Non-traditional threats stalk Kolkata-Kunming corridor: Security concerns like ethnic insurgency, terrorism, smuggling and human trafficking might stall the BCIM project. (Click here for the last article regarding this subject, and here for the other article in today’s newspaper regarding this subject).
Rajan did not make alarmist remarks: About the remarks by the Governor of the RBI about a looming return to Great Depression conditions, the RBI has clarified that he was only voicing concern over the policies of some central banks, and it was not an official statement by the RBI. (Click here for the original article regarding this subject).
OROP: exclusivity key to preventing legal recourse: Retired personnel from the Central Armed Police forces and Central Para Military Forces have raised their demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP) in line with the plans being chalked out for Ex-servicemen.
Editorial/Opinion
Bridging ties with the New Silk Road: It is generally assumed in India that establishment of the Silk Road Economic Belt by China is to surround India geographically. So, we have been lukewarm in our participation in that part of the project which aims to connect it with India (the BCIM corridor). But India has not understood that the entire exercise is a consequence of an economic imperative in China (obtaining raw materials for its industries, and markets for its goods) and not with geopolitics.
Disquiet over a claim: The claims by the Special Public Prosecutor appearing in the case relating to the 2008 Malegaon blasts being investigated by the National Investigation Agency, that she was told by the NIA after the present government came into power last year to go slow on the, is a shocking one. This points to one organ of the govt trying to interfere in another organ, against the doctrine of Separation of Powers.
NGOs’ foreign funds and a trust deficit: On the foreign funding of NGOs, there is a sharp polarisation between the government and the civil society based on lack of trust and bordering on fear, with each group highlighting faults of the other. (Click here for the last article regarding this subject).
For regional journalists, it’s a fight for survival: There is no will or mechanism in hinterland India to protect journalists. Demands for police protection are almost never met, unless some political affiliation or influence is invoked.
International/ World Affairs
Greece to shut banks, markets today: Greece moves towards defaulting on a €1.6 billion payment due to the IMF on July 1. The Greek Prime Minister has called for a referendum on whether or not to accept the debt deal that has been proposed by Greece’s international creditors. (This has been an ongoing development over the past couple of weeks. Click here for the last article regarding this subject).
Big hurdles still remain in Iran n-talks: The goal of the negotiations was to reach a deal by June 30 that would severely cramp Tehran’s capacity to make nuclear weapons in exchange for removal of trade sanctions already imposed on it by the West. Talks are now expected to spill over into July. (This has also been an evolving issue over the past couple of weeks. Click here for the last article regarding this subject).
Economy/Business
Moving into a smart space: The government’s plans for developing 100 Smart Cities over the next five years is now heading for reality with the Prime Minister formally announcing the Smart Cities Mission. News regarding this subject was first mentioned in an article on the newspaper dated 24th June.
Global firms more comfortable with Indians: Indians are now assuming leadership ranks and senior management positions with some of the leading organisation and brands across the world. People management skills, with the ability to convince and drive to perform, are an important aspect working in their favour.
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