“

A latest study has estimated that at least 67 million children are infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with 850,000 developing active disease. Of these children, two million were estimated to be infected with multi drug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis strains, leading to 25,000 cases of MDR-TB disease requiring expensive and toxic treatment, according to  a new study by The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

TB in children is increasingly being recognised as a significant public health problem, and an important element of the total global burden of the disease. Improved estimates of the rates of drug resistance in children are important because paediatric tuberculosis can be more difficult to diagnose, more challenging to test for drug sensitivity, and more likely to cause extra-pulmonary infection.

Africa and South East Asia have the highest numbers of children with TB, but the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region, Europe and Western Pacific region also contribute substantially to the burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis because of their much higher proportions of resistance, the study says. Far more drug-resistant tuberculosis occurs in children than is diagnosed, and there is a large pool of drug-resistant infection. This finding has implications for approaches to empirical treatment and preventive therapy in some regions of the world.

After infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, children are at an increased risk of progression to tuberculosis disease; a condition that can be challenging to diagnose. New estimation approaches for children have highlighted the gap between incidence and notifications of M tuberculosis, and suggest there are more cases of isoniazid-resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) disease than are identified. No work has yet quantified the burden of drug-resistant infection, or accounted for other types of drug resistance or sampling uncertainty.

The researchers combined a mathematical model of tuberculosis in children with an analysis of drug-resistance patterns to produce country-level, regional, and global estimates of drug-resistant infection and disease. They then determined drug resistance using data from the Global Project on Antituberculosis Drug Resistance Surveillance at WHO, from surveys and surveillance reported between 1988 and 2014 and combined 1000 sampled proportions for each country to estimate the proportions of tuberculosis cases at a country level with isoniazid monoresistance, rifampicin monoresistance, multidrug resistance (MDR), fluoroquinolone-resistant multidrug resistance, second-line injectable-resistant multidrug resistance, and extensive multidrug resistance with resistance to both a fluoroquinolone and a second-line injectable (XDR).

The innovative modelling and statistical analysis was  carried out by researchers from the University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, and the World Health Organisation. Peter Dodd, an infectious disease epidemiologist from the University’s School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), said: “Our report shows far more drug-resistant TB occurs in children than is diagnosed, and there is a large pool of drug-resistant infection. If they are not identified as having drug-resistant TB, children are unlikely to receive appropriate and effective treatment.

“After infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, young children are at particularly high risk of progressing to tuberculosis disease. “They are also more likely to develop more severe forms of disease such as TB meningitis and disseminated TB.”
The report, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, concludes that the identified cases of drug-resistant TB in children are the tip of the iceberg, and there is a large unmet need for diagnosis, drug-susceptibility testing, and appropriate treatment.”

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Rare as it may seem Britain is at the crossroads. It was like a political Tsunami that stunned the United Kingdom when the referendum favoured a clean break with the 28-member European Union. It was bewildering as this was not the result a wide cross section of the electorate desired but now had to confront it headlong. There is widespread uncertainty about what is going to happen next in the short to medium term. 

Ireland wants to overturn the result. There was anger at the European Union headquarters wanting the UK to pack bags and quit as early as possible rather than dragging its feet. They wanted to begin the process as early as last Tuesday, June 28, even though the charter of the EU stipulates the process of a clean break with the EU takes at least two years to materialise. 

Expectedly, British Prime Minister David Cameron immediately put in his papers as it was no longer possible for him to take the country forward. His replacement after six years in office is expected to take place as early as September-October. 

Some other smaller European countries are also contemplating getting out of the EU. In all this confusion, nearly three million signed a fresh memorandum seeking another referendum on the subject which was rejected by Cameron. 

The markets in this country have shrugged off the impact of Brexit results. Though the market fell sharply during intra day trading last Friday, June 24, both  have since recovered from those lows as the Rupee cumulatively shed only 70 paise. This reflects a vastly improved domestic macro economic stability. 

What happens outside is beyond any country’s control. Policy makers must stick to domestic fiscal prudence. Reminiscent of Asia in 1947, politicians in Europe in 2016 not in control of things are being assailed by forces they have unleashed and are unable to control. What is staring people in the face is that they do not know what the future holds. Anger between the two camps of “”leave and stay”” is at boiling point. 

England will need a new scapegoat. A racial element has been noticed in the voting like “”Britain for Brits”” which holds dangerous portends. Despite murmurs Scotland and Ireland have their own agendas and voted to stay in the EU because thats the logical step for freedom. However, the world at large might not be able to fully insulate itself from the aftermath of June 23 shocker even if the margin of victory was barely four per cent.

The EU finds itself in troubled waters  after decades of European integration. Cameron’s decision to go in for a referendum may turn out to be an  electoral blunder though he himself voted to remain in the EU. 

Be that as it may the outgoing Prime Minister has become his own victim. Even though Indian companies which have seen England as a springboard to Europe are somewhat circumspect at this juncture.  

In a highly integrated world with interdependent economic security systems in place, especially in Europe, walking out of EU would entail costs for both the leavers and the 27 countries that remain behind after UK’s departure. As the fifth largest economy in the world with a seat in the Security Council, the UK wields much influence, though Germany being the strongest was the undoubted power in the EU. 

The UK has to negotiate its exit under Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty. The Pound suffered its biggest one day fall in history against the Dollar to hit levels last seen three decades back in 1985. The “”out”” is being widely seen to be directed at the British voters fear of the immigrants. The voices of pluralism and tolerance have suffered a setback. It will give a definite fillip to right wing political leaders and outfits in Europe and beyond. 

For its part the EU will emerge economically and politically weakened with the departure of its most free market proponent and a member wielding the UNSC veto. In one go the block will lose around a sixth of its total economic output. Britain would largely have been better off staying in the EU. Its heft is limited and diminishing. As the largest single market in the world, it had a lot more clout in trade negotiations. There are apprehensions of Britain becoming irrelevant as a small economy with no big competitive advantage. 

It is unclear at this stage what sort of relationship Britain will seek to negotiate with the EU once it has left. However, the young generation wants to remain with the EU but it was not to be. Therefore, it is not entirely inconceivable for the UK to become part of the European Union once again. 

(T R Ramachandran is a senior journalist and commentator. The Views expressed are personal.)”

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The Union Cabinet has approved the implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on pay and pension benefits.   It will come into effect from January 1, 2016.

The Cabinet also decided that arrears of pay and pensionary benefits will be paid during the current financial year (2016-17) itself. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the BJP-led NDA government had approved the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations in a record time of six months as against the previous governments who had taken 19 and 32 months to implement the recommendations of the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commissions. He expressed the hope that with the implementation of  the pay panel’s recommendations there  would be more money supply in the economy that would spur the demand and growth. At the same time, he said, employees would also be attracted to opt for additional savings. 

With this decision, the minimum pay has been increased from Rs.  7000 to 18000 p.m.  Starting salary of a newly recruited employee at lowest level will now be Rs.  18000 whereas for a freshly recruited Class I officer, it will be Rs.  56100.  This reflects a compression ratio of 1:3.12 signifying that pay of a Class I officer on direct recruitment will be three times the pay of an entrant at lowest level.

The recommendations will benefit over 1 crore employees. This includes over 47 lakh central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners, of which 14 lakh employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from the defence forces.

The present system of Pay Bands and Grade Pay has been dispensed with and a new Pay Matrix as recommended by the Commission has been approved. The status of the employee, hitherto determined by grade pay, will now be determined by the level in the Pay Matrix. Separate Pay Matrices have been drawn up for Civilians, Defence Personnel and for Military Nursing Service.

All existing levels have been subsumed in the new structure; no new levels have been introduced nor has any level been dispensed with. Index of Rationalisation has been approved for arriving at minimum pay in each Level of the Pay Matrix depending upon the increasing role, responsibility and accountability at each step in the hierarchy.

Rate of increment has been retained at 3 %. This will benefit the employees in future on account of higher basic pay as the annual increments that they earn in future will be 2.57 times than at present.

The Cabinet approved further improvements in the Defence Pay Matrix by enhancing Index of Rationalisation for Level 13A (Brigadier) and providing for additional stages in Level 12A (Lieutenant Colonel), 13 (Colonel) and 13A (Brigadier) in order to bring parity with Combined Armed Police Forces (CAPF) counterparts at the maximum of the respective Levels.

Some other decisions impacting the employees including Defence & Combined Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel include enhancement of gratuity ceiling from Rs.  10 to 20 lakh. The ceiling on gratuity will increase by 25 % whenever DA rises by 50 %. A common regime for payment of Ex-gratia lump sum compensation for civil and defence forces personnel will be payable to next of kin with the existing rates enhanced from Rs. 10-20 lakh to 25-45 lakh for different categories.

Rates of Military Service Pay has been revised from Rs.  1000, 2000, 4200 & 6000 to 3600, 5200, 10800 & 15500 respectively for various categories of Defence Forces.

Hospital Leave, Special Disability Leave and Sick Leave have been subsumed into a composite new Leave named ‘Work Related Illness and Injury Leave’ (WRIIL). Full pay and allowances will be granted to all employees during the entire period of hospitalization on account of WRIIL.

The Cabinet also approved the recommendation of the Commission to enhance the ceiling of House Building Advance from Rs.  7.50 lakh to 25 lakh. In order to ensure that no hardship is caused to employees, four interest free advances namely Advances for Medical Treatment, TA on tour/transfer, TA for family of deceased employees and LTC have been retained. All other interest free advances have been abolished.

    The Cabinet also decided to constitute two separate Committees (i) to suggest measures for      streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS) and (ii) to look into anomalies likely to arise out of implementation of the Commission’s Report.

As estimated by the 7th CPC, the additional financial impact on account of implementation of all its recommendations in 2016-17 will be Rs. 1,02,100 crore. There will be an additional implication of Rs. 12,133 crore on account of payments of arrears of pay and pension for two months of 2015-16.”

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Pakistan trained terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), equipped with AK-47 rifles, attacked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on June 25 at Pampore. In this most deadly attack on security forces in recent years, eight CRPF officials were martyred while more than 25 were injured out of them few were grievously wounded.The two heavily armed L-e- T terrorists resorted to indiscriminate firing on CRPF vehicle which was not bullet proof. As most of the CRPF buses are not bullet proof the terrorists take advantage of this and the security force personnel become an easy target. The CRPF personnel were quick to respond and killed both the terrorists within minutes. Intelligence sources said the terrorists were helped by support agents of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) who are active in the Valley.In the recent past terrorist attacks in the Valley have gone up. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has remarked that it is the “frustration” as more than 25 terrorists were killed by security forces in last one month in Jammu and Kashmir. In fact it is not only the frustration of terrorists but it is also the disillusionment of their Pak-based handlers who are realizing that the terrorism in the Valley is dwindling very fast and due to the advent of tourist season, the people of J&K are not resorting to demonstrations against security forces on fabricated issues.Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti while criticizing terrorism emphasised that terrorism is hurting the tourism which is very important for the economic revival of the state.Terrorists are losing ground in the Valley and Pakistani army is worried that in international arena the importance, influence and prestige of India has enhanced while Pakistan is being branded as a nation sponsoring terrorism.India’s joining of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is also a big achievement. The terrorists are also aware that  Amarnath Yatra would commencefrom July 2 and would continue till August 18 and at that time stringent security arrangement may not be easy to penetrate and launch terror strikes.On June 28, security forces killed two terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen at Kupwara district in a gun battle which is fifth encounter with terrorists in last onemonth.In the past, Pakistan has allowed use of its territory to numerous terrorist groups who have launched terror attacks  in J&K. These include Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammed, Harkat-ul- Jihad al-Islami, Harkat-ul- Mujahideen, Hizbul Mujahideen, Al-Badr. These outfits worked to the Pak design of carrying alow intensity war in the border state. There is relative peace in Afghanistan, hence, Pak-based terror groups, aided by the ISI, have increased terrorist activity in J&K and the plan is to push in more terrorists in India though the Indian security forces have foiled numerous infiltration attempts.Many of the infiltrators are from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Inhabitants of J&K are also being recruited, intelligence sources say. The training in terror camps in POK is given in the use of small arms as well as assembly of crude bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).The terrorists are using social media vigorously for the new recruitment as well as for spreading disinformation campaign against security forces. The Sufi tradition which was so special and characteristic of Kashmir is dying and Wahabis and Salafis are gaining strength which is a dangerous trend. The administration should encourage development of Sufi culture in J&K so that terrorists are considered as criminals and there is no demonstration when terrorists are killed in encounters.The political parties as well as government machinery must sort out legitimate grievances of people of J&K, they should also be told about the pitiablecondition of residents of POK where the development is negligible in comparison to J&K.The government must fulfill all the promises made to the surrendered terrorists and they should be merged in the mainstream. Security agencies should also keep a watch on their activities so that they do not return to terrorism.(J.K. Verma is a Delhi-based security analyst. The views are personal.)”

The wholly unexpected turn to the British referendum on leaving the European Union has left the entire world shell shocked. Global markets have crashed and then recovered, the pound sterling has fallen to its lowest for the last 30 years and safe haven assets like gold have become more costly, reflecting spurt in demand.
The tremors from the decision of the UK from the EU are not necessarily related to the actual economic impact on countries as a result of this divorce. It is more a psychological reaction to a move that could lead to the ultimate destruction of an idea that seemed indestructible till now.The idea of a united Europe. An idea thathad brought hope to millions of people weary of battles after two successive world wars. The hope that economic unity would bring lasting peace has been theunderlying philosophy of the European union. And it has been held up as a model for other regions like South Asia. The centuries old bitterness between France andGermany having metamorphosed into a highly successful economic union is always cited as an example to show that India and Pakistan too can overcome thepast and move forward as economic partners in the future.The vision has been destroyed by the referendum gracelessly described as Brexit. No doubt this is going to lead to more complications for the U.K. as Scotland nowconsiders the possibility of independence so it can opt to stay within the E.U. Not to mention that credit rating agencies are lowering the outlook for a country thathas normally been rated very highly as an investment destination. Be that as may, the repercussions are also going to be felt around the world. As for India, it isimportant to look at the implications simply because there is an inextricable link between the two countries owing to the colonial past. It is this that prompted hugenumbers to emigrate to the UK in search of a better life. This has now become a large and thriving diaspora in a country which has even dropped fish and chips tomake chicken tikka masala a national dish. The exchange has been two way with nearly all major British companies and banks having been established here beforeindependence and well before the reforms of 1991 lured the rest of the world.The economic relationship has deepened over the years with Indian companies like Tatas taking over Corus, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea. The UK is the thirdlargest investor in India but India is also the third largest investor in that country. The level of Indian investment in the UK is as much as in the entire EU. Thereason is clear, the comfort level of working in the same language and a relatively similar legal and financial system. Given this ease of comfort of working in the UKalong with the presence of the Indian diaspora, it is not likely that the pattern of investments will undergo any major change. The UK may have been described as the gateway to Europe but Indian companies are not going to hastily shift headquarters to another capital despite the divorce with the EU. There may be some travel restrictions unlike in the past but this is a minor hurdle facing Indian companies who are used to operating from London.In fact, it will become easier for some Indian professionals to work in the UK now. In the past, the stringent EU regulations did not allow entry of specialized workersto enter unless their incomes were above a specified level. This has impacted skilled workers like chefs and nurses, who have in the past come in large numberfrom India.It is in the information technology sector that there should be some concern over the prospect of Brexit. The UK is the second largest market for India’s IT exportsand the separation from the EU could mean lower demand for software exports. Besides, the mobility of IT professionals from the UK to Europe could becomemore expensive and cumbersome with travel regulations coming into place. On the trade side, there may actually be some jubilation in the Commerce Ministrythat it will be possible to go ahead with a separate free trade pact with the UK. The proposed EU-India FTA has been hanging fire since 2007 largely due tointransigence on many areas by the EU bureaucracy. While India is willing to make concessions on automobiles and liquor tariffs, the EU is not prepared tomove forward on issues relating to movement of professionals which is critical for India. In case a separate FTA is now concluded with the UK, these issues willprobably be resolved much more easily. On the negative side, this will mean that the entire EU-India FTA will have to be reworked, leading to even more delay infinalizing the pact.In sum, there is not going to be a great deal of change in the Indo-British economic relationship owing to Brexit. The impact will be far more positive than negative.At the same time, the tremors around the world will affect India in an indirect way. The fluctuation in the rupee being seen now should subside in a while but thedecline of the pound sterling will surely affect IT exports unless it is contained in the medium term. In addition, if London loses its cachet as the financial capital ofEurope, it is bound to affect all companies located in this iconic city. The exit of the UK from the European Union may not affect India significantly or even impactit in a good way, but in the ultimate analysis it cannot be positive for the global economy. The economic integration of Europe makes eminent sense. It has madelife easier for most of those who live in the region. The very fact that the referendum has been by so narrow a margin and that analyses are showing that younger people prefer to be part of the EU, shows only too clearly that the European economic union with the UK is the way of the future. It is not inconceivable that this new generation may once again turn the tables after a while and become part of a united Europe once again.(This Edit page article appeared in The Tribune on June 28, 2016.)”

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While significant progress has been made in saving children’s lives, getting children into school and lifting people out of poverty, 69 million under the age of five will die from mostly preventable causes, 167 million children will live in poverty, and 750 million women will have been married as children by 2030 – the timeline set to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals—unless there is focus on the plight of the most disadvantaged children, according to a latest UNICEF report. The State of the World’s Children, UNICEF’s annual flagship report, paints a stark picture of what is in store for the world’s poorest children if governments, donors, businesses and international organizations do not accelerate efforts to address their needs.

The report notes that global under-five mortality rates have been more than halved since 1990, boys and girls attend primary school in equal numbers in 129 countries, and the number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide is almost half of what it was in the 1990s but this progress has been neither even nor fair, the report says. The poorest children are twice as likely to die before their fifth birthday and to be chronically malnourished than the richest. Across much of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, children born to mothers with no education are almost three times more likely to die before they are five than those born to mothers with a secondary education. And girls from the poorest households are twice as likely to marry as children than girls from the wealthiest households.

Although education plays a unique role in levelling the playing field for children, the number of children who do not attend school has increased since 2011, and a significant proportion of those who do go to school are not learning. Globally, about 124 million children today do not go to primary and lower-secondary school, and almost 2 in 5 who do finish primary school have not learned how to read, write or do simple arithmetic. “Denying hundreds of millions of children a fair chance in life does more than threaten their futures – by fuelling inter-generational cycles of disadvantage, it imperils the future of their societies,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. Ã¢Â€ÂœWe have a choice: Invest in these children now or allow our world to become still more unequal and divided.”

India has much to celebrate in the area of education, particularly in ensuring children’s access to school, through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and implementation of the Right to Education Act. This is reflected in the near-universal enrolment in primary education and the steady decrease in numbers of out-of-school children. The number of out-of-school children between 6 to 13 years has declinedfrom approximately 8 million in 2009 to 6 million in 2014. Yet, challenges still remain.In India, out of 74 million children between 3-6 years, about 20 million were not attending any preschool education in 2014, and it is the children from the poorest families and marginalised communities who are often left behind.

India is also one of the five countries where the highest number of children under-5 die due to preventable causes. The other countries are Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia. In 2015, about 1.26 million children below the age of 5 years died of which 57 % were caused due to premature deaths and neonatal infection. Pneumonia and diarrhea are the two major causes of death after one month.   On an average, each additional year of education a child receives increases his or her adult earnings by about 10 per cent. For each additional year of schooling completed by young adults in a country results in a decline of that country’s poverty rates fall by 9 per cent.

Inequity is neither inevitable, nor insurmountable, the report argues. Better data on the most vulnerable children, integrated solutions to the challenges children face, innovative ways to address old problems, more equitable investment and increased involvement by communities – all these measures can help level the playing field for children.”

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On an average 14 abortions are performed per month at the District and Sub-District Hospitals with the Northern States reporting the highest number at 21 per month and Southern States the lowest at 8, according to a study on “An Assessment of Availability of selected CAC components in the Public Health system in India’’ done by Garima Dutta of the Indian Institute of Population Sciences. In the CHC, on an average 14 abortions are performed with the North eastern States reporting the highest number 33 and the least – 8 — being reported from Western states. For the rest of the States, the numbers range between 10 and 15.

The study examines the availability of some CAC components (human resource, drugs, training of health personnel and essential equipment) across different level of facilities and geographical region. The data was taken from the District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-4), 2012-13. The sample size included 1588 District/Sub District Hospitals, 4843 CHCs and 8540 PHCs. The study shows 75.6% District and Sub-District Hospitals had obstetrics and gynaeocologists available, 74.4% had nurses available and in 72.5% obstetrics and gynaeocologists were available round-the-clock.  In the CHC, 26.2% had obstetrics and gynaeocologists while 30.2% medical officers had received MTP training in the last five years.

Here, the scenario was worst in Northern states with only 23.8% CHC having obstetrics and gynaeocologists available and 33.3% medical doctors were MTP trained whereas Western states were the best with 54.2% CHCs having obstetrics and gynaeocologists and 48.6% medical doctors trained for MTP in the past 5 years. When it came to PHCs, a total of 24.1% doctors at PHC had received MTP training. In the Western States, the percentage was the highest at 48.1% and the least at 10.6% in Central States.

There is a dearth of trained abortion providers and functional facilities in the country, Ms Dutta said. Presenting her study at the concluding day of Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) Conclave organised by Ipas Development Foundation,  Ms Dutta said efforts should be made in providing medical termination of pregnancy training to more number of medical doctors. Government should give more emphasis on infrastructure and availability of surgical and medical abortion drugs especially at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with special emphasis to be given on post abortion counseling and contraception.”

“India finally has a structured civil aviation policy for the first time after independence. The aim is to make it as easy to fly for the common man as it is to go by rail or road. Currently the country has a middle class that is 350 million strong and is travelling a great deal. Of these, however, only 70 million have the resources to soar into the skies to reach their destination. There is thus a huge market waiting to be tapped.The policy has been announced also in view of the need to lure more investment to this sector. Investors have been cautious in the past in the absence of a stable regulatory framework for the industry. Such investment is needed not just in airlines but in infrastructure like development of airports, ground handling andmaintenance operations.The policy has been unveiled at a time of high growth and low oil prices which has led to competitive air fares. Plus the Indian aviation scene has seen the entry of two big new players with foreign collaboration – Vistara, a joint venture of Singapore Airlines and the Tata group, and Air Asia, headed by the iconic Malaysian entrepreneur, Tony Fernandes. The older more entrenched domestic players had been worried that these new entrants will get an unfair advantage under the new policy provisions. This is mainly in regard to the 5/20 rule laid down for those seeking to make international flights. This decade-old rule meant that aviation companies had to operate within the country for at least five years before launching international operations. In addition, they had to have a fleet of at least 20 aircraft to fly overseas.The new policy has done away with the five year rule but kept the provisions for having a fleet of at least 20 aircraft before being allowed to fly overseas. Since it will probably take the new airlines at least three years to achieve this capacity, it is now being described as the 3/20 rule. The older airlines are annoyed that they had to abide by this rule and it has now been done away with for the new players. But the fact is, it still does not allow them to start international operations immediately owing to the clause that they must have 20 aircraft. The airline industry has always been rife with speculation over lobbying with the government to twist rules but this time it seems that most of the provisions are pro-growth.Regional ConnectivityThe highlight of the new policy is undoubtedly the thrust on regional connectivity which has been talked about for a long time but has not been implemented as it should have been. Remote areas, plus hilly regions and the northeast have suffered greatly due to lack of air connections. Some of the proposals like the levy of a cess on domestic flights to the large metros envisage cross subsidies, a system that had been in vogue in the mid-90s as well. But in this case it is being combined with the revival of small airstrips as well as the reduced prices on short flights. The criticism that the cross subsidies will be complex may be justified but the plans will have to be put to the test to see if they are feasible. If it leads to a shift in passenger traffic even by 10 or 20 per cent from rail to road, then it will be a huge game changer for the transport sector.Besides, currently passenger transport modes are hugely congested. Rail travellers have to book months in advance to get confirmed reservations. Road travel iscomfortable only in some parts of the country like the southern region where bus networks are efficiently organized. The northern states have much poorer publictransport systems. Cheap air travel can provide a viable third option for people seeking to travel to smaller towns and remote areas.Cargo movement will also benefit significantly. Movement of essential goods by road or rail for remote areas has always been problematic. Rail and road transportnetworks have been struggling to meet the needs of efficient movement of goods all over the country. The sight of dangerously overloaded trucks is a common one,reflecting the state of affairs in the road transport sector. The provision of air connections is bound to improve cargo movement and hence development of these regions in the long run.The relaxation of rules relating to bilateral international routes will also promote economic development as export cargo needs to moved quickly in many cases. The plan is to liberalise the bilateral regime by permitting open skies between India and SAARC countries as well as countries beyond a 5000 kilometre radius from Delhi.In other words, there will be no ceiling on bilateral flights from these areas. Maintenance, repair and operations or MRO as it is known in the aviation industry is another area where the government has taken an innovative approach. It is proposed to abolish service tax on MRO services provided in India and increasetax- free period for storage of spares imported by MROs. The ultimate goal is to make this country a hub for MRO services in Asia. Experts say that of the 700million dollar MRO business, only 70 million dollars is carried out in India and this can be increased substantially.This is a brave new world being drawn up by the aviation ministry. The proof of the pudding,however, lies in the eating, as the old saying goes. Whether all thesegrand plans will actually transform the industry is yet to be seen. Even more importantly, the big question is, will it become possible for the common man to go by air as easily and cheaply as by rail or road. This will depend on how sincerely this policy is finally implemented on the ground.(Sushma Ramachandran is a senior journalist and commentator on economic affairs and business. The views are personal.)“

” Vice President M. Hamid Ansari has said that the good that former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao did to the country lives after him; the harm too lives on and continues to extract a heavy toll. He was speaking after releasing the book ‘Half-Lion’, authored by journalist Vinay Sitapati, in the Capital on Monday. The Vice President said that the ‘diligently researched’ book is a useful contribution to our knowledge of that period. Congratulating the author, Mr. Ansari said that Mr. Sitapati had the advantage of having access to the personal papers of Narasimha Rao including information or assessments on situations and personalities given to him by the Intelligence Bureau. Some may enquire if the Oath of Secrecy and the Official Secrets Act extends to the grave and beyond, he added.The Vice President said that the country, and the world, acknowledges Narasimha Rao’s role as the initiator for change in basic economic policies. On external affairs, his success “was due to cultivated expertise” as he made realistic assessment of the shifts in global power patterns and adjusted policy to India’s immediate requirements, he added.The Vice President said that two sections of the book would invite commentary – these relate to the management of Parliament and to the demolition of Babri Masjid. During the trust vote of July 26, 1992, survival at all cost was the government’s objective and unethical tactics were resorted to; these were eventually also found to be beyond the pale of law, he added. On the demolition of Babri Masjid, the Vice President quoted the author’s assessment – ‘Rao wanted to protect the mosque and protect Hindu sentiments and protect himself. He ended up with the mosque destroyed, Hindus un-attracted to the Congress, and his own reputation in tatters.’

The Vice President said that 25 years ago this week, P.V. Narasimha Rao was sworn in as Prime Minister and informed commentators have recalled his achievements. The country, and the world, acknowledges Narasimha Rao’s role as the initiator for change in basic economic policies. The crisis of 1991 was the catalyst; to him goes the credit for grasping the opportunity, for making commendable judgements on selection of personnel, and for manoeuvring the changes very deftly through the shoals and rapids of a divided polity; the budget of July 1991 and its aftermath was a good example.

Observing that two sections of the book — relating to the management of Parliament and to the demolition of Babri Masjid — would invite commentary, the Vice President said the first was a nightmare by any standard. “”The Congress was around 10 seats short of a majority. The opposition was split between a rightwing BJP and a left wing National Front. The Prime Minister was perceived to be weak; so his focus was on wide ranging consultations with the opposition to ascertain issues and seek a consensus on the parliamentary agenda: ‘The areas of agreement we will concentrate on, the areas of disagreement we will keep aside, if possible.’ This was facilitated by the extensive personal contacts he had developed over years.Mr. Ansari said: “”The nemesis came with the trust vote of July 26, 1992. Survival at all cost was the government’s objective. Unethical tactics were resorted to; these were eventually also found to be beyond the pale of law. The author’s judgement is unequivocal: ‘It was the worst political decision of Narasimha Rao’s career.’On the demolition of Babri Masjid, he noted that the author’s assessment is candid and noteworthy: ‘There is no question that Rao made the wrong decision,’ adding that he should have acted between November 1 and 24 and that his faith in sundry interlocutors – whose names are given in chapter 12 – was misplaced: ‘Rao wanted to protect the mosque and protect Hindu sentiments and protect himself. He ended up with the mosque destroyed, Hindus un-attracted to the Congress, and his own reputation in tatters.’Nor has passage of time diluted the gravity of the error of judgement and tactics. Earlier this year, President Pranab Mukherjee has called the demolition ‘an act of absolute perfidy which should make all Indians hang their heads in shame.’ A few days back a commentator, while lauding the transformation initiated by Narasimha Rao, said the event of December 6, 1992 was ‘born out of a combination of gullibility, complicity and incompetency,’ the Vice President said in his observations.”

“

imgeset”” alt=””imgeset”” />Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview with Times Now has shared his views on a range of issues. Here are edited excerpts of the Prime Minister’s interviewwith Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief, Times Now which was telecast on June 27, 2016.

ARNAB: Mr. Modi, I want to start now on the issue of foreign policy. In the area of foreign policy, you have taken great personal interest. The amount of personal interest you have shown in foreign policy, probably none of the previous Prime Ministers showed the same kind of interest. Your approach is pro active. What I find interesting about your foreign policy is that you have balanced different powers and different interests. On the one side, your relationship with US, you made sure that India enters the Missile Control Technology Regime with them. A week before that you also signed the historic Chabahar Port Agreement with Iran. So, you have balanced very diverse forces. My question to you over this is that, is it easy to do that as an Indian Prime Minister? Secondly, on the issue of the NSG, you staked a lot of personal interest, personal push, you lobbied actively. How close are we to getting the NSG seat? 

PM MODI: Firstly, about foreign policy, you need to know what has strengthened our foreign policy. For 30 years, in our country, the government was unstable. For 30 years, party with a clear mandate wasn’t given the opportunity to form the government. The world measures the government of a nation on the basis of its condition in its own country, on how strong their word is in their own country. I am thankful to the people of this country, that after 30 years, they chose a government with absolute majority and this has had an impact on world politics. Countries and world leaders have changed their perspective towards India. This is the biggest benefit. Secondly, the world didn’t know me. The world wants to know who the head of the state is. If someone would want to know Modi through the eyes of the media, then he would be disillusioned on which Modi is the real Modi. If this happens, the country will be at a loss. Modi’s personality shouldn’t be a hindrance for the world to have faith in india. But for that unless I meet all those leaders and engage them them one to one, unless I speak to them frankly, they wouldn’t know about india’s head of state, so it was very important for me as I am not from a political family. I never had the opportunity to meet the world leaders earlier. 

ARNAB: You were an unknown entity in foreign policy 

PM MODI: More than foreign policy it was foreign relations. Yes, I was new to it. So for me, being pro active was mandatory. Thirdly, we work as a team. Foreign ministry, Prime Minister’s officer, commerce ministry, finance ministry, defense minister, everyone works as a team, not as separate pieces. The impact that is now visible, is not just because of Modi, it is because of the team. All teams work in a particular direction. That is why the impact is seen, earlier these teams were splintered. We have seen instances where the party would give a statement, the prime minister would say something else, party leaders would say something else. This disunity has had a negative impact. Thirdly, we also need to understand that earlier the world was bi polar. Foreign policy would be centered around two super powers. India was a little late in realizing that this bi polar situation was for namesake. Now the entire world, in changed circumstances, especially in 21st century, it is more interdependent and inter connected, earlier, the foreign policy was possible between governments, but today it is not possible just between governments. Government relations are important but increasing people to people contact is equally important. There’s been a shift in paradigm. Because I do not have any previous baggage, because I’ve had a clean slate, I write everything from beginning and that has a benefit. Today we are building relations with countries across the world. The amount of respect with which I engage Saudi Arabia, I engage Iran with the same amount of respect. The amount of respect with which I speak to America, I speak to Russia with the same amount of respect. So we need to understand this. We also need to understand that we shouldn’t consider smaller countries insignificant. I abide by this principle…….

You must have seen that I made a forum for the pacific island nations. We have had two meetings. I went there once and they came here once. These are small countries with a population of about 10 lakh or 20 lakh. But these small island nations are most affected by global warming. When India took up the international solar mission and 122 nations joined it, the island nations benefitted the most out of it. They are 50 in number now. A group of 50 nations, feels secured with this vision of India. If we try to understand this change, then we would realize that in the world, a few days back, I was sitting with the officers of our foreign services, so as we got talking, in a very poetic way I told them that there was a time when we used to sit by the sea and count the waves, but the time has now changed, we are done counting waves, now it’s time for us to steer ourselves, ride the waves and decide on our direction, destination and speed 

ARNAB: That is apparent. You have a very aggressive foreign policy. But my second question was, you put so much effort for NSG membership. My question was, how close are we to NSG membership and were you disappointed that we did not make it at the very end because of China’s opposition? 

PM MODI: Look the first thing is that India has been continuously making these efforts, no matter which government was in office. Be it the membership of the UN Security Council or the SCO membership or MTCR membership or NSG membership. Every government has made an effort. It’s not that only this government is trying, it’s in continuity. But it’s during our tenure that we achieved SCO membership, we also got the MTCR membership. I have full faith that now we have begun a coordinated effort for the NSG membership too. The process has begun on a positive note. Everything has rules and will work accordingly and move forward 

ARNAB: Is it the problem of mindset with China? There have been 13 engagements at various levels between the Narendra Modi government and the Chinese government. The latest engagement was when you went to Tashkent. You spent some time with the Chinese President Xi Jinping. Yet it was seen that in the case of Masood Azhar, China blocked India’s UN bid to ban him. Now they have stalled India’s NSG bid. Why is China repeatedly blocking us Mr Prime Minister despite your personal proactive measures and your government’s outreach? 

PM MODI: The first thing is that we have an ongoing dialogue with China and it should continue to happen. In foreign policy it’s not necessary to have similar views to have a conversation. Even when the views are contradictory, talks are the only way forward and problems should be resolved through dialogue. We don’t have one problem with China, we have a whole lot of problems pending with China. Slowly and steadily, an effort is on to address these issues through talks and make them less cumbersome. I can say that China has been cooperating with India to search for solutions. On some issues, it’s a question of principles for them. On some issues, it’s a question of principles for us. On some issues they differ with us and there are issues on which we differ with them. There are some basic differences. But the most important thing is that we can speak to China eye-to-eye and put forth India’s interests in the most unambiguous manner. We are a government that takes care of India’s interests. We don’t compromise on this. Three days ago I met the Chinese President. I told him clearly about India’s interests. They are a different country, we are a different country 

ARNAB: Do you think you will be able to change their mindset on the issue of NSG membership? 

PM MODI: See the foreign policy is not about changing mindsets. Foreign policy is about finding the common meeting points. Where do our interests converge and how much? We have to sit and talk with every country. It’s our ongoing effort 

ARNAB: This statement that you just made is also apt in the context of America where you gave a speech in the U.S Congress. By the way Mr Prime Minister it was a fantastic speech 

PM MODI: Thank you 

ARNAB: There was a lot of humour. You were laughing and cracking jokes while you delivered the speech which was very unique. They also appreciated it. Was the speech impromptu? 

PM MODI: I have a humourous side but these days humour can be a risky thing 

ARNAB: Why do you say that? 

PM MODI: In this era of 24/7 news channels, anybody can lift a small word and make a big issue out of it. But I will tell you the truth, the reason for the absence of humour in public life is this fear. I am myself scared . Earlier when I used to make speeches, I would make it so humourous but there would never be any issues 

ARNAB: Have you become more conscious now? 

PM MODI: I am not conscious. I am in fear, there is no humour left in public life because of this fear. Everyone is scared. I am in fear. My speeches used be humourous. I see it in Parliament, that humour is finished there too. It is a matter of concern. I will quote one proverb. 

ARNAB: Yes, go ahead. 

PM MODI: Even if you mention a proverb, they will connect it with something else and begin a conversation. The one who is saying the proverb does not know for what he is speaking. 

ARNAB: But you should not lose your sense of humour Mr Prime Minister 

PM MODI: But it is true that my trip to the United States of America, my speech in their Congress and the respect shown towards India created a lot of hype. Had it not been hyped so much, there would not have been so much criticism on the NSG issue. Government is being criticized not for any mishandling of the NSG issue but because we were so successful over there (in the USA) 

ARNAB: Did China become conscious of your growing friendship with US? 

PM MODI: I am talking about what’s happening here 

ARNAB: But when you delivered that speech in context of America, you used a very interesting phrase. You said ‘We have to overcome the hesitations of history’. My Hindi is not that good. Like hesitations of history. But my question to you is Mr Prime Minister, how close can we get to America because many Indians believe that America is still supporting Pakistan, giving them military assistance. How close can we get? At what point do we stop before we are seen like an American ally? What is your own world view on that? 

PM MODI: I would especially like to appeal to my country’s media that we should stop looking at everything in India from the prism of Pakistan. India is an independent country. It is a country of 125 crore people. Whenever it approaches any country, it will only be concerned about its own interests. It has been our biggest shortcoming and mistake that we have been tagging ourselves with another country and trying to do things. We are an independent country, we have our own policies and future. We have to think about the future of our 125 crore people. There should be no compromise on our interests. We have relations with America in the context of these fundamental points 

ARNAB: How close can we get to them? 

PM MODI: There has been warmth in our relationship. You must have seen the editorials in American newspapers after my visit to that country. One point mentioned in those editorials was that the success of Obama’s foreign policy has been the warm relationship with India. This has been said 

ARNAB: What you are saying Modiji is that we can be close to America but we need not be an ally or seen to be an ally? 

PM MODI: The first thing is that we no longer live in a bipolar world. The world is interconnected and interdependent. You will have to connect with everybody at the same time. Even if there are two opposing countries, they will have to be friends. Now the times have changed 

ARNAB: Mr Modi, on 8th May 2014, I had the opportunity to interview you, the interview took place in Ahmedabad, I think one last phase of elections was left. We were discussing the issue of Pakistan. You have had an uncompromising approach towards Pakistan. Two days back, Lashkar E Toiba killed 8 CRPF jawans in an attack. In the 8th May interview, you put forth a very interesting phrase, you said ‘Can talks be heard amidst the noise of bombs, guns and pistols?’ This is how you had phrased it. Do you believe we have been too generous towards Pakistan? Do you believe we have been too generous towards Pakistan? 

PM MODI: There are two things. One – India has always wanted friendly ties with its neighbours, there can be no debate around it. We want to live in harmony and peace. And I have said it repeatedly, that India has to fight poverty, Pakistan too has to fight poverty, why don’t we come together to fight poverty? I said this before elections and during election campaigns. Also I had invited leaders of SAARC nations to my swearing in ceremony and they had attended it as well. So there has been no change in our intent, our thoughts and our current behaviour. Number two – those who have to work from the table, will work from the table and those who have to work at the border, will work at border with full strength. Each one will fulfill the responsibility entrusted to them. And our jawans are fulfilling their responsibilities. It’s true that pressure on terrorists has increased, their schemes are proving unsuccessful. The intent with which they move forward are foiled and they have to face major challenges. It is because of this disappointment that such incidents are taking place and our jawans are risking their lives and protecting the country. We are very proud of our Jawans 

ARNAB: When your foreign policy is studied, observers analyze what’s happening and what’s not happening. If you give me the opportunity, I want to do a bit of analyses. There was a terrific pace of engagement with Pakistan between October, November and December. On 30th November, you met Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines (of UN Climate Summit in Paris). Both of you were seated on a sofa, talking to each other. A lot of people were speculating the contents of your conversation. This was on the sidelines of Climate Summit. After that, all of a sudden within seven days there were NSA level talks and Ajit Doval spoke to Nasir Janjua in Bangkok. And again after that you went to Russia via Afghanistan, you made an unexpected visit to Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. It was a personal trip but it still had some level of importance. Eight days later, Pakistani terrorists attacked Pathankot. Can you tell our viewers whether Pakistan was proactively responding in the months of October, November and December? Did the Pathankot terror attack change the situation? Is it true that Pakistan was making a lot of movement in those three months? 

PM MODI: Look there are different types of forces operating in Pakistan. But the government only engages with a democratically elected system. Our effort for that engagement is continuing. But our supreme objective is peace. Our supreme objective is to protect India’s interests. We keep making effort toward that objective and sometimes our efforts are successful. As far as meetings and talks are concerned, we signalled right from the day I took oath and sent invitations for the oath taking ceremony, that we seek friendly relations but without compromising on our interests. And that is why I have said that my country’s soldiers have full freedom to answer back in whatever manner they have to and they will keep doing that 

ARNAB: Mr Prime Minister what is the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ that you would draw when it comes to Pakistan. There is some confusion surrounding this subject. I would like you to give an elaborate reply. In 2014, it was believed that if talks are being held, then they should be held between two countries and not with Hurriyat. It should be between the government of India and the government of Pakistan. The other ‘Lakshman Rekha’ is that you must act on 26/11. There’s been no forward movement so far. The third thing is about forward movement on the Pathankot attack case. So what is the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ now and if Pakistan remains within those bounds, so talks can happen at the political level or at any other level? 

PM MODI: The first thing is that with Pakistan, to whom do we talk to decide about the ‘Lakshman Rekha’. Will it be with the elected government or with other actors? That is why India will have to be on alert all the time. India will have to be alert every moment. There can never be any laxity in this. But there is an outcome due to my continuous efforts like my visit to Lahore and my invitation to the Pakistani Prime Minister to come to India. Now I don’t have to explain to the world about India’s position. The world is unanimously appreciating India’s position. And the world is seeing that Pakistan is finding it difficult to respond. If we had become an obstacle, then we would have had to explain to the world that we are not that obstacle. Now we don’t have to explain to the world. The world knows our intentions. Like on the issue of terrorism, the world never bought India’s theory on terrorism. They would sometime dismiss it by saying that it’s your law and order problem. Today the world has to accept what India has been saying about terrorism. India’s dialogue on terrorism, the losses India has suffered due to terrorism, the losses suffered by humanity, the world is now acknowledging that. So I believe we have to take this process forward.”