Category: Views

2024 Lok Sabha Elections | PM’s Rajasthan speech — has it anything to do with the post-poll mood of the first phase

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launching of a severe attack on the Congress and interpreting contents in its election manifesto triggered sharp reactions and counterarguments from national political parties.

That PM Modi chose to single out the Congress’ promise to redistribute wealth would translate into family treasure being taken away from the majority community and handed over to the minorities or rather Muslims stirred the proverbial hornet’s nest.

The moot question is that what prompted the BJP’s principal and lead campaigner for a third straight term as Prime Minister to raise the issue at this juncture?  Does it have anything to do with the end of the first phase of polling in which the combined opposition claimed that electoral wind began blowing in its favour or is the BJP catering to its core constituency of hardcore Hindutva voters?

BJP leaders have been out defending the statement of PM Modi with its spokesperson characterising the interpretation of ‘’calling spade a spade’ while others insist it was a result of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s promise of financial and institutional survey, which prompted the PM to join the issue.

It was on April 6 that Rahul Gandhi, while releasing Congress party manifesto in Hyderabad, promised that his party will conduct a caste survey and on the basis of which affirmative action plans would be drawn. He then went on to add that after counting numbers of caste composition in the country,  the party government will conduct a “financial and institutional” survey.

“[Through this] we will find out who in the country has how much wealth, which community has it. After this historic step we will begin revolutionary work. We will give you, what is your right. Be it media, bureaucracy, all institutions in the country, we will create space for you and give you a share”.

The above is a rough translation of what his speech delivered in Hindi which in effect appears referring to the party’s pet theme of caste survey and  equitable distribution of resources on the basis of numbers. 

On the same day, speaking in Rajasthan, PM Modi likened the Congress manifesto to that of a document of the Muslim League. “The manifesto reflects actions similar to those of Muslim League during the struggle for Independence. Congress is imposing Muslim League’s ideology on the nation and its manifesto is nothing short of an agenda to push back the country by a century,” the PM was quoted in news reports as having spoken at Pushkar in Rajasthan.

The Congress is aghast that the PM chose to make such references and compare to what his predecessor Dr.Manmohan Singh stated in 2006. That the PMO had issued clarification on the interpretation back then was lost in the war of words. 

While the Congress party knocked the door of the Election Commission of India pointing out violation of both the Model Code of Conduct and norms of campaigning, the opposition characterised it as “communally divisive”. 

Since the Sunday speech of PM Modi, petitions are being drafted by civil society groups aimed to seek intervention of the poll body as the message delivered during the election campaign came from the Prime Minister of the country, in which Muslims are the largest minorities comprising about 14 odd percent.

On his part, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge responded by recounting its five guarantees for youth, women,  farmers, workers and caste survey. He sought to know whether these guarantees aimed to improve the lot of the majority of people across communities, reflects Muslim League agenda?

The thrust and accent on playing up the Congress manifesto and interpreting its entries shows that the BJP will keep its principal opponent on the radar. While the PM and the BJP leaders are talking about the development and welfare schemes undertaken during the past decade, it is known that rhetoric during election campaigns creates a momentum of its own.

Applying deductive logic, political observers are of the view that the BJP’s shrill voice against the Congress, attempting to paint it as a party that favours the minorities (read Muslims) at the expense of scheduled castes/tribes and other backward classes and ignores the sentiments of the majority community is to ensure its core supporters are catered to.

Yet, considering the backlash on the Sunday remark,  PM Modi on Monday preferred to temper the issue in another manner reminding the electorate in Aligarh that his government did more for the minorities and cared for the poorer sections of  the community, unlike the Congress or the Samajwadi Party, its principal challenger in Uttar Pradesh. It could be a case of striking a balance after seeking to raise political temperature and engaging the opposition on BJP’s stronger turf of Hindutva. 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

2024 Lok Sabha Election | How did Rahul Gandhi’s yatras strengthen I.N.D.I.A bloc’s prospects in South

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Amidst the ongoing 2024 general elections in India, it’s imperative to reflect on a significant pre-election event— the two pivotal “Yatras” or long marches led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Bharath Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra marked a shift from social media politics to on-ground engagement for the Congress party. This transition has played a crucial role in shaping the current political landscape, especially in the Southern regions.

Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party’s concerted efforts to sway southern voters, the Congress party and its alliance, the I.N.D.I.A bloc, stand out as a formidable force in the South. Rahul Gandhi’s Bharath Jodo Yatra emerges as a key factor behind this resurgence. These Yatras not only symbolise a departure from virtual spaces but also signify a reconnection with grassroots politics, resonating strongly with voters.

As the polls unfold, the impact of these Yatras become increasingly evident. They not only revitalised the Congress party’s presence but have also bolstered the opposition alliance’s standing in the South. Rahul Gandhi’s strategic approach to connect with the masses through these Yatras has contributed significantly to this resurgence.

In essence, this strategy to connect the masses has become a game-changer, amplifying the party and the opposition alliance as a potent force in the Southern political landscape. The outcome of the 2024 elections will undoubtedly reflect the lasting impact of these ground-level initiatives in redefining India’s political narrative.

 Bharat Jodo Yatra — A Political Odyssey in South India

The 4,080 kilometre Bharat Jodo Yatra, started on September 7, 2022, from Kanyakumari and ended in Kashmir spanning 136 days, has not merely been a physical journey across India, but it has been a transformative odyssey reshaping the political landscape of several regions, especially the South.

This yatra, meticulously planned to unify the Congress party’s allies under the INDIA bloc, has left an indelible mark on the political narrative of South India, especially in Karnataka and Telangana.

The impact of this yatra was palpable during Karnataka’s assembly elections, where the Congress party secured a significant victory, claiming over 130 out of 224 state assembly seats. This triumph was not just a numerical feat; it symbolised a strategic triumph, showcasing the efficacy of grassroots-level political engagement and setting a morale-boosting precedent for the Congress and its allies in the southern states.

In Telangana, the echoes of the Bharat Jodo Yatra reverberated strongly as the Congress party clinched a notable victory. Factors such as anti-incumbency sentiments and successful implementation of guarantee schemes played pivotal roles. However, it was the yatra’s ability to galvanise the party cadre and connect with the masses that truly made a difference, leading to a commendable win against formidable opponents.

Looking ahead to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress and the INDIA bloc stand poised with significant potential in the southern states. The Bharat Jodo Yatra has been a catalyst for political mobilisation and alliance fortification, rejuvenating the Congress’s image and fostering renewed hope among its allies.

The strategic focus of the yatra on the southern region, tapping into local sentiments and addressing regional issues, has resonated deeply. It has not only revitalised the Congress’s traditional support base but has also garnered newfound support beyond, emphasising the shared aspiration to counter the prevailing political status quo.

The successes in Karnataka and Telangana were  not just electoral victories; they signify the dawn of a potential political renaissance for the Congress and the I.N.D.I. Alliance in the South. The Bharat Jodo Yatra has transcended being a mere political march; it has evolved into a mission of bridging divides, amplifying voices, and uniting a fragmented opposition.

As the nation marches towards the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the narrative of the Bharat Jodo Yatra and its impact on South India’s political landscape will be closely watched. It stands as a testament to the power of political outreach, grassroots connectivity, and strategic alliance-building—a narrative that promises to shape the future trajectory of politics in the region.

 A Resurgence of Unity in South India

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which has become a pivotal force in reshaping the political dynamics of South India, was aimed at fostering national unity against divisive politics, particularly resonating in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala.

In Karnataka, the Yatra notably boosted the Congress’s strike rate and vote share, injecting new energy into the local party cadre and setting a decisive tone for the upcoming elections. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, the Yatra garnered substantial support with over a lakh individuals joining, showcasing its widespread appeal and resonance among the masses. This joint effort led by Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief M.K. Stalin was a powerful statement against fear-mongering, bigotry, and prejudice.

Telangana witnessed a positive ripple effect from the Yatra, acknowledged even by civil society for its impact. As the Yatra traversed into Kerala, despite initial challenges, it succeeded in rallying party leaders and reinforcing unity among the United Democratic Front partners.

Beyond the Yatra’s direct impact, the Congress’s concerted efforts to unify its allies have significantly bolstered the opposition’s strength in the South. The smooth seat sharing deal between the DMK and Congress is a testament of this unity. This strengthened alliance, coupled with the resonance of the Bharat Yodo Yatra, has breathed new life into the Congress’s political influence across the region.

In essence, Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra and the Congress’s alliance-building efforts have not only revitalised the party’s standing but also delivered a resounding message of unity and inclusivity. These initiatives stand as a staunch counter to divisive politics, emphasising the power of collective action in shaping a more cohesive and progressive political landscape in South India.

South — New Safe Heaven for I.N.D.I.A Bloc

In the intricate game of Indian politics, the southern states have evolved into an impregnable fortress for the I.N.D.I.Alliance. Both the Yatras has fortified this stronghold, establishing a sanctuary for the opposition in the South. Rahul Gandhi’s decision to prioritise Wayanad over Amethi underscores this strategic shift, signalling that the Congress party is reorienting its focus towards the South, acknowledging its strategic importance as a bastion of strength.

South has become the new safe heaven of the opposition. Despite anti-incumbency sentiments against the DMK government and sitting MPs, the Alliance maintains an advantageous position over the AIADMK and BJP in Tamil Nadu. This resilience stems from several factors: the cohesive unity within the Alliance, its demonstrated electoral arithmetic prowess in previous polls, and the effective implementation of welfare schemes by the three-year-old DMK administration.

The Bharat Yodo Yatra has played a pivotal role in this political landscape. It not only rallied support for the opposition but also spotlighted the South’s significance in the national political narrative. Consequently, the Yatra has been instrumental in cementing the Southern Fort as a sanctuary for the I.N.D.I.Alliance.

In conclusion, the South has emerged as a pivotal battleground in Indian politics. Rahul Gandhi’s strategic manoeuvres and the I.N.D.I.A bloc’s  concerted efforts signify a paradigm shift, acknowledging the South not as a peripheral player but as a stronghold crucial to national politics. This transformation could potentially reshape the contours of Indian politics in the foreseeable future.

—The author, Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh), is a political observer and research scholar, who teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. The views expressed are personal.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Logical end to the Patanjali Yog Peeth service tax case

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Patanjali Yog Peeth Trust (PYT) whose website proclaims, amongst other things, that they ‘propagate Yoga and Pranayam in a scientific manner for the welfare of humanity, and Patanjali Ayurved, whose online website sells a range of ayurvedic medicines, foods, nutraceuticals, and personal and health care products are in the news for all the wrong reasons. 

First, is the matter of the Supreme Court holding that the advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved claiming to cure everything from diabetes and obesity to liver function and even COVID-19 during the months of the pandemic were deliberate and willful violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 and Rules and directing that they publish a public apology. Even after two appearances by Baba Ramdev, the high-profile brand ambassador for Patanjali Ayurved and Acharya Balkrishna, its Managing Director, personally tendering an apology to the Supreme Court, the matter has not come to an end. The case is now listed before the Supreme Court for Tuesday, April 23.

Even as we await the outcome of this matter, comes the news of another case. In this case, the Supreme Court, in its order dated April 19, refused to intervene with the October 5, 2023, order of the Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), which held that PYT was liable to pay service tax on its residential and non-residential yoga camps. A two-member bench of the Supreme Court held that CESTAT was right in categorising the yoga camps conducted by the trust as a ‘health and fitness service’ and was indeed liable to pay the service tax demand of ₹4.94 crore and an equal amount of penalty.

In this high-profile case, the Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) in 2012 alleged that PYT was engaged in the activity of providing services relating to health and fitness by way of teaching yoga and meditation. Neither was any registration taken by them, nor did they pay any service tax for the services provided by them. These services were provided through residential and non-residential camps, for which participation fees were being collected in the name of donations. The DGCEI’s case was that the donation was nothing but a consideration for services being provided and that yoga fell under the definition of ‘health and fitness service’ as defined under Section 65 (51) of the Finance Act.

The contention of PYT, on the other hand, was that the donation was only for the food and other amenities provided in the camp and not for yoga, which was being provided for free. It was contended that they were under the bona fide belief that no tax was payable. It was further contended that the word ‘yoga’ in the health and fitness services definition was used in connection with various other words like sauna and steam bath, Turkish bath, meditation, and massage and that only yoga for general well-being was under the mischief of the Act while they provided cures for specific ailments. 

The CESTAT, in its order, has quoted approvingly from the adjudication order of the adjudicating authority, the Commissioner of Central Excise, who has held that yoga is a service for the general well-being and squarely falls within the purview of the definition of ‘health and fitness’ service.

The adjudicating authority has extensively discussed the five essential principles of yoga, which focus on proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, a proper diet, and positive thinking. The order eloquently argues that training in these principles can only be imparted by experts who qualify after prolonged training. Further, it has been pointed out that the ultimate purpose of the five principles is to maintain physical well-being and not for any specific ailment, though it could also help in the cure of a specific ailment. The adjudication order also quotes the circular of the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) which elaborates on the services that fall under the definition of ‘health and fitness services’, wherein yoga services have been included.

The adjudication order has also held that PYT is an establishment that falls under the purview of a health club or fitness centre and that the amounts said to have been received as donations were nothing but considerations in disguise for the service of yoga provided. The demand for service tax was accordingly confirmed, as was interest on delayed payments and the imposed penalty. 

The CESTAT has categorically held that the service provided by PYT falls under the taxable category of services provided by a health club and fitness center and that the phrase yoga clearly falls under the definition of health and fitness service. The contention of PYT that it was providing treatment for specific ailments has been dismissed in the absence of any evidence, more so since there were no individual prescriptions or diagnoses admittedly available. The CESTAT has pointed out that donation means a gift or ‘danam’, an offering—something given voluntarily. 

They have pointed out that in the case at hand, this certainly was not happening—that there was no way a person would be given the service of yoga if the consideration disguised as a donation was not given. They have also examined the income and expenditure statement of the PYT to substantiate the argument and to point out that ‘donations’ were being separately shown, as were the considerations received when specific treatment was being given to patients.

The CESTAT has also dismissed the plea that relief of limitation would be available and that an extended period could not be invoked. They have held that there was suppression of material facts with the intent to evade service tax and that a penalty would be a natural consequence of this mischief. The demand for service tax, along with interest and penalties, has been upheld.

This was then the case under challenge before the Supreme Court, which has been dismissed by the apex court summarily. This is indeed a feather in the cap for the investigative prowess of the apex intelligence agency. Kudos to the DGCEI! They would do well to examine service providers who similarly receive consideration disguised as donations.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India’s narrowing risk premium — here’s why the market has already priced in a potential rating upgrade

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s risk premium indicated by its credit default swap (CDS) based on the last 5-year data (source: CMAN, Bloomberg) has narrowed in the last one decade. CDS spread is a type of a derivative product that measures the default risk. From the peak of 300 bp in 2013 (taper tantrum) it narrowed to 150-200 bp between 2014-2016. It has further, steadily come down to 70-100 bp until 2020. While Covid and Russia Ukraine war did witness a rise in risk, touching short peaks of 170 and 200, the peaks were quick to recover. 

In the last one year, India’s CDS from 120 bp in March 2023, has narrowed to ~50 bp in April 2024. And it is perhaps at a historic low. While the pandemic saw a spike over 200 bp in March, 2020, it was quick to narrow to about 70 by November, 2020. While the spread once again rose to about 170 bp in the Ukraine war, it also reversed sharply and has seen a steady decline since then. 

In contrast US 5 year CDS which has trended around 15-30 bp between 2014-2020, had risen to 70 bp during the Russia Ukraine crisis. While it has since fallen to 40 bp, but still much higher than the previous lows. Between 2022 until date the range is between 35-50 bp.

In terms of spread versus the US 5 year CDS, India’s 5 year CDS, has narrowed from the peak of 135 bp in September 2022 to about 10 bp currently. While the spread narrowed from 2020 from 160 bp to 60 bp in Sept 2021, the spread was quick to rise with Russia-Ukraine and Fed rate hikes. However, with policy response from RBI, resulting in macro stability, the spread has been on a narrowing path since then.

What is the cause of narrowing spread? 

Narrowing interest rate differential. Post pandemic and Ukraine war has made some long lasting impacts on global inflation. Sharp rise in inflation in the US, has witnessed a once in four-decade policy rate increases, which has resulted in India-US policy differential at a historic low of 100 bp. Alongside, the average differential of India-US 10 year since 2000 has been about 440 bp, which also narrowed to a historic low of about 240 bp. Even at present, the 10 year spread is about 260 bp. 

While US inflation spiked from its 2% range to 9%, India’s consumer price inflation, did not witness such as significant rise. The average inflation in 2022 was 6.7%, with a peak at 7.75%. 

This was within RBI range and unlike US, India has experienced such levels in the last decade itself. India’s average CPI inflation in 2014 was ~6.7%, before cooling down towards 5% levels in the following two years. Therefore, the rise of average consumer price inflation to about 6.6% in 2020 and in 2022 was not unprecedented and unnatural for India given the supply side shocks. 

In conjunction, India’s policy response was a increase of 250 bp in contrast to Fed’s increase of a large 550 bp. As a result, while US 10 yr peaked to 5% in Oct 2023 from 0.7% in 2020, India 10yr’s rise was from 5.8% to 7.2%. Narrowing interest rate differential is a function of inflation differential. This has also perhaps been the primary factor of narrowing risk premiums as well.

What does this mean for India’s Risk Premium?

In addition to narrowing interest rate differential, improving fiscal and current account balances, stability in macro parameter, outperformance in growth, expectation of policy continuity are also drivers of narrowing risk premium. Prospectively, India’s growth outperformance is likely to continue. While geo-political tensions linger and the world is becoming increasingly more fragmented, India’s relative attractiveness has only increased.

This is reflected in India’s inclusion in JP Morgan and Bloomberg’s Global Bond Indices. The inclusion was more from investor interest versus an ask from India and therefore stands out as testimony of India macro economic strength and expectation of relative outperformance. 

Furthermore, India has already become the fifth largest economy and is on the path to become the third largest. In this journey, narrowing risk premium will only make India’s investment returns more attractive.

Implied Risk Premium measured based on Sovereign Bond Default Spread method can be measured as follows:

Default Spread + Mature Market Premium (take US Market as proxy) = Equity Risk Premium (in US Terms) ; Add – Inflation Differential = Equity Risk Premium (in INR Terms).

If both default risk premiums and inflation differential have narrowed, then implied risk premiums should also come down. This will bring down the cost of capital and cost of investment, therefore making India a relatively more attractive investment destination. Prospectively as interest rate regimes are stabilising, we are likely to see India’s risk premiums also undergo a structural shift. This will ensure that the risk adjusted returns on India are likely to see a dramatic improvement. In addition, a case for sovereign rating upgrade is on the cards and rightly so at least to BBB from BBB-. The shift is risk premium has perhaps already factored some of the upgrade. 

India’s journey to become the third largest economy will not just be supported by domestic consumption but also via investment. Large investments in infrastructure, green energy, new technologies will require capital including external capital. As India’s risk premiums narrow, external capital will find India a more attractive investment destination. External volatilities will remain, but India will continue to showcase its outperformance.

—The authors, Ajay Garg and Anitha Rangan, are Founder & Managing Director, and Economist respectively, at Equirus Capital, a full-service insurance brokerage providing various risk mitigation solutions. The views expressed are personal. 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

2024 Lok Sabha Elections | These are the five key demographic outreaches of the BJP

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set an ambitious goal for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections — to secure over 400 seats. As the first phase of voting gets over, it’s crucial to examine the party’s key strategy to achieve this landmark figure.

Unlike the Congress party, which has deep historical and cultural roots in India, the BJP’s past isn’t as intertwined with the nation’s history. This has led the BJP to focus on demographic outreach, particularly towards various communities, including minorities.

The 2024 elections aren’t the first instance of such an outreach. The BJP and its parent organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, have consistently worked on demographic outreach and cultural appropriation. However, the intensity of this focus has significantly increased in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

The BJP’s outreach is comprehensive, targeting Pasmanda Muslims, the Christian community, and appropriating Dravidian culture. It also includes extensive Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes outreach programs across various states and efforts to connect with communities like the Jats of Uttar Pradesh. This broad-based approach is a testament to the BJP’s commitment to inclusivity and its ambition to create a pan-Indian appeal.

Outreach to Pasmanda Muslims— A Game Changer for the 2024 Elections

As the campaigns started, the BJP embarked on a strategic approach to engage with communities, including the Pasmanda Muslims. The term ‘Pasmanda’, originating from Persian, denotes ‘those left behind,’ referring to a community comprising 85% of India’s total Muslim population, often marginalised both socially and economically. Historically, the BJP has not courted Muslim voters, considering them largely opposed to the party’s ideology, although occasional attempts at Muslim outreach by the RSS have not yielded significant results.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has notably highlighted the plight of Pasmanda Muslims in his speeches, advocating for their upliftment. However, scepticism lingers within the Pasmanda community regarding these gestures, given past political dynamics. The BJP’s recent efforts include offering ministerial positions to Pasmanda representatives, such as Danish Ansari in the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, and disseminating information about government welfare programs targeted at the economically disadvantaged.

This outreach forms part of the BJP’s broader strategy to diversify its support base and position itself as a proponent of the marginalised. Yet, the true impact of these initiatives will only be discernible after the 2024 elections. The BJP’s evolving approach toward Pasmanda Muslims marks a significant shift in its electoral tactics, with the forthcoming elections poised to reveal the efficacy of these endeavours.

While some view the BJP’s overtures to Pasmanda Muslims as a politically calculated move aimed at diluting opposition support among minority communities, others see it as a genuine attempt to address the socio-economic disparities faced by this segment of the population. The party’s emphasis on offering ministerial positions and promoting awareness of welfare schemes underscores its commitment to inclusive governance.

However, challenges persist in winning over the trust and support of Pasmanda Muslims, who remain wary of political rhetoric and seek tangible improvements in their socio-economic conditions. The BJP’s track record of delivering on its promises to marginalised communities will play a crucial role in shaping perceptions and influencing electoral outcomes.

Overall, the BJP’s outreach to Pasmanda Muslims signifies a nuanced approach to electoral politics, recognising the importance of engaging with diverse demographics and addressing their specific needs. As the political landscape evolves and election dynamics unfold, the impact of these efforts on the BJP’s electoral fortunes will become clearer, highlighting the complex interplay between identity politics, socio-economic development, and electoral strategy in India’s democratic process.

BJP’s Outreach to the Christian Community

In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken decisive steps to engage with the Christian community, signalling a strategic shift in its electoral approach. This outreach initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its voter base and projecting a more inclusive image.

The BJP’s efforts to connect with the Christian community have been multifaceted. From organising Christmas outreach programs to active participation in church events, the party has sought to foster trust and understanding within this demographic. Key moments, such as party president JP Nadda’s visit to the Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hosting of a special Christmas program, have underscored the BJP’s commitment to acknowledging and appreciating the community’s contributions.

Despite these proactive measures, there remains a perceptible gap between the BJP’s outreach and the sentiments prevalent within the Christian community. While these efforts are seen as a strategic move to challenge the opposition’s hold on minority votes, their effectiveness in resonating with the community’s core concerns and values remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny.

In states like Kerala, where Christians hold significant electoral sway, the BJP’s engagement efforts have gained added importance. Programs like ‘Sneha Yatra’ and Vishu breakfasts have been launched to foster connections and build rapport. However, the reception within the community has varied, highlighting the nuanced dynamics at play.

 BJP’s Dravidian Odyssey: A Strategic Shift

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has embarked on a notable journey to embrace Dravidian culture, signalling a strategic evolution in its electoral playbook. This endeavour is part of a larger strategy aimed at broadening its voter base and projecting a more inclusive identity.

The BJP’s endeavours to penetrate the Dravidian stronghold in Tamil Nadu have been persistent and purposeful over recent years. The party’s concerted efforts, spearheaded by proactive state chief K. Annamalai, reflect a determination to navigate and overcome the barriers posed by Dravidian politics.

Unlike aligning with established Dravidian parties that have long dominated Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is forging its path as a distinct third force. By forming alliances with regional players like the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Tamil Manila Congress (TMC), and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), the BJP is strategically positioning itself to challenge traditional political narratives.

Prime Minister Modi’s frequent visits to Tamil Nadu underscore the BJP’s commitment to this strategic endeavour, aiming not just for a presence but a substantial increase in its vote share within the state.

The BJP’s appropriation of Dravidian culture represents a calculated move to redefine its electoral narrative in Tamil Nadu. While the success of this strategy in the 2024 elections remains uncertain, it reflects the BJP’s adaptability and ambition to carve out a distinct political space in a historically entrenched political arena.

 The BJP’s Jat Connection: A Strategic Shift in Uttar Pradesh Politics

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections loom closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has embarked on a determined quest to mend fences and win over the Jat community in Uttar Pradesh. This outreach effort is not merely a political manoeuvre but a strategic shift aimed at broadening the party’s support base and projecting a more inclusive image.

The Jats, once disenchanted with the BJP over the contentious farm laws, have become the focal point of the party’s campaign. The BJP’s tireless outreach efforts, including grassroots engagement and door-to-door canvassing, specifically target Jat voters to regain their trust and support.

A masterstroke in the BJP’s strategy has been the posthumous recognition of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a revered Jat leader, with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. This move has not only appeased the Jat community but has also facilitated the Rashtriya Lok Dal’s (RLD) alignment with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), adding significant electoral leverage, especially in western Uttar Pradesh.

The RLD’s strategic realignment with the NDA, bringing a substantial Jat vote bank into the fold, marks a pivotal moment in Uttar Pradesh politics. It underscores the BJP’s proactive approach and adaptability, positioning itself for a formidable electoral showing in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In essence, the BJP’s outreach to the Jat community and its strategic leveraging of Chaudhary Charan Singh’s legacy symbolise a calculated electoral strategy with far-reaching implications. The unfolding electoral landscape will determine the efficacy of these efforts in securing electoral dividends for the BJP in 2024.

BJP’s Strategic Outreach to the SC/ST-OBC Community

As part of the election strategy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively engaging with the SC/ST-OBC community, showcasing a determined effort to broaden its electoral base and portray a more inclusive stance.

The BJP’s outreach initiatives towards the SC/ST-OBC demographic have been vigorous, employing grassroots campaigns and community-centric events to garner support. Noteworthy among these efforts was the ‘OBC Mahakumbh’ organised in Prayagraj, signalling a concerted effort to connect with backward classes ahead of the impending general elections.

A strategic move in the BJP’s outreach playbook was the posthumous award of the Bharat Ratna to Kapoori Thakur, a revered OBC leader. This gesture not only resonated positively within the OBC community but also facilitated the return of Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s Chief Minister, to the NDA fold, strengthening the BJP’s political alliances.

Furthermore, the BJP’s engagement with the Matua community in West Bengal, particularly through the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), underscores the party’s nuanced approach to engaging diverse voter segments, especially those with specific concerns and aspirations.

The BJP’s proactive engagement with the SC/ST-OBC community signifies a strategic evolution in its electoral agenda. However, the electoral impact of these initiatives in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections remains a subject of keen observation, poised to define the party’s electoral trajectory in the coming years.

—The author, Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh),  is a political observer and a research scholar, who teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. The views expressed are personal.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Bottomline: Investors must look beyond the conflicts

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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West Asia has always been a hotbed of hostilities. The region has seen over 100 conflicts, big and small, since 1900, and several among these have been sparked by hatred that has simmered for years, like the ones between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militants. Many of the nations in the region have uneasy borders, quite like the India-Pakistan border, where frequent skirmishes are the order of the day. The moot question today, though, is whether what’s happening in the Middle East can escalate and hurt other economies of the world and roil markets. While each time is different, we did some digging to draw some indications from history.

Source: Wiki

What history tells us

We looked at conflicts in West Asia since 1990 for clues on market direction. For this, we took note of the movement in the S&P500 index from near the time of the break-out of the conflict to three months and six months after this. The results don’t offer a very clear picture but do suggest that there may not be much lasting impact of these conflicts on the broad direction of the market over a three-to-six-month period.

While the index was down 16% three months after the start of the Gulf War, it had recovered to just a negative 3% six months down the line. Three months after the Yemeni Civil War the index was flat, but six months down the line, it was 6% lower. In the case of other conflicts like the Iraq War and the Iran-Israel conflict in June 2006, the index was higher both three and six months down the line.

Hence, according too much significance to the present conflict between Israel and Iran from an economic perspective may not be fair, though there could be supply disruptions in the energy market and further troubles in shipping goods across the world.

Worries beyond West Asia

Even as concerns around West Asia hostilities may not be enough to derail the trend in equity markets, there are several other factors presently at play that can cause a significant change in outlook. The US Presidential Election to be held in November could have a significant bearing on how the world’s largest economy steers itself.

Then there’s the US Federal Reserve’s flip-flop on interest rate trajectory, with “higher for longer” now on the table versus three to four interest rate cuts during the year anticipated earlier. There’s also the big disruption with AI and the floundering fortunes of the EV business, that need to be kept an eye on. But most importantly, it is the froth building up in several asset classes, including equities, with most experts finding it hard to justify any further upside in valuations.

So, while the Israel-Iran conflict may not be a big enough reason for you to re-evaluate your investment strategy, there are enough other factors at play that would suggest you should be guarding against adventurism at this point. Tread cautiously.

Happy investing.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Polls ’24 | Will Katchatheevu resurgence in the campaign help BJP in Tamil Nadu

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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With Tamil Nadu going to the polls in the first phase of the General Elections and the BJP determined to make a mark in the Southern State, many issues that have been on the backburner were rekindled. One such issue was that of the tiny island of Katchatheevu in the Palk Strait.

Situated close to the coast of Rameswaram, Katchatheevu is a mostly uninhabited small island of less than 300 acres. It houses a Church where fishermen from both the Sri Lankan and the Indian side visit once a year for a festival, and a few fishing hamlets. 

 At the time of drawing up the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in 1974 both India and Sri Lanka agreed that Katchatheevu would be on the Sri Lankan side of the IMBL and in return India would get Wadge Bank, a fish rich area off the coast of Kanyakumari. For a couple of years India retained fishing rights on the island but this was ceded under a separate Agreement in 1976. 

Katchatheevu for centuries, belonged to the Raja of Ramnad’s  principality. However as the Raja of Ramnad was more of a zamindar than a prince the exact status of Katchatheevu as an integral part of Independent India is disputed. In fact, the then Government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used this as the  reason for not getting the approval of Parliament for the deal.

During the Tamil Eelam war, Katchatheevu was an emotive issue in Tamil Nadu as fishermen from the Rameswaram area were being shot by the Sri Lankan Navy on the suspicion they were LTTE cadre. However, the issue lost its relevance after the war ended in 2009.

Why the Resurgence 

Here’s is a look at the BJP’s move to rekindle Katchatheevu as a discussion in this Lok Sabha election, and has it really helped the party in its election campaign in Tamil Nadu. 

This election season, the BJP has worked extremely hard to make a significant entry into Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Modi has visited the State almost a dozen times this year. Yet the campaign largely focusing on restoring the cultural identify of the Tamil people has not really struck a chord. Katchatheevu being raised was one such issue that hardly evoked any response on the ground. Indeed the noise about it on National media was much more than any in the State itself.

BJP leaders who raised Kathatheevu issue as a betrayal by the Congress and DMK also did not spell out what they now proposed to do about the same. Embarrassingly for them an earlier statement by the central Government saying that in the redrawing of the IMBL no sovereign territory had been ceded by India, exposed the political hypocrisy of raising the issue on the eve of the polls. 

Further, the BJP manifesto also does not speak about reclaiming Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka — a near impossibility in any case without seriously rupturing relations with our neighbour. This also seemed to imply that the issue of saying that the Congress and the DMK had allegedly surrendered India’s “territory” was nothing more than scoring a political point.  

What Are the Real Issues

Among the fishermen of the Ramanathapuram District there is little expectation that the island would be reclaimed. Many believe that the island’s possession has little to do with the matter of their fellow fishermen being apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. Many experts point out that the fishermen venture far beyond Katchatheevu and well into Sri Lankan waters and often being arrested by Sri Lankan Navy is where the fishermen folk actually facing an issue. The local community actually want a solution to this problem and that does not appear to involve Katchatheevu at all. 

While the Katchtheevu issue was the latest addition to its campaign, the BJP has been trying to create a cultural platform to woo the Tamil Nadu voter by highlighting things like its recognition of Tamil Nadu’s “Sengol” being installed in the New Parliament building, and the Kashi Tamil Sangam, the mention of the Tamil language in their manifesto etc.

However the demand for bread and butter issues like flood relief for the battered Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, large infrastructure projects for the State and construction of the long delayed AIIMS at Madurai (which began only a few weeks ago after the foundation stone was laid by the PM in 2019) have been largely ignored by the party, much to the political benefit of its opponents in the State. 

Therefore, by sidelining the issues that really matter and focusing on the emotive appeal of cultural symbolism, the BJP may have wasted a golden opportunity to grab a major foothold in the State. Anyway, on June 4, the answer will be revealed.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Legal Digest | CBDT must use its discretion to help taxpayers in the event of a genuine omission 

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Case 1: CBDT must use its discretion to condone delay in ITR filing judiciously 

In one Pankaj Kailash Agarwal vs Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax (ACIT) case, the Bombay High Court directed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to use its power conferred under section 119 of the Income Tax Law judiciously and not with a closed mind as if it couldn’t care less. 

In this case, the CA of the assessee admitted that it was his fault that he didn’t upload the audit report for claiming tax holiday under section 80IC. The Court was at pains to explain why the CBDT should not sadistically ask the assessee to stew in its own justice. This was a case of genuine and inadvertent omission for which the client of the CA should not be made to lose a substantial benefit especially when he had applied to the CBDT that he be allowed to file a fresh return. CBDT should not be anti-taxpayer especially when there is a genuine omission or delay to address which only section 119 power was carved out.

Case 2: Easement right not available just for the asking 

In Manisha Mahindra Gala vs Shalini Bhagwan Avataramani matter, the Supreme Court recently held that law of easement cannot be invoked by the owner of a property when he can access it by a slightly longer route. The claimant of an easementary right wouldn’t be entitled to claim the same by necessity’ for enjoying the ‘Dominant Heritage’ (the property owned by the claimant) when there exists an alternative way. 

For readers’ benefit it must be pointed out that the property owner owns only the dominant heritage i.e. the property registered with the jurisdictional sub-registrar. In addition, of course the law of easement gives him the right to invoke right over servient heritage but only for the purposes of accessing his dominant heritage. 

So, when an adjoining lane is closed considering overall interests of the residents of the locality, the owner of the dominant heritage cannot make a grievance out of such closure if he has access to his dominant heritage albeit through a slightly circuitous route.

Case 3: WhatsApp notification is as good as notice served formally through documents 

In Lease Plan India Pvt Ltd vs Rudrakash Pharma Distributor case, the Delhi High Court held that, in this day and age, notice served on the WhatsApp number and email is good enough. There was an arbitration clause in the lease agreement which was invoked by serving a digital notice vide WhatsApp and email which the Court said was kosher. It is good that Courts are setting store by the electronic footprints and not insisting on the old ‘dasti’ type of serving notice. 

We have moved over to electronic filing of income tax and GST returns and also the faceless system of appeals and video conferencing. The world is inexorably being swept by the electronic wave and serving of notice should not be caught in a time warp. 

Case 4: Trademark registration doesn’t negate prior use but that has to be proved

Grant of trademark isn’t final but subject to challenge including by the prior user.  In S.V.T Products vs S.S Pandian and Sons matter, the Karnataka High Court while acknowledging this position reiterated that the prior user must adduce cogent evidence to prove that he enjoys unregistered trademark rights despite registration. 

In South ‘hotel special’ is a common description be it for coffee or asafetida or any other ingredient to drive home the point that the brand is meant to cater to large scale users. Thus a 53: 47 coffee powder containing a mix of 53% pure coffee and 47% chicory is generally not meant for family kitchens but for marriages and hotels and restaurants.  

In the case on hand, the ingredient was asafetida with the prefix hotel special registered. The challenger contended that he has been using such prefix for his own asafetida but in the absence of cogent evidence about such prior use, the subsisting registration under challenge was allowed to remain.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

World Heritage Day | How does technology help preserve and protect heritage 

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Preservation of heritage is often broad ranged and interdisciplinary. But the technology has helped speeding up preservation, especially digitisation of collections. And the new generation technologies, including artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning, Augmented and Virtual Realities etc., have literally revolutionised it.  

The World Heritage Day, observed on April 18 every year, has chosen the theme — Discover and Experience Diversity — this year, and it stresses the need for technology driven preservation. Natural landscapes, historical monuments, cultural practices, traditions, rituals and ancient ruins are part of the world’s heritage, and they need preservation and protection. Here is a look at how the new technologies actually help carry forward their preservation. 

While there is a lot of importance being given to preservation of cultural heritage, there are equal amount of challenges too. Use of new technological tools that could assist in bridging the gap. Besides, the pandemic has brought to the fore newer methods for restoration and preservation of heritage.

AI and Heritage 

A variety of AI-powered tools are being used to preserve the cultural heritage and create an accurate digital replica of the historical sites for the future generations. These digital replicas can help the researchers to study a wide range of cultural heritage items.  Some AI-equipped translation software can be used to enhance the accessibility of documents, manuscripts and texts to a wider audience.

In 2019, Microsoft started a platform — AI for Cultural Heritage, for leveraging the power of AI to empower people and organisations that are dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of cultural heritage. 

This platform demonstrated how technology can serve as a useful tool for helping people preserve and connect to cultural heritage on a global scale. As part of the initiative, Microsoft supports through collaborations, partnerships and investment in AI technology and resources.  Under this,  Microsoft and Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), Bengaluru, have also launched an AI powered platform for connecting artworks around the world. The platform— Interwoven, is rooted in MAP’s collection of South Asian textiles. 

For using AI in the domain of cultural heritage, priority should be given on investment in several areas which includes infrastructure and human resources. There is a need for qualified manpower that feed high quality data.  The copyright issues also needs to be resolved in such cases. 

A recent report —Artificial intelligence in the context of cultural heritage and museums: Complex challenges and new opportunities, which emphasise the importance of AI in cultural heritage reconstruction, says that it has been made obvious in the case of the destruction by fire of the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. This was also a typical example of how a digital product can contribute to the reconstruction effort. 

AI is changing the digitisation process and making it more accurate. AI-powered imaging techniques have assisted in improving the quality of the digitalised images. Machine Learning algorithms can look into the environmental conditions to detect the potential risks for preservation.

Besides assisting in the revival of damaged images of historical documents, Deep Learning models can also restore the visual appearance of cultural heritage. AI driven data analysis, combined with Virtual Reality (VR) technology allows accurate reconstruction of cities and monuments. 

New AI tools have provided avenues to produce tools for documenting, managing and visiting cultural heritage. Among the various challenges are limited awareness, scarcity of funds and unskilled human resources. Access to a large set of data can be challenging due to restrictions. 

Tech Travel 

Virtual Reality (VR) allows the creation of interactive digital models of heritage objects. VR devices can help a walk through the sites and experience a sense of immersion in the heritage environment. 

To create digital and virtual models, laser scanners are used to build highly accurate three-dimensional digital models of buildings and monuments. These models can be used to document the current condition of the objects and plan restoration. Digitisation entails absorbing some high quality digital representations of cultural heritage, historical documents and artworks. 

There are also monitoring systems and sensors that measure and record environmental factors that can affect the conservation of heritage assets, such as humidity, temperature, air quality and others. Laser scanning and photogrammetry are some other technologies that help in digitising the cultural heritage. This will establish a digital library for researchers, which in turn can spur the cultural vibrancy. 

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Why industries complain about the unemployability of fresh engineering graduates

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Many reports have recently highlighted an alarming situation where a large percentage of the engineering graduates coming out of India’s thousands of professional colleges are not directly employable in the industry or in public infrastructure projects. The numbers quoted were as large as 50%.

A country like India where more than a million engineering graduates come out each year in various disciplines, can’t afford such a large percentage of rejection, after their 4 years of engineering education. And it sounds unbelievable.

But, as a matter of fact, the reports are not surprising because the basic design of the engineering program in India do not prepare students for the industry. There is no point blaming the students for the structural problems in education. One needs to look at this issue holistically involving the academicians, industry, policymakers and the governments together.

India is advancing at an unprecedented speed in all spheres, and we need a lot of capable and trained workforce in all areas. So, even a small percentage (the student population being large, this will translate into a large number in absolute terms) of misfits cannot be accepted.

The Basic Faults 

Coming back to the basics, let us ask some pertinent questions as far as the current engineering education in India is concerned.

Where does an engineering student learn about the industry? I am talking about the industry culture to which most engineering students should ideally be a part in the future. Does the industrial environment be available while they are at college? Do students get any opportunity to understand the skills that are actually required in the industry and how to prepare themselves for the same?

Do the professors know what is practically going on in the industry and how many of them have ever worked in it?

So, for generations we are in a situation where the engineering education system had no link with the industry. Look at the irony: a person who never got into the water is teaching swimming, and the students who never got an opportunity to get into water remain oblivious of swimming.

What Is Industry Culture

To make it easy, let me look at another set of students undergoing a different professional course, for instance, medicine. No medical college is possible without an attached hospital —the healthcare industry.  From the second year of the graduate course onwards, a medical student is in and out of the hospital, and on a daily basis, what he or she hears, learns, discusses the issues related to that industry.

Almost all the professors and teaching staff are practicing doctors within that sphere and are up-to-date with the industry. Students also see, understand and interact with the associated activities of the supporting team of the industry, like nurses, technical staff, hospital management teams, surgery divisions, emergency and casualty departments.

By the time these medical students complete their course, they know exactly what is going on in the particular ‘industry’. To make it simple, they are immersed in their industry culture and learn from various aspects of the same, apart from what is taught in their class rooms. Eventually, they evolved as a medical doctor totally fit for that profession.

However, the engineering students have had only classrooms and may be a lab with mostly outdated machines compared to the current industry standards. And, someone teaches them with no idea about industry and has never been immersed in that industry’s culture.

As a result, neither the faculty nor the students are practically aware of what the industry needs are, for generations. So, are we really training students to become engineers to work in an industry, and will they be able to understand what are the practical skills required? If not, where do these students learn the industry culture? How do they evolve to be a professional engineer?

What are the solutions?

One must accept the fact that learning and preparing themselves to get adapted to the industry culture is as important as learning from the classroom. We must also accept the fact that part of classroom learning is slowly shifting to the online mode. This is especially so with large and excellent online learning materials from classrooms taught by renowned professors of world-class universities and the associated discussions are  freely available today. Technological advancements will make such materials more effective in the future with the support of artificial intelligence, etc.

But, to gain the industry culture, one has to be physically present in the industry. There are many aspects that the industry needs to look into before it implements or installs the same. The industry has to spend its valuable time and resources and also needs to go through a lot of other procedures, including safety aspects, downtime, etc.

Since I have worked in the industry, academies and research institutions both in India and abroad, I’m fairly familiar with the whole scenario.

As per the ideal educational standards and practice, the time spent by engineering students in the industry is highly valuable both in terms of their skill-assessment as well as their future in the profession. So sufficient recognition has to be given to the industry for providing internship and training for students. Financial and other incentives must be a part of this package for two reasons — industries incur downtime because of this training and the return on the investment as well. Ultimately, a country gains enormously out of such education and training, especially in India with the largest young population.

Industry Training After Hiring 

It is well known that extensive training is provided by many companies for fresh graduates once they are hired. These companies also provide excellent training facilities. While this takes place post their graduation, what we really need is industry exposure during their studies. That will help them understand more about their inclinations and the various opportunities available with the industry and take informed decisions based on their own abilities and interests, rather than moving with the crowd and end up in the wrong place.

From the students’ side also, one needs to realise that industrial training is to their best advantage, and it cannot be taken lightly. Once the student is in the  industry, they must accept the routines, including the shift hours, at work as they are part of the particular workforce and they are there to learn every aspect of it.

As an appreciation, governments must provide various incentives to the industries which undertake the fresh graduate training. These activities can be included as a part of the industry’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well, and more such schemes can be included.

For the university side, make the academic boundaries porous so that the teaching and industry staff can move between academics and industries more freely. They also have to recognise that industrial experience is a major contributing factor towards the students’ learning. Similarly, industrial experience must be given sufficient weight during the selection processes of their teaching staff.

Finally, any industry which is employing fresh engineering graduates must also understand the fact that the students have limitations because of the system, and they cannot expect to be industry ready on the first day itself. Since the fresh graduates need extensive training, the industry needs to factor in various resources associated with it.

—The author, Dr. V. Premachandran, is a member of the working group in the Kerala State Planning Board, and was a Senior Fellow at the Solar Energy Research Institute, National University of Singapore.

Read his previous articles here

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow