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THE HINDU: Death of a Dalit scholar
The suicide of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit
research scholar at the University of Hyderabad, is yet another tragic
testimony to the feudal passions of caste that roil India’s institutions of
higher education, which are known to harbour delusions of being meritocracies.
Vemula was one of five Dalit students, all belonging to the Ambedkar Students
Association (ASA), who had been suspended by the administration. The
‘suspension’ order allowed them to continue their studies in the university but
denied them entry to the hostels, administration building and other common
places in groups. It is difficult to imagine a more blatant exhibition of
social boycott than such a punitive measure, directed at a group of students
from a socially disadvantaged community. That this comes from the governing elite
of a central university makes it even more appalling. The ostensible reason for
the suspension of Vemula and the four others was an alleged clash between
students belonging to the ASA and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
(ABVP), an affiliate of the right-wing Sangh Parivar. An inquiry by the
university culminated in the suspension order. It was against this punitive
measure that they had been protesting. On Sunday, the young scholar decided to
cut short both his protest and his life. His suicide note, which was posted on
social media, states categorically that no one is responsible for his act, a
statement that should not be taken at face value.
The police
have registered cases against Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment
Bandaru Dattatreya, the University of Hyderabad Vice-Chancellor P. Appa Rao,
and two ABVP activists on charges of abetment to suicide, and violation of the
SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Activists say the circumstances
leading to Vemula’s death were sparked by a letter from Mr. Dattatreya to Human
Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani, charging the ASA with being
“extremist” and “anti-national”. Trying to make sense of a death by suicide is
an onerous, and frequently futile, exercise. But Vemula’s death demands it, not
least because it is a national shaming. It brings the Indian state face to face
with its utter failure in addressing the social evil of caste and casteist
discrimination. The Thorat Committee, constituted some years ago to investigate
differential treatment of SC/ST students in just one institution, the All India
Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, had come out with a damning indictment of
the way Dalit students were treated. Forced into ghettoes in the hostel,
discriminated against by teachers, denied access to sporting and cultural
activities, SC/ST students in India’s premier educational institutions walk
into an environment that’s virulently hostile to them. Not surprisingly,
according to one estimate, in the last four years 18 Dalit students chose to
end their lives rather than continue to battle on in these dens of caste
prejudice and social exclusion. The first step toward treating the rot of caste
is to acknowledge it — after Vemula’s tragic death, it would be a crime not to.
trag·ic
Causing
or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow.
tes·ti·mo·ny
A
formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.
feu·dal
According
to, resembling, or denoting the system of feudalism.
roil
Make (a
liquid) turbid or muddy by disturbing the sediment.
har·bor
A place
on the coast where vessels may find shelter, especially one protected from
rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures
de·lu·sion
An
idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being
contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument,
typically a symptom of mental disorder.
mer·i·toc·ra·cy
Government
or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability.
bla·tant
(of bad
behavior) done openly and unashamedly.
boy·cott
Withdraw
from commercial or social relations with (a country, organization, or person)
as a punishment or protest.
pu·ni·tive
Inflicting
or intended as punishment.
e·lite
A
select part of a group that is superior to the rest in terms of ability or
qualities.
ap·pall·ing
Awful;
terrible.
os·ten·si·ble
Stated
or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
cul·mi·nate
Reach a
climax or point of highest development.
abetment
The
verbal act of urging on
on·er·ous
(of a
task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty
that is oppressively burdensome.
damn·ing
(of a
circumstance or piece of evidence) strongly suggesting guilt or error.
in·dict·ment
A
formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
vir·u·lent
(of a
disease or poison) extremely severe or harmful in its effects.
prej·u·dice
Preconceived
opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
THE
HINDU: A new beginning with Iran
It was a remarkable moment in international diplomacy. Until last
year, it was unimaginable that there would be a peaceful solution to the
Iranian nuclear crisis. Even when a deal was reached in July, critics continued
to attack the efforts, questioning the operating challenges of the accord and
Iran’s dubious nuclear record. But proving its critics wrong again, Iran
quickly acted to rein in its nuclear programme. It decommissioned its
enrichment centrifuges, removed the core of its heavy-water reactor and shipped
out most of its low-enriched uranium stockpile — all in months. On Saturday,
the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Iran had complied with its
commitments. Within hours, nuclear sanctions were removed, signalling Iran’s
reintegration with the global economy. The implementation of the deal
demonstrates the willingness of both the U.S. and Iran to move past their
history of hostilities and begin a new future of cooperation. U.S. President
Barack Obama and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani deserve credit for
their visionary determination. It was not easy to effect structural changes in
the thinking of their respective foreign policy establishments and chart a new
course of constructive engagement. Both faced criticism at home. There were
regional challenges as well, such as the steadfast opposition from Israel.
Still they stuck to the path of diplomacy which brought new hopes to a region
that is otherwise tormented by conflicts.
Over the past
few months, U.S.-Iran ties have substantially improved. Though both sides maintain that
cooperation is limited to the nuclear deal, in actuality it is much broader.
Tehran and Washington are engaged in Syria and Iraq. They share common
interests in Afghanistan. The quick release of American sailors whose patrol
boats drifted into Iranian waters signalled the shift in ties. The prisoner
swap deal, announced just hours before the sanctions were lifted and under
which Iran released four Americans and the U.S. seven Iranians, is another indicator.
But the question is whether these changes are sustainable and, if so, what
effects they can have on the troubled West Asian geopolitics. In Iran there
appears to be a consensus on enhanced engagement with the West. Despite the
anti-American public posturing, often from the hard-line quarters of the
establishment, Iran’s political elite remains largely supportive of President
Rouhani’s moves. But it’s not the case in the U.S., where the Republican front
runners for the presidential election are highly critical of the deal. It is
not clear what could happen to the Iran-U.S. détente if a Republican is elected
to the White House. But if both nations overcome these challenges and sustain
the momentum, it can transform the region for the better in the long run. India
should take the cue from the deal. A peaceful, stable Iran is vital for its
interests, particularly for energy security and connectivity. New Delhi should
get Tehran on board, again.
ac·cord
Give or
grant someone (power, status, or recognition).
du·bi·ous
Hesitating
or doubting.
rein
A long,
narrow strap attached at one end to a horse's bit, typically used in pairs to
guide or check a horse while riding or driving
de·com·mis·sion
Withdraw
(someone or something) from service, in particular.
enrichment
Act of
making fuller or more meaningful or rewarding
cen·tri·fuge
A
machine with a rapidly rotating container that applies centrifugal force to its
contents, typically to separate fluids of different densities (e.g., cream from
milk) or liquids from solids.
stead·fast
Resolutely
or dutifully firm and unwavering.
tor·ment
Cause
to experience severe mental or physical suffering.
drift
Be
carried slowly by a current of air or water.
pos·ture
Behave
in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others.
cue
A thing
said or done that serves as a signal to an actor or other performer to enter or
to begin their speech or performance.
Business
standard: Export worries: Peers outperform India
Official data released on Monday tell a
disturbing story about Indian merchandise trade, and about economic stability
on the external account more generally. The headline bad news will be, of
course, that India's exports dropped in December 2015 for the 13th straight
month. This slump - a fall of around 15 per cent - can no longer be accounted
for purely in terms of declining petroleum prices. It is true that refined
petroleum products are a notable proportion of India's export basket, and the
sharp reduction in the price of crude oil globally has caused this trade to
decline equally sharply in value. But even non-petroleum exports fell in
December by 7.9 per cent in dollar terms.
Yes, the long decline in Indian exports does indeed coincide with slowing growth in world trade. But, it is not the case that world trade is actually declining; over the months of the exports slump, world trade has continued to grow at an average of around three per cent annualised, although it has shown signs of weakening further in recent months. In other words, in spite of the government's claims of pushing exports, India is under-performing even given poor global trade growth. This under-performance is clear from examining India's peer countries, which have seen good exports growth. Between July and December of 2015, months that India's exports were slumping, Bangladesh in fact saw exports grow by eight per cent year-on-year. Vietnam saw exports grow 9.2 per cent in 2015. This is a severe indictment of India's trade policy and the government's handling of exports.
The implications of the data for the trade deficit are also worrying. In December 2015, the trade deficit in dollar terms was 27 per cent higher than it was in December 2014. Cumulatively, however, the trade deficit for the first nine months of the current financial year was 11 per cent lower compared to that in the same period of 2014-15. This may make the trade deficit challenge look manageable as strong inflows on the capital account have beefed up India's external sector ever since the "taper tantrum" rocked emerging markets in 2013. But continued confidence about the external account is misplaced. Relying on fickle global capital is risky, particularly when sentiment on emerging markets is turning negative and there has been significant selling of Indian equities by foreign institutional investors. In addition, the government recovered from that period of weakness largely due to restrictions on the import of gold and the decline in the price of crude oil - the price of a barrel of the Indian basket of crude was just under $27 on January 15. Risks to the external account come not just from a possible increase in the price of crude oil from these lows, but also from a recovery in import demand - particularly for gold.
The December numbers for imports should, therefore, be scrutinised very carefully. In dollar terms, the import bill fell 3.9 per cent - not as much as it had fallen in prior months. Interestingly, however, imports in December, excluding oil and gold, fell by a lower rate of around two per cent. This is much lower than the 22 per cent decline in November for non-oil, non-gold imports, which reflect investment demand in the economy. But for the first nine months of the current financial year, non-oil, non-gold imports have declined by a little more than three per cent. The structural drivers of external weakness are, therefore, very much present and beginning to reassert themselves. Gold demand is once again on the rise. The gold import bill for 2015 was estimated at being 12 per cent higher than for 2014. It is doubly necessary, therefore, to examine the reforms necessary to make financial saving more attractive - and to re-energise exports through reducing red tape and integrating with new, behind-the-border trade agreements.
Yes, the long decline in Indian exports does indeed coincide with slowing growth in world trade. But, it is not the case that world trade is actually declining; over the months of the exports slump, world trade has continued to grow at an average of around three per cent annualised, although it has shown signs of weakening further in recent months. In other words, in spite of the government's claims of pushing exports, India is under-performing even given poor global trade growth. This under-performance is clear from examining India's peer countries, which have seen good exports growth. Between July and December of 2015, months that India's exports were slumping, Bangladesh in fact saw exports grow by eight per cent year-on-year. Vietnam saw exports grow 9.2 per cent in 2015. This is a severe indictment of India's trade policy and the government's handling of exports.
The implications of the data for the trade deficit are also worrying. In December 2015, the trade deficit in dollar terms was 27 per cent higher than it was in December 2014. Cumulatively, however, the trade deficit for the first nine months of the current financial year was 11 per cent lower compared to that in the same period of 2014-15. This may make the trade deficit challenge look manageable as strong inflows on the capital account have beefed up India's external sector ever since the "taper tantrum" rocked emerging markets in 2013. But continued confidence about the external account is misplaced. Relying on fickle global capital is risky, particularly when sentiment on emerging markets is turning negative and there has been significant selling of Indian equities by foreign institutional investors. In addition, the government recovered from that period of weakness largely due to restrictions on the import of gold and the decline in the price of crude oil - the price of a barrel of the Indian basket of crude was just under $27 on January 15. Risks to the external account come not just from a possible increase in the price of crude oil from these lows, but also from a recovery in import demand - particularly for gold.
The December numbers for imports should, therefore, be scrutinised very carefully. In dollar terms, the import bill fell 3.9 per cent - not as much as it had fallen in prior months. Interestingly, however, imports in December, excluding oil and gold, fell by a lower rate of around two per cent. This is much lower than the 22 per cent decline in November for non-oil, non-gold imports, which reflect investment demand in the economy. But for the first nine months of the current financial year, non-oil, non-gold imports have declined by a little more than three per cent. The structural drivers of external weakness are, therefore, very much present and beginning to reassert themselves. Gold demand is once again on the rise. The gold import bill for 2015 was estimated at being 12 per cent higher than for 2014. It is doubly necessary, therefore, to examine the reforms necessary to make financial saving more attractive - and to re-energise exports through reducing red tape and integrating with new, behind-the-border trade agreements.
slump
Sit,
lean, or fall heavily and limply, especially with a bent back.
co·in·cide
Occur
at or during the same time.
se·vere
(of
something bad or undesirable) very great; intense.
in·dict·ment
A
formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.
im·pli·ca·tion
The
conclusion that can be drawn from something, although it is not explicitly
stated.
beef
Complain.
tan·trum
An
uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child.
fick·le
Changing
frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection.
scru·ti·nize
Examine
or inspect closely and thoroughly
INDIAN Express
: Normalising Iran
Iran has begun its
long march out of the cold, after economic sanctions related to its nuclear
programme — imposed by the US, EU and the UN — were lifted, following the
IAEA’s confirmation of Tehran’s compliance with the terms of last July’s
historic nuclear deal. But Iran’s long march is more an extended tightrope
walk — proved by Washington’s imposition of fresh sanctions over Iran’s
missile programme, pertaining to the test-fire of a precision-guided ballistic
missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead in October 2015. Moreover, the
US has only suspended its nuclear-related sanctions; it hasn’t terminated them.
Non-nuclear economic sanctions imposed by the US remain in place, forbidding
American citizens and firms from trading with Iran. As a result, foreign
companies may still not feel confident about dealing with Tehran. Despite so
many qualifiers, Iran is now back in the global market, ready to raise its
production and export of oil, gain access to capital and investment, and
utilise its own $100 billion of assets that are being unlocked.
The Middle East has
changed since the nuclear sanctions were imposed in 2006. Tehran’s continued
isolation on the international stage was an important factor in precluding
solutions to the Syrian crisis and the threat from the Islamic State. After he became
president in 2013, moderate Hassan Rouhani declared his intention to
resuscitate Iran’s moribund economy and end its pariah status. US President Barack Obama, in turn, broke
through America’s ideological bind on Iran. The result has been a geopolitical
sea-change. It hasn’t made Tehran and Washington friends yet. Nor will lifting
sanctions alone end high inflation and steep unemployment, given corruption and
economic mismanagement. The current low price of oil, too, may undercut the
gains from increased sales. This is the risk Rouhani has chosen to take, and if
he fails, it will politically help his hardline opponents. The prospect of more
Iranian oil will not be welcomed by rival oil-producing states either, and the
biggest of them, Saudi Arabia, is locked in a dangerous political conflict with
Iran, widening the Shia-Sunni sectarian schism.
Global business is
looking at opportunities to access Iran’s market, and invest in and rebuild the
country’s infrastructure. India, which stands to benefit from the unshackling
of Iranian oil, must seize the greater diplomatic space this opens up in the
Middle East. As India’s gateway to Central Asia, Iran is also a promising
investment destination for India’s private sector in infrastructure, IT,
petrochemicals, etc. As other Asian economies, like China and Japan, rush in,
India must move swiftly.
sanc·tion
A
threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule.
im·pose
Force
(something unwelcome or unfamiliar) to be accepted or put in place.
con·fir·ma·tion
The
action of confirming something or the state of being confirmed.
tight·rope
A rope
or wire stretched tightly high above the ground, on which acrobats perform
feats of balancing.
for·bid·ding
Unfriendly
or threatening in appearance.
re·sus·ci·tate
Revive
(someone) from unconsciousness or apparent death.
mor·i·bund
(of a
person) at the point of death.
pa·ri·ah
An
outcast.
steep
(of a
slope, flight of stairs, angle, ascent, etc.) rising or falling sharply; nearly
perpendicular
un·shack·le
Release
from shackles, chains, or other physical restraints.
Dawn(Pakistan) LG infrastructure
IT is a fact that both Sindh and Punjab have tried their best to
avoid sharing power with the local, most basic tier of governance without which
a democratic set-up is incomplete.
When it was clear that
installing local governments could not be delayed further, the provinces had no
qualms about encroaching on the powers of the people’s grass-roots
representatives through amendments to the law and procedures.
There is yet another
manifestation of how the time and energy the provinces spent on jealously guarding
what they consider their turf against those interacting at the grass roots
could have been used to prepare the infrastructure needed for local governments
to fulfil their responsibilities.
Reports say that the
elected union councils, much larger in number than at any time previously, are
faced with the soul-dampening prospects of being deprived of offices to work
from.
As one example out of
the many available, it was reported in this paper on Monday that some 25 out of
the 111 union councils in Muzaffargarh do not have an office.
A union council chairman
quoted in the story was indeed lucky enough to have a charpoy placed under a
tree from where to watch over the affairs of his small kingdom. There used to
be a building that served as the local union council office, which was swept
away by the floods in 2010.
The scene may not
exactly be the same in other parts of Punjab and Sindh, where the process of LG
elections is nearing completion with the recent swearing-in of the elected
members. But there is plenty of evidence that the administrations have failed
badly in anticipating the coming of the new local set-ups and providing them
with the required facilities.
Take Lahore, simply
because the city is a source of envy for the ‘preferential treatment’ it gets.
It is quite daunting that the number of union councils in the city has been
raised from 150 to 274.
Now since this is
something seemingly not on the fancied list of the Punjab set-up, many of the
union councils have no idea where they are going to be lodged — let alone what
use they will actually be to the people.
A search for offices to
accommodate them is on, belatedly. The task could have been finished much
earlier everywhere. The delay could well sow more disrespect for the basic tier
created by popular choice.
qualm
An
uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct; a
misgiving
en·croach
Intrude
on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right).
man·i·fes·ta·tion
An
event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a
theory or an abstract idea.
turf
Grass
and the surface layer of earth held together by its roots.
damp·en
Make
slightly wet.
de·prived
Suffering
a severe and damaging lack of basic material and cultural benefits.
charpoy
Charpai,
Charpaya or Charpoy is a traditional woven bed used in Pakistan and India. In
some languages like in Punjabi and Saraiki, it is also called a Manjaa or Manji
and in Sindhi and Saraiki it is also called a Khatt, Khaatt or Khattra.
en·vy
A
feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's
possessions, qualities, or luck.
daunt·ing
Seeming
difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.
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