Home Blog Page 1006

Making students globally competitive while they learn

By
Web Team
-

career

The world of today is extraordinarily competitive, and rife with countless challenges. With globalisation having expanded the horizons of students all over the world, it has also increased the demanding conditions and requirements that they have to satisfy to craft their future in it. Throughout their careers, they will have to work for a wide range of companies with connections spanning continents, as well as encounter people from various cultures, and products and clientele from different parts of the world. Thus, it is extremely critical that students of today are trained and equipped to combat the problems and challenges that they will face, on a global scale. Therefore, their success, today, will largely be shaped by how “Globally Competent” they are.

 

What It Means To Be Globally Competent

The Asia Society’s Centre for Global Education defines a Globally Competent student using four primary characteristics:

  1. Investigating the World

Students should be aware and eager to learn about different cultures around the world.

  1. Recognising Perspectives

Students should understand that a difference in opinion is always a possibility, between people belonging to different cultures. Thus, they should be able to acknowledge different perspectives, without trying to enforce their own.

  1. Communicating Ideas

Students should be adept at conveying their thoughts and emotions, verbally as well as non-verbally, to a diverse audience.

  1. Taking Action

Students should not only obtain knowledge about the world, but also learn to utilise and leverage their learnings in a positive way, to make a difference in the world.

 

Need For Innovation In Education Systems

Through constant innovation, educational systems can incorporate a number of measures to make students more globally competent –

  1. Introduction of new languages in curriculum

Apart from teaching a globally accepted language like English, institutes can also teach second languages like Mandarin, Spanish, and French, which are fast becoming prominent language skills required for any multinational company.

  1. Incorporate global resources into every subject

Students should be encouraged to refer to research papers and studies from different countries to understand different perspectives from across the globe. Resources from non-English-speaking countries may also be used to inculcate fresh perspectives, and encourage empathy.

  1. Utilise Problem-Based Learning

Students who are globally competent need to be able to solve real-world problems and apply their theoretical learnings in practical situations. Problem-Based Learning is a great way to do that, as it requires students to conduct research on specific problems by themselves, incorporate a range of perspectives, and formulate a solution accordingly. This will aid students in developing critical-thinking skills instead of simply relying on their textbooks for solutions. This, in turn, will facilitate a better and deeper understanding of the concepts, as well as enhance their communication skills.

  1. Organise Educational Trips

Perhaps the best way to make a student culturally aware is by encouraging travel in the teaching pedagogy, through educational trips to different countries. Such trips would act as a gateway for students to experience different locales, on a first-hand basis.

  1. Explore the City

Immersive learning experiences can play a key role in facilitating a student’s all-round development and problem-solving skills. By using the city as a classroom, students can be exposed to a range of real-life problems, which will train them in devising strategic and well-planned solutions.

 

Measures That The Student Can Take

While institutions play a key role in helping students become globally competent, this competency can only be leveraged to yield results, if the students also take certain steps to further their development.

  1. Watch global news

Students need to explore and be aware of everything that is going on around the world. By watching and listening to news from a number of different countries, they will be able to understand a number of differing perspectives for the same news. A lot of countries, including The US and The UK broadcast news in English, which students can tap into.

  1. Learn a foreign language from your phone

Smartphones have taken the world by storm, and offer a variety of means to enhance one’s knowledge and keep learning. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and more, allow students to learn a range of new languages in a fun and interactive manner, using their phones.

  1. Travel the globe on a budget

Travelling abroad can be quite daunting for most students due to its expensive nature. However, many students have nowadays managed to find ways to travel on a low budget, through backpacking. With multiple options like homestays and youth hostels now being available, travelling to a different destination has become extremely convenient. Using public transportation systems like buses or local trains, students can explore a number of different places, and understand the ground realities of life there. It can also help them grasp the many nuances of various cultures through an interaction with the natives, while staying well within the limits of their budgets.

  1. Intern abroad

Apart from travelling, the best way for students to expose themselves to new cultures is by taking up internships in a foreign country. Many organisations today arrange internships in companies or volunteering positions in NGOs for foreign students, to enable them to learn from an exposure to various other cities and countries.

Becoming globally competent is not a simple process, but if pursued correctly, it can be achieved successfully, yielding far-reaching benefits that last throughout their lives. The crucial ingredients for achieving this success include appropriate support from institutions leveraging innovative pedagogy and curriculums, and a personal motivation and drive to learn and consume more information and knowledge. With the world becoming a smaller and more connected space every day, this kind of competency will soon become absolutely essential for the survival of a student in the job market.

– By Akhil Shahani, Managing Director, The Shahani Group

Amit Shah to review security situation for Amarnath Yatra

By
Web Team
-

Amit Shah Amarnath YatraAfter receiving security threats from terror outfits the government has made a foolproof plan to enhance security of Amarnath pilgrims. Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had submitted a presentation to Home Minister Amit Shah who is on a two day visit to Jammu & Kashmir.

According to reports, this time terrorists are planning to use hand grenade and IED blast to spread terror during Amarnath Yatra. An official from the Home department stated that no lapses in security will be permitted during Amarnath Yatra. The Yatra which commences on July 1 will be manned by 45,000 jawans. In 2015, 16,000 jawans and 35,000 jawans from Jammu & Kashmir police and paramilitary forces were posted for providing security to pilgrims. In order to beef up the security normal traffic will be halted at high alert roads and sensitive areas.

Rahul adamant on his stand to quit Congress party president’s post

By
Web Team
-
rahul gandhi
Image Courtesy: twitter.com(@ANI)

A meeting of Congress legislators was called by Sonia Gandhi which was also attended by Rahul Gandhi. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi is not keen to continue as president of Congress. On the other hand, Congress working committee has rejected Rahul’s decision to quit and wants him to continue with the post.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari asked Rahul to rethink his decision to resign and told him that entire team of Congress is responsible for its poor performance in Lok Sabha. Rahul nonetheless is adamant on his decision to step down. Congress has been managed to win only 52 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. Earlier also Rahul expressed his willingness to quit during the Congress working committee meeting. Party workers informed Rahul that there is no successor in the party to replace him.

Congress leaders told Rahul that the party wants him to give directions during the crisis hour and asked him to not quit from president’s post. In the meeting Rahul stated that some other leader must replace him. Later Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that Rahul has powers to restructure the organizational set up of the party.

Yuva Congress leaders held demonstrations outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence. They asked him to rethink his decision to quit the party and remain Congress president.

protest rahul gandhi

Mob lynched father 15 years ago, now son becomes a victim

By
Web Team
-

Mob LynchingAccording to confident sources, around 94 persons have been killed in the incidents of mob violence so far since 2015 in India. Incidents of mob lynching put a big question mark over law and order of the country. It is shocking that youth of Jharkhand became a victim of mob lynching recently and his father also lynched by the mob 15 years ago. It seems that there is no end to such incidents.

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has alleged that incidents of mob lynching are not going to stop because BJP and RSS have increased the sense of hatred against Muslims. They have successfully created a mindset where Muslims are seen as terrorists, anti-nationals & cow slaughters. Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock over the silence of ruling BJP after a 24-year-old youth was beaten to death in Jharkhand. He called it a blot on humanity. Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “The brutal lynching of this young man by a mob in Jharkhand is a blot on humanity. The cruelty of the police who held this dying boy in custody for 4 days is shocking as is the silence of powerful voices in the BJP ruled Central & State Govts.” On the other hand, the BJP has alleged that the opposition parties are politicizing this issue.

It is remarkable that Tabrez Ansari (24) was beaten up by locals for hours on June 18 in Saraikela Kharsawan on suspicion of theft. According to Saraikela Kharsawan Superintendent of Police Karthik S, Ansari and two others had entered a house in Seraikela village at night allegedly with an intention to commit theft. However, the occupants of the house woke up and raised an alarm, following which villagers caught hold of Ansari and manhandled him, while his accomplices managed to flee. Ansari was found to be in possession of valuables, which he and his associates had allegedly stolen from other villages.

The police reached the spot in the morning and arrested Ansari on the basis of a complaint from villagers. Police also administered first aid to him. When the condition of Ansari deteriorated in jail on the same day, he was taken to the Sadar Hospital, where he was diagnosed with multiple injuries. Ansari was subsequently referred to the Tata Main Hospital in Jamshedpur.

It is notable that the police had said earlier that Ansari was tied to a pole and beaten up with sticks through the night. A video circulated widely on social media was handed over to the police by Ansari’s family. According to sources, Tabrez Ansari, accused of stealing a motorcycle, was tied to a pole, brutally beaten and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hanuman“. He was handed over to the authorities only after he fell unconscious and died four days later in police custody. Ansari’s wife Shaista Praveen has accused the police of taking the deceased to jail first, instead of a hospital. She said, “The police should have taken him to a hospital, instead of arresting him and sending him to jail.” Praveen recently got married to Ansari.

A relative said Ansari and a group of his friends were going home, traveling from Jamshedpur to Saraikela-Kharsawan’s Karsova, when they were attacked barely five kilometres from home. His family has alleged that despite appeals the police did not arrange for proper treatment of Ansari, that they were not allowed to meet him, and that he died long before he was taken to a hospital. They have demanded action against all concerned, including the police and the doctors, who have yet to be questioned. The Congress has demanded Rs. 25 lakh compensation and a government job for his wife.

Tabrez’s father Maskoor Ansari was also lynched by a mob to death almost 15 years ago. He was caught by a mob while he was allegedly committing theft in Jamshedpur’s Bagbera area. He was then lynched to death by a mob. Police are now investigating the matter and trying to dig out details of the incident, which took place in November 2004. Mohammed Mosahid Khan, general secretary of Congress’s district said that he brought Maskoor’s body to the village from Jamshedpur. Some local residents in Bagbera still remember the infamous 15-year-old lynching of Maskoor. Social activist Subodh Kumar Jha said, “One day, residents of Ramnagar locality in Bagbera got hold of the man and he was beaten to death by an irate mob.”

The fresh incident of mob lynching has triggered angry reactions from various political parties across the country. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi said that such incidents now followed a familiar pattern. “This is the pattern with almost all lynchings. “First, a Muslim is murdered by cow lovers. Then the most ridiculous excuses begin: a ‘suspicion’ of beef possession, theft, smuggling and love jihad. So much for sabka vishwas when we can be killed over mere suspicions,” he said in a tweet.

The incident was also in raised the Rajya Sabha. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Jharkhand had become a lynching factory. He said, “Dalits and Muslims are being killed there every week. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, we are with you in the fight of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, but it should be there for people to see it. We cannot see it anywhere.”

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a tweet, “Tabrez Ansari was lynched to death in BJP-ruled Jharkhand. A Hindu mob thrashed him ruthlessly because he refused to chant ‘Jai Sri Ram’. Is this NDA 2.0’s New India? Yeh kaunsa tareeka hai sabka vishwas jeetnay ka (what kind of a process is this to win everyone’s trust?”

Faced with mounting anger from across the country, the police admitted to lapses in procedure and formed an SIT. Two officers Chandramohan Oraon and Bipin Bihari have been suspended for not reporting the seriousness of the issue to the higher authorities and for their failure to register a case of lynching on the very same day. The special investigation team (SIT) in charge of the inquiry has been asked to submit its report to the Home Secretary and the Chief Secretary soon.

Seraikela-Kharsawan Superintendent of Police Karthik S said, “We are looking into all angles. His family members mentioned some unidentified miscreants in their complaint. Based on that, we have already arrested eleven people, including a man named Papu Mandal.”

Let’s develop our Lives without Drugs

By
Vinod Dixit
-

SayNoToDrugs,Drug abuse,DrugsJune 26 is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, often referred to as the International Day against Drug Abuse. It is to strengthen global action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Observance of this day aims to raise awareness to fight against the substance abuse as well as the unlawful trade of drugs. Drugs are initially taken out of choice, but it becomes hard to resist them sooner than you realise. It is difficult to recover from this problem and even those who are at high risk of developing it again.

It is a fact that drug racket operates internationally, but some countries are transshipment points for drug circulation. India possibly because of its strategic location is more prone to drug activities including drug trafficking and local consumption. The influence of westernisation, changing the family structure and peer pressure are some of the reasons behind drug abuse.

Our society should change its attitude. He should be provided with all the support and care. He should be properly rehabilitated. Moral education should be made a part of our curriculum. Society should be made aware of the early stage. n order to tame and trample the monster of drug abuse, we must go back to the root of the problem and make the user of drugs more human, tolerant, understanding, appreciative, sympathetic and helpful. Social workers, teachers, and above all parents, especially mothers can play a vital role in this direction. Many counselling and de-addiction centres have contributed greatly to create a national awakening. More such efforts are required from all walks of society.

Drugs are primarily chemicals that affect the communication system of the human brain. They disturb the ways in which nerve cells send, process, and receive information. There are a couple of ways in which drugs achieve this – they copy the natural chemical messengers of the human brain and they over-stimulate the brain’s reward circuit. Drugs such as heroin and marijuana are structured in the same way as chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters. Drug addiction can develop at any age but those who begin taking drugs at an early age have the highest risk of getting addicted. This is because the areas of the brain that are responsible for self-control, judgement and decision making are still in the development stage. This is the reason why teenagers are more prone to drug abuse. Governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but communities can also make a major contribution. Families, schools, civil society, and religious organizations can do their part to rid their communities of drugs.

According to the National Survey, hardly a third of drug dependents reported having taken treatment. In the findings of other agency, it was found as low as two per cent. It is largely because people do not see drug abuse as a medical problem. Besides, lack of rehabilitation and access to treatment facilities are various other causes for not seeking treatment. The disintegration of the old joint family system, absence of parental love and care in modern families where both parents are working, a decline of old religious and moral values, etc. lead to a rise in the number of drug addicts who take drugs to escape hard realities of life.

Drug trafficking is one of the major crime. Killing someone or helping someone to kill himself is equal to a crime. This is what common sense and human sense says. The ones who are trafficking and helping such drugs reach each and every corner of the country are committing a big crime. Drugs and drug dealing is a scourge that can bring down a mature and intelligent society to intolerable levels of depravity. It is better to nip this crime in bud so that our country doesn’t follow the horrible western malady.

Creating awareness of the dangers of the substance abuse in society and effecting behavioural change are integral parts of the National Drug Master Plan. There should be no leniency when talking about peddlers and pushers who destroy the victim and his kith and kin and put the victim into an unalterable habit which will make the individual take to all crimes including murder and rape. If we need to stop this menace from spreading, we need harsh steps and stringent punishments. Only love and affection can help the youth from falling into clutches of drugs. Societal control is necessary along with legal skeleton. Let us develop our Lives, our Communities, and our Identities…Without Drugs.”

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Help Parallel Media, Support Journalism, Free Press, Afternoon Voice

Masjid committee neither understands law nor impending threat to innocents

By
Hem Raj Jain
-

736520 649556 babrimasjidAfter series of pressure exerted by Hindutva forces during previous one week by way of (i) Statement of U.P Dy Chief Minister (that Ram Mandir will be built by law if Supreme Court of India, the SCI does not give disputed site to Hindus) during a meeting of about one thousand Hindu Saints at Ayodhya (ii) Visit of 18 Shiv Sena Member of Parliament along with its Party President Uddhav Thackeray to Ayodhya for demanding immediate construction of Ram temple and (iii) Extensively quoted by Hindutva forces the letter of BJP MP Subramanian Swamy to PM Modi that at disputed and undisputed site Ram Temple can be constructed immediately and compensation can be given to winning litigant in SCI in title suit. –The latest in this series came on June, 20 by way of the statement issued by VHP after its two-day conclave at Haridwar that Ram Mandir should be constructed immediately through ordinance especially when SCI is not sensitive to the sentiments of Hindus.

In response to it while addressing a press conference in Lucknow, the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) convener and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Zafaryab Jilani said, “The recent statements given by state deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, other leaders, and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members are against the constitution. They are pitching for an ordinance for Ram temple construction despite knowing that the matter is pending in the SC. Their statements hold no value because Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already said that no law can be brought for temple construction before the SC verdict. If any such attempt is made then we will challenge it in the SC.”

Evidently, BMAC & AIMPLB do not understand the law as explained below:-

(1) First of all, even during the pendency of any suit in SCI, the law can be made by Parliament for construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site. Though it may not be done so and the government may prefer to wait for the verdict by SCI in title suit but it is now a matter of common knowledge that:-

  • Hindus will not win in this matter the way they want (where they want the entire disputed site to be given to Hindus) because (A)- What is highlighted by Hindutva forces is that Lord Rama was born at the disputed site of Masjid. But Muslims have adduced a very powerful & effective argument before the Court that ‘Ram Charit Manas’ (through which majority of Hindus know about the life of Lord Rama) written by Goswami Tulsidas after construction of Babri-Masjid in 16th century, has mention of Ayodhya as Lord Rama’s city of birth but does not have any mention of Lord Rama’s birthplace at disputed site. (B)- Ayodhya dispute is pending in civil courts since 1949. Even by the standard of very long time for disposal of civil matters in Indian courts (which may be about 35 years) the time of whopping 70 years which Courts have taken in deciding this matter (which is still pending in SCI) is for the simple reason that Courts know that Hindus are not going to win the way they want otherwise Courts would have decided this matter by this time and SCI would not have said that it is sensitive matter and would not have pressed for mediation.
  • It is another matter of common knowledge that BJP came to power at centre and in many States because of not only destruction of Babri Masjid in 1992 but mainly because BMAC / AIMPLB did not ask from SCI the restoration of status-quo-ate of Babri Masjid which emboldened Hindutva forces (which resulted in may communal riots including in 1992-93 in and around Mumbai, 2002 in Gujarat in which thousands of innocent Muslims were killed, their properties destroyed and their honor assailed) and made BJP dominant political force in India. Hence Hindutva forces will lose power if Ram Mandir is not constructed at the disputed site after the massive mandate to BJP in 2019 Lok sabha election and especially due to a genuine fear of Hindutva forces that BJP may not get such massive mandate in next Lok sabha elections. In a nutshell, NOW the immediate construction of Ram Mandir at the disputed site is a matter of life and death for Hindutva forces in Hindu majority India and what Hindutva forces can do (especially against related minority the Muslims) for their political survival, is any body’s guess. Obviously, the Hindus have only one option for getting Ram Mandir at the disputed site which is through legislation whether before or after SCI verdict in a title suit.

(2) Secondly if BMAC and AIMPLB move (as they are erroneously contemplating) the SCI in case of legislation for Ram Temple at disputed site before or after court verdict in title suit by SCI, then any court judgment against such legislation shall be construed as effrontery by SCI to Parliament and in such case the SCI can be ‘disciplined’ through impeachment (even by converting Secular Indian into Theocratic State of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ in case SCI invokes basic Secular structure of the Constitution). But if BMAC & AIMPLB move SCI immediately for restoration of status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid which was demolished in 1992 in presence of the Observer of SCI, then it will be perceived for the purpose of up-holding rule-of-law and authority of SCI and against which Parliament can do nothing and in addition, this will finish the high handedness of Hindutva forces (if necessary then with the assistance of even UNPKF)

Therefore  BMAC/AIMPLB instead of indulging in suicidal policies (by overestimating PM Modi vis-à-vis Hindutva forces about resisting legislation for Ram temple) should immediately file a writ petition in SCI for the restoration of status-quo-ante of Babri Masjid and for the repeal of ‘Ayodhya Act 1993’.

Moreover, in order to make the restoration writ petition smooth and peaceful, BMAC / AIMPLB should simultaneously (rather before restoration writ) file writ petition in J&K High Court for a plebiscite. The primary importance of writ petition in J&K High Court for plebiscite is self-evident because it will constrain communal Hindus to protect and uphold secularism in India otherwise they know that during plebiscite India will lose J&K (at-least Muslim Kashmir and PoK) to Pakistan and Hindu majority India will never tolerate another dismemberment of India at the hands of Muslims.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Help Parallel Media, Support Journalism, Free Press, Afternoon Voice

Bullet trains at the cost of Mangroves?

By
Suraj Chandran
-

Bullet train project,Mangroves trees,destroys mangroves trees

Development is good for Mumbai but it should not happen at the cost of damaging the environment. Mumbai, which has a large cover of mangroves, is going to lose a vast area due to infrastructure development. The Fadnavis government has ambitious plans of going ahead with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project but at least 54,000 mangroves spread across 13.36 hectares in Maharashtra will be destroyed for the project. Mangroves are salt-torrent trees that act as a buffer between land and sea and protect the land from erosion.

Justice B.G Kolse Patil, a former judge of Bombay High Court, said, “We along with the Adivasis are protesting against the destruction of mangroves. Mangroves are important for the mankind as it protects soil erosion. Destruction of mangroves will cause environmental disaster. Who wants a bullet train and a very few people will travel in it.”

Thousands of people come to Mumbai in search of their livelihood every month. More than 43 per cent of the city’s population is considered to be migrant. Due to the influx of migrants, there is more demand for housing needs in the city. Since the city faces space crunch developers raze mangroves and build mega housing complexes in the area. Thus, a huge area of mangroves gets destroyed in the name of development. Mangrove trees are indispensable to the ecosystem and without them, there are no wetlands. Besides, providing habitat to terrestrial, arboreal and aquatic creatures, the root system of mangrove forest is thick and complex. Mangrove forest acts as a barricade by preventing erosion and guarding terrestrial spaces.

Often environmentalists have filed complaints with the police pertaining to the destruction of mangroves but no action was taken against offenders. The nexus between builders and politicians is another reason responsible for the destruction of mangroves. Often politicians turn a blind eye towards the complaint filed by resident pertaining to mangrove destruction. Since no action is taken against the errant builders, the city losses massive area which is covered by mangroves.

Sumaira Abdulali, Environmentalist and Founder of NGO Awaaz Foundation said, “The government always says that mangroves cut will be replanted. On the other hand, replantation doesn’t happen due to lack of space. Mangroves already exist in a place where they can grow. According to me, so many mangroves should not be destroyed as they cannot be replanted. Nobody is thinking about the environment.”

Even though transport minister Diwakar Raote had informed the Legislative Council that the government will plant five times of the trees being razed for development but often replantation of trees are not carried out. Thus, the trees which are cut for development of infrastructure projects are lost forever.

Raote said, “The project will run on high pillars, to ensure the damage to mangroves and the environment is minimal. The floodwater will not enter Navi Mumbai, as no mangroves are being cut in the area.”

There has been a 70 per cent increase in mangrove destruction in the first nine months in 2018 which is the highest in three years as per data recorded by the state mangrove cell.  There have been 237 cases of hacking of mangroves, debris dumping and blocking of tidal water to mangroves between January and September 2018. Out of these 234 cases were on government land and three cases in private areas. In comparison to this, Mumbai recorded 141 cases with 125 on government land and 16 in private areas in 2016.

Advocate Monica Arora said, “When the bullet train project was announced, as per the contract, it was mentioned that ten times trees will be replanted for the loss. Mangroves are razed only after an assurance is received to replant trees. When the metro project was announced, replantation drive was undertaken. Thus, if one tree is cut then 10 trees are replanted.”

Assistant Conservator of forest, state mangrove cell Makarand Ghodke said, “Around 15 per cent cases are owing to cutting off tidal water ingress. The remaining cases are of mangrove hacking and burning. Major cases are recorded in the suburbs in areas such as Malwani, Dahisar, Borivali, Trombay, Charkop, etc.”

The state government will purchase 39.252 sqm of private land in Vikhroli for the bullet train project. The government will acquire 188 ha of private land in Palghar district which will affect 3,498 families. Out of these, 2.95 hectares of land has been purchased by the government. In Thane district, 6, 589 farmers, who own 84.81 ha, will be affected by the project.

Increasing influence of India compels Antigua to revoke citizenship of Mehul Choksi

By
Web Team
-
mehul chowksi
Image Courtesy: thehansindia.com (File Pic)

Certainly, it is increasing influence of stronger India in the world community that the Antiguan government has decided to revoke the citizenship of the Punjab National Bank fraud fugitive Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile, the second accused in the case Nirav Modi is also fighting extradition from Britain. Earlier this month, the UK High court rejected Nirav Modi’s fourth bail plea. Britain is also ready to extradite Nirav Modi to India. Prior to this, India’s criminals used to take shelter in Britain.

It is worth mentioning that even Arab countries used to warn India on Kashmir issue and Hindu-Muslim riots in the country. But when the country emerged as economic and regional superpower, everyone is quietened. Today, neither Arab countries nor global superpowers like the USA dare to interfere in internal matters of India.

Antiguan PM Gaston Browne on Tuesday said, “His citizenship was processed; he got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India; so there is recourse. It is not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes.”

He said, “We have to allow for due process. He has a matter before the court and as we said to the Indian government, criminals have fundamental rights, too, and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position. But I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited.”

It is notable that Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are wanted by the ED and CBI for allegedly defrauding PNB to the tune of around Rs 14,000 crore. In January 2018, Choksi absconded after the Rs 14,000-crore PNB fraud came to light. Following this, he surrendered his Indian passport and took up Antiguan citizenship. The PNB fraud came to light in early 2018. Both Choksi and Modi fled the country before that.

The ED recently told the Bombay High Court that it was ready to provide an air ambulance to bring Choksi to India. On the other hand, Choksi told the High Court that he left India for medical treatment and not to avoid prosecution in the case. He said that he would return to India as soon as he was medically fit to travel.

However, External Affairs of Minister S Jaishankar refrained from reacting saying that he is yet to receive full information on the development. Government sources said that India can start the extradition process after Choksi’s citizenship is revoked. India is said to be engaging with Antigua on the matter.

In August last year, India put in a request for his extradition following which the businessman submitted a plea in the Bombay High Court through his lawyer claiming that he had left India in January to undergo bypass surgery and not to avoid prosecution. In an affidavit filed in the HC, he said he would return to India if he is medically fit.

India is emerging as global superpower. It can be realised through a series of incidents. When India conducted atomic tests in 1998, the USA, Japan and many developed countries slapped economic ban against India. But almost 20 years after that India conducted an airstrike in Pakistan, no country spoke against India. This is a major change of world’s approach towards India.

Moreover, Chinese Army used to infiltrate in India and warn Indian security personnel and people. But on 18 June, 2017, about 270 Indian troops armed with weapons and two bulldozers crossed the Sikkim border into Doklam (Bhutan) to stop the Chinese troops from constructing the road. At last, on 28 August, both India and China announced that they had withdrawn all their troops from the face-off site in Doklam. Actually, Doklam stand-off proved that China or any country can not undermine India or harm its interests. After Doklam stand-off India emerged as more powerful nation and its respect increased in the entire world.

Doklam is an area disputed between China and Bhutan located near their tri-junction with India. Unlike China and Bhutan, India does not claim Doklam but supports Bhutan’s claim. China’s claim on Doklam is based on the 1890 Convention of Calcutta (at present Kolkata) between China and Britain, which states in Article I. The boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other Rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nipal territory.

China says that by this Convention, the starting point of the Sikkim-Tibet border is “Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier” and that this clearly defines the tri-junction point. According to Chinese claims, Doklam is located in the Xigaze area of Tibet, bordering the state of Sikkim. However, Bhutan was not a party to the Convention.

In 1949, Bhutan signed a treaty with India giving allowance to India to guide its diplomatic and defense affairs. In 2007, the treaty was superseded by a new Friendship Treaty that replaced the provision that made it mandatory for Bhutan to take India’s guidance on foreign policy, provided broader sovereignty but also stated in its Article 2. In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. That is why, India took action in Doklam against Chinese troops.

44 years on, recalling Emergency is still hair-raising

By
Web Team
-

indira gandhi emergency

The Emergency is the most controversial period of India’s history since Independence. On June 25, 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of national emergency. It was officially issued by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 of the Constitution on account of the prevailing internal disturbance in the country. The Emergency was in effect from June 26, 1975, to March 21, 1977. The Emergency gave Indira Gandhi the authority to rule by decree, allowing elections to be suspended and civil liberties to be curbed. During the Emergency, most of Indira Gandhi’s political opponents were sent to jail and the press was censored. Several other human rights violations were reported, including a forced mass-sterilization campaign by the Prime Minister’s son Sanjay Gandhi.

What happened during Emergency?

The Emergency years were the biggest challenge to India’s commitment to democracy. It (democracy) proved vulnerable to the manipulation of powerful leaders. During the Emergency, Sanjay Gandhi asked the popular singer Kishore Kumar to sing for a Congress party rally in Mumbai but he refused. In reaction, the Information and broadcasting minister Vidya Charan Shukla put an unofficial ban on playing Kishore Kumar’s songs on All India Radio and Doordarshan from May 4, 1976, till the end of the Emergency. People have to suffer a lot of troubles which are as follows:

-Detention of people by police without charge or notification of families

-Abuse and torture of detainees and political prisoners

-Use of public and private media institutions, like the national television network Doordarshan, for government propaganda

-Forced sterilization.

-Destruction of the slum and low-income housing in the Turkmen Gate and Jama Masjid area of old Delhi

-Large-scale and illegal enactment of laws (including modifications to the Constitution)

emergency destrurction red fort
Photo of the destruction near the Red Fort during the Emergency of 1975. (Image Courtesy: medium.com)

Major reasons behind Emergency:

Navnirman Andolan in Gujarat

Gujarat was governed by the Congress chief minister Chimanbhai Patel. The government was notorious for its corruption. Students of Gujarat University started a movement demanding the dismissal of the state government. It was called the ‘Navnirman movement’. The students’ protests against the government escalated and soon factory workers and people from other sectors of society joined in. Clashes with the police, burning of buses and government office and attacks on ration shops became an everyday occurrence. By February 1974, the central government was forced to act upon the protest. It suspended the Assembly and imposed President’s rule in the state. In March 1975 senior leader Morarji Desai began fast unto death and Indira Gandhi dissolved the assembly and announced fresh elections to it in June 1975.

The JP movement in Bihar

A similar movement was launched by Jayaprakash Narayan in Bihar. In the beginning, a student protest erupted in Bihar in March 1974. In this case, Indira Gandhi did not concede to the suspension of the Assembly. However, the JP movement was significant in determining her to declare Emergency.

A hero of the freedom struggle, JP had been known for his selfless activism since the days of the nationalist movement. His entry in student protest gave the struggle a great boost. He changed its name and it became the ‘JP movement’. He motivated students to boycott classes and work towards raising the collective consciousness of society. There were a large number of clashes with the police, courts, and offices, schools and colleges were being shut down.

In June 1974, JP led a large procession through the streets of Patna which culminated in a call for ‘total revolution’. He urged the dissenters to put pressure on the existing legislators to resign, so as to be able to pull down the Congress government. Further, JP toured across large sections of North India, drawing students, traders and sections of the intelligentsia towards his movement. Opposition parties who were crushed in 1971, saw in JP a popular leader best suited to stand up against Indira Gandhi. While JP accepted the challenge and formed the National Coordination Committee for the purpose, Indira Gandhi soon imposed the Emergency.

Railways strike led by socialist leader George Fernandes

When Bihar was burning in agitations, the country was paralysed by a railways strike led by socialist leader George Fernandes. Lasting for three weeks, in May 1974, the strike resulted in the halt of the movement of goods and people. As many as a million railwaymen participated in the movement. The army was called out to maintain peace. Indira Gandhi’s government came down heavily on the protesters. Thousands of employees were arrested and their families were driven out of their quarters.

Allahabad High Court verdict in the Raj Narain case

While opposition parties, trade unions, students and parts of the intelligentsia had occupied the streets in protest against Indira Gandhi’s government, a new threat emerged before her in the form of a petition filed in the Allahabad High Court by socialist leader Raj Narain. He had lost out to Indira Gandhi in Raebareli parliamentary elections of 1971. The petition accused Indira Gandhi of winning the elections through corrupt practices. It alleged that she spent more money than was allowed and her campaign was carried out by government officials.

On March 19, 1975, Indira Gandhi became the first Indian prime minister to testify in court. On June 12, 1975, Justice Sinha read out the judgment in the Allahabad High Court declaring Indira Gandhi’s election to Parliament as null and void. But she was given a span of 20 days to appeal to the Supreme Court. On June 24, the Supreme Court put a conditional stay on the High Court order. PM Gandhi could attend Parliament, but would not be allowed to vote unless the court pronounced on her appeal. The judgments gave the impetus to the JP movement, convincing them of their demand for the resignation of the prime minister. Further, by now even senior members of the Congress party were of the opinion that her resignation would be favourable to the party. After the Supreme Court judgment, an ordinance was drafted declaring a state of internal emergency and the President signed on it immediately.

Quotes of Indira Gandhi and JP

“I had always believed that Indira Gandhi had no faith in democracy, that she was by inclination and conviction a dictator. This belief has tragically turned out to be true.”

Jayaprakash Narayan, prison diary, entry of 22 July 1975

 

“I have no more powers than I had before.”

Indira Gandhi, in an interview with NBC, 24 August 1975

 

“Today’s papers also publish an Indira Gandhi-Karanjia interview. Most of it is the usual stuff: self-righteousness, smugness, and the pose of being the country’s saviour.”

Jayaprakash Narayan, prison diary, entry of 22 August 1975

 

“I am a very humble person.”

Indira Gandhi, in an interview with the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, 4 October 1975

 

“Today the only thing the people are allowed to do is to sing the praises of Mrs. Gandhi.”

Jayaprakash Narayan, prison diary, entry of 7 September 1975

 

“I do not think there is anyone who is less authoritarian than I am.”

Indira Gandhi, in an interview with American journalist Mary Carras, July 1978

Challenge to improve Pakistani economy

By
Web Team
-

Pakistan economy growth,pakistan inflation,pakistan economic situationIn order to overcome the rising inflation, Pakistan has asked for $6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, the head of Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, this loan will be paid by Pakistan to IMF in three years in installments. Sheikh says that without financial assistance, Pakistan neither can meet its business losses nor can it control rising inflation.

IMF has admitted that Pakistan’s economic situation is very bad. Pakistan’s growth rate has slowed down. Inflation is continuously increasing. The government and the people are drowning in debt. According to a World Bank report, by the end of December 2018, the debt of Pakistan’s public was 73.2 per cent of GDP, which is likely to increase to 82.3 per cent in 2019. This is the highest level of debt in the past 17 years. The Pakistani government wants to solve the problems of rising inflation, rising debt, and slow growth rate, but every possible attempt of the government have been unsuccessful until now.

However, Pakistan’s economist Talat Anwar says that the borrowing from the IMF will increase the problems of the common people even more. According to them, the IMF will definitely give loans on some conditions and implementing those conditions will further reduce the value of Pakistani currency, which will increase the prices of commodities and food items consumed on a daily basis. IMF can force the Pakistani government to increase interest rates, which are currently around 10.75 per cent. It can slow down the investment and also reduce the employment generation along with the growth rate.

It is notable that Pakistan has been struggling with a serious economic crisis for the last year. Its foreign exchange reserve has come down to less than two months’ import. Pakistan hoped that countries like Saudi Arabia, China, etc. would give financial help to it. However, these countries have given some financial help to Pakistan, but it has been inadequate. By the way, Prime Minister Imran Khan is still looking forward to getting help from China. Khan hopes that China can help Pakistan to get out of the current crisis. Khan can also travel to China to achieving this purpose.

According to economists, earlier, Pakistan was getting funding on free-floating mechanisms, but by 2017, there was a devaluation of 34 percent in Pakistani currency. A Pakistani bank president even said that Prime Minister Imran Khan may have to lose his chair when there is a further decline in Pakistani currency because Pakistan’s financial situation will get worse in the days to come. Khan is also targets of the Opposition due to appointing former IMF employee Raza Bakir as the new Governor of the Central Bank. The opposition parties feel that the new governor of the central bank has failed to handle Pakistan’s economy.

The value of the dollar against Pakistani currency is increasing and it has reached Rs 141. It is being speculated that it can also reach the level of Rs 150. Pakistani citizens are unable to meet their daily needs due to the devaluation of the Pakistani rupees. The price of everything is constantly increasing. Petrol price has reached Rs 112 per liter. Significantly, its price is still increasing. Shahid Khan Abbasi, a senior leader of the Muslim League (Nawaz) said that in the last nine months, the burden of debt on Pakistan has increased to Rs 28 thousand billion. Inflation has also doubled in this period.

Recently, the World Bank released a report titled “South Asia Economic Focus-Export Wanted”, according to which Pakistan’s average inflation could reach 7.1 per cent in the current financial year and it will reach 13.5 per cent next year. According to the same report, Pakistan’s economy is growing at a rate of 3.4 per cent in the current financial year, which can reach 2.7 per cent next year.

Due to uncontrolled inflation, the common people are also cutting their food items. People have also made changes in the food items of their choice. The common people have either stopped to eat expensive foods like Paneer, fruits, milk, etc. or reduced to take more quantities of such items. The condition of small businessmen has become worse. Many businessmen have had to close their business. In the current situation, the remaining traders may have to close their business. Medium and large businesses also do not have a good economic status. Their business has also had adverse effects. Due to reaching a high level of inflation, there has been a huge reduction in the demand for diversified products. People are becoming unemployed. The growth rate is going downwards.

The Pakistani stock market condition is also very bad. The stock market CEO Richard Moran has resigned from his post before completing his term. It is being said that if the economic situation of Pakistan does not improve, then in the coming years, international financial institutions can take a tough stance against Pakistan’s crispy economy.

It can be said that Pakistan’s economic situation is getting worse and current Prime Minister Imran Khan has failed miserably in improving the situation. Does the Opposition say that the government is not able to understand how to overcome the rising inflation? In the current situation, the expectations of a better economy in Pakistan are very low in the coming years.

By Satish Singh

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

Help Parallel Media, Support Journalism, Free Press, Afternoon Voice

1...1,0051,0061,007...5,589Page 1,006 of 5,589