Budget that cheers all sections
The first set of Budget proposals after the world’s biggest demonetisation drive are also the best tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley so far. They are far-sighted, bold, and impressive. This Budget also represents several firsts. It is the first that does not distinguish between plan and
Right direction to learning
The Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh Government’s move to make English compulsory in municipal schools will be a feather in the cap to the now improving learning levels in schools, especially in rural areas. In fact, the decision is in line with the recommendations made by a
The Case of Barahoti
During the annual Army Commanders’ Conference held at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, one of the topics addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three Service Chiefs was the infrastructure development along the borders with China and Pakistan.
A Section of the Opposition Lacks a Sense of National Responsibility
As electioneering gathers speed one notices with great irony how the anti-demonetisation campaign has lost steam with the sails flagging. The opposition campaign against demonetisation – especially led by the Trinamool Congress, the Congress and the left parties – was never strong and relied more on theatrics and mis-information. As a result the entire phalanx
Two nations, one goal: Alter status quo
Two long-pending moves were made in the very first month this year. One of them is national, the other international. Both have great potential to alter the status quo. Perhaps, the bold initiatives reflect the reformative zeal of both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the just elected US
In Davos, uncertainty only certain thing
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who delivered the key-note address at the snow-clad Davos 2017, located near Zürich, Switzerland, was the first supreme Chinese leader to grace the mountain meets 47-year history. Formally known as the 47th World Economic Forum at Davos, this event is
Reining in the wayward NGOs
The term, non-governmental organisation (NGO), gives an expression of voluntarism. That’s right, an NGO is referred to a body that is neither a part of a Government nor is a conventional business organisation. It is much like a company where charitable people come together to promote ideas,
Will power surplus lead to lower tariffs?
A committee consisting of the Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority of India, the Secretary of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the president of Industry body FICCI, the Energy Secretaries of Bihar, Tamil Nadu, the Principal Energy Secretaries of Madhya Pradesh,
Arrogance and Deterrence
Several years ago, during an interview with a senior Tibetan Lama on the future of China, the venerable monk started quoting the Mahabharata; he said, “look at Ravana, he had become so arrogant that this triggered his own end.” He conclusion was that China today (it was several years
Imam Barkati, Mamata and the destruction of Bengal
The Imam of the Tipu Sultan Masjid in Tollygunge, Kolkata, the voluble and large Nurur Rehman Barkati, who has lamentably emerged over the years as the chief political adviser and guru of Mamata Banerjee, needs to be stripped of his Imam-hood and subjected to a thorough examination –
