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CLOSE-IN: First Test of Ashes 2023 establishes a Paradigm shift in Test Cricket (IANS column)

Gopi — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 02:44:03 +0000

By Yajurvindra Singh

The first Test of the five-match Ashes 2023 series between England and Australia was a nail-biting affair that had one and all rooted to their seat. Australia came through successfully by showcasing a never-say-die attitude.

Their skipper Pat Cummings played a captain's knock to get them over the line. He showed exemplary leadership qualities of shouldering and fulfilling his responsibility, both with the ball and the bat. One needed nerves of steel to take one's team to victory and Cummings did so with a cool and calm approach.

This remarkable and engrossing Test match between two of the top sides of world cricket will go down as one that has left an indelible mark on the future of the pure and conventional form of the game. It has established a definite paradigm shift as to how Test cricket will be perceived and played in the future.

There was one team that wanted to change the paradigm and the other who wanted to feed off the other's mistakes. In this case, the aggressor, that was England, may have been defeated, however, they did bring forth an air of excitement and joy in the way they played the game.

The field placements and positioning were a novel sight to see in Test cricket. England seemed to bring about innovation at every step of the way, unfortunately, this approach did not prove to be productive in the end.

The normally aggressive Australian side, in this case, was subdued from the very first delivery that they bowled. To have fielders patrolling the boundaries to save runs from the very onset of an Ashes Test match showed the submissive and wait-and-watch state of mind of the Australians. Zak Crawley, England's opening batter made a statement by hitting a beautiful cover drive on the rise to the boundary off the very first ball of the match, a shot that brought a bit of worry of things to come in the mind of the Australians.

Australia, thereafter, looked to be a side trailing to go ahead, waiting rather than planning their moves. The "Bazball" attitude that England have decided to adopt is a wonderful initiative for cricket and the followers of the game, however, Test cricket needs several other ingredients in order to perform well.

Patience, a sensible approach, tenacity by never giving in, resilience and smartness were what Australia brought forth to the contest and this is what led them to their success. Loose punches and jabs in boxing may get one a few points, however, it is the final blow that gets one the Knock-out. Pat Cummings did that beautifully, when he hit two mighty sixes off Joe Root, a part-time spin bowler, to make his statement and stand tall like Sylvester Stallone did in the famous movie "Rocky" movie.

England may have lost this match, however, one could not fault the attitude and positive mindset of their captain, Ben Stokes and his band of men. It takes one back to the stories of the famous Nottingham outlaw, "Robin Hood". The English team is a bunch of players whose aim seems to be to entertain and in doing so are willing to take the chance and risk a few defeats. One is still sceptical as to whether this will be a consistent ploy to be a successful Test unit in the end.

One has to marvel at England's bold approach as they have made Test cricket interesting to watch. England's aim of a result-oriented approach is necessary to keep Test cricket thriving. A 5-day affair resulting in a draw was what drove people away from watching it, the viewers and spectators want to finally see a result. This is where Ben Stokes and their coach Brendon McCullum and their merry band of players need to be appreciated.

They have brought in a paradigm shift in the way they want to play Test cricket. There will be a few hiccups to understand the best way to approach it, however, one feels this will be the trend that other teams may follow. The only question that arises is whether the onus of executing a result base directive is the responsibility of a cricket side. In the end, a nation wants to see its side winning and not being popular losers.

The two centurions of the Ashes Test match, Joe Root and Usman Khawaja, while making their runs played conventional and orthodox cricket. Although Joe Root went his merry way in the second innings scoring a quick-fire 46 runs, his wicket made a huge difference in the final outcome of the match. For Root to get stumped for the first time in his career playing a big heave and attempting to play a reverse scoop off the very first ball he faced in the second innings showed how Bazball has affected him mentally.

This is where sense and not nonsense will play its part in the future. Usman Khawaja, on the other hand, showed maturity. His innings emphasised that one need not be a shot-making superstar, but one who understands the situation better to be successful. His tenacious innings is what kept Australia afloat and stay in the hunt.

The major paradigm shift that one can see in Test cricket is that teams are becoming more result oriented. This has brought about a very positive mindset, not only in batting but in bowling and field placements as well. Limited-overs cricket is playing a major part in the way cricketers are now approaching the game. Players are taking far more risks and hence Test cricket has become much faster and better to watch.

Bazball or not, comparing Limited-Overs cricket to Test cricket is like comparing a hip-hop number to a classical masterpiece. This is why, the first Test match of the 2023 Ashes will always be remembered and embedded in the annals of cricket history for years to come.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Partygate crashes Boris Johnson’s political career

Gopi — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:35:04 +0000

By Asad Mirza

Boris Johnson's sudden resignation as an MP has resulted in a crisis both for the UK's Conservative Party and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but the ultimate winner from the resulting chaos might be the former Prime Minister himself.

Johnson stepped down on June 9 as a Conservative MP after claiming he was "forced out of Parliament" over Partygate.

In an explosive and lengthy statement, he called the Commons Privileges Committee investigating if he misled the Commons over Downing Street lockdown parties, a "kangaroo court" whose purpose "has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts". In its defence the committee said it had "followed the procedures and the mandate".

Apparently Johnson had an inkling of what was to come as evident by the Committees report, which said that he "committed a serious contempt" of parliament when he told Parliament that rules were followed at all times.

The findings amount to a historic admonishment of a former prime minister, who won a landslide electoral victory less than four years ago but saw his political career collapse amid a series of scandals.

"The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the Prime Minister, the most senior member of the government," the Privileges Committee wrote in its report. "There is no precedent for a Prime Minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House."

"He misled the House on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly," the members wrote, adding that Johnson also misled the committee when he presented evidence in his defence. The report added a further, damning recommendation in light of his resignation: that Johnson is denied a former member's pass to enter parliament, a longstanding convention for former MPs.

Two other Conservative MPs Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams followed Johnson's resignation -- meaning the Conservatives are now facing three by-elections immediately.

Apart from these by-elections, the bigger discussion in the Westminster is what will Johnson do now. Apparently known as a maverick, he is also known for his ability to bounce back from oblivion.

The BBC's Laura Kuenssberg in an interview on Sunday said clues from his track record tell us there is little chance he would have fought if he hadn't been sure he could win. Four times in the past Johnson has bounced back politically.

In 1987, Johnson was fired by The Times for falsifying a quote -- but was hired the following year by The Daily Telegraph, as the paper's Brussels correspondent.

In 2004, he was fired as the Conservatives' shadow arts minister for lying about an affair -- but was back on the front benches a year later. In 2016, he pulled out of his first bid to be the Conservative leader and Prime Minister after his close friend Michael Gove launched a rival bid - but he made a surprise comeback as Foreign Secretary under eventual winner Theresa May.

In 2018, he quit May's cabinet in protest at her Brexit deal, only to return as leader of the party the following year, going on to win a huge majority at a general election.

There are varying reactions to his sudden departure, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner called Johnson a "coward" who "doesn't accept responsibility for his own actions" But his former advisor, Will Walden, says he doesn't think this is the end for Johnson -- "he is preparing himself for what might be next".

Former Conservative chairman Jake Berry, a friend of Johnson's, told reporters: "The establishment has seen Boris out the door."

But Berry also said: "He appeals to the great British public more than I've seen an British politician do. There is something special about him. He's an extraordinary character."

This means no one is sure of or even has a hint of his future plans, though most of them whether Conservative or Labour would like to write his political epitaph after his latest decision.

Johnson in his tirade against the government also targeted the Prime Minister Sunak of "talking rubbish" after the prime minister said his predecessor asked him to overrule the vetting committee for appointments to the House of Lords.

The Conservative Party seems to be more in turmoil and chaos now than ever before, the chances of it winning the next general election seems slim.

The opposition Labour Party is baying for blood and asking for immediate elections, of which it is sure to win. In this scenario it would be practical for Sunak to take this as an opportunity to retrench and consolidate himself in the party, to expel the far-right fringe and anyone else who refuses to toe his pragmatic and sensible line.

The party would, of course, be smaller, but it would be more cohesive and manageable, and would gradually rebuild in strength by welcoming back those disillusioned by the David Cameron, Johnson, and Liz Truss years of lunacy.

But the big question is if Johnson will not run for Parliament again, and is happy to maintain the suspense of a return, what else might he do with his time?

There are reports that coincidentally, his old newspaper the Telegraph has just come up for sale and its former editor Will Lewis, who sometimes advised Johnson, when he was in No 10 besides working together at the Telegraph, and who has just been made a knight by Johnson in the latest Honours List, may team up with him. Further leading to speculation that the duo might be part of a bid to take it over the Telegraph?

Turning back to journalism once again might be one of the escape routes available to Johnson but in his reincarnation as an Editor, he would be the worst nightmare for the Conservatives and Sunak, both.

The raft of speculations shows that the man has not lost his nuisance value and the art of turning nuisance and resultant chaos in his favour. Both his friends and foes at the moment are in complete dark and this might not be the final chapter of his weird political career.

(Asad Mirza is a Delhi-based senior political commentator.)

Source: IANS

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An important measure of India’s progress (Column: The Third Eye)

Gopi — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 03:32:04 +0000

By D.C. Pathak

Girls making it to the prestigious Civil Services of India represented over one-third of the total of successful candidates this year, putting a stamp on the steady trend of women in this country achieving their goals in a highly competitive environment.

For the second year in a row, the top three ranks have gone to women.

In the past, a woman joining the Air Force in 2016 became the first woman fighter pilot to fly solo with MIG21, another one after completing her university education kept up her interest in mountaineering and became the first Indian woman to climb Mt Everest way back in 1984, and in 2018 a woman scientist with specialisation in electronics and communications became the first Director General of DRDO - the apex science research organisation that was once headed by the former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

In recent years, the opportunities thrown open for educated women have multiplied manifold as India marched forward towards its socio-economic mission and the exceptional amongst these women reached the top in their chosen professions.

The real base for women's advancement lay in the spread of education of girls aided by the awareness among the people - particularly those of ordinary means - that it is the success in competitive examinations conducted by the national and state governments that would land boys and girls of the family in an assured career secured on merit and ensure their rise in life.

The credibility of examinations held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions still holds and it is essential for safeguarding national interests that a prime duty of those governing the Centre and the States was to ensure that public service examinations were conducted flawlessly. It is here that any attempt to compromise the integrity of the process of the test and the evaluation should be considered a crime against the nation and should be ruthlessly punished.

In no other country, there is an equivalent career of the kind offered by IAS, IPS and Central Civil Services in India - entry to which is through a merit-based examination open to all graduates.

It is a rare opportunity for young men and women to join the system of governance at the national and state levels that offers a leadership role from the very beginning of service.

In 5-6 years - including the training period, the entrant becomes a Collector or District SP or occupies the position of Under Secretary to the Government of India. These are huge responsibilities and even though, the nation offers a fair monetary package and other perks, there is little doubt that these young men and women are expected to come in more for the pride of being able to serve the people in a real sense and commanding respect of the society than for any consideration of achieving material affluence beyond the advantage of a respectable salary structure.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that in the traditional, patriarchal and economically weak sections of society, the girls now had the wisdom to realise that working hard for securing a place in Civil Services, would' bring them a true liberation' from all these social handicaps and install them at a pedestal where they would achieve self-development.

The increasing success of women in UPSC exams is extremely heartening in Indian conditions for this quietly sets the trend of national progress and advancement in real time.

The spirit of public service, dedication to a cause and exercise of wisdom in decision-making is perhaps a shade more strong in Indian women and this lends optimism about believing that more women joining the machinery of governance would do good to the nation.

In a country as vast and diverse as India in terms of local traditions, class distinctions and expectations from the government, it is important that there is uniformity of democratic governance across the states and hence the idea credited to Sardar Patel that the adoption of the concept of All India Services would serve independent India well, was strategically sound.

The IAS and the IPS provide administrative leadership to governance and the Centre has appropriately taken the responsibility of recruiting the civil services officers through a national examination conducted by UPSC, training them and then allocating them to states on the principle that the officers would be willing to serve anywhere in the country. They are provided further assimilative training at the state institutions before being assigned field responsibilities in districts.

Young officers measure up to their public service calls using their high 'empowerment' in the process and generally perform well before they ran into the challenge of encountering errant political masters and compromised seniors.

It is seen that the officers, drawn from among families that had seen difficulties in their day-to-day life, show even greater drive and commitment to serve the common man and it would not be out of place to mention that women in positions of authority often stood out in this regard. This also holds the promise of a better future for India.

The Centre would do well to strengthen the oversight of Department of Personnel and Training on the performance of IAS and IPS officers and make sure that no state government would unfairly jeopardise their careers and initiate punitive action against them out of political motives.

Job opportunities for educated and skilled women need to be enlarged in various fields - if there is reservation it should also be for women from economically weak sections - and not merely in the name of 'castes' and 'socially backward classes'.

In a developing and tradition-bound society, this will accelerate national progress and growth since a self-dependent woman can take care of her children's future more resolutely.

It is a known fact that men fell for addictions and even criminality far more commonly than the opposite gender and that educated and financially independent women had a greater potential for uplifting society - they certainly are better teachers for children and a better promoter of moral education and humane conduct. But more than anything else, a democratic dispensation must ensure that in terms of education, health and employment, women did not lag behind men. This is not too difficult to achieve if the administration at all levels was impartial, sensitive and public-service oriented.

It is necessary for the administrators to be apolitical implementers of public policy, to maintain high integrity and to set an example, in official functioning, for their juniors.

The argument about political masters not letting the administrators work is overplayed - all governments regardless of their political complexion want efficient and upright civil servants.

The leadership of IPS is perhaps tested more because the 'autonomy' of investigation in reality hides an unfair use of 'discretion' by the officer and this is what a shrewd politician in authority would be willing to go for.

The success of a democratic state lies substantially in the unbiased enforcement of law and order and crime prevention. We need far greater induction of women in the police at various levels on this count.

Even in national Intelligence agencies, women have proved their merit, particularly in the sphere of collation, analysis and assessment.

The results of the civil services examination happily indicate the general progress made by India on various fronts. The officers - men and women - belonging to various services share a spell of joint training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie that gives them a lasting mutual acquaintance and lays down a turf for cooperation in their later years when their work might again bring them together.

More recently, the Centre under the guidance of the National Security Advisor, evolved a module of training for them on national security and strategic affairs. This knowledge will come in handy when the officers would handle responsibilities in sensitive organisations at senior levels and would be required to coordinate with the security establishment of the nation.

The civil services must remain aware of the higher cause that they must always serve for the nation as well as for the people. The 'steel frame' that they provided for the governance of the country, works for national unity in a manner that was unique, personally fulfilling and singularly productive in regard to the safeguarding of Indian democracy. That men and women are both contributing to this great mission presages a bright future for India.

On the whole, we need to enlarge, strengthen and quality-control the entire exercise of intake for the national civil services to facilitate the progress of democratic India towards the goal of becoming a great world power.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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CLOSE-IN: Indian cricket lovers left devasted and fuming (IANS column)

Gopi — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 02:59:02 +0000

By Yajurvindra Singh

India's defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 Final against Australia has quite understandably made their ardent supporters fume with rage. One felt that this was a golden opportunity for Indian cricket to finally win an ICC Trophy after a decade of anxiously waiting for one.

Unfortunately, the enormous wealth, adulation and following that Indian cricket attracts, somehow, seems to blind one to the actual fact of where one honestly stands. One admires positivity, however, the world around us has shown that ignoring reality is a flaw which has brought even large corporate houses to their knees. A cupboard bare of a world cricket trophy, when one feels Indian cricket is flourishing, truly reflects our cricket and cricketers.

If one compares the team when India played New Zealand in the inaugural WTC Final in 2021 in England to the present one that played Australia, the top five batters were exactly the same and two of the bowlers were as well. India did miss a beat by not including R. Ashwin in the playing XI but how could one drop the leading wicket-taker of the World Test cycle is a matter one fails to fathom or understand.

This itself shows that Indian cricket has remained basically at a standstill in the last four years. With a cupboard full of talented cricketers, one can gauge that either the youngsters are not up to the mark or, as an Indian outfit, we are reluctant to change.

India opting for four fast bowlers on a cloudy first day morning and deciding to field first showed that India was playing safe. Several of the Indian sides had suffered in such heavy and clouded conditions in the past.

The scare of repeating that mistake and the uncertainty of tackling it due to lack of practice must have rankled in the mind of the Indian think-tank. Furthermore, India fell victim to the English weather predictions, expecting gloomy and rainy days ahead, which unfortunately for them, went completely awry.

In both the World Test Championship finals, India lost to a better side, which was more planned and prepared as well as mentally stronger. The perennial excuse of the Indian side that one hears after a defeat, of the loss being on account of one bad session or one incident should henceforth, be put to rest. The fans and followers of Indian cricket want success and unfortunately, they have not been able to bask in it for quite a while.

This brings one to the controversial decision of Shubman Gill's dismissal through a catch taken in the slip cordon by Cameron Green. The debate on its authenticity or not made one feel that India would have won the match if it had gone in Gill's favour. A 444-run chase in the second innings of a Test match was gigantic and had never been accomplished before. The importance of drawing the match was more prudent than chasing as one says, "the mountain of light".

Tony Grieg, the famous cricketer and commentator, many years ago had done an experiment when the DRS was initially introduced. He held a ball with his fingers underneath it and rested his hand on the turf. The camera's output showed that the ball was touching the turf even though it was safely entrenched in his palm and fingers. This was a flaw which he felt could spell problems in the future. How right he was!

The catch was taken very cleanly. Green rested his hand on the turf and with his fingers underneath, there was no chance of the ball touching the ground. The ball is round and not one that when held firmly could penetrate the gap between one's fingers. If so, then it would have spilled out, especially, due to his body movement. Referring to it as cheating truly defuses the spirit of the game.

The DRS may not be completely accurate at times, one is aware of that, however, it has brought in fairness and consistency by and large.

In the present world, money is what signifies one's success. Indian cricket can be proud of having achieved that. However, it is the cricket on the field rather than the newly-constructed cricket stadiums that showcases success. The money that is distributed to the various cricket establishments and associations by the BCCI rarely reaches the ground level of cricket and cricketers, that is school, club and college cricket. Private academies have mushroomed at every corner to fulfil the huge demand that cricket as a sport has created. The rags-to-riches stories of many of the newly crowned cricket stars have made the sport into a magnetic attraction.

The BCCI has reaped the benefits from the craze for cricket, as cricketers have come through without a proper academy or structure laid down by them. Earlier one had the excuse of lack of funds to put such a cricket structure into place, however, rather than putting up stadiums that are empty most of the year-round, an effort to erect proper junior cricket academies would be more beneficial.

The business and corporate houses in India have benefitted from the IIMs and IITs. Indian cricket has not ploughed its wealth to have institutions that can impart skills, teach, train and certify one in every aspect of the game.

Cricket in India is now a full-time profession and a cricketer is immersed in it from a very young age. Education, therefore, plays an insignificant part if one is to take the sport up seriously. The BCCI, therefore, needs to establish cricket schools around India with both sports and academics in mind.

Indian cricket requires a massive change, both on and off the field. The time is ripe for it, however, with five months to go for the ODI World Cup at home and a selection committee without a Chairman for quite a while, a change does not seem immediately imminent.

Guess time will diffuse our anger and rage. After all, we are like that only.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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US-Saudi ties: Stalemate sustains (Opinion)

Gopi — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:41:06 +0000

By Asad Mirza

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia, last week in an attempt to restore the strained relations between the two old allies. Apparently the relations have not been on the mend since the Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) took over the reigns of the state.

US-Saudi relations, centred for decades on energy and defence, were badly strained by the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. What vitiated the atmosphere further was a remark made by the US President Joe Biden, who described MbS as a 'pariah'. They were further exacerbated when Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, refused to help bring down skyrocketing energy prices after Russia's attack on Ukraine in February last year.

As usual the officialese this time described the Blinken-MbS meeting as fruitful, the two leaders covered the full range of regional and bilateral issues including Saudi Arabia's support for US evacuations from Sudan, the need for political dialogue in Yemen and the potential for the normalisation of relations with Israel, in addition to the human rights issue in the kingdom. To boost bilateral relationship, Blinken also attended a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting to meet with other regional allies also.

His trip came in the backdrop of quickly shifting sand affecting alliances in the Middle East. In March this year, China-brokered a rapprochement between regional foes Saudi Arabia and Iran. Another landmark change saw Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad invited back to the Arab League last month for the first time since the start of the 12-year civil war in which his government has been backed by Russia and Iran.

There are indeed many dimensions to the age-old ties between the two allies and what they expect of each other, both have a lot of expectations from each other yet seem uncompromising over their respective stands.

As per reports the Saudis want guarantees that the US will stand with it in face of any threat from Iran, in spite of the recently shown bonhomie by the two countries by restoring diplomatic channels, in addition to increase its nuclear capability. There are also indications that the Saudis want to be left alone on human rights issues, with no American interference. Further the Saudis have made the issue of improving ties with Israel contingent upon such demands.

This stand roughly follows the same pattern adopted by other Arab states to accept Israel's existence: Morocco obtained US concessions on the Western Sahara; the United Arab Emirates (UAE) got better access to sophisticated US weapons; and, earlier, Egypt received massive US aid in exchange for a peace treaty with Israel.

But in view of the trust deficit, which the Saudis currently have amongst the US lawmakers and leaders, this may backfire; though the apparent reason behind this seems to be the Saudi gambit to try reaping benefit from both sides.

This bargaining model might not the only way to approach the issue, and the Saudis could be better served by avoiding this indirect approach, which may yield uncertain results. With that in mind, the Saudis should examine the option of moving unilaterally to normalise ties with Israel.

This means that if the Saudis take the first step towards diplomatic establishing ties with Israel, it may result in favourable response from the Americans as it will address the goodwill deficit which they currently have at the Capitol Hill, and may lead to further concessions from the Americans.

In addition on the issue of being a major American defence partner in the middle eastern region, Saudis also want to be designated as a Major Defence Partner (MDP) of the US, in addition to extending the Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty to Saudi Arabia.

There is very little chance that the US would agree to such a demand, as it would translate to a commitment to Riyadh that would legally obligate the United States to consider an attack on the kingdom as an attack on the United States, and further may not get the required support of NATO-member countries.

Though the Biden administration has pledged to work towards normalising Israel-Saudi Arabia diplomatic ties, the visit last month to Riyadh by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan did not produced any visible breakthroughs.

In addition, the optics may give an illusion that the US is particularly disturbed over the Saudi refusal to supply more oil to the US at concessional rates. But in fact this is not the underlying reason, the main reason is that any cut in oil production leads to an increase in oil prices the world over and this pinches the American consumer the most, who has become habitual of getting the cheapest oil on earth. In reality the Saudi has dropped to number three as the leading oil exporters to the US after Canada and Mexico.

Overall, the visit seemed to be an effort from the US President to cajole America's one time ally and its current de facto ruler, who has expressed his views on the Saudi stand on improving ties with the US as a ploy to play China and US against each other, to get the maximum benefit for the kingdom. MbS thinks that the only potential in the Middle East rests with Saudi Arabia, so both US and China would prefer to stand close to Saudi Arabia.

However, in this ploy the balance seems to be tilting more in favour of China, instead of the US, though in reality Saudi may loose a lot if it completely abandons the US in favour of China. Further in this game of one upmanship, both MbS and Biden, who are poised as emotional enemies are trying to outsmart each other and get an upper hand, and in this personal tussle, respective countries take a backseat.

(Asad Mirza is a Delhi-based senior political commentator.)

Source: IANS

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New highs wait seems getting longer

Gopi — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 07:26:03 +0000

By Arun Kejriwal

Markets in the week gone by made a valiant attempt to make new lifetime highs but failed. The top five-six heavyweight stocks in the benchmark indices need to fire on all cylinders at the same time for something like that to happen. That is the missing piece. However, the midcap and Smallcap indices are firing away and continue to make new highs.

Markets saw the benchmark indices rise on two of the five trading sessions. They lost on two, and the fifth was a flattish day. At the end of it, BSESENSEX inched up 78.52 points or 0.13 per cent to close at 62,625.63 points while NIFTY gained 29.30 points or 0.16 per cent to close at 18,563.40 points. The broader markets saw BSE100, BSE200 and BSE500 gain 0.17 per cent, 0.29 per cent and 0.40 per cent respectively. BSEMIDCAP gained 0.82 per cent while BSESMALLCAP was up 1.64 per cent.

The Indian Rupee lost 16 paisa or 0.19 per cent to close at Rs 82.46 to the US Dollar. The US FED meets between June 13 and 14 for its policy review meeting where there could be a small interest rate hike before a pause begins. This would be because the last job data showed that unemployment rose in the country. How the Dow reacts to the FED statement would influence world markets. Dow Jones gained on the last four sessions continuously and lost on one session. Dow Jones gained 114.02 points or 0.34 per cent to close at 33,876.78 points.

RBI in its bimonthly policy meet kept interest rates unchanged. Repo rate remains at 6.5 per cent. RBI has conveyed its intention to tackle inflation and make best efforts to bring the same down. The differential between the Repo rate in India and the US Fed rate would probably be the lowest ever in over 25-35 years that I have understood such interest rates and what they mean. The rupee needs to show strength and start appreciating slowly so that the forward cover comes down as we go forward. This would be a big help.

The IPO from Ikio Lighting which was open between Tuesday (June 6) and Thursday (June 8) fared very well and beat all expectations. The issue which comprised a fresh issue of Rs 350 crore and an offer for sale of 90 lakh shares was oversubscribed 67.75 times overall. The QIB portion was subscribed 163.06 times, HNI portion was subscribed 65.38 times and Retail portion was subscribed 14.30 times. There were 16.33 lakh applications received. The price band was Rs 270-285.

The benchmark indices had made their lifetime highs on December 1, 2022 and we are trying to make new highs once again but failed to do so. At the same time action which is concentrated in the midcap and Smallcap space has moved these indices to new levels altogether. BSEMIDCAP on December 1 made a high of 26,146 points and then saw a high of 26,440 points on December 15. It hit a low of 23,356 points on March 28 and since then has been moving in an uptrend virtually non-stop. The high made last week was 27847 points. The difference between December 1, 2022 and today is 1,700 points or 6.5 per cent.

BSESMALLCAP has had a similar movement as well with the December 1 level being 29,816 points, and then saw a high of 30,092 points on December 15. The 28th March low was 26,120 and the high during the week was 31,391 points. The difference being 1,576 points or 5.28 per cent. This is a segment where FPIs are active in a handful of stocks only and even domestic mutual funds are selective. Public participation is large and markets are doing well.

Coming to the markets in the week ahead, the outcome of the FED meeting would play an important role. There is expectation of a rate hike this time around. Markets would continue to strive to make new highs and as mentioned earlier the attempt can only be successful if the heavyweights fire. Two of them are getting ready. The first being Reliance with the impending corporate announcement of the demerger of the financial services record date. The second would be the timeline of the HDFC Twins merger record date. Both these companies have the potential to provide the boost that the markets are looking for.

The strategy for the week would be to look for action in the midcap and Smallcap space. Sharp movement looks unlikely and besides the FED meeting, corporate announcement as mentioned above, the only trigger could be the break of monsoon in large parts of the country. Trade cautiously.

(Arun Kejriwal is the founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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It pays to make propaganda films (IANS Column: B-Town)

Gopi — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 06:56:04 +0000

By Vinod Mirani

'Bhed Chaal' is a Hindi proverb very much used in relation to the Hindi film industry. It means that one huge success is followed by numerous other attempts. Original ideas are at a premium in the Hindi film industry.

The makers either depend on a foreign film, or a novel, or a South Indian film for a subject.

Filmmakers always want to play safe because the risk factor is always high. The distributor, while being wined and dined, gets a sales pitch, like "Zanjeer se kam nahi hamari picture..." and such. Many smaller-budget imitations of 'Sholay', 'Zanjeer', 'Deewaar' and other such films flooded the market. That is to say, if one action film worked, many more were certain to follow.

With the introduction of the video format followed by CDs, the trend changed to copying Hollywood films. A star was sent two videos or discs to watch, and they were told that the first and second half of the film would be made!

Hollywood films don't have songs and dance routines, so slots were created for Hindi 'adaptations'. Not in sync with the story lifted from videos or discs, the songs had to be forced in and usually happened to be out of place.

A film producer tried to create all sorts of buffers to cover himself. How were Dharmendra and Hema Malini paired in more than 30 films, one after the other? Similar was the case with Rajesh Khanna-Sharmila Tagore/Mumtaz pair or Jeetendra-Jaya Prada/Sridevi or Amitabh Bachchan-Rekha films.

They were called hit pairs expected to guarantee a hit, and therefore were not to be disturbed.

What happened was that every second producer wanted either the Laxmikant Pyarelal duo or R.D. Burman to score the music for his film and other equally talented composers were mostly sidelined!

Did the lyric writer come as a package deal with these two ruling composers of the time? The combination worked well and was easy to sell. Only a rare discerning filmmaker would opt for a lyric writer such as Majrooh Sultanpuri, or anyone else to suit the subject of his film.

Raj Kapoor launched his son Rishi Kapoor with 'Bobby', a love story. It was a blockbuster and every star wanting to launch his ward thought it to be a great idea.

Rajendra Kumar launched his son Kumar Gaurav with 'Love Story', Manoj Kumar made 'Kalaakaar' for his son, Kunal Goswami, Dharmendra launched Sunny Deol with 'Betaab', and the other son, Bobby Deol, with 'Barsaat'. For Anil Kapoor, after a few films here and there, it was the home production, 'Woh Saat Din', that worked.

It became the preferred and safe formula for all filmmakers to launch a new face. Aamir Khan made his debut with his uncle Nasir Husain's film, 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', Jackie Shroff made his mark with 'Hero'.

Director Sooraj Barjatya, a Rajshri Pictures scion, was launched with 'Maine Pyar Kiya', which inaugurated the careers take-off of both Sooraj and Salman Khan, whose second film it was. Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar followed suit and were successful in establishing not only their own careers, but also consolidating their banners.

Not very long ago, a film on the sports icon M.S. Dhoni proved to be a hit. And, before you could utter the word 'cricket', every second filmmaker was planning a sports-based film?!

We also had a rather costly biopic on Sachin Tendulkar, 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams'. He was as much an icon or maybe bigger. But the film turned out to be more of a documentary, where the icon was talking about his struggles on the way up. There was no script, let alone a bit of fictionalisation the way it was done with 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story'.

Sports films never worked in India because we were always the losers. We basked in the glory of Milkha Singh and P.T. Usha, both losing by a whisker. The fact is, we had no winners.

When we got into winning ways, people wanted to make sports-based films, but had no clue how to. That is except Aamir Khan, who pushed himself into the background and gave importance to the content and glory of the wrestling champions on whom the film was based. His film, 'Dangal', was a milestone.

Briefly, films centred on nationalism and social messages. So, we had films such as 'Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran', 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', 'Raazi', 'Ghazi', 'Attack', 'Kesari', 'Airlift', 'Mission Mangal', 'Toilet: EK Prem Katha', 'Padman', 'Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty', 'Batla House', 'The Tashkent Files', and so on.

'The Tashkent Files' (box office: Rs 23 crore) by Vivek Agnihotri was a thought-provoking film, and though it did not make much of an impact on the cinema-going audience, it became a talked-about movie on the digital circuit, more so after the same maker's 'The Kashmir Files' was released.

The film not only hogged much of news and television media, besides social networks, but it also set the box office jingling with a business of Rs 245 crore till date.

The box-office success of 'The Kashmir Files' was followed by another such issue-based film: 'The Kerala Story'. This film, again, has turned out to be a money-spinner, collecting Rs 235 crore so far! Nobody expected such films to stir up the media and public emotions, and also to rock the box office. I don't think even the makers of both these films did.

They were probably made out of conviction and highlighted the social evils and injustice done to people.

In an industry where few makers know what works and what does not, film makers try to follow the last successful production and its formula, or what the industry describes as 'Bhed Chaal'. There is a crowd of filmmakers shortlisting such 'thought-provoking' themes based on news reports of real-life events.

A run for such films has started.

The films in the offing are 'Ajmer 92', '72 Hoorain', 'Ajmer Files', 'The Vaccine War', 'Emergency', 'Operation AMG', 'Operation Balakot', 'India House', and 'Delhi Files'. These films are reopening a lot of files gathering dust.

The intention of the makers of these films seems to be the realisation that such films may mean money more than spreading awareness about the wrongdoings plaguing the system.

None of these makers took a stand when the wrongs were happening!

The films on these subjects are bound to create controversies and certain sections, opposed to them, have already branded them as 'propaganda films'!

Take the instance of 'Ajmer 92'. No sooner did the film's promos appear on YouTube, a Delhi-based Islamic organisation, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, called for a ban on the film.

Other organisations and some political parties will join the bandwagon. And, as the makers would have hoped for, the film and the related controversy are all over television channels, dominating prime time slots.

This will certainly give confidence to the other makers who are busy digging out old 'files'!

Source: IANS

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Ukraine-Russia conflict: World accept India rather than China, as a mediator (Column: The Third Eye)

Gopi — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 03:32:10 +0000

By D.C. Pathak

Soon after the launch of military operations by Russia in Ukraine in February 2022, which resulted in an escalating armed confrontation between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first world leader to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and recourse to peace negotiations.

Modi reached out to both - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as a universally acceptab'e 'wise coun'el' - the US-led West had by then already become involved in support of the Ukrainian fight against Russia.

India took the stand from the very beginning of the conflict that concerns of both the warring countries had to be taken note of. Those who loudly advocated for NATO support to Ukraine implicitly upheld the Cold War approach in a situation where the dismemberment of USSR had already reduced that superpower to a much shrunken Russia.

As the prolonged war entered the second year, the emergence of China as an active stakeholder in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has drawn the attention of the world and led to intense speculation among strategic analysts about China's President Xi 'inping's moves in regard to this ongoing military confrontation.

China first t'lked of 'principled n'utrality' but as the conflict got prolonged and showed signs of escalation, it started putting empha'is on a 'political'solution' of the Ukraine crisis while standing firmly with Russia.
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Xi Jinping's meeting with President Putin in Moscow on March 21, 2023, underscored the Chines' stance of 'facilitating tal's for peace' - China at the same time made moves to check the adverse geopolitical fallout of the deepening Cold War kind of polarization between the US and Russia, on its own interests.

Intere'tingly, China's proclaimed 12-p'int stand on 'The 'kraine crisis' made public on the completion of one year of the conflict, ech'ed what India's strategic analysts had already been spelling out by way of a framework for negotiations for pea'e.

In China's presentation 'respect for the sovereignty 'f all countries' is meant to uphold the cause of Ukraine whi'e criticism of 'unil'teral sanctions' is designed to express support for Russia.

The call for ceasing hostilities to resume peace talks is directed more at Russia 'ut the advice to 'abandon 'old War mentality' was clearly meant for the US-led West.

Like India, China was totally opposed to any use of nuclear weapons. Favouring the movement of grains and maintenance of industrial supply chains is aimed at containing the geopolitical repercussions of the conflict from the C'inese viewpoint.

'P'st-war reconstruction' favoured by India, was an important element of the Chinese framework for peace talks too - India on its part would even expect Russia to contribute to that exercise in Ukraine as a goodwill gesture. India would like Ukraine to reaffirm its democratic polity base' on the principl' of 'one man one vote' to assuage its Russian-speaking minority and also to make it clear that it was not seeking NATO membership - these were the prerequisites for the negotiators before they could broach the subject of withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi continues to receive endorsement universally of the idea of India taking the initiative for bringing about a peace settlement - the US, Europe, Ukraine and Russia are all in line with this proposition - and it would be quite appropriate for India not to let go of this strategic advantage over China.

A track-II initiative under the aegis of NSAs of India, Russia and Ukraine could be a good starting po'nt in this regard.

China's world strategy including its stand on the Ukraine-Russia military confrontation is not difficult to fathom. Xi Jinping is still pursuing the economic path to making China a superpower an' while building the country's military strength, he would like geopolitical stability to continue to enable China to push ahead with'economic expansion.

China's Belt & Roads Initiative (BRI) is in full swing as its strategic extension to Afghanistan and Iran proves. China continues to 'ollow the Maoist doctrine of 'two ste's forward, one step backwards' as was evident on the Sino-Indian border on one hand and the Indo-Pacific on the other - all t'is being in 'ine with Sun Tzu's dictum of ''inning a 'ar without fighting'.

China's ambition of becoming the second superpower after the US matches the rise of Xi Jinping to the status of Mao Zedong with the Communist Party Congress la't year voting 'or enshrining Xi's thoughts on 'Socialism with Chinese'characteristi's for the new era' in the party's constitution'

Earlier, the National People's Congress lifted the two-term embargo on Presidentship making way for Xi Jinping to remain President of China for life.

Xi Jinpi'g has also b'en an advocate of the 'Siniciz'tion' of Marxism and ta'ked of the 'civilisational strength' of China in that context.

All this makes China a formidable adversary to watch. In the context of the Ukraine-Russia military conflict, Xi Jinping has adopted the shrewd strategy of keeping the axis with Russia strong as ever, deprecating the US-led West while projecting himself as a wel'-wisher of Ukraine, criticising India's membership of Quad, stepping up PLA's build-up on LAC and attempting a new outreach in West Asia, the Gulf and Eurasia.

The Sino-Pak axis is more active against India following the abrogation of Article 370 relating to Kashmir and the two adversaries in our neighbourhood are now also indulging in covert attempts to creat' internal destabilisation here.

India's approach of building its military to handle any aggressiveness of China on the border and strengthening multi- lateral forums to counter Chinese designs elsewhere is a sound strategy.

In these 15 months of Ukraine-Russia conflict, two things stand out - the willingness of the US-led West to pump in more armament for Ukraine to enable President Zelensky to step up Ukrainian response to military moves of Putin and a stronger US-backed campaign to isolate Russi' geopolitically.

Joe Biden Administration's calculation seems to be that a prolonged war in Ukraine would weaken Russia in the same way as the USSR was subjected to in Afghanistan in the latter '80' - it wan's to continue backing Ukraine in a 'proxy war' mode with that objective in view.

The US also seems to be attaching new importance to opening its communication with China obviously to keep the Russia-China axis from growing too strong.

The factor of human misery in Ukraine was still not weighing enough in many camps and Prime Minister Modi has appropriately highlighted this facet of the Ukraine-Russia military conflict.

India seems to be well placed at this point of time to take the initiative for facilitating a possible peace negotiation between the two warring sides. India is assured of the support of 'he international community for such a move.

India's G20 Presidency is going well so far and it would be no surprise if the G20 summit appeals to India to make a constructive effort to bring Ukraine and Russia together for exploring the possibilities of stopping hostilities and discussing a possible peace formula.

The success of such a move will rest on the world community accepting the fact that the concerns of both sides would have to be understood and addressed. There is no reason why Russia and Ukraine could not live as peaceful neighbours post-Cold War if they had been left alone for a while.

Unlike'former US P'esident Donald Trump, who did not find Putin 'problematic', President Biden put a premium on the revival of US-Europe bonds as also the NATO and took on Russia as a declared adversary - this apparently brought back the memory of Cold War and created the impression that the neighbours of Russia includ'ng Ukraine were joining the US camp.

For US, Xi Jinping's China which had drawn all the lessons from the demise of the USSR, was the emerging superpower to be taken on and a good American strategy would be not to set off a process that would precipitate the shift of Russia into the Chinese camp.

In any case going by what is happening in the present, cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia is in the best interests of the world at large. It is hence never too late for launching the peace effort. India would be on the high moral ground in taking the initiative to start the process even if its progress appeared uncertain.

Working for a humane cause is rewarding in itself. India has nothing to lose even if talks get prolonged and move in an uncertain direction for its standing as an advocate of world peace will remain undiminished.

The biggest geopolitical advantage for India in all of this is that the Indo-U' strategic friendship is growing unhindered notwithstanding India's independent stand on the Ukraine-Russia con'lict and our deep bonds with Russia; and that Prime Minister Modi's influence as a world leader on various international platforms has constantly risen in recent years.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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CLOSE-IN: India needed to play a few practice games before WTC Final (IANS column)

Gopi — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 06:41:07 +0000

By Yajurvindra Singh

The final of the World Test Championship between Australia and India is presently being played at the Kennington Oval in London. The two top teams of World cricket are battling for The Mace, a specially crafted trophy, for the biggest prize in cricket.

It has been two long years of playing Test series against several rivals that have culminated in an India versus Australia summit clash.

The World Test Championship (WTC) is a very good initiative by the ICC to revive and recognize the true cricket champion.

In the past, one did various permutations and combinations to unearth the leading side. The mighty West Indies ruled the roost in the late 70s and early 80s, whereas, the fighting Australians brought in their rights to be called a champion side at the turn and early years of the century.

Thereafter, the claim to be the best, oscillated between a handful of cricket-playing nations, most performing exceptionally well only at home.

The WTC, however good it may be, needs to be structured better. The cramped international calendar has made it difficult for teams to play each and every Test-playing nation. This itself leaves a huge question mark and thoughts to ponder over. A good example of it is that India, having reached the final of both the editions of the Test Championships, have never played Pakistan in a Test series. For both these sides, one does not need to have a home and away series, but, one at a neutral venue.

A championship becomes authentic only if all the top Test-playing sides come into play and have an equal opportunity to prove their worth. A good way to solve this would be to have a three-year cycle rather than a two-year one. The idea is not to complete a tournament for the sake of it, but, for it to be more conclusive and convincing.

A one-match final, especially in England, leaves a lot up to the weather gods. The inaugural championship final, due to an extra day, managed a New Zealand victory in the earlier final. However, fortunately, the WTC'23 final has got underway without a heavenly intrusion until now. Apparently, rain has been predicted to play a part during the weekend and India, in the position that they are in at present, would be praying to "Indra", the God of rain to save them from a possible defeat.

This brings one to a few points to think about. One is that the championship should be played to the finish. The other is that the team that gets the 1st innings lead wins in an eventuality of a draw. However, the most prudent way would be to have a three-match final and the team that heads the league table should be the winner in the event of a drawn series.

Sharing a World championship trophy on account of a draw is definitely not an exciting conclusion, either for the cricketers or the followers.

A championship needs a victor. The penalty kicks in World Cup football and the penalty shoot-out in hockey are two good examples in sports of a good way to conclude if there is no result.

The ongoing WTC Final has shown how exciting and demanding Test cricket is. India, on a cloudy day, like many sides in the past in England, opted to field, especially as they had four seamers to exploit the conditions. The battle that ensued between the Australian batters and the Indian pacers was thrilling.

Patience, determination, concentration and an element of luck were what kept the top-order Australian batsmen in the fray. One forgot the strike and run rate as survival was the name of the game. Finally, hard work pays and Australia came through brilliantly with centuries scored by Steve Smith and Travis Head. Both of them combined to put the Indian bowlers at bay, who had to bowl more than they had ever bargained or practised for.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) may be a good indicator to recognize talent, however, a five-day Test match is entirely a different ball game. India, have still got three more days to get back into the game. In cricket, a game is not won or lost till the last ball is bowled.

The Indian players needed to get acclimatized to the conditions in England. India made this very mistake when they played the inaugural WTC Final against New Zealand and seemed to have blundered again because of their commercially beneficial IPL commitments.

India, needed to play a few practice games before being subjected to a one-match decider. The length to bowl or adjustment required to bat against the best, are areas where a player needs time to master. Unfortunately, the Indian bowlers looked less prepared, although each one of them have the skill to exploit the conditions.

A cloudy sky overhead in England is one that a batter is always worried about. Rohit Sharma, as the captain and an opener must have thought quite seriously about whether to expose his batters to conditions which have been the reason for India's downfall in the past. His decision was quite understandable, however, with sunshine soon after, his morning bloom turned to gloom.

Steve Smith is a player one admires. He has proved that Test cricket is not about fancy strokes but one which requires a system and planning to be effective. He has structured his game accordingly and shown that he is one of the best in the trade.

Travis Head has done exceedingly well recently, however, he has a definite weakness to the short bouncing deliveries to his body. India found this out later in the day and even after crossing a century, he looked uncomfortable against the pace of Md. Siraj. The future for Head will be a barrage of short deliveries henceforth, one that he will need to conquer in the future.

India, have an uphill task at present. A bit of assistance from the weather and some resolute batting can still keep them in the hunt to uphold the "Mace" jointly.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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The Vadodara Bohras of Gujarat

Gopi — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:26:05 +0000

By Arshia Malik

The Vadodara Bohras are a community of Bohra Muslims tracing their origins to Yemen. They belong to the Alavi Bohras, a Tayyibi Musta'lavi Isma'ili Shi'i Muslim community from Gujarat, India. The Alavi Bohras trace their roots to missionaries sent from Yemen during the time of the 18th Fatimid Imam Al-Mustansir Billah in the 11th century AD. These missionaries established a religious mission in Khambhat, Gujarat. Following the division of the Musta'lid community, the Yemenite Da'wah continued to follow their 21st imam, At-Tayyib Abu'l-Qasim, as their Imam of seclusion.

The Bohras are descendants of the Tayyibi Da'wah established in Gujarat in the 11th century AD and include immigrants from Yemen.

In the 11th century AD, Yemeni missionaries were sent to Gujarat, India, by the 18th Fatimid Imam, Al-Mustansir Billah, to establish the Isma'ili-Tayyibi Da'wat. This led to the formation of the Bohra community in Gujarat, with designated individuals called Wulaat ul-Hind serving as deputies of the Yemeni missionaries.

The Alavi Bohras emerged as a prominent group among the Bohras, known for their role as traders and merchants. They are described as patriotic, peace-loving, and harmonious, with a strong emphasis on maintaining positive relationships. The term 'Bohra' is derived from a Gujarati word meaning 'to trade'. It should be noted that there are Sunni groups in Gujarat who adopted the name 'Vohra' or 'Vora' but do not follow the beliefs and customs of the Isma'ili-Tayyibi Bohras.

Throughout history, the mainstream Bohra community experienced divisions regarding the spiritual succession of the representative of the Imam, known as Da'i, in Ahmedabad between the 15th and 17th centuries. These divisions led to the formation of three major Bohra groups: Alavis, Dawoodis, and Sulaymanis. The Alavi Bohras, as one of these groups, have their own spiritual leadership and practices within the broader framework of Tayyibi Musta'lavi Isma'ili Shi'ism. They maintain distinct traditions, customs, and religious rituals that differentiate them from other Bohra groups.

Initially, the Yemeni migrants faced challenges in adapting to a new culture and way of life. However, they gradually found their footing and began to integrate into the local society while preserving their unique customs and traditions.

Over time, the Yemeni community formed close-knit networks and established mosques, cultural centres, and Yemeni associations to maintain their cultural heritage. One significant aspect of the Yemeni community in Vadodara is their contribution to the local economy. Yemeni migrants have been involved in various businesses, including textiles, spices, and retail trade. They have established themselves as successful entrepreneurs and traders, adding to the economic growth of the city.

Culturally, the Yemeni community in Vadodara has played a vital role in enriching the city's diversity. Yemeni traditions, cuisine, and clothing have become part of the multicultural tapestry of Vadodara.

The Yemeni community celebrates their religious festivals, such as Eid and Ramadan, with great enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange. Education has been a priority for the Yemeni community in Vadodara. Many Yemeni families have emphasised the importance of education and have encouraged their children to pursue higher studies. As a result, several Yemeni individuals have excelled academically and professionally, becoming doctors, engineers, and professionals in various fields.

The Yemeni community has also made efforts to preserve their language and heritage. They teach their children the Arabic language and Quranic studies, ensuring a connection to their roots. Yemeni cultural programmes, language classes, and events are organised regularly, allowing for the transmission of Yemeni traditions and values to the younger generation.

The Yemeni migrants in Vadodara have experienced both acceptance and challenges in their integration process. The local community has generally been receptive and welcoming, fostering a sense of inclusivity. However, like many migrant communities, they have also faced occasional discrimination and social barriers, which they have worked to overcome.

The Yemeni community in Vadodara has found support from local authorities, non-governmental organisations, and interfaith groups, which have played a role in creating an environment of cultural harmony and understanding. Efforts to promote cultural exchange, intercommunity dialogues, and initiatives to address common social issues have further strengthened the bond between the Yemeni community and the larger Vadodara community.

In conclusion, the Yemeni migrants who settled in Vadodara, Gujarat, have left a lasting impact on the city's social, cultural, and economic landscape. Despite the challenges they faced during their journey of integration, they have thrived and become an integral part of the diverse tapestry of Vadodara.

The Yemeni community's contributions to the city's economy, culture, and educational sphere are noteworthy, and their presence enriches the multicultural fabric of Vadodara.

Source: IANS

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Water wars: The new normal? (Opinion)

Gopi — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:14:05 +0000

By Asad Mirza

The recent border clashes between Iran and Afghanistan have a really dreaded portent for the future, both at the local and global levels, besides being a pointer to how we have managed our environment resources in a foolish manner.

As per reports from the Iranian Tasnim News Agency, deadly clashes broke out between border guards and the Afghan soldiers in the border area encompassing the Zabul district of Sistan and Baluchestan province on the Iranian side and the Keng district of Nimruz province in Afghanistan.

The deadly clashes resulted in death of two Iranian border guards in clashes with Taliban forces, while the Iranians, on their part, claimed to have killed 12 Taliban soldiers.

Perplexingly, the issue over which tensions between the two neighbours ran high is how to divide the waters of the Helmand River, which the two nations must share.

Iran accuses Afghanistan's Taliban rulers of violating a 1973 treaty by restricting the flow of water from the Helmand River to Iran's parched eastern regions, an accusation denied by the Taliban.

China's Xinhua news agency reported that Iranian MP Hossein-Ali Shahriari, who represents Zahidan, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province, charged the Taliban government in Afghanistan with stopping up the flow of the Helmand River and storing extra water in the Kamal Khan Dam and other reservoirs. He complained that the Afghans have recently built new dams that are storing water that would otherwise have flowed to Iran.

Though this development might be a shocking news to many, however this is not a new phenomenon but was bound to happen not just between Iran and Afghanistan but amongst other countries too. Journalist Fatemeh Aman wrote a good summary of this conflict for the Atlantic Council, noting that drought and climate change have exacerbated the tensions over water sharing.

Both countries have built dams on the Helmand and irrigated off it, often to raise water-hungry crops not suitable to this arid environment.

Fatemeh noted that Helmand is the longest river in Afghanistan, constituting over 40 per cent of Afghanistan's surface water. With 95 per cent of the Helmand located in Afghanistan, it is a critical source of livelihood for the country's southern and southwestern provinces. The river further flows into Iran's arid southwest to feed the Hamoun wetlands on the Iranian side and lakes on the Afghan side, but damming, irrigation, and drought have partially dried these up, creating conditions for toxic dust clouds.

As per environmentalists, Iran and Afghanistan are projected to heat up faster than the world average, twice as fast, in fact. Already, poor water management and extra heat have had a devastating effect on the Helmand basin. Extra heat dries out the soil and contributes to more intense and more frequent droughts. It also causes greater and more rapid evaporation of water from lakes and rivers.

The water resources are critical for people living in the increasingly drought-prone Sistan and Baluchestan region; in addition the Sistan wetland ecosystem also supports flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds. And while the history of conflict over the Helmand River is long, the scenario is similar to conflicts over water in other regions of the world. Many social scientists foresee water wars as a result. This border clash is a small omen of bigger conflicts to come.

Tensions between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over the latter's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Blue Nile River resources haven't been resolved in years, with both Egypt and Ethiopia threatening a military response at various points.

Last year, Russian troops destroyed a Dnieper River dam that diverted water away from Crimea and into Ukraine. Armed groups in Mali, Somalia and beyond destroyed water infrastructure needed by civilians. Mexico, Chile, Israel and Palestine, Kenya and Peru - the Water Conflict Chronology database lists hundreds of conflicts over water in the modern era, as well as across history.

Journal Sustainability Times quoting UN Statistical Division's data pertaining to 2019, reports that the number of water conflicts by different regions globally as of April 2022 runs up to more than 1100 conflicts.

Environmentalist Laureen Fagan in her report for Sustainability Times further quoted Dr. Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute in the US and author of The Three Ages of Water, as warning that the frequency of water-related conflicts has grown in the past two decades. That's due to violence in the Middle East, growing disputes during severe droughts over access to water in regions like Indian subcontinent and ethnic and community confrontations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Fagan further referred to a February 2023 paper on the database, co-authored by Shimabuku and published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, saying that it's the uneven access to fresh water around the world that makes it a strategic priority during conflict, as is the case along the Iran-Afghanistan border.

Gleick and Morgan are of the view that social, economic, and political challenges associated with freshwater resources pose a variety of severe risks to communities around the world, from water-related diseases, to crop failures, to ecological destruction, to actual violence, the risks and incidences of water-related conflicts in recent years, are on the rise, and the factors driving such violence appear to be worsening. We need to understand the root causes of water conflicts and more effective strategies for reducing their probability and consequences.

Increasing tensions over water resources point out to the emergence of a new dimension to the global geopolitics, adding to the regional and neighbourly rivalries.

Now indeed the time seems to be apt to work cohesively to find a collective solution to the global demand & supply and sharing of water resources, besides taking a conscious, serious and determined approach to care more for our environment instead of just hollow talks, which seem to have become the trend of most global environmental agencies and plans. If indeed we do not act even now, then it may be too late when the real wars due to scarce water resources start erupting across the globe.

(Asad Mirza is a delhi-based senior political commentator.)

Source: IANS

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Market momentum signal possibility of new highs this week

Gopi — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 08:35:03 +0000

By Arun Kejriwal

Markets last week opened with a bang and gained sharply on the first two days. The rally seemed to have then fizzled out but a sharp rebound on Friday seems to have provided ammunition for the bulls. The ensuing jobs data on Friday night followed by the strong rally in the US, rings hope for a probable new high next week in India.

Markets gained on the first two days followed by Friday, while they lost on Wednesday and Thursday. BSESENSEX was sort of flattish for the week gaining 45.42 points or 0.07 per cent to close at 62,547.11 points while NIFTY gained 34.75 points or 0.19 per cent to close at 18,534.10 points. The broader markets saw BSE100, BSE200 and BSE500 gain 0.32 per cent, 0.46 per cent and 0.64 per cent respectively. BSEMIDCAP was up 1.83 per cent while BSESMALLCAP was up 2.40 per cent.

The Indian Rupee gained 28 paisa or 0.34 per cent to close at Rs 82.30 to the US Dollar. Dow Jones had a volatile week and gained on three of the five trading sessions. The gains over the last couple of days, changed the mood in the US. Job data on Friday evening was very positive and markets there gained over 2 per cent. At the end of the week, Dow gained 669.42 points or 2.02 per cent to close at 33,762.76 points. The next FED meeting due in the following week between June 13-14 is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged.

RBI meets between June 6-8 for its bi-monthly MPC meeting to review interest rates. Looking at economic data on GDP and inflation, it is widely believed that interest rates would remain at status quo. Confirmation of the same would result in markets saluting the event and outcome and could see the bulls stepping on the accelerator.

After a fairly long lull in the primary markets, we have an issue opening next week. Ikio Lighting Limited is tapping the capital markets with its fresh issue for Rs 350 crore and an offer for sale of 90 lakh equity shares in a price band of Rs 270-285. The issue opens on Tuesday (June 6) and closes on Thursday (June 8). The company had prior to the IPO reorganised its business and acquired group companies and merged all of them under one roof through subsidiaries.

The company's primary business is manufacturing LED lighting solutions and it focuses on providing low energy LED products to help India meet its sustainability goals. The company is an ODM player and supplies to large players who then distribute the products under their brand name. The largest customer for Ikio is Signify Innovations India Limited, erstwhile Philips Electronics India Limited.

The company has its manufacturing plants in Haridwar and Noida and is further expanding in these regions. On a restated proforma consolidated basis the company reported revenues of Rs 333.99 crore for the year ended March 22. Its profit after tax was Rs 50.51 crore and the EPS was Rs 7.77. For the nine months ended December 22, revenues increased to Rs 332.79 crore and profit after tax was Rs 51.43 crore. The EPS was Rs 7.90 on a non-annualised basis.

The objects of the issue are debt repayment of Rs 50 crore and investment in the company's subsidiary of Rs 262.87 crore. Based on the restated pro forma consolidated basis, the PE price band is 34.75-36.68 based on the year ended March 22.

Looking at the nature of the business, it is highly competitive and has a pricing overhang as it supplies to a dominant OEM player. Going forward, the margins could be under pressure as the company looks to scale up with substantial investment in new capacities. One needs to take a measured call for investment in the above company.

The week ahead has the RBI meeting for its policy review meeting. While the outcome here is more or less assured, markets would be focussed on achieving new highs which came within a whisker last week. The all-time highs were made on December 1, 2022 on a closing basis and an intra-day basis. These levels were 63,583.07 and 63,284.19 points on BSESENSEX and 18,887.60 points and 18,812.50 points on NIFTY. Last week we made intraweek highs of 63,036.12 points on BSESENSEX and 18,662.45 points on NIFTY. With FPIs being big buyers during May 23 and having invested Rs 43,838 crore, it appears the tide is turned and a new high would happen sooner than later.

In the week ahead, the first resistance would be this top made last week at levels of 63,036.12 points and at 18,662.45 points. This would be followed by the all-time highs at 63,583.07 and 18,887.60 points. On the support side, markets have strong support at 18,300-18350 levels on NIFTY and at 62,025-62,175 levels on BSESENSEX. If these are violated, the next levels would be at 18,000-18,050 or 61,150-61,300 levels.

It appears looking at Indian markets and the mood here and also global cues, we are well set to witness new highs in the coming week. Brace yourselves for action.

(Arun Kejriwal is the founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Not crimes of passion, but twisted masculinity (IANS Column: FairPoint)

Gopi — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:41:05 +0000

By Deepika Bhan

Almost 15 years ago, in a residential society in Noida in the National Capital Region, a Class VIII boy invited seven-eight girls, all up to nine years of age, and took them to the rooftop of a block.

There he gave them some toffees and asked them to dance as he played music on his music deck. When they danced, he set his father's video camera rolling.

When one of the girl's mothers found her daughter missing, she frantically searched around and another child told her about the 'Bhaiya' taking small girls with him.

The distraught mother rushed up the floors and found the girls dancing and the Class VIII 'Bhaiya' recording them. Furious at the sight, she switched off the music and hit the boy's hand hard and severely reprimanded him.

After some time, the father of the Class VIII boy came to the girl's apartment and fought with her mother, saying there was nothing wrong in what his son was doing and he would do it again because he was a boy. The shocked woman then spoke with the mother of other girls and all of them then met the boy's mother, who is a working professional. Sense prevailed and the same 'Bhaiya' is doing well in his personal life and profession.

An incident that could have been ignored, but it was dealt with seriously by the community in that residential society, and the boy and his father were sensitised about the act.

In one of his early Independence Day speeches from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a message on sons and good parenting. He said that while the concern for girl children was understandable, parents must focus on what their sons are up to.

"Even when they are only 12, young girls are always being asked so many questions by their parents, like 'Where are you off to?', 'Whom are you meeting?'. But do these parents ask their sons where they are going?"

"Women can progress only as fast as men can change. You can give women better protection, but real protection lies in how we bring up our sons."

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of parenting sons, and he said, "This is where we are failing as a nation."

Perhaps, the failure became horribly evident yet again when Sahil brutally murdered a 16-year-old girl in Delhi's Shahbad Dairy, and a father stabbed his daughter 25 times because he was reportedly upset over her sleeping on the terrace at night. The videos shook the nation because of the brutality involved of those who once 'loved'.

Boys will be boys ... that is the age-old notion. India's cultural obsession with sons is no hidden fact. There is a presumption that sons don't need much supervision and it is only girls who need to be inspected, supervised and guided.

Even when parents realise that their sons may be straying, there is a kind of helplessness on how to tackle the matter. Sometimes, such instances are ignored with the comment that "they are boys and so it is so."

Globally, India has one of the largest numbers of young males. In 2020, the sex ratio of the total population in India was 108.18 males per 100 females. The percentage of the female population was 48.04 per cent, compared with 51.96 per cent males. Could the gender equation have a crucial bearing on violence against women?

The answer is somewhere in the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. In 2021, the data for the year being released in August 2022, 1,36,234 cases of violence against women were registered across the country, including cruelty by husbands or relatives, which formed the largest chunk of cases.

The rate of crimes against women as proportion of all crimes rose by 15 per cent in one year - from 56.5 per cent in 2020 to 64.5 per cent in 2021.

The root of the problem could be that moral education for children is not given that much importance. Whether it is the home or schools, the formative years are vital, wherein sensitisation can be hammered in.

It is important to incorporate notions of respect for the different genders from a young age. Schools are essential to any child's development and ideas formed at this stage shape them as they grow up, so it is important that gender sensitisation happens at this age. Whether it is in behaviour or language used, the notion of zero tolerance for gender discrimination has to be drilled in at an early age.

"We must address issues of harassment, ill behaviour towards women," said Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud while speaking at a Women's Day Function organised by the Supreme Court's Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) in March.

In fact, Chief Justice Chandrachud admitted, according to media reports, that he had heard ghastly stories from women colleagues and friends regarding the behaviour of lawyers and even judges. He therefore stressed the need to ensure zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.

To ingrain appropriate behaviour and the right thought process, it is important to work on children from an early age. Their understanding of gender roles is influenced by their experiences within their own family, culture and lifestyle, and their environment. It is essential therefore to start from the home and school, and address the perception of masculinity.

Times are changing. More women than ever are proving their mettle. Addressing the age-old perceptions is the need of the hour.

Girls are doing exceptionally well across sectors. This is the second year in a row when women have secured the top three positions in one of India's most prestigious competitive exams -- the UPSC Civil Services Exam. And similar results are also being reported from other professional exams.

It is important that sensitisation happens as gender roles in a patriarchal country like India are stereotypical and strongly ingrained. Change is also gradual. India needs to fix the twisted masculinity problems, and slowly and silently, it is happening. Hope is there.

(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)

Source: IANS

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We should have zero tolerance for this kind of crime (Column: The Third Eye)

Gopi — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 03:32:04 +0000

By D.C. Pathak

The recent case of the brutal killing of a young girl in public by a 'jilted' boyfriend in Delhi who stabbed her with a big knife some twenty-two times and then crushed her head with a huge stone before 'walking away' from the spot, is a kind of violence that must produce a national response in terms of a non-political administrative and social introspection and formulation of demonstrative measures for quickly getting the country to the point of zero tolerance towards such a crime.

The case somewhere draws attention to the need to constantly strive for improving the quality of governance in a democratic set-up - an effective law & order management there must be supplemented by a required degree of social deterrence, political willingness to spend on the security of citizens and a judicial arrangement that leads to stern punishment of the perpetrator of such violence within days of his apprehension.

There are three disquieting features of this crime each calling for a separate set of policy responses.

First is the unfortunate lack of fear in that killer that he would be apprehended any time soon even when carrying out the gruesome violence in full public view. Secondly, in an environment where opportunities had opened up for an easier transition from 'poverty' to the status of a 'lower middle class' even on the strength of an ordinary wage or earning as a 'service provider', the youth of uncertain cultural background might be tempted to go in for the 'pleasures' of life such as securing the company of girls - and vice versa - just to 'feel great' if nothing else.

And thirdly, the general decline of the social structure that saw the awareness of family responsibilities giving way to just personal concerns and interests, is another facet of the 'advancement' of a divergent and economically uneven society like what India had.

While the lawbreakers have no fear of the law, the people in general fear getting entangled with the police for any reason whatsoever.

The lack of fear of law is the manifestation of a combination of multiple flaws of social development and governance but the principal factor is the inadequacy of police presence, police-public communication and the police image in the society.

In Delhi, a police station covers a population of five to six lakh - it should have a 'Police Out Post' in each major locality for receiving complaints or information furnished by citizens even anonymously on suspicious activity or the presence of anti-social youth in the area.

The British law inherited by India had some useful provisions helping the police in a bona fide manner to 'prevent' crime at the hands of potentially unlawful elements.

These useful instruments of crime control fell into disuse because of the overbearing influence of some local politicians and the inability of the police as an institution to live up to the reputation of being a 'friend of the law abiding' and a 'deterrence for the law-breakers'. However, it seems that police should consider making legitimate use of Section 110 of the CrPC to initiate preventive action against wayward elements locally known to be inclined to indulge in lawless activity.

Parents of young girls often come to know of the 'harassment' caused to them or an unwanted 'friendship' forced on them by a local ruffian but feel helpless about the same - the local police post that was expected to keep a vigil in the 'locality' should be the place where such a grievance could be voiced on an assurance that the police would find a way of addressing such a problem. This can happen only if policemen are sensitive to the situation of an ordinary law-abiding citizen residing in the jurisdiction - in Indian conditions, this is far from what exists on the ground but if we claim to be moving towards becoming a developed society this 'protective' role has to become a finer part of policing.

The transition from an economically weak country to a developed nation places on the citizens the special responsibility of quietly overseeing the lifestyle of their young particularly when they were on the way to becoming an adult and a working individual with his or her own earning- big or small.

Many of them welcome the added income for the family but do not step up their interaction with their young on the issues related to the social environment, workplace and personal friendships. We should become culturally sounder as a society since economic progress not tempered with social advancement leads to unwanted situations and even lawless moments.

Moreover, we are in the 'Age of Knowledge' that mandates that being well informed presaged success in any walk of life.

A teacher for children today would have to know child psychology too and an employer engaging both men and women would be required to be aware of the problematic issue of sexual harassment at the workplace as this entailed a legal responsibility of the owner of that business.

Likewise, a young girl moving out at late night should, for her own good, be well informed about the crime situation in that area so that at least she would take the necessary precautions for security.

Girls are well advised to exercise discretion and not get into a relationship out of notions of 'blind attraction' without using head over heart. It is for the parents to keep communication with their growing children going so that they did not remain too much in the dark about the affairs of the latter.

Society is full of rotten elements and the head of the family- if he or she is a good manager - had to remain well-informed about what was going on regarding the interactions of family members with the world outside.

The horrendous Delhi case has thrown some new questions for the reason that the killer is a Muslim who is said to have taken to wearing Hindu symbols like a 'Rudraksha Mala' and a 'sacred red thread ' around his wrist apparently to hide his real identity - raising doubts about his possible involvement in a bigger conspiracy to convert Hindu girls out of ulterior motives and finishing them off if they refused to toe the line.

In an earlier case in Delhi, a Muslim youth of suspicious credentials hacked a Hindu girl to pieces in similar circumstances.

In the security environment prevailing in India at present, it is incumbent on the police to go into the antecedents of such violent individuals - taking the help of state Intelligence machinery where needed - and treat the case on a special footing without getting influenced by politics.

Wielding a knife and a chopper does not come naturally to every youth. These are times when police in India must strive to secure full cooperation from law-abiding citizens and establish a reputation for chasing criminals with evidence-based investigation. The flow of information to police on potential criminals, from well-intending citizens is currently non-existent and this situation has to be remedied quickly.

Police leadership must be judged for its success in establishing the autonomy of investigators pursuing cases that shook up the society for the brutality of violence inflicted on hapless girls entrapped in dubious relationships by criminally minded youth of another community.

Flawed policing weakens a democratic nation from the inside and makes the country vulnerable to hidden attacks from the external enemy. Both Pakistan and China, the two prime adversaries of India, have been conducting covert operations against this country to damage our internal security by queering the pitch for communal, regional and political harmony in the country.

The cases of public violence of the kind witnessed in the national capital must be probed also for external contacts if any, of the perpetrators of these crimes.

In the final analysis, the crime scene in India is marked by a mix of offences against a person or property but what is extraordinary about it is the regular occurrence of gruesome violence traceable to personal relationships among the young folks going awry, an act of revenge or an expression of rage by a person deficient in education and cultural grooming.

This unpredictability of acts of violence committed often in public is becoming the hallmark of law and order and an effective remedy of this lies in the Police being able to create a sense of fear of law among the local youth who were found to be wayward in their proclivities including those who went beyond their meagre earning, in search of personal aggrandisement and carnal pleasures.

The fear that India's demographic dividend might not necessarily be turning into an asset for lack of adequate education, health and productivity, could be coming true and the strategy of policing for the social fallout of such an eventuality had to be planned and put in place.

The preventive function of exercising a close oversight on the local youth of uncertain socio-cultural profiles and questionable behaviour patterns is perhaps the most demanding of policing tasks and this can be performed only by a system of law and order management that was near perfect in terms of its treatment of the law-abiding citizens on one hand and the potential lawbreakers on the other.

The 'guardianship' aspect of police in a democratic dispensation is as important as it is difficult to measure up to. The political executive and the Police leadership both must understand this and work together for the sake of larger national interests.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Astro Zindagi (Weekly Horoscope)

Gopi — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 02:56:04 +0000

By Neeraj Dhankher

Here is a guide to the week ahead for you. This is your forecast for June 5-11.

Aries

Family matters may require your attention this week. It's essential to maintain open lines of communication and address any underlying tensions or conflicts. Spending quality time with your loved ones will help strengthen the familial bond. If you have been contemplating a change in your living situation, now might be a favourable time to make those adjustments.In terms of career, you may find yourself in the limelight, gaining recognition for your hard work. This is an excellent time to showcase your skills and take on new challenges. Financially, things are looking positive.Love is in the air this week. If you're single, be prepared to meet someone special who captivates your heart.

Tip of the week: Attend to family matters

Taurus

This week, engage in activities that inspire you and bring you joy. Consider learning something new or pursuing a creative endeavour. Your analytical skills and attention to detail will serve you well in any endeavour you choose. In terms of career, this week will present you with new possibilities and opportunities for growth. Stay diligent, work hard, and remain open to collaboration with your colleagues. Remember to set aside some time to organise your finances and review your budget. Be mindful of your words and how you express your emotions. If you are in a committed relationship, spend quality time with your partner and engage in meaningful conversations. Those single may find themselves attracted to someone with intellect and wit.

Tip of the week: Stay inspired

Gemini

You may encounter some unexpected challenges in your career this week. It's important to maintain your composure and adaptability during these times. Your ability to find diplomatic solutions and mediate conflicts will be highly valued. Keep your focus on long-term goals, as this week may present some opportunities for advancement or new projects.Keep an eye out for potential investment opportunities, but exercise caution and seek professional advice before making any major financial decisions.In your personal relationships, take the time to listen actively and express your feelings honestly. Be mindful of the needs of your loved ones, and strive to find a harmonious balance.

Tip of the week: Focus on long-term goals

Cancer

This week is marked by significant progress and recognition. Positive words from the seniors will boost your confidence and motivate you to pursue even greater heights. Financially, you might encounter unexpected expenses. It's essential to be cautious with your spending and consider long-term financial goals.This week, you may find yourself at the centre of social gatherings and events. Your magnetic personality and charm will attract others, making you the life of the party. Embrace these opportunities to connect with new people and expand your social circle.Singles may find themselves drawn to someone intriguing. However, it's important to take things slow and not rush into a commitment.

Tip of the week: Invest wisely

Leo

You may find yourself inspired by fresh ideas and innovative approaches to your work this week. Trust your instincts and take calculated risks. Your ability to think outside the box will be greatly appreciated by your superiors and colleagues. Financially, you may experience a boost in income or unexpected monetary gains.On the personal front, relationships may require some attention and effort. It is essential to communicate openly with your loved ones to resolve any misunderstandings. Be patient and considerate, as others may also be experiencing heightened emotions. Use this time to strengthen your bonds and build stronger connections with those who matter most.

Tip of the week: Be innovative

Virgo

This week presents an excellent opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. You may feel a strong desire to explore new interests or expand your knowledge in a particular area. Embrace this curiosity and take up a new hobby or enrol in a course that aligns with your passions. In terms of career, this week promises growth and recognition. Your hard work will finally be acknowledged, and you may receive praise. Financially, you may experience some unexpected expenses, so it's essential to manage your finances wisely. In matters of the heart, you may face some emotional ups and downs this week. If you are in a committed relationship, address any issues that have been causing tension.

Tip of the week: Focus on personal growth

Libra

This week is all about seizing the moment. You may find yourself presented with new job opportunities or the chance to showcase your skills in a significant project. Don't be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Your ability to adapt and communicate effectively will be your biggest asset in achieving success. Financially, it's important to keep an eye on your budget. Unexpected expenses may arise, so stay mindful of your spending habits and prioritize saving.If you're in a committed relationship, you'll experience a deepening of emotional connection and understanding with your partner. This is an excellent time for heartfelt conversations and rekindling the romance.

Tip of the week: Grab the opportunities

Scorpio

This week presents you with exciting prospects. You may receive unexpected job offers that could significantly boost your professional growth. However, it is essential to carefully analyze these opportunities and consider the long-term implications before making any decisions. In matters of the heart, this week brings some emotional turbulence. Existing relationships may face minor conflicts. For singles, this week may offer a chance encounter that could lead to a deep and meaningful connection. Keep your heart open and be ready to embrace the possibilities that come your way.Spend quality time with your loved ones. You may find yourself playing the role of a mediator, helping to resolve conflicts within your family or social circle.

Tip of the week: Manage disputes patiently

Sagittarius

This is an excellent time to set new goals and initiate innovative projects. However, be cautious of overextending yourself or taking on too many responsibilities. Balance is key, so prioritize your tasks wisely. Financially, you may receive unexpected windfalls or opportunities for increased income.In matters of the heart, this week brings a mix of excitement and emotional intensity. If you're in a committed relationship, you may feel a renewed sense of passion and connection with your partner. Singles should keep an open mind and let their adventurous spirit guide them in matters of romance.It's an excellent period for nurturing your relationships with family members and strengthening emotional bonds.

Tip of the week: Set new goals

Capricorn

This week, you may feel a strong drive for success and accomplishment in your career. Your ambition is heightened, and you're determined to reach your goals. However, it's important to find a balance between your work and personal life. Make sure to take breaks and give yourself time for relaxation and self-care.Financially, it's a good week to focus on stability and long-term planning. Assess your financial situation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure future. In terms of relationships, this is a favourable time for strengthening bonds and deepening connections.Pay attention to your physical well-being. Make sure to get enough rest and exercise regularly. Take time to relax and recharge.

Tip of the week: Maintain balance in life

Aquarius

This week, you might find yourself focusing on your relationships, both romantic and platonic. The planetary alignment suggests that communication will be key in maintaining harmony in your connections. At work, you may encounter some unexpected challenges. Remember to stay calm and composed when dealing with difficult situations. Your ability to see different perspectives will help you find balanced solutions.In terms of finances, look for ways to make your money work harder for you, whether through investments or cutting back on unnecessary expenses. Seek advice if needed, but ultimately trust your own instincts.In your social life, you may be in the mood to connect with old friends or attend social gatherings.

Tip of the week: Seek advice from others

Pisces

This week, you may find yourself in a contemplative and introspective mood. You could be seeking deeper meaning and understanding in various areas of your life. Take some time to reflect on your goals, ambitions, and long-term plans. Consider what changes you might need to make in order to align your actions with your true desires. Professionally, you may experience a burst of creativity and innovation. This is an excellent time to explore new ideas, take calculated risks, and assert your unique skills and talents. Stay focused, adaptable, and true to yourself, and you will navigate this week successfully.Remember to express your needs and listen attentively to the needs of others.

Tip of the week: Reflect on your ambitions

(Neeraj Dhankher is an Astrologer with proficiency in Vedic, KP and Nadi Astrology. He is the Founder and CEO of Astro Zindagi. The observations are made by the writer based on his own analysis)

Source: IANS

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CLOSE-IN: IPL 2023 was a Perfect 10 (IANS column)

Gopi — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 02:41:04 +0000

By Yajurvindra Singh

A last-ball finish in the IPL'23 was, as one can term it, a perfect 10. The tournament was without a doubt an unimaginable success. The cricket was scintillating and the hordes of spectators at every venue were quite remarkable.

The final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the enormous Ahmedabad stadium got delayed by a day due to rain and to have a full house the next day showed the dedicated love of the IPL followers. The digital world of live streaming of the matches had millions of eyeballs as well. This truly augmented the fact that T20 cricket is here to stay and one that will rule cricket in the future.

The IPL'23 has brought about a completely different dimension to the game. The Impact Player substitution has made a huge IMPACT. The possibility of getting an additional bowler or batsman, if needed, was a boon for many a side. It led to a dynamic change in the way the playing eleven of the teams were structured and the IPL benefitted enormously. Totals that looked out of reach became possible through the inclusion of an extra batter as well as defending via an extra bowler.

The umpteen number of close finishes with many of them off the last few deliveries, made viewing nail-biting and extremely interesting. Seeing cricketers perform and successfully implement their capabilities in such an intensive high-pressure situation was astounding. How can one describe the mental calmness of the two shots played by Ravindra Jadeja, a six and a four, to clinch the victory for his side, CSK, off the last two balls of an IPL final? One needs nerves of steel to do so, similar to a Rinku Singh performance of hitting 5 sixes off the last 5 deliveries to clinch victory for his side, Kolkata Knight Riders. These are remarkable feats, along with many others that made the IPL'23 so enjoyable to watch.

One did feel sorry for Gujarat Titans led by Hardik Pandya, to lose the final match which seemed to be in their favour for most of the game. A total of 215 runs that they notched up was a huge task for CSK to chase. The rain gods and luck came to CSK's advantage and with the reduction in overs and runs due to the match being affected by rain and the breaks that they got, gave them time to regroup and reignite mentally.

Hardik Pandya, the man in-line most likely to lead India in the T20 format, tried to look calm and unflustered during CSK's chase and gave an impression that he had things under control. However, due to the reduction in overs, assessing which of his bowlers would be the most effective to exploit the situation the best, is where he unfortunately faltered. However, when it finally came down for CSK to get 10 runs off the last 2 deliveries, it looked like GT were on the road to victory.

Mohit Sharma, the astute Gujarat Titan bowler, brought a ray of hope when he delivered four outstanding balls. This is when Hardik faltered unknowingly. Mohit Sharma had his tail-up having bowled four superb yorkers showcasing that his rhythm and muscle memory were well in tune.

Hardik, in trying to calm Sharma down, stopped play to boost his bowler and have a light-hearted chat over a cold drink with him. This action by the GT captain resulted in two huge mistakes. One where he gave the cool and experienced Ravindra Jadeja time to get his thought process in place, especially as both he and Shivam Dube had struggled to hit a boundary on four earlier occasions. The second and most important failure was that Hardik in his attempt to play cool, lost the bowling rhythm and flow that Mohit Sharma had captured in his deliveries previously. Thereafter, he did the unthinkable of following the same ritual on the last and final ball of the match.

This incident takes one back to the earlier days when coaches were against either a bowler or a batter taking refreshments in between the stipulated time of a drinks interval. Their profound theory was that it broke one's concentration and momentum. Players in the past went even further when they refused to change a pad or a wet glove or even an item of torn clothing as it may deter their mindset and mental concentration. A good example of this was when Sunil Gavaskar, during his magnificent century at Manchester against England in 1974, in cold dreary and bowling-friendly conditions, refused to change his torn trouser, lest he lose his concentration. He rates that innings as his finest.

This brings one to the men who control the game at the centre, the umpires. One felt that on many occasions in the IPL, they were very lax in their approach. Long chats between overs, extra time for captains to adjust their field, drinks coming in at every stoppage, and at times when the batter had barely played a few deliveries, were some things that needed to be monitored far more strictly.

There was a famous incident of Mahendra Singh Dhoni taking those four extra precious minutes by interacting with the umpires to ensure that one of his bowlers would be able to bowl because he was off the field earlier. This may have been a very good ploy by Dhoni, but one in which the umpires came through as being very lenient. The DRS somehow seems to have softened them, especially in controlling tricky situations out in the middle.

Dhoni is at present the biggest icon in Indian cricket. He has captured the heart of every Indian and has a fan following that he truly deserves. For his side to win the IPL'1yu23 under his able captaincy was the icing on the cake.

A perfect 10!

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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G20 in Srinagar and Article 370

Gopi — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:14:04 +0000

By Amjad Ayub Mirza

With the inauguration of the three-day session of G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar (May 22-24) under the presidency of India has marked a turning point in the 75years history of Jammu and Kashmir.

It would not have been possible without the bold decision taken by the Bharatiya Janata Party to abrogate the articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution that although claimed to give Jammu and Kashmir a 'special status' but in reality were the biggest obstacles in the road to economic development and political normalcy.

So let me delve into the article 370 and 35A for my reader to understand why and how did the articles 370 and 35A hampered the progress of the Vale of Kashmir.

August 5, 2019, the day when Article 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution was abrogated, will be remember in the history of the Himalayan region of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh as a day when for the first time in the history of their existence they became equal citizens with the rest of the people living in the Republic of India.

Article 370 came into being in 1954 through a Constitutional amendment and 35A was imposed by a Presidential decree.

Article 370 and 35A were strictly a temporary arrangement related to issues of governance of the former State of Jammu Kashmir that granted the state its 'Special Status'.

Due to the above-mentioned Articles of the Indian Constitution, legal, political or economic packages that were approved by the Indian parliament for the uplift of marginalised communities in India were not automatically applied to the state of Jammu Kashmir.

According to Article 35A, Indian citizens or businesses were not allowed to purchase or own property in the state.

This was considered one of the biggest obstacles in attracting Indian as well as foreign investment into the state that are vital if tourism, agricultural and industrial development were to make qualitative progress.

Lack of economic prosperity in Jammu Kashmir has led to a backward economic infrastructure and rise of political dynasties that have managed to establish their hegemonic monopoly over the economic activity of the state.

These political families were corrupt to the core, however, due to the protection they enjoyed under Article 370 and 35A, anti-corruption agencies were barred from launching any investigation into the mal practices they were involved in to extract mega profits through kickbacks and tax evasions.

Right of Information was inaccessible in the state of Jammu Kashmir.

To give you an example, I would like to bring to you attention that during 2017-2018, India spent Rs 8,227 per person but in Jammu Kashmir it spent Rs 27,258 per person.

With such a huge spent the standard of living of the so called permanent residents of Jammu Kashmir should have been far better than the rest of the country.

So, where has this money been spent?

Due to the obstacle of Article 370, an investigation into corruption could not be launched in Jammu and Kashmir.

Another example is that from 2006 to 2016, 10 per cent of the total Central funds were being spent in Jammu Kashmir even though it only comprised one per cent of the population of the country. Despite these efforts by the Centre, the growth did not match the handouts.

Lack of business opportunities inadvertently led to high unemployment and provided a flourishing ground for Jihadi recruitment and anti India (read Hindu) hate narrative that was spewed through out the state.

Since 1988, 41,000 people have lost their lives due to terrorism.

Compulsory education law in India from the age of six to fourteen did not apply to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Similarly, teaching staff could not be freely hired from out side of the state unless under exceptional conditions.

Hence, the literacy rate in Jammu Kashmir was stuck at 67 per cent compared to India where it is 74 per cent.

Inter-state discrimination that the Buddhists of Ladakh suffered for decades due to lesser representation of this thinly populated region in the Jammu and Kashmir state assembly is another disparity that has been done away with after the abrogation of the Article 370 and 35A.

Now Ladakh has become an independent union territory enjoying equal status to that of Jammu Kashmir and the rest of India.

Therefore, the abrogation of the Articles 370 and 35A have sanctioned the people of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh to enjoy the same civil rights that are being enjoyed by the rest of the Indian population.

According to the Article 35A, if a male subject of the state would marry a woman who was not a state subject, she will automatically become a state subject through matrimony even if she belonged to Pakistan.

However, if a woman from the state decided to marry an outsider, not only that her husband did not become a state subject but the woman would also lose her right to her ancestral property.

A state subject could have dual citizenship.

But an Indian citizen could not become a state subject. Thus this gender-biased piece of legislation was also brought to an end with the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.

It took more than 30 years and 41,000 lives before the government of India realised that by granting the state of Jammu Kashmir its 'Special Status' it had only let Pakistan to propagate that Muslims in Kashmir were facing a monstrous Indian (read Hindu) occupation that was committing genocide of Muslims in the Valley.

Pakistan also cultivated an army of a well funded Islamic clergy proxy in Kashmir that was and still is being used to stir hate against a 'Hindu' India and demand for merging Jammu Kashmir with the (failed state) of Pakistan.

From organisations such as the allegedly ISI funded Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) to the Hurriyat Conference and Jihad Council, the evil legacy of two-nation theory coined by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was placed at the fore front of the cultural and ideological battle between democracy and theocracy in Jammu Kashmir.

In the name of two-nation theory local cultures and languages were posed as inferior to that of Arab religious and cultural narrative and language.

Article 370 was a divisive provision in the Indian Constitution that would not allow the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to fully integrate in the bondage of Indian nationhood.

It discriminated not only on the basis of gender but also on the basis of place of birth and origin.

Hindus and Sikhs who had been forced to migrate due to the India-Pakistan war in 1947 and 1965 were not given Permanent Resident Status and were still considered refugees with no voting rights.

After the abrogation of Article 370, all refugees have been granted domiciles and are have now become equal citizens.

Hindus, Sikhs and Christians now have a guaranteed 16 per cent share in jobs that are designated for religious and ethnic minorities.

This is a great leap in ensuring that religious discrimination faced by religious minorities in a Muslim majority state can be ended.

It is only due to the abrogation of the article 370 and 35A that today Kashmir has been able to host G-20 session that has put Kashmir on the map of 50 top global destinations for tourism.

(Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoJK. He currently lives in exile in the UK)

Source: IANS

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If one is in northeast, he could be a man ‘divided against himself’ (Opinion)

Gopi — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:35:04 +0000

By Nirendra Dev

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has held wide range of discussions with Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, top army brass, the police, and other stakeholders during his ongoing visit to the ethnic violence-hit northeastern state.

Matters pertaining to those who mattered in the appointment of former IPS officer Kudeep Singh as the security advisor to the state have also come in for closer scrutiny.

Over 70 people have been killed while scores of others have been injured in the violent clashes that broke out in the state since May 3. Thousands have fled Manipur with over 7,000 people now taking shelter in Mizoram. Kukis share ethnic bonding with the Mizos and hence the demand for Greater Mizoram has also been rekindled.

In many places, common people have accused Manipur Police with failures, and also that they have been partial towards the Meiteis.

Maybe a former army man would have done the job better, more so because a man in olive green can command more respect from the foot soldiers. In Manipur itself, ex-military officers are available and their services could be enlisted.

It is also high time that the people concerned appreciate that the officers and soldiers of Assam Rifles played key roles during the initial phase when the trouble started.

One can say that the state of Manipur as a whole, and the three segments of the society -- the Meiteis, the Kukis and Nagas -- cannot be seen flirting dangerously with civil unrest. The northeastern region has seen enough of such clashes and enough of so-called ethnic 'cleansing'.

Biharis, Bengali Hindus and Gorkhalis have been at the receiving end in Shillong, and people have left for good.

Forget tribals-non tribals; episodes like the Reang-Mizo differences and Naga-Kuki issues of the 1990s were really unfortunate. It is time sanity prevails and the 'sincerity' displayed by all becomes important achievements; and more so for the government(s) of the day, both in Imphal and in New Delhi.

One is aware of the strong elements of 'us' and 'them' syndromes in the region. Some years back while working on these inherent issues between two and more communities in another northeastern state (not Manipur), I was told by an expert that the 'logic of us and the ideology of others' motivates the root cause of identity politics in the northeast.

And here lies the real challenge.

Today, the Nagas and the Meiteis stand together despite tribal-non tribal differences. The Nagas have their own issues with Kukis, and in the past they "could not trust" each other. In the mid-nineties, the Naga-Kuki clashes used to be a nightmare both in Nagaland and in Manipur. In 2001, when the Naga ceasefire was extended to parts of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, the Imphal valley burnt for days.

In other words, when it comes to 'integrity' of Naga contiguous areas, there is mutual distrust between the Nagas and the Meiteis. There were some inherent conflicts also. While the NSCN-IM led by Thuingaleng Muivah always stood for Nagalim or Greater Nagalan, former Chief Minister of Manipur late Rishang Keishing (also a Tangkhul Naga) was all along a 'nationalist' pro-India, who was part of the resolution of Manipur Assembly that 'not an inch' of Manipur state could be compromised.

Therefore, under the given situation, Nagas ought to be given credit for keeping things cool when they could have gotten emotional and excited.

"In this season of rumour mongering and intense provocation, there are people among Nagas in Manipur and rights organisations who have understood the gravity of the situation and displayed maturity," said a source.

This is, therefore, certainly a sign of maturity displayed during a crisis situation.

Observers also believe that though ground situations are different, even Kukis and Meiteis will have to display 'maturity' and a kind of 'calmness'.

There is yet another issue of governance or the lack of it. A deep divide in Manipur police on ethnic lines became very evident in the ongoing conflict. Of course, sources maintain that this has made "the task of the Army, Assam Rifles and other CAPF units even more difficult".

Over 1,350 automatic weapons have been looted from the police during the ongoing unrest and this certainly does not augur well for the state administration. Moreover, the roles of two organisations -- Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun -- have surfaced lately and these ought to be looked into.

Past experiences elsewhere suggest the internal security scenario and an environment under 'unified headquarters mechanism' as in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam have been very helpful and such mechanisms should be put in place in Manipur at the earliest.

The ongoing violence and communal tension in Manipur are also causes of setback to the overall development journey of Manipur. And this 'distraction' from the developmental journey is also a setback for Kukis, Nagas and other tribals in the state. One cannot draw a consolation that let Meiteis alone suffer.

Emerging as an 'island of peace' for sometime, Manipur under the double-engine government has experienced a lot of positive developments, including pumping in of investments.

In August 2022, Manipur had hosted the prestigious Durand Cup football tournament, Asia's oldest soccer tourney. Nandini Gupta from Rajasthan was crowned the Femina Miss India 2023 title at the starry grand finale held in Manipur.

In other words, the good works and achievements of the Biren Singh government too have been jeopardised.

Efforts have been made by certain quarters that Kukis and Nagas can do business together as both are tribals and are also Christians. And as Meiteis are Hindu majority, there were narratives in circulation vis-a-vis the religion angle the Hindu-Christian divide. But here too, the Nagas have maintained a safe distance.

As tribals, the Nagas of Manipur could sympathise with Kukis but they will have their own independent road map vis-a-vis their relations with Imphal on the twin fronts of administration and also people to people relationships.

In all these chaotic scenes and hard work involved to prevent things from deteriorating further, the governance and politico-administrative decisions also come into play. There is a merit in believing that it may not be wise to force Biren Singh to resign, as he could emerge as a 'martyr' to the cause of Meiteis.

An old management theory is to keep the 'same man/woman at the top' who is responsible for creating the mess, and let him or her resolve the problem.

Wrap up

It is one of the paradoxes of our times and the northeast region which the policy makers ought to comprehend effectively. As of April 2023, as many as 8,000 insurgents surrendered in the northeast since 2014 and joined 'mainstream society', says the Government of India, yet none can deny the violence and multi-pronged troubles the state of Manipur has witnessed.

Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Manipur also coincides with the Modi government completing nine years in office, and also an obvious fact that in less than a year the country will plunge into electoral mode.

A question was asked in 2019 -- Can India afford another five years of Modi regime? This can be asked again.

There are other statistics on the positive contributions of the Modi-led dispensation. Let us take a glance.

Seven airports were built in the last nine years in the northeast, 4,016 km of road projects are currently ongoing and around 2,000 projects worth Rs 22,000 crore have been sanctioned for the region since 2014.

Waterways have been given a mega boost and 19 new waterways have been added as the lifelines of commute and trade, eight additional airports operationalised and 100 per cent broad gauge electrified under North East Frontier Railways.

Some benefits too could be measured. Officials claim that around one crore tourists arrived in 2022 to the region and the factors being attributed are better connectivity.

The northeast region has been propelled as a gateway to Southeast Asia due to its unique offerings in tourism, horticulture, handloom and sports, goes another line of assertion and campaign.

In order to respect public opinion and appreciate the native sentiments, something considered overdue was done. There have been were noteworthy instances of recognition of hitherto unsung heroes, including Lachit Borphukan and Rani Gaidinliu.

In terms of connectivity, the Bogeebil rail-cum-road bridge, the longest such project in India, has been achieved. What has definitely excited the people of Manipur is the Jiribam-Imphal rail line, the world's tallest girder rail bridge, which has also been taken up.

Another such milestone has been the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, which is India's longest bridge.

Officials also claim good progress in organic farming in Meghalaya while the agro-based products of Nagaland, including 'Bhoot Jholokia' (hot green chilly), have reached London.

The Sangai Festival of Manipur and the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland too have been encouraged. PM Modi himself inaugurated the Hornbill Fest of Nagas in 2014 within months of assuming office.

The sum and substance, why we are still complaining? Why people still do not hesitate to burn effigies of central leaders over minor to major controversies and issues?

Actually, these contradictions are not puzzles per se. They are the real messages. Come and try to understand our problems in detail and sympathetically before anyone can claim that you have mastered the knowledge about northeast and have fallen in love with this region.

One message is people's confusion. Can I be a 'nationalist' - that is committed to India - and yet be a good native Naga or a Mizo? Or do I have to give up being a good Kuki, Sema or Angami and then become a good Naga or a good 'citizen of Manipur'?

The policy makers and the Indian 'mainstream' intellectuals have to come out of the old legacy. They have to give a convincing message that no man need to fear that by becoming a nationalist, he will make himself an anti-Mizo or anti-Naga.

In his masterpiece 'The Conquest of Happiness', Bertrand Russel says: "The man divided against himself looks for excitement and distraction... he loves strong passion."

Russel further explains that "passion" takes the man "outside himself".

This applies to human kind at the global stage, but it applies more to the people of the northeast.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of the books 'The Talking Guns: North East India', and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Syria back in the Arab-fold (Opinion)

Gopi — Mon, 29 May 2023 06:53:05 +0000

By Asad Mirza

After more than a dozen years of ostracism by regional Arab and western leaders, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is officially back in the Arab fold, he was warmly embraced by regional leaders at the Arab League summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last week.

Apparently it seems that the Arab League has lost its meaning and purpose and it is demonstrated by the manner in which member states takes its sessions in a non-serious manner. Morocco declined to host a summit in 2016, calling the event a waste of time.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, skipped last year's gathering in Algeria on medical grounds. Heads of state are sometimes spotted falling asleep at the fora meetings.

But it seems that at the moment no one would relish the regional Arab body more than Assad, who seemed euphoric to be invited to the Arab Summit. Syria was suspended from the league in 2011, when Assad began a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests that plunged the country into a civil war

Assad's deployment of chemical weapons against his own people along with mass arrests, torture and disappearances and killing of more than 3 million civilians in the country have no parallel elsewhere. This is a legacy, which he inherited from his father, Hafez al-Assad, who reportedly massacred more than 10,000 people in the city of Hama during a 1982 siege.

On May 7 however, the regional Arab body agreed to re-admit Syria to its fold. Though an invitation from a dull talking shop crammed with dictators may seem unappealing to many but to Assad, it is the culmination of a long effort to end his Arab isolation - and, he may hope, another step towards acceptance in the West.

US stand on Syria

However, Assad's regional Arab acceptance creates a "problem" for the US, which continues to oppose any sort of normalising ties with the Syrian government but has not been able to force its Arab partners from restoring ties with Damascus.

US officials maintain that though they do not back normalisation with Assad, they share the objectives that restored relations could bring, including expanding humanitarian access to conflict-torn regions, combating IS, reducing Iran's influence and countering the trafficking of the drug Captagon.

Mona Yacoubian, vice president of the Middle East and North Africa centre at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), a think tank funded by the US Congress, told Al Jazeera that the US position under President Joe Biden reflects a "tricky, gnarly, complex challenge".

But without accountability for Syrian government abuses, she added, Washington will not normalise its relations with Damascus or ease its heavy sanctions, including the blocking of foreign reconstruction funds.

Making the US stand quite clear, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week, "We do not believe that Syria merits readmission to the Arab League".

Still, Blinken said Washington and its Arab allies have broader common objectives in Syria.

Last week, a group of bipartisan House representatives introduced a bill dubbed the Assad Anti-Normalisation Act, which aims to "hold the Assad regime, and its backers, accountable for their crimes against the Syrian people and deter normalisation with the Assad regime".

The bill is a sign that Congress will likely push Biden and future administrations to fully enforce Syria sanctions.

Syria's Ostracisation

Syria was suspended from the Arab League and left isolated by regional power brokers in 2011 after its crackdown on protests during the Arab Spring, a wave of anti-government demonstrations across several countries in the region that year.

That heavy-handed security approach in Syria turned into a protracted war, killing hundreds of thousands of people and displacing millions.

In recent years, government forces recaptured much of Syria with the aid of Russia and Iran, and local ceasefires have maintained relative calm as parts of the country remain under the control of various rebels and armed groups.

Emerging Scenario

As to why Arab states are keen to bring Syria among their fold, there are many plausible reasons. One is to forge a broader spirit of detente. The Saudis struck a deal in March with Iran to restore diplomatic ties and reopen embassies. this came after years of proxy wars in Syria, Yemen by both and now both seems to have forgotten the past. Turkey and Egypt, mired in mutual economic crises, are trying to end a decade of animosity. Gulf states have ended their embargo of Qatar, which accomplished little. Old foes across the region are keen to pretend they are friends.

When it comes to Syria, however, they want something bigger in return. Its neighbours hope to get rid of millions of Syrian refugees. The 2 million or so in Lebanon, with a population of just 5 million, are seen as a burden, blamed unfairly for the country's economic collapse. In Turkey. the mood has also turned hostile. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the main opposition candidate in the election on May 26 has vowed vows to send Syrians packing within two years if elected.

In addition, the West hope that mollifying Syria may result in it controlling its Captagon trade. Syria has become the world's leading producer of Captagon, an amphetamine that is a popular recreational drug in the Gulf. The scale of the Captagon trade is often exaggerated. Unconfirmed estimates put its annual value at $57 billion. The real figure is probably an order of magnitude smaller -- but that is still large enough to make it Syria's top export.

Regardless of the future of US policy on Syria, the fact that Arab states are normalising with Assad is also a sign of the receding US political influence in the region.

Indeed, this seems to be a sad commentary on the Arab world and its dictatorial leaders who basically conspired to crushed the Arab Spring 12 years ago, instead of working for the betterment of their people. In reality the pro-democracy, pro-rights movement has not fizzled out; rather, it was clubbed to death by a conspiracy of the dictators.

(Asad Mirza is a Delhi-based senior political commentator)

Source: IANS

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Cross-currents in the Islamic world (Column: The Third Eye)

Gopi — Sun, 28 May 2023 03:23:02 +0000

By D.C. Pathak

In recent years the international scene has been conditioned by new geopolitical trends that were affecting all regions particularly West Asia, Indo-Pacific and Eurasia. India now a major power influencing global events, had particular stakes in these parts of the world.

The post-Cold War years in which the US-led unipolar order prevailed for quite some time, the fall-out of the 'war on terror' that essentially turned out to be prolonged combat between the US-led West and the Islamic radicals and the reappearance more recently, of the polarisation between US on one hand and the China-Russia axis, on the other - following the Ukraine-Russia military confrontation - have been the major developments that are shaping the current geopolitics.

India is required to keep close track of the changing alignments within the so-called Islamic world - more so in West Asia. This country has more Muslims than what their number was in Pakistan - the entity created through the partition of India on religious grounds in 1947.

Independent India maintained cordial relations with the Arab world particularly the Gulf countries regardless of the fact that Indo-Pak relations had turned sour on multiple counts. We have to have a deep understanding of the cross currents in West Asia in order to maintain and strengthen India's friendships in the region in the future.

From India's point of view Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran are the three Muslim countries that hold the key to West Asia's stability and friendly disposition towards this nation. It is a matter of deep satisfaction for the country that Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor has directly reached out to Iran and Saudi Arabia and struck an equation with them in a manner that allows India to build bilateral economic relations with them and also make a contribution as a common friend, to the alleviation of political and ideological conflict existing between them for a long time.

It is to be noted that Doval has established an 'NSA grid' with all major powers - in today's world, international relations are steered at that level for the simple reason that the nation's security and economic concerns are best evaluated there.

Foreign policy by definition is the product of these twin concerns and it is no surprise therefore that implementation of the policy framework defined largely at the level of NSAs is becoming a major function of diplomacy.

Diplomacy's inputs for policy formulation remain of course important like before. The three pivotal countries of the West Asia-North Africa(WANA) region mentioned above, are the principal witnesses of the cross-currents flowing through the Islamic world for some time now and it is important for India to embrace them in friendship.

Saudi Arabia chairing the powerful Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) - the 57-member block of Muslim countries - had traditionally had an equation of friendship with the US run on an extremely strict framework of fundamentalist Islam, the Saudi regime has, through the OIC platform, endorsed the idea of Muslims all over the world is regarded as Ummah and justified the logic of this forum voicing concern over any problem that the Muslim community might be facing anywhere.

Pakistan a key member of OIC, had with its large army lent military support to Saudi Arabia for the latter's security and that could be one reason why Pakistan was able to get OIC to raise the issue of abrogation of Article 370 relating to Kashmir, by the Indian Parliament. It is also, however, true that the Saudi kingdom while being aware of Indo-Pak conflicts, has moved towards establishing a deep bilateral friendship with India under the Narendra Modi regime.

A significant development impacting Saudi Arabia's approach to international relations was the rise of Islamic radicals in the Muslim world in the wake of the US-led 'war on terror' launched first in Afghanistan and then in the Iraq-Syria belt. This made Saudi Arabia more vulnerable to attacks from radicals because of the country's known alliance with the US.

The return of the Taliban Emirate in Kabul in 2019, the failure of US-backed Islamists to oust the Assad regime in Syria and the growing importance of China in the region on account of the Sino-Pak axis - an 'adjustment' was already worked out by Pakistan between Taliban-dominated Afghanistan and China - are the major recent developments shaping the West Asian scene.

A powerful voice in OIC has been taking the line that Islamic radical groups should not be rejected just because they were ideologically opposed to the US-led West.

Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Yemen and Qatar had an attitude of acceptance towards radicals whose mandate of return to the puritan Islam of the 'golden period' of the first four Caliphs, had an inherent appeal to all those faithful. Also, US administrations have risen above the ill-conceived logic of 'good terrorists vs bad terrorists' that was based on a distinction between Islamic extremists who remained on the right side of the US and the radicals of Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS who looked upon the US as their prime enemy.

It was perhaps realised that both these groups could foster faith-based terrorism that was a huge danger to the democratic world led by the US.

US President Donald Trump who denounced his rival, Hillary Clinton, in the election campaign for not criticising violence in the name of Islam out of her concern for remaining 'politically correct', told the Arab countries in Riyadh in 2017 that they should sort out their sectoral problems with others in the Muslim world, on their own.

The successor Biden administration has also been circumspect about supporting Islamic fundamentalist regimes. There is a realisation in the Saudi camp that violence in the name of religion by invoking Jehad, can not be upheld in present times.

Saudi Arabia and its close partner UAE, have also made the balancing move of not getting caught in the emerging Cold War kind of polarisation between the US on one hand and the China-Russia combine on the other in the wake of the Ukraine-Russia military confrontation.

Egypt with its long civilisational history has a key position in the Arab world and has been the largest trading partner of India in Africa. It is home to the Muslim Brotherhood founded by the Egyptian thinker Hasan Al Banna in 1928 to oppose the nationalist and pro-left regime of Gen. Nasser and establish an Islamic rule based on the mandate that the 'Quran is the best Constitution'.

Following the 'Arab Spring' of 2011 that compelled the military to depose President Hosni Mubarak, and a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood - Mohammad Morsi - became the first elected President of Egypt in 2012. The 'Arab Spring' was fronted by liberals but its real strength came from Muslim Brotherhood known for its large organisation and influence.

As Muslim Brotherhood started exercising an overbearing influence on all facets of governance including the judiciary and even armed forces, the military in a 'counter-revolution' in 2013, removed Morsi from office, banned Muslim Brotherhood and rounded up thousands of activists of different ideological backgrounds.

Gen. Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi the new President put Morsi on trial- the latter dying in 2019 in court. Muslim Brotherhood advocated an Islamic rule that was not in conflict with the West and Morsi's rise to power was therefore appreciated by the US administration.

Egypt-US relations have, however, been friendly during Al Sisi's rule too. Egypt's friendship with India has been further strengthened after the 2015 meeting of Prime Minister Modi with President Al Sisi in New York. Al Sisi was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade in Delhi this year and the occasion marked the elevation of relations to a strategic level.

Egypt is firmly against radicalisation and cross-border terrorism and the two countries have affirmed zero tolerance towards terrorism. Egypt is thus a key ally of India in the Muslim world.

UAE does today what Saudi Arabia would do tomorrow- the launch of I2U2 in 2021 and the subsequent Chinese mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 somewhere prove the point. Iran's hostility towards Saudi Arabia is the outcome not only of the historical legacy of the Shia-Sunni conflict resulting from the Kharijite revolt against Caliph Ali but also of the added complication of the two countries differing in their approach to the US.

I2U2 - described in some quarters as the Quad of West Asia - is a multi-lateral forum comprising Israel, India, the US and UAE that was formed at the meeting of the four foreign ministers in the fall of 2021, for economic and technological cooperation.

India's strategy of developing bilateral friendships with Israel, Iran and the UAE-Saudi Arabia duo, helped to bridge the faith-based gulfs that had been the hallmark of West Asia's history. The rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia worked out by China should be seen in the backdrop of these two West Asian countries being the largest trading partners of China, the shared hostility of Iran and China towards the US and the willingness of Saudi Arabia to reduce the arc of confrontation facing the country because of its past political alignments.

It is good to see India handling the Muslim world in general and West Asia in particular with great finesse, strategic merit and consideration of India's own security and economic interests. Without giving any quarters to Pakistan, India has enhanced its outreach to Islamic countries and developed strategic friendships in the Gulf and elsewhere steering clear of the faith-based or political divides among them.

Ajit Doval, India's NSA, has played a leading role in steering these foreign policy moves. In a brilliant initiative meant to counter the adverse effects of the reinstallation of Kabul Emirate under the Taliban, he hosted a meeting of his counterparts from Russia, CARs and Iran-Pakistan and China though invited did not respond as was anticipated - in November 2021, where the call for an inclusive and democratic rule in Afghanistan was upheld and terrorism and radicalisation were firmly opposed.

The NSA has established a strong grid with his counterparts from major powers including the US and Russia and strengthened the goodwill of the international community for India. The friendly environment has further facilitated Prime Minister Modi's rise as a wise counsel on the global stage.

Doval recently visited Saudi Arabia and Iran to cement India's friendship with these important nodal countries of the Islamic world -which had their own compulsions about maintaining alignments within that world. Also, India's moves to keep strategic partnership with the US on a special footing without letting this come in the way of close bonds with Russia, have proved extremely fruitful and kept India on top of the situation as far as international relations were concerned.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Studios claim ownership of rights (IANS Column: B-Town)

Gopi — Sun, 28 May 2023 02:47:05 +0000

By Vinod Mirani

It was since foreign companies entered the Indian film market that filmmakers in the country, especially in the Hindi film industry, took huge strides.

Films with budgets in lakhs suddenly started costing crores. With projects being underwritten by big-time backers, the films with stars started costing over Rs 100 crore.

This was just the beginning of the whole filmmaking industry going haywire! Creativity went for a toss and greed took over. The budgets went high but content suffered. Films depended solely on the kind of draw a star commanded!

Actors wanted to be paid in crores and so did the director. Soon, the stars started asking for Rs 100 crore or more and the ones with just a single success wanted Rs 10-15 crore. Female artistes started demanding in crores, even thought their films, at best, collected Rs 5 crore or less in lifetime business.

Somewhere along the line, the filmmaking happened with no sense of the economics. The prices the stars demanded were artificial, much against their draw or potential to recoup. This continued for a long time because the companies which backed these films opened their purse strings generously. The producer had nothing to lose and stood only to gain.

Nobody cared for what a star charged or a director did. Ridiculous budgets were presented and sanctioned by the new corporate entrants who were under the impression that they were producing films when, in fact, they were actually outsourcing the film production activities. They had neither the knowledge of filmmaking the way it happened in India, nor any control.

Besides the budgets of the films, the manipulations extended to the media and on social media.

Amitabh Bachchan, at his peak, commanded the price of Rs 15 lakh, it is said. That price was meant to be the equivalent to one major circuit (Mumbai circuit was one), there being about six. Yet, the maker stood to earn an amount worth one circuit. It was all worked out to everybody's satisfaction and interest.

Bachchan's films drew massive footfalls and his price was recovered within a day if you added up all-India box-office collections. In those days, only net collections were made public after deducting the entertainment tax as well as the cinema rentals.

That was unlike the practice now, which is aimed at deceiving the people with gross figures, or the recovery from ticket sales, being put out, which is unfair.

If Bachchan recovered his price within a day, the films of stars today don't recover their own price, let alone the cost of the film in the lifetime business.

A star is someone who assures an initial draw to his every new release. But when the star's prices became unviable, filmmakers resorted to giving out inflated collection figures. There was no way a film costing Rs 100 crore could recover the investment; the film was now limited to multiplexes with an average ticket price (ATP) of Rs 270.

The masses, who accounted for a film's success and flocked to the single screens, were driven out. Even at today's prices with inflation and all things considered, one can buy a few things of necessity for that kind of money! Just about everybody was making money, except for those who backed these films.

As the things worked in the film industry in India, the negative belonged to the producer of the film, albeit considering there was no lien on the film. That all the financers' claims had been settled as often there were multiple people from whom the producer borrowed in the process of making his film.

The various financers' claims were guaranteed by the film processing laboratory with whom vested the film's entire negative footage shot for the film. Unless, there was another kind of arrangement in place.

It was called World Rights Controller, which involved a single financer. He would let the film release even if his monies were not recovered, but the rights to the negatives vested with him till the time the money was recouped.

In those days, the normal practice was to release a film in various circuits through local distributors with an understanding that they paid a price described as MG, and after recovery, shared, what was called the overflow equally with the producer. In the World Rights arrangement, that overflow went to the world rights controller.

Now, of course, the recoveries are not only from the overflow of a film, but there exist various other avenues, such as OTT, satellite and other rights. These rights are given out for a stipulated period and recur again.

Some of the studios backing Hindi films withdrew from the trade and some were left to wonder what came to them in this whole exercise?

It was their money so, rightfully, the rights in the content should belong to them. After all, the producer on record was being paid what is called the Runner Fees to produce a film for the studio, like the director was paid his, so was the star as well as the other crew.

As things work now, projects are sanctioned and financed by the principal, say a television channel or an OTT streaming platform, and they own the content. Even during the good old days of Doordarshan, if your serial was sanctioned and televised, the rights and the content finally belonged to DD.

The studios that financed film production recently took up this issue with the filmmakers whose films they had bankrolled. The studios staked their claim to the films they had financed because it was their product by all logic. After all, even the producer was paid for his work.

In other words, some of our top-rung filmmakers, who were hogging the glory and the limelight when a film was a success, were no more than mere production controllers or, at best, executive producers, and they were making the film on behalf of a studio.

So, some of the big-time filmmakers, for that is the kind these studios preferred to deal with, were asked to cede the film rights, rock stock and barrel, to the principal studio, it must have come as a bolt from the blue! The fact that the studios were correct in their demand must have played on their mind.

It resulted in the few top names who stood to lose it all, to get into talks. The settlement reached, according to reports, is that the one who produced the film will share the gains from the film on a 50:50 basis. The arrangement will last for ten years from the date of the film's release. Thereafter, all rights in the film in subject will revert back to the studio in toto.

Can you imagine that the films that will feed many of your generations to come, won't be yours eventually! Many filmmakers of the yesteryear, such as Raj Kapoor, Shakti Samanta, G.P. Sippy, N.N. Sippy, N.C. Sippy, Pramod Chakravorty, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra, Devendra Goel and many others who made a number of films (though some of them may have sold their film negatives for various reasons), have left them behind and their value in the era of satellite, OTT and other rights are worth crores.

Unlike them, the present- day producers may have made a lot of money while they made their films, but nothing will remain with them for the future.

Among all these, the one production house that has emerged with no claims on its films is Yash Raj Studios. It has never been reported to seek finance from the corporate studio houses.

Source: IANS

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CLOSE-IN: Cricket has truly mellowed for the better (IANS column)

Gopi — Fri, 26 May 2023 02:41:03 +0000

By Yajurvindra Singh

A week ago at the launch of Aunshuman Gaekwad's book made one truly understand how cricket has mellowed over the years.

The biography is titled "Guts amidst Bloodbath", referring to an occurrence that many cricketers had to face to play the game in the past. "Stand up and be a man" was a comforting retort when one got hit by the hard red cherry, the cricket ball.

India's first Test captain, C.K.Nayudu, had a few of his teeth broken by a fast delivery while batting in an important match and after gargling, he continued to play his innings. He was an Army man, who believed in never giving in even an inch to his opponents or showing discomfort. This was considered to be the epitome of behaviour that one displayed if one wanted to play the game.

Similarly, Aunshuman Gaekwad, when hit by a short delivery off Michael Holding directly on his ear while batting on 81 runs at Kingston, Jamaica in 1976, was coaxed to retire hurt, even though like a brave Maratha soldier he refused to leave. The hit on his ear was the final blow, culminating in a barrage of short bowling by the West Indian pace attack, making its mark on several parts of his body. The brave Indian opener still suffers from the aftereffects of the blow but looks at the bloodbath then as a part and parcel of the game.

The history of cricket has many such incidents and bravery of players who have withstood pain, and broken bones and yet stood up to conquer it all through sheer willpower.

Guts were what one required then to play cricket without the protection that the present-day cricketers are privileged to have. The game of cricket has gone through a major change since those days, it was not a game for the faint-hearted. Looking back, one may call the battle between the bat and the ball a tussle of foolishness. The reason was that the batter was risking his life playing a sport that did not necessarily need him to get maimed or marred or lose his life.

Life is precious and fortunately, the new laws of cricket have taken a serious view on making the sport as safe as possible. The adrenalin that flows through one's veins in one's youth somehow overpowers any negative thoughts and calamities which may arise while playing a sport.

A person is willing to do daredevil feats at that age. Recollecting my experience at fielding at forward short-leg without any protection in my cricket playing days, the hits that I encountered at the suicidal position, make me shudder to think as to how I came through it all alive.

This takes one back to the critics and connoisseurs of the game of cricket, debating, questioning and arguing or comparing cricketers and their performances over the years.

Foolish thoughts, especially when the conditions, regulations and attitudes have altered over the years.

The barrage of bouncers and beamers that were faced by Sunil Gavaskar, Aunshuman Gaekwad and the other batters of the 1976 Indian team at Kingston, will never be understood by the youngsters of today.

When the Indian team returned after this savage display of aggressive bowling, the diaspora saw them as players who lacked the skill and the heart to tackle it. England, thereafter, faced the same medicine of short balls and all hell broke loose.

England under Douglas Jardine in 1932 employed the same strategy against Australia. The famous Bodyline series as it was called brought in restrictions of only two fielders who were allowed behind the popping crease on the leg-side. The bruised and battered English side of 1976, 44 years later, pleaded for restricting the number of short-pitch deliveries and succeeded in doing so. The beamer became unacceptable and the root of caring about the safety of the batter came to roost.

The most interesting outcome, when players encounter the fierce and fiery, was that cricketers even after their furious tussles, respected each other and remained friends. The banter and laughter, thereafter, made one love the game even more.

Unlike the cricketers of the past, cricket and cricketers of the present have mellowed on the field. One can see such camaraderie amongst not only the Indian players but also amongst their international counterparts. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a great platform for bringing players together.

The IPL'23 has moved to the home stretch with Chennai Super Kings, under the astute leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, having already consolidated their place in the final. Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans will play against each other for one of them to take the other spot. Predicting a winner is still difficult, with each of these teams playing superlatively to be there.

The IPL'23 is already a resounding success. India have unearthed some exciting young talented cricketers. The international players have had the opportunity to play on the Indian tracks and experience the Indian conditions. This will benefit them when they come in October to play the World Cup which is being held in India.

Cricket is becoming a far more pleasant game. There seems to be an air of friendship and bonhomie that never existed before.

With protection and rules to safeguard a player, the words such as "Guts" and "Bloodbath" have gradually become obsolete.

Cricket has mellowed for the better.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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PM Modi in Japan & Papua New Guinea: An assessment (Opinion)

Gopi — Wed, 24 May 2023 06:05:03 +0000

New Delhi, May 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) There is merit in viewing the world order today as being in a state of flux. Amidst the global uncertainty caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine, India remains a powerful voice of reason and sanity. This geo-political backdrop offers an overview of the rationale for Prime Minister Narendra Modis three-nation tour to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia.

The central message of these visits is that India has arrived at the global stage. Modi has done well by connecting the dots in all three countries on issues of bilateral and international concern, ensuring that India's voice resonates globally.

Additionally, the Prime Minister's meeting with the Indian diaspora everywhere is a sure sign that his message is carried forward by those who meet him in their country of residence. It is this connect which often gets missed out, but plays a very important part in the process of strategic communications.

The G7 Summit held in Hiroshima, was attended by Modi, his third such appearance as an invitee. The clarion call for dialogue and diplomacy on Ukraine, though not directly mentioned, indicated India's continuing concern over the conflict and its global fallout on energy, food and national economies.

The sanctity of respecting the territorial integrity of nations was emphasized in the context of recent incursions by China across the Line of Actual Control and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Significantly, this is also the consistent line that India has taken since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukraine took centre stage at the G7 Summit, what with President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting most world leaders on the sidelines of the event, including Prime Minister Modi.

In fact, the Prime Minister went a step further to say: "Today we heard from President Zelenskk. I also met him yesterday. I do not consider the current situation as an issue of politics or economy. I believe it is an issue of humanity, an issue of human values."

This remark needs to be contextualized as Modi had told Russian President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand last year that this is "not the era for war".

Pertinently, while other nations look at Ukraine as a zero-sum game, India has taken the lead in propagating a truly global perspective.

That President Zelenskk "appeared" at Hiroshima, as he did earlier at the Arab League summit in Riyadh, displayed the G7s eagerness to drum up support for Ukraine.

The scene then shifted to Papua New Guinea where Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit. Notably, India's presence at the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation meeting at Port Moresby signaled New Delhi's renewed interest in the Pacific region, traditionally known for the presence of people of Indian origin.

Chinese political ingress and influence in the Pacific island countries in the last several years has created a challenge not only for neighbouring Australia, whose national security is most impacted, but also for other countries in South-East Asia and the Quad. Modi's oblique reference to China, while speaking at the Forum that even though those considered trustworthy were "not standing by our sides in times of need" will now have to matched by India and ensure that it becomes a reliable development partner.

India has a lot to offer, both in terms of technology and manpower. Lest we forget India can also ensure affordability. The only thing required is connectivity with the Pacific Islands region. It is here that Australia and the Quad come in. The former is undoubtedly perturbed by Chinese influence in the Pacific Islands. However, the collective efforts of India, Australia and Quad partners could provide a very effective platform to intervene in the region. Diaspora in this region is one prime mover, of course this is restricted mainly to Fiji, but the broader canvas can be handled by considering the requirements of each of the island nations.

Issues pertaining to development, climate change, coastal security and many other aspects of small island living can be discussed and debated. The starting point for this endeavour comes from Modi's historic visit.

James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, speaking at the Third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, hailed Modi as the leader of the Global South and said all island nations will rally behind India at all international forums. He sought Modi's good offices to bring their narrative to the attention of platforms like G7 and G20. There is thus an opening for India, both bilaterally and multilaterally to engage with the Pacific Islands.

Modi's latest diplomatic outreach has two interesting anecdotes which highlight his personal charisma and popularity. The first was US President Joe Biden hugging him at the G7 summit and reportedly asking the latter the reasons for his popularity. Modi is scheduled to visit the US in July and apparently requests for attending his public meetings are already overflowing.

The other anecdote is from Papua New Guinea, where the Marape touched Modi's feet when he arrived at Port Moresby. Marape is younger than Modi and may have been told that in India it is a tradition to touch an elder's feet to seek blessings. But the spontaneity of the act suggests something beyond mere formality.

As the Modi juggernaut rolls on abroad, several things become clear. India has arrived on the world stage. It always was; today it is present with a bigger stake and seeks recognition. Signalling the new normal with assertive diplomacy and connect to the Indian diaspora have led to some degree of resistance within nations. Countries like the UK and Australia occasionally demonstrate anti-India sentiments by "permitting" activities which are inimical to New Delhi's interests.

At the end of the day, the Prime Minister's visits also strongly signal that engagement is not merely for the sake of it, but requires a genuine recognition of each other's security concerns. This is the key takeaway from the latest tour of Japan, and Papua New Guinea.

Source: IANS

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The unresolved Palestinian question (Opinion)

Gopi — Mon, 22 May 2023 04:44:05 +0000

By Asad Mirza

Naqba Day marks the beginning of Palestinians exodus from their homeland, but for the last 75 years the international community has been unable to give the Palestinians their right to their own homeland.

On May 15, for the first time in history, the UN marked the 75th anniversary of the mass displacement of Palestinians known as "the Naqba" or "the Catastrophe". The UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Naqba at UN Headquarters in New York, pursuant to the mandate by the General Assembly.

Naqba's History
Until the end of WWI, Palestine was under Turkish rule as part of the Ottoman Empire. Later it came under the British control, the so-called British Mandate. The period, under the British - was marked by growing anti-Semitism in Europe -- which led to an increasing number of Jews from around the world moving to Palestine, which to them was their ancestral homeland, Eretz Israel, the Promised Land by God, where Jews had always been living, though in much smaller numbers.

Post-Holocaust in Nazi Germany, a UN-led Partition Plan for Palestine was adopted by the General Assembly. The Arab League rejected the plan, but the Jewish Agency for Palestine accepted it. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was proclaimed.

As a reaction, a coalition of five Arab states declared war against the new state, but was eventually defeated by Israel in 1949.

Before the war, between 200,000 and 300,000 Palestinians had already left or were forced out from Palestine and during the fighting, a further 300,000 to 400,000 others were displaced. The overall figure is estimated to be around 700,000.

During the war, more than 400 Arab villages were destroyed. While human rights violations were committed on both sides, the massacre of Deir Yassin -- a village on the road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem -- is particularly engraved in Palestinian memory to this day. At least 100 people were killed, including women and children. It triggered widespread fear among Palestinians and prompted many to flee their homes.

By the end of the war, Israel held around 40% of the area initially earmarked for the Palestinians by the UN partition plan of 1947.

Then-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat coined the term Naqba Day in 1998. He set the date as the official day for the commemoration of the loss of the Palestinian homeland.

Palestinian Migration
Most of the Palestinians ended up as stateless refugees in neighbouring Arab countries, only a minority moved further abroad. Until today, only a fraction of the next-generation Palestinians have applied for or received other citizenships. As a result, the vast majority of the currently around 6.2 million Palestinians in the Middle East have remained stateless into the third or fourth generation.

According to the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, most Palestinians in the region still live in refugee camps, which over time have transformed into refugee towns. They are mainly based in the Gaza Strip, in the Occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and East Jerusalem.

Unfortunately, UNRWA has not been able to get full support from the western nations for fulfilling its mandate. To date, UNRWA has only received less than 25 per cent of its financial requirements, or $364 million and still needs $1.3 billion. At the beginning of the year, UNRWA appealed for $1.6 billion in support of its programmes, operations and emergency response across Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), the Gaza Strip and Jordan.

Over the years, the Agency has put in place several measures to utilise the very little financial contributions it received from donors.

What is the Palestinian right to return?
According to the UN General Assembly Resolution 194 of 1948, as well as the UN Resolution 3236 of 1974, and the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, Palestinians who are considered Palestinian refugees have the "right of return".

Israel however is rejecting this "right of return" for Palestinians stating that this would mean an end to Israel's identity as a Jewish state. Israel denies responsibility for the displacement of Palestinians and points out that between 1948 and 1972 around 800,000 Jews were expelled or had to flee from Arab countries like Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen.

Though seemingly implausible, but at one point this century -- in Egypt in January 2001 -- Israelis and Palestinians were negotiating how to carry out UN General Assembly Resolution 194. This important resolution was passed on December 11, 1948, with 35 countries, including the US and the UK, voting for it. But today we seem to be at the farthest possible distance from seeing justice carried out for Palestinian refugees and their descendants.

Originally, the Zionist movement was propelled by the logic of settler colonialism. Historian Patrick Wolfe has defined it as a mode of domination characterised by "a logic of elimination". Settler colonial regimes seek to smother the native people, or at least to suppress their political autonomy. The elimination of the native people is a precondition for expropriating the land and its natural resources.

Jewish-American intellectual Noam Chomsky, observed that "settler colonialism is the most extreme and sadistic form of imperialism". The hallmark of settler colonialism is ruthlessness and the disregard for law, justice and morality. And currently we are witnessing all these aspects under the Zionist Israeli regime.

The Zionist movement was nothing if not ruthless. It did not plan to cooperate with the native Arab population for the common good. On the contrary, it always planned to supplant them. The only way the Zionist project could be realised and maintained was by expelling a large number of Arabs from their homes and taking over their land.

Apparently Israel was able to achieve this, with the help of the British politicians and in later years, with the tacit American support. If we have to resolve the Palestinian issue, then the only credible option is for the UN to influence both the UK and USA to play a constructive role not a confrontational or bipartisan approach towards resolving the issue, as per the aspirations of the Palestinian people and demands of fair and equal justice.

On the other hand the position of Arab states on the issue was evident from the statement made by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who stressed his country's commitment to the Palestinian statehood at the Arab League summit on May 19, amid intensified US efforts to broker a normalisation deal between the Gulf kingdom and Israel.

The comments are largely standard for leadership in Riyadh, which has long insisted publicly that it remains committed to the Palestinian cause and will only normalise ties with Israel after a two-state solution has been reached.

But it also shows the lack of resolve on their part to get the Palestinian issue resolved once for all.

(Asad Mirza is a senior political commentator based in New Delhi.)

Source: IANS

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The OTT space wars (IANS Column: B-Town)

Gopi — Sun, 21 May 2023 07:02:04 +0000

By Vinod Mirani

Jio Cinema, or be it Jio mobiles, they specialise in the art of snaring the consumer. Indian companies always seem to be in a hurry to make a place in the market.

If you are competing with just another Indian company providing the same service to you, it is easier, but not in a field that has been pioneered by international players with multiple Indian companies joining in.

Jio Cinema started at about the same time when Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime entered the Indian market. Through one of its arms, Viacom18. It is one of those mazes the corporate world creates. There is so much hurry to expand when the already acquired or set up enterprises have not even been settled and rooted yet. But the competition is always welcome.

It is not that the international OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon are minting money in India yet, but a number of Indian OTT content streaming labels have sprung since. Now, there is a Catch-22 situation here. To attract eyeballs, some new entrants offer free content streaming initially but fail to get the numbers. The audience mindset is that if it is free, it won't be worthwhile.

The fact is that 'content is king' is a phrase the entertainment industry has believed in since its inception -- and it need not be free. If an OTT platform offers what one wants to watch, one will pay for it. That is how the cinemas, stage and other entertainment media have worked all along.

Looks like Jio mobiles and Jio Cinema are being used to promote each other. Jio mobiles was launched in 2017, soon after Jio Cinema. In between, a lot many other OTT platforms have been launched and these include big players such as Sony, Shemaroo, Zee5, MNX, and so on.

Of these, Zee had the inherent advantage of being backed by an array of television channels owned by the group, which, in turn, owned content in many languages, including films (the first draw in India).

Similarly, Shemaroo was in the video renting business initially, and later, acquired the video rights distribution business and always made sure it collected the best of the repertoire from top production houses.

Zee and Shemaroo, when they entered the OTT business, possessed ample content. There were some big business and media houses that entered the field because it was the thing to do in the name of expansion or, in some cases, not to be left out of the changing world. There are so many OTT platforms today, that one has lost count.

But, talking of Jio Cinema, it has adopted the same disruptive practice it did while launching the JioPhone: free talk time!

To start with, Jio Cinema aired the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) cricket matches free sans subscription charges while Star Sports held the telecast rights. This could very well have affected the revenues of Star Sports, but what after IPL?

An OTT platform is not something a viewer gets addicted to. It is the content that attracts a viewer, even if it is the paid kind.

So what is the company promoting, Jio Cinema, or the JioPhone. Looks like, primarily, it is the phone.

The Jio mobiles are priced at between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000, and, now, a smart phone comes for around Rs 4,000. But, then, there are dozens of phones that are available in the similar price range.

Considering a lot of people, especially young people, watch all content on a smartphone, the idea seems to be to let the cinema and the phone complement each other. The era of brand loyalty in mobile phones is a thing of the past, save for the loyal iPhone users.

But, using a mobile also involves a degree of snob value. And there are people who won't buy a mobile that is publicized as being cheap! In the case of JioPhone, the appeal seems to be targeted at the masses and the consumers from moffusil areas.

Fair enough, but there are dozens of mobile phone brands with varied specifications and a layman still trusts the phone vendor rather than the brand when he buys a phone. But all such sundry other brands don't have free OTT streaming to offer along with the phone.

So what happens? Jio sells some phones and connections, and it offers Bhojpuri content for free, but the idea may meet resistance there.

There are already players such as Zee5 and MNX, besides three local players, Yashi Films, Worldwide Records and Enterr10, who have long-time links with Bhojpuri entertainment. Between them, these old players have covered all major hits made so far.

If you are offering free content, it has to have the stuff people want to watch. The Bhojpuri film industry is facing a low phase presently and is not expected to be offering any new worthwhile content to add to the Jio repertoire.

Curious Ways Of Multiplex Managers

PVR INOX has announced that it plans to close down about 50 cinemas/screens within the next six months! A lot of cinemas and screens have closed down over a period, especially since Covid-19 struck India. PVR has also dropped some from time to time, but no such formal announcements were made.

So what was so special about this six-month plan of dropping 50 cinemas? Also, the same announcement also states that PVR INOX will also be adding many more properties with multiple screens!

The reason cited is either that these cinemas are making losses, or that the malls they are attached with have lost their patrons. Are the cinemas counting on malls to bring in people and not the stars and films they screen, or even their own brand? The reasoning is rather corny.

Take for example the PVR-managed property at Versova, Mumbai. The mall is teeming with people and its food court always has more footfalls than any of the screens on the property! Should the reverse logic apply in this case?

Which group is making profit? Despite the Rs 1,000-crore grosser, 'Pathaan', in January this year, followed by 'Avatar: The Way Of Water', the cinemas show losses for the first quarter!

To the cinema patron it makes no difference. Where this announcement made a difference was with the PVR scrip; it lost Rs 30 the day of the news and Rs 70 the next day!

Meanwhile, PVR INOX made an announcement at 76th Cannes Film Festival. It said: "PVR Pictures, henceforth known as PVR INOX, the largest independent distributor of India of English, foreign language and local films"!

PVR Pictures is the distribution arm of the company and joining hands with INOX only makes them the largest cinema chain.

But what, pray, are local films? Do you mean French, for Cannes is in France! Can't you say Indian films? Also, India has a number of local-language films; all of them have an identity of their own, such as Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, and so on! You are an Indian company and, while Indian films are enjoying international markets since inception, you still remain a local company.

You know, some countries have a law, where you are bound to refer to your country only by name and not as 'local' or use a similar term. Say, My Mexico, was how a citizen of Mexico was supposed to refer to his country. When you are making an announcement of this kind, name your country and be proud of it.

Source: IANS

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Markets to remain range bound

Gopi — Sun, 21 May 2023 06:32:07 +0000

By Arun Kejriwal

Markets had a tough week and failed to cross important resistances. They faltered at the very first level on the opening day of the week itself. The rest of the week was spent in trying to regain lost ground.

BSESENSEX lost 298.22 points or 0.48 per cent to close at 61,729.68 points while NIFTY lost 111.40 points or 0.61 per cent to close at 18,203.40 points. The markets saw the broader indices like the BSE100, BSE200 and BSE500 lose 0.59 per cent, 0.58 per cent and 0.48 per cent respectively. BSEMIDCAP lost 0.19 per cent while BSESMALLCAP gained 0.44 per cent. Markets lost on three of the five trading sessions and gained on two sessions.

The Indian Rupee was under pressure and lost 50 paisa or 0.61 per cent to close at Rs 82.66 to the US Dollar. Dow Jones had a quiet week and gained on three of the five trading sessions. Dow gained 126.01 points or 0.38 per cent to close at 33,426.53 points. While the debt limit resolution will eventually happen, as of now it continues to remain in a state of flux and is causing markets to remain confused.

The primary and fresh issue of units from Nexus Select Trust which is a consumption based real estate offering listed on the bourses on Friday. Units which were issued at Rs 100, debuted on the bourses at a discovered price of Rs 102.27 on BSE and Rs 103 on the NSE. They closed day one at Rs 104.26 on BSE and Rs 104.29 on NSE. Gains made were 4.26 per cent on BSE and 4.29 per cent on NSE.

The largest Public Sector bank SBI, reported excellent numbers for the quarter ended March 23 and also its annual results for the year ended March 23. The company reported a net profit of Rs 18,093 crore for the quarter ended March 23 against Rs 15,477 crore in the previous year. For the year ended March 23 the net profit was Rs 55,648 crore against Rs 35,373 crore in the previous year. The bank has declared a dividend of Rs 11.30 for the year. This is the first bank and only the second company in India to declare an annual profit of over Rs 50,000 crore.

RBI has declared a dividend of Rs 87,416 crore for the year 22-23 against Rs 30,307 crs paid for the previous year. This almost three times payment would go a long way in ensuring that the government is able to manage its resources well for the year which would have otherwise seen an impact from divestment target not being met.

The hardly in circulation Rs 2,000 note has been withdrawn by RBI, but would continue to remain legal tender. The common man has been given time till September 30 to exchange these notes from banks till then. Immediately rumour mills have begun talking about the impending issue of Rs 1,000 note to offset the loss of a high denomination note.

The week ahead would see May futures expire on Thursday (May 25). The current value of NIFTY at 61,729.68 points is higher by 288.35 points or 1.61 per cent. While the bulls are ahead its not a comfortable lead and things could change in four trading sessions. It would be an interesting fight between the bull and bears for control of this series.

The highs in the week gone by were made on Monday itself at levels of 65,562.67 points on BSESENSEX and at 18,458.90 points on NIFTY. Markets never recovered to challenge these levels during the week thereafter. This is even though FPIs continue to be buyers through the week barring one day.

Coming to the week ahead, there would be resistance at 18,300-18350 levels on NIFTY and at 62,025-62,175 levels on BSESENSEX. If these levels are crossed, the next resistance would be at the top made on Monday at 18,460-18,480 levels corresponding to 62,600-62,700 on BSESENSEX. On the support side reasonable support exists at levels of 18,000-18,050 or 61,150-61,300 levels. If this is violated, then the next level would be at 17,850-17,900 or 60,700-60,850 levels.

The strategy for the week would be to continue to focus on midcap and Smallcap space. Results and therefore surprises continue in this space. The one heavyweight result which was pending has been declared by SBI and even after an excellent set of results there was virtually no impact on the share price. Results were declared on Friday and on that day, it gained Rs 0.90 at Rs 575.05. For the week, the share lost Rs 3.05 or 0.53 per cent. By and large while there would be intraday volatility, on a weekly basis, we would remain range bound. Trade cautiously.

(Arun Kejriwal is the founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Astro Zindagi (Weekly Horoscope)

Gopi — Sun, 21 May 2023 02:29:03 +0000

By Neeraj Dhankher

Here is a guide to the week ahead for you. This is your forecast for May 22-28.

Aries

This week is a time for you to focus on your career and your long-term goals. You may be feeling ambitious and driven, and you will be able to achieve a lot if you put your mind to it. However, it is important to be patient and persistent, as there may be some challenges along the way.You are also likely to be more productive and efficient at work, and you may be able to complete projects ahead of schedule.Your finances are in good shape this week. You may receive a windfall of money, or you may be able to save more money than usual.Your love life is stable this week. You may be feeling more affectionate and loving towards your partner. You are also likely to be more appealing to others, and you may be able to attract new love interests.

Tip of the week: Plan ahead of schedule

Taurus

This week, you may feel a bit restless and unsettled. You may be looking for something new and exciting to happen in your life. However, it is important to remember that sometimes the best things in life come slowly. Be patient and trust that the right opportunities will come to you in time. In your career, you may be feeling a bit frustrated. You may feel like you are not being challenged or that you are not reaching your full potential. In your finances, make a budget and stick to it. You may also want to consider investing your money in something that will grow over time. In your love life, you may be feeling a bit confused. You may be wondering if you are with the right person or if you are meant to be with someone else.

Tip of the week: Wait for the right opportunity

Gemini

This week, you may be feeling a bit more independent and self-reliant, and you may be ready to take on new responsibilities.At work, you will be feeling motivated and productive. You will be able to focus on your goals and get things done. You may also be able to come up with some new and innovative ideas that will help you improve your work.Your finances will be stable this week. You may be able to save some money or invest in something that you have been wanting. In your personal life, you will be feeling more passionate and romantic. You may be ready to take your relationship to the next level. You may also be meeting new people and making new friends.You may also be feeling more motivated to exercise and eat healthy.

Tip of the week: Take on new responsibilities

Cancer

This week, you may be feeling a bit under the weather. Your emotions may be running high, and you may be feeling more sensitive than usual. This is a good time to take some time for yourself and relax. Spend some time in nature or read a good book. By taking care of yourself, you will be better able to handle whatever challenges come your way. At work, you may be feeling a bit stressed out. You may be feeling overwhelmed by your workload, or you may be dealing with difficult coworkers. This is a good time to take a step back and assess your priorities. Your finances may be a bit tight this week. You may be spending more money than usual, or you may be dealing with unexpected expenses. This is a good time to reach out to your friends and family.

Tip of the week: Prioritise self-care

Leo

This week is a time for you to focus on your relationships. You may be feeling more social and outgoing than usual, and you'll be eager to connect with others. This is a great time to spend time with friends and family, or to meet new people. You may also be interested in starting a new relationship.In your career, you may be feeling a bit restless. You're ready for a change, and you may be looking for new opportunities. This is a good time to network and to explore your options. You may also be considering starting your own business.In your finances, you may be feeling more cautious than usual. You're not sure where your money is going, and you're worried about overspending. This is a great time to start a new exercise routine or to make changes to your diet.

Tip of the week: Focus on your relations

Virgo

This week, you may feel like you're in a bit of a rut. You may be feeling restless and uninspired, and you may be struggling to find your motivation. However, don't worry, things are about to change for the better.At work, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. You may have a lot on your plate, and you may be feeling stressed out. However, don't let this get to you. Take a deep breath and focus on one task at a time.In your love life, you may be feeling a bit confused. You may be interested in someone, but you're not sure if they're interested in you. If you're feeling this way, the best thing to do is to just ask them out.Your health this week is looking good. Make sure to take advantage of this energy and get some exercise.

Tip of the week: Stay hopeful

Libra

This week, you may be eager to make some changes in your life, but you may not be sure where to start. The good news is that the stars are aligned in your favour, and you have the potential to achieve great things.At work, you may have a lot of projects on your plate, and you may be feeling overwhelmed. However, the stars are telling you to stay calm and focused. If you can keep your head down and work hard, you will be able to achieve everything you set out to do.You may also be able to make some extra money through side hustles or investments. This is a great time to save money or to invest in your future.In your love life, you may be feeling more connected to your partner than ever before. You may also be feeling more open and expressive.

Tip of the week: Stay calm and focused

Scorpio

This week, you may be eager to make progress in your life, but you may be feeling held back by some obstacles. This is a good time to focus on your goals and to make a plan for how you can achieve them. Once you have a plan in place, you can start taking steps towards your goals.In your career, you may be working hard, but you may not be seeing the results that you want. This is a good time to take a step back and to assess your situation. In your finances, you may be worried about money, or you may be feeling like you are not making enough money. This is a good time to create a budget and to track your spending. In personal life, this is a good time to talk to your partner about your feelings. It is important to be honest with each other about what you want.

Tip of the week: Make a robust plan

Sagittarius

Overall, this week is a good one for you. You will be feeling motivated and inspired, and ready to take on new challenges. You will also be in a good position to make progress on your goals.On the work front, you are likely to be successful in your endeavours. You will be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. You will also be able to work well with others and build strong relationships.In your personal life, you will enjoy spending time with loved ones. You will be able to connect with them on a deeper level and build stronger bonds. You will alsobe open to new experiences and are willing to step outside of your comfort zone. This is a good time to make some changes to your diet.

Tip of the week: Take on new challenges

Capricorn

This week is a time to focus on your career and finances. You may be feeling ambitious and driven, and you may be able to achieve great things if you put your mind to it. However, it is important to be careful not to overwork yourself, as this could lead to burnout. Make sure to take some time for yourself each day to relax and recharge.This is a great week to make progress in your career. You may be able to land a new job or promotion, or you may be able to negotiate a raise. If you are looking for a new job, this is the time to start networking and putting yourself out there. In personal life, you may be feeling stressed or preoccupied with other things, and this could make it difficult to connect with your partner. If single, you may not be in the right frame of mind to start dating.

Tip of the week: Avoid excess workload

Aquarius

There is a lot of potential for success, but you will need to be patient and persistent this week. This is a great time to network and to make connections with people who can help you in your career. You may also be interested in learning new skills or taking on new challenges. Be open to new opportunities, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.Your finances are looking good this week. Use this time to get your finances in order, and to start planning for your future.Your love life is going well this week. You may be feeling more connected to your partner, and you may be enjoying spending time together. There is a lot of potential for romance, so be open to it. On the health front, make sure to take care of yourself, and to get enough exercise.

Tip of the week: Be open to new opportunities

Pisces

This week, you may be questioning your goals and your direction in life. However, this is a good time to take some time for introspection and to figure out what you really want. With a little bit of soul-searching, you can come out of this week with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. At work, you may be facing some challenges or deadlines that are making you feel stressed. However, this is a good time to step up and show your boss what you're capable of. In terms of finances, you may be feeling a bit tight on money this week. Be patient and don't spend more money than you have.In your personal life, you may be feeling a bit disconnected from your loved ones. Spend some quality time with your loved ones and let them know how much you care.

Tip of the week: Step up and perform

(Neeraj Dhankher is an Astrologer with proficiency in Vedic, KP and Nadi Astrology. He is Founder and CEO of Astro Zindagi. The observations are made by the writer based on his own analysis)

Source: IANS

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The question of leadership in public life (Column: The Third Eye)

Gopi — Sun, 21 May 2023 02:29:02 +0000

By D.C. Pathak

Democracy defines a system by which most people in a country would like to be ruled by leaders elected by them on merit - this was widely regarded as the most equitable and stable form of governance.

The electorate had an implicit understanding and faith that the rulers would turn out to be persons of sterling qualities who come up in public life for seeking the rare satisfaction of being able to do something for the larger public good and not for turning their empowerment into means of personal gain.

The party system in a democratic order provides an instrumentality for installing the right people in positions of power, but by its very nature it becomes at best a measure of the popular base of the 'ruling party' - not a guarantor of best leadership from the point of view of the people.

Periodicity of elections theoretically provides the opportunity to the people to 'throw out' the non-performing rulers, but this all happens at the cost of precious time in the life of the nation that was wasted in a strategic sense.

A welcome development in the Indian context that might have gone unnoticed by many is the new found trend of people taking note not so much of the image of the party as of the merit of the leaders at its top.

Clearly, the BJP as the ruling party is in the news not only because it is the largest party size-wise but mainly because it is identified with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its supremo.

In the past, parties ruled the country because they secured electoral majority but often failed to make an impression in terms of the leadership they provided.

The 'package' of leadership 'traits' was often incomplete - the leader might have 'integrity' but not 'decisiveness' for instance - and this would be enough for the people to feel let down ultimately.

The Modi government makes the point that somewhere it is the ruler not the organisation he represents that determines the political fortune of the party - the BJP no doubt kept up its image and symbolism to match up to the leader.

In a way it is an advance of Indian democracy that people are now attaching importance to both the political content of a party and the leadership it is capable of providing to the former.

The requisites of leadership needed in the area of governance are the same core competencies as are required anywhere else, but here some more demands are made on the leader commensurate with the public service dimensions of a democratic rule.

The first quality - basic to successful leadership - is the exercise of political will that is needed to make the leader look 'decisive'.

It is here that Prime Minister Modi has stood out - the decision to order surgical strike against Pakistan at Balakote in 2019 in reply to the terrorist attack on a convoy of CRPF at Pulwama in which 40 men were killed, was in contrast with the timid response of the then government to the unprecedented 26/11 attack.

Secondly, a leader must lead and to do that has to keep the 'initiative' with him. Prime Minister Modi is totally engaged in putting out schemes for economic development and 'leading the nation' towards a vision for the future.

His outreach and connectivity with the people are phenomenal and there is no dearth of his personal followers which makes him a leader of distinction - considering that classically one cannot be a leader unless one has followers.

The third basic requirement of leadership is 'courage,' which is a personal acquisition for somewhere it denotes strong nerves. While 'political will' is also an expression of courage, connected with the party backing to an extent, there are moments in public life when the leader would respond more effectively if he or she has the courage of conviction, self-confidence, and an intuitive understanding of what would be for public good.

These are rooted in intellectual strength. Another vital paradigm of leadership is the 'trustworthiness' of the leader in the eyes of the followers. An individual earns a reputation for reliability when he does not allow a gulf to develop between his sayings and his deeds, seems to adhere to a set of principles and fulfils the promise made to a follower.

If people are convinced of a certain transparency of his doings, they would consider him trustworthy even when he might not succeed fully in these matters.

Finally, a leader of our times has to measure up to the demands of the 'Age of Knowledge' - of being well informed, being attuned to knowledge-based decision-making and being fully aware of the value of time in the life of the people.

The ultimate test of being well-informed, for a leader in public life, is that he should be totally aware of the situation facing the citizens across the socio-cultural spectrum.

Prime Minister Modi's success as a leader is attributable substantially to his informed connectivity with the people.

A leader in public life has to measure up to a few more yardsticks of success - these are essentially linked to the leader's reputation which is of prime importance. Personal integrity, interest in human concerns beyond the mere exercise of 'emotional intelligence' in dealing with individuals and a 'paternal nurtural' image in the eyes of the subjects, are the principal requirements here.

Politics in the country is seen to be ridden with corruption and a leader with a clean image stands out in the public eye. This was a major factor behind the arrival of Modi on the national scene in 2014 - he had the additional advantage of being looked upon as a leader who would govern the country with a 'strong' hand.

Over the years, Modi has been able to connect with people and send down the message that he is working for the common man while strengthening the sentiment of nationalism among Indians to make India one big family.

He has successfully achieved the image of a national leader, who beyond holding the position of a Prime Minister, is carrying forward the process of economic growth at home on one hand and pushing ahead with building the status of India as a major power with global influence on issues of world peace and development, on the other.

Today, BJP is known by its leader more than by its own party ideology and organisational strength. This has happened in this country after a long time and should be regarded as a healthy feature in a party-based democracy.

The narrative of 'authoritarianism', 'illiberal' regime and lack of 'secularism' built by the opposition against the Modi government may not gather strength so long as Indian democracy sticks to the fundamental of 'one man one vote' and does not permit any denominational stamp to be put on the national government.

An entirely new dimension added to leadership is related to the advent of the Information Age consequent on the success of the IT revolution in the beginning of the nineties.

Today's leader has to be technology savvy in terms of grasping the value of 'digitisation', has to have an understanding of the importance of time as a 'resource' and has to establish transparent channels for the implementation of welfare measures.

Prime Minister Modi has to be given credit for showing an acute awareness of these transformational developments and giving speed to all development schemes - earlier leaders followed the political culture of merely announcing the launch of schemes without showing any concern about their completion.

The system of governance under Modi has broken new grounds - inter-ministerial coordination is not allowed to hold up policy formulation and the gap between policy and its execution is being consciously eliminated through a tightening of control on bureaucracy.

Performance of ministers and bureaucrats is often scrutinised directly by the Prime Minister. The call of 'sabka saath sabka vikas' given by Modi as the motto of his government has built secularism into Indian democracy and acted as a counter to the 'minority politics' played by his opponents.

The Prime Minister at the same time has been fierce in denouncing minority 'separatism' that was prone to being exploited by India's adversaries for damaging our internal security.

Developments in recent years on India's domestic front underline the need for the parties to keep national security above politics.

Finally, the classical test of a successful leader is the potential for riding a change - not merely coping up with it - that he displays in that crucial moment.

In corporate and business settings, this ability comes to the fore because of the vulnerability to sudden shifts they had by the very nature of things happening in a competitive environment.

However, leadership in public life is no less exposed to sudden alterations of power equation and since the stakes there were much higher, the political leader was required to show greater equanimity and initiative in trying to prevail over the challenge and maintain his or her position against all odds.

It is the cumulative advantage of all the essential leadership qualities that comes to the help of a political leader in situations of uncertainty and flux. To handle a transformative change, a business leader thinks primarily of the profitability of the corporate body, but in public life the leader is guided by the principle of 'largest good of the largest number'.

Preserving the personal stock is the concern of the leader in all situations, but in public life the leader's response to the 'challenge of change' has to satisfy the long-term interests of the nation and the people at large.

There should be no place for lesser mortals with petty minds in the area of national governance and the public evaluation of leadership operating at that level should rest on the policy content and the pathways of implementation of crucial decisions, defined by the powers that be.

In the Modi regime, the Prime Minister has led from the front - directly involving himself in all strategic moves on security and development and often laying down the policy himself with great clarity about its objectives.

Modi represents the ruling party but he has put his personal stamp of leadership on the national governance that has been acknowledged by the people at home and the international community as well.

The merits of a leader in public life survive the fluctuations of the political party they led and determine his or her place in history ultimately.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Prioritising the road ahead for the Indian industry (Opinion)

Gopi — Mon, 15 May 2023 06:14:03 +0000

By Asad Mirza

The last nine years have proved to be a period of immense economic and commercial gains for India businesses, partly helped by the governments new policy initiatives and also the charged-up Indian businessmen ready to take-up new challenges and claim their due place under the sun.

Seventy-five years after independence, becoming the fifth largest economy in the world and poised to be the third largest economy by 2030, India has indeed surpassed many significant milestones. But the moot question here is what has fuelled India's growth, the services or the manufacturing sector, and what should be its future plan of action.

The economic reforms ushered-in by the Narasimha Rao government in 1990s, and the subsequent unshackling of chains bounding the private sector ill then, proved to be a boon for the Indian businessmen. But more or less these economic reforms ushered in the groundwork for future transformation of the Indian businesses, which were able to lead the growth curve with the services sector.

Currently G-20 Sherpa and former head of the Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant in his book, 'Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise', offers an insiders peep in to the second-generation reforms which began in 2014 and delves deep into the policies and people behind the new age start-ups and their novel businesses versions that are unleashing the entrepreneurial zeal among the Indian youth.

Kant's ringside view as a top policy maker have added immensely to the book, besides highlighting his out of the box campaigns such as Make In India, Start-up India, God's Own Country, and policy changes like Performance-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), Aspirational Districts, e-Mobility, Green Hydrogen, and Ease of Doing Business reforms.

However, the book has also gave an opportunity to the top business leaders and policy makers to air their views about the future course to be taken by the Indian government and the businesses to lead this economic growth trajectory.

Speaking at the book release function of the book, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a strong pitch for the country to refocus its economic growth strategy on manufacturing. While Kant emphasised that the growth of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in India is also desirable but is contingent upon having very large companies.

On the other hand N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons expounded that there are three transitions coupled with moving geopolitical situations. From the transition's point of view, the first is digital and AI, second one is energy and third one is supply chain. In all the three transitions, India is probably the best placed country in the world, to maximise on the opportunities offered and further propelling the Indian growth story.

Uday Kotak highlighted the resilience and stability of the Indian banking system and financial systems in the world today. He felt that the Indian banking industry has got something right in comparison to the US and European banks. He said we have got our act together, we have created a stable financial system, well capitalised and it's a goldilocks time -- lowest non-performing assets, clean credit, reasonable growth in the book, and none of these risk issues like we are seeing in the developed nations. Thus assuring the stability and the solidity of the Indian financial sector, in the future too.

Taking the debate further on services sector v/s manufacturing sector, Jaishankar opined that this focus on services was actually an elegant excuse for being incompetent. He further emphasised that India will never be a great country if it is not a great manufacturer. He also batted for the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme, which provides incentives for domestic manufacturers.

In his opening remarks, Kant, distinguished India's economic growth challenge from that of other countries like China and South Korea. He stressed on the need for India to foray into sunrise sectors of growth like mobile manufacturing and electric mobility, industrialising further without carbonising.

While pushing for a refocus on manufacturing, Jaishankar remarked correctly that India need to stop looking for a China fix. Indian growth cannot be built on the pattern of Chinese efficiency and planned inputs and outputs.

India surely lost on the count of efficiency, when during the Covid period, with lockdowns affecting Chinese production capabilities and the order books getting bulky, Chinese companies preferred to spread base in countries like Vietnam instead of India.

Jaishankar also touched on the gap of comprehensive national power between India and China, which he described as a big concern in the diplomatic arena.

Comprehensive national power is a common parlance in foreign policy to refer to a totality of a country's economic, military and political power.

The foreign minister went as far as to say that improvements in Ease of Doing Business (EDB) have helped grow India's "global stature", and proves that India is finally moving towards "a politics of delivery".

Without directly referring to the Ukraine war, the Indian foreign minister remarked that the current "global polarisation" is an opportunity for India.

"Global polarisation has made diplomacy far more complex but it is also a window of opportunity for many nations. Smart business moves can really open up many possibilities," he said.

Unambiguously all the participants were unanimous in highlighting and appreciating India's robust economic growth since 2014, increase in its global stature besides expanding its wings in those sectors which were hitherto considered unapproachable or unfeasible for the Indian businesses to manage, but Indian businessmen have proved the critics and naysayers wrong, majorly due to the support and guidance provided by the government.

As most of the panellists at the book launch agreed we indeed have to take a clarion call to move our industries to the manufacturing paradigm but additionally we also have to focus more on building-up the infrastructure ecosystem, which could sustain these large scale manufacturing activities, which in turn will give a boost to the MSMEs, only then we could be safe and proud in proclaiming that India's development story after 2014 has been a successful one, based on its performance levels.

(Asad Mirza is a senior political commentator based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at www.asadmirza.in)

Source: IANS

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The ban culture is good (IANS Column: B-Town)

Gopi — Sun, 14 May 2023 06:59:04 +0000

By Vinod Mirani

The ban culture and the jail culture have always existed in India. The British did it and so did the post-independence rulers. The first prime minister of India did it and the rest of the family, which ruled the country, followed suit.

Jailing a person was the privilege of the rulers, the one enjoying the high office of the prime minister. It had nothing to do with the excuses that are offered now, such as: disturbing harmony, spreading unrest, hurting religious sentiments, and so on. Books, talks and creativity were banned randomly.

In between, the trend was to jail people. It had nothing to do with public perceptions, but all about the undemocratic way of running a democratic country.

Things have changed and the politicians don't muddy their hands by directly giving calls to ban a book or a film. Why do they need to do that? There are so many ambitious, albeit undeserving, folks wanting to grab the limelight, earn fame by creating a nuisance value with the ultimate aim to create a following and a career in politics.

The politicians' hobby of jailing even the biggest of names never aroused any anger or reactions from people. They hardly came to know about the arrests.

Say, in the case of Majrooh Sultanpuri, who was jailed for a year because of his comments against the PM of that time. The PM had no patience for criticism and not only went on a banning spree, but also brought in the first amendment to the Constitution, limiting the freedom of speech and expression.

In the mid-1970s, when the Emergency was in force, the film 'Aandhi' was banned because the prime minister at that time thought the film aimed to show her in a bad light!

Amrit Nahata's film, 'Kissa Kursi Kaa', was not only banned, even its negatives were consigned to fire! Nahata was a two-term Congress Member of Parliament, but that did not help him or his film. The film was remade. A very poorly made political satire, it bombed badly at the box office.

'Aandhi', when released, turned out to be the story of a woman driven by her ambitious politician father to make a career in politics at the cost of her marriage. The film did well, thanks to powerful performances by Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen, and the musical score that reverberates even today.

Films and filmmakers were fair game. Censor Board folks thought they had read the intentions of the Government and they closely scrutinised just about every film and suggested innumerable cuts. Intimate scenes between the lead stars were taboo; so were action scenes in the land of the Mahabharata and Ramayana!

Film folk felt so harassed and humiliated that post emergency, matinee idol Dev Anand decided to float a political party to contest the elections against the ruling party! But film people normally are the 'forget it and move on' kind. The idea died soon as it was conceived.

This was the time when it did not need a despotic politician or a party to ban films. The Censor Board did the bidding of their political master. The members were more-loyal-than-the-king types.

Finally, when any film got a censor certificate, a triangle on the certificate, which indicated cuts in the film, was prominent (the cuts imposed by the Board were listed on the back of the certificate and putting up the complete list often required a long sheet of paper.) The film trade in those days called it a massacre, so you can imagine!

There was no anger because the film fraternity to which Majrooh belonged lacked the courage to raise its voice and so did the media, which did not want to take up cudgels against the powers that be. The people did not know what was happening and, probably, did not care. Films were being made and melodious songs were still being composed. Things went unnoticed.

The trend of sending artistes to jail was diluted, for banning was seen to be more effective. Kishore Kumar songs were banned on the government-owned radio services in the mid- 1970s because he refused to grace an event organised by Sanjay Gandhi, not even a government official!

This was in the peak of Kishore Kumar's popularity and the idea was to hit where it hurts most, namely, the wallet. No filmmaker would want a banned artiste to sing for his film. If songs worked with people, so did the film. and the government-owned radio channel was the only way to popularise a film's music, for few could afford gramophones, not to mention the highly priced music records. Luckily, it did not work that way eventually.

The ban culture has spread and been assumed by various community, religious or other groups. Maybe, those in power have outsourced the job. It created a vote bank. Take for example the 1982 film 'Ramnagari' by the National Award winner Kantilal Rathod. The term barber, also known as 'hajam' in the vernacular, was used in the film. Objections were raised and the film could be released after the makers had to deal with various forces.

The story repeated itself when a certain community took exception to the title of Shah Rukh Khan's film, 'Billoo Barber' (2009). The barber should not be called either a 'hajam' or a 'barber' was the contention! How does one cope with such a situation?

The one who has faced such illogical objections to his films is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, especially with 'Galiyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela' (2013) and 'Padmavat' (2018).

But now there is good news for makers wishing to do bold films. When a demand is made from various corners of the country to ban a certain film, it spells crores for it.

'Kissa Kursi Ka' was a dud because nobody cared about what happened during the Emergency. The general public across India was not affected by it as were people in the Hindi belt. Also, it was a poor production made with the idea of making a quick buck.

What was the fate of 'The Accidental Prime Minister'? It flopped. Nobody was interested in the story of the accidental prime minister, namely, Dr Manmohan Singh. There was nothing inspiring about it, even as a read.

Then comes 'The Tashkant Files'. It was probably watched by more people online than in the cinemas as the word about it spread much later. Also, the story of Lal Bahadur Shastri meant little or nothing to the generation now. People did not really identify with the subject. The incident is over 55 year old.

The two recent prime targets for bans, 'The Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story', led to so much controversy that it led to a surge in public interest. A film on Kerala, of which nobody thinks about except for being a beautiful tourism destination? What was happening with the women there was no secret and was always in the news. People were indifferent as if it was all happening in some other part of the world! Even the television news channels barely touched the subject. So what was it about the film version that stirred up such a frenzy?

With both 'The Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story', the people at large were aware that injustice had been meted out to people about which there was nothing they could do. Now, they are doing so by endorsing such films. More vocal the calls for ban, the more the chances of people countering such calls.

How would one account for 'The Kashmir Files' doing 12 times the business of the same filmmaker's, 'The Tashkent Files'! The film has done a business of Rs 244 crore. This is the kind of business successful commercial potboilers do. 'The Kerala Story' figures are equally unimaginable. Having opened with about Rs 8 crore on day one, it has grown each day and ended its first week with close to Rs 80 crore!

Thanks to the Ban Brigade, people want to see such films and honour the makers for their work. What is more, the governments which did not act on the issues at stake in Kashmir and Kerala are promoting such films by triggering open debates and giving tax exemption.

A state's share of the tax on a cinema ticket is just 9 per cent, but the idea is more to give a symbolic endorsement to a film.

Source: IANS

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Being ambivalent about faith-based terrorism is harmful (Column: The Third Eye)

Gopi — Sun, 14 May 2023 03:23:08 +0000

By D.C. Pathak

Amidst the continuing danger posed to national security by the Pak-instigated radicalisation and terrorism, many academicians and even some major think tanks are underplaying the problem by suggesting that since terrorism had still not been 'defined' it was not possible to properly assess it - in the Indian context they are only diverting attention from the doings of a hostile neighbour that was now hand in glove with China for stepping up anti-India operations.

These analysts do acknowledge that firm adherence to religion could enlarge into fanaticism and that advocacy of fundamentalism was in reaction to the gradual erosion of religion's erstwhile preeminence in social and political spheres. They are thus aware that a strong injection of religion in the political domain is what presaged the rise of the new global terror.

What these scholars leave unsaid however, is that Islam is one religion that made no distinction between faith and politics on the plea that Islam embraced all aspects of human life - personal, socio-political and even economic - and that more than in any other religion it made it easier for the forces behind terrorism to manipulate Islamic faith for enrolling militants - after converting their minds in the name of Jehad.

Further, Islamic extremism is the broad umbrella under which faith-based terrorism was nourished by those who wanted to use it as an instrument of politics.

Communal militancy giving rise to domestic hate crimes is a different malady requiring an effective socio-political and legal response and is not to be mixed up with terrorism that has, in the Indian context, a cross-border input and a geopolitical dimension.

The apologists of the new global terror- that was rooted in the exploitation of faith - are raising an academic discussion around the 'definition' of terrorism describing it as both a 'tactic' and a 'doctrine', and while noting the role of a 'political goal' behind terrorism, watering down the ambit of terrorist violence by suggesting that it was confined to 'direct attacks on non-combatants and civilians'. This is a bookish interpretation since terrorism essentially is a 'resort to covert violence for a perceived political cause' and it can take recourse to such violence in innovative ways.

Terrorists indulge in surreptitious violence since the might of the state would be able to thwart an open attack. Also, without a 'political cause' terrorism would be reduced to sheer criminality which is certainly not the case. Wherever there is a question of 'cause' there has to be a 'commitment' which in turn is determined by 'motivation'.

Now 'motivation' can be 'ideological' as was the case with Naxalism or an assertion of ethnic identity as was noticed in insurgencies of the North East in the Indian context. The new terror, however, is rooted in 'faith-based' motivation which in the case of Islam could be really strong if the call of 'religion in danger' or 'protection of the faithful' could be whipped up. Terrorism takes on State targets as well and does not only attack the civilian population - which it does of course for creating political destabilisation.

Terrorism facing India is an instrument of 'proxy war' that Pakistan - presently in an all-weather alliance with China - has been waging in Kashmir and elsewhere in the country. The new faith-based terror is now operating on a geopolitical scale too because its origins lay in the anti-West Jehad launched by some prominent Ulema in the 19th century on the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere, that unleashed 'radicalisation'.

In the proxy war against India, Pak ISI had used Islamic extremist outfits under its control - such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkare Toiba and Jaishe Mohammad- as an instrument of terrorism earlier but it was also subsequently able to induct Islamic radicals like those of Al Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS in covert attacks against this country. These latter outfits found shelter in Pakistan- deemed to be a US ally - even though the US-led West was the prime enemy of Islamic radicals in the Global War on Terror launched by the US in the wake of 9/11.

Many 'experts' on global terror miss the point that within the world of Islamic extremism, there are two distinct streams - one of the Islamic radicals who are 'revivalists' carrying the historical memory of the anti-British Jehad waged by the Wahhabi Ulema in India in the middle of the 19th century on the call of return to the pristine Islam of the period of Pious Caliphs and the other appearing later in the 20th century that was led by Islamic thinkers like Hasan Al Banna who advocated that 'Quran is the best Constitution' but also held that an Islamic state could live 'in competition not conflict' with the Western democracies.

The Wahhabis contented that the political decline of Islam was attributable to the deviation of Muslim rulers from the mandate of the faith. It is significant that Darul Uloom Deoband established by the protagonists of this Jehad - after its failure against the superior British might - devotes itself to the non-political work of teaching pure Islam but even today carries an anti-West ethos.

On the other hand, the other fundamentalist Islamic force that arose in the region of Iraq and Syria in the name of Ikhwanul Musalmeen (Muslim Brotherhood) founded by Hasan Al Banna, devoted to launching a militant campaign against the pro-Soviet Arab regimes of Nasser and Hafiz Saeed and called for a return to an Islamic rule. This was appreciated by the US for obvious reasons. Soon Maulana Maudoodi - an admirer of Hasan Al Banna - created Jamaate Islami at Lahore with the same anti-Communist and pro-West ideology.

Some Islamic specialists erroneously paint Muslim Brotherhood as a 'radical movement' with the same brush as was used for describing the Wahabbi legacy represented today by the Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS. Radicalisation received a fillip in recent times because of the US-led 'war on terror' that was started first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq and which was essentially a combat between US-led West and Islamic radicals.

Notably, the rise of Taliban-Al Qaeda combined in the Afghan-Pak region was later matched by ISIS - a competing radical force that came up in the Iraq-Syria belt. India's security concerns have multiplied because Pakistan has manoeuvred to cultivate radical outfits while retaining the goodwill of the US.

In fact, by pretending to mediate between the Taliban and the US in the talks held to facilitate the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, Pakistan earned the goodwill of the US and at the same time ensured the reinstallation of the Taliban Emirate at Kabul to its great strategic advantage against India. Pak ISI is now using both Islamic extremists and Islamic radicals in its proxy war against India using terrorism as its instrument. Al Qaeda and ISIS proxies based in Pakistan have been floated for this purpose.

A new challenge has risen for India's Intelligence agencies because of the organised use of social media by Pak ISI to surreptitiously reach out to its potential agents, recruit 'lone wolves' for terror operations and tap civil society groups for building anti-India narratives on Kashmir as well as on alleged lack of protection for Muslim minority under the present regime.

Those behind the raising of terrorists often play the card of 'supremacism' of faith that acted as a 'pull' factor in regard to 'motivation'. The Sino-Pak axis has added a new dimension to India's national security in which external threats are causing internal destabilisation because of the planned attempt of the two hostile neighbours to fish in our troubled waters.

Pakistan is openly fanning the Hindu-Muslim divide in India and instigating communal militancy so that it could facilitate the recruitment of potential terrorists.

The recently banned Popular Front of India (PFI) - known to have been spreading radicalisation and working for ISIS - was linked also to SIMI, a front of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, that was banned earlier after it had attracted notice for creating a terrorist body called Indian Mujahideen in the early Twenties this year.

Pak ISI has thus been exploiting various Islamic extremist and radical outfits to create trouble for India. Radicalisation is a geopolitical danger but is a prime threat to the security of India on account of the mischief potential of Pakistan, Taliban domination of Afghanistan and the support of China to Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir.

India has done well to highlight the threat of terrorism at every international forum and expose the danger facing the democratic world as a whole from the Sino- Pak combine - an alliance between a Marxist dictatorship and a fundamentalist regime.

India has done well to maintain that Pakistan was behind cross-border terrorism against India and avoid any bilateral contact with Zardari, Pak Foreign Minister, who had come to attend the SCO meet at Goa recently.

A significant geopolitical development relating to the Muslim world is the increasing influence of radical stream in West Asia and its anti-West positioning in the Cold War type of polarisation that was developing between the US on one side and the China-Russia camp on the other.

Saudi Arabia with its pronounced fundamentalism has been the chief supporter of the US in the Islamic world but it had invited the wrath of radicals precisely for its political alignment. Its conflict with Yemen symbolised this ideological contradiction within the Islamic world.

The radical Islamic rule of Taliban-Al Qaeda in Afghanistan is politically on the same side of the fence as China and this certainly helped Pakistan in evolving a 'give and take' between the Kabul Emirate and Xi Jinping whereby no controversies would be raised about the minorities in China and China would make an economic investment in Afghanistan.

Somewhat similar has been the equation of restraint between Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics(CARs) that were still under the influence of Russia- Pakistan was aware that Russia was averse to any spread of Islamic extremism in its former territories.

Equally important is the case of Iran under the fundamentalist regime of Ayatollahs. Shia extremism is ideologically averse to Western Capitalism and Caliph Ali is even said to have glorified 'poverty'. Opposition to the US puts Iran and China on the same side of the geopolitical divide and it does not come as too much of a surprise that Xi Jinping has tried to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two countries with an opposing outlook on world politics.

Saudi Arabia as the Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) has been realising for some time, however, that a group within - comprising Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia - was prepared to consider Islamic radicals as a legitimate segment of the spectrum of Islam and not discard them just because of their opposition to the US-led West.

Call for a return to the 'golden period' of Islam had always held its own appeal in the Muslim world and Islamic radicals were great advocates of this 'revivalism'.

India has to deal with Islamic extremism and radicalisation considering its national interests. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran are to be given special attention by India independently in order to handle the cross currents currently sweeping the Muslim world.

At home, the spread of radicalisation has to be checked through a multi-prong strategy of enhancing the state's outreach to the sections of the minority that wanted peace and harmony, stepping up action against potential Pak agents and curbing the funding of terrorism.

In today's situation, India's internal security has become highly vulnerable to the effects of civil society groups with vested interests joining hands with international lobbies led by Pakistan, to spread the narrative of alleged lack of protection for Muslim minority under the present regime.

Minority politics is also in full swing as political parties realised the importance of their votes in the crucial elections ahead. Sectional appeals for votes would be a part of the game provided they did not encourage 'separatism' which in the Indian context would raise an alarm because of the legacy of history.

Minority politics could generate militancy of a kind that would feed terrorist violence under the instigation of India's hostile neighbours.

Indian democracy must continue to derive strength from a healthy sense of nationalism of all its citizens regardless of class, creed or region- in keeping with the mandate of 'one man one vote' on which it was conceived. It should be remembered that the Preamble to our Constitution itself appeals to all citizens to work for the 'Nation'.

(The writer is a former Director of Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Astro Zindagi (Weekly Horoscope)

Gopi — Sun, 14 May 2023 02:35:13 +0000

By Neeraj Dhankher

Here is a guide to the week ahead for you. This is your forecast for May 15-21.

Aries
This week is all about finding harmony and balance in various aspects of your life. You might feel inclined to make some changes in your immediate environment to create a more peaceful atmosphere. This could involve decluttering, rearranging furniture, or adding elements that bring tranquility. Professionally, you may experience a boost in creativity and innovative ideas. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and suggestions with your colleagues or superiors. Your communication skills will be highly effective, allowing you to express your ideas clearly and convincingly. As the week progresses, be open to receiving feedback and be willing to compromise.

Tip of the week: Share your ideas

Taurus
This week holds the potential for personal growth and self-discovery. It's an ideal time to delve deeper into your interests and passions. Consider exploring new hobbies, engaging in intellectual pursuits, or learning something new. Your curiosity and adaptability will serve you well. In your relationships, make an effort to enhance your communication skills. Listen actively and express your thoughts and feelings honestly. This will help foster stronger connections with your loved ones. Financially, you may receive unexpected opportunities for additional income or financial stability. However, be cautious with your spending and avoid impulsive purchases. Seek advice from a trusted source before making any major financial decisions.

Tip of the week: Explore new hobbies

Gemini
This week, you may find yourself with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. It's an excellent time to take on new projects or challenges that require your assertiveness and leadership skills. However, be cautious not to let your impulsive nature take over. It's essential to maintain a balance between your passion and patience to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Take some time to reflect on your long-term goals and make necessary adjustments to ensure you stay on track. The weekend presents an opportunity for relaxation and self-care. Use this time to recharge and rejuvenate. Spend time with loved ones and express your desires with them. Follow a balanced diet and don't skip the workout.

Tip of the week: Take on new projects

Cancer
This week brings a mixed bag of energies for you. On one hand, you may feel a strong urge to focus on your personal relationships and emotional well-being. This is a great time to nurture and strengthen your connections with loved ones. Open up about your feelings and allow yourself to be vulnerable. However, be cautious not to become overly dependent on others for your happiness. Remember to maintain a healthy balance between giving and receiving. In terms of career, you may encounter some challenges. It is important to stay focused and persevere through any obstacles that come your way. Keep your goals in mind and work diligently towards them. Avoid unnecessary conflicts or power struggles.

Tip of the week: Nurture your connections

Leo
This week holds the promise of success and recognition for you. Your confidence and charisma are at their peak, allowing you to make a strong impression on others. Take advantage of this favourable period to pursue your goals and ambitions. Trust your abilities and be bold in expressing your ideas and opinions. This could lead to new opportunities and advancements in your career. Financially, you may experience positive developments. Unexpected gains or opportunities for financial growth may come your way. In your personal relationships, you may find yourself seeking more freedom and independence. It is important to communicate your needs and desires to your loved ones in a respectful and open manner.

Tip of the week: Trust your abilities

Virgo
This is a favourable time for taking on new responsibilities or pursuing professional growth. However, be cautious not to take on too much at once. Prioritize your tasks and avoid spreading yourself too thin. Financially, you may need to exercise caution and make wise decisions. Unexpected expenses or financial obligations may arise, requiring you to be resourceful and budget- conscious. Seek practical solutions and avoid impulsive spending. In your personal relationships, you may need to work on finding a balance between your personal needs and the needs of your loved ones. Clear communication and empathy are key to maintaining harmony in your relationships. Be open to compromise and listen to the perspectives of others.

Tip of the week: Prioritize your tasks

Libra
This week, you may find yourself focused on your personal relationships and partnerships. The planetary alignment indicates that your diplomatic and harmonious nature will be highlighted, allowing you to navigate any conflicts with grace and ease. It's a great time to strengthen your bonds with loved ones and work towards a greater sense of balance in your relationships. You may also feel a strong desire to beautify your surroundings and create a harmonious environment, so consider engaging in home improvement projects or indulging in artistic pursuits. This week presents an opportunity for personal growth and emotional fulfillment through your connections with others.

Tip of the week: Navigate conflicts

Scorpio

This week brings a surge of energy and intensity to your life. You may find yourself driven to pursue your ambitions and tackle any challenges that come your way. The planetary alignment indicates a period of transformation and personal growth, urging you to dive deep into your inner self and explore your desires and motivations. This introspection can lead to powerful insights and a better understanding of yourself. It's a good time to take calculated risks and make bold decisions that align with your long-term goals. However, be mindful of your interactions with others, as your intensity may be overwhelming for some. Practice patience and empathy in your communication, and you'll find that your relationships can deepen and strengthen.

Tip of the week: Explore your inner self

Sagittarius
This week holds the promise of expansion and new experiences. The planetary alignment indicates a strong urge for adventure and a desire to broaden your horizons. It's a favourable time to engage in intellectual pursuits, travel, or explore different cultures. You may also feel a pull towards higher education or spiritual practices that allow you to deepen your understanding of the world and your place in it. This week presents opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery, so embrace the unknown and step out of your comfort zone. However, be mindful of overindulgence or excessive risk-taking. Maintain a balanced approach and make sure to take care of your physical and emotional well-being.

Tip of the week: Engage in intellectual pursuits

Capricorn
This week, your focus and determination will be tested, but with your strong work ethic, you will be
able to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Your career may take centrestage, and you may find yourself being recognized for your hard work and achievements. However, be careful not to neglect your personal life and relationships in the process. It is essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Financially, you may experience some fluctuations, so be cautious with your expenses and avoid unnecessary risks. Emotionally, take time to recharge and prioritize self-care.
Surround yourself with positive influences and seek support from loved ones when needed. Overall,
this week offers opportunities for growth and success, as long as you maintain a balanced approach.

Tip of the week: Don't neglect personal life

Aquarius
This week holds exciting possibilities for you. Your creative and innovative ideas will be flowing, and you may find yourself drawn towards new projects or ventures. Embrace your unique perspective and trust your instincts. This is a favourable time for networking and collaborating with like-minded individuals. Your social life will also be vibrant, and you may meet new people who inspire and challenge you intellectually. However, be mindful of your boundaries and take time for self-reflection. Balance your social engagements with moments of solitude to recharge and rejuvenate. In terms of finances, this week may bring unexpected opportunities for growth. Keep an eye out for potential investments or ways to diversify your income.

Tip of the week: Diversify your income

Pisces
This week, you may feel a strong desire for connection and may seek out deeper emotional bonds with loved ones. This is an ideal time to express your feelings and engage in open and honest communication. However, be cautious of being overly dependent on others for your happiness.
Remember to maintain your individuality. Professionally, you may experience some challenges or conflicts. Stay calm and composed, and approach any difficulties with a diplomatic mindset. This will help you find solutions and resolve any issues that arise. Financially, this week may require you to be cautious and make wise decisions. Avoid impulsive spending and focus on long-term financial stability.

Tip of the week: Don't depend on others

(Neeraj Dhankher is an Astrologer with proficiency in Vedic, KP and Nadi Astrology. He is Founder
and CEO of Astro Zindagi. The observations are made by the writer based on his own analysis)

Source: IANS

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CLOSE-IN: Cricket by any other name will chirp its way to glory (IANS column)

Gopi — Fri, 12 May 2023 03:05:04 +0000

By Yajurvindra Singh

The rapidly changing face of cricket is transforming it at a phenomenal pace. The shorter format of the game, the T20, has taken the cricket lovers by storm. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is just one such tournament with many more to come to cascade cricket into worldwide entertainment.

The T20 has made cricket once again into a sport to enjoy and revel in. The format is easy to follow and the hits to and over the boundary are extremely enjoyable to watch.

The shorter game of baseball, invented to diminish England and English cricket, is now a slow mover compared to the newer nuances of the game of T20 cricket.

This takes one back to the famous adage from William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet argues that "A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet".

Cricket too is going through a sweetness of three different formats of the game, each one having its specific scent of enjoyment. Cricket was conventionally looked at as one that needed patience, stamina and plenty of time to play it. The slow pace was suitable for the way life was in the past. Test cricket still exists, however, one feels it is hanging by a short thread. One is unsure as to how long it will survive, even if the pace of playing it increases through an aggressive and newer approach. The cricketing world and the ICC do see the problems Test cricket may face in the future and it will be up to the boards from various countries to keep it alive.

Test cricket will never get the eyeballs or sponsorship revenue that T20 attracts and therefore, infusing funds to make it attractive for cricketers would be essential to keep it churning. Another way could be to recognise a cricketer by giving him a country cap only if he played Test cricket. This will give some sort of exclusivity to differentiate between the elite and the cattle-class cricketer.

Cricket, like the rose, may smell as sweet but the colour, the size and the exclusive variety differentiate roses and cricket too needs to do the same. One does marvel at the strokes and innovative shots that the shorter format of the game exhibits, however, these are possible because of the restrictions that have been enforced to make the game spicy.

One cannot take a blend of French cut, the Indian Gilly Danda, a farmer's wheat threshing and a helicopter shot seriously. The bat has become like a club that a warrior of the past would have used to demolish one's enemies.

The serious worry for cricket is that the T20 format, sweet as it may seem, is here to stay. The IPL 2023 has shown an increase in digital viewership by leaps and bounds. The attractive interactive games to keep viewers absorbed and interested in a match through the multi-media platforms are truly revolutionary.

Cricket has taken a completely different direction, wherein, franchise cricket around the world will take precedence over playing for one's country. India is the only country at present that restricts its cricketer from playing elsewhere. One may be able to diffuse this in the short term, however, with the IPL franchise owners owning teams in other countries as well, a cricketer will have a choice on hand.

The IPL'23, similar to its earlier editions, has brought to the fore several Indian cricketers, who are ideally skilled to play the T20 version. Several of them will now have the option to pursue a life by playing cricket professionally. There will be many who are on the verge of retirement, some having played for the country and others who have played quite a few years of domestic cricket. The lure of money could also be a substantial reason for a young cricketer to join the leagues rather than play for one's country. One can already see the trend of cricketers preferring to play in the IPL rather than for the country, especially, in the longer format of the game. These will be the pool of professional cricketers all ready to popularise the franchise model that will be the core of cricket activities in the future.

The next 5 years will be interesting, as many of the established Indian players would be facing retirement. They will be hot properties for the cricket leagues from other parts of the world who want to establish themselves.

Cricket for cricket lovers will be wonderful to follow. Cricketers will benefit. As youngsters, they will aim to play for their country or a T20 franchise. However, thereafter they will have all the options and cards up their sleeve to go elsewhere. Cricket will become a business with opportunities for everyone to flourish. The IPL is just a small appetiser of things to come. The world of cricket will blossom and so will the sweet smell of success.

Cricket will chirp itself to glory.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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Strained Indo-Pak ties to stay (Opinion)

Gopi — Mon, 08 May 2023 11:41:04 +0000

By Asad Mirza

India taking down Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet is indicative of changing diplomatic might of India. India will not stick to fake goody words any longer. It signals Pakistan about the need to do more to shed the tag of being a global headache on terrorism.

Coming soon after the recent Shanghai Cooperation Council's (SCO) Defence Ministers' Summit in New Delhi, India last week hosted the Foreign Ministers of the SCO at Goa.

The common thread between these two summits was the tough posturing by India against its two neighbours Pakistan and China.

At the Goa meeting, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, revealed that
India had twice called out China and Pakistan at the summit for violating India's
sovereignty through their connectivity projects.

The statement was made in response to a question on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Indian territory currently under Pakistan's illegal occupation.

Earlier, India had sort of reprimanded the Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu at the New Delhi meeting, on the issue of the stalled talks over the Line of Actual Control
(LAC).

India's critique of Pakistan

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was in Goa to represent Pakistan at the SCO-CFM. A visit, which happened after a 12-year gap.

The last Pakistani Foreign Minister to visit India was Hina Rabbani Khar, when she met
her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna in Delhi in 2011.

However, what soured the atmosphere this time in Goa, was references made by
Zardari over Kashmir and Pakistan being a victim of terrorism itself. Though he
also called for reviving the stalled talks.

India, in a strongly worded response to Pakistan's overtures for talks, said
victims of terrorism do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism to discuss
terror.

Rebutting each of the points made by Zardari, EAM Jaishankar said he (Zardari)
was "a promoter, justifier and spokesperson for a terrorism industry which is the
mainstay of Pakistan. The tough Indian response came after the news of death of
five Indian Army soldiers in a terrorist attack near the Line of Control (LoC) on
Friday".

Jaishankar said Bilawal's suggestion to sit together and talk was "hypocritical" and said India was feeling "outraged" by the incident.

India's stand on China

Jaishankar had a similar position on China whose readout on the bilateral
between him and its Foreign Minister Qin Gang described the situation on the boundary as stable.

Jaishankar said that there is an abnormal position in the border areas. "We
have to take the disengagement process forward. I have made it very clear. India-
China relations will not be normal if peace and tranquillity in the border areas is
disturbed. This message was on the same lines as delivered by the Indian
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu, a fortnight ago."

Responding to Zardari's diatribe, Jaishankar said Bilawal's opposition to a G-20
meeting to be held in Kashmir had no basis since Pakistan was not even a
member of that grouping.

On Bilawal's opening address at the SCO conference where he said the issue of terrorism should not be used to score diplomatic points, the Minister said: "We are not scoring diplomatic points. We are exposing Pakistan. As a victim of terrorism, we are authorised to do so. We have put up with it. It speaks so much about the mindset of that country."

He asked Pakistan to "smell the coffee" regarding its grouse about the abrogation
of Article 370 as a violation of international agreements.

"370 is history. Sooner the people realise it, the better," Jaishankar said.

Indian response to CPEC

EAM Jaishankar also took an exception at the mention of CPEC at the SCO meeting, both by Pakistan and China. And rightly so, as SCO is a multilateral forum, not a bilateral one and further India's adversarial stand on the CPEC has been very clear from the beginning, as it passed through the PoK. India has consistently opposed the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, as these projects violate India's territorial integrity and
sovereignty.

Jaishankar very clearly stated that connectivity is good for progress, but
connectivity cannot violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

Bilawal's overture

On his part Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed India's Kashmir policy for the "frozen
peace" between India and Pakistan. The India-Pakistan relationship soured significantly after India announced the withdrawal of special powers from Jammu and Kashmir and the division of the state into two union territories in August 2019.

India has always maintained that it wants regular neighbourly ties with Pakistan
while emphasising that the onus is on Islamabad to create a safe environment for
such an engagement.

The tough Indian response to both Pakistan and China, mainly stems from its
exhaustion with its neighbours, who in spite of several Indian initiatives to better
relations, prefer to stick with their age-old stands on the contentious issues,
preferring not to respond positively to any Indian efforts in this regard.

The SCO meet also showed yet again that body language speaks volumes in
geopolitics and diplomacy. The distance between the two foreign ministers while
posing for photographs was noticeably gaping. However, the cold Indian
demeanour, a departure from customary diplomatic niceties, and continuing
with its old parroting by the Pakistani Minister were more targeted at their
respective domestic audiences.

The Indian leadership in view of the forthcoming elections in Karnataka wanted
to be seen as acting tough, while the Pakistani Minister wanted to showcase his
ability to rake-up old issues in the backdrop of the economic woes of Pakistan.
But overall this posturing does not augurs well for friendly relations between the
neighbours in the foreseeable future.

(Asad Mirza is a senior political commentator based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at www.asadmirza.in)

Source: IANS

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Expect sideways movement with focus on Smallcap and midcap space

Gopi — Sun, 07 May 2023 07:05:03 +0000

By Arun Kejriwal

The week gone by had four trading sessions, but it had plenty of action and behaved on expected lines. It began positively, went sideways, gained and then crashed. At the end of it all, it was a flat week but with all important levels being touched.

BSESENSEX lost 58.15 points or 0.10 per cent to close at 61,054.29 points while NIFTY gained 4.00 points or 0.02 per cent to close at 18,069.00 points. The broader market saw BSE100, BSE200 and BSE500 gain 0.19 per cent, 0.30 per cent and 0.40 per cent respectively. BSEMIDCAP gained 1.41 per cent while BSESMALLCAP gained 1.27 per cent.

The Indian Rupee gained 2 paisa and closed at Rs 81.80 to the US Dollar. Dow Jones had a torrid week and lost on the first four days of the week. It recovered ground on Friday but ended the week with losses. Dow Jones lost 423.78 points or 1.24 per cent to close at 33,674.38 points.

The US FED raised interest rates by 25 basis points on expected lines. The new rate band is 5 per cent to 5.25 per cent and the same has come to these levels by increases in 14 months from March 22 when the band was next to zero at 0 per cent to 0.25 per cent. While the indication after the meeting is that there would be a pause going forward, there is new concern about the health of small regional banks in the US. PacWest and First Horizon Bank bore the brunt of selling and lost over 47 per cent and 40 per cent respectively while many other banks chipped in with smaller losses. Things are no longer hunky dory in the US as far as banking is concerned.

Friday's indication from MSCI about the weightage to be given to the merged entity of HDFC twins update shattered the markets. The expectation was that the combined entity would get a "limited investable" factor of 75 per cent, and instead was given one of 50 per cent. This led marketmen to recalculate that instead of inflows of 25,000 crore into the combined entity there would be outflow of Rs 2,000 crore. This led to a selloff in the two stocks which brought down the banking sector as well.

HDFC lost Rs 161.20 or 5.63 per cent for the day while HDFC Bank lost Rs 101.85 or 5.90 per cent. These two stocks lost 258 points and 394 points on the BSESENSEX making a total of 653 points while BSESENSEX lost 694.96 points on Friday. Very clearly it was a single event which shattered the confidence of markets.

The highs of the BSESENSEX during the week were 61,797.91 points while it was 18,267.45 on NIFTY. It failed to touch or cross the resistances mentioned at the beginning of the week. Very clearly the mood in the market has suffered a setback post Friday.

An interesting takeover deal has been announced. TCNS Clothing Limited a fashion retailer which had listed in August 2018 at an issue price of Rs 716 has sold a portion of its promoters shares to ABRFL for cash at Rs 501. The current market price is hovering around these levels. One expects a return of 15-18 per cent from equity investments and from a company listed for a quarter less than five years, the performance can at best be termed as pathetic. Instead of doubling one's money, TCNS has lost 30 per cent in value over 5 years compared to the issue price.

To add insult to injury, the customary open offer is not for cash but a complex offer for ABFRL which is offering 11 shares of ABFRL instead of 6 shares in TCNS. One wonders whether such a lopsided, anti-minority shareholder offer will ever find muster with the regulator? Promoters are paid in cash and minority shareholders get a share swap and lose another 30 per cent in value. This is not only a first of its kind but is unexpected from the house of Kumar Mangalam Birla. The regulator must step in to protect minority shareholders' interest on a war footing.

The week ahead sees a REIT offering from Nexus Select which is tapping the capital markets with its offering which includes a fresh offering of Rs 1,400 crore and an offer for sale of Rs 1,800 crore. The trust has 17 malls in A class towns and metro's totalling 9.8 million square feet with 96 per cent committed occupancy. The company has an average of 5.7 years of forward leased contracts. The company has a mix of rentals which are fixed and also variable with a percentage linked to tenant sales. The company has an annual 5 per cent rental hike with its contracts which are typically renewed every three years.

REIT's have to give a forecast of their expected returns of investment and cash flows for a period of three years at the time of making the offer. Nexus Select is talking of a return of 8 per cent per annum with an increase of 17 per cent CAGR. The fund would be distributing 100 per cent of its net operating income. The unit value is Rs 95-100 and the NAV is Rs 127.73, offering a discount and hence potential upside on listing. The instrument is attractively priced and offers an investment in the consumption story of the middle class. There is no comparable player currently listed in the markets. Investors looking for a fixed income product with growth should consider this as an investment.

Shares of Mankind Pharma Limited which were issued at Rs 1,080 would list on Tuesday (May 9). They were well received and subscribed by QIB's while the non-institutional portion was tepid.

Markets in the week ahead would see action limited to midcap and small cap space with large cap stocks taking a back seat. Expect volatility in the space with individual stocks moving. Results season would pick up with the pace of results being declared increasing as the deadline expires at the end of May for the annual results. Resistance levels would be at 18,350-18,400 and at 62,400-62,550 points. Support levels would be at 17,600-17,650 and at 59,700-59,850 would act as strong support. The next level of support would be at 17,300-350 and at 58,800-58,950 BSESENSEX.

The strategy would be to play in the midcap and Smallcap space. There is pain in the banking space and IT sectors do not support any investment currently. Trade cautiously.

(Arun Kejriwal is the founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services. The views expressed are personal)

Source: IANS

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