Vipaasana

     Credits : Aishwarya      Examination is a test conducted to evaluate the expertise of a candidate concerned with a subject. The examination system was introduced by the 'King of Sui dynasty' of China to select "able" candidates for the post of government services. Is the practice of proving our "expertise" through examination relevant in today's world?       In ancient India, the learning process took place throughout one's life. Gurus were considered as gods and revered more than parents. Civilisations were built, the country prospered and ancient Indians excelled in administration, science, mathematics, astronomy, art, medicine etc. Few drawbacks of the ancient system of education as pointed out by the British were that: women were not included in the Gurukuls or Vidyapeet and Varna or Caste system was created which led to evil social discrimination.      The British introduced the system of examination in India to ...

       As we tread along a new path towards medical healthcare, there is a need to re-establish diplomatic ties towards the nations around the world which portrays our empathy and leadership qualities. One such step taken by the government is Vaccine diplomacy.      Two vaccines related to COVID have been approved in India after confirming their safety and efficacy. India has formulated a rational vaccine distribution programme targeting and prioritising the frontline workers, the older population, vulnerable population with lifestyle disease and then to the general population. However, it would have been much better to release the vaccine in phases so that people are absolutely sure about the efficacy of the vaccine. With vaccination kicking in, everything is expected to go back to pre-COVID levels including the economy. But the V shape economic recovery is theoretical and it is difficult to expect such a recovery in a practical scenario.   ...

       India being a strategically important nation in the Indo-Pacific region must balance its strategic ties in such a manner that it does not lose its strategic autonomy. Strategic autonomy is the heart of todays geopolitics.      India has been more inclined towards the US in the recent years. This has created tensions among its neighbours. India is now seen as a staunch ally of the US which has led to some degradation of ties with its neighbouring countries. Being seen as an ally of any one country is not in the best interest of any country.      The closeness of India with the US has pushed away Russia towards China. China views India with hostility and this is evident from the border skirmishes happening. Neighbours such as Nepal which were hitherto close to India have found some ground of friendship with China when it solved some internal dispute in Nepal. Countries such as Iran have blamed India of being pressurised by the US. ...

       Evolving the defence strategy of any country depending on the changing geopolitical circumstances becomes crucial to remain sovereign in this multipolar highly globalised world.      India has the distinction of rising as one of the major global power in defence sector in quite a short time. The US which was supporting Pakistan in 1970's and who despised India and imposed sanctions when we became nuclear was quick to change its side after the 9/11 attack. Since then trade and defence ties with the US has been on an upsurge.      4 major US agreements bring any country closer to the US in terms of defence and cooperation. The General Security of Military Information agreement(GSOMIA) allows the militaries to share the intelligence gathered. Logistics exchange memorandum of agreement(LEMOA) which allows access to designated military facilities for refuelling and replenishment. Communication and information Security memorandum of agr...

     West Asia has remained a bone of contention for quite a long time now. Conflicts in this region can have a global spillover if not contained. It becomes important for any country to have a global interest in peace for securing its own future.      Afghanistan has a geo strategic location in West Asia and is an oil producing State. For India, Afghanistan acts as a crucial link to Central Asian Republics and to counterbalance the influence of Pakistan and China in the region. The recent US-Taliban deal has left out India as a stakeholder and mainly concentrates on the western interests. The US is desperate to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan which was deployed after the 9/11 attacks. The deployment of troops has been widely resented by the US public. The US has ignored the civilian government and has made an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw its troops provided that the Taliban does not allow the Afghan soil to be used for terrorism activities m...

       Air pollution has become one of the serious concerns around the globe. In India, Delhi has been annually experiencing severe air pollution every winter threatening the health of its residents. The issue should be taken seriously as over a period of time, it becomes a matter of life and death.      There are many causes for pollution in the NCR region. The burning of stubble in Punjab and Haryana will send particulate matter towards the NCR. The vehicular emissions especially from diesel vehicles and unregulated construction activities add a lot of particulate matter to the air. Usage of conventional forms of cooking and garbage burning will also contribute its share.     T here is smog formation in the atmosphere during winter. When there is inversion of temperature, smog accumulates in the lower troposphere. The wind around the NCR during winter is very still and this leads to the stagnation of the accumulated pollution in the troposp...

       Pakistan has been acknowledged internationally as a hotspot of terror financing since it was put under the grey list of Financial action was force(FATF) in 2018. This was a major blow to Pakistan's international reputation.      FATF is an intergovernmental organisation formed in 1989, headquartered in Paris, which monitored and sanctioned money laundering. But since 9/11, the mandate of FATF has expanded to include tackling of terrorist financing. There is empirical evidence that money laundering is associated with organised crime. The Golden crescent is a region in Asia which includes Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran popular for illicit drug production. The illegal money is then laundered to finance terrorism activities around the globe.      Countries that are considered as a safe haven to money laundering and terror financing are kept under the grey list. When a country is put under grey list, directives are given by FATF to tho...