Dear Readers,
During the past fortnight, geo-political churnings in the region of Indo-Pacific have remained as contentious as ever. In the past couple of weeks we have had various hues of signals coming from the United States President-designate and China’s playing down her arrogation of the South China Sea while briskly proceeding with militarisation of that international waterway. Meanwhile, the current chapter of the ‘Great Game’ continues to be building up in the Khorasan Region, with China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Afghanistan as the Chinese-Pakistani duo’s objects of control. As to what would be the approach of Russia and Iran to these developments will be of great interest to everyone.
In the domestic front, as the initial hardships caused by demonetisation are coming under control, many among the rich seem to have lost all sense of propriety to indulge in crass display of uncontrollable greed. For the good of the nation and its people who have shouldered the burden of demonetisation, it is incumbent upon the Government to prevent recurrence of the carnage of ‘black money’. One is satisfied that the Government machinery is intent upon doing exactly that. But there are sections who, just to satiate their political piqué, have been indulging in irresponsible politicisation of a kind that could have passed as jest had these not been so irresponsible.
This fortnight we have uploaded many interesting articles on our website, www.vifindia.org. Of particular interest, which I recommend you to read through, are mentioned below. Besides, we also had organised our monthly ‘Vimarsh’ during which the noted economist, Shri S Gurumurthy, explained the nuances and the welcome prospects of the demonetisation initiative of the Government. Reports on these two events are also available in our website.
Happy reading,
Yours Sincerely,
General N C Vij
Director, Vivekananda International Foundation
New Delhi
Articles:
China’s Grand Strategy in Asia
Jyotishman Bhagawati
The Chinese Quest
China has attracted tremendous attention in the last couple of decades. Its rapid rise on the world stage spurred by remarkable economic growth for over three decades has led to its resurgence as a world class economic and military power. Read more...
Waiting for the Lokpal to Become Functional
Rajesh Singh
Late last month, the Government and the Supreme Court ‘clashed’ yet again, but this time not on the selection of judges. The apex court expressed deep reservations over the continuing delay in the appointment of a Lokpal. It was so agitated that it virtually threatened to take over the functions of Parliament and the Government in the matter. Read more...
What makes Pakistan’s New Army Chief Special?
Sanjiv Khanna
The appointment of Lt. Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa as Chief of Pakistan army has set to rest the speculation on who would succeed Gen Raheel Sharif, but will intensify the debate about the future trajectory of tenuous Civil-Military relationship. Read more...
Event Report
The Second Australia India Leadership Dialogue (2016)
India and Australia are ideally placed to develop a close, comprehensive partnership so as to take advantage of the opportunities that are now available in a world where the economic and political gravity is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific region. Read more...
De-monetisation: The Balance Sheet – ‘Vimarsha’ with Shri S Gurumurthy
The Vivekananda International Foundation held its monthly ‘Vimarsha’ on 12 December 2016 with eminent thinker and economist, Shri S Gurumurthy, widely acclaimed as a champion of ‘economic nationalism’ in India. As expected, the event attracted a large audience to listen to Shri Gurumurthy explaining the underpinnings of de-monetisation i.e. the sudden decision announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi last month to do away with Rs. 1000/- and 500/- currency notes. Read more...