Times View - Grandiose flight of fancy
Counter View - Space is the future
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Counter View - Space is the future
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
31 Jan 2012
Eye will survive
Now we don't have to ask: Who put out the lights?
Eye will survive
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Journal of a person who, thanks to technology, undergoes the various steps that one typically faces while medically treating an eye towards better vision.
Eye will survive
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Journal of a person who, thanks to technology, undergoes the various steps that one typically faces while medically treating an eye towards better vision.
"there's a thorny path to tread first and even though it's not as rough as some other procedures, it might help to know what's in store for you"
Make Performance The Pitch
India must be driven by excellence and focussed on results
Make Performance The Pitch
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Has the newer version of cricket - T20 - impacted the technique and commitment of players?
OR.. have the players been fatigued by the profit-seeking BCCI?
OR.. were the Australians too good to beat?
Make Performance The Pitch
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Has the newer version of cricket - T20 - impacted the technique and commitment of players?
OR.. have the players been fatigued by the profit-seeking BCCI?
OR.. were the Australians too good to beat?
More Than Popcorn
Awards show big changes in how films fare
More Than Popcorn
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
The 57th Idea Filmfare Awards painted a picture of a new, evolved Bollywood - one that is more closer to reality than it has been in the past.
The Filmfare had much to celebrate, says the editor, with three new remarkable stars - those three vital characteristics of Bollywood that have taken center-stage off late, and aided in its transition.
More Than Popcorn
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
The 57th Idea Filmfare Awards painted a picture of a new, evolved Bollywood - one that is more closer to reality than it has been in the past.
The Filmfare had much to celebrate, says the editor, with three new remarkable stars - those three vital characteristics of Bollywood that have taken center-stage off late, and aided in its transition.
Few Fresh Breezes
There's strong anti-incumbency in states, but is opposition taking advantage?
Few Fresh Breezes
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Whereas most parties in power in the the five states where elections are in motion have invited an anti-incumbent atmosphere on to the state, the opposition parties have resorted to age-old traditions of caste-and-religion politics to move the voters. The talk on infrastructure, health, education and corruption is sidelined to make way for quota-based politics.
Few Fresh Breezes
-The Times of India, January 31, 2012
Whereas most parties in power in the the five states where elections are in motion have invited an anti-incumbent atmosphere on to the state, the opposition parties have resorted to age-old traditions of caste-and-religion politics to move the voters. The talk on infrastructure, health, education and corruption is sidelined to make way for quota-based politics.
An action plan for Sri Lanka
"The outline of a sustainable development system to empower villagers."
This article has been excerpted from an address A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, delivered at the launch of the National Action Plan, and the declaration of 2012 as the year for a trilingual Sri Lanka, on January 21. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : An action plan for Sri Lanka
We are all destined to realise happiness, dignity of life, freedom and creativity - but only if nations become noble. One need of a noble nation is the creation of an environment of inclusive development where everyone gets an opportunity to build capacity and generate income based on competencies. For this, the evolution of sustainable systems which act as "enablers" and bring inclusive growth and integrated development is needed.
The article then goes on to discuss the mission of Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) through the creation of three connectivities - physical, electronic, and knowledge leading to economic connectivity, for 15,000 villages of Sri Lanka.
The article then goes on to discuss the mission of Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) through the creation of three connectivities - physical, electronic, and knowledge leading to economic connectivity, for 15,000 villages of Sri Lanka.
It's a hazy view from the government's trenches
"The ‘age row' reflects historical developments in civil-military relations."
The current impasse reflects certain related but distinct trends. The military sees itself as superior to society in terms of values that it inculcates and espouses. In reality, it is no longer detached from politics, including manipulating processes. On the civilian side, there are equally disconcerting trends, including a lack of appreciation of the needs of the military. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : It's a hazy view from the government's trenches
The solution suggested by military opinion, particularly retirees who can speak more openly than those in uniform, is to reduce civilian control by the introduction of a Joint Chiefs of Staff, who would be the de-facto commander-in-chief of the military with an impact on the role of the Ministry of Defence in civil-military relations.
The solution suggested by military opinion, particularly retirees who can speak more openly than those in uniform, is to reduce civilian control by the introduction of a Joint Chiefs of Staff, who would be the de-facto commander-in-chief of the military with an impact on the role of the Ministry of Defence in civil-military relations.
A good starting point for improving civil-military relationship will be to carefully review the material that deals with civil-military relations in the staff colleges, and use case studies, including the present ‘age row' and from abroad, to shape principles and processes of civil-military relations appropriate for us.
Delhi, we have a problem
"Did the Antrix-Devas agreement on S-band spectrum go as far as it did because many individuals in the know chose not to intervene?"
The fashion in which valuable S-band spectrum was allocated to a single private company for an extended period of time, and the way in which it was sought to be implemented were highly questionable. Whether, and to what extent, higher authorities such as the Space Commission and even the Union Cabinet were informed of the deal and its implications is murky and unclear. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Delhi, we have a problem
A preliminary estimate prepared by the CAG last year had suggested that the spectrum allotted to Devas could have been worth as much as Rs.2 lakh crore. According to ISRO, the amount payable by Devas over a 12-year period was just $300 million (~ Rs.1,500 crore).
It is difficult to see how the Space Commission could have been entirely in the dark about the deal with Devas. While individual accountability can and should be fixed, it is obvious that there was a system-wide malfunction.
The question is how many individuals up and down the government and Space hierarchy knew what was happening but chose not to intervene.
A preliminary estimate prepared by the CAG last year had suggested that the spectrum allotted to Devas could have been worth as much as Rs.2 lakh crore. According to ISRO, the amount payable by Devas over a 12-year period was just $300 million (~ Rs.1,500 crore).
It is difficult to see how the Space Commission could have been entirely in the dark about the deal with Devas. While individual accountability can and should be fixed, it is obvious that there was a system-wide malfunction.
The question is how many individuals up and down the government and Space hierarchy knew what was happening but chose not to intervene.
The state of our museums
"The pathetic state of the National Museum, the premier institution in the country, wherein about a quarter of the galleries closed for more than three years, hardly 7.5 per cent of its two lakh collections exhibited, and the art acquisition committee defunct for the past 16 years, is of serious concern."
The visitor experience that the state-run museums offer is far from enriching and museum practices they adopt are way below global standards. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The state of our museums: "The first step towards a turnaround is to improve the 'quality, range and relevance' of the exhibits. Simultaneously, programmes to involve and engage people have to be put in place."
The visitor experience that the state-run museums offer is far from enriching and museum practices they adopt are way below global standards. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The state of our museums: "The first step towards a turnaround is to improve the 'quality, range and relevance' of the exhibits. Simultaneously, programmes to involve and engage people have to be put in place."
"Given the urgency, capacity-building should be radically stepped up and India's flagship museums placed in the hands of trained professionals selected from among the best in the world rather than babus and bureaucrats."
Watch this space
The saga of the scandalous deal that would have given a private company, Devas Multimedia, control over a large chunk of valuable S-band spectrum has not ended. If the agreement signed with Antrix Corporation in 2005, the marketing wing of the ISRO, had been allowed to stand, Devas could have made a killing.
Four former officials, including G. Madhavan Nair who was ISRO chairman when the deal was signed, were barred from holding any government position. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Watch this space: Is it the government's considered view that these four officials were solely responsible for the deal? What about the Space Commission, which has a key oversight role over the space programme? Were the members of the Commission as blissfully unaware of the deal as is made out?
"The Antrix-Devas deal has raised fundamental questions about decision-making and oversight processes in the space programme. The government must come clean on what actually transpired by placing in the public domain the reports prepared by Dr. Suresh, the Chaturvedi-Narasimha committee and the high-level team."
Conserve water the way Mizos do
We all know, we should do our little bit to conserve water. But, how serious are we..
Can we be half as dedicated as our fellow-Mizos are?
Check out their dedication...
One Drop at a time: Conserve water the way Mizos do
At the crossroads of mediaphobia
"With ‘paid news' and other ills making the media vulnerable to state and corporate control, social networking sites are a countervailing force for ordinary citizens. Hence, the drive to regulate them."
The shifting sands of Kapil Sibal's reasons for objecting to certain matter carried on social media are interesting. Apparently, he first found a page maligning Sonia Gandhi and told Facebook this was unacceptable. He then wrote a letter and held meetings with Google and Facebook. Later he said, he objected to pornographic images. Then at a press conference he was worried about things that hurt religious sentiments. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : At the crossroads of mediaphobia.
The role of journalists as purveyors of public opinion is of great relevance in the present context because the internet enables the world to break through the filter of journalism and reach individuals directly.
The Minister is obviously worried about social networking sites because he cannot control them to his advantage. The Delhi High Court's approach — of appealing to the corporate social responsibility of the companies to creatively craft uniquely Indian secular solutions to the problem rather than harping at their non-existent legal liability — must be appreciated.
The role of journalists as purveyors of public opinion is of great relevance in the present context because the internet enables the world to break through the filter of journalism and reach individuals directly.
The Minister is obviously worried about social networking sites because he cannot control them to his advantage. The Delhi High Court's approach — of appealing to the corporate social responsibility of the companies to creatively craft uniquely Indian secular solutions to the problem rather than harping at their non-existent legal liability — must be appreciated.
What can Sachin do?
In a situation where the team is doing so badly, maybe one should ask what out master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is doing in the team...
Now ask what Sachin can do for the team
30 Jan 2012
Get it right in Kazakhstan
"Only robust democratic institutions can ensure the stability the country needs to be a trusted supplier of hydrocarbons and uranium to others."
Despite the recent election leading to widened representation, the internal democratic situation has not really improved. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Get it right in Kazakhstan. Both the election and the wider context, moreover, indicate deeper problems and latent instabilities.
The US, the EU, and even India, would face awkward decisions over whether to profit from the enforced "political stability" at Astana in order to ensure continued supply from Kazakhstan's substantial reserves of oil, natural gas, and uranium, and a range of rare earths essential for high-tech appliances, through supply routes other than those via Russia, or to encourage the consolidation of democratic institutions and processes within the country.
The best strategy under the circumstances for both Mr. Nazarabayev and the countries that seek to do business with Kazakhstan is to strengthen democratic institutions and practices there. Failure to do so could mean ending up with a country in meltdown!
Despite the recent election leading to widened representation, the internal democratic situation has not really improved. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Get it right in Kazakhstan. Both the election and the wider context, moreover, indicate deeper problems and latent instabilities.
The US, the EU, and even India, would face awkward decisions over whether to profit from the enforced "political stability" at Astana in order to ensure continued supply from Kazakhstan's substantial reserves of oil, natural gas, and uranium, and a range of rare earths essential for high-tech appliances, through supply routes other than those via Russia, or to encourage the consolidation of democratic institutions and processes within the country.
The best strategy under the circumstances for both Mr. Nazarabayev and the countries that seek to do business with Kazakhstan is to strengthen democratic institutions and practices there. Failure to do so could mean ending up with a country in meltdown!
Right step, not so the timing
"Recent plebiscite has paved the way for Croatia — part of the erstwhile Yugoslavia — to join the European Union as its 28th member state in 2013. "
Croatia enters the EU precisely when the danger of Greece's exit from the euro zone is looming and the time-table for the accession of prospective members appears indefinite. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Right step, not so the timing. It is no mean challenge for the Balkan states to balance their cherished values of national independence and sovereignty with the more current imperatives of regional integration.
Croatia enters the EU precisely when the danger of Greece's exit from the euro zone is looming and the time-table for the accession of prospective members appears indefinite. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Right step, not so the timing. It is no mean challenge for the Balkan states to balance their cherished values of national independence and sovereignty with the more current imperatives of regional integration.
Consolidation of the EU would prove a formidable challenge owing to the machinations of extremist and anti-immigration parties! The bloc needs a new vision in the 21st century.
The revolution will not be tweeted
A little local censorship is less of an evil compared to messages being fully scrubbed out from the public domain worldwide. That would seem to be the logic behind micro-blogging website Twitter's proposed system of reactively withholding tweets in a specific country when there is a valid request from a legal authority.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The revolution will not be tweeted: "The actual effects of the micro-censorship are yet to unfold, but activists have a point when they say internet giants are too willing to make compromises on online freedoms in return for expanded business opportunities. If commercial services looking for greater profit can be manipulated by governments, would it not be more attractive to develop non-profit, open source software, and social networking alternatives?"
"Twitter and others like it who crave the support of millions must decide whose side they are on, oppressive regimes or the citizen."
'It wasn't easy getting help from government departments to study Bose'
Q&A
Even as Subhash Chandra Bose's 115th birth anniversary was recently observed, Tapan Chattopadhyay, retired IPS officer who worked in the Intelligence Bureau for two decades, spoke with Rakhi Chakrabarty about how Netaji shook up the British Raj, the Indian National Army (INA) - and why many remain ignorant of Bose's role in winning India's freedom:
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
Even as Subhash Chandra Bose's 115th birth anniversary was recently observed, Tapan Chattopadhyay, retired IPS officer who worked in the Intelligence Bureau for two decades, spoke with Rakhi Chakrabarty about how Netaji shook up the British Raj, the Indian National Army (INA) - and why many remain ignorant of Bose's role in winning India's freedom:
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
Whispering Forties
Cut down on cake, not the icing of human relationships
Whispering Forties
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
The forties of one's life brings to the fore a clear distinction. How do the forties affect you? Or, rather, how does life affect your forties?
Whispering Forties
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
The forties of one's life brings to the fore a clear distinction. How do the forties affect you? Or, rather, how does life affect your forties?
Letter From America: Blistering box-office barnacles!
"The Adventures of Tintin raises an interesting question about the cartoon character's popularity on the other side of the Atlantic."
The question really is, why has Tintin not swept the box office and the bookstores, the way Marvel Comics superheroes like Spiderman and Batman do? The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Letter From America: Blistering box-office barnacles!
The article opines that "Tintin's fate in the Americas may have been sealed owing to the monopoly muscle of Marvel Comics, since 2009 owned by the Walt Disney Company."
"Atlantic has proved more impermeable to the passage of Tintin than the many sands he crossed to enter the farthest reaches of Asia and Africa."
The question really is, why has Tintin not swept the box office and the bookstores, the way Marvel Comics superheroes like Spiderman and Batman do? The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Letter From America: Blistering box-office barnacles!
The article opines that "Tintin's fate in the Americas may have been sealed owing to the monopoly muscle of Marvel Comics, since 2009 owned by the Walt Disney Company."
"Atlantic has proved more impermeable to the passage of Tintin than the many sands he crossed to enter the farthest reaches of Asia and Africa."
Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger
India should use Taiwan's help to break into the Sinosphere
Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
India's 'Look East' policy, which has so far ignored Taiwan, has to start setting its eyes on Taipei. This will help India break into the Sinosphere, "which could soon be (or has already become) the second most important cultural zone after the Anglosphere."
The author, Mr. Ganguly, suggests that "New Delhi could sign a free trade deal with Taipei and invite it to help set up an industrial corridor between, say, Delhi and Kolkata (just as the Japanese are facilitating the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor)."
Such a partnership will suit the Taiwanese since they will, hence, not find "all their eggs in the Chinese basket."
Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
India's 'Look East' policy, which has so far ignored Taiwan, has to start setting its eyes on Taipei. This will help India break into the Sinosphere, "which could soon be (or has already become) the second most important cultural zone after the Anglosphere."
"Taiwan is a friendly country that can not only help India fulfil some of its domestic economic objectives, but also strategic goals vis-a-vis China."
The author, Mr. Ganguly, suggests that "New Delhi could sign a free trade deal with Taipei and invite it to help set up an industrial corridor between, say, Delhi and Kolkata (just as the Japanese are facilitating the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor)."
Such a partnership will suit the Taiwanese since they will, hence, not find "all their eggs in the Chinese basket."
"It is time to move towards a more robust partnership."
Identity, Please
Security shouldn't derail Aadhaar enrolment
Identity, Please
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
600 million of 1.2 billion residents will be apportioned to UIDAI and the home ministry each. Such a compromise, although "mechanical and unimaginative," is welcome in order to keep the Aadhaar process ticking.
The Aadhaar holds benefits for poor, for example, "to gain access to services on the market like banking, provident funds, pensions and telecom." For this reason, the government should not look to rush through the process due to an "excessive emphasis" on security, because it may leave out the very people it aims to benefit - the poor and the migrants.
Identity, Please
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
600 million of 1.2 billion residents will be apportioned to UIDAI and the home ministry each. Such a compromise, although "mechanical and unimaginative," is welcome in order to keep the Aadhaar process ticking.
The Aadhaar holds benefits for poor, for example, "to gain access to services on the market like banking, provident funds, pensions and telecom." For this reason, the government should not look to rush through the process due to an "excessive emphasis" on security, because it may leave out the very people it aims to benefit - the poor and the migrants.
The iron hand that rocks the cradle
"Almost all families attacked by Norway's ‘child protection services' are good and loving. Some need help but most of them need nothing other than to be left in peace."
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : The iron hand that rocks the cradle: The 'child protection services' (CPS) smashes the family and destroys the individuals. In their ideology, family ties are unimportant; they speak not of parents but “caregivers.”
The CPS, in order to have work, wants children and they attack anybody who is vulnerable. That means mostly poor people, Norwegians as well as foreigners, because they are helpless to defend themselves.
The general population chooses to disbelieve and despise the families, to believe CPS lies, and to believe that they themselves could never be hit because they are such good parents!
The CPS, in order to have work, wants children and they attack anybody who is vulnerable. That means mostly poor people, Norwegians as well as foreigners, because they are helpless to defend themselves.
The general population chooses to disbelieve and despise the families, to believe CPS lies, and to believe that they themselves could never be hit because they are such good parents!
Anna, Fading
By raising quixotic demands, Anna Hazare is diluting the anti-corruption fight
Anna, Fading
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
Anna Hazare-led anti graft upsurge has gone astray, says the editor, in light of its recent "idiosyncratic demands" like a 'referendum commission' along the lines of the Election Commission, which seeks a popular vote to precede every legislative initiative.
Not only has it gone astray politically, but socially too. His endorsement of slapping "derelict politicians" has been strikingly different from the Gandhian image he seeks to portray.
In spite of discussions being held on the Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare has "demanded fresh laws, none of which are pragmatic or feasible."
In conclusion, the editor says, "Anna would do well to remember that civil society is larger than a particular individual, however popular he may be."
Anna, Fading
-The Times of India, January 30, 2012
Anna Hazare-led anti graft upsurge has gone astray, says the editor, in light of its recent "idiosyncratic demands" like a 'referendum commission' along the lines of the Election Commission, which seeks a popular vote to precede every legislative initiative.
Not only has it gone astray politically, but socially too. His endorsement of slapping "derelict politicians" has been strikingly different from the Gandhian image he seeks to portray.
In spite of discussions being held on the Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare has "demanded fresh laws, none of which are pragmatic or feasible."
In conclusion, the editor says, "Anna would do well to remember that civil society is larger than a particular individual, however popular he may be."
29 Jan 2012
Sunday Column: The best articles of the week
As India is moving forward, the revolutionary Idea of bringing Lokpal to curb corruption has taken a great leap backward as the bill that is passed by the Government has severe loopholes, especially with respect to the investigative autonomy of the CBI...
As a matter of fact, we came second from last in terms of quality education delivery in the survey conducted by "Programme for International Student Assessment" . Madhumitha Gupta beleives there is nothing to be surprised at, where she addresses the core difficulties almost like a satirical prose in her article titled "Blackboard Bungle"...
An IPS officer from Utharrakand writes about the deficiencies of the Indian Police system and their cowardice using their refusal to grant security to Salman Rushdie in Jaipur as a symbol.
Republic Of fear is an article that that tells why books should not be banned in a democracy and the senselessness of not allowing Salman Rushdie into Jaipur
The decline in the child sex ratio should be a cause of worry and requires one to do a policy re-think : Is the crux of the matter in this excellent article titled "India and the Sex selection Conondrum"
Jekyll and Hyde India is an article that expalins how two very contrasting Indias are co-existing so eloquently embroiled into one another...
Sunday Column: The Week That Was
If the first week of this post showed some really interesting turn of events, the second has invariably turned out to be better... Just read on...
India faced another crushing defeat Down Under, and were left mercilessly gasping for breath, after the scoreline read 4-0. It was the eighth straight loss and the second consecutive whitewash. The recent Indian performances cry out loud for hard, concrete changes in the way Indian cricket is played.
The Jaipur Literature Festival went about smoothly and without obstruction. The days were magnificent, as professed by many a men and women who spent valuable time engaging with few of the most established wordsmiths of our time. It is a very proud moment for Indians since the festival is now clearly established on the global scene.
Salman Rushdie couldn't make it even through the wide networks that could have given him a virtual presence at the Festival, but the opposition to it stayed strong, thanks to the usual suspects.
The case of Vodafone v. Government of India resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that declared no jurisdiction for the India tax authorities over Vodafone's purchase of Hutchinson's interest in its joint venture in India with Essar. It was a landmark case to which the implications are clear - to rewrite the Indian tax laws in accordance with changing times.
It was an incredible moment for the Bhattacharya couple when it was declared that their children will be returned back to their uncle in India. The government was successful in holding talks with the Norwegian authorities that ensured the children's safe return.
Army Chief general V.K Singh went to the supreme court on his controversy his birth date which was wrongly printed in the official army records due to which he has to retire earlier than the actual age in question where he termed the issue as a "question of integrity" and embarrassed the government over it.
India faced another crushing defeat Down Under, and were left mercilessly gasping for breath, after the scoreline read 4-0. It was the eighth straight loss and the second consecutive whitewash. The recent Indian performances cry out loud for hard, concrete changes in the way Indian cricket is played.
The Jaipur Literature Festival went about smoothly and without obstruction. The days were magnificent, as professed by many a men and women who spent valuable time engaging with few of the most established wordsmiths of our time. It is a very proud moment for Indians since the festival is now clearly established on the global scene.
Salman Rushdie couldn't make it even through the wide networks that could have given him a virtual presence at the Festival, but the opposition to it stayed strong, thanks to the usual suspects.
The case of Vodafone v. Government of India resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that declared no jurisdiction for the India tax authorities over Vodafone's purchase of Hutchinson's interest in its joint venture in India with Essar. It was a landmark case to which the implications are clear - to rewrite the Indian tax laws in accordance with changing times.
It was an incredible moment for the Bhattacharya couple when it was declared that their children will be returned back to their uncle in India. The government was successful in holding talks with the Norwegian authorities that ensured the children's safe return.
Army Chief general V.K Singh went to the supreme court on his controversy his birth date which was wrongly printed in the official army records due to which he has to retire earlier than the actual age in question where he termed the issue as a "question of integrity" and embarrassed the government over it.
Writers must serve a social purpose
"A look at the role of literature, in the context of the recent Jaipur Literature Festival."
Markandey Katju, the author is the Chairman of the Press Council of India, and a former Judge of the Supreme Court. There are two theories about art and literature. The first, ‘art for art's sake' and the second, ‘art for social purpose'. The author ponders on the question of "Which of these should be adopted and followed by artists and writers in India today?" The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Writers must serve a social purpose
In the author's view, "Much of the ‘Literature' Festival was really a caricature. Much of the time was wasted on Salman Rushdie, whom I regard as a very mediocre writer who would have been unknown to most people but for The Satanic Verses. There were, of course, serious writers too whose work deals with the problems of the people but they received no attention in comparison."
There is hardly any good art and literature today before us. Where are the Sarat Chandras and Premchands? Where are the Kabirs, the Dickens? There seems to be a vacuum in artistic and literary terms. Everything seems to have become commercialised. Writers write not to highlight the plight of the masses but to earn money.
Markandey Katju, the author is the Chairman of the Press Council of India, and a former Judge of the Supreme Court. There are two theories about art and literature. The first, ‘art for art's sake' and the second, ‘art for social purpose'. The author ponders on the question of "Which of these should be adopted and followed by artists and writers in India today?" The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Writers must serve a social purpose
In the author's view, "Much of the ‘Literature' Festival was really a caricature. Much of the time was wasted on Salman Rushdie, whom I regard as a very mediocre writer who would have been unknown to most people but for The Satanic Verses. There were, of course, serious writers too whose work deals with the problems of the people but they received no attention in comparison."
There is hardly any good art and literature today before us. Where are the Sarat Chandras and Premchands? Where are the Kabirs, the Dickens? There seems to be a vacuum in artistic and literary terms. Everything seems to have become commercialised. Writers write not to highlight the plight of the masses but to earn money.
Bringing down the fatwa wall
"Standing up for Rushdie is about standing up for every book, painting and film attacked or censored."
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Bringing down the fatwa wall: Now here we were, in 2012, twenty-three years after The Satanic Verses was blocked from import; standing by, as Rushdie himself was being blocked from attending a festival because of that blocked book. Even though he has come to India many times since the ‘ban', even though he had not tried to revive the book on any of his visits.
The governments in Delhi and Jaipur, greedy for a few votes and fearful of losing them, are yet again stepping back from confronting the identity merchants.
The governments in Delhi and Jaipur, greedy for a few votes and fearful of losing them, are yet again stepping back from confronting the identity merchants.
Dealing with Pakistan's fears on water
"The best reassurance that Pakistan can have is full Indian compliance with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty."
There is, in Pakistan as in India, a growing perception of water scarcity and of a crisis looming on the horizon. Given the mutual hostility between the two countries, it is not surprising that there is a tendency in Pakistan to believe that the scarcity it is experiencing or fearing is partly attributable to upper riparian actions. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Dealing with Pakistan's fears on water.
While popular perceptions in this regard may not be based on proper information and understanding, a ready inference would be that there must be diversions in the upstream country. Denials by the upper riparian (India) are apt to be received with scepticism.
The only answer to this is to institute a joint study by experts of both countries to determine whether in fact there is a trend of reduced flows in the western rivers and, if so, to identify the factors responsible.
There is, in Pakistan as in India, a growing perception of water scarcity and of a crisis looming on the horizon. Given the mutual hostility between the two countries, it is not surprising that there is a tendency in Pakistan to believe that the scarcity it is experiencing or fearing is partly attributable to upper riparian actions. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Dealing with Pakistan's fears on water.
While popular perceptions in this regard may not be based on proper information and understanding, a ready inference would be that there must be diversions in the upstream country. Denials by the upper riparian (India) are apt to be received with scepticism.
The only answer to this is to institute a joint study by experts of both countries to determine whether in fact there is a trend of reduced flows in the western rivers and, if so, to identify the factors responsible.
The republic's tree of life
"President Pratibha Patil might have meant well by using her Republic Day address to warn reformers not to shake the tree of state so hard in their drive to remove bad fruit that the tree itself is brought down but behind her arboreal metaphor lie contentious assumptions and unacceptable insinuations about the civil society movement against corruption. "
More than as a word of caution, her remarks seem intended to discredit the civil society movement against corruption. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The republic's tree of life: Actually, "negativity" and "rejection", the states of mind President Patil warns the country against, are words that best describe the attitude and response-mechanism of the UPA government at the Centre.
If the Indian Republic is to flourish and prosper, the tree the President spoke about cannot be left to the mercy of politicians alone.
More than as a word of caution, her remarks seem intended to discredit the civil society movement against corruption. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The republic's tree of life: Actually, "negativity" and "rejection", the states of mind President Patil warns the country against, are words that best describe the attitude and response-mechanism of the UPA government at the Centre.
If the Indian Republic is to flourish and prosper, the tree the President spoke about cannot be left to the mercy of politicians alone.
Misdirected ire
"Mr. Obama has to grandstand in the remaining period of his Presidency. It is, therefore, natural that hit out at the outsourcing of jobs, yet again, though this time his ire was directed mostly against manufacturing companies.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Misdirected ire: The President proposed that companies which outsource jobs should be denied tax benefits just as those that create them in the U.S. should be rewarded."
It can only be hoped that such populist rhetoric does not get sanctified as legislation in the run-up to the election.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Misdirected ire: The President proposed that companies which outsource jobs should be denied tax benefits just as those that create them in the U.S. should be rewarded."
It can only be hoped that such populist rhetoric does not get sanctified as legislation in the run-up to the election.
Wulff at the door
"The problems surrounding German President Christian Wulff have compounded those Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing, to the point where her coalition government could collapse."
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Wulff at the door: Mr. Wulff has been involved in murky financial deals and has now tried to intimidate the press. Now the Chancellor and her coalition have a long, hard road to walk before the 2013 general election.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Wulff at the door: Mr. Wulff has been involved in murky financial deals and has now tried to intimidate the press. Now the Chancellor and her coalition have a long, hard road to walk before the 2013 general election.
Wages of justice
"By filing a Special Leave Petition against the Karnataka High Court order directing payment of statutory minimum wages to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the UPA government has betrayed its insensitivity to the rights of the poor.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Wages of justice: The courts have ruled that payment below minimum wage amounts to “forced labour”, which is constitutionally prohibited. The Centre's implacable stand that workers employed under the scheme are not entitled to anything higher than the Rs.100 ceiling fixed by it smacks of perversity."
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Wages of justice: The courts have ruled that payment below minimum wage amounts to “forced labour”, which is constitutionally prohibited. The Centre's implacable stand that workers employed under the scheme are not entitled to anything higher than the Rs.100 ceiling fixed by it smacks of perversity."
Norway, yes, but let's also look within
"The Norwegian child welfare services may not understand how children are brought up elsewhere but the Indian system of child protection is highly interventionist and ends up unfairly targeting poor parents."
The case in Norway relating to the two Indian children who were removed from their parental home raises critical concerns about what is meant by the concept of “best interest” in matters relating to children. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Norway, yes, but let's also look within
In Manipur elections, a test for ‘Nagalim'
"When Manipur goes to the polls, there is much for the rest of India to pay attention to."
The upcoming Assembly elections are of key significance because they have the potential to mainstream the demands by the NPF and the Kuki groups and bring them under the purview of political discussion conducted by elected representatives.
Link: The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : In Manipur elections, a test for ‘Nagalim'
Link: The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : In Manipur elections, a test for ‘Nagalim'
The threat to Salman Rushdie's life
Dr. Gurdial Singh Sandhu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Home Affairs, Home Guards & Civil Defence Jail, Government of Rajasthan, defends the state government against the allegations that have surfaced by saying "It seems that complete information may not have been available with you on this incident."
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : The threat to Salman Rushdie's life
In response the editor of The Hindu defends the editorial “A national shame” in The Hindu on Monday, 23 January, 2012. and other related articles that were published.
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : The threat to Salman Rushdie's life
In response the editor of The Hindu defends the editorial “A national shame” in The Hindu on Monday, 23 January, 2012. and other related articles that were published.
Putin's must-read list
"Vladimir Putin has laid out his plans to compile a canon of 100 Russian books “that every Russian school leaver will be required to read” in an attempt to preserve the “dominance of Russian culture”."
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Putin's must-read list
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Putin's must-read list
Censorship won't stop bird flu contagion
"The ‘security threat' posed by H5NI mutations is already out there. What is needed is collaborative research based on the sharing of scientific literature."
The United States National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) decision to “recommend” that Science and Nature journals publish only redacted versions of bird flu research results is nothing but an exaggerated and over-zealous reaction that is bound to fail in its prime objective. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Censorship won't stop bird flu contagion
The United States National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) decision to “recommend” that Science and Nature journals publish only redacted versions of bird flu research results is nothing but an exaggerated and over-zealous reaction that is bound to fail in its prime objective. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Censorship won't stop bird flu contagion
Most of the information the United States government intends to censor is already available in scientific literature. If anything, its decision will only seriously impact legitimate flu researchers.
28 Jan 2012
Australia tour: A failure of leadership, not just batting
Agreed, the Indians performed poorly this time down under and the results of the same are there for all of us to see...
Was it just batting, bowling and the fielding that went wrong or is there more to it?
How bad was our leadership?
Mamata's memoirs
Mamata Banerjee released three of her books at the recently concluded Kolkota literary festival, (simultaneous to the Jaipur books festival) one of them being her autobiographies, "My Unforgettable Memories".
Sunethra Chawdary explains how the congress can read it to analyse the lady who is throwing so many tantrums at her...
UGC moots 20 universities, 800 colleges exclusively for women
Times View - It's a pointless move
Counter View - Will ensure gender equity
The Times of India, January 28, 2012
Counter View - Will ensure gender equity
The Times of India, January 28, 2012
A Ray Of Hope
There are important lessons to be learnt from the Jaipur Literature Festival's success
A Ray Of Hope
-The Times of India, January 28, 2012
Chetan Bhagat looks at the positive side of things in India, which is to do with the world-famous Jaipur Literature Festival, and its success. He posits six reasons behind the JLF phenomenon.
"Let us rejoice that India, once known as the land of scholars and knowledge, still has the best literary festival in the world."
A Ray Of Hope
-The Times of India, January 28, 2012
Chetan Bhagat looks at the positive side of things in India, which is to do with the world-famous Jaipur Literature Festival, and its success. He posits six reasons behind the JLF phenomenon.
"Let us rejoice that India, once known as the land of scholars and knowledge, still has the best literary festival in the world."
You're Free To Call Me Stupid
You're Free To Call Me Stupid
India's global status is now under question. Since the last two years, India has seen itself on the wrong side of the good for all the "2G scam, corruption, urban chaos, an administrative near-paralysis on decision-making, a dysfunctional parliament with a do-nothing opposition and an apparent official unwillingness to take up the responsibilities that go with a global role"
And now, freedom of speech and expression in a secular democracy is under arrest.
India's global status is now under question. Since the last two years, India has seen itself on the wrong side of the good for all the "2G scam, corruption, urban chaos, an administrative near-paralysis on decision-making, a dysfunctional parliament with a do-nothing opposition and an apparent official unwillingness to take up the responsibilities that go with a global role"
And now, freedom of speech and expression in a secular democracy is under arrest.
Meet Karma Chameleon
Earthly contradictions, yogic calmness, India has it all
Meet Karma Chameleon
-The Times of India, January 28, 2012
A very colourful and tasty rendition of the Indian madness.
Meet Karma Chameleon
-The Times of India, January 28, 2012
A very colourful and tasty rendition of the Indian madness.
27 Jan 2012
'Flying before a billion Indians gives immense pride to airmen'
Q&A
Wing Commander Abhijeet Nene and Flight Lt T K Rai of the Indian Air Force participated in the thrilling flypast during the latest Republic Day parade. While Wing Commander Nene led a powerful Jaguar aircraft formation, Flight Lt Rai flew with a helicopter formation showering flowers on those watching. Speaking with Team TOI, the officers explained the dynamics of the intricate exercise, the importance of coordination - and how it feels to fly over a billion proud Indians.
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
Wing Commander Abhijeet Nene and Flight Lt T K Rai of the Indian Air Force participated in the thrilling flypast during the latest Republic Day parade. While Wing Commander Nene led a powerful Jaguar aircraft formation, Flight Lt Rai flew with a helicopter formation showering flowers on those watching. Speaking with Team TOI, the officers explained the dynamics of the intricate exercise, the importance of coordination - and how it feels to fly over a billion proud Indians.
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
Over The Top
Is Norway the ultimate nanny state?
Over The Top
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya may now breathe a sigh of relief as the their children will be safely brought back to India, and in custody of their uncle. Much of the arguments that the Norwegian authorities presented were based on cultural differences in parenting as opposed to their claim of parental neglect. While it remains true that ill-treatment of children needs to be condemned, an accommodation of cultural differences is a necessity.
Over The Top
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya may now breathe a sigh of relief as the their children will be safely brought back to India, and in custody of their uncle. Much of the arguments that the Norwegian authorities presented were based on cultural differences in parenting as opposed to their claim of parental neglect. While it remains true that ill-treatment of children needs to be condemned, an accommodation of cultural differences is a necessity.
Privacy Concerns
The power of internet multinationals is growing
Privacy Concerns
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
Google is making changes that facilitate collection of user-data. The user cannot even forestall the collection of their data. There are people who argue that it is an invasion of privacy. To add to this, "There are also questions of how comfortable India should be with the growing influence, power, and information in the hands of foreign companies like Facebook and Google."
It is imperative that a user has an option whether or not to let their personal data be utilised by private companies.
Privacy Concerns
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
Google is making changes that facilitate collection of user-data. The user cannot even forestall the collection of their data. There are people who argue that it is an invasion of privacy. To add to this, "There are also questions of how comfortable India should be with the growing influence, power, and information in the hands of foreign companies like Facebook and Google."
It is imperative that a user has an option whether or not to let their personal data be utilised by private companies.
A Trimmed Idea Of India
Liberals must stop accommodating fringe elements and take a stand on fundamentals
A Trimmed Idea Of India
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
When JLF opens itself to public, it invites the Indian liberals - not the "manicured handful of intellectuals discussing the Russian or Tamil Stalin at clubs and TV studios" - but "thousands of people from diverse classes and languages, spread over distant cities and towns - often obtaining books from fading libraries and railway carts, debating poets in the low-voltage light of old homes, opposing the unjust hierarchies of Indian life," says Srijana Mitra Das.
It is these Indians, and the growing numbers, that will challenge book bans, "and show the finger to anyone who threatens violence" in the future.
A Trimmed Idea Of India
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
When JLF opens itself to public, it invites the Indian liberals - not the "manicured handful of intellectuals discussing the Russian or Tamil Stalin at clubs and TV studios" - but "thousands of people from diverse classes and languages, spread over distant cities and towns - often obtaining books from fading libraries and railway carts, debating poets in the low-voltage light of old homes, opposing the unjust hierarchies of Indian life," says Srijana Mitra Das.
"As more Indians show intolerance to anyone who threatens violence, we will have more festivals where liberal and illiberal will use only their words to make points or refute them."
It is these Indians, and the growing numbers, that will challenge book bans, "and show the finger to anyone who threatens violence" in the future.
Jekyll-and-Hyde India
A suspense drama featuring a rising superpower and a starving nation
Jekyll-and-Hyde India
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
"Can a country have a split personality? Can a nation be a Dr Jekyll and a Mr Hyde, as in R L Stevenson's classic tale about the good and the evil that coexists within the individual?"
India is at one time Dr Jekyll and at another Mr Hyde, says Jug Suraiya. At one time, India boasts of its large and ever-increasing economy; military and nuclear capability; cultural power, and technical know-how that can humble most people in the world. On the other hand, it hosts millions of people that go hungry, and a large number of people being undernourished, notwithstanding the appalling state of living that children are faced with.
India is too quick to take offence, he says, whenever the truth of its split personality emerges.
Jekyll-and-Hyde India
-The Times of India, January 27, 2012
"Can a country have a split personality? Can a nation be a Dr Jekyll and a Mr Hyde, as in R L Stevenson's classic tale about the good and the evil that coexists within the individual?"
India is at one time Dr Jekyll and at another Mr Hyde, says Jug Suraiya. At one time, India boasts of its large and ever-increasing economy; military and nuclear capability; cultural power, and technical know-how that can humble most people in the world. On the other hand, it hosts millions of people that go hungry, and a large number of people being undernourished, notwithstanding the appalling state of living that children are faced with.
India is too quick to take offence, he says, whenever the truth of its split personality emerges.
26 Jan 2012
A test for Rahul's magic wand
Rahul Gandhi has gone all out to campaign in favour of congress for this time's state election for Uthar Pradesh, so much so that he has not got much time to shave!
He has caught everyone's imagination already including the media though he has covered only one-third of the entire state...
But, will his charisma and sheer political presence be enough for congress to taste success in the elections this time around?
Nilofar Suhrawardy assesses the entire scenario...
Who should judge the judges?
"The object of placing the power of judicial appointments in an independent body is to remove patronage from the system and ensure that judges are appointed only on the basis of their qualifications."
The process by which a judge is appointed to the High Court or the Supreme Court has been described as 'one of the best kept secrets in this country'. Choosing judges based on undisclosed criterion in largely unknown circumstances reflects an increasing democratic deficit. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Who should judge the judges?
The rationale for the establishment of a commission must be that it will guarantee the independence from inappropriate politicisation, strengthen the quality of appointments, enhance the fairness of the selection process, promote diversity in the composition and therefore rebuild public confidence in the system.
International consensus seems to favour appointments to the higher judiciary through an independent commission.The outcome of the reforms would depend on the way in which the commission is set up and the model adopted.
The rationale for the establishment of a commission must be that it will guarantee the independence from inappropriate politicisation, strengthen the quality of appointments, enhance the fairness of the selection process, promote diversity in the composition and therefore rebuild public confidence in the system.
International consensus seems to favour appointments to the higher judiciary through an independent commission.The outcome of the reforms would depend on the way in which the commission is set up and the model adopted.
Voting: A right or a forced responsibility
Voting is every free Indian citizen's right. That is a fact for sure and there are elections held for the Mumbai Municipality on February, the 16th.
Priyanka Tendolkar, a political science student and a social worker explores if this voting right worth exercising at all...
A contagious disease called dynasty politics
The sons and daughters of politically eminent people are taking the centre stage now after their elderly relatives have already stolen the show. It is happening in all the states and at all levels of politics and these "elderly and seasoned" politicians are lobbying for it.
"Dr. Ambedkar was seriously against dynasty politics and he categorically stated that the day dynasty politics sets roots in India, democracy will shrink" says Sudhir Suryawamshi in his article where he strongly opposes this phenomenon which he terms as a "contagious disease".
Freedom of Speech
On January the 26th 1950, 62 years from today, the first framework of the Indian constitution took it's shape.
One among the many fundamental rights that this largest constitution in the world gave is the right to freedom of speech.
How reasonable is this freedom of speech? Are the reasonable restrictions imposed on it in a later amendment enough? Or is it too much?
Harini Calamur debates on both sides of the coin.
Lionel Shriver questions defining women authors by their gender
Times View - Gender does matter in literature
Counter View - Writers should transcend gender
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
Counter View - Writers should transcend gender
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
Poised To Take Off
India must address its demographic issues to fulfill its enormous potential
Poised To Take Off
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
Poised To Take Off
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
P'chery on the cake
There's always someone you know whichever place you go
P'cherry on the cake
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
P'cherry on the cake
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
When Hope Floats
India has momentum going, but cannot rest on its laurels
When Hope Floats
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
When Hope Floats
-The Times of India, January 26, 2012
A precarious Indo-Pak nuclear balance
"Pakistan has dismissed the credibility of India's declared no-first-use doctrine and has not elucidated the conditions under which it would be prompted to use its nuclear weapons."
Nothing substantial has been achieved by India & Pakistan to bring about nuclear stability in the subcontinent. This despite the fact that a nuclear war between India and Pakistan is arguably more likely than it was between the U.S. and the USSR during the Cold War. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : A precarious Indo-Pak nuclear balance.
Pakistan has deliberately kept its ‘threshold levels' unclear, contending that this is its only possible option to prevent an Indian attack.
The existence of such doctrinal ambiguities, security dilemma and deep mistrust of each other — combined with the lack of a clear civilian control of nuclear weapons in Pakistan — means nothing short of a recipe for disaster for the people of both countries. There is, therefore, need to start talking about nuclear issues with far more seriousness and urgency along the lines enshrined in the Lahore Declaration.
Pakistan has deliberately kept its ‘threshold levels' unclear, contending that this is its only possible option to prevent an Indian attack.
The existence of such doctrinal ambiguities, security dilemma and deep mistrust of each other — combined with the lack of a clear civilian control of nuclear weapons in Pakistan — means nothing short of a recipe for disaster for the people of both countries. There is, therefore, need to start talking about nuclear issues with far more seriousness and urgency along the lines enshrined in the Lahore Declaration.
NY Police official and making of The Third Jihad
"The Third Jihad was screened for more than 1,400 officers during training in 2010."
The film, says the goal of “much of Muslim leadership here in America” is to “infiltrate and dominate” the United States. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Police official admits he abetted making of The Third Jihad. The New York City police commissioner, acknowledged that he personally cooperated with the filmmakers, a decision he now describes as a mistake.
The film, says the goal of “much of Muslim leadership here in America” is to “infiltrate and dominate” the United States. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Police official admits he abetted making of The Third Jihad. The New York City police commissioner, acknowledged that he personally cooperated with the filmmakers, a decision he now describes as a mistake.
Much about the film remains mysterious, from its financing to how it ended up in a police training centre.
This is no way, Norway
The case of Anurup and Sagarika Bhattacharya — whose young children were placed in foster care by the Child Welfare Services in the Norwegian city of Stavanger — raises disturbing questions.
"If the charges go beyond overfeeding, not using cutlery and sleeping in the same bed — “crimes” every South Asian family is guilty of — what seems odd is the extreme and irrevocable nature of the solution proposed. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : This is no way, Norway. Surely a ‘nanny state' which gives itself the right to send young children to foster care till they turn 18 should also provide counselling and support for those parents whose care is found wanting, establishing a clear and transparent road map for the family to be reunited as soon as possible?"
If this sad story is to have a happy ending, Stavanger authorities should consider inviting a child welfare expert from India!
If this sad story is to have a happy ending, Stavanger authorities should consider inviting a child welfare expert from India!
Cheating science
"The number of researchers getting exposed for data falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism has been increasing. But the sobering fact is that this number is barely the tip of research misconduct. "
With the exception of plagiarism, journals are not fully geared to spot all forms of cheating prior to publication. The problem is particularly heightened in developing countries like India where no system for investigating such cases exists. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Cheating science. Since research misconduct is detrimental to the development of science, it is necessary to make laws that mandate universities to investigate cases thoroughly or allow third-party investigation.
With the exception of plagiarism, journals are not fully geared to spot all forms of cheating prior to publication. The problem is particularly heightened in developing countries like India where no system for investigating such cases exists. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Cheating science. Since research misconduct is detrimental to the development of science, it is necessary to make laws that mandate universities to investigate cases thoroughly or allow third-party investigation.
A solution has to be soon found before published journal articles lose their value and pre-eminent place in science.
25 Jan 2012
Salamn Rushdie's non-appearance
Salman Rushdie did not attend the Jaipur literature festival as his creative expression has openly arrived under skepticism and has been indicated by the intelligence to be life-threatening.
This fact has faced the ire by the Indian media and by Salman Rushdie himself.
But, "Have we created a mountain out of a molehill? Does the present controversy deserve such a media attention? Is it due to the latest Islamophobia?" asks Firdous Syed
Sino-Indian relations: Still in cold waters...
15 out of the 30 members had to be dropped by India who had to visit China as a part of a military delegation by not providing Visa or by expressing dissent over their inclusion, especially to an Arunachili... This is the 3rd instance when an Arunachili was not granted Visa by the Chinese...
Doesn't it indicate that the boundary issue is still rife? How do we solve it? Was an Arunachili included in the original delegation by purpose...?
Jabin T Jacob attempts to decipher it all...
Indian Police : Over-policing???
The Indian police system did not allow the outspoken Rushdie to express his views in the Jaipur literature festival...
Was it right on their part? Have they still upheld the ideology of Right of Speech...? Are they supporting the neo-liberal Indian?
Abhinav Kumar, A serving IPS Utharrakhand officer doesn't think so and he detailedly explains why... Infact, he beautifully explains the mechanisms of the Indian IPS, their roles and their mis functioning.
Tuberculosis is here to stay...
There is a direct conflict between the Hinduja Hospital and the Union Government in the type of TB that is endemic in Mumbai as of now, but one thing is for sure, whatever type of TB that is spreading out there, lack of infrastructure indicates it's here to stay awhile...
Lessons from the coup that failed
Bangladesh is happy that its armed forces foiled an attempt to destabilise the elected government. But the extremist, religious ideologies which reportedly influenced the plot are a cause for serious concern.
Bangladesh is no stranger to military interference in state affairs. It has endured many coups and mutinies in its 40 years of existence, as well as long spells of military rule. Ambitious generals have used the army to implement their designs. As it was part of Pakistan for 24 years, Bangladesh also has the passed-on legacy of the military meddling in politics. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Lessons from the coup that failed.
Three fundamental policy decisions are responsible for the heightened animosity: first, the Hasina government, with a three-fourths majority in Parliament, was determined to return the nation to its secular pro-liberation spirit; second, it took bold steps to improve relations with the neighbour which supported Bangladesh's historic Liberation War, and concluded progressive accords, addressing India's security concerns by taking a firm stand against its northeast insurgents; and thirdly, the government took the bold step of trying the perpetrators of the worst atrocities against humanity who collaborated with the marauding Pakistani army in the 1971 war.
Three fundamental policy decisions are responsible for the heightened animosity: first, the Hasina government, with a three-fourths majority in Parliament, was determined to return the nation to its secular pro-liberation spirit; second, it took bold steps to improve relations with the neighbour which supported Bangladesh's historic Liberation War, and concluded progressive accords, addressing India's security concerns by taking a firm stand against its northeast insurgents; and thirdly, the government took the bold step of trying the perpetrators of the worst atrocities against humanity who collaborated with the marauding Pakistani army in the 1971 war.
Secular, democratic Bangladesh is happy that its armed forces foiled an attempt to destabilise the elected government. But the extremist, religious ideologies, which reportedly aided the plot, cannot be erased so easily. The inroads made by the right-wing, fundamentalist elements in the army, are undoubtedly a worrying factor!
Goon with the wind
Jaipur's Rushdie-gate shows that mobocracy is gaining ground in India
Goon with the wind
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
Goon with the wind
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
'The biggest damage religion does is brainwashing children'
Q&A
Richard Dawkins is amongst the most provocative thinkers of our times. The Oxford University geneticist has waged a blazing intellectual war on religion, calling for the rule of science and rationality. At the recent Jaipur Literature Festival, Dawkins spoke about why he prefers science over faith, whether he is an 'atheist fundamentalist', - and issues such as immortality:
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
Richard Dawkins is amongst the most provocative thinkers of our times. The Oxford University geneticist has waged a blazing intellectual war on religion, calling for the rule of science and rationality. At the recent Jaipur Literature Festival, Dawkins spoke about why he prefers science over faith, whether he is an 'atheist fundamentalist', - and issues such as immortality:
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
Disconcerting Telepresence
The internet is creating new human networks not limited by geography or nationality
Disconcerting Telepresence
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
"As more and more people experience activities through an internet telepresence, they are unlikely to care about what is American, what is Indian, and what is Chinese," says Narain D. Batra, professor of communications and diplomacy at Norwich University.
Disconcerting Telepresence
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
"As more and more people experience activities through an internet telepresence, they are unlikely to care about what is American, what is Indian, and what is Chinese," says Narain D. Batra, professor of communications and diplomacy at Norwich University.
Republic Of Fear
A democracy shouldn't ban books
Republic Of Fear
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
"When literary festivals ought to be a celebration of India's cultural vibrancy book bans, it is clear, have a train of unhealthy effects. They are one more weapon in the state's armoury to infantilise citizens and stymie civil society. It's time the government grasped the nettle by foregoing book bans, which would also entail repealing the ban on The Satanic Verses."
Republic Of Fear
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
"When literary festivals ought to be a celebration of India's cultural vibrancy book bans, it is clear, have a train of unhealthy effects. They are one more weapon in the state's armoury to infantilise citizens and stymie civil society. It's time the government grasped the nettle by foregoing book bans, which would also entail repealing the ban on The Satanic Verses."
Inclement Weather
Ruling Akali Dal-BJP combine faces anti-incumbency in Punjab
Inclement Weather
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
The ruling coalition party in Punjab, the Akali Dal-BJP, might not see itself in power post-elections. With the once-burgeoning economy now in skids, and with the party's promises being a smoke screen to the workings underneath, it wouldn't be over-optimistic to say that Congress might clinch power in the state.
Inclement Weather
-The Times of India, January 25, 2012
The ruling coalition party in Punjab, the Akali Dal-BJP, might not see itself in power post-elections. With the once-burgeoning economy now in skids, and with the party's promises being a smoke screen to the workings underneath, it wouldn't be over-optimistic to say that Congress might clinch power in the state.
Is the Navy's newest sub worth the price?
"Russian nuclear-powered submarine joins the Indian Navy as INS Chakra on a 10-year lease at a cost of over $one billion. Does it contribute to India's sea-based nuclear deterrence?"
The technology of INS Arihant is between first and second generation vintage. By comparison, the U.S. has ninth generation nuclear-powered subs which do not require refuelling throughout their lifetime.
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Is the Navy's newest sub worth the price? The S-2 and the coming S-3 and S-4 vessels will lack adequate capabilities in three key areas of stealth, reactor design and missile range to become a deterrent against China, which with its Jin class subs is at least four decades ahead. These will have difficulty in even deterring Pakistan.
So there is a case to dispense with the S-3 and S-4 vessels which will consume enormous time and finances.We should leap-frog to work on S-5 vessels, with a new design and a powerful nuclear reactor, then India can hope to have a semblance of sea-based deterrence against China.
So there is a case to dispense with the S-3 and S-4 vessels which will consume enormous time and finances.We should leap-frog to work on S-5 vessels, with a new design and a powerful nuclear reactor, then India can hope to have a semblance of sea-based deterrence against China.
Developing long range ballistic missile would have to be an indigenous effort as it comes under global restrictive regimes. Why cannot ISRO with capabilities to propel rockets up to 10,000km help DRDO make 8,000km ballistic missiles? These hard questions need to be examined to produce credible sea-based deterrence.
Counter view: written by (Retd.) Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar.
This acquisition is an extremely perspicacious departure from the past for it is a concrete step towards the translation of the theory and realisation of the larger strategic maritime posture that serves policy.
As far as the economics of the matter is concerned, the deal is a sound one. Kudos are due to our planners who visualised a theory, saw a form and translated it to a force plan and now have given substance to each step of the way.
Pushing Iran to the brink
"The European Union has decided on oil sanctions that Tehran has long said would represent a declaration of war. What will follow?"
This decision to impose a EU oil embargo, sets a potential bomb ticking, timed to detonate on July 1. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Pushing Iran to the brink.
The U.S. has already begun beefing up its military presence in the region, and the IRGC is planning naval war games next month.
The U.S. has already begun beefing up its military presence in the region, and the IRGC is planning naval war games next month.
The Strait of Hormuz is the kink in the hose of the Gulf's oil supply to the world. A small amount of pressure can send crude prices soaring and starving the world's oil-dependent economies. Maintained over the long term, that is enough to strangle global economic recovery. But it is a decidedly double-edged one.
Until now the costs of a war with Iran outweigh the gains of setting the nuclear programme back. But if the U.S. were going to war over oil, that cost-benefit analysis would change.
Even if Washington and Tehran remain determined to avoid all-out war, with every passing month there is a rising chance of one breaking out by accident.
Caught between a rock and no place
"The United States has nearly halted the processing of visas for Iraqi refugees in Syria, leaving thousands of people who fled a war in their homeland marooned in a country in the grip of an increasingly violent insurrection, with little hope of leaving anytime soon."
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : ‘Caught between a rock and no place'. Most Iraqi refugees are clustered in the suburbs of Damascus, can only wait as the unrest escalates and countries in the region like Israel worry about a new refugee crisis if Syria's government collapses or if a civil war erupts, two events that experts believe are increasingly likely.
Many Iraqis who escaped to Syria at the height of the sectarian violence were increasingly anxious, some have joined pro-government rallies to avoid deportation, while few want to go back to Iraq. But the stakes are higher now in the wake of the U.S. troop departure from Iraq.
The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : ‘Caught between a rock and no place'. Most Iraqi refugees are clustered in the suburbs of Damascus, can only wait as the unrest escalates and countries in the region like Israel worry about a new refugee crisis if Syria's government collapses or if a civil war erupts, two events that experts believe are increasingly likely.
Many Iraqis who escaped to Syria at the height of the sectarian violence were increasingly anxious, some have joined pro-government rallies to avoid deportation, while few want to go back to Iraq. But the stakes are higher now in the wake of the U.S. troop departure from Iraq.
The RBI's balancing act
The Reserve Bank of India has managed a delicate balancing act in the third quarter review of monetary policy 2011-12.
The reduction in cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 0.50 percentage point to 5.5 per cent will somewhat ease the tight liquidity conditions in the money market. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : The RBI's balancing act. While the decision to leave interest rates unchanged sends a clear signal that the apex bank is still not comfortable with the overall picture on inflation.
The RBI is clear that the budget should come up with policy initiatives to induce investment and concrete measures for fiscal consolidation, if it is to start pegging rates down.
Nigeria under siege
The series of bombings in Nigeria, for which the extreme Islamist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility, reveal many interconnected problems.
There is widespread resentment in the northern region because of the country's unequal development; poverty and low educational levels mean hardliners there can spread hostility to the central government in Abuja. The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Nigeria under siege. The north stands to lose much more than the south by any separation, because Nigeria's greatest foreign earner, oil, lies in the southern states.
The overwhelming majority of Nigerians do not take religious differences to extremes; inter-faith marriages are common, and the public are angry about the same things, such as police brutality and official corruption.
President needs to find effective ways of leveraging these qualities of Nigerian society into an effective political weapon against Boko Haram's deadly violence.
24 Jan 2012
India & the sex selection conundrum
"Let us agree to go beyond billboard exhortations to ‘love the girl child.' "
The decline in child sex ratio is cause for alarm, but also occasion for serious policy re-think. This artificial alteration of our demographic landscape has implications for not only gender justice and equality but also social violence, human development and democracy. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : India & the sex selection conundrum.
Sex selection is located at the complex interface of cultural attitudes, patriarchal prejudice, socioeconomic pressures, the changes wrought by modernity, and the commercialisation and misuse of modern medical technology. The impact of modernity and materialism on the decreased valuation of females i.e. enhanced daughter aversion, the lack of old-age social security i.e. son preference, increasing violence against women, property rights, inheritance laws — each of these and more play a role.
We must demand of ourselves an equally comprehensive national policy on the sex ratio, capable of addressing each contributory factor.
Sex selection is located at the complex interface of cultural attitudes, patriarchal prejudice, socioeconomic pressures, the changes wrought by modernity, and the commercialisation and misuse of modern medical technology. The impact of modernity and materialism on the decreased valuation of females i.e. enhanced daughter aversion, the lack of old-age social security i.e. son preference, increasing violence against women, property rights, inheritance laws — each of these and more play a role.
We must demand of ourselves an equally comprehensive national policy on the sex ratio, capable of addressing each contributory factor.
Niger braces itself for year of food, aid emergency
"Erratic rainfall and western financial strife mean improved crisis preparations are being stretched to the limit"
As Niger braces itself for a food emergency after late and erratic rains last year and a surge in food prices, humanitarian agencies are stepping up malnutrition screening so that children receive swift treatment to prevent permanent damage. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Niger braces itself for year of food, aid emergency. At the best of times this vast landlocked country has trouble feeding itself. This year threatens to be particularly severe.
As Niger braces itself for a food emergency after late and erratic rains last year and a surge in food prices, humanitarian agencies are stepping up malnutrition screening so that children receive swift treatment to prevent permanent damage. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Niger braces itself for year of food, aid emergency. At the best of times this vast landlocked country has trouble feeding itself. This year threatens to be particularly severe.
Humanitarian organisations estimate that 1.3 million people are suffering from acute malnutrition across the Sahel, a belt of countries. Other nations must take up the baton to ensure that the international response is fast and effective. The question is whether Sahel countries will receive enough help for such measures at a time of financial crisis in the west.
World Food Programme's food-for-work scheme means families receive grain, vegetables and oil for three months in return for work designed to build up the community's ability to sustain itself. Alas, all such efforts to build resilience will fall short as long as Niger continues to have one of the world's highest population growth rates.
Wanted: a communications policy
"Market forces may decree that millions of viewers can no longer afford the television service they have had many years, unless the government takes pre-emptive steps to treat television as a public utility and guarantees citizens access to it."
India's democracy rests among other things, on a free media, but this may soon change in one important respect. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Wanted: a communications policy
Full digitisation of cable television across the country is being made mandatory in three years. The rationale is that digitisation will provide more and better channels, and value-added services that benefit the consumer. Also, digitisation enables large corporates to control a greater segment of the hitherto fragmented television market.
But if the media industry is given a free hand in digitisation, it can lead to the abrupt disenfranchisement of scores of millions of citizens, who will be shut out of communications they now take for granted.
Should the government treat television as a public utility, as some States are now doing, and subsidise consumer access to it?
Full digitisation of cable television across the country is being made mandatory in three years. The rationale is that digitisation will provide more and better channels, and value-added services that benefit the consumer. Also, digitisation enables large corporates to control a greater segment of the hitherto fragmented television market.
But if the media industry is given a free hand in digitisation, it can lead to the abrupt disenfranchisement of scores of millions of citizens, who will be shut out of communications they now take for granted.
Should the government treat television as a public utility, as some States are now doing, and subsidise consumer access to it?
Revenue's wrong call
"The Supreme Court's judgment in the Vodafone case has long-term implications for tax administration and jurisprudence, especially when it comes to taxation of cross-border mergers and acquisitions. "
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Revenue's wrong call: Supreme court's acceptance of investment structures in offshore tax-havens as genuine tax planning devices, is a boost to tax planning through use of intelligent structures within the framework of the law so long as they are not outright sham structures conceived only to evade tax.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Revenue's wrong call: Supreme court's acceptance of investment structures in offshore tax-havens as genuine tax planning devices, is a boost to tax planning through use of intelligent structures within the framework of the law so long as they are not outright sham structures conceived only to evade tax.
The judgment sends out an extremely positive signal to foreign companies and investors on the rule of law and the independence and fairness of the judiciary, and that certainty and stability are the cornerstones of any fiscal system. For its part, the government is unlikely to be a silent spectator!
Brutality on the border
"New Delhi needs to make an unreserved apology to Bangladesh for the brutal conduct of its Border Security Force personnel who were seen in a recent video torturing a Bangladeshi man. "
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Brutality on the border: Anti-India sentiment has been high in Bangladesh since the killing of three of its nationals by the BSF in two separate incidents on the border last month.
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : Brutality on the border: Anti-India sentiment has been high in Bangladesh since the killing of three of its nationals by the BSF in two separate incidents on the border last month.
The enquiry needs to focus on the overall climate of impunity that makes such incidents possible.
Gautam Gambhir advocates 'rank turners' for matches at home
Times View - Complete on all pitches
Counter View - Play to India's strengths
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
Counter View - Play to India's strengths
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
When Health Is Security
To truly benefit the needy, the microfinance sector must focus on the issue of health
When Health Is Security
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
When Health Is Security
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
"After all, financial services are not just about money or about giving loans to the poor. They are really about building assets to secure lives and livelihoods."
Blackboard bungle
Stop asking whether education is about trick or teach
Blackboard bungle
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
Madhumita Gupta, in a glorious satirical prose, has our education system "found out." Personally, it is a must-read for those who have an interest, let alone passion, for matters relating to education.
Blackboard bungle
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
Madhumita Gupta, in a glorious satirical prose, has our education system "found out." Personally, it is a must-read for those who have an interest, let alone passion, for matters relating to education.
Push The Pedal
Expedite projects to raise investor confidence
Push The Pedal
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
Push The Pedal
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
"Boosting industrialisation and infrastructure with smart, reforms-based policy support will promote investment. This in turn will facilitate ambitious projects with positive multiplier effects on the economy. That's the virtuous circle the government must establish."
Stop The Hate
Kashmir's main political parties must act to prevent zealotry in the Valley
Stop The Hate
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
Besides Rushdie issue, religious bigotry is on song in Kashmir. Christians and NGOs have been targeted for persuading young Muslim youth to give up on their faith in return for liquor, women and money. They were in fact made to appear before a sharia court. Unfortunately for them, only a proper court can take any decision on infringement of laws. The national conference-led government must act swiftly, and with great purpose, to instill confidence in our proposed secular traditions.
Stop The Hate
-The Times of India, January 24, 2012
Besides Rushdie issue, religious bigotry is on song in Kashmir. Christians and NGOs have been targeted for persuading young Muslim youth to give up on their faith in return for liquor, women and money. They were in fact made to appear before a sharia court. Unfortunately for them, only a proper court can take any decision on infringement of laws. The national conference-led government must act swiftly, and with great purpose, to instill confidence in our proposed secular traditions.
23 Jan 2012
Prices pain less, RBI will bring the scalpel out
Prices pain less, RBI will bring the scalpel out, believes Arjun Parthasarthy , editor of inverstorsareidiots.com
Bulls need local cues to keep the tempo up...
Bulls need local cues to keep the tempo up..., believes Lachman Ramchand
Driving our rupee
What drives the Indian rupee?
The rise of the Indian rupee can be driven by the rise in Euro rates, RBI and of course, risks, believes Gaurav Kapur...
Mars on Boil, may push weak to risky zone
Mars on Boil, may push weak to risky zone, by Christopher Kevil
Governor's double standards...
The governor of Karnataka, HR Bharadwaj, outrightly rejected Justice Bannurmath as Lokayukta chief on the grounds of lack of impeccable integrity.
However he has accepted Justice Chandrashekariah for the post of Upa-Lokayukta though his integrity has been questioned by many...
Why these double standards , asks Hemanth Kumar from DNA
Muslim votes: Which party will take it...
There are close to 20% of Muslims in India and where they cast their vote can decide the fate of 2012 state UP elections...
Did BJP do a mistake by oppressing Muslim reservation? As all the other castes's votes are informally decided and the Muslims distancing themselves from SP and Rahul Gandhi's heroics towards them contrasting with a weak foothold for the congress and the BSP, the entire seat matrix is totally confusing...
Barrack-room surgery in Bihar's backwaters
"The Kaparfora sterilisations expose the State administration's tenuous hold over NGOs contracted for conducting family planning camps."
This appalling barrack-room surgical procedure, bereft of prescribed operating theatre (OT) facilities, started unravelling in the wee hours, when three women started haemorrhaging profusely. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Barrack-room surgery in Bihar's backwaters
At the root of the problem is the State's all-round lack of capacity in the health sector, including family planning. Bihar's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3.9 - the average number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime - is the highest in the country and vastly outstrips the national average of 2.6.
Though NGOs can and do play an important role in augmenting the efforts of the State government, the Kaparfora sterilisations expose the tenuous hold of the Nitish Kumar-run administration over NGOs contracted for conducting family planning camps.
In an indication of cover-up, the State Health Department hurriedly circulated a prima facie report on the incident to the media, contradicting police investigations and seeking to assure the public that events had transpired quite differently.
At the root of the problem is the State's all-round lack of capacity in the health sector, including family planning. Bihar's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3.9 - the average number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime - is the highest in the country and vastly outstrips the national average of 2.6.
Though NGOs can and do play an important role in augmenting the efforts of the State government, the Kaparfora sterilisations expose the tenuous hold of the Nitish Kumar-run administration over NGOs contracted for conducting family planning camps.
In an indication of cover-up, the State Health Department hurriedly circulated a prima facie report on the incident to the media, contradicting police investigations and seeking to assure the public that events had transpired quite differently.
The great leap backward
"In six months, we have gone from a plausible model for the Lokpal to one that lacks the teeth needed to fight corruption at the highest levels."
Unfortunately, the new Lokpal-Lokayukta Bill of the government is a great leap backward. The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : The great leap backward.
The Bill is retrograde on the relationship between the Lokpal and the CBI. Investigation is the foundation of any case, and its independence makes all the difference. There is no shortage of critical comment by the Supreme Court about the CBI being under the umbrella of the executive. The portions of the Bill relating to investigation are counter productive.
The inclusion of Lokayuktas in the Bill is said to violate the federal principle. This claim can be trumped by Article 253, which says that where Parliament makes a law to implement an international treaty, such law will hold good even if it transgresses the federal division. The Lokpal-Lokayukta Act is expressly made in pursuance of the UN Convention on Corruption, which India ratified. One wonders whether the objectors are acting from lofty constitutional principles or simply resisting tough anti-corruption bodies in their respective States.
Another concern is skewed composition of the Selection Committee and 50% reservation. What is the rationale between corruption and caste, gender or religion? And why bring NGOs under scrutiny when action can be taken against them under other statutes? Will this not dissipate the resources of the Lokpal?
Civil society should put down the non-negotiable demand of a tough and fully empowered Lokpal with full control over investigation and prosecution of the top-rung of governance, and for one Act to operate nationally. The fundamental adage in negotiation is that the best is the enemy of the good — an insistence on all or nothing usually results in getting the latter.
The Bill is retrograde on the relationship between the Lokpal and the CBI. Investigation is the foundation of any case, and its independence makes all the difference. There is no shortage of critical comment by the Supreme Court about the CBI being under the umbrella of the executive. The portions of the Bill relating to investigation are counter productive.
The inclusion of Lokayuktas in the Bill is said to violate the federal principle. This claim can be trumped by Article 253, which says that where Parliament makes a law to implement an international treaty, such law will hold good even if it transgresses the federal division. The Lokpal-Lokayukta Act is expressly made in pursuance of the UN Convention on Corruption, which India ratified. One wonders whether the objectors are acting from lofty constitutional principles or simply resisting tough anti-corruption bodies in their respective States.
Another concern is skewed composition of the Selection Committee and 50% reservation. What is the rationale between corruption and caste, gender or religion? And why bring NGOs under scrutiny when action can be taken against them under other statutes? Will this not dissipate the resources of the Lokpal?
Civil society should put down the non-negotiable demand of a tough and fully empowered Lokpal with full control over investigation and prosecution of the top-rung of governance, and for one Act to operate nationally. The fundamental adage in negotiation is that the best is the enemy of the good — an insistence on all or nothing usually results in getting the latter.
'My trip to Pakistan was a high point in my life'
Q&A
with L K Advani, deputy prime minister in the Vajpayee government, who missed his chance to occupy the top slot, when the NDA lost the general elections in 2009, on coalition politics, smaller states, corruption, religious intolerance and cultural nationalism
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India January 23, 2012
with L K Advani, deputy prime minister in the Vajpayee government, who missed his chance to occupy the top slot, when the NDA lost the general elections in 2009, on coalition politics, smaller states, corruption, religious intolerance and cultural nationalism
Interview - Q&A
-The Times of India January 23, 2012
Playing With Fire
The Congress is repeating old mistakes by exploiting the Rushdie issue for electoral purposes
Playing With Fire
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
The Rushdie affair might have set grave precedents for further public restrictions, fears the writer.
"Like in 1986-88, the Congress is sedulously promoting the idea of Muslim distinctiveness - institutionalising into permanency a legal separateness (in 1986) and a political separateness (now)"
Playing With Fire
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
The Rushdie affair might have set grave precedents for further public restrictions, fears the writer.
"Like in 1986-88, the Congress is sedulously promoting the idea of Muslim distinctiveness - institutionalising into permanency a legal separateness (in 1986) and a political separateness (now)"
Lots in a name
How the world addresses you is of grave importance
Lots in a name
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
Lots in a name
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
Taxing Question
Transparent laws will boost investments
Taxing Question
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
"The Supreme Court ruling in favour of Vodafone in its tax dispute with the government - the whopping amount of Rs 11, 800 crore is at stake - should bring cheer to foreign investors as it sends a reassuring signal about the prevalence of the rule of law in India."
The recent landmark case will instill hope and courage in making investments in India. Transparent laws are needed, and so are predictable rules and regulations, which together make investors aware of "what they are in for when they choose to operate in India."
Taxing Question
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
"The Supreme Court ruling in favour of Vodafone in its tax dispute with the government - the whopping amount of Rs 11, 800 crore is at stake - should bring cheer to foreign investors as it sends a reassuring signal about the prevalence of the rule of law in India."
The recent landmark case will instill hope and courage in making investments in India. Transparent laws are needed, and so are predictable rules and regulations, which together make investors aware of "what they are in for when they choose to operate in India."
Close Shave
India must make ties with Bangladesh irreversible
Close Shave
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
The Sheikh Hasina-led Government, after being a firm stand for the ideals of democracy in her country, was suddenly aware of a probable-coup if it were not foiled by the Bangladeshi army. The instilling, and strengthening of, a powerful democracy - which saw the banning of many Islamist Anti-India groups - was most warmly welcome. However, if it were to happen that the Awami League government is not in power after the election, suggested by the history of alternate election since 1990, the opposition in Bangladesh Nationalist Party could reverse the gains of the last three years.
Close Shave
-The Times of India, January 23, 2012
The Sheikh Hasina-led Government, after being a firm stand for the ideals of democracy in her country, was suddenly aware of a probable-coup if it were not foiled by the Bangladeshi army. The instilling, and strengthening of, a powerful democracy - which saw the banning of many Islamist Anti-India groups - was most warmly welcome. However, if it were to happen that the Awami League government is not in power after the election, suggested by the history of alternate election since 1990, the opposition in Bangladesh Nationalist Party could reverse the gains of the last three years.
Saleh gets immunity
"Yemen's Parliament approved immunity to free President Ali Abdullah Saleh from prosecution, following through on a requirement in a deal for him to give up power. The lawmakers extended the legislation to grant immunity for politically motivated crimes committed by all officials working under Mr. Saleh"
The agreement, remained controversial with critics who say he should be punished for acts during his 33 years as President, including what anti-government protesters and Human Rights Watch say was the killing of hundreds of demonstrators by his security forces. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Saleh gets immunity: The immunity law cannot be cancelled or appealed. However, Mr. Saleh can still be prosecuted outside Yemen — by the International Criminal Court, for instance.
The agreement, remained controversial with critics who say he should be punished for acts during his 33 years as President, including what anti-government protesters and Human Rights Watch say was the killing of hundreds of demonstrators by his security forces. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Saleh gets immunity: The immunity law cannot be cancelled or appealed. However, Mr. Saleh can still be prosecuted outside Yemen — by the International Criminal Court, for instance.
Even if he does leave office, Mr. Saleh has many family members and loyalists still in influential positions in the government and armed forces, through whom, analysts say, he will still be able to wield influence.
Yemeni officials recently expressed concern that elections could be postponed because of the chaotic state of the country.
Zabadani: still a besieged city
"A growing number of residents are joining a band of defecting soldiers, some of whom claim to be part of the Free Syrian Army."
The role of armed defectors has grown, with attacks on troops, including killings and kidnappings, that at times have overshadowed the demonstrations. At the same time, many protesters defend the defectors, saying they are grateful for protection against a government that has resorted to violence against peaceful opponents.
"The protesters called for the government's fall, but also for unity, in a plea to save Zabadani from the fate of other restive Syrian cities."
Karzai underscores Afghanistan's right to decide its future
Taliban has stepped up a campaign of assassinations, creating a sense of siege that has made Mr. Karzai a virtual prisoner of his own palace. It has hit back with targeted attacks intended to undermine public confidence by demonstrating the government's inability to protect even its most senior officials. Adding to this, increasing violence by Afghan soldiers toward U.S. and other coalition forces has raised tensions among the allies.
The Karzai government has expressed concern that it is not being fully included in the U.S.-led efforts to reopen direct negotiations with the insurgents, complaining that the Afghan government should lead any talks. The Hindu : Opinion / Op-Ed : Karzai underscores Afghanistan's right to decide its future: Afghanistan is not a place for foreigners to do their political experiments or a laboratory that every few years they test a new political system.
"Pakistan, where much of the Taliban leadership resides, could use the insurgents as a stalking-horse to strike a deal with Washington and, in the process, secure its own position in Afghanistan."
Good news at last
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for November released recently showed the output rebounding sharply. The rupee, which fell drastically, appears to have stabilised. The domestic stock markets have not declined as much as many expected they would.
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