2nd November 2023
Editorials
Context:
Amid the ongoing tussle between Israel and Hamas, the notion that when countries act in ways that are not considered civilized, they end up causing long-lasting harm instead of finding long-term solutions felt stronger.
The Futility of Revenge
- Peace Precedes Progress: Shattered solar panels in Gaza highlight the need for peace for progress. Political leaders must prioritize peace.
- Revenge and Wild Justice: Revenge, as described by Francis Bacon, is raw and uncivilized. Vengeance by the establishment is unjustifiable.
- Retribution vs. Justice: State should administer justice through legal channels, not resort to mindless annihilation. Perpetrators must face the law.
Escalating Vicious Cycles
- Revenge Begets More Violence: Revenge perpetuates a cycle of self-destructive events, leaving lasting wounds. Restraint is crucial for societal stability.
- Legal Framework and Order: Laws, both domestic and international, uphold acceptable conduct. Absence leads to chaos and unmanageable conflicts.
- Gandhi's Non-Violent Approach: Gandhi's practice of non-violence defused animosity, contrasting with retaliatory tactics. Cooperation and unity offer lasting solutions.
The Need for Restraint and Dialogue
- Responsibility of Judiciary and Government: Judiciary punishes offenders; governments seek consensual solutions to minimize conflict. Lack of efforts invites disorder.
- Avoiding Desperate Retaliation: Establishments must adhere to due process, avoiding disproportionate avenging. Encounters should be strategic, not fuelled by desperation.
- Dialogue over Retribution: Retaining equanimity and restraint is key for effective administration. Sovereign hubris leads to retribution, not reconciliation.
Editorials
Context:
Emphasizes that using extreme measures in conflicts leads to lasting harm, not productive solutions for the involved parties.
Escalating Violence and Moral Dilemmas
- Terrorism and War Parallels: Western nations witness a disturbing trend of brutal attacks, blurring the lines between war, resistance, and terrorism.
- Anti-Semitism Resurfaces: Shocking attacks against Israel spark anti-Semitic sentiments. Palestinian citizens face backlash, becoming pawns in a larger conflict.
- Support for Hamas: Surprising rallies in Canada, UK, USA, Italy, Germany, and France in support of Hamas, a designated terrorist group. Universities also show solidarity.
Ideological Bonds
- Communism and Islam: Historical ties between far-Left movements and Islam emerge from a shared sense of victimhood against common adversaries.
- Rise of Communist Ideas: The acceptance of communist ideals in the West has grown, creating a fertile ground for ideological alliances.
- DEI Programs and Revisionist History: Programs like DEI in education reflect a trend towards prioritizing race and religion over merit. Revisionist narratives distort the historical context of conflicts.
The Need for Recognition
- Palestinian Citizens as Pawns: Palestinians remain stateless, homeless, and trapped in a cycle of war. Arab states surrounding Gaza deny them entry.
- Manipulation by Hamas: Hamas uses Palestinian citizens as human shields, further complicating the quest for a two-state solution in the region.
- Moral Responsibility of Western Nations: Western nations must grapple with their historical treatment of minority Jewish populations and confront systemic anti-Semitism.
Editorials
Context:
The PM Modi's Vision India@2047 aims for a 30 trillion dollar economy, emphasizing reforms, policy certainty, and adaptability.
Vision for India@2047
- Ambitious Goal: PM Modi aims for a $30 trillion economy by India's 100th Independence anniversary in 2047.
- Two Years in the Making: Vision India@2047 plan under development, seeks input from global leaders like World Bank President.
- Beyond Elections: Seen as government's promise for voters, continuity across administrations crucial for the plan's success.
Sustaining Economic Growth
- Building on Past Success: India's economic growth from 1.1% to 3.5% of global output attributed to consistent reforms.
- Addressing Reform Challenges: Focus on tricky reforms in factor markets like land and labor for sustained growth.
- Policy Certainty for Investors: Plan must provide clarity to global investors; minimize government intervention for economic growth.
Long-term Sustainability and Adaptability
- Preventing Middle-Income Trap: Plan emphasizes shift from agriculture to industry, addresses income inequality to avoid stagnation.
- Flexible Approach: Regular review and adjustment of goals needed based on evolving global trends and unforeseen events.
- Balancing Growth Targets: Aim for 9% growth rate between 2030-2047 commendable, but adaptability to alternative scenarios crucial.