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6 EDITORIAL DELHI
How ideology muddled inflation control in India
The agencies responsible for macroeconomic policy have hitched their wagon to AngloAmerican economics
how the global economy could be bank can fine tune inflation by of monetary policy in controlling
lifted out of the morass it had sunk moving the interest rate. The An inflation 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 inflation 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 inflation targeting central banks can ‘anchor’ the ex
B
angladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongo fession responded momentously, is the implicit premise that the pectation of inflation, and thereby
ing state visit to India and meeting with Prime Mi through the publication by J.M. authorities, in this case the central inflation itself.
T
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 first water sharing agreement in 26 stated that the inflation rate It provided the insight that at sucked demand out of the oil im controlling inflation. 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 flation? “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 inflation in them. Stagflation, 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 inflation and stag flation 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. Inflation in the U.S. and dampen expectations of a depre
was preceded by the first 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 fiscal was unprepared for this phenome Friedmanite revolution in eco long as it holds sufficient reserves
ing water management, and a very contentious issue, of close to five 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 inflation 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 identified. This did not receive flects a lack of commitment on the troleum or wheat. Therefore, it
the first 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 influence 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 inflation 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 stagflation, 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 finds its own remedy for
forts by the Modi government, and flexibility from the
trialised West, their governments was being advocated. However, ment would tend towards the ‘nat explain inflation rates that are over inflation discredited.
Mamata Banerjeeled State government, if the deal is to follow the same approach to infla confirmation 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 ‘inflation tar nesian economics came from an everyone who wishes to work Faced with high inflation, 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 office. 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 Inflation targeting terest rate further, even if it means that household expectation of in
which now constitutes a small fraction of Bangladesh’s proach is ineffectual because it is that a market economy would res Accordingly, public policy should triggering a recession. But we can flation, based on data released by
flawed 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 inflows. Ms. Hasina made particular mention of two
nothing like the hyperinflation 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 infla flation as the present one is. Even difficult to claim that inflation tar
nies, coming up at Mongla and Mirsarai. The approach to inflation current tion alone. And, inflation 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 inflation 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 firmer 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 inflation 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 inflation 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 inflation 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 unaffected. 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 benefited from such outcomes sion was as much a crisis for the with the two ‘oil shocks’ of the inflation. The arrangement came fall in which had caused the infla
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 inflation 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 affordable 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 fixed 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.
verifiable conditions. Hence, a tirement. Also, 4,320 MW of TAN
but they still need to replace the old one
F
or the first time in years, the simplification of the tariff struc GEDCO’s owncoal power plants Focus on sustainability
C
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 retrofitted with flue 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 tariffs, 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 tariffs 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 financial 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 offshore 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 financial health is that this. Green tariffs, 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 tariffs have not been revised on an signed, could help TANGEDCO re evening peak load. In Tamil Nadu, of Power notified 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 finan 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 financial 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 financial 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 affordable 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 (fixed) 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 Scherfler is cofounder at Auroville
mised a new beginning. The referendum was his best adjustment of tariffs 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 inflation 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
fine 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 gaffes 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 affairs. R. Sivakumar, should not find a place.
also help find 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 inflation 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
difficult 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 affecting known for championing ethnicity. For India, Ms. welcoming commercial
would remain in force until Chile’s political class finds 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 afford 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 finds 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 finding 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
CM A ND-NDE
YK
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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 field 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 beneficial effects 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 financial 95 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). space micro satellites as a kinetic kill option),
and public, flowed to NGOs working stress. Our research revealed that The time is ripe for the inaugural India etc.
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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.
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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
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 classifies users depending on the decisions of blocking users or reversing edits
summoned officials 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
officials 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 modifications. 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 reflected 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 afforded this
hosts. One of these
important to understand how content on the widespread there have been instances of immunity because first, 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 specific 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 preidentified 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 Słubice, Poland. CC BY-SA
*
EXPLAINER
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 Affairs, Legal Metrology constituents need to be mentioned on the only on the back of the packaging.
Division has notified 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 Affairs, 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
notification, the Department of misleading. Additionally, the front side of package must include a declaration of notified a draft amendment
to the Legal Metrology
Consumer Affairs 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 Affairs 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 Affairs, 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.
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Onam is being celebrated on September 8. A quiz on one of the most important festivals in Kerala.
it celebrate?
2 What is the name given to the clay pyramid with four faces and a
flat 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 first 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
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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.
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
❝ ❞
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
“
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.
■ Bhadrapad Parvishte
17
23
Sunny Partly Cloudy Cloudy
CITY MAX
Rainy
MIN
Foggy
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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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.
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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
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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)
CWTaTeP\_TS2T]caP[EXbcP0eT]dT^]cWTTeT^UXcb[Pd]RWQh?aX\T<X]XbcTa=PaT]SaP<^SXX]=Tf3T[WX ?C8
;4CC4AB C>C
C74438C>A SOUNDBITE
6B55C@55389>9>4919C1=ID8 DSSWPeCWPRZTaPh
DacVRU[`jhZeY@_R^
Sir — Officially, India remains the largest
democracy on earth. Its regime claims 1^QRcebTS\QY]RiCYc_TYQ bXSTaTSWXb[XUT[TbbX\_^acP]ccWP]X\_[XRPc
QPRZbcPQQTS^da
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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
.
\Xb[TPSX]V
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
UHJLRQEHIRUHKHZDVGXPSHGLQWRWKHQHWKHUZRUOGE\/RUG9LVKQXZKRWRRNELUWK
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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FIRSTCOLUMN
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n the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides
I
1:9D;E=1B18B7=>8
stated that "the surest way of harming
:
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¶SUDUDEGKDIDWH·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 $1.7 billion between 2002 and
! F8C7<>A4 watching. Biden has been hesitant ated the same labyrinth for the US cooperative security arrangement
2005, and more than 70 per cent of Iran's C70=&?4A to give vital concessions to Iran in as they did in Afghanistan. Russia with SCO, but given the questions
2QFH *RG EHJLQV GRLQJ LW RQ D UHJXODU EDVLV LW VWDQGV WR arms imports came from Russia. In 2016,
the delivery of S-300 was completed, and
24=C>58<?>ACB lieu of the revival of the nuclear
treaty. If the deal is not revived, it
and China aided by Pakistan, got
the tripartite talks on Afghanistan
on the "strategic ego", the recom-
mendation was sidelined. As the
UHDVRQWKDW+HZRXOGGRVRLQRXUWRXJKWLPHVDOVR:K\ZRXOGQ·W China emerged as Iran's second largest 2><8=65A>< will usher in more instability in the converted into the six-party talks, situation deteriorated rapidly,
+H"'RHVQ·W*RGSURPRWHGKDUPDPRUHWKDQDQ\WKLQJHOVH":K\"
%HFDXVH GKDUPD KHOSV WR SURPRWH JHQHUDO ZHOOEHLQJ ,W LV QR
arms supplier. From 2010 onwards, Russia <>B2>F West Asian region and beyond. The thereby diplomatically entangling Washington hurriedly started
and China used their veto to favour Iran. West might lose its battle of non- the US. Simultaneously, reports of negotiations with the Taliban, and
ZRQGHUWKDW*RGPHQWLRQVD\RJLZKHQ+HVSHDNVDERXWVXFKVXSH Russia has always stressed an interna- proliferation in West Asia. If Iran Russia rearming the Taliban were by 2021 it had to evacuate, leaving
ULRUVXNKD6XFKDSHUVRQPXVWEHDIROORZHURIGKDUPDDVZHOODV tional system which cannot be headed by goes nuclear, Russia and Iran will in the news, which the US could behind its "treasure" of military
FRQQHFWHGZLWK*RG any single power. It adopted its multi-vec- increase their asymmetric warfare not do much about it. On the other equipment that possibly would
/RUG.ULVKQDFRQWLQXHV´$QGKDYLQJDWWDLQHGLWDSHUVRQGRHV tored foreign policy, and Iran, on the other in the region. Perhaps it may take hand, Pakistan extracted military have been reverse engineered by
hand, went ahead with its 'Look East' pol- just a few months for Israel and Iran and financial gains apart from China by now.
Q·WFRQVLGHUDQRWKHUJDLQJUHDWHUWKDQWKLV7KXVVLWXDWHGDSHUVRQ icy with a primary focus on Russia, China to get militarily involved and aiding the Taliban. Consequently, If one observes post-US exit,
LVQRWGLVWXUEHGHYHQE\DELJVXIIHULQJµ:KDWLVRXUH[SHULHQFH"$ and India. Further, the emergence of pol- increase the risk of an armed con- the US had adopted a soft approach the amount of Chinese aid and
JHQXLQH 6DQ\DVL ZRQ·W UHWXUQ WR PXQGDQH OLIH EHFDXVH KH RU VKH yarchic actors and their respective interests flict in West Asia, which will have to terrorist groups such as the investments has decreased drasti-
ZRXOGQ·WEHGLVWXUEHGHYHQE\DELJVXIIHULQJ+HRUVKHZRXOGWDNH imposed limits on the use of coercive diplo- consequences for the Abraham Lashkar–e-Taiba (LeT) and cally, and it is hesitant to invest in
LWLQWRVWULGHDQGJRRQMXVWDV0HHUDMLGUDQNWKHSRLVRQJLYHQWRKHU macy. Grounds for further cooperation Accords. The success of the Biden Jaish–e- Mohammad (JeM). China, an insecure environment. China is
DV SXQLVKPHQW IRU EHLQJ D FRPSOHWHO\ FRPPLWWHG GHYRWHH RI /RUG thus emerged. A joint anti-American administration would be to ensure on its part, initiated its OBOR and extracting the natural resources of
stand having four dimensions brought the that the accords remain functional announced physical outreach to Afghanistan in lieu of its trade. The
.ULVKQD6KHWKHQSURFHHGHGWR'ZDUND,QKHUFDVHQHLWKHUWKHELJ two strategically closer. First, opposition to South and Central Asia, thereby same would be done for Iran. As the
and Iran is kept engaged. From that
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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
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
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.
Subhani
8 SEPTEMBER 2022
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
4 THINK BusinessLine
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 8 • 2022
0
xyz
A
fter taking a hit during Covid, India’s dir (excluding large hydro) stood at One part is access to finance. Renew
114.07 Gigawatts (GW) as of Juneend able projects are easily financed 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 financed 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 find it difficult 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 effect. 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
first, tentative steps towards devel completed within this year, put In ing to an estimate by CRISIL, average
ate profits 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 fiscal 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 offshore plant off the Gu ticularly solar energy, one of Prime fiscal, 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 offtake.
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 different. 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 offshore 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 flect the situation on the ground. power merely as an augment to
lections appears to be inflation. As they are levied manufacturing solar photovoltaics tional Institute of Solar Energy has ment set to open the first lot of What the government defines 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 different 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 inflation, 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 efficiently 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 profit growth at India newable energy from solar and on of 174 GW of offshore 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 offshore 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 profits from the unorganised
to organised firms, seems to have gained traction,
T
the Centre had effected a sharp cut in the corporate
he effects 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 — flooded 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 identified 16 sustain Second, support technology in
about 15.8 per cent of the corporate return filers ac hand and the parched earth of bracing sustainable agriculture able agriculture practices (SAPs), novation and adoption to mechan
droughtaffected 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 floods, 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 versification 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 fication 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 significantly, 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 sification. 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 fulfil 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, five 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 fisheries 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 affecting 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 file 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 scientific Bal Govind corruption plank that came in
top her agenda. More important than the specific 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 firecrackers 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 faultfinding brand This refers to ‘Delhi bans firecrack 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 profitability and ef events triggered by climate nation. 7). It is highly appreciable that the and nonspecific to a political re
ficiency. 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 fire 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 fixing the existing lacunae in Minister Liz Truss finds herself tends to online sale of firecrackers. been announcing plans on Teach
detail as the new prime minister offered 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 floated 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 inflation 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 engulfing hospitals that the flooded 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 defiance of eral States, 15 per cent of the
nurses in England and Wales go on strike for the first time. Yemalur and Bellandur lakes bear Cautious optimism have to regain people’s trust in her the ban on the bursting of fire 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
BusinessLine
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 8 • 2022 THINK 5
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 offices. 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 benefited under the SEZ
ments that are aimed to express creative set. Some employees love the flexibility, gies among different sectors. Act but they failed in facilitating a large
abilities, build problemsolving skills, the working from home saves commute All these efforts 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. significantly contributed to the growth
ous Play. Exercises using tools such as works from home, and some are even fig 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 office 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 flow when ency in business ecosystem and mobil success of SEZs is defined as net positive
work space is in flux. 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 first shook and can lean over the cu especially under the ‘China plus One’ definition 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 offices 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 flowing 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, flexible hours, and in with valuable skills are nefited from the contemporary global Bill is significant 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 confident of finding 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 benefits
same work space. Covid shook many as want to return to the office! 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 five top exporters of EOUs/DTA to reduce policy induced dis
and firms 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 office cafeteria. nontariff measures and even picking addressing the existing tug of war on It is important to remember that in It should also offer 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, fiscal and nonfiscal 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 offer
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 office 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 firm’s unique manage unit. And now, there is one more variable vice sector firms. The draft provisions of Most importantly, it is aimed at ad Moreover, they are already identified
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 profile of India’s ex sectors under the PLI scheme. Addition Ram Singh is a Professor at IIFT New Delhi
ployees. Each firm needs to weigh these are expected to give a legup to the ex isting SEZs, offer stable, predictable and ally, since DTA sales are allowed, there is and Surendar Singh is Associate Professor
three to find a unique solution. Even The writer is an emeritus professor at port sector. transparent fiscal 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 financial 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
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)
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
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. Aer 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)
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
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
R. N. I. No. 503/1957 ● Postal Reg. No. DL(ND)-11/6058/2018-19-20 ‘Licensed to post without prepayment’ LICENCE No. U(C)-113/2006-08, AIR SURCHARGE: Raipur and beyond by Rail or Road - Re 5/-, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and beyond by Rail or Road - Rs. 10/-;
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THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 8 | 2022 | BHUBANESWAR power post P6
FOCUS SOCIETY
By your stumbling, the world is
perfected.
N
ot only are billions of an outcome that we should count
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
log on to thegoan.net @thegoaneveryday Facebook.com/thegoaneveryday The Goan (Playstore) Instagram.com/thegoaneveryday Thursday September 8, 2022
On preventing crime
the Principal of
MES College, Vasco
C
DR (MRS) MANASVI M. KAMAT
‘
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
Printed and Published by: Pramod Acharya on behalf of Fomento Media. Editor: Joel Afonso (Responsible for selection of News under PRB Act). Disclaimer: Except for the editorials above, all columns and letters represent the views of the
Printed at: Elegant O�set Printers Pvt Ltd, Plot No 2/3/4, Thivim Industrial Estate, All Rights Reserved. concerned authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of The Goan Everyday’s Editor,
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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-
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
epaper.thehawk.in
facebook.com/thehawk
twitter.com/thehawk
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
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