India achieved a landmark in its nuclear energy programme on 6 April 2026, when its 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) successfully attained first criticality—the initiation of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction. This milestone marks a historic step toward ensuring long-term energy security and demonstrates India’s advanced indigenous nuclear technology capabilities. The criticality was achieved after receiving clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), following a rigorous safety review and compliance with all stipulated requirements for plant systems.

The PFBR was indigenously designed and developed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), a premier R&D institution under the Department of Atomic Energy. The reactor was constructed and commissioned by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), a public sector enterprise under the same department.

The father of India’s nuclear energy programme, Homi Jehangir Bhabha, envisioned a three-stage nuclear power strategy to maximize the country’s limited uranium resources and leverage its abundant thorium reserves:

Stage 1: Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) use natural uranium (primarily U-238 with a small fraction of U-235) as fuel.

Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) utilize plutonium-239, produced as a byproduct of the first stage, along with uranium-238. In this stage, thorium-232 placed in a blanket surrounding the core is converted into uranium-233.

Stage 3: Uranium-233, along with thorium-derived materials, is used as fuel for advanced reactors, enabling long-term sustainability.

India possesses vast thorium reserves, particularly along the coastal regions of Kerala and the eastern coast.

Fast Breeder Reactors form a cornerstone of India’s long-term nuclear strategy. Unlike conventional thermal reactors, FBRs use uranium-plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel. The reactor core is surrounded by a blanket of uranium-238, which absorbs fast neutrons and is converted into fissile plutonium-239. This process allows the reactor to generate more fuel than it consumes. The PFBR is also designed for future use of thorium-232 in its blanket. Through nuclear transmutation, thorium will be converted into uranium-233, which will power the third stage of India’s nuclear programme. This capability significantly enhances fuel utilization and enables India to extract far greater energy from its limited uranium resources.

With the attainment of first criticality, India moves closer to realizing the full potential of its three-stage nuclear power programme. Fast breeder technology serves as a crucial bridge between the current fleet of PHWRs and future thorium-based reactors, enabling long-term, sustainable energy generation.

This achievement highlights the strength of India’s indigenous design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. The PFBR incorporates advanced safety systems, high-temperature liquid sodium coolant technology, and a closed fuel cycle that allows recycling of nuclear materials—thereby improving sustainability and reducing waste.

The success of this project also reflects India’s growing expertise in advanced nuclear engineering and reinforces its commitment to technological self-reliance under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-dependent India).

Beyond energy generation, the fast breeder programme strengthens India’s strategic capabilities in nuclear fuel cycle technologies, advanced materials, reactor physics, and large-scale engineering. The knowledge and infrastructure developed through this initiative will support future reactor designs and next-generation nuclear technologies.

As India continues to expand its clean energy portfolio, fast breeder reactors will play a vital role in delivering reliable, low-carbon, base-load power with improved efficiency. The attainment of first criticality is not only a technological milestone but also a significant step toward a sustainable, clean, and self-reliant energy future aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India).

The ongoing U.S.–Israel and Iran conflict has placed Pakistan in a deeply complex diplomatic position. Its long-standing strategy of balancing multiple global relationships is now being tested, creating what can best be described as a diplomatic dilemma.

At the heart of the issue lies a complicated web of alliances. The major powers involved in this conflict are the United States, China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, and all these countries maintain significant relationships with Pakistan, both formal and informal. Broadly speaking, the United States and Saudi Arabia are aligned against Iran, while China is seen as a covert supporter of Iran. This geopolitical divide places Pakistan in an increasingly difficult position.

Pakistan has historically maintained a close, though often uneasy, relationship with the United States. It played a key role in supporting U.S. operations in Afghanistan after 9/11, gaining both financial assistance and strategic leverage. However, this relationship has been marked by mistrust at times, particularly due to allegations of Pakistan’s “double game,” including the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

More recently, statements by Donald Trump praising Pakistan’s military leadership have been interpreted by some as an attempt to secure Pakistan’s support in potential regional military operations. Additionally, the U.S. has extended financial assistance, supported Pakistan in securing IMF funding, and approved a $686 million package to upgrade its F-16 fleet, and to provide communications systems, software, and security equipment.

These developments suggest that the United States may expect Pakistan to reciprocate by supporting its stance against Iran. This expectation adds pressure on Pakistan to align with U.S. strategic objectives in Iran.

Pakistan has long relied on Saudi Arabia for financial assistance and economic support. Recently, both countries strengthened their relationship through a defense agreement stating that an attack on one would be considered an attack on the other.

Given the escalating tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, this agreement places Pakistan in a sensitive position. Saudi Arabia may expect Pakistan to provide military or strategic support. However, Pakistan has so far avoided direct involvement, indicating its reluctance to escalate the situation.

China is widely regarded as Pakistan’s most reliable strategic partner. Through large-scale investments and initiatives, China has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic and military development. At the same time, China is believed to be indirectly supporting Iran.

This creates another layer of complexity. Pakistan must consider its obligations to China, especially if Beijing continues to back Iran in the conflict, even if only covertly

Geographically and culturally, Pakistan shares important ties with Iran. Both countries are neighbors and maintain generally stable relations, despite occasional border tensions. They also share certain ideological alignments, including opposition to Israel.

However, Pakistan is cautious about engaging in any conflict with Iran. Given Iran’s regional influence and military capabilities, direct confrontation would carry significant risks. As a result, Pakistan prefers to maintain neutrality rather than be drawn into conflict.

Faced with competing expectations from multiple allies, Pakistan appears to be pursuing a strategy of strategic neutrality. Rather than choosing sides, it is attempting to avoid direct involvement in the conflict.

It appears that Pakistan’s recent military actions in Afghanistan may serve as a way to signal that it is already engaged elsewhere, thereby limiting its ability to participate in another conflict. Additionally, Pakistan has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran, positioning itself as a diplomatic bridge rather than a combatant.

At the same time, incidents such as a blast near the Pakistan embassy in Iran though fortunately without casualties and statements by Tulsi Gabbard, Director, CIA highlighting nuclear concerns that Pakistan is among the countries that pose nuclear threats to the U.S., along with China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran have further complicated the situation.

Pakistan finds itself in a precarious diplomatic position. On one side are the United States and Saudi Arabia; on the other are China and Iran. Each relationship carries strategic importance, making it difficult for Pakistan to fully align with any one bloc.

In this context, Pakistan’s cautious approach of avoiding direct involvement while promoting mediation between Iran and the US appears to be an attempt to safeguard its national interests. However, as the conflict evolves, maintaining this delicate balance may become increasingly challenging for Pakistan.

On 28 February 2026, the conflict between Israel and Iran, which began on 7 October 2023, entered a new and far more dangerous phase. The United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran, targeting its military bases, nuclear facilities, and, most significantly, its senior leadership. During these strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed.

Iran responded immediately with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US bases in the Gulf region. Several US bases were severely damaged, and despite the presence of advanced air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Israel also suffered significant impacts. On 4 March 2026, Hezbollah joined the conflict, launching rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel, prompting heavy Israeli retaliation in southern Lebanon.

The conflict rapidly expanded across the region, with attacks reported in Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. Shipping disruptions began in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a route responsible for nearly 20% of global oil supply. Iran further escalated the situation by targeting civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, including ships, airports, oil refineries, and desalination plants. As the war enters its fourth week, it continues with full intensity from both sides.

Israel has achieved some success in weakening Iran’s leadership by eliminating several senior figures who were strongly opposed to Israel’s existence and who supported proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah operating in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel’s primary concern remains Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons, which it views as an existential threat. From Israel’s perspective, this war is fundamentally about national survival.

Historically, Iran and Israel did not have direct hostility prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Since then, ideological and geopolitical tensions have escalated. It can be argued that Iran’s religious leadership has used opposition to Israel as a means to consolidate domestic legitimacy and assert leadership in the Islamic world. However, it remains unclear whether the broader Iranian population fully supports these views.

From a strategic standpoint, Israel’s long-term objective appears to be the dismantling of Iran’s current power structure and the establishment of a more democratic and republican system, potentially with support from the United States, along with the elimination of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

For the United States, the situation is increasingly complex. It appears to have been drawn deeper into the conflict, despite having no immediate existential threat from Iran. Exiting the war without reputational damage is becoming increasingly difficult. While there may be perceived strategic gains, such as influence over Iran’s energy resources, the financial and military costs are substantial. The Pentagon has reportedly sought an additional $200 billion to sustain the war effort.

Moreover, the United States has suffered setbacks, including damage to its military infrastructure in the Gulf and a potential loss of credibility as a security guarantor in the region. Traditional allies, including members of NATO, have shown limited support for US actions. Moreover, Pakistan is also not coming openly in support with the US against Iran.  This situation may prompt Gulf nations to reconsider their security arrangements, potentially leading to a new regional security architecture. Such a shift would significantly impact US global influence.

In an extreme scenario, there is also concern that the United States might consider escalatory measures, including the use of nuclear weapons, to preserve its strategic dominance.

For Iran, retaliation was almost inevitable following the initial strikes by the US and Israel. While it has responded forcefully, its military resources are limited. Iran may seek support from countries such as Russia and China; however, Russia’s ongoing involvement in the Ukraine conflict limits its capacity to assist, leaving China as the more likely supplier of military hardware.

A particularly dangerous scenario would arise if advanced weapons systems, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, were supplied to Iran, or if nuclear capabilities were extended through Pakistan. Meanwhile, Iran has already demonstrated its ability to disrupt global energy markets by targeting infrastructure and exerting control over the Strait of Hormuz. If the conflict continues, the resulting energy crisis could intensify, with many countries likely attributing responsibility to both the United States and Israel. In this regard, Iran’s strategy may succeed in weakening US alliances, although the United States could partially offset this through its position as a net energy exporter.

The continuation of this conflict poses a serious risk of global economic disruption and could potentially trigger a widespread economic downturn. Therefore, it is in the interest of the international community to prioritize de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.

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The U.S. President Donald Trump, in line with his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda, views business and manufacturing as the primary drivers of national greatness. Coming from a business background, his focus has been on restoring manufacturing in the United States and thereby creating jobs for Americans. Much of his domestic and international policy revolves around this objective—alongside his personal ambition of securing a Nobel Prize.

To rejuvenate American manufacturing, Trump has sought to make U.S. products more competitive by imposing selective tariffs on imported goods and services. India is among the countries most affected, having been subjected to the highest tariffs, ostensibly for purchasing Russian oil and allegedly helping finance Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ironically, although the EU and China import significantly more energy from Russia, and the U.S. itself imports critical minerals from Moscow, Trump’s administration has not applied similar tariffs to them. In his narrative, revenues from Russia’s trade with the EU, China, and the U.S. are somehow not fueling the war—while India’s trade allegedly is.

From 27 August 2025, India has been slapped with a 50% tariff on a range of products including textiles and apparel, leather, gems and jewelry, auto components, engineering goods, chemicals and seafood. Key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, semiconductors, electronics, and critical minerals remain exempt.

According to a report by Nomura, about 60% of Indian goods exported to the U.S. will now be subject to this higher tariff. India’s exports to the U.S. in FY 2024–25 stood at $86.51 billion; thus, approximately $51.91 billion worth of exports will be affected. This represents around 6.32% of India’s total exports (valued at $821 billion). When measured against India’s GDP of $4.19 trillion in 2024–25, the impact translates to 1.24% of GDP. Given that India’s GDP growth rate for 2024–25 is 6.4%, the tariff could potentially reduce growth to 6.3%—an insignificant macroeconomic impact if usual scenario is taken into considerations.

The real concern, however, lies in the labour-intensive industries targeted by these tariffs. Sectors such as textiles, leather, seafood and gems employ millions of workers, and the new tariffs could result in significant job losses, even if the effect on GDP remains small.

The Indian government is attempting to offset the impact through a range of policy interventions, including diversifying its export markets into East Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. However, restructuring export destinations is a gradual process. While the immediate effect on GDP may remain limited, the impact on employment and livelihoods could be substantial. In the longer term, if India succeeds in diversifying its trade partnerships, the strategy may yield rich dividends, especially if the Trump tariffs are lifted voluntarily or overturned by U.S. federal courts.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in the last week of February 2022 was an unfortunate event, not only for peace in Eurasia but also for global stability. For more than two centuries, Ukraine remained under the control of Czarist Russia and later the Soviet Union, until the USSR disintegrated. Western powers often take credit for the Soviet collapse; however, it was, in fact, a carefully thought-out program initiated by the USSR itself under Mikhail Gorbachev. His intent was to reform Russia and its constituent republics, with the expectation that the Western world would support these efforts. Gorbachev was even given political assurances that NATO would not expand eastward. In reality, NATO’s very relevance should have ended with the dissolution of both the USSR and the Warsaw Pact.

Despite this, the European Union admitted former Soviet republics—such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—into NATO, creating what Russia perceived as a direct threat. Ukraine, too, sought to follow the same path, encouraged by Western powers, despite its deep cultural, linguistic, and ethnic commonalities with Russia.

In response to the West’s posture after the USSR’s disintegration, Russia began consolidating its military strength and, under Vladimir Putin, re-emerged as even more powerful both militarily and diplomatically than the former Soviet Union. President Zelensky, instead of focusing on Ukraine’s development without antagonizing Russia, chose to pursue NATO membership. In doing so, he displayed political immaturity by relying too heavily on Western assurances. The result has been catastrophic—Ukraine now bears the heavy cost of Russian military action. In reality, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has become a proxy war, fought on Ukrainian soil between the Western bloc, primarily Western Europe, and Russia.

After more than three years of war, it appears that both Russia and Ukraine have begun to realize the necessity of ending hostilities. In this regard, efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate and secure a ceasefire deserve recognition, even if his motivations may be influenced by the prospect of winning a Nobel Peace Prize. The recent meetings—between Trump and Putin on August 15, 2025, in Alaska, and between Trump and Zelensky in Washington, D.C.—were significant steps toward peace. However, the involvement of the EU and NATO in the negotiations is both unwarranted and counterproductive, as their actions largely contributed to the crisis in the first place. For these peace talks to succeed, the EU must be kept at a distance, and President Zelensky must recognize this reality if he truly wishes to restore peace to Ukraine.

The terrorist strike targeting Hindu tourists in Pahalgam on 24 April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 visitors, enraged the people and government of India, and shocked many peace-loving individuals across the world. Responsibility for this atrocity was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), founded by the internationally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed of Pakistan, who enjoys the backing of the Pakistan Army. The Defence Minister of Pakistan has himself admitted that Pakistan has been nurturing terrorism on its soil for over three decades. There is, therefore, little doubt that the Pahalgam attack was carried out by Pakistani terrorists with the support of the Pakistan Army.

Since the abrogation of Article 370, the number of terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has fallen sharply — by 81 per cent — from 228 in 2018 to 43 in 2023. Similarly, there has been a 74 per cent reduction in encounters, from 189 in 2018 to 48 in 2023, a drop in civilian fatalities from 55 in 2018 to 13 in 2023, and a fall in security personnel deaths from 91 in 2018 to 25 in 2023. Although terrorist activity and related casualties have declined across the Kashmir Valley and the wider Union Territory during this period, incidents have risen in the Jammu region, which has a Hindu-majority population. For example, on 9 June 2024, terrorists ambushed a tourist bus in Reasi district, killing nine Hindu pilgrims and injuring 41 others. This pattern clearly indicates that terrorists sent by the Pakistan Army have shifted their focus from Kashmir to Jammu and are deliberately targeting Hindus.

The question arises: why did Pakistan dare to perpetrate the Pahalgam attack despite the severe retaliatory strikes by the Indian Armed Forces, such as those on Uri and Balakot, in response to earlier Pakistani-sponsored attacks? To understand this, one must examine the sequence of events unfolding both within Pakistan and internationally.

Pakistan is currently facing persistent separatist movements in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and Sindh. These pose a serious challenge to Pakistan’s internal stability and territorial integrity. In times of such crises, Pakistan has historically resorted to anti-Hindu and anti-India rhetoric to unite its populace — a strategy rooted in the circumstances of its creation. On 17 April 2025, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, told a gathering of expatriates in Islamabad, “We are different from Hindus in every possible way.” This was a desperate attempt to foster national unity by appealing to anti-Hindu and anti-India sentiment. The Pahalgam attack can be seen as a direct operational outcome of this divisive narrative.

Further, on 30 March 2025, the US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran if it failed to reach a nuclear agreement. Iran rejected these overtures, provoking US anger. Anticipating possible military action against Iran, the United States would have recognised the strategic and logistical importance of Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran. It is likely that during this period, Washington sought Pakistan’s cooperation, thereby emboldening General Asim Munir to carry out a terrorist strike in India, specifically targeting Hindus on 24 April 2025 in Pahalgam.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025 to dismantle Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. Pakistan retaliated by attacking Indian territory, prompting the Indian Army to launch a military operation that destroyed significant Pakistani military assets. Following heavy losses, Pakistan sought US mediation for a ceasefire. On the advice of Washington, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) approached his Indian counterpart, resulting in a ceasefire on 10 May 2025.

Shortly thereafter, Pakistan received a US$1 billion IMF loan tranche despite India’s strong objections, citing that the funds would be used to finance terrorism. This disbursement would not have been possible without US support. Thus, Pakistan’s renewed engagement with the United States likely gave it the confidence to execute the Pahalgam terror attack.

Bangladesh repeated its history of coup once again when popularly elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina was ousted from her country on 5th August 2024 and fled to to India to save her life. This time coup was led by the hard core religious organization of Bangladesh i.e. Jamat-e- Islami assisted by ISI of Pakistan in the pretext of student agitation against reservation policies of Bangladesh Govt. And there was mute support of military of Bangladesh also. China and other foreign power may have been involved in assisting this coup.



Though ousted PM Sheikh Hasina acceded to the demands of protesting students by reducing the reservations, but the protest continued. So real motive of protest was not reservation, but to topple the government of PM Hasina. This is also evident from the fact that even after resignation from the post of prime minister and flying away from Bangladesh, violence continued and minorities specially Hindus were targeted and attacked.



Therefore, it clearly indicates that this sinister design is done by Pakistan Army and its ISI. In about last two decades, Bangladesh made an impressive progress on economic and social developments. On few indicators of development, it even surpassed India. Many intellectuals in Pakistan openly appreciated the development of Bangladesh and denounced the Pakistani model of polity and governance that was creating trouble for Pakistan Army and governance model in Pakistan. Therefore, it appears that to save its own position Pakistan designed this plan to bring down Bangladesh so that its own model of governance is not criticized. There was serious problem of disintegration in Baluchistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) with which Pakistan is currently fighting and Pakistan blames India for the same. So, there is a possibility that Pakistan has played this game of coup in Bangladesh to counter India and take the revenge from India.



Now, in this game the real looser are common people of Bangladesh and poor Hindus of Bangladesh. Because, under the influence of Pakistan, now Bangladesh may emulate Pakistani model of governance where military has superiority in every arena of governance directly or indirectly. This will definitely bring down the economy of Banladesh and fanatic elements in Bangladesh society will get prominence curbing the rights and opportunity of progress of females, Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

With the modest third victory in a row by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Narendra Modi, it is a historic moment for Narendra Modi and NDA form a government third time in a row. The main component of NDA alliance, BJP was poised for massive reforms for development after winning the election, but is not possible now as BJP has not achieved even simple majority on its own. Therefore, BJP has to drop off radical reforms such as UCC and similar other issues from its agenda.Though BJP and NDA have declared  in their election manifesto a number of issues to be addressed around poor class and middle class families; women, young and senior citizens; farmers, labourers and fishermans; MSME and  small traders; external and internal security, world class infrastructure, health, education, games and sports, technology and innovation etc for a developed India by 2047. However, in order to achieve this goal Modi 3.0 government needs to take bold decisions through policy reforms and robust institution building. Some of the issues that needs to be addressed on priority are:

1. Eradicating the corruption at bureacratic level: Though in last two tenure Modi government has been able to control corruption at top level, but still curroption at middle and lower level is there that make lives of common people miserable. Some external agencies for monitoring functioning and curroption needs to be instituted.

2. Administrative reforms: Administrative reforms needs to be taken to make bureacracy more accountable and efficient. A certain percentage of employees 5 to 10 percent must be forced retired every year those who are at the bottom in performance. However, screening should be objective and 50 percent external members should be included in the screening committee.

3. Tax reforms: More reforms in GST is required such as bringing petroleum products under GST. Corporate tax could be further ease out to attract more FDI in manufacturing and arrest flight of capital and industries to other countries. Those traveling abroad, having a vehicle of value more than Rs 10 Lakhs must be asked to file Income Tax Return.

4. Educational reforms: Education upto 8th standard may be made compulsory. Syllabus and course content must be uniform for all institutions and boards including Madarasa. From 6th class and onward one professional course must be compulsory such as masonary, plumbing, carpentary, book binding, painting tailoring, welding, security, etc. to make them skilled for a job if they don't continue further. After 9th standard, defence and security education may be made compulsory for two years on the line of National Cadet Corps (NCC). Quality of education at all the level needs to be improved.

5. Universal health services: Everyone should be provided free health services. If required entire health services can be nationalised.

6. Development of defence industries: More focus should be given on development, producton and export of world class defence products.

7. Development of food process industries: Food processing industries needs to be developed in cluster mode in those areas where agricultural production is very high. similaraly fish processing industries may be developed in coastal areas

8. Collective Security: India should strive for establishing a collective security institution in South Asia with friendly countries on the lines of NATO.

9. Equal right to all religious institutions: All religious institutions should have equal rights on their earnings, expenditure, and programmes etc.

10. Financial security for labourer working in informal sector: The labourers working in informal sector must have some provision of provident fund or pension by deduction a small amount of their daily wages and some contribution by government.

11. Rewarding innovations: Innovator in science and technology must be properly rewarded through financial incetives, tax reforms and recognition to create and promote a culture of innovation. 

12. Employment generation: Vacant posts in government and PsUs should be filled after rationalization of the posts. Focus should be there on establishment of more micro, small and medium enterprizes (MSMEs) through fanancial incentives and tax benefits that will create employment. More high class technical training institutes for skilled manpower should be opened so that they can get good employment in other countries.

Though modi 3.0 goverment is a bit constrained to take bold decisions due to relatively poor strength of BJP in 18th Lok sabha. However, if these above mentioned issues are addressed properly which are doable, then NDA can really contribute a lot to make India a developed nation by 2047 without compromising much with its allied partners. And hopefully, PM Modi will move forward towards overall development of India with same vigour and determination in his third tenure also. However, PM Modi will not deviate from its goal under pressure of allies, and if pressure of allies is unmanageable, he may sacrifice his government and go for a fresh mandate.

 The bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria on 1st April 2024 by Israel as alleged that killed a top Iranian commander and some others has begun a new turning point in the relationship between Iran and Israel. If the allegation of Iran is true, then it is the first time that these two countries have entered into direct armed conflict. So far before this, both Iran and Israel have been using their proxies and other hidden assets against each other. Iran responded to the attack on its embassy in Damascus with a massive attack on Israel on 13th April using about 300 drones and missiles. However, the Iranian attack was very well defended by Israel and its allies. In response to the Iranian attack, Israel attacked Isfahan and a few other cities in Iran on 19th April 2024. Isfahan is strategically a very crucial location where the nuclear facilities of Iran are located. Both Iran and Israel have downplayed the impact of the attack on their soil.


It appears that Israel wanted to instigate Iran to attack Israel and test its power. Therefore, Iran was compelled to retaliate and it did so by attacking Israel to save its prestige especially among its follower and Islamic world. In warfare, two things play an important role - one is the willpower of top leadership and the other is the availability of war resources in terms of quality and quantity. As far as Iran is concerned, its population is almost ten times that of Israel, and the size of the fighting force of Iran is large. The positive point with Israel is that its civilian population is well trained to take up arms in need of hours. As far as the Army and Navy of Iran are concerned it has an edge over Israel in terms of manpower and capital assets. However, the Air Force of Israel has an edge over Iran in terms of weapons, equipment, and platform. The superiority of the air power of Israel may overpower the superiority of the Army and Navy of Iran. Moreover, Israel has possessed a very advanced weapon system compared to Iran. Therefore, this war game shifts in favour of Israel, and realising this, Israel is more in offensive mode. However, realizing the military superiority of Israel, Iran does not want to escalate the war. As far as Israel is concerned, the U.S. is putting pressure on Israel not to escalate the war. This is perhaps due to the forthcoming Presidential election in the U.S. that the U.S. does not want to get involved in the two-front indirect war with Russia and Iran. 


If overt war between Iran and Israel further escalates, realignment of power in the Middle East may take place leading to regional conflict. If this regional conflict escalates then the U.S. and NATO will be dragged into this war leading to a third world war. If large-scale war erupts in the Middle East, mainly supply of energy and many other resources will be adversely affected leading to an economic crisis in many parts of the world. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the countries of the Middle East to ensure that this conflict between Israel and Iran could not become a regional war crippling the global economy. Therfore, it is in the interest of entire world including Iran and Israel that Iran and Israel stop this conflict. And if it is not possible they can revert back to proxy war which is less detrimental. 

On January 16th, 2024, Iran launched missile strikes into Pakistan's Baluchistan province hitting two strongholds of the anti-Iran insurgent group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) who were responsible for killing personnel of Iranian security forces in December 2023. Pakistan considered it a compromise of its sovereignty by Iran, and Pakistan launched strikes on separatist militants inside the Sistan Baluchistan Province of Iran in a retaliatory attack after two days on January 18th, 2024. The timing of this skirmish between Pakistan and Iran is important in the background of ongoing conflicts in West Asia and elsewhere as the Baloch problem is not new, but more than 75 years old problem. Baloch consider that they are a separate region and their country is occupied by Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, and a major portion of their land is occupied by Pakistan. Concurrently Iran is also in conflict with Iraq and Syria.



We need to look into this problem right from the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict which started on February 24th, 2022. It is well known fact that Ukraine is fighting a proxy war with Russia on behalf of the U.S. which was estimated to be resolved soon, but it has already dragged on for about two years. This conflict brought Russia more closer to China to meet some of its requirements for war. For the last few years, there has been a cold war-like situation between the U.S. and China on economic and strategic issues. Moreover, there has been a strained relationship between the U.S. and Iran for long. This has made Russia, Iran, and China very good allies and strategic partners.



Dragging of the Russia-Ukraine conflict due to continuous support of the U.S. and West to Ukraine, it has become very difficult for Russia to conclude this war favourably due to a shortage of war supplies. Under such circumstances, it is very likely for Russia to fall back on allies for support. Russia is primarily taking support of China to meet its war supply requirement and North Korea is also supporting Russia at the behest of China. As far as Iran is concerned, to support Russia with its conflict with Ukraine, Iran unleashed its allied extremist groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi against Israel, a very close ally of the U.S. so that resources of the U.S. and West are divided in two front proxy war. More than three months have passed since the Hamas-Israel conflict started, still, Hamas is still not decimated and it's increasing the problems of Israel.



Jaish al-Adl is backed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. It is quite logical that the U.S. used Jaish al-Adl to provoke Iran to attack them on Pakistani soil to open another front of war for Iran. On cue from the U.S., Pakistan would have retaliated and attacked Iran. Pakistan took it as an opportunity to improve its trust and relations with the U.S. and get some financial assistance which is a dire need of Pakistan.

Now the expansion of the conflict is moving towards criticality as many flash points of conflicts such Korean peninsula, Taiwan-China, and South China Sea conflicts exist.  If it is not contained timely, it may lead to another World War which is unaffordable as many countries are armed with nuclear weapons.

As Netanyahu has indicated it will be a long-drawn war, which indicates that heavy casualties will be inflicted on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Israel is a military power with a strong state with advanced defence manufacturing capabilities. Therefore, Israel will inflict heavy causalities on Palestinians in Gaza. There are a number of countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, Algeria, and Libya, etc. that are overt sympathizers and supporters of Hamas. Iran and Qatar are in a position to provide material support to Hamas to fight war. similarly, the U.S., the UK, the UAE and many of the countries are in support of Israel. If allies of Hamas support escalating or extending the war, they will do great damage to Palestinians and region also. It is better in the interest of Palestinians that Israeli hostages are returned safely as soon as possible and normalcy is restored as soon as possible. In case, the supporter or sympathisers of Hamas engage in war it will be very detrimental to the entire region West Asia. The United Nation should take actions immediately to diffuse the situation as early as possible so that peace could be established in the region.

After successful launching of Indian Moon Mission Chandrayan-3 by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), it appears that space race among the nations has again caught up the speed for moon mission. India launched its Chandrayaan-3 Mission of 14^th July, 2023 that successfully soft landed on 23^rd August near South Pole of the Moon, and India became first country to land near South Pole of the Moon though India was a late entrant in moon missions. Thanks to Ex-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who envisioned moon mission of India and announced Chandrayaan-1 Mission in 2003 which was launched in 2008 after considerable delay. Soon after this, Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos launched its Moon Mission Luna-25 hurriedly on 10^th August, 2023, that was schedule to land 19^th August near Lunar South Pole, well before landing of Chandrayan-3. But Luna-25 failed in orbital maneuver and its lander crashed on the moon, making the mission unsuccessful. Again, on 7^th September 2023, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched its moon Mission, “Moon Sniper’ which is likely to land on the Moon in February, 2024.

If we look at the history of Moon Missions launched by various countries, there are about 146 successful, partially successful or unsuccessful Moon Missions that have been launched since 1958, by 11 countries if Soviet Union and Russia is considered the same. Different countries have achieved different milestones in moon exploration right from Flyby, Orbit, Impact, Lander, Rover, Return to Crew Landing in the lunar mission. The U.S. achieved crew landing; Russia and China returned space vehicle; India could send Lander and Rover; Japan, Israel, Luxembourg and European Space Agency (ESA) could send impactor; South Korea could sent orbiter; and Italy could send flyby. Maximum number of lunar missions were launched during the Cold War period, and number of lunar missions launched were 13, 63 and 23 in late 1950s, 1960s and 1970s respectively. All these lunar missions from late 1950s to 1970s were launched by Soviet Union and the U.S. The number of lunar mission launched by Soviet Union and the U.S. were almost equal. These lunar missions used to be proxy of power projection by both the superpowers i.e. Soviet Union and the U.S. in a bipolar world during Cold War. After that, race for lunar mission declined and there was no mission launched in 1980s during the period when Soviet Union was disintegrated and Cold War ceased to exist. Again in 1990s, lunar mission again started and picked up decade after decade.

Now considering the launch of lunar mission by Russia within a month and by JAXA within two months clearly indicates that space race for lunar mission has intensified. The reason for launch of lunar mission Luna-25 in hurry by Russia at this moment is not convincing when Russia is engaged in war with Ukraine, as space technology is a dual technology where these resources could be used for war preparedness and moreover, economic condition of Russia is not good due to economic sanctions by West. The aim of launching Luna-25 was the same as that of Chandrayan-3 to become first country to soft land near South Pole of the moon. Russia is a friendly country to India, so there is no competition between India and Russia on this issue at this point of time when Russia has many other important priorities. However, Russia is friendlier to China, and Russia is under compulsions to follow the advice of China willingly or unwillingly imposed by Ukraine war and sanctions by West at this moment. It is possible that China might have advised Russia to launch Luna-25 so that India could not become first country to soft land near the South Pole of the Moon. However, India won the race on this account and ambition of China to let down India could not be fulfilled.

Japan is competitor to both Russia and China in strategic issues. Therefore, Japan also entered into this race taking lessons from debacle of Luna-25, and sending its mission cautiously taking adequate time. After India confirmed the availability of water in lunar mission Chandrayaan-1, many countries are seeing the possibility of economic activities on the moon. Therefore, many countries will launch their moon mission shortly speeding up the race.

The US which was global manufacturing hub till first decade of 21st century is currently at number two position after China. Manufacturing sector contributes around 12 percent in the US economy employing around 11 percent of its population. If the US has to serve the twin objectives of remaining at the top of global economy and provide adequate employment to its people, it has to increase its share of manufacturing in its total GDP.  Earlies a lot manufacturing operations was shifted from the US to China to cut the labour cost and carbon emission, and to have easy access to bigger market. And in this process, the US manufacturing sector has shrunk creating job loss and unemployment. However, in the backdrop of emerging global scenario of climate change and fulfilling the commitments under the Paris Agreement, the US should focus more on renewable and clean energy. Now renewable energy and other clean sources of energy has become quite competitive with fossil fuels, the US should heavily invest in these clean and renewable sources of energy. Similarly, the US should also make an attempt to establish green field or brown field  employing energy efficient technologies to make the manufacturing sector cost competitive and climate compliant under the Paris Agreement.

World is facing a series of problems since last three years when Wuhan virus pandemic took into its grip the entire world leading to lockdown resulting in global economic recession. Employment has shrunk, and arranging livelihood has become difficult for many across the world. Still many countries have not come out of trauma of COVID-19 despite amelioration in pandemic situation. Many parts of the world are further adversely affected by climate change putting heavy economic burden on people and dimnishing sourse of livelihood. Now Russia-Ukraine conflict has posed big problem for energy and food security for entire world, and that's why PM Modi said to President Putin during SCO meeting that this is not the time for war. When global problems are looming large, then countries should come together to fight these global problems collectively. Therefore, countries must come together to stop this war without any prejudice, and without taking any side of these two countries so that world could achieve normalcy and condition of people across globe could be improved.

On 14th June 2022, Indian Ministry of Defence announced "Agnipath Scheme" for recruitment of soldiers as "Agniveers" in various branches of operations such as general duty, technical and nursing etc. in all the three wings of armed forces. The age limit for recruitment is 17.5 to 21 years with qualification ranging from non-matric to 10+2 depending on the branch of recruitment. This recruitment will be for a period of 4 years only where they will be paid monthly salary and at end of 4 years term they will be paid a sum of Rs 11.7 Lakh. Moreover 25 % of the recruitee will be given further an extention of 15 years. Many of the remaining 75% may be potential candidates for recruitment in Central Armed Police Forces(CAPF) and State Police Forces(SPF), and other security services and non-security services in private sector.

"Agnipath Scheme" of Govt. of India would be a game changer for security forces as well as youths of India as it will provide multiple benefits and opportunities to both security forces and youths. Through this scheme, armed forces will be benefitted from young, strong and technically savvy security forces at reasonable cost. It will enhence the employment opportunities to youths in other public and private sector due to acquired skills in defence, discipline, teamwork and physical fitness. Those who wish to pursue higher studies or start an enterprize after end of 4 years tenure will have adequate financial resources with them to fulfill their future dreams. In addition to that country will have a reserves force of militarily trained civilians which can be drafted into armed forces immediately during time of crisis. More importantly, it will create a large number of disciplined and well trained civilians in society.

There are some politically motivated demostration against this scheme is going on in some parts of the country which is against the national interest. The government should deal it with iron hands and implement this scheme at earliest.

The invasion of Russia on Ukraine in the last week of February 2022 is really an unfortunate incidents, not only for peace in Eurasia, but also for peace and stability in the entire world. But, a holistic view on the issue must be taken. For more than two century, Ukraine has been with the Czarist Russia or erstwhile USSR, before its disintegration. Western power takes pride and credit for disintegration of USSR, however, the truth is different. Disintegration of USSR was well thought of programme of USSR herself under Gorbachev for the betterment of Russia and other constituent members states of USSR with a hope that western world would support their efforts. However, the western world that always despised Russia despite its sacrifices made in previous two world wars supporting western world, started ridiculing Russia for disintegration of USSR, instead of supporting it in its developmental goal. Moreover, they started to decimate Russia politically, economically and strategically. They also started admitting member countries of erstwhile USSR such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in NATO creating a perceived threat to Russia. Ukraine also wanted to follow the same suite on the instigation of western powers despite the fact that both Russia and Ukraine have many things common to a great extent as far as ethnicity, language and culture, etc. are concerned. 

But, after disintegration of USSR and seeing the attitude of western world, Russia again started to consolidate its military power and emerged even more powerful militarily and diplomatically than USSR under Putin regime. Ukraine under Zelensky should have pursued his developmental goal for Ukraine without antagonizing Russia for its intent to join NATO. However, Zelensky displayed political immaturity by trusting and playing in the hands of western power. Now he and his country is paying heavy price for that in form of military action from Russian side where there is no crdible support to Ukraine from Western world except lip services.

It is in the news that National Security Adivsor of Pakistan under the government of PM Imran Khan is coming with a new security policy where improving relations with neighbouring countries are being envisaged. The major focus of this security policy is said to be hinged on economic security. The immediate neighbours of Pakistan are India, Afghanistan, Iran and China sharing boundries. The relations of Pakistan with India is well known for its animosity since creation of Pakistan in 1947, and Kashmir issue. Pakistan considers  China as a all weather friend. However, relations with China has started souring over CPEC, and incidents in Balochistan over Chinese national. Relations of Pakistan with responsinble government in Afghanistan has been of distrust, and Durand Line is another issue. Relations with Iran has always been vacillating due to sectarian Islamic politics. Pakistan is in dire economic crisis. Donations and loans from its previous benefactors have stopped pouring in. Economy is in bad shape with poor performance of industries. Under these circumstances, Pakistan is looking for trade with neighbouring countries to ameliorate its economic hardship. However, to have trade with neighbouring countries, relation has to be improved winning trust. India is a very big market in vicinity of Pakistan, with which it can trade economically and efficiently. And perhaps, India is in focus of this new security policy covertly. However, there are three independent forces in Pakistan that affect foriegn policy, and that are government, military and militant religious groups. All these three groups have different level of animosity towards India. Even if, Pakistani government is able to take military on board in its efforts towards improving the relations with India, it will be difficult to take on board religion based militant organization who have been nurtured on hatred towards India for generations. And the same sentiments have been echoed by PM Imran Khan against India since he came in power. Under these circumstance, will the PM Imran Khan have courage to say militant organizations to improve relations with India?

The US President Biden has announced recently that the US forces will withdraw from Afghanistan from 11th September 2021. The withdrawal of the US forces without amicable settllement of the governance issues and sharing of political power between Afghan government and the Talibans would have very severe implications and unpleasant consequences imposing heavy cost  not only to Afghanistan, but entire South Asia and many other countries across the globe. The outcome of the peace talk sheduled to be held in Turkey in the last week of April 2021 is not known as it will have some bearing on peaceful withdrawal of American forces Afghanistan and aftermath.

Taliban controls about 20 percent of the Afghan territory with some 60,000 to 80,000 permanent fighters. Afghan government at Kabul control around 30 per cent of Afghan territory. Rest of the territory is contested between both Afghan government and Taliban. Though Taliban is more or less spread in entire Afghanistan in pockets but, but its power and strength is concentrated in South East provinces of Helmand, Kandahar, and Uruzgan which is very near to Pakistan border. On resource front, Talibans are well placed as they control business of around US$ 400 billions from cultivation and trade of opium and its derivatives. Apart from this, they get covert funding support from many countries including Pakistan through ISI. On financial front, condition of Afghan government in Kabul is not good as around 70 percent of the expenditure of Afghan government comes from donations from other countries. India too has contributed substantially in developmental projects in Afghanistan in schools, hospitals, dam, electricity, parliament building and other humanitarian activities etc.

Once the withdrawal of the US forces takes place without amicable sttlement of power sharing/transfer issues between Afghan government and Pakistan, Taliban will take control of entire Afghanistan, and there will be blood bath in Afghanistan. Talibans will settle scores with those who are in and with Afghan government as per Shariya law and tribal culture that means many public executions will take place. Many people from Afghan government will flee the country or defect towards Taliban. As Taliban proposes to set up an emirate for governance of Afghanistan, where Emir will be chosen by religious leaders, and Emir will govern as per strict Shariaya laws and as per local tribal practices. Condition of women and education will further degrade. Many Afghan families will try to flee Afghanistan. Who gives maximum political assylum to Afghans this time has to be seen as Pakistan is already struggling with Afaghan refugees of Mujahidin period.

ISI of Pakistan has influence over Afghan Taliban. Once Taliban come to power and settles, Pakistan would try to use the Afghan Taliban against India. The major issue that Pakistan would capitalise to convince the Taliban for terrorist activities against India is repeal of Art 370 which they will project as forced annexation of Jammu and Kashmir. But, only good point is that Pakistan is in very bad financial conditions and politically isolated in even many Islamic countries, so perhaps the influence of Pakistan on Taliban may not be strong. What will be the response of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan on the rise of Afghan Taliban will also decide future outcome as both Tehereek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Afghan Taliban also don't get along with each other. However, it appears that control of Afghan by Taliban is not going to be good for India, Iran and even Pakistan. They may also create problem for Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Of course, US will be another target for revenge.  

Artificial intelligence(AI), one of most potent tool of digital era and robotics are going to change the  world soon as never thought and seen before. Economy, politics, society, education, security, geopolitics, healthcare and many other aspects of life  are going to have big change due to the power of AI and Robotics. Unfortunately India is for behind the US and China who are two big players in the field of AI. The US is still at the top in AI and China is next. China dreams of catching up with the US by 2025 in this field and to overtake by 2030. However, growing power of China in AI is worrisome for many due to due to suspicion and irresponsible role. However, some of the major changes that will take place are expected to be on following lines: 

1. AI will help China further in strengthening authoritarianism. However, major power behind AI is access to data. China has access to global data, but has smartly secured its own data by blocking google, facebook etc in China and having its own platform and network such as Baidu. India also need to learn from China and follow the same suite as soon as possible to protect its data.

2. Emerging scenario of digital divide coupled with divided political ideologies are heralding a new era of more intense cold war. Quad of the US, Australia, Japan and India; and EU may join hands together against china and its allies due to suspicion and mistrust. And rest of the countries will join one or the other group for their survival.

3. The globalization will be reduced to fragmented groups of countries. Role and influence of multilateral organization like United Nations will be reduced. It may be required to undergo a massive restructuring or reforms.

4. Digital technology is going to have a big impact on functioning of state, be it democratic or authoritarian. While democratic states will be facing information war internally leading to confusion, conflict, chaos and unpredictable political outcomes, however, the authoritarian states will strengthen its grip on governance of people.

5.On economic front, there will be more acquisitions, mergers and takeover of small companies with the digitally powerful big ones. In near future, I foresee many complex programming or coding jobs will be taken over by AI system itself. Now AI systems have started writing beautiful thought provoking articles. Unemployment is going to be a big issue in both manufacturing and service sectors. Jobs of taxi drivers will be taken over by autonomous vehicles, and delivery boy's jobs will be taken over by drones. Manufacturing sector's jobs will be taken over by robots and office jobs will be taken over by Alexa and other AI system. Future is highly dynamic and to some extent unpredictable too.

6. AI assisted systems will play major role in warfare. Network and data security will be of prime concern in the overall security architecture adversely affecting globalization.

7. There will be qualitative improvement in education and healthcare sectors leveraging the power of AI.

8. In fact, every aspect of life is going to be impacted in varying degree.

However, the countries who will lag behind in catching up with the development and use of AI will have big disadvantage in today's globalized world and it will difficult to catch up with those who are currently leading in AI.

The recent peace deal between the UAE and Israel is a very important event in West Asia. This deal is very important for Israel as first gulf nation has given a sort of legitimacy to Israel after seven decades of its formation. This deal is also a very big achievement for the US who brokered this deal and took it to the desired conclusion. This has also lifted the image of Trump on the foreign policy front and may help Trump in forthcoming elections in November 2020.  Israel is technologically most advance nation in the Middle East, and UAE may get benefitted by access to advance technology of Israel that will help in restructuring and diversifying its economy that is heavily dependent oil and gas. If this UAE-Israel deal deepens to the strategic level, it will pose threat to Iran due to physical proximity between the UAE and Israel. Israel who is brother-in-arm of the US can keep a close watch on Iran from UAE and perhaps this may be the desired proposition for many of the gulf states to contain Iran in the Middle East affairs. Now, Turkey was emerging as a third pole in the Islamic world aspiring to be calif of the Islamic world, but, this new equation will shatter this dream of Turkey also. 

Covid-19 pandemic has badly affected the entire world on all fronts including economy except perhaps China who is being considered a perpetrator for this pandemic due to some ulterior motives. This has been unequivocally stated by the US Prez Trump repeatedly and the same has been overtly or covertly endorsed by many leaders across the globe. India is also a big sufferer due to this COVID-19 pandemic. In such a huge country like India,  due to the lock-down, millions of migrant workers were forced to take the arduous journey of thousands of kilometres from the place of their work to their native places as the employment of these migrant workers dwindled drastically to almost seizer during the initial period of lockdown. India is also hit hard economically by COVID-19. Many institutions and experts are making wild guesses about the contraction of the Indian economy. World Bank has recently projected contraction of Indian economy to 3.2 per cent. 

Electricity production/consumption is a major indicator of economic activity in a country and the same is true for India too. So, the major changes in month wise electricity consumption may be used safely to predict the contraction of the Indian economy. During the month of April, May and June of 2020  electricity consumption have reduced to 25.37, 17.57 and 11.87 respectively compared to the same months in 2019.  In India, the consumption of electricity in the domestic sector is around 24.2 per cent. Due to lock-down, domestic consumption of electricity would have not gone down as people were entrapped in their houses. Rather, it would have increased slightly. Therefore, in the study of the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian economy, domestic consumption of electricity needs to be offset in the analysis assuming that no economic activity is taking place at home.  Therefore, after offsetting the domestic consumption,  during the month of April, May and June of 2020  electricity consumption have reduced to 32.59, 22.38 and 15.11 per cent respectively compared to the same months in 2019. But, the way electricity consumption is picking up, it appears by end of September 2020, it will be levelled off with 2019 and then GDP growth rate may pick up. My prediction is that GDP growth rate for India for 2020-21 will be somewhere 1 to 1.5 per cent compared to 2019-20 if further nothing unusual happens on the part of COVID-19.   

However, during this pandemic, saving human lives are of paramount importance over GDP growth rate. India needs to take lessons from a war-torn economy for economic development as the current situation is also a warlike situation as it is a manifestation of some sort of covert biological warfare. Therefore, the government needs to focus on food security, universal health care and also territorial security due to unforeseen and unfortunate situation prevailing along LAC ( line of actual control). The agriculture sector needs to be given top priority by providing fertilizer, seeds, agricultural implements and capital to farmers. Health care and defence industries also require full attention. The hotel and local transport industries are in bad shape and this should be re-structured to be integrated into the health care industry so that these assets do not become a non-performing asset and contribute to economy.

The beginning of the year 2020 was very bad for the entire world due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Perhaps, this is the worst pandemic that the world has seen in the last century after Spanish flue in 1918. This pandemic has paralysed almost the entire world and more than two-thirds of the global population is holed up in their houses as precautionary measures. All the economic and social activities have almost come to stand still accept essential food chain supply, pharmaceuticals and health care products, municipal and security services.

The genesis of COVID-19 can’t be commented with certainty at this point in time.  However, there is no doubt that it spread from Wuhan city of China. Interestingly, Wuhan also hosts the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences of China since 1956 that works in five major research fields: 1.etiology and epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases; 2.molecular virology; 3. immunovirology; 4.analytical pathogen microbiology; and 5.agricultural and environmental microbiology. It is also suspected that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was also involved in the development of highly contagious and deadly virus for biological warfare. This type of suspicion has been categorically stated by the US President Trump. However, China denies the same and attributes it to bats as a career of this virus that is sold in the wet market of Wuhan. Whether COVID-19 spread deliberately or accidentally from the lab of Wuhan Institute of Virology or spread from the wet market of Wuhan, it spread from Wuhan in early November 2019. If China deliberately spread this virus, then the act of China is unforgivable by the world community. However, if it spread accidentally from the lab or from the wet market, still there are serious lapses on the part of China due to not taking adequate measures to lock down the movement of people to and from China and more specifically from Wuhan and sharing the information with the rest of world so that they could have taken measures timely to contain this pandemic.

Since Wuhan Institute of Virology has extensively worked on SARS, and COVID-19 is a virus of the same family, therefore, it may be also suspected that China was aware of the consequences of the spread of COVID-19 and also knew the methods to contain it in time bound manner which other parts of the world didn’t have. This may be well thought of strategy of China to spread this pandemic across the globe starting from their place so that people may not suspect China. In this process, economic activities across the globe will be paralyzed and whoever comes out quickly from this COVID-19 trap would take a lead in the global economy. The one who knows better about the consequences and methods of quick containment or control of this virus will be able to come out of this quickly and resume normal economic activities. And this happened with only China who recovered quickly and started taking over many companies across the globe in a short span of time when the entire world is struggling with COVID-19 problem shutting down their economic activities.

If all these suspicions gets proved in due course of time after fair trial for genocide, then the sin of China is really unforgivable and China must be brought to books by the nations across the world, and  China must be forced to pay reparation along with other penalties.    

In the month of December 2019, both the houses of parliament passed a bill relating to amendments to Citizenship Act which has become The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The main feature of this Act is that it permits Indian citizenship to religious minorities consisting of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Parasee religions belonging to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came before 2014. This consideration has been made on the basis of religious persecutions of these minorities in theocratic countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan neighbouring India.

It is a well-known fact that at the time of partition of India, both India and Pakistan committed to fully protect the rights of the minorities in their respective countries. M A Jinnah was also on records to have stated the same in his public speech. However, Pakistan which was demanded and created on the basis of religion could not hold the promises of Jinnah to provide protection to the rights of minorities in  Pakistan. Even Pakistan could not deal fairly with Bengali Muslims and other sects within Islam. There was rampant abduction and forced conversion of Hindu and other girls of the minority communities in Pakistan which is the worst kind of persecution. The Hindu population in Pakistan shrunk from 23 per cent to about 2 per cent since the partition of India in 1947. Perhaps the people of minority communities made a wrong choice by staying in Pakistan hoping that they will not be discriminated and persecuted due to their religion, but they and their descendants suffered a lot. Thus, India as a responsible country must provide asylum and citizenship to the minority communities of these countries as they were their own people prior to independence who have no other choice except India. For Muslims of Pakistan and Bangladesh already there is no case for religious persecution. And even if sub-sects of Muslim is discriminated based on its particular sub-sect, it should be treated as their internal matter. 

The minorities in Sri Lanka and Myanmar can not be compared with minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan as formers are not the theocratic countries with particular state religion as their later counterparts. That is why perhaps they have not been included in this Act even though the sizeable proportion of the population of Hindu and other minority communities are there in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. However, some political parties with vested interest and leaders from other countries are creating confusion, intimidation and sense of deprives among minority community and particularly among Muslims in India which has led to widespread demonstrations, protest, arson in India leading to many losses of lives. Some of the people including Muslims in India should understand and accept wholeheartedly the rationale and spirit behind this Act and should refrain from playing as a pawn in hands of few political parties and foreign powers with their vested interest.

On 6th December 2019, four accused in the gangrape and murder case of a veterinary doctor were killed in an encounter by Hyderabad police in India while recreating the scene of the incident of gangrape and gruesome murder with accused when accused tried to flee snatching the gun of the police. Some people raised questioned on this encounter. However, in various parts of the country, the encounter was applauded and celebrated especially by women folks. Perhaps, they saw quick delivery of justice in this encounter.  If these accused really tried to flee snatching gun and consequently, and police killed them in self-defence, then it is what these criminals deserved. But, if it is a planned encounter by police as some people raise a doubt, then it is not the only an encounter of four criminals, but also of the judiciary. Normally, these criminals accused of gangrape and murder should have been hanged with the proper judicial process if charges were proved. However, the long-drawn judicial process and the high cost of justice undermine the justice delivered, as the adage goes as justice delayed is justice denied. Especially in criminal cases like rape and murder where a victim's family loses a life and honour both, the grief, sorrow and sense of injustice to the victim and victim's family multiply many times. And if the justice is not delivered in a reasonable time, the victim feels justice denied. Judiciary and governments should take a lesson from this incident and put more judicial infrastructure in place and deliver quick justice by fixing a deadline for delivering justice. In such cases, many victims belong to lower economic background and cost involved in the long-drawn judicial process is very which they can't afford and not only loses the case but also lose their trust in the judiciary. In such type of cases, the government need to think of simplifying the court procedures and abolish any court fee, and the victim may be provided free legal aid. Perhaps, this may inculcate confidence and trust among common people about the judiciary.

On 27th October 2019, the US President Trump announced the killing of dreaded terrorist and chief of ISIS, Abu Bakar Baghdadi by the US armed forces. Perhaps, Trump may reap the rich dividends of the killing of Baghdadi in the next presidential election to be held in 2020 as President Obama reaped benefits of winning the US presidential election held in 2012 by killing another terrorist Osama Bin Laden, head of Al Qaeda in 2011. Now, the question arises that whether killings of heads of terrorist organizations like Baghdadi and Osama will eradicate terrorism from the world map. The answer is no, such incidents will subdue the terrorist activities for certain time, but it may resurface again when the politically opportune moment exists. It may appear in the name of some new organization. The major reason for terrorism is the clash of ideologies. The root cause of clash of ideologies for terrorism lies in the real or perceived sense of deprivation, oppression, discrimination, injustice etc met out by one community by other in a country or one country by another country on account of economic, social, political, ethnic, geographical, historical, cultural, linguistic, religious issues. As far as the clash of ideologies on social, cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious issues are concerned that can be addressed through reforms in the education system especially in primary and secondary education by modifying the curriculum that nurtures respect for diversity of religion, culture, ethnicity, and language etc.  As far as economic, political and geographical issues for clashes are concerned, they can be addressed by and large by having more and truer democratic governments. Here the citizens, world community, and international organizations like the UN can also play a big role. Sometimes truer democracies do not fight among themselves, but they fight a proxy war in other countries which are mostly in poor and undemocratic countries. As an example, Hillery Clinton has categorically stated and admitted in a TV interview of instituting and supporting terrorism by the US in Afghanistan against erstwhile USSR for strategic gains. However, the backlash of nurturing terrorism was also faced by the US in form of 9/11 terror attack and Pakistan also in multiple terrorist attacks, apart from the scourge of terrorism faced by the USSR and Afghanistan. This needs to be learnt by countries who support terrorism for their short term strategic gains. 

Industry 4.0 is a buzz word among big industries, academia and policymakers nowadays. It is considered as Fourth Industrial Revolution. The First Industrial Revolution started in the eighteenth century (1784) with the invention and use of steam power and water power that led to an increase in production and profit. The Second Industrial Revolution started in the late nineteenth century (1870) employing the use of electricity and assembly line in industries leading to mass production. The Third Industrial Revolution started in the second half of the nineteenth century (1969) that was characterised by the use of computerization and automation in industries. The fourth Industrial Revolution led by developed countries and more specifically by Germany envisages the use of the cyber-physical-biological system with the use of robotics, automatic guided vehicles, artificial intelligence, big data analysis, machine learning, cloud computing and internet of thing (IoT) and human-machine interface etc. 

The main features of Industry 4.0 are sensing, collecting and processing a large amount of data in the production process for machine-based decision and implementation. Though this system has got some added advantages like the elimination of human error, efficient use of assets and other resources increasing productivity and quality, but in this process, it will replace the human labour to a great extent. Moreover, the higher ratio of skilled manpower to semi-skilled and unskilled manpower will be required in Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 may be useful for developed countries like Germany, Japan, US and other developed countries who are facing the problem of labour shortage due to the dwindling young population and high labour cost, and therefore, they are compelled to import labour from third world countries to fuel their economies which are in-turn creating many other social and political problem in host countries. Therefore, Industry 4.0 is being considered as a tool to address this issue by many developed countries. However, this may not be the case with countries like India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran etc who have a large young population seeking employment.

However, countries like Germany who has invested a lot in research and development (R&D) in developing technologies and system required for Industry 4.0 would like to have a reasonable return on their investment. They can't get an adequate return on their investment by employing these technologies only in developed countries. Therefore, they would try to create new markets and developing countries are the potential market where they will try to market these technologies vigorously. However, in order to catch up with the emerging technologies used in Industry 4.0, developing countries like India should employ these technologies in a limited way. India should adopt Industry 4.0 very selectively and cautiously in those industries only where the safety of human being, health hazards and quality and precision in products due to human error is an issue.  

     In the recent time, India faced one of the biggest terrorist attack on 14th February 2019 at Pulwama on security personnel killing about 44 people. This attack was claimed by Jaish-e- Mohammed (J-e-M), a Pakistan based terrorist organization which is being nurtured and used by some of the army establishments of Pakistan to serve their strategic interest. India responded to Pulwama terror attack by aerial bombing of training camp of Jaish-e- Mohammed in Balakot in Pakistan on 26^th February 2019 destroying terror infrastructure.  Next day on 27^th February 2019, Pakistan rattled with anger on air strike in Balakot attempted air strike on security installations in India that was scuttled by Indian Air Force. In this process, one F-16 fighter aircraft of Pakistan and one MIG-21 aircraft of India were destroyed, and one pilot of Indian Air Force was captured by Pakistan. However, captured pilot was returned to India under Geneva convention under threating by India and pressure from international community. Pak P M Imran Khan showed restrain and displayed pragmatism by releasing Indian Air Force pilot to deescalate tension between India and Pakistan. However, cross-border firing across LoC between India and Pakistan continued.

     Pakistan very well know that in conventional warfare, they can’t match India and that’s why they resort to cross border terrorism. Given the prevailing economic condition in Pakistan, reduction in  aid to Pakistan and growing international influence of India, it again becomes more difficult for Pakistan to sustain war against India.

     The biggest predicament of Pakistan is that after Gen Zia, there have never been civilian control of democratically elected governments on military. Defence and foreign policy in Pakistan is tightly controlled and dictated by Pak military in addition to intervention in affairs other areas of government. The main reason for this is that Pakistani people never beheld Pakistani political class in high esteem due to plethora of reasons including rampant corruption, nepotism, insensitivity to aspirations masses etc. Therefore, Pakistani people reposed more confidence in Pak military establishment compared to political class. That is how civilian government lost control on military. Now it has become culture in Pakistan that even it will be difficult for even responsible civilian government in Pakistan to control army. In order to prove themselves relevant in public eyes Pak military needs to create a sense of fear in Pakistani public from neighbouring countries even by provoking and intervening in the affairs of neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, India and Iran through terrorist activities. Now, game of terror and counter-terror activities is changing, and India is responding to terrorist activities sponsored by Pakistan with iron hand including imposition of various kinds of sanctions including economic one. Now it is in the interest of Pakistani people to understand and repose more confidence in civilian government. A strong civilian government can propel economic growth. Perhaps Pakistan can learn lesion from Bangladesh as how they are on path of rapid economic growth in recent times.

As per WHO the ratio of doctor to population should be 1:1000. However, in India, this ratio is around 1:1675. Moreover, most of the doctors are confined to urban areas leading to highly skewed healthcare services available in the urban and rural divide unfavorable to rural masses. Rural people generally with less income are, therefore, compelled to seek healthcare services at far-off place in a city that increases the financial burden of healthcare. Therefore a two-pronged strategy is required to address this issue. First to increase the number of doctors to meet the ratio prescribed by WHO for 1:1000 ratio of doctor and population, and second to the proportionate distribution of doctors in rural and urban areas.

For increasing the number of doctors, more medical colleges need to be opened. It should be ensured that medical colleges should be opened in a remote rural location where the adequate medical facility is not available. This will ensure that apart from producing more doctors for healthcare, it will provide more healthcare services to rural areas at low cost. Moreover, the number of seats at PG level in existing medical colleges need to be increased so as to cater to the needs of teaching staffs of new medical colleges.

In addition to the above, at the initial stage after graduation doctors must serve at least for three years in rural areas, and those who are aspiring to get enrolled for PG must serve for five years in a rural area. For this, their registration for medical practice should be for a limited period of 3 to 5 years and area specific for practice, and registration should be renewable with a change of place of practice. Even the government can control to some extent the location of practice of a doctor while issuing registration certificates offering top 5 locations for registration where the ratio of doctor to population is very poor.

This arrangement will definitely take care of shortage and skewed distribution of healthcare services in India.  

My book Bharatiya Girmitiya Mazdoor Aur Unke Vanshaj" published by Satsahitya Prakashan, Delhi and marketed by Prabhat

Prakashan New Delhi. The book is also available on amazon.in and amazon.com.

i.

Some of the comments of readers are as follows:

Rakesh Srivastava A very good book indeed to read several times. It reminds me the historical period which Winston Churchill forgot to mention about slavery in his book " History of English Speaking People".

Rakesh Srivastava, Professor of Electrical Engineering, I.I.T. BHU, Varanasi.

Ajai Singh “भारतीय गिरमिटिया मजदूर और उनके वंशज” एक अदभुत रचना है। यह एक ओर हमारे विस्मृत बंधुओं के इतिहास का एक ईमानदार आख्यान है दूसरी ओर व्यक्तिगत पीड़ा की कथा है। पुस्तक बार-बार समिष्ट से व्यष्टि और व्यष्टि से समिष्ट का कलेवर धारण करती रहती है जिससे पठनीयता बहुत बढ़ जाती है।
दिनेश चन्द्र ने बेहद साफगोई से जहां आर्थिक, सामाजिक एवं राजनैतिक कारकों का अध्ययन कर इस विधि सम्मत मानव तस्करी के कारणों को ढ़ूढ़ने का प्रयास किया है वहीं त्याग, बलिदान, संत्रास, एकाकीपन, लघुता, पीड़ा और निरर्थकता जैसी भावनाओं को सीधे-सीधे व्यक्तियों के जीवन परिचय के माध्यम से डाल दिया है। अतः यह पुस्तक इतिहास, उपन्यास और जीवन परिचय के संशिलिष्ट रूप में उभर कर आया है। इसे पढ़कर कई भावनायें मुखरित होती हैं – भारतीय गुलामी का एक बर्बर रूप जिससे प्रायः हम अपरिचित ही है, एक ऐसी प्रथा जिसने आधुनिक गुलामी को कानूनबद्ध कर दिया, ब्रिटिश साम्राज्य का दोहरा चेहरा जो एक ओर गुलामी प्रथा समाप्त करने में विश्व का प्रथम राष्ट्र बनने का सेहरा बांधता है, दूसरी ओर गुलामी को एक दूसरा कानूनी रूप पहनाता है। जिससे उसके आर्थिक हित अक्षुण्ण रहे, भले ही मानवीय मूल्य गर्त में चले जायें।
इस पुस्तक का सर्वाधिक प्रभावी अंश उन भारतीयों की जिजीविषा है जो हजारों मील दूर अपरिचित, अति अमानवीय परिवेश में भी अपने सांस्कृतिक, सामाजिक और धार्मिक मूल्यों को सहेज कर रखते हैं। ये मूल्य जड़ नहीं है अपितु परिवेश से अनुकूलित होते रहते हैं। पुस्तक पढ़कर भारतीय पाठक के मन में एक अपराध भाव भी आता है कि हम अपने प्रवासी बन्धु-बान्धवों को लगभग भुला दिये हैं और मात्र सरकारों की पहल हेतु प्रतीक्षारत हैं।
पात्र तोताराम सनाढ्य, मणिलाल जी प्रशंसनीय है। नारायणी की व्यथा, रामदास की बेबसी, सरजू का स्वप्नभंग, गंगादेई के साथ हुआ विश्वासघात बेहद कारूणिक है। किन्तु ललिया के साथ हुआ विश्वासघात और पति से भौगोलिक समीपता रहते हुए भी आजीवन न देख पाने की क्रूर नियति झिंझोड़ कर रख देती है। इसी प्रकार कुंती का अटल साहस जिसे कविता द्वारा व्यक्त किया गया है :-
“सतियों का धर्म डिगाने को जब, अन्यायियों ने कमर कसी
जल अगम में कुंती कूद पड़ी, पर बही मझधार नहीं”
-जीवन के प्रति आस्था पुर्नस्थापित करती है।
दिनेश चन्द्र जी ने लगभग सभी ऐतिहासिक, विधिक तथ्यों का तमाम सामाजिक बुराईयों के साथ तट्स्थ भाव से समावेश कर दिया है। ऐसा लगता है जैसे कोई शल्य- चिकित्सक अपने प्रिय परिजन की शल्य चिकित्सा कर रहा हो।

Dr Ajai Singh, Additional General Manager, Small Arms Factory, Kanpur.

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Migration from one country to other is an outcome of war, ethnic, religious or linguistic discrimination and sometimes persecution of a particular community in a country or wide gap among countries in level of development, better employment opportunities and living conditions. Though many developed and fast developing countries are facing the problem of illegal migration, but India is worst hit in illegal immigration with more than 10 million illegal immigrants mostly from its eastern front bordering Banladesh. Now a new stream of illegal immigrants Rohingya from Myanmar had started entering in large numbers in India. As per National Registry of Citizen (NRC) around 40,00,000 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are there in Assam alone. Top 10 worst hit countries due to illegal immigrants are 

1. India with more than 10 millions illegal immigrants

2. USA with about 10 millions illegal immigrants

3. Russia with more than 10 millions European and Asian especially Chinese illegal immigrants

4. U K with around 5,50000 to 9,50000 illegal immigrants

5. Germany with around 1,00,000 to 1 millions illegal immigrants

6. Malaysia with about 8,00,000 millions illegal immigrants

7. Brazil with about 7,00,000 illegal immigrants

8. South Korea with more than 1,70,000 illegal immigrants

9. Phillippines with about 1,00,000 illegal immigrants mainly from China

10. Cnada with 35000 to 1,20,000 illegal immigrants

Though some developed country with aging population or low population density may welcome illegal immigrants due to economic reasons, but a over populated country like India definitely suffers a lot due to illegal immigration. Illegal migrants put pressure on limited resources and create law and order problems due to unemployment and poverty. In certain areas where concentration of illegal immigrants are very high, they have created threat to local culture as it happened in Assam.

The reptriation of illegal immigrant is very difficult, because emigrant countries normally do not accept illegal immigrant as their own citizens, and this becomes even more difficult, if a strong and pragmatic bi-lateral treaty is not there between emigrant and immigrant countries on this issue. Therefore, fencing of border and stringent survillience is only way out to check illegal immigration.  

Recently India has surpassed France and has become sixth largest economy in world in terms of nominal GDP. Considering the current growth rate of economy of India and considering the existing gap between GDP of India and UK, it is quite likely that in a year or so India will take over fifth position in world economy surpassing UK. Now the global economy is moving towards knowledge based economy rather than asset based economy. Knowledge base and its application needs to be increased more in  agriculture sector to improve the productivity. Government should invest adequate amount of money in research and development (R&D) in agriculture and distributing the knowldge created through R&D to doorsteps of farmers.  However, in industry sector, focus should be on productivity, quality, cost reduction and venturing into new high tech area of manufacturing and product diversification where India is importer such as manufacturing of advance electronic components and sub-systems, advance metals and materials. This requires two pronged approach: one acquiring best possible advanced technologies availaible across the globe even if it is a bit costlier and other pumpimg about 3 percent of output of the particular sector in R&D. Companies can be given some benefit in tax for money spent in R&D. Service sector is of course doing well, but still scope exists in tourism and health sector. Taking these steps will definitely further improve Indian economy.  

Recently the dissolution of PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has put a question mark on restoring normalcy in Kashmir valley through carrot of development. Kashmiri separatists are now seeking other options for their support and that is Islamic State. However, focus of Kashmiri separatist has been shifting over the years due to bad mishandling of Kashmir issue right from beginning. Earlier, few handful of Kashmiri separatists collaborated with Pakistan/ISI for fulfilling their personal political ambitions of being in prominence in politics of Kashmir. This provided leverage to Pakistan in nurturing terrorism in Kashmir valley and manipulating Kashmir politics against India. After Soviet-Afghan war, Pakistan diverted material and ideological resources to Kashmiri separatists to intensify terrorism in India. This further encourage many other separatists to open new profitable terror shop. This terror shop not only gives money but also recognition to terror shop operators and encourages others to become terrorist. In order to curb terrorism Government should stop flow of illegal funding in Kashmir from outside. Even infrastructure development works should be stop for few years in Kashmir so that extortion money extracted by terrorists from devepmental work could not be generated for funding terrorism. Social media should be banned and government controlled media should only operate and that should promote moderate Sufi Islam and not a fanatic Wahabi Islam. Kashmiri Hindus who has left Kashmir should be rehabilitated in Kashmir by providing self sufficient integrated colonies at various locations in Kashmir valley fully protected by military and paramilitary forces. Even Kashmiri Hindus can trained and armed with weapons for their self defence. A committee of experts on Article 370 of Constitution must be constituted to examine and advise that how people from other parts of India can be settled in Kashmir.

It appears that Kashmiri separatists have been toying with many ideas at different point of time. Initially they wanted separate Kashmir independent from India and Pakistan, then perhaps Kashmir going to Pakistan. However, over the years they have realized that in both the above mentioned options they will fall prey to Pakistan, and India will not let it happen. That's why Kashmiri separatists have gone for other options in desperation i.e. sitting in lap of Islamic State. Hypothetically If Islamic State captures and takes over the Kashmiris, Kashmiris will become second class citizen and life of Kashmiris will become miserable for ages, because there will be cultural invasion in the name of religion that is very painful. Moreover, in times to come Pakistan will pay a heavy price as it will be the next target of Islamic State being a Islamic country in vicinity. 

Reservations in government jobs and admission in educational institution has been provided to some reserve category based on caste after independence. This was initially provided for a limited period of ten years to give opportunity to Schedule Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribes (ST) candidates to improve their scoio-economic status. However, it has gone not only in perpetuity, but has taken in its ambit other groups such as other backward classes(OBC), and many more groups are striving to be a part of these reserved group. Though, it is duty of government to strike a balance between efficiency and equity in governance for balanced development of society, but, the reservation in jobs and education miserably failed in bringing needed societal changes and balanced development of reserved categories even after more than half a century of implementation of reservation. Moreover, especially in government job it reduced the efficiency of government functioning as in a networked group minimum efficiency of an individual determines the efficiency of the group. The main malady of this policy was that particular members of few families of schedule castes and schedule tribes especially got benefited from reservation again and again.  

Government should come out with different policy on upliftment of SC, ST and OBC. The main reason for their underdevelopment is educational backwardness due to their economic incapability. The government should address free of cost education for deserving candidates of these reserved categories. Some of the measures which government should consider to implement are as follows:

1. Those persons who have once got reservation benefits once in government jobs, their children including descendents should not get reservations in government job. This will provide opportunity to get government job to those members of other SC, ST and OBC families who have never got government service. Thus, opportunity will be better dispersed in deprived society.

2. The above should apply to people of reserved categories who pays income tax.

3. There should be no reservation in promotion.

4. There should not be any compromise in merit for reserved category in selection of job. This means that reservation in government job should not post wise, but total number of government post. And they should be provided at any category based on their merit.

5. Free and compulsory primary education must be provided to all the children of 5 years and above of reserved category except children of those who are either in government job or income tax payer. Free education means that they should be provided free lodging, boarding, medical facilities. free books, free clothes etc so that during their primary education they are fully economically independent  on their parents.

6. Top 50 percent students who have completed primary education should be extended this facility up to 8th standard.

7. And above criteria should be extended to further education at higher level such as 50 percent top  students at 8th students should be extended this facility up to 10th standard and so on.

This will be a more holistic model and will be able to provide  education to more children of reserved categories without further creating a divided society among schedule caste, schedule tribes and OBCs.     

Water is one of the most important resources required for survival of human being, animals and plants. Freshwater is very tiny percentage of total water resources available in glaciers, rivers, lakes, underground aquifers, and as a moisture content in soil and air. With growing population and related economic activities, requirements of freshwater is increasing day by day.  With careless economic activities , freshwater is not only being consumed at faster rate, but, the same is being degraded also that is reducing the freshwater availability suitable for use, and thus  putting extra burden on available freshwater resources. Moreover, climate change is causing changing pattern of rainfall in place, time and intensity that virtually reduces the fresh water availability to  suitable for consumption of human or animal settlements and many related economic activities. Moreover, water is a global issue and many freshwaterbodies and resources are shared by multiple countries and  If water is not managed properly, its scarcity will lead to mass migration and in-turn interstate and intra-state war for water.

According to figures released by the World Meteorological Organization(WMO), atmospheric CO₂ concentrations reached 403.3 parts per million. This is the highest level of GHG (green house gases) for at least 3 million years, having climbed by 3.3 ppm relative to the 2015 average. These record greenhouse gas levels are consistent with the observed rise in global average temperatures, which also hit record level in 2016 aspper article published in Energy Post.

For roughly 8,00,000 years ago before industrialisation began in around the year 1750, carbon dioxide levels remained below 280 parts per million, as measured by air trapped in Antarctic ice. Geological records suggest that the last time atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide were similar to current levels was 3-5 million years ago. At that time, the climate was 2-3℃ warmer than today’s average, and sea levels were 10 to 20 metres higher than current levels. It clearly indicates where we are heading to.

It is very unfortunate that even after 25 years of concerted global attempts from Rio Summit in 1992 to date, this issue could not be properly addressed and rise of GHG concentration level and consequently global temperature rise could not be contained despite fully understanding, witnessing the impact of climate change and recognizing its horrific consequences in future usual scenario of GHG emission.

It is clear that governments have collectively failed. In the name of protecting the economy of the country, most of the governments protected the interest of powerful fossil fuel lobbies across the globe at the cost of billions of the people across the globe and their future generations. Now only NGOs, civil societies and common people can address the issue. This is the right time to nationalize the fossil fuel across the globe, and rationing of extraction of fossil fuel could be implemented to put a check on GHG emission.

Beijing became jitterry on recent statements made by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on 19th October,2017 about deepening its relations with India. Beijing warned the United States to drop its bias against China after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington wanted to “dramatically deepen” ties with New Delhi to counter China’s influence in Asia. With growing economic and political might of China, US apprehends that China would challenge political authority of US, and would try to take its place as most powerful country in the world. However, US would not like the same to happen, and to ward-off  growing ambition of China, US will try to contain China by propping up India against China. In US perception, the recent incident of military stand-off at Doklam and also considering past bumpy relations since 1962 have made India a fit case to be fielded against China in order to contain China. Most of the countries bordering China have apprehensions about intent of China of grabbing their territories. Not only that, in many small and poor countries of Asia where China has invested heavily are not feeling comfortable and wants to get out of clutches of China. However, India doesn't  have any such issue with neighbouring countries except Pakistan which is a brunt of British colonialism. India's initiatives under Modi government to have better relations  with China under equal terms  was not honoured by China as evident through its actions in recent past. This makes US  further think of India as a suitable country to be fielded against China. Therefore, United States wants to “dramatically deepen” ties with New Delhi to counter China’s influence in Asia in order to serve its strategic interest. Now, it is to be seen how India acts. However, growing strategic closeness among India, US, Japan and Australia is visible. Similarly, other side Russia, China and Pakistan are gelling strategically.

On 14th September, 2017 foundation stone for first bullet train in India from Ahemdabad to Mumbai was laid by PM Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart PM Shinzo Abe. Bullet train played a vital role in accelerating the economic growth of Japan, when it was first introduced between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964. It increased the speed of delivery of goods, services and reduced the travel time of work force working at distant places, and in turn increasing overall efficiency of economy.

India is vast country compared to Japan, and perhaps having bullet train in India is more relevant than Japan, if efficiency of economy is to be improved by reducing travel and fast delivery of goods and services. In this respect India is going to have this benifit. Japanese bullet train called Shinkasen has proven technolgy and known for its quality and performance since more than half acentury. So, India is getting very good and proven technology compared to other new players in this field. Though this Japanese technology may be bit expensive, but same has been offset by very soft loan provided by Japan at the interest rate of 0.1% with repayment period over 50 years. The bullet train project will create huge perennial employment in comissioning of Ahmedabad Mumbai project and operation of the train. After its completion, it is likely to be replicated in many other sectors and routes. It will also boost "Make in India" programme as many of the vital components and sub-systems will be manufactured in India in phases. So, India will have access to modern technology that will also positively impact other industries. In India, there is huge migration of people from rural ares to urban areas especially to big metro cities in search of employment. Due to heavy influx and concentration of people in these urban area are creating undue pressure on existing infrastructure. This will reduce the population pressure on big cities.

As far as Japan is concerned, it has secured a big market for long time as first entrant that will provide boost to its stagnant economy for decades. Moreover, it should also be considered as a successful big move by Japan to mitigate the big economic influence of China in India. This economic partership will also likeky to strengthen other business and strategic parternership. This way both India and Japan has win-win situation through this project.

With the recent changes in portfolios of ministers in Government of India(GoI), a decisision has been taken to innerlink the rivers. This idea was first conceived in Atal Bihari Vajpai Government, but now it is going to be implemented in Modi Government. 

Due to climate change, the pattern of precipitation as well as melting of glaciers with reference to place, time and quantity is likey to change appreciably resulting in frequent floods and drought. Due to flood, not only devastation of human lives, agriculture, livestocks and properties are lost, but fresh water resources are also lost without their utilization. As pattern and timings of flooding in rain fed and glacier fed rivers are different and same is different in rainfed rivers also; therefore, amount of water from flooded river can be diverted to other rivers where flood is not there. This will reduce the devastations cuased by flood as well as reduces the wastage of fresh flood water that is drained out in seas. Transfer of these flood waters to other rivers with less water and subsequent transfer through canals to drought prone areas will also reduce the likelyhood of drought. Therefore, interlinking of rivers may be a game changer for India in fighting against flood and drought which is likely to increase due to climate change. 

Doklam plateau, a tri-junction point of Bhutan, China and India is in news for bad reasons since June, 2017. China wants to construct road in Doklam in Bhutanses terrotory. Bhutan has objected to same and as per cooperative security arrangements between Bhutan and India, India is oblised to intervene and accordingly India stopped the road construction by Chinese in Bhutanese territory in Doklam. This standoff is continued for more than two months.

This act of China shows that China is entering into phase of old way of imperialism that has already abondoned by Western European countries learning the lesson from World War-II. However, China does not want to learn the lesson from the outcomes of World War-II. The most important objective of a rational government is to improve socio-economic development of its people and establish peace in and around that is important for socio-economic development. China needs to understand that territory may be a means and not an end in fulfilling the national aspirations of development, peace and even global leadership. Engagement of China in armed conflict with countries around its territory and beyond may spoil the economy of China which is manufacturing based export oriented economy. Will China take a lesson from past and mend its way ? Let's wait and watch.

Diet endorses pact to export civil nuclear technology to India. This is really a pragmatic and landmark decision by Japanese government and political establishment in Japan. This will not only provide clean energy access to India, but also boost Japanese economy by sale of civil-nuclear equipment.

It has many other direct and indirect implications on issues such as climate-change, regional economic balance in Asia, and help Japan emerging as”Normal” nation. Use of nuclear energy in power generation will reduce the emission of green house gases thereby mitigating the climate change, it will also boost the economic development of India which in turn will strengthen its strategic importance in Asia to balance power. Moreover, it would also help Japan in emerging as "Normal" nation in taking its own strategic decisions.

While fighting for the cause of Schedule Castes (SC) and Schedule Tribes (ST), labourers and women, Dr Ambedkar envisioned a society where human dignity of each and every one could be assured and he stated that “Ours is a struggle not for money or power but for reclamation of human dignity”. In order to meet this stated objective, government introduced reservations for SC and ST candidates in public jobs and admission in public educational institution. But, how far this instrument of reservation succeeded in achieving the main objective of Dr Ambedkar is a question mark.

 As per 2011 census, population of Schedule Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) in India is 16.2 and 8.2 percent respectively of total population. About 31 Lakhs central government employees are there. Similarly in state governments about 1 Crore  employees are there. Thus, total number of state and central government employees is about 1 percent of total population of India. Therefore, about 25 percent SC and ST population is banking on  government jobs reserved for SC/ST that can only serve about 1 percent of SC/ST population for their economic and social development and upliftment. Even after over half a century of implementation of reservation scheme, it has not yielded any tangible result.

The other flaw in reservation is that those SC and ST  families who have got benefits of reservation once or more, they are still continue to get it at the cost of other SC and ST families who could never get the same due to their poor economic status. Moreover, some of the economically well off and undeserving caste and community have intruded in SC and ST categories reaping this benefits at the cost of poor deserving SC and ST families. Therefore, this policy of reservation is flawed, and if really the vision of Dr Ambedkar is to be fulfilled then theie capability needs to be developed..

Policy of reservation has created inefficiency in government jobs and social divide. Some of the political parties have heavily en-cashed this social divide and converted it into solid vote bank for their political gain. But, this has not improved the social and economic status of larger population of SC and ST.

People are asset of a country, and to get maximum out of them is to invest in them at initial level itself. Therefore, a compulsory and free primary education is must for all SC/ST  children. Though it should not be limited to only SC/ST children, but it should be extended to all the children of every caste and community. Those SC/ST students who complete primary education must be offered free middle education up to 8^th standard. When it comes to free education, it should bear all the cost such as minimum three meals a day, clothing, hostels, health services, free books and other items. If all their needs are met, they will not be dragged to their families for economic activities at the cost of their education.. For further higher studies, deserving candidates may be given liberal scholarship at every stage. It was education that shaped the life of Dr Ambedkar making him a iconic person. Therefore, if dreams of Dr Ambedkar are to be fulfilled, then access to education is way forward and not reservation

In order to promote capacity addition of renewable and carbon free or low carbon emission technologies for electricity generation to mitigate climate change, a new school of thought is being advocated that instead of taxing carbon and raising prices for everyone, let’s selectively remove taxes from electricity sources producing zero (or nearly zero) emissions (nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal, hydro) and incent further reductions in emissions from coal and natural gas facilities.

There seems to be some merit in the proposal that advocates carbon tax at supply side compared to demand side. Though, supply side carbon tax burden will also be passed on indirectly to consumers at demand side, however, it will not provide much incentives to consumers at demand side to conserve energy or use it efficiently. Moreover, it is most important that how carbon tax collected either at  supply side or demand side is going to be effectively utilised for promoting generation and use of renewables and carbon free energy technologies at supply side and changing the behaviour of consumers at demand side to conserve the energy and utilize it efficiently. Therefore,  a hybrid mixture of carbon taxation at supply as well as demand side needs to be put in place. And tax collected at supply side should be exclusively used for research and development of carbon free or low carbon emission technologies and subsidising their use. Carbon tax collected at demand side should be used to incentivise use of energy efficient technologies in equipment and appliances at demand side.

After World War-II there had been significant use of soft power globally where economically advance countries have provided economic aid to least developed and developing countries. However, this soft power has been used to consolidated its diplomatic, strategic and military power. There is no free lunch in any relation and that applies to international relations also. The moment any country provides any aid for economic, social or cultural development, there are some expectations by donor country in return. However, China was smart to develop Hambantota and Colombo ports at Sri Lanka in the name of economic development which Chinese will use for military purpose in return of their economic aid. Sri Lanka can not stop it now for being used by China for military purpose even if it wishes so. The same thing will happen with Gwadar port also. Though Pakistan will be happy to allow China to use it for military purpose against India and other neighboring unfriendly country. This is a very good example as to how soft power can be used to leverage hard. Now it's really a diplomatic and strategic challenge for India to see how they can counter it so that China could not use these ports for military purpose.

Right from the day of its creation in 1947, Pakistan has been projecting India as a threat. This propaganda of threat from India has been used to unite ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse  Pakistan in name of religion. However, the main reason for threat to unity of Pakistan is bankruptcy of credibile political class in Pakistan. This has led to control of civilian government by military which should have been otherwise. In order to prove legitmacy of their action, military is using few tactis in addition to others such as : creating false perception of military threats from India; promoting Mullah, religious fanatism and intolerances to use against India. In the name of threats from India, earlier all ethnic groups such as Punjabis, Sindhis, Balochs, Pashtuns, Muhajirs etc used to come together in the name of religion. What Bangladeshi's realised over four decades back, now other groups have started realizing the same. Now with wide spread use of ICT and electronic social media network this trick is not going to work in long run as fringe ethnic groups in Pakistan know that it is Punjabi Pakistanis who are masters and others are perceived slaves. So, Indian threat to unite Pakistan will not work for a long.

In order to counter the menace of black money, and counterfeit bills, on 8^th November, 2016 at 8.00 PM Prime Minister Modi of India during a nation wide address through television and radio announced that from today midnight all the Rs 1000 and Rs 500 bills will be legally invalid. However, a provision was made to exchange these old bills at banks and post offices on daily basis to meet the daily requirements of public. Daily withdrawal was restricted to Rs 2000/2500 and per day exchange of old banknotes were restricted to Rs 4000/4500 and this system will be continued up to the end of December, 2016. Public utilities like hospital, petrol pumps, court fees, schools fees, airlines and train tickets etc were exempted from this and they were instructed to take old bills up to 24^th November.. . 

It is mammoth exercise for a big country like India where population is more than 1.2 billions and still a large rural population does not have access to debit/credit cards as well as basic banking services. Total money in circulation was around 16.42 Lakh Crores ( approx US$240 billions). Out of this total money in circulation 86 percent of money was in form of  bank notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations. It is estimated that 6.5 billion notes of Rs 1000 denomination and 16.5 billion notes of Rs 500 denomination were there in circulation. Changing such a huge quantity of bank notes in such a large country in a period of approximately 50 days is mammoth task and this require a lot of courage and will that could be displayed by only a leader like Modi.

This action will have some good and bad impact in short as well long term in varying degree on Indian economy; however, good impact will be more in long run. In the short run, during the transition period, cash spending will be less, and consumption is likely to go down. This is going to hit economy in short run resulting in reduced GDP. Small shopkeeper and street vendors who do not have electronic payment system will be affected more. In medium term the money supply will shrink when black money will go out of system, and this will help in reducing the inflation. It is likely that some of the black money stashed in personal vaults will shift in banking system increasing the deposits in banks and this will reduce the interest rate. Reduced cost of capital due to reduced interest rate will propel investment of internally accrued fund in economy. 

In absence of large black money and fake money, many social evils like drug, illegal arms and human trafficking etc will come under control as black and fake money is largely used in such operations. Moreover, terrorism is also funded and fostered in India mainly by counterfeit notes sent from across border. Not only that, those who have stashed a lot of black money through corruption will also desist from corruption once their huge money stashed illegally gets converted into trash of paper. This great move of PM Modi may be a game changer for Indian economy as well as curbing corruption. 

India is second largest country in terms of population and third largest economy in PPP (purchase power parity) terms. However, if we see its performance in games and sports at Olympic level, it is quite dismal. Performance at Rio Olympics in 2016 had been very disappointing with only one Silver and one Bronze medal. So far, India has secured only 9 Gold medals, 7 Silver medals and 12 Bronze medals from 1900 to 2016. Out of these 9 Gold medals, 8 were secured in Hockey. Only Abhinava Bindra secured Gold medal in individual event of shooting. Boxing, Wrestling, Badminton, Tennis and Weightlifting are other areas of games and sports in which India could make some presence in Olympic in recent time.

However, if we look at the performance of China, it was very poor without any medal in 1952 at Helsinki. Then it stopped participating in Olympic due to political and other reasons. However, after its re-entry in Olympic Games since 1984, its performance kept on improving with time and barring 1988 Olympic at Seoul, it always remained under 4 in medal tally in Olympic Games. But, what went wrong with India that it could not do well in games and sports at Olympic even after moderate economic growth of over two decades?

Career in games and sports are very risky inIndia. And unless and until this risk is mitigated through proper policies support, proper talent can’t be tapped for games and sports. There needs to be some institutional mechanism to identify the talent and nurturing them for games and sport. Normally investment required in nurturing and grooming sport persons right from early age is very high which can not be afforded by many sport persons. Even if some of the talented person  who can afford  the expenditure, then there is a risk that if they do not become successful at national and international level what they will do in their professional life. This predicament creates a barrier for many talented people to make a career in games and sports.

There needs to be an institutional mechanism at district level to identify talented boys and girls below 12 years by organising games and sports at District level annually. Identified talented boys and girls can be trained at the cost of State at District level. These boys and girls after proper training should be made to participate at State level games and sports and those qualified at State level can be trained by similar state level coach. Similar procedure may be implemented for national level also. Government should make arrangements to provide post sports career opportunities for sports persons. There should be age relaxation and  reservation quota in recruitment for  sports persons that may vary from district level players to international players. Suppose if a International level  player is given 15 years of age relaxation and quota in Group A services of government, the national level players may be given 12 years of age relaxation and quota in Group B service and so on. Those who could not be given job can be be given life long living allowances based on their performance at various level. Even corporate should also encourage in providing employment to sports person as their corporate social responsibility. This way talent will come out that will bring laurel at international level events.

India is having premier defence institutes like National Defence Academy (NDA), National Defence College (NDC),College o fDefence Management, and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) since long to primarily cater the needs of capacity building of defence personnel. However, Considering the changing national and global security scenario and accordingly changing needs of nation against external and internal security threats in the wake of technology intensive security paradigm, trans-national cross border terrorism, and emerging role of defence diplomacy and soft-power in national security, India needs to upgrade its security capacity building infrastructure.

Accordingly, Government of India is planning to establish Indian National Defence University (INDU) through an act of Parliament to promote excellence in the areas of National Security Studies, Defence Technology, Defence Management. This will also promote policy oriented research on all aspects relating to national security, both internal and external. It would also encourage awareness of national security issues by reaching out to scholars and an audience beyond the official machinery. It will also serve as a think tank contributing to policy formulation and debates on security and strategy. INDU will inculcate and promote coordination and interaction not just between the three Armed Services, but also between other agencies of the Government, the Civil Bureaucracy, Para Military Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, Military Technology Developers and Producers, Intelligence Services, Diplomats, Academicians, Strategic Planners, University Students and officers from Friendly Foreign Countries. It would create synergy between the academic community and Govt functionaries. It would make available opportunities for higher studies through distance learning to interested military personnel. It will encourage strategic thinking on defence, and security issues and initiate debate on such issues both nationally and globally. In addition, it will instil a spirit of jointness amongst various elements of the national security system and develop better competence relating to national security issues. It would facilitate to develop network with other national, regional and international institutions or individuals of eminence engaged in the fields of education, research and industry; and would also encourage international and corporate fellowship programmes in the field of strategic studies.

Initially, it is envisaged to set up four new colleges / institutions, namely School of National Security Studies,School o fDefence Technology, School of Defence Management and Centre for Distance and Open Learning at its main campus Gurgaon. The four existing Defence Institutions namely National Defence College (NDC),New Delhi, College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, Defence Services Staff College (DSSC),Wellingtonand National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Pune are proposed to be brought under the ambit of INDU without diluting their powers or autonomy for award of degrees and diplomas.

Setting up this institute will definitely upgrade the capacity and capability of various organs of security systems of the nation involved in analysing the threat perception, developing and planning strategy to counter perceived threat, analysing identifying various technologies for acquisition to equip armed forces with arms equipment and plateform  to engage adversaries in war including addressing the political, economic and psychological aspects of war suitably.

Access to seaport and sea route is essential for economic development as it provides economic and efficient means of transportation of goods and services in economically intertwined world. Many land locked countries such as Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan etc in South and Central Asia suffer in accessing market efficiently for exporting their commodities or other products due to lack of access to ports and sea route. Some of the countries of this region such as Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have sea ports, but have limited or no access to major sea/ocean routes connecting to major countries across the globe. Many big cities across the world has developed nearby seaports connected to major seaports across the globe that provides opportunities for national, regional or global trade and commerce.

Chabahar seaport in Iran in Gulf of Oman being jointly developed by India and Iran is a landmark initiative that will not only benefit Afghanistan, India and Iran, but it will also benefit other countries in Central Asia. Though China and Pakistan can also benefit from this port, but they have made their own arrangement through Gwadar seaport. Chabahar Seaport has potential to connect to Russia and European countries through rail link. Afghanistan has abundant mineral resources like copper, coal, gold and natural gas etc; Kazakhstan has rich mineral resources like chromium, copper, lead and zinc, uranium and petroleum; Kyrgyzstan has vast resources of gold, coal, petroleum, mercury and zinc etc; Tajikistan has mercury, zinc, copper, gold, silver, oil and gas; Turkmenistan has petroleum and natural gas; and similarly Uzbekistan is rich in  uranium, copper and gold. Extraction and export of these resources can boost the economy of these Central Asian countries and access to Chabahar seaport will facilitate these countries to access global market.Iranhas  abundant petroleum, zinc and coal to export.India can export finished engineering goods, food grains, refined petroleum products, bauxite, iron ore and import petroleum and other minerals from this region. Increased Trade among countries in South Asia and Central Asia, and Russia will boost the economy of these two regions and will bring prosperity to this region. Chabahar seaport will also counter the monopoly of Gwadar seaport developed by China in Pakistan which could be used for other strategic purpose in lieu of extending transportation services to other countries in Central Asia.

 India is a large and populous country of youths. About 54 percent of its population is below 25 years of age. On one hand young people of this country are facing the problem of suitable employment, on other hand enterprises are facing problem to get suitable workforce requiring certain skills of adequate level.  Therefore, the  major challenge beforeIndiahaving so many youth is to develop skills in them and gainfully employ them in economic activities so that rapid economic development ofIndiacould take place. Young population is big asset of a country as their hard labour contributes immensely towards growth of economy of the country. However, if the youths of the country are not properly skilled, they become unemployed or underemployed, and in turn become a liability to society and nation. Unemployed youths also become source of many social problems including crimes. Therefore, it is an imperative that more employment is created by developing skills in the youths. A skill in workforce makes labour more productive and goods and services produced  become more competitive. This becomes even more important when global economy is intertwined and goods and services flow across the globe in a competitive business environment. Therefore, developing and honing skills becomes even more important in order to compete in global market as it improves efficiency of production of goods and services by reducing the cost and delivery time, and improving the quality of goods and services produced making it globally competitive.

In India, about 45 percent of children drop out of school between age group of 15 to 18 years of age. With the conventional kind of school education available inIndia, it is very difficult for these drops out children to get a suitable employment except as unskilled labour. Moreover, the present school education does not develop any skill with which these school drops out could start any enterprise on their own. Considering the reality of drop out students and need for equipping them with some vocational skills so that they could be gainfully employed in economic activities, the present education system needs to be tuned to meet the requirements of creating employment by developing skills.

The school education should be made compulsory and fully state funded up to eighth standard. From sixth to eighth standard, there should be one compulsory vocational subject for all the students such as painting, book binding, carpentry, plumbing, masonry etc. These courses should be same from sixth to eighth standard, so that a student can develop adequate skills in three years in the chosen vocational subject. Here more focus to be given on practical classes and less on theory classes. Moreover, vocational courses offered in a particular region must be aligned with the employment potential and opportunity in that region. For example, North Eastern States may start vocational course on furniture and other products made of bamboo, similarly course on sericulture and silk fabric weaving may be started in Southern Indian States besides other vocational courses. Similarly, at ninth and tenth standard similar vocational courses may be made compulsory. This may be the upgraded version of same vocational courses taught during sixth to eighth standard or may be some new vocational courses that requires some extra academic knowledge and maturity. This will reduce the burden of setting up new institutions for skill development such as ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) and Polytechnics.

In such cases even if, a student drops out of school after eighth standard of education, he will have some skills to take employment or start a small business of his own. Industry will also get sufficiently skilled worker. Many people who do not join a vocational course like ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) due to stigma attached to it that it provides with category of job and in later years of life get frustrated due to unemployment and underemployment will also get trained in vocational course and develop their skill to get an employment.

Whatever unfortunate terrorist attacks took place recently in Paris and Brussels is a crude outcome of trans-national social movement based on some ideologies, be it political, religious, politico-religious, ethno-religious, linguistic or regional or a combination of these factors. The main source of inspiration of any social movement is based on some perceived or real deprivation among a group of people having something in common like region, religion, language, ethnicity etc  that inculcates a sense  of injustice done to them by others. These people socially united mobilise themselves against perpetrators of injustice done to them in order to fight for justice. In social movement three factors ideologies, resources and political opportunity structure play important role in making social movement successful and among them ideologies and issues framed on those ideologies plays a  very crucial role. If the issue framed is strong, more and more people will affiliate with this issue and in turn with social movement. The opposing forces tries to suppress the social movement, and in this process if some innocent people who are loosely connected with the issues and they are subjected to harassment and ill treatment, then it is most likely that they will also join this social movement whole heartedly. And social movement will get further strength.

The present day terrorism is also a trans-national social movement. So, the most important issue is as to how the ideologies are addressed that creates terrorists. Other important point to keep in mind is that while addressing this issue, no innocent person belonging to that group is harassed. Because, once a innocent person is harassed he/she or people closely related to him/her are likely  to join this  terrorist group with more firm determination.

The recent incidence of anti-India slogan in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi has been very disturbing and  has been a matter of great concern for patriot citizens of India. Higher institutions of learning are supposed to find ways and means for nation building and making the country economically, socially, strategically, culturally and intellectually a strong nation.  But recent incidence  at JNU has  proved that JNU has collectively failed in its obligation towards it country. Instead of ensuring integrity of its own  country some stray voices are raised to fragment the country. Somewhere this so called prestigious institute of learning has misearably failed in its education system. Distorted information and knowledge have been nurtured here against its own country. Perhaps poor quality of information and superficial knowledge has been nurturing here in the name of free thinking and creativity and some invisible hand is manuvering it. And it is spreading degraded knowledge and wisdom borrowed from others that will be be detrimental to nation.

Generally level of teaching faculty in social science has been poor in India due to the basic reason that post independence most of the bright students have been opting for engineering, medicine and science due to better employment prospects. In the field of social science, there was lack of good scholars in India who could do basic research in social sciences. Whatever theory about India has been propounded in West, the same has been assimilated by most of the so called exponents of social sciences in India without analysing it rationally. Moreover, in many cases, those who are going on scholarship abroad for research, they are also induced, directed and advised to write the research papers in such a way that it does not serve the interests of Indi , but serves the strategic interests of host country especially in subjects like international relations, history, politics, sociology and culture. For example, question arise in history that why Alexander is great and Genghis is Khan is not great. It is simply because at that time there were wise historians and teachers in Greece who glorified Alexander more than he deserved and made his Alexander the great in history. However, there were no such educated and wise historian and teachers in Genghis Khan’s tribe in Mangolia who could have glorified him in the history to the extent he deserved.  Napolean has rightly said that “History is a set of lies agreed upon”. And these people loaded with imported knowledge from a foreign university after returning to India knowingly or unknowingly propagate same view which is some times even anti-national also. Though nowadays some good scholars are pursuing social science. But, government need to establish some good institutes for social science on the lines of IIT, IIM and National Law Universities and encourage bright students to take up original research in social science offering them good scholarships.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has experimented for a fortnight on formula of permitting the vehicles having odd number as its last digit in its registration number to run on odd dates and even number as its last digit on even dates in order to control the vehicle on road between 8.00AM to 8.00 PM, so that level of pollution in Delhi could be controlled. This measure might have resulted in marginal reduction in air pollution, but it will be knee jerk only that too at the cost of lots of inconvenience to common public. Pollution needs to be abated undoubtedly, but pulling out vehicles off the road without making viable alternate arrangements is not a solution. There has to be a pragmatic solution.

The most important issue that needs to be targeted is to reduce the pollution emission per person per kilometre of travel. This can be achieved by implementing various measures such as strict pollution emission norms on vehicles plying on the road, augmenting the capacity of public transport system with high quality mass transit transport system, better traffic management to avoid traffic jam and slow down of speed of vehicles, and financial disincentive to use of private vehicles etc. Stricter pollution emission norms will reduce the pollution emission per person per kilometre and this can be easily achieved by giving financial incentives on road tax and parking charges to electric, hybrid and other pollution efficient vehicles. Many of the people having good paying capacity do not use public transport as quality and capacity of public transport is poor. If better quality of public transport is provided even at a bit higher cost, these people will switch over to public transport and in that even per kilometre pollution emission will come down due to operational efficiency. Better traffic management will help in maintaining the proper speed of vehicle in order to reduce amount of  pollution per kilometre of vehicle travelled.  Increased road tax and parking charges on private vehicles will dissuade the user to use of private vehicle.  

Implementation of above mentioned measure can reduce vehicle emitted pollution. However, there should be some mechanism to meet the generic emergency transport needs of people such as during medical emergency, safety and security of vulnerable people especially women, children and old people. People may be provided paid coupon for a day or a number of days per month to meet any emergency where a vehicle unauthorised to ply on particular day may ply on road through use of this coupon. Charges of coupon per vehicle for a particular vehicle may be increased, if it uses more than a particular number of coupons per month. In addition, staggering the working hours of school, colleges and offices in a particular area may ease out burden on public transport and reduce congestion on road. Cycling needs to be encouraged among public through campaign and by providing separate lanes for cyclist. If these measures are implemented, definitely there will be reduction in air pollution in Delhi without compromising with timely, safe and pleasant travel. 

Since the inauguration of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India in May 2014, by inviting all the leaders ofSouth Asiaon his oath taking ceremony, he sent a clear message that he wants to have friendly relations with all neighbouring countries. To further bolster this resolve he made visits to all neighbouring countries including Pakistan that has very bitter relations with India since it came into existence in 1947 at the time of independence after division of India. PM Modi is a pro-development man and he knows very well that unless and until peace is established inside and as well as with neighbouring countries, desired pace of development can not be achieved. He also knows very well that low hanging fruit of economic development lies in regional economic cooperation and integration for all the regional partners.  Therefore, he accorded high priority to regional cooperation in South Asia and even went extra miles in his foreign policy by visiting Pakistan.

However, despite Indian PM’s effort and the positively changing mood of civilian government in Pakistan towards India, non-state actors and some of the military establishment in Pakistan through their covert operation are sabotaging the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan. And Pathankot terror attack is an outcome of the same as these non-state actors and some military establishments are not happy with visit of Modi to Pakistan and forthcoming Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan. The main reason for this is that there is no control of civilian government on military as evident from previous military coups. The other reason for the same is nexus between military and non-state actor i.e. terrorist groups. Economic and other strategic interest of military and non-state actors lies in anti-India rhetoric. Non state-actors are using religion for legitimacy of their terror activities and military has also provided support to them in their efforts. This has led to radicalization of a certain section of their society since time of Soviet-Afaghan conflict in eighties who are ready to lay their life for ideologies. However, apparatus of terror organization created by them  has started backfiring them as evident from Bagah Border bombing, attack on naval base and Peshawar killings etc.

Now PM Modi has done his part to improve relations with Pakistan. Now, it is to be seen that how Pakistan is responding to Pathankot terror attack when relevant evidences of involvement of some of non-state actors as well as some military officers of Pakistan have been handed over to Pakistan to take action  within a deadline of 72 hours. Pakistan should take it as an opportunity to crackdown on terror outfits in order to eradicate terrorism on its own soil. If Pakistan is sincere to eradicate terrorism from its soil and its civilian government is really capable, then some concrete action against perpetrators of Pathankot attack will be visible. Otherwise, if Pakistan is not sincere or its civilian government is not capable, then it will take the excuse of fleeing of non-state actors or seek some more evidences and time. In that case, it will be a decisive moment for course correction for PM Modi towards its Pakistan policy. What type of course correction by India in Indo-Pak policy will take place that only time will tell, but it will be definitely different from previous ones and will be surprising.

The war emanated from Middle East has spanned to trans-continents in the form of terrorist activities. After Paris attack, there are series of such sporadic incidents in Mali, US,UK and recently in Yemen. Perhaps many more such incidents may be repeated in other parts of globe. In this complex geopolitical setting of Middle East-US, West,Russia and other powers have their own strategic interests. Iran is supporting Shia regimes in Shia majority Iraq and in Sunni majority Syria. Prominent Sunni countries in Middle East protected and supported by US and West are providing covert support to ISIS against these Shia regimes. So, if US and other Western powers says that there are three factions fighting in Syria i.e. Asad's forces, Anti-Asad's forces and ISIS, it would be wrong. Basically ISIS is fighting on behalf of Anti-Asad forces. So, there are only two factions-one, Asad’s forces and other Anti-Asad and ISIS coalition forces. The whole conflict in Iraq and Syria appears to be on Shia Sunni Sects. So, if US or West says that they are fighting with only ISIS in Syria, it would be wrong and amounts to paying lip services only as ISIS and Sunnis are aligned in Syria and same is situation in Iraq.  After Paris attack perhap sFrance has come to senses and sees a  rationality in Russian approach. US and West need to keep aside their geopolitical interests for time being and should fight cohesively against global terrorism in order to establish peace in the region and across the globe. They should learn a lesson from history that how bitter enemies Communists and Nationalist of China fought together against Japanese occupation of China. Alternately, with the help of influential Arab States US and West can broker peace with fighting forces through reconciliation.      

Terrorism is an outcome of clashes of two unequal powers where weak power resorts to sudden and clandestine attack on strong power. Terrorism may take place in many forms: between two groups, between group and state and between state and state. There may be state sponsored terrorism also. The root cause of terrorism is real or perceived notion of getting robbed of its tangible or intangible assets of a weak power by a strong power. The assets may be tangible assets like territory, natural resources etc or intangible resources like ideologies, beliefs, culture and environment etc.

With the unprecedented rate of globalization in recent past, the economic benefits of globalization are skewed in favour of few selected countries and group of people. In that process some group of people and countries feel that they are being economically exploited by big powers. On the other hand, due to greater global interconnectivity due electronically enabled social media, people are able to express their divergent ideologies and views without respecting the ideologies and views of other groups or people. If the two groups are having divergent views on ideologies, beliefs and culture and one group considers being exploited economically by normally other powerful group, the problem gets further compounded that creates a conducive environment for emergence of terrorism. Under this circumstance, if conducive political opportunity structure is in place for a leader to emerge that frames the issue against real or perceived exploitation and injustice and based on this issue if he is able to secure financial and non financial resources to strike terror, then it is quite like that terror act will be executed.

Earlier terrorism used to be mostly intra-state or at most with neighbouring state. However, with the rapid globalization, the conflict has also travelled long distance and so is the terrorism which is amply clear from 9/11 and recent Paris Terrorist Attacks on 14^th November, 2015 that perpetrators were sitting in far off countries.       

Miseries faced by humanity due to two World Wars in the first half of twentieth century compelled the world leaders to create international organizations in order to avoid conflicts, promote social and economic progress, and ensure human right and human dignity, and United Nation was one of the organizations established on 24^th October, 1945 to achieve some of these goals. One of the basic aim for which United Nations (UN) was created is to maintain international peace and security. The Security Council is the United Nations' most powerful body, with "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security." There are five permanent members of Security Council of UN and ten non-permanent member of Security Council. Non-permanent members are elected for two years. Each of the five permanent members i.e.China,France,Russia, United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA) are equipped with veto power to turn down any proposal for consideration in Security Council. All these five countries who are permanent members of Security Council jointly fought against the Axes Power and defeated them during Second World War.

After more than half a century, global geo-political scenario has changed considerably. Bipolar world after Second World War became a uni-polar world after disintegration ofSoviet Union. However, new powers are emerging inAsia.  Crisis over South China Sea, prolonged conflicts in West Asia and Africa, and terrorism inSouth Asianecessitate an effective role of UN Security Council in resolving these issues peacefully and amicably. But, UN has not been able to fulfil expectations of global community in achieving the desired result in this direction.

 Some of the countries of axes power such asGermanyandJapanmade rapid economic progress after war and reconstruction, and contributed to social and economic development of developing and least developed countries through generous aid.

Similarly,Indiahas been one of the biggest contributors of peacekeeping troops, and made a lot of sacrifices of its people in both World Wars while fighting on behalf ofBritain. About 1,50,000 soldiers of united India died in World war I and World War II. History is evidence thatIndiahas never invaded any country in past. Moreover,Indiais second largest country in terms of population and seventh largest economy by nominal GDP and third largest in PPP with highest growth rate at present.

 Brazilis fifth largest country in world and largest country inSouth America.Brazilhas been selected 10 times member of Security Council and has contributed to peacekeeping operation.

Though number of members of UN has increased from 53 since its formation in 1945 to 193 at present; but, the number and powers of permanent members of Security Council have remained unchanged.  Considering the  growth of members of UN, changing global geopolitical scenario, changing economic and military profile of some of the emerging countries and need for more democratic governance in  UN and more specifically in Security Council, number of permanent seats in Security Council needs to be expanded with same powers which existing permanent members have. In this scenario,India,Japan,GermanyandBrazilare most eligible claimant for permanent seat in Security Council. If security council is not reformed and new claimants of permanent membership are not inducted in Security Council, they may resort to formation of an alternative organization for cooperative security and peace building. In case, if this happens, UN will lose its importance in due course of time. 

Language plays an important role in emotional unification and nation building. InIndia, wide spread use of Hindi can play an important role in nation building.  Hindi is most widely understood, spoken, read and written language inIndia. More than 55 percent of Indians can understand, speak, read and write Hindi. Despite that English language is widely used inIndiain business and offices especially in central government offices. Even after six decades of independence,India could not replace usage of English by Hindi in bureaucracy, business, and professional education such as engineering, medicine, science and management etc. It is matter of great curiosity and concern for the people who are genuinely concerned about its widespread use. In last week,India hosted 10th International Hindi Conference at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh from 10th to 12th September, 2015.  In this conference delegates from about 30 countries have participated. The conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India and attended by Ministers of Government of India, Chief Ministers, Governors, and other Ministers of various State Governments. Most of the speakers at this conference painted a very rosy picture about Hindi in time to come, stating the vast potential of Hindi usage can be leveraged through digital technology which is growing inIndiaat phenomenal level. Prime Minister of India went on saying that future belongs to three languages i.e. English, Chinese and Hindi. Of course, there was sense in his this statement as China and India are two big and growing economy with vast market that will allure people to learn Chinese and Hindi to access market and English will remain there due to its historical presence as lingua franca.

Every year India observes Hindi Fortnight to promote the usage of Hindi in official work. However, despite the efforts made for over half a century to promote Hindi, its impact is not visible. This compel many who are concerned about growth of usage of Hindi to think that  either government has been paying only lip services to promote Hindi or its policies to promote Hindi is not appropriate. Perhaps both may be true and  may not be mutually exclusive. Let's hope that with honest commitment and dynamism of new government under PM Modi coupled with digital technology will herald a new era of widespread use of Hindi through suitable policies and plans.       

There are many empirical evidences to establish that quality education and economic, social and intellectual developments are highly interdependent on each other helping one another to scale a new height. Therefore, if India has to move forward on path of development rapidly, it has to improve access to education to all and improve the quality of education. Getting an high score in examination necessarily does not mean that quality of education has improved, as we can see that getting 80 percent and above used to be an uphill task some thirty years back and hardly top 10 to 20 students in state level Board examinations used to achieve such high score, but now it is very common. But, whether these high marks obtained by majority of students  really reflects improvements in quality of education? Many studies conducted on the same proves that quality of education has not improve with steep improvements in marks obtained. Similar story exists for higher education. Higher education requires critical thinking on subject, developing new innovative thoughts and finding an answer to unresolved issue or unanswered question based on some founded logic or principle. This gets reflected in articles published in journals of repute and patents obtained.

It is said that this century belongs toAsia. Among two biggest developing countries in Asia i.e.China and India,China has made a significant progress in improving its quality of education as two of its universities i.e.PekingUniversity and Tsinghua University are globally placed under top 50 universities. There has been significant increase in number of research articles published in international journals of repute and number of patent applications registered in China. However, situation in Indiais not that rosy. IITs,  once one of the most revered institution in India and abroad are not finding a place in top 300 institutions globally. Number of research articles published in reputed journal and number of patent applications filed is dismally low in Indian Institutes of higher learning. Unless and until institutions of higher learning are research based and contributing to knowledge creation, its existence does not matter. Over regulation of universities is also a big barrier for its quality improvements. However, there is some ray of hope after some new private universities and institutes like Ashoka University, Shiv Nadar University, Mahendra Centrale Ecole, Azim Prem Ji University etc that are focusing on research based education. Let us hope that effort of these institutions of higher learning by implementing new, modern and research base education system will take higher education to new height.  

There is general perception in some quarters of Indian armed forces that budget allocation is not sufficient to meet the capital acquisitions for armed forces. There is no doubt that capabilities of Indian armed forces need to be further strengthen in terms of  acquisition of  state of art weapons, equipment and other supplies considering the strength of perceived adversaries.

 However, in order to speed up the acquistion process, there is greater need for demand side management in military acquisitions. In the recent past, most of the time, budget allocated have not fully utilised especially for capital acquisitions. Demand for enhanced budget is only justified when in previous years budgets have been fully spent. Many failure of capital acquisitions and consequently non utilization of budget are due to real or perceived corruption cases in defence acquisitions. Real corruption starts while framing the GSQR.  There is a tendency to make GSQR/specifications that favours importation rather than taking the same from OFB, DPSUs even though contemporary technologies exists with these organizations. And moreover, in importation also  a particular firms  is favoured by making specifications in such a way that it suits the specifications of existing weapon, equipment and supplies of  that particular firm only and others get eliminated on flimsy ground.

Specifications/GSQRs should be made on generic requirements and not on whims and fancies of some individual sitting at the top in military. It should be based on generic requirements of theater of war in which our defence forces are more likely to operate, military capabilities of perceived adversaries, military intelligence etc. While framing the GSQR, views of all stakeholders including leading manufacturer of defence equipment and weapon should also be taken into consideration. If the issues relating to demand side management of defence acquisitions are not addressed properly neither indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities will develop nor import acquisitions will take place.

While addressing the 193-member U N General Assembly on 27th September, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the world leader to observe 21st June as International Yoga Day as widespread practice of Yoga will make world better. With massive support of 177 nations, on 11th December, 2014 United Nations General Assembly declared 21st June as International Yoga Day. First International Yoga Day was observed on 21st June, 2015.

 If Yoga is practiced properly, it harmonizes body, mind and soul that improves physical, mental and social health. If Yoga is practiced across globe, it will not only improve the wholesome health of individuals, but it will also improve the societal health. With better physical, mental and social health of  people across the world, there are better chances to mitigate conflicts within individual, between individuals, between individual and society, and among societies. This will lead to conflict reduction and global peace.

Wide spread use of Yoga may provide preventive heath care opportunities to billions of poor people across the globe at very low cost or virtually at no cost. This will also create a new opportunity of employment as a Yoga teacher or trainer especially among developed and developing countries where a large number of people are ready to pay in lifestyle business. However, unfortunately due to political reasons some countries and some political parties in India are not supporting and encouraging wide spread practice of Yoga. Some countries are unnecessarily doing propaganda against Yoga labeling it as cultural hegemony of India, while some groups and some countries are falsely projecting it as infringement on their religious believes and practices and denying the benefits of Yoga to their people. But majority of people across the globe have displayed their rationality and embraced Yoga overarching.  Yoga is a global goods that is almost freely available to everyone that can provide good health, employment and peace to mankind. 

Modi government got massive mandate in previous parliamentary election and completed its one year on 26^th May, 2015. As mandate given by public was massive,  so was their high expectation from this government. How far this government has been able to meet the expectations of people is being debated in media, political and social circles.

The most important role of any responsible government is to create employment for its people or create environment conducive for employment generation so that people could meet their basic necessity of food, clothing, shelter, heath care and education for their children with dignity. GDP has grown from 6.9 % in 2013-14 to 7.3 % in 2014-15 in one year. However, in last quarter of 2014-15, it was 7.5% against 7% ofChina, -.2% ofBraziland 0.7% of US in subdued global economic environment. Expansion of economy is closely related with employment that clearly indicates that employment has increased almost in same proportion in last one year. Employment generation will be able to take a giant leap only when Land Acquisition Bill and GST Bill are passed creating a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment and that is likely to take 3-4 years from now to fully fructify. Modi government has created a separate ministry for skill development that will map the skill requirements of work force of nation for needs of its industrial, service and agricultural sector, and accordingly institution for skill and entrepreneurship development is being developed.

Within a week after its inauguration, Modi government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on corruption. Modi government has shown zero tolerance towards corruption. So far no one could raise a finger on Modi government as far as corruption is concerned.

Modi government has taken multi-pronged strategies for poverty alleviation. Make inIndia, skill development, universal access to banking especially to poor and easy access of capital to small and medium enterprises will definitely help in creating more employment and in turn will help in alleviating poverty.

Modi government has brought a number of social security schemes at affordable premium for poor people such as Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana   and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana catering to the needs of various segments of poor people who were not having any social security cover .

To give boost to industrial development, Modi government has launched ambitious “Make inIndia” program. Modi government  is working on long term plan as a pre-requisite to “Make in India” that encompass Land Acquisition Bill, GST Bill, Labour Law reforms so that foreign as well as domestic investment could be deployed in country.

For enhancing internal and external security, Modi government has increased its soft power as well as hard power.  Modi government has improved relations with most of the neighbouring countries through its soft power in order to enhance its internal as well as external security. In addition, this government is enhancing its hard power by acquisition of military hardware, equipment and other supplies. Moreover, hard power is further enhanced by make inIndiain defence.

To boost agricultural production, a dedicated TV channel for farmers has been launched by Modi government to educate and guide them on best global practices on agriculture to improve agricultural productivity. Similarly, this government is planning to expand soil testing lab across the country so that farmers could know precisely the quantity and type of fertilizer for their land for a particular type of crop.

Modi government has done extremely well in foreign policy by improving relations with neighbouring countries as well as with global economic and military power. This has helped in bringing foreign investment, acquisition of strategic military hardware, acquisition of nuclear equipment and nuclear fuel supplies. Modi government has reached out to people of Indian origin (PIO) through PM Modi’s visit toFiji,Mauritius, Seychelles etc. It will help inIndiasecuring a permanent seat in Security Council in United Nation.

Modi government has taken various step to enhance the capacity of rail infrastructure, introduction of high speed trains. Execution of national highway project is being executed very rapidly. There is phenomenal growth in capacity addition in power generation in both conventional as well as renewal energy sectors in last one year.

Smart cities project of Modi government is environmentally benign as well as energy efficient. Swachh Bharat and cleaning ofGangeswill help in improving the health of people and in turn improve the economic conditions of people through tourism.

In last one year Modi government has embarked on a number of ambitious projects, and most of them will show result in three to five years. Due to political reason a lot of impediments are there in implementing the policies of Modi government. But, if Modi government becomes successful in pushing various reforms through legislation, there will be unprecedented development and progress inIndiain years to come.

China has achieved its great power status through rapid economic development in last three decades. China very well knows that maintenance of  political power dominance at regional level and fulfilling its aspirations of global power would be possible only if its global economic dominance is maintained. China, being an export led economy is highly dependent on its market abroad and also on access to global efficient transport infrastructure  across the globe and specifically to its potential export destination to export its finished goods and procure raw materials. Maritime transport happens to be most cost effective mode of transport of goods in bulk. Therefore China places great importance to sea transport and in turn maritime security to protect its economic interest. China can make sea transport of its goods to Europe and North & East Africa more efficient through transporting its goods through Pakistan via new port being constructed at Gwadar in Baluchistan whith the help of China that will transport goods through Arabian Sea. Similarly for accessing North American, Latin American and other Pacific Island nations market it has to depend on Indian Ocean and South China Sea to have an efficient access to Pacific Ocean. China very well knows the importance of soft power specially in dealing with smaller developing and least developing countries (LDCs) in order to secure a market, and have access to port and sea lane.

Though India has improved its corruption perception index from 94th position  in 2013 to 85th position in 2014 as per Transparency International, but still it is far behind in curbing the corruption globally. Normally if corruption starts from top in bureaucracy or in any other organization, it is likely that it will spread downwards at a very fast rate especially in bureaucracy. However, if corruption starts at low level, it will not rise upward very easily. It appears that corruption follows the law of gravity in sense that from top it flows to bottom  very rapidly, but from bottom to top it has to work against symbolic gravity. If corruption has started from top and has flown to bottom, it becomes very difficult to curb the corruption as those at the helms of affair does not have moral strength to control the same as they are also involved in corruption in some form or other. However, if it is starting from bottom, it can be easily controlled by people at top who has power and authority as well as moral strength to curb corruption. Therefore, it becomes very essential that people at the higher level must be people of very high integrity in order to curb corruption.

However, ethics, moral values and integrity are more or less uniformly distributed. We get some absolutely sincere, dedicated and honest persons at lower level of bureaucracy as well as some corrupt, morally and ethically unsound person at higher level of bureaucracy. In this situation, it becomes very important that elevation of corrupt people in bureaucratic or organizational hierarchy is stopped. There is a mechanism for the same by reflecting the same in performance appraisal, but it is not very effective again due to  corruption. The other important and potent way to curb financial corruption is to curb administrative corruption. Administrative corruption involves basically biased decision on transfer, posting, temporary duty, deputation, foeign assignment, selection and promotion and other personal matters in absence of any  sound policy or bypassing laid down policies. In institutional set up, noramally a group of people at various level in hierarchy are involved, and if few persons in that group are not willing to cooperate in corruption, it would be very difficult to carry out corrupt practices.  With the help of these tools like  transfer, posting and other personal matter people at top in the organization force, induce or encourage their subordinates to involve in corrupt practices. most of the subordinates fall prey to fear or favor of their bosses in getting involved in corruption cases. Therefore, there should be well defined  mechanised system of handling transfer, posting and other personal matters that contributes to administrative corruption, if financial corruption is to be curbed.

Current Modi government in India has accorded highest priority to make in India for boosting its economy and creating employment to its young population. Defence production is one of the priority areas for make in India so as to make India self reliant in defence production where about 70 percent of capital acquisitions in weapon and equipment comes through import. Self reliance in defence production will prepare the nation better to deter and meet the challenges from perceived adversaries. Total global defence export business is to the tune of 1.5 trillion dollars. Therefore, it makes sense to give a boost to defence production in make in India.

One has to pause and think how a countries  like China and South Korea that were either at par or inferior to India in industrial and technological development till 1970s became now exporters of defence items and India remained one of the biggest importers in Asia. Definitely, the answer lies in technology acquisition through FDI in civil as well as in defence technology. Therefore, if India wants to boost its defence production, it should learn lessons from China and South Korea and should attract FDI in defence production. Unfortunately, state owned defence manufacturing units and PSUs could not do much as they were constrained by inefficiency of DRDO in developing new products and weapon  systems. What ever little bit they could do is mainly due to technology provided by erstwhile USSR during cold war.

For acquisition of technology, two pronged strategies have to be adopted. First strategy which is long term, may focus on invigorating DRDO through structural reforms and creating parallel R&D organization in defence public sector units or in joint venture under PPP model with well defined IPR sharing so that indigenous defence technology development could be propelled.   The other strategy which is relatively short term is to attract FDI in defence production as it will bring not only bring the contemporary or best technology but will also bring capital required. Government has already increased the FDI from 26% to 49% in defence sector, and in strategic defence technology there is a mechanism to take FDI beyond 49% also.

However, in order to boost up the make in India programme in defence sector, one has to realise that defence industries works in monopolistic or oligopolistic market where buyers are few mainly the branches of government involved in external and internal security.  Therefore, one has to ensure that sustained market has to be there for those who are investing in defence production so that reasonable return on investors investment are assured. Without assured market for a reasonably long period, nobody will invest their money. So, first reform has to be made at demand side. There should be a long term perspective plan for acquisition where specifications needs to be frozen for a reasonable period of time keeping in mind the availability of technologies at competitive and affordable price, strategic requirements based on capabilities of potential adversaries and incubation period of next generation weapon system development. GSQR should not be based on whims and fancy of some of decision makers with vested interest and should not change frequently. Manufacturers views should also be taken while framing GSQR. If a contract is won by one company, then it should supply the item for 5 to 10 years till it recovers its return on investment or technology is phased out globally or becomes irrelevant. Besides providing stable, predictable and assured indigenous market   government should also help the investors in accessing the global market through diplomatic means.  Apart from above it will also require adequate infrastructure and facilities in form of road, power, water, port, and ease of doing business through tax reform, land acquisition, simple environmental and other statuary clearances. A boost in defence production in India will improve its defence preparedness, boost economy and provide employment apart from changing the technological landscape of India as it will also boost civil industries.

Avinash Chander, DRDO chief was removed on 13th January,2015 from this coveted post stating the reason tha induction of young blood is required to propel R&D activities at greater speed. Perhaps the same have been indicated by PM Modi during his address to DRDO scientists on 20th August, 2014 when he directed the DRDO to ensure delivery of cutting-edge weapon systems to the armed forces in time to keep India ahead in the national security arena and lackadaisical attitude will not work.Though the stern message was couched in mild language, the intent behind it could not be lost. Most of DRDO projects, ranging from Tejas light combat aircraft to long-range surface-to-air missile systems, after all, are running years behind schedule with huge cost overruns. . This indicates that Modi Government is not going to spare any lackadaisical approch in defence research and development. The same will be applicable to defence production units under Ministry of Defence and DPSUs (Defence Public Sector Units). Though Avinash Chander has earned good name in missile programme in India. But, international peer group and experts also see lacklusture in India's development of military technology. Given below is the view of international expert published in SIPRI specially about missile development programme.

Military research and development (R&D) in India is not progressing as rapidly or as far as its leaders had hoped and observers had predicted. The obstacles preventing India from developing a more advanced military technology base are primarily technical and economic, stemming from chronic problems with project management rather than any lack of scientific resources. Indian military R&D programmes have achieved some immediate goals but have not created the anticipated technological momentum that would allow them to move from limited import substitution to indigenous innovation. Consequently, reports to the effect that sophisticated conventional or nuclear weapons are easily or inevitably within the grasp of India or other countries that do not share India's scientific resources should be viewed with scepticism.

The Prithvi (Earth) battlefield support missile's role can be expected to be similar to that of the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), but it is less flexible, being limited in particular by the decision to use liquid fuel and the Indian Army's limited battlefield surveillance capabilities at the missile's full range. Strictly speaking, the Prithvi system should include an integrated surveillance and mission planning supportcapability and is incomplete without one. Although the Army has accepted the first delivery of the Prithvi and is beginning field testing, it is reportedly reluctant to buy more than 80, given a procurement budget that has fallen by 17% in three years. While its role may be similar to that of the ATACMS, the Prithvimissile is more closely comparable to the Soviet Scud-B or the German V-2.

The Agni (Fire) missile test bed is a completely indigenous design. India's chronic problem of systems integration in programmes of this level of complexity have only been overcome in cases where there is foreign management assistance. Also, there is no service requirement whatsoever for the Agni, a significant barrier to its deployment in the procurement budget crisis. The Indian Air Force has not been given a strategic or nuclear bombardment mission for which it might use the Agni, nor does the Army require a missile with the Agni's range.

In view of same DRDO and DPSUs have to mend their ways and tighten their belts. It needs overhaul its organizational structure and change its organizational culture. Will it be able to meet the expections of PM Modi in delivering cutting edge defence technology in a reasonable time frame that is yet  to be seen.

A grand celebration of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is being made from 7th to 9th January, 2015 at Ahmedabad, Gujarat in India, where P M Narendra Modi and President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar as Chief Guest were present. Other foreign dignitaries participating in event are Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa. From Indian side dignitaries like Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Minister of Telecommunications and IT, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs, Minister of State for Finance, Government of India were present. From the host State, Governor of Gujarat and Chief Minister of Gujarat were present. Government of India started celebrating  Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) on 9th Januarry since  2003 during NDA regime. The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi on this day of 9th January, 1915 from South Africa to Mumbai.

 Previous governments exceopt NDA government has had lackadaisical attitude towards PBD in past. But, NDA government and particularly Modi government realized its importance and need and its global economic and political implications. There are two types emigrants, one those who went to British, French and  Dutch colonies as indentured labours between 1830s and 1970 under compulsion due to severe economic hardship and poverty, and other others who were well off and went mostly after independence to other western countries for pursuing study, jobs and business etc.  The first category of people who went as indentured labourers were mostly from Eastern UP and Bihar and a few from Tamilnadu and Andhra. And these people were tricked, duped, exploited brutally assaulted and humiliated by colonial powers in colonies. Descendants of these people over the years have made rapid progress after independence of these colonies are emotionally very much connected with India, but Indian government did not show any discernible sensitivity and concern to these people  till NDA government realised the same and started PBD in 2003.These people are normally called the people of Indian origin (PIO). However, the well off people who went after independence to other countries and settled there were well taken care by previous governments, and they are normally overseas citizens of India (OCI).

 PM Modi extended the same benefits to both PIO and OCI. He has extended life long visa, visa on arrival and provided exemption to go to police station after a certain period in case of PIOs. Now these people can freely travel in India and will be able to develop more strong bond with the country of their forefathers. India can help them in retaining and strengthening the culture of their  ancestors, and will always have a special feeling for India as their second country. In the event of any economic, political and environmental crisis in those countries where a large number of PIO and OCIs are there, India can come to their rescue and vice versa. Bilateral cooperation in trade, commerce and tourism with these will provide win-win situations for India as well as those countries where large Indian diaspora exists. India may raise the legitimate concerns of people of these countries in international forum such as UN, World Bank, IMF and other multilateral agencies. India also may get benefited by having support of these countries during voting at multilateral institutions on crucial global issues. This will increase the soft power of India. India should consider to provide low budget tourism opportunity to people of small countries like Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and Fiji etc by providing low cost air travel, low cost budget hotel at places like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Patana, Kolkata, Delhi, Mubbai and Chennai etc which is connected with the lives of their forefathers and very close to their hearts. It is hoped that Modi government will be able fulfill the aspirations people of Indian origin living abroad that will be in interest of both India as well as those countries where large Indian diaspora is there.  

Brutal killings of more than 132 children of Army Public School by Taliban in Peshawar on 16th December, 2014 has sent shock wave across the globe. It also indicates that Talibanization of Pakistan is taking place rapidly. Now question arises that what could be potential likely outcome of Talibanization of Pakistan and its way out? The recent Wagah Border Bombing at Pakistan side of Indo-Pak border in November, 2014 and recent Peshawar killings indicate that such incidents will take place very frequently and more intensely till either Pakistan comes  fully under control of Talibans or Talibani terrorists are totally eliminated by Pak military establishment. Pakistani establishment and powerful countries friendly with Pakistan should first ensure that taliban could not lay hand on nuclear arsenals, otherwise anytime nuclear disaster may happen in South Asia. Killings of few Talibani terrorists which is their own creation of Pakistani military, religious and political establishment will not solve the purpose. The great damage has been done by Pakistani political, religious and military establishments in distorting,  framing, instilling and nurturing  ideologies based on religion to promote terrorism for more than three decades and its repercussions have to be faced greatly by Pakistan, Afghanistan and to some extent by neighboring countries like India, Iran ,China (Xinxiang) etc. Unless and until these ideologies creating Islamic terrorism is killed or controlled by checking the spread of Wahabi Islam  and promoting  Sufi Islam which is full of love and compassion and hallmark of South Asian Islam, it will not resolve the issues, and such conflict will go in perpetuity more frequently and intensely and on larger geographical area. All the global leaders should come forward to eliminate this ideologies and sever the resources to these talibanis to kill this issue for ever.  

UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) is holding 20^th COP (Conference of Parties) from 1^st to 10^th December, 2014 at Lima in Peru. Political pundits of environment and environmentalists across the globe are keenly watching the outcome of this COP20. When Kyoto Protocol was adopted at COP3 of UNFCCC at Kyoto in 1997, there was lot of optimism among those who were concerned about climate change. However, this optimism could not be converted into reality even after more than one and half decade as some countries that are responsible for heavy historical as well as current emission of GHG (green house gas) were not agreed to abide by at least in action the emission reduction targets fixed based on common but differentiated principle. Even after raising the global concerns by environmentalists across the globe about climate change, those countries that are mainly responsible for climate change due heavy emission of GHG after industrial revolution were not interested much in mitigation activities, sometimes even denying the science of global warming and climate change and man made contribution to same. However, after witnessing a number of climate change led disasters across the globe in last one decade, now every country has accepted the threat of climate change. But still, most of the countries individually or in groups are busy in consolidating their own positions against the climate negotiations to serve their own economic and other interests at the cost of climate change rather than cooperating at global level to fight against it. Developed countries are of the opinion that they have developed climate change related technologies for mitigation as well as adaptation after putting a lot of investment and hard work, then why should not they reap the benefits of the same by charging high premium on these technologies when they are in great demand due to compulsion aroused out of climate change. On the other hand developing and least developing nations are of opinion that this problem has been created by developed countries due to their excessive GHG emission due to their past and present industrial activities and they should take the responsibility of corrective action. Accordingly countries individually or in groups are trying to influence the doctrine of climate negotiations to their advantage. However, concerted efforts of all the countries in varied degree would be required to address this issue.

 There are three pronged ways to tackle climate change, one is mitigation, and other is adaptation and third is mitigation and adaptation combined. If capability and venerability is put together, then countries can be grouped in three categories as developed, developing, least developing and island countries based on their capabilities, required responses and actions. All the countries should allocate their resources towards mitigation and adaptation based on their technical and financial capabilities, and threat perception of climate change. Developed countries that are technically and financially sound should first focus on mitigation activities, and their second priority should be on those activities which are mitigative as well as adaptive in nature. Allocating the resources for only adaptation by developed countries should be their last priority as most of the developing countries have adequate adaptive infrastructure already in place, and moreover, furthermore creation of adaptive infrastructure could further aggravate climate change and put more burden on least developing countries and island nations, and developing countries.  Similarly, developing country with moderate technical and financial resources should first focus on combined mitigation and adaptation activities, then on adaptation and finally mitigation activities. The least developed countries who have least technical and financial resources and island nations who are most vulnerable should first focus on adaptation, then on combined mitigation and adaptation activities, and finally on mitigation activities as they are most vulnerable to scourge of climate change.  

Efficient use of energy and its conservation, modest use of energy in lifestyle, use of clean energy, forestation, climate resilient crops and seeds, energy efficient and climate resilient housing etc are some of the viable options that can address the issue of climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, for least developing countries and developing countries, major barriers for addressing these issues are availability of technology and finance which is abundantly available with developed countries. So, if this global menace of climate change is to be fought collectively, then developed countries should come forward and generously assist developing and least developing countries by providing technical assistance for capcity building, adequate technologies and attractive finances rather than charging exorbitantly high premium on technology. And developed countries should more focus on use of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation and modest use of energy in lifestyle. If mitigation activities are not implemented timely, GHG and specially CO2 will be charged in atmosphere and ocean for longer duration and will remain for a longer period in atmosphere to increse global temperature on sustained basis. Time is running very fast and countries need to build up consensus on the priciples of common and differentiated action without taking climate negotiation further in quagmire of international political game from where there is no solution. Though it is late, but not too late to act upon mitigation action so that this beautiful planet could be saved from scourge of climate change. Let's hope that something concrete comes out from Lima.

On 2 November, 2014 a heavy suicide bomb explosion by terrorist took place at Pakistan side of Indo-Pak border named Wagah border where more than 50 people died and more than 200 injured. Pakistani Taliban and other Pakistan based terror groups have claimed their  responsibilty for this act. Slowly Pakistan is coming under severe threat of its own created terror groups. Religion based terrorism was conceived, created and nurtured by Pakistan to be used against erstwhile USSR in Afghanistan in late 1970s with material resources provided by some rich and some powerful countries. Ideological resources were framed and provided by Pakistan to militants and terror activities in name of religion and it was effectively utilized against USSR in Afghanistan.  After Russians left Afghanistan, Pakistan utilized these terrorist infrastructure against India in Kashmir and subsequently other parts of India for terror activities.Terrorists are not robots that once one create them and utilize to meet his end, and then they   can again be reprogrammed by erasing and replacing their memory with good program to become a good person. It takes a lot of time in instilling terrorist ideologies in their brain.  Once a person has been created as terrorist based on certain reason or ideologies, he wants to live for that ideology. And once one task is over, he will look for other opportunity structure where he can act in similar way in order to live to his ideologies. If even his creator comes his way in fulfilling his ideologies, then he will deal with iron hands, because he feels cheated in changing ideologies. Similar situation exists in Pakistan. In this process some of the terrorist groups have slipped out from control of ISI and Pak army, and they are having conflicts with military and political establishments in Pakistan.

Now the question arise why this bombing took place at Pak side of Wagah Indo-Pak border. Perhaps terrorist might have intended to  bomb Indian side of Wagah border, but could not be possible to do it Indian side due to some unknown reason, so they did it Pakistan side itself as second option. It clearly shows that Pakistan created some terror groups are also some extent anti to Pakistani military and political establishment. However, Pakistan can not shirk its responsibility taking plea  that non state actors in Pakistan are waging terrorist activities against India. If any terror attack from state or non state actor is emanating from Pakistani soil, it should be construed  as an act by Pakistan and Pakistan should be made responsible for that. Pakistan should learn a lesson from some of the recent terror activities in Pakistan and should wind up it terror infrastructure for its own benefits.   

In media there are some voices that PM Modi is taking hard line stand against Pakistan. Right since his inauguration as PM in May, 2014, PM Modi took initiative to improve  and maintain better relations with its neighbouring countries, especially with all the members of SAARC countries including Pakistan. He called head of state/government of all members of SAARC countries at his inauguration and he always talked about development of entire SAARC region. He offered to launch satellites for benefits of members of SAARC countries for better communication and education among SAARC member countries. He also emphasized the need for enhanced trade among member countries for mutual benefits. Most of the SAARC member countries responded positively to initiatives of PM Modi except Pakistan. PM Modi has shown enough good gesture by proposing to help people in Pak occupied Kashmir during recent flood. Pakistan does not want to respond to good gesture and progressive diplomacy. PM Modi invited Pakistan for bilateral talks at Secretary level, but Pakistan spoiled the same by meeting separatist leaders in Kashmir before talk despite India’s advice not to do so. After cancellation of talk, Pakistan started unprovoked firing across the border for which India had no other option except to respond in similar manner. And India responded in very clear and unambiguous terms  and India dealt the matter with iron hands.   India and Pakistan fought four wars since 1948 to 1999, and all with heavy cost to Pakistan. Failing miserably in conventional warfare against India, Pakistan pursued the path of cross border terrorism. Though all the previous governments in India have acted tough during conventional warfare, but they did not respond adequately against Pakistan sponsored cross border terrorism. So,  Modi has rightly taken a tough stand against Pakistan on cross border terrorist infiltration. PM Modi and the then Defence Minister Jaitely were right in their approach that Pakistan should bear the adequate cost of its misadventure in order to create a credible deterrence to its recurring misadventure. The meaningful talk can take place only if effective deterrence is created. Though sometimes tough action against Pakistan by India goes in favour of Pakistan by uniting various factions in Pakistan, but this should not be a prohibitive condition for pre-emptive action. However, unnecessary display of jingoism and machismo in electronic media is not warranted and sometimes it goes in favour of adversary. 

 Pakistan and some sympathiser of Pakistan  argue that non state actors in Pakistan are waging war against India. This arguments were given in 1948 and 1999 war also from Pakistan side. There is nothing like non state actors in Pakistan that wage proxy war against India. They are fostered by military, political and religious establishment in Pakistan to be used mainly against India. Basically Pakistan is born out of anti India sentiments and nurtured on the same sentiments since its coming into existence. Moreover, Pakistan even after having same/similar ethnicity, language , history and culture it became puppet and religious laboratory in hands of some of the rich Islamic countries of West Asia. It is ridiculous that they don't introspect the reason for loosing Bangladesh and not serious about consolidating Balochistan, rather continuously they waste their energy on continuously harping on Kashmir issue. So, Indo-Pak relation must be seen in that perspective. 

There is also some opinion in media that India can not attain its goal of attaining the status of regional/global power without having good relations with Pakistan. As far as India becoming a regional power or super power is concerned, Pakistan can not come in the way, as this path goes through economic development. Once economic power is achieved , it can achieve both hard and soft power to be in comity of powerful nations. And Modi is pursuing the same vigorously. So Modi's approach was absolutely appropriate in dealing with Pakistan.

Right from day one after being inaugurated as Prime Minister of India, PM Modi has accorded high importance to cleanliness and sanitation. However, formal Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan (Clean India Mission) was launched on 2nd October, 2014 that is birthday of Mahatma Gandhi who himself was a a champion of campaign for cleaning of personal as well as public places and  maintaining personal hygene during independence movement that continued even after independence. Gandhi has realized long back social and economic implications of hygene and sanitation for society in general and for poor strata of society in particular. In independent India Modi is first PM who has accorded such a high importace to cleanliness and sanitation, unlike pevious governments who just paid lip service to this cause. The major victims of poor cleanliness are normally poor people, who has poor access to nutrion, sanitation infrastructure and  quality health services. When poor falls sick, his economic activities gets disrupted and source of livelihood comes to grinding halt, and if he is sole bread winner in family, then he and his family has to suffer a lot. In many cases poor gets trapped into quagmire of debt at exhorbitantly high interest rate from a local moneylender from where it becomes difficult to come out.  And thus he gets permanently into debt and poverty trap.

PM Modi has rightly realized that without people's participation this national mission on cleanliness can not be made successful. Only government sponsered programmes alone can not bring the result. There are two pronged approach to address this issue. First and foremost is creating awareness about importatnce and need of sanitation, and other is creating infrastructure for sanitation. People need to be explained why cleanliness at personal as well as public places and maintaining personal hygene is important as it is directly related to our health and money spent on health care, and in turn it is economically  advantageous. Then they need to be educated about good cleanliness practices that need to be followed by people on sustained basis. People need to be explained that shifting dirt and garbage from one place to other place without proper disposal does not serve any purpose. People need to be also educated how not to create filth and unhygenic conditions at first place itself, so that efforts required for cleanliness is reduced. And most important thing is that people should remove from their mindset that creating filth and non participation in cleaning either at personal or public places are respectful.

The other important approach is to create proper sanitation infrastructure. In absence of proper garbage collection, transportation and disposal infrastructure, it will only be shifting the garbage from one place to another place making other place unclean. There is need to provide proper toilettes, sewagw lines, sewage treatment plants and water supply system. Without providing these infrastructure by state cleanliness mission can not be achieved.

If the intended goal of National  Cleanliness Mission is achieved in time frame of about five years, it will not only reduce the national expenditure on health care, improve the well being of the people, improve the productivity of people, but will also increase tourism by changing its landscape. So Swachchh baharat Abhiyan (National Cleanliness Mission) has  great economic implications for India.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) of India has launched its first Mars orbiter Mangalyaan on 5th November, 2013 that successfully reached in orbit of planet Mars on 24^th September, 2014. Though its success was questionable when it was launche, as out of 51 interplanetary missions to planet Mars as Flyby, Orbiter or Lander only 21 have succeeded.  Now everyone in India is celebrating the success of Mangalyaan i.e. Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). However, when Mangalyaan was launched, there were mixed reactions from nations, media across globe as well as from various sections of society within India. Some of them reposed confidence in achievements made so far by ISRO, some of them criticised it for not being citizen centric or not having value for money spent on this project, while some of them criticised this mission as wastage of money for a country like India where millions of people are poor. In fact, it should have been highly appreciated equivocally when it was launched even if some apprehension of failure would have been there to perform minimal function such as  reaching to Mars, orbiting around it and taking some photographs. Now as this mission has been successful in performing its intended function, it has demonstrated the capacity of ISRO scientist to entire world and enhanced their confidence as well as Indian scientists working in other fields which is must for progress and development in any field and specially in science and technology.

The main value for money of this project is capacity and confidence building of scientists and engineers of ISRO, and demonstrating enhanced prestige of Indian scientists globally. Moreover, in due course of time many technolical aspects of this project would find applications in solving problems in basic science, defence and space science projects. Space science is one of the frontier area in science and technology which has enormous potential of economic activities in future in field of telecommunication, remote sensing, inter planetary mining of precious metals and minerals, settlement of space colony, solar power generation, in space and security surviliance etc. During cold war period space race between US and USSR have been a mode of  their power projection. On strategic front possession of high technological achievements like this creates a deterrent to adversaries. India and especially ISRO scientists must be applauded for their achievements made so far in successfully placing Mangalyaan in orbit at the price of shoe string and India should feel proud of its achievements.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit  to Japan which is his  first foreign visit as Prime Minister outside SAARC country is an indication of great importance attached to Japan by PM Modi. After being inaugurated as PM, Modi's first foreign visit to Bhutan was an indication that he accords high priority to even smallest neighbouring countries in SAARC region. In this process he made his second visit to Nepal and was in process of more diplomatic initiative and engagements at various levels to other SAARC countries in order to take the lead in taking on board SAARC member countries in regional development process. Meanwhile  Pakistan scuttled this process through its hostile attitude and act towards India. Now in SAARC region, bi-lateral ties with member countries is only viable option for india. 

Beyond SAARC nations, PM Modi chose first to visit Japan in place of visiting countries having tag of super power or emerging super power. With emergence of China as a regional power and aspiring to become a global power coupled with its expansoinist policies many countries in Asia and Pacific region feel insecured. The historical baggage which Japan has with emerging China is worrisome for Japan. Japan along with U S may find India as a strategic partner to contain China through cooperation in defence. Similarly, deep strategic relation between China and Pakistan and hostile attitude especially of Pakistan provides a natural option for India to join U S-Japan axis. However, the main problem with India in its defence preparedness due to its dependability on other country for acquisition of sophisticated weapon and equipment, where Japan can come to its rescue as Japan has lot of advance technologies which can be used in defence production. Though Japan is constrained by Article 9 of its constitution. but PM Shinzo Abe has taken initiatives to reinterpret the same favorably. So cooperation in defence through technology transfer and FDI in defence production may be a win-win situation for both India and Japan, where later will beefit from investment and trade and technological capacity building in defence sector.

Another sector of potential cooperation will be infrastructure development in rail, roads, ports, energy and environment which is badly needed in India which PM Modi attach high priority and Japan has technology and capital to invest in these sectors. This will further further provide opportunity to boost the stagnant economy of Japan. Other areas of cooperation may be in  cultural field. Both India and Japan has a lot to offer each other in tourism. Cooperation in education and joint scientific reseach could other area of cooperation. So, forthcoming vist of PM Modi to Japan is likely to bring more closer through deep bilateral cooperation in defence, infrastructure and cultural sector.

Defence preparedness requires acquisition of means to match the capability of perceived adversaries apart from will power. The means includes fighting forces, their skills, weapons, equipment and other supplies required for operation in theater of war.   Modern warfare is highly technology intensive, so major challenge before armed forces are acquisition of weapons and equipment with adequately high degree of technology matching that of  the perceived  adversaries. Now country has provided adequate budget allocations for acquisition of weapon, but the same is not utilized due to non availability of adequate indigenous sources of supplies on account of poor performance of DRDO and DPSUs, and importation of the same sink into quagmire of corruption in many cases and this delays acquisition. There is need to develop defence R & D as well as production facilities in private sector as US does. Indigenous private players in defence production has to be assured of  load on sustainable basis and government need to support them in getting  market abroad. For achieving this, there should be a rationality in choice of specification and quality requirements of weapon and long term perspective plan needs to be shared also with the local manufacturer of weapons and equipment  in  private sector , so that they could gear up themselves to meeting requirements of defence forces.

Formation of BRICS Development Bank will add a new chapter in global multilateral developmental agency having far reaching implications for other multilateral developmental banks such as World Bank   , ADB etc which are working under hegemony of US, West and Japan. It will influence existing multilateral developmental banks to mend their ways in granting loans and aids to emerging economies and developing and least developing countries on more attractive terms and conditions without  discrimination. The equal equity in BRICS Bank is a big achievement as no country can exercise hegemony. However, China is big gainer in getting its Head Quarter at Sanghai.

The concept proposed by  Elvira Nabiulin, president of Russia's Central Bank;  that all negotiations with the BRICS should bypass the US dollar will have far reaching implications for  international developmental and financial institutions and  many international currencies.

So far Kyoto Protocol has failed in achieving its target of emission reduction of green house gases(GHG). Under the existing scenario of GHG emissiom, global temperature is likely to increase about 5 degree celcius by end of 21st century as per recent studies. How hard this climate change is going to hit the life of human being and bio-diversty on this planet can be imagined from the simple fact that 1 degee celcius temperature rise reduces the 10 percent yield in paddy production. In addition to this sea level rise, drought, powerful cyclone, rapid desertification will displace many human settlements to new places that will be further leads to conflict for resources. Certainly nobody wants such a planet for our future generation to come. The main reason for failure in achieving emission reduction target is that no country wants to compromise its economic development by reducing the consumption of fossil fuel for the sake of climate change mitigation.

The other viable option to reduce the emission of GHG without compromising economic development is technological intervention i.e. use of energy efficient and renewable technologies. But again, these technologies lies in hands of few developed countries who charge exorbitantly high price for the same and its wide spread use is restricted. Therefore, a global climate technology fund with contribution of all the countries as per their capacity needs to be created that could be used to unshacle few potent climate mitigation technology from intelectual property right so that it becomes a global public good and it can be widely produced and used across globe without paying high premium for technology development cost. In addition, this fund can be  used for setting up institutions to develop climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies that can  be manufactured by anyone across globe who has got the capabilities to do so. These actions will bring down the cost of climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies drastically and its wide spread use may bring down GHG emission considerably and save this planet from scourge of climate change.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in India on 8th June 2014 to improve Sino-India relation. Perhaps, he will discuss the India visit of President Xi Jinping also to further improve relations. Modi has already accepted Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's invitation to vist Japan in July this year. US President  Obama's invitation  has also been accepted by Modi and he is likely to visit in September this year. All these three countries who are trying to cozing up their relations with new government in India led by Modi are great economic power and two of them i.e. US and China are strong military power. US and Japan are aligned and thay have their own joint security and strategic arrangements. Now it is to see which way Modi government leans. Is it towards US-Japan axis or  towards China or maintain equidistance from all the three and maintainging only business relations. However, unlike many other head of Governments, Modi has displayed a unique diplomatic sign by choosing Bhutan as his first foregn visit as Prime Minister of India,

As far as Modi is concerned, he believes that if India has to get a respectful place among comity of powerful nations, it has to make rapid economic progress. And for economic development and progress, peace is an essential requirements and more so with neighbors.  Similarly, China also must be aware of  this fact that any confrontation or armed conflict may also spoil its ambition to become number one economic power in the world, because history is testimony that whoever plunged in war have lost their position even after winning the war. Therefore, both India and China would appreciate that this is not the proper time to dig up the old embarrassing issues rather to collaborate and cooperate for mutual benefits. As far as Japan is concerned, it will always try to rope in India against China to contain China in order to be in  advantageous  position  in its relation with China. As far as US is concerned, it also does not want a strong China which could undermine its position in Asia and Pacific region, and it will try to prop up India against China, that will not be in over all interest of India and China. If India and China come under confrontation, the western power led by US will again try to hold their grip on Asia and would try to make its colony economically. Arms trade and possible future FDI  by US defence manufacturing companies in India should not be seen in terms of strategic cooperation between India and US as it is compulsion of these two countries to come together to fulfill their mutual interest, as India is in dire need of getting defence technology, and US has to save its defence production units by providing them market. Now it is to see how India under leadership of Modi handle these three powerful nation and work cautiously to best of its advantage.

Before his formal swearing in as Prime Mionister of India on 26.05.2014, Mr Modi displayed one of his highest degree of successful political adventure by inviting all the SAARC leaders on his swearin in ceremony. As a good gesture all the head of state/governments or their representatives of SAARC countries graced the occasion. About 151 fishermen were released by Pakistan and Sri Lanka as a diplomatic gift to P M Modi on this occasion which is a big diplomatic achievement of Mr Modi.

Most of the countries in South Asia are very poor, and they badly need economic and social development of their people. One of the precondition for development is peace and stability. Good relations with neighbouring countries not only brings peace and stability but open the avenues for cross border trade and commerce. Inviting leaders of SAARC countries, PM Modi has accorded a high priority to SAARC countries on his international relation agenda. He has treated SAARC countres like extended families of India. Modi has taken initiative to display a new regional diplomacy to uniting SAARC countries for benifits of South Asian region. But, its success will depend upon how members of SAARC countries reciprocate and behave keeping aside old animosity if any among member states. If all SAARC countries could come together for development of this region through initiatives of Mr Narendra Modi, he will definitely emerge as regional leader of South Asia.

Germany has set a new record of generating its 74 percent of its power needs from renewable source of energy mainly solar and wind. Now Germans have shown that if strong political will is there, then reducing GHG and mitigating global warming and climate change is not a big task. There is apprehension that cost of renewable energy is very high and will be a prohibiting factor for economic development. But Germany is best perfomer economically in EU even after embracing renewable energy. Once use of renewable energy is increased, its cost will also come down due to scale of economy in production, marketing, installation and operation.  

All the developed and fast developing countries should learn a lesson from Germany and replicate the same. Otherwise if it is delayed, the level of CO2 will reach to very high value and its sequestration will take lot of time. The recent studies in climate change shows a very  dangerous trend and it is is not arrested through collective efforts, consequences may be so severe that none of the adaptation measures would be able to save human life on this planet.

The outcomes of exit polls suggests that Naredra Modi will become Prime Minister of India once the election results in India is declared on 16th may, 2014. While elections were going on, there were lot of reactions from state as well as non state actors of neighbouring countries on Narendra Modi being emerged as Prime Minister which was not usual in previous parliamentary elections. The question arises that why so  much apprehension and reactions are there from some of the neighbouring countries.  Is this apprehension about strategic policies of Modi likely to be put in place by Modi government towards its neighbouring countries true.

But in my opinion scenario will be different. Considering the RSS background of Modi, his deep trust in oriental values and deep commitment for economic development, Modi will try to improve relations with neighboring countries including China and Pakistan. However, he will not tolerate non-sense behavior also. In addition to economic development,  he will try to build up the military capabilities through  expansion, capacity building and modernization of in-house defence production facilities as a deterrent to potential adversaries. Moreover, if neighbouring countries cooperate and collaberate he will push up the agenda for inclusive growth of Asia in general and south Asia in particular.

There is a perception in some  sections of political commentators on international relations in South Asia that dangerous trend in nuclear South Asia will emerge once Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Mr Narendra Modi comes to power in India after 2014 Parliamentary elections. Many  such arguments made is based on any unfounded logic. First BJP and Modi have been painted as Hindu hard liner that is not true as during 12 years of Modi's rule in Gujarat no communal riots have taken place and economic development of minority community is phenomenally high compared to many other states inIndia. Modi will prove to be a statesman not playing in hands other nations and that is also a sure sign to establish peace with neighbours. He is pro -development politician and knows very well that development and peace go hand in hand. And for achieving this, good relation with neighbours is essential.

However, in South Asia, there are two nuclear armed countries i.e. India and Pakistan who have major territorial disputes since creation of Pakistan in 1947 and that led to series of war between India and Pakistan. As of now India is committed to no first use of Nuclear weapon as per its nuclear doctrine, but there is no such commitment from Pakistan. The collaborative relations between ISI of Pakistan and jihadi militants and helplessness of political establishment in Pakistan are well known to the world. If militants lay a hand on nuclear weapon in Pakistan, its consequences may be disastrous not only for India, but for Pakistan also. In this situation India has to calibrate its nuclear doctrine if nuclear weapon is passed on in hands of non state actor such as jihadi militants and Taliban. In such situation, a statesman like Modi  will not tolerate any non sense activity and if required will give befitting replies. Now the action of Pakistan will decide that what type of response they want

With the 42nd amendment of the  Constitution enacted  in 1976, word 'Secular' was added in  the preamble to the Constitution of India asserting that India is a secular nation. As per western thought secularism is separation of government institution and persons representing state from religious institutions and religious dignitaries. This manifest freedom from religeous rules and teachings on one hand and political and public activities are uninfluenced by religeous beliefs and practice.

However, secularism in India has been interpreted by different political parties differently. Since independence the party that ruled major period of time interpreted it as equal treatment to all religions by state, acceptance of religious law as binding on state and equal participation of state in different religion. However, other parties have divergent views.

The major role of government is to fulfill the aspirations of its citizen through their economic and social well being. When it comes to social well being religion can not be excluded. So , the action of government should be in such a way that without influencing any religion or without influenced by any religion, it should fulfill the aspirations of its citizens by  pursuiing the economic, social, cultural and scientific development. However, this does not happen and many of the political parties use religion in their policies some way or other to get the favour of a particular religious group for their electoral benefits which is unsecular. Even some of the political parties appease some of the religious groups and they claim their action highly secular. Those political parties who talks of equal treatment to each religious group are often termed as unsecular parties by these psudosecular parties. This requires a debate to define secularism that suits a religiously plural country like India and its limits of separation from politics and public policies. 

Indian National Congress in its 2014 Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) Election Manifesto declared in last week of March, 2014 has stated that The Indian National Congress is committed to creating national consensus on affirmative action for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the private sector. Though this stand by Congress Party might have been taken out of sheer desperation to consolidate its position on losing grounds in forthcoming elections, but its economic and social implications are far reaching for Indian economy and society.

In today’s globalize world economic enterprises survive and grow purely on its economic efficiency. And for efficient operation of any economic enterprise qualitative man power or human capital is must. If we extend the reservations of jobs based on caste, it may bring down the efficiency drastically though equity may improve marginally. This in turn will bring down the profitability of many firms and many will perish in due course  of time being non competitive to other overseas competitors. The FDI in country will reduce as overseas companies will not be interested in enforcing reservations in jobs in their companies.  The revenue collection of government in form of taxes will reduce and whatever social welfare programmes for Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribes are being taken may even become difficult to sustain due to financial constraints.

On social front, it will create social tension in society, as it was created when reservation policy for OBCs in government jobs were introduced by Mr V P Singh. In that process social turmoil was created where hundreds of youths committed suicide. This social tension could have been escalated, but thanks to visionary economic policies of Mr. P V Narsimharao government that created huge job opportunity through liberalisation of economy. But, no such other scenario exists once the reservations of  job in private sector is introduced.   

Therefore, it will be biggest blunder of Congress Party to advocate for reservations in private sector. It would be better for government  to take up social programme of capacity building of SC/ST/OBC candidates through free education and special coaching etc. 

Press including electronic media is fourth pillar of democracy. It basically represents the voice of people in democracy and strengthen the democracy. Though there may be some black sheep in media who are involved in  business of paid news or some kind on lobbying for political parties or some big business houses in consideration of rent, but time is testimony to the role of media in establishing and strengthening  democracy  since pre-independence freedom movement to emergency rule and onwards to date.

 Social activist turned politician, Aam Adami Party (AAP) Chief Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the media is "sold" and "heavy amounts" have been paid to promote BJP's PM nominee Narendra Modi. Accusing the "whole" media of being "sold out", Kejriwal has threatened to send media people to jail after an inquiry into the issue if AAP comes to power. This shows the dictatorial attitude of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal and his disrespect for fourth arm of democracy. If media is not in his favour he will put them behind the bars. If he comes to power and executives and judiciary do not listen to him, he may think of putting them also in jail or at least dismissing them. It clearly indicates Arvind Kejriwal does not believe in democracy, he believes in Authoritarian government. He has shown his utter failure as Chief Minister ofDelhifor 49 days.  His main crusade as social activist  started against corruption. But he could not do anything during his 49 days rule to eradicate corruption. Rather he took only populist measure to reduce the electricity tariff unfounded on any economic principle, like many other parties have been doing in past and ruining the entire electricity industry. Interestingly, instead of reposing his confidence in constitution, he is reposing his confidence in Taliban style Khaap Panchayat.

One political leader of BJP Prakash Javadekar has rightly termed him as Maoist in urban outfit. Will the people ofIndiawill accept and elect him as their leader and tolerate governance by such a person?   And if so happens, a very heavy price will be paid by people of this country. 

Global geo-political strategic environment drastically changed after disintegration of Soviet Union in early 1990s, and bi-polar world led by USSR and USA became unipolar world led by US. During cold war period India was seen to be closed to USSR, but after disintegration of Soviet Unoin golbal scenario changed and option opened for India-US strategic alliance, but relation between India and US remained cold due to strategic alliance between US and Pakistan on Afghanistan issue. After 9/11 attack on World Trade Center in US, perception of US changed on terrorism and role of Pakistan in nuturing terrorism, and US started acknowledgeing importace of India for its fight against terrorism. Considering strategic importance of India and its economic rise, US moved forward for building US- India strategic alliance, but it could not move forward at that rate as it was desired.

Building of India-US strategic alliance must be seen through prism of historical baggage of foreign relation. Foreign trade led colonization process of India since later half of 18th century and Non Aligned Movement (NAM) started by Nehru after end of colonial rule are still  guiding factors in economic and foreign policy of India. It still act as barrier to any close strategic and economic tie with  country like US that is economically and militarily a very strong country , and this the reason why economic and strategic relation with Japan has increased considerably in recent past as Japan is not very strong country militarily like US to dictate terms of alliance.  It will take a longer period for India  to get rid of these historical baggage. Therefore, there is a need for slow and steady growth of  relations especially strategic one between India and US.

Afghanistan affairs is becoming another Vietnam for US. President Obama wants to quickly exit honorably from the quagmire of Afghanistan problem abandoning the basic issues for which US intervened. Obama may take credit for killing Osama, but the real problem of Taliban and stability of democratic governance and development in Afghanistan has not been fully addressed yet, which is very essential for eradicating terrorism from soil of Afghanistan. It requires sustained support for a decade or so. It appears that there is greater mistrust between Obama and Karzai as well as between Obama and Afghanistan policy think tank of Obama and some of the key persons responsible for implementing this policy in Afghanistan. President Karzai may be a lousy ally to Obama administration, but US must also see the situation from Karzai’s point of view. In case of abandonment by US, President Karzai has to handle the situation alone, so he has to do the micro-management of political affairs keeping that scenario in mind. Even Karzai may reach to some moderate faction in Taliban, and Obama administration should not meddle too much in political micro management, if US has to leave early. Early exit of US will definitely create a situation in which Taliban will resurrect with new vigor and with support of ISI of Pakistan, even it may become more powerful than earlier. In that situation, perhaps it will be worst situation than 1980s and 1990s for Afghanistan as well as many neighboring countries in South Asia.

Corruption in India is one of the most important barrier and issue among many responsible for low rate of economic development, slow eradication of poverty, poor implementation of public policies and poor governance etc. As per transparency international, Indiaranks at 94th position worldwide on corruption perception index. Indian public has been aspiring since long to get rid of corruption especially in Indian bureaucracy through some effective and potent piece of legislations. Though a number of Acts such as Indian Panel Code 1860, The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, The Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988, The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 etc were already there[1].  But, it could not fulfil the aspirations of public in addressing the corruption at the gross root level. A lot of social activism has taken place demanding a strong and effective legislation against corruption in last one decade or so. In that process some initial success was met in the form of enactment of Right to Information Act, 2005 which is very essential and helpful in accessing the information for establishing the corruption charges. However, much more needs to be done in this direction by enacting a series of legislations such as Whistle Blower’s Protection Bill, 2011, Public Procurement Bill, 2012,  The Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill, 2011, Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill etc to eradicate corruption from its root.  In this direction, government under pressure of people led by social activist Anna Hazare introduced a bill in Indian Parliament to fight against corruption in the form of Lok Pal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 which has been passed by the both the houses of Parliament on 17^th and 18^th December, 2013.  After assent of President the bill has become  an The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 and come into force after its notification on 01.01.2014.

In the recent time, Lokpal and Lokaykta Bill, 2011 was most talked about and debated bill inside and outside Parliament. Though there were a lot of divergent views among government, social activists and experts on contents of draft bill and its effectiveness in addressing the corruption leading to many criticism, protest and demonstration by social activists, but by incorporating certain amendments in the bill government could get it passed in both houses of Parliament taking main opposition party and members of many other political parties on board.

The bill has a lot of teeth in addressing corruption through provision such as 50 percent representation of SC, ST, OBC, minorities and women in selection of  Chairman and Members of Lokpal and their selection is made by a committee consisting of Prime Minister (PM), Speaker in Lok Shabha, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India and eminent jurist. It has jurisdiction over all levels of public servants including Prime Minister and no prior sanction required for launching prosecution in cases probed by Lokpal or investigated at its instance except PM. It will have its own inquiry wing for preliminary inquiry and provision for creation of independent inquiry wing and prosecution wing by creating Directorate of Inquiry and Directorate of Prosecution are there. The bill provides for  enhancing the maximum punishment for corruption from 7 to 10 years and minimum term for two years; and mandatory establishment of Lokayukta at the state within a year.

Though LokPal and Lokayuka Bill, 2001 is likely to become an Act soon, however, many people are very sceptical about its usefulness especially for poor people. Though the biggest victim of corruption are poor people, but they have been denied the most, the use of this instrument through the  penal provision of this bill against petitioner. This says that whoever makes any false and frivolous or vexatious complaint under this Act shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to one lakh (one hundred thousand) rupees.

As far as false allegations are concerned, an objective judgement can be made and   it can be very well established that allegations are true or false and nothing is in between; and  one should be penalized for the false allegation as it unnecessarily increases the administrative burden of institution investigating and adjudicating the corruption cases.  However, as far as frivolous and vexatious allegations are concerned it requires a subjective judgement to decide the same and to what extent it is frivolous and vexatious. Most of the poor people who are not much educated also and requires to be armed with this legislation will be  deterred to use this legislation as even financial penalty to petitioner is so high  to the tune of Rs 1,00,000/-  against daily income of Rupees 120 per day, in case if it is proved false, frivolous and vexatious.

Therefore, this legislation will arm only arm rich people, big corporate houses, strong NGOs against corruption. Poor people will not have the desired benefit of this legislation. What government should have done to make this Act more effective for benefits of poor, it should have  reduced the amount of penalty and should have withhold  the right of petitioner to make appeal further for a period of time,  in case of false, frivolous and vexatious allegations to deter them to do the same.

India witnessed at the fag end of 2013 an  innovative alternative to normal politics, when a group of  social activists fighting against corruption came into active politics when challenges were thrown at them to fight election and deliver the desired result. These social activists under leadership of Arvind Kejriwal accepted the challenge and formed Aam Adami Party (AAP), meaning a party of common people; and fought the elections and secured second highest number of seats though it was less than the required for simple majority. Since single largest party BJP (Bhartiya Janata Party) could not form government, AAP formed government with support of Congress Party and APP government led by Kejariwal was inaugurated on 28^th December, 2013.

AAP manifesto for Delhi Assembly election for 2013 has made a lot of rosy promises. Out of these promises made, some of them are easy to fulfil, few are very difficult to achieve beside others.  Fulfilling these promises requires a clear vision, appropriate policies, and strong institutions to implement the policies and programmes to address these problems. Some  of issues which has been raised in Delhi election manifesto of 2013 has been analysed below.

There is nothing more in Jan Lokpal Bill proposed by AAP, once Lokpal Bill and Lokayukta Bill, 2011 has been passed. Only Lokayukta is to be constituted in state. Any severe penal provision against public servant will discourage them to take any initiative.  It is not understood how AAP will pass Delhi Jan Lokpal bill within 15 days as there are many statutory time taking provisions that must be followed before introducing a bill before its passage. For example draft bills need to be published in print or electronic media comments of people and other stakeholders.

The concept of Swaraj as conceived by AAP is very good that envisage to involve the citizens in decision making relating to governance, but it may be applicable at local level i.e. at  mohalla (colony) level and for few issues only such as schools, hospitals etc. Major macro level decision making encompassing larger geographical area and complex techno-commercial issues can be taken only after thorough  analysis and appraisal by expert group.

Reduction of electricity bill to the tune 50 % through audit of discoms ( distribution companies), checking of meters for over reading, rectification of inflated bills  has been envisaged. But, whether that much potential of reduction is there through above mentioned means. If AAP is not able to meet this target through above means, then would AAP go to make the reduction of  electricity bill through state subsidy. And if the same happens so, it would be a disastrous financial health of state and setting a wrong trends for other states. As far as use of  renewable energy is concerned, the policy to promote solar energy and other renewable are already in place by central government, but, its price is still very high compared to grid power and that is a big barrier for expansion of its use in a decade or so.

 Water is one of the most essential requirements in residential sector for survival of human being, apart from its requirement for commercial and industrial use in case ofDelhi. As nearly 50 lakhs people inDelhido not have access to piped water, it would be a Herculean task for AAP government to provide 700 litres of water free  to all house holds including unauthorised slums. The biggest task for AAP government in  such a short time would be to ensure adequate amount of water and creation of infrastructure to distribute them especially in those areas and slums where no piped water supply infrastructure is available. Initially, as indicated by AAP government from free water supply of 700 litres, only those people will be benefited who are having piped water connection, and most of  these people are well to do and have the paying capacities also to bear the water charges. Those who are really needy i.e. slum dwellers and other unauthorised will not get this benefit in short to medium terms. Proposal to improve availability to water supply through rain water harvesting, recycling and conservation of water, reviving of  local water bodies are feasible in long run of three to five years or above, if these plans are implemented on war footing  basis immediately.

Sanitation and waste management proposed by AAP may work in a medium to long term by providing decentralized sewage treatment plant with active participation of people.

On women’s security vision of AAP is not clear as to how it will ensure the safety and security of women.

There is no vision on providing universal access to quality education. Merely regulating high fees and donations in private schools may bring down the quality of education in even in private schools due to lack of resources as envisaged by AAP.

Vision of AAP for health may work in medium to long term, if immediately primary health centre in each locality especially in marginalised areas are opened and it is properly equipped and staffed.

Though there is no clear vision on development of  villages of Delhi, unauthorised colonies and slums, but some improvements can be attempted and made in water supply, electricity, heath care facilities, schools and sewage facility in these area in long term only.

There is no vision on how inflation, unemployment and other economic issues relating toDelhi will be addressed.

Vision of APP on transport may work in medium to long term by expanding the metro, feeder buses and public road transport.

Vision of AAP on environment may work in medium to long term.

There is no clear vision on social justice. However, Punjabi and Urdu language can be can be easily promoted as envisaged by AAP.

AAP government has made very rosy promises to citizen of Delhi through its election manifesto. It is very easy to dream, but it will be very difficult to realise the dream as many impediments and barriers in the form of court cases for land acquisition and approval from other central government agencies will come in its way while implementing the developmental projects. However, there is silver lining also that Delhig overnment is financially sound and is having sufficient fund to implement the developmental projects.  It is really to be seen that how AAP government in Delhi led by Kejriwal would be able to fulfil poll promises effectively  in the shortest possible time.

India is facing a  grave problem of poor  legislative productivity for last more than two decade whenever single party is not getting absolute or simple majority to form government and as a result coalition government of multi parties are formed. It started since 1977, when Janata Party  came into power, legislative productivity started decreasing. Though Janata Party was theoritically a single party government, but in real sense it was amalgamation of many parties of diverse ideologies which came together to overthrow Indira Gandhi led Congress government that imposed emergency rule in 1975. In that sense Janata Party was practically a coalition goverment.

It has been observed that in a coalition government legislative productivity in India broadly depends on the numerical strength of member of major ruling party and legislative experience of major ruling party in coalition. In coalition government, except major national party, other members of coalition are generally regional parties whose aspirations are different than national parties  because their interest basically lies on regional issues  and sometimes they also do not support to their own government on certain policy issues reducing legislative productivity. As this trend of coalition government is continuing since 1990s till now which has drastically reduced the legislative productivity and quality leading to policy paralysis and as same trend of coalition government  is also likely  to continue in future, India need to devise a mechanism to get rid of this problem of policy paralysis, even if required by suitably amending the constitution.

Recently, state assembly elections were held in last week of November and  first week of December, 2013 in five States of India and result came out on 8th and 9th December, 2013. The five states where elections were held were Madhya Pradesh (M P), Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Mizoram. These elections were also termed by many political pundits as a semi final of Lok Sabha ( Lower House of Parliament) Elections to be held in first half of  2014 sometimes in May. Out of these five State Assembly Elections, BJP ( Bhartiya Janata Party) won elections in Rajsthan and M P with thumping majority, while in Chhattisgarh, it won with simple majority and in Delhi it won maximum number of seats but failed to secure a simple majority due to shortage of 5 seats. Indian National congress (Congress)  presently ruling at centre could save its face by winning the election only  in state of Mizoram. 

Are the results of these elections reflects the likely outcome of 2014 parliamentary elections, and if it is so then how it is going to affect two major national parties i.e. Congress and BJP? As very little time is left for incumbent central government led by Congress to change its image of a corrupt, non performing government on account of slow economic development, poor law and order situation, inapt handling of international affairs and failure in handling inflation, current account deficit etc through actions and descernible result is very bleak. Therefore, these results will be reflected in 2014 Lok Sabha elections also that goes in favour of BJP. Retaining two of the states i.e. Mahya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh by BJP even after considering the anti incumbancy factor reflects the confidence reposed by public specially in M P and Chhattisgarh. Rajasthan was taken over by BJP from Congress that shows people in Rajasthan have lost the confidence in Congress and are in favour og BJP. Delhi is an interesting case now. Though, here BJP is single largest party , but it could not secure adequate seat to form even simple majority government. Here a new  political force from social activism emerged  in form of Aam Adami Party (AAP) that became an alternative to BJP in Delhi. Though  Shiela Dixit government led Cogress did well in Delhi in last fifteen years, but she had to take the wrath of mideeds of central government. It appears that people are more dissatisfied with the performance of  Congress led government at centre. The case of Mizoram is entirely different as elections in Mizoram is highly influenced by Churches and NGOs.

Therefore, it is clearly evident that result of this election is reflection of poor performance of Cogress government at centre and people are searching alternatives in BJP led by Modi or any other new force such as AAP who could fulfil aspirations of people.  But as AAP is concentrated in and around Delhi, the out come of Lok Shabha elections are likely to shift in favour of BJP, if AAP does not appear on national scenario in big way till Lok Sabha elections in 2014 .

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) of India has launched its first Mars orbiter Mangalyaan yesterday  on 5th November, 2013. Though its success is yet to be watched when it successfully leaves earth's orbit for Mars and successfully enters into orbit of Mars and performs its intended job. However,  mixed reactions from the nations and media across the globe as well as from various sections within India have started pouring in. Some of them applauded its achievements made so far, some of them criticised it for not being citizen centric or not  having value for money spent on this project, while some of them criticised this mission as a wastage of money for country like  India where millions of people are poor. In fact, it should be highly appreciated even if it reaches to Mars and orbit it and performs minimal function of taking even some photographs, as this exercise will build up the capacity of ISRO scientist and enhence their confidence  which is a must for progress and development in any field and specially in science and technology.

The main value for money of this project is capacity building of scientists and engineers of ISRO, gaining confidence and experinces. Moreover, if this project is not citizen centric, then are many basic science and defence projects which are also not citizen centric, but can these projects be abandoned. The answer is big No, as in due course of time many basic science, defence and space science projects finds application in solving problems of day to day life of human beings and becomes citizen centric. Those criticizing it as a wastage of money for a country like India where millions of people are poor, must also understand that there are many projects worth billions of rupees in social, economic, science including defence sectors  that did not see the light of the day, and even somehow it could be implemented it did not achieve its intended objectives. So, it does not mean that we should abandon all such projects. A country should make an endeavour to make progress in all the spheres of life, be it society, economy, polity, culture or science and technology. If it could not do better as expected in one sphere of life, it does not mean that it should abandon other activities. If poverty could not be alleviated despite so many program and projects it does not mean that space research should be discouraged or stopped which is doing well.

India and especially ISRO scientists must be applauded for their achievements made so far in successfully launching Mangalyaan  and India should feel proud of its achievements despite the fact that lot of poor people are there in this country.

People normally believe that whatever is written in history books, everything is correct. This is not always so, as history is written by powerful people, their descendents or ardent followers of their ideologies as per their political gains and conveniences. A clear testimony of the same can be seen by comparing the contents of Indian history and Pakistani history before independence in their respective history books taught in India and Pakistan, though before independence both shared the same history.

The statement of Narendra Modi about Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel that it was unfortunate that Sardar Patel was not made first prime minister of India, otherwise fate and shape of India would have been different (better) has sent a ripple in political and social groups and media. Some of the political parties are feeling very much ofended. There is no doubt that what Sardar Patel did at that time in unifying India by merging about 563 independent princely states, no other contemporary leader could have done. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru handled Jammu and Kashmir, and China and we see the result. Some political commentators are questioning why Gandhi ji did not choose Sardar Patel to become first prime minister of India if he was more competent than Pt. Nehru. Gandhi ji was more of a saint rather than a statesman or politician. So, his preferences for Pt. Nehru may not construed as Sardar Patel was inferior to Pt. Nehru to hold the post of first prime minister of India. Unfortunately, Sardar Patel was not given the right place in history of India which he deserved as it is amply clear from the names given to various national schemese, projects, institutions, ports and roads etc which rarely finds the name of Sardar Patel compared to name of Pt. Nehru and members of his family.

If Narendra Modi is trying to give right place to Saradar Patel in History of India as he rightly deserves, why there is so hue and cry in certain political parties. Towering political personalities gets continuosly evaluated over centuries for their deeds. Sometimes they are ressurected and sometimes they are burried also.

Conflicts and wars take place for excercising control over resouces. These resources can be economic, political or ideological or a combination of these. Among many economic resources, energy resource is one among them. After industrial revolution in 18th century, energy resources were accorded higher priority for economic and social development by early industrialized countries and subsequently by latecomers  and other developing countries. However, at the later stage when many countries especially the developed one started realizing  that conventional energy resources are finite and will not last long at present rate of consumption and non availability of the same would adversely affect their socioeconomic development, they started acquiring energy resources and especially oil of other energy rich countrries that led to many covert conflicts among nations competeting for acquiring energy resources  of  the energy rich countries. This energy and especially oil led conflict  even resulted in regime change in many countries especially in twentieth century. Renewable energy has immense potential to fulfil the needs of mankind and if the same can be properly tapped, at least energy related conflicts can be ward off  to a great extent and relatively more peace at global level can be established. However, promotion of renewable will alter economic, global political status of many countries and international relations among them and to maintain stausquo energy rich countries can try to  thwart the development of renewable energy resources.

The basic purpose of war is to exercise control over various economic and political resouces in the interest of the nation. With technological advancement, capability of means of war i.e. capability of weapons and other equipment and supplies of war has increased many folds making it highly lethal. As the lethality of means of war will increase, less wars will be fought and scale of war will be low and more conventional to avoid large scale war using sophisticated lethal weapons including NBC. This will be more so when military capability gap between the countries at conflict is low and government in both the countries at conflict have a responsible and reasonably strong government. If government of one of the country in conflict is dictator or weak and under influence of some radical group, then even use of NBC can not be ruled out. However, countries will continue to upgrade their military capability in order to pre-empt or deter their perceived enemies for any military misadventure against them. Terrorism will be growing phenomenon where countries at conflict are highly unequal in their military capbility. Between the countries having advance and almost equal military capabilities, mostly proxy war will be fought. Soft power will be used more to pursuit economic interest instead of waging war.Globalization of trade and commerce will also be a prohibiting factor in escalation of war as it will be against economic interest of the countries at conflict if they are heavily dependent on each other for trade.

Apart from cross border terrorism, India is facing internal terrorism from people of its land i.e. Naxal Terrorism. On 25^th May, 2013 Chhattisgarh State of India saw another wrath of Naxals in which it is reported that 27 persons were killed and 36 injured. This time the victims were not only the security forces, but also eminent political leaders of the state. This has increased the concern of Government and political parties more. Even after more than four decades of Naxal movement, no effective solution to this problem appears in the offing. Only armed action by security forces against Naxals will not bring any long term solution.

The root cause of Naxal Movement is well known to experts in government and outside. However, Naxal Movement has deviated from its ideologies and more so in their actions of armed struggle over the years. What is needed is to analyze root causes of this problem and take corrective actions. For success of any armed or unarmed movement and struggle, three things play an important role: framing of issues or ideologies; resources for movement and struggle; and political, social and environmental opportunity structure. The government needs to utilize these tools to address the issue of Naxalism. Government needs to come up with proper communication strategies with appropriate content aimed at reaching out to the Naxal cadre and especially the foot soldiers of Naxal to counter the ideologies and actions of Naxals. The sources and flow of the financial and other material resources required to sustain this movement need to be identifies and severed off.  Redistribution of economic and environmental resources are at the core of this problem. Government may initiate dialogue with intellectuals and moderates in Naxal cadre to find a pragmatic solution within constitutional framework that can fulfill the legitimate aspirations of Naxalites or at least can instill a hope through some visible action that Government is willing and would fulfill their aspirations in near future.

Chinese army, PLA ( People's Liberation Army) has intruded in Ladakh sector of India in mid of April 2013. This is highly embarrassing for India, when there is no strong reaction from Indian government even after a fortnight has lapsed after intrusion. Though there are border disputes between India and China since long, but both the countries have not escalated this issue for the sake of pursuing their economic and other developmental goals. But all of the sudden, why China has shown a tough posture towards India needs to be seen through Chinese perspective.  It appears that indirect involvement of India in South China Sea affairs, projection of India as emerging power in Asia to contain China by America and its allies and increasing Indo-Japan relation ( to be seen in background of East China Sea affairs especially senkaku island) are some of the probable reason for intrusion by China in Ladakh sector of India. China wants to give an indirect message to ASEAN countries having stake in South China SEA that don't bank on India. And similar message is there to Japan for Senkaku island. Moreover, there is indirect message to India by China that don't try to be over smart in international relations where china has a stake. 

Here, India should have shown a tough posture against China, but Indian leadership failed miserably in eyes of its own people as well as international community. Now, even if China retreat through diplomatic efforts or back door negotiations, the image of India has been seriously damaged in international community at least for more than a decade. 

Asia and Africa region have relatively poor access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities and access is further skewed among these regions. Moreover, it is predicted that global population will grow from 7 billion at present  to 9 billion by 2050 and major hub of population growth would be Asia. Water resources would be extremely stressed on many accounts such as population pressure, pressure of degradation, inequitable distribution, improper management, and climate change. Moreover, if water resources of transnational rivers and basins are diverted by China for meeting its lone economic needs ignoring the riparian rights of countries located at downstream, it will further stress the fresh water availability  in some of  the regions in Asia. This would adversely affect opportunity and economic activities in agriculture, industry and commerce making life of the the people more difficult in some of the neighboring countries of China. This would further lead to migration of people from disadvantageous locations to advantageous locations within the country as well as to the countries in search of better opportunities. Again it will put pressure on various resources including water at hot spot of migration and lead to inter-regional conflict within country as well as international conflict. There are about 185 prominent water related conflicts that have been compiled from 3000 BC to present day , in which water is either a cause or it has been used as tool in conflict. But, if the conflict takes place at this time, perhaps its intensity and scale would be very high.

 Therefore, international organization like U N (United Nations) must come forward to frame a rules that is binding on all member countries on the sharing the water resources of transnational rivers based on the existing successful bilateral treaties on water sharing arrangements to avoid water related conflicts.

Consecutively three times democratically elected Chief Minister of state of Gujarat in  India under whose tenure Gujarat has economically developed at fastest rate was invited  by prestigious Wharton Business School, USA to deliver keynote address via video conferencing in its 17th Wharton India Economic Forum to be held on 23rd March, 2013 and subsequently his invitation was cancelled stating the reason that a section of professors, students and alumnae are opposing the keynote address by Mr. Modi. The reason given for this type of action and dirty politics may not be acceptable to the rational people across the globe. This appears to be premeditated course of action to politically malign the image of Mr. Narendra Modi.  It is not understood why Mr. Narendra Modi was invited to address in this forum without consulting all those who matters in such decision making. Proper decision making is one of the basic lessons of business schools, and if this is the level of decision making in one of the renowned business schools, we can understand very well that what would be its quality and credentials. In a business school of this stature, I do not think that such decisions are taken by organizers without taking in confidence Board of Directors and Advisers of the Institute. Therefore, this decision of inviting Mr. Modi and subsequently cancelling the invitation to deliver Key Note address at Wharton has been taken on behest of some government or interest group inimical to Mr. Modi with malafide intention to malign the political image of Mr Narendra Modi. 

Climate change is one of the biggest challenge that this planet is facing today. If this change is not contained timely, the habitats of this planet may have to face severe consequences of climate change. Under Kyoto Protocol a very modest target of about 5.2% of GHG ( green house gas ) reduction target of 1990 level was set for Annex-I countries ( mostly developed countries ) that was to be achieved during 2008-2012. But, so far the result achieved on global emission reduction during this period i.e.2008-2012 has not been published. However, further commitments for emission reduction have been given by many countries beyond this period considering the gravity of the climate change issues. Apart from institutional arrangement made and adpoted globally to reduce the emission, individuals across the globe need to come forward and display austerity measures in carbon emission through their lifestyle and day to day activities. The global leaders have to come forward to demonstrate and lead the change in the lifestyle and societal behavior which is less carbon intensive and environment and climate friendly. It is very well known that about 20% rich population across the globe consume about 80% of resources including energy, water and other consumables. Therefore, here the lead can be taken by rich citizens and communities of developed nations. Once they start showing modesty in resource consumption, others in developing and least developed countries would start following as they have done in other cases also. Moreover, most of the people in developing and poor countries are consuming less resources be it food, water, electricity,  transport and house etc out of their compulsion and poverty.

Lack of civilian control on military in Pakistan, frequent transitions from democracy to military rule and performance of civilian government below expectations of people has made military in Pakistan more revered and legitimate in the eyes of Pakistani public. Pakistan has taken advantage of  India-centric fear psychosis and allied with some of the powerful countries across the globe who have funded Pakistan handsomely. Pakistan made use of these funds generously to strengthen its military capabilities and  to nurture and experiment with religion based jihadi terrorism in Afghanistan during Soviet Afghan conflict instead of using the same for socio economic development. After retreat of Russians from Afghanistan, the hold of Pakistan military on this Talibani terror infrastructure created got loose in due course of time, and these Talibani terrorist  first ravaged Afghanistan itself, and then inflicted their wrath on many countries including India and those who indirectly funded and supported these terror groups. Pakistan came under difficult situation when conflict between Talibani terror group and U S aggravated after 9/11. For funding, Pakistan was dependent on U S and for strategic military activity to keep hold in Afghanistan it was dependent on  Talibani terror group who were active on both side of border. Pakistan tried to show its loyalties with both, but in this process it got exposed and lost the faith of both. However, due to its  compelling circumstances it had to show its loyalty more towards  U S that further alienated Talibani terror group. Now the energy of Talibani terror group is directed against Pakistan itself and Pakistan is bearing the brunt of Talibani terrorism. Now if Pakistan has to contain terrorism on its own land it has to shift its focus from India and direct its resources in containing terrorism. As far as India is concerned on issue of nuclear weapon, it is committed to its nuclear policy of "no first use" 

Donation by developed countries, multilateral agencies like UN, World Bank, ADB etc, and international NGOs to least developing and developing countries are very common international developmental activities taken with a view to improve the social and economic conditions of aid receiving country. There are many international non governmental organisations (NGOs) who are really philanthropist in nature, but there are many black sheep also in this business. Some of these dubious international NGOs channel their money with malicious intentions , though it is name of various kind of  welfare, cultural and developmental activities. And money of some of these international organisations are used  for various purpose right from promoting secessionist group, funding terrorist, promoting political and commercial interest of one or a group of countries, and thwarting many developmental activities in name of environment and displacement of people. Though already mechanism is in place in government to scrutinize the purpose of  these funds and credentials of these international NGOs before they flow in the country, but very powerful national counterparts are there who are beneficiaries of  these  funds and they influence  getting it cleared. There is need to reduce the flow of fund from international NGOs and whatever is permitted it should thoroughly examines and screened in the national interest.

Due to economic hardship faced by US, President Obama has indicated a safe and honourable exit fron Afghanistan as US presence in Afghanistan is further aggravating its economic hardship without any economic gain in near future. What would be its implications for Afghanistan neighbouring countries and US is a big question.  Afghanistan has been safe sanctuary for a long for Islamic terrorist around the globe that has been controlled to some extent by US action in recent past.  Premature exit by US from Afghanistan will be detrimental to the interests of US, neighboring countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan itself. Because, with US exit, feudal  forces will again resurrect that will finally lead to more production and trade of opium, concentration of money in few hands, increased alliance between feudal lords and radical Taliban that will finally result in weakening nascent democratic process with high chances of transiting back to previous form of Taliban government. Pragmatic solution of Afghanistan problem has to be seen in background of its history and culture of Afghanistan. Some 50 years back Afghanistan had been adequately progressive compared to many South Asian countries given its geographical conditions. Even if it comes to same level of  governance and socioeconomic development as it was in 50s and 60s it can pursuit the path of progress alone. But this will require creation of social and physical infrastructure to support at least 20-30 years to help at least one generation in attaining them proper education, and means of livelihood for masses and  at the same time curbing opium production and trade with iron hands.  Once the one generation is integrated in economic activities and simultaneously money power of feudal lords from opium are curbed, the chances are quite high that radical elements and terrorist may loose the ground and Afghanistan may emerge a stable and normal country.   

For last two days on 22nd and 23rd of December, 2012 there has been an unprecednted demonstration in New Delhi against gang rape of a paramedical student. Among others, most of the demonstrators were youths. Delhi, the capital and seat of power in India has been termed as capital of rape due to frequent rape cases in Delhi. People are very furious that in so many  such cases the culprit go scot free. So, outrage of youth on such a scale should not be taken as a big surprise. In a democratic governance, fulfilling the legitmate aspirations of people is one of the most important responsibilties of the government. And one's safety and security is of paramount importance when it comes to fulfilling aspirations of people. This kind of social movement takes place only when  many people feel threatened in the the same way. In the present case  also people across the society have started feeling that females of their family member are not safe and they have come out on streets to demand justice for victim as well as to put the pressure on government for putting in place responsive and comprehensive administrative machinery, efficient policing and strong legal system with provision of sever penalty to those found guilty in rape cases so that such incidents could be curbed. Though the matter of sever penalty for those convicted in rape cases has also come for discussion previously, but there was oppositions from many quarters also stating the reason that in many cases it would be difficult to make a correct judgement between consensual sex and rape and it would be misused to frame innocent persons and exploit them. Taking advantage of legal positions many rape offenders went scot free and this encouraged such bad elements in society to repeat such incident. People feel frustated with existing legal, policing and administrative system that is unable to protect female from rape cases. Many people in big cities especially of the north India feel that female of their family is not safe and this has led to mass social movement for this cause. Now the pressure by people appears to be working on government as well as political system as a whole when many leaders across the party lines  have acknowledged the garivty of such crime and need for strong legislation, policing and administration. It is hoped that this demonstration will be taken by the government in right spirit and necessary changes will be made in legal system, policing and administrative machinery to fight such evil in society and its positive outcome will strengthen our democracy as people would feel more safer in society. 

UPA government has been successful in bringing 51% FDI in multi brand retail through voting in Parliament amid extensive heated debate and discussions in Parliament as well as in print and electronic media. Whether, it will be good or bad for Indian economy and its people , it is a big question? Normally, FDI is good for economic development of a country if it is brought in field of infrastructural development such as power, energy, road, port and rail etc which is pre-requisite for economic development or in those areas of manufacturing and service sector where capacity does not exist and country is dependent on import to meet its requirements as it brings capital, technology, technical knowhow and managerial skills etc. However, FDI in retail does not fall in any of these two categories, rather it is in field of  consumer market and role of big multinational stores through will be limited to  outsourcing of material from indegenous as well as imported sources, its storage and retail sales through various outlets.

A fair market exists when there are large number of buyers as well as sellers so that no one could influence the the market to their undue advantage. However, experiences of many of those countries who have have gone for FDI in retail shows that a large share of retail market has been taken over by big global players in this field like Walmart and TESCO etc. Under such a scenario many of the small retailer will either have to close their operation or will have to relocate themselves to a new and less favourable locations. In this process total number of retailers will reduce and market will be dominated by a few big global operators and market would not remain a fair market. Under these conditions, staus of producer-retailer relations will be that of a buyer's market where few big retailers as buyers would dictate the terms in merket unfavorably to producers and specially to farmers and putting farmers to great disadvantage.  Similarly the retailer-consumer market will be seller's market and market prices would be determined by a few big players especially in essential comodities and fair share of efficient operation of retail will not be passed on to customers in terms of reduced price. As big retail shops will function in relatively more efficient way, total number of people employed in retail sector will be less as the market share of big houses increases in retail.  Therefore, it will definitely have adverse impact on employment of less skilled persons already employed in retail sector though it will also provide opportunity of employment to few skilled persons with better  salary and income. 

on one hand Goverment is supporting and promoting micro, small and medium industries against large one as it creates large employment opportunities even though many of these industries are not very efficient, but on other hand this aspect has not been considered in case of retail market. Small retailers are like small industries and their growth will provide more equity in employment compared to big retail houses. As far as small manufacturers are concerned, they will have stiff competition from some of the countries in Esat Asia and China who have comparative advantage in manufacturing sector. The big global retailer have capacity to access and outsource these products from China and other East Asian countries nad it may again be detrimental to small industries. If the same happens many of the small industries would die creating further unemployment.

One of the top priority of Government is to create more employment. However, FDI in retails clearly indicates creating a situation for unemployment and widening the gap between rich and poor that may lead to deep social division and tension and  many other social problem. Since decisision on FDI in retail has already been taken and it has to come in a big way, now it is upto farmers, small manufacturers and retailers how they take this challenge. If they could face this challenge by making their operation more innovative and efficient and protecting their interest collectively seeking favorable support from government, then FDI may even turn to a boon and the same big multinational firms would help in exporting our product.  

After industrial revolution, energy and especially fossil fuels have become  key input for economic development. During most of the second half of the 20th century energy was at the center stage of global geopolitics and the same is continuing in the 21st century. Eurasian region is largest producer and supplier of energy and earlier major consumers were Americans and West Europeans. With  emergence of China and India in economic development after other East Asian countries, volume of consumption of energy is shifting from West Europe and America to Asian region. So major production and consumption of energy resources are likely to take place in this region. And if the same is to  happen smoothly, a new set of geopolitical order needs to be establish in this region to ensure that institutions and infrastructures could be put in place for smooth flow of energy from surplus region to deficit one. For this to achieve transnational pipelines for oil and gas, international connectivity of grid for electric power transfer and many more other infrastructure needs to be set up in the region.

About 20% population of developed countries consumes about 80% fossil fuels and remaining 80% population  of developing and least developed countries consumes 20% of fossil fuel energy. Therefore any mitigation activities by 20% consumers of fossil fuel will not give much impact unless 80% consumers of fossil fuel take up sincerely mitigation activities on larger scale. Though every country should strive for mitigation activities as per it financial and technological capabilities and means, but, unfortunately those who are capable and having means are more interested in adaptation activities rather than mitigation activities. Some of the countries are exploiting this situation to make big money by selling their energy efficient and environment friendly technology at exorbitantly high price, and they are those who have created this problem due to their historical as well as present green house gas emission. Scourge of climate change will affect each and every one be it a developed country or least developed one. Those who are consuming more energy per capita presumes that they will be able to insulate themselves more due to investment on adaptation activities,but most likely their adaptation activities will not come to their rescue against climate change induced rage of nature. This is evident from many natural calamities witnessed  in past few years.

When a business operates, especially the industrial one, it is also likely to adversely impact the physical, social or  economic environment around its operation and the entire supply chain of  input resources to final destination of goods and services produced despite bringing economic prosperity to firm and nation. And a section of society may get adversely affected, though different strata of society may be affected in varying degree and economically disadvantaged in society are likely to suffer more. These business makes profit at the cost of some segment of society and the relation between business and society gets modeled on prey and predator theory. If this relation goes beyond a critical level, it is likely that prey will get extinct and so in turn predator also that survive on prey. Therefore, it is imperative that for a sustained business,  adequately physically, economically, socially  and environmentally healthy society exist. 
Recognizing their role and responsibility in this process, some of the business firms started  some charity and philanthropy work as  corporate social responsibility (CRS) just to display their big heart and concern for society. However, a very few took initiative to build social capital that could build up the capacity of society to improve its material, environmental and social well being. There could be one reason for the same that business firms are not having adequate capacity at its CRS Department to carry out innovative CRS project that ends in doing some charity sort of works instead of building social capital.
Therefore, the business firms should have adequate capacity of its CRS department or it should take up the social enterprise through a non governmental organization (NGO) or at least can take consultancy of an reputed NGO. Otherwise, most of the CRS projects undertaken would provide only lip service. However, cautious needs to be applied while selecting the NGO as large numbers of night fly operators are there in the field
As far as demand for social capital is concerned, it is always there especially in developing and least developed countries. Business enterprises need to identify them and need to devise innovative social enterprise that could built social capital so that both business and society could prosper together

India test fired successfully in third week of April 2012 its Agni V missile that is stated to be having three stage solid propellant rocket motors and a range of approximately 5000 kms that makes it eligible to be classified as Inter Continental Ballistic Missile(ICBM). Agni V is  capable of carrying and delivering with adequate  precision nuclear and other multiple payloads up to one ton. In addition, it is capable of covering whole of Asia, Africa and part of Europe; and  also capable of shooting enemy spy satellite in space. There has been varied reaction from various countries ranging from applaud for technical achievement to propelling arm race. However, a lot of jingoism displayed by many Indian electronic and print media is not appreciable and that to targeting the  comparision to a particular country. 

Many of India's near and distant neighbour are armed with well developed nuclear and missile capabilities far ahead with India. Under this circumstances, India needs to develop and upgrade continuously its strategic defence capabilities. As far as India's  record on proliferartion of strategic weapon is concerned, it is very clean and admirable. Moreover, India is committed to no first use of nuclear weapon. India being a stable democratic country , there is no chance of falling these weapons in hands of terrorists or non state actors unlike other nuclear state in the region where there is such valid apprehension.

It has also been observed that if the technological capabilities of two countries are very high to hit hard as in case of possessing weapon of mass destruction(WMD), chances of combat will be very less, and even though combat takes place, the chances of high intensity combat (HIC) will be very less and many of the issues between the countries would be resolved through negotiations. So, rest of the world needs to be assured that strategic defence capacity building by India would be stengthening peace building process in the region.

It is perhaps a false perception among economist and political pundits that democratic country will not be corrupt or less corrupt. However, if we look at the corruption perception index of varous countries issued by varous organizations such as Transparancy International, there is no corelation between democracy and corruption. Some countries even with lesser degree of democracy have done better in curbing corruption. So, democracy may be a necessary condition for eradicating corruption but not sufficient alone. An adequate level of education among the citizens is also essential for curbing corruption along with vibrant democracy. Through education public can well understand what is good for individual, society and nation and accordingly they can elect their representatives to govern. Educated society will also provide many civil socities that will fight for the legitimate cause of people including fighting corruption.
Only framing rule will not curb corruption. One has to see how pragmatic anti-corruption policies and laws are put in place and strong institutional mechanism is there to implement these policies and laws.
Moreover, cultural values of the society has to be shaped by government and social leader so that people should not indulge in corruption. We should take lessons from countries that has large variation in corruption level in different regions of the country due to wide variations in culture and civil values.

After clean sweep by SP in UP Assembly election, will there be a new beginning of development in U P? This economically backward state of India and politically important for forming federal government at centre, needs rapid industrial development. Due to high population and high population density, economic development can not hinge alone on agriculture. Industry, commerce and service sector needs to grow at higher pace. For this to achieve, development of infrastructure especially power and roads needs to be taken on top priority. Simultaneously, land (especially waste or degraded) needs to be identified and made available to enterpreneures and encouraging developmental policy need to be put in place for setting new industrial and commercial establishments. Moreover, enterpreneures need to be provided protection from extortionists. Once development in industry and commerce is put in place, other dimensions of development will automatically gain momentum and also enamte further. On social front, sense of security among weaker section of society must be ensured by incoming government. Hopefully, its new and young leader will give a new orientation in their thought process and action, so that new government could take up social and economic development of U P.

Five year is a too short time for all these to achieve.If government is not responsive to aspirations of common people, voter will not hesitate to change ruling party again. This would be interesting to watch  few weeks after formation of government how the policies of Samajwadi Party government are oriented and in which way it is going.

The recent bomb blasts may be a proxy war between Iran and Israel and perhaps may have been waged by Iran, and if it is so, soon there there may be similar response from other side also. But India should not get entrapped in this war by taking side of one country under pressure of others. India should maintain its normal diplomatic relations with both the nations based on historical relations as well as perceived future needs of foreign policy goals. We must understand that Iran is having oil and gas and Israel is having modern armaments and weapon that can serve our strategic need of energy security and defence preparedness.

Moreover, India is  country which has second highest population of Shia Muslims, and had a strong cultural relation with Iran since long and is in our vicinity compared to Israel.

In order to promote green economy, the economic leaders ( US, West European countries and Japan) must take a lead in reducing fossil fuel based energy consumption through  modest energy consumption behavior, and increasing the share of renewable energy. It is well known fact that about 20% of world  population ( from developed countries) consumes about 80% of total energy consumed and about 80% of remaining population ( from developing countries and LDCs) consumes only about remaining 20% of energy.

FDI in multi-brand retail market was a hot topic for discussion recently. Due to lot of hue and cry from various political parties and NGOs, government has selved the proposal for time being. Though FDI is good for economy in general as it brings investment, advanced technology and manegrial skills, in addition to creating employment to the host country, but , the same can not be true in all the cases, and may bring many disadvantages in many cases as in case of retail market. In retail market, the need in India is to create better storage and transportation facilities especially for grocery and other food , vegetables and dairy products, so that demand and supply could be matched efficiently for benifits of both producers and consumers, as on one hand producer is not getting sufficient price for his produce due to lack of accessibility to larger consumer bases in time and on other hand consumers are paying through their nose due to poor availability of goods due to lack of efficient storage, transportation and distribution infrastructures. To achieve the same India need not depend on foreign investors as domestic investors are capable of addressing  these challenges and they need to be incentivised through various policy measures to invest in the same.

The major concern and apprehension that FDI in retail maket will put street vendors, hawker and petty shop owners out of job is not correct as it may provide a different kind of employment requiring more skills, and petty shop owners, hawkers and street vendors will still be there to serve the need of a targeted group of consumers and probably they may have to change the geographical location of their operation. However, if FDI is permitted, it will provide way to pump foreign goods in big way  in India that may be quite detrimental to Indian industries and agriculture, as in consumers market by and large India is self sufficient and its economy is working well even during global reccession mainly due to in-house production and consumption. The lesson needs to be learnt from FDI in soft drink by Coca Cola and Pepsi who eliminated indegenous soft drink industry. 

Global warming and in turn climate change has posed a major threat to this planet and consequently it has drawn greater attention of policy makers as well as general public in many countries. Several studies in past few years have suggested that global temperature has been rising in near past and this trend would be continued if emission of green house gases (GHG) are not arrested and brought under the permissible limits. One of the major reasons attributed by scientist for global warming and in turn climate change is anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide that is major constituent of GHG. As per IPCC ( Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) global warming is likely to cause extreme weather conditions, variability in precipitation causing severe and frequent floods and draughts in varying degree depending on different geographical region adversely affecting agriculture, living conditions and human life; sea level rise, increase in tropical cyclone.

Major floods in recent past in various parts world has buttressed our belief that  global warming is capable of devastating the human life due to unpredictably high variation in precipitation. Current floods in Thailand and Italy and recent past floods in Queensland in Autralia, Pakistan, Brazil and Sri Lanka in 2010/2011 have taken hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of people in each country affected by flood. However, still there are groups of scientists and policy makers  that  do not want to accept this fact that these devastating floods are due to global warming and in turn climate change. Perhaps by accepting this fact by these policy makers and scientists may put their country in a situation to do more to mitigate climate change, as  by and large they belong to those countries whose accumulated cumulative emmissions is very high since industrial revolution. 

This is a global problem that has been anthropogenically created by every one. Some countries have contributed very much especially the highly industrialised one and some very less especially least developed countries and developing one. Accordingly, the share of mitigation burden should also be shared almost in the same proportion. Unfortunately the developed countries despite their technical, financial and institutional capability are not doing much to reduce GHG in order to mitigate climate change commensurate with their cumulative emmission and expecting developing and developed world to do more than that commensurate with their cumulative emissions. In this process the major sufferers are people of least devolped countries and developing countries who have no technical, financial and institutional capability and resources for either mitigation or adaptation. However, developed countries are comparatively more capable of adapting to climate change and their efforts on this issue are more directed towards adaptation rather that mitigation. 

The main problem is that benifit of mitigation of climate change undertaken by one country goes to all countries, but benifits of adaptation goes to that country who undertakes adaptation. The need of the hour is that all the countries especially the developed one should work more for mitigation rather than adaptation as its benifit would be garnered by all the countries. And if developed countries think that with more adaptation measures they will be able to save them from scourge of climate change, then probably they are thoroughly mistaken as more intense climate change in absence of adequate  mitigation effot will swept awaay all their adaptation infrastructure, and this is evident from many such disasters in past. 

In democracy, government must be responsive to legitmate aspirations of  its people. In strong and vibrant democracies, if government fails  to fulfill the aspeirations of people, then civil societies  come forward to fight for the same. Anna's movement in India is an example of the same. Most of the Indian people have been bearing the scourge of corruption since long and as a result development of common people specially downtrodden has been compromised. Even after more than half century of independence corruption could not be controlled, as it is evedent from the corruption perception index issued to India by various organizations working in this field.  Transparency International has ranked India at Sl. No.87, where Denmark is at the top of the list being least corrupt country and Somalia is most corrupt among 178 countries in 2010 corruption perception ranking index. Though, there was anguish among the public at large against corruption, but it remained hidden due to lack of credible leadership. And when a credible leadership emerged to fight for this cause, many civil societies also came forward to support this cause whole heartedly, and government had to bow down to consider their proposal,even going against the procedures and norms followed. This is a very good sign for a strong and vibrant democracy.

Having said above, it can not be advocated and agreed that legitmate responsbility of Parliament of drafting and passing a legislation is shifted outside parliament  and outside constitutional framework. The Parliament symbolically represents the people of entire country in a democratic set up and any decision taken by majority in Parliament under constitutional framework should be considered by and large the decision of entire country. So what is rationale for adopting Anna's version of draft bill on Lokpal setting aside government draft. There are set of procedures for passing a legislation, where a bill after its introduction in either house of Parliament  is send to Standing Committee of parliment on the subject where members across political parties deliberate and  scruitnise  clause by clause of bill, and they have mechanism to invite the views of various stake holders and interest groups while scrutinising the various provisions of the bill. And if any suggestion was not acceptible same could have been communicated stating the reasond. In this case also government could have invited comments from Anna team on bill drafted by others and put the same before Standing Committee to scruitnize, and whereever suggestions of any group were not acceptable same could have been communicated to various stake holders and interest groups and public also through print and electronic media stating clear reasons be it political, administrative, financial etc.

However, government failed in convincing team anna and large number of people supporting Anna that government is  sincere in bringing an effective and strong piece of legislation to curb corruption. Apprehension of ruling governmet was that BJP is supporting this movement and success of this movement would benifit opposition political party mainly BJP and erode its vote bank in favour BJP. This  wide mistrust between government and team Anna and failure of government in convincing team Anna and public to follow the standard procedure of taking views of public and stakeholder  led to this situation that government had to bow down before team Anna in order to save its electoral base. Though the intentions of Anna were good and demands might have been legitmate, but method used by Anna to force his version of bill was not legitmate. However, pressure of public and civil society led by Anna is worth appreciating for strethening democracy in India.