It's natural to feel frustrated ....when the 'headlines' you were expecting have been stolen 'from your jaws' by your chief rival and detractor

It's natural to feel frustrated.

Rahul Gandhi lacked the usual 'smile' at Mumbai press conference on Aug 31 even as he lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi liberally over Adani episode. Well, 'Chowkidar chor hae' fiasco of 2019 could not teach Rahul and his advisors any lesson.

“Why is he quiet? This is raising a very serious question on the Indian Prime Minister. The leaders from G20 countries are going to ask what is (the reason that) this special company close to the Prime Minister is being given a free ride? It is very important this matter is made clear before they arrive,” the Congress leader said. 

Not so surprisingly even Rahul admirers feel 'corruption' or helping friend Gautam Adani could prove costly for Modi. 'Real bhakti' is with the chamchas/sycophants of Dynasty and unnecessarily Modi-admirers get all the blame !!

Jairam Ramesh is an intelligent man and knows media pretty well. Hence he confessed: “managing the news cycle, Modi style” --- deflecting attention from the Opposition meeting.  He also understands the 'body language' well !!

Hence, I could never become his 'favourite' Rural Development correspondent when he was the minister. But in 2014, when the crowd was less in a press conference, he had remarked: "Why so less; have you all given up on this government (UPA-2)"? 

A case of ping pong !! 

Namo also knows how to manage headlines and how to make news starving semi-intellectual TV (idiot box// wallahas) run guessing games. 

When TV experts and other jokers of circus started speaking about 'One Nation -One Election' and so on; the fact of the matter is none still knows what PM Narendra Modi has planned. 

Sometime back, when Mallikarjun Kharge was 'not defeated' in polls and was still a member of Lok Sabha; Modi had told him in the House: "You still have to do a lot of research on me". At least with know all syndrome of dynasts and there Darbaris, the Congress party is simply clueless about Modi and his plans. 

Hope and History: Media Management 

Coming back to 'missing' the headline club and 'history and hopes'.

 These keep happening and one has to know how these are controlled. 

In 2019 and before that, Pakistan had invested a lot of money and military-diplomatic time for the Kartarpur Corridor. Its army chief also embraced a state-level Indian politician Navjot Singh Sidhu.

However, the historic Ayodhya verdict was delivered by Ranjan Gogoi-led Supreme Court bench on Nov 9, 2019 - the day the corridor was opened. 

It certainly deprived the then Pak PM Imran Khan and his nation the so-called 'international media publicity' as the entire South Asia and rest of the world for about a fortnight spoke only about the Ram Temple verdict. 

Perhaps Imran's problems started with that fiasco. 

Pakistan army - the real bosses and 'custodians' of their democracy did not expect such a 'timely' shocker from the Supreme Court of India. Moreover, as a kafir-hating nation, Pakistan was doubly shocked as the verdict went in favour of Ram temple. 

Hence, there are lessons to learn from these episodes.  

One respected senior journalist Neerja Chowdhury, whom I also respect, has lately come out with a line -- "we have not yet understood the Modi phenomenon". 

Some 'bhakts' like us used to whisper about these among friends and sometime tell a few reasonable SICKULARS as well. 

But like all human kinds 'sickulars' are also different types. That is why often they contradict among themselves notwithstanding their utter hatred for one man!  

Let me talk here of a western media/website I used to write even during Covid19.  In 2021, I suggested them a story on Kamala Harris from Indian perspective as she had links to India through her mother. 

'Indian experts' could not understand the same. And when it was understood and ultimately published the tendency was of 'patronizing'.

Kamala Harris will have hardly anything to do with India and Indian media and BJP leaders are making unnecessary hangama. 

Lot of water has flown across Ganga or river Thame since then. 

To their utter frustration a Diwali lamp holder 'Hindu' Rishi Sunak is now anchoring the fate of Britons. If this was not enough; 38-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy has entered the big battle in the US.

Age is so much by his side that even if Donald Trump comes out as Republican candidate and president; Vivek Ramaswamy has 'age' by his side and hence more of headlines for him !!

A Hindu could rule the US !! That could be another set of eggs!!

Back to Indian politics, the timing of fresh charges against Gautam Adani again raises eyebrows. Rahul Gandhi and his team had planned I.N.D.I.A combine's meet in Mumbai --- India's commercial headquarters. There came in the allegations against Adani and stock market graph nosedived!

Everything was well planned. Rahul Gandhi will address a press conference and emerge 'victorious' as leadership/convener etc honour would be thrust on him --- at least indirectly through MMS-2 called Mr Kharge!

Modi changed the game through a mega announcement that Parliament will meet for five days between September 18 and 25.  Now India is guessing. So am I. But what is puzzling is Trinamool's reaction to convening of special session is not knee-jerk like Rahul's panic line!!  

Quiz Masters are generally talkative lot ! Twitter friendly lawmakers who have a good fan following among 'sickular' journos in Delhi also tweeted only on Adani.  

'Saap sung gaya' is a Hindi phrase/idiom -- means one has been 'silenced' as if there is a fear of a snake around in the room! On this, Mamata Banerjee has behaved sensibly and put a gag order on her efficient parliament strategists. 

I missed Bangla sickular-TV-bazar, so I do not know what's going around with fish-fry journalism. 

Once upon a time among 'idiot box'; nothing doing TV was highly intellectual and SICKULAR. Now there is even a complain that why a former SEBI chairman should be a director. 

Self virtuous is originally a communist disease and was later passed on to SICKULARS. 

One BJP leader Ajay Alok has summed up the paradox in the Opposition camp well. 

"When did we announce what agenda is going to come between Sept 18 to 22. Just on speculation, the opposition is getting jittery. This is medically called 'restless leg syndrome'. That's what these people are facing now". 

ends 

Modi's 'Special session' of Parliament googly puts nation on guessing game ::: 'something up BJP's sleeves'

It all started here, like this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2014 bowed down while entering Parliament for first time. 

Nine years and three months later he has thrown a googly on Opposition.... catching friends and foes by surprise...the nation is on guessing mode and speculation game on agenda of Spl Session of Parliament.  

Well, it could be anything -- from a mere session to applaud Government for successful hosting of G-20 Summit to taking up the highly sensitive 'One Nation-One Election Bill'. In North East speculation is rife whether Constitutional amendments will be undertaken to 'resolve' the region's oldest insurgency tangle, the Naga issue. Talks are on at very advance stage. 

 

The Opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance has been caught by one of its biggest surprises. All its thunder vis-a-vis announcement of a convener and release of a logo lost the limelight on Thursday. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh admitted 'grudingly' that PM Modi has handled the headlines pretty well.

Rahul Gandhi said the government move reflected “a little panic". Jairam Ramesh, called it “managing the news cycle, Modi style” --- deflecting attention from the Opposition meeting and the fresh revelations on the Adani group. Shiv Sena (UBT) said the dates of Parliament session coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival in Maharashtra.

One Trinamool spokesman appearing in a TV debate was categorical and said, "I will not speak on the matter (summoning of Parliament session) as only our party leader Mamata Banerjee will speak on the same." He even switched off the collar mike. Surprisingly, unlike Rahul Gandhi or Jairam Ramesh, TMC did not come out with any headline seeking reaction. Nor its vocal MPs either gave bytes or tweeted anything. 

In Mumbai meeting, Mamata Banerjee reportedly told other opposition leaders that steps should be taken fast to strategise Common Manifesto. The West Bengal Chief Minister favoured releasing the same on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Sources said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and JD(U) Nitish Kumar also shared the similar sentiment.

Thackeray, whose party faces existential crisis as many mass base leaders are now in the NDA camp with incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shindesaid, cautioned that the Modi government has something up its sleeve. 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who earlier this week said that the BJP could advance Lok Sabha elections, said the Opposition parties should speed up their efforts. According to 'Indian Express', sources said AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Opposition parties should fast-track seat sharing talks and try to announce the joint candidate arrangement by September 30.

President (of India) could have said, I render Article 370 "inoperative"; "But the President doesn't adopt that course" -- argues Attorney General

 Attorney General R Venkataramani told Supreme Court's Constitution Bench on Article 370 abrogation vis-a-vis the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir :

"The president could have said that without taking recourse to any other action, I could myself render 370 inoperative". And then he says, 

"But the President doesn't adopt that course. She wants to be guided by a process which would approximate to the non legislative functions of legislative assembly".

AG also says,  "There is a void, there is an impossibility of complying with the proviso of clause (3) and how to tackle that void?"  

During Aug 31 hearing, senior counsel Harish Salve, who made the appearance for the first time in this case, said: "There is the underpinning of political compromise in Kashmir... they reserved the power in the President to 'disapply' the provision in total.. this is a unique provision"  

Salve also said, "....there is a compromise and that the accession is complete....it is part of India and it is an Indian state.... now there is a political compromise and sub Article 3 is to put an end to the political compromise." He further stated before the Bench, "...Jurisdiction of this court under article 32.. should it extend or not extend to J&K.. all such provisions have to applied with adaptation.. sub article 3 is the answer of how it resulted in complete accession

...reserving the right to the President the power to disapply this article and for this there cannot be concurrence".

A notable takeaway from Thursday (Day 13/Aug 31) hearing is the assertion by the Supreme Court.

Even as the Central government told the Court how the abrogation has benefited the region, the apex Court said that the constitutional issue will not be dealt with on the basis of policy decisions.

Another important facet also came up during hearing.

Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, who appeared for an intervenor in support of the abrogation of Article 370, submitted that there is a presumption of validity of the move to revoke the special status of Jammu & Kashmir.

"If two views are possible, then the one which sustains the exercise of power has to be preferred...What your lordships deal with today is the constituent power which is laced deeply with elements of acts of State."

CJI D Y Chandrachud replied that modifications can only take place within the Indian Constitution and it cannot happen with the J&K Constitution. 

"The continued existence of States is integral to federalism in India," the CJI said. 

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta cited the increased tourism footfall and investment coming into the province after the abrogation. 

The CJI, however, made it clear,

"We know these facts cannot be an answer to the constitutional question...The constitutional issue will be dealt only with the constitutional angle, and not on the basis of the policy decisions."

Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani argued that in issuing the orders enabling the abrogation, the President was to follow a process that is close to a non-legislative function of the Constituent Assembly.

"The sequence has to be seen when the President is taking the call looking at what J&K has suffered and what have been the complications so far. When doctrine of impossibility stares one at their face, they are not paralysed to take action", reports Bar & Bench.

"If that determination is in more than one way, then the assumption in larger interest has to be taken. 

President is not excluded from taking stock and that is inherently present in Article 370. Thus, it will be open for the President to take stock of all actions under Article 370, and the issues that loom large over the nation."

Senior Advocate Harish Salve appeared for an intervenor in support of the abrogation. 

"While distribution in the fields of legislation was put as concurrence of the government of the State at the same time, sub-clause 3 uses the term recommendation," he said trying to drive home the point that the government could not act in a vacuum if there was a Constituent Assembly.  

During the hearing, importantly, AG Mr Venkataramani said there are matters...

"I do not know whether these questions can be answered through a mathematical formula."

He maintained, "It's not about ends justifying the means. It's about taking stock of very complex situations. Do we have a mathematical formula of doing it? 

Or do we only measure it by saying that there are constitutional mandates- if you disobey them you cannot do anything regarding A 370?

"How do we have a mathematical formula saying this is how you'll do it in the context of internal disturbance, or this is how you'll do it in the context of external aggression? 

You have some broad standards where fundamental values aren't breached."

But, he said, "...if there is something that you have to negotiate, even with the breach of fundamental values what do we do? Is it a political question or a judicial question?"

AG: Venkataramani 

AG: When you talk of substitution of a legislative assembly by Legislative Assembly, we are looking at the non legislative functions of the legislature. If the Constituent Assembly had recommended to the President before 1957, it would have done the same job.

"The determination of Article 370 must occur at some time, notwithstanding whatever happened over a period. If determination can occur in more than one way, whichever is the way that will advance the larger interest...", he said.

He then said, "There is only one solitary interpretation - that it is to aid the constitutional integration process. Whatever has happened even thereafter is to be seen in the light of that. 

If any deviation occurs, it is open to correction by the President."

ends

Special Session of Parliament from Sept 18 to 22 : Govt in 'panic', says Rahul Gandhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) says the timing clashes with Ganesh Chaturthi

((Even if PM Narendra Modi is going to advance Lok Sabha polls, there is no need for a parliament session. ))

The Narendra Modi government on Thursday, Aug 31, sprang a major surprise on the political opponents on a day the 26-party I.N.D.I.A combine met in Mumbai to chalkout electoral strategies to take on the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

"Special Session of Parliament (13th Session of 17th Lok Sabha and 261st Session of Rajya Sabha) is being called from 18th to 22nd September having 5 sittings," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said here on August 31.

"Amid Amrit Kaal looking forward to have fruitful discussions and debate in Parliament," he said without revealing anything on agenda ! The simple wording tweet from the Minister took the nation by storm because the Monsoon session of Parliament - that was chaotic - had concluded on Aug 11. 

In terms of parliamentary history, this is the most unusual thing to happen.

Soon speculation on wide ranging issues have been made including 33 per cent women reservation. But this could be done even in Winter session of Parliament by November-December this year. 

Another hot topic has been the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the third contentious electoral promise of BJP after Ram temple and Article 370. But that too could have been possible in the winter session.

One Nation - One Election ! is the only major issue that perhaps would require special debate and hence a special session. But there has been no official word yet. In the northeast, speculation is rife about a possible breakthrough in peace talks with Naga and ULFA ultras of Assam. However, these could be initially decided as a 'executive decision'.  

Of course there is a need for constitutional amendment(s), convening a special session is understandable. However, all these are premature as the Naga militants and especially NSCN-IM is not yet ready for any formal agreement even as parleys at crucial stage are on for last fortnight in the national capital. 

That Naga peace talks between interlocutor A K Mishra (a retired Intelligence Bureau official) and NSCN-IM are at critical stage and influential general secretary of the militant group, Thuingaleng Muivah has also air-dashed last week to be present at the talks. Another influential group, the umbrella body NNPG is also in touch with Mishra and is also in favour of early signing of a peace pact to herald a lasting solution.  

"We want early solution and peace and we are optimistic about the same," said N Kitovi Zhimomi, convener of NNPG. The government interlocutors are also in touch with pro-talk ULFA led by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government move, "...maybe is an indicator of a little panic". 

"Same type of panic that happened when I spoke in Parliament House, panic that suddenly made them revoke my Parliament membership," he said. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said the timing of the session is curious as it coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi festival. "What kind of Hindu sentiment, the BJP is talking when the grand festival is celebrated in a big way in Maharashtra, rest of India and also across the globe". 

Centre ready for elections in Jammu and Kashmir "any time now".....but "unable to give an exact time", Centre informs Supreme Court

Harish Salve: "...repeated reference to basic structure (of Constitution) is surprising... constitutional amendments are tested with reference to basic structure doctrine ....Article 370 is part of the original pristine constitution and that conferred the power to disapply the constitution..". 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: 

"I would like to make a statement, Central government is ready for elections in any time now. Till now updating of voters list was going on and is substantially done. First election will be of panchayat elections, District development elections has already taken place. Leh elections are over. Kargil elections are at the end of the next month." 

However, the Solicitor General also said, "I am unable to give an exact time period for the conversion to full statehood.. but union territory is only a temporary phenomenon."

He also told the five-member Constitution bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud,

"Only in Jan 2022, 1.8 crore tourists visited and in 2023 1 crore tourists have been there.. these are the steps which are being taken by the centre. 

The Centre can only take these steps till it is a UT. The Centre is ready for elections but the state and Election Commission (in Delhi) have to decide when to hold it and which level of elections that is Panchayat, district, etc is to be held first."  

SG also said, "Terrorist instances have reduced by 45.2% compared from 2018 to 2023. 

Infiltration reduced by 90%. Law and order issues like stone pelting etc reduced by 97%. Security persons casualty is reduced by 65%. Stone pelting instances in 2018 was 1767 cases. It is nil now. Youth has been gainfully employed now and earlier they were misled by secessionist forces."

 "Organised bandhs etc in 2018 there were 52 and now it is nil. UT is a temporary phenomenon. You can see what developments are taking place for it to become a complete state. For the purpose of making UT a complete state.. the investment proposals from other than central scheme is Rs 78,000 crore and till now actual investment has been 2153 crores. several e-initiatives has also been taken place.  

At one point there was resistance from counsel Kapil Sibal, who said, : "If you have 5,000 people in house arrest and with section 144 imposed there cannot be any bandh.. so let us not get into this... otherwise we have to counter all of this"

At this CJI Chandrachud countered him: What he (SG) is saying that roadmap to full statehood will take some time.. UT is not a permanent feature and there cannot be a timeline.. but these are the steps they are taking.. 

but we know these facts cannot be an answer to the constitutional question."

Sibal continued: "The drugs issue which is plaguing J&K is enormous and there is enormous rate of unemployment  in the UT.  Problem is this is being televised... and all of this is on record.. they make it like look what all govt is doing..". 

SG Mehta joins the issue by asserting : "Development is never a problem..." 

CJI says, "The constitutional issue will be dealt only with the constitutional angle and not on the basis of the policy decisions.." 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta then said, "My friend (Sibal) says some are under house arrest and that is why no bandh... so correct people are under the house arrest.." 

Sibal retorted sharp: "....5000 were under house arrest let us not make a mockery of democracy.. section 144 was imposed and internet was shut off... this court has recognised all of this as well.. people could not go to hospitals even.. let us not talk about bandhs etc."

Then Attorney General R Venkataramani makes his submission: "President was to follow a process which is close to a non legislative function of the constituent assembly and that is where substitution of legislative assembly comes ...the sequence has to be seen when president is taking the call looking at what J&K has suffered and what have been the complications so far... when doctrine of impossibility stares one at their face.. they are not paralysed to take action." 

He also said, "This is not about ends justifying the means. It's about taking stock of very complex situations. Do we have a mathematical formula of doing it? Or do we only measure it by saying that there are constitutional mandates- if you disobey them you cannot do anything regarding Article 370 and in that case how do we have a mathematical formula saying this is how you'll do it in the context of internal disturbance, or this is how you'll do it in the context of external aggression? 

"There may be some broad standards where fundamental values aren't breached but if there is something that you have to negotiate, even with the breach of fundamental values what do we do and how do we answer if it is a political question or a judicial question in this case before us.

AG also stated: "When there are submissions of substituting the legislative assembly by Legislative Assembly, we are looking at the non legislative functions of the legislature.. for assuming also if the the Constituent Assembly had recommended to the President before 1957, President would have acted in this fashion only. 

"The determination of Article 370 must occur at some time, notwithstanding what happened in history and if that determination is in more than one way, then the assumption in larger interest has to be taken.

"President is not excluded from taking stock and that is inherently present in article 370 and thus it will be open for the president to take stock of all actions under 370 and the issues that loom large over the nation," the AG said.  

Today, on Aug 31, senior advocate Harish Salve also appeared.

He said, "....it has been submitted that president could act only when there is a recommendation by the constituent assembly. if there is a constituent assembly then you cannot act in vacuum.. we have to discern legislative intent from the language... is the president to act only to give effect to desire of constituent assembly... or get a recommendation from it.. obviously only a recommendation if the constituent assembly exists.." 

Mr Salve also said, : "....while distribution in the fields of legislation was put as concurrence of the govt of the state at the same time sub clause 3 uses the term recommendation." 

At this juncture CJI Chandrachud intervened and said, "There is one counter... when a change in distribution of legislative power was concerned ....concurrence was there.. the provisions spoke of concurrence, except in the area covered by the Instrument of accession. The exercise of the power under Art 370(3) brings complete abrogation of 370."

Salve continued: Salve: "History of the provision tells us that it will be difficult to find logic in this provision because much of it was political compromise.. why was constituent assembly even there.. just to assuage some ruffled feathers.. one cannot search too much logic.. as a matter of constitutional interpretation of such political provisions.. this court must give it the widest meaning possible."  

Salve further maintained, "Please look at one important nuance of this article. In sub clause D, such of the other provisions of the constitution shall apply.. this does not require concurrence.. if you see 370(1)(b)... b1 requires consultation.. this dichotomy was built in... ".

CJI then said, "The Instrument of accession requires consultation, other than those governed by instrument of accession requires concurrence".

Salve, however, said, "....when it comes to the instrument of accession the last word stays with the union. why is dichotomy is the first and second proviso is something lordship has to reflect over."

Adani Group refutes 'stock manipulation' allegations, cites stringent regulatory clearance : Congress demands JPC probe

(Shares of Adani Group companies are trading with losses ranging from 2-5 percent after new report over its various transactions that were released.) 

 The Adani Group has dismissed the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)'s stock manipulation allegations, asserting its firm rejection of what it deems "recycled allegations."

George Soros is seen by some as an agent of chaos.

The Group said that the allegations appear to be part of an orchestrated effort by interests funded by George Soros and supported by sections of foreign media, aimed at reviving unsubstantiated claims from the Hindenburg report.

This move had been anticipated, the ports-to-power conglomerate said in a statement on August 31, adding that the Mauritius funds investigated by reporters had already been named in the Hindenburg report and the "allegations are not only baseless and unsubstantiated but are rehashed from Hindenburg’s allegations."

Congress attacks Modi government over fresh allegations against Adani Group

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the role of market regulator SEBI in properly investigating the role of shell companies linked to the Adani Group. 

"Despite the Modi government's best efforts, the truth will not stay suppressed forever. However, the full story about the flow of benami funds into the Adani Group, how foreign citizens came to play a role in critical national infrastructure and how PM (Narendra) Modi 'violated rules, regulations and norms to enrich his close friends' can only be revealed by a JPC," he alleged.  

The Aug 31st (Thursday) drop has resulted in a market capitalisation erosion of Rs 25,000 crore so far. 

Shares of Adani Enterprises, at one point, were down 5 percent.

First it was the Hindenburg Research, and now, the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). It's the second time in seven months that the Adani Group is facing allegations of using dubious means for business gains. And both times there is a shadow of billionaire-philanthropist George Soros.

A Jew who survived the Nazi Holocaust that killed 5 lakh Jewish Hungarians, George Soros has often been linked to regime changes that he and his Open Society Foundation perceive to be totalitarian. Critics perceive Soros to be an agent of chaos.

George Soros and his Open Society Foundations have been called "agents of disruption" by a number of governments and rival groups. Soros has also been charged with being a key player in purported plots to topple Russian President Vladimir Putin, instability in the European Union through mass migration, and funding for Arab Spring protest movements, among other things, says 'India Today'. 

These claims made by OCCRP are "based on closed cases from a decade ago when the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence probed allegations of over invoicing, transfer of funds abroad, related party transactions and investments through FPIs," the Adani group said.

"It is vital to respect the ongoing regulatory process. We have complete faith in the due process of law and remain confident".

ends 

G-20: Key bilateral meetings with PM Modi, tree plantations and sessions around the theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' main highlights

Of course as it happens with every multi-lateral summits and conferences, some of the visiting dignitaries will have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

According to Muktesh K Pardeshi, Special Secretary, G20 Operations, there will be a symbolic tree plantation event at the Bharat Mandapam with tree saplings representing different countries. 

The saplings to be planted would be 'national trees or native trees' or trees that reflect the nature and the other cultural aspects of the countries.

There are some ceremonial aspects and one of them is to visit and pay respect to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. 

There will be three sessions and the sessions will be around the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which in English - One earth, One family and One Future. The leaders will be allocated time to speak about their country position. 

On September 10, in the concluding session, there will be a symbolic handing over of Presidency to the incoming Presidency which will be led by Brazil. 

“We are having almost 230 meetings and as I speak today, almost 200 meetings at the functional level, at the senior officials’ level have already taken place. We are proceeding towards the culmination of the G20 process which started on December 1 last year," the senior official said. 

US President, Joe Biden. will be arriving India to attend the G-20 Summit on September 7 and depart on September 10.

With more than 12,300 delegates from over 110 nations, the in-person participation in India's G20 Presidency is the largest ever hosted by any G20 country so far. 

On August 28th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders reviewed progress on number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

"President Putin conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023 and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov," an MEA statement said. 

While expressing an understanding for Russia’s decision, PM thanked President Putin for Russia’s consistent support to all initiatives under India’s G20 Presidency. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the MEA said.  There are also speculation on possible bilateral between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

There has been a controversy lately on release of  so called "standard map” of China by Beijing.

 

"We have today lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with the Chinese side on the so called 2023 "standard map” of China that lays claim to India’s territory. We reject these claims as they have no basis. Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question," MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in response to questions. 

What does Vivek Ramaswamy's run for US Prez polls augur for India and Non-Resident Indians? : M Chuba Ao, BJP Natl Vice President

 Guest Column: By Invitation

Vivek Ramaswamy in US Prez polls mirrors a dramatic milestone for NRIs

All elections across the globe are most often crucial and very often they throw up surprises. In 2021, Americans sprang a surprise and Donald Trump was denied the second term.

It may be prudent to point out that on January 6, 2021, Trump has allegedly urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, which many of them then attacked, resulting in multiple deaths. This had interrupted the vote count.

Of course, Trump is the only American president to have been impeached twice and was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020 on a different issue. But for Republicans he is back in the reckoning.

Now, the ensuing elections could be again between Trump (77) and Joe Biden (80). But there is a new entrant. Things are premature but 'Indian origin' Vivek Ramaswamy has thrown himself into the ring. !985-born, a mere 38-year-old Ramaswamy is the youngest Republican presidential candidate ever.

 

Vivek Ramaswamy

He is now trying to present himself as a merchant of the 'new American dream'. Well, we all have got it right ! "....I am announcing my run for the President of the United States," he said in a prime time TV show. Ramaswamy also said, "This is just not a political campaign. This is a cultural movement to create a new American Dream for the next generation". 

What does this episode augur for India and Non-Resident Indians? 

We must sit back and take note that Ramaswamy's parents immigrated from Palakkad district in Kerala to America in the early 1970s. 

In the United Kingdom, we have Rishi Sunak, another Indian origin Hindu leader, who is stewarding the erstwhile nerve centre of global power.

Of course we are in an unusual phase when Indians and Indian media would be debating the US presidential election. This time the discussions are no longer just guided by geopolitical and economic influence that Capitol Hill exerts. 

In 2021 presidential polls in the US, there are reasons to believe that the nomination of Kamala Harris, whose mother is a migrant Indian, as the Democrats' vice president had possibly sway substantial votes of Asian Americans against Republican President Donald Trump.

Many people doubted such theories but the reality is Trump lost. Hence, it will be prudent to talk a little about the power of American Indians. One must appreciate the fact that Yoga and Diwali - the festival of Light and Sound - are now two powerful symbols of India's Soft Power. The Diwali Day Bill introduced by New York Congresswoman Grace Meng has already hit headlines.Congressman Jim Himes has also agreed to support the draft law. 

The world is changing fast and in this changing scenario a lot is being counted about Indian diaspora.

Here the 'BJP element' in me should get vocal as we all party karyakartas admire the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has made a big difference in giving a neo-confidence to the NRI power.

Indians now matter in India and perhaps as much also in countries such as Australia and the US.

Our detractors and political rivals may not like to appreciate it but the fact of the matter is there is a global recognition and hence we see 'craze' for Yoga across the globe.

In all these, I agree with those who propound the theory that diplomacy is no longer about pushing a single-agenda item. There is a lot of importance about persuasive diplomacy and this has made we Indians take pride wherever we are.

But the fact of life is that some Indian and for that matter Hindu fests have attracted global attention. 

I will discard the argument that this has happened because Indians are now in large numbers in countries like the US, and can influence the outcome in an election. Well, the growing numbers of Indian diaspora and that also in influential positions do matter. But it is also a fact that in western countries and also in the Gulf these days, people see merits in some of these festivals and practices.

The festival of light and sound which essentially celebrates the victory of Good over Evil and Knowledge over Ignorance has got acceptance in the US, across Europe, Canada, African nations and even Malaysia.

In many countries, Diwali is now seen as a festival of share and care when people visit orphan houses and old age homes.

The New India as Prime Minister Modi ji envisions will actually remain incomplete without full usage of the potentials of the NRI prowess. In times to come Vivek Ramaswamy will not be a mere exception.

We will see many more Indians across streams including political power politics ruling the roost.

ends  

(Views are personal)

Rishi Sunak: Stewarding the UK 

All eyes on Mumbai meet of Opposition, 'frustration' embraces SICKULARISM !! Global Survey pitches for Namo and India

(*20 per cent of Indians have unfavourable opinion on Narendra Modi and nearly 80 per cent approve of him. However, 62 percent Indians favour Rahul Gandhi)

 A report by the Pew Research Center, an international body. reveals that about 80 percent of Indians have a favorable view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Frustration is so palpable that Manoj Jha of RJD says the survey should not be given credence as it was probably the finding of a 'Nagpur' feedback -- in reference to RSS headquarters. 

Around 2611 Indian adults were surveyed between March 25th to May 11th 2023 for the survey.  

Opinions of PM Narendra Modi are actually mixed globally, with a median of 40% saying they have no confidence in Modi to do the right thing regarding world affairs and a median of 37% saying they have at least some confidence. 

Substantial minorities in most countries did not share an opinion, and respondents in Europe were not asked about the Indian leader.

Mexicans and Brazilians are especially critical of Modi, who is often described as promoting a Hindu nationalist ideology and leads the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which some experts classify as a right-wing party. 

At least half in these countries say they do not have confidence in him to make the right foreign policy choices. Those in Argentina, South Africa, South Korea and the U.S. are also more likely to lack than have confidence in India’s prime minister if they offer an opinion at all.

In contrast, those in Japan, Kenya and Nigeria are more likely to have confidence in Modi’s abilities. Kenyans are especially confident, with a 60% majority saying they have at least some confidence in Modi to do the right thing regarding world affairs.

About eight-in-ten in India (79 per cent) have a favorable view of the prime minister, including 55% who have a very favorable view. 

A fifth of Indians (20 per cent) have an unfavorable opinion of Modi.

About six-in-ten Indians also see opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress (INC) in a positive light. In contrast, 34% have an "unfavorable" view of Rahul Gandhi.

The survey was completed a day before Rahul Gandhi was actually disqualified following unfavourable verdict from a Gujarat court. 

 

Important findings:

** Roughly seven-in-ten Indians (70 per cent) say India’s influence in the world in recent years has been getting stronger. 

In contrast, 19% say India has been getting weaker, 

-- 13% say its influence has not changed.   

Indians are also positive on views of the U.S. at large, with 65% saying they have a favorable view of the U.S. and 64% expressing confidence in U.S. President Joe Biden to do the right thing regarding world affairs.

Those who believe that the U.S. is the world’s leading economic power are more likely to believe that American influence is getting stronger, as are those who say the U.S. contributes to peace and stability and that the U.S. interferes in the affairs of other countries.

Many Indians also believe that Russia’s global influence has strengthened, with about four-in-ten saying that Russia’s influence in the world has been getting stronger in recent years.

Modi and Kamala Harris !!

The survey has also found that the attitudes of Europeans towards India have turned more negative over time. “Favourable views of India have declined by roughly 10 percentage points or more in all five of the European countries. 

The greatest change is seen in France, where just 39 per cent now have a favourable view of India, compared with 70 per cent in 2008,” the study states.

The new survey by the Pew Research Centre, which is an American think tank, surveyed 30,861 people in 24 countries from February 20 to May 22, 2023.

People in Japan, Kenya, and Nigeria said they have confidence in PM Modi’s abilities to frame the right foreign policy choices. Around 60 per cent of Kenyans hold a favourable view of PM Modi.

At the same time, half of Mexicans and Brazilians said they do not have confidence in him. People in Argentina, South Africa, South Korea, and the US are also more likely to lack confidence in Modi, the survey stated.

According to the study, 71 per cent of people in Israel said they have a favourable view of the country. 

Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom also have a generally positive view of India, with at least six in ten people holding a favourable opinion, the study stated.

Indians’ views on China’s influence in the world are somewhat more mixed, with about four-in-ten also saying that China’s influence has been getting stronger. 

In contrast, around three-in-ten Indians say that China’s influence has been getting weaker, more than say the same of any other country asked about. In India, negative views of China have also reached historic highs since the country was last surveyed in 2019. 

Two-thirds of Indians express an unfavorable opinion of China, making India the only middle-income country where a majority has unfavorable views of China.

Roughly two-thirds of Indian adults hold a favorable view of the U.S., including 23% with a very favorable view. 

Indians also give the United States’ international behavior positive ratings. About three-quarters say U.S. foreign policy takes their country’s interests into account, and seven-in-ten say the U.S. contributes to world peace.

Still, not all aspects of the U.S. are seen positively in India. Roughly two-thirds of adults in India say the U.S. interferes in the affairs of other countries.

ends