Showing posts with label Polity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Polity. Show all posts

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Emergency: Darkest Chapter of Indian Democracy

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104.1) Introduction


The Emergency in India was a 21-month period from 1975 to 1977 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi announced a state of emergency across the country by citing internal and external dangers to the country. A state of "internal disturbance" led President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to formally declare a state of emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution. The emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. The order gave the prime minister the power to rule by decree, which included the ability to suspend civil freedoms and cancel elections. The press was suppressed and the majority of Gandhi's political rivals were imprisoned for a large portion of the Emergency. The Gandhi administration imprisoned over 100,000 journalists, dissenters, and political opponents. Her son Sanjay Gandhi led a widespread vasectomy campaign during this period. Indira Gandhi made the ultimate decision to declare an emergency, which was approved by the President of India and approved by the Cabinet and Parliament in July and August of 1975. It was founded on the idea that the Indian state was facing impending dangers from both the within and the outside. 

104.1) Proclamation


Due to the recent conclusion of a conflict with Pakistan, the government highlighted threats to national security. The economy was struggling as a result of the war, the 1973 oil crisis, and the extra difficulties of drought. The government asserted that the protests and strikes had crippled the government and severely damaged the nation's economy. Gandhi heeded the counsel of a few loyalists and her younger son Sanjay Gandhi, whose personal power had increased significantly over the past few years to become a "extra-constitutional authority," despite widespread political opposition, desertion, and chaos throughout the nation and the party. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray suggested to the prime minister that a "internal emergency" be declared. Using the information that Indira had received that "there is an imminent danger to the security of India being threatened by internal disturbances," he wrote a letter to the President asking him to issue the proclamation. He demonstrated how democratic freedom could be suspended while still falling under the Constitution's purview. 

On the evening of June 25, 1975, just before midnight, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, acting on the prime minister's recommendation, announced a state of internal emergency after settling a procedural dispute.

Mrs. Gandhi recommended and President Ahmed authorised the extension of the Emergency every six months until she made the decision to call elections in 1977, as required by the constitution. Parliament voted in 1976 to postpone elections, something it could only do when the Emergency suspended the Constitution. 

104.3) Timeline of Events


1. Emergency Declaration (June 25, 1975)
Citing domestic unrest, Indira Gandhi recommended President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to declare a national emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution on the evening of June 25, 1975. This granted the government tremendous powers, such as the ability to regulate the press and restrict fundamental rights. 

2. Opposition Leaders Are Arrested
The widespread arrest of opposition leaders, including Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Morarji Desai, and several more, was one of the government's first moves. The purpose of the arrests was to stop any coordinated opposition to the Emergency. 

3. Press Restrictions
Newspapers had to obtain government approval before printing any content, and the press was strictly regulated. Well-known publications like The Statesman and The Indian Express expressed their disapproval by leaving blank areas where suppressed items had been deleted. 

4. The Constitution's 42nd Amendment
By limiting judicial review, bolstering the authority of Parliament, and extending the Lok Sabha's term from five to six years, the government's 42nd Amendment significantly changed the Constitution. It is frequently seen as an effort to impose an authoritarian government. 

5. Campaign for Forced Sterilisation
The government launched a contentious population control campaign, led by Sanjay Gandhi, that included forced sterilisations and specifically targeted the underprivileged and disenfranchised. Protests and widespread resentment resulted from this. 

6. Evictions and Demolitions in Slums
Under Sanjay Gandhi's leadership, thousands of slums in Delhi were razed as part of urban beautification initiatives. Many low-income households were displaced as a result, which increased public discontent with the administration. 

7. Movements for Protest and Resistance
Underground resistance movements developed in spite of harsh limitations. In opposition to the Emergency, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other student organisations were vital. Pamphlets and secret publications were distributed to raise awareness of the abuses of the government. 

8. The Impact of the Allahabad High Court's Decision
Indira Gandhi's conviction for electoral malpractice in the 1971 elections by the Allahabad High Court on June 12, 1975, was a major catalyst for the Emergency. Her election was ruled invalid by the court, which sparked a situation that finally led to the declaration of emergency. 

9. The End of Emergency and the General Elections in 1977
Indira Gandhi declared elections in March 1977 after lifting the Emergency in January due to mounting public dissatisfaction. A strong anti-Congress wave during the elections helped the Janata Party win, and Morarji Desai was appointed prime minister. The Congress Party suffered its first national defeat as a result of this. 

104.4) Portrayal by Kangana Ranaut


Emergency is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language historical biographical drama film that Kangana Ranaut co-produced and directed. Ranaut wrote the story, and Ritesh Shah wrote the screenplay. Ranaut plays former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, which is based on the Indian Emergency. The portrayal of Indira Gandhi by Kangana Ranaut was a true delight to watch, where she showed her acting skills gracefully. The film was like a biography of Mrs. Gandhi showcasing the events pre-, during, and post-emergency.


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Adarsh Tiwari

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

IC 814: Kandhar Hijack - Story with various ends

The December 1999 major terrorist attack known as the Kandahar hijacking, or IC-814 hijacking, took place. The December 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814, sometimes referred to as the Kandahar hijacking, happened when the plane was traveling from Kathmandu, Nepal. It was a significant act of terrorism. Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 was taken over by five armed terrorists from the militant organization Harkat-ul-Mujahideen when it was traveling from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Delhi, India. The kidnapping took place over a few days and resulted in a heated standoff that was resolved in the Taliban-controlled city of Kandahar, Afghanistan.


75.1) Hijack Timeline

Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was scheduled to depart from Kathmandu, Nepal, on December 24, 1999, and arrive in Delhi, India. There were 180 people on board the aircraft when it took off, including the crew and the passengers. Roberto Giori, the proprietor of De La Rue Giori at the time, which dominated the majority of the global money printing market at the time, was one of the passengers.

Senior steward Anil Sharma was approached shortly after the flight departed from Kathmandu by a man donning a ski mask, who informed him that he was carrying a bomb and that the plane was being hijacked. The hijackers gave Captain Devi Sharan the order to "fly west," and as a result, the aircraft entered Pakistani airspace. However, Pakistani Air Traffic Control denied the pilot's request to land in Lahore, Pakistan. Captain Sharan was given permission by the hijackers to land the aircraft at Amritsar, Punjab, in order to refuel when they informed him that there was not enough fuel to continue.

According to later passenger testimonies, the hijackers divided the males from the ladies and children, blindfolded them, threatened them with explosives if they did not comply, and ordered the crew to remove the lunch that had been served.

(1) Arriving in Amritsar, India, at 4:40 p.m., Indian Air Traffic Control (ATC) was notified of the hijacking. When word broke that the plane had been hijacked, the Indian government's Crisis Management Group, headed by Union Secretary Prabhat Kumar, did not meet, and neither the Research and Analysis Wing nor the Intelligence Bureau were informed of the hijacking at that time. At 7:00 p.m., Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Indian prime minister, received a briefing about the incident.

(2) The Indian ATC contacted flight IC 814 at 6:04 PM but had not received instructions on what to do next. Captain Devi Sharan informed Pakistani ATC that they were almost out of fuel and that they were not permitted to land in Lahore. Sharan kept in touch with ATC, asking them to get in touch with Pakistan and ask for permission to land since the hijackers had already threatened to execute ten hostages if their demands were not satisfied and they did not want to land in India. The Indian High Commission in Pakistan asked for permission for the jet to land there at 6:30 p.m., but they were turned down.

(3) After receiving a communication from Captain Sharan, flight IC 814 started to descend over the closest airport in Amritsar at 6:44 p.m., when local officials approached it. Later, Sarabjeet Singh, the state's director general of police for Punjab, said that he learned about the hijacking only after seeing it on television that evening at six o'clock. L.K. Advani, the Home Minister of the Union Government, later said that he learned about the incident via the press rather than from the Crisis Management Group, which has been constituted since then. Since Bakshi Ram, his replacement, was on leave at the time of the incident, J.P. Birdi, despite having recently resigned as the area's Inspector-General of Police, came into contact with the jet.

(4) IC 814 requested that the aircraft be refueled immediately upon landing. Later, Captain Sharan said that he had hoped that the Indian government would help prevent the hijacking and save the jet from having to take off from Amritsar once more. A local committee comprising the District Collector, the highest-ranking police and intelligence officials, and the airport manager was established in compliance with the Crisis Management Group's hijacking contingency plans. They were directed to postpone the plane's refueling as long as feasible. The committee had received these directives from the Central Government at 6:40 p.m., but their initial response was delayed due to a phone call that contained conflicting directions.

(5) Captain Sharan communicated with ATC four times throughout the takeoff and landing at 7:50 p.m., telling them that the hijackers had started killing hostages with Kalashnikov rifles and asking them to refuel the aircraft as soon as possible to avoid any more casualties. During the plane's stay in Amritsar, the hijackers had declined to speak with local law enforcement authorities. Subsequent reports claimed that the hijackers enraged about the refueling delay, had used a knife to attack Satnam Singh, a German national inside the aircraft, inflicting multiple neck wounds.

(6) The Crisis Management Group ordered the local Punjab Police Commandos to be on standby at 7:45 p.m. and to accompany the fuel-reloading vehicles to the aircraft in order to deflate the tires and immobilize the aircraft. The ATC instructed the driver of the fuel tanker, which was assigned to obstruct the aircraft's path, to slow down because the plane was approaching at a high speed. Upon getting this command, the tanker suddenly stopped. It was later discovered that this tactic led the hijackers to believe that the refueling procedure would hinder their ability to depart, so they gave Captain Sharan the order to take off right away. As a result, the aircraft barely avoided colliding with the fuel tanker on the runway. The hijackers had five people strapped into seats near the front with their hands bound, and they threatened to have them executed if the plane did not take off right away. At 7:49 p.m., the aircraft departed Amritsar, with Captain Sharan informing the ATC that "we are all dying." Just as IC 814 was taking off, commandos from the National Security Guard, an Indian special forces team, arrived at the airport.

(7) Arriving in Pakistan's Lahore: Flight IC 814 asked to land as it approached Lahore, Pakistan, but Pakistani ATC refused, turning down all of the airport's lights and navigational aids to stop a landing. Captain Sharan tried to crash-land the aircraft without using lights or navigational aids since it was running low on fuel and had not been refueled in Amritsar. He almost landed on a roadway. At 8:07 p.m., Pakistani ATC enabled the aircraft to land in Lahore by turning on navigational assistance.

(8) After learning that the aircraft had touched down in Lahore, Pakistan, India requested a helicopter to fly its High Commissioner, G. Parthasarathy, from Islamabad to the airport in Lahore. Additionally, India asked Pakistani officials to make sure the aircraft didn't take off from Lahore. Pakistani forces encircled the jet with commandos from their special forces and shut off the runway lights once more to stop the plane from taking off after it had been refueled. Additionally, they made an unsuccessful attempt to bargain with the hijackers to have the women and children on the plane released. Although a helicopter was sent for the Indian High Commissioner, G. Parthasarthy, he did not arrive in Lahore until Flight IC 814 had been refueled and cleared to depart.

(9) Arriving in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The crew left Lahore and headed toward Kabul, Afghanistan. The hijackers tried to land in Oman, though, as Kabul Airport did not have night landing capabilities at the time. When the Sultanate's officials turned down their request, the hijackers made their way to nearby Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The aircraft was given permission to land at Al Minhad Air Base after being refused entry at Dubai International Airport. 27 passengers were freed by the hijackers, among them Rupin Katyal, a 25-year-old male captive who was badly injured after being repeatedly stabbed by the hijackers. Before the plane touched down at Al Minhad Air Base, Rupin had passed away. The UAE government refused to give Indian authorities permission to attack the aircraft with Indian commandos who had received training in hijack rescue.

(10) Arriving in Afghanistan's Kandahar: India first accepted the Taliban authorities' offer to arbitrate between them and the hijackers after the plane had arrived in Kandahar. India sent a representative from its High Commission in Islamabad to Kandahar since it does not recognize the Taliban government. The negotiation procedure was hindered by India's lack of prior interaction with the Taliban regime. 

75.2) Demands

While the passengers on board Flight IC 814 awaited a decision, India decided internally on December 25 and 26 how they would approach negotiations. Subsequently, the passengers said that their meals were not consistent, they had restricted access to clean restrooms and drinking water, and the hijackers used the plane's public address system to spread their message to the other passengers.

In addition to the body of Rupin Katyal, who died while the plane was in Dubai, and Satnam Singh, who was attacked by the hijackers in Amritsar and had knife wounds to his neck, Indian Airlines provided a special relief plane on December 25. The plane carried 27 passengers who had been released.

Home Minister L. K. Advani had argued against trading the hostages for the hijackers' freedom because it would damage the government's reputation, but External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh supported talks with the Taliban. Ajit Doval, an official in the Home Ministry, Vivek Katju, a Joint-Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and C.D. Sahay, a member of the Cabinet Secretariat, led the team of negotiators dispatched by the Indian government on December 27.

The negotiations failed when Taliban representatives first refused to permit Indian special forces to do a clandestine operation and then refused to permit their own secret forces to try one as well. Taliban officials encircled the aircraft with tanks to prevent any military action, and on December 27, one of the leaders told a local newspaper that the hijackers should either down their guns or leave Afghanistan. Negotiations on the demands of the hijackers were initiated by Indian officials, who took this statement as an agreement that the hijackers would be arrested by Taliban officials upon surrender. The demands were eventually whittled down to three inmates during discussions, along with the release of Sajjad Afghani's body, US$200 million, and 36 prisoners:

(1) Maulana Masood Azhar, who established Jaish-e-Muhammed in 2000, rose to prominence due to the group's suspected involvement in the assaults on the Indian Parliament in 2001 and 2008 in Mumbai, which claimed the lives of 44 CRPF officers.

(2) Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh was detained by Pakistani officials in 2002 after Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and killed. After being jailed in relation to the 1994 kidnappings of Western tourists in India, Sheikh went on to kill Daniel Pearl and is said to have had a major involvement in the preparation of the September 11 attacks on the United States.

(3) Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar has been actively involved in the training of Islamic terrorists in Pakistan-administrated Jammu & Kashmir after his release.

A.S. Dulat, the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing, spoke with Farooq Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on December 30 in an attempt to persuade him to free two convicts as the hijacker had requested. These detainees were now housed in jails in Kashmir. After cautioning Dulat about the long-term repercussions of his opposition to the detainees' release, Abdullah finally gave in to the Indian government's demands. After being freed from a prison in Srinagar, Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar was taken to Kandahar alongside Sheikh and Azhar.

By now, both the hijackers and the captives had given up their firearms and permitted the hostages to leave the aircraft. According to passenger accounts, the hijackers requested that the passengers express their gratitude to the Afghan government. After that, money was gathered and given to one of the passengers, Anuj Sharma, who was told to use it to commission a souvenir of the hijacking for a Kandahar museum. Nevertheless, Taliban authorities transported the hijackers to Quetta, Pakistan, near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, rather than apprehending them and the three captives who had been turned over to them.

75.3) Conclusion

1. Hijacking: Shortly after it entered Indian airspace on December 24, 1999, an Airbus A300 carrying 176 passengers and crew was taken over. After the hijackers forced the jet to land in Amritsar, India, it took off again without being properly intercepted because of delays and miscommunication.

2. Journey to Kandahar: Before arriving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the hijacked aircraft stopped in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Lahore, Pakistan. 27 passengers were freed in Dubai; one of them, Rupin Katyal, had been stabbed by the hijackers and was seriously hurt.

3. Demands: Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar are three extremists who are detained in India; the hijackers wanted their freedom. They also wanted the body of a militant who was killed returned, along with $200 million in cash.

4. Negotiations: Under the direction of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Indian government held vigorous talks with the hijackers. Although they served as middlemen, the Taliban, who at the time had control of Kandahar, were widely believed to be supporting the hijackers.

5. Resolution: Following seven days of talks, the Indian government consented to the three militants' release in exchange for the passengers' safe return. After the hostages were liberated on December 31, 1999, the insurgents were transported by air to Kandahar.

6. Aftermath: There were major consequences following the attack, and the hijackers were permitted to flee. One of the terrorists who was freed, Maulana Masood Azhar, went on to form the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed, which carried out several strikes in India, including the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001. The IC-814 hijacking altered how such emergencies were handled and revealed weaknesses in Indian security.

The hijacking of IC-814 is still regarded as one of the scariest incidents in Indian aviation and counterterrorism history, emphasizing the difficult tasks involved in responding to terrorist demands.



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Thursday, June 20, 2024

Rise of Nalanda - World's First Residential University

Situated in the Indian state of Bihar, Nalanda University is an ancient institution of learning that serves as a symbol of India's rich cultural and intellectual legacy. One of the first residential institutions in history, Nalanda was founded in the fifth century CE and drew students from all around Asia. Nalanda University has been resurrected in the twenty-first century, carrying on its tradition as a lighthouse of knowledge after being dormant for millennia.


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65.1) Birth of Nalanda Mahavihar


Nalanda, which was founded in the fifth century and thrived for more than 700 years, was a hub for intellectual and cultural interaction in addition to being a center of study.

The origins of Nalanda can be found during the Gupta Empire, which is sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of India. Under the auspices of Kumaragupta I (450 AD), Nalanda was founded during this time. But, at least 600 years before to Kumaragupta's rule, the location of the mahavihar was once an Ashokan stupa site.

The word "Nalam" (lotus) and "da" (to give) were combined to create the university's name, which represents the flowering of knowledge. On the other hand, Chinese explorer Hiuen Tsang, who visited Nalanda in the 7th century when visiting India under King Harsha Vardhan, claimed that the name came from a Naga (snake) that resided in a nearby pond.

Nalanda set itself apart from other modern learning institutions with an extensive curriculum covering a wide range of subjects.

The Mahavihar was a center for Buddhist teachings, but it also taught logic, grammar, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy. Scholars from all across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, were drawn to Nalanda because of its multidisciplinary approach, which resulted in a melting pot of intellectual and cultural diversity.

65.2) Infrastructure and facilities of Nalanda Mahavihar


The campus of Nalanda was a feat of architecture in its day. The knowledge center's enormous library are its most noticeable feature. It is constructed of red bricks, votive stupas, temples, and monasteries (viharas). Thousands of resident scholars and monks lived and studied in the complex, which was built to promote both spiritual and intellectual development.

The term "Dharmaganja" referred to the collection of university libraries. Ratnasagara (Ocean of Jewels), Ratnodadhi (Sea of Jewels), and Ratnaranjaka (Jewel-adorned) were their three principal structures. The huge collections of manuscripts, texts, and palm-leaf scriptures kept in these repositories were brought in by the students and monks from many locations; some of the rare and valuable materials were among them.

The teaching of Nalanda was similarly impressive. The university used a strict system of seminars, debates, and written and oral exams.Teachers were eminent academics, many of whom wrote important books in their domains. The globe was given 'zero' by the brilliant mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata, who was one of the most influential professors. 

65.3) Decline and Destruction


Despite its splendor, a string of invasions that ravaged the Indian subcontinent ultimately sealed Nalanda's doom.

The institution was destroyed by Turkish military leader Bakhtiyar Khilji under the Mamluk Dynasty in the 12th century, dealing the first serious blow. The 19th-century historian Minhaju-s Siraj claims that Khilji, leading his army in 1193 CE, targeted Nalanda as part of his plan to capture northern India.

People from the area commonly talk about how Khilji's soldiers destroyed centuries' worth of information by setting fire to the large libraries. The enormous manuscript collections are claimed to have fed the flames over the several months that the burning took place. Scholars and monks were also slaughtered.

However, because of the scarcity and ambiguity of the archeological and literary evidence, historians disagree on when the Nalanda Mahavihar ended.

By the eleventh century, the Buddhism practiced at NaIanda had been tantricized due to the demise of Hinayan and Mahayana Buddhism. It was no longer as shiny as it once was.

"Hiuen Tsang's story makes it clear that Buddhism was gradually eroding when he traveled to India. Significant early Buddhist centers had fallen into disuse, but other centers had emerged as well, including Nalanda in the east, Valabhi in the west, and Kanchi in the south, according to A. Ghosh's 1985 book "Nalanda."

The political climate and subsequent invasions made sure Nalanda never rose to its previous level of importance. Even the locals were unaware of it until Sir John Marshall and Sir Alexander Cunningham excavated the site in the 19th century.

65.4) Revival in 21st Century




In March 2006, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, suggested bringing the historic Nalanda back to life during a joint session of the Bihar State Legislative Assembly. Converging ideas on the restoration of ancient Nalanda emerged concurrently from the government of Singapore, the leaders of sixteen East Asia Summit (EAS) member states in January 2007 in the Philippines, and the fourth EA Summit in October 2009 in Thailand. The Nalanda University Act, 2010 was passed by the Indian Parliament, and the school's first class of students entered in September of 2014. Under the direction of Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, the State Government of Bihar moved quickly to set aside 455 acres of land for the university campus at a prominent location. This signified the founding of Nalanda University, and from 2017 to 2023, the new campus's infrastructure was built. The environmentally friendly architecture was created by renowned architect Padam-Vibhushan late Ar. B.V. Doshi, who integrated all contemporary amenities that met international standards with the traditional Vaastu of Nalanda. Stretching across acres of lush greenery and 100 acres of water bodies, this expansive carbon-free Net-zero campus is a true haven for education. 

Nalanda is simultaneously futuristic and grounded in reality, as the principles and practices of this ancient center of learning have shown to be globally applicable and a workable means of ensuring a sustainable future that benefits everyone, not just those in Asia. It makes sense that the idea of bringing Nalanda University again has received widespread support and enthusiasm from people all around the world.

17 nations, other than India, contributed to the university's establishment: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, 19th June 2024, was attended by ambassadors from these nations.

After 900 years, in 2014, Nalanda University opened admission to the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies and the School of Historical Studies to a total of fifteen students. The Rajgir Convention Center served as the classroom, and the Bihar government-run Hotel Tathagat served as the students' temporary housing. There were six teachers on the faculty. The University's first Chancellor was Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen, who has been involved with the project since 2007. The first Visitor was former President Pranab Mukherjee.

The School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Languages and Literature, Management Studies, and International Relations and Peace Studies are the four new schools that have opened since 2014. Currently, the institution provides PhD programs, two-year Master's courses, and a few certificate and diploma programs.

The new Nalanda University campus, spanning more than 450 acres in Rajgir, Bihar, was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A 'Net Zero' Green Campus that prioritizes environmental preservation makes it possible. Approximately 1900 students can study in 40 classrooms spread throughout two academic blocks on the site, and there are two auditoriums, each holding 300 seats, for spectators.

In addition, Nalanda University offers a sports complex, a facilities club, an international center, an amphitheater that can hold 2000 people, and hostels that can house about 550 students. The new campus represents the symbolic rebirth of an ancient center of learning and is significant due to its cutting-edge infrastructure. 

65.5) Conclusion


Historian Pintu Kumar stated, "The establishment of Sri Nālandā Mahāvihāra and its new organized instructive practices marked the beginning of a new era in South Asian education," in a significant study of ancient Nalanda University. It represented the pinnacle of the traditional Indian educational system. In South Asia, institutionalized education began with the conversion of mahāvihāras into learning and training institutes, which distinguished them from gurukulas. 

"Nalanda is an identity and a source of respect, not merely a name. At the opening of Nalanda University's new campus on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked, "Nalanda is a value and mantra...fire can burn books, but it can't destroy knowledge."

"Learning is being here," proclaims the revitalized Nalanda University, which is located next to the Rajgir hills. Being in this intellectual environment, where living and learning coexist together with nature, is a powerful experience. The area is charged with positivity from spiritual masters such as Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira, who meditated here, as well as from the academic traditions established by great teachers like Nagarjuna, Aryabhatta, and Dharmakirti, who gave lectures at the historic Nalanda. An intellectual ferment uncommon in human history was present in ancient Magadha. What made studying at Nalanda academically distinctive and alluring to searchers was the chance to understand other discourses and embrace knowledge in its whole.

Nalanda University is a living example of the enduring value of information and education thanks to its extensive historical past and modern rebirth. Its historic ruins serve as a reminder of a great past, and the institution that stands there today represents the desire to grow and reclaim that history in a global setting. Nalanda is still an inspiration to academics and students around the globe as a representation of cross-cultural communication and intellectual inquiry.



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Thursday, June 6, 2024

String of Pearls vs. Necklace of Diamonds: A Geopolitical Rivalry in the Indian Ocean

 The Indian Ocean, a vast expanse of maritime territory, holds immense importance for both India and China. As a critical trade route connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, it facilitates commerce, energy transport, and geopolitical influence. China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, characterized by a network of ports and facilities along its sea lines of communication, aims to enhance its presence and secure vital choke points. Meanwhile, India responds with its “Necklace of Diamonds” approach, forging strategic partnerships, bolstering naval capabilities, and safeguarding its interests. This geopolitical rivalry unfolds against the backdrop of shifting power dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.

 

63.1) Indian Ocean Importance for India and China:

●       Trade and Energy Routes: The Indian Ocean serves as a crucial trade route, facilitating the movement of goods, energy resources, and raw materials. It links major economies and influences global commerce.

●       Energy Security: A significant portion of the world’s oil and natural gas passes through the Indian Ocean. For energy-hungry nations like China and India, securing these sea lanes is essential.

●       Geopolitical Influence: Control over the Indian Ocean translates to geopolitical leverage. It allows nations to project power, establish naval dominance, and shape regional dynamics.

 

63.2) China’s String of Pearls Strategy:

●       Concept Origins: Coined in the early 2000s, the String of Pearls refers to China’s network of military and commercial facilities along its sea lines of communication.

●       Facilities and Locations:

      Key locations include major maritime choke points like the Strait of Mandeb, the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Lombok Strait, as well as strategic centers in Somalia and littoral South Asian countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

○       Gwadar (Pakistan): China’s investment in the port of Gwadar provides a strategic foothold near the Strait of Hormuz. It offers access to the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf.

○       Hambantota (Sri Lanka): China’s involvement in the Hambantota port raised concerns for India. It lies close to major shipping lanes.

○       Chittagong (Bangladesh): China’s interests in Chittagong enhance its presence in the Bay of Bengal.

○       Maldives and Seychelles: China engages in infrastructure projects and naval cooperation in these island nations.

●       Strategic Intentions:

○       Naval Expansion: China seeks to protect its sea lines of communication, secure energy routes, and expand its naval capabilities.

○       Encirclement Concerns: India views the String of Pearls as encircling its territory, potentially affecting its security and regional influence.

 

63.3) India’s Necklace of Diamonds Strategy:



63.3.1) Strategic Response: India counters China’s moves with its Necklace of Diamonds approach.

63.3.2) Diplomatic Partnerships & Strategic Bases:

  • India builds strong relationships with countries along the Indian Ocean rim, including Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Oman.
  • Changi Naval Base, Singapore: India signed an agreement in 2018, providing direct access to this base for the Indian Navy. It allows refueling and rearming while sailing through the South China Sea.
  • Sabang Port, Indonesia: India gained military access to Sabang Port, located at the entrance of the Malacca Strait—a crucial trade route.
  • Duqm Port, Oman: India secured access to this port, facilitating crude imports from the Persian Gulf. It’s strategically positioned between China’s pearls—Djibouti (Africa) and Gwadar (Pakistan).
  • Assumption Island, Seychelles: India and Seychelles developed a naval base here, countering China’s maritime silk route ambitions in Africa.
  • Chabahar Port, Iran: India built this port, providing access to Afghanistan and a trade route to Central Asia.
  • These partnerships enhance India’s maritime reach and provide access to key ports and airfields.

63.3.3) Naval Investigation:

  • India invests in naval modernization, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and surveillance capabilities.
  • It conducts joint exercises with friendly navies to maintain a presence across the ocean.
63.3.4) Security and Stability:
  • India aims to ensure security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.
  • It seeks to prevent any single power from dominating the region.

63.4) Geopolitical Rivalry Unfolds:

●       Power Dynamics: The String of Pearls and the Necklace of Diamonds represent competing visions for the Indian Ocean’s future.

●       Balancing Act: Both nations balance economic interests, security imperatives, and regional cooperation.

●       Evolving Landscape: As the global order shifts, the Indian Ocean remains a theater where India and China vie for influence.

 

 

In conclusion, the String of Pearls—a network of Chinese military and commercial facilities along sea lines of communication from the Chinese mainland to Port Sudan—presents a significant geopolitical challenge in the Indian Ocean region. In contrast, India’s Necklace of Diamonds strategy counters this influence by expanding its presence through strategic partnerships, akin to sparkling diamonds adorning a necklace. These concepts contribute to larger geopolitical dynamics, rivalry, and competition within the Indian Ocean.



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(Praveen Kumar Maurya)


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Thursday, May 23, 2024

Taiwan Invasion: Risk, Resolve & Response

Will Xi Jinping give the order or will he decide to invade Taiwan? It's always been his goal; Taiwan is unfinished business from China Civil War. Mao Zedong could not capture it, so Xi Jinping would love to do it. It would immortalize him and secure his legacy.

Here we're looking at three questions:

1.    How difficult would an invasion of Taiwan be?

2.   Is China ready for the invasion?

3.   What is the world's strategy?

 Let's start with the first question; an invasion would be extremely difficult. Taiwan is not some helpless island. They're armed to the teeth, At the Global Firepower rankings Taiwan ranks 24th. They are ahead of NATO allies like Sweden and Canada. On the other hand China ranks at number3rd. But wars are not fought on tables in the real world. China will face added challenges like geography and weather. They will have to land soldiers in Taiwan and that means crossing the stretch of water i.e. the Taiwan Strait. It's around 140 km long. It's also very choppy waters not ideal for an amphibious operation. But let's assume that China beats the elements, Taiwan will still be prepared. Their strategy is called porcupine defense. Porcupine, this animal has sharp Spikes all over its body and tail so no one dares to attack it. Why, because they know that the cost will be too high and that is Taiwan's strategy. They have invested a lot in defense. Under the last president, defense spending increased by 5% every year. They have spent 2.5% of their GDP on defense. They have a variety of defensive weapons like anti-ship missiles; Naval mines, landing spikes and mobile missile launchers. But again let's assume that China beats all of this & they land on Taiwan shores, then once more they would face geography. Taiwan has a lot of rugged mountains which offers natural protection to the island regime and if they reach the cities, it's going to be Urban Warfare like what we're seeing in Gaza. So in short it won't be easy, Taiwan has prepared and practiced to repel a Chinese Invasion. Their way of life depends on it so expect a tough and bloody fight if it comes.

This brings us to the second question, Is China ready for the invasion? Does Xi Jinping have the appetite for war? United States officials have made their own assessment. They think that Xi will wait until 2027. By then he should have enough fire power. But could he strike earlier as China's growth is losing steam. Their GDP growth has largely stalled. It is expected to be 3.5% by the end of this decade. Same with their population, China's labor force will be shrinking in 2030 by almost 1%. So, there are two ways of looking at it. One, it may force Xi Jinping to advance his invasion because he may think now is the time. If this window closes, it may never happen again. That's one way of looking at it. The second option he may take the advice of Deng Xiaoping.

Den said: “Hide your strength, bide your time.”

Xi Jinping may tweak that advice, he may bide his time and rebuild his strength. The Chinese president is not known to be a Maverick, so all bets are on delaying the attack. Any Invasion would trigger sanctions and Beijing must prepare for that too. China has almost 1.4 billion people. Hence it needs to secure basic resources for them like food and power. Now, Beijing is already stockpiling food grains. Reports say they have rice and bean for up to 2 years but energy is a bit tricky. Most of China's fuel and gas comes from friendly Nations like Russia and Saudi Arabia but they're transported in shipping tankers. ‘Tankers’ that can be cut off, so China is working on a solution. For that, their Belt and Road Project (BRI) is trying to link West Asia via land. They're also building gas pipelines from Russia, so China needs to take a lot of boxes here before they invade. They will get one chance at this, which brings us to the final question:

What is the world’s strategy?

The Americans, as always are at the forefront of it. A US law requires the White House to support Taiwan but it does not say how? Is it by deploying soldiers or giving weapons or simply offering political support? This lack of clarity is called strategic ambiguity and Joe Biden has stirred this spot many times. He has said that, the US will defend Taiwan and his plan is to build alliances. In the neighborhood, the countries with U.S bases are Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Guam. There are thousands of U.S soldiers stationed in these bases and not to mention lots of firepower. So, if China invades the US will be closed by either to intervene directly or to run support operations and that's the military side of things but frankly the U.S alone won't be enough. We're talking about a very important region. Taiwan supplies 90% of the most advanced semiconductors to the world. The Waters around it are also crucial, it carries around 21% of global trade so trouble in Taiwan is trouble for the whole world. Yet most countries don't seem bothered. There is a lot of activism for Palestine but we haven't seen the same for Taiwan. Countries first priority is to be changed. China's biggest weapon is the “One China Policy” and most countries recognize Taiwan as part of China according to the one China policy. So, these countries may criticize a Chinese Invasion but how can they actively oppose it as their own policy is anti-Taiwan and diluting this policy will be hard. Taiwan could use its chip superpower to woo other countries. It could set up factories or investments abroad and frankly that's the only way. For most countries otherwise China is way more important than Taiwan until that changes their policies may not.

Only time answers all these speculations……..


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(Akhileshwar Maurya)


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Friday, February 9, 2024

What will define year 2024 'the most'? Is it Elections Or Conflicts Or Artificial intelligence

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The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity mentioned. The information presented on this blog is based on the author's understanding, research, and interpretation of various sources, including but not limited to academic papers, news articles, and expert opinions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with relevant experts or professionals before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information provided on this blog. Furthermore, while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, the author makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the content contained on this blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. The author shall not be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this blog. Links to third-party websites or resources are provided for convenience only. The author does not endorse the contents of these websites or resources and is not responsible for their availability, accuracy, or any damages arising from the use of such content. By accessing and using this blog, you agree to waive any claims or rights you may have against the author arising out of or in connection with the use of this blog. This disclaimer is subject to change without notice and was last updated on [9-2-2024].

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Over 50 nations will hold elections in 2024, causing an unprecedented churn in political mandates, governing institutions, and international affairs. No continent will be exempted. Globally, national progress is being assessed feverishly and people’s voices are coalescing into verdicts. Indeed, 2024 will be consequential for democracy and the world order. 2024 has begun with wars burning in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine and peacemaking in crisis. Worldwide, diplomatic efforts to end fighting are failing. More leaders are pursuing their ends militarily. They believe they can get away with it. Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more specifically, Generative AI, captured the world's imagination in 2023—from creativity to design, from retail to healthcare. Thus, 2024 will be a pivotal year for Artificial Intelligence more specifically Generative AI. As companies move beyond the hype and tackle the challenges head-on, we can expect to see responsible and grounded applications emerge, shaping the future of industries and transforming our relationship with technology.

2024: As an election year

image source- www.Adobe.com

This is the first time in the digital age that major democracies will go to the polls in the same year. The key electoral attributes of individual participation, mass mobilization, political messaging, and outreach will soon assume center stage. But so will the inescapable elements that pervert democratic processes—online misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda? If the United States (US) election of 2016, with its deluge of fake news, was a watershed event, it may pale compared to what 2024 portends.
Among the most significant and keenly watched elections will be India’s. The world’s largest democracy—and arguably the world’s longest-running pluralistic society, given that the ancient doctrine of “dharma” was, in a sense, India’s original unwritten Constitution—will deliver a fresh mandate in the era of ChatGPT, deep fakes, and vlogs.
What is unique about the Indian general election is, simply, that it involves India. The country is one of the fastest-growing economies. It has completed a remarkably successful tenure as president of the G20. It is the single most development-obsessed geography, with its vision of inclusive development encompassing all the Global South. One of India’s first interventions as G20 president, for instance, was to host the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’, where it engaged with 125 other developing nations to understand their concerns and to shape its priorities at the G20 accordingly.
India is also one of the world’s most advanced digital societies. It has merged its position as a global tech-enabled services hub; its world-class model of digital public infrastructure (DPI) is being adopted and adapted by advanced and developing countries alike; and it is the highest-ranked country internationally in terms of AI skill penetration and talent concentration.
The key electoral attributes of individual participation, mass mobilization, political messaging, and outreach will soon assume center stage.
The upcoming election will witness the interplay of India’s democratic urges, developmental aspirations, and technological sophistication. During its G20 presidency, India rightly laid claim to being the “mother of democracy”, and re-emphasized democratic principles as an Eastern virtue. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out at the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit, millennia-old Indian scriptures mention the prevalence of assemblies, open debates, and democratic deliberations, “where collective decisions were made for the betterment of society”. This democratic concern for the greater good underpins the civilizational attribute of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (One Earth, One Family, One Future) that has guided India’s internal and external engagements.
India’s economic prowess, digital achievements, and diplomatic capabilities, coupled with its democratic credentials, make it the North Star of the Global South. Developing nations engaged in political and socio-cultural soul-searching need no longer choose between an unrelaxable West and an authoritarian China. An Indian approach and example, more attuned to the needs of developing and emerging economies, is at hand.

image source- www.Shutterstock.com

Conflicts around the Globe: A major challenge for the year 2024

Around the globe, more people are dying in fighting, being forced from their homes, or in need of life-saving aid than in decades. On some battlefields, peacemaking is non-existent or going nowhere. The Myanmar junta and the officers who have seized power in the Sahel are bent on crushing rivals. In Sudan, perhaps today’s worst war in sheer numbers of people killed and displaced, U.S.- and Saudi-led diplomatic efforts were muddled and half-hearted for months. Russian President Vladimir Putin, banking on dwindling Western support for Kyiv, seeks to force Ukraine to surrender and demilitarise–conditions that are understandably unpalatable for Ukrainians. In all these places, diplomacy, such as it is, has been about managing the fallout: negotiating humanitarian access or prisoner exchanges, or striking deals such as the one that got Ukrainian grain onto global markets via the Black Sea. These efforts, while vital, are no substitute for political talks. The past few months’ ghastly turn in Israel-Palestine is perhaps the trend’s starkest illustration. Peacemaking efforts there petered out years ago, and world leaders largely looked away. 
So, what is going wrong? The problem is not primarily about the practice of mediation or the diplomats involved. Rather, it lies in global politics. In a moment of flux, constraints on the use of force – even for conquest and ethnic cleansing—are crumbling. 
The collapse of the West’s relations with Russia and China-U.S. competition shoulder much of the blame. Even in crises in which they are not directly involved, big powers dispute what diplomacy should entail and whether or how to throw their weight behind it. 

2024: A pivotal year for Artificial Intelligence

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2024 will mark a watershed moment for generative artificial intelligence, triggering a metamorphosis into the global economic landscape as businesses wake up to its broad potential. Advanced generative algorithms will reach new heights in capability, accessibility, and scalability - catalyzing widespread adoption.
Generative AI has proven beneficial in demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, and product development, among other areas. Its ability to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and provide insights has led to streamlined procedures and enhanced decision-making in the supply chain. Generative AI in the healthcare sector has also improved patient care and optimized operations, such as managing medical inventory and tracking medical equipment.
Integrating generative AI into everyday devices will make AI more personal and responsive,” says Chetan Dube, the CEO of Amelia and a renowned AI leader. “We are on the brink of an AI cognitive agent revolution.”
However, this rapid adoption of AI technologies raises critical ethical considerations. "We must be vigilant about data privacy and the potential for AI to perpetuate biases," notes Elizabeth M. Adams, Award Winning Leader of Responsible AI. The need for regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines in AI deployment has never been more crucial. AI-driven predictive analytics will reshape risk management and investment strategies in the financial sector. Meanwhile, in education, generative AI will enable personalized learning experiences, tailoring content to individual student needs.
Specialized generative algorithms built for individual industries and narrow applications will emerge, powered by immense quantities of niche data. These tailored models will develop granular insights into specific business functions and market dynamics, yielding higher precision in areas like predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, and even strategic decision-making support. Dedicated strategic investment into ethical development and implementation will be crucial as generative AI becomes deeply integrated into business functions in 2024. Without diligent governance and oversight, this exponentially powerful technology poses risks of exacerbating problems like bias, misinformation, and lack of accountability.
Looking beyond 2024, I predict generative AI will lead to the emergence of new business models and potentially disrupt traditional industries. Businesses need to adapt to this AI-centric landscape to avoid becoming obsolete. Most generative models reflect the characteristics and biases of the data they are trained on. As these AI systems grow more influential in shaping products, services, and automated decisions, using biased or non-representative data can propagate harmful assumptions and marginalization issues. Instituting sound data collection and annotation protocols centered on capturing diversity is fundamental.





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(Akhileshwar Maurya)


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