A little bit more than patriotism. A little bit lower than jingoism. --- Nirendra Dev
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Modi's special emissary Dr Jaishankar meets BNP’s Tarique Rahman, hands over Prime Minister's letter :::: Yunus plays puppet ... displaying cheapness his office mentions about Jaishankar exchanging pleasantries with Pakistan Speaker
"You have been calling me a Dictator when I was not. Now I am" -- Indira Gandhi on July 22, 1975 ::::: As we come to end of 2025 --- we also note this marks end of 50 year plus since Emergency and 54 years since creation of Bangladesh
The Paradox of Democracy !!
On July 22, 1975 - Indira Gandhi obliged her critics. But as a consummate politician by then; she knew the art of doing so. Hardly a month after imposition of Emergency; she told Parliament ---
"You have been calling me a Dictator when I was not. Now I am".
Notably, the story with 'dictator' quote was filed by Press Trust of India (PTI) diligently ... but within five minutes the official Censor killed the story.
Within minutes .... PTI sent a 'kill kill' note around India to all its subscribers on teleprinters, recalls an agency old timer R C Rajamani.
Recalling about Emergency; Rajamani (blogger's Guru in more ways than one) --- once said: "Every darker moment has its lighter moment too ... Emergency was a period when an atmosphere of cloak-and-dagger persisted."
However, he would explain that ... Journalists were also targets of punitive action. But, Rajamani said -- "Journalists targeted Netas and authorities making them the butt of their jokes and sarcasm".
There were some illustrations. Four news agencies - PTI, PTI Bhasha (Hindi), UNI and UNI-varta (Hindi) were merged and brought under conglomerate Samachar.
Mayur Vihar's Samachar Apartment in East Delhi is a testimony of that era and especially of that name. Original flat owners were young staffers in news agencies and other media outlets then. But after Emergency was imposed; in early 1976 the four news agencies were merged and Samachar was created. Of course - the 'independence' of journalism was gone.
Samachar started functioning like an official organisation and was often compared with Russian (Soviet Union) agency TASS.
Since 1904 TASS has been Russia's leading news agency.
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| Indira with Rajiv, Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka |
In April 1978, one year since Morarji Desai-led Janata Party Govt was in power and L K Advani as the Information and Broadcasting Minister; the Samachar was dismantled. And the joke circulated .... :
Why was Samachar closed and dismantled ?
The response was -- "Because the news reader of All India Radio (AIR) Hindi news bulletin would always ended her/his programme saying - "Samachar Samapt Huye".
There's another fascinating anecdote of that period worth sharing. A mega rally was organised opposition parties (prior to the election that dethroned Indira Gandhi) - the Congress regime had played a game.
Official TV, that's Doordarshan made a smart move what was seen as attempting to keep the crowd indoors. The blockbuster 'Bobby' starring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple was telecast. Nevertheless; the crowd came in large numbers.
Then Babu Jagjivan Ram was a key opposition figure and so the headline in one of the newspapers next day was --
'Babu beats Bobby'.
Bangladesh is in debate yet again. In the mid-seventies; thanks to India's role in splitting Pakistan - the relations between Washington and New Delhi had deteriorated much. The Indira-led dispensation was for obvious reasons at the receiving end of the US policies.
Yet certain peculiarities would happen. This gap was highlighted by CPI leader Indrajit Gupta. In his own words during a parliamentary debate - he slammed 'wooden headed' censors for their stupidity. Gupta's complaint was he wrote a piece in his party mouthpiece against "American imperalism".
But even that expression was removed. The communist leader wondered why such a decision was taken at all. Another key voice and a friend of Chandrashekhar was Mohan Dharia. Winding up his speech; Dharia drew the attention of the House to the presence of a plaque at the entrance of the British House of Commons.
Inscribed in the plaque were the famous words of Voltaire.
"I have greatest detest for your opinion. But I shall fight unto death to preserve your right to utter your opinion".
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Women will be women ::: Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina - two leaders became Prime Ministers ---- But they upheld feminine characteristics - 'shared food .... but fought over birthday party and furniture'
"Woman was God's second mistake" - philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche
**
"A woman is four times more brazen than a man. She also has six times his courage and eight times his strength of passion!" - Chanakya

2000 snap - Khaleda Zia and Hasina
Look next door neighbour - Bangladesh and we have how 'women (from purdah to power)' could be.
Around 2006; both Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda were jailed by a military-backed interim regime. Khaleda was arrested on corruption charges.
Both the women leaders and former PMs; Ms Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina were held in detention in houses not far from each other.
Reports emerged that Hasina even shared her food with bitter rival Khaleda. But later in 2024 --- in an interview Hasina denied this.
She also claimed Khaleda Zia was under house arrest and was treated well in a “newly built house.”
“A better place, and better furniture and everything .... For me, it was all old, broken," Sheikh Hasina complained.
Among the cases filed against Khaleda Zia was that she had misrepresented her birthday, to turn Aug 15, a day of mourning for Sheikh Hasina marking the massacre of her her father Mujib and other family members into her day of celebration.
On this case; when Khaleda did not show up to a court hearing over a complaint lodged in 2016 by a supporter of Hasina’s Awami League party, the court issued an arrest warrant for her.
“The complaint was that she had been celebrating a fake birthday, on Aug. 15, for a long time ....But, in fact, that is her original birthday” -- Khaleda's lawyer and a BNP leader Syed Nazrul Islam had told the court.
Nevertheless; on Dec 30 as Khaleda breathed her last; Sheikh Hasina offered “deepest condolences” to Khalea's family.
“As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and for her role in the struggle to establish democracy, her contributions to the nation were significant and will be remembered,” Hasina noted.
The 'rivalry' touched a new level in 2021 when Khaleda caught epidemic Covid19.
When her condition worsened and medicos advised her to travel abroad for treatment, the request was turned down by courts -- ostensibly at the diktats of powerful Sheikh Hasina.
It is said later also such pleas were rejected. As claimed by BNP workers; Sheikh Hasina denied Khaleda foreign visit on health ground as many as 18 times.
In 2021 after Covid19, Sheikh Hasina foreign minister at the time, A.K. Abdul Momen, had said that Khaleda Zia could bring any doctor she wanted to Bangladesh to treat her, but she wouldn’t be allowed to go abroad.
In fact in the twilight of her life; Khaleda Khanam Putul was frequently in and out of the hospital under security protection, suffering from a number of age-related illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and advanced liver problems.
Khaleda was freed from house arrest and nearly a dozen of the court cases against her were dropped after Hasina was ousted on Aug 5, 2024.
By then; she was hardly health and remained bedridden.
Interestingly despite hospitalization, her party still decided to nominate her to contest as many as three seats in the February 2026 elections.
From her hospital bed, Khaleda called Sheikh Hasina’s downfall as “the end of tyranny.”
“Through a long movement of struggle and sacrifice, we have freed ourselves from the fascist, illegal government,” she read from a statement.
ends
Begum Khaleda Zia played a gamechanger ... proving the prophets of doom wrong ::::: During turbulent period in the party; Khaleda was seen as 'new saviour' .... But she was slowly coming out of her housewife's self
The assassination of President Ziaur Rahman on 30 May 1981 and the exit of the incumbent President Justice Abdus Sattar from power debilitated the BNP for some time. The party was looking for a rallying point replacing the ageing leadership of Justice Sattar.
While the workers were united, the leaders at the centre had different stakes. Many also blamed Justice Sattar for his failure to protect the government against the military intervention.
Thus entered Begum Zia and she played a gamechanger ... proving the prophets of doom wrong.
The military takeover by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Hussain Muhammad Ershad on 24 March 1982 failed to block, despite temporary setbacks, the forward march of the nationalist forces of Bangladesh led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
There were continuous attempts made to cause splits within the BNP and as part of those efforts some front ranking leaders were lured into joining Ershad. Everything said and done, the party survived all conspiracies to cripple and dismantle it.
As fissures developed in the BNP a debate came up about how to elect a Chairperson of the party and who should be nominated to contest in the upcoming Presidential election.
Incidentally, there were no provisions in the party constitution about how to fill the vacancy of the party chief, if any. There was also no provision to make a Vice-Chair the Acting Chair.
So, these two problems needed an urgent solution. Only the party National Executive Committee (NEC) could solve the problem. But without taking this provision into consideration some senior members decided to act on their own.
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| Blogger |
India Shining .... Truly yours .... Moditva :::: No fake news... no Artificial Intelligence ::: Modi hae toh .... Bharat is now 4th-largest economy by overtaking Japan, set to pip Germany by 2030
Indian Sickularism and Trumpism from Washington ... have to reconcile to new facts ... 'new India'
India becomes 4th-largest economy by overtaking Japan, set to pip Germany by 2030
As one of the world’s youngest nations, India’s growth story is being shaped by its ability to generate quality employment that productively absorbs its expanding workforce and delivers inclusive, sustainable growth, it is claimed.
India's real GDP grew 8.2 per cent in Q2 of 2025-26, driven by strong domestic consumption, urban demand, and structural reforms, the Centre said.
2025 marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China :::: Reset offered breathing room rather than breakthrough .
The India-China ties have had different flavours in 2025. The relations also evolved into a newer phases between 2000 and 2025 -- that is during the last 25 years.
Normal interaction and inevitable showdown .... accompany each other due to historical as well as geopolitical reasons.
As a matter of fact, efforts have been made from both sides to mark a 'shift' -- from outright hostility toward calibrated engagement.
Both seem to realise the utter importance of complex mutual coexistence.
The RIC --- Russia-India-China partnership also made some progress.
The calendar year 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, prompting commemorative events and renewed dialogue to revive relations.
In essence, 2025 represented a push for normalization and pragmatic cooperation, but within a framework where both countries acknowledge unresolved challenges, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
( Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM Narendra Modi's attendance of the key meeting with Xi Jinping provided the opportunity for Indian PM and Xi to demonstrate their continuing support for Vladimir Putin.
But RIC friendship shows the three are united by little more than their opposition to the current US-dominated order. )
Xi Jining has actually moved too slowly on the de-escalation of troops at the standoff points along the LAC with India.
Operation Sindoor was Watershed moment .... :: Pakistan was rattled ::: Beijing let loose "tutored" experts to speak about efficacy of Chinese defence system ::: Govt wants to 'further strengthen' India’s nuclear triad
India's security system needs to be revamped.
And it is being done.
Pakistan cannot forget the year gone by for multiple reasons. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has "realised the heavy cost of running the business of terrorism."
Over 600 Pakistani drones were downed or repelled by the Indian Army’s air defence units.
The army mobilised over 1,000 air defence units gun systems and 750 short—and medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in double-quick time during Operation Sindoor.
***
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has inducted Drones and Loiter Munitions to destroy enemy air defences.
The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Air Force works in close coordination with Army air defence units. The IACCS has envisioned a system to detect 'enemy movement' and keep the ground commanders informed.
The IACCS has also incorporated the Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for secure voice data communication.
These have made upgradations, which cater to redundancies, an easier process.
Operation Sindoor messaging ---
On being asked about the 'message' being conveyed by using Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's poem in the video presentation, Air Marshal AK Bharti said ,
"...'विनय ना मानत जलध जड़ गए तीन दिन बीति। बोले राम सकोप तब भय बिनु होय ना प्रीति'.."
"...The ocean is not accepting humility (विनय), three days have passed. Ram said in anger, 'There is no love without fear.'"
(Four years back PM Narendra Modi had said this quote from Ram Charit Manas at a public function)
^^^^^^^^
A stand off weapon launch detection system is already in place.
Standoff launch is useful to launch an attack keeping a safe distance from the counter. As a result, the capability to counter enemies using appropriate weapons and systems will be improved.
The Indian Armed Forces' year-end 2025 was defined by major Defence Reforms, focusing on tech like AI/drones, integrated theatre commands, and indigenization, alongside key operations like Operation Sindoor (striking terror bases) and significant military inductions.
The Ministry of Defence declared 2025 the "Year of Reforms," emphasizing modernization, tri-service synergy, and future-readiness in cyber/space domains, marking a strategic shift towards a technologically advanced force.
India’s deployment of the S-400 missile system and the BrahMos missiles, which New Delhi co-manufactured with Moscow made it clear ... how 'new Bharat' has emerged.
Moreover, Indian strikes made it also clear that we can do so keeping the strikes non-escalatory and limited.
Operation Sindoor was launched by the armed forces on the night of May 6 and May 7, following the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.
The operation targeted camps of terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists.
Following retaliatory shelling and attempted drone attacks by Pakistan, India expanded its strikes to radar systems, communication hubs, and air bases across 11 Pakistani installations.
After three days of intense cross-border military actions, a ceasefire understanding between the two nations was announced on May 10.
In terms of futuristic moves ....
As India heads into circa 2026, there is a realisation that a Military has to be in transition -- preparing for the next conflict obviously. But should also work on 'fundamentally different ways' of fighting wars.
The Navy evolved a doctrine to include a ‘no war, no peace’ category.
That means accelerated induction of drones, autonomous boats and surveillance assets.
Six joint doctrines were released covering
cyber, space,
amphibious, special forces,
and multi-domain operations.
&&&
The Navy’s strength will grow with the commissioning of Project 17A stealth frigates—Taragiri, Mahendragiri and Dunagiri.
About 60 warships are now under construction in Indian shipyards.
Navy will also commission Aridaman, its third Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
The Govt wants to 'further strengthen' India’s nuclear triad.
**
During Operation Sindoor -- The government pointed out to a statement by
Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt. Gen Rajiv Ghai:
(during the briefing on Operation Sindoor)
-- "...even though we did attempt to reach out and communicate our compulsions to strike at the heart of terror to my counterpart in the immediate wake of Operation Sindoor, the request was brusquely turned down with an intimation that a severe response was inevitable and in the offing.
We were, of course, prepared".
Following Operation Sindoor, India’s indigenous defence capabilities, including the Tejas fighter jet and BrahMos missile, gained higher global recognition.
In September 2025 -- India inked a major contract for 97 fourth-generation Tejas jets -- a move aimed at reducing the IAF to an all-time low of 29 fighter squadrons.
Notably, Pakistan used Chinese-origin jets like J-10s armed with PL-15, and made IAF come to the conclusion based on an internal assessment that it will need far more than even its “authorised” 42.5 fighter squadrons.
Russia also submitted a proposal for the supply and local production of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets.
From 2020 to 2024, Russia provided 36 per cent of India’s arms imports.
France supplied 33 per cent and Israel 13 per cent.
The new India–US 10-year Defence Framework Agreement encompasses strategic logistics, joint production, and technology transfer.
This was a "push to counter" China’s expanding influence across the Indo-Pacific region.
It is true the jointness of the services really took off after the Chief of Defence Staff was appointed.
As experts state 'Jointness is not a slogan', It involves a lot of planning, taking action together and taking responsibility together.
The armed forces - true to their words - have now learnt to do all of these things together.
After Pakistan's fiasco during India's Operation Sindoor; Chinese were upset and furious for yet another aspcct in geo-politics.
The 'defeat' of Pakistanis have upset China strategically but it is also major "commercial setback".
Beijing let loose some of its "tutored" experts to speak about efficacy of Chinese defence system as supplied to Pakistan.
A discourse was unleashed to tell the world and also the domestic crowd in China and Pakistan that India had suffered defeat.
This message is also designed aiming at potential arms buyers including the Middle East.
ends
Modi's special emissary Dr Jaishankar meets BNP’s Tarique Rahman, hands over Prime Minister's letter :::: Yunus plays puppet ... displaying cheapness his office mentions about Jaishankar exchanging pleasantries with Pakistan Speaker
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