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Some of the darker aspects of Indian society

abhinav
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Some of the darker aspects of Indian society

“I introduced my maid to porn”, announced my friend.

“I showed her how to go to pornhub and click on the videos. There was a bottle of wine kept in the fridge. I gave her that too. This year she will enjoy the New Year’s eve”.

Wow, I thought. But why?

“Her husband had sex with her twice after marriage. She got pregnant and delivered a girl. The husband left her after that and never came back.”

“The maid works, sends her girl to the school. I thought she deserves some fun in life.

The rate of divorce in India is low. But how many women live as divorcees when they deliver a girl child?

How many women are forced to become single mothers because they didn’t deliver a son?

Yes, these are some dark aspects of the society we live in.

But the darker truth is in our hearts. If we find these women enjoying their lives a bit, we judge them as characterless.

Instead of encouraging them to live their lives, we treat them as if they deserve what happened. That somehow we are better than them.

In reality, our hearts are a lot darker. And it is we who make the society dark.

Dear Prime Minister, buckle up for 2019

Dinesh
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Dear Prime Minister, buckle up for 2019

We have a little less than 18 months more to go for the next battle for Loksabha but one can already hear the war cry. The sound of the bugles are now echoing in the hallways of Delhi. But this election won’t be a contest between two national parties rather it will be a battle among various political ecosystems brewed by various ideologies and it won’t be a cakewalk for the BJP and Mr Narendra Modi.

In the 2014 general elections BJP+ did exceptionally well clean sweeping Rajasthan, Gujarat and gaining in UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh. If one goes by this trend it can be stated that BJP+ will still do well in the northern India. With the recent win in Gujarat and Himachal election results BJP must be at ease. But there are still lots of worrisome issues for the BJP.

The Gujarat election once again proved that India and Indians can be easily divided on the basis of caste faultlines. The caste based trio of Hardik, Jignesh, and Alpesh are one of the main reasons behind BJP’s double digit bittersweet victory and probably they are the ones who snatched youth votes from the BJP. This Gujarat battle has given a lesson to the BJP and a new equation to the Congress – the equation of performing better. The variables in this new equation can be satisfied with  three values.

First one is caste based division of the society. Gujarat election was highly polarized by the trio that worked with the Congress and BJP took a heavy dent because of it. So be ready to see a divisive narrative for the 2019 elections.

Second value is the new temple hopping strategy adopted by the Congress party to wash its anti-Hindu image while keeping the Muslim vote bank intact.

Third is to maximize the use of Lutyens ecosystem which Congress created during its regime. Many journalists and editors were given the prestigious Padma awards during 2004-2014 and now most of those journalist are Congress apologists. For instance the “neutral” Rajdeep and the “secular” Barkha Dutt received Padma Shri in 2008 and the “intellectual” Shekhar Gupta got Padma Bhushan in 2009. These are just a few examples from the many.

But it is not the only threat for Mr Modi and the BJP. It is going to be Modi vs all “secular” parties in 2019. So there is a high probability of a grand coalition with Rahul Gandhi as its leader and Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mamta Banerjee the Left parties as its commanders and the Lutyens mainstream digital media, biased Print media, and paid social media its troops. The ammunition of these troops will be caste based division, rising intolerance, fake news, Gau Rakshaks, “danger” to minorities, twisted facts, polarized contents, cooked up beef stories and any other catchy headline they can come up with.

There are severe challenges for the Modi-Shah duo in 2018 as there are 8 major elections. Karnataka is like oxygen for the Congress which is now on the death bed and that’s why polarization has already started via Tipu sultan Jayanti and Lingayat community issues. These 8 elections will set the tone for the 2019. Any loss to the BJP will be stated as the loss of face and loss of credibility for Mr Modi and any loss to Congress will be stated as a moral victory for Rahul Gandhi. If Amit Shah wants to win comfortably in 2019 he must find a counter-fire for the narrative built by the lutyens media. If propaganda spread by the “intellectuals” is not countered then it can change the mind-set of the people regarding the governance of Mr Modi and leadership of Mr Gandhi.

But these are not the only issues Mr Amit Shah should be wary off. Media Reports suggest that Congress has hired Cambridge Analytica which allegedly ran a pro Brexit campaign and is also a reason behind Mr Trump’s win. This Big data firm uses data mining and psychological profiling of the voters to get the better picture of the voters’ perception and change their mind-set. So it will be a different challenge for the BJP’s Chanyaka.

Apart from all these there brews a new concern for the BJP – the indifference or in some cases the anger of Right wingers. Social media supporters are angry with the BJP because of the several reasons. Whether it is the partnership of NITI Aayog with the NDTV or providing stage to Modi haters during Global Entrepreneurship Summit. All these challenges are ahead of Modi-Shah duo.

The Game of 2019 is afoot.

How should Men respond to a ‘Me Too’ like campaign

pandiaa
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How should Men respond to a ‘Me Too’ like campaign

It takes a lot of courage for women to come out and say that they have also been sexually assaulted. Considering the fact that women are actually the victims, it makes no sense that why my first sentence sounds true. Probably we have a skewed moral compass.

Whatever be the reason, some women are coming out and painting the world red with their truth, and while other women who are scared, trying desperately not to relive those horrid memories, acknowledge the truth in silence.

How should a man react to this? There are many different feelings he probably will go through. What happens to a man, when he sees his wife posting “me too”. What happens to a man when he sees his sister and mother posting “me too”. Can he see past his anger that women are trying to malign the male gender and sympathize with the women? Can he accept the pain of his fellow female colleagues? Importantly can he look inside him, and try to see he is not a paragon as he wants to paint himself.

Seriously, when men are in a group, and they see a girl walk pass by, haven’t they / or their friends, passed comments on the physical attributes of the girl, making sure she hears the same as she passes by. There is a line between acceptable touching and unacceptable touching, how many times, have men crossed it while convincing themselves that she liked it/enjoyed or she asked for it. How many times, men have assaulted a woman claiming she deserved it.

Just think about the slang and the cuss words. They are mostly an attack on the women’s genitals or sex. I feel the proper response for a man to the “me too” post is to commit oneself to speak up, often against his friends, when they denigrate a woman/woman’s stature.

No, even this does not sound right. A man need not stand up for a woman, she can stand up for herself. I think the proper response of a man is to acknowledge that a woman has the same sexual freedom as a man. This would destigmatize a sexual assault on a woman. She would be able to easily come out and speak up and complain against the perpetrator of such crimes. Probably this is a road we should take, probably I am wrong.

Does Changing the Name of the Movie From ‘Padmavati’ to ‘Padmavat’ also Change its Content ?

Bhardwaj
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Does Changing the Name of the Movie From ‘Padmavati’ to ‘Padmavat’ also Change its Content ?

Padmavati a film produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures & Bhansali Productions and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali , gets U/A certificate by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the condition that 5 changes should be made in the film. Which includes the name of  the film from Padmavati to Padmavat. This film has become most controversial film and faced opposition from right-wing Hindu groups for allegedly distorting historical facts, despite Bhansali’s insistence to the contrary.

This film was one of the most expensive films made in India with a budget of Rs 190 crores ($30 Million) And a good response was seen after the release of its trailer: there are more than 50 million views on it till now. No doubt that if this movie is not being released it would be the great loss for Bhansali. But the decision by CBFC gives relief to Bhansali as they agreed to give it U/A certificate after making 5 modification and with “no cuts”

Suggested Modifications by CBFC are in disclaimers, pertinently adding one regarding not glorifying the practice of “Sati”. There will “relevant” modifications in the Ghoomar  song  “to befit the character portrayed” and name of film must be replaced with Padmavat.

The U/A certificate will be given after the submission of film with suggested modifications.

Now the question arises, Will the change in name from Padmavati to Padmavat and other suggested modifications prove to be helpful for solving the matter ?

CBFC has also expressed the need of special panel to view the complexities and concerns around the film. The special panel consisted of Shri Arvind Singh from Udaipur, Dr. Chandramani Singh and K.K. Singh of the Jaipur University. The member of panel will help to solve the cultural disputes.

Earlier the Karni Sena claimed that in the movie Bhansali had shown Maharani Padmavati dancing on song Ghoomar which is proved to be the reason, which hurted their sentiments. But the changes which are suggested by CBFC replace the act of dance in that song with portrait of Rani Padmavati.

So the question of settlement of the “matter” is still there.

Technology and Jobs: is Technology a Boon or Bane?

chaitanyakolte
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Technology and Jobs: is Technology a Boon or Bane?

Technology is nothing but scientific knowledge. The economy of any era has also been very closely linked with contemporary technological advancement. This inevitably affects the jobs of the people in terms of quantity, quality and type.

Historical Facts :

1. Indus Valley Civilization: Inventions such as the wheel and plough facilitated the trade of surplus. Further presence of port cities like Lothal and Hundis all the way to Mesopotamia which in turn was due to the technological advancement, gave rise to a class of traders and expanded job opportunities for them. Similarly, the presence of a well crafted urban city centre and craft cities like Chanhundaro imply a group of craftsmen using the technology available to them

2.Industrial Revolution: A phase of fast paced technological development egs: Invention of steam engine, spinning jenny led to jump in industrial revolution and significant amount of job creation. The dawn of industrial revolution created jobs for unskilled labourers which was taken as an advantage by colonies as well the colonisers. At the same time it affected the skilled craftsmanship specifically in India. These advancements of technology based on capitalism came in for sharp criticism by Karl Marx, he talked about ” Concept of Alienation .” Jobs created by urbanization and urban policy makers ,therefore in colonial enterprise led to a new class of administrator both inside and outside Britain.

3. Age of Internet : Age of Internet began in the 20th century i.e. computer science related technology commonly known as ” dot com ” boom. So jobs shifted from agriculture to industrial revolution to computer(internet) boom. In the 20th century the emergence of service sector took place. Internet also increased the reach of small scale and medium enterprise. Even the E-commerce boom has provided an important tool to facilitate entrepreneurs. It has created some more physical jobs. Regular commerce was affected in positive manner and in turn a shift took place from physical commerce to E-commerce and which eventually benefited the customers.

Therefore historically, technology has helped in creating jobs of better quality across different sectors.

Contemporary Issues in Sphere of Technology and Jobs:

It mainly deals with loss of employment due to Automation. ,the struggle to improve efficiency led to more jobs and same struggle to improve efficiency in co-operation with automation will lead to loss of jobs. Citizens of every developed country are agitated against the loss of jobs due to automation as well as cheap immigrant labours which is consequence of Globalisation.

Globalization is a product of technological innovation. Example: The “America First” Policy of the current US president Donald Trump is a clear indicator of the same, which leads to endangered economic development of the world as well as inefficient usage of resources.

Possible Solution:

Increased focus on employment in quaternary and quinary sectors i.e more in Research and Development jobs and jobs in policy making . The large scale environmental problems which are a by product of technology can be tackled with use of Research and Development and policy making jobs.

An associated problem is large scale investment in education and healthcare sectors. oOher focus areas of Research and Development can be pharmaceutical and disease outbreak problems on Food Security etc. Focus on Renewable energy sector is also a job creation asset as suggested by our Prime Minister with initiative in International Solar Alliance.

Conclusion:

Is Technology a Boon or Bane for the jobs industry? The answer is definitely a boon if we streamline our attention in development of the demography and creation of new avenues for employment. This will create job opportunities and also help solve some of the world’s most promising problems.

Journey from Thirumangalam to RK Nagar: How democracy changed to money-cracy

anandbharadwaj
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0
Journey from Thirumangalam to RK Nagar: How democracy changed to money-cracy

Tamilnadu for 50 years under Dravidian rule, is crying like anything. It was one of the flourished presidency under the British regime was polluted with bribe and Corruption which ruins from peon to Higher officials. Recent Raids in Sasikala & Co, raid in Chief Secretariat office are open examples.

DMK in 1967 came to power with abunch of fake promises, entertained corruption, the tumor has ruined the system everywhere. To divert people from speaking corruption, both DMK and ADMK promised freebies and populous schemes to reelect them. This step had made the treasury into debt ridden and now the state debt have crossed 2.5 lakh crore and it is in critical position where it requires assistance from the center this costs the state from providing funds to key areas such as agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.

Right from Low level party cadre to High command, Dravidian parties are swimming in corruption. Their main aim is to taste power for that they may do anything. They have never addressed the issues of state, the position of Tamilnadu in growth chart is quite pathetic and positioned below the BIMARU states. Mismanagement and agenda of the consecutive Dravidian government have cost the state economy more.

With this devastating misgovernance and mismanagement, Pioneer in Dravidian Politics, DMK have used the formula of “Vote for Money”. It was successfully taste by the then Southern District Organizing Secretary MK Alagiri, S/o M.Karunanidhi (Ex CM of TN & DMK Chief) adopted this formula of cash for votes in Thirumangalam By election held in 2009. AIADMK followed the same formula in Gumudipoondi and Kanchipuram By- elections held subsequently in 2005.

Pioneer in introducing Tirumangalam Formula “Cash for Votes”

National shame and First time in electoral history of India when the general elections of Tanjavur and Aravakuruchi was cancelled in 2016 due to the distribution of money and freebies to voters. The Election commission in its press release stated that:

“The ECI is satisfied that the election process in the two constituencies Aravkurichi (134) and Thanjavur (174), because of inducing electors by candidates and political parties by offering money and other gifts to woo them in their favour, is seriously vitiated and can not be allowed to proceed and ought to be rescinded so that fresh elections may be conducted de novo in these two constituencies when the atmosphere becomes conducive to the holding of free and fair elections after a reasonable lapse of time.”

From Tirumangalam By election, cash for a vote was popular in the all the subsequent by-elections, the results of these elections always favored the ruling party. There was huge expectation of cash distribution in the subsequent general elections, but cash was not provided as expected minimal supply of cash to particular areas were given all over the state. DMK initiated corruption and cash for votes, which was institutionalized by AIADMK. So it is visible that both the Dravidian parties are interested in power than good governance.

Popular Newspaper carries cartoon on cash for votes

After the demise of late CM Jayalalitha, the RK Nagar assembly seat which she hold was vacant and preliminary elections was announced in April 2017 which was a multi cornered contest right from 3 fractions of the AIADMK – DMK- BJP and other tiny parties which want to show their presence. Cash was given widely by OPS, Dinakaran Lead EPS Team, which merged with OPS after a month and of course DMK.

This battle was seen as predominantly between both OPS and Dinakaran Team who want to establish their control over the party.  Based on the evidences of a raid by Income Tax authorities which shows ADMK(Amma) wing’s candidate Dinakaran and other parties which involved in large scale distribution of cash to voters, election commission cancelled the by election.

The by election to the same seat which was held on 21st of December and the result was announced announced on the 25th has also witnessed the distribution of money in large scale by all three major players Ruling AIADMK (Which got its own Two Leaves Symbol of OPS and EPS Faction), DMK and Dinakaran Faction (Supporters of JJ aide Sasikala). The result of this election was shocking not only to the ruling party, but to the whole nation which created a wrong precedence in Indian Election History.

The main defaulter in the RK Nagar election is Election Commission, it was acting like a snail and it didn’t take the complaints which were lodged against cash distribution. A reform in electoral process is the need of the hour. Cash for votes to be curbed in early stages so that rest of India can be saved from this virus.

The election was cancelled once on the basis of cash distribution, what steps have been taken against those candidates who tried  to capitalize votes for money? Again and again they are contesting in the election. Will free and fair elections be conducted in this case? Both Election Commission and Government should look at this matter seriously.

Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Commission also equally played spoil sport in this RK Nagar election, apart from one or two searches they didn’t act seriously. They should have inquired the source of huge sum of money which is being distributed. What happened to the FIR which was registered against Health Minister Vijaya Bhaskar? Likewise, in many stances ED and IT failed to act and helped to make RK Nagar Election as wrong precedence in the Indian Electoral History.

People of Tamilnadu are also equally corrupt. They sold their votes in favor of Cash. The result of RK Nagar reflects the votes secured by candidates based on the cash which was given. Tamil Nadu people have simply mortgaged their votes for cash. They didn’t mind the corruption that both DMK and ADMK demonstrated for past 50 years. There is no development, no industrial growth, both DMK and ADMK have looted the nook and corner of the state. In spite of that they are voting Dravidian parties.

After the RK Nagar result, people are making fun of BJP, which finished behind NOTA, but they are not discussing about the ill effects of Cash for votes which made Tamilnadu shame. By seeing the result, one thing is clear, people didn’t give decisive mandate, but they sold their mandate that permits winner to do free corruption.

Dear Modi ji, here’s why I may not come back in 2019 to vote for you

vikrantnaik
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Dear Modi ji, here’s why I may not come back in 2019 to vote for you

Dear Modi ji,

How are you doing? This is one of your fans – like the millions you have in India. People who have immense faith in you and in your vision for a powerful India. I am one of those online warriors, like so many on Twitter, who defends every policy that you take up.

I am one of those who has been called a paid-bhakt for that. In fact, someone even told me that I get Rs. 50 for every pro-BJP tweet that I write. Of course, to let the readers know, I don’t. I have a comfortable job as a researcher in Europe. I am pretty well off.

Dear Modi ji, I had travelled 7000 km in 2014 to India in May for 4 days skipping my lab work, ignoring my students. And I did that because I wanted to vote for you. I came to India. I voted and went back. Never before had I taken such a short trip to India with just a backpack. Since my voter registration was in Bangalore, I did not even visit my parents in that trip. I came. I voted. I left. And Guess what – I won.

We won. India won, as you tweeted. I was happy. It was totally worth it. And so, it seemed too. Suddenly there was a pride in seeing what you were doing. Your foreign policies. Your Indian policies. The LPG subsidy, the tourist visas on arrival, the GST, Aadhar, Demonetization (of course many think it was a disaster but I / We supported you on this because we knew what your intention was and we never doubted that).

So much so, that I just quit my easy job in Switzerland and came back to India. A sudden decision. Because India was changing and I wanted to be a part of it. I spent more than an year looking for a faculty position. I was told that I was qualified to join any IIT as a faculty but it did not happen. And I don’t blame you for that. I also tried to get in contact with you and the HRD ministry but I will never hold that against you. I applied I didn’t get a job. I went back to Europe. But the pride was still there. Of seeing a PM with a spine.

However, last few weeks have been disconcerting. And I will try and list a few possible reasons why I feel, I may not come back in 2019 to vote for you again.

1) Your fight against corruption: We all know you are incorruptible. Absolutely! But sir, what about your pre-election promises of bringing the corrupts to their knees? 2G scam seemed like an open and shut case. All the accused got acquitted. Adarsh scam? Vadra land grab? Coal scam? Commonwealth games scam? How come we haven’t seen any arrests in that? You said you will not go on a witch hunt. But sir, if there is a witch that has harmed the country, she needs to be hunted. Or have you left all that just before the 2019 elections? If that is the case sir, then you are just a shrewd politician. Not a tiger that we thought you were.

2) The biggest reason why I started to think about all that was India’s Israel policy when we voted against Israel in the UN regarding Jerusalem being their capital. I really tried to see what possible reason could be behind that and I saw none – other than appeasement of Muslims. A policy for which everyone hated Congress. Of course, the slap in the face by the Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan when he shared the stage with Hafiz Saeed hurts. Israel has been an unconditional friend to us and this is how we repay? There are a lot of intelligent people who have written more on this.

3) The left ecosystem. We, your so called bhakts, are tired of your ministers going for interviews to the left channels and their book release functions. Of course, you want to be all inclusive but how come, a magazine like SwarajyaMag or OpIndia never gets a big interview?

Every evening your spokespersons are seen on these TV debates where they are routinely thrashed. And yet for some reasons, without any self respect we seem them there the next day, smiling.

The isolation of your supporters by your ministers, and the arrogance that they show after your victories in every state election, is becoming too embarrassing. Most of your ministers and at times your office seems to be hell-bent on making these so-called left intellectuals happy. In return, they become more abusive towards your government and then when this hypocrisy is pointed out, the supports bear the brunt of the arrogance.

4) Pakistan policy. How come, Pakistan is still not isolated after your numerous trips to many countries? Worst still, why are we only going about tit-for-tat killing a few of their Jawans as a retaliation rather than doing something that paralyses their economy, to instill a fear in them to not mess with us. How are you doing anything different than the previous government? You had promised us that, sir. We are kind of tired of all the “Kadi Nindas”.

5) The university politics is completely dominated by the left. In Kerala, RSS leaders are butchered routinely. We don’t see any arrests made. What we do see is NGT imposing a fine on Art of Living and asking pilgrims not to chant mantras in Amarnath.

Sir, we are still proud of you. I still believe that you are the best choice India has as a PM. However, things have changed now. Voters do not have a short-term memory any more. You also have to know one more thing sir, we love our country more than we love you. And if we do realise that you are not good enough for our country, we will dump you. Country comes first. If this continues, I know for sure, I am not coming back in 2019 to vote for you. It’s just not worth it.

Best things to have happened to India in 2017

manjeetsingh
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Best things to have happened to India in 2017

Last week of the year is in progress and from next week we will step into 2018. So let’s recap all the good thing happen to our Country. Let’s focus on the good things happened to us.

We finally had a Miss world after the gap of 17 years. Haryana resident Manushi Chillar pipped the final five contestants and brought back the crown to India.

Sports

Khelo India Khelo is a great grass root initiative launched by the sports ministry under Rajyavardhan Rathore.

2017 has seen greater performances from the Indian shuttlers as 13 major titles have been won by our 7 different players. Star of the year was Kidambi Srikant with four series titles. India never had such a great year when it comes to Badminton and if we look at the list of our players, I am pretty confident 2018 will be bigger and better. Saina, Sindhu, Srikanth, Prannoy, Praneeth, Sameer, Pranaav, and Sikki all were phenomenal.

Our wrestlers ended the year on a good note. India won 10 gold and as many silver medals on the first day of the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship in South Africa’s Johannesburg.

Indian Hockey team men and women both, won 2017 Asia cup. The year-end bronze in the world league finals in Orissa is evidence that the Hockey is gradually getting back on track.

Mithali Raj took our Indian Women Cricket team to World Cup finals. Virat and team India dominated the world cricket. What they have displayed throughout the year is a continuous hunger to win. The best part about this dominance displayed by Team India is that not only has it been in Test cricket but also in ODI and T20I. With 4969 points, India is the No 1 Test team in the world. In ODIs, they are second only to South Africa, while in T20Is they are once again second only to Pakistan.

India hosted U-17 FIFA world cup and it’s the first major FIFA tournament India has ever hosted. Indian football team has improved its ranking from 135 to 105. Great improvement.

Mirabai Chanu becomes first India in 2 decades to win a gold at world weightlifting championship.

2018 is going to be very excited about India sports.

Science and Tech

2017 was full of achievements for ISRO. One of the best moment was the launch of PSLV- c37, which carried 104 satellites in on go. ISRO also launched GSLV- Mk III this year. ISRO launched Cartosat, Nano, NIUSAT and 29 other satellites which were contributed by 14 countries.

2018 will be very exciting, as we will have our second moon mission- Chandrayaan.

The year 2017 was big for Indian astronomers for two things — one, the Nobel Prize for the discovery of Gravitational Waves that had some contribution from our scientists, and two, was the discovery of a supercluster of galaxies and it was named being as “Saraswati”

Delhi Metro became the world’s first green metro and its expanding so fast.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), in a collaborative effort with ISRO’s Semi-Conductor Labs (SCL), Chandigarh, have developed a completely indigenous Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) that can work with the other type of transistor, called BiCMOS. Make in India is showing some good signs of progress.

Social Reforms

Parliament passed Triple Talaq bill (lower house) and Six months paid maternity leave this year. Triple Talaq is still to be produced in Upper house. If we look across the world, India has become the country to grant the third highest maternity leave after Canada and Norway.

A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that privacy will be fundamental right under the Article 21 of the constitution

Women Empowerment

The Indian Navy has its first women pilot. Mumbai fire department hired 97 female fighters. Let’s all stand and applaud for Indian women. If you look at the entire list, then you will realize India women are doing great things in almost every department.

Ann Divya became youngest female commander in the world to fly a Boeing 777. Congrats girl.

Economy

2017 was a great year for India’s economy. GST has made 2017 as a most significant year for our economy since independence. There were some problems in implementation but after few months things came back on track.

Dynamic Fuel pricing got started this year. Starting June this year, India joined the league of select countries like the US and Australia where fuel prices are revised on a daily basis.

In October this year, the finance ministry announced a mega Rs 2.11 lakh crore recapitalization plan for PSU banks over the next two years. It was very necessary for Indian economy that its government bank stay strong and after this recapitalization, PSU banks have got the second life.

A major reform aimed at cutting down on the long-drawn framework for resolving insolvencies without offering an economically viable arrangement, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 came into effect this year.

Our Ease Of Doing Business ranking has also improved. Moody’s has improved India’s credit rating citing reforms by the Modi government.

Happy New year to everyone!

The Rajdhani Express system is the product of a colonized mind

prashantb1984
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0
The Rajdhani Express system is the product of a colonized mind

During the days of the British Raj, many Britishers used to arrive in Mumbai by steamer and then travel to Delhi on classic trains such as Frontier Mail and the Punjab Mail which were special trains and far more luxurious than the average Indian train.

The Rajdhani Express reeks of the same colonial mindset. There is enough to suggest that it was created with the same colonial intent: to serve the ruling classes in the states and to make it easier for them to travel to Delhi.

While the recently introduced Duronto Express trains and Sampark Kranti Express trains have improved connectivity between all major stations to some extent, all the Rajdhani Express trains run to/from Delhi (hence the name). So you have fast trains between Delhi and Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, Delhi and Secunderabad, Delhi and Chennai – but we only have snail slow services between other major pairs of stations like Bangalore – Mumbai, Kolkata – Chennai, Bangalore – Kolkata, Hyderabad – Kolkata, Mumbai – Kolkata and so on.

This asymmetry should be unacceptable in a democratic country where taxpayers are spread nationwide and cities like Mumbai and Bangalore which contribute a disproportionate amount to the national exchequer, get next to nothing in return, in terms of relatively high speed rail connectivity with cities other than Delhi. It is time to address this wrong.  It is time to address the serious asymmetry in India’s railway network where all major rail services generally lead to Delhi.

In fact, not only do we need fast trains between all pairs of tier-1 and tier-2 cities, we also need tier-3 towns and cities to be a part of routes of trains with speeds exceeding 80 or 90 kmph. Only then can one justify the tax collection which happens from all states, cities, towns and villages although in varying extents.

Twitter celebrates as Triple Talaq Bill is passed in Lok Sabha

chiragkhetan
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0
Twitter celebrates as Triple Talaq Bill is passed in Lok Sabha

28th December 2017 a historic day for all the women of Muslim community. A day when the lower house “Lok Sabha” has passed bill banning and punishing the practice of Triple Talaq.

Soon after Triple Talaq bill was passed, Twitter erupted with lots of reactions. Have a look:

Now Since the bill has been passed in Lok Sabha, it will be tabled in Rajya Sabha next week. After passing, it will be sent to President and then will became a law.

Triple Talaq Bill is just a step towards empowerment of Muslim women. Our government needs to do more. Bringing Uniform Civil Code Bill should now be a priority.

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