REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT IN SPACE

                       
REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT IN SPACE

      ISRO has scripted history by successfullly launching 104 satellites using a single rocket and broke Russia's record of 37 satellites. Just like the Mangalyaan Mission in 2014 ISRO once again proved India's mettle infront of the world. 

     Definitely, the record-setting launch of 104 satellites, including three Indian led by the advanced remote sensing satellite and 101 foreign satellites holds much significance.

         Last year on June 2016, ISRO had placed 20 satellites in orbit in a single shot which gave it confidence to raise the number of satellites to more than 100.

       But the problem is that technological excellence which ISRO has shown is rarely visible in other sectors like IT, defence, consumer goods etc. Today China has become manufacturing hub of the world. China is far ahead of us even in areas such as design, technology, innovation and scientific patents. 

        Our premier institutes such as IITs and NITs are best known for their undergraduate students rather than pioneering research. 

      If we have the talent, why we are not utilizing it and allowing brain-drain. ISRO is one epitome but we need many such examples in every sector. I agree with Mr. Mukesh Ambani's suggestion that, Trump may be a blessing in disguise if he prompts India to rethink its fundamentals, and start producing and innovating instead of just feeding talent to foreign shores.

        

                                          -Romit Chandrakar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

VISIONARY BUDGET

                              "VISIONARY BUDGET"

      The Budget 2017 is holistic in approach whose aim is to truly transform India. It has taken care of each segment. Budget reiterated Modi ji's commitment to double farmer's income over next 5 years. The other people friendly measure which deserve mention is 5% tax rebate (₹12,500) on income of ₹2.5 lakh to 5 lakh. Reducing the limit of cash donations of political parties to just ₹2000 is one of the most commendable moves made in this Union budget. The most distinctive part of Finance Minister's speech is detailed explanation of how India is largely a non tax-compliant country.

        In my opinion the lack of tax compliance has come about because of un-holy nexus between tax officials, Chartered accountant. and business owners. Though Budget 2017 cannot be regarded as populist or election budget but ahead of elections, it can't be denied that Centre's focus is on middle class people, farmers, poors & dalits.

        This budget encourages a shift to digital platforms. Initiatives like cash back to promote Aadhar-Pay and BHIM app will encourage consumers and businessmen to go cashless. The idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in economic survey is revolutionary and needs to be debated and discussed as UBI is an alternative to the current structure of subsidies. 

       

Still Jaitley Ji had to take measures if economy is to realise its full potential by quicken up the process to rollout GST on schedule. 

     All in all I can say my wishlist not implemented but its a visionary budget which did justice with Modi Ji's slogan of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas".

        

           -Romit Chandrakar, Student-HNLU, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

DEMONETIZATION: Rumours v/s Reality

DEMONETIZATION:  Rumours v/s Reality

                

One month after revolutionary move of demonetisation
Government has announced incentives to promote cashless transactions
like 0.75 % discount on Petrol & diesel, 10% discount on online
booking of railway tickets, 10 % discount on card payments in toll
plazas, no service tax on transaction up to Rs. 2000 etc.
               In the first “Mann ki Baat” after the demonetization of
Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes, Prime Minister Modi urged for a movement
to turn India into a cashless society. He asked young people to teach
mobile banking and other e-commerce technology to at least 10
families. I think it’s a great start for coming new year 2017. And my
New Year resolution will be ''less-cash'' transactions and “more-card”
payment.
                 But the need of the hour is that Govt. should launch
more incentives to promote digital dealings. Govt should provide swipe
machines to more and more small and big businessmen to promote card
payments. All Government payments, starting from Panchayat to Govt. of
India should be made digital, this will give a big push and avoid a
lot of corruption in lower level where a villager is looted by the
babus.
               Demonetization, undoubtedly a great move but lacks
proper preparation. Govt. should take corrective measures to reduce
long queues in front of ATMs. Some pathological cynics think
criticizing is the only evidence of intelligence. There is no dearth
of such useless armchair critics in India.
              Go on, Modi ji, “Don’t hesitate in taking such bold
steps because if there are thousands of problems then there are
millions hands also to solve it.”

                                               -Romit Chandrakar,
Raipur (Chhattisgarh)

(I am a student of Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur)

Heart of Asia Summit: A Big Diplomatic Victory for India

        HoA Summit: A Big Diplomatic Victory for India

Terror emanating from Pakistan dominated the discussions of ‘Heart of
Asia’ Ministerial Conference held in Amritsar where Afghanistan
President Ashraf Ghani directly blamed Pakistan for covertly
supporting several terror networks including Taliban, JeM etc. in
destabilizing Afghanistan.

     The issue of firming up an air cargo service pact will give India
a leverage in Afghanistan as Pakistan continue to deny transit link
through its territory

    In my view it is a major diplomatic victory for India that in a
conference which was attended by 40 countries concluded with a strong
joint declaration which called for concerted regional and
international cooperation to ensure elimination of terrorism and also
disrupting all financial, tactical and logistical support for all
terror networks.

        In past too we have been successful in isolating Pakistan
whether it would be the occasion of cornering Pakistan in SAARC summit
or when India got access into MCTR or when Sushma Swaraj lashed out at
Pakistan in UNGA over Pakistan’s hue and cry over Surgical Strike. In
HoA conference also Modi has been successful in his attempt to isolate
Pakistan without mentioning name, he called for a resolute action not
just against forces but also against those who support, shelter, train
& finance terrorism.

        Lastly I would like to suggest that “To defeat terrorism,
Pakistan must end extremism”.


                                    -Romit Chandrakar, Raipur (Chhattisgarh)

BREXIT: BAD FOR BRITAIN, BUT GOOD FOR INDIA

         Finally the people of Britain voted for Britain's exit or "Brexit" from the European Union in a historic referrendum. The result came out is surprising with 52% voted in favour of leaving EU while 48% wanted UK to remain in EU. The European Union which is often known as EU is an economic & political partenership involving 28 countries. It began after 2nd world war to foster economic co-operation. 
         I think the purpose behind Brexit is inefficiency of EU to manage the immigrants crisis which is creating trouble for the Britain.
         The Brexit victory sent economic shockwaves through global markets and its currency pound fell down to lowest against Indian Rupee since 31 years that will led to decline in the oil prices which is a good sign for Indian Economy.
        Even as its exit from EU has gotten most sectors worried but as far as India is concerned UK has become a more attractive destination for Indian travellers and students, thanks to the weaker pound.Though it would be difficult for me to predict the currency movement but this could mean likely saving of more than 5% for the Indians going to UK.  
       Brexit would slightly affect the Indian share market just for few days only though it could not have any longterm effect on Indian economy because it is well prepared to deal with such consequences as earliet we dealt the 2008 US recession. therefore in my view we don't need to worry. 
      As per last year's data, India had emerged as the 3rd largest source of FDI for the UK with various Indian corporates like TCS, Wipro, Infosys etc. are doing great business in UK. Therefore, undoubtedly the UK will remain a very good place to do business. One of the advantages of UK is that it is the natural home for any Indian business wanting to enter the European market.
      The economy, as well as language, rule of law, ease of doing business, time zone, and world-leading technical and intellectual innovation, these all are significant to the UK and Indian economic partnership.
             -Romit Chandrakar, Raipur

TRUMP NOT BAD, BUT HILLARY WILL BE GOOD FOR INDIA

       Donald trump, a business tycoon and US Presidential nominee
from Republican Party. Trump has become a trending topic all around
for his controversial speeches and his unpredictable rise as US
Presidential candidate. Though Mr. Trump is a business tycoon, but he
hails from 'Nationalism' background whose dream is to make America
free from Muslims & illegal migrants and that is the reason why
liberals doesn't like him.
                During his speech he said about changing rules and
hiking fees for Indian students on H-1 B visas. This visa is important
for Indian students who want to go to USA for higher studies. Donald
Trump blames India, China and other developing countries for snatching
US jobs.
                   I appreciate his views on condemning all forms of
terrorism be its ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Taliban or North Korea's nuclear
warning. He wants a united opposition of the whole world against
terrorism. Trump talks of India's support to counter China and in
return he also want to help India to combat the rogue nations like
Pakistan.
                       On the other side of the coin there's an
experienced politician Hillary Clinton is there. She is the wife of
42nd US President Bill Clinton and also served as US foreign Secretary
during Obama's first reign. It will be a history for world's largest
democracy (USA) to get the first female President. As far as India is
concerned Hillary will walk on the same path set by her predecessor
Obama.
                Few days back we have seen Modi-Obama's 7th meeting in
a short span of 2 years which reflects how deep India-US friendship is
and Hillary Ji will further strengthen this bondage. At last I can say
"Trump is not a bad guy but its Hillary Ji's to become the first lady
POTUS (President of The United States of America)".


      -Romit Chandrakar, Raipur

Censor Drugs, Not Films

                                   Censor Drugs, Not Films

Film ‘Udta Punjab’ controversy is a complete non-issue. I wonder why
political parties and censor board is making it an issue. The problem
of of drug addiction in Punjab is worrisome, the menace is so grave
that every second youth in Punjab of 18-35 is suffering from
drug-addiction and even teenagers are also prone to drugs. Drug
addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to
changes in the structure and function of the brain. By telling you
such things I am not defaming Punjab, but reflecting the drug menace
and same is the theme and spirit of ‘Udta Punjab’ which is just trying
to portray the bitter truth of drug addiction which had destroyed many
families. ”Actually its Drug, not the film which is hurting Punjab ,a
land of hard working farmers and brave soldiers.”
                An Author said “Too much censorship is just as bad as
having none at all. Children need to be exposed because if they don’t
see it, eventually its not like that it’s not going to happen, but its
just that there needs to be a balance.” India can’t afford a censor
board chief like Pahlaj Nihlani who’s clueless about films and his
actions like making a Hollywood film as “Sanskari James Bond” are
whimsical and excessive. Yesterday Modi Ji addressed the US Parliament
and showcased India’s commitment to liberty and Democratic values. Now
its high time Modiji must sack the censor board chief whose duty is to
certify films, not to censor it but he is actually curbing the liberty
and freedom of speech of filmmakers.
                     Lastly there’s a question arises in my mind that in 20th century when a child of 8 years to an adult of 80 years can
view anything on internet and other sources. “Why does India need a
censor board, rather to throw it on dustbin?”


-Romit Chandrakar, Raipur