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Swami Dayanand Saraswati: Vedic Scholar, Spiritualist, Reformer & Hindu Protagonist!

Hindus and Bharat are celebrating Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s 200th birth anniversary. He’s a renowned vedic scholar, social reformer & founder of Arya Samaj. He dedicated his life to reviving purity of Vedic teachings and challenging social injustices. Dayanand Saraswati was born as Mool Shankar on February12, 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat to Karshanji Lalji Tiwari and Yashodabai in wealthy and significant Brahmin family. A staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, the young Dayanand Saraswati would stay up all night on Shivratri for prayers. Given his family’s strong beliefs in Hindu faith, Mool Shankar as he was initially known, learnt immense value of fasting, piety, and traditions in his formative years itself. At the age of eight, Mool Shankar was initiated into Brahmanic universe through the (Upanayana Sanskar) Yajnopavita Sanskar, also known as the investiture of the “twice-born”. He would honestly practice these customs.

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‘Familial Story of Violence Perpetrators Masquerading as Victims’

Over the years, Banbhoolpura in Haldwani has shot to fame as a centre for Islamist extremism. Recent history of extremist activities came to fore with violence unleashed on a police station and public transport in 2019, attacks on COVID19 healthcare personnel in 2020 and assaults on Hindus in 2022. The islamist gangs’ ties with drugs and crime apart from violence is a heady mix remenescent of Hollywood thrillers.

Geopolitics World

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Trudeau’s Lost Plot with India

Trudeau’s political gambits with Canada-based extremists threaten to undermine the fabric of Canada’s national interests, casting a long shadow over its democratic values and international relations, especially with India. Rahul PAWA In a development that could further complicate the already strained ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, a commission established by the Trudeau administration to probe foreign interference allegations has officially called on the government to release information about India’s possible role in meddling with Canada’s electoral processes. This request unfolds against a backdrop of concerns raised by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, which has pointed to covert efforts by China to influence the outcomes of Canada’s recent federal elections. A top-secret briefing report, later obtained by various news organizations, highlights the urgent need for Canada to strengthen its defences against such covert activities. The document sheds light on the sophisticated and wide-ranging campaign led by the People’s Republic of China, leveraging everything from diplomatic channels to grassroots community organizations to influence every stratum of society and governance. Adding a new layer to the narrative, the agency has expanded its scrutiny to include India, expressing its apprehensions in a detailed three-page memo that categorises India alongside China as a formidable threat to the democratic integrity of Canada. The report expressly singles out India, anticipating an uptick in interference efforts and strongly advising on the critical importance of bolstering Canada’s democratic systems and institutions to guard against external meddling. In an unfolding scenario that seems straight out of the saying ‘the pot calling the kettle black’, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, recently labeled as the worst Canadian Prime Minister in the last fifty years, is fervently aiming for a fourth term in office—a milestone last reached in 1908. Despite facing significant hurdles, including trailing behind the opposition Conservatives in polls throughout 2023, Trudeau is unwavering in his quest for re-election, seeking to surpass the achievements of his father, Pierre Trudeau, who narrowly missed winning a fourth electoral term in 1979. Yet, Trudeau’s relentless pursuit of power bears a hefty price for the Canadian people, especially against the backdrop of deteriorating ties with India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, which is seemingly distancing itself from Trudeau’s politics. This growing estrangement is largely credited to Trudeau and his close confidant, Jagmeet Singh Dhaliwal of the New Democratic Party. Since ascending to office in 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in alliance with Jagmeet Singh, has navigated the complex waters of Canadian politics with a strategy that leans heavily on the support of Pakistan backed and homegrown Khalistani separatist factions in Canada. This reliance is not merely a reflection of contemporary political strategy but also echoes a longstanding tradition within Canadian politics of providing sanctuary to individuals and organizations known for their dissent against Indian sovereignty. Throughout his tenure, Canada’s political landscape has seen Trudeau’s open endorsement of factions with a history of terrorism and violence within the Khalistani context, a stance that became more marked in the face of competition for the same voter base from Jagmeet Singh. This tactical courtship of Khalistani supporters and sympathisers by Trudeau has significantly influenced his administration’s policies towards India and its substantial diaspora in Canada evidenced by stands taken during India’s farmers protests and during illegitimate referendum dramas in Canada. This demographic, consisting of individuals from both India and Pakistan represents a critical vote bank, ostensibly enabling Trudeau to maintain his grip on power. However, this approach has raised concerns over the compromise of the broader interests of the Canadian people, highlighting a scenario where Trudeau’s political gain is seemingly placed above national welfare. Further demonstrating how their own Prime Minister has placed political gain above all, disrupting the delicate balance between fulfilling national interests and chasing personal political ambitions, especially by jeopardising the economic, moral, and internationally friendly relations with India and her citizens. In a resolute and unified rebuttal to the latest misadventure to the accusations raised by the commission under the Trudeau government, the Indian Foreign Ministry vehemently dismissed the accusations as “baseless,” “absurd,” and “motivated.” The Ministry highlighted that similar claims had been brought up during Trudeau’s discussions with the Indian Prime Minister, only to be “completely rejected.” Furthermore, the statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry emphasised, “It is not the policy of the Government of India to meddle in the democratic processes of other countries. Contrary to these allegations, it is, in fact, Canada that has been found interfering in India’s internal matters.” The statement also reiterated India’s longstanding concern regarding Canada’s approach towards separatists, terrorists, and anti-India groups. This sharp rebuttal does more than just dismiss the claims; it redirects the focus onto the underlying diplomatic friction between the two nations, emphasizing India’s strongest objections to Canada’s treatment of elements opposed to Indian interests. The intensifying diplomatic standoff between Ottawa and New Delhi marks a pivotal moment, casting a spotlight on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approach of political appeasement toward Canada-based Khalistani extremist factions. This strategy, aimed at securing votes and maintaining power, appears to have jeopardised the broader interests of Canada in favour of Trudeau’s personal political ambitions. The engagement with Khalistani elements by the Trudeau administration has not only soured relations with India but also underscored the fragile interplay between domestic political tactics and the responsibilities of international diplomacy. The firm rejection by the Indian government of the allegations put forth by a commission established under Trudeau’s government deepens the diplomatic divide, signalling a dramatic shift away from a foundation of mutual respect and shared democratic ideals. This situation has led to a moment of reckoning, with India responding with decisive words that challenge the veracity of the Canadian Prime Minister’s stance, thereby reshaping the contours of an intricate bilateral relationship. (Rahul Pawa is director of research at the Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies in Delhi, India, specialising in international law, crime, security, future-tech & futuristic warfare.)

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Unique Art & Science That Awes!

Gone are the days of coalition politics where regional parties held the sway that led to protracted policy paralysis? It’s Prime Minister Modi’s leadership that stands out post-2014 Amritpal Kaur/New Delhi Prior to 2014, modus vivendi of Indian electoral politics centred in multiparty coalitions. No single party with all India presence had won a clear majority since 1989. There seemed to be a tacit agreement among political parties on respective regional and national electoral sphere with clear vote-banks and core cadre. India was said to be living in an era of ‘coalition politics’ with sway of regional parties to become ‘kingmakers’ in the national politics. On the one hand this led to increase in regional voices at national level and on the other, it led to what was touted as policy paralysis as then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had to become a prisoner to coalition dharma. The chaos that coalition politics created for governance and central administration was acutely visible at policy implementation level. A number of promising policies were held hostage at the hands of regional political leadership which lacked specialization and orientation to fathom national interests beyond petty political gains. This intransigence turned into a nightmare as national parties failed to bring forth accepted leaders in whom people across regions could reposit their faith. This tricky transient situation changed with 2014 general elections. Prime Minister Modi rose on the national horizon with a clear mandate and secured comfortable majority, a feat that had almost became subject matter of electoral lore of a bygone era. This feat was achieved mainly due to a fundamental difference between Prime Minister Modi and his competitors i.e. the conviction and perception of Modi in the minds of people. He has successfully put forth the image of an efficient and honest administrator and a reformer with the concern for public at heart. What is refreshing about Prime Minister Modi is the fact that he exuberate confidence and reinstates it in general masses about India’s future. At policy level, a few commentators put Modi’s politics to the left of right wing on political spectrum. This was reached derived due to his unequivocal clarity on policy reforms. After all being said and done, what matters is development and reforms done on the ground that directly impacts people’s lives and is not just ‘business as usual’. Prime Minister Modi has been able to achieve it. What has helped him is the clear majority in both houses of Parliament. Pressure of ‘coalition dharma’ is not on his shoulders and it has allowed him to streamline governance, its aims and goals far more clearly. This phenomenon coupled with his track record as an administrator has enabled Prime Minister Modi to build his own political capital which has stood in good stead for him in consecutive general elections. There is no pied piper effect here but a genuine belief of majority Indians that given the variety of leaders in the present generation Prime Minister Modi is primus inter pares. The faith reposited in the present government is unprecedented, probably to be matched only by the premiership of Pt. Nehru or Smt Indira Gandhi. However, the crucial difference between Nehru and Modi is that Nehru rode on latent political capital of Indian National Congress that came fresh out of British colonial rule. On the contrary, Modi had generated his political capital in part from his days as a ground level political activist and three-term tenure as chief Minister of Gujarat and partly on the account of the severe anti-incumbency effect for the previous regime. Last ten years have been watershed era for Indian administration as much as Indian politics that revolves around regional parties and national coalitions. The Government under Prime Minister Modi has brought in a number of long-pending reforms in different facets of Indian political economy with far reaching impact. Goods and Services tax (GST) is a good example of success of Prime Minister Modi’s regime. Though the work for the unified and harmonized pan Indian tax system was in the pipeline for over two decades, yet this revolutionary tax regime could not see light of the day simply because there was no clear majority for any one party or likeminded parties in the Centre. From modified value added tax to GST has been a long and arduous journey because it directly addressed the issue of fiscal federalism, the Centre and the states needed to work in tandem. The GST also entailed a complex interplay of rules at various levels of governance, which in a frank assessment was a Himalayan task for any government in best of the circumstances. That central government under Prime Minister Modi was able to achieve it, speaks volumes about its acumen to overcome policy paralysis, a quality essential to ensure overall development of the country. It is said that proof of the pudding is in eating and in many ways Indian economy is reaping benefits of the GST system. As the latest data shows, in December 2023, GST collection rose year-on-year by 12 per cent with record monthly collection of Rs 1.66 Lakh crore. Initial modest projection of achieving Rs 100,000 crore monthly was surpassed big time. The data makes a couple of irrefutable claims. One, the initial hiccups in indirect taxes system in India is now over and we are looking at a well-oiled machine. Secondly, the country realized one nation one tax system. The unified economic structure will enable Indian economy to escape the systemic velocity of a diffused and myriad tax structure. Another outstanding feature of Indian economic reforms in last decade is introduction of JAM trinity which became the conduit of digitization of Indian economy. In six years, JAM trinity which includes Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhar Card and Mobile phone has changed the contours of India’s retail economy in the context of money transactions. The feats that it achieved includes financial inclusion of various segments of population especially women who hold 260 million accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana

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Situational Analysis: Persecution of Bangladesh’s Hindus Intensifies

At the time of India’s independence from British colonialism in 1947, the predominantly Muslim eastern portion of Bengal province because East Pakistan, which declared independence as Bangladesh in 1971. The circumstances facing the Hindu population in Bangladesh are alarming. Being a minority in a largely Muslim nation, they are subjected to various forms of persecution, including theft, physical aggression, sexual violence, coerced conversions to Islam, desecration of religious sanctuaries, illegal confiscation of properties, and forced displacement. This analysis underscores the adversities encountered by Hindus in Bangladesh. The Hindu population has significantly dwindled over the last seventy years.

Geopolitics Guest Column Hindus Leadership Media Policy Security World

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Supreme Court’s Verdict on the Amendment of Article 370 is Historic: PM

Narendra Modi The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi said that the Supreme Court’s verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019. Shri Modi also said that the Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else. The Prime Minister posted on X; “Today’s Supreme Court verdict on the abrogation of Article 370 is historic and constitutionally upholds the decision taken by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019; it is a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else. I want to assure the resilient people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh that our commitment to fulfilling your dreams remains unwavering. We are determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of our society who suffered due to Article 370. The verdict today is not just a legal judgment; it is a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to our collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India. #NayaJammuKashmir” (Author is Prime Minister of India)

Education Hindus Media World

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Ram Mandir Saga: Unraveling Bharat’s Timeless Cultural Heritage

In heart of Ayodhya, where history and spirituality intertwine, a monumental transformation has emerged — one that symbolizes unity, reconciliation and the shared cultural heritage of a diverse nation. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Maryada Purshottam Lord Shree Ram Mandir on the Janmabhoomi is set to be held on January 22, 2023. Rohan Giri Protracted and arduous journey in the run up to construct a grand temple for Lord Shree Ram is a testament to resilience and maturity of Bharatiya people that seek to build a future on understanding and mutual respect. This grand temple and consecration of Lord Ram scheduled for January 22 next year symbolizes national unity, reminding us that, despite our differences, we share common history and rich cultural roots. Construction of Ram Mandir has paved the way for a new era of inclusivity in Bharat. The project concerned reconstructing a magnificent temple, healing wounds and fostering a sense of belonging among all communities. The site has been transformed into a symbol of shared heritage, inviting people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate Bharat’s cultural mosaic. Before delving into the ongoing construction of Ram mandir in Ayodhya, we must acquaint ourselves with a timeless story that transcends epochs, echoing the collective heartbeat of a nation. The saga unfolds in Treta Yuga, as Ayodhya etches its indelible mark in the historical scrolls as the majestic capital of Ikshvaku dynasty. Under the reign of King Dasarath, the city witnessed birth of Bhagwan Shree Ram, the paragon of virtue. Ayodhya’s historical roots delve into the ancient scriptures of Ramayana and Skanda Purana, narrating the story of the birth of revered Shree Ram. Hindu epic Ramayana tells the saga of Shree Ram’s exile, the abduction of mata Sita, and his triumphant return to Ayodhya. As time unfolded into Dvapara Yuga, Ram mandir persisted as symbol of reverence, preserving the legacy of Lord Ram and the ideals he embodied. Although this age was characterized by advent of Lord Krishna, the sanctity of Ayodhya and Ram mandir endured as a revered pilgrimage site. In the contemporary era, identified as the Kali Yuga, the narrative of Ram Janmabhoomi faced formidable challenges with the advent of Islamic rulers, marking the onset of a chapter rife with destruction and radical change. The construction of the Babri Mosque atop the Ram Mandir by Mir Baqi during Babur’s reign brought about a profound alteration in the city’s landscape, giving rise to a complex juxtaposition of faiths that would unfold and resonate over centuries. In the period of Mughal invaders, Bharat harboured a multitude of temples, nearly all of which were meticulously targeted, demolished, and subsequently replaced with new or Islamic religious structures. Many temples, their historical significance now erased, serve as silent witnesses to this tumultuous period. A current national debate centres on Ram Janmabhoomi and Krishna Janmabhoomi, as they are the most revered deities in Bharat. In Hindu Dharma, temples hold profound significance, serving as centres of divine spiritual devotion, worship and as sources of culture, traditions, music, dance, education, architecture, food, yoga, meditation, and medicine. Presently, a significant majority of Bharatiyas are advocating for restoration of these heritage sites, which suffered demolition during invasions, emphasizing the necessity for redevelopment. Additionally, there is a growing call for the establishment of proper maintenance mechanisms for the most significant temples, especially those in remote areas. Centuries later, after a 134-year-long cultural, historical, and civilizational legal battle, the essence of Ayodhya was reaffirmed in the Supreme Court’s unanimous verdict in 2019. This landmark decision rested on concrete evidence rather than mere faith, marking a significant moment in the sacred land’s enduring journey. The decision paved the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir, a symbol of hope and unity for millions of devotees globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s auspicious pooja on August 5, 2020, marked the official commencement of the Mandir’s construction—a moment etched in the annals of history. Historical turbulence notwithstanding, Ayodhya’s spirit endured, transcending borders and resonating globally. Devotion for Bhagwan Ram extends beyond Bharat, with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and other nations expressing reverence for Ayodhya’s cultural significance. The Pran Pratishtha, consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir stands as a poignant reminder of the shared values that unite the people of Bharat. The Mandir’s grandeur symbolizes deep devotion to Lord Ram and represents a collective determination to transcend historical grievances and welcome a future marked by shared prosperity. Ayodhya holds a sacred place alongside Mathura and Haridwar, encapsulating the cultural and spiritual essence of Sanatan Dharma. (Rohan is a journalism graduate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi, and Manager Operations at CIHS.)

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Bharat’s G-20 Presidency for World

Roadmap for human centric, inclusive & green development with climate justice; re-designing multilateral banks, leadership for global south big takeaways Narendra Modi During its time, India achieved the extraordinary: It revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women. Today marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 presidency. It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. As we undertook this responsibility last year, the global landscape grappled with multifaceted challenges: Recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, looming climate threats, financial instability, and debt distress in developing nations — all amid declining multilateralism. In the midst of conflicts and competition, development cooperation suffered, impeding progress. Assuming the G20 chair, India sought to offer the world an alternative to the status quo, a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress. India aimed to remind the world of what unites us, rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve — the interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it. Inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive — these four words defined our approach as G20 president, and the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles. Inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency. The inclusion of African Union (AU) as a permanent member of G20 integrated 55 African nations into the forum, expanding it to encompass 80 per cent of the global population. This proactive stance has fostered a more comprehensive dialogue on global challenges and opportunities. The first-of-its-kind ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’, convened by India in two editions heralded a new dawn for multilateralism. India mainstreamed the Global South’s concerns in the international discourse and has ushered in an era where developing countries take their rightful place in shaping the global narrative. Inclusivity also infused India’s domestic approach to G20, making it a People’s Presidency that befits the world’s largest democracy. Through “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation) events, the G20 reached 1.4 billion citizens, involving all states and Union Territories (UTs) as partners. And on substantive elements, India ensured that international attention was directed to broader developmental aims, aligning with the G20’s mandate. At the critical midpoint of the 2030 agenda, India delivered the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking a cross-cutting, action-oriented approach to interconnected issues, including health, education, gender equality and environmental sustainability. A key area driving this progress is the robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Here, India was decisive in its recommendations, having witnessed the revolutionary impact of digital innovations like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker first-hand. Through the G20, we successfully completed the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, a significant stride in global technological collaboration. This repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, will help the Global South build, adopt, and scale DPI to unlock the power of inclusive growth. For our One Earth, we introduced ambitious and inclusive aims to create urgent, lasting, and equitable change. The Declaration’s Green Development Pact addresses the challenges of choosing between combating hunger and protecting the planet, by outlining a comprehensive roadmap where employment and ecosystems are complimentary, consumption is climate-conscious, and production is planet-friendly. In tandem, the G20 Declaration calls for an ambitious tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Coupled with the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance and a concerted push for Green Hydrogen, the G20’s ambitions to build a cleaner, greener world are undeniable. This has always been India’s ethos, and through Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), the world can benefit from our age-old sustainable traditions. Further, the Declaration underscores our commitment to climate justice and equity, urging substantial financial and technological support from the Global North. For the first time, there was a recognition of the quantum jump needed in the magnitude of development financing, moving from billions to trillions of dollars. The G20 acknowledged that developing countries require $5.9 trillion to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030. Given the monumental resources required, the G20 emphasised the importance of better, larger, and more effective Multilateral Development Banks. Concurrently, India is taking a leading role in UN reforms, especially in the restructuring of principal organs like the UN Security Council that will ensure a more equitable global order. Gender equality took centre stage in the Declaration, culminating in the formation of a dedicated Working Group on the Empowerment of Women next year. India’s Women’s Reservation Bill 2023, reserving one-third of India’s Parliament and state legislative assembly seats for women, epitomises our commitment to women-led development. The New Delhi Declaration embodies a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence, reliable trade, and ambitious climate action. It is a matter of pride that during our presidency, G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past. During our G20 presidency, India led deliberations on geopolitical issues and their impact on economic growth and development. Terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians are unacceptable, and we must address them with a policy of zero tolerance. We must embody humanitarianism over hostility and reiterate that this is not an era of war. I am delighted that during our presidency, India achieved the extraordinary: It revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women everywhere. As we hand over the G20 presidency to Brazil, we do so with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come. (Author is Prime Minister of India)

Cyber Security Disinformation Misinformation Policy Security

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Technology Paradox!

Manipulation in technology becomes an effective tool with terrorists, fraudsters and dictates political conversations posing fresh challenges to humanity K.A.Badarinath Technology works weirdly. Human mind behind evolving technologies globally is all the more weird. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a call to undertake research in areas of technology, innovation and development to further socio-economic progress, there were sneers and jeers especially the cynics. Reports appearing in media seek to underline significance of reorienting technology and scientific research to further Bharat’s development and economic prosperity. But, instances of technology manipulation have shaken Bharat’s conscience. Mahdev app is one of several fraudulent platforms that crept into the system and helped the crooks launder money, betting by vulnerable people, spread corrupt practices and bankroll political parties. About 22 such apps and websites were either restricted or banned completely by Bharat’s government this Sunday. Reports quoting Enforcement Directorate documents suggest that Rs 508 crore was paid to Chattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel as kickbacks for facilitating technology driven betting apparently managed and manipulated from Dubai. These funds were to support campaign of Indian National Congress fighting anti-incumbency in legislative assembly elections. Promoting corrupt practices through the instrument of technology is what has come to fore. Weird brains behind crafted technology platforms to further betting and entice vulnerable people with promise of big money may require closer scrutiny. Making conscious attempt to hoodwink law enforcement agencies by harvesting technology to ‘rob’ people of their hard earned money need to be recognized by ‘evolved societies’ that push for big technology foray. It’s not just technology driven software programmed betting apps that wreaked havoc on gullible people in Bharat as was the case with Mahadev App that was largely operated and managed from Dubai by its promoters and were hand in glove with Bhupesh Bhagel government’s bigwigs and ruling party bosses in the state. At a meeting of Thinkers Forum in Karnataka, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently pointed to technology driven apps that were used by fraudsters and speculators to work up or pull down specifistocks, investment instruments apart from drumming up support as well as marketing Ponzi schemes. Genuine investors and savings of hard working people were bound to be lost to unscrupulous elements that manipulated technology to perpetuate financial crimes. Recent cash for questions scam being investigated by an ethics committee of Parliament also have a similar narrative. The accused Member of Parliament from opposition, Trinamool Congress Mahua Moitra apparently passed on her official mail login and passwords to corporate houses. Mail ID of this jet-setting MP were used and abused by corporate houses to steer Parliamentary discussions on issues that possibly relate to them. Dubai was the favourite destination for this MP from where her mail ID was logged in over 45 times by alleged handlers. A sweep of servers access and technology interface for this mail ID revealed the way she operated in conjunction with her corporate masters from whom she reportedly received expensive gifts and unlimited hospitality. Quick spread of artificial intelligence will not only disrupt Bharat’s society like any others, increase in financial crimes driven by technology is a foregone conclusion. Unprecedented advances in computer vision, languages processing, robotics have only complicated the world of money. Fraudsters are bound to have a hay day given issues relating to safety, accountability and transparency of technology driven, artificial intelligence propelled processes that govern the world of finance, banking, insurance, pension funds and markets. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had recently compared dealing with artificial intelligence to emergence of internet or electricity several decades earlier. Rishi Sunak is right when he says that artificial intelligence brought with it fears that’s unparalleled in history of human evolution. Apart from large scale frauds, artificial intelligence and other cutting edge technologies have also brought fears of cyber-attacks, disinformation and it was an effective tool in hands of criminals and terrorists. Though the Bletchley declaration boasted of 29 countries including China and European Union being signatories to an alliance on artificial intelligence, there were enough naysayers especially the technology honchos of Meta and Tesla variety. From simple financial frauds to dictating political conversations, technology has emerged as the biggest threat in the hands of lumpen elements , terror mongers of every shade, variety & religious denomination apart from human disruptors. Moulding technology for human welfare, progress and development, spread of prosperity is the biggest challenge. (author is Director and Chief Executive of New Delhi based non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies)

Business Education Geopolitics Leadership Policy Technology

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Five big ideas to make Bharat a developed nation @2047!

K.A.Badarinath Niti Aayog in consultation with stakeholders has been readying a vision document for Bharat to evolve as a developed country in 25 years from now. This document is expected to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 90 days from now. Bharat celebrates 100-years as an independent nation in 2047 free from clutches of imperialistic British rule. By then, the country will have to implement a flawless plan to not fall into classic middle-income trap and emerge as a thriving developed economy. Given that independent consultancies and multi-lateral funding agencies foresee possibility of becoming a developed country, getting there seamlessly is what the government may have to work on. For this to happen, primacy must be on moderating rising cost of goods and services and at the same time sustain quality, quantity and price competitiveness for these items apart providing access to Bharat’s market. A national debate may have to be kicked off by Niti Aayog to get the strategy right instead of limiting their consultation to a powerful few that matter today. Fresh ideas and concepts need serious consideration to bolster moves to turn Bharat into third largest economy with US $ 30 trillion size overshadowing Germany and Japan by 2030. Here are the five big ideas that CIHS offers: Economy’s fourth pillar: Economic restructuring is something that needs to be undertaken urgently and expeditiously thereby preparing the ground for transformation into a developed country. For that to happen, fourth pillar of the economy needs to be built painstakingly. Grassroots businesses, cooperatives, producers’ organizations with direct linkages to consumers may have to don this role. Many of these consumers may also be business partners of these enterprises. Foreign, domestic, public sector investments apart from household savings and spending through annual budgets by states and centre may not suffice to trigger the transformative change that Bharat is aspiring for. Carving out at least 500,000 grassroots cooperatives in select sectors to provide goods and services, undertake exports and provide jobs may have to be scientifically designed. Bharat needs to be designed as the ‘largest participative economy’ that’s not constrained or limited by stock markets, portfolio investors, domestic savings or foreign funds. A large number of big, medium and small profitable enterprises in cooperative sector that are essentially rural will have to emerge and take the lead in next phase of economic expansion. Extending beyond possible 50 lakh street vendors, 66 lakh loans and a measly Rs 8600 crore is something that Bharat has to plan for at grassroots. From banking, insurance, pension funds to home grown low cost, home or family based enterprises run on the spirit of cooperation and sustainability is what Bharat may have to design. Recalibrating defunct or loss-making cooperatives by inducing professionalism and spirit of enterprises may be the starting point. Bharat’s government at centre, states and local bodies or district administration will have to collaborate to rejig the cooperatives and establish 500,000 new enterprises that are worth billions of dollars. Antyodaya: Reaching out to last individual standing in the line should form bulwark of the restructuring plan that takes Bharat to aspired third position in global economic pecking order. In the spirit of Antyodaya, broadening and deepening economic growth story to turn ‘all inclusive’ from spread of prosperity to providing services at lowest strata of village panchayats is something Bharat can work on. If message of ‘Bhagwan Ram’ can be taken to 500,000 villages to mobilize support for construction of a grand temple at Ayodhya on mission mode, there’s no reason why the ‘Antyodaya’ movement cannot methodically reach these far-flung places and people in seven years. Like Ram Lulla signifies unification of a diverse Bharat’s society, Antyodaya should serve as unified economic emancipation and empowerment plan. Antyodaya cannot be limited to a ‘food scheme’, ‘skills development or a couple of projects in states or centre. An economic model that allows uplift of people at lowest strata in a protracted but sustained way needs to be rolled out by both central government and states in the spirit of ‘team Bharat’. For too long, there has been debate on ‘Antyodaya’ as the clinching factor in economic transformation, both in right wing and Left of centre political formations. Getting the model right is the key and implementing ‘Antyodaya’ taking each family as a unit to building clusters of self-ruled and sustained villages. This would translate to decentralization and democratization at lowest in the economic pyramid. 100 big Indian brands & companies: Can we take this economic change to a different level? In next seven years, can we build 100 known desi global brands for goods and services consumed in at least 25 countries each? Should we not chart a plan to build at least 100 large trans-national behemoths that account for about $ 10 trillion? Do our enterprises have the heft to get there and be there in the reckoning? Big question therefore is when do we build our own ‘Apple’ kind of a trillion dollar enterprises? Let’s concede that unless wealth is produced, democratically spread and celebrated, this cannot happen. From banking, insurance, pension funds to iconic products and services can be ‘Made in India’ for the world, owned by Indians that showcase them with pride. Identify at least ten sectors in which the transformation that can be achieved by drawing up fool-proof plans. Here again democratization of these giant enterprises is what can be attempted with millions of stakeholders controlling the wealth. Strategic investment plans: Investments and businesses can be dovetailed to suit Bharat’s strategic futuristic plans. This involves careful assessment of Bharat’s interests, both offensive and defensive, to ride on the right horse. Chinese Communist Party has made strategic investments globally to suit President Xi Jingping’s aspiration of ruling the country for life time. In Bharat’s context, it cannot be individual centric but role the country would play internationally, both soft and strategic. Identifying a dozen areas with strategic interface and clear goal posts set for these enterprises may have to be readied

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