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Latest estimates have revealed that there were 8.7 million deaths because of cancer in 2015 globally. There were 17.5 million cancer cases and 208.3 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).

Between 2005 and 2015, incident cancer cases increased by 33%, of which 12.6% were due to population growth, 16.4% due to an aging population, and 4.1 % due to increasing age-specific incidence rates, according to the latest Global Burden of Diseases study published in the latest edition of Jama Oncology.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The study was done for 32 cancers in 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2015.

 For men, the most common cancer globally was prostate cancer (1.6 million cases). Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths and DALYs in men (1.2 million deaths and 25.9 million DALYs). For women, the most common cancer was breast cancer (2.4 million cases). Breast cancer was also the leading cause of cancer deaths and DALYs for women (523 000 deaths and 15.1 million DALYs). Overall, cancer caused 208.3 million DALYs worldwide in 2015 for both sexes combined. Between 2005 and 2015, age-standardized incidence rates for all cancers combined increased in 174 of 195 countries or territories. Age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) for all cancers combined decreased within that timeframe in 140 of 195 countries or territories. Countries with an increase in the ASDR due to all cancers were largely located on the African continent, the study by Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

In India also, breast cancer topped the list of cancers followed by lip and oral cancer, stomach and tracheal cancer. India also had the highest number of cancers in South Asia. However, it was tracheal cancer that claimed the most lives in India followed by stomach, eosophageal and colon cancers, the study said.

Of all cancers, deaths between 2005 and 2015 decreased significantly for Hodgkin lymphoma. The number of deaths also decreased for esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and chronic myeloid leukemia, although these results were not statistically significant, the study said.

As part of the epidemiological transition, cancer incidence is expected to increase in the future, further straining limited health care resources. Appropriate allocation of resources for cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and curative and palliative care requires detailed knowledge of the local burden of cancer. The GBD 2015 study results demonstrate that progress is possible in the war against cancer. However, the major findings also highlight an unmet need for cancer prevention efforts, including tobacco control, vaccination, and the promotion of physical activity and a healthy diet, the study said.”

“The world is facing a humanitarian crisis that will require a record USD 22.2 billion in funding for 2017 to support nearly 93 million of the most vulnerable and marginalized people, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said while launching a relief aid appeal.“The scale of humanitarian crises today is greater than at any time since the United Nations was founded,” said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien, launching the Global Humanitarian Overview 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland, OCHA said in a statement.“Not in living memory have so many people needed our support and solidarity to survive and live in safety and dignity,” he said, noting that humanitarian response plans in 33 countries aim to reach 93 million people in need. Globally, more than 128 million people are affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters and profound vulnerability.Conflicts in Syria, Yemen, South Sudan and Nigeria are among the greatest drivers of humanitarian needs, fuelling new displacement within countries and across borders.“Funding in support of the plans will translate into life-saving food assistance to people on the brink of starvation in the Lake Chad Basin and South Sudan; it will provide protection for the most vulnerable people in Syria, Iraq and Yemen,” said Mr. O’Brien, also the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.Launching the appeal in Geneva, UN relief chief Stephen O’Brien told reporters that funding will be translated into “”concrete actions,”” including but not limited to food, medical and psychological support, according to UN News Centre.At the same time, the impact of El Niño-triggered droughts, floods and extreme weather is pushing vulnerable communities to the brink of survival. Responding to these protracted crises has prompted the humanitarian community to strive for better, faster and more effective delivery of aid, as highlighted during the transformational World Humanitarian Summit in May this year. Ã¢Â€ÂœFunding will enable education for children whose schooling is disrupted by El Niño,” he said. So far in 2016, international donors have generously provided $11.4 billion to the current global appeal which, over the year, has risen from $20.1 billion to $22.1 billion. However, this represents only 52 per cent of the requirements and humanitarian organizations approach the end of this year with a funding gap of a record $10.7 billion – the largest gap ever.“The lives of millions of women, girls, boys and men are in our hands,” Mr. O’Brien said. “By responding generously and delivering fully on this appeal we will prove to them that we will not let them down.” The humanitarian appeal 2017 is based on Humanitarian Response Plans in Afghanistan, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen. Other appeals cover Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Senegal.Burundi, Nigeria, South Sudan and Syria are crises that affect entire regions and their neighbouring countries are included in regional response plans, bringing the number of countries included to 33, OCHA said.(The writer is a Delhi-based freelance journalist. He has reported from India and abroad for the PTI news agency in various capacities.) “

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In the times of demonetization when the Modi Government is urging people to move towards electronic modes of payments, the factor that will matter most in making digital payments successful is uninterrupted internet access, particularly in rural areas where reliable mobile network are still a big issue.

While top mobile operators, including government-owned BSNL, is striving hard to ensure uninterrupted mobile network for better voice and uninterrupted data transfer, a Gurgaon-based telecom company – Vihaan Networks Ltd or VNL – has shown the way that could help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of “Digital India”.

Through its unique and ‘green’ mobile solutions, VNL has set up broadband networks in three villages in Rajasthan that provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage free of cost. These networks are literally maintenance-free that can be managed by any villager and are not dependent on government power supply as they are solar powered,

Though the villages of Karenda, Phalsa and Bahadari in Rajasthan are yet to get good roads and proper supply of water, what they can boast of is uninterrupted Wi-Fi network that delivers good broadband speed and is free of cost. Students here can be seen visiting various websites related to education and jobs though they sometimes do visit entertainment and sports website for recreation. VNL has also provided broadband services to government school and ‘panchayat ghars’ in these villages that helps school and gram panchayats to get their official work done.

“We have created high-speed wireless internet services solutions especially for rural areas. Our ‘Rural Broadband Solution’ is totally solar-powered and standalone wireless broadband solution that provides seamless Wi-Fi coverage anywhere. It needs no shelter, air conditioning, connection to power grid, generator or diesel fund, and is ready for business in days providing fully-functional broadband,” says VNL Chairman Rajiv Mehrotra.

Another interesting innovation from VNL is ‘Gurukul’, village internet kiosk solution that enables rural communities to access high speed broadband internet without the need for connection to power grid or diesel generators. “High speed broadband internet access enables children to take advantage of distance learning and other e-learning initiatives. Villagers can also access the internet for e-finance and e-governance related tasks. Our modern and ‘green’ broadband solutions will help the government in speedy realization of the ‘Digital India’ goals,” adds Mr. Mehrotra.

Being close to Delhi, these villages had access to mobile networks and broadband, but erratic mobile connectivity and power supply besides high data packages made it difficult for them to freely use internet. “But for almost two years VNL has been providing us uninterrupted broadband access. Villagers, particularly children, are happy that they can use internet for education and other purposes. It has also helped us to get crucial information related to agriculture and weather. With the government scrapping old Rs.1000 and Rs.500 notes, people are now learning internet banking and other modes of e-transaction, thanks to good broadband network,” says a village elder in Karenda (Alwar, Rajasthan).

VNL, which also has to its credit of supplying cost-efficient and reliable mobile network in Naxal-affected states, is planning to take its rural broadband solution to other remote areas of the country. “Our rural solution can bring broadband revolution across India, particularly in remote villages and far off places in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Northeast, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These easy-to-maintain and cost-effective Wi-Fi solutions can provide uninterrupted internet access to people. It can also help in running administration as we have demonstrated in these villages,’ Mr. Mehrotra adds.

Government sources say the Telecom Department and the BSNL have taken VNL’s experiment very positively and is mulling over starting a pilot project by using the technology. “VNL’s low-cost, and maintenance-free broadband solution looks ideal for taking Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s ‘Digital India’ campaign to the next level. The Prime Minister is pushing for e-payments and e-transactions post scrapping of old currency, the challenge for the government is to see that every Indian gets uninterrupted internet access. And to make it possible, we need solutions like the one being provided by VNL,” a senior DoT official adds.”

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Mortal remains of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and supremo of AIADMK party J. Jayalalithaa were laid to rest with full State honours alongside her mentor MGR’s memorial on Marina beach in Chennai on Tuesday. The last rites were performed by her long time associate Sasikala Natarajan in the presence of a galaxy of political leaders and several Chief Ministers as millions bid tearful adieu to their beloved leader who passed away on Monday night in Apollo Hospital. 

The 68-year old AIADMK Chief passed breathed her last on Monday night after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. She was under treatment in the hospital for the last 74 days for various ailments but could not come out of the heart attack and failed to respond to the treatment. Her body was taken to her Poes Garden residence before being taken to Rajaji Hall. Millions of people from all walks of life paid their last respects to the departed leader who had changed the course of Tamil Nadu politics and endeared herself as “”Amma””  not only to her party workers but also people in rural areas and towns alike. 
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today homage to Jayalalithaa by offering flowers at Rajaji Hall in Chennai.
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned for the day on Tuesday as a mark of respect to J. Jayalalithaa. In her obituary reference, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumithra Mahajan described Jayalalithaa as a true leader of the masses and a multifaceted personality. She said, in her demise, the country has lost a highly popular and eminent public persona.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohd Hamid Ansari said the country has lost a prominent leader, a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator. He said, as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, her contributions towards the economic development of the state and social welfare of the poorer segments will be remembered long and cherished. Mr Ansari said, her demise is an irreparable loss to the people of India. Members in both the Houses observed silence to pay homage to the memory of the departed leader.
Jayalalithaa was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1984 to 1989.

Jayalalithaa served four times as Tamil Nadu chief minister and had to quit twice because of corruption allegations. Her loyalist and finance minister O Panneerservam stood in for her and he has also taken over the reins of the administration as chief minister after her demise.

Born on February 24, 1948 in Mysore  district in Karnataka, she became a popular film actress in the 60s and 70s and partnered with MGR another hugely popular hero of Tamil films who was also her mentor. They did 28 films together and she entered politics under his guidance in 1982. After MGR’s death, she withstood humiliation but came back with great following of the party and became chief minister in 1991. She had a cult like devotion and over the past few years showered the electorate with gifts like mixers, cookers, television sets, laptops, grinders. She also launched Amma Canteen, a hugely popular eating joint for people from lower segment of the society.

After Amma who in Tamil Nadu? This question is going to haunt the people and the political parties in the State for a long time. The AIADMK would need to put up a united front, if the party wants to rule the State and take forward her programmes and legacy further. Only time will tell, how successful the party emerges from these trying times.”

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As disruptions and protests in both Houses of Parliament threaten to totally wash out the ongoing winter session, President Pranab Mukherjee delivered a rebuke to parliamentarians, stressing on the need to avoid disruption of Parliamentary proceedings. 

He said that while three Ds are essential in a parliamentary system of democracy — Debate, Dissension and Decision the fourth D — Disruption is totally unacceptable.  

Mr. Mukherjee said the Parliament is expected to transact business on important issues such as those related to money and finance.

“”Whatever be the differences, members have the opportunity to speak their mind and discuss issues freely. Even if a member levels an allegation against someone, no court can prosecute him because he has said so on the floor of the House. This extent of freedom available to Members of Parliament should not be misused by causing disruptions. Disruptions amount to gagging the majority as it is only the minority which disrupts and the Chair has no choice but to adjourn the proceedings,” the President said while clearly voicing his displeasure over disruptions in Parliament. 

He made these observations while delivering the fourth Defence Estates Day Lecture on the topic ‘Electoral Reforms for a Stronger Democracy’ in the Capital on Thursday. A day earlier BJP patriarch L K Advani had expressed his anguish over  disruptions in the Lok Sabha, saying both the ruling coalition and the Opposition were to be blamed for disruptions and the deadlock in Parliament. An aggressive opposition has taken on the government on the issue of the ban of Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 currency notes which was ordered on November 8. The President said that India adopted its Constitution in 1950 and the first General Elections were held in 1952.  In the initial years, many doubted that Parliamentary system of democracy in India would be successful.  However, regular elections held successfully have proved the skeptics wrong, he said. 

Many scholars later commented that we have entered a coalition era and the possibility of forming a single party government in a diverse country like India was unlikely.  However, this view was proved wrong in 1984 as well as in the last General Elections of 2014, when a decisive mandate was given in favour of a single political party.  The President said there are certain areas regarding holding of elections which require attention and there are aberrations which need to be corrected. This has necessitated electoral reforms which should be taken up seriously.

The President said holding of frequent elections is a strain on both administrative and financial resources.  We are ready to pay this price for democracy, but, it should not be at the cost of development. Administrative and development work is adversely affected during elections since no new development projects can be taken up.  During state elections, work related to Government of India in that state should not be affected.  The Election Commission, State and Central Governments and political parties should sit together and discuss this issue. 

The President said the Election Commission of India could consider compressing the time frame of announcement, notification and conduct of the elections. The period of elections tends to get very long as it is spread over phases.

 Another suggestion the President made was of having larger number of Lok Sabha seats for which a Constitutional amendment could be considered. India has over 800 million voters. The delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies is on the basis of the 1971 census. Today, 543 Lok Sabha Constituencies represent 1.28 billion people. To give true expression to the will of the people, it is time that we seriously look at the legal provisions on the delimitation of the parliamentary constituencies with a view to increasing their number. 

The President said another aspect which was important was reservation of seats for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. Although the population of women in the country is almost fifty percent, their representation is abysmally low.  This is totally unacceptable. He concluded that he was proud of the Indian Parliamentary System but electoral reforms have now become necessary.”

“With the passing away of Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayaram Jayalalithaa, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) faces its biggest test of remaining united. As expected senior leader and a staunch loyalist of Jayalalithaa popularly known as “”Amma””, O Paneerselvam was administered the oath of office and secrecy at 01 AM on the night of December 5/6. The transition was smooth and orderly as he had served as acting chief minister on at least on two occasions in the past with Amma having to step down on the directions of the court. Having faced adversity all her life Jayalalithaa took up the challenge posed by her rivals resolutely overcoming them and becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu a record four times. She was the second woman to become the chief minister of the southern state after her mentor the late M G Ramachandran’s wife Janaki occupied that office for barely three weeks. However, Amma’s confidant for nearly three decades Sasikala Natarajan has ambitions of taking over the reins of the AIADMK as its all powerful general secretary. There is already speculation that Sasikala is arraigning to herself the role of being the power behind the throne. One does not really know if this is what the ailing Jayalalithaa had in mind. At the same time what cannot be lost sight of is that despite differences between Amma and Sasikala on several occasions, the former appears to have given up the bitterness. One wonders if Amma had changed her mind of her own volition or there were other compelling reasons. At the same time Sasikala remained steadfast in being by Jayalalithaa’s side during all the 74 days that she remained in Apollo hospital in Chennai till she breathed her last at 11.30 p m earlier in the week on December 5 night. Without wasting much time Jayalalithaa’s body was moved to the historic Rajaji Bhawan for the people to pay their last respects. In all this Sasikala held sway accepting condolences standing next to Jayalalithaa’s body.  The signs are ominous amid discernible unease in the rank and file of the AIADMK about Sasikala’s possible transition to holding the whiphand of the AIADMK as its general secretary. She has competition if at all in another senior leader Thambi Dorai, who is the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, being in the race for the all powerful general secretary’s job of the Dravidian party. Amma’s association with her confidant Sasikala has always been viewed as an extra-constitutional authority alienating sections of Jayalalithaa’s support base. She drove away allies that Jayalalithaa had struggled to win back following MGR’s passing away. Jayalalithaa’s propensity to drive away friends was more than matched by her ability to bring together foes. Jayalalithaa had remained the party supremo along with being the chief minister. Expectedly, the job of being the chief minister as well as the AIADMK’s general secretary is now sought to be split rather than being concentrated in the hands of one person as evidenced during Jayalalithaa’s reign.  Amma’s death has come as a shock to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has lost a good friend ever since he was the chief minister of Gujarat. The significance of AIADMK’s support to the BJP led NDA government in New Delhi cannot be undermined or brushed aisde. This Dravidian party has muscle at the centre with its 50 seats spread in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in Parliament. The BJP has an opportunity to increase its footprint in the South comprising Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telengana and Andhra Pradesh and the lone union territory of Puducherry having a tally of more than 200 seats in the 534-member Lok Sabha. With four-and-a-half years to go for the present AIADMK regime in Tamil Nadu, Paneerselvam faces the challenge of not only keeping the party united but also of carrying Amma’s legacy forward coupled with reinventing the Dravidian party in the post-Jayalalithaa era.With Sasikala and her hushand Natarajan seeking to take over the AIADMK, the next three months is going to be crucial period for Paneerselvam’s survival as the chief minister. It is widely believed Sasikala had zeroed in on OPS to be the chief minister in Jayalalithaa’s absence. The question is does Paneerselvam have it in him to keep the disparate forces in the AIADMK in check and break the shackles of the past as a ruthless Jayalalithaa brooked no opposition to her. She ruled with an iron fist and lets also not forget that she was an Iyengar brahmin who earned the respect and awe of Dravidians.DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi has conceded that Jayalalithaa will be remembered for ever for uplifting the poor. At the same time it is widely believed that the self effacing Paneerselvam can break the shackles and emerge a leader in his own right. Or is it wishful thinking as the political intrigues have already begun.Without having the charisma of MGR or the political acumen of Jayalalithaa, it will be tough task for the new chief minister. Like the Prime Minister, Paneerselvam or OPS as he is widely known was also a “”chai wala”” before making his foray in politics. There is no one in the AIADMK at present who can match either MGR or Jayalalithaa both of whom held sway over the masses for four decades. In the medium to long term there might be a reconfiguration in Tamil Nadu’s politics with the BJP being the primary beneficiary. The Lotus party at the helm of affairs at the centre has to counter the strong reservation that the people of Tamil Nadu have for the Hindutva agenda. The Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu follow the ideals of Periyar or E V Ramaswamy who propagated the principles of rationalism, self- respect, women’s rights and eradication of caste. He opposed the exploitation and marginalisation of non-Brahmins in South India. His work has greatly revolutionised Tamil society and significantly removed caste-based discrimination. The BJP needs to put on its thinking cap in allaying the apprehensions of the people of the southern state contributing a sizeable 39 seats to the Lok Sabha.( T R Ramachandran is a senior journalist and commentator. The views are personal)”

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As per the Global Gender Gap Report 2016 by World Economic Forum,

India has improved its rank in the Global Gender Gap Index, 2016 by jumping to 87th position as against 108th in the 2015 report. Global Gender Gap Index (GGI) ranks 144 countries of the world. India stands 9th on political empowerment of women which is a major achievement.

According to the Human Development Report 2015 brought out by UNDP, India ranked 130 on the Gender Inequality Index among 155 countries.

As per the GGR, India has climbed 21 spots to rank 87th in 2016, which is an improvement from being ranked at 108th in 2015. The improvement in ranking has been driven largely by major improvements in education. On education attainment India has moved up from 125th rank in 2015 to 113th in 2016. On economic participation and opportunity too, India has moved up to 136th rank in 2016, from 139th in 2015. On health and survival, it has moved up by one rank over last year to rank 142nd.

The Government of India has taken several measures, interventions and strengthened Institutional mechanism towards the empowerment of women and for elimination of gender gap and inequality. The Integrated Child Development Scheme is being implemented to address the nutritional needs of children and pregnant and lactating women, Matritva Sahyog Yojana for pregnant and lactating women to improve their health and nutrition status. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), implemented with the objective of reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality. Sabla scheme aims at the empowerment of adolescent girls in the age group of 11-18 years, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhayamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) schemes are being implemented to universalize elementary and secondary education respectively, having a strong focus on improving enrolment and retention of girls. Support to Training & Employment programme for Women (STEP) scheme aims to ensure sustainable employment and income generation for marginalized and asset-less rural and urban women. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) helps in economic and social empowerment of women.

Priority to end gender based inequities, reducing disparity between men and women, improving socio-economic status of women and increasing their participation in various fields. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the following schemes to reduce gender gap and promote gender sensitization through the ambitious `Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme which has been launched to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio on a life cycle continuum basis.  One Stop Centres integrated with Women Helpline (181) have been established across the country to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, and engagement of Mahila Police Volunteers has been initiated to act as a link between police and public, according to the information provided to Parliament.  

Several steps and initiatives have also been taken up in school education system such as National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 and flagship programme like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the subsequent Right to Education Act (RTE). Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) have been opened in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs). Gender Sensitisation is also done through Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) which includes Gender sensitization Module- part of In-service training, Construction for toilet for girls, Construction of residential quarters for female teachers and Curriculum Reforms, Parliament was informed.”

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Keeping up with father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi’s credo for serving all the needy without any distinction, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched a spinning and weaving training programme for undertrials at the district jail in Gurugram in Haryana.

The Commission has set up a training cum production centre for the purpose. It is equipped with 50 new model charkhas and two looms. Seventy undertrials are undergoing the training.’

According to an understanding reached between KVIC and jail authorities, the fabrics produced will be used for making uniforms for inmates and such other purposes within the prison itself. The trainees would be paid for whatever they produce.

Normally, prisoners and undertrials earn Rs. 25 per day from work involving physical labour. With this initiative of KVIC, they will earn Rs. 150 to Rs. 250 per day depending on their output.  The income they earn will be credited in their jail account and given to them when they leave the prison.

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Madan B.Lokur, inaugurated the training and production centre in the presence of KVIC Chairman, V.K.Saxena, and Haryana Director General [Prison], V.K.Singhal.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Lokur appreciated the effort of KVIC and expressed hope that the training would help the under-trials to also engage themselves gainfully once they are discharged from the jail.

KVIC Chairman noted that spinning was the best way of meditation and would inculcate self discipline and help a person concentrate on good things in life. “”Spinning can calm the angry. When these inmates come out of the jail, they will be able to restart their life with dignity””.

In recent years, KVIC has been taking several initiatives to improve the lives of the common man through such training programmes and through that help in the socio-economic development of the country. Commission set a new record, registering a 20 per cent increase in Khadi sales during the lean season period of April to August.

Last year, the Commission had registered a sale of Rs. 628.16 crore during April to August and this year, this has zoomed to Rs. 754 crore for the same period, a record increase of 20 per cent. The record sale has also meant a quantum jump in Khadi production. The production for April to August period this year was Rs. 510 crore, an increase of 15 per cent over last year’s Rs. 444 crore for the same period.

The record growth in Khadi sale and production augured well for the socio-economic development of the country as it left more disposal income at the hands of the artisans in rural areas.

(The writer is an independent journalist based in Delhi.)”

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Gulf countries who always feel threatened by Iran have been assured by Britain of its support against any “aggressive regional action” by Teheranas the two sides agreed on a strategic partnership to deepen ties.

“”I want to assure you that I am clear-eyed about the threat that Iran poses to the Gulf and to the wider Middle East,”” British Prime Minister Theresa May told leaders of six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in at their summit in Bahrain’s capital Manama earlier this week. She stated that the UK would work with the Gulf states to counteract Tehran’s “aggressive regional actions.

Her statement sounds excellent for the region, particularly as it comes alongside an actual commitment of a military presence and assistance to Gulf nations in building up their defense capabilities.

But observers are sceptical about Britain’s assurance. “We must not forget the realities on the ground that may have resulted in this sudden British warming up.Nobody anticipates that the UK will completely cut ties with Iran, particularly given that the two countries have only just re-established political ties”, Saudi based daily Arab News commented.

Furthermore, it said there seems to be a vast contrast of views within the British government between May — who criticized Iran and lauded Saudi Arabia for its visionary leadership — and her Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who criticized Saudi Arabia, and seemingly blamed it alongside Iran for the region’s turmoil, during at a conference a few days ago in Rome.

Theresa May told the rulers of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprising GCC that Iran nuclear agreement was “”vitally important for regional security.””

The leaders in a joint statement issued after their summit emphasized that Iran should abide by its nuclear agreement with the G5+1 in July 2015, and urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to apply an effective mechanism to verify the agreement is put in place.

According to the statement, the leaders said they “”oppose and will work together to counter Iran’s destabilising activities””. Britain and the GCC agreed to a ‘strategic partnership’ that would foster ‘political, defence, security and trade’ ties, while ‘developing collective approaches to regional issues’.

They expressed their determination to accelerate efforts against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the means of their delivery, as well as advanced conventional weapons, by enhancing national controls on proliferation-sensitive items and technologies.

As part of strengthening military cooperation, Britain will maintain a presence ‘throughout the Gulf’, the statement said, including through British defence staff to be based in Dubai. The statement said Britain and GCC countries were “”committed to continue working towards a sustainable political resolution in Syria””, where President Bashar Al Assad “”has lost all legitimacy and has no role in Syria’s future.””

It called for Assad’s backers including Russia and Iran “”to support a meaningful end to the violence, sustained humanitarian access and an inclusive political process”” in Syria.

They said the solution to the situation in Syria is an enduring political settlement based on transition away from the Assad regime to a government representative of all Syrians. They agreed to increase regional pressure on the Assad regime and its backers by heightening financial disruption and economic constraints.

They affirmed strong support for the Syrian opposition and emphasised that armed groups must comply with international humanitarian law and minimise civilian casualties.

The leaders exressed their commitment to assisting the Iraqi government and the International Global Coalition in their fight against Daesh., With regard to Yemen, both the GCC member states and the UK emphasised the need to resolve the conflict peacefully through political dialogue and negotiations facilitated by the UN.

The GCC member states and the UK strongly affirmed the necessity of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a just, lasting, comprehensive peace agreement that results in an independent and contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, based on the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions.

On Lebanon, the leaders welcomed the election of a new president, called on all parties to strengthen Lebanese state institutions, and emphasised the need to fight all terrorist groups operating in Lebanese territory, which threaten Lebanon’s security and stability. On Egypt, the GCC and the UK committed to support co-operation between the IMF and Egypt.

Regarding Libya, the GCC leaders, according to the concluding statement issued after their summit in Manama, reiterated backing to UN efforts to ensure security and stability.

During her speech, the British PM said the two sides would study liberalising trade as Britain prepares to leave the European Union after the shock referendum vote to quit the bloc. “”I want these talks to pave the way for an ambitious trade arrangement”” after Brexit.

May was the first woman and first British leader to address a GCC summit, as Gulf countries deepen ties with major powers beyond longtime ally the United States. In May last year, France’s President Francois Hollande became the first Western head of state to attend a GCC summit. US President Barack Obama followed in April this year, seeking to reassure Gulf about US overtures to Iran.

(M. Shakeel Ahmed is a Delhi-based independent journalist. He has had a long stint with the PTI news agency and also served for nearly a decade as its West Asia and the Gulf correspondent. The views are personal.)”

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Even as President Pranab Mukherjee targetted the opposition for not letting Parliament function, the ruling BJP’s Margdarshak and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani minced no words in holding the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Parliamentary Affairs minister responsible for the continuing logjam. 

While the First Citizen observed disruptions amounted to “”gagging the majority”” as it is only the “”minority that disrupts”” and the Chair has no option but to adjourn proceedings.”” 

In sheer desperation the President appealed to Parliamentarians “”for God’s sake do your job.”” Disturbed with Parliament being held to ransom since Prime Minister Narendra Modi dramatically announced to the nation on November eighth evening about demonetisation being enforced in the country to curb black money along with fighting the menace of terrorism and counterfeit currency, Advani found the disturbances in the Lok Sabha disgraceful and wanted to know who should be held responsible for the disturbances.  

This shocked the BJP MPs with Parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar explaining to Advani that the opposition was responsible for the breakdown. In all this as the House was adjourned on Thursday, the senior Lotus party stalwart was heard telling that the Lok Sabha should have been adjourned sine die. 

Subsequently sources clarified that Advani did not find fault with the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan or the Narendra Modi government. However, the Modi government’s failure in consulting the opposition and seeking their cooperation and participation in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha leaves much to be desired as the crucial GST bill is to be passed for its implementation next year. The BJP-led NDA faces the handicap of being in a minority in the Rajya Sabha. 

The combined opposition has been demanding the presence of the Prime Minister during the discussion on the serious consequences arising from demonetisation which has adversely affected farmers, the poor and the daily wage earner. 

The BJP-led NDA has been saying let the discussions begin and Modi will be present along with intervening in the debate. It is appalling that more than 70 persons have died standing in long winding queques to withdraw their own money from banks in various parts of the country. In the last 30 days the situation appears to have improved just marginally but the widespread pain of withdrawing money from banks and empty ATMs remains a nightmare.  

On his part the Prime Minister has urged the suffering people to bear with him for 50 days before the glitches are ironed out. He assured that the demonetisation will bring about a marked change for the better in the country. This deadline expires on December 28 though at this moment there are no signs or indications of improvement taking place any time soon. 

The Congress has said that the Modi government should heed Advani’s advice as the opposition is refusing to budge from its stand that the discussion should be under Rule 184 which entails voting. Simultaneously, another senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar regretted there has been continuous degradation of public life and the team leader is no longer inspiring respect. 

The opposition observed protest day against demonetisation in front of the Mahatama Gandhi’s statue inside Parliament house on Thursday while Modi  defended his campaign on twitter. The Speaker has decided to hold the discussion on demonetisation under Rule 193 where voting is not required. 

With barely a week left for the winter session of Parliament to adjourn sine die, the prospects of getting crucial bills passed has failed to materialise thus far. Advani’s message is loud and clear. It is the responsibility of the ruling party to run Parliament smoothly by following democratic norms.  Noise is not the substitution for debate. By running away from debate the opposition has perhaps played into the hands of the Modi government.There are no rules or electoral penalties for penalising MPs for their non-performance in Parliament.

It may be recalled that President Mukherjee in his own unobtrusive manner had underlined the need for a strong government at the centre in his Independence day eve address to the nation in 2914. This had become necessary for the economic development and stability of the country.    

After the April-May general elections that same year, the BJP won a comfortable majority on its own for the first time in the Lok Sabha. With its allies the NDA crossed the rubicon of 300 and finished with a creditable tally of 340 out of 543 seats in the House of the People.

However, the First Citizen expressed serious concern with attacks on minorities along with Churches being vandalised in the national capital in September-October last year. There was the pre-meditated murder of 50-year-old Akhlaque Mohammad in Dadri near delhi. 

On no less than five occasions in a five week span in September-October last year, President Mukherjee cautioned the Modi government to rein in unruly elements in pursuit of the Hindutva agenda of the RSS, the ideologue of the BJP, having the portends of whipping up a communal frenzy adversely affecting the plurality of the country. The country’s strength lay in its unity in diversity, he added.

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