PM Modi forging new relationships
Prime Minister Narendra made an eloquent speech at Davos, Switzerland, on the need for the world to recognize the unity of the human family in their deliberations on planet’s future. Retreating behind nationalist walls and seeking salvation through protectionist barriers was neither the best way forward to economic prosperity nor the wisest way to conduct a political dialogue in the interests of mutual understanding. These stirring words were well received by a distinguished audience of industrialists, thinkers, politicians and journalists from almost every corner of the globe.
In just over three and a half years the Modi government has succeeded in laying strong foundation, for the economic progress in almost all sectors, in India. The results obviously would take some time, as several renowned commentators have accepted that a big ship like India will take time to steer its course and deliver the results.
On his return, Modi spoke in the Indian Parliament summing up the debate on the President’s address. It’s ironic that the Indian people at large have faith in and support PM Modi by unbelievable margin of 75-83Percent. Opposition parties led by the congress continuously accuse Modi and his government on almost all fronts. Modi made a robust speech replying point by point to almost all such unfounded allegations or unwarranted criticisms.
Modi is known for his strong stand on issues of national importance which are non negotiable. Perhaps that itself is the reason for his unparalleled popularity.
PM Modi launched the state assembly election campaign for Karnataka at Bangalore the next day. Here he was addressing an election rally and he made several accusations against the congress led government of the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah replied in kind which is part of a democratic process indeed. Perhaps this illustrates why India, inspite of several challenges, has remained a democratic nation, a beacon for the hundred odd countries which gained independence since the Second World War.
In India, elections happen almost continuously. Normally Parliamentary elections take place once in every five years. 30 odd states choose their State Assemblies at their own timings. Consequently the political parties and the civil administrations are engaged in hard core politics almost continuously.
PM Modi and several other political leaders from broad spectrum have proposed a simultaneous election in the States and Centre. The idea is desirabble and feasible and hopefully bear fruits in the foreseeable future. But the leaders of the government and Opposition parties behave differently on different days.
Perhaps this may not be to the liking of Narendra Modi as a person. But he is compelled by the reality that the BJP has to fight the main political machine of the Congress Party which was formed 80 years prior and has been in the government nearly 60, out of 70 years of independent India.
Modi in the Middle East
Four days visit of PM Modi to Palestine, UAE and Oman has set a huge mark for the future relationship between India and this region. Historically India and Indians have traded and transacted with Gulf and the Middle East for the time immemorial. New India is emerging and it is taking its shape in this part of the world on firm footing on a fruitful relationship. It is of special significance that while Modi government has formed closer ties with the state of Israel it has also maintained the trust and confidence of Palestinians, other Arabs and Iranians. This is not easy and it is not dramatics. It is because of the age old values and traditions of India. What PM Modi has done is to transform the external relationships on equal basis with all partners. This is rather a distinct foreign policy of the modern India, different from the Non Aalignment of half a century ago. Equally after the demise of the Cold War and fissures of economic inequalities, religious intolerance coupled with hatred and terrorism, the fundamentals are both desirable and acceptable. People in the West especially believe that Arabs especially in Saudi Arabia do not permit other faith believers to follow their religion openly.
Abu Dhabi has made a huge gesture by not only welcoming and cooperating in building an iconic Hindu temple in the traditional architectural way of Vedic India but PM Modi, the Sheikhs and other leaders jointly witnessed the foundation of a newer Akshardhaam being built there now.
BAPS has an outstanding record of Akshardhaams in London, Ahmedabad, Delhi already. In New Jersey and now in Abu Dhabi even larger and greater monuments, the places for peace, harmony, love and brotherhood are being constructed. Surely the omens are very good for all the believers and non believers.
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Charles’s education bond for India’s deprived children
Prince Charles has launched 10 million dollar Development Impact bond for the education uplift of over 200,000 deprived children in India. The bond is the latest fundraising initiative by the British Asian Trust, set up by Britain’s royal family a decade ago to fight in South Asia.
‘We are launching a 10 million dollar Development Impact Bond that will improve education for more than 200,000 in India,’ said Prince Charles at a recent Buckingham Palace event. The new bond has the support of the British government’s Department for International development, and organizations such as Comic Relief, Mittal Foundation and the UBS Optimus Foundation. The concept behind the venture is designed to attract new capital into development projects based on data and well grounded supplementary evidence. Placed on the canvas of Brixit developments such as these is perhaps evidence of British re-engagement with a region long consigned to benign neglect. The Commonwealth was perceived in Whitehall as a club which met from time to time, where much good work was done through welfare projects and educational exchanges and cricket and little else.
Commonwealth trade had become secondary to that with the European Union. Politics and diplomacy concentrated on the ‘special relationship’ with the United States, EU big hitters such Germany and France, with NATO an abiding presence. The picture may be somewhat overdrawn but perceptions overseas also determine policy. India, for example, is much changed from what it once was when the Aid India consortium met to dispense development aid to a country with scarce foreign exchange reserves. India’s economic transformation, despite the uneven wealth distribution, is a continuing process, and a market of 1.2 billion souls bristles with opportunities for those enterprising enough to seize the hour. A congenial environment and its promise can bring together India and Britain in a partnership fit for purpose.
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India’s cricket colts trail clouds of glory
India’s Under 19 cricketers returned home in triumph from New Zealand, having beaten their rivals in every round by emphatic margins, including Australia by 8 wickets in the final..
The maturity of the team, superbly captained by star batsman Prithvi Shaw, had veteran commentators, among them, former West Indies fast bowler superstar Ian Bishop drooling on their skills and general deportment. Coach Rahul Dravid, one of India’s greatest batsmen in his heyday, was deservedly showered with praise by his young charges and older heads. Those who caught the eye with the bat included Shaw, his opening partner Manjit Kalra, Subman Gill and wicketkeeper-batsman Hardick Desai. Shyam Mavi and Kamalesh Nagarcoti clocked 145 km bowling, with Ishan Porel not far behind providing lift to his pace, and Anukul Roy supplying the spin. Not all Under-19 star makes the grade at the international level. However, there are luminous exceptions, in India’s case none greater than the incomparable Virat Kohli, inspirational leader, genius with the willow.
Without him, India might well have lost at least one of their first two ODI matches against South Africa, and did crash to defeat in the third, exposing the soft underbelly of the senior team’s vaunted middle order. Take Kohli out of the equation, and the current Indian batting lineup is likely to suffer a blowout. Mediocrity has for too long been hailed as excellence by overpaid scribes and false prophets. Three young batsmen in the Under-19 squad waiting in the wings should be brought centre stage if India is to be credible force in England and Australia later this year, or in the World Cup next year.
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Tata Steel to increase Port Talbot capacity
Tata Steel profits have surged following a period of contraction when global steel prices plummeted brought on by a glut from China. Having reorganized its British and European operations, Tata Steel is set to raise capacity at its Port Talbot facility in south Wales, where its new investment is directed at high value steel products. The sum involved amounts 14 million pounds sterling. This comes on the back of a 30 million pound investment which would create a ‘stronger, more efficient and more reliable platform,’ said a senior Tata officer at the site.
Port Talbot’s future, once a subject of concern, is assured going forward. Its fortunes have been strengthened as Tata Steel moved to merge its European assets with those of German steel maker ThyssenKrupp and a much improved global market free of dumping, thanks to measures to counteract such practices.
