India – Agnipath Defense Policy
June 28, 2022
India – Agnipath Defense Policy
Padmini Arhant
Update June 30, 2022:
Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the latest interview to ANI a week ago elaborated on the importance and relevance of the government introduced controversial defense recruitment policy titled Agnipath.
In this interview, NSA chief defended Agnipath policy to contract the size of defense force personnel significantly from the traditional recruitment claiming the contemporary modern warfare as contactless and suggesting the need for such decision.
While the military warfare scenario is projected as contactless by NSA chief Ajit Doval, such military operations are applicable only in full scale engagement as witnessed in the present Russia and Ukraine war.
Again even in this situation, the earlier phase of the military invasion from Russia on 24 February, 2022 and thereafter until arms supply from the United States and western Europe viz. Britain and France much later, the Ukrainian conventional and emergency voluntary defense force effectively resisted and retaliated against Russian movement on the ground.
In the military position between China and India, China has incrementally advanced into Indian territories utilizing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) command forces along LAC and further into Indian zone especially in the last three years remaining the status quo.
China’s strategy along LAC and Indian North East is predominantly premised on establishing footprints in the Indian landmass using PLA.
China’s encroachment is evidenced in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Assam and expected to extend along the Indian region as far as Himachal Pradesh.
These conditions arguably necessitated massive troop deployment in the Himalayan region for Indian defense force having lost at least officially twenty and unofficially more martyred armed personnel in the recent China’s troop infringement along the Line of Action Control (LAC) evolved into aggressive confrontation on 5 May, 2020.
As a result of the ongoing China’s incursion in the Himalayan and along the entire north east regions, the requirement to increase armed personnel presence to physically deal with neighbor China’s exponential expansionist territorial quest is a persisting dilemma for India in the Indian sub-continent.
Under these circumstances, the government’s Agnipath policy aimed at reduction rather than maintaining the original strength if not enlargement for ground preparedness creates considerable challenge.
The Agnipath policy as contingent army reserve alongside traditional Indian defense force recruitment and managements serve the immediate and near term unpredictable crisis.
The reinstatement of previous Indian defense force recruitment and service procedure adequately merit attention and implementation from the relevant department such as NSA and critically the Indian Defense Force barring political intervention.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
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lndian Civil Society Views on Agnipath.
Source – Satya Hindi. Thank you.
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Agnipath policy retire the 75% unsuccessful recruits at the age of 21 years considering the enrollment age is 17.5 years with four years in the defense force.
The overall experience for the discharged armed personnel in this program is approximately 2 to 2.5 years based on the relevant training and operational opportunity.
In comparison, the traditional Indian defense force recruitment at 21 years as the median age with younger or older recruits representing the defense requirement developed and promoted skills exceeding the military combat capability while facilitating exceptional caliber.
There are many fine examples from Indian Defense Force who successfully fought the war in 1971 against Pakistan and later the Kargil war in 1999.
However, the Air Force veteran from the Indian Defense Force travel to space in India and Former Soviet Union Interkosmos mission in 1984 established a unique and admirable space voyage.
The Air Force veteran is none other than Wing Commander Indian Air Force – Rakesh Sharma with the following profile.
Astronaut — Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, AC (born 13 January 1949) is a former Indian Air Force pilot who flew aboard Soyuz T- 11
Wing Commander Indian Air Force Rakesh Sharma
Service 1970 – 1990
Years of service: 1970 – 1990 (20 years)
Service number: 12396 F(P)
Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, AC is a former Indian Air Force pilot who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. He is the only Indian citizen to travel in space.
Since the contemporary political culture especially the leadership at the helm as Prime Minister claim credit on any achievements as personal regardless of legitimacy,
Accordingly, this phenomenal feat was a proud moment for India under the female leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who like her predecessors, her father the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in particular only remembered and reminded of all things negative and counterproductive under his tenure by the current political party in power.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is constantly used for one and only one reason – overt emergency rule in 1975 unlike the present covert emergency in India which is obviously a major hypocrisy.
Nonetheless, the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s confidence in the Indian Defense Force that delivered her victory in 1971 and subsequently kept both China and Pakistan at bay during her term in office exemplify then Indian Defense Force autonomy.
Unfortunately, the same status is not necessarily prevalent in the present time in the Indian Defense Force with the central political authority in New Delhi extending concentration of power on all institutions in India that were earlier relatively autonomous if not independent in respective decision-making process.
As a result, then young vibrant ambitious Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma with adequate training in the span 14 years since inception in the Air Force in 1970 qualified aboard InterKosmos Soyuz T-11.
Personally, I recall as an Indian citizen at that time in New Delhi in 1984, the nation shared the joy and pride when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi interacted with the astronaut via satellite and asked the Wing Commander and Astronaut Rakesh Sharma for his reaction on
How earth appeared from the space above?
The patriotic armed force pilot and Astronaut Rakesh Sharma enthusiastically responded by quoting Indian national song composed by Urdu Poet Muhammad Iqbal in Urdu language.
Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara !
Translation – Of all the places on earth, India is great.
“Sare Jahan se Accha” (Urdu: سارے جہاں سے اچھا; Sāre Jahāṉ se Acchā), formally known as “Tarānah-e-Hindi” (Urdu: ترانۂ ہندی, “Anthem of the People of Hindustan”),”
The glory and astonishing accomplishment from this mission deservingly earned by the Indian Defense Force and former Soviet InterKosmos team besides the astronaut Rakesh Sharma along with the crew back in 1984.
Notwithstanding the late lady Prime Minister Indira Gandhi only being targeted for political hostility in the domestic and external factions nuanced venom regurgitation, the trend with no end in sight.
The late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Indian Defense Force merit recognition for motivation and provision in deriving the best amongst the defense force personnel at that time. The cause for celebration was equitable on the outstanding occasion.
Contrarily, the highly educated and skilled unemployed youth today are instead demoralized with the incumbent leadership suggestion on the alternative employment to fry pakoras – spicy Indian snack sold on the curb side by street hawkers in Indian street corners and bazaar.
In conclusion, Agnipath diminish prospects to exhibit and explore talent due to the short term service and limited exposure for aspiring youth with such potential.
All the more reason to reverse course and retain the traditional recruitment and service protocol to a minimum of 15 or more years in the Indian Defense Force.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
India – Karma and the Prisoner of Guilt
June 28, 2022
India – Karma
and
The Prisoner of Guilt
Padmini Arhant
The guilty having committed horrendous crimes and remains unrelenting as old habits die hard, the sinner is the prisoner of guilt with the inner conscience witness to entire deeds in the lifetime,
As a result, no matter how many favorable rulings are obtained in quid pro quo from the Supreme Court, High Court, self-appointed committee and various propaganda means, the guilty is guilty of crimes in the murder of innocent children, women, disabled, youth and senior citizens in the politically instigated pogrom.
When then Chief Minister of the state widely known and categorically proved via documented substantiated evidence to have fomented and facilitated gory violence against own citizens of the state Gujarat in 2002,
Then upon assuming office as the Prime Minister of the nation, the government’s unilateral enactment of the controversial CAA and NRC act engage to strip citizenship status of muslim minority and Hindu majority subjugated in caste denominations and brazen communal politics.
In the course of unconstitutional undemocratic process, the Prime Minister rallies the captive audience to violently target fellow citizens by specific clothing and appearance viz. the muslims in society.
The action speaks volume of the past and present besides being the harbinger of similar episodes in the future.
Likewise, the equal if not senior partner in crime then state Home Minister of Gujarat elevated to the National Home Minister position in New Delhi can hardly contain the impulse in promoting communal hatred and violence.
In 2002, the State Home Minister authorized and instructed the killings of non-violent innocent civilians like children, women, disabled, youth and the elderly predominantly muslims and many Hindus as well as other segments in the worst state sponsored and directly involved communal riots in Godhra, Gujarat.
The murder of key witnesses not barring the Mumbai High Court judge delivering the verdict convicting the state authorities was also murdered to lay the matter to rest.
Despite the killings, elimination and incarceration of individual’s punished for presenting facts and truth telling on Godhra violence detailed in the article below, the National Home Minister’s public speech during political campaign rally in West Bengal post CAA and NRC act in 2019 referred to muslims from Bangladesh as termites.
The two most powerful entities evading accountability on their previous involvement in inciting violence could barely resist defaulting to status quo in open public delivery in 2019 and until now as cited above.
The duo duplicity could only be summed up as
Nau sau choohey nochkar do billé chalé khumbh melé Ganga snaan karné !
नौ सौ चूहे नोचकर दो बिल्ले चले कुम्भ मेले गंगा स्नान करने !
Translation – After munching 900 mice, the tom cats were off to Hindu Khumbh Mela (religious festival) for a dip in the Holy Ganges!
Indeed Atma Chinthan (introspection and Soul searching) is the need of the hour and ever for both of them and their contingency.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
India – Controversial Defense Recruitment Policy
June 23, 2022
India – Controversial Defense Recruitment Policy
Padmini Arhant
The hard fact – Agnipath policy introduced by Indian PM Narendra Modi with emphasis on youthfulness, clean record and meritocracy were to be applied to political career in entirety especially ethics and merit – none qualify considering the tarnished record and criminal legacy beginning with India’s Prime Minister, Home Minister, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the rest of the cadre in the central and state government. The unfortunate trend is the irony in the laws and policy introduced against civil society and now targeting the national defense force.
Importantly, term limit like four years in Agnipath policy, the Prime Minister terms should be no more than 2 without exception. Above all Indian democracy would be real and effective with the citizens’ right to recall head of the nation viz. Prime Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister, Defense Minister, External Affairs among many others at the center, state and all the way to the municipal level on dismal performance and abysmal economic, political and social environment. No delivery on economy in controlling inflation, creating employment, job growth, access to public utilities like electricity, clean water and basic needs… no right to power for those in politics
Indian democracy has long been subverted with political representation committed and dedicated to individual, private and fiduciary interests alone.
The young defense force aspirant – one of many whose dreams have been shattered with the controversial Agnipath meaning fire path literally setting the economically devastated youth population aspirations ablaze in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chattisgarh, Assam states in the north and northeastern region. These defense force applicants deserve attention and recruitment in the Indian military as they would be invaluable assets.
Regardless of New Delhi government propaganda highlighting the benefits of provocative policy – Agnipath has one too many flaws and far reaching ill consequences that are best averted with the withdrawal of the government unilateral policy.
First and foremost – the Agnipath (Fire Path) is aimed at 17 1/2 – 21 years of age – the life time when critical education is pursued for high school certificate and under graduate course with a degree enabling the career onset in work force.
The Agnipath enrollees would have to either differ their education if any of them were interested and considered the high school diploma and undergraduate degree important which majority would desire and do if the same were to be affordable.
Alternatively, the Agnipath policy apparently has the option for the potential recruits to study at their expense after duty and training hours which obviously may not be suitable or possible for all of them.
The above two scenarios on scholastic achievements are challenging for the young recruits given the tough competition as only 25% among the 100% initial recruits are expected to be selected and that 25% is also supposedly on need basis. They are placed in a dilemma to study for high school exam and later the undergraduate course while competing for selection among 25%.
Many defense force applicants in India are predominantly from the rural areas of the country as farmers’ sons and daughters or those from very poor economic background unable to complete high school and further college education.
Again the difficulty seeking high school and college education for this demography is directly linked to economic costs more than aptitude. However, the Agnipath policy presume the latter as the issue and trying to entice the rural youth mass as such citing monthly payments as salary and discharge package after four years upon not being selected to serve long term in the defense force.
Accordingly, the youth from these segments join the defense force similar to the United States where many unable to afford college education enlist in the military and earn their educational qualifications paid for by the United States defense force besides appointment in the respective armed services such as Army, Navy and Air Force.
Second, the Indian government’s hostile decision to deprive servicemen and women in military uniform the essential benefits like pension and medical care is attributed to defense budget reallocation to capital expenditure on modernization.
In this context, the approach on military personnel displacement with modern hardware and equipment is gross miscalculation. The new wave military operation cannot entirely function on auto pilot, although the latter also require maintenance and trouble shooting technical glitches by human man power.
Despite the hype and discussion on machine replacing human involvement, the machinery functionality and fine tuning are dependent on human monitoring and skills in relevant technology. The software and hardware at the end of the day are developed and manufactured by human mind and physical labor through computer programming, physics and engineering science.
The concept trimming military recruitment for renovation is a major misstep with inevitable adverse ramifications synonymous to demonetization debacle that led to many ordinary citizens’ deaths in 2016 and robbed livelihoods of the mainstream population paying the price until today.
The military modernization is necessary upgrading to contemporary innovative technology. However, the funding could be easily afforded by slashing wasteful spending on politicians’ undeserving privileges and lifetime emoluments. Notwithstanding the lavish expenditure on elaborate Prime Minister residence viz. Central Vista and new Parliament House…at ordinary taxpayers, foot soldiers, farmers, informal and formal sectors lower and middle income workers’ expense.
The Indian Central government in New Delhi promise on job reservation to 75% unsuccessful recruits in Agnipath policy is not taken seriously by youthful aspirants and believed to be a hoax for good reasons.
There are too many incidents beginning with Rs.15 lakhs i.e. 1.5 million rupees in every Indian citizen’s account was guaranteed during demonetization by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016. Six years later in 2022, there is no sign of any amount let alone Rs. 15 lakhs i.e. 1.5 million rupees in any ordinary citizens’ account till date.
In 2019 national election, the former serviceman Tej Bahadur Yadav from Haryana having served in the army in Siachin border in the Himalayan region for over 25 years was denied civil service. The former military personnel Tej Bahadur Yadav ran for public office against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi in 2019. The ex-serviceman Tej Bahadur Yadav was mercilessly disqualified from competing in the national election. Without any proof or explanation Tej Bahadur Yadav was deprived from the election in 2019.
The reality is the constituency Varanasi was prepared to vote for Tej Bahadur Yadav against Narendra Modi in 2019 and PM Narendra Modi’s defeat was certain in the public poll. Then immediately the former army personnel Tej Bahadur Yadav was informed of discrepancy in election papers filing which was previously confirmed by election officials as proper and valid.
The direct involvement by PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made sure the ex-serviceman Tej Bahadur Yadav is prevented from participating in the general election in 2019 proving the lack of respect and opportunity for military personnel in public civil service among the high ranked public office.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminjArhant.com
Indian Democracy is Mobocracy and Kleptocracy
June 22, 2022
Indian Democracy is Mobocracy and Kleptocracy
Padmini Arhant
Indian democracy is mobocracy and kleptocracy with political opposition systematically eliminated by New Delhi regime.
The head of the regime’s background speaks volume and serve as evidence that violence begets violence.
In the absence of positive performance, the regime survival heavily rely on media cohorts’ and own political party propaganda. The external foreign role promoting despotism and dictatorial exertion via pseudo glorification to upend democracy cannot be ruled out in particular slighting the regime’s glaring violations on human rights, corruption and criminal legacy.
The regime’s political strategy is bribes with illegal money and lofty positions in cabinet, bureaucracy and legislative assembly especially the upper house – Rajya Sabha membership offered to media house like Zee Soap Opera and WION youtube channel proprietor Subash Chandra Goenks. As s result fake news and indoctrination continues unabated in appeasement politics quid pro quo. The opposition members are lured with such offers as well to jump ship making mockery of democracy.
The bribery through Rajya Sabha upper house entry is also reserved for the Indian Supreme Court Chief Justice as witnessed in the former CJS Ranjan Gogoi rewarded for key decisions favoring the New Delhi regime on major scandals like Rafale defense contract corruption and on communal issues siding with RSS and BJP’s militant Hindutvs ideology in the controversial Ayodhya and Babri Masjjd matter.
Having dismantled the constitutional framework and autonomy of most Indian institutions including the latest assault on Indian Defense Force institutional character, tradition and discipline, the regime’s ravenous appetite for power exemplified in unilateral decisions like demonetization debacle, haphazard GST rule etc., drowning the economy in cyclical crises with fudged and forged data on GDP, unemployment figures and overall ailing economy are merely the tip of the iceberg.
The farmers’ protests were ignored adopting violent means to curtail peaceful rallies for over two to three years until recently the inevitable outcome forced the withdrawal of the regime’s anti-agrarian and pro-oligarchy policy.
The regime’s latest stunt on the defense recruitment restructuring sparking anger, frustrations and violent eruption (taken from the RSS and BJP play book) among economically crippled rural and urban youth is perceived as authoritarian backlash on the defeat in the farmers’s bill forfeiture. The connectivity is the defense force aspirants are predominantly and vastly from rural areas as farmers’ sons and daughters and the remaining percentage belong to the poor economic background.
The RSS run BJP governance with the Prime Minister, Home Minister and regional chief minister in Uttar Pradesh hand picked by the Prime Minister along with several members in Parliament including the individual convicted of terrorism involving bomb blasts against the demography designated as outcasts such as the so-called backward class (BC), other backward class (OBC), Dalits, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe among diverse caste segregation and denominations,
The commonality beginning at the top i.e. the Prime Minister, Home Minister at the center along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Karnataka and many BJP governments preach and practice hatred, prejudice and violence.
The situation is buttressed with the state represented print, television and social media ever at regime’s disposal to spin and sensationalize communal politics and cover up government’s scandalous repertoire.
Kashmir Valley is the Xinjiang of India with the conditions exacerbated for rehabilitation of Hindu and other minorities in the territory.
The inflammable toxic political and social environment combined with debilitating economic status nationwide is cheered and celebrated as the Prime Minister’s charisma again not without endorsement from conspicuous quarters overseas exclusively for vested interests fueling anti-democratic and anti-unity agenda in South Asia.
Last but not the least, the regime’s routine topple of opposition state governments via horse trading using print black money is yet another factor for unsustainable rising inflation.
The overture accompanied by intimidations using false charges, income tax raids and other nefarious tactics misusing public funded police force against abducted political opposition members for personal and regime goals is the last straw in abuse of power.
The boiling point exceeded into overflow in corruption, criminality and absolute destruction of everything such as institutions, judiciary, economic sector, political opposition, religions and social fabric…is the epitome of democracy in peril.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
Identify the Real Enemy
May 17, 2022
Identify the Real Enemy
Padmini Arhant
Who is the real enemy denying true liberty, freedom of expression, legitimate functional corrupt-free democracy with absolute transparency and accountability holding none above law especially the powerful, affluent and influential pulling strings from behind and upfront without exception?
All that one has to do in the contemporary era is to look around worldwide. The concept and functionality of democracy is subverted in different format with congruence in one and only one base i.e. dominance, control, supremacy and narcissism.
No nation in the world is democratic espousing values and principles applicable to all barring discrimination, alienation and disenfranchisement in some form or another.
The forces in control as Global Shadow power favor all of the following leading to the fact they are against republic governed democracy anywhere. Accordingly, they have in the past century and in the present time favor governments and regimes servile to their policy and agenda. Importantly, they choose to ignore and even dismiss paradoxical position for exclusive economic interests. Ukraine war fits the profile.
Who are all the governments and rulers they allow to remain in power?
The so-called democracy in disguise sworn allegiance to oligarchy, secret society and anti-sovereignty.
They continue to promote monarchy, kingdoms and fiefdoms despite anti-humanity legacy and abhorrent record in human rights and environment violations all to solely benefit them.
The Global Shadow power uninhibited in providing asylum and safe haven to dictatorial rulers either self-exiled or overthrown by people of the nation they belong to enabling them to return to the nation to oppress the population. There are several examples in this regard from world over. However, the one that could be easily related to is Iran.
Iran in the middle east is currently ruled by theocratic government. The theocratic governance came into existence from Iranian revolution overthrowing their earlier monarchy Shah Pahlavi who was known to the Iranian people then as the global shadow power’s puppet.
Prior to installation of monarchy in Iran, the first and last democratically elected government headed by the one and only ever former Prime Minister of Iran – Dr. Mohammad Mosaddegh.
The democratic leadership in Iran was removed from power by western coup predominantly for nationalizing Iran’s oil reserves towards Iranian citizens economic growth and development.
The documented evidence reveal oil giants British Petroleum and Dutch Shell company from western Europe considered then Iran PM’s energy policy directly against their economic gains and the democratic government of Iran was toppled with PM Mossadegh unnatural demise leaving the people of Iran bereft of democracy until today.
Subsequent to overthrow of Iranian democratic government, the global shadow power placed the monarchy represented by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Soon after, Ruhollah Khomeini as the former religious Supreme Leader exiled in Paris, France at that time returned to rally the Iranian revolution. Since then Iran is ruled by orthodox theocracy emphasizing religion oriented governance experienced as repressive governing by the freedom loving majority in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iran’s political transformation from democracy to monarchy and theocracy, the latter two anti-democratic ruling were launched and facilitated by the global shadow power.
Likewise, throughout middle east the idea of democracy is forbidden with authoritarian regimes ruling the state as Kingdom and Feifdom viz Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Oman…to name a few in the region with all of whom the western ties are maintained exchanging economic, diplomatic and political relations considering the campaign donations and financing flowing from these sources during so-called western democratic elections.
Similar engagement in other parts of the world in Africa, Latin America, Asia and remote corners of the globe – the anti-citizens and anti-democratic leaderships granted the mantle of power ceding national resources and human capital as cheap labor force to the Global Shadow Power.
Recently, there has been no problem for the western power to subjugate Afghan population under Taliban rule. The treaty signed between Taliban and western powers viz. United States and NATO is proclaimed by Taliban as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan accord.
Taliban are self-certified Islamic fundamentalist presently in power in Afghanistan.
In the neighboring India, the unapologetic Hindu fundamentalist in the so-called world’s largest democracy is close western ally with no concern over crackdown on religious freedom, civil rights and freedom of press questioning political authority on any issue.
The discussion beginning with flagrant economic failures to soaring unemployment resulting in educated and skilled youth suicide and critically national security crises with China’s occupation of the Himalayan region and incursion in north eastern states of the country are persona non grata (unwelcome).
Interestingly, the Hindu fundamentalist stalwarts in central and state government in India influence judiciary in semblance with western pattern such as in the United States.
For instance an Islamic female student’s choice to wear burqa in adherence to her family conservative values is chased, harassed and ridiculed on main street by Hindu fundamentalist mob in world view.
The petition in the fundamentalist ruled Karnataka state high court on the open intimidation is struck down with the ruling that traditional attire and old age customs are to be abandoned adopting contemporary lifestyle when attending public educational institution viz. college and higher school of studies in the state.
The irony is while the fundamentalist rulers in the state and national government void other religions’ practice as archaic and insist people of other faith to adapt to modern living, the same principle is woefully discarded by them.
In declining to abolish the admittedly more than 4000 -year-old highly discriminatory prejudiced caste system deceitfully citing Vedic scriptures as alibi for the centuries old crime against different communities in society abused as untouchables aka the so-called Dalits, backward castes, scheduled castes, scheduled tribe…and so on are upheld as Hindu zealots’ fundamental right fraudulently claiming cultural heritage.
Apparently, the Hindu fundamentalist see no parallel in their argument when comparing customary projections between religions albeit the origin of Hindu religion preceding Islam or other Abrahamic faiths besides various other religious spectrum in India.
The global shadow power bias on communism and socialism is another factor.
Up until now and more so at the moment the defiant communist power in Beijing, China enjoys most favored nation status in economic trade, permanent membership with veto power in the United Nations Security Council, enormous holdings on EU and United States treasury assets, overwhelming clout on international organizations like World Health Organization (WHO) and the list is endless.
There is considerable hue and cry over other fringe communist nations sanctioned for decades like Cuba or socialist Venezuela quoting human rights situation though the same or worse conditions in Hong Kong, Tibet and mainland China are regarded inconvenient and overshadowed by western economic and financial dependency on China.
Notwithstanding Beijing’s stance against democratic Taiwan also ignored in the context.
In conclusion, the global shadow power preference to anti-democratic and anti-republic systems are clear ranging from monarchy, political dynasty to theocracy, religious fundamentalists from different faiths, radicals extending to terrorism, ruthless oppressors ruling different parts of the world over several decades in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia until now.
The primary goal and staunch conviction is to bereave ordinary citizens across the globe of active vibrant utilitarian democracy, individual rights, equal access to peace, progress and prosperity.
The antiquated colonial doctrine divide and rein control is retained until today sowing seeds of poison among humans to fight against each other. The smoke and mirror serves in the Global Shadow power to oppress and suppress life rejecting marching orders from them.
The Global Shadow power install, support and boost anti-republic governance i.e. against the citizens at large nationwide depriving ordinary folks from all walks of life, race, religion and background the life with dignity, freedom of choice and fair opportunity.
Above all, corruption plays a very important role in regime representation. The more corrupt the governance, the easier and overt assertion of authority from the Global Shadow power.
Identifying the real enemy controlling the destiny of billions of population through proxy and puppet regimes stated as governments is key to the present and future generation individual and collective emancipation.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
Russia – Ending Ukraine Invasion
May 16, 2022
Russia – Ending Ukraine Invasion
Padmini Arhant
Reiterating earlier fact on the topic on this site prior to and at the onset of Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, there are no winners in war. The deaths and destruction inflicted on innocent victims in civilian casualties as well as the loss of lives among defense personnel are priceless for warring factions at any given time. Not to mention the economic costs of waging war with no end in sight except dealing with major setbacks in the prolonged battle.
Russia is at the crossroads to choose between ending the nearly three months old conflict and submit to peaceful resolutions with neighbor Ukraine or continue with endless violence through military aggression leading nowhere but exacerbate political, military and social turmoil within own country.
It is not surprising for leaderships at the helm to start the war at whomsoever ill-advise, misconception and miscalculation to invade a sovereign nation or occupy territory near and far. Additionally, the trend in this setting is accepting glory on the so-called victory although as explained above winning a war at the massive expense of lives is hardly a matter of pride and at the same time losing or defeat in a war is usually attributed to any other entity such as weak military operation, intelligence failure etc. The political leadership seldom accept responsibility for any unfavorable outcome. The litmus test often provide clarity on the political head of the state willingness or the lack thereof to assume accountability.
Nonetheless, the Russian President Vladimir Putin is now confronted with not only the unnecessary military intervention in Ukraine extended into ongoing drawn out military assault over sixty days, the Russian leadership is facing serious political challenge within besides rumors on personal health and well being…so on that are least helpful for a nation like Russia.
Notwithstanding the desperation among paid propagandists as their livelihood and disinformation recruits on you tube channel and television networks propagating Global Shadow government scripts misleading naive and gullible audience.
The Russian economy supported by energy supply to Europe and other parts of the world among other essentials like food viz. wheat exports offset western sanctions specifically aimed at fringe assets and sporadic offshore accounts of certain Russian oligarchs in the entire economic sanctions list.
The political stake involves speculations on the current leadership i.e. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s present situation in office. The Russian citizens on their part would expect information access to Russian status quo. Amid these various developments, Russia’s military engagement in Ukraine burden Russia’s ability to sustain political stability. Whatever internal tensions and tribulations there might be in Kremlin, the Russian President Vladimir Putin upon still maintaining authority or any other successor executing immediate ceasefire bringing the war in Ukraine to permanent conclusion is the only prudent alternative and saving grace for Russia today.
The political power struggle among old guards and new aspirants in Kremlin could implode alongside Russian invasion in Ukraine experiencing significant blows in the battle ground.
Claiming victory in invasion of foreign land is a tall order for invaders witnessed by the world time and time again in the previous and present century. Russian President Vladimir Putin recognition of ground reality in the military and political battle in Ukraine and Russia respectively is perhaps the last opportunity available. Accordingly, prioritizing the termination of military intrusion in Ukraine with focus on peaceful settlement would be the appropriate decision in all fronts considering the brewing political instability in Russia.
The war in Ukraine for Russia is a self-inflicted political chaos deserving far more attention than any ambitions on annexations of territories in eastern Ukraine and subjugation of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin or the incumbent authority demonstrating courage and leadership with withdrawal of military forces and all activities on land, sea and air raids conducted since incursion in Ukraine is the only viable option to mitigate political turbulence and tremendous upheaval brought upon Russia.
Never too late to be wise and reverse course to prevent precipitous decline to the point of no return.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
Russia – Western Edifice
April 20, 2022
Russia – Western Edifice
Padmini Arhant
The recent exit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan was largely associated by the subject as western conspiracy behind his incomplete term in office, though the development is not unique in Pakistan’s politics.
The outgoing Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan also publicly stated during the rally and address to his nation that the former administration was chided by western represented emissary viz. EU and the United States for the ex- Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow at the onset of Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The former Prime Minister Imran Khan drew parallel in this context by citing the next door neighbor and adversary India’s relation with Russia. The former Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that economic ties between India and Russia in energy and defense procurement continued slighting western sanctions against Russia.
The former Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed disappointment and noted western discriminatory practice against his administration in particular reference to the Moscow trip on the eve of Russian invasion of Ukraine which the ex-Prime Minister and his former cabinet colleagues like the ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Quereshi said was pre-arranged diplomatic tour long before the Ukraine war.
All said and done – here are the glaring dichotomy in the entire international foreign policy.
First of all, the former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s anti-western anguish doesn’t quite fit into the backdrop of the cricket sports star who has been promoted with extravagant publicity from the United States ally Britain with enthusiastic support from Israel.
The cricket sportsman turned politician Imran khan has overwhelmingly enjoyed special favorable coverage from London all along with national media like BBC including Fleet Street fawning over the cricketer never having enough of Mr. Khan’s profile extending beyond the running commentary of first class cricket test match and international series. Although the cricketer Imran Khan led the Pakistan cricket team as the captain and not England with the latter even defeated in the final world cup tournament in 1992 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with Pakistan winning the world cup that year.
As for Israel’s affinity towards Mr. Imran Khan, the sentiment is largely related to Mr.Khan’s former wife Jemima Goldsmith, the British citizen of Jewish descent and wealthy background.
The anti-west turn around from the former Prime Minister Imran Khan prior to political turmoil was conspicuously to appease China. Pakistan’s largest creditor and investor China, especially in the complex CPEC – China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan’s gwadar port is ongoing strenuous undertaking.
On the other hand, Pakistan and Russia relations basically developed following United States and NATO failure in neighboring Afghanistan which in fact is interesting considering Pakistan’s close ties with United States in the aftermath of former Soviet Union’s defeat in Afghanistan earlier. The partners were reversed as situation changed in the two Islamic states.
Russia and Pakistan conducted first joint military exercise in 2016 much to New Delhi’s angst and concern. The relation between the two countries further advanced into arms sales and military training of Pakistan soldiers by Russia in August 2018 and later in 2020 which happens to be during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s term in office.
It is fair to say Russian defense strategy in the Indian sub-continent pivoted towards Pakistan as Moscow noted New Delhi drawn closer towards United States mostly to attract India with defense procurement from the U.S. despite India until now remains the largest buyer of defense hardware from Russia.
There is a shift in partnering in the Indian sub-continent with Moscow wooing Islamabad to convey New Delhi on Moscow’s discomfort regarding India’s intimacy with the United States in defense as well as other strategic alliance such as Quad in the Indo-Pacific.
While this is going on in South Asia, the European and Russian relation beckons focus.
The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visit to Russia on April 12, 2022 after direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin were described by Russian academia and scholars as follows.
“The Austrians stick to more balanced approaches than even the Germans, claiming the role of a global mediator and a negotiating platform. This is why, despite being an EU member, they refused to provide weapons to Ukraine,” Associate Professor with the Department of International Relations, Political Science and Foreign Area Studies at the Russian State University for the Humanities Vadim Trukhachev stated.”
“Austria opposes an oil and gas embargo on Moscow. Vienna depends a lot on Russia in terms of energy. Austria used to be a big advocate of Nord Stream 2. And now, they keep stressing that although they support EU sanctions, their national interests should not suffer. Those interests particularly include Russian gas supplies,” Vladimir Schweitzer, Head of the Department for Social and Political Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Europe noted.”
The major economic power in EU – Germany signed contract with Russia for gas pipeline Nord Stream 1 in 2011 and Nord Steam 2 pipeline back in 2012 during the former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s term in office.
The five large stake holders in the Nord Stream energy pipeline project are – “Shareholders of the company are the Russian gas company Gazprom (51% of shares), German companies Wintershall Dea and PEG Infrastruktur AG (E. ON) (both 15.5%), the Dutch gas company Gasunie (9%), and the French gas company Engie (9%).
OMV, about 32% of which is owned by the Austrian state, has put around 730 million euros ($813.95 million) into Nord Stream 2. The other financial investors in Nord Stream 2 are Shell (SHEL. L), France’s Engie and Germany’s Uniper (UN01.DE) and Wintershall DEA (WINT. UL)” Feb 27, 2022.
According to International Energy Agency – IEA .org
“In 2021, the European Union imported 155 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Russia, accounting for around 45% of EU gas imports and close to 40% of its total gas consumption. Nobody is under any illusions anymore. Russia’s use of its natural gas resources as an economic and political weapon show Europe needs to act quickly…said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.” – IEA Press Release – March 3, 2022.”
International news agency : “The Hungarian government opposes a ban on Russian energy supplies and will continue to defend its position at meetings of the European Union, the country’s Foreign Ministry, Peter Szijjarto said on Monday. He was taking part in a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.”
It is abundantly clear from the international reports and western European energy companies stakes in Russian energy production – Nord stream 1 & 2 pipeline projects, the energy inter-dependency between Russia and EU as supplier and consumer respectively continued till date amid ongoing war in Ukraine with EU members like Austria and NATO ally Hungary defending their stance on anti-sanctions against Russian oil & energy.
Juxtaposed Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s similar position on the Moscow trip and energy deals with Moscow emphasized in Pakistan’s national interest unfortunately resulted in the Pakistan former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ouster from power.
The ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ties with Moscow synonymous to EU counterparts like Austria, Germany, Hungary and others in Western as well as eastern Europe were treated differently causing political change in the islamic state in South Asia.
Yet another contradiction among EU members is while they remain Russian energy importers quoting national requirement, their supply of arms to Ukraine from some EU states is quoted as aiding Ukraine to defend democracy. Notwithstanding they are financing Russian invasion of Ukraine via energy consumption.
Russia on its part positioned as anti-west and anti-NATO apparently has no problem in supplying energy products to any and all of them maintaining cash flow from economic activities with them amidst bombing and shelling Ukraine for over two months now.
In effect, both EU and Russia fearing security threats from each other in the region fail to realize their symmetrical role in the energy deals contributing to Russian financial resources on the one side and Russia enabling NATO military capability with Russian exported energy on the other end. There is no recognition from either in terms of self-generated security reality.
Ukraine in the middle of this predicament expected to be neutral, bare arms and bear the brunt of nuclear Russia and EU convenient economic policy.
In the whole gamut, the Ukrainian civilians are paying the price with their lives and property destroyed in Russian heavy artillery hitting every possible standing structure in Ukrainian cities and coastal towns of the once beautiful country.
Meanwhile, the western edifice is justified as necessity prioritizing economic interests over own security considering the spill over effects already experienced with Ukrainian refugees forced to flee their homeland to neighboring Poland, Hungary and Moldova…
Above all the possibility of prolonged war in Ukraine becoming the protracted battle across Europe cannot be ruled out with the status quo.
Unwise to fuel the fire for it might sooner than later engulf the entire zone.
Had EU then respected Ukraine’s economic relations with Russia in 2014 and refrained from cooperation with United States violent insurrection overthrowing Ukraine’s democratically elected incumbent government of President Viktor Yanukovich in 2014 over Kiev and Moscow economic treaty, the situation could have been economically beneficial and politically peaceful for Ukraine and eastern Europe unlike the present time.
Not to mention, the western dogma – what is good for the goose not appropriate for the gander.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
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Ukraine Conflict – World Food Crisis
April 19, 2022
Ukraine Conflict
World Food Crisis
Padmini Arhant
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflict has been catastrophic not only for Ukrainian citizens but also for the rest of the world.
The food crisis is upon the world population with wheat production and exports from Russia and Ukraine to global regions drastically affected since Russian military intervention in Ukraine.
The population survival impact Russia as well. The economic repercussions outweigh any military and political goals in the war against Ukraine.
All the more reason for Russian Federation and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ceasefire in entirety ending aerial strikes, missiles, rockets and air raids besides naval and ground activities in and around Ukraine.
The immediate and urgent requirement is for Russia and Ukraine to resume peace talks with a sincere commitment to resolve the conflict peacefully through dialogue and discourse abandoning the current aggression and violence.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
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Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
According to International report-
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: One fifth of world’s population about to face food crisis
“The global food price index has reached historic highs as wheat prices rose by 20% in March. According to the United Nations’ estimates, the Ukrainian conflict is putting 1.7 bln people around the world at risk of hunger, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes.
“Russia is one of the major wheat exporters, accounting for about five percent of the world’s total. The special operation has sent wheat prices soaring to record highs.
Forecasts say that Ukraine’s wheat exports will halve, so the market is going to face a shortage of 9.5 million tonnes of wheat. Besides, countries may fail to receive wheat from Russia because of delivery and payment issues stemming from political reasons. Certain countries are extremely likely to face starvation.”
The overall food crisis is creating risks for Russia as well, said TeleTrade Chief Analyst Mark Goikhman. Logistics disruptions may bring down Russia’s crop exports, and accordingly, the revenues of farmers and the country’s budget will drop.
“Russia is unlikely to face food shortages but food prices may continue to rise,” Leading Analyst at Otkritie Investment Oleg Syrovatkin emphasized.”
Ukraine – End to Russian Aggression and Violence
April 11, 2022
Ukraine – End to Russian Aggression and Violence
Padmini Arhant
The post will feature relevant and critical questions seeking direct response and actions from the Russian President Vladimir Putin – the head of the Russian Federation and chief authority authorizing and conducting relentless bombing, shelling in Mariupol, Kharkiv, Kyiv and Sumy leading to decimation of sovereign Ukraine.
Not to mention the grotesque violence and inhumane war crimes committed against innocent civilians in Bucha, Irpin and other towns and territories where Ukrainian population have been subject to serious human rights violations thus far with no end in sight.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022 and continued into the second month with massive destruction of lives and infrastructure.
What is the end game for the Russian President Vladimir Putin?
When is the end if at all anything along that line considered as the option in the so-called special operations from Russia evolved into endless massacre, mass graves and atrocities by distraught, disillusioned and distressed Russian forces on the ground and air deployed in the most violent aggression?
What happened to the peace talks between Ukraine and Russian teams that were in progress to mitigate the crisis?
Why is the Russian President Vladimir Putin committed to violence and prolonged bombardment of Ukraine rather than investment of resources and political will towards peaceful resolution with Ukraine?
These and more questions along with in-depth proposal to wind the Russian military intervention in Ukraine will be presented shortly.
More on the topic will resume with other content.
Padmini Arhant
Author & Presenter
PadminiArhant.com
Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com
Pakistan – Deja Vu
April 10, 2022
Pakistan – Deja Vu
Padmini Arhant
The latest development in Pakistan’s politics is nothing new. In fact it is Deja vu.
The following posts that were published earlier in this domain and sub-domain prove the repeat of events in Pakistan from 2012 replayed in 2022. The episodes again clarify the shadow powers behind political upheavals in Pakistan.
Pakistan democracy survival and sustainability is dependent on Pakistan republic i.e. the people of Pakistan’s will to reject external meddling and influence alongside letting the internal forces know such as Pakistan’s intelligence services (ISI) and army to strictly remain committed to national defense and security besides preventing domestic and cross border terrorism at all costs to save lives all around. This is the most important step moving forward with the new government now and in the future.
Pakistan’s army and intelligence owe the people of Pakistan long overdue freedom and democratic system without being brought down even before the formation of any elected government.
In the seventy five years since India’s partition in 1947, the citizens in Pakistan have been subject to perpetual freedom struggle with little or no hope to emerge and remain an independent sovereign nation. No democratically elected government is allowed to complete the entire term in office leaving Pakistan in the foreign powers’ intended status viz. the failed state and terror haven lacking in political stability without any acknowledgment from the accusers such as foreign forces involvement in Pakistan’s status.
The west has zero tolerance to foreign interference in their election or internal affairs as witnessed in the false claims in 2016 election results.
However similar respect to other nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is not considered necessary by them.
Case in point is United States led insurrection and EU direct engagement in Kiev Maidan Square in Ukraine in 2014 resulted in 2022 status quo. Pakistan and many nations near and far are ruined by western interventionist foreign policy in elections and politics.
It is about time the west recognized, appreciated and practiced the concept of mutual respect and treating others – the nations and their citizens with dignity renouncing imposition of undemocratic principles and conditions attributing vassal statehood.
Pakistan’s youth and general population at large in unison denying access to foreign intrusion in their domestic matter would be the beginning of the end to hegemony control over destiny of millions of citizens in Pakistan.
The post – Pakistan – BBC Projection on General Election was published on July 27, 2018 – Right before Pakistan’s National Election in August 2018 when PTI led by leader Imran Khan was elected to office in 2018.
Please click on the link below and then click on the hyperlink to view content. Thank you.
Pakistan – BBC Projection on General Election
Earlier, the article below was published on June 20, 2012 in reference to Pakistan’s routine political turmoil. At that time it was Pakistan People Party (PPP) government headed by then Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was under fire as elaborated in the article under.
Pakistan – Democracy Under Siege – Published on June 20, 2012.
https://www.padminiarhant.com/pakistan-democracy-under-siege/
Padmini Arhant
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PadminiArhant.com
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