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PAGE 48

The Taste With Vir: Sonia Gandhi and her reign as Congress president

opinion

Published on Oct 31, 2022 01:48 PM IST

Sonia Gandhi married for love but as time went on, it is a sense of duty that has guided her life.

The Taste With Vir: Sonia Gandhi and her reign as Congress president(PTI)

ByVir Sanghvi, Delhi

Just Like That | Notes on classical music, heritage and my own yearly traditions

On preserving the sanctity of Indian classical music – ragas — in our modern era; and the festivities, celebrations and moments of togetherness every year on Diwali

Another Diwali has come and gone. (Representative Image)

opinion

Published on Oct 30, 2022 11:05 PM IST

ByPavan K Varma

At COP27, developed nations must deliver

The UN climate meet begins on November 6. The Global North must not backtrack on its Paris pledges but commit to Global Net-Zero, and set pathways for urgent climate financing

India stands as a beacon of hope by adopting robust, upgraded Nationally Determined Contributions, driving down prices of renewables, launching Mission LiFE and spearheading both the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Oct 30, 2022 07:31 PM IST

ByTS Tirumurti

Three key lessons to be kept in mind for all times

There have been many more accomplishments in the last 38 years that we may be proud of, but these three lessons drive us to change with the times while remaining vigilant. We must keep these lessons in mind at all times

The Modi government repealed Article 370 three years ago, but today tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is breaking records. What could be a better demonstration of India’s unity, integrity, and determination to march forward indefinitely? (AFP)

opinion

Updated on Oct 30, 2022 07:28 PM IST

ByShashi Shekhar

Don’t have unrealistic demands from Sunak

The bilateral relationship is growing due to a newfound convergence in their strategic orientation. Let’s not burden Sunak with unrealistic expectations.

With his cabinet formation, Sunak tried to provide a sense of stability by bringing various factions together. He continued with three key cabinet positions from the Truss administration — Jeremy Hunt as chancellor, James Cleverly as foreign secretary and Ben Wallace as defence secretary — ensuring much-needed continuity in policymaking. (Bloomberg)

opinion

Updated on Oct 30, 2022 07:28 PM IST

ByHarsh V Pant

Crafting an ethical mode of governance for India

Gopalkrishna Gandhi outlines his vision for an India@100 that places ethics at the core of its governance

We were told, at the time of Independence, that we will collapse under the debris of our incapacity, our divisions. We have not done so. We can’t, as we turn 100, be a country that worships gods and mammon, but trashes human life, human worth. (HT Archive)

opinion

Published on Oct 29, 2022 08:30 PM IST

ByGopalkrishna Gandhi

Economic headwinds are hurting the world

There are a whole range of reasons — from systemic and structural ones to the pandemic-related supply-chain disruption and the geopolitical power play by Russia in Ukraine — that are triggering massive economic headwinds

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which led to highly punitive western sanctions against Moscow kept prices high despite measures to contain inflation. (AP)

opinion

Published on Oct 29, 2022 08:13 PM IST

ByFrank F Islam

Focus on women’s mental health, now

Depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder.

Just a dismal 0.08% of the health budget in India goes to mental health; very few organisations work in this sector and those that do are largely centred in urban areas. (Bloomberg)

opinion

Published on Oct 29, 2022 08:11 PM IST

ByLalita Panicker

What India can learn from British politics

In India, We have perhaps 200 million Muslims but they have been invisibilised. So, today, when we take pride in Sunak’s meteoric rise, why don’t we also look at ourselves and ask: Could a Muslim PM be possible in India?

Although Sunak’s elevation may be the most striking development, it’s by no means the full story. 20% of Boris Johnson’s first cabinet was of Black or Asian origin. (Reuters)

opinion

Updated on Oct 29, 2022 08:07 PM IST

ByKaran Thapar

The US and China are battling for semiconductor supremacy

The geopolitical impact of the new us controls is perhaps the most significant. The US and China’s semiconductor ecosystems might recover, but this move is a critical juncture in technology geopolitics

The geopolitical impact of the new controls is perhaps the most significant. (Reuters)

opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2022 07:44 PM IST

ByPranay Kotasthane, Abhiram Manchi

Women’s safety: A hollow slogan in the India of today

I can’t help but wonder at the depths we have plumbed in the decade since the brutality of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape led an outraged nation to demand justice, compelling the then Congress-led government to tighten rape laws.

Since 2012, violent crimes against women have only gone up, a reflection perhaps of both rising crime and greater willingness to report it.

opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2022 07:43 PM IST

ByNamita Bhandare

Pakistan is at war with itself. Can Khan reset the ending?

An unprecedented speech by the ISI chief spotlights the battle between Imran Khan and the army. But doubts persist about his success in a country where the military has always decided the balance of political power

Today, Imran Khan has been able to set the terms of the political debate in his country. This is despite being forced out of office — and now, possibly out of electoral politics. Hard-nosed Pakistan analysts explain that this capacity for survival would not be possible without at least some factions of the military backing him. (Reuters)

opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2022 07:35 PM IST

ByBarkha Dutt

First Principles | Clues to investing in crypto (or not)

The thing is, I’ve always been a crypto sceptic and have articulated that in as many words on these pages. So why bring it up again? Because of my conversation this week with Kunji.io founder, Anurag Dixit.

Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and at its peak in October 2021, each coin was worth a little over $61,000. Since then, investors have pummeled Bitcoin and this week, it is worth between $16,000-$17-000. (Shutterstock)

opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2022 05:05 PM IST

ByCharles Assisi

Policies and People | Is the wildlife act criminalising forest communities?

The Wild Life Protection Act of 1972 is 50 years old, and changes are in the offing. A new working paper evaluating the law's impact says it has criminalised the lives and livelihoods of Dalits, Adivasis, Bahujan, and Vimukta communities. The final report will be out in November.

The CPA team studied 1,414 forest offences from 2016-20 (from registers maintained by the forest department), 780 arrests from 2011-2020, and 129 FIRs from 2016-2020. (Satyabrata Tripathy/HT Photo/Representative Image)

opinion

Published on Oct 28, 2022 04:40 PM IST

ByKumKum Dasgupta

Kharge will need a strong team to deliver

As the repository of de facto power in the party, the Gandhis aren’t going anywhere. If an astute party official read it right, the compact in the making could be exemplified by arrangements that exist in the United States where the public faces of parties are distinct from their top apparatchiks

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge interacts with former party president Sonia Gandhi, New Delhi, October 26, 2022 (PTI)

opinion

Updated on Oct 27, 2022 07:35 PM IST

By Vinod Sharma

Pakistan is battling headwinds, yet again

Imran Khan’s decision to take on the army and whip up popular opinion has coincided with the retirement of army chief Qamar Bajwa at the end of November. This sets the stage for protracted uncertainty at a time the country is facing a raft of economic and social problems

The first half of General Qamar Bajwa’s tenure saw the marginalisation of Nawaz Sharif; the closing part of it has seen a reversal of that policy and Imran Khan as the target (AP)

opinion

Updated on Oct 27, 2022 07:36 PM IST

ByTCA Raghavan

Mission LiFE hopes to restore our planet

LiFE can evolve as both mission and a moveme-nt. India needs to promo-te cooperation to battle the planetary crises and create global solidarity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned LiFE as a mission that makes everyone a ‘trustee of the environment’. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres sees a sense of agency in this approach (AFP)

opinion

Updated on Oct 27, 2022 11:35 AM IST

ByArunabha Ghosh

Scientifically Speaking | Rat-human brain hybrids from human ‘minibrains’

Recently published work in Nature has been described as the creation of a “Frankenbrain” in the popular press comes in

It’s almost as if we need to grow a brain from cells to be able to understand it. Which is exactly what some scientists thought of doing. (Unsplash)

opinion

Published on Oct 26, 2022 10:46 PM IST

ByAnirban Mahapatra

Why Brazil’s election matters to the world

Regardless of the political slant of the next dispensation in Brazil, New Delhi will continue to engage deeply with Brasilia through BRICS and G20.

The two candidates vying to become Brazil’s next president – Bolsonaro and ex-president Luiz Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva – are in a no-holds-barred contest for the elections scheduled on October 30. The campaigns have become exceedingly personal, accompanied by a barrage of fake news. (AFP)

opinion

Updated on Oct 26, 2022 10:32 PM IST

ByHari Seshasayee

Strengthen collective action against terror

Forward-thinking and comprehensive national legislation can help prevent the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.

Our 21 years of experience is a lesson to the world: There is no ‘silver bullet’ or quick solution to counter the threat of terrorism in a rapidly evolving digital age (Hindustan Times)

opinion

Published on Oct 26, 2022 07:19 PM IST

ByRuchira Kamboj

Sunak will deliver progress, but don’t expect miracles in India-UK ties overnight

Just as Modi demonstrated the most razor-sharp focus on India’s economic and social development, Sunak is a British PM whose primary and only duty is to the British people.

So now that Rishi Sunak has stepped in, there is already something palpably different and reassuring in the sober, business-like tone that he has set. In his maiden speech on the threshold of the famous 10 Downing Street door, Sunak said his government would be one of “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”. Dare I say it, how very British. (Bloomberg)

opinion

Updated on Oct 26, 2022 06:01 PM IST

ByManoj Ladwa

Hutong Cat | Xi's guide on how to humiliate, if not purge, a former leader

The Chinese pride themselves on respecting their elders. However, last week, Xi Jinping, and his colleagues, overstepped that Chinese cultural taboo by publicly disrespecting his former predecessor Hu Jintao.

China’s President Xi Jinping (right) sits besides Premier Li Keqiang (left) as former president Hu Jintao (centre) is assisted to leave from the closing ceremony of the 20th China's Communist Party's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (AFP)

opinion

Published on Oct 26, 2022 05:45 PM IST

BySutirtho Patranobis

Climate and Us | COP27 should address the crucial failings of COP26

On the critical issues of climate adaptation as well as loss and damage, the voices of developing countries must be heard. Sharm El Sheikh should do what Glasgow didn't.

Pakistan Floods: A displaced girl carries a bottle of water she filled from nearby stranded flood-waters, as her family takes refuge in a camp, in Sehwan, Pakistan.(Reuters)

opinion

Published on Oct 26, 2022 05:16 PM IST

ByJayashree Nandi

As PM, Sunak brings with him more hope than worry

For the United Kingdom, it became a bit easier overnight to think of Britain as a nation of immigrants, and despite Brexit and the short-lived economic policies of Liz Truss’s rocky stint, perhaps even a land of opportunity

Nothing brings friends together as much as common enmities and at the same event Sunak hailed India-UK ties, he called China “the biggest threat to our economic and thereby national security that this country has faced in a long time”. (Reuters)

opinion

Published on Oct 25, 2022 07:43 PM IST

ByPádraig Belton

Why the UN must evolve to fight modern-day terror

The threat of terrorism itself has been fast evolving and far surpasses some of the fundamental challenges that the UN, UN Security Council, agencies and members are continuing to try and navigate

The body may find it hard to keep up to speed with the nature of modern terrorism unless it evolves its own structures to reflect the world of today and tomorrow. (Reuters)

opinion

Published on Oct 25, 2022 07:20 PM IST

ByKabir Taneja

In the North of South Asia, an arc of peace

The most populous and poorest region in the subcontinent, across national boundaries, is relatively peaceful. India must seize the moment

Investing in the region from Kashmir to Kohima, through Kathmandu and Kanpur, and viewing it as a whole will help fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for the development of the parts left behind. (ANI)

opinion

Published on Oct 25, 2022 07:09 PM IST

ByPrashant Jha

The organisation of the future is fractal

The question for incumbent CEOs is to find a way to help multifocal leaders bring the many different interlocking fractal elements together to really deliver on the full potential of a fractal organisation to unlock sustained profitable growth.

As we move from the industrial age to the information age, we are starting to see the demise of hierarchy, flattening of organisations, and inherently collaborative fractal organisations, which allow, as one business leader described, the “democratisation of data” through the real-time, transparent, multidirectional flow of data and information inside and outside the company, all of which are even more critical as the pressure of regulatory compliance, which can vary across countries, grows. (Bloomberg)

opinion

Updated on Oct 25, 2022 07:46 AM IST

ByArindam Bhattacharya and Sharad Verma

India must expand its space capacities

Space proficiency will be a crucial determinant in the pecking order in the global power calculus. It will be wise, therefore, to remodel and intensify our engagement with the long game in space now.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the inauguration of the DefExpo22, at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. (ANI)

opinion

Updated on Oct 25, 2022 06:47 AM IST

ByRaj Shukla

Why development projects are critical for rooting out extremism

Development projects bolster internal security and help policing become more focused and result-oriented, ensuring a government-people bond. This is crucial because the battle against internal terror cannot be fought without the help of the people

The experience of educating the children in the Musahar community — one of the most marginalised Dalit groups — gave us insights into why they joined the Maoist movement. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

opinion

Updated on Oct 25, 2022 06:35 AM IST

ByAmarjeet Sinha

A women’s IPL can lead to a transformation in cricket

Here are a few of my hopes for the changes the women’s IPL can bring.

The addition of a women’s tournament gives IPL a chance to become the biggest sporting property in the world. (IPL)

opinion

Published on Oct 24, 2022 03:47 PM IST

BySnehal Pradhan

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Opinion

Sonia Gandhi married for love but as time went on, it is a sense of duty that has guided her life.

On preserving the sanctity of Indian classical music – ragas — in our modern era; and the festivities, celebrations and moments of togetherness every year on Diwali

The UN climate meet begins on November 6. The Global North must not backtrack on its Paris pledges but commit to Global Net-Zero, and set pathways for urgent climate financing

There have been many more accomplishments in the last 38 years that we may be proud of, but these three lessons drive us to change with the times while remaining vigilant. We must keep these lessons in mind at all times

The bilateral relationship is growing due to a newfound convergence in their strategic orientation. Let’s not burden Sunak with unrealistic expectations.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi outlines his vision for an India@100 that places ethics at the core of its governance

There are a whole range of reasons — from systemic and structural ones to the pandemic-related supply-chain disruption and the geopolitical power play by Russia in Ukraine — that are triggering massive economic headwinds

Depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder.

In India, We have perhaps 200 million Muslims but they have been invisibilised. So, today, when we take pride in Sunak’s meteoric rise, why don’t we also look at ourselves and ask: Could a Muslim PM be possible in India?

The geopolitical impact of the new us controls is perhaps the most significant. The US and China’s semiconductor ecosystems might recover, but this move is a critical juncture in technology geopolitics

I can’t help but wonder at the depths we have plumbed in the decade since the brutality of the December 16, 2012 gang-rape led an outraged nation to demand justice, compelling the then Congress-led government to tighten rape laws.

An unprecedented speech by the ISI chief spotlights the battle between Imran Khan and the army. But doubts persist about his success in a country where the military has always decided the balance of political power

The thing is, I’ve always been a crypto sceptic and have articulated that in as many words on these pages. So why bring it up again? Because of my conversation this week with Kunji.io founder, Anurag Dixit.

The Wild Life Protection Act of 1972 is 50 years old, and changes are in the offing. A new working paper evaluating the law's impact says it has criminalised the lives and livelihoods of Dalits, Adivasis, Bahujan, and Vimukta communities. The final report will be out in November.

As the repository of de facto power in the party, the Gandhis aren’t going anywhere. If an astute party official read it right, the compact in the making could be exemplified by arrangements that exist in the United States where the public faces of parties are distinct from their top apparatchiks

Imran Khan’s decision to take on the army and whip up popular opinion has coincided with the retirement of army chief Qamar Bajwa at the end of November. This sets the stage for protracted uncertainty at a time the country is facing a raft of economic and social problems

LiFE can evolve as both mission and a moveme-nt. India needs to promo-te cooperation to battle the planetary crises and create global solidarity

Recently published work in Nature has been described as the creation of a “Frankenbrain” in the popular press comes in

Regardless of the political slant of the next dispensation in Brazil, New Delhi will continue to engage deeply with Brasilia through BRICS and G20.

Forward-thinking and comprehensive national legislation can help prevent the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.

Just as Modi demonstrated the most razor-sharp focus on India’s economic and social development, Sunak is a British PM whose primary and only duty is to the British people.

The Chinese pride themselves on respecting their elders. However, last week, Xi Jinping, and his colleagues, overstepped that Chinese cultural taboo by publicly disrespecting his former predecessor Hu Jintao.

On the critical issues of climate adaptation as well as loss and damage, the voices of developing countries must be heard. Sharm El Sheikh should do what Glasgow didn't.

For the United Kingdom, it became a bit easier overnight to think of Britain as a nation of immigrants, and despite Brexit and the short-lived economic policies of Liz Truss’s rocky stint, perhaps even a land of opportunity

The threat of terrorism itself has been fast evolving and far surpasses some of the fundamental challenges that the UN, UN Security Council, agencies and members are continuing to try and navigate

The most populous and poorest region in the subcontinent, across national boundaries, is relatively peaceful. India must seize the moment

The question for incumbent CEOs is to find a way to help multifocal leaders bring the many different interlocking fractal elements together to really deliver on the full potential of a fractal organisation to unlock sustained profitable growth.

Space proficiency will be a crucial determinant in the pecking order in the global power calculus. It will be wise, therefore, to remodel and intensify our engagement with the long game in space now.

Development projects bolster internal security and help policing become more focused and result-oriented, ensuring a government-people bond. This is crucial because the battle against internal terror cannot be fought without the help of the people

Here are a few of my hopes for the changes the women’s IPL can bring.

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