Deglobalisation

Are we moving away from Globalisation?

Globalisation is based on the premise of free flow of people, goods and services across international borders.

The rise of right wing parties across Europe, the pullout of the United States from the Trans Pacific Partnership, the Brexit vote and the America First policy of the Trump administration point to the rising inward looking policies of governments across the world. The call for erecting a Mexican wall at the US-Mexico border as well as the closure of European borders for refugees from the Middle East serve as another threat to the existing liberal global order. The hike in Visa fees, stringent requirement norms for H1B Visa by the US as well as the 457 Visa Programme of Australia demonstrate how free flow of services is being impeded.The multilateral financial institutions like the World Bank are slowly ceding space to regional initiatives like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB).

Though it is too early to write the eulogy of globalisation, the rising trend of protectionism is however, clearly evident.

Cow vigilantism

Cow vigilantism: Are words enough?

The other day our honorable Prime Minister ended his silence on the matter and came out strong against those who spread violence in the name of cow protection.

It has been reported that such instances have increased of late because those involved in cow vigilantism often have affiliations with the party in power. Added to that is the ideological battle. No doubt cow is revered in our scriptures and death of any living organism be it a cow or a human is deplorable. But there is a deeper malaise involved here. Fringe elements by taking law into their own hands erode the legitimacy of the state. It has been alleged that police is often complicit in the acts of violence. Thus the morale and the independence of the police is also in question here.

There have been instances when young adults belonging to minority groups have been deliberately targeted to settle personal scores. A ban on cattle trade for slaughter across states have not helped the cause either.

Indeed law and order is a state subject. However it cannot be denied that much more is expected of a government who has a considerable majority in the Parliament. The way forward is to implement the directives laid down by the SC in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case for bringing in police reforms. Shielding the investigation from the politics of the day will certainly help the cause. It is not the degree but the certainty of punishment which deters such hate crimes and mob violence.

The job dilemma

Why job creation remains a pipe dream?

India is the youngest country and is expected to remain so over a few decades. With such an expanding workforce, it is true that India is sitting on a huge demographic dividend. To reap this dividend, programmes like Make in India have been launched which are, however yet to show up the desired results. So what is it that is pulling India back when it comes to job creation?

The strict labour laws apply to firms having more than 10 employees. Hence, companies try to remain small so as to escape regulations pertaining to routine inspections, worker's safety, working hours, PF contributions etc. Therefore they hire less and outsource other jobs in the form of contracts.

Next factor is of course the rising automation which eats away jobs like anything.

A NASSCOM report finds that only 25% of the graduates are employable. Therefore the quality of higher education sector in India leaves a lot to worry about. Mere expansion of IITs and other institutes of higher learning have proven to be counterproductive since we don't have enough of well paid and well-equipped faculty.

Looking forward we need to target sectors that have immense job creating potential like the startups, tourism sector, apparels, footwear industry etc. We need to give tax-breaks to Micro, small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are Kamdhenus of job creation.

A land of paradox!

India is a land of paradoxes. We have sent Mangalyaan to Mars but we are unable to send all our girls to schools! Also we have surplus food production but probably not enough to feed our starving children.

Banking Fraud

Today I received a phone call supposedly from ICICI bank. I was informed that the bank has rewarded my credit card with 8400 reward points. To redeem the same I was asked to supply a few information written on my credit card. I asked why should the required information be shared? The person on the other end smartly replied that simply sharing the visual details doesnt matter as the magnetic tape on the card had to be read for any transaction to happen. I said, "Okay. So what all information you want me to tell you?". He said in a seemingly prefessional way, "Expiry Date and the 16 digit number written on the card." I said quietly to his disappointment, " I cannot share these details with you." He hanged up.

PS: I shared this because this might happen with anyone. Please do not share information that can potentially cause you immense financial losses.

Me too

Previously, victims of sexual harassment were mute spectators in a patriarchal society like ours. But in this digital age, a more equal place called internet has provided aggrieved women a platform to come out in open and share their own stories through #MeToo campaign. It has provided women a sense of solidarity to their fight against misogynistic attitude. I am glad that movies like Tumhari Sulu and Lipstick Under My Burkha are redefining gender roles in our society.

Interesting Findings from Economic Survey

Economic Survey 2016 finds out that malnutrition among rural women can be attributed to two factors:
The norm of eating last in the family that leaves them with lesser food to feed themselves.
Further, in the absence of toilet facilities, women deliberately cut down intake of water and food so as to reduce the need of going out for relieving themselves, fearing snake bites and breach of privacy.

However there is a brighter side to this story. Women are more likely to utilize the toilet facilities being built under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. They nudge their male counterparts for the same, Hence they are serving as ambassadors in real sense.
India's growth story puzzles me. On one hand, our country is the fastest growing economy of the world. On the other hand, are its social indicators like health and education, which actually leave a lot to worry about. The global indices may have a lot of inherent biases. But that does not take away the fact that we Indians actually have a lot of ground to cover.