Former Governor, Jammu & Kashmir
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The vote is the most powerful instrument devised by human beings for breaking down injustice. — Lyndon B Johnson
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Maharashtra's language politics mirror Tamil Nadu's, raising concerns about language imposition. The Supreme Court questions Bihar's electoral roll revision, focusing on citizenship verification and document acceptance. Incidents of shaming girls for menstruation highlight societal hypocrisy and the need for empathy. Two Haryana tragedies emphasize the importance of mental health support and improved family communication.
Indian R&D suffers due to lack of funds and talent drain. Nimisha Priya's case demands urgent diplomatic intervention. Bridge collapses highlight compromised safety and accountability failures. The Vadodara bridge collapse indicates government negligence. Grounding aging Jaguar aircraft is essential for pilot safety. Defence procurement faces delays and unmet requirements despite political promises.
India is leveraging BRICS to lead emerging economies, advocating for global equity and reforming institutions. Punjab's crime stems from economic downturn and requires socio-economic development and youth skill-building. A needs-based approach, value education, and ethical economics are also vital. India's Test victory at Edgbaston, led by Shubman Gill, is a significant achievement. India must bolster its military strength, investing more in defense to counter threats.
India's Constitution guarantees religious freedom, but commercializing religion is criticized. The Election Commission is accused of bias. Political parties are exploiting sentiments. Violence against Hindi speakers is condemned as anti-national. BRICS's selective condemnation undermines its unity. Sextortion is prevalent due to victims' silence.
India faces agricultural market pressures and diplomatic challenges, particularly concerning China-Pakistan relations and Pakistan's role in terrorism. Trump's tax bill is criticized for increasing inequality. Allowing Pakistan's hockey team to play in India, despite past violence, is questioned. PM Modi's Caribbean visit highlights strong diaspora ties.
The letters highlight concerns about voter disenfranchisement in Bihar due to the election roll revision, urge India to maintain an independent foreign policy, criticize the Quad's reluctance to name Pakistan in the Pahalgam terror attack, condemn vigilantism, and praise new cab guidelines for balancing consumer and driver interests.
Air India's safety lapses raise concerns about flight checks, spare parts, and audiovisual system failures. The Dalai Lama's successor will be determined by a Trust, rejecting state interference. NHAI's faulty roadwork and insensitive counsel response highlight shortcomings. Art and music bridge borders, celebrated even amidst strained relations. Locals in Barcelona protest mass tourism's negative impacts.
New criminal laws require proper implementation despite a judge shortage. Road construction and unregulated building contribute to disasters, necessitating stricter controls. Man-made factors, not just nature, cause flooding. Voter verification requiring birth details could disenfranchise vulnerable citizens. The US aims to protect its interests in the Middle East. Pharma units in Himachal Pradesh lack adequate safety measures and are at risk.
This day that year View More 
Sir Malcolm Hailey announced the release of Sikh prisoners with conditions tied to the Gurdwara Bill. The government's rationale is that the bill will resolve conflicts that led to the arrests. The author believes the conditions, requiring obedience to a law the prisoners sought, won't significantly change their situation.
The article critiques Lord Birkenhead's speech, alleging it skillfully avoids addressing India's desire for constitutional revision. Birkenhead's pronouncements on the revision date and future constitution are seen as empty gestures, employing clever language to give the impression of generosity without offering concrete action.
Lord Birkenhead's statements are criticized as insulting and historically inaccurate. He declared that Britain's rule in India was based on force and that India was not and never had been a nation. The author argues India possessed a fundamental unity and was progressing towards political nationhood before British control.
The author argues against distributing local representation solely by population. They highlight that financial contribution was historically considered in England, and that non-Mahomedans, as the majority of tradespeople, have a greater stake in local prosperity.
India's ineffective constitutional agitation stemmed from lacking the resolute will to enforce demands, unlike England. Indians, after initial failures, often lacked alternative strategies, leading to despair or persistent, but limited, successes. True national goals were rarely achieved.
Lord Birkenhead's speech is a direct challenge to India, urging a demonstration of patriotism and love of freedom. Regardless of the ruling party in England, India faces a unified front of political leaders resisting Indian self-governance, including Conservatives, Liberals, and even some in Labour.
Lord Birkenhead's speech revealed Britain's intention to maintain control of India, citing a historical justification of preventing chaos. The author disputes this, claiming Britain's initial motives were economic, not to save Indian civilization.
A memorandum signed by 40 prominent Indian figures advocates for the Commonwealth of India Bill's immediate passage. The signatories represent diverse political factions, demonstrating broad support. While some key leaders are absent, their absence doesn't signify opposition to the Bill's core principles.
India faced a 'very difficult' foreign exchange situation in early 1975 due to a large trade deficit. Though reserves were low, recent aid offers and improved export prospects led to a more manageable outlook. The Aid-India Consortium's commitments, especially from the World Bank, eased concerns despite remaining uncertainties.