The PM did make a valid point when he criticised the Congress for categorising the entire Muslim community in Karnataka under the Other Backward Classes. It is pure appeasement of Ashraaf Muslims and discriminates against Pasmandas.
Speaking at launch of economist Surjit Bhalla’s book, S Jaishankar also highlights Gen Z’s engagement with ‘reel culture’, which has 'promoted awareness, created interest in many subjects'.
Germany’s erstwhile Christian Democratic Union govt, led by Angela Merkel, prevented sale of small arms to police forces in states they perceived had ‘bad human rights record’.
The specific points raised in the article are indeed relevant and Modi government has not moved forward at all on any of those in its 4 years of tenure. It appears that Modi never gave much importance to defence portfolio. Initially, there was delay in appointing full time defence minister till Parikar was appointed. Parikar started well but could not move much in strategic issues facing the defence and then ran away to Goa at the first opportunity. Thereafter, Nirmala is holding the charge but again, there are no developments on these important issues.
On the hand, Rafale hogged the limelight in the last 2 years for all wrong reasons. It was badly handled right from beginning. It appeared that Parikar was not even aware of Modi’s announcement of buying 36 Rafales. This is indeed very strange and thereafter, there was never any clear explanation as to why Modi government decided to cancel the RFP at that stage and go for a direct purchase, an option which was never on the table before. While there is no doubt that Rafale was required for strategic purpose and was wanted by IAF and there was no corruption of any sort involved in the deal, the process and lack of communication on the process leaves a terribly poor impression about the government. It seems that the way Modi had a clear view on foreign affairs, he lacked any views on defence issues and left it to Arun Jaitley initially and then to others. Even Shekatkar Committee report seems to have been forgotten. Overall, defence affairs need a lot to be done properly.
Having said this, the way article is written shows negative political bias of the author and that is totally irrevelant to the serious issues involved. In that sense, this article is similar to what Kumar Ketkar writes on this site!
They must have had to manufacture a special “camouflage SARI” for Nirmala Sitharaman just for this photo! (Just as Modi ji once had a special fabric manufactured for himself.) I wonder what must be the cost of making this sari, and if it will become a fashion.
The specific points raised in the article are indeed relevant and Modi government has not moved forward at all on any of those in its 4 years of tenure. It appears that Modi never gave much importance to defence portfolio. Initially, there was delay in appointing full time defence minister till Parikar was appointed. Parikar started well but could not move much in strategic issues facing the defence and then ran away to Goa at the first opportunity. Thereafter, Nirmala is holding the charge but again, there are no developments on these important issues.
On the hand, Rafale hogged the limelight in the last 2 years for all wrong reasons. It was badly handled right from beginning. It appeared that Parikar was not even aware of Modi’s announcement of buying 36 Rafales. This is indeed very strange and thereafter, there was never any clear explanation as to why Modi government decided to cancel the RFP at that stage and go for a direct purchase, an option which was never on the table before. While there is no doubt that Rafale was required for strategic purpose and was wanted by IAF and there was no corruption of any sort involved in the deal, the process and lack of communication on the process leaves a terribly poor impression about the government. It seems that the way Modi had a clear view on foreign affairs, he lacked any views on defence issues and left it to Arun Jaitley initially and then to others. Even Shekatkar Committee report seems to have been forgotten. Overall, defence affairs need a lot to be done properly.
Having said this, the way article is written shows negative political bias of the author and that is totally irrevelant to the serious issues involved. In that sense, this article is similar to what Kumar Ketkar writes on this site!
In a democracy, an election is always a time for honest stocktaking. Institutions that have stood the test of time need to be modified with care.
They must have had to manufacture a special “camouflage SARI” for Nirmala Sitharaman just for this photo! (Just as Modi ji once had a special fabric manufactured for himself.) I wonder what must be the cost of making this sari, and if it will become a fashion.