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DECCAN CHRONICLE | MONDAY | 20 MAY 2024 | COIMBATORE


pg 6

Subhani

20 MAY 2024

Why wait for SC? Reveal


poll data, silence critics
T
he Election Commission of India, which has been facing several uncom-
fortable questions on its commitment to transparency in the conduct of the
ongoing elections to the 18th Lok Sabha, should grab the opportunity pro-
vided by the Supreme Court which has raised the question as to what stops
the poll body from uploading the details of the booth-wise poll data on its website
and silence all accusations of partisan behaviour on its part. In the spirit of the
query, it should go ahead and upload these details and thereby answer all ques-
tions with the regard to the sanctity of the election data.
The Supreme Court raised the poser while hearing a petition by the Association
of Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-governmental organisation, seeking the pub-
lication of the scanned legible copies of Form 17C (Part 1) which gives the exact
number of votes polled in each polling station. Since the representatives of every
authorised political party who was present in the booth would have a copy of the
same, they can conduct the verification of the number of votes polled, and the EC
can end all the speculation on that count.
It is an indisputable fact that there was an inordinate delay on the part of the EC
in publicly releasing the polling data of the first two phases of the election — 11
days in the case of the first phase and four days in the second.
Several political parties and election observers also noticed an unusual spike in

Eat right to stay fighting LETTERS


the final numbers compared with the preliminary figures. Despite the best efforts
of the EC and the conclusion reached by the Supreme Court on the unassailability
of the electronic voting machines (EVMs), a section of the population still harbours
scepticism about the electro-mechanical device and its infallibility. Many with STOP ISRAEL’S
reasonable expertise on the functioning of such devices even hold that manipula-
tion is possible, but not probable. The EC’s actions have not helped allay such mis- GENOCIDE
givings.
The refusal of the EC to publish the absolute number of votes in each booth and
each constituency, instead of the percentage, also defies logic. If the poll body has
the total number of votes and the percentage, then publishing the actual numbers
is child’s play, but it has not chosen to do so despite political party leaders calling
for it. It is unfortunate that the EC is giving rumour mills the grist by refusing to
fit, age well ICMR’s way ICMR points to the Twenty-four per cent of
Apropos the article "Rafah on
fire, global outrage boils over
but can't stop Israel" (May 19).
Is Israel a mighty power that
cannot be stopped from its
fulfil basic requirements of transparency. five- to nine-year-olds are
The EC’s contention that the petitions are intended to disturb the elections is
growing prevalence similarly anaemic and defi- war in Gaza? An 8-month war
untenable. The poll body is mandated by the Constitution and the law to conduct
the elections in a free and fair manner and on a level playing field. Its refusal to act
Sanjeev Ahluwalia of packaged fast
food and snacks
cient in micronutrients, as
are 28 per cent of 10- to 19-
has killed more than 35,000
Palestinians. The world com-
against senior politicians, including the Prime Minister who made a series of and bottled drinks, year-olds. The public poli-
munity should urge the UN to
speeches seeking to pit communities and regions against one another, is regret- cy implication is that early
table; it is failing in its duty when it forces the voter to make their choice in a viti-
which add dietary deficiencies perma- act immediately and save the
ated atmosphere. It is all the more inadmissible when it plays hide-and-seek with unneeded salt or nently impair nearly 40 per Palestinians. The US is not
basic election data. It should not wait for the Supreme Court to come out with an sugar to tickle the cent of the workforce. A interested in stopping the war
order but instead publish it of its own accord and reassure the people of its com- taste buds, at the very heavy social cost for
as it is the main supplier of

T
mitment to democracy. Transparency in democracy is a work in progress; there he Indian have India’s health metrics the economy and personal
fared since then?
expense of health anguish for the individuals arms and ammunition to
are no full stops there. Council of Med-
ical Research The good news is that outcomes concerned. Israel. The UN must cancel
(ICMR) would between 2016 and 2021 (data As in earlier years, the

Onus on Israel to stop Gaza war not agree with


the comment that “the
secret of success in life is to
since 2011 is not shared),
the number of men experi-
encing chronic energy defi-
Dandi on the coast in
Gujarat, thereby violating
DGI goes to great lengths to
apply the science to food
plans good for infants, chil-
Israel’s membership for its
continued acts of genocide
against Palestinians.

I
srael Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been served a three- eat what you like and let ciency reduced by 31 per the salt tax laws. A taste for dren, young adults,
week ultimatum by Benny Gantz, a member of his war cabinet, to the food fight it out inside”, cent and women by 19 per salt persists. ICMR points women, pregnant women, Manoharan Muthuswamy
address several major issues and reach an agreement within the cabi- and quite rightly so. The cent from the alarming to the growing prevalence lactating women, men, and Ramanathapuram
net on the future of the Gaza war and after. ICMR is unconcerned base level of about one- of packaged fast food and seniors with plated

MAKE BUSES FREE


Considering Mr Netanyahu’s rule will not be challenged even if Mr about success in life. Its fourth of adults. snacks and bottled drinks, descriptions of meals
Gantz’s National Unity Party leaves his government, it is on the cards that mandate is to keep you Even better: 14 per cent which add unneeded salt or through the day, including
the offensive in Rafah, the Gaza Strip’s last haven for Palestinian refugees
and citizens, will intensify.
healthy by eating right and
remaining vigilant against
fewer men and 11 per cent
fewer women suffered from
sugar to tickle the taste
buds, at the expense of
options for both vegetari-
ans and non- vegetarians. It FOR MEN TOO
What Mr Netanyahu may, however, not have thought through fully trade malpractices like the abdominal obesity from health outcomes. Sugar is will console non-vegetari- Modi is reported to have said that free bus
before launching the retaliatory attacks for the Hamas strike on Israel on mislabelling of packaged the astonishingly high base an energy source. But so an Indians that the cover travel to women is affecting the patronage
October 7 was, what would happen the day after the war is called off or is food. One such is the label level of more than one-half are cereals, millets, pulses, page itself features eggs of the metro train services. It may ring
over? “organic”, which should be of men and two-thirds of nuts, milk products, meat, and meat — termed in the true. Secondly, the population of our
The US and other governments, fundamentally committed to an inde- applied only if the product women. Why the adverse eggs, and fish, from which DGI as “flesh foods” as per nation is equally poised. To bribe the
pendent Palestinian state that should include Gaza, may temporarily back is both free of artificial gender gap? Could it be enough energy is naturally the practice among vege- women voters free bus travel concession
the Palestinian Authority, which administers the West Bank, to help gov- preservatives and the con- that more men logged into available. tarians. Vegans however is given besides a monthly grant of Rs
ern Gaza. Israel under Netanyahu is unlikely to agree, and it will also tents organically grown. the ICMR site and took the A delicate balance must will not touch eggs (or any 1,000. It is gender inequality. Why are
insist on total security control of Gaza in the future to stave off recurrence It’s best to look for the 2011 guidelines to heart — be kept between the macro other animal product, men denied such concessions? This vote
of the October 7 type of attack by Hamas. “Jaivik Bharat” logo as that version is download- minerals — sodium and including milk) but ovo- bank politics is a burden on the state
A more immediate demand of all Israelis is that the forces get back certification. able and storable on your potassium. Cereals, pulses, vegetarians relish them. exchequer amounting to misuse of tax-
around 128 hostages thought to be still alive and held by Hamas and that Indeed, if possible, you desktop — the current ver- vegetables, and milk are ICMR also advocates hav- payers money.
would not be possible unless a ceasefire is agreed upon. Pressured as he is should eschew reliance on sion is a read only online rich in the former while ing two to three meals a N. R. Ramachandran, Chennai.
by strident demands, including normalisation of relations with Saudi all kinds of packaged food. version. But at 148 pages, beans, lentils, banana, and day, consistent with age

NO HEREDITARY SEATS
Arabia, Mr Netanyahu can continue to wield power with his war cabinet Start from scratch by buy- it’s a mite taxing. nuts are loaded with the and body structure, with
unhindered only if the war continues. ing all the food ingredients The bad news is that latter. More generally, min- sufficient gaps in between
The dilemma caused by this situation of unrelenting war operations by yourself and cooking up a about one-fourth of adults erals contain nutrients to allow the body fluids and It is only by the will of the voters that a
Israel is that there can be no ceasefire and no talks about the future admin- delicious, wholesome meal ignored the ICMR advice which nourish the body. organs to absorb candidate is elected to the Assembly or
istration of the Gaza Strip and no return to normalcy for a couple of mil- to recharge you, your fami- on managing hypertension Dried fish has the highest nutrition. Parliament based on his or her perfor-
lion Palestinians, a majority of whom are facing unbelievable privations ly, and friends to move and about one-seventh of concentration of macro- Tea and coffee during mance and the good things done to the
while many of them are also on the brink of starvation. mountains without getting adults paid no heed to the mineral calcium followed mealtimes are not recom- constituency. None can claim a heredi-
It would suit the world if the war were to cease so talks begin on concrete fat or lazy or sick with dia- dietary and activity advice by milk products at one- mended — much to the con- tary right or permanency over a con-
plans for the future of Gaza and efforts to break Israeli resistance to a betes, hypertension or a for managing Diabetes half as much, followed by sternation of cultures, stituency. It is right that the BJP has
Palestinian state can also start. But all that remains distant thanks to Mr failing heart and clogged Type-2. In both cases, the seafood, with green leafy where tea is the lingua repudiated the claim of the first family of
Netanyahu and his coalition government that still commands a majority arteries. Home cooked proportion of adults affect- vegetables next in line. franca of bonhomie. the Congress over the seats of Amethi and
in Parliament and insists on sustained Rafah operations to break Hamas. meals — steamed rather ed — across the gender Iron, another macro-min- The bottom line, of Raebareli. Are those constituencies
than fried, roasted rather divide — increased signifi- eral, is highest in dried course, is how many bequeathed to the Gandhi clan?
than grilled, with moder- cantly according to the fish, followed by green Indians can actually afford Marudamalaiyan, Coimbatore
ately active, regular exer- NFHS-5 data. leafy vegetables, pulses and a balanced diet?
cise — yoga being a popu- ICMR acknowledges that nuts. For magnesium, go to Is it nutritional illiteracy

KAUSHIK MITTER
DECCAN CHRONICLE

K. SUDHAKAR
lar international choice —
along with walking or jog-
diet is a cultural construct.
Take, for instance, the
nuts, millets, and pulses,
and meats, in that order.
or just plain economics,
which forces most families DANGEROUS TREND
Editor Printer & Publisher ging or just doing all the acquired addiction to salt An eye-watering 56.4 per to eat badly? The Union The Indian Army is one of the finest and
R. MOHAN housework yourself, can or sugar. There is enough cent of the disease burden government spends `2 tril- most disciplined groups taking care of
Resident Editor keep that belly flab at bay sodium (the main ingredi- (mortality plus morbidity) lion on an undiversified, India's defence 24x7. Bravehearts from all
DECCAN CHRONICLE offices are located at: as you near middle age and ent in salt) in everyday is due to unhealthy diet cereal heavy, free food states of India are holding various ranks
Chennai: SP 3 Developed Plot, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai 600032. Phones: (044) 22254750,
22254751 delay the loss of muscle food. But it is common to and or lack of adequate scheme for low-income in the army and function as one coherent
Coimbatore: No. 2/22 Sengalipalayam Road, N.G.G.O. Colony Post, Kurudampalayam Village, mass in your senior add salt for taste. How dear exercise. Dietary balance is families. Making the hand- unit without differences in respect of lan-
Coimbatore-641022. Phone: (0422) 2231255, 2231256 years. salt is for Indians is illus- particularly important for outs resemble a bare-bones guage, financial status, caste or religion.
Hyderabad: 36, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad 500 003. Phone: (040) 27803930-4. Fax: (040) To spread nutritional lit- trated by the fact that the children. Sadly, unhealthy ICMR-balanced diet would Why is Rahul Gandhi trying to create fis-
27805256.
Visakhapatnam: Survey No. 1/3A Beach Road, Near Kailasagiri Ropeway, Sector-9 MVP Colony, eracy in India, the National manufacture of salt was dietary habits embed the be a start. Even better sures among them by raking up issues
Visakhapatnam - 530 017. Phones: (0891) 2552333/2552334, Fax (0891) 2755285 Institute of Nutrition — a taxed even in colonial disease burden early, would be just costing the that would be detrimental to unity among
Vijayawada: No. C 3 & 4, Patamata, Industrial Estate, Auto Nagar, Vijayawada (A.P.). Phones: (0866) Hyderabad-based entity of times, whilst gold was not. which has to be managed meals and transferring the the defenders of the country. He speaks in
2555284/ 2555287, Fax (0866) 2555234 ICMR — has published the Mahatma Gandhi chose to lifelong. Forty per cent of money into the bank such a way that would invite prosecution
Rajahmundry: Vemagiri, Dhawleswaram Rd, Rajahmundry 533125. Phones: (0883) 2417208, 2417618
Anantapur: Thapovan Colony, Bangalore Bye-Pass Road, Anantapur 515004. Phones: (08554) 276903, sombrely titled “Dietary capture the public imagi- one- to four-year-olds are accounts of the 110 million for incitement for rebellion and disunity
Fax: 08554-276904 Guidelines for Indians” nation by launching his anaemic and between 14 to beneficiaries. among the armed forces. Supreme Court
Nellore: Survey No. 527/2, Burranpur Village, Venkatachalam (M), Chemudugunta Panchayat, Nellore. (DGI) since 1998. The most civil disobedience move- 32 per cent are deficient in of India and Election Commission are
Phone: (0861) 2348581/ 82, Telefax (0861) 2348580 recent version, published ment in 1930, against one or more of the required The writer is adviser, duty bound to take cognizance of the dan-
Karimnagar: H .No. 1-21-12/1, Cheralabhutkur Road, Mugudhumpur Village, Karim Nagar - 505186
Phone : 9121181123 this month, comes after a unjust colonial taxation, by micronutrients (zinc, folate Observer Research gerous trend being set by RaGa.
long gap since 2011. So, how boiling and making salt at or iron and vitamins). Foundation S. Nagarajan Iyer, Coimbatore

O
n May 25, I will be voting in the second- morning assembly, hymn singing, and when the My first real job was in Washington DC, with things began to happen. Religious and other
last phase of India’s ongoing general Catholic girls went to chapel, we non-Christians an arm of the Unted Methodist Church called the minorities were persecuted and marginalised in
election. It is with some trepidation, as (Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Jains) had Moral Board of Church and Society. In a fine building the name of religion. The predominant Hindu
it was in the last election. Voting in a Science. We learned about right and sharing a boundary with the legendary Supreme party took seriously to Hindutva, a political ide-
democracy is a sign of faith and hope. And wrong. Court and facing Capitol Hill, my colleagues and ology embracing the cultural reasoning of Hindu
democracy means diversity. After graduation I went to work at a rural I followed, analysed and interpreted US policy nationalism and a belief in establishing Hindu
Anita Anand A diverse nation recognises and values the dif-
ferences of race, religion, colour, gender, nation-
development project in Madhya Pradesh called
Friends Rural Centre. Before I got there, I
for the 11 million Methodists in the US, so they
could advocate for humane policies with
hegemony within India.
Inspired by European fascism, Hindutva
al origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, size, thought it was just a friendly place, hence the Senators and members of Congress. I worked believes in a standardised majority and cultural
education, geographic origin, and skill charac- name. At the centre, I learned it was established with people from several denominations and supremacy and the belief that India is defined by
teristics, among others. It refers to a composition as “an ideal site for witness to spiritual truth in was stimulated by the diversity of people and a common language, a common faith, and a com-
of a group of people from many demographic education, health and agriculture”, by an ideas I encountered. mon ethnic ancestry. Those of other ethnicities
backgrounds, identities, and the collective American Quaker in 1875 and the followers The Arya Samaj’s rejection of Hinduism’s could be second-class citizens.

Why I will vote for strength of their experiences, beliefs, values,


skills, and perspectives.
I grew up in a diverse India. My father, at the
called each other “friends”. At “prayer” meet-
ings they sat in circles and mostly in silence. It
was a revelation and a good learning for me.
caste system, gods, goddesses, and superstitions
kept me away from the narrow confines of the
religion. Our worship and lives at home were in
But India has long been a land of multiple lan-
guages, religions, cuisines and customs. The
unity in diversity enshrined in the Constitution

diversity: Freedom
age of 16, moved from Punjab to Bihar to study During my graduate work at a university in sync with the values of the Catholic education: to affirms this. In defining the population of India
coal mining and then worked with a British- the United States, I was attracted to and involved be good, do good and give to society. as only Hindu and the only language as Hindi
owned company. My mother joined him after with the United Campus Ministry, a space for This was further deepened with my experi- ignores the fact that India’s richness lies in its
they were married. My mother’s side of the fam- people of diverse faith backgrounds. The staff ences with the Quakers, the Campus Ministry diversity and not homogeneity. The last two

of faith and ideas ily were Arya Samaji, a breakaway sect from
mainstream Hinduism. We did “havan” at
home, sitting around a vessel of fire, with my
offered spiritual guidance, support, community
and a safe space to students and staff to explore
their beliefs, deepen their faith, and form lasting
and the Methodists. I chose to work with people
and social change, to have meaning in my life
and be a productive member of society.
decades have shut down discussion, debate and
freedom of ideas, faith and worship that are
essential for a democracy.
mother reading out mantras which we repeated relationships with like-minded individuals. My I returned to India in the early 1990s, just as the I like to think of myself as a person of hope and
vital in democracy after her. I went to the chapel at school, learned
and sang hymns. When my otherwise liberal
grandfather would tell my father that my sisters
affiliation with them brought me in touch with
racism, sexism, feminism and same-gender
attraction, all with the goal of creating inclusive
country liberalised its policies to deal with an
economic crisis resulting from a balance of pay-
ments deficit, due to excess reliance on imports
faith. My exposure to various religious, people,
ideas and preferences have enriched my life, not
taken away from it. It’s this what India really
and I would become Christians, my father would societies. I found kindred spirits here and was and other external factors. Soon there was satel- needs now. That is why I will vote for diversity
smile and say, there are worse things they could given an opportunity to offer workshops on lite channels and the Internet and then the social on May 25.
become. Indeed. hunger and poverty and with the support of the media. A new India opened to the world was
My school and college was run by the Sisters of university, to design and offer a course on world emerging. The writer is a development and
Loreto, Catholic nuns from Ireland. There was hunger. However, over the past decade, unspeakable communications consultant
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     /  *   +0!  %#  $#,&#!#:&!$"!!!
       *&   *   *    + ran has had an unwarrant-

I
      !!"  "        ed grip on the sensibilities
 . * %   **     +    . of the US administrations,
     "!   !!  & !   irrespective of their parti-
   +%$   &      "     san divide. The moment for
the bilateral fracture in American
    +1 *    $  "#!2  *  " imagination starts from the
3   **  2  *     %- 4     !  . Iranian Revolution in 1979 and
 ! % 5/* 5 %-$ *    . the subsequent US Embassy
+1     "#! hostage drama. The wounded
memory for the Iranians is deep-
 &      *     er and traced to the CIA-aided
     +#! *. coup against the popular Prime
       % !! Minister, Mosaddegh, in 1953.
 *   $       *  Undoubtedly, the religious puri-
tanism of Ayatollah Khomeini’s
 * +6   " %- regime after the revolution pitted
       !   *   it ideologically against the ‘West’,
!   +1         but the public memory of the US
      *     *   support to Saddam Hussein (later
ousting him) in the decade-long
      *     + 1  "  Iran-Iraq war, is now conve-
          + niently forgotten by the duplici-
 .           . tous American regimes. Later,
             ! %-"  Americans linked Iran to 9/11 dence to link Iran with the controls on Iran”. The import Ukraine. To be fair, the
and the birthing of Al Qaida/ISIL, planning or execution of the of the same goes beyond the Americans have recognised
! *   + even though Iran didn’t have any- 7th Oct 2023 attack, but the USA as it now seeks to poten- the Indian positions and com-
  *  7       !   !& thing to do with either. If any- phantom of Iran linkages per- tially sanction any country pulsions which are not aimed
 89+!"   ! thing, Iran and its proxies fought sisted. Pushed to a corner to dealing with Iran e.g., India, at diminishing the US inter-
%-    *!   ! *  +     ISIL in Syrian-Iraqi swathes and retaliate to salvage its sover- which has recently signed a est, but only towards protect-
were instrumental in decimating eign pride the Iranians did 10-year contract to manage ing its own, hence the restrain
&       *    "*    . the same, though later the retaliate, albeit, after getting the strategic Chabahar port in in actuality, even as the war of
 * *     +1 !   !      ! Americans killed the Iranian forced to do so after its senior Iran. This gateway to words persists. In any case, the
   * 7   "    !       /*. General Qasem Soleimani. military officers were killed in Afghanistan and Central Biden administration will be
    *     !&! +6   !  Because sectarian undercurrents Syria, by Israelis. The must- Asian Republics bypasses at its voluble worst and
and the chessboard of American needed justification to ‘prove’ Pakistani land routes, offers an indulge in sabre-rattling
! 5*    5 "   "   !  /   ‘allies’ (Israel and Arab Iran’s purported machinations     invaluable Indian footprint (especially on matters about
! !   +           Sheikhdoms) have a checkmate and belligerence was offered on the other side of Pakistan Iran) and therefore important
       *      +  *    . from Iran and its proxies in and the Americans lapped it ;6  (counters China-developed, to understand their compul-
Syria, Lebanon and Yemen - the up with both hands - that it is Gwadar Port, in Pakistan) sion of tonality.
    " **!   "*     *. unjustified demonizing of Iran the election year and flexing  6 6; and strengthens Indian ties It is with this backdrop that
      *  /*  + %    " continues. While countries like muscles against the ‘enemy’ < 6 ;6 with the civilisational land of the Statement of the US offi-
     : "    ;!  &!  Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have i.e., Iran, brings its electoral Iran. With the Taliban in cial must be understood,
!  ! *    *    !*  ; contributed far more towards benefits, vitiates the situation 6 ;6 Afghanistan tiring of Pakistan when pressed about the
religious extremism and terror, even further. Now Joe Biden and the Iranians signing this Indian agreement with Iran,
they continue to receive who had earlier come to  6   deal, Delhi is justifiably excit- “You’ve heard us say this in
 American support, while the
Iranians face crippling sanctions.
power with the promise to
restore the Iran Nuclear Deal
6   ; ed about the evolved prospects
of countering the Sino-
several instances, that any
entity, anyone considering
Americans had unilaterally torn by the unhinged Donald 6 < 6;=6 Pakistani assertions in the business deals with Iran, they
reneged on the Iran Nuclear Trump, is all but a forgotten theatre. need to be aware of the poten-
Deal even when all other signa- memory. Today, Biden is try- ;  ;6; While India needs to maintain tial risk that they are opening
tories i.e., P+1 countries and the ing to outdo Donald Trump in < %  its relations with the US to themselves up to and the
UN watchdog agency IAEA ‘taking on’ the Iranians, with countenance the Chinese potential risk of sanctions”.
(International Atomic Energy even more sanctions. < ;  threats, it also has its region- The Americans will say what
Agency) had confirmed that Iran The White House issued a al concerns which require they have to and the Indians
had complied with all provisions. Statement, “Less than a week < ><  de-hyphenation from US con- will do what they have to, as
Pressure from Israel and ago, Iran launched one of the  ? Q 6 cerns with Iran. India cannot it is a well-understood posi-
Sheikdoms ensured that Iran largest missile and drone be a blind minion of the US tion on both sides. India’s
continued getting conflated with attacks the world has ever seen X< ; < ; as it has its own bilateral and strategic equation with Iran is
everything going wrong in the against Israel. Together with regional imperatives that war- not designed to diminish the
Middle East, even if Iran did, or our allies and partners, the 6 < rant ‘strategic independence’ US interest.
did not have any role in the same. United States defended Israel. in decision-making, as was (The writer, a military veter-
While the Hamas group was We helped defeat this attack. done by buying Russian oil an, is a former Lt Governor
supported by Iran (as indeed by And today, we are holding and maintaining cordial rela- of Andaman & Nicobar
Saudia Arabia and others, till Iran accountable-imposing tions with Moscow, whilst Islands and Puducherry. The
recently), there is no credible evi- new sanctions and export nuancing concerns for views expressed are personal)

*    !   ) +&      ( - !""!#$ "% "&! !'"%#
     
Madam — Apropos the news article  
 *    “Mamata Promises to back INDIA in
Power,” published on May 16. The Chief
Minister of Bengal, Mamta Banerjee, had
[q=::
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        earlier decided to go solo in the elections. "&##&#!$


Even the ruling party Trinamool Congress’s vwz,'
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rone technology has ers from using this tool. These promote the use of drone has decided to support the INDIA bloc #=!#!":::?

D gained popularity in
the agriculture indus-
try in recent years. Drones
are a few of the main obsta-
cles:
1. Fear of losing one's job:
technology. The Digital India
programme is a major
endeavour that seeks to fur-
from outside if it comes to power in the
centre.
Accusing Narender Modi of not fulfilling

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provide farmers with several Since fewer people will be nish rural regions with digi- any of the promises to the nation, Didi said ^_=:,$'6:[";# ##=#&:#,
advantages, such as higher required to undertake phys- tal infrastructure. The initia- Publicity and lies are his two weapons. ::`:::"&## :[$=# 
yields, lower costs, and ical labour on farms as a result tive's emphasis on education According to the chief minister, the PM is !, :'  : !:?  <#'\$#&####``=:,?
enhanced efficiency. of the adoption of drone and training may aid in a prachar Babu who does only ‘prachar’ and !$!:!? ' #,=;# ::[
However, there are worries 2. Increased agricultural technology, many farmers addressing farmers' deficien- nothing else. Using such terms against the   $ [, " # "&## $"!€$#":!!j'
that farmers would be hesi- yields: Farmers may discov- are worried about losing their cies in knowledge and expe- PM of the nation is a violation of the code " : XX # $ j#"! !: Ranganathan Sivakumar | Chennai
tant to use drone technology er areas that need care by jobs. rience. Furthermore, several of conduct. All political leaders should
because they don't know using drones to collect data on 2. Lack of expertise: Farmers efforts and organisations are maintain the sanctity of the Constitution project, despite the potential risk of US idends. Dog lovers aiding animals face
enough about it or are afraid crop health. Farmers may may lack the expertise or working to further the appli- and follow a code of conduct while speak- sanctions, underscores its strategic auton- assaults by impostors posing as human
of losing their jobs. We may raise agricultural yields and training required to use cation of drone technology in ing publicly. omy. India’s External Affairs Minister S. saviors, reflecting a concerning trend of
examine the advantages of profit margins by resolving drones safely. They might agriculture. To promote pre- Abhilasha Gupta | Mohali Jaishankar defended the Chabahar Port violence.
drone technology for the these problems. not be confident in their abil- cision agricultural technolo- deal with Iran despite US sanctions Animals may be mute but we as a soci-
agricultural industry as well as 3. Lower prices: By locating ities to utilize it, which might gy, such as drones, the Indian        warning, emphasising its regional bene- ety have to speak on their behalf as ani-
any obstacles that might be farm areas that need mainte- make it difficult for them to Council of Agricultural Madam — It refers to the news article fits. India views the port as crucial for mals breathe like us and have emotions.
preventing farmers from nance, lowering the need for accept this technology. Research (ICAR) developed “India And Iran Sign Chabahar Port accessing Central Asia while bypassing Even though India, with its population of
implementing it.Drones' physical labour, and lowering 3. Cost: Since drones may be the Centre for Precision and Pact,” this is my response. The Chabahar Pakistan. Despite US pressure, India over 1.42 billion, still faces significant chal-
advantages in the agriculture the usage of pesticides and pricey, many farmers might Farming Technology. Farmers Port is a cornerstone of India’s regional asserts its strategic independence through lenges in addressing animal cruelty. Every
industry other chemicals, drones may not be able to afford to invest may be reluctant to accept this strategy, offering several critical advantages. the deal to counter China’s influence in minute, an animal in India faces abuse,
In the agricultural industry, help farms cut costs. in this technology. technology, though, due to It serves as a vital gateway for expanding the region. despite existing laws like Sections 428 and
drones may be utilised for a 4. Increased accuracy: 4. Regulatory obstacles: worries about job loss and a trade with Central Asia, providing a Amarjeet Kumar | Hazaribagh 429 in Animal Laws. The State
variety of purposes, such as Farmers can observe their Farmers may find it challeng- lack of education and train- direct, cost-effective route to the region’s Government does not take animal abuse
insect control, crop mapping, crops in detail thanks to the ing to use this technology if ing. abundant resources. Additionally,     cases too seriously, making it difficult to
soil analysis, and irrigation. high-resolution photographs there are regulatory obstacles Farmers must have the sup- Chabahar acts as a strategic counterbalance Madam — Apropos the feature article, calculate just how common they are. India
The following are the main and data that drones can col- to the usage of drones in agri- port and training; they need to China’s influence, particularly in light of “Assault most foul for kindness to ani- was given a “C” under the Animal
advantages of drone use lect. This can assist in identi- culture. Drone technology to use this technology effi- China’s control of Gwadar Port in Pakistan. mals,” by Hiranmay Karlekar, published Protection Index (API) and is also a mod-
1. Increased efficiency: fying problem areas and guar- usage in rural India's agricul- ciently, as well as an under- The port also offers a reliable alternative on May 18, this is my response. erate performer under the Sanctioning
Farmers can collect data and antee that solutions are ture industry is still in its standing of its potential trade route to Afghanistan, bypassing the Compassion for all living creatures has Cruelty category. Unfortunately, these ani-
monitor crops more success- focused and successful.Drone infancy. This technology is advantages. often volatile land routes through Pakistan been the philosophy of India. In most mal abuse statistics have shown, that ani-
fully because of drones' abil- technology adoption chal- attracting curiosity, but there (The writer is an assistant and ensuring uninterrupted trade and aid Indian households, rural and urban, mal cruelty is a real issue in India that
ity to cover huge expanses of lenges in the agriculture are also worries about job loss professor of agronomy, college flows. This collaboration with Iran further when people cook, they reserve a portion takes millions of victims every year.
land swiftly and efficiently. industry Although farms and a lack of education and of Agriculture & environ- strengthens India’s diplomatic ties and bol- of the food for cows, dogs and birds. Abhijit Roy | Jamshedpur
Early problem detection can might profit greatly from training. Nonetheless, initia- mental technology, Surajmal sters its position in the Asian geopolitical However, human beings, born as a supe-
result in quicker and more drone technology, several tives are being made to over- University, Uttarakhand; landscape. rior species, consider themselves the sole & (  ) %
efficient responses. obstacles may prevent farm- come these obstacles and view are personal) India’s commitment to the Chabahar claimant to this planet and its related div- !"#$%&!'(%
       

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n this dance of democracy, scarce Bengal filled up 45 per cent of the with debt, has an annual repayment The Government’s massive infra

I resources are seemingly rambling up


the election tempo. The religious
slant on employment and sillier
issues like the mangal sutra raised are
for diverting from the core issue that has
as yet to be answered by the pre-poll slo-
gan of “we are the fifth largest economy”.
quota and Punjab only 37 per cent.
The worst may be Arunachal
Pradesh. Yet another sex racket is
busted with eight Government
officials among 21 arrested.
The International Labour
Organisation finds 28 million men
of over Rs 10.4 lakh crore.
Economic issues remain at the fore-
front of the voters. Globally shrink-
ing jobs, particularly in IT, has rat-
tled many Indians. Political parties
offering sops of reservations or
apprenticeships of Rs 1 lakh a year
investment of Rs 11 lakh crore this
fiscal may have added some jobs
in the construction sector but
these short-term jobs are not
considered quality work. Apart
from infra investments are subject
to erosion in many ways, right
Aren’t we that large? Some stats say that women and children are in forced (approx. Rs 8000 plus a month) from excess cost estimation to
but the country has tougher stats to labour due to a cycle of poverty. Of sells well among the burgeoning longer gestation.
counter like the difficult balance of pay- these 63 percent are in the private numbers of jobless, who are already So the promise of reservation is a
ments and still grim, Manipur the embat- sector. Forced labour generates $ hit by one of the highest inflation dream. According to CMIE,
tled State, for the failure of the provincial 6 236 billion in illegal profits glob- of 55 per cent in ten years. It is not employment in India increased by
Government has over 67000 people dis- ally every year. easy for them to manage it amid a mere 5.8 million till March
**            
placed during the last year because of the   <6  “We now know that the situation farmers’ distress and the trade 2023. An additional 119 million
ethnic conflict. There are also reports that has only got worse. The interna- deficit widening to a four-month people were not added to the
 +E  &*      !  "   farmers plough into the Punjab BJP poll   <6  tional community must urgently high at $ 19.1 billion. Exports rise potential labour force during the
     +3    *& +1   campaign and express similar wrath in come together to take action to end by one per cent to $35 billion and same. The estimates show that
    * + Haryana as well. They tell a political party
 ;6< ; this injustice,” said the ILO Director imports by over 10 per cent to $ self-employment has been the
      ! *    +1 * " to be people-friendly as also kisans are not  <   % General. 54.1 billion. This upsets the chief driver of the Indian job mar-
         "  / +1   . born for doles. And Agniveers on their The report, titled ‘Profits and Government’s calculations on the ket, which was hit hard by demon-
 "     *  *       death are not being given a salute is a   poverty: The economics of forced impending forex reserves. etisation crushing a parallel self-
national cry.  ;6 X6 ; labour’, also estimates that traffick- How would the country improve sustained economy.
**+ Jobs not being there is the reality. Urban ers and criminals are generating the job scenario? The age-old Poll promises apart, the country is
1   "   *   !      joblessness has risen to 6.7 per cent from  < ‚  < close to $10,000 per victim, up move to wean the workers away in the grip of a severe economic
 +  !        /   +6   6.5 per cent in March 2024. The men’s from $8,269 (adjusted for inflation) from the farms has failed. Still, agri- crisis. Ideally, more PSUs are
*/ &*      +1  *   ! ! . unemployment has jumped to 6.3 per cent ; 6% = a decade ago. The survey also said culture employs over 54 per cent of required to stop labour exploita-
  !&    *    + from 5.8 per cent. Periodic labour survey <   that forced commercial sexual the Indian workers. The Nehruvian tion in the private sector as well
T       !     + data is a pointer to difficult job scenarios. exploitation contributes to more economy created robust public as their disinclination to create
 4       */  *  
This is reflected in the elections by the 6=6 than two-thirds (73 per cent) of sector organisations. In 1994-2000, jobs. The Mahanavratna and
Bihar caste survey that indicates more dif- overall illicit profits, despite PSUs employed 19.4 million (about Navratna industries were doing
             +%*   ficult situations for marginal castes, a X 66 6 accounting for only 27 per cent of 2 crores) people or 69 per cent of well when most of these were axed
  &         W  !  detested reality. Caste denotes empower- all victims in privately imposed the total employed. The other 31 or sabotaged like Air India and
  "? @    + ment as well as deprivation.
%< 6  X6 work. “Total annual illegal profits per cent were employed in the cen- HMT to facilitate the growth of
     ! +  Would a Congress manifesto professing <6 ; 6 <= from forced labour are highest in tral and State Governments. Some the private sector, which earned
!*     "   4   *  over 50 per cent reservation serve the Europe and Central Asia ($84 bil- 3.4 million jobs were added to non- huge profits but did not create
  4    +*       * . issue? The BJP contests it. It is accused of    <  lion), followed by Asia, including farm payrolls and unemployment jobs.
wanting to rob reservations. It is repeat- % < X6; India and the Pacific ($62 billion), at 5.6 per cent had fallen from 6.6 Reversing it would require revival
  *+      *    *. edly denied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagvat. the Americas ($52 billion), Africa per cent. and reforming the Planning
        +%     *. No party has answered if jobs are not there, 6 6 ($20 billion) and the Arab States In sharp contrast, in 2021-22, Commission and reshaping the
   **+3        . how would a reservation help? National ($18 billion),” the report said. PSU employment reduced to 8.61 economy in the public sector
*      +.!*  &  Commission for Backward Classes has < 6  ; The ILO cautions India. It also lakh. And it is gradually reducing. where the private sector would
    + warned West Bengal and Punjab worked on conditions of Indian According to official statistics, have to compete on equal terms.
X3  *    !  !      Governments for not “fully using the space labour in the Arab countries. employment in the organized sec- Reservations to benefit the
 *   "Y!  *&*+ available under the 50 percent ceiling for In a scenario, where people com- tor is now a mere 8.34 per cent, of deprived castes then only would
reservations for scheduled castes, tribes promise with their dignity, the ILO which the public sector accounts yield results. Would a revamp be
7KHZULWHULVWKH&(2RI&KKDWWLVJDUK(DVW5DLOZD\/WGDQG and backward classes and OBCs”. It asked doubts the figures on India’s gallop- for 5.77 per cent and the private possible?
&KKDWWLVJDUK(DVW:HVW5DLOZD\/WG+HLVDIDFXOW\RIWKH$UWRI Bengal to increase it by 5 per cent and ing progress. The supposed $ 3 tril- sector only 2.58 per cent in the (The author is a senior journalist;
/LYLQJYLHZVDUHSHUVRQDO Punjab by 13 per cent. It finds that lion economy, highly burdened total employment generated. views are personal)

( 2     *    & %


                      
ndia faces multitudes of are consuming or the water based flawed philosophy of life, spiritually with the kind of car- deep waters that the country is education into the modern In the next few years, the

I challenges arising from dif-


ferent quarters. It is tempt-
ing to think of these problems
distress we are facing? We
continue to wreck the
Himalayas with deforestation
through programs on self-
awareness.
2. Animal Rights
pet ‘speciecide’ we have
launched against the entire
planet. In its scale and brutal-
in. There are startling revela-
tions on the basic quantitative
and linguistic abilities of school
education system.
In the next 5 years, we need to
see an education system that
rights of the vulnerable sec-
tions must be defended in all
ways - through education,
as belonging to society, polity, and the construction of mas- The same lust that threatens to ity, it exceeds any act of vio- students, not to mention the places deep emphasis on both legal frameworks and socio-
economics etc. But essentially sive carbon-emitting infra- destroy the planet also co-opts lence the Earth has ever seen. unemployability of college pas- Vidya(knowledge of the self) religious reform.
all problems have their roots in structure, despite knowing the rights of all living creatures It is especially lamentable to souts. Compared to the devel- and Avidya (knowledge of the 5. Creative and dignified
the mind of the human being that this is causing erratic rain on Earth. The problems of ani- see that India, with its Ahimsa, oped world and the mass of world). employment for the youth
and arise from a lack of ade- patterns, melting of the glaci- mal rights violations, ecology is among the worst perpetra- developing countries, this 4. Protection of rights of the Work is not something that
quate understanding of the &,05 # $& (" ers and eventual destruction of loss and biodiversity extinction tors of atrocities towards life- highlights the utter lack of marginalised communities you can choose as per the pre-
self. The solutions therefore life as we know it. - all arise from the same forms. Be it meat exports, the importance that Indian society More than half of the world’s vailing norms in your acade-
have to be both in the external region’s ecology. Five years is Blind lust for consumption source. When we talk of ani- expansion of the dairy indus- places on education. wealth resides in the hands of mic institution family or com-
and the internal domain. Let too long a time if India does comes from the blind belief mal rights, it is today unfortu- try, or the organised destruc- The problems of today can less than 1% of individuals. munity. I would want to see, in
us look at the five major con- not immediately take correc- that consumption is an indica- nately a struggle for the basic tion of animal habitats through have only spiritual solutions The situation in India is no dif- the next 5 years, the creation
flicts and challenges plaguing tive steps. There is a terrifying tor of the fulfilment or success right to survive. Close to 50% so-called developmental activ- and we have kept the young ferent. When national of an academic, social and eco-
India. A vision for the future lack of public awareness on this of one’s life. The sheer size of of all living species on the plan- ities, it only augurs doom for population oblivious of spiri- resources are commanded by nomic environment that
would involve constructively issue leading to political inac- our population coupled with et have gone extinct in the last all. tuality. Our education has just a few individuals, the out- brings creative vocation to the
responding to these problems. tion. How are we planning to this notion of consumerism is 50 years. Most of it is because In the next 5 years, I wish to become very dangerously anti- come is that much of the youth, not just as a means of
1. Climate Change deal with swathes of terrible a recipe for self-destruction. of violent human action. 100- see direct and strong action on life. A human being is alive world is plagued by poverty, livelihood but as the fulfilment
It is well-established that cli- heat waves that are going to In the next 5 years, we need 1000 species go extinct every this front, which can only only if he can reflect and even starvation. The glamor- of life itself.
mate change is an anthro- engulf the country? What will education and mass-aware- day. Also, this is 100 to 1000 result from an arousal of pub- understand. There is a need to ization of wealth and the (The author is a Vedanta
pogenic phenomenon. Ladakh diminishing crop yields and ness programs on this biggest times faster than the natural lic consciousness. urgently ramp up the basic promise of pleasure has made teacher, author and the
is already agitating about the extreme weather events do to threat that mankind faces and extinction rate. 3. Education education infrastructure of the middle classes disconnect- founder of Prashant Advait
palpable changes that climate the poor? Do we not know the also genuine efforts towards As Indians and as humans, we Public statistics on the State of the country and also to prior- ed and indifferent to the stark Foundation;
change is inflicting on the origins of the toxic air that we correcting the consumption- can survive either physically or India’s education portray the itize the integration of life realities of the world. views are personal)
06 NEW DELHI, MONDAY 20 MAY 2024 Vol. CXXXXXVIII 118

Incorporating and directly descended


Poetic Odyssey A MEMBER
OF THE

ASIAN VOICES
from THE FRIEND OF INDIA - Founded 1818
Through this assertion of intimate communion, ‘holy wedlock‘, we perceive that Tagore
NK cyberattack
Tackling UP was perhaps also addressing the duality of his creative identity, by focusing firstly
threat
A lliances often shape the contours of electoral bat- on the use of language for communication and secondly the use of language for creative

I
tles, and the saga in Uttar Pradesh stands as a tes- expression — a ghare/baire, the known/unknown, familiar/unfamiliar binaries of the n what appears to be one of the bi-
tament to this reality. The recent convergence of ggest hacking attacks in recent ye-
interests between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Con- existential being and the tension of self-identity ars, it was belatedly known that a
gress heralds a strategic shift that could redefine the North Korean hacking group had

A
political landscape of the state. As Uttar Pradesh braces for this bid to introduce himself continued to steal a massive amount
for the electoral tussle in the three remaining phases, the s is well-known, due to and his texts, specifically his of personal data from a South Korean
SP-Congress alliance has embarked on a journey that unavoidable circum- philosophic, mystical reflections court computer network over two yea-
mirrors the BJP’s playbook from previous campaigns. By stances Rabindranath written in English, to the world, rs. The hackers, presumed to be from
targeting non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits, they Tagore could not was primarily because he need- the notorious Lazarus Group, stole a
attend the Nobel Award Cere- ed to raise funds for the main- staggering 1,014 gigabytes of data and
aim to expand their support base beyond traditional vote mony held in Sweden in 1913. tenance of his dream project ~ legal documents from a Seoul court's
banks. This calculated move signifies a departure from Instead, the telegram from Visva Bharati University, which computer network, according to the
conventional strategies, as both parties seek to navigate Rabindranath Tagore, read by he did tirelessly, by undertaking police, the prosecution and the
the intricate web of caste dynamics that permeate Uttar Mr. Clive, British Chargé affairs’, multiple international lecture National Intelligence Service on Satur-
Pradesh politics. Central to this alliance’s strategy is the at the Nobel Banquet at Grand tours. day, citing the results of their joint
allocation of seats and the concerted effort to ensure Hôtel, Stockholm, on 10 Decem- In a Sahitya Akademi curat- probe into the first-ever breach of
cross-voting in their favour. With the SP leaving 17 Lok ber 1913 stated, “I beg to convey ed conference on Tagore’s Eng- cybersecurity involving a local court
Sabha seats for its ally in the INDIA Alliance and the Con- to the Swedish Academy my lish writings held at Kochi, the network.
gress reciprocating by not fielding candidates in 63 seats, grateful appreciation of the then President of Sahitya Akade- Contained in the large-scale data
breadth of understanding which mi, the celebrated author Sunil heist was sensitive personal informa-
the stage is set for a symbiotic relationship aimed at max-
has brought the distant near, Gangopadhyay remarked un- tion, including names, resident regis-
imising electoral gains. This strategic collaboration and has made a stranger a equivocally that there can be no tration numbers and even financial
underscores a pragmatic approach aimed at consolidat- brother”. fair competition between the records handled and collected by the
ing their respective support bases and countering the In 1913, Tagore proved that Bengali writings of Tagore that court. The scale of the data theft is esti-
formidable BJP machinery. However, beyond the arith- he could not only create litera- comprise thirty-three volumes mated at around 2.7 billion A4-sized
metic of seat-sharing lies a deeper narrative of political ture in the colonizer’s language, and the English writings of pages. What is particularly chilling is
realignment and ideological convergence. The joint out- English, but even secure the Tagore comprising four volumes that the hacking lasted from January
reach efforts of the SP and Congress reflect a nuanced western world’s most coveted that include many translations 2021 through February 2023 without
understanding of the evolving socio-political landscape, prize, the Nobel Prize for litera- by the poet himself. Also it generating any warning signs or alerts
wherein traditional fault lines are giving way to new ture. Simultaneously Tagore would be rare for Bengalis to to authorities as well as those who
untiringly continued to write in elite, including Ernest Rhys and the far distant shores of the prefer reading Tagore in English operated the court network. Regret-
alliances forged in the crucible of electoral pragmatism.
his own indigenous language, Ezra Pound. Ganges; ideas may have to cross rather than in Bengali. tably, it was only late last year that the
At the heart of this alliance lies a shared vision of co- Bengali, with equal felicity. A member of the audience, from East to Western shores to Sahitya Akademi’s four vol- police noticed the irregularities in the
untering the politics espoused by the BJP. The spectre I would urge you to notice May Sinclair, wrote a letter of find a welcome in men’s hearts umes titled The English writings court system. This raises many ques-
of constitutional amendments looms large in the narra- that throughout his literary effusive appreciation to Tagore. and fulfil their promise. East is of Tagore is of course a com- tions about the fundamental problems
tive, as leaders from both parties caution against the career Tagore did not compro- This letter has been mentioned East and West is West ~ God for- mendable initiative, as it vali- with the nation’s cybersecurity level in
BJP’s alleged agenda of altering the foundational princi- mise on the writer’s vision and by Bashabi Fraser in her latest bid that it should be otherwise dates the fact that Tagore could general and court networks in particu-
ples of India’s democracy. By invoking the rhetoric of ideology, under either local or biography of Tagore published ~ but the twain must meet in write creatively in not only Ben- lar. For starters, the country’s court
safeguarding the Constitution and preserving the ethos of global coercion, irrespective of in 2019. May Sinclair stated, amity, peace and understand- gali but in English as well. networks store not only legal records
social justice, the alliance seeks to mobilise support ac- his choice of language as a me- “You have put into English ing; their meeting will be all the Volume 1 of the English about private citizens and their cases
dium of communication and which is absolutely transparent more fruitful because of their Writings deals with translations but also other detailed and potentially
ross caste and religious lines. Furthermore, the inclusion
cultural connectivity. in its perfection things it is differences; it must lead both to or more appropriately Tagore’s
in the joint campaign of Congress president Mallikarjun Eventually, in his Nobel despaired of ever seeing written holy wedlock before the com- transcreations from his own
Kharge, a prominent Dalit leader, underscores the Prize Acceptance speech deliv- in English at all or in any West- mon altar of humanity” Bengali poems, sometimes even
alliance’s attempt to address the concerns of margi- ered on 26 May 1921, eight years ern language.” (Fraser 122) In other words through this fusing lines and images of two highly sensitive data about public insti-
nalised communities. His presence on the campaign trail after he received the award in Tagore’s translated poems, assertion of intimate commun- or more Bengali poems in order tutions and companies. The nature of
sends a powerful message of inclusivity and representa- 1913, Tagore had observed with typed and circulated by Rothen- ion, “holy wedlock”, we perceive to create one English poem. the massive stolen court data means
tion, challenging the BJP’s hegemony over Dalit politics deference, stein, were widely appreciated that Tagore was perhaps also While three volumes of Tagore’s that hackers could exploit personal
in the state. As the electoral battle intensifies, the SP- “After my Gitanjali poems by the literati of London in 1912. addressing the duality of his cre- English writings have been edit- information for criminal purposes or
Congress alliance faces formidable challenges on multi- had been written in Bengali I Yeats hosted a dinner in honour ative identity, by focusing firstly ed by Sisir Das, the fourth vol- attempt to compromise Korea’s essen-
ple fronts. The BJP’s formidable electoral machinery and translated those poems into of Tagore at the on the use of lan- ume has been edited by tial government and military networks.
English, without having any Trocadero restau- guage for commu- Nityapriya Ghosh. The joint probe team concluded
the presence of the Bahujan Samaj Party pose a formida- desire to have them published, rant in London on nication and sec- Interestingly, apart from the the hacking was done by North Korea
ble challenge to their electoral ambitions. Moreover, the being diffident of my mastery of July 12. While pro- ondly the use of English Gitanjali, the poems of based on the evidence identified so far,
complexities of caste arithmetic and the fluidity of elec- that language, but I had the ma- posing a toast to language for cre- Tagore written or transcreated including the malicious codes and IP
toral dynamics in Uttar Pradesh necessitate a nuanced nuscript with me when I came honour Tagore, ative expression ~ in English include ~ The Gar- addresses. The problem, however, is
and adaptive approach. However, as with any political to the west… I was accepted Yeats said, “To a ghare/baire, the d e n e r, T h e C r e s c e n t M o o n, that authorities have yet to uncover
alliance, challenges abound. The delicate balance of and the heart of the West take part in hon- known/unknown, Fruit-Gathering, Lover’s Gift and how the hacking was carried out in
power-sharing, ideological coherence and the ever-pres- opened without delay (Tagore ouring Mr Rabin- familiar/unfamil- Crossing, The Fugitive, Stray detail and through which online and
ent spectre of opportunism loom large. The success of 294).” dranath Tagore, is iar binaries of the Birds, Fireflies, The Child, one offline channels. Moreover, the joint
the SP-Congress alliance hinges not only on electoral Interestingly, when the poet one of the great existential being Hundred poems of Kabir among investigation team has identified only
TS Eliot was awarded the Nobel events in my artis- and the tension of others. In fact, there are 17 4.7 GB worth of files, a meager 0.5 per-
arithmetic but also on its ability to navigate these treach-
Prize in Literature in 1948, thou- tic life. (I have SANJUKTA self-identity. poems in Crossing which seem cent of the total leaked files, casting
erous waters with finesse and integrity. gh he wrote in English, Eliot been carrying ab- DASGUPTA A split cre- to be poems written directly in skepticism over the chance of tracking

Putin-Xi meet foregrounded the importance of


cultural transfer through poetry
out with me a
book of transla-
The writer is Professor
former Dean of Arts,
Calcutta University
and ative
between
identity
the Eng-
English, as no Bengali poems
could be located by Tagore
at least a meaningful portion of the
stolen data. Even though the outlook

T
and language. tions into English lish Tagore and the scholars that even remotely is far from optimistic, those who failed
he meeting between Russian President Vladimir So Eliot stated in his Nobel prose of a 100 of Bengali Thakur resembled the content or style to safeguard the crucial court network
Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Prize acceptance speech, “To his Bengali lyrics, written within and the reception of the respec- of these poems. and related data should be held
Beijing is emblematic of a deepening relationship enjoy poetry belonging to ano- the last ten years.) I know of no tive creative texts, can be a cru- In a letter from London accountable for the lax cybersecurity
that extends far beyond the realm of traditional diplo- ther language, is to enjoy an un- man in my time who has done cial sub-text, though this aspect dated 12 May 1913, to Ajit level that invited hacking attempts,
macy. Amid the lingering tensions following Russia's derstanding of the people to anything in the English language has not been a concern for crit- Kumar Chakravarti, Tagore had and be required to fix the apparent
2022 invasion of Ukraine, this engagement underscores a whom that language belongs, an to equal these lyrics. Even as I ics and cultural commentators. stated, “The forms and features loopholes without delay. But a bigger
understanding we can get in no read them in English in this lit- As Tagore remained a pro- of the original become difficult question is whether Korea’s public
mutual commitment to a partnership that both leaders
other way. ... And I take the eral prose translation, they are lific bi-lingual writer throughout in my translations ~ the way I do agencies as well as private companies
describe as having “no limits.” President Xi emphasised a award of the Nobel Prize in Lit- exquisite in style as in thought”. his life, the tension between the them these days. My transla- have access to top-notch cybersecurity
mutual commitment to “rejuvenate” their nations, rein- erature, when it is given to a Tagore responded to Yeats desi Thakur and his bhasha lit- tions are more a reflection than solutions that can stave off continued
forcing the partnership’s role not just in countering West- poet, to be primarily an asser- by stating, “This is one of the erature and the global Tagore an exact replica of the original attempts from hackers in the first
ern influence but also in propelling national advance- tion of the supra-national value proudest moments of my life. I and his writings in English was image.” Moreover in response to place. Government officials are quick
ments. Such rejuvenation speaks to broader ambitions of of poetry”. have a speaking acquaintance never regarded as an act of cul- poet James Henry Cousins’s let- to levy cumbersome regulations and
technological and industrial cooperation, signalling So we notice that the first with your glorious language; yet tural betrayal despite the fact ter about his translated poems draw up obligatory audits for public
deepened ties that extend into future-oriented sectors. initiative in terms of reaching I can feel it in my own. My Ben- that English in British India was that he had sent to Cousins for institutions and companies that col-
The visit’s timing is strategic, coinciding with the start out to a global readership came gali has been a jealous mistress, a signature language of imperi- his views, Tagore wrote (5 lect and utilize certain amounts of per-
of Mr Putin’s new Presidential term, and reflects a con- from Tagore himself when in claiming all my homage and alism, though in this era of glob- March, 1918) - “About the Eng- sonal data from users. But they are
1912, he translated his poems resenting rivals. Still I have put alization English is now regard- lishness of my English I have to slow to proactively identify and
certed effort to showcase solidarity against what they into English and handed over a up with her exactions with ed as a de-territorialized global be careful as the language is not address security problems. There is
perceive as a US-led world order that seeks to side line copy of the translated poems to cheerful submission; I could do lingua franca. Significantly, mine own, but about Ideas I another question about whether the
their national interests. This show of unity is critical as it his friend William Rothenstein. no other. (I cannot do more Tagore continued to write in think, it is best to have a defi- government is taking a balanced
comes in the wake of intensified scrutiny and diplomatic Soon after, Tagore and the than assure you that the unfail- Bengali throughout his life along nitely independent attitude of cybersecurity approach for public
pressure from the West, particularly concerning Russia’s renowned Irish poet W B Yeats ing kindness with which I have with writing in English. He real- mind… (Paul vol 7 313). agencies and private companies.
actions in Ukraine and broader geopolitical ramifica- met for the first time on 27 June been greeted in England has ized that if he had to reach a By using self-translation
tions. The two leaders outlined plans to deepen cooper- 1912, at the home of Rothen- moved me far more than I can larger readership, a global lan- and transcreation as crafts of
stein. Rothenstein had previous- tell.) I have learned that, though guage like English would be a communication and cultural IN MEMORIAM
ation across a diverse set of fields including industry,
high technology, and renewable energy sources. This ly sent Yeats the manuscripts of our tongues are different and functional tool that would make understanding, Tagore dissemi-
Tagore’s partial translation of our habits dissimilar, at the bot- him engage in a dialogue with nated the supra-national value KUTU DASGUPTA — (Birth - 18-05-
suggests an evolving partnership that is pivoting towards
Gitanjali. On July 7, Yeats gave a tom, our hearts are one. The the world. of poetry and showcased Bengal 1999, Death - 20-05-1999) — Kutu
significant, future-centric sectors such as artificial intel- reading of these poems to a monsoon clouds generated on According to many Tagore as an outstanding cultural space sona, wherever you are stay in peace.
ligence and peaceful nuclear energy, which are pivotal for group of thrilled London literary the banks of the Nile, fertilize scholars, one compelling reason in British India. — Baba & Ma.
modern economic growth and development. Yet, despite
the strengths and the declared “no limits” to the Sino-
Russian relationship, there are inherent complexities. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@thestatesman.com
The partnership, though robust in declarations, navi-
gates an intricate landscape of mutual benefit and cau-
tious reservation. Russia, while gaining a pivotal ally in Much to do growth in the valley.
Restoration of statehood
should not wait for long after 4
SUNIL CHHETRI
of such huge and different types
of packaging materials is also very
crucial unless they can be truly
China, risks becoming overly reliant on Chinese eco-
SIR, This refers to your editorial June and assembly elections SIR, The news of Sunil Chhetri’s retirement has hit the Indian recycled.
nomic might. Conversely, China must manage its global “Srinagar’s way”. A 38 per cent should be announced soon. football community hard. As the much admired Indian captain Yours, etc.,
diplomatic strategy, balancing its support for Russia with voter turnout is not big but such Yours, etc., Bal Govind, announced his decision to step away from international football Sukhendu Bhattacharjee,
its broader international relations, especially with major has been the abysmally low par- Noida, 15 May. after the FIFA world cup qualification match against Kuwait on Hooghly, 14 May.
economies in the West and the Global South. The visit ticipation in the valley that this June 6, emotions ran high across the country.
also featured a gala celebration marking 75 years of diplo- year's turnout is being cheered by UNHEALTHY EATING Chhetri was the face of Indian football in a remarkable DINONATH DAS
matic ties since the former Soviet Union recognised the one and all. SIR, The information provided career spanning over 20 years. With a legacy that has left an SIR, The 100 Years Ago Occa-
People’s Republic of China, underscoring the historical This was the first election in Shovanlal Chakraborty’s letter indelible mark on Indian football, the 39-year-old maestro’s sional Note published today
depth and symbolic strength of the bilateral relationship. after the abrogation of article 370, to the editor published today journey has been an inspiration to millions, reshaping percep- describes the initiative of a resi-
Such commemorations not only celebrate past mile- so all were apprehensive how vot- that 56.4 per cent of the total tions of this beautiful game in the nation along the way. dent of erstwhile Calcutta, Mr.
ers would behave. But voters of disease burden in India is attrib- Since his debut in 2005, Chhetri has amassed a multitude of Girindrakrishna Mitra to set up
stones but also pave the way for future engagements that Srinagar have responded well uted to unhealthy dietary prac- accolades, including setting records for the highest number of pocket-friendly dispensaries in
could reshape regional and global dynamics. The promi- with the biggest turnout in the tices in consuming fast food by appearances and goals scored for India. With 94 goals in 150 villages to combat malaria.
nence of this state visit in Chinese media and its signifi- last 26 years. This is a big message the citizens of the country is matches, Sunil Chhetri holds the third position in the list of In this context, an erstwhile
cant social media traction demonstrates not only the that these voters have reposed alarming. most international goals, trailing behind only the two super- rags-to-riches inhabitant of Kan-
domestic but also international messaging intent, por- faith in the electoral process and Fast food and packaged stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. channagar in Burdwan town,
traying a united front in a geopolitical context increas- democracy. food products might be easily Yours, etc., Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai, 17 May. Dinonath Das (1847-1909) set up
ingly defined by strategic rivalries. As the world watches The BJP as expected skipped available today, but not always a charitable dispensary in 1904 in
how this partnership develops, the impacts are likely to the valley and preferred Ladakh cheap and affordable for all. I Kanchannagar for the medical
resonate well beyond the borders of Russia and China, and Jammu where it has better would like to correlate this reality ed by National Sample Survey other than basic meals, rather it treatment of many malaria pati-
electoral prospects. of change in food habits with the Office, the article had said con- indicates the people’s growing ents. The charitable dispensary
influencing global diplomatic, economic, and military
This has once again exposed claim of “impressive stride in sumption of expenditure on cere- trend of dependency on fast and has stood the test of time. Many
strategies. While the Putin-Xi summit may not have the gulf between the valley and reducing poverty” done in Gau- als reduced from 22 per cent in packaged food. This might gen- people in those times addressed
resulted in ground-breaking agreements this time, it sig- Jammu/Ladakh. Inclusiveness is tam Bhattacharya’s article on the 1999-2000 to 10.7 per cent in erate a different cycle of econ- Dinonath as ‘Doctor’ since he dis-
nificantly contributes to the strategic depth of the China- still not looked at as a key priority Perspective page of your edition 2011-12 and to less than 5 per omy in trading of consumables, tributed quinine to patients, even
Russia alliance. This partnership, characterised by both area, sadly. of 12 May. cent in 2022-23. but the health factor should not though he was not a qualified
opportunity and caution, will undoubtedly continue to BJP still has to walk the talk Referring to results of the But it would be wrong to be undermined. As far as envi- medical practitioner.
shape the contours of global politics in the face of evolv- when it comes to providing job survey on household consump- conclude that the poor today are ronmental hazards are con- Yours, etc., Anindya Ghosal,
ing international challenges. opportunities and economic tion expenditure, recently releas- better placed to spend on items cerned, the uncertainty in the fate Burdwan, 17 May.
NEW DELHI, MONDAY 20 MAY 2024 07
Learning from West's mistakes
100 YEARS AGO

OCCASIONAL NOTE
FOR a large number of Calcutta peo-
ple, the commencement of the football
BHARAT DOGRA exacerbated during the Covid period. a ranking of 35 OECD or rich coun- season proper heralds the most enjoyable
In early 2021 there was a further 51 tries, ranked USA at 30 in terms of time of the year, even although atten-

I
n India as in most other develop- per cent rise in emergency depart- Math learning of 15 year olds. Other dance at the matches entails an occasion-
ing countries, there is huge admi- ment visits by adolescent girls in the studies have noted that those high al wetting. During the next two months,
ration for the prestigious univer- USA relating to suicide attempts, school students who make it to col- wet or fine, the various football grounds
sities of Western countries and it compared to the similar period in lege very frequently need remedial will be thronged three times a week with
is the dream of many brilliant stu- 2019. education, particularly in the context spectators drawn from every community.
dents (not to mention their parents) In the fall of 2021, a coalition of of Math and English. In recent years Sport is an admirable means for promot-
to get opportunities to study there. Of the USA’s leading experts in pediatric about 60 per cent of all community ing inter-racial understanding, and in this
course these universities have many health asked for declaring a national college students and 40 per cent of respect football in Calcutta has a far-
great teachers and superb libraries as emergency in child and adolescent undergraduates in four-year colleges reaching effect. A great deal of the harmo-
well as other admirable facilities. mental health. in the USA have needed remedial ny of the game depends on good referee-
However, to get a balanced view we All these are alarming facts and education, which has been used as an ing, and in this respect, football is in a
must look at the other side also, and figures. The surgeon general stated, indicator of inadequate learning at happier position, perhaps, than certain
the present time of student protests “Even before the pandemic, an alarm- high school. other games played in Calcutta.
(which have been joined by some fac- ing number of young people struggled This is despite the fact that sev- The one essential, however, is good
ulty members as well) is a suitable with feelings of helplessness, depres- eral educationists have also criticized sportsmanship on the part of the players
time to do so. sion and thoughts of suicide - and the high school education system for themselves, and if this is not lacking, the
Recent protests in the context of rates have increased over the past becoming increasingly obsessed with public can look forward to a pleasant and
the Israeli assault on Gaza have drawn decade.” preparing students for college successful season. As to the prospects of
attention to the endowments of pres- However, while the data is there, instead of trying to provide holistic the various clubs, it would be rash to pre-
tigious US universities having close no comprehensive, credible explana- school education that prepares stu- dict another dual success for the Calcutta
links to weapons and war-related tion appears to have emerged yet of dents for many-sided challenges of F. C. which last year not only won the
industrial and financial interests. In out getting them entangled in such increased in a big way, rising from 28 why, in one of the richest countries life. Other studies have lamented that League championship but also carried off
such conditions it is unlikely that uni- difficult debts. Instead these heavy to 42 per cent. Why is sadness and enjoying special privileges, children despite spending more per student the Shield for the eighth time. In the latter,
versities can give the much needed debts are a reflection of an increasing hopelessness so widely pervasive in and adolescents are in such an compared to other OECD countries, they were fortunate in meeting Mohan
emphasis to peace studies which tendency to try to tie up younger peo- one of the richest countries with rela- extreme stage of sadness, hopeless- the USA school system is recording Bagan in the final on waterlogged turf,
should perhaps be getting the highest ple in such a way with debts that they tively high educational and health ness and desperation. Of course in a lower performance, and that per- when they were successful by 3 goals to
priority now. feel more and more compelled to fol- spending? country with so many capable, formance, in reading proficiency for nil. Their main opposition in the League
Secondly, university administra- low the establishment path and their At the same time, this data base resourceful researchers and research example, did not improve despite the will again come from the South Wales
tions have not been sympathetic to chances of following their ideals revealed that in 2021, 22 per cent of institutions, several explanations have doubling of expenditure during 1970- Borderers, the Cameron Highlanders,
students and faculty members getting (related for example to creating a safe high school students “seriously con- been offered. Several of these draw 2004. Mohan Bagan, and Dalhousie, and if they
mobilised to raise issues of larger and justice-based world) are mini- sidered” attempting suicide. This was attention to important aspects and While these studies no doubt are to remain champions, they will have to
social concerns, even though these mized by the compulsion of paying as high as 30 per cent for female stu- offer helpful insights, but not an have their own importance, in our produce their best form, and a little bit
are related to protecting and saving back loans. dents. Most tragically, in 2021, as understanding that is comprehensive humble opinion what is more impor- more.
precious human life, and have acted Coming now to school education, many as 10 per cent of all high school and deep enough to provide an effec- tant is the persistent feeling of sad-
with undue haste to bring in police particularly high school education, students (13 per cent of girl) attempt- tive base for remedial action. ness and hopelessness among stu-
and make arrests, apart from victim- schools have often been in news due ed suicide. A nationwide survey of 21,678 US dents, and this should get more NEWS ITEMS
izing student protesters in other to shooting incidents, bullying and Such alarming official data rais- high school students by the Yale Cen- importance in terms of remedial
unjust ways. other violence. However there are sev- es a very serious question - in a rich ter for Emotional Intelligence and the steps. This in turn should be done in
Thirdly, even though the univer-
sities as well as governments are
eral even more serious problems that
are less widely known.
country with such a high exposure to
an immense diversity of entertain-
Yale Child Study Center found that
nearly 75 per cent of the students’
terms of a more comprehensive
approach that does not hesitate to THE ROOT TRUST
extremely rich, student debts have According to the data from the ment and sports, why should such self-reported feelings related to look at wider societal ills. Apart from the sheer mechanical
generally continued to remain at very Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data high levels of distress and stress pre- schools were negative. Stressed, Meanwhile, while we in develop- wonder of the industrial plant that lies
high levels, despite sporadic efforts to Survey and Trends Report released by vail among high-school students? bored, tired - these were the most fre- ing countries like India should be will- waiting for the strangling grip of the Ruhr
provide relief. These have become a the Centers of Disease Control and According to the Advisory on quent expressions used by students. ing to learn from what is genuinely occupation to be loosened, Germany's
huge burden for young people start- Prevention, USA, for the years 2011- Mental Health issued by the US Sur- A Pew Research Center survey of good and admirable in the western effort will be the more formidable for the
ing their professional and family life. 21 (an earlier version of this report geon General in 2021, there was an teens in the 13-17 age group (2018) educational system, for a balanced extraordinary and intricate interlinking of
In fact debt burdens saddle even was quoted by the USA Surgeon Gen- even higher rise in the suicide rate in found that 57 per cent of them (64 per view we should also be aware of the financial manufacturing? distributing and
those who are unable to complete eral in the advisory issued by him in the age-group 10-24 from 2007 to 2018 cent of girls) were very worried or many flaws and mistakes that have raw materials producing interests. The
their graduation. This is not just a 2021), in 2021 42 per cent of all high – 57 per cent. In 2018, suicide became somewhat worried that a shooting created serious and avoidable prob- late Hugo Stinnes, whose sons are active
matter of rising university costs and school students and 57 per cent of the second leading cause of death in could happen in their school. lems. and capable and imbued with his ideas,
other such factors. female students reported experienc- this age-group. Many studies of problems in high had gone a long way before his death
A country as well-endowed as the ing “persistent feelings of sadness or According to the Surgeon General schools are more concerned about (The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign towards the realization of the "Root Trust"
to Save Earth Now. His recent books include
USA with all sorts of riches is perfectly hopelessness.” What is more, within Advisory as well as several other achievement levels. The Program of Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril that was his life's dream. He aimed at
capable of educating its youth with- a decade (2011-2021), this had reports, the grim situation in 2019 was International Student Assessment, in and A Day in 2071.) making Germany one economic unit con-
trolled by a single will; and if this is ever
realized it will give Germany at once a
tremendous advantage over her foreign
IT CAME TO MIND | MANISH NANDY competitors.
I have spoken with most of the great

The grand exit industrialists in Germany, and with the


shrewd men, like Stresemann, who look
after the political end for the magnates;
and I found, everywhere that the trend of
Their vile experiences turned them books I had read. I felt flattered that, ideas, was in the direction of Stinnes' con-

A
myth prevails that skeptics repugnant. In my last moments, like when I spoke well of a novel by ception.
and atheists turn to God on Voltaire, instead of making new ene- Tarashankar or a story by Subodh The main idea in the minds of the
their deathbed. Out of repen- mies, or nursing grudges against old Ghosh, he always wanted to know the men who have created and direct Ger-
tance for their sinfulness or, enemies, I should be nourishing exact details, probably to order the many's machine is the elimination of
more likely, out of fear for what lies brighter thoughts. book. competition between themselves and the
ahead. I seem to know several who My close friend in school was I noticed the change when I visit- amalgamation of interest in every field of
had stoutly continued in their sinful Prabir who would periodically invite ed Prabir after a football match one financial and economic activity. It is a
ways. me to his home in Maddox Square. Friday and encountered his grandfa- great dream, and one which Britain may
My hero, Voltaire, had a priest They lived in a huge house, presided ther in the living room. There were before long have to envisage if she is to
turn up at his bedside to urge him to over by his grandfather, the classic four other adults in the room, all from retain her place among the producing and
repudiate Satan while he was breath- wealthy paterfamilias, and his six the neighbourhood and well-known trading nations of the world. America is
ing his last. Voltaire said, “Is this a sons, with their wives and children. to him, and I was confused to hear already thinking seriously along the
time to make new enemies?” Prabir once invited me to a Sunday him say goodbye to them though they Stinnes line, and at the moment Ford is
My favourite American, Thoreau, lunch, an opulent affair. We sat with weren’t leaving. When he noticed me, battling with the Senate for control of
was close to the end when his mother all the family members at a long table he came over to me, said, “Manish, I Muscle Shoals, the potential American
urged him to make peace with God. where two cooks unleashed a vast have to say goodbye to you too.” Ruhr - a possession which would make
Thoreau replied, “I am not aware we amount of food. In addition, the When I joined Prabir in his room, him master of a "Root Trust."
had ever quarreled.” daughters-in-law brought special I asked the significance of his farewell,
A less known writer, Wilson
Mizner, dying and just out of a coma,
dishes they had bought or prepared.
We sat and waited until the
but Prabir said, “I have no idea.
Grandpa seldom goes anywhere, and I INCIDENCE OF
found a priest hovering near and wait-
ing to counsel him. He remonstrated,
grandfather made his grand entrance.
He was a thin, wispy man in his eight-
know well he is not going to visit any-
body today or tomorrow.” Prabir CHOLERA
“Why should I talk to you? I have just
been talking to your boss.” illastration by : Debabrata Chakrabarty
ies, with white hair and an erect gait,
who smiled benignly at me when Pra-
called me on Saturday morning.
“Grandfather passed away last night.
OUTBREAK
I know I have mostly wasted my bir introduced me. He repeated my This morning he hadn’t come out; (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
life, as most of my fellowmen do, but I regret on my deathbed, as I regret More the everyday sinners who step name twice to make sure that he had two of my uncles went to see him.
cannot imagine groveling in the last them even now. I would like to tell my on our feet at every opportunity. All got it. He sat down and, to my aston- They found him dead in his room.” THERE has been an unusual amount
minutes to an omnipotent proto- daughters they have been a source of of us have encountered superiors who ishment, opened a container that had He added, “I went to see him. He was of cholera this year in various parts of the
plasm to escape hellfire. More than fathomless joy that I might have won’t listen to us and make us feel his lunch. Apparently, he believed in seated in his favorite armchair, fully State, notably, in the Mysore and Hassan
my sins, I am embarrassed about my expressed with abysmal clumsiness. I inferior any chance they get. Or land- the ancient Indian custom that the dressed, even with his shoes, as if he districts. Though measures have been
acts of thoughtlessness, my unthink- would like to tell any remaining lords who turn a deaf ear to our elderly should themselves cook their was going someplace. His eyes were taken by the medical authorities to deal
ing unkindness to friends, children, friends that they have been like a entreaties and tenants who are special, simple food and not consume closed, but he looked happy. He had with every fresh outbreak with the greatest
acquaintances, even strangers. balm in my days of discomfort and thoughtless, irresponsible and eager the richer food of others. However, he on an enigmatic Gioconda smile.” urgency, it is evident that there is lack of
I could have been far kinder to like a ballast in my hours of imbal- to deceive. Many of us have lived with graciously tasted a few spoonfuls of Prabir said he did not know if it was a supervision somewhere. The District
people around me: restaurant waiters, ance. spouses who have made a hell of our the food two of the daughters-in-law smile of satisfaction with his life, authorities have permitted the holding of
taxi drivers, glum-faced neighbours, Those are my priorities. I would household when it could have been had prepared. He listened to the gen- including its peaceful end, or of tri- jatres in several centres, and in certain
boring professors, inept editors, focus on them in my last hours rather close to a paradise. eral conversation but spoke very lit- umph that he had avoided the dismal instances the cases can be directly traced
unhelpful colleagues. I should have than waste effort in expiating for my But I am getting overindulgent or tle, except to ask two grandchildren exit of an aged man surrounded by to these places.
given more time to good friends, played sinfulness. senile and beginning to think that about their new school. lamenting relatives, urging him to Wandering ascetics are responsible
more with my daughters, taken better Of course, sinfulness exists in an these unpleasant creatures too possi- After that, I met the old man a make peace with the almighty. for the conveying, from place to place, of
care of my loving father, expressed abundant measure. Not only nasty bly had some excuses for their couple of times and always exchanged this disease. Some months ago there was
more appreciation to people who people in a religious garb who glee- unpleasantness. Maybe they had a few words. Prabir had probably told (The writer is a US-based international an outbreak in the Arkulgud taluq, but
development advisor and had worked with
cooked for me or drove me around. fully stone women, burn foreigners mean parents, cruel bosses, spiteful him of my interest in literature and he the World Bank. He can be reached at effective measures were taken, and the
I know these are the things I will and slit the throats of journalists. neighbors or foul duplicitous friends. invariably asked what interesting new mnandy@gmail.com) trouble seemed to have passed. Again it
has broken out in this same taluq and in
the neighbouring Holenarsipur taluq,
both of which are not far distant from the
CROSSWORD NO-292785 Mysore District where it has been prevail-
ing for some time. In some villages the toll
ACROSS husband’s place in 23 Head away from 3 New version of left- 17 Dancer, possibly,
has been very high, and the people have
Elizabeth Castle’s carnival? Just the wing coup? (9) almost certainly stops become so frightened they have fled as in
YESTERDAY'S SOLUTION 1 I start to help war Jersey Shore home opposite (6) 4 Wife in thong concerning Rambert’s the case of plague. This means that the
veteran to swim, (8) 26 Adult liable to finish (4) principal cholera is carried still farther afield. In one
and provoke an 13 Head kissing has no early, overall 5 Choose dodgy gold (8)
emotional response boundaries (6) (5) alloy (8) 18 Small group of
village there were 120 attacks and 90
(3,1,3,5) 15 Swede’s routine 27 Curse lone working in 6 5 Gaelic lines of poetry married couples with deaths. The bodies were unburied by the
9 Isolated nurses appropriate for yard (9) (5) time for midnight wayside, and formed a prey for the vul-
returning, provided adoption by wannabe 28 People spreading 7 Foolish duchess picked rendezvous tures and dogs. It is one of the most seri-
preparation to teetotallers (8) worrying rumours up mineral (8) (6)
prevent infestation 18 In a little while, 50% of American 8 Both sides dismissed in 20 Son of God is
ous attacks in that neighbourhood. There
carried out quickly policeman will accept Congress is corrupt void court case in intrinsically American are many villages infected, due, mainly to
(5-4) Penny not thinking for (12) Balkan region (7) scarcity of water, and the infecting of
10 Complains bitterly herself (5-3) (6) 22 Wild fellow in charge sources of water supply. The Medical
as Republican is sick 19 Excited to furtively 14 Lineker accepts (5)
(5) look over DOWN defeat describing list 24 Critical to take steps
department has appointed extra sub-
11 Essentially gazump maintenance 1 TV programme about of technical terms about university assistant surgeons in every district, and
wealthy financial expenses (6) flying sausage shown (8) strike, finally an attempt is being made to stamp out
centre (6) 21 Man beset with before noon (7) 16 Instrument panel (5) such epidemics as this by rapid measures
12 More determined problems in a low 2 Spill valve discovered damaged by bit of 25 Fiddle about during
European takes place (8) in this place (5) butter (9) kinky sex (4)
carried out by the incinerating staff, The
reports from the Arkulgud and Holenar-
sipur taluqs is more reassuring though the
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. (By arrangement with The Independent, London) death rate is still high. The coming of the
rains will probably improve the situation.
12 MONDAY, 20 MAY 2024
NEW DELHI VIEWS LIVEMINT.COM

OUR VIEW MY VIEW | THE INTERSECTION


MINT

The carbon emissions of war put


humanity’s right to exist at risk
Wars are not only imminent threats to human survival but they also exacerbate climate change

to argue that international politics is a col prohibits causing “widespread,


major hurdle to achieving emission long- term and severe damage to the
targets and other climate goals. They natural environment.” After the First
do not sufficiently recognize that war Gulf War, Saddam Hussein’s Iraq was
is perhaps the most undesirable source forced by the UN to pay environmental
of carbon emissions. The UN General damages after burning Kuwait’s oil
Assembly adopted a resolution on the wells and polluting the Gulf.
Protection of the Environment in Rela- In fact, the world prohibited wars of
tion to Armed Conflicts (PERAC) in aggression in 1945 and the entire edi-
NITIN PAI 2022, but the environmental impact of fice of the United Nations was created
is co-founder and director of The war remains at the margins of the inter- to prevent them from happening. We
Takshashila Institution, an independent national discourse on climate change. have seen that the UN can limit wars
centre for research and education in public That is an expensive mistake. and the international system can hold
policy. Benjamin Neimark and his colleagues war criminals accountable. Let us be

Don’t add to the burden


found that the “projected emissions clear: If wars in Ukraine and Gaza are
from the first 60 days of the Israel-Gaza dragging on for months, it is because at

T
he regional head of a well-re- war were greater than the annual emis- least one permanent veto-holding
garded global philanthropic sions of 20 individual countries and member of the UN Security Council
foundation recently told me that territories.” The incremental increase wants it that way—or more. Fingers

of regulation on banks his board had decided to exclusively


focus on funding causes concerned
with combating climate change. Know-
ing that it had previously supported
in emissions over the first two months
was around 280,000 tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). If we were
to bring this up to date, almost a million
must be pointed at them, both for the
loss of lives of combatants and civilians
and for the environmental damage that
harms everyone on the planet.
work on nuclear disarmament and tCO2e has been wastefully dumped into In the face of the climate crisis, war is
international security, I asked why the atmosphere. The researchers esti- no longer only a moral crime against
RBI’s review of the liquidity coverage ratio of banks should look for better options to reduce those problems were no longer of mate the reconstruction of Gaza will humanity. It is a material one against
interest to the foundation. His reply left create another 30 million tC02e of the survival of the species. It is time to
the risk of a cash crisis. Limiting some online transactions to business hours might work me bemused. Climate change, he told emissions. These are very conservative treat it as such. Greenhouse emissions
me, is a long-term existential threat to estimates and the real cost to the envi- from wars are a global negative exter-
humanity. ronment might be of a bigger order of nality and it is no longer tenable to let
Our conversation was taking place at magnitude. Over in Ukraine, Lennard off the actors that cause it.

W
hile presenting the first instead devise an alternate mechanism for a time when a nuclear threat had been de Klerk’s team calculate that an addi- Everyone on the planet is being
monetary policy statement banks to manage their liquidity (withdrawals on issued at the onset of a major war, tional 150 million tCO2e of greenhouse asked to pay a price for the world to get
where drones and missiles were flying gases have been emitted in the first to net zero. It makes no sense to allow
for fiscal 2024-25 in April, a day-to-day basis) more efficiently? This task between nuclear-capable countries, 18 months of the Russian invasion, wilful and egregious polluters to do so
Reserve Bank of India has become much more complicated as online with major powers having withdrawn exceeding that of a country like free of cost. Making polluters pay into a
Governor Shaktikanta Das transfers soar across the country, letting virtu- from arms-control treaties, and hyper- Belgium. global fund that can then be deployed
had announced that RBI ally all bank customers withdraw funds 24/7 at sonic and space weapons were fast At a time when people in developing to compensate the victims of climate
would review its liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) the swipe of a thumb. Today, one of the main destabilizing the global balance. The countries are being asked to sacrifice change is not only fair, it also creates
Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ Dooms- their growth prospects to achieve the right incentives. In theory.
framework to ensure smooth functioning of causes of cash-flow uncertainty that banks face day Clock, a measure of how close we global climate goals, it is a cruel joke to The problem in practice is that the
the system even in the event of acute stress. His is on account of real-time fund transfers; any are from annihilation, jumped to 90 witness such thoughtless and wasteful international system has vested power
concern, he said, was driven by “recent events unexpected large outflow can potentially result seconds to midnight last year, up from emissions from extended wars. The and impunity in the hands of perma-
in other countries [that] have shown that digital in a liquidity crisis. It is true that the ‘traditional 120 seconds in 2019. War remains an world cannot prevent wars, but it can nent members of the UN Security
channels have been used by customers to banking model’ of commercial banks in India, immediate existential threat. But, reduce their duration, limiting their Council, ironically making these five
unfortunately, it has got overshadowed intensity and environmental damage. the worst threats to human security.
quickly withdraw or transfer funds from by which they raise funds chiefly through cur- by climate change in terms of global Even before the UN adopted the Ergo, UN reform ought to be on the
banks.” Today, technology has enabled instan- rent and savings accounts and depend less on awareness and activism. PERAC resolution, the international agenda of everyone who cares about
taneous transfers, with the result that banks are bulk deposits, is a cause for comfort. After all, it I have seen climate-change activists community has acted to penalize dam- climate change. Geopolitics and inter-
faced with a stiff challenge in managing their is highly unlikely that a majority of depositors roll their eyes when the conversation age to the environment by aggressors national security are a blind spot that
liquidity position to make sure they have suffi- will pull out their deposits at the same time—a turns to geopolitics. To the extent that (or, in realist terms, losing sides). An the climate-change movement can no
they engage with the subject at all, it is additional Geneva Convention proto- longer afford to ignore.
cient cash at all times. Under the Banking Regu- dangerous event called a bank run.
lation Act of 1949, banking is the business of Nonetheless, could we reduce the admittedly
taking deposits “repayable on demand.” Hence, low probability of an acute-stress event by the
banks must always be able to honour any and all simple expedient of tweaking the existing rules
demands from customers for repayment. that govern online transfers? Could we allow
The governor stressed that it is during “acute banks to limit online transfers, particularly real
stress” that a framework like LCR—a prudential time gross settlement (RTGS) transfers? These www.livemint.com
New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh*, Pune* Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Vol.8 No.119 `4.00 in Delhi-NCR/`5.00 outside Delhi-NCR 24 PAGES

tool to check a bank’s ability to meet cash out- tend to be of very high value and are usually CNBC-TV18:Ridham Desai on
risks to India’s economy >19
TELECOM: Vodacom to buy Tata’s South
African unit Neotel >3

flows in the near future—is most needed. While business-related transactions, so they could CONTENT PARTNER
NATION: Pakistan moves to break the ice,
extends invite to Modi >3
POLITICS: Congress leaders reject Sonia,
Rahul Gandhi offer to resign >4

this is clearly true, a better option is to fool- be scheduled from, say, 08:00 to 18:00 hours. SENSEX 24,363.05 Æ 241.31

ADMINISTRATION MODEL
NIFTY 7,263.55 Æ 60.55 DOLLAR `58.595 Æ `0.18

OPTING FOR NOTA


EURO `80.22 Æ `0.43 GOLD `28,790 æ `230

Firms rush to
OIL $109.57 æ $0.18

QUICK EDIT

Governance Nearly 60 lakh voters opted for None


raise money
from markets
The credit

proof the system in a way that minimizes the Such restrictions are not without parallel. Stock bubble

You never need an


Of The Above (NOTA), which was
introduced for the first time in a
general election in 2014. Nilgiris in high on Modi
as Modi will T
Tamil Nadu and Nabarangpur in here are growing
Odisha were the two Lok Sabha fears that the Chinese
constituencies that saw the B Y M ALVIKA J OSHI & credit bubble is about to
maximum NOTA votes. While Nilgris P .R . S ANJAI go pop. Many other Asian
saw 46,559 NOTA votes (5% of ························· economies have also seen

scope for such events, rather than wait for an market transactions, for instance, have to be
MUMBAI credit grow much faster
votes), Nabarangapur had 44,408

define it I
(4%). Bastar in Chhattisgarh came ndian firms and banks are than the underlying
third with 38,772 votes (5%). queuing up to raise funds economy. India has been

argument against the use


from the equity markets in an at- no exception—massive
tempt to cash in on the euphoria expansion in bank credit
over the victory of the Bharatiya after 2004 led to lax
ADNAN ABIDI/REUTERS Janata Party (BJP), perceived as lending standards that
Five characteristics that business-friendly, in the general eventually resulted in a
will define the Modi elections. growing pile of bad

implosion and then scramble to pick up the done during the stipulated opening and closing
Many companies are readying debts.
administration after the themselves for qualified institu- Yet, India is far less
overwhelming mandate tional placements (QIPs) —eq- leveraged than other
uity sales to banks, financial in- economies in the region.
won by the BJP stitutions, and just about any- Our problem is quite

of violence, you need an


one seen as a financially sophis- unique. Public debt is the
B Y A NIL P ADMANABHAN ticated investor by the stock biggest component of
anil.p@livemint.com market regulator. And this rush leverage. Corporate and
························· of QIPs could be a precursor to a household debt is

pieces. Presumably, RBI does not want to be hours. Remember, unlike retail payments that
NEW DELHI
Unique advantage: Narendra Modi. revival in the moribund initial relatively modest as a

L ess than a week from now,


Narendra Modi will take
oath as India’s 16th prime
minister.
Not surprisingly, there has
mentation.
Two, the administration is
likely to reward talented bureau-
crats with good assignments. In
Percentage of
public offering (IPO) market, say
investment bankers.
The money could help com-
panies retire debt and prepare
for the faster economic growth
proportion of gross
domestic product. The
big challenge in India is
thus not how to keep the
overall level of leverage
vote share
been a rash of speculation about other words, it will be perform- Bastar that many economists antici- under control but how to
the likely shape and structure of ance, more than seniority, that Nabarangpur 5% pate. It could also help banks rebalance between public

argument for it.


the next administration. As a vir- will define the index of upward 4% provide for the pile of bad debt and private debt.

caught napping, like some of its Western tend to be small and are often unplanned, busi-
tual outsider to Delhi’s charmed mobility. on their books, meet capital ad- That is one task for the
power circles, Modi comes with Three, members of the cabi- 3% equacy norms, and prepare for a new government that will
a distinct advantage: few people net, unlike in the outgoing ad- 2% credit boom that usually accom- take charge of national
know about him or his style of ministration, will be held ac- Nilgiris panies faster economic growth. finances soon. The first
functioning, which at once countable—so they should be 1% On Monday, Jaiprakash Pow- step: credible measures
makes him less predictable and, ready for performance audits (an 0% er Ventures Ltd announced to bring the fiscal deficit
consequently, less vulnerable. Independent Evaluation Office to tolerable levels.
Those familiar with Modi and has just been created). TURN TO PAGE 2®
SAHIL BANGA/MINT
his working style say that it Modi’s rule in Gujarat has

counterparts, and hence is proactively looking ness payments are both large and typically
would be best to view the specu- highlighted his hands-on ap-
lation as just that. Not only does proach to administration, and
the prime minister-designate
have a mind of his own, he also
tendency to hire technocrats as
advisors. In the centre, this could 15 bourses to CLOUDY FORECAST
prefers to keep his own counsel.
The overwhelming mandate—
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won
include some of the profession-
als who volunteered for the Modi
campaign without necessarily
shut shop as Southwest monsoon sets in over
282 Lok Sabha seats on its own— buying into the ideology of the
trades dry up
means he has the numbers to BJP’s parent, Rashtriya Swayam-
Andaman sea two days early
to ensure there is no liquidity crisis even during planned in advance. Hence, these could easily
back him. So it is almost a fore- sevak Sangh (RSS).
gone conclusion that entities Four, the power of discretion B Y A SHISH R UKHAIYAR &

N OA M C HOMSKY
such as a coordination commit- of the political office will be se- A NIRUDH L ASKAR
tee or the National Advisory verely curtailed. Modi signalled ························· B Y N IKITA M EHTA soon because a general corre- are the cross-equatorial flow
MUMBAI
Council (NAC) will be discour- as much in his speeches on the nikita.m@livemint.com lation has been seen between becoming stronger, and there
aged.
Having said so, here are five
campaign trail. He will, push for
digitization of government W ith the 30 May deadline
for stock exchanges to
·························
NEW DELHI
late onset and subsequent ab-
normalities in advance of the
is also a cyclonic circulation
over Bay of Bengal. This cy-
characteristics that will define
the Modi administration:
records and processes.
Even all paperwork related to
meet new net worth and trading
norms looming large, 15 of the T he southwest monsoon has
set in over most parts of
rainy season in the rest of the
country, which can affect agri-
clonic circulation will become
more organized and help in

periods of acute stress. This is welcome. After be scheduled during work hours without
One, it is a no-brainer that the projects and clearances will be 20 stock exchanges in the coun- the Andaman Sea and some cultural output,” said Abhijit the advancement of the mon-
man will restore the primacy of digitized—not only will this en- try have opted to exit the busi- parts of southeastern Bay of Sen, member of the Planning soon over Sri Lanka and finally
the Prime Minister’s Office sure transparency, it will also ness altogether. Bengal on Sunday—two days Commission. the Indian mainland,” the
(PMO). In the previous adminis- dis-intermediate government According to two people di- prior to its expected date. The normal onset date of forecaster said.
tration led by Congress, the PMO decision-making, precluding the rectly familiar with the matter, Conditions are favourable monsoon over Kerala is 1 June. While the IMD has forecast a
was severely diminished in its need for constant engagement including an official of Securities for the advance of the south- It marks the beginning of the late arrival of the southwest
role and status. That will change with the concerned cabinet min- and Exchange Board of India west monsoon in the next 48 country’s rainy season. monsoon over the Indian
and the PMO will not only drive ister. (Sebi), 11 regional stock ex- hours, according to India Me- “If monsoon arrives on 5 mainland, Skymet has forecast
policy, but also monitor imple- Five, he is unlikely to encour- changes (RSEs) have already teorological Department. June, it should not make much an early onset of the monsoon

all, there is always space to fine-tune prudential impairing business efficiency, while adding
age a coterie. It is one thing to submitted their exit applications The early onset over the An- difference to the sowing of around 28 May.
have a close confidant like Amit to Sebi, while the boards of four daman and Nicobar Islands crops across the country,” Sen After the southwest mon-
Shah and entirely another to en- other exchanges will be meeting may not hold much signifi- said. soon set in over most parts of
courage coteries and palace in- later this month to consider the cance for the arrival of the Past data, however, suggests Andaman sea and southeast-
trigues. This will be a big break resolutions related to closure of monsoon over Kerala, forecast the absence of a direct link be- ern Bay of Bengal on Sunday, it
from the past and will bring with business. Neither of the two peo- for 5 June, four days later than tween the monsoon’s advance advanced further into remain-
it attendant consequences— ple wished to be identified. normal. The June-to-Septem- over the Andaman Sea with its ing parts of the Andaman Sea,
such as push-back from the sys- The Bombay Stock Exchange ber monsoon season is crucial onset over Kerala or that with and parts of southwest and

regulations and get them up to speed. But in a hugely to the comfort of banks on the liquidity
tem. (BSE), United Stock Exchange for crops in India, where a ma- the seasonal monsoon rainfall east-central Bay of Bengal on
Then, Modi has earned the (which agreed to merge with jority of farmers depend on in the rest of the country, ac- Monday.
political mandate to recalibrate BSE), MCX Stock Exchange Ltd rain to irrigate their land. A de- cording to IMD. The southwest monsoon,
the system to suit his objectives. (MCX-SX), National Stock Ex- lay in onset of the monsoon or “It has set over north Anda- which accounts for 70% of In-
change (NSE) and the Calcutta poor rainfall will hurt farm man Sea and southeast Bay of dia’s annual rainfall, is the
NOTE TO READERS Stock Exchange will continue in
business, said the first person.
production, accelerate infla-
tion and delay an economic re-
Bengal. It has set in 48 hours
prior to its normal date, and it
main source of irrigation for
235 million farmers, according
The Media Marketing Initiative on Of the remaining 15 stock ex- bound in Asia’s third-largest is expected to advance further to Bloomberg.
Page 11 is the equivalent of a paid- changes, 11 have already ap- economy. towards west-central and east- After setting over the Anda-

scenario where the compliance burden on front. Apart, of course, from reducing potential
for advertisement, and no Mint plied to exit the business, said “The timing of the onset of central Bay of Bengal,” said a man Sea, the southwest mon-
journalists were involved in this person. The other four are monsoon is important as it is forecaster at Skymet, an inde- soon is expected to make land-
creating it. Readers would do well also working towards this, he indicative of later monsoon. If pendent tracker of the south- fall in Kerala on 5 June, mark-
Mint is also available for R8 with to treat it as an advertisement. the onset is late, then it is not a west monsoon.
Hindustan Times in Delhi-NCR only
TURN TO BACK PAGE ® good sign for the rest of mon- “The reasons for the onset TURN TO BACK PAGE ®

banks has grown almost exponentially, can we risks to the stability of our financial system.

MY VIEW | MODERN TIMES

Alice Munro reported from inside the heads of women


always compassion for women; but also appears to explain that it was very good for his think, nevertheless most of their readers are Greatness is not defined by sales figures.
MANU JOSEPH something sterner, something more useful. spirits: “What he felt was mainly a gigantic women. The literary success of men is often It is not a democratic vote. The establish-
The narrator in her short story Friend of increase in well-being… He ran up steps two a reward given by women. ment picks the greats. And establishment
my Youth tells us, “…mother had grown up in at a time. He appreciated as never before a In a previous column, I had written that writers are usually reluctant to praise their
a time and a place when sex was a dark pageant of torn clouds and winter sunsets women appreciate the works of men, they peers. Asked to name the greatest among
undertaking for women. She knew that you seen from his office window, the charm of are generous to exceptional men, but men, them, they pick someone who is not one of

T
he short story is glorified by the gate- could die from it. So, she honoured the antique lamps… Come summer, he learned in general, do not engage much with the them. Sometimes they pick a safe foreigner,
keepers of literature, as though the decency, the prudery, the frigidity, that the names of flowers.” works of exceptional or a person from the oppressed classes, but
genre is from an oppressed commu- might protect you. And I grew up in horror Munro has said that women. It is this gap in often they pick an old person. This is how
nity. It is now common to hear that the short of that very protection, the dainty tyranny when she started writing, She was chiefly generosity that partly Meryl Streep is the world’s “greatest actress”
story is more difficult to write than the novel, that seemed to me to extend to all areas of only women read stories finances the progress of and why many Indian writers would pick
and that women are better at it than men. life, to enforced tea parties and white gloves and men did something interested in the men. A similar imbalance R.K. Narayan as “the greatest” and the West
But the person who they claim is the finest and all other sorts of tinkling inanities. I seemingly more important in interest favours the West came to rate Alice Munro as the world’s best
writer of short stories, Alice Munro, was favoured bad words and a breakthrough, I outside their homes. This
lives of women and its artists. We engage short-story writer.

is a journalist, novelist, and the


more measured. She said she persisted with
short stories because she couldn’t pull off a
teased myself with the thought of a man’s
recklessness and domination.”
contributed to her initial
success around a time
but the result more with their works than
they do with ours. In this
Munro appeared to see her rise to great-
ness with a detached amusement. She began
creator of the Netflix series,
‘Decoupled’
novel. “I don’t really understand a novel,”
she once told the New York Times, “I don’t
She did write the male point of view some-
times. I don’t know what it is about the male
when the most influential
writers in Canada were all
wasn’t always imbalance, Munro is a ben-
eficiary. Indians who have
writing in her spare time, in between raising
her children and running a home. Many
understand where the excitement is sup- characters of even great female writers, but men. Even today, I am cer- compassion never read a single Indian writers secretly feel that they are the world’s
posed to come in a novel…” these men make fine observations about tain that most of Munro’s short story may have read best ever, even though they may not have
She died on 13 May at the age of 92. When curtains and upholstery. For instance, this readers are women. Most for women Munro. She may not have had the chance to read every writer. I get the
she was awarded the Nobel prize for litera- moment in the short story, The Bear Came readers of stories are read any book by an Indian. feeling Munro was not someone who har-
ture in 2013, she became the first person to Over the Mountain: “Grant caught sight of women. They are the pri- But her elevation to great- boured such views about herself. When she
receive the honour exclusively for short sto- two layers of front-window curtains, both mary readers of men, too. ness might have a more interesting reason. spoke of herself, it was with a degree of self-
ries, and one of the very few laureates, I feel, blue, one sheer and one silky, a matching Male writers, in general, do not believe She has been successful for about five dec- effacement that was very persuasive. From
who were easy to read and a delight. blue sofa and a daunting pale carpet…” that they write about men, or that they are ades, even acclaimed now and then, but the the way she spoke about the process of writ-
Her common analysis of herself as a writer Munro was kind to men, even considerate primarily interested in the lives of men. literary establishment began to call her a leg- ing and writing itself, I often got the feeling
was that she was a woman who was primarily perhaps. When she reveals that Grant, who is They would claim that their interest is wider end less than 20 years ago, when she was in that she really did not consider literature the
interested in the lives of women and what married to the central character of the story, and universal, about humans and not gen- her 70s. This happens to many artists, and not most important thing. I could never grasp,
women experienced. The result was not used to have affairs with his students, Munro der. They might be more wrong than they because they do their best work in old age. though, what mattered the most to her.
LIVEMINT.COM VIEWS MONDAY, 20 MAY 2024
NEW DELHI 13

THEIR VIEW M I N T C U R AT O R

India must raise productivity for Yes, the world is hotter than it
has been in 2,000 years or so
sustainable and inclusive growth A scientific study of tree rings confirms global warming is for real

We have been making better use of capital but must improve its deployment so that returns rise and bulk jobs are generated

ISTOCKPHOTO

FAYE D. FLAM
is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering
science.

RAJAT DHAWAN
is the McKinsey & Company’s managing partner
in India.

I
t’s one thing to say the northern hemi-

P
roductivity is not everything,” econo- sphere summer of 2023 was the hottest
mist Paul Krugman famously com- in 150 years of mercury measurement.
mented, “but in the long run, it’s almost This claim is often dismissed by sceptics of Trees that live for thousands of years hold
everything.” Higher productivity is global warming who point out that the useful temperature records ISTOCKPHOTO
essential for India to create good jobs Earth has a long history of temperature
and improve quality of life. It is through fluctuations. That’s why it’s important that zations in the American southwest. Tree
productivity too that the economy can generate a new paper shows last summer was actu- rings are helping scientists decipher the
the wealth that government can use to invest in ally the hottest in the last 2,000 years— role of climate in that period and others
social welfare and environmental progress. Higher and that our current temperatures are even throughout history. The oldest trees, bris-
productivity is essential to fuel India’s journey more of an outlier than we realized. tlecone pines, can live nearly 5,000 years;
towards sustainable and inclusive growth. [The question is] whether our recent scientists can extract a pencil-thin core to
It is good news then that India’s productivity warming is a major shift or a blip. Thank- study the rings without harming the trees.
has risen an average of 5.6% a year since 1997, fully, tree rings hold records that go back But researchers don’t have to use such
according to recent research by the McKinsey thousands of years. In a paper published in ancient trees to explore the distant past
Global Institute (MGI), more than twice the global Nature, scientists used tree rings to plot because they can also read information
average of 2.3%. Only China was faster. To put it summer heat in the northern hemisphere from rings in wood that’s been incorpo-
another way, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the past two millennia. 2023 was the rated in old buildings and ships or pre-
per worker rose from $6,200 in 1997 to $21,800 in hottest of them all. The next hottest 25 served in bogs. Trees growing in cold con-
2022. The challenge is to keep it up, or preferably, have all occurred since 1996. The next run- ditions can reveal temperature history
do even better. This cannot be taken for granted. ner-up was way back in 246 CE. because it is the main factor limiting their
One big issue is investment, or capital forma- What we know of global warming has growth. The new study depended on such
tion. MGI estimates that 70% of India’s productiv- been changed dramatically by long-term trees in nine different sites analyzed by 15
ity improvement is explained by growth in capital trends revealed by tree rings, ice cores, teams, said its lead author Jan Esper of
per worker, a figure that almost quadrupled from sediment layers and other such monitors. Johannes Gutenberg University.
1997 to 2022. And yet, at about $38,000, India’s In 1998, scientists published a ‘hockey stick Esper said he was interested in better
capital stock per worker is still less than half that graph’ of the last 600 years. It showed that understanding what the Earth’s tempera-
of China and a third of the level of Central and global temperatures rose and fell like gen- ture was like in the pre-industrial area,
Eastern Europe. tly rolling hills until the mid-20th century, before human-generated emissions started
Another way to look at this is how well Indian when they suddenly soared. warming the planet. The Intergovernmen-
companies use their capital. Again, the conclusion That gave people a graphic image of how tal Panel on Climate Change defines pre-
is that they could do better. A McKinsey analysis of unusual things are today. Since then, there industrial temperature as the average
India’s 1,000 biggest public companies found that have been dozens of detailed reconstruc- measured from 1850 to 1900. The Paris
only 56% earned a return on invested capital tions of our climate history. This latest one Agreement makes it a goal to keep global
(ROIC) greater than the weighted average cost of India needs to improve how it deploys capital. This example, building a lithium-ion cell gigafactory covers only the part of the globe that has temperatures within 1.5° C of that pre-in-
capital (WACC) in 2023. That is more than in 2014, is urgent, considering that most of India’s infra- can cost anywhere from $55 million to $90 million the most trees—the mid-latitude northern dustrial period—a level we’re about to
when it was 43%, which is one reason why the structure and factories are still to be built, industry per gigawatt hour. That large range shows that hemisphere—but it goes back 2,000 years exceed. But measurements before 1900
capital intensity ratio has risen over this period. by industry, over the next couple of decades. there is efficiency to be captured through bench- and highlights climate change today in the were sparse, and Esper says the tree rings
The trend is encouraging. Still, the fact that more At the same time, while India’s manufacturing marking and project execution. context of centuries of natural variability. suggest the actual pre-industrial era was a
than four out of 10 companies are not creating productivity growth is also high, at 5.7%, the sector Companies that rapidly digitize their supply Even seemingly small fluctuations can bit cooler. From 1850 to 1900, tempera-
enduring value is sobering. is notable for its low returns, which explains why it chains and operations can earn significant bene- have a big impact on human life. Take 536 tures were already about a quarter of a
And it is troubling that ROIC has declined in attracts a relatively low share of capital. That also fits: Greater throughput and quality, less wastage CE, dubbed “the worst year to be alive” by degree warmer than the average over the
recent years, from an average of 11.3% in the period helps explain why the sector accounts for only and better collaboration among workers, compa- historian Michael McCormick. An Ice- previous 2,000 years. That means our cur-
2009-13 to 10.2% in 2019-23; that is slightly less about 12% of employment, just one percentage nies and supply-chain partners. Investing in landic volcano erupted, spewing particles rent temperatures might be more abnor-
than the WACC. Net profit margins also declined point more than in 1997. In other high-productivi- centres of excellence and digital capabilities could into the air and veiling much of Europe and mally warm than we realized.
over the same period, from 8.4% to 7%. At best ty-growth countries such as China, Poland and reduce operational costs by 15-25%. Asia in a dark fog. That caused cold, fam- “You often hear politicians—ignorant
then, on average, the top 1,000 Indian corporates Vietnam, the figure is around 20%. This is an Another productivity opportunity for Indian ines and a wave of plague that coincided politicians—saying climate varies and it’s
are just about breaking even on the shareholder opportunity to be seized. manufacturers is to make higher-value goods, with the collapse of the Eastern Roman been warmer in the past so don’t get too
expectations of return and on WACC. McKinsey estimates that manufacturing could adopt better packaging and address markets with Empire. That year’s summer was just 1.9° excited about all this greenhouse gas we’re
It’s important to note that some sectors (soft- generate more than $1 trillion of GDP by 2030, or stronger brands. Food processing, capital goods, Celsius below the long-term average, putting into the atmosphere,” said Ray
ware, pharmaceuticals and automotive) have done double the figure of 2020, and provide a signifi- steel and steel products are areas of high potential. shows the Nature paper, and 3.9° Celsius Bradley, a climatologist of the University of
much better than others (apparel and energy). It’s cant share of the well-paid jobs needed for the Such efforts can be instituted without massive colder than the summer of 2023. Massachusetts, Amherst, who was an
also true that 1,000 companies form only a subset many people leaving farms. One approach to con- investment; indeed, higher profits and ROIC mean Volcanoes have been to blame for cooler author of the hockey-stick paper. But the
of the Indian economy. But it is a critical subset, sider is building manufacturing clusters near that these companies could reinvest their capital years. But the cause of past warm spells is natural records suggest it hasn’t been this
accounting for more than 90% of India’s market ports, with free-trade warehousing zones, faster surpluses rather than seek external investment. not as well understood. warm in 2,000 years, maybe longer, “so
capitalization and about half of the corporate reve- approval processes and more flexible labour laws. India’s productivity record since 1997 is strong. The year 246 CE was also unusually that’s a pretty exceptional situation.”
nue as a percentage of GDP. And the ROIC per- Improving manufacturing processes and capital The challenge is to build on this momentum. warm. More recently, the medieval-era Exceptional, but not hopeless. Today’s
formance for mid- and-small companies is worse. expenditure deployment could increase produc- There is considerable room for improvement to warm period between 800 CE and 1400 climatologists say it’s not too late to keep
What do all these numbers add up to say? With- tivity three to five times. Smart project planning, create sustainable and inclusive growth for the CE allowed orchards and pastures to global warming within a manageable
out improving ROIC, capital formation will falter. procurement and design could improve capital many millions who have not yet benefited from spread into north Europe, Iceland and range. If we listen to what nature is telling
And without improved capital formation, India productivity alone by 20-25%—a number that our remarkable progress. Greenland, and also triggered mega- us, we can keep 536 CE as the worst year to
cannot achieve its productivity potential. In short, would translate into jobs and competitiveness. For Nikhil Malhotra contributed to the article. droughts, famine and the collapse of civili- be alive. BLOOMBERG

MY VIEW | GENERAL DISEQUILIBRIUM

Finance in India has a new bogey called private credit


going through the intermediation of banks borrowers on the verge of defaulting on an This sleight of hand apart, private credit pensity for refinancing stressed assets is
RAJRISHI SINGHAL or NBFCs. Private credit thus becomes an old loan. The central bank detected that comes beribboned with several potential another red flag, in which one risk event can
alternative, non-conventional source of bor- banks and NBFCs were investing in these vulnerabilities. The April 2024 edition of potentially send the entire credit market
rowed capital for many privately held com- funds which were then routing money as Global Financial Stability report from the into disarray.
panies. Another crucial difference with tra- private credit to companies which had International Monetary Fund has devoted Then there is the issue of uneven regula-
ditional loans, apart from their repayment already borrowed from the same banks or an entire chapter to risks from private credit. tion leading to uneven competition. Lend-

P
rudent regulation of the financial sec- structure and security creation, lies in pri- NBFCs; the inflows were then used for meet- At a general level, private credit is remark- ing by banks and NBFCs is circumscribed by
tor requires that rules apply equally to vate credit charging higher interest rates. ing older repayment obli- ably opaque in its opera- their capital base; funds extending private
all regulated entities. This, apart from Private credit has been picking up in gations. This worked as a tions and remains lightly credit have no such restrictions. In fact,
delivering regulatory equity, deters less-reg- India, stepping into the breach after credit win-win for both the bor- Closer rules and regulated when compared unlike regulated entities, private credit pro-
ulated entities from mistaking an uneven markets gummed up and lending activity rower and lender. The bor- with banks or NBFCs that viders do not have to make any minimum
regulatory regime as an incentive for exces- froze following the 2018 collapse of IL&FS rower could avoid loans openness can are subject to relatively provisions while extending credit. Worse,
sive risk-taking. A uniform regulatory Ltd and other finance companies. A report getting tagged as non-per- stronger regulation and given the veil of secrecy that shields these
framework for all regulated entities not only by audit firm EY estimates that private credit forming assets (NPAs) and
mitigate risks. supervision. Even bond funds, there is no clarity when asset impair-

is a senior journalist and author


acts as a disincentive against excessive risk-
taking, but also safeguards financial stability.
totalled $7.8 billion (about ₹65,000 crore,
108 deals) during calendar 2023, compared
being referred for bank-
ruptcy proceedings. The
Recall, RBI had markets have some disclo-
sure requirements that
ment gets recognized, or whether the fund
has any provisioning standards or docu-
of the recently released book
‘Slip, Stitch and Stumble: The
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently
harmonized its regulatory framework for
with $5.3 billion (close to ₹43,500 crore, 77
deals) in 2022. Two deals stood out: a 3-year,
lender, on the other hand,
avoided having to recog-
to intervene impose an element of
restraint. In addition, pri-
mented recovery processes. Most private
credit comes structured with lenient
Untold Story of India’s Financial project finance to create a level-playing field ₹1,723-crore refinancing deal for the Shap- nize loan impairment, earlier to curb vate credit is like a bilateral restructuring clauses. There is also the ques-
Sector Reforms’ @rajrishisinghal between both commercial banks and infra- oorji Pallonji Group and a ₹711-crore refi- which would have entailed over-the-counter deal tion of capability: despite past slippages,
structure-focused non-banking financial nancing loan for Vedanta Group. In fact, it is reduced income and evergreening between borrower and len- most banks and NBFCs have developed deep
companies (NBFCs). believed that a large chunk of the private higher provisioning, both der, with no standardized institutional capacity over the years for
Private credit is another area crying out credit in India during the past few years was affecting profitability. The contracts or terms and con- credit appraisal, pricing, structuring, moni-
for such synchronization. earmarked for refinancing stressed real credit fund, in turn, earned interest income ditions. Given this level of opacity, any toring and recovery. Private credit, being
Private credit is advanced by funds pooled estate loans. and was able to keep a lid on risks by offering default by a private credit borrower has the relatively new in India, has competence gaps
together from mostly institutional investors RBI was forced to step in last year when it subordinate paper (which carries lower risk of catching the financial sector una- and this has shown up on numerous occa-
and actively managed by professional man- became clear that a significant portion of repayment obligations) to investing banks wares and acquiring the characteristics of a sions over the past few years.
agers. These funds usually invest capital in private credit being lent by private equity and NBFCs. RBI forbade banks and NBFCs contagion, especially since institutional Clearly, there is a need for regulatory
startups and early-stage companies in the funds was used for ‘evergreening’ existing from investing in funds which were lending investors have extensive ties across the sys- intervention here. Nobody wants a repeat of
form of non-publicly traded debt, without loans, or providing a fresh loan to corporate money to these stressed borrowers. tem. Indian private credit’s revealed pro- the 2008 chaos.
EDIT INDORE | MONDAY | MAY 20, 2024
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Not voting is not a protest. It is a
surrender.
— KEITH ELLISON

FREE PRESS
FOR FREE FLOW OF TRUTH
Who are the people attracted to public office?
vant to it. handicaps in electoral politics. She tion, despite the cost of election and tralised and voters have no

The Road But there is a second question did not have the money power the uncertainty of outcome. means of knowing the candidate’s

Travails of AAP: Ahead


vital to the health of representa-
tive democracy. What kind of peo-
ple are attracted to public office?
needed to get elected, and she was
not born in the right caste to have a
realistic prospect of electoral suc-
Often the question asked of an as-
pirant for a ‘seat’ is, how much
money they would spend! Many
antecedents, pedigree is a vital as-
set in our elections. It is not an ac-
cident that most parties are dy-

When thieves fight ÷ Jayaprakash Narayan


How are the contesting candi-
dates recruited? Are the most
public-spirited, ethical, rational
cess in her home State (Tamil
Nadu) or adopted State (AP/Telan-
gana).
persons who made vast amounts of
money by legitimate or illegitimate
means seem to seek validation
nastic, and even in constituencies
local dynasties dominate. Once a
parent is (or was) an established
citizens entering public office, or Sitharaman is a competent, hon- through elective office. They are politician, there are several ad-

F
or a party barely a decade or so old, the Aam

P
Aadmi Party does have a knack of hogging the rolonged electoral are they deterred? Only when the est, public-spirited leader who is willing to spend astronomical vantages the son/daughter enjoys
campaign, scorching heat public-spirited and competent cit- serving the country well. Irre- sums to get themselves known in – caste, money, name-
headlines. Birthed in an atmosphere of intense and intense polarisation izens find politics hospitable, and spective of the party affiliation, the constituency, please the key recognition, connections in
popular curiosity generated by Anna Hazare’s fast make a potent combination. Most when they can rise to power we need leaders like that in leaders of a party and most of all party, and network in the con-
against corruption at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan in mid- Indians are mesmerised by the through ethical and rational public office. And yet, very often distribute money and gifts to the stituency. In the absence of mech-
2011, the political entity emerging from it soon strayed election contest, and the 24x7 means, can we be governed well. the individuals who are best suit- voters, apart from incurring legiti- anisms to groom genuine leader-
from its avowed mission, turning into any other party breathless media coverage is al- If unworthy citizens rise to office, ed to public service are not elec- mate campaign expenditure. In ship, pedigree offers great advan-
pursuing sheer pelf and power by whatever means pos- most entirely about who will win or if the means to power are so table, and those ‘electable’ are of- many states, a person who cannot tages. We are worried about the
and who will lose. In all this excite- unwholesome and ugly that they ten not fit to govern well! Jais- raise and spend Rs 15-30 crore for criminalisation of politics. About
sible. Not unlike most other parties AAP too became a ment, two all-important questions subvert the collective public good one-sixth of the candidates of ma-
one-leader outfit deep in the clutches of a crafty leader, are often neglected. that those in power should pur- Only when the public-spirited and competent citizens jor parties have serious criminal
Arvind Kejriwal. All those heady oaths about limiting
the headship of the party to a single three-year term,
The first question is what will
happen after the election. I have al-
sue, then we will continue to un-
der-perform as a nation. Let us
find politics hospitable, and when they can rise to antecedents. There is a reason
why established crime lords are
enacting a strong anti-corruption ombudsman law, not ways maintained that elections are briefly examine political recruit- power through ethical and rational means, can we be perceived by parties to be elec-
accepting a penny without disclosing on its website the not about the candidates; they are
about us, the voters and tax payers.
ment in our country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi governed well table; they have money (from
crime), caste support (every crim-
name and address of the donors, denying party mem- We entrust our collective needs to has accused several major Opposi- inal who entered politics styled
bership to the corrupt and criminal elements et al were the care of our elected representa- tion leaders of running away from hankar, Venkaiah Naidu, Arun Assembly election or Rs 50-75 himself as a caste community
abandoned with contempt. A few public-spirited indi- tives through our vote, and we pay direct elections to legislatures. It is Jaitley, Arun Shourie, Manmo- crores for Lok Sabha election is leader), strong organisation and
viduals who were drawn to the Hazare protest soon taxes to fund the collective services true that in a democracy the legiti- han Singh, Pranab Mukherjee, generally not in serious considera- muscle power, and name-recogni-
found themselves ejected out of AAP by Kejriwal. Only and public goods. Therefore the macy for a government or leader- and many other competent lead- tion for a party's candidature. Once tion (though ‘settlements’).
those who played second fiddle and did his bidding elections are about what will hap- ship is derived from people’s man- ers had to be accommodated in the money hurdle is cleared, the Our democracy is real and
pen in the next five years. Will our date. All power springs from vote, Rajya Sabha as our electoral caste of origin of the aspirant be- robust; but it is also fragile and
were welcome. collective needs be fulfilled effi- and all institutions of state in turn process often does not give space comes the most important determi- flawed in some respects. We need
Upon first bursting into power in the Delhi Assembly ciently and wisely? Or will those in should be accountable to the elect- to worthy individuals. nant. to go beyond partisan politics and
polls held at the peak of the euphoria generated by Haz- power focus on pleasing the voters ed legislature directly or It is no secret that in many States, As parties rely on caste as the power struggles to strengthen our
are’s anti-corruption campaign, and bolstered further by short-term individual welfare at indirectly. Otherwise we will have the unaccounted, illegitimate ex- most important means of political democracy and make our govern-
by the promise of bijlee-pani free, the AAP from day the cost of long-term public good? unelected autocracy, and democra- penditure incurred by major can- mobilisation, the caste of the fu- ments work for us, the voters and
one adopted a recalcitrant attitude towards the central And will the elected representa- cy is subverted. didates is astronomical. There is ture candidate is all-important. the tax-payers.
tives focus on public good, or will But the issue is more complicat- intense, unseemly competition for Sadly, since money power and
government. Finger-pointing at others became its de- they enjoy power for private gain ed. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Fi- obtaining a major party endorse- pleasing the party bosses are crit- The author is the founder of Lok Satta
fault mode. For any and every problem which proved at our expense? This is the central nance Minister, recently explained ment for election to Legislative As- ical, a genuinely worthy leader movement and Foundation for
beyond its mental and administrative capacities, and question of representative democ- her political predicament publicly. sembly or Lok Sabha. There is no from the ‘wrong caste’ may not Democratic Reforms.
almost all civic problems came in this category, it racy, and most of these columns She politely declined to contest for country where there is such a have much of a chance! In a mi- Email:drjploksatta@gmail.com /
blamed the Centre initially led by the Congress govern- are devoted to raising issues rele- Lok Sabha, and revealed her two scramble for ‘seats’ before an elec- lieu in which power is highly cen- Twitter@jp_loksatta
ment and later by the BJP government. The Delhi

We need multiple leaders, not ‘One Great Leader’


Chief Minister was always right, nay infallible, while
everyone else was doggedly wrong and ill-motivated.
Media manipulation was its calling card. It was not
long before the higher courts would order the AAP in
response to a PIL to recoup the exchequer taxpayers’
ment Directorate; the Election one of the worst democracies in ex- of separation,’ Bhutto was a well- per cent’ Asif Zardari, and the
money misused for party propaganda. Kejriwal has not
returned a penny out of the tens of crores he was or- On My Commission, the University
Grants Commission or the Courts
istence for the last 75 years.
The tragedy of Pakistan is the
educated powerful orator and a
popular mass leader. However, he
rest had their own contempt for
democratic institutions and the
dered to pay back by the courts. Even the courts have
decided to ignore the non-compliance. Despite a raging Mind — to function without fear or
favour and uphold constitutional
values to the highest standards.
string of authoritarian rulers — be
they politicians or military dicta-
tors who have trampled on demo-
was also extremely arrogant, vin-
dictive, manipulative and dictato-
rial. As Devasher notes, despite be-
democratic framework. In the
first three decades of independ-
ence itself, the foundations of
controversy around the self-avowed aam-aadmi messi-
ah who was always at pains to be seen in a cheap shirt, ÷Abhay Vaidya This can be seen routinely in the
United States of America and in
cratic institutions from time to
time, turning Pakistan’s democra-
ing a democratically elected mass
leader, “he had a strong dictatorial
democracy in Pakistan had
been completely destroyed. The
modest chappals and a five-rupee ballpoint pen in his
Europe where constitutional bod- cy into a farce. Former bureaucrat streak, making him intolerant of result is there in front of all of us
chest pocket lavishing over Rs 50 crore of public funds

T
he world’s most powerful ies such as the courts and commis- in the cabinet secretariat, Tilak any opposition”. Bhutto not only today.
on his luxury mansion too failed to shame into discard- democracy and one of the sions spare no one, including Pres- Devasher, has captured this beau- humiliated his jailed political op- Pakistan has failed as a demo-
ing his sham aam aadmi act. Indeed, AAP is no differ- world’s worst democracies idents and Prime Ministers. For- tifully in his book, ‘Pakistan at the ponents but also targeted a number cratic state in spite of two super-
ent from other one-man outfits which, when all is said in our neighbourhood, have les- mer US President Donald Trump is Helm’, presenting valuable lessons of journalists with arrests and per- powers by its side only because of
and done, are money-making vehicles for the control- sons for the world’s largest democ- currently facing trial for his for India and other young democ- secution, hammering the media disastrous leadership. In sharp
ling families. We have made this point in this space racy to make her better for future alleged interference in the 2020 racies. into meek submission. contrast, Pakistan could have be-
generations. elections and the US Supreme Based on deep, meticulous re- In December 1971, when Bhutto come a very strong, prosperous
earlier and we make it yet again. Barring the CPI (M) These are lessons on how strong Court is examining the extent to search, his book presents insights was sworn in as President and and successful nation with all the
and the BJP most other political parties are family en- democratic institutions led by ef- which he is entitled to presidential into the leadership traits of a string Chief Martial Law Administrator, support and funding that it re-
terprises out to enrich themselves at the cost of the peo- fective leaders in all sectors — immunity from criminal prosecu- ceived from the United States
ple. Anyone sitting in Chennai or Lucknow, Mumbai or ranging from an efficient Chief tion. In a landmark case in the The disastrous example of Pakistan shows that India decade after decade.
Patna is aware of the modest financial position of the Justice of India and Election Com-
missioners right down to inspiring
1970s, the US Supreme Court up-
held the impeachment proceedings needs multiple leaders at all levels to make her a There are stark lessons to be
drawn from this: Howsoever great
dominant political families in their respective regions.
They all had humble beginnings and are now rolling in
school and college teachers — are against then president Richard powerful and purposeful democracy. (s)he may be, India’s destiny can-
necessary to help make our nation Nixon for his complicity in the Wa- not be allowed to rest on the shoul-
ill-earned wealth. There is no other business than polit- a powerful and purposeful democ- tergate scandal, leading to his res- ders of ‘one great leader’. It is far
ical business. Because the party-owners make money racy. ignation from the world's most of top Pakistani leaders who he told his first cabinet meeting, more important for all of us to
through questionable means it is natural for the follow- The recent Supreme Court powerful office. grabbed power, repeatedly sus- “Gentlemen, we are here for focus on strengthening democratic
ers too to dip in the public till. The classic case of the cor- judgement ordering the release of India, too, has some shining ex- pended democracy by imposing twenty years.” institutions as has been done in the
rupt leading the corrupt. NewsClick founder Prabir amples of institutions protecting martial law; muzzled the press and Says Devasher, once firmly en- US, UK and Europe.
Purkayastha on grounds that his and strengthening her democracy. the judiciary; rigged elections and trenched in power “Bhutto system- Our leaders at all levels — be they
As to the question why voters don’t reject the corrupt arrest by Delhi Police under the Such as the 13 bench Kesavananda dismembered their own nation by atically moulded state institutions judges and commissioners of all
political dynasties, the answer lies in the fact that cor- anti-terrorism law was illegal; Bharati judgement of the Supreme not honouring the results of the to his will. In the process, they kinds; law enforcement officers,
ruption has been internalised by most of us. In some and the interim bail granted to Court (SC) in which the SC 1970 general elections. were badly damaged and the state ruling or opposition politicians; po-
way even the most upright citizens have had to put up Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Ke- asserted its authority to protect the In 1971, Pakistan broke into two suffered the consequences.” The litical parties, and literally every-
with petty corruption of the lowly babu in a govern- jriwal allowing him to campaign basic structure doctrine of the con- leading to the creation of judiciary was made subservient one, including common citizens
ment office in everyday life. That may explain the pop- for the ongoing Lok Sabha elec- stitution. Bangladesh simply because the and the powerful civil service was like you and I need to contribute re-
tions, are just two instances of a However, what happens when senior Pakistani leader Zulfikar destroyed by bringing in party ac- sponsibly. This is what will make
ularity of don-netas, the modern-day Robin Hoods who healthy democratic institution in there is a complete breakdown and Ali Bhutto did not want to cede tivists through the ‘Lateral Entry India a better nation for future gen-
bilk the system and dispense a rough and ready justice action. capitulation of democratic institu- power to East Pakistan’s Sheikh Scheme’. erations.
to the poor and the needy. A democratic nation requires tions in the face of an Mujibur Rehman whose Awami Bhutto’s predecessors notably,
To return to AAP, undoubtedly a lot of people were every democratic institution — be authoritarian government led by a League had won a thumping ma- presidents Ayub Khan and Yahya The author is a journalist and works for
initially attracted to AAP in the hope that it would play it the law enforcement agencies dictatorial leader? Look at what jority in the 1970 general elections. Khan, and those who came after a policy research think tank. He tweets
by the rule-book, not trample over norms and propri- such as the Police or the Enforce- has been happening in Pakistan — Popularly described as ‘catalyst him such as Zia-ul-Haq, ‘Mr. 10 at @abhay_vaidya
eties and steer away from the endemic corruption and
criminality which is the calling card of politicians. But
again we were cheated, Kejriwal proved to be the an-
Authenticity and skilfulness LETTERS billboards advertising such a ‘Gobo
projection’, indoor advertising in shopping
The Supreme Court has on diverse
occasions said in no uncertain terms that it
tithesis of an ideal leader, eagerly joining the corrupt — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar TO THE EDITOR malls, railway stations, markets etc, is mandatory on the part of the police to
advertising on buses and taxis and media, inform the arrested person of all basic facts

A
and permissive cabal. His overweening ambition for uthenticity and skillful- ways have room for improve-
power could soon be his undoing. With the central gov- ness appear to be contra- ment. Action means growth and Standards for billboards projecting images on building facades and on which he was being arrested. Unless the
dictory, but in fact they movement, and that needs on roads etc. They can be considered. grounds of arrest are stated, the arrest shall

T
ernment engaged in showing his true face, the AAP are complementary. Your inten- space. here are no BIS standards exclusively for Dr O Prasada Rao be treated as illegal and void ab initio.
supremo may soon run out of evasive and diversionary tions need to be authentic and The depth and the freedom in billboards, they are designed based on Arun Gupta
ruses. The Maliwal scandal could prove the last straw your actions need to be skilful. you bring out the skilfulness in loads coming on its structure including Backbone of democracy
that broke the camel’s back. The more authentic the inten- you. Krishna was the most skil- wind loads. They are constructed out of Missing funny bone?
FPJ Archives
INDIA 75 YEARS AGO
tion, the more skilful the action
will be. Authentic intention and
ful, because his silence was so
deep.
structural steel frame covered with
galvanised, vinyl, aluminium, PVC, and
acrylic sheets etc. The steel frame needs to
A n election can be termed as a decision-
or opinion-making process which is
used to elect candidates for a specific A nyone who has watched videos of
Shyam Rangeela will agree that he has
MAY 20, 1949 skilful action make you un- When you are dealing with ob-
shakeable. stacles in life, it is important to be replaced by concrete structure, except position. Election plays a pivotal role in a an inborn talent for mimicry. Going by
Skill is required only when au- keep the mind positive. Some frame for attaching sheet, and designed on political system especially in a democratic Shyam's own statement, his act was not
thenticity cannot have its way. ash may accumulate and cover principles of multistoried or high rise form of government in a country. It is a tool taken in the right spirit by the "sarkar".
Yet skill without authenticity the fire but once that is blown building. Lightweight sheets (non-metallic) which is used to choose the representatives Instead of giving Rangeela a well-deserved
makes you shallow. You cannot away, the fire rises up and need to be used and it should have holes of public to be sent to the governing pat on his back, he was served with
have an authentic action and a shines brightly.Look at how or openings to release or weaken the wind bodies. It could also be termed as the warnings and threatened with dire
skilful intention. If you try to be many problems you have had in pressure acting on it to prevent its toppling backbone of democracy as this is the way consequences. If a mimic is seen as a
authentic in your action but ma- the past -- how they have all down. There should be a limit on the through which the citizen of a country potential threat to the image of a leader,
nipulative in your mind, that come and then, gone. maximum height of billboards. BIS should directly participate in framing the there's something seriously wrong with the
is when mistakes happen. There were times when frame standards for design and government which works for their welfare. leader or the mimic. Or it is possible that
Is it possible to have a pow- you thought, you will construction of billboards. They cause Jubel D'Cruz the leader has yet to discover his funny
erful intention, like not be able to survive it, directly and indirectly accidents by bone.
greed, that is authen-
tic? If your intention is
but you did! Know
that even this will pass,
collapsing as happened in Mumbai and by
distracting the attention of motorists while
Basic principles neglected Avinash Godboley, Dewas

T
coloured by such and you have driving, since they inadvertently look at his refers to the news report "SC Dear reader,
feelings as greed
GUIDING LIGHT the energy and them losing concentration. These aspects quashes arrest"( May 16).I am at a loss We are eager to know your opinions, comments and
suggestions. Write to editor.indore@fpj.co.in Using snail
or over-ambition, then your in- power within you to overcome should be considered while framing how Delhi police failed and neglected to mail? Send your letters to Free Press, Free Press House, 3/54,
tention is not authentic. When- it.Suppose you don't have the standards. There are some powerful and comply with the basic principles of law Press Complex, AB Road, Indore 452008
ever your intentions are faith that these problems will get effective alternatives to conventional while arresting editor Prabir Purakayastha.
impure, it pricks your con- solved with time, then
sciousness, so it cannot be au- surrender can help. Surrender MIKA’S MATRIX
thentic. Authentic intentions does not indicate weakness. In
are free from negative emotions. fact it is only those who are truly
An action that is not skilful leads strong, who can surrender.
to negative emotions and an in- Suppose you don't even believe
tention that is not authentic har- in God — "I haven't seen God.
bors negative emotions. How can I trust something I
What happens if your inten- haven't seen?" Then at least find
tion is authentic but your ac- ways to keep your mind cool.
tions are not skilful? Carry a One technique is, remember the
SABOTAGE IN CALCUTTA POSTAL SERVICE handkerchief! What is the best
skill to deal with intention? Do
moon and the way the rays of the
moon fall upon you. Look at the
Calcutta, May 19. Mr Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, India's Minister for not keep any sankalpas, or in- moon for a while. A sense of
Communications, told pressmen today that there had been a tentions, to yourself. Offer them calm takes over the mind. You
deliberate attempt to delay the delivery of letters and other postal to the Higher Self. Actions can need to keep the mind pure and
articles in Calcutta, with the result that these articles took much never be perfect but our inten- expanded, for ideas and solu-
longer time to reach their destinations. tions can be perfect. Actions al- tions to arise.
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OPINION 9
STAY INFORMED THROUGH THE DAY @ WWW.BUSINESS-STANDARD.COM

Volume XXVIII Number 237


MUMBAI | MONDAY, 20 MAY 2024

Demand revival Jobs, cronyism, and welfare


Corporate results show growth momentum continues A lacklustre campaign throws up some differences in economic strategy
ILLUSTRATION: AJAY MOHANTY

A
n examination of the company results for Q4FY24 (January-March 2024) million, provided a comfortable cushion to the incum-
indicates corporate growth recovery continues with some margin expan- bents’ vote share.
Since then, the Bharatiya Janata Party has doubled
sion. However, banks and financials have contributed a high proportion
down on its dominance of this narrative. Its victories
of overall profits, and many of the large public-sector enterprises (PSEs) in the last round of assembly elections, it has been
that dominate the energy sector have not released results yet. So trends in certain argued, were a product of the “Modi ki guarantee” slo-
key sectors may not be readily apparent. Overall, 1,040 listed companies with a gan, which centred around the effectiveness of welfare,
cutoff of minimum sales of ~1 crore in Q4FY24 have reported results. They have even at the state level, through the Prime Minister’s
reported 10 per cent growth in net sales, 21 per cent rise in earnings before interest, personal intervention. The Congress since then has
tax, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda), and 18 per cent growth in profits after attempted to one-up the government by promising to
tax (PAT). Excluding volatile sectors such as banks, other financial players, and oil double the free food ration to 10 kilograms a month.
companies, the remaining companies have declared 7.8 per cent growth in sales, 13 But there is, perhaps, some fatigue with this particular
issue. On the ground, “Modi ki guarantee” advertise-
per cent growth in Ebitda, and 17.7 per cent growth in PAT. Notably, banks saw 24.5
ments have been slowly replaced over the course of
per cent growth in interest income and 46 per cent rise in reported PAT.

M
ore than 10 days remain in this general elec- more than enough arguments to be made against the the campaign. It is unlikely that post-2024 analysis
For several quarters, the economy has been driven by government spending tion campaign, and it is fair to assume that Congress’ preferred mechanism for ensuring job will be able to identify welfarism as the major theme
with low consumption demand. It’s not clear if this situation is changing. In terms few new issues will be raised in the time that growth. To give him his due, Prime Minister Narendra of this campaign the way it was in 2019.
of big-ticket consumption, the auto sector is indeed seeing high demand, with better remains. It has been a relatively dull affair in compar- Modi rolled out some of them in an interview last The relationship between the state and big busi-
unit volumes and improving average selling prices. In the auto segment, the quarter ison to many past elections; the personal popularity week. He pointed out that government jobs are not ness, however, has not gone away as an issue. The
saw Maruti and the two-wheeler majors — Hero, Bajaj Auto, and TVS — reporting a of the incumbent Prime Minister has perhaps led many the same as employment generation, and suggested initial salvo here was fired by the Prime Minister, when
strong showing. Good volume offtake from the two-wheeler segment and Maruti is to assume that there is no real challenge from the that small-scale “Mudra” loans and infrastructure he suggested that Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi
usually a strong indicator of consumption demand. However, performances in the Opposition, thereby rendering the process less inter- investment also created jobs — 60 million of them, he was no longer attacking large industrialists because
fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector are also considered to be indicative of esting. Recent claims that this election has become claimed. He also attempted to defend his government’s “tempos full of notes” had reached the Congress. Mr
more competitive seem to have affected the markets changes to recruitment for public-sector jobs. But that Gandhi seems to have, in turn, intensified his rhetoric,
broader consumption demand and there the results were not so impressive. Sales
and elements of the media discourse, but do not seem may be a losing argument; paper leaks, postponements attacking the government for its closeness to oligarchs.
grew by 7 per cent across the sector but profitability was distorted by Godrej Consumer to be backed up by anything concrete. and cancellations have rendered the recruitment pro- In one such speech, he said: “The whole public sector
taking a big impairment in overseas operations due to currency issues. Adjusting Yet, even if this is not the most cess a nightmare for applicants. will disappear, and the country will be ruled by 22-25
for that event, Ebitda rose by 12 per cent and PAT by 13 per cent. However, most competitive general election of our Yet it might be worth pointing out people. Who are these people? They are the billionaires
companies reported low volume increases and squeezed out better results on the lifetime, it is nevertheless worth that this strategy clearly also has declin- of India … whose eyes are on your land, forest and
basis of price hikes. unpacking some of the narratives to ing effectiveness. Infrastructure invest- water… All the airports, power stations, ports, infras-
Information technology (IT) and pharmaceuticals are the two sectors that are attempt to identify what, if any, eco- ment — particularly if it results in con- tructure have been given by PM Modi to these 22-25
considered bellwether for exports. IT companies issued cautious advisories as they nomic issues are considered worthy struction — can indeed expand the people. He has never waived off your loans, but he has
have now done for the past five quarters. They reported 3 per cent sales growth in of democratic debate. opportunities available for unskilled waived off loans of 22 richest people for ~16 lakh crore.”
The Congress’ manifesto seemed to labour. Some studies suggest that con- The Prime Minister has shifted somewhat in
constant-currency terms, 8 per cent rise in Ebitda, and 9 per cent rise in PAT.
promise that some such debate might struction is, in fact, the only sector response to this. In recent speeches in Jharkhand,
Cutbacks in headcounts continue. The pharma sector did much better with 8 per be opened. It was heavily populist com- where this has happened and thus which has a long history of Maoist violence, he has
cent rise in constant-currency sales, 34 per cent rise in Ebitda, and 50 per cent rise pared to previous iterations of the par- rural-to-urban migration in India, for said that Mr Gandhi is “using Maoist language” and
in PAT. To a large extent, raw material and supply-chain concerns caused by the
impact of Covid on China’s Wuhan Province (which is a key production centre for
ty’s platform. It promised major
changes, for example, to India’s reser-
POLICY RULES example, is disproportionately depen-
dent upon the health of that single sec-
that investors will “think 50 times” before investing
in Congress-ruled states as a consequence. Is there a
drugs) have eased. The policy focus on infrastructure development has meant strong vations in jobs and educational insti- MIHIR S SHARMA tor. Stories from the heartland are run clear distinction being built up here? The Congress
demand for construction companies and for key building materials like cement tutions: an amendment to the through with concerns that even young has certainly taken a sharp turn left, which has per-
and steel. However, the general elections have led to a tapering off in government Constitution that would remove the 50 per cent cap people who have sunk money in online coaching class- haps encouraged the PM to focus on his investment-
tenders, which will also affect Q1FY25. The steel industry, for instance, saw flat sales that currently exists on quotas, and additional quotas es or entrance examinations wind up working as stone friendly credentials. The obvious rejoinder — the fact
with lower profits and Ebitda as global steel prices have dropped. for the economically weaker sections of society. The crushers or for building contractors. Broadening these that private investment has not exactly taken off over
focus on public sector jobs continued with the assur- opportunities appears necessary. This subject, of a the past 10 years — has however not been made
The Q4FY24 results are, therefore, mildly encouraging. They do suggest that
ance that the party would fill “nearly 30 lakh vacancies” new job-creating growth paradigm, has been avoided by the Opposition.
economic growth continues and there may be a revival in consumption demand. in the Union government and end the slow process of by both the government and the Opposition. Economic policy might not be the dominant issue
But the soft global economy is cause for concern, affecting demand for software contractualisation within the state sector. The gov- The last general elections, in 2019, were fought — in this election. But, to the extent that it is, the differ-
services and commodities like steel and other industrials. Interest costs are also up ernment’s reforms to military recruitment, meant to to the extent that economics played a role —around ence on matters such as privatisation seems larger
across the board — the entire sample reported a 30 per cent rise in it and this is reduce the Army’s excess manpower, were also questions of welfare. The Congress promised a basic than in previous years; but the Opposition has not
hurting profitability even in industries where other raw material costs have eased. promised to end. income scheme of ~72,000 a year for the poorest 20 succeeded in defining itself around the central concern
One would expect that this set of issues would per cent of the country. The government, meanwhile, for many voters, employment generation. The gov-
touch off a debate on the best way to create employ- emphasised the improvements it had made to welfare ernment seems to continue to get a free pass, regardless

Entry barriers ment growth in India, and whether such growth is delivery in kind, such as to the public distribution sys-
inclusive. Given some recent studies have shown that tem and the availability of cooking gas. Post-election
job and wage growth in India has stalled, that would analysis insisted that the creation of a “labharthi varg”,
of its record, on that particular issue.

The writer is director, Centre for the Economy and Growth,


Workplaces still fall short on women’s safety have been a timely and relevant discussion. There are or a class of welfare recipients numbering over 200 Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi

S
ince 2014, Indian companies have been pressured by courts and the market
regulator to enhance the protection of their women employees against

Economy: From Modi 1.5 to Modi 3.0


sexual harassment at the workplace. But in the 10 years since the start of
such coordinated state action to safeguard the safety and dignity of women
at the workplace, corporate India’s efforts towards meaningfully addressing the
issue appear to be woefully inadequate. First came the Sexual Harassment of

A
Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, POSH for s we get closer to the final stages of the 2024 four-decade low; unemployment at a 45-year high; bility of generating consistently high long-term
short, which was passed by Parliament in 2013, and it made it mandatory for com- general election, we are being told that plans and so on. In a desperate move, in September 2019, growth? Not quite. We need hardcore reforms such as
panies to set up internal complaint committees (ICCs) to hear complaints of sexual for Modi 3.0 are ready. While expectations the government cut taxes for the corporate sector to minimising frictional costs of doing business, reducing
among his fans are high that Narendra Modi will put kickstart growth. This knee-jerk move achieved noth- time for approvals, reducing the cost of infrastructure
harassment and disclose this data in their annual reports. In 2018, the Securities
India on a different orbit, I would say we are really at ing; companies don’t invest just because they have such as power, toll, and fuel, and improving labour
and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) required all listed companies to disclose data Modi 1.5 now, given the series of ineffective policies, more surplus. They need to see demand. productivity, which is among the lowest in the world.
on sexual harassment in their annual reports. But the inadequacy of the data and poor governance, and at least one irrational action This ought to be supported by soft reforms such as a
the absence of follow-up by regulatory agencies point to widespread indifference that has characterised the past 10 years of Mr Modi’s Modi 1.5 fair and speedier justice system and drastic elimination
to the issue. rule. Indeed, for most of the first seven years, the gov- When Covid-19 dealt another big blow to the economy, of corruption. The government has made no dent in
A recent study by Ashoka University’s Centre for Economic Data and Analysis, ernment was struggling to show even a glimpse of its the government finally stepped in to generate growth any of these critical areas.
based on 300 listed companies on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), underlines much-touted development model. Part of the blame through huge capital expenditure. Strangely, Mr Modi
for this lay with the mess left by the does not take credit for this in his What about corruption?
this trend. It shows an increase in the number of cases of sexual harassment reported
by Indian companies in their annual reports but a growing gap between the number United Progressive Alliance (UPA), but election speeches. The government Remember, “development” is not the only thing the
Mr Modi’s entire first term and two has spent massive amounts to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised. The pri-
of complaints and their resolution. To create as representative a sample as possible,
years of the second term were largely increase defence production, and mary appeal of Mr Modi in the runup to the general
researchers covered 100 companies with the highest market capitalisation, another characterised by wrong, irrelevant and on urban infrastructure, railways, elections of 2014 was his war cry against corruption in
100 in the middle, and the rest from the smallcap segment analysed from 2012-13, a wasteful policies that hobbled the renewable energy, transportation, the UPA period. Demonetisation promised to end cor-
year before the Act was implemented, to 2022-23. In the first year that POSH came Indian economy. It is only in the last water supply, etc. Government cap- ruption (a peculiar logic accepted by even financial
into effect, the companies in this sample reported 161 cases; by FY23, the number three years that the economy has ital expenditure as a percentage of experts), but was a disaster. Not even Modi fans can
had jumped to 1,160, suggesting improved reporting and redress protocols. But this moved ahead from Modi 1.0 to what I total expenditure hit 28 per cent in claim that corruption and the generation of fresh black
is a partial picture at best. For one, the gap between resolution and reporting has would call version 1.5. FY24 from just 14 per cent in FY14. money have been curbed. Indeed, over the past few
been steadily expanding. The POSH Act also requires companies to disclose the One of the reasons for the long peri- The government has also incen- years, the BJP has welcomed shady characters from
number of complaints unresolved and pending at the end of each year; this too has od of economic sluggishness was the
shock delivered by the government itself
IRRATIONAL CHOICE tivised local manufacturing
through production-linked incen-
other parties, many of whom had corruption cases
dropped against them after they joined the BJP. A
been rising. If the rise in the number of cases suggests that employees are becoming
— the decision to demonetise 85 per DEBASHIS BASU tives for 14 sectors, though it is too party that was dubbed “National Corruption Party”
more confident about reporting harassment, the poor resolution could point to the
cent of the currency. It remains the low- early to judge their impact. While by Mr Modi is now the BJP’s ally. Many economists
inefficacy of the ICCs. According to a Walchand Plus survey, conducted in January est point in Mr Modi’s policymaking, causing massive the economy and the stock market have benefited don’t think corruption is an important factor in eco-
last year, about a third of the organisations do not conduct any POSH training for disruption, destroying jobs and businesses, and inflict- from this, such spending will have to continue for a nomic growth. But high corruption creates wrong eco-
employees and a third have little faith in ICCs as a means of redress. ing widespread misery. By 2019, the combined impact long time because there are many structural impedi- nomic incentives, leads to a higher-cost economy, saps
Institutional inertia towards addressing workplace harassment is also evident of demonetisation, the ham-handed and rushed intro- ments to the private sector picking up the baton of enterprise, lowers productivity and ultimately shows
in the starkly uneven pattern of compliance with the laws. Just 81 of the 300 com- duction of goods and services tax, reduced purchasing growth right now. up in inflation, weak currency, higher interest rates,
panies in the data set accounted for 1,160 cases in FY23, with half the cases reported power and lack of capital spending meant that the This is where the picture gets muddy. Does the and reduced consumption. Like corruption, all ele-
across just eight companies. The rest of the sample, 219 companies, did not report economy was in dire straits. People have a short mem- Indian government have the capacity to continue such ments of the economy under Modi 1.0 have remained
any cases, a trend since 2014. The Ashoka University study also reveals that it is the ory, which helps politicians. To jog your memory, this high spending (~11 trillion, plus inflation) year after the same under Modi 1.5, while increasing tax-and-
was the picture in mid-2019: Poor export growth; cries year? Already India’s debt-GDP ratio is 82 per cent, spend to create growth. If these structural issues are
largecap companies that account for 98 per cent of the complaints. Smallcap com-
of tax terrorism even from Modi supporters; a collapse one of the highest ever. A small crisis would push inter- addressed (yes, corruption included) we could brand
panies are conspicuous by their absence. When these trends are extrapolated to the of growth in gross domestic product (GDP), a growth est rates higher and the rupee lower, ruining govern- it Modi 3.0 if you like. For India’s sake, let’s hope he
corporate sector as a whole, the picture that emerges is that in the third decade of rate below 5 per cent (3.5 per cent under the old ment finances, and, the one engine that is keeping tackles these issues.
the 21st century the Indian workplace remains hostile to women, that too at a time method); auto sales at a 20-year low; poor manufac- the economy running faster: Government capex.
when women’s participation in the workforce remains low. turing growth; a crisis in financial services and banking On the other hand, have there been any structural The writer is editor of www.moneylife.in and a trustee of the
after some big defaults; household consumption at a reforms to help the private sector fulfil the responsi- Moneylife Foundation; @Moneylifers

TAMING THE BEHIND THE STARTUP:

USA Inc: Woke vs greed


THE WOLVES OF K
OCTOPUS: The How Venture Capital STREET: The Secret
Long Battle for Shapes Work, History of How Big
the Soul of the Innovation, and Money Took Over
more than six decades later. AllDone’s nerve centre, filled with
Corporation Inequality Big Government
In Williams’s telling, the free- software engineers and highly educated Author: Kyle Author: Benjamin Author: Brody
marketers may engage in tactical retreats tech bros (mostly men) whose “first
Edward Williams Shestakofsky and Luke Mullins
but always re-emerge, perhaps because guiding principle,” according to the Publisher: Norton Publisher: University Publisher: Simon
they can fall back on the rigorous logic of company’s introductory email: “Play Pages: 290 of California Press & Schuster
economics, divorced from the messiness to win: We’re a professional sports Price: $29.99 Pages: 311 Pages: 612
BOOK REVIEW of the real world. Williams, a historian team, not a family.” That intensely Price: $29.95 Price: $34.99
and editor, offers competitive environment is in stark
JAMES B STEWART a brisk and even-handed overview of contrast to the nurturing “family”
corporate regulation. He isn’t the first culture in the fast-growing Philippines observes. The Las Vegas operation was no surprise that an industry based on novelistic detail. Podesta, for example,

I
t’s been 14 years since Goldman Sachs — and surely won’t be the last — to hub, where human labour is cheaper eventually shut, its functions moved to access, personal connections, influence was so obsessed with collecting
was vilified as a “vampire squid” conclude that “the corporate octopus than using artificial intelligence. Salt Lake City. and money would attract a rogues’ expensive art that he stayed in Turin,
by Matt Taibbi in Rolling Stone. is an institution incapable of Las Vegas was the base for the AllDone has emerged as a “unicorn”. gallery of strivers and opportunists for Italy, for an art fair even as his once
“Organised greed always defeats being tamed.” company’s call centre, where contractors Its founders and the company’s venture whom conflicts of interest are cultivated powerful lobbying firm imploded.
disorganised democracy,” he concluded Behind the Startup by Benjamin (nearly all women) fielded customer capitalist investors are enormously rich, rather than shunned. After reading about these lobbyists’
then. Yet organised greed lives on, a Shestakofsky, began life as a PhD thesis questions and complaints and, as in the at least on paper — unlike its work force. These include: Tony Podesta lavish spending, self-indulgence
seemingly intractable aspect of human with the premise that its author would go Philippines, worked for low pay with no Many readers will no doubt find these (investigated but never charged as part and outright frauds, their ensuing
nature, as three new business books to work at a San Francisco start-up and benefits. It appeared to be a tough job. As discrepancies troubling, as does the of the inquiry by the special counsel downfalls (in most cases) come as a
make clear. write about it, on condition that he not one supervisor commented, callers were sociologist in Shestakofsky. “Among the Robert S Mueller III into Donald not-so-guilty pleasure.
The age-old swing of the pendulum name the company or its employees. The “pissed off and they want someone to yell most glaring social problems associated Trump’s ties to Russia); Paul Manafort The Mullins brothers sought
between greed, excess and regulation is start-up, which he calls AllDone, aims to at.” She advised a rattled employee: with venture capitalism is its role in (convicted of multiple felonies comment from Courtovich, who is still
the subject of Taming the Octopus by Kyle be the Amazon of service providers, “Deep breath in, deep breath out! Go to reproducing vast disparities in wealth,” connected to his lobbying for Ukraine plying his trade on Capitol Hill despite
Edward Williams. Inevitably, greed and matching customers with mostly small, your happy place!” he writes. “Venture capitalism is before being pardoned by Trump); and brushes with scandal and repeated
scandal breed regulation, which in turn local businesses. Despite efforts to foster the same designed to further enrich the wealthiest Roger Stone (also convicted of felonies run-ins with the police at his South
provokes proponents of the free market Readers willing to wade through the warm familial feelings and gratitude as in among us.” related to the Mueller investigation Carolina beach retreat. His written
to decry government overreach. book’s sometimes academic prose will the Philippines, the Las Vegas workers The Wolves of K Street by the before Trump commuted his response consisted of profanities
Consider the Glass-Steagall Act, which find a real-life The Office, Silicon Valley “failed to meet performance objectives, journalists and brothers Brody and Luke prison sentence). unprintable here.
separated commercial banking from version, alternately comical and violated managerial directives, Mullins, is less about how lobbying Many of the tales they recount
more speculative investment banking poignant, with satellite operations in the squabbled with each other and openly shapes policy than about the received extensive news coverage, but The reviewer has been a reporter and business
during the Great Depression only to be Philippines and Las Vegas. expressed dissatisfaction with managers machinations of its often colourful the authors bring them to life with columnist for The Times
relaxed by the Clinton administration The San Francisco location is in San Francisco,” Shestakofsky practitioners. Perhaps it should come as considerable narrative skill and ©2024 The New York Times News Service
THE HINDU
6 Monday, May 20, 2024

Editorial Delhi

A minor girl victim support scheme that loses its way


O
n November 30, 2023, the Ministry of scheme remains silent on whether the benefits whether all the entitlements for the girls who opt
Women and Child Development will continue to be provided if the victim of a for institutional care listed in the “Process Flow of
Ordinary men notified the “Scheme for Care and
Support to Victims under Section 4 &
reported case opts for an MTP or has a
miscarriage.
the Scheme”, also apply to those in
non-institutional care, i.e., for girls who prefer to
The AAP needs to go by what it 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual So also with a girl who may have attained 18 live with their family.
demands of other political parties Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012”. The objective is to years subsequent to the case being reported and If the young mother chooses to surrender the
provide integrated support and assistance to Vidya Reddy the pregnancy confirmed, or if her personal baby, “the newborn may be placed in the

T
he Delhi police have arrested a personal minor pregnant girl child victims “under one circumstances change in the course of time which designated SAA till the girl child victim attains the
works with Tulir –
aide of Delhi Chief Minister and National roof” and facilitate immediate emergency and Centre for the may be up to 23 years of age and till when age of 18 years. Thereafter, she will be informed
Convenor, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Ar- non-emergency access to services for long-term Prevention and benefits of Mission Vatsalya (“a road map to of the process of surrender as per Section 35 of
vind Kejriwal, following allegations of the aide as- rehabilitation. For reasons best known to the Healing of Child achieve development and child protection the JJ Act”. This is contrary to the Adoption
saulting a Rajya Sabha member of the AAP, Swati Ministry though, the name of the scheme does Sexual Abuse, a priorities aligned with the Sustainable Regulations overseen by the Central Adoption
Maliwal. Accusations made by Ms. Maliwal not reflect the intent. Chennai-based Development Goals”) can be accorded. It would Resource Authority (CARA) which does not have
against the aide, Bibhav Kumar, are of a serious non-governmental be disappointing if this scheme meant for a very any age thresholds for a mother to surrender the
nature. In a public statement, she has said that Oversights and inconsistencies organisation vulnerable group discriminates and actually infant. The scheme now condemns the infant to
Mr. Kumar beat her “brutally” and “slapped and While it was for only abandoned or orphaned leaves them short-changed. an unnecessarily long period of
kicked” her. AAP leader Sanjay Singh had in a pu- pregnant girls, initially, the scheme has now been The scheme is fraught with glaring oversights institutionalisation (perhaps for a few years, as, in
blic statement, on May 14, said that the aide had expanded to include all pregnant girl victims and inconsistencies with prevailing legislations, some cases, the mother may be a young
“misbehaved” and “acted indecently” with Ms. under the mentioned sections of the POCSO Act. rules, orders and guidelines. teenager).
Maliwal, when she arrived at Mr. Kejriwal’s offi- Therein lies the rub: besides some cosmetic For instance, it is wrongly stated that Section
cial residence to meet him. Mr. Singh went on to inclusions, the scheme has not been redrafted to 27, POCSO Act, 2012, which actually refers to the Monetary implications
add that Mr. Kejriwal had taken note of the inci- reflect the new inclusiveness, and many of the medical examination of a child, is to be taken into Finally, given the ignominiously high position
dent and that “strict action” would follow. But Sannuthi Suresh
commiserate changes warranted have been left account to decide on the placement of the minor India occupies in the ranking of child marriages
that was not how events unfolded. The AAP did out. works with Tulir – pregnant girl in institutional and teenage pregnancies, the burden on the
not act against Mr. Kumar and Ms. Maliwal filed a The misleading nomenclature, either by Centre for the care/non-institutional care. It also erroneously exchequer, proposed by the scheme, is going to
police complaint, leading to his arrest. In an oversight or deliberate, results in confusion (a Prevention and implies that the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) be multifold. To avail the scheme, each child who
abrupt change of tune, the AAP now accuses Ms. constant feature that runs through the scheme), Healing of Child can consent for the sexual assault medical fulfils the new criteria — every reported case
Maliwal, who has been an associate of Mr. Kejri- on two counts. It is important to note that victims Sexual Abuse, a examination of any child below 12 years of age, booked under the POCSO Act, 2012 of a pregnant
wal for two decades, of being a “pawn” of the Chennai-based
under Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act could whether or not her parents/guardian are present. girl under 18 years — would be given an initial
non-governmental
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has waded be of any gender. Second, when the scheme is Further, it is mentioned that in case of an MTP, payment of ₹6,000 and a monthly payment of
organisation
into the troubled waters, and the Congress has precisely for all pregnant girls/victims under 18 the district magistrate, on advice of the district ₹4,000 as stipulated in Mission Vatsalya up to the
reminded Mr. Kejriwal that he had campaigned years, is it to obfuscate while acknowledging chief medical officer, shall order for an MTP to a age of 21 years with possible extension of up to 23
for laws that gave precedence to a woman’s tacitly in its introduction that a disproportionate government facility or registered medical years. With the prevailing mandatory reporting
words in a case of assault. number of these girls are between 13-18 years and practitioner. When every minute matters in these provision in the POCSO Act, 2012, pointing to an
A media trial or a political tug of war cannot “In many of these cases, girls become pregnant”, situations, this delaying stipulation is redundant exponential increase of cases being reported by
determine the truth. A professional, unbiased in- the empirically established fact that adolescent and superfluous, and is not in consonance with health authorities at the time of delivery or
vestigation can. The position of the BJP which is sexuality is a stage of human development in the MTP Act. pregnancy-related hospital visits, a thorough
in power at the Centre and controls the Delhi pol- which adolescents experience and explore sexual It is also puzzling that the reference to MTP is analysis of health data and police data needs to
ice should not be allowed to influence the investi- feelings, which would then put the onus on reduced to two sentences that have been inserted be undertaken to plan, budget and provide for
gation. In fact, the BJP’s outrage here is hypocrit- government to be proactive and provide sexual at random in the 21-page document. Surely, the scheme.
ical, considering its muted reaction to more and reproductive health (SRH) information and keeping in mind the circumstances within which As gleaned from an RTI reply, 1,448 girls below
serious allegations against Prajwal Revanna, a sit- services to youth rather than being reactive? The the pregnancy has occurred, conversations on 18 gave birth from January 2021 and October 2023
ting MP of its ally, the Janata Dal (Secular). Mr. law has not, certainly, as indicated by the choices of discontinuing it or not must be in a southern district. Even as a sample
Kejriwal also must speak up on the issue. Conti- sociological, medical and judicial data, proven to facilitated at the outset. hypothetical working, if the average age of these
nuing silence or making rhetorical allegations be very effective, largely because many of these young mothers at the time of delivery was 16
against the BJP is not the answer. The AAP that cases involving pregnant girls arise out of Contrary to the rules years, and taking into account that Mission
rose to prominence as part of a response to the marriage and non-exploitative, explorative sexual Victims under the POCSO Act, including those Vatsalya allows support until the age of 23 years,
decadence of politics in India, is today facing the activity among young people. But this is in no who are pregnant, do not automatically qualify as the direct financial outlay for each mother as per
catalogue of charges it had stuck on all other par- way obscures the fact that there are cases of Children in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP). the scheme would be ₹6,000 (a one-time
ties — from corruption and nepotism to authori- There are many
pregnancy because of sexual violence and Benefits can be extended to them without payment)+₹4,000X84 months = ₹3,42,000. For
tarianism and toxic masculinity. Despite being exploitation, which also highlights the need for gaps in the categorising them as CNCP if the family or 1,448 girls and their babies, it would work out to
around for over a decade, it remains insulated the government to step up its efforts in promoting Scheme for guardian is able to provide necessary care and ₹49,52,16,000.
from public scrutiny or internal accountability. It and setting up safeguarding systems for children Care and protection. However, as indicated in the scheme, To avoid the roiling confusion that is bound to
has no organisational structures of decision-mak- and adolescents, promoting SRH information and Support to to avail its benefits, all pregnant girls will need to happen if the scheme is implemented in its
ing, and often takes recourse to arbitrary mea- ensuring abuse prevention education for the Victims under be considered as CNCP. This is contrary to Rule present form — it is a hotchpotch now — it is
sures. Irrespective of the outcome of the Maliwal entire community. 4(4), POCSO Rules and Section 2(14), Juvenile imperative for the Ministry of Women and Child
Section 4 and 6
case, and quite apart from the BJP’s tendency to While ostensibly seeking to serve “every minor Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Development to rectify it, bearing in mind the
use enforcement agencies for political purposes, of the
pregnant girl child victim”, the only definite ( JJ Act) and will entail in their unnecessary provisions of the various prevailing legislations,
the AAP needs to do some serious introspection. categories are now those who continue, by choice Protection of production before the CWC and the observance rules, guidelines and protocols with which it will
or default, with their pregnancies and those who Children from of all other attendant procedures under these integrate and intersect. Data which can
were not permitted by the court to undergo a Sexual legislations. substantiate many of the aspects put forth will
Talking peace medical termination of pregnancy (MTP). The Offences Act The scheme needs to unequivocally clarify further give it the backing of solid evidence.

India must push for a more inclusive


peace effort against the Ukraine war
A towering hazard, the height of poor enforcement
T
wo years after Russia’s invasion of Uk-
raine, Switzerland has stepped in to or-
ganise a peace conference, making a spe-

T
cial effort to broaden global consensus on the he incident in Mumbai, on May 13, 2024, Sneha Priya corporations across India. But will this interest in This will make periodic inspections a mandatory
war by enlisting those who have not joined the where a giant outdoor hoarding collapsed Yanappa clearing illegal hoardings be sustained? duty rather than a discretionary power of the
western coalition thus far. As a close partner of in a widespread dust storm leaving at least municipal authority. Such enforcement and
is Senior Resident
Russia, a member of the BRICS and SCO group- 16 people dead and over 70 people injured has No transparency, weak enforcement monitoring bodies may include relevant
Fellow, Vidhi Centre
ings, a leader in the Global South, and an aspirant led to serious questions. The billboard was for Legal Policy
There are two key issues that hinder the personnel from the traffic department along with
to world leadership, India is, no doubt, at the top installed without authorisation from the enforcement of advertising regulations by city zonal- or ward-level officers of the corporations
of the list. And the Swiss Foreign Secretary Alex- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). corporations: the lack of transparency and and departmental safety engineers.
andre Fasel’s visit to Delhi this week, following After the accident, the BMC has said that action intermittent enforcement. Insofar as
closely those of two Swiss Ministers, and the Uk- would be taken against those who have put up Deepa Padmar transparency is concerned, advertisement Multiple forms of risk
rainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba over the illegal hoardings in the city. is Research Fellow, policies must expressly state the process through City-level policies or bye-laws must also specify
past few months, is evidence that the invitation to This post-facto response is a lack-lustre Vidhi Centre for Legal which complaints against illegal advertisements the course of action to be taken by corporation
India at the head of state/head of government le- reaction, especially when deaths caused by illegal Policy may be raised and the action to be undertaken. officials subsequent to the identification of
vel is a priority. Of the 160 or so countries that in- hoardings are not new in India. Just days after As far as enforcement is concerned, there is a unauthorised hoardings. It may be noted here
vitations for the conference have gone to — it is to this incident, a hoarding collapsed on on the need for a mechanism which ensures the prompt that unauthorised hoardings include not only
be held in the resort town of Bürgenstock on June Pune-Solapur highway, following rain, injuring an removal of unauthorised hoardings. durable installations but also unauthorised
animal. In May 2023, again in Pune, an Raghunandan Enforcement mechanisms do exist in the banners and flexes (often put up by political
15-16 — about 50 have confirmed their atten-
unauthorised hoarding collapsed leaving five Sriram various outdoor advertising regulations in force. party operatives), which, despite being
dance, mostly from the European Union, NATO
alliance, G-7 countries and U.S. allies such as Ja- people dead. And in June 2023, three workers is Research Fellow, The Delhi Outdoor Advertising Policy, 2017 temporary, also pose a significant safety risk.
pan, South Korea and Australia. Russia has not were crushed when the huge hoarding that they Vidhi Centre for Legal requires that the owners of non-compliant Action must also be taken against officials who
been invited, and Mr. Fasel made it clear that were erecting collapsed at Thekkalur near Policy advertisements be asked to remove the structure fail to remove illegal structures despite
their diplomacy was hoping to bring over ‘BICS’ Karumathampatti in Coimbatore district. within a specified time, failing which they are to complaints.
leaders (BRICS minus Russia) so they could con- In the case of the Mumbai incident, that a be removed by the municipal authority. The Corporations must also look towards creating
vey the outcomes to Moscow, with a view to invit- hoarding nine times the permissible size was policy also allows the suo motu removal of platforms and mechanisms through which
ing Russia to a future round of talks. With Brazi- allowed to remain until it collapsed indicates a unauthorised devices that pose a hazard to road citizens may report violations. Compliance may
lian President Lula indicating that he would not lack of oversight on the part of the BMC. A review traffic. be monitored through the effective deployment
attend, and South Africa’s citing its general elec- of outdoor advertisement policies across different A more comprehensive enforcement regime is of technology, such as the embossing of QR codes
tions on May 29 to formally decline the invitation, cities in India shows that these policies have very contained in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara on all authorised hoardings.
all eyes are on whether Chinese President Xi Jinp- little to offer with respect to time-bound action Palike Advertisement Rules, 2021 — but they were Policies and guidelines lay down safety
ing, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, if he is against illegal hoardings. withdrawn after public backlash. The rules vested requirements for outdoor advertising
re-elected, or official nominees would attend. the Chief Commissioner with the power to infrastructure, but periodic enforcement of these
Convincing the rest of the world to attend a Violations of dimensions remove unauthorised hoardings, and constituted standards continues to be overlooked. Very often,
platform that appears stilted towards Ukraine re- Although the policies provide for maximum an Advertisement Regulatory Committee to when harm is caused due to unauthorised
mains a tall order for the organisers. While Swit- dimensions for hoardings, many cities have monitor compliance enforcement and the hoardings, corporations attempt to evade
billboards that are well beyond permissible sizes. Policies and removal of unauthorised advertisements. responsibility by claiming that such structures
zerland prides itself on its “neutrality”, it has al-
ready chosen sides in the current conflict by High Courts often haul up corporations for their guidelines lay The Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, were illegal in the first place. However, it is
imposing sanctions on Russia. Another venue inaction or lack of enforcement with respect to down safety 2023 require the municipal officials concerned to important for municipal authorities to actively
may have appeared more impartial. The agenda advertisement regulations. Previously, the requirements review the licensing of hoardings every three recognise their role in the removal of illegal
for the conference is to build a framework for or Bombay High Court went so far as to provide the for outdoor months and submit quarterly reports to the chief outdoor advertisements and assume
road map to peace, and to discuss issues such as procedure for the removal of illegal hoardings, advertising administrative officer of the urban local body. responsibility for the identification of
ensuring food security and freedom of naviga- and directed that it be undertaken by two police One mechanism through which a check can be unauthorised advertising structures. The need is
infrastructure,
tion, nuclear safety and humanitarian issues. It personnel, accompanied by a civic staff member kept on unauthorised hoardings is through the for municipal bodies to institute proactive
at the time of removal. but periodic appointment of inter-departmental bodies which enforcement mechanisms, instead of taking
seems unlikely that much headway can be made
on any of these issues without both parties to the Despite a slew of orders since 2017, negligence enforcement of undertake periodic zone-wise or ward-wise action only in response to either court orders or
conflict at the table. It is also hard to foresee what by the corporation has resulted in a serious these standards inspection of outdoor advertisements to ensure harrowing incidents such as the one in Mumbai
else can be achieved as long as Russia and Uk- incident, leading to a flurry of action by in India is weak that they meet the standards laid down in law. last week.
raine believe they can make or consolidate more
gains on the battlefield — a real negotiation begins
when either one or both sides believe they have LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
exhausted military options. If the aim of the con-
ference then is, as Russian President Vladimir Pu- AAP and incident blame games by the Aam Minister’s official residence. counselling, to reunite, of their children. RCB player played with
tin says, to “pressure” Russia into announcing a The Delhi Chief Minster Aadmi Party (AAP) are Brij Bhushan Goyal, given the circumstances, in K. Chellappan, clinical precision. The CSK
ceasefire or ceding territory it has won, then it is Arvind Kejriwal must come unwarranted. The truth Ludhiana, Punjab the interest of their only Chennai players have been
hardly likely to succeed, given the UN General As- clean on the issue involving must come out and justice daughter is a rare yet inconsistent from the
sembly’s failure to bring such pressure through a Rajya Sabha Member of must prevail. With Reunited revered judicial ruling. The playoffs now beginning of the IPL season.
multiple resolutions. New Delhi, that has thus far Parliament from his own controversies galore every The efforts of a family court, Such verdicts are worthy of The match on Sunday, in It is inconsistency and
refused to join any statement that is overtly criti- party, who was allegedly day the AAP cannot be in Alappuzha, Kerala, in emulation by estranged Bengaluru, between overconfidence which led to
cal of Russia, and has not diluted ties with Mos- beaten by the Chief termed as a party with a reuniting a couple after 14 couples fighting in other Chennai Super Kings (CSK) the dethroning of the
cow, may thus find it easier to hedge its bets, and Minister’s personal assistant difference when such an years of divorce courts, which is becoming and Royal Challengers formidable CSK.
only show its hand once a truly balanced and in the Chief Minister’s incident is said to have proceedings are quite common. They must Bengaluru (RCB), said it all M.C. Vijay Shankar,
more inclusive peace effort gets under way. official residence. Political taken place in the Chief praiseworthy (May18). The ponder over the well-being (‘Sport’ page, May 19). Every Chennai
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
Monday, May 20, 2024 7
Delhi
Opinion

Renew the generalised system of preferences Time for Congress to answer wake-up calls
The party needs to reassert itself before its political space shrinks further

I
n the pantheon of obscure imports also help reduce the tariff though India has gone into
international trade bills paid by American companies, overdrive in negotiating free trade
terminology, the many of which are small- and agreements (FTAs) with a wider STATE OF PLAY and depend solely on the
“generalised system of medium-sized enterprises. circle of trading partners, strength of their alliance
preferences,” or GSP, has a special The coalitions of support in the including the European Union, the Udhav Naig partners to get re-elected.
place. GSP refers to an approach U.S. are diverse. Last November, a U.K., the European Free Trade udhav.naig@thehindu.co.in This is not the first time that
that has been adopted by nearly Mark Linscott bipartisan group of Florida Association, Australia, and the a Tamil Nadu Congress presi-

M
all developed countries for is a Senior Advisor at members of the House penned a UAE, the Biden administration is ore than three weeks dent has spoken about reviv-
roughly the last half-century to the U.S.-India letter expressing their strong clear that the U.S. will not after polling for the ing the party. However, his re-
offer incentives for economic Strategic Partnership support for GSP renewal on an negotiate FTAs with any country 39 parliamentary marks have gained
reform in developing countries Forum and a former urgent basis, highlighting its for the moment. There are several seats in Tamil Nadu ended, significance because the party
through lower tariffs. Each Assistant U.S. Trade importance in sourcing away from trade dialogues between the two, State Congress chief K. Selva- appears to have woken up to
developed country has customised Representative in the China and lowering the tariff bill but these lack the leverage for a perunthagai called upon party the need to match the ambi-
its own GSP programme to Bush, Obama, and for Florida’s consumers and hard-nosed trade negotiation that cadres to strive to “recapture emerged over time and enjoy tions of its national competi-
identify qualification criteria it Trump manufacturers. In an era of can shoot for ambitious results. power” in order to gain politi- influence in pockets across tor, the BJP. In Tamil Nadu, the
administrations
deems important in economic friendshoring and nearshoring, The private sectors in both cal “respect” from the DMK, some regions. They have stea- BJP has been dominating polit-
reform, although all ensure that GSP can be an effective tool in countries are teaming up to the leader of the alliance of dily chipped away at the Con- ical headlines thanks to the its
their programmes are constructed pursuing new supply chain increase investments in which it is a part in the State. gress’s base, forcing it to de- rambunctious State president,
to avoid harm to domestic objectives. Surprisingly, there is high-profile sectors across critical The Congress’s allies are be- pend on the Dravidian majors. K. Annamalai, who aspires to
production. In short, it is the even strong bipartisan support for and emerging technologies from wildered by this sudden ap- Party sources say Mr. Selva- make the BJP the principal Op-
oldest and most far-reaching restarting GSP talks with India. smartphone manufacturing to peal given that the party made perunthagai’s comment may position party to the DMK.
approach to “aid for trade” in the semiconductor production, but serious efforts to challenge the have been made to allay the The forceful nature of the
modern multilateral trading U.S.-India trade relationship they lack the stability in regulatory principal Dravidian parties, anxieties of the party cadres, State BJP has shaken the Con-
system, embodied in the World While there should be no need to certainty and ease of doing the DMK and AIADMK, only who have often complained gress, which has been in a
Trade Organization. offer additional arguments in business that a strong, enforceable once in 1989 after losing pow- about mistreatment by the comfortable position and con-
favour of renewing GSP without trade agreement can bring. er in 1967 in the State. A de- DMK and its local district lea- tinues to be courted by the
Renewing GSP further delay, the U.S.-India trade This is where GSP should come cade ago, when the Congress dership. In successive elec- DMK and the AIADMK.
What is unique about the GSP relationship may help to put into the picture. Each side would decided to fight the Lok Sabha tions since 2019, the DMK has Despite Mr. Sevaperuntha-
programme in the U.S. is that its support over the top. It is accepted have much to gain through elections alone, it polled just driven a hard bargain with the gai’s curious comment, many
authorising legislation periodically wisdom that GSP renewal would negotiations on India’s GSP 4.37% of the votes. Since then, Congress, reducing the num- in the State leadership wonder
expires until Congress sees fit to offer an avenue for wide-ranging benefits when the U.S. Congress it has been a junior partner in ber of seats allotted to it. This whether the Congress high
renew the programme. New U.S.-India trade negotiations that acts to renew the programme. the DMK-led alliance, notwith- is perhaps why Mr. Selvape- command culture of making
legislation is never an easy can help in vaulting the bilateral Short of a change in U.S. standing the BJP’s attempts to runthagai told the party appointments and designing
proposition, especially in a trade relationship from the $200 administration policy on expand its base. cadres that they will have to the party’s strategy for Tamil
polarised environment, making billion it is presently at to a much negotiating FTAs again, no other In independent India, the strengthen the Congress for Nadu from New Delhi will al-
bipartisan legislation a herculean higher level. It is clear there needs trade tool or policy could be more Congress was the ruling party better negotiations with al- low him to chart an indepen-
endeavour. That is the case with to be higher ambition on trade in effective with India than GSP. in Tamil Nadu between 1952 liance partners if they want to dent path for the party in Ta-
GSP now. The U.S. programme order to take the U.S.-India Depending on what qualification and 1967. After its loss in the reclaim respect. mil Nadu. It will also not be
expired in 2020 and despite strategic relationship even further. criteria the Congress includes in 1967 Assembly elections to the However, quick backpedall- easy for the party to do this as
repeated assurances of bipartisan Before the expiration of the GSP the final renewal legislation, a GSP DMK, it became the main Op- ing has created a sense of disil- both the DMK and Congress
support, it remains in limbo. programme in 2020, negotiations negotiation could cover trade in position party. When the lusionment. Congress leader are firmly a part of the Opposi-
GSP can play a vital role in between the Office of the U.S. goods and services, protections AIADMK emerged as a force in E.V.K.S. Elangovan said that he tion INDIA bloc at the national
establishing stable market access Trade Representative and the for internationally accepted labour Tamil Nadu politics, the Con- will unhesitatingly call Chief level. If the bloc forms the go-
for developing countries that Indian Ministry of Commerce and rights and restrictions on child gress slipped further to be- Minister M.K. Stalin’s rule as vernment at the Centre, the
otherwise struggle to tap into Industry had come close to sealing labour, enforcement of come a dominant third party “Kamarajar’s rule (after K. State leadership of the Con-
global trade flows. It can be a wide-ranging deal. Estimates at environmental laws, and securing close to 20% of the Kamaraj, the first Chief Minis- gress will have to perform pol-
especially valuable for small the time suggested that an provisions on good regulatory vote share. Today, it is fighting ter of the State)”. On Sunday, itical gymnastics to oppose
businesses and women-owned unprecedented bilateral trade practice and other areas relevant to preserve its shell. The party during a press conference, Mr. the DMK in Tamil Nadu.
enterprises, thus helping to agreement between the U.S. and to ease of doing business. which contested the 1980 As- Selvaperunthagai himself Be that as it may, the Con-
empower them beyond limited India might cover as much as $10 As the U.S.-India strategic sembly elections from 114 echoed Mr. Elangovan’s view. gress in Tamil Nadu needs to
domestic markets. More recent It is clear there billion in trade, including medical partnership continues to grow and seats, two more than the DMK Congress leaders say when find ingenious ways of reas-
analysis suggests that GSP is vital needs to be devices, several agricultural the two countries play critical, in the same alliance, is now the party is an alliance, voters serting itself, even if it is in an
in offering alternatives to Chinese higher ambition commodities, corn-based ethanol collaborative roles in the forced to settle for significant- elect a significant number of alliance with the DMK. This
imports and providing an on trade in used for fuel, and information Indo-Pacific, they should aim ly fewer seats given its deplet- its candidates to Parliament will not be easy in a State
advantage to suppliers in trusted technology products. much higher in their trade ed strength, except in a few and Assembly, but they reject where it will have to compete
order to take
developing country markets. GSP The U.S. and India have already relationship. GSP is not the full pockets. Ideologically diverse the Congress when it fights with parties with varied politi-
criteria promote reforms on the U.S.-India come a long distance in their trade answer to comprehensively parties such as the Naam Ta- elections on its own. The cal ideologies. But it is clear
labour and environmental strategic relationship. Yet the tools they achieving this, but it would be a milar Katchi, the Viduthalai elected representatives do not that the Congress must make a
sustainability and intellectual relationship have available to achieve this strong statement of their mutual Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the make adequate efforts to build start somewhere before its
property rights protection. GSP even further increase in trade are limited. Even desire to be on this path. Pattali Makkal Katchi have the Congress at the grassroots political space shrinks further.

Understanding the BJP’s 2024 ticket distribution strategy F R O M T HE A RC HI V ES

An analysis shows the importance of factors beyond the party’s electoral performance, such as candidate performance and internal party dynamics
FIFTY YEARS AGO MAY 20, 1974

DATA POINT
a narrow victory margin (less than Safe technology developed
50,000 votes). About 48% of sit-
ting MPs in these constituencies by India for nuclear
Jyoti Mishra, Vibha Attri were not re-nominated. This sug-
& Ananya Sharma gests a cautious approach by the explosions
BJP, which clearly aimed to replace

T
he BJP achieved an impres- candidates in more competitive or New Delhi, May 19: The Meteorological
sive mandate in the 2019 uncertain constituencies with new Department here to-day announced it had
general elections, winning faces to enhance its chances of recorded India’s first underground nuclear
303 seats in the Lok Sabha. winning. On the other hand, in explosion set off on Saturday.
Beyond the seat count, the party’s constituencies with moderate vic- The event was detected at 8-06 a.m. and it
historic win was also defined by tory margins (1 lakh-2 lakh), there registered a force equivalent to an earthquake of
significant victory margins in va- were higher retention rates, with magnitude 4.5 in the Richter Scale.
rious constituencies. With an aver- 61% of MPs being allowed to re- Meanwhile scientists here are both elated and
age victory margin of nearly 2.3 contest. puzzled about the reported absence of any
lakh votes, the BJP showed how The BJP employed mixed strate- radioactive fallout following the nuclear
popular it was among voters. In gies for constituencies with high explosion.
this analysis, we delve into the victory margins. Surprisingly, 47% They say it suggests that the AEC has
BJP’s ticket distribution strategy of MPs who won by over 5,00,000 developed the technology of peaceful nuclear
for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. votes were denied tickets. An ex- explosives to such an extent that they can be
Of the 303 BJP MPs who were ample of this is Karnal, where the exploded even at a fairly shallow depth without
elected in 2019, the party en- BJP replaced sitting MP Sanjay venting and contaminating the atmosphere.
dorsed 167 to re-contest the elec- Bhatia with former Haryana Chief Saturday’s explosion, which had a power in
tions from their respective consti- Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, des- the range of 10-15 kilotones, was set off at a
tuencies, and moved five to pite Karnal recording the second- depth of about 100 metres, according to AEC.
different constituencies. It denied highest victory margin (6.56 lakh According to declassified documents of the
112 MPs tickets. Twelve seats be- votes) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elec- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, an explosion
came vacant as sitting MPs contest- tions. This indicates the impor- of this magnitude at such a depth in
ed Assembly elections in 2023, in- tance of factors beyond the party’s Rajasthan-like terrain would almost definitely
dicating their shift towards electoral performance, such as produce venting, as well as a surface crater
regional politics. In Haryana’s Ku- candidate performance, public followed by atmospheric contamination.
rukshetra constituency, for in- perception, internal party dynam- But the Indian explosion at a depth (shallow
stance, the sitting MP resigned to ics, caste, and anti-incumbency, in by American definition) which according to the
become Chief Minister. The party ticket allocation (Table 2). AEC Chairman, Dr. H.N. Sethna, produced
had to select new candidates to fill An analysis of the BJP’s ticket neither venting nor contamination suggested
two seats, which were left vacant distribution strategy reveals a that AEC had developed a safe technology for
due to the death of MPs (Table 1). nuanced approach to candidate nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes.
Of the 303 seats, only three selection. There appears to be no Dr. Sethna, in fact, said that an aerial survey,
seats were allocated to allies: Bi- significant relationship between a minutes after the explosion, at heights as low as
har’s Sheohar constituency, where candidate’s performance, as mea- 30 metres above the explosion area showed no
a Janata Dal (United) candidate sured by the margin of victory, and increase in the level of radioactivity.
contested; Karnataka’s Kolar the likelihood of ticket denial. Dr. Sethna said that details of the experiment
(Scheduled Caste) constituency, The data indicate that among would be published for the benefit of scientists.
where a Janata Dal (Secular) candi- the candidates who were denied
date contested; and Uttar Pra- tickets, 112 had an average victory
desh’s Baghpat, where an Rashtri- margin of 2,35,111 votes in the 2019 A HUNDRED YEARS AGO MAY 20, 1924
ya Lok Dal candidate contested the elections. In contrast, 167 candi-
elections. In bypolls, the BJP faced dates who were re-nominated had Heavy rains in Salem Dt.
setbacks in two constituencies — an average victory margin of
Mandi in Himachal Pradesh and 2,23,686 votes. The statistical ana- Salem, May 19: We are having unusually hot
Asansol in West Bengal — and man- lysis, with a p-value of 0.542, indi- weather but from several parts of the Salem
aged to retain two — Belgaum in cates no significant correlation District heavy rains are reported. There was a
Karnataka and Khandwa in Mad- between victory margin and ticket heavy rain accompanied by cyclonic winds
hya Pradesh. denial. This suggests that the BJP’s yesterday and day before yesterday. Many
The BJP’s ticket distribution decision-making process for candi- houses are reported to have fallen and a number
strategy reflects a calculated ap- date selection is influenced by a of trees have been uprooted and are lying across
proach. There was a high rate of variety of factors beyond mere the roads causing much inconvenience to the
ticket denial in constituencies with electoral performance. traffic.
CM A ND-NDE
YK
Delhi www.thehindu.com Monday, May 20, 2024
● ●

Text&Context 0
NEWS IN NUMBERS
Share of Nayara Worth of money, drugs The compensation for People who died in The number of
Energy’s fuel sold in and goods seized by treating with wrong road accidents in Delhi Ukranian drones
India ECI till now blood in the U.K. this year so far downed by Russia

70 8,889 10 518 103


In percentage. India’s largest in crore. The in billion pounds. Britain will They died in 511 accidents In the past 24 hours,
private fuel retailer, Nayara haul exceeds spend this amount ($12.70 till May 15. The National Russian air defences
Energy’s exports dropped as the entirety billion) compensating Highway-24, NH-8, Ring downed 103 Ukrainian
the firm met rising local demand for fuel. seized during the last general election in thousands of people who were treated Road, Rohtak Road, GT Road, and Mathura drones and 12 United States-made ATACMS
The firm posted robust a 24% year-on-year 2019, and comes as authorities have with blood contaminated with HIV or Road are among the top 10 roads in Delhi missiles, the Russian defence ministry said
growth in domestic retail sales and a vowed a crackdown on money used to hepatitis C in the 1970s and 1980s, the where the highest number of fatal crashes on Sunday. REUTERS
12.5% rise in institutional sales. PTI bribe voters during elections. AGENCIES Sunday Times reported. REUTERS have occurred this year so far. PTI COMPILED BY THE HINDU DATA TEAM

Follow us facebook.com/thehindu twitter.com/the_hindu instagram.com/the_hindu

Why was Purkayastha’s arrest invalidated?


Why was the NewsClick founder’s arrest considered ‘illegal’ and in violation of the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 22(1) of the Constitution? What
had the High Court said earlier? Has the Court commented on the merits of the case?

EXPLAINER THE GIST


Aaratrika Bhaumik 쑽
The Supreme Court ordered
The story so far: the release of the online portal

O
n May 15, the Supreme Court NewsClick’s founder Prabir
ordered the release of the Purkayastha from custody after
online portal NewsClick’s concluding that his arrest and
founder Prabir Purkayastha remand under the draconian
from custody after concluding that his Unlawful Activities Prevention
arrest and remand under the draconian Act, 1967 (UAPA) by the Delhi
Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 Police were “invalid in the eyes
(UAPA) by the Delhi Police were “invalid of law”.
in the eyes of law”. A Bench of Justices

B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta pointed
out that neither Mr. Purkayastha nor his Mr. Purkayastha’s case is based
designated counsel were provided the on the constitutional safeguard
grounds for his arrest in writing, which is provided under Article 22(1) of
“sacrosanct and cannot be breached the Constitution, which
under any situation”. The ruling dictates that no person who is
arrested can be detained in
emphasises the need for law enforcement
custody without being
agencies to adhere to proper procedure
promptly informed of the
and due process, especially in stringent grounds for their arrest.
UAPA cases where there is a reverse
burden of proof on the accused. This 쑽
makes obtaining bail extremely difficult in During the proceedings, senior
such cases. advocate Kapil Sibal,
appearing on behalf of Mr.
Why was the arrest ‘illegal’? Purkayastha, contended that
As per the arrest memo, Mr. Purkayastha the FIR was neither made
was arrested on October 3, 2023, at 5.45 available in the public domain
p.m. by invoking stringent UAPA nor was a copy supplied to him
provisions on the ground that he had until his arrest.
allegedly received funds through Chinese
firms to spread pro-China propaganda.
Earlier on August 17, 2023, an FIR was
lodged by the Delhi Police envisaging
serious offences under Sections 13
(unlawful activities), 16 (terrorist act), 17 Brief relief: Prabir Purkayastha, founder of NewsClick after his release from prison. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
(raising funds for terrorist acts), 18
(conspiracy), and 22(C) (offences by What does Article 22 stipulate? cannot “by any stretch of imagination, be not validate the illegality and the
companies, trusts) of the UAPA, and Mr. Purkayastha’s case is based on the made applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the unconstitutionality committed at the time
Sections 153A (promoting enmity constitutional safeguard provided under cases arising under UAPA.”. of arresting the accused and the grant of
between different groups) and 120B Article 22(1) of the Constitution, which Justice Gedela also noted that the initial police custody remand to the
(criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal dictates that no person who is arrested offences alleged in the NewsClick case accused.“ The Bench also differentiated
Code, 1860 (IPC). can be detained in custody without being directly impact “the stability, integrity, between the meaning of the terms
During the proceedings, senior promptly informed of the grounds for and sovereignty of the country” and bear ‘reasons of arrest’ and ‘grounds of arrest’.
advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing on behalf their arrest. It further stipulates that an significant national security implications. While the former relates to general
of Mr. Purkayastha, contended that the arrested person cannot be denied “the He further reproduced Solicitor General parameters based on which a person had
FIR was neither made available in the right to consult, and to be defended by, a Tushar Mehta’s submission that the email to be arrested, the latter requires the
public domain nor was a copy supplied to legal practitioner of his choice.” exchanges between Mr. Purkayastha and police to list out specific facts
him until his arrest and remand, in Notably, both the PMLA as well as the other entities indicated an attempt to necessitating the arrest of the individual
violation of the fundamental right UAPA contain similar provisions, which portray Jammu and Kashmir and concerned, so that he/she could
guaranteed under Article 22(1) of the mandate the intimation of the grounds of Arunachal Pradesh as “disputed effectively oppose the plea for remand or
Constitution. Further, the Court was arrest to an accused. Under Section 19 of territories.” seek bail, it said.
apprised that on the morning of October the PMLA, the Enforcement Directorate However, the Court added that Notably, the judges expressed serious
4, 2023, Mr. Purkayastha was produced (ED) officer should not only have material considering the stringent provisions of reservations that Mr. Purkayastha’s lawyer
before the remand judge at his residence with him giving him “reasons to believe” the UAPA, it would be advisable that the was not informed about the remand
without intimating his designated lawyer that a person is guilty of an offence under investigating agencies, henceforth, proceedings despite the Delhi police
Mr. Arshdeep Khurana. He was instead the law but such reasons should also be provide grounds of arrest in writing, after having access to his phone number. The
represented by a legal aid lawyer whom “recorded in writing before effecting redacting what in their opinion would Court further remarked that the “charade
he had never engaged before. arrest of any person.” Further, these constitute “sensitive material.” of informing” the NewsClick founder’s
Mr. Purkayastha’s lawyer was finally written grounds of arrest must be lawyer after the remand order had
informed about the remand proceedings communicated to the accused for a valid What about the Supreme Court? already been passed was an exercise in
at 7.07 a.m. through a WhatsApp message arrest to take place. This, according to the The top Court ruled that there is “no futility.
— after the remand order granting seven Supreme Court’s verdict in Pankaj Bansal, significant difference” in the language The judges also pointed out that the
days of police custody had already been affords an opportunity to the arrested employed in Section 19(1) of the PMLA two sentences inserted in the remand
passed. However, two sentences were person to prove before a trial Court that and Section 43B(1) of the UAPA which can order to give the impression that Mr.
subsequently inserted in the remand there are grounds to believe that he/she is support the Delhi Police’s contention that Purkayastha’s lawyer Arshdeep Khurana
order to give the impression that the not guilty of such offence, to avail the the law laid down in Pankaj Bansal should was heard before its issuance was an
lawyer had been heard before the passing relief of bail. Similarly, Sections 43A and not be applied to an accused arrested afterthought. “A bare perusal of the
of the order. This, Mr. Sibal argued, 43B of the UAPA mandate the furnishing under the UAPA. remand order is enough to satisfy us that
violated the Supreme Court’s verdict in of the grounds of arrest to an accused at “...The requirement to communicate these two lines were subsequently
Pankaj Bansal versus Union of India and the earliest. the grounds of arrest is the same in both inserted in the order because the script in
Others (2023) wherein it was held that to Mr. Sibal had pointed out that the the statutes. As a matter of fact, both the which these two lines were written is
give effect to constitutional safeguards, “it language of both the statutory provisions provisions find their source in the much finer as compared to the remaining
would be necessary, henceforth, that a is pari materia (upon the same subject constitutional safeguard provided under part of the order and moreover, these two
copy of such written grounds of arrest is matter) and thus the law laid down in Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India,” lines give a clear indication of subsequent
furnished to the arrested person as a Pankaj Bansal squarely covers Mr. it reasoned. Thus the judges emphasised insertion,” the Bench underscored.
matter of course and without exception.” Purkayastha’s case. that the “salutary and sacrosanct”
On the other hand, Additional requirement of informing the arrested What happens next?
Solicitor-General S.V. Raju, appearing for What was the Delhi High Court’s person of the grounds of arrest in writing After the pronouncement of the verdict,
the Delhi Police, pointed out that the ratio verdict? will henceforth apply to all UAPA cases as Mr. Raju sought a clarification from the
of Pankaj Bansal applied only to money In a verdict delivered on October 13, 2023, well. It will not suffice to convey them Bench as to whether the ruling would
laundering cases under the Prevention of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela of the Delhi orally only. This, according to the Court, preclude the police from exercising its
Money Laundering Act, 2002, (PMLA), High Court agreed with the Delhi police is the “only effective means” for the “correct powers of arrest” in the case in
and not those under the UAPA. The law that the ratio of Pankaj Bansal would not arrested person to consult his lawyer, the future.
officer argued that the UAPA required the apply to the facts of Mr. Purkayastha’s oppose the police custody remand and In response, Justice Gavai said, “We
police to only “inform” the accused of the case. He underscored that the verdict in seek bail. have not said anything about that.
reasons for arrest, without needing to Pankaj Bansal was delivered purely in It further asserted that the mere fact Whatever you are permitted under the
provide them in writing to him. relation to PMLA provisions and that it that a charge sheet has been filed “would law, you can do.”
CM A ND-NDE
YK
THE HINDU
Monday, May 20, 2024 9
Delhi
Text&Context
CACHE

KNOW YOUR ENGLISH

The new
recruit is a
curmudgeon
He is good at everything except
writing financial statements; that is
his Achilles’ heel

S. Upendran

What is the origin of the expression


‘Achilles’ heel’? (Hitesh, Delhi)
Achilles, the hero in Homer’s epic poem
Iliad, was a famous Greek warrior who
died in the beautiful city of Troy while
fighting against the Trojans. Legend has it
that no sooner was Achilles born, his
mother, Thetis, dipped the new-born
baby in the waters of the river Styx
(pronounced ‘sticks’). The Greeks
believed that no harm would come to any
infant who had been completely
immersed in the waters of this river —
being a goddess herself, Thetis wanted to
ensure that her son would remain
AFP immortal. Unfortunately for Achilles,
when his mother dipped him in the river,

Why is the European Union probing


she held on to his heels; as a result, this
portion of his foot never became wet. It
became the great warrior’s weak spot. If
anyone wanted to kill him, all they had to

Facebook and Instagram?


do was to injure one of his heels; it was
the chink in his otherwise impregnable
armour. In fact, this is how during the
battle for Troy, Paris kills Achilles — he
pierces the warrior’s heel with an arrow.
The 27-nation bloc has said it is concerned that Facebook and Instagram’s recommendation engine could ‘exploit the weaknesses and inexperience’ The expression ‘Achilles’ heel’ is mostly
of children and stimulate ‘addictive behaviour’ used nowadays to refer to an individual’s
weakness; one that the enemies are aware
of and take undue advantage of. It usually
Nabeel Ahmed February. It stipulates very large online testing an AI-driven “nudity protection” working on “improving internal leads to one’s downfall. Some dictionaries
platforms, which have over 45 million tool that would find and blur images controls”, and that it had eliminated 27 list the expression as ‘Achilles heel’,
The story so far: users in the EU, to provide an option in containing nudity that were sent to paedophile networks in addition to without the apostrophe.
he European Union has opened their recommender systems that is not minors on the app’s messaging system. removing 4,90,000 accounts that Hema lost the match because of her

T fresh investigation into Meta’s


Facebook and Instagram over
suspicions that they are failing
to protect children on their platform, a
violation that could result in fines of up to
based on user profiling and share their
data with the Commission and national
authorities to assess compliance under
the law.
The platforms are also required to take
Additionally, the company said it
would roll out measures to protect users
under 18 years of age by tightening
content restrictions and boosting parental
supervision tools
breached its kid safety regulations in just
one month.

What are the general practices of


protecting minors online?
terrible temper. It is her Achilles’ heel.
As for the pronunciation of the name
‘Achilles’, the first vowel sounds like the
‘a’ in ‘china’, and the following ‘chi’ is
pronounced like the ‘ki’ in ‘kit’ ‘kiss’ and
6% of their annual worldwide revenue. measures to protect minors from content This is not the only investigation Meta’s With children growing up in an ‘kill’. The final syllable rhymes with the
that may impair their physical, mental or platforms are facing in the EU. In April, increasingly digital world, it has become words ‘please’ ‘cheese’ and ‘seize’. The
What led to the investigation? moral development. Additionally, the regulator opened an investigation, increasingly difficult for parents and word is pronounced ‘e-KI-liiz’ with the
The 27-nation bloc has said it is concerned platforms must take targeted measures to accusing Meta of having failed to tackle caregivers to ensure their online safety. stress on the second syllable.
that Facebook and Instagram’s protect the rights of minors, including age deceptive advertising and disinformation Parents are advised to ensure they are
recommendation engine could “exploit verification and parental control tools in the run-up to the European Parliament up to date with online risks and have set How is the word ‘curmudgeon’
the weaknesses and inexperience” of that are aimed at helping minors signal elections. up safeguards to protect their child’s pronounced? (K. Jaya, Secunderabad)
children and stimulate “addictive abuse or obtain support. Facebook and The antitrust regulator’s move against digital experience. The word consists of three syllables; the
behaviour”. The bloc’s executive arm Instagram have more than the stipulated Meta stemmed from the platform being These could include setting up of kid’s ‘u’ in the first, and the ‘o’ in the third, are
further said that these systems could number of users, and so are designated as used as a potential source of profiles, choosing age-appropriate apps pronounced like the ‘a’ in ‘china’. The
reinforce the so-called “rabbit hole” effect very large platforms, bringing them under disinformation by Russia, China and Iran and games and setting up child-friendly ‘m..u..d..g..e’ in the second syllable
that leads users to watch increasingly the law’s purview. to influence voters in EU. sites and search engines, and ensuring rhymes with the words, ‘judge’, ‘budge’
disturbing content. As part of the probe, The EU regulator will now carry out an age restricted content is inaccessible on and ‘nudge’. The word is pronounced
the commission will look into Meta’s use in-depth investigation as a “matter of Are these platforms under scrutiny of the devices and platforms they are using. ‘ke-MUDGE-en’, with the stress on the
of age verification tools to prevent priority” and gather evidence by sending other countries outside the EU? Parents are also advised to supervise and second syllable. It is also possible to
children under the age of 13 from additional requests for information, Even before the DSA was implemented in spend time with their children online to pronounce the ‘r’ in the first syllable.
accessing Facebook and Instagram. And conducting interviews and inspections. the EU, Meta’s Instagram faced backlash ensure they do not engage in harmful There is a question mark about the origin
also find out whether the company is The commission can also accept in the U.S. after a report by the Wall Street activities or fall prey to online predators. of the word; scholars are not really sure
complying with the bloc’s Digital Service commitments made by Meta to remedy Journal, published in June 2023, said the And minors using social media about the language it comes from.
Act (DSA) and enforcing a high level of the issues raised during the investigation. platform “helps connect and promote a platforms must ensure they know how to Although some dictionaries list the use of
privacy, safety and security for minors. vast network of accounts openly devoted report and “block” accounts with this word as being ‘old fashioned’, it
What has Meta done to protect to the commission and purchase of under offensive material and foster open continues to be used in everyday contexts
What does the DSA mandate? children on its platforms? age sex content”. conversations to ensure an adult is even today to refer to an old individual,
The bloc’s DSA came into effect in Earlier this year, Meta announced it was At the time, the company said it was available if something doesn’t feel right. usually a man, with a bad temper. The
person is rather set in his ways, and
remains grouchy most of the time; he is
someone who gets angry very easily.
Ever since the accident last year, my
Please send in your answers to once cheerful uncle has turned into a
THE DAILY QUIZ dailyquiz@thehindu.co.in complaining curmudgeon.
upendrankye@gmail.com

A quiz to celebrate World Bee Day that is observed on May 20


V.V. Ramanan Questions and Answers to the May 17 edition of the
daily quiz: 1. The singles winners who have won both in
X Amateur and Open Eras. Ans: Margeret Court, Ken
QUESTION 1 Rosewall and Rod Laver
The day was chosen as a tribute to which Slovenian who in 2. The Cup presented to the singles winners. Ans: Coupe
the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques? des Mousquetaires (The Musketeers’ Cup) and Coupe
X Suzanne Lenglen (Suzanne Lenglen Cup) for the men’s
QUESTION 2 and women’s singles respectively
How many pairs of wings and eyes do honey bees have? 3. The only brother-sister duo to have won the mixed
X doubles crown. Ans: Spaniard Emilio Sanchez and his
QUESTION 3 sister Arantxa
What is the name given to the dance that bees perform to 4. Name the only twin brothers to have won the men’s
communicate the location of food sources? doubles titles. Ans: Mike and Bob Bryan
X 5. The number of doubles titles Leander Paes and Mahesh
QUESTION 4 Bhupathi have won together. Ans: Two, in 1999 and 2001
To an apiarist, what is ‘Propolis’ as regards the hive of a bee? 6. The two players who have won four men’s doubles titles
X each. Ans: Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Daniel Nestor of
QUESTION 5 Canada
What critical function does the enzyme Invertase perform 7. The only player across gender to have won all three types
after the nectar is collected by the bee? of titles in the open era. Ans: Martina Navratilova For feedback and suggestions for
X X Visual: Identify the players and their feat. Ans: Yannick Text & Context, please write to
QUESTION 6 Visual question: Noah and Mary Pierce. They were the last french letters@thehindu.co.in
Of the three types of bees in the hive, what is the name Name the part of a flower from which these bees are collecting pollen nationals to win singles in 1983 and 2000 respectively. with the subject ‘Text & Context’
given to the male bees which do not have a stinger? from. FILE PHOTO Early Bird: Rajmohan. V
CM A ND-NDE
YK
4 . bl . think
DELHI

businessline.
MONDAY - MAY 20 - 2024

MONDAY - MAY 20, 2024 SANJEEV SANYAL


Revolution
in voluntary
AAKANKSHA ARORA

Set for take-off


E
ase of exit is just as
important as ease of entry
in an economy based on
India Inc posts slow but broad-based earnings growth

ith global headwinds and ongoing


innovation and
entrepreneurship. While
there has been a significant closure of
W
improvement in involuntary
elections, it is not surprising that India liquidation from insolvency and
Inc’s profit growth slowed in the fourth
quarter of FY24 after racing along in the preceding
nine-month period. But there were some positives.
This newspaper’s analysis of results from 1,084 listed
bankruptcy since the introduction of
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
(IBC) 2016, it is important to
recognise that most liquidations are
voluntary.
These could be due to change in
firms
companies showed that aggregate revenue growth for technology, for personal reasons, and
these firms improved sequentially to 10.6 per cent so on. Voluntary closures were very
time consuming in India till recently,
year-on-year in Q4 FY24, from 10.1 per cent in Q3 and even when there were no legal issues
7.9 per cent in the first two quarters. or tax pendencies.
This article explores how a
This is indicative of an improvement in the systematic focus on process reforms
demand environment. Net profit growth has dramatically improved the ease of
slowed to 16.5 per cent for the latest quarter voluntary exit.
from 29.4 per cent in Q3 and 51 per cent and TWO ROUTES
63.4 per cent in the first two quarters of the There are two ways of voluntary
fiscal. But this is not bad, given the high base liquidation in India currently. One is
effect. Operating profit margins held firm under the IBC and other is under
Section 248(2) of the Companies Act,
despite elevated power and fuel costs. Rising 2013. Here we have focused only on
interest rates do not seem to have made any the route under the Companies Act as EASE OF EXIT. Streamlining the process and the setting up of C-PACE have

GETTY IMAGES
dent in companies’ debt servicing ability, with a vast majority of the cases are routed
non-financial firms improving their interest through it. Companies which have no helped bring down the time involved in disposal of liquidation cases
cover to over five times. pending litigations against them and
have extinguished all assets and
A break-down of aggregates offers insights liabilities are eligible to apply via this there were no strict timelines for the disposal of applications to 195 days in In the first year of its existence,
on what’s transpiring in the economy. One, route. Registrar of Companies (RoCs) to the very first year of reform (that is, C-PACE has struck off 14,390
financial firms played a key role in lifting both Hence, it is reasonable to expect follow. Second, there were huge 2022-23). Not only this, 94 per cent companies. This includes the cases
revenue and profit growth at the aggregate. that this should be a relatively fast delays in publishing the notice of applications were being disposed of that were pending in the old system
process. However, as pointed out in ‘strike-off ’ in newspapers. in less than a year now. and had been transferred to C-PACE.
Without the 25 per cent revenue growth and our paper in 2021, the process Next, Finance Minister Nirmala The average time taken for
27 per cent profit growth logged by BFSI actually took years (‘Simplifying LACK OF STANDARDISATION Sitharaman announced the setting up striking-off of cases filed under this
(banking, financial services and insurance) Voluntary Liquidation Process: Third, there was lack of of Centralized Processing for system has reduced to only 90 days
firms, revenues and profits for India Inc Improving Ease of Exit in India’ in standardisation of documents to be Accelerated Corporate Exit (from 499 days in 2021-22), an 82 per
IBBI’s Annual publication 2021). submitted which meant they needed (C-PACE) in Union Budget 2022-23 cent reduction over two years. This is
would have expanded only by 6.2 per cent and The approval process took on an to be repeatedly resubmitted for any with the aim of expediting the even better than what was envisaged
9.7 per cent, respectively. But since banks and average 499 days in 2020-21 and minor inconsistency in the voluntary closure. At that time, the when it was announced. Our research
financial firms have been piggybacking on 2021-22. Granular details are even notarisation or other stage, causing goal was to reduce the time to less suggests that this is one of the fastest
robust credit offtake, the outlook on more stark. Out of the total cases delays. than six months. in the world.
credit-fuelled consumption and industrial disposed of in 2020-21, about 4 per We had argued for removing these The above process reform is a good
cent cases had taken less than 90 bottlenecks and creation of a single SINGLE-WINDOW SYSTEM example of how a system can be made
activity looks bright. Two, demand growth days, 19 per cent were approved window for the entire process. The C-PACE became operational on May much better with just systematic
showed signs of getting broad-based, with within 90 days to 360 days. The bulk Ministry of Corporate Affairs has not 1, 2023. This is a centralised mapping of a process and resolving
participation from both goods and services. of the cases took more than a year- merely resolved those issues, but has single-window system for companies, bottlenecks. This has been done in
Consumer durables (24 per cent revenue with about 63 per cent disposed of in gone beyond the solutions we had external regulators and RoCs. In various areas as well, and with equally
361 days to 720 days and rest taking envisaged at that time. The results addition, nodal officers were dramatic results (as in the case of
growth in Q4), e-commerce (41 per cent), even longer. have been dramatic. identified from each department, patent grants exceeding one lakh in
automobiles (15 per cent) and real estate (25 The situation was not very To begin with, the administrative time for each step was fixed, and the 2023-24).
per cent) logged big numbers, right alongside different in 2021-22. Remember that issues in the process were resolved number of resubmission requests by This experience shows that there is
hotels (15 per cent), financial services (49 per this is for companies which have no which reduced the average time of RoCs was limited. a case for mapping processes in every
liabilities towards any regulatory The entire process of publishing single area where government
cent) and entertainment (31 per cent).
However, muted growth in FMCG suggests
body, business supplier or workers, Voluntary closures were notices in the gazette and interacts with business entities or
and has no pending litigation. The newspapers were streamlined with common citizens so that they can be
that the rural leg of consumption is still fact that it used to take so long was very time consuming in the publications happening weekly or radically smoothened.
lagging. Though elections usually slow the clearly detrimental to ease of doing India till recently, even fortnightly. Furthermore, the system
pace of government spending and capex, business. when there were no legal was made completely transparent Sanyal and Arora are Member and Joint Director,
In our 2021 paper, we discussed and faceless requiring no physical respectively, in Economic Advisory Council to the PM.
infrastructure (15 per cent), engineering (143 several issues leading to delays. First, issues or tax pendencies. interaction with the applicants. Views are personal
per cent) and capital goods (17 per cent) grew
at a fair clip this quarter. The flagging
segments this time around were commodity
firms (refineries, mining, metals, steel) and
export-dependent sectors such as IT services,
chemicals and readymade apparel, which
either contracted or grew in single digits.
Coal remains king of India’s energy supply
Looking ahead, a normal monsoon aided by Coal will be the dominant fuel for at least the next 15 years as there are challenges to boosting non-fossils-based power
La Nina can lift rural consumption. The end
of political uncertainty should see a further of almost 70 per cent. Therefore, coal and production and imports and also on
pickup in capex and infrastructure. However, Sachchida Nand lignite accounted for almost 73 per cent addition of coal-based power generation
prices of industrial metals have spiralled of total power generation in the FY23. capacity. Coal will remain the King of

I
ndia reached a milestone with According to Union Government data, Indian energy supply. But it is also
upwards in recent months on supply annual coal consumption of one there was almost 10 per cent growth in essential that all thermal power plants,
tightness. This could pressurise margins for billion tonnes. Coal and lignite power generation from fossil fuels, old and new, adopt the best available
India Inc. Banks and financial firms are facing based power generation plants with which is mainly coal, and a mere 3 per technology for pollution control. The
margin challenges from tight liquidity. Even installed capacity of 218 GW account for cent growth in power from renewable emission of particulate matter and
more than 50 per cent of the total power energy in FY24 (April-February). nitrogen and sulphur gases should meet
so, an overall 10-15 per cent profit growth generation capacity in the country. the latest environmental standards.
appears feasible for FY25. Whether this will Non-fossil fuels including hydro, solar, ROADMAP FORMULATED Appropriate utilisation and disposal of
satisfy over-optimistic markets and justify the wind, biomass and nuclear energy add up The government has formulated a fly ash must also be ensured.
Nifty50 price-earnings multiple of 22 times, is to 190 GW of capacity. roadmap for additional 80 GW thermal CURTAIL. Pollution from thermal plants There is also need to promote projects
The data for actual power generation power generation capacity by 2032. in right earnest where carbon dioxide
what needs to be seen. reflect the true picture of the Power produced from natural gas and emitted by use of coal as fuel is captured
contribution of various energy sources. diesel being prohibitively expensive, the materials and pace of development of and utilised for production of methanol
The output of power from non-fossil entire additional thermal capacity will be infrastructure are some of the and urea. These products when
fuels remains low due to load factor of based on coal and lignite. challenges. Even, if we assume that the produced with green ammonia will
POCKET RAVIKANTH 20-25 per cent of the installed capacity. The demand for power is expected to target of 500 GW of non-fossil based require carbon dioxide from an outside
Lack of adequate water level in various grow by 6-7 per cent per annum in the power generation capacity is achieved by source. India produced about 31 million
reservoirs has hampered hydro-power near future. Though the country has 2030, the output from this capacity will tonnes urea in FY24 using gas based
generation. The very nature of solar and done well in recent years by increasing not be proportionate due to low ammonia. Even if 50 per cent of urea is
wind energy is such that they are heavily capacity based on non-fossils, the target utilisation factor for reasons explained produced using green ammonia in next
dependent on the time of the day and of achieving 500 GW renewable capacity above. 15 years, it can utilise more than 10
season. Amongst the fossil fuels, load by 2030 requires addition of 50 GW of Therefore, coal will continue to million tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted
factor of gas based power plants also new renewable capacity every year. remain the dominant fuel at least for the by power plants.
remains below 20 per cent due to high There are a number of challenges in next 15 years. The Central Government
cost of gas. Compared to this, coal-based achieving these levels of capacity has rightly maintained focus on adequate The writer is former ADG of Fertiliser Association of India.
power plants have an average load factor additions. Availability of land, finance, supply of coal by way of indigenous Views are personal

BELOW THE LINE

the need for growth not just in years under its belt, CCI is stepping Amidst the drama, whispers suggest uncle but also joined forces with the
southern and western India but also into a mature phase. Maliwal might be aligning with BJP to BJP alliance.
in mineral-rich eastern India, a With expectations scaling new dodge potential legal troubles, Ajit’s NCP is contesting four seats
leading industrialist questioned as to heights, the CCI’s approach needs to including arrest by Anti Corruption with its clock symbol, and BJP
why this growth was not occurring mirror the matured marketplace it Bureau, in a recruitment scam when leaders are urging voters to support
(in the eastern region). governs, say economy watchers. she was Chief of Delhi Commission the clock. However, for BJP
“It is not happening because — one, Indeed, as the CCI gears up to for Women, while others hint at supporters, the clock symbol is like a
CII spends too much time in Delhi. embrace its ‘adulthood’, the stakes deeper rifts within AAP. red rag to a bull. In a hilarious
You keep doing all your Annual are high, and not only India but the This scandal, with its mix of incident in the Baramati
Conferences only in Delhi with same entire world — thanks to India’s high-stakes politics and personal constituency, a BJP supporter
Kant’s quick wit set of people all the time. You should enhanced economic integration with vendettas, has Delhi talking, diverting stormed into the polling booth,
At the recent CII Annual Business move out to the States. Secondly, the world over the last decade — is attention from peak election frantically searching for the lotus
Summit 2024, G20 India Sherpa you must name and shame the States watching, they noted ! campaign when Delhi’s electorate symbol, the BJP’s emblem.
Amitabh Kant provided pivotal and State politicians who High stakes drama are going to cast their vote on May He got into a heated argument with
advice to the Confederation of underperform,” Kant quipped. Delhi’s political scene is ablaze as 25. the polling officers, insisting that the
Indian Industry (CII). Kant CCI’s ‘adulthood’ AAP MP Swati Maliwal levels serious Clocked out lotus was missing from the voting
emphasised the necessity for CII to The Competition Commission of assault charges against Bibhav In Maharashtra, BJP’s die-hard machine. When informed that the
engage more actively with States and India (CCI) celebrates its 15th annual Kumar, Arvind Kejriwal’s trusted aide. supporters are in a state of utter lotus and clock are now allies, the old
not shy away from calling out day on May 20, the pivot from Maliwal alleges Kumar slapped, confusion. The party has teamed up man was so enraged that he stormed
underperforming States and adolescence to near adulthood kicked, and harassed her at the CM’s with Sharad Pawar’s rebel nephew, out of the polling station without
politicians. symbolises a transformative era for residence, stirring a hornet’s nest of Ajit Pawar, who not only snatched casting his vote!
In response to Kant’s comment on this key economic regulator. With 15 speculation. the party name and symbol from his Our Bureaus

Published by Nirmala Lakshman and Printed by Praveen Someshwar at HT Media Ltd. Plot No.8, Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar, U.P.201306, on behalf of THG PUBLISHING PVT. LTD. Chennai-600002. Editor: Raghuvir Srinivasan (Editor responsible for selection of news under the PRP Act). ISSN 0971 - 7528

CM
YK . . . . . . . . ND-NDE
16 NEW DELHI
MONDAY
MAY 20, 2024

Opinion

{ STRAIGHTFORWARD }
E S TA B L I S H E D IN 1 9 24
Shashi Shekhar
{ OUR TAKE }

As Moscow gets Politicians need to stop


close to Beijing
India needs to be on its toes to ensure that its
vitiating the poll debate
defence ties with Russia are not compromised Divisive and poisonous BJP that has lost the elections and gal, has also altered her tone. Until a
that the Opposition has seen a signif- few days ago, she had reduced the
campaigning has long- icant increase in its seats in all Congress to less than 40 seats at the

O
ver the past four years, India has navigated
phases. Modi has talked about national level. Now she argues that Terms such as Hindu, Muslim, colour, and caste are dominating the
multiple crises, ranging from Covid-19 to the term consequences. The dedicating his third term to the the INDIA bloc will get 300 seats discourse, creating bitterness among the people AFP
military standoff with China and the fallout of Election Commission country’s quick advancement, but nationwide and that her party, the
conflicts, nuancing the country’s position he has also targeted Pakistan. Trinamool Congress, will support it always be ignored. sored from across the border. (Srina-
needs to step in At a public meeting in Bihar, he from the outside to form a govern- There is another crucial question. gar, which voted in the fourth phase,
without compromising on core interests. In his

W
ith the conclusion said: “Ham Pakistan ko choodiyaan ment. How can some of our politicians recorded a turnout of 36%, which is
interview with Hindustan Times, external affairs of the fourth pahana denge (We will make Pakistan What sort of game are they play- speak so irresponsibly? the highest since 1996, when 41%
minister S Jaishankar spoke of the country — and the phase of polling wear bangles)”. Meanwhile, home ing? I want to tell such politicians a polling was reported. To put the fig-
for the general minister Amit Shah has reiterated Meanwhile, divisive and poison- story. Last year, while I was tracking ures in perspective, the polling in the
world — continuing to grapple with more than one elections, the his determination to make PoK (Pak- ous terms such as temple, mosque, developments in Kashmir Valley in 2019 general elections in the constit-
crisis. He mentioned Ukraine, where the war is in the results of nearly occupied Kashmir) part of India Hindu, Muslim, kabristan-shamshan the wake of the repeal of Article 370, uency was as low as 14.4%.)
third year, and the possibility of the Israel-Hamas 70% of the constituencies lie sealed again. (graveyard - cremation ground), I met a man with a paralysed leg who Such cases are not exclusive to
in electronic voting machines This is the first time Modi and Aurangzeb, colour, and caste are was struggling to walk even with the Kashmir. There are dozens of such
conflict intensifying. India has thus far managed to (EVMs). Against this backdrop, most Shah have used such strong words in dominating the discourse, creating help of a stick and his brother by his people in the secluded areas of
significantly expand its ties with the US while people are likely to have observed a public fora. Previously, perhaps due bitterness. Our politicians do not side. Terrorists had shot at his legs India’s northeastern states and the
protecting its longstanding strategic interests with shift in the rhetoric of the nation’s to international pressure, such realise politics based on caste, reli- multiple times for voting in the dis- Naxal-affected districts of Chhattis-
political figures leading up to the things were served up prudently in gion, region, language, or sect, played trict panchayat elections. He said the garh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra.
Russia. And it is aware of the ever-lengthening fifth phase on Monday: Bitterness in sugar-coated words. consciously or otherwise, poisons the terrorists had warned residents of his They have made great sacrifices to
shadow of China, not just at the border but across the their discourse is peaking, with fresh Kharge, on behalf of the INDIA minds of future generations. What village against voting, but he ignored reinforce the foundations of democ-
neighbourhood, including in the Maldives, Myanmar, claims and promises as attention bloc, has promised to double free happened in Punjab in the 1970s and the warning, thinking it was just racy. I’d also like to remind you of the
turns to the remaining 30% of seats. grain distribution (to 800 million 1980s, and in Kashmir during the two bluster. The third day after he voted families of deceased personnel of the
and Sri Lanka, where Beijing continues to buy The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) people) to 10 kg and increase the job decades that followed, are horrible he faced the attack. armed forces who never hesitated in
influence to enable its pursuit of the pre-eminent and its allies are making big claims, reservation limit beyond 50%. Are examples of this. This lethal If you are wondering why terror- sending their loved ones to sacrifice
position in the Indian Ocean. of having won the elections already, these possible? When I asked a sen- sequence must be stopped immedi- ists had not killed him, it was their lives to protect the country and
and say that they are swiftly ior Congressman about this, he used ately. because they intended to use him as its law and order. Who says our
It is in this context that New Delhi will be watching approaching the target of 400 seats Brazil as an example. He claimed I’m not questioning the Election a living example of what voting at democracy can survive without such
the burgeoning bonhomie between Moscow and set by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra that “freebies” have had outstanding Commission’s motives or its machin- elections “sponsored by India” efforts? How come our politicians
Beijing. That Russian President Vladimir Putin chose Modi. In response, Congress presi- outcomes in Brazil, and argued that ery here, but why doesn’t the Com- entailed. But such elements have forget this so easily?
dent Mallikarjun Kharge and Samaj- there is no harm in attempting simi- mission, which is supposed to be failed in the current elections, and
China for his first trip after beginning another term wadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav lar experiments in India. neutral, double down to prevent this? the enthusiasm the Valley’s inhabit- Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief,
reflects the strength of the ties between the two addressed journalists in Lucknow Mamata Banerjee, who took the In a growing and healthy democracy, ants have shown in the fourth round Hindustan. The views expressed
countries. This was Putin’s 19th visit to Beijing as last week, and claimed that it is the lead from the Congress in West Ben- a variety of issues will arise that can’t is a slap in the face of terrorism spon- are personal

president, though he has opted not to travel to India


for multilateral meetings or the annual summit. In a
sense, this is understandable as China and Russia
stand isolated and criticised by democratic societies In Odisha, progress up { BENNY GANTZ } ISRAELI WAR CABINET MINISTER
for their actions against the rules-based order. For the
P
US, China’s growing economic and technology
prowess is a challenge to its global supremacy. against pride in elections If you put the national over
Washington has tried to contain Beijing through
tariffs and sanctions, but it has also worked at he first of the four rounds of elections in keep the state BJP leadership in check. personal, we will be partners in
engaging with it to ensure that a Russia-China axis,
which may include powers such as Iran, does not cut
into its influence. In this context, the Xi-Putin joint
T Odisha ended on May 13 (the fourth However, after the BJP achieved surprising
phase of the general elections) and the success in the 2019 elections, with a record haul
second round will be held today. Far in the Lok Sabha (winning eight seats com-
from Delhi and away from the mainstream pared to one in 2014, and the vote share for the
noises, elections in this coastal state assume Lok Sabha jumping to 38.8% in 2019 from 32.4%
the struggle. But if you choose
the path of fanatics ... we will be
statement is interesting for the point it makes about a critical significance for two reasons. One, Biju in 2014), it saw a chance to further improve its forced to quit the government
multipolar world of open alliances, driven by interests Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik, previous tally. That’s the precise reason why it

A
Addressing Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu,
rather than ideological themes such as democracy or who has been ruling the state for a record five nipped the alliance proposal from the BJD in on a post-war plan for Gaza
terms, is facing the most critical elections of his the bud. Most key BJP leaders including Modi,
open markets. What must put India on guard is the very distinguished political career spanning Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh have been mak-
veiled reference to groupings such as the Quad in not- three decades. Odisha, under his long tenure, ing frequent trips to the state apart from
so-positive terms. has witnessed a dramatic rise — from being launching broadsides against the BJD and Pat-
among the BIMARUO (laggards) to becoming naik.
The proximity between Moscow and Beijing is of
particular interest to New Delhi because of its
dependence on Russia for defence needs, a legacy
what noted economist and director general of For all these years, the BJD ran an energetic
the National Council of Applied Economic campaign on the back of strong performance
Research (NCAER) Poonam Gupta calls a and Patnaik’s famed political management
“breakout state”. But there are visible signs of skills. From constituency micro-survey to care-
What the rejig in Kremlin
issue it has tried to overcome by looking at new
partners and by self-reliance in armaments. The West
is wary of the bond between two aspiring hegemons
anti-incumbency and clouds of doubt over his ful candidate selection to beat anti-incumbency,
chosen successor. Second, there is an insurgent the BJD had created an enviable election model
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) largely aided by that promoted meritocracy and new ideas. It
means for ties with Delhi
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s popular- built a huge youth base and brilliantly tapped ithin days of assuming the office Patrushev relates to his original area of
in the East, but India should equally be on its toes. ity. The state BJP leaders are rely-
ing heavily on Modi’s strong
appeal to topple the BJD. What
makes the BJP ambitious is the
women voters through Self Help
Groups (SHGs) schemes (under
Mission Shakti). Come 2024, most
of these tools look rusty. There are
W of President of the Russian Feder- expertise. Patrushev graduated from the Len-
ation for the fifth time, Vladimir ingrad Shipbuilding Institute in 1974 and had
Putin has made sweeping worked as an engineer in the institute’s ship-
changes in the Kremlin’s elite power struc- building design bureau before the KGB

Char Dham pilgrimage lacklustre presence of the once for-


midable Congress party.
With an electorate size of 3.29
Niranjan
complaints of widespread abuse
in the selection of candidates for
Assembly and Lok Sabha tickets
ture. The headlines everywhere (India recruited him.
included), underscored the relegation of Patrushev rose to the highest echelons of
defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, to the post of power as part of a conservative pushback in

needs better oversight crore, the state’s 21 Lok Sabha and


147 Assembly seats are up for
grabs. Although the mineral-rich
Sahoo
(inclusion of many turncoats and
multiple members of the same
families).
secretary of the Russian Federation Security 2008. In 2007, Putin had publicly declared at
Council (elsewhere known as the National the Munich Security Conference that Russia’s
Security Advisor). quest for equality with the West was being
state experienced huge political However, at the centre of the The change in the portfolio of Shoigu was consistently rebuffed and its red lines were not
ast week, the Uttarakhand government banned and economic upheavals in the BJD’s current turmoil is the issue not unanticipated. As early as the middle of being respected. As a hardliner, Patrushev

L VIP darshan at the “char dhams” (four shrines at


Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath) in
the Himalayas in the wake of a huge influx of pilgrims.
1990s — culminating in embar-
rassing helplessness during the
super cyclone in 1999 — Patnaik’s
long stint that began in 2000 has
provided political stability and an Durgamadhab
of outsider versus Odia ashmita
(Odia pride/self-respect). These
issues have picked up largely due
to the phenomenal rise of VK Pan-
dian, Patnaik’s former private sec-
2022, within months of Russia’s “special mili- played a major part in the direction that Rus-
tary operation in Ukraine”, there was intense sia took after 2008, including Moscow’s mili-
speculation that some heads would roll for the tary interventions in Georgia in 2008, Crimea
failure to achieve a swift victory. Later, in (2014,) Syria (2015), and more recently,
2023, the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Ukraine (2022).
In the first six days since the pilgrimage season — which impressive economic transforma- Mishra retary and someone who has been Prighozhin, publicly criticised Shoigu for the By giving him an official post in the Krem-
opens in May and lasts till late October-early November tion. A state that used to catch the calling the shots in government debacle in Ukraine, and called for his removal. lin, albeit one of diminished stature, Putin has
— began, 3.3 lakh people have visited these shrines. national limelight often for wrong and the party. With speculation By all accounts, Putin had stayed his eased Patrushev’s exit, letting him
reasons, particularly with frequent hunger growing over him becoming Patnaik’s political hand then. After all, Shoigu had been retain certain perks and privileges
State authorities have said that over 2.6 million people deaths and natural disasters, has made signifi- successor, this Tamil-Nadu-born IAS officer has at Putin’s side since 2012 as defence during the transition. Notably,
have so far registered to undertake the pilgrimage, cant progress on most development indicators. hugely polarised the election and state politics. minister, including during the criti- Patrushev’s son, Dmitry Patrushev,
double the number of registrations at this time last year. Not only is the state producing sustained high In fact, much of the Opposition’s core is not cal takeover of Crimea in 2014, and the minister of agriculture, has been
growth under Patnaik’s more than two-decade about the government’s performances all these the military intervention in Syria in promoted to deputy prime minister
These mountain shrines, located in river valleys at stint, but it is also among a handful of states to years, but over the issue of an outsider playing 2015. Moreover, Shoigu had distin- as part of the same reshuffle. This
Sujan
altitudes above 10,000 feet, are not equipped to deal have achieved a revenue-surplus status. Signifi- an outsized role (with even Modi calling for guished himself as minister, the suggests a bargain between
cantly, under the Patnaik administration, Odi- protecting Odisha from the outsider) while at emergency situations ministry, a Chinoy Patrushev and Putin as the former
with such a large number of visitors. The 2013 floods
sha has moved from being a natural-disaster the same time painting Patnaik as a helpless post he had occupied from 1994 till walks away into the sunset.
that claimed about 6,000 lives and wreaked havoc in the vulnerable state to being one with a world-class patriarch. The Opposition’s strong and vitriolic 2012. It was widely believed that Patrushev will certainly be missed
Mandakini valley in Kedarnath revealed the dangers of disaster management model. attacks on Odia ashmita and Pandian’s near Putin and Shoigu enjoyed a good rapport — by the Indian establishment. He was a fre-
overcrowding in this ecologically fragile region. The rise Patnaik was brought into Odisha politics in control of the party and its campaigns have not the two men had even vacationed together in quent and familiar high-level interlocutor for
mid-1990s after the death of his father, the illus- gone down well with core supporters and can- the outdoors of Russia’s Far East in 2021. New Delhi: Over the years, he engaged several
in religiosity and a push from the state to promote trious Biju Patnaik, and was seen as a novice didates. While Patnaik and senior leaders are Recently, however, there were some straws Indian national security advisors, starting
religious tourism has created an unmanageable who had never lived in the state and did not putting up a spirited defence and appealing to in the wind about Shoigu’s impending depar- with MK Narayanan and ending with the cur-
situation that is disastrous for the local environment. know its language let alone groomed for the supporters not to get swayed by the criticism, ture as defence minister. On April 24, Shoigu’s rent incumbent, Ajit Doval. Shoigu can be
role thrust on him. But, within no time, he there are palpable anxieties in the BJD camp. trusted deputy, Timur Ivanov, was arrested on expected to follow his predecessor’s line on
These dhams are located near the sources of the deftly picked up political skills not only to out- The 2024 elections outcome has clear ramifi- graft charges. It was common knowledge that deepening the strategic partnership with
Yamuna and the Ganga. The heavy footfall and the smart competition from his rivals and BJD cations for Patnaik’s 24-year legacy and the sur- Ivanov was Shoigu’s handpicked aide in the India. Like Patrushev, he too is a familiar fig-
waste produced as a result have a direct impact on the kingmakers alike, he transformed the party vival of the BJD as a strong regional outfit. A defence ministry. When Timur fell on his ure for the defence establishment in Delhi.
into an election-winning machine in less than major hope for the BJD is Patnaik’s continued sword, the writing was on the wall for Shoigu. Shoigu will also head the Federal Service for
health of these rivers. The promotion of religious a decade. What helped him to stay on the top of goodwill among voters and the BJP’s lack of a In his new avatar, Shoigu replaces Nikolai Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS)
tourism has resulted in a demand for wider roads, political narratives for so long are his low-pro- chief ministerial face who can match Patnaik’s Patrushev, the long-serving security czar in responsible for Russia’s defence engagements,
construction, and a steep rise in vehicles. The climate file attitude and a non-confrontational stature. Even though the Modi factor and the the Kremlin. More than the news of Shoigu’s including with India.
approach with successive central governments. BJP’s energetic campaign are likely to help the departure, it is Patrushev’s quasi-retirement to Meanwhile, Andrei Belousov’s appoint-
crisis has been disastrous for the Himalayas, as seen in Although he ended the BJD’s alliance with the party to improve its existing tally in the Lok a much less important post of supervising the ment as the new defence minister is indicative
the spike in landslides, flash floods and forest fires. BJP over communal riots in the state’s Kandha- Sabha, winning the Assembly notwithstanding shipbuilding industry that merits attention. of the changing nature and unfolding scope of
Excessive human intervention will accentuate the crisis. mal district, he was not shy of building a the Pandian factor would still be a tall order. While Patrushev ostensibly remains a presi- the battle of attrition in Ukraine. The outcome
healthy relationship with the Modi government This is because of split voting — the same voters dential aide in the Kremlin, there is little doubt of the protracted war will depend on eco-
The char dhams were meant to be small padavs since 2014. This pragmatism not only helped who vote for the BJP in Lok Sabha are likely to that he has effectively been retired, notwith- nomic endurance more than anything else. In
(stations), catering to a tiny stream of pilgrims who his party and the state government avoid politi- vote for the BJD in assembly seats. The proof is standing his long-standing relationship with Belousov, Putin has roped in an economist-
brave the inclement weather and risk the trek up the cal machinations that other Opposition-ruled that while the BJP secured a record eight Lok Putin forged in their time together in St Peters- cum-technocrat who might prove better at
states have been subjected to by the ruling dis- Sabha seats last time, when it came to the burg. Their careers had overlapped, and juggling with the resources needed to sustain
rugged mountain. While the pilgrim traffic may aid the pensation, but he was also able to extract major Assembly, it won just 23. Patrushev had even stepped into Putin’s shoes the war without exacerbating the economic
local economy in the short run, these can’t be scaled up benefits for the state in political bargains with as director of FSB when the latter became the distress.
to match religious centres such as Varanasi or the Centre. The long bonhomie could be seen in Niranjan Sahoo is senior fellow, Observer prime minister in 1999. Both men started in
the BJD supporting many controversial bills of Research Foundation, New Delhi, and the KGB, which was renamed as FSB after the The writer is the director general of the Manohar
Rameswaram. It is time the yatra is better regulated and the Modi government in the Rajya Sabha. Durgamadhab Mishra is editor, Odisha Pulse. collapse of the Soviet Union. Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.
mass tourism actively discouraged. Importantly, this strategy also helped him to The views expressed are personal Interestingly, the new assignment given to The views expressed are personal

R. N. I. No. 503/1957 ● Postal Reg. No. DL(ND)-11/6058/2018-19-20 ‘Licensed to post without prepayment’ LICENCE No. U(C)-113/2006-08, AIR SURCHARGE: Raipur and beyond by Rail or Road - Re 5/-, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Khajuraho, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and beyond by Rail or Road - Rs. 10/-;

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BOARD: (011)23361234 ● EDITORIAL: (011)66561234 Extn. 1254, 1268 ● CIRCULATION: (011)66561111 ● ADVERTISING: (011)66561389 ● FAX: (011)66561270.

EDITOR: KUNAL PRADHAN


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��� �����
Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary
phenomenon in the sense that it is and can be
produced only by a more rapid increase in the Milton
quantity of money than in output Friedman

06 HYDERABAD MONDAY 20 05 2024


� �

I
F every social group’s relative The best way to help ‘price-takers’ is through the creation of a cluding even construction workers, a well
share in total output was inflex- -established phenomenon from available
INDIAN EXPRESS IS NOT AN ible downward, then the slight- rights-based welfare state that provides a set of universal data, would have been unlikely in the ab-
INDUSTRY. IT IS A MISSION. est attempt by any group to raise economic rights to all citizens on par with the Constitution sence of growing unemployment.
— Ramnath Goenka its share would push prices sky- We thus have a mutually-reinforcing

ECONOMIC DISTRESS
high. Inflation would be explo- process of distress being visited upon the
sive despite there being no sup- working people: inflation keeping down
ply constraints. This, however, does not real wages, causing a rise in the share of

GO BEYOND INCREMENTAL happen under capitalism, because the rel-


ative shares of some groups can be pushed AND THE WAYS TO surplus, which in turn causes a deficien-
cy of aggregate demand that further ag-

SAFEGUARDS, OVERHAUL down without arousing much resistance.


These groups are called ‘price-takers’;
ALLEVIATE IT
gravates unemployment. Not surpris-
ingly, the proportion of total population

DRACONIAN LAWS
their existence is what keeps inflation un- of the country that is below what used to
der control in a capitalist economy, though be considered the minimum calorific
even they would not eliminate inflation if norms (2200 per person per day in rural

I
others continuously raise their shares. India and 2100 in urban India) is higher
T’S a law that was introduced to align with international An alternative way of keeping inflation today than in 1973-74 when such esti-
norms on flushing out terror funding and arresting the restrained is through government inter- mates were first made. The distress today
vention that protects price-takers by sub- PRABHAT PATNAIK Professor Emeritus, Centre for Economic Studies is thus greater than half a century ago.
movement of illicit money across borders. In line with the and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University
sidising the costs of what they buy, and The aggravation of unemployment, it
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) created in 1989 for global finances it by taxing those who raise their may be thought, would bring down infla-
coordination to stem money laundering, Parliament cleared shares. This means keeping shares broad- tion by forcing even larger numbers to
the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2002 to ly unchanged after the impact of taxes and become price-takers. Indeed, this is typi-
tackle serious crimes like narcotics trade and terror financing. subsidies has been taken into account. cally how inflation is sought to be control-
Subsequent PMLA iterations to meet FATF stipulations opened India before the liberalisation era sought led under capitalism. But this only visits
the entry point to deal with all sorts of crimes, as the lower cap to use such a fiscal instrument against in- the inflation-caused distress in a different
flation. Under neoliberalism, however, as form on the same victims. If at the given
of `30 lakh in tainted assets to attract the law was dropped. By subsidies are whittled down (thus raising wages, prices rise by 10 percent, real wag-
and by, the PMLA acquired fangs, especially after opposition- farm input prices, for instance) and the pri- es fall by 10 percent. But the same hap-
ruled states barred the automatic registration of cases by the vatisation of essential services like educa- pens if wages fall by 10 percent but prices
CBI. To overcome these limitations, the Enforcement Directo- tion and healthcare further removes the remain unchanged. In the latter case, in-
rate became the chosen agency and the PMLA the preferred fiscal protection offered to the poor, infla- flation has abated but not distress.
statute. All the ED needed to get into play was an FIR by local tion control necessarily takes the form of What is required, therefore, is an alle-
reducing working people to the status of viation of distress, which can also create
law enforcement authority anywhere in India. The ED could
price-takers. If inflation persists under a mutually-reinforcing spiral of improve-
then register its own case under the PMLA and launch a paral- neoliberalism, the reason lies partly in the ment: greater purchasing power in the
lel probe. That was how it went after the AAP in Delhi, the JMM fact that this process of making working hands of the working people will gener-
in Jharkhand and the TMC in West Bengal. Getting bail under people into price-takers is not completed ate a larger demand for goods and serv-
the PMLA is difficult, which is why the Sisodias continue to be (Modi’s three farm laws, for instance, that ices that will increase employment, and
in judicial custody for months. The problem got compounded would have reduced kisans into price-tak- hence living standards still further. The
ers were withdrawn in the face of stiff re- existence of unused productive capacity
after a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court upheld the ED’s
sistance), partly in the fact that the rise of and unemployed manpower that is a
powers under that law. That verdict is now under challenge. the share of the affluent is a continuous symptom of distress has thus great po-
Mercifully, another bench of the Supreme Court last week process. Thus, leaving aside specific fac- SOURAV ROY tential for overcoming distress too.
added a layer of protection under the PMLA, ruling that the tors such as tomato or onion shortage, or The best way to bring this about is
ED can’t arrest an accused after a court takes cognisance of a the fall-out of the Ukraine war, inflation in first, the crisis of petty production, espe- gate demand, arising from the rising share through the creation of a rights-based wel-
complaint on money laundering against the individual and India in the neoliberal era is the expres- cially of the agricultural sector, that arises of economic surplus in output, further fare state that provides a set of justiciable,
issues summons. The agency has to seek the court’s permis- sion of a rising share of economic surplus because of the withdrawal of state sup- compounds this growth of unemployment universal economic rights to all citizens on
in total output. It is a means of effecting a port from this sector displaces many farm- and aggravates economic distress. This is par with the fundamental civil and politi-
sion to do so, else it would go against the right to liberty. In the continuous rise in income inequality that ers from their traditional occupation and what we see in India today. cal rights enshrined in the Constitution.
NewsClick case, a different bench of the Supreme Court de- is a characteristic of neoliberalism. forces them to look for jobs elsewhere. Sec- Since we have a largely casualised Five such rights—to food, employment,
clared the arrest of its founder Prabir Purkayastha under the The working people consume virtually ond, trade liberalisation intensifies com- workforce, growing unemployment takes free quality education in public institu-
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act invalid based on a tech- their entire income in any period, while petition in the market and hastens techno- the form not necessarily of more people tions, free quality healthcare through a
nicality - the failure of the probe agency to inform the accused the affluent consume only a fraction of logical-cum-structural change that remaining jobless but of a given number National Health Service, and a non-con-
or his counsel in writing about the grounds before his arrest. theirs. Such a rising share of economic increases the rate of growth of labour pro- of jobs being distributed among more tributory living old-age pension scheme
surplus causes a fall in the ratio of con- ductivity in the economy, and correspond- people; it does not therefore get adequate- with disability benefits—can be financed,
All these are but incremental reliefs. The ideal solution would sumption to total output (borrowing for ingly lowers the rate of growth of employ- ly captured through standard measures. it is estimated, by imposing just two taxes
be to revisit the draconian laws to dismantle the scope of their consumption by working people can nev- ment (which is the excess of the GDP Even so, data from the Centre for Moni- on the top 1 percent of the population.
rights abuse irrespective of the party in power. It’s all the more er fully offset this). This lowers aggregate growth-rate over that of labour productiv- toring the Indian Economy (CMIE) show These are a 2 percent wealth tax, and a one-
important as the new criminal laws would kick in from July 1. demand and aggravates unemployment. ity). Employment growth, therefore, far an unemployment rate of 8.1 percent for third inheritance tax. Such a programme,
A neoliberal economy, even in the ab- from absorbing the displaced farmers, April, which is higher than any annual rather than one that forces people to be-

CONGRESS CANNOT TAKE


sence of any deficiency of aggregate de- may not even absorb the natural increase rate since the CMIE’s estimates began. come price-takers in the name of control-
mand, is characterised anyway by grow- in the workforce, causing a rise in the un- The fall in real wages of large sections of ling inflation, is what is required.
ing unemployment for two other reasons: employment rate. The deficiency of aggre- rural workers over the last decade, in- (Views are personal)
KERALA FOR GRANTED

B THE MARVELLOUS NARRATIVE


ARELY days after the Lok Sabha elections concluded in
Kerala, the Congress state unit is grappling with a crisis,

TRADITION OF OUR COUNTRY


and it has none other than KPCC president K Sudhaka-
ran at its crux. Though AICC did blink and allow Sud- Scholarly knowledge
hakaran—who had handed over the charge to another Ref: Imagining the future through scholars
leader as he was a candidate in the LS polls—to return as KPCC past (May 19). Sociologist and professor Jeet
Singh Uberoi and psychoanalyst Sudhir Kakar,

R
president, signals emanating from the party show that all is
ETELLING Indian katha who both recently breathed their last, were
not well. Both opposition leader V D Satheesan and the tempo- through 3,000 years of stories outstanding scholars. The knowledge of scholars
rary KPCC chief M M Hassan had skipped the event where has been the most marvellous as they point out the maladies afflicting the
RENUKA NARAYANAN
Sudhakaran re-assumed the charge. Sudhakaran—known for adventure for me as a 21st-cen- government and society is welcome.
his acerbic retorts and loose tongue—did not hide his resent- tury inheritor of our storytell- Ravi Nair, Palakkad
ment over their absence and made snide remarks about them ing tradition. Naturally, this
while talking to the media. The matter has not been settled. effort made me look closely at FAITHLINE Thrilling game
the nature of this inheritance. Here are Ref: Delight for RCB, heartbreak for CSK (May
Post LS polls, the party high command is being flooded with some points that struck me, and I would gised. This comes from the very basis of were not edited out but allowed to stay; 19). The crucial match between five-time IPL
letters favouring and opposing Sudhakaran and Satheesan. love to know what you think. ‘Hinduism’—ananda or happiness, a glad- Valmiki himself explains these situations. champion Chennai Super Kings and Royal
The duo was chosen as an antidote to everything that was plagu- My top point: we’re very lucky to have ness of being in thought, word and deed And yet, unlike the Vedas, which had to be Challengers Bangalore on Saturday was one
ing the party after it got drubbed in the 20121 Assembly elec- had many master storytellers. The two out- that comes from ‘realising God’. memorised exactly with not a word of the most thrilling matches of this season.
tions. Sudhakaran, with his sharp retorts to C M Pinarayi Vi- standing examples are Valmiki, the author So far, we’ve ticked off skill, delivery, changed, the Ramayana was treated as a When RCB won the match, the huge crowd at
jayan and his efforts to create a cadre system, did manage to of the Ramayana, and Vyasa, the author broad areas of engagement and deeper beloved epic open to re-interpretation. the stadium celebrated the victory as if they
of the Mahabharata. They’re subtle, they purpose. We’ve ticked off the key princi- Why was it so important to make sense were celebrating New Year’s Day.
re-energise the party initially after he took charge. But the hype
love detail, and they’re kings of suspense ple. What about content? What’s actually of the Ramayana and hang on to it, despite K S Aswathanarayana, Bengaluru
did not last long as he could not carry out the organisational and irony, especially Vyasa. My second there in an Indian katha to make people its few seemingly grey areas? In my view,
revamp as per the plan. The party went into the LS election with point: the oral tradition through which want to remember and retell it as they it’s because it touches the heart so deeply RCB’s turnaround
no booth committees in place in several constituencies. UDF their stories were passed on is actually an it is recognised as truth. There are appar- For a team that has never been short of
partners were shocked at the breakdown of the organisational experience of theatre. These stories were ently over 300 versions of the Ramayana talent but has always been found wanting in
structure and conveyed their displeasure to the Congress lead- in fact turned into myriad forms of region- and hundreds of oral narratives. Scholars performance, RCB has registered a remarkable
al theatre that flourish even today. say there are broadly two kinds. Ramay- turnaround in fortunes in the IPL, coasting
ership. The public spat between the KPCC president and Op-
Even in informal settings, anyone who anas that deal with happiness in union and to victory in six matches on the trot. The no-
position leader also had put the party in a bad light. tells these stories instinctively drops or those that deal with the sorrow of separa- hopers who had lost seven matches are now
Despite all the shortcoming of its Kerala unit, the southern raises their voices, stops at a crucial mo- tion. Sita is either banished or there’s a in with a chance to lift the trophy for the first
state is still one of the strongest bastions of the Congress party. ment to increase its drama, and asks lead- mangalam ending. There are said to be time if they can get through the qualifiers.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

But it has got more to do with the prevailing anti-CPM senti- ing questions like “What do you think hap- more Ramayanas with a happy ending. C V Aravind, Chennai
ments in the state and less with the organisational strength of pened next?” These storytellers could be But sadness is truer to life, perhaps?
granny at bedtime, the pauranikar or Rama is never happy after Sita’s banish- Political conspiracy
the Congress party. So, even if the grand old part manages to
kathakar—the traditional storyteller at ment. Last month on Ram Navami, when I Delhi CM Aravind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar’s
win handsomely in Kerala, it should not be taken as an affirma- the temple—or a campfire artiste. It could was in Ayodhya, I made my way down to arrest is a political tactic aimed at discrediting
tive vote for the Congress in the LS elections. In other words, the be someone on your screen or in print. Pro- We’re very lucky to have had many the Sarayu to put water on my head. My Kejriwal. The strategy of using females as part
Congress party should not take Kerala for granted, especially as fessional storytellers also use songs to master storytellers. The two local auto rickshaw driver took me through of a conspiracy is reminiscent of a ‘wolf in
the BJP is gradually carving out a space for itself in the state. heighten a dramatic moment and give lis- outstanding examples are Valmiki, back lanes to a quiet stretch of the river, sheep’s clothing’. J P Nadda’s statement serves
Local body elections will take place next year and the Assembly teners time to experience an emotion, be it away from the crowds. I stood for a few as a cloak for their deceptive tactics. Arresting
sad, happy, afraid or ablaze with wonder. the author of the Ramayana, minutes just looking at the river. I was sud- the victim without any FIR is the police’s biggest
election will follow immediately after that. After being out of
In particular, I like the emotional re- and Vyasa, the author of the denly overwhelmed by the thought that Sri misstep in this convoluted affair.
power in the state for two consecutive terms, the Congress party
sponsibility our religious story-telling tra- Mahabharata. They’re subtle, they Rama took jal samadhi in the Sarayu. My Mahammad Irfan, Mangaluru
cannot afford to lose one more round of elections. The KPCC dition shows towards its listeners. This is eyes filled with unbidden tears at the
must put its house in order at the earliest if it doesn’t want to how I think it works. Firstly, why are these
love detail, and they’re kings of poignant memories that the Sarayu brims Unpleasant campaigns
follow the fate of its counterparts in other states. stories told in our religious tradition? suspense and irony with, like the Ganga and Yamuna. If A brutal majority is always seen as a danger
They’re told to heighten awareness of the just the sight of the river had such a strong to India. We are seeing some of the most
complexity of life in listeners, the nature have done with katha these 3,000 years— effect, we can understand the lasting im- scurrilous deliberations flouted as election
Q U I C K TA K E of relationships, and the seasonal beauty not only in India but right around the pact of this luminous story and the ex- campaigns that were never seen in earlier
of nature. The story aims to stimulate the Bay of Bengal and mainland Asia, across traordinary character of Sri Rama, the polls, like the north-south division, religion,
RIGHT TO KNOW MORE listener’s capacity to think. A deeper pur-
pose is to instil and increase God-love, and
West Asia and Europe?
The answer: a good story. Let’s take a
exemplary love of his brothers and the loy-
alty and grit of Sita, a princess who em-
etc. The stakeholders of this exercise must
understand their responsibility to save and

T
HE Supreme Court’s recent observation that consumers have through it, fellow feelings for humanity. look at Ramayana, the ultimate Indian braced stark hardship out of love. protect our country’s image.
The goal is to increase the listener’s katha that does not end happily but caught In the north, there is an anthology of Kaliappan Palaniswami, Salem
a right to know what manufacturers and advertisers are of- Emotional Quotient, not merely the IQ. so many hearts that it became the ‘Epic of devotees’ questions to Tulsidas called the
fering should nudge the government to strengthen the rules These stories want us to know how to re- Asia’. Scholarly opinion has it that there is Shankhavali that asks things like ‘What did Improve quality
on food labelling, apart from directing companies to pre-screen spond to various situations; in fact, no other story on earth that comes close to they eat in the forest’, ‘Which mother did Ref: Govt asks students to stay indoors in
fraudulent ads. This comes at a time when more studies, includ- they’re a directory of responses. the Ramayana in the extraordinary way it they bow to first’, and so on. Every region Kyrgyz capital (May 19). Our government’s
ing a landmark 30-year one published recently in the BMJ, are Now comes the moment of utmost emo- lives on through myriad tellings. Over the has some format in which the details of this swift action to protect Indian students at
linking consumption of ultra-processed food with premature tional responsibility. At the end, a master millennia, people had problems about the epic are repeatedly raised. The Ramayana Bishkek is laudable. But the huge number
storyteller reconnects the listener gently ambivalences—the seemingly less-than- is but one stupendous example of the vast of Indian students flocking to Kyrgyz for
death. From merely mentioning contents, we should move to high-quality medical education at reasonable
with real life. Dreadful things may happen perfect behaviour of Sri Rama in the epi- and fluid narrative tradition of our land
brief explanations of what the ingredients mean for our health, to the characters but usually, the Indian sodes of Vali, Surpanakha and Sita’s Agni- that we are fortunate to take part in. fees is bizarre. India should increase seats and
as some food segments in Europe require. Meanwhile, our fabulist likes to stop at a hope point so peo- pariksha. But these issues are present in (Views are personal) upgrade education quality to global standards.
schools should focus more on the benefits of balanced diets. ple go home touched, pleased and ener- the very first Ramayana, by Valmiki. They (shebaba09@gmail.com) Rajarao Kumar, Bengaluru

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS


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