Islam in timent has been rising in In- for Jammu and Kashmir in at Bhaskar Printing Press, D.B.
Ladakh began through the dia, Ladakh remains a model 2019 led to Ladakh emerging Corp Limited, Shivdaspura, Tonk
migration of Muslim traders of religious tolerance. as a separate territory. At first, Road, Jaipur. Published at 304,
from Kashmir, Afghanistan this deepened the Muslim- 3rd Floor, City Mall, Bhagwan Das
and Central Asia. They started BUDDHIST DOMINATE Buddhist divide. Following the Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur-302001,
coming to Ladakh, settling AND NEW DELHI-RUN decision, people in Kargil took Rajasthan. Phone 0141-4920504.
there and marrying local Bud- For centuries, Tibet has been to the streets to protest. Those Editor-In-Chief: Dr Jagdeesh Chandra
dhist women. influencing the culture and in Leh, on the other hand, cel- Editor: Anita Hada Sangwan
Today, Muslims comprise religious practices in Ladakh ebrated the move. responsible for selection of news
46.6% of Ladakh’s population and Tibetan refugees have  SOURCE: FAIR OBSERVER under the PRB Act

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