WHO’s finding that it’s “extremely unlikely” coronavirus came from Wuhan lab is comforting. But its suspicion on frozen wildlife products raises new questions and could even validate China’s claim that it originated outside. This search shouldn’t end here. Finding the source is critical to stop this virus and future pandemics.
Montek Singh found agri-marketing reforms good, it’s time Congress shuns duplicity
Montek Singh Ahluwalia-led committee set up by CM Amarinder Singh recommended agri-marketing reforms and contract farming, exposing the fallacy of Congress’ opposition to Centre’s farm laws. If UPA’s planning czar found it good for Punjab, it can’t be bad for India. Congress must shun duplicity and stop fanning farmer protests.
Modi govt not renaming JNU isn’t a surprise. There’s a lot in a name
Modi government’s decision not to change JNU’s name, despite BJP leaders demanding it be named after Swami Vivekananda, isn’t a surprise. Just changing the name can’t transform JNU’s character. And taking on ideological rivals at renamed ‘Swami Vivekananda University’ won’t have the same confrontational ring. There’s lot in a name.
Can’t say if age has brought wisdom, but one no longer believes in conspiracy theories. Or the plots of Tom Clancy novels. Early on, Chinese scientists shared with their counterparts abroad the genome sequence of the Coronavirus. Allowing further research and development of vaccines to go ahead. Some initial suppression of bad news may have taken place, more out of fear than malice. In the almost one year since then, each country has had sufficient time to craft a robust response to the growing pandemic. Tragic that so many Americans have perished.
This has intrigued me. What is the role which the Congress and other parties are playing in either creating or supporting the farmers’ protests. If true, it would mark a very reassuring end to the rigor mortis that has been setting in.
One applauds the decision not to rename JNU. Bengal has shown class by not renaming Victoria Memorial either. 1947 was a cut off date, including for respecting the status quo on religious structures. Any modern Indian who has been honoured, that should endure. Governments are elected for five year terms. Which the electorate may or may not renew. They have no right to erase the recent past. Are expected to create a better future. Our children and grandchildren should look back on their tenures with a sense of nostalgia. Speaking for myself, Netaji Bose and Swami Vivekananda are not the first names one thinks of after getting up. A pantheon / mosaic / collage of great Indians has been created. It reflects broadly what each one of them has contributed. Let us not rearrange the furniture too much.