Social Media Wrongful Attacks on Rise

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January 13, 2020

Since the Delhi elections is just round the corner, the IT cells of political parties are all set to spread fake news, hate post, derogatory statements on a particular leader and party and there is no control or monitoring on this. Some IT-cells that are powerful spread content in larger volume as for them, it’s a number game.

Above all, the spiritual leaders too play spoilers. There is one video of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on social media referring to Hindutva where he says, “As young people, you all have to be very active on this digital front. If there is an onslaught on the principle of this religion or this tradition, this civilisation or this culture, befitting response has to come. And that has to come from young people like you all”.

This video of Sri Sri is not well translated by the youth. He may have said it in a broader context, but now unfortunately the same video has provoked many youth to attack other religions randomly.

NCP MLA and state minister of Maharashtra Aditi Tatkare said, “Firstly, the use of social media has been under monetary influence for a while now, but it needs to be even more regular. The cases of hacking personal accounts have also been on rise and the cyber cell and government should be taking action regarding it. Apart from that, the political parties or other institutions which are using the social media should be given some kind of rules and regulations regarding the same. I wouldn’t say that they would stop completely but at least it can be reduced to a certain extent.”

These days there are random flooding of fake news on the social media and un-parliamentary attacks on various people for speaking their mind or taking up their stand. But no one has any control on these fake spreads and rumour mills.

Earlier, the government had asked for public comments on the recommended amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act that seek to make it mandatory for platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter to trace “originator” of “unlawful” information while also removing such content within 24 hours after being notified. As per the draft, ‘The Information Technology [Intermediaries Guidelines (Amendment) Rules] 2018’ released, the intermediary after being notified by the appropriate authority should remove or disable access to unlawful content within 24 hours in the “interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India.”

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “If this is creating problem in the society then of course the government should definitely take action against it seriously. Given that it can act according to the Section 66 of the IT act, the government should strictly impose the Act against the people and political parties that are spreading fake news, derogatory statements on a particular leader or party. The fact is that the BJP’s IT cells is mostly responsible for this kind of nonsense.”

The Supreme Court order also gave a green signal to the government to frame guidelines or a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with the objectionable material through social media intermediaries like Google, YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp. The Centre’s draft SOP include setting up of proactive monitoring tools for auto deletion of unlawful content, deployment of trusted flaggers for identifying and deletion of unlawful content, setting up of a 24/7 mechanism for requisitions of law enforcement agencies and appointment of India-based contact officers.

BJP spokesperson Shaina NC said, “The social media is a double edge source which comes with its own sense of disclaimers. If somebody is putting his views on issues, we can’t hold him for his viewpoints or cannot suggest whether the same is correct or not. But when it comes to news or facts and if there is anything which attacks national security, then the cyber cell and government must be check the points which the social media or political parties are spreading it.”

Following fears of “surveillance and censorship” with the proposed norms, the government clarified that it does not regulate content appearing on social network platforms. Inspite of discussion on such bills there is hardly any implementation.

BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, “There are many laws to control fake news and hate post but are we (People) ready to accept those laws? Are we ready to behave properly? These are the questions we need to answer. And if any government is asked to follow any law, then people start talking about the freedom of speech, freedom of expression and many more immediately. But these people do not understand that indirectly they are creating protest and spreading fake news.”

These days political party IT cells are surviving on fake news circulated through WhatsApp and other social media sites. Misuse of social media platforms and spreading of fake news is quite frequent, now its government’s responsibility to strengthen the legal framework and bring the social media posting under strict surveillance.

Social media warriors battle-ready with their ‘weapons’ of parodies, memes and hashtags

By

Vaidehi Taman

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January 13, 2020

Social media users in India needs to be careful of propagandas ahead. Delhi polls are approaching and social media battle has heated up as BJP, Congress are trying their best to breach ‘Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi’. The high-stakes tussle for power in the national capital is also being hotly contested in the virtual world with social media warriors of parties getting battle-ready with their ‘weapons’ of parodies, memes and hashtags.

Ever wondered how a messaging app could change political fate in India? WhatsApp users in India may be astonished to learn that there’s more to messaging apps than interactive medium. These days, it has become a political propaganda tool to porn sharing groups. Anything to everything, moral to immoral and fake to make belief as truth, this one particular app has not only grabbed your time, peace and attention by getting you addicted to it but it has influenced your thought process and also your mindset. It is conditioning you every day against one particular agenda. Educated people falling trap to such things then one can imagine about common man of this country. What are we achieving out of it? No one knows. Similarly, there are many groups in the name of Dalits, Muslims or ideology of this party or that party and they just create an impression and panic among their community people as if India is not safe for them. They too share photo shopped pictures, videos, fake write-ups and much more to make believe their point by endorsing one or the other political party and condemning the rival party.

There are thousands of such groups and people who are divided in those groups. The acclimatising goes on 24/7. They just don’t stop there, the same post is circulated on social media by all the participants and from there it again gets circulated further. This is how we collude the entire ambience against our country. Trust me, our country knows how to live with diversity, all those are born on this soil belong to this nation and it belongs to them. There is nothing to feel unsecured or threatened. You have both sides; if some hate you, some are there in bulk to hold you. No matter whosoever rules you, they don’t change your life for sure. WhatsApp is probably the best example of the vast potential that messaging apps hold. With over millions of active users, it helps them socialise. But the abuse of such apps needs to be monitored. Visual cues such as photos and graphics, portraying Modi as the saviour of the nation, alongside memes mocking the candidates of the other parties were shared on social media and WhatsApp messenger by a team of dedicated Modi supporters, their numbers stretching into the far hundred thousands.

On the other hand, how fake is India’s PM and attacks on Modi with videos and pictures too get viral but in comparison right-wingers are more aggressive. If you remember there was a photo meant to show a younger, humble Modi sweeping the floors went viral, and was later debunked as a doctored image of another man. That didn’t matter, though; for a very long time during and after the elections, the photo had become a symbol of Modi’s modest roots. It continued to be right-winger’s social media warfare not only as effective communication, but also contributed to Modi’s win in the elections. However, the reality of their claims got exposed. Six years on, nothing has changed much in IT Cell’s approach. They are after anyone to anything, latest victims are all those news personnel who exposed JNU violence or those who stood by students, celebrities to think-tanks all were under attack with derogatory statements. Same is in the case of Arvind Kejriwal, there are social media posts that say if you want to teach lesson to JNU and leftists, then vote out Kejriwal in Delhi and chose a BJP government whereas the fight between JNU students is all about ideology.

Students were beaten brutally for protesting against fee hike to CAA and NRC, the new bill that BJP implemented recently. Every action calls for reaction, both right and left are equally guilty for spreading violence and creating unrest across country especially in Delhi to target 2020 elections.

The fake news problem in India is very real. Depending on the content spread on the social media which is unfortunately based on falsified information, the opinions are created. The fake information on social media builds fear psychosis among people. In fact, ongoing tension itself was believed to have been a sure to result of an image offensive to JNU students circulated through Facebook. Plus attributed to anti-Hindu and anti-national rant these fake circulations created lots of anxiety among students. There was almost a riot like situation in University but no one took action against the perpetrators, rather action taken on the ones who unmasked the fact, took beatings and attacks.

There are many such stories and numerous videos get circulated on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter allegedly showing anything to everything by conditioning the minds of people. Having investigated the sources of every single video, each could have led to communal tensions and violent incidents in parts of India. But we the people of nation have become slaves to smart phone and IT-Cell Propaganda University. Social media has been a breeding ground for misinformation since long time and ironically the seeds of misinformation somehow sown by the IT-Cells on root level itself.

While Facebook and Twitter are highly public spaces where news, photos and videos generally flow freely, WhatsApp is more classified. This app was actually designed to keep people’s information secure and private, so no one is able to access the contents of people’s messages but now this has become a dangerous tool in people’s hand to propagate all that they want. People are afraid that bad things will happen if they say something wrong on social media. WhatsApp is a kind of safe place for people and they can discuss more conspiracy things. However, while WhatsApp-spread misinformation has become an increasing concern across the world along with efforts to debunk it, this is somewhat looming danger. Without facts checking, the users are irresponsibly passing the messages about crime, violence and politics and communal riots. Now all Indian political parties geared up for 2020 against one particular party of Assembly elections by making thousands of groups and communities. The whoopla has already begun; so one needs to be smart enough to not get carried away by such schemes and use their own judgement.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Avoid fatalities while flying kites

By

C K Subramaniam

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January 13, 2020

During Makar Sankranti people across India fly kites and celebrate the harvest festival in a fitting way. In Gujarat, people make it a big festival when the State Government sponsors kite flying competitions. Even foreigners participate in the celebrations.

However, the dangers relating to kite flying are too many. First and foremost, one should know his/her surroundings and watch where they are going. Tripping and falling can actually result in some rather serious injuries including head trauma and broken bones in the most severe circumstances. Even in the less severe circumstances, bad cuts and sprains are certainly no walk in the park and give a you testing time. Having your throat slit is statistically very rare but it obviously can occur when flying a kite as evidenced above.

If the wind takes hold of your kite and causes it to crash, it could also cause harm to another person such as hitting them very hard on the head. This could cause just bruising or if it hits them in the eye, a very serious and potentially life-threatening injury might occur.

Do not fly a kite near power lines because if it gets entangled in these power lines, electrocution is a possibility. Standard power lines carry thousands of volts of electricity and this can be fatal to a human. If you ever have a kite that gets away from you and ends up in power lines, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself. Instead, call the utility company and notify them right away. They will come out and remove it. We do not read media reports of kite-related deaths daily or even monthly but they can and do happen.

When you are flying a kite, practice safety to ensure that your next kite-flying adventure remains fun for everyone involved. Safety is of foremost importance when you fly kites. The manja used for flying kites is sharp one and can cause damage to the human limps and animals as well. Even when a kite is flying high and in the competition, is cut by another kite, then the remaining manja along with the kite drags around the busy streets. It sometimes crosses the railway lines and children in their own spirit go to catch the kite. Sometimes they hit a passing train and either get injured or are killed.

So, it is better to take all precautions rather than risk our lives only for the sake of flying a kite during the Makar Sankranti day.

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

Letters to the Editor: 13 January, 2020

By

Web Team

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January 13, 2020

Akbar Padamsee-An artist with a midas touch

In artist Akbar Padamsee’s demise the nation and the world of fine arts has lost one of the most prolific, most talented and versatile artists of all times. The modern era of arts and paintings will always be remembered with the name of this great artist who marked a niche of his own in the world of arts and gave Indian arts and painting a new definition.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Founder of Isha Foundation centre Coimbatore, where the artist spent his last days said that Akbar Padamsee was a genius of colour and craft and generations to come shall relish and be inspired by his magic of colour.

Akbar Padamsee, a recipient of Padma Bhushan, created paintings that extensively depicted the elements and senses. A pioneer in progressive modernist movement Padamsee besides being known as a world class painter was also a renowned photographer, sculptor, film-maker, lithographer and engraver. His versatile paintings had a midas touch and have found a place of prominence in eminent galleries in India and around the world. The brother of celebrated late film-maker and ad-man Alyque Padamsee, Akbar was honoured with fellow ships by the Lalit Kala Akademi and the JD Rockefeller foundation besides a list of national and international awards making him a global artist of repute. His name and arts will remain immortal and his works – an inspiration to aspiring artists and painters.

M Pradyu

Deepika championing for social causes

It is good that fully active professional celebrity Deepika Padukone at peak of her youth and professional career has become sensitive to social causes where she went at Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) on 07.01.2020 to express solidarity with protesting students against recent violence in the campus by unidentified persons. She should better utilize her celebrity-status for guiding JNU students for concentrating more on studies as students rather than misusing the campus for anti-national activities and rising as future politicians.

But a curious question is why she chose JNU as her entry-point for social causes. She could even do so in raising voice for increasing crimes against women. She should have joined public-protests against recent episode of rape-cum-murder of Dr Priyanka Reddy in Hyderabad. It should be hoped that not only Deepika Padukone but other celebrities from film-industry especially youngsters will devote time for uplifting morals and character of youth in the country.

Madhu Agrawal

Trade union activities at university campuses should be banned

I strongly condemn the brutal attack on students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi but it is not all hunky dory at learning campuses in our country which has been turned into a battleground by politicians who use student unions for fighting their own vested political agendas against their opponents. Students should not be used as pawns in the hands of political parties and their leaders.

Students join universities to fulfill their aspirations but their inspirations are hijacked by political leaders to fulfill their own goals as they are used for shadow boxing which needs to be halted. JNU is at the centre of all controversies as it happens to be in the National Capital and easy target for all. Security at JNU should be beefed up and people indulging in violence including the students should be severely punished. Trade union activities and all politics in university campuses should be banned with immediate affect.

S.N. Kabra

Delhi govt should repeal RTI act

Jammu-Kashmir Government directed all its departments to implement national RTI Act, 2005. With such implementation of the national Act in the state, Jammu-Kashmir RTI Act, 2009 will lose its relevance. Therefore Jammu-Kashmir government should simultaneously repeal Jammu-Kashmir RTI Act of 2009.

There are several states including Delhi where irrelevant RTI Acts of individual states legislated prior to implementation of national RTI Act in the year 2005 are not yet repealed, thereby unnecessary burdening the system and resources to keep the outdated RTI Acts of individual states in force where very few rather negligible RTI applications are filed under obsolete Acts of individual states. Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) should write to all states including Delhi to repeal RTI Acts of individual states. Delhi government should repeal Delhi RTI Act of 2001.

Subhash Chandra Agarwal

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

Comparing Narendra Modi to Shivaji Maharaj lands BJP in a soup

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 13, 2020

Is the BJP gone off its head? If not then who has given it the authority to compare Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This was proved when a book titled Aaj ke Shivaji: Narendra Modi was released last Sunday, 12^th January at a religious-cultural meet organised by the Delhi BJP.

Where was Shivaji Maharaj and where is Modi. Where the noted Maratha king had numerous followers who liked and revered him, Modi is worshipped by only a few BJP bhakts who treat him like God. Well if this was somewhere in 2014, when Modi’s popularity was at its peak, people would not react. But now in 2020, his popularity has waned and the process goes on.

This endeavour by the ruling party has landed the party in a controversy. Criticising the author and BJP leader Jay Bhagwan Goyal, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said . “This man has compared Narendra Modi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Is it acceptable to Maharashtra leaders of the BJP? Is it acceptable to the descendants of the king? Shouldn’t they speak up?” he asked. “At least the Maharashtra BJP should come clean and announce its position on this. Chhatrapati Shivaji cannot be compared to anyone in the world. There is only one Chhatrapti Shivaji Maharaj,” Mr. Raut said adding, one can compare the great king in whatever manner.” Incidentally, Mr. Goyal was in the Sena until a few years ago but was thrown out after he attacked Maharashtra Sadan.

The king’s descendants include former NCP MP Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosle who joined the BJP but lost the Lok Sabha by poll and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje, a Rajya Sabha member from the BJP’s quota. On his part, Chhatrapati Sambhaj Raje said, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our revered king. Comparing him to contemporary politicians is not acceptable to us Shiv Bhakts. The party that has published this book should not take our sentiments for granted. I demand the party president withdraw this book.”

State Public Works Department minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan said the personality and work of Shivaji Maharaj are unmatchable. His party too condemned the book. “Comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Narendra Modi is an insult to the ideology with which Maharaj worked. This is exactly the opposite to that of the BJP,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.

NCP leader and State Social Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde said that the action had hurt the feelings of all Marathi-speaking people. “Maharashtra will not forgive those who attempt to compare themselves to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Mr. Munde averred.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe has filed a complaint against Mr. Goyal and the publisher at Nagpur’s Nandanvan police station and sought an immediate ban on the book.

PM calls for citizens suggestions to pull up economy

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 12, 2020

With days left for the Central government to present its Union Budget for 2020-21 fiscal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens of the country to share their ideas for the budget which will most likely to be tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. PM Modi is taking active role in this year’s budget.

With just 7-10 days remaining for the budget documents to be printed at the press in North block’s basement, Modi is taking steps to meet corporate honchos and economists as some of their suggestions might get included in the budget. Each ministry has been asked to prepare a roadmap of five-year vision plans. In its first term, the Modi government had decided to advance the date of Budget from last working day to first working day.

The Union Budget represents the aspirations of 130 crore Indians and lays out the path towards India’s development. I invite you all to share your ideas and suggestions for this year’s Budget on MyGov,” Modi tweeted.

The Union Budget represents the aspirations of 130 crore Indians and lays out the path towards India’s development.

I invite you all to share your ideas and suggestions for this year’s Budget on MyGov. https://t.co/zVCL06TdLn

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2020

Even the Government of India’s citizen engagement platform MyGovIndia has asked for suggestions for Budget 2020 on Twitter. MyGovIndia has asked people to share valuable ideas for the farming sector, education and others. Salaried class are expecting a cut in personal income tax rates which will provide more money with them to spend and thereby reviving demand.

Over the last few weeks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced several measures to tackle economic slowdown. These steps have come after India’s GDP growth in the first quarter of FY20 slowed to 5 per cent–the lowest in 25 quarters or in six years. Sitharaman’s primary tasks involve reviving the Indian economy which witnessed the number of decade lows in 2019. Sitharaman and her ministry faces tough task to address unemployment, reduced demand and rising inflation.

In her July 2019 budget Sitharaman had set a fiscal deficit target of 3.3% for 2019-20; this was more stringent than the one set by the erstwhile UPA government regime when it allowed the deficit to increase 5.7 per cent in 2011-12 before a fiscal consolidation road map was followed by successive Finance Ministers.

However, key Indian sectors are facing a slowdown that seems far more than a cyclical occurrence, said many economists including former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is also one of India’s most prominent economists.

Here are the suggestions made by citizens to revive the economy by way of an effective budget:-

1Vicky Vishwakarma

“The rate of GST should be sliced as it would help businessmen and other small industries to grow at a good pace and, I think this will be a key step towards improving the Indian economy.”

2Vijay Panchal

“There are so many unused railway lines lying across the country. The government should remove these tracks and either get them recycled or sell them in scrap. Through this endeavour, the government can make lots of money by which our economy could be vastly improved. There are so many cars that the police confiscate and keep them to rust. The authorities should make efforts to sell them. There are several government owned companies where money is not utilised in a proper manner and this practice should be stopped.”

3Alphonsa Suresh

“Modi Ji should change his Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and appoint an economist like our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. It is always better to seek the advice of the Ex-Prime Minister, instead of asking solutions from the under privileged. The government should think about common citizens, compulsory minimum salary system, diesel, petrol, cooking gas prices should be under control. Stop selling of public properties to private parties and keep something under government control.”

4Amritesh Shet

“Investments, especially foreign investment must be encouraged only at selective sectors or must be permitted which ensure guaranteed profits, income and employment generation and boost exports. Some type of catalyst must surely be introduced in order to control the already suffered economy and by reducing the tax in some percentage.

5Yash Kambli

“According to me, the honourable prime minister Narendra Modi Ji should provide daily necessities like food, clothing and shelter at very reasonable prices to all our Indian citizens.”

6Deepak Gagwani

“Firstly, the government should make income of senior citizens totally tax free because they have very meager income. Secondly, the government also accrues tax of the fixed deposits that senior citizens keep in banks for their monthly expenses. This practice should be totally withdrawn.”

7Rishabh Singh

“Firstly, the government should replace the current finance minister and should appoint Subramanian Swamy. And secondly tax terrorism should be abolished.”

8Shiv Rajvanshi

“By improving access, enhanced transportation projects positively affect the economic impact of metropolitan areas. Easier access to needed supplies and materials and faster delivery times to customers can help lower transportation and inventory carrying costs while increasing both productivity and profitability.”

“It helps to raise the production of raw materials, fuels and machineries etc. by providing market to it. It widens the size of the market. Transport system is regarded as a strong pillar to protect the people from the difficulties of war, natural calamities and other problems.”

9Gauri Mitra

“Through its large resources, the government must catch the nerves of the people to know how the economy of the country can be improvised. And moreover the sincerity should be there to implement the suggestions.”

Fragile-Five: Penny wise, Rupee foolish

By

Vaidehi Taman

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January 12, 2020

With 2020 already set in, Indians are anxiously waiting for this year’s budget. On this occasion, both the BJP and Prime Minister have called for suggestions as to how should the budget be presented and in what form. The main concern is to know how the nation’s economic standards can be elevated from the present fragile state.

As we all know, the previous budget session ended up publicising bahi-khata and promising to deliver this year. There seems to be lack of innovative ideas to divert one’s mind. Taking a reality check, Modi has invited public participation.

In 2013, Fragile-Five was the term coined by BJP for the economy during the Congress regime. That time, the status of the economy was almost low and these five countries in order were Brazil, India, Indonesia, Africa and Turkey. And the point to be noted here is today’s much focused, much targeted and much politically baked Pakistan was not in this list. People comment on Manmohan Singh inspite of the fact that India was in a better position with economic slowdown and with this point somehow there were many forces that tried to topple the Congress. The prime minister aspirant Narendra Modi was at good best mocking Manmohan Singh for this and various reasons. Soon after results Modi took over as PM and gave illusionary hopes to the people. But unfortunately, the popularity of Modi could not bring aspired and most required change to the Indian economy.

Facing another downfall and apparently more serious than ever, there are talks about India returning back to Fragile Five and that too on a number one position. The financial conditions of India is at outrageous level. Many think tanks, economists and market surveyors’ reports regarding comparatives of economic state on Fragile-Five during Narendra Modi’s regime and Manmohan Singh regime are simply rejected. Including BJP leaders like Subramanian Swamy and financial experts of this country believe, that after Arun Jaitley there is no one in the party who is capable enough of handling the financial portfolio. The lack of experience of Nirmala Sitharaman is criticised by her own husband.

Even Subramanian Swamy expands his vocal cords time and again on the ailing economy and asks BJP to allot him the said portfolio for enhancing the financial economic standard of the country. Though he might be good at economy, BJP always feels threatened by him due to his vocal criticism. Now you will question, why is he entertained in the party?

The reason is simple, his frequent attacks on the Congress and Sonia Gandhi have benefited the BJP. Moreover, as being into the party, he will not be a bigger threat than in opposition. Maybe it’s the ideology which has kept them together.

Now debate is all about India’s economic slowdown and BJP glorifying the fact by providing misguiding statements.

The Fragile-Five club was coined to refer to excessive dependence of these countries on investment from outside to fund their economic growth. This is where India’s current slowdown is different from the fragile-five phase. India has received foreign investment to the tune of 27.2 billion in the first half of 2019, the government said in the last week of December 2019. The problem is that the domestic investment has been sagging. Back then, fiscal deficit of the central government was at 5 per cent and combined fiscal deficit was at about 8 per cent of the GDP. Currently, fiscal deficit of the central government is less than 3.5 per cent of the GDP. Consolidated fiscal deficit is likely to remain around 6 per cent of the GDP. However, Fitch Ratings in November said that the consolidated fiscal deficit may be around 7.5 per cent of the GDP which is a cause of serious concern. Current account deficit, foreign exchange and health of the rupee were other concerns when India was clubbed in the fragile-five club. Back then, the current account deficit was 5 per cent of the GDP. Today, it is much better in number.

For the September quarter, the current account deficit was below 1 per cent of the GDP. It was 2.9 per cent of GDP in 2018-19. The current situation is, however, not a good news as it is not because of spurt in export but declines in imports on account of low consumption and demand in the country. Foreign exchange reserve is good and at an all-time high. This is why India is confident of comfortably bracing the US-Iran tension. Rupee was a concern then and it remains a concern now as well. In 2019, rupee breached 72-mark against dollar on a few occasions. Looking at the larger picture, the state of Indian economy still remains sound. But creating demand, employment, consumption and fixing the issues of manufacturing and construction sectors remain a challenge for the government. Anyway, India is heading to the Union Budget 2020 and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for suggestions from you in case you have some ideas to turn Indian economy towards a better position. So, what are you waiting for? There are many options available on micro blogging and social media to connect and suggest.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Processions cause inconvenience to citizens

By

M Pradyu

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January 12, 2020

Right from the time the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament and the President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the amendment Bill, there has been umpteen protests from various political and community factions and parties, thanks to some political leaders and parties who misinterpreted the Act and instilled wrong notions in the people just for the sake of vote bank and for their vested interest. Things have turned violent as the youth from some universities too started getting involved in the protests and processions.

Meetings and political processions have become a daily routine in almost every town and city of the nation and in places like Kerala and West Bengal things have become worse as these have started to cause inexplicable problems to the common man. Processions and rallies have become a nightmare for the citizens and in cities like Kerala’s Kannur which is a highly political and volatile region, such processions and rallies have started to make life terrible and severe.

Processions are conducted in many such towns during peak hours in the evening completely disrupting smooth traffic and public life. Cities and towns witness at least five to six processions daily, most of which occur in the evenings and sometimes in the mornings and at noon according to the wish and will of the people behind the rallies. This results in heavy traffic- jams with vehicles stranded in long queues. Normally, during such processions, vehicle owners try to take a ‘short cut’ creating more traffic problems. By the time the procession reaches its destination or meeting place, heavy traffic congestion’s are created throughout the route covered.

Hapless passers-by get stranded on either side of the road unable to cross the procession. Ambulances, businessmen, vehicles heading to railway stations, airports, hospitals and other places get caught in processions which are sometimes long and sometimes short. Even a handful of political activists marching on the main road create untold misery to the people.

If the political neta’s who are behind these processions think that it is their ‘right’ to show their ‘might’ on the road by conducting such demonstrations, then they are wrong for they don’t have the right to disrupt smooth public life and let them realise that instead of creating an impression in the heart of the people, they are only inviting hatred, wrath and aversion of the people. It is high time the authorities concerned, political organisations and factions rethink and put an end to this perennial problem.

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

Letters to the Editor: 12 January, 2020

By

Web Team

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January 12, 2020

1Balance in inoperative bank-accounts

Huge balance is lying in inoperative accounts in banks with even many account-holders having forgotten about their bank-accounts. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced Know-Your-Customer (KYC) forms which has been made mandatory also for closing such inoperative accounts. Such cumbersome practice not only is causing difficulty to account-holders wishing to close their inoperative accounts, but also creating a big loss of man-hours of bank-employees apart from unnecessary data-entries and record-keeping. Frauds are reported through some bank-employees misappropriating funds in such inoperative accounts where amount is large.

RBI should direct all banks to close all accounts not operated for say last three years, and send the remittance through pay-orders by Speed Post at last known addresses of account-holders at least for accounts having balance of say rupees ten thousand or less. In case of return of Speed-Post envelopes, formalities like of KYC form and succession-certificates etc may be required. For amounts bigger than rupees ten thousand, account-holders should be informed about their existing balance and to approach banks either to make accounts operative or close these in a time-bound period after which all such balances should be transferred to Depositor-Educative-Awareness-Fund (DEAF). With private sector dominating banking sector, public-money lying in inoperative accounts must not be allowed to be retained by banks.

Frequent change of account-numbers by banks should be prevented by making it mandatory for all banks to allot 15-digit account-numbers. Confusing and frequently changing account-numbers result in bouncing of electronic fund-transfers.

Madhu Agrawal

2FM should not oblige stakeholders with tax cuts

The government’s estimate of 5 per cent GDP growth seems to be realistic though the stock markets may not like it. Everybody is aware of the challenges surrounding the international environment and most global economies including India are going through a stress. Middle East crisis and crude prices rising can act as speed breaker and business leaders will have to show their acumen to not just cut wasteful costs but optimise production and up the growth rate.

The Union Budget is round the corner and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should not oblige stakeholders with tax cuts that further puts a burden on the economy. Citizens too should not ask for concessions in an environment that is tough but work harder to contribute to India’s economy the fruits of which would be borne in future years. India as a nation should grow up and people should not waste their energies in protests as well as violence but work in right earnest for the growth of the nation.

S.N. Kabra

3Frequent-Flyers-Points should be credited to government accounts

Various airlines-companies give Frequent-Flyers-Points (FFP) to their customers for promoting their sales and clients, which when accumulated provide passengers even free air-travel. There is a large section of people including Parliamentarians, government-employees and others who frequently fly at expense of central and state governments or their undertakings. All airlines-companies should be asked to compulsorily open Frequent-Flyers-Accounts in names of central and all state governments where only FFPs may be credited for air-tickets purchased or reimbursed at public-expenses.

FFPs on air-tickets purchased directly at public-expenses can be credited directly to such opened government-accounts for crediting FFPs. In case of reimbursement later by governments, reimbursement may be allowed only when traveller gives certificate or proof of getting FFPs credited in government-accounts. All travel-expenses at public-expense must be put on websites of respective public-authorities.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

4IRCTC should start Digital Signature Certificate authentication

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is issued by competent certifying authority to validate a person’s identity and authenticate the user. DSC is widely used to affix digital signatures to important and sensitive documents and also validates the user’s identity. The Certifying Authority issues three types of DSC namely Class 1,Class 2 and Class 3. Whilst Class 1 is a common authentication tool, Class 2 and Class 3 come with added layer of security and is issued to specific persons like directors, managers etc.

Further IRCTC is suggested to initiate Class 1 Digital Signature Certificate authentication as a mandatory requirement even for single users to book rail tickets on its website/mobile application. It is given to understand that IRCTC has already mandated possession of Class 3 DSC for rail travel agents to book e-tickets. The Class 1 DSC otherwise authenticates a registered user’s complete name and email id, which is a pre-requisite for online rail ticket bookings. Such an enhanced security feature can be enabled by IRCTC to streamline rail ticket bookings, prevent duplicate/dubious registrations and thus ensure a secure and hassle free e-ticket booking facility.

Varun Dambal

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

Aam Aadmi Party all set to retain power

By

Afternoon Voice

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January 10, 2020

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may come back to power in the ensuing Delhi Assembly elections, according to a Delhi poll tracker. If elections are held today, AAP will win 59 seats, while the BJP which is a distant second would get just eight seats. Arvind Kejriwal had appealed to voters of Delhi to vote for the AAP if they are convinced that the party had done work in the last five years. The party had undertaken various developmental works done like providing free water, no hike in school fees, cheaper electricity. The Delhi CM believes that all these aspects are enough for AAP to retain power in Delhi. If Kejriwal’s development plank works, AAP will be re-elected for the second time despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity among core BJP voters.

When we spoke to Ruben Mascarenhas, national joint secretary of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) about the party’s chances of retaining power in Delhi he said, “Absolutely, if you see the recent CAG reports, it says that not only we have performed well but we are actually the only state that has posted profit of Rs 3000 odd cores. For the first time in a state history we introduced free transport for the women folk. This has not only increased the participation but also has given economic freedom.”

When AV asked him that BJP and Congress have not announced their Chief Ministerial candidate but AAP has projected Kejriwal again for CM’s post he said, “We asked right now the Delhi Government is working on top speed. And it is only sensible to let Kejriwal continue to take the scale of Delhi government to more heights. BJP doesn’t have a vision for India and especially for Delhi because it is very evident by their work. On the other hand, the Congress party has lost its foothold in Delhi. We are in direct competition with BJP.”

The Congress is predicted to get three seats in the Delhi assembly elections. However, if one focuses on seat projection, the AAP may get as much as 60 seats. The projection range for the BJP, which is going all out to come back to power in Delhi after nearly two decades, is between three and 13 seats. On one hand, AAP has Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Ministerial candidate on the other hand BJP still is facing leadership crisis in Delhi, they don’t have proper face to project as CM candidate. Gone are the days when people can vote in the name of Modi. The Congress too doesn’t have a Chief Ministerial face. BJP relies on the swing in Purvanchali vote division among Punjabis and steadfast hold on upper caste-baniya combine. The Congress banks on slum voters and Muslim voters.

Delhi voters gave its vote to Modi for the power in the Centre but when it comes to Delhi, they are very much happy with the present government. Meanwhile, chances for the Congress to score a duck cannot be wished away. The seat projection for the grand old party in the national capital is between zero and six seats. AAP is likely to perform best in the outer Delhi area where it is likely to score a perfect 26. It is projected to get 17 seats in central Delhi area and 16 seats in the trans Delhi zone. The 70-member Delhi Assembly will go to the polls on February 8. The results will be declared on February 11.

Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, AAP had swept the Delhi Assembly polls by winning 67 out 70 seats while the remaining three seats went to the BJP in 2015. The Congress which had headed three successive governments under Chief Minister Sheila Dixit failed to make any impact in polls.