I never knew it would be so easy to create a blog of your own. Now that I have one I sure hope to express myself through it. And yes, my students can have access to all the assignments of all their classmates. It will indeed be a classroom of sorts.
The forthcoming Parliament elections are getting interesting. Those who were considered close allies are today driven apart and seem to have developed differences over seat sharing issues. The common man is getting disillusioned with these self- styled political parties, national or regional. Political ideologies are absent and most parties are based either on personality cult or family icons or else on the basis of popularity of person on issues other than an ideology.
People’s issues and problems are no party’s agenda. The national print and electronic media is busy portraying the profiles of individual political leaders in comparison to their counterparts in other parties on mere trifle and trivial basis and personal likes and dislikes of these so-called leaders. It presents before us a situation of political farce.
There are two political alliances on the national level. One is Congress and its regional party alliances called UPA, in which Communists were until recently a part too. The other big political party is BJP and its allies called NDA, which includes certain smaller regional groups supporting it and this party is branded as Hindu-centric and often blamed by the other political parties as communal, though when in power, people of India hardly find much difference in the rule of the either of two major alliances.
The Third Front, which is an amalgam of many regional parties and Communists is basically a election seat-sharing arrangement of different groups, which will hold together only if it makes a reasonable dent on the base of the two big national political parties that is UPA and NDA or else it will vanish in fragments and cling to the national alliances in one way or the other.
The candidates fielded by the political parties are not the people’s choice but their entry into politics is based on the consideration of their money, muscle and caste qualifications.
Inner-party democracy is totally absent in every political party, big or small. This is the reason that most of the sitting MPs have been again given tickets to contest the elections. The candidature of a candidate belonging to a specific constituency is not decided by the working members of the particular constituency from that area but imposed upon them from the top central committee or the main political boss called the president of the party. In the present scenario, people’s participation is limited to casting of a purposeless vote.
“India”out of IPL \ After days of hectic consultations and constantly-changed schedules, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Indian Premier League finally threw up their hands, gritted their teeth and said they had no choice but to move the second edition of the IPL out of the country, lock, stock and barrel, making it a virtual “International Premier League” along the lines of the highly-popular English Premier League and other such events. The decision was almost certainly a fallout of the ever-changing, ever-escalating feedback from the government, which was concerned that it would not be possible to provide adequate security for the event as it clashed directly with the elections to the Lok Sabha and a few state Assemblies. IPL-2 will now be played either in South Africa or in England, with the latter emerging as a favoured venue with the ICC Twenty20 World Championship slated there in the month of June. Yet, with security being the cornerstone of the government’s opposition to the event — all the talk of changing the event’s scheduling to after the polls with adequate cover being just so much hot air since everyone is well aware that there are simply no alternative dates available — it sends out a weak signal from the establishment. The IPL is just one — admittedly high-profile — aspect of daily life, and by saying it was unable to guarantee sufficient forces to protect the event, the government of the day has effectively admitted that beyond conducting the five days of the election, its hands are tied when it comes to emergencies that may arise at the same time. Also, the IPL’s decision has raised a very genuine spectre. What now comes in the way of further international events being called off ?
The Commonwealth Games in the capital are just over a year away, and security fears have already been aired. The Davis Cup fixture between India and Australia in Chennai, slap-bang in the middle of the polls, hangs in the balance with the Australians unwilling to travel to India. Post 26/11 and the attack in Lahore on the Sri Lankan Test team, it was always on the cards that the IPL would face a hard time from the establishment — with Union home minister P. Chidambaram making the astonishing claim that not just in host states or centres, there could be problems if elections were being held in adjoining states. That statement would have been the final nail in the coffin as far as holding IPL-2 was concerned for the organisers. BCCI in a statement made it clear that while it understood the establishment’s concerns, it was not in a position to either truncate or call off IPL-2, hence the need to take the tournament abroad, where it will now be played as per the original dates, with no reduction in the number of matches and at prime time to boot.
The year 2008 was remarkably eventful as it has made us talk about the debatable topics like terror, politics, infrastructure and so on. We have looked back and commented upon these aspects. At the same time, we are anticipating the changes in these aspects that can be a catalyst to a beautiful and better future. Here is, what we have already seen and our expectations regarding them in the future:
Starting from terror strikes worldwide, we have 1,291 people killed in terrorist attack in India in 2008.Among the major strikes include: May 13 serial blasts in Jaipur in a span of 12 minutes leaving 65 dead and over 150 injured; on july 26, 2008, India witnessed serial blasts in Ahmedabad in which as many as 60 killed and over 200 got injured; on September 13, 2008, capital New Delhi was hit with serial blasts at shopping areas killing close to 30 people; on September 29, 2008: blast in Modasa in Gujarat killed 1 and in Malegaon of Maharashtra killed 5, which for the first time revealed the involvement of hindutva terror. On October 30, 2008, atleast 66 killed and close to 500 injured in 13-18 blasts across Assam and finally on November 26-27, 180 people were killed and some 300 injured in serial terror attacks in Mumbai. The first counter measures against terror are already in the pipeline and relate to coastal and marine terrorism. Stricter control of illegal entrants, tightening of security at airports and harbors, tightening of shipping and fisheries control and tougher vetting of visitors from neighboring countries would probably follow. The proposed federal agency for integrating the national response to terror attacks and expansion of the reach of the national security guard to the metros might take a little more time to come through. But surely they will come.
When we talk of economic structure in 2008, the IT major imposed a cut of about 1.5% in the salaries of its employees. This warns of tough times ahead for company and its sector specifically. Reportedly, there was a shortage of about 25 mm dwelling units for the weaker and low income categories.Two reasons that were attributed for this were:
• The abysmal failure of public transport system in most Indian cities meant that people are forced to live closer to their work place, which has created unwarranted demand pressure and high prices for housing. • The archaic land laws made land conversion difficult and discouraged land pooling. This further accentuated the housing problem. • When it comes to Indo-US nuclear deal, contrary to government’s claim that the talks are proceeding smoothly, the Indian negotiators have so far failed to include certain provisions that are considered alien to an IAEA safeguards agreement.These provisions include an assurance of uninterrupted fuel supply and correct measures in case there is a disruption. • According to business expectations index as prepared by the RBI, the index for jan-march 2008 declined 2.5% points over the previous quarter from 50.2% to 47.7% • The cut in key rates by the US Federal Reserve (a cut of 74 basis points) was the steepest by US Central Bank in 23 years. But the hope still remains. • The chairman of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council says that we can grow at 8.5% for next 5 years. • In India, growth has not been consumption led, but was driven by investments. Such growth can sustain further consumption. • Investments on road laying and maintenance would increase. • Mass transport systems would be kept in place and well maintained.
There is also a package for farmers in the offing. Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar was able to wrest a commitment from finance minister about a package costing Rs30,000 crores, covering 31 debt prone disricts of the country.This includes writing off bad debts arising from loans provided to farmers in those districts. Establishment of a long term agricultural price stabilization fund is aimed at compensating farm commodity producers at times of heavy fall in prices.
Now comes the Lok Sabha elections. Lok Sabha is the directly elected lower house of parliament in India. As of 2008, there have been 14 lok sabhas elected by Indians. The constitution limits the lok sabha to maximum 552 members, including no more than 20 members representing people from union territories and 2 members to represent Anglo-Indian community.lok sabha is formed for a 5 year term, after which it is dissolved. Fighting terrorism and providing a safe and secure future to Indian citizens.The party would also pursue the Women’s Reservation Bill and prevention of Communal Violence Bill in this year.Party would intensify its fight against policies of congress- led government, which passed the way for inflation, unemployment etc. they would also mobilize the working class to fight against injustice meted out to them in the name of economic meltdown.
Media is another aspect. Providing effective leadership and contributing to good governance to ensure the country scaling new heights of development, devoid of terrorism. Regulation of media is plagued by fundamental dilemma in the political philosophy of the country.On one hand, the nation aspires to be a democracy and values the right to freedom of speech.On the other hand, it remembers centuries of foreign domination and fears for unity of this large country,split by language, caste and class. While there were repeated calls for provisions of autonomy to public electronic media and for their more widespread and betterness, it was only in 1990’s that the issue began to be treated with some urgency.The reason for this change was availability of satellite t.v broadcasts from CNN and Star t.v, and the resultant explosive growth of Cable t.v. More than 40 channels beam into India now.In only 6 years, cable t.v operators had connected 12 million t.vs.Regulation of broadcasting content was covered by policy guidelines of ministery of information and broadcasting.This covers the selection of news for presentation, crime, opinions etc.It would promote development by putting a positive slant on government effort.
• The Regulation Of Distribution: Cable t.v was launched in India in a policy vaccum.This situation was corrected by 1995 cable act, which sought the reservation of service providers, who were allowed maximum 49% foreign equity. In 1996, star tv announced plans to offer direct to home services.
• The Print Media: The press council was set up in 1966 to preserve the freedom of press and to foster high journalistic standards.Its functions include evolution of code of conduct for print media and deals with complaints against press.For this, it is vested with powers of civil court.In 1985, parliament passed anti- defamation law, which mandated jail terms for any writers or speakers who unknowingly harm others’ reputations.
• Radio: This medium seems to have received only peripheral attention in broadcasting regulation debate.Radio has a long history of cross border penetration. It is likely to grow rapidly through the use of satellites,e.g, World Space planned to provide people in Asia, Africa and America, an access to 75 channels of digital quality music, news and other information via satellite from globe through a 200$ radio.There is a need to radically liberalize this medium to exploit its tremendous potential in development.
When we talk about Infrastructure, till recently we had been creating infrastructural facilities mainly by employing public resources.Now over the next 5 years, an accelerated pace of economic growth is envisaged which can materialize only when India builds infrastructure at a faster rate.Public investments alone cannot meet the growing infrastructure demands.The government has been making efforts to attract private capital into infrastructure. An important step in these initiatives is a long term contractual partnership between private and public sector agencies specifically financing, designing etc.These partnerships help obtain the twin objectives of high growth and equity on a sustainable basis.This 7th IIR thus focuses on PPP growth models of future in power, telecom, transport, commercial and urban infrastructure.The models highlight global best practices in PPP in these sectors.The IIR is an invaluable resource for policy makers, academics, business persons and finance professionals.
India’s diplomatic relations with neighbors have always been in talk.Both India and Pakistan have launched several mutual confidence building measures to ease tensions between the two. These include high level talks, restarting cricket matches between the two.The new bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarbad has also helped bringing the two sides closer.Pakistan and India have also decided to co-operate on economic fronts. A major clash between Indian security forces and militants occurred when a group of insurgents tried to infiltrate into the Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistan. But they had a little impact on peace process.
An Indian man held in Pakistani prisons since 1975 as an accused spy walked across the border to freedom on march 3, 2008, an unconditional release that Pakistan said was meant to reduce the deep rooted enmity between the two countries.
Many consider that the best way to end present violence in Kashmir is negotiations between various kashmiri separatists groups, Pakistan and India.India also said that it would continue supporting development projects in Myanmmar, but cautiously underlined the need for stability and inclusive political reforms in military ruled country that acts as a gateway to Southeast Asia. Mayanmmar’s minister also called on External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee and updated him about the evolving political situation in Mayanmmar, which was rocked by massive pro-democracy protests.China’s policy has been marked by friendship,wishful thinking and engagement. There are 2 approaches to the border issue.One is to envisage a settlement which will involve fairly substantial give and take, in favour of India in western sector and China in eastern sector.The other approach would be that to have a realistic solution, it would be necessary to work on basis of hard realities on the ground.
Now, the much awaited 2010 Commonwealth Games.They are scheduled to be held in Delhi, between 3-14 October 2010.This will be the largest multi-sport event conducted to date in Delhi and India generally. New Delhi already has many elements of modern infrastructure in place such as mass transportation, pollution checks and new highways. However, to prepare the city for the influx of people that will occur during 2010 games, the Indian government is pouring an estimated $47.5 billion.This money will be used to give the entire city a facelift, including construction of new roads, power plants’ construction etc. Delhi has proposed a 4 lane, 2.2 km underground stretch to reduce traveling time for athletes ,traveling between village and stadium.A new modern games village is being built by Delhi Development Authority along the east bank of Yamuna River at a cost of USD 230.7 million.It is spread over an area of 63.5 hectares. On 22nd February, 2008, a senior official of DDA announced that the games village would be completed by December 2009.
• Security: To promote security at major tourists’ destinations, tourism police and regular state police forces will be trained to handle tourists related aspects.
• Tourism: India is expected to use the games to provide a major boost to tourism in India.According to official estimates, 2 million foreign tourists and 3.5 million domestic tourists are likely to arrive in Delhi in 2010 as a result of games. The government is providing tax incentives for hotel rooms to be constructed in India .Delhi high court is set to implement a series of “mobile courts” to be dispatched throughout Delhi to relocate migrant beggars from Delhi streets.
• Environmental Agenda: India has declared itself committed to preventing environmental degradation due to the games and has declared the 2010 games to be “ green games”. For this, India has taken the commitment to international level by partnering with United Nations Environment Programme. There are 85 nations planning to field teams at 2010 commonwealth games.
Now finally comes the J and K politics.It was first politics, now business.The row over land for Amaranth shrine has divided jammu and Kashmir again with industry lobby in muslim- dominated valley, saying it was snapping ties with Hindu majority. The Kashmir chamber of commerce and industry (KCCI) declared that valley based business community had severed ties with Jammu because of enforced economic blockade of Kashmir during movement for restoration of government land to Shri Amaranth shrine board. On may 26. 2008, the state government diverted 40 hectares of land to Amaranth shrine board in valley, prompting widespread protests in Kashmir.This was revoked on july 1, quietening Kashmir but triggering protests in Jammu instead.What followed were days of curfew and shutdowns that snowballed into state being polarized between J and k. On August 31st, the government attempted a settlement by setting aside the land for Amaranth board by specifying that it was only for duration of annual pilgrimage. People in J and k, by and large are optimistic about new coalition government in the state to be headed by Omar Abdullah, chief of national conference party, in alliance with congress party. In Srinagar, residents expressed faith in Omar’s leadership saying, he would surely work for the region’s development.President Pervez Musharraf banned lashkar-e-taiba and jaish-e-muhammad. He promised that no organization would be allowed to carry out terrorism on the pre-text of Kashmir.Thematic imbalances and frequent upheavals in public behavior is like a pioneer movement , warding off which becomes immensely urgent, if the socio-political being of Kashmir has to be saved.
Thus, the expressed vision for a better future is likely to follow, provided there is an extended co-operation both from the side of people as well as the government.
Dismal scenario in elections 2009
ReplyDeleteThe forthcoming Parliament elections are getting interesting. Those who were considered close allies are today driven apart and seem to have developed differences over seat sharing issues. The common man is getting disillusioned with these self- styled political parties, national or regional. Political ideologies are absent and most parties are based either on personality cult or family icons or else on the basis of popularity of person on issues other than an ideology.
People’s issues and problems are no party’s agenda. The national print and electronic media is busy portraying the profiles of individual political leaders in comparison to their counterparts in other parties on mere trifle and trivial basis and personal likes and dislikes of these so-called leaders. It presents before us a situation of political farce.
There are two political alliances on the national level. One is Congress and its regional party alliances called UPA, in which Communists were until recently a part too. The other big political party is BJP and its allies called NDA, which includes certain smaller regional groups supporting it and this party is branded as Hindu-centric and often blamed by the other political parties as communal, though when in power, people of India hardly find much difference in the rule of the either of two major alliances.
The Third Front, which is an amalgam of many regional parties and Communists is basically a election seat-sharing arrangement of different groups, which will hold together only if it makes a reasonable dent on the base of the two big national political parties that is UPA and NDA or else it will vanish in fragments and cling to the national alliances in one way or the other.
The candidates fielded by the political parties are not the people’s choice but their entry into politics is based on the consideration of their money, muscle and caste qualifications.
Inner-party democracy is totally absent in every political party, big or small. This is the reason that most of the sitting MPs have been again given tickets to contest the elections. The candidature of a candidate belonging to a specific constituency is not decided by the working members of the particular constituency from that area but imposed upon them from the top central committee or the main political boss called the president of the party. In the present scenario, people’s participation is limited to casting of a purposeless vote.
SAMAN PREET KAUR
“India”out of IPL
ReplyDelete\
After days of hectic consultations and constantly-changed schedules, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Indian Premier League finally threw up their hands, gritted their teeth and said they had no choice but to move the second edition of the IPL out of the country, lock, stock and barrel, making it a virtual “International Premier League” along the lines of the highly-popular English Premier League and other such events. The decision was almost certainly a fallout of the ever-changing, ever-escalating feedback from the government, which was concerned that it would not be possible to provide adequate security for the event as it clashed directly with the elections to the Lok Sabha and a few state Assemblies. IPL-2 will now be played either in South Africa or in England, with the latter emerging as a favoured venue with the ICC Twenty20 World Championship slated there in the month of June. Yet, with security being the cornerstone of the government’s opposition to the event — all the talk of changing the event’s scheduling to after the polls with adequate cover being just so much hot air since everyone is well aware that there are simply no alternative dates available — it sends out a weak signal from the establishment. The IPL is just one — admittedly high-profile — aspect of daily life, and by saying it was unable to guarantee sufficient forces to protect the event, the government of the day has effectively admitted that beyond conducting the five days of the election, its hands are tied when it comes to emergencies that may arise at the same time. Also, the IPL’s decision has raised a very genuine spectre. What now comes in the way of further international events being called off ?
The Commonwealth Games in the capital are just over a year away, and security fears have already been aired. The Davis Cup fixture between India and Australia in Chennai, slap-bang in the middle of the polls, hangs in the balance with the Australians unwilling to travel to India. Post 26/11 and the attack in Lahore on the Sri Lankan Test team, it was always on the cards that the IPL would face a hard time from the establishment — with Union home minister P. Chidambaram making the astonishing claim that not just in host states or centres, there could be problems if elections were being held in adjoining states. That statement would have been the final nail in the coffin as far as holding IPL-2 was concerned for the organisers. BCCI in a statement made it clear that while it understood the establishment’s concerns, it was not in a position to either truncate or call off IPL-2, hence the need to take the tournament abroad, where it will now be played as per the original dates, with no reduction in the number of matches and at prime time to boot.
SUJAY KAPIL
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1ST ASSIGNMENT
ReplyDeleteLOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD
The year 2008 was remarkably eventful as it has made us talk about the debatable topics like terror, politics, infrastructure and so on. We have looked back and commented upon these aspects. At the same time, we are anticipating the changes in these aspects that can be a catalyst to a beautiful and better future. Here is, what we have already seen and our expectations regarding them in the future:
Starting from terror strikes worldwide, we have 1,291 people killed in terrorist attack in India in 2008.Among the major strikes include: May 13 serial blasts in Jaipur in a span of 12 minutes leaving 65 dead and over 150 injured; on july 26, 2008, India witnessed serial blasts in Ahmedabad in which as many as 60 killed and over 200 got injured; on September 13, 2008, capital New Delhi was hit with serial blasts at shopping areas killing close to 30 people; on September 29, 2008: blast in Modasa in Gujarat killed 1 and in Malegaon of Maharashtra killed 5, which for the first time revealed the involvement of hindutva terror. On October 30, 2008, atleast 66 killed and close to 500 injured in 13-18 blasts across Assam and finally on November 26-27, 180 people were killed and some 300 injured in serial terror attacks in Mumbai. The first counter measures against terror are already in the pipeline and relate to coastal and marine terrorism. Stricter control of illegal entrants, tightening of security at airports and harbors, tightening of shipping and fisheries control and tougher vetting of visitors from neighboring countries would probably follow. The proposed federal agency for integrating the national response to terror attacks and expansion of the reach of the national security guard to the metros might take a little more time to come through. But surely they will come.
When we talk of economic structure in 2008, the IT major imposed a cut of about 1.5% in the salaries of its employees. This warns of tough times ahead for company and its sector specifically. Reportedly, there was a shortage of about 25 mm dwelling units for the weaker and low income categories.Two reasons that were attributed for this were:
• The abysmal failure of public transport system in most Indian cities meant that people are forced to live closer to their work place, which has created unwarranted demand pressure and high prices for housing.
• The archaic land laws made land conversion difficult and discouraged land pooling. This further accentuated the housing problem.
• When it comes to Indo-US nuclear deal, contrary to government’s claim that the talks are proceeding smoothly, the Indian negotiators have so far failed to include certain provisions that are considered alien to an IAEA safeguards agreement.These provisions include an assurance of uninterrupted fuel supply and correct measures in case there is a disruption.
• According to business expectations index as prepared by the RBI, the index for jan-march 2008 declined 2.5% points over the previous quarter from 50.2% to 47.7%
• The cut in key rates by the US Federal Reserve (a cut of 74 basis points) was the steepest by US Central Bank in 23 years.
But the hope still remains.
• The chairman of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council says that we can grow at 8.5% for next 5 years.
• In India, growth has not been consumption led, but was driven by investments. Such growth can sustain further consumption.
• Investments on road laying and maintenance would increase.
• Mass transport systems would be kept in place and well maintained.
There is also a package for farmers in the offing. Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar was able to wrest a commitment from finance minister about a package costing Rs30,000 crores, covering 31 debt prone disricts of the country.This includes writing off bad debts arising from loans provided to farmers in those districts. Establishment of a long term agricultural price stabilization fund is aimed at compensating farm commodity producers at times of heavy fall in prices.
Now comes the Lok Sabha elections. Lok Sabha is the directly elected lower house of parliament in India. As of 2008, there have been 14 lok sabhas elected by Indians. The constitution limits the lok sabha to maximum 552 members, including no more than 20 members representing people from union territories and 2 members to represent Anglo-Indian community.lok sabha is formed for a 5 year term, after which it is dissolved.
Fighting terrorism and providing a safe and secure future to Indian citizens.The party would also pursue the Women’s Reservation Bill and prevention of Communal Violence Bill in this year.Party would intensify its fight against policies of congress- led government, which passed the way for inflation, unemployment etc. they would also mobilize the working class to fight against injustice meted out to them in the name of economic meltdown.
Media is another aspect. Providing effective leadership and contributing to good governance to ensure the country scaling new heights of development, devoid of terrorism.
Regulation of media is plagued by fundamental dilemma in the political philosophy of the country.On one hand, the nation aspires to be a democracy and values the right to freedom of speech.On the other hand, it remembers centuries of foreign domination and fears for unity of this large country,split by language, caste and class.
While there were repeated calls for provisions of autonomy to public electronic media and for their more widespread and betterness, it was only in 1990’s that the issue began to be treated with some urgency.The reason for this change was availability of satellite t.v broadcasts from CNN and Star t.v, and the resultant explosive growth of Cable t.v. More than 40 channels beam into India now.In only 6 years, cable t.v operators had connected 12 million t.vs.Regulation of broadcasting content was covered by policy guidelines of ministery of information and broadcasting.This covers the selection of news for presentation, crime, opinions etc.It would promote development by putting a positive slant on government effort.
• The Regulation Of Distribution:
Cable t.v was launched in India in a policy vaccum.This situation was corrected by 1995 cable act, which sought the reservation of service providers, who were allowed maximum 49% foreign equity. In 1996, star tv announced plans to offer direct to home services.
• The Print Media:
The press council was set up in 1966 to preserve the freedom of press and to foster high journalistic standards.Its functions include evolution of code of conduct for print media and deals with complaints against press.For this, it is vested with powers of civil court.In 1985, parliament passed anti- defamation law, which mandated jail terms for any writers or speakers who unknowingly harm others’ reputations.
• Radio:
This medium seems to have received only peripheral attention in broadcasting regulation debate.Radio has a long history of cross border penetration. It is likely to grow rapidly through the use of satellites,e.g, World Space planned to provide people in Asia, Africa and America, an access to 75 channels of digital quality music, news and other information via satellite from globe through a 200$ radio.There is a need to radically liberalize this medium to exploit its tremendous potential in development.
When we talk about Infrastructure, till recently we had been creating infrastructural facilities mainly by employing public resources.Now over the next 5 years, an accelerated pace of economic growth is envisaged which can materialize only when India builds infrastructure at a faster rate.Public investments alone cannot meet the growing infrastructure demands.The government has been making efforts to attract private capital into infrastructure. An important step in these initiatives is a long term contractual partnership between private and public sector agencies specifically financing, designing etc.These partnerships help obtain the twin objectives of high growth and equity on a sustainable basis.This 7th IIR thus focuses on PPP growth models of future in power, telecom, transport, commercial and urban infrastructure.The models highlight global best practices in PPP in these sectors.The IIR is an invaluable resource for policy makers, academics, business persons and finance professionals.
India’s diplomatic relations with neighbors have always been in talk.Both India and Pakistan have launched several mutual confidence building measures to ease tensions between the two. These include high level talks, restarting cricket matches between the two.The new bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarbad has also helped bringing the two sides closer.Pakistan and India have also decided to co-operate on economic fronts.
A major clash between Indian security forces and militants occurred when a group of insurgents tried to infiltrate into the Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistan. But they had a little impact on peace process.
An Indian man held in Pakistani prisons since 1975 as an accused spy walked across the border to freedom on march 3, 2008, an unconditional release that Pakistan said was meant to reduce the deep rooted enmity between the two countries.
Many consider that the best way to end present violence in Kashmir is negotiations between various kashmiri separatists groups, Pakistan and India.India also said that it would continue supporting development projects in Myanmmar, but cautiously underlined the need for stability and inclusive political reforms in military ruled country that acts as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
Mayanmmar’s minister also called on External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee and updated him about the evolving political situation in Mayanmmar, which was rocked by massive pro-democracy protests.China’s policy has been marked by friendship,wishful thinking and engagement. There are 2 approaches to the border issue.One is to envisage a settlement which will involve fairly substantial give and take, in favour of India in western sector and China in eastern sector.The other approach would be that to have a realistic solution, it would be necessary to work on basis of hard realities on the ground.
Now, the much awaited 2010 Commonwealth Games.They are scheduled to be held in Delhi, between 3-14 October 2010.This will be the largest multi-sport event conducted to date in Delhi and India generally.
New Delhi already has many elements of modern infrastructure in place such as mass transportation, pollution checks and new highways. However, to prepare the city for the influx of people that will occur during 2010 games, the Indian government is pouring an estimated $47.5 billion.This money will be used to give the entire city a facelift, including construction of new roads, power plants’ construction etc.
Delhi has proposed a 4 lane, 2.2 km underground stretch to reduce traveling time for athletes ,traveling between village and stadium.A new modern games village is being built by Delhi Development Authority along the east bank of Yamuna River at a cost of USD 230.7 million.It is spread over an area of 63.5 hectares. On 22nd February, 2008, a senior official of DDA announced that the games village would be completed by December 2009.
• Security:
To promote security at major tourists’ destinations, tourism police and regular state police forces will be trained to handle tourists related aspects.
• Tourism:
India is expected to use the games to provide a major boost to tourism in India.According to official estimates, 2 million foreign tourists and 3.5 million domestic tourists are likely to arrive in Delhi in 2010 as a result of games.
The government is providing tax incentives for hotel rooms to be constructed in India .Delhi high court is set to implement a series of “mobile courts” to be dispatched throughout Delhi to relocate migrant beggars from Delhi streets.
• Environmental Agenda:
India has declared itself committed to preventing environmental degradation due to the games and has declared the 2010 games to be “ green games”. For this, India has taken the commitment to international level by partnering with United Nations Environment Programme. There are 85 nations planning to field teams at 2010 commonwealth games.
Now finally comes the J and K politics.It was first politics, now business.The row over land for Amaranth shrine has divided jammu and Kashmir again with industry lobby in muslim- dominated valley, saying it was snapping ties with Hindu majority. The Kashmir chamber of commerce and industry (KCCI) declared that valley based business community had severed ties with Jammu because of enforced economic blockade of Kashmir during movement for restoration of government land to Shri Amaranth shrine board.
On may 26. 2008, the state government diverted 40 hectares of land to Amaranth shrine board in valley, prompting widespread protests in Kashmir.This was revoked on july 1, quietening Kashmir but triggering protests in Jammu instead.What followed were days of curfew and shutdowns that snowballed into state being polarized between J and k.
On August 31st, the government attempted a settlement by setting aside the land for Amaranth board by specifying that it was only for duration of annual pilgrimage.
People in J and k, by and large are optimistic about new coalition government in the state to be headed by Omar Abdullah, chief of national conference party, in alliance with congress party.
In Srinagar, residents expressed faith in Omar’s leadership saying, he would surely work for the region’s development.President Pervez Musharraf banned lashkar-e-taiba and jaish-e-muhammad. He promised that no organization would be allowed to carry out terrorism on the pre-text of Kashmir.Thematic imbalances and frequent upheavals in public behavior is like a pioneer movement , warding off which becomes immensely urgent, if the socio-political being of Kashmir has to be saved.
Thus, the expressed vision for a better future is likely to follow, provided there is an extended co-operation both from the side of people as well as the government.
Swati jain