Arab-Israel war

 The Palestine- Israel conflict is a stark reminder of the unequal power dynamics at play in our world.It resembles a battle  between an ant & an elephant with Palestine representing the vulnerable ant while Israel mighty elephant .

Palestine, a tiny and feeble nation is courageously  fighting to free it's illegally occupied  land from cluches of Israel with unwavering support from USA& UK .While actions like Aqsa Torrent mosque desecration which is a symbol of oppression being faced by Palestine, had damaged to the already besieged Gaza strip and it's essential  to understand that the struggle is driven by the right cause and supported by those who have been victims of this extreme  brutality for the past about seven decades .
The primary cause of this conflict traces  back to 1946 when Israel was established.A small portion of Palestine was allocated as Israel by western powers.Since then Israel has continued to occupy most of the territory confining Palestine to a miniscule part.
The conflict,characterised by decades of violence, territorial disputes and political tensions continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability and regional peace .Israel has been dragging it's feet on question of Palestinian  statehood while it continues with the occupation and settlements leaving Palestine with no glimmer of hope .The west &US to continues to look the other way in connection  with Israel's gross rights violations.
THAT Hamas launched an attack on Israel is not entirely unexpected given Israel's oppression of the Palestine people US decries attack on Israel ,Egypt calls for restraint,  Iran backs Hamas .The paradox being US opposes Russian invasion of Ukraine but ignores occupation of Palestine territory. Every stake holder in this conflict sees an opportunity in this ` War', Israel wants to expand it's territory, Iran which has always shared a hostile relationship with Israel ,seems to want to prevent normalisation of Israel -Saudi ties, while US wants to support Israel since the latter is the linchpin of it's middle east strategy ,Whats curious is that India's condolences are always one sided

Arab-Israel war

 The situation in Gaza Strip is terribly disturbing but who is responsible for the present situation? THE Gazans are now paying the price for the folly and mindless acts of Hamas and are reduced to the status of helpless lambs to be slaughtered at the whims of Islam's jihadis who care two hoots about the loss of lives of women& children in the ongoing reprisal by Israel. To start With Hamas did the cruelest harakiri that Israel couldn't think of and as a follow up the latter is doing a great disservice to humanity as a whole.

The Israeli military's order for one million Palestinian people to relocate to North Gaza within 24 hours is a heartbreaking display of humanity. For half of the population in such a small area to be forced to move helter-skelter like desperate immigrants is a stain on our shared idea of civility. While the attack by Hamas on Israel is deplorable, Israel's retaliatory actions in Gaza are equally distressing. In this connection, it may be noted that a striking feature among the three latest wars- namely, Russia Ukraine, Armania-Azerbaijan, &Israel-- Palestine,-is the targeted killing of the civilian population. The long-drawn Ukraine war doesn't show signs of ending soon. And now a new outbreak of war in West Asia makes it imperative for global leaders to reset their their international priorities. THE economies of the world would be dented if the two parallel wars continued.
This is the greatest tragedy despite the world spending huge funds to run the UNO and quite a few other bodies to ensure the peaceful coexistence of people from various countries. However, the UN should have already taken steps to broker peace in the area. Its formation was primarily intended to prevent wars, protect human rights, and promote stability and peace in the world. Unfortunately, it has fallen short of achieving these objectives and instead has become a battleground for capitalist and communist powers led by the US & Russia, China, etc.

Demonetisation-Court verdict

The Govt and its supporters must have heaved a sigh of relief over the Supreme Court ‘sverdict supporting Modi’s 2016 demonetisation move .Though there won’t be effect even it were declared illegal,as the note ban is a closed chapter .The Govt’s act would have remained an illegal and illogical act in history,had it been declared otherwise.As such ,SC only upheld the legality of the Centre’s decision on Demonetisation and SC only looked into the process butit didn’t say whether the stated objectives were met or not.Iam of the considered opinion that it would be fallacious if NDAtreats the SC’s verdict on Demonetisation as some kind of political victory worthy of using it as an electoral weapon.However the court’s postfacto ruling is only of academic interest at this juncture and shouldn’t be interpreted as a judicial endorsement of the success of note ban which an EX-Minister was claiming .Infact entire country has endured enormous pain and suffering because of the ill-conceived and hastily implemented idea which proved to a spectacular disaster ,disrupting the economy and throwing millions out of jobs.

   While giving notification under RBI Act (26(2))Govt allowed 52 day period to exchange the banned notes, during which serpentine queues were common infront of nationalised banks across the country .About 200 people died due to prolonged wait before the banks.Nearly 15 crore people including petty traders ,casual labourersand thosewho are working with MSMES had suffered a lot with this sudden banning.It was felt by the people that this was undertaken to create an atmosphere through which the Assembly Elections could be won by BJP especially in UP in2017, One can never forget the pressure in the banking staff ; a few died ,some had to compensate money from their pockets ,sitting for very long hours .On theother hand the Govt couldn’t achieve its objectives for banning which included,controlling black money ,terror financing ,fake currency and promotion of digitalised transactions.Is it not a fact that Govt failed to curb black money as RS 15.31 lakh crores out of estimated black money of RS 15.41 lakh crores returned to bank ?Further there was 3 fold or 260% rise in  circulation of currency in this 7 years.In this backdrop its very unfortunate to hear from the apex court that there was no flaw legally . As I know , BJP and its supporters very well know the ground reality and must never indulge in such folly in future .Yesterday’s verdict by SCwas only to see the legality and constitutionality behind the Govt’s move , not Demonetisation per se 

Growing friction between Judiciary & Executive

 This is with reference to an English Daily Editorial Dt 9 th Dec,” Growing friction” between Judiciary & Executive,with regards to serious comments made by VicePresident of India Mr Jagdeep Dhankhar ,in his maiden speech in the Rajyasabha,over the issue of Appointment of Judges to the HCs& SCs, which reflects widening gap between Judiciary & Executive ,which could have been avoided.Normally when a person enters high office they prefer to say nice things and accommodative ,.platitudes rather than barbed comments are heard on the first day .This is second time in two weeks that Mr Dhankhar has raised the issue of “ judges appointments” and criticised the  Supreme court .Afew weeks ago Minister for Law& Justice Mr Kiran Rijiju,described the Colligium system as “ opaque” .He said when judges select judges there’s politics .The centre and the apex court have been on collision course with each taking potshots at the other over contentious issue .While Judiciary has been complaining about the delay in clearing the appointments,the government has been consistently raising objections over the functioning of collegium.The conflict if not resolved emicably,it could threaten the institutional balance and adversely impact the justice delivery system .As such Mr Dhankhar, it looks is yet to shed his belligerence that he exhibited in Kolkata as Governor of WB,.He became a thorn in CM Mamtha ‘s side ,incessantly slating her government and its actions.Its widely believed that he has been rewarded for his bellicosity.At any rate ,his elevation may have inspired other Governors to become more aggressive; one example is Kerala Governor ,But Dhankhar must realise that his statements will now be highlighted and scrutinised much more than earlier.He could have avoided criticism of SC in strong words.Some of the measures adopted by the government in selecting the individuals to head the constitutional bodies is questionable.Unlike the earlier CJ I ,who was perceived to be close to the government,the present CJI is more inclined to take mattersheadon.

In the instant case by echoing the government’s position on an important issue VP has not presented himself as an impartial chairman of Rajyasabha who could hope to enjoy bipartisan support in the House.This is unfortunate.

“FEARLESS IN OPPOSITION “ book by Mr P Chidambaram

 Today I have finished reading the book “Fearless in opposition “ containing most incisive Essays published in Indian Express in2016 , written by Mr P Chidambaram who headed Union Home , Finance & Commerce Ministries, 

The book mainly deals with what’s the BJP’s definition of nationalism ? Why did UPA Govt follow the policy of “strategic restraint “? How has surgical strike on currency resulted in difficulties for millions of people? These are few contentious issues that Mr Chidambaram analysed in this book. 

Dr C Rangarajan ExRBI Governor wrote “In impeccable prose Mr Chidambaram presents a scholarly survey of the events which jolted the economy and polity in2016, tracing their origins and offering answers to them” 

Displaying clarity of thought attention to detail and deep understanding of facts , he makes invaluable suggestions on numerous vexed issues . “ Fearless in opposition “ is as much a show case of Mr P Chidambaram’s impeccable writing skills . Those who do not like Mr Chidambaram especially with saffron orientation, they may not like this post at all but that’s OK , it doesn’t matter for me , and I would say it’s an excellent book one has to read . 

Fuel prices are sky high and price with certain additives crossed an unprecedented Rs.100 mark in some cities, of MP, forcing many petrol pumps to shut down as their old analogue fuel dispensing machines were not designed to show a three-digit figure. Its neighbour Maharashtra would soon knock the three-digit figures and states like AP, TS, Karnataka etc could soon follow Maharashtra in joining the Rs 100/ per litre petrol club.

In Hyderabad, I notice many families whose breadwinners are working in the private sector have faced salary cuts due to Covid19, and the continuous rise in petrol and LPG prices is, in turn, making other basic commodities beyond the reach of salaried class and particularly the poor. Since the opposition is weak, it doesn’t mean the ruling party can take people for granted while selectively making Assam Govt cut down the petrol prices, the reason everyone knows, ELECTIONS. While in opposition as CM of Gujarat our Hon’ble PM slammed the then PM, MMS, several times for frequently increasing the fuel prices, and how Mrs Smrithi Irani used to behave those days for this very reason, many would remember I hope.

The stance of the BJP on fuel prices has been quite paradoxical. While it demanded higher fuel subsidies when it was in opposition to protect consumers from higher global fuel prices when the crude oil price was as high as $110 US, a barrel. On May 16th 2014 when NDA came to power the price of petrol in Delhi was Rs 71.41 per litre, when the global price for crude oil was US $106 a barrel, to this, crude oil now stands at around US$55 a barrel, which is almost half of the price of 2014.

As BJP is in power in many states, what’s stopping it from becoming a trailblazer and also a role model for non-BJP states? Our great FM washed off her hands on this issue of rising fuel prices is befuddling  While it’s strange that our PM was blaming UPA after 7 years of being in power, for this unprecedented hike, and we have great people who only thump the desks, in support of it. Please note that during the run-up to the elections, how was the government capable of reigning the prices despite a rise in crude oil prices?

Faulty and unfair system of taxation by centre & states is the cause of the abnormal rise in fuel prices. The Centre has gradually increased the taxes on fuel and the fluctuations in crude oil prices compel oil companies to increase fuel prices. It is ironic that while the government is determined to place an intolerable burden on the poor, it is reluctant to tax profits earned by the super-rich. Undoubtedly oil is a cash cow for the government. Finally, Agriculture is a state subject. So why has the centre arrogated states power and got itself mired in an intractable controversy? When will the BJP walk the talk?

 The decision of the central government to observe the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on 23rd Jan as ”parakram divas”. I think it's only a political stunt with an eye on the ensuing Assembly elections of West Bengal. And if someone thinks it otherwise, I leave it to their wisdom. On the face of it, one would consider it a matter of great pride and patriotism though belated. Strictly speaking, Netaji was born in Cuttak, Orissa, then in Bengal Presidency Of British India. While Didi led TMC and BJP led NDA are in tandem on the issue of celebrating of Netaji's birthday. But the bone of contention is the nomenclature, Central Govt wants to call it as “Parakram Divas” the state’s TMC Govt with All India Forward Block wants it to be called “Desh Premi Divas” and both TMC&FB, are miffed with the Centre for not consulting them.

 If someone thinks that it is not a move to appease voters of West Bengal, then also I will leave it to their wisdom as it is an individual perception. With West Bengal Elections are on cards, especially when it comes to the birth anniversary of Netaji, no party wants to let the opportunity to lure the voters to slip from its hands. And it’s quite reasonable to accept the truth that Central Govt had no time to remember Netaji in the last 6/7 years from the day it came to power. But I feel the people of Bengal are shrewd enough not to fall into such traps and vote judiciously based on work done and schemes floated by Govt.

The regional party’s leaders have gone so far as to claim that it was a “stunt “by NDA keeping in mind the forthcoming Assembly Elections, and” not a mark of respect “to Netaji. Its also reported that the family members of Netaji also put their weight behind TMC’ s, “Desh Premi Divas” but they also said “ we are happy with the announcement. “ 

But the bottom line remains that true respect and honest tributes to Netaji had been if both Governments had joined hands to celebrate 125th birthday anniversary of one India’s greatest sons who strove to free India from the British Iron clutches and rather than quibbling over Netaji’s event the governments should have celebrated the event together if both are so generous and magnanimous.