Leadership Media Policy World

‘Bharat to be a developed nation by 2047’

25-year roadmap to get there may be unveiled even as BJP-led Narendra Modi juggernaut gets ready to rollout seeking a third term K.A.Badarinath Twenty five years roadmap for turning Bharat into a modern, independent and developed economy with a large say in global affairs is the common theme that runs through both Presidential address at the start of Parliament’s budget session and economic survey for 2022-23. Both President Draupadi Murmu and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did the honours in the colonial era Parliament building as they reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to roll out firm plans for Bharat in ‘Amrit Kaal’ spread over to 2047. Evolving a fully self-reliant country sans poverty, prosperous middle class with youth and women at forefront have been envisaged by the Modi government that will allow fulfilling all humanitarian obligations globally. Focus on ‘unity in diversity’ in Presidential address also marks yet another assertion from the government that Bharat will continue to cherish, embellish and groom all minorities by faith, worship and sections of a larger Hindu society. This may perhaps be intended at demolishing a false narrative being constructed by few global outlets that minorities in Bharat are being hounded out or subjected to genocide. The roadmap to achieve the ‘golden future’ may draw inspiration from Bharat’s glorious past, freedom struggle and 1.4 billion people’s resolve. This is the line pursued by Modi government as it readies to draw curtains on ‘amrit mahotsav’ that marks 75-years of Bharat’s independence after having pushed back colonial occupiers. Presidential address and economic survey fine print that outlines the blue print for a ‘developed country’ is nothing short of a grand stand vision for Bharat joining the big boys globally as a developed nation. Both the documents proudly declare Bharat as fifth largest economy that would expand to $ 3.5 trillion in two months. The federal budget to be presented on Wednesday by Nirmala Sitharaman may provide more clues or offer different specs to attaining the exulted status of a developed economy. Economic survey has already talked about achieving 10 – 12 nominal GDP growth in medium term as a commitment and objective to taking India big on world map as second or third largest economic powerhouse. Both Presidential address and the survey simultaneously articulated the nine years report card of Narendra Modi government’s performance across sectors. Given that BJP-led ruling alliance will have to face the electorate in May – June 2024 seeking a third term, this report card serves as a ready reckoner of what has been done during last nine odd years. Similarity does not end here. Presidential address lists out the government’s achievements in socio-economic sectors thereby improving people’s lives. Concomitantly, the survey provides a lengthy list of economic reforms and fundamental change in structural governance brought in by the Modi government. Bringing transparency and openness into public life may be yet another theme point apart from weeding out corruption at different levels. Corruption is the big plank on which BJP-led Hindu centric formation assumed power with complete majority for first time in 2014. On the reforms front, both President Murmu and Finance Minister Sitharaman have listed Goods and Services Tax (GST) as a big success story in tax reforms. While the states still have issues on GST, revenue sharing formula and several hurdles in ending the fake bills, the reform is definitely a game changer given that multitude of taxes have been phased out. Economic survey for the first time introduced a complete assessment of how peoples live changed owing to improvement in social sector indices. On the other hand, President Murmu reeled out figures to reflect the on-ground change brought about. For instance, in digitized economy, Bharat has reported Rs three lakh crore worth transactions on the e-market place. Similarly, over Rs 27 lakh crore have got transferred into bank accounts of the beneficiaries in 300-odd schemes through direct benefit transfers. Over 50 crore people have been treated under Ayushman Bharat scheme and accessed affordable medicines from 9000 jan aushadi kendras.This led to saving of over Rs 80,000 crore that could have been forked out by people on health treatment. Over 7.5 crore households have got access to tap water. Under what started as an anti-Covid 19 drive over Rs 3.5 lakh crore worth food grains were provided to the poor and needy. Rs 2.25 lakh crore distributed as support to farmers. Out of this, Rs 50,000 crore has gone to women farmers alone.Over 36,000 hamlets of tribals have virtually been adopted under a PM’s scheme. 500 blocks seem to have got a facelift as ‘aspirational’ campaigns. Over nine crore women have benefited through self help groups while 70 per cent of small borrowers from banks were women. President’s address provided another 100 such data points to support the Modi government’s articulation on bringing about ‘transformational shift’ in people’s lives. This also makes us believe that quietly, Modi government is getting into election mode especially after the two days national executive committee meetings of BJP held in New Delhi. On the global front, Modi government may speak on two issues prominently as a sovereign outfit and as president of G-20 as well as SCO. A peek into tomorrow’s budget may provide more clues to Modi’s big vision statement.

Hindus

674

Sanatan Dharma is the essence of Hindu Rashtra

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of Hindu centric Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) based in India speaks frequently and eloquently on issues like religious harmony, faith, Hinduness, Rashtra (nation or nationhood), Sanatan Dharma and essence of Hindu way of living. At the recent Dharma Bhaskar Awards programme at Nagpur, a western Indian city that also houses RSS headquarters, Bhagawat said that Dharma was centrifugal to Indian ethos and equated Sanatan Dharma to Hindu Rashtra that looked intimidating for some. The phrase Hindu Rashtra may need clarity given huge misconception on what it means or whom it relates to. Most misgivings are due to carefully carved anti-Hindu campaigns run by interested groups. So, Hindu and Rashtra may have to be seen as two different words that mean differently. As per reports, RSS consistently said that Hindus had a distinct vision for life that’s beyond particular mode of worship or faith. Supreme Court of India recently upheld the view that Hindutva was not a religion but way of life. A person living in India and that believes in any religion is regarded as a Hindu. Changing faith by personal preference for any reason does not alter one’s life vision. That is why they all have a life vision of India, i.e., Hindu.[1] This is what RSS believes in. The concept of Rashtra has flummoxed several critical commentators on Hindus and RSS. Rashtra is loosely described as a nation that embodies ancient Indian civilization and diametrically opposite to European view. European nationalism has roots in Benito Mussolini, a fascist dictator’s view. When it came to guarding their interests, European nationalism was opportunistic and oppressive. In contrast, Indian nationalism as propagated by Hindutva forces is based on unity in diversity and reformative to purge its society of evil. The term Rashtra or nationhood has its place inVedic literature to describe the national ethos of Bharatavarsha, a contiguous land mass between the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas in the north and the deep ocean in the south. Rashtra also encompasses the land of seven rivers i.e. Sapta Sindhu. The civilisation that flourished over millennia in this land nation is imbued with spirituality, divinity, purity and motherhood. A Rashtra is not closed, selfish and individualistic bound by boundaries. It respects pluralism and all-inclusiveness with the vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the whole world is one big family. In Indian civilizational discourse, the nation is often equated with one’s mother. In the Atharva veda, the Sanskrit verse says, “mata bhumiputroham prithvayah” meaning, this earth is my mother and I am her son. So those who believe in this broad spectrum of Rashtra or nationhood are Hindus. And, the concept of Hindu Rashtra has its moorings in this thinking. On Dharma, Mohan Bhagawat said that it denotes Satva or basic nature of this country. Sanatan Dharma drives the concept of Hindu Rashtra. Bhagawat was quoted as saying that when the Hindu Rashtra progresses, it also translates to progress of Dharma. RSS firmly believes that rise of Hindustan or India was certain and God willing, Sanatan Dharma would take centre stage internationally. RSS’s further amplification was that Dharma is not a cult, sect or a form of worship. Dharmic values include truth, compassion, purity and penance that are equally important. Hindus and RSS, the largest global Hindu organisation, strongly believe that Sanatan Dharma was at the core for India’s global economic dominance for over 1600 years of recorded human history. “India was at the number one economic position for 1600 years and later it ranked in the first five countries. But in 1860, an invader (Imperialist British) understood the importance of “Satva” and introduced a new education system to destroy that “Satva”. Despite many invasions, India remained one of the richest countries in the world as the “Sattva of Dharma” was maintained by its people,” said Mohan Bhagwat. In September 2022, Mohan Bhagwat had met Muslim intellectuals to discuss, strengthen religious harmony and inclusivity in the country. This was one of several such interactions at different levels the Hindu leaders have had with their muslim counterparts to ensure peace, tranquility and holistic development of Indian society. Notwithstanding these efforts, several international outfits and motivated individuals reportedly have had attempted to foment unrest in Indian Muslims and Christians by asserting that RSS was against minorities and caused attacks on them. However, the RSS chief stated that “scare-mongering by some is being done that there is a danger to minorities because of us. This is neither the nature of RSS nor of Hindus. Sangh resolves to stand on the side of brotherhood, amity and peace.”[2] In an interview to Organiser news weekly earlier this week, Mohan Bhagwat said, “foreign invaders are no longer there, but foreign influencers and conspiracies have continued. Since this is a war, people are likely to get overzealous. Although this is not desirable, provocative statements will be uttered.” On way forward during RSS centenary year in 2025, he said, “by the time we reach a hundred, we will have to take Sangh everywhere and forge links with all the segments of the society so that people have better examples to follow. They do not give importance to Bollywood, media and politics. Realising their duties, society should stand with the noble forces. The noble power should work in a harmonious, complementary relationship in the national interest. And whatever strength, expanse and workforce is needed for it, we will have to organise it by 2025. And, based on how much of this we accomplish, we will move ahead.”[3] [1] https://www.rss.org//Encyc/2017/6/3/basic-faq-on-rss-eng.html [2] https://bit.ly/3ZstKsh [3] https://organiser.org/2023/01/09/103852/eweekly/organiser-e-copy-15-january-2023/

Economy Leadership Policy

545

Pakistan flounders, Sri Lanka enlist allies

Virtual isolation of Pakistan makes its economic revival difficult while growing support may quickly get Sri Lanka on path to normalcy K.A.Badarinath It’s the tale of two South Asian economies that continue to provide jitters to analysts and policymakers alike. Pakistan and Sri Lankan economies facing tumult are pictures in contrast. The two Indian neighbours are on the verge of collapse on economic front. The two have also been struggling and desperate to get back on revival mode with very little headway thus far. The course taken by both these countries seems diametrically opposite to deliver what they set out to achieve as uniquely placed Indian Ocean small countries. Sri Lanka with an economic size of $ 84.52 billion has piled up a debt of $ 40 billion from bilateral and multi-lateral sources over last one decade that’s unsustainable. In contrast, Pakistan with a medium sized economy of $ 376.49 billion that had previously grown in double digits is in doldrums with virtually no savior in sight. It’s heading for virtual bankruptcy given that the Islamist country that believes in terrorism as a state instrument has piled up $ 274 billion debt that’s roughly over three fourths of its gross domestic product in January this year. Both the South Asian economies have landed in a big mess and it is their own making. While Sri Lanka’s misdirected reforms pushed the island’s fragile economy into chaos, its political churn and protests over last one year have added to the people’s woes. On the other hand, Pakistan’s unsustainable energy import bill, unserviceable expensive foreign debt stock, lack of investments and revenues coupled with huge spending on its untenable security establishment are clear culprits. Unwritten word is that huge unaccounted spending in exporting terror in particular to Bharat is a big expenditure head with no or rather negative returns. Highest common denomination factor in both cases is China where it pushed both countries into a huge debt trap by design especially the funding of infrastructure projects, belt and roads initiative. As per publicly available data, more than two dozen countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been pushed into unsustainable debt contracts via the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), a pet initiative of President Xi Jingping and Chinese Communist Party. Apart from economic and strategic expansionism of China run by its oligarchy, global headwinds are not in favour of Pakistan and Sri Lanka given the looming recession in Europe and United States in aftermath of protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Metamorphosis of this conflict into a big war cannot be ruled out given that the US and Germany apart from other NATO allies were sending in tanks and major military equipment to support the battered Ukraine. Over 60 per cent consumer price inflation in Sri Lanka has rendered millions of people jobless, without food and shelter. Moving away from traditional agricultural practices to purported organic farming without safety latches or back up plan has boomeranged on this beautiful island nation. The political uncertainty has also destroyed its famed tourism and hospitality industry that’s known globally for being very ‘inviting’. On the other hand, Pakistan that reported over 40 per cent retail inflation in January 2023 has made basic food items like wheat flour, oil, sugar, out of the reach for a large section of its population. Owing to massive corruption in both Pakistani army establishment and political leadership, most food items are either unavailable or retail prices unreasonably doubled or tripled. Hoarders and business cartels have had a field day in both Sri Lanka and Pakistan cashing in on weak political structures and greasing corrupt hands all the way. In this adverse situation loans or cash advances have been hard to come by for both countries. Both countries have burnt the midnight oil to keep their heads afloat. Sri Lanka has some advantage over Pakistan that has no friends in the region barring China. India has taken the lead to provide financing assurances to Sri Lanka if one were to go by external affairs minister Subramanyam Jaishankar to the island nation. In effect, outstanding debt can be paid by Sri Lanka on deferred basis. Also, Colombo can access fresh lines of credit in sync with debt restructuring proposal made by International Monetary Fund in which Bharat is actively involved as representative of South Asia. As an ally, Japan is also bound to follow suit. If these developments go as anticipated, Sri Lanka will be able to access $ 2.9 billion relief package from IMF. But, this will happen only when China as the largest contributor to most expensive debt Sri Lanka has availed agrees. As of now, indications are that China may extract its pound of flesh in terms of lucrative contracts and Colombo agreeing to approve its expansionist tantrums. While Sri Lanka has enlisted support of trusted allies like Bharat, Pakistan has not made any headway so far. Barring Saudi Arabia’s agreement to defer payments on oil imports, Pakistan has not made much progress thus far. Deferred payments proposal for Russian oil has not fructified till now. As per State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country’s reserves have plummeted to $ 5.576 billion as of January 1, 2023. This means there’s every possibility of Pakistan defaulting on its repayments if immediate support is not enlisted. Even after businessman turned Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif buckled and agreed to tough conditions proposed by IMF for $ 6.6 billion bailout package, the multi-lateral lender is yet unconvinced on Pakistan economy’s unsustainability. As on date, IMF has not sent its team for negotiation though Pakistan requested for early conclusion of negotiations. Most significant is that it’s all weather friend and military equipment supplier China has not acceded to Pakistan’s request for deferment of its $ 6.3 billion loans. Only Saudi Arabia has hinted at deferring $ 3 billion repayments for Pakistan that matured in December 2022. Possible collapse of Sri Lankan and Pakistan economies collapse will have larger impact in South and

Guest Column Policy

849

Make a fundamental shift in Bharat’s economy!

Open Letter to Finance Minister Set ball rolling for playing role of Vishwa Guru, revisit globalization. Refrain from ‘Revdi’ culture, protect the vulnerable communities Madam Finance Minister, Magh Ekadashi Greetings! As you get ready to present tenth budget of BJP-led government under stewardship of Prime Minister on February 1, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies has following suggestions to make. Ignore the naysayers. Relegate to irrelevance, peddlers of Bharat’s doom. Let’s get the best of our spending in 2023-24, that’s expected to be about Rs 45,00,000 crore assuming 10 per cent increase in what was budgeted in the current fiscal. With best wishes & regards(K.A.Badarinath)Director & Chief Executive

Hindus Leadership World

905

Swami Vivekananda: An eternal youth icon

Born on Pausha Krishna Saptami in 1919 (January 12, 1863 C.E. ), Narendranath Dutta, famously known as Swami Vivekananda, was raised in an Indian Bengali middle class family. Renowned around the world for introducing and serving as India’s advocate for Bharatiya (Indian) wisdom and ideals in the West. It is strongly believed that Swami ji’s philosophy and the values he upheld throughout his life, continue to serve as the fundamental source of inspiration for Indian youth. India so recognises and remembers the great philosopher and spiritual thinker by designating January 12 of each year as its “National Youth Day.” India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with more than 65% of the population under 35 and more than 50% under 25. The teachings of Swami Vivekanand continue to inspire this energetic and vibrant segment of the population and have had a profound impact on thousands of young people’s lives. Swami Vivekanand transcended caste and creed emphasising the idea of universal brotherhood. His words accurately capture the profound impact his ideas have had on young people. A symbol of India youth’s never-ending vitality and their unrelenting search for the truth. He attained a divinity early in life as a result of his spiritual pursuits and rooting in ideas and ideals about simple living and elevation of the self. Swami ji was one of the most well-known spiritual figures, educators, and professors of Vedantic wisdom with a fresh outlook. He was a pupil of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and revered for his unflinching bravery and inspiring words to the young. Coming from a family of scholars, including Swami Vivekananda’s grandfather Durgacharan Dutta, who studied Sanskrit and Persian, and his father Vishwanath Dutta, who practiced as a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court. Vivekananda has been drawn to spirituality and religious thought at an early age. At the home of his neighbour in 1881, he first met his spiritual mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. From his master, Vivekananda gained a profound understanding of the Sanatan spiritual traditions and started to recognise the possibilities for spreading these teachings to people all over the world. Vivekananda started his journey throughout India after Paramahamsa passed away in 1886, spreading his guru’s teachings and advocating for a “practical Vedanta,” which emphasised the use of spiritual concepts in daily life. Additionally, he started to form his own ideas about the faith, the self, and the cosmos. In his historic address to the World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893 in the United States, Vivekananda introduced Sanatan Dharma to the America and urged religious tolerance and an end to fanaticism. His speech since then, is one of the most famous in the world. An exceptional educator Vivekanand demystified Bharatiya ideals and values in both America and Europe thanks to a series of renowned speeches and talks. In his teachings, Vivekananda highlighted the value of self-realisation and the possibility of spiritual enlightenment for everyone. He also underlined the necessity of social and economic reform as well as the significance of charitable work. He held that all religions were different roads leading to the same ultimate goal and that true spirituality could be discovered through the practise of selfless service. Swami Vivekananda played a significant role in inspiring young people by placing a strong emphasis on education and personal development. He held that a healthy and vibrant society can only be built via education, which is the key to releasing a person’s full potential. Young people were urged by him to take charge of their education and pursue greatness in all facets of their lives. Swami Vivekananda felt that people could control their own destiny and could do great things provided they were prepared to put in the necessary effort and push through any challenges in their path. He urged young people to establish high ideals for themselves and to toil diligently toward achieving them, even in the face of adversity. According to Swami ji, serving others and improving the overall state of the world is the true goal of life. He exhorted young people to engage in volunteer work and employ their skills and abilities to benefit others. Swami Vivekananda so captures the essence of young India.

Disinformation Guest Column Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

820

‘LGBTQs have a right to live honourably’

In an interview to Organiser, a news weekly, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat talked about several issues like women taking part in Sangh and LGBTQ rights. “Every now and then, a minor question crops up which is blown out of proportion by media, because the so-called neo-Left finds it pioneering, like say LGBT/Transgender issue. But these are not new issues. We too have these problems; they have always been there. But till now they did not raise any noise. These people also have a right to live,” said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji. Sarsanghchalak Dr Bhagwat ji further said, “Without much hullabaloo, we have found a way, with a humane approach, to provide them social acceptance, bearing in mind they are also human beings having an inalienable right to live. We have a transgender community; we did not see it as a problem. They have a sect and their own deities. Today, they have their own mahamandaleshwar too. During Kumbh, they are accorded a special place. They are part of our everyday life. When a child is born, they come to sing at our homes. They have been part and parcel of our traditions. Even though they have a separate community space, they are also a part of the mainstream. We have never waxed eloquent about this arrangement; we’ve never turned it into a subject of global debate.” “Problem of LGBT is a similar one. Jarasandh had two generals—Hans and Dimbhaka. When Krishna fanned the rumour that Dimbhaka has died, Hans committed suicide. That is how killed those two generals. Come to think of it: what does the story suggest? This is the same thing. The two generals were in that sort of relationship. It is not that these people have never existed in our country. People with such proclivities have always been there; for as long as humans have existed. Since I am a doctor of animals, I know that such traits are found in animals too. This is biological, a mode of life. Now there is much fuss over the issue; we will have to acknowledge this too. We want them to have their own private space and to feel that they, too, are a part of society. This is such a simple issue. We will have to promote this view because all other ways of resolving it will be futile. Therefore, on such matters, the Sangh relies on the wisdom of our traditions,” Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji added. (Courtesy: Organiser Weekly)

Fact Sheet

530

Explainer:India’s energy security

In the last few decades, nation states have become increasingly aware of the limited resources which surround them and have formulated pointed strategies to ensure they have sufficient energy resources to keep their economy running. In the last year, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine deepened, global supply chains of raw energy material have been put under the scanner. Several countries have imposed full or partial bans on Russian oil and gas while some have increased the intake of these Russian materials owing to discounted prices. The West, specially, the US, EU and other NATO countries have been urging other nations, like India to cut trade ties with Russia and to reduce their dependence on Russian crude oil and gas. In this backdrop, as data suggests, India must ensure its energy needs are met timely to sustain its economic growth and accelerate social progress and development. It is essential to analyse the energy requirements of India vis-a-vis the supply of energy raw materials and how India continues to diversify its energy supply. As India becomes the third biggest importer of crude oil from Russia, it is imperative for other nation states to holistically view the Indian energy demand patterns and its production.

Technology

480

Going green from grey!

Green hydrogen is the new energy frontier to conquer. India has the potential to decarbonize its economy, embark on clean journey to future and give tough competition to US and EU K.A.Badarinath Going green on energy front and decarbonizing Indian economy estimated to be US $ three trillion is a gigantic task for any government. Bharat i.e. India will have ‘first mover’ advantage in making a tectonic shift in energy production, consumption and exports. The advantages in moving to green hydrogen from the grey version are too many. Challenges are countless. Indian government’s announcement to set up a dedicated hydrogen mission in the federal budget of 2021-22 attracted the ire of usual sceptics that include the naysayers. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the mission in September 2021post his independence day address from ramparts of the Red Fort not many were willing to get ready for a transformative change in the country’s energy matrix. On Wednesday, the Cabinet’s decision to in hydrogen energy and make an initial investment of Rs 20,000 crore (approximately $ 3 billion) demonstrates Indian government’s readiness to move away from carbon fuels, cut the massive import bill on crude oil and address serious environment sustainability apart from larger climate change issues. If India can take the lead in Conference of Parties (COP) 27 and make decisive push on solar energy in sync with civilizational life styles and tap the huge potential Sun offers, there’s no reason why green energy mission cannot deliver. In September 2022, US democratic administration led by President Joe Biden had decided to pump in US $ 7 billion in green hydrogen hubs to export the gas worth 10 million tonnes by 2030. Similarly, entire European Union has committed US $ 5.2 billion on hydrogen energy to decarbonize the economy in 27-member countries. In this context, India’s decision to increase the green hydrogen through dedicated hubs to five million tonnes, set up 125 megawatts green hydrogen based energy generation capacity and undertake research in this nascent area is forward looking and doable. In the process, the government proposes to reduce its hydrocarbon imports by a whopping Rs. 100,000 crore, mobilize investments worth Rs 800,000 crore and create 600,000 direct and indirect jobs in next seven years. Quickly creating cost competitive electrolysers capacity to produce green hydrogen will be the clincher. Most of public investments by the central government would be to create these capacities. Providing early fiscal and monetary incentives through this green hydrogen hubs and dedicated mission will go a long way in creating green energy economy. Outcomes from this green energy campaign could be enormous. The way our industries produce products, service providers operate, the way we move around or transport goods and changes in energy sector will be huge. Though hydrocarbons based crude, naphtha, gas and coal would continue to be our main stray for energy generation in short term, the tactical shift in this scenario seems inevitable. One big challenge in this shift is developing cutting edge technologies, keeping up the curve and optimizing the costs to derive the best for commercial users in electrolysers to produce hydrogen and its derivatives with multi-fold applications. Second big issue could be making available cost-effective debt and equity funds. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman should use the budget to be unveiled on February 1 to set up a dedicated green hydrogen development finance company to take the lead. Indian government may invest about Rs 5000 crore as initial equity capital to mobilize funds from both bilateral and multi-lateral sources, if required. Hydrogen hubs, whether it is pilots or large scale, need not be limited to big corporates like the Reliance or Adanis that have big plans in tapping green energy. Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Ltd had announced in January 2022 its plans to make a shift to green energy across the entire value chain beginning with 20 GW energy production capacities by 2025. Gautam Adani has not minced words in his investment commitment in green hydrogen technologies, infrastructure and generation capacities after the Independence Day speech of Prime Minister Modi in 2021. Most corporate board rooms in private sector, state-run energy enterprises have already been abuzz with discussions on foray into the green hydrogen as the next energy frontier to be conquered. Third big challenge will be evolve partnerships globally that would not cannibalize Indian green hydrogen ecosystem, know-how and companies. Carefully choosing dependable partners in the international arena that add value to the Indian ecosystem could be another decider. Fourthly, success of this policy framework would be in democratizing the entire value chain with a slice of cake for both small and large companies while the energy start-ups providing the edge. Fifthly, states will have to now jump into the fray and make hay out the ecosystem for green hydrogen as was done in the solar power panels’ capacities, generation projects and the whole chain ending with end-consumers. Sixthly, since India is eyeing a huge export market for its electrolysers, their maintenance and services, a dedicated export promotion mission may have to be mounted. But, the biggest challenge will be to counter below the cost cheaper and low-grade Chinese products that are likely to flood the markets once the dragon country gets some relief from blanket envelope of Covid 19 pandemic. Seventhly, identifying dedicated institutions of excellence to pursue research into the green hydrogen technologies and setting aside funds against deliverables in innovation knowhow should be done concomitantly. Eighthly, data collation and tracking developments in this area internationally on real time basis should be prioritized to keep India above water in this sector. Ninthly, green hydrogen should become an effective instrument to diversify India’s clean energy alternatives that include hydro-electric power, solar energy apart from nuclear power. It’s also time for India to chug ahead with coal sequestration as a diversified enterprise as a green alternative. Tenthly, evolving a healthy mix of both hydrocarbon based energy sources with increasing shift to newer areas like green hydrogen may have to be

Disinformation Fact Sheet Hindus Human Rights Misinformation

828

Explainer: Forced Religious Conversions in India

The Narayanpur forced conversion racket which saw the light recently has kicked up a global conversation on conversion as such. At individual level change of faith or religion is a personal issue. But an organised crime in the name of religion globally whether it’s in India or elsewhere is unacceptable. Forced conversion through deceit, lure and corrupt practices is against the basic tenets of humanity, whether it is, Christianity or any other religion. No matter what forced conversions are unacceptable prepositions in any country. Given the global debate, CIHS put together a detailed analysis of forced conversions perpetuated by Muslim clergy and Christian priest. This is rampant, especially among the suppressed, depressed and oppressed Indian backward and scheduled caste. Here goes the CIHS detailed report on forced religious conversion in India

Business Media Policy

531

Window of opportunity

Russia’s decision to ban oil exports to G-7, EU& Australia, China battling the Covid 19, India enters the big boys ring with an ace! K.A.Badarinath It’s advantage India. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to ban his country’s oil exports to G-7, European Union and Australia beginning February 1 for five months will open new window of opportunities for India in crude oil, refining, consumption and trade. President Putin’s decree was in response to $ 60 per barrel price cap slapped by these countries and groups as a counter to Russia’s campaign in Ukraine. India neither supported the Russian aggression in Ukraine nor has had aligned with Western forces in imposition of price cap on Russian oil. This equidistance and independent policy not only brought India to the centre of oil trade but also provided an opportunity to peddle peace between warring neighbours, Russia and Ukraine. Given that China has been overwhelmed by Covid 19 leading to economic downturn and thereby hitting its energy consumption, India has emerged the biggest energy partner for Russia. US allies, EU and Australia’s decision not only to impose a price cap on oil imports from Russia but bar their shippers, financiers and insurers from backing energy deals with the country has enraged President Putin. From Indian perspective, Russia has already emerged the biggest exporter of oil with over 1.7 million barrels per day during November 2022. Bloomberg has put this figure at 4 million barrels per day that Russia is supplying to India at ‘deep discount’. Both Russia and India have been mum or refrained from making any comment on the price at which this oil trade is happening. These supplies are bound to increase over next six months given the huge un-utilized refining capacities and opening opportunities for exporting end-use hydrocarbons. Independent advisory Standard & Poor Global analysts estimate that two million barrels per day oil would be available from Russia that may be absorbed by India when Putin’s ban on exports to EU, G-7 and Australia kick in. Over 80 per cent of Indian imports from Russia during November 2022 are Urals grade that are currently traded at $ 54 per barrel, deeply discounted and benchmarked to Brent turning the $ 60 price cap a big mockery. Currently, spot market Brent has been traded at a whopping $ 82 per barrel. Two other Russian crude grades, ESOP and Sokol have been quoted at $ 71 and $ 76 per barrel respectively. For last five months, Indian oil imports from Russia have been on surge and constitute about 23 per cent of total import bill that New Delhi forks out. Ukraine conflict has not limited to changes in the geo-political realignments alone. It has extended big time to trade, investments and economic posturing of different countries that have taken a definitive stand on Russia’s unending campaign in Ukraine. India has consciously distanced itself from block-making against Russia. It cannot be construed as unhindered support to Russia in its aggression in Ukraine. Given its delicate relations with Ukraine, India had been on humanitarian aid drive in the war-torn country rummaged by Russian forces bombing and missile attacks. India also donned the role of a peacenik that was willing to make significant negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine to explore peace opportunities. This independent policy stance may not have appealed to US democratic White House led by President Joe Biden. India’s western partners may have to reconcile to the position that Indian policy formulation cannot be swayed by their own block formations. Apart from opportunity to source cost-effective crude and play peacenik role with Russia, India’s third window to open would be exploiting full potential for trade, investment and economic relations bilaterally. This seems to be the next phase in which India and Russian relations have entered. Given the present proclivities, India and Russia may go miles even as New Delhi repositions itself as the powerhouse to become $ 40 trillion economy by 2047. (Author is Director & Chief Executive, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a bipartisan think tank based in New Delhi)

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