The future of cryptocurrencies in India appears uncertain but that has not deterred young Indians from embracing the so-called 'fourth industrial revolution' world, where interconnectivity and smart automation, much of it relying on blockchain technology, drive human civilisation. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has repeatedly warned of macroeconomic instability and even "serious consequences" if cryptocurrencies turn mainstream. The country's monetary authority wants a China-like total ban on crypto, not even allowing these currencies to be treated as investments. Though Parliament's website had listed the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill as one seeking a total ban of cryptocurrencies in the country, it was not presented in the Winter Session. India now has the highest number of cryptocurrency investors in the world.
'We need to retell this history from many different perspectives.'
'Nehru's inability to take religion seriously as a category led to serious errors of judgement in his dealings with the Muslim League, and later, also with the Hindu right.'
In his address to the nation on the eve of 73rd Republic Day, President Kovind noted that democracy, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity form the bedrock of India and stressed that the observance of Fundamental Duties mentioned in the Constitution creates the proper environment for the enjoyment of Fundamental Rights.
A great war memorial goes beyond the list of dead, to contemplation of the phenomenon of war. To me as a civilian, it didn't matter that our war memorial stood under India Gate, a creation of the British; it didn't matter that it didn't name all the fallen. The fact that we embraced it and respected it made it an unforgettable war memorial, notes Shyam G Menon.
Reliance Industries will by 2030 create or enable capacity to generate at least 100 gigawatts of electricity from renewable sources, which can be converted into carbon-free green hydrogen, its chairman Mukesh Ambani said Friday as he outlined a 1-1-1 vision to bring down the cost of hydrogen to under $1 per 1 kg in 1 decade. The focus on generating electricity from renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind -will help cut carbon emissions in the world's third-largest greenhouse gas emitter. The same electricity, when converted into green hydrogen, can replace petrol and diesel in automobiles and other fuels in the industry, helping cut down on the use of fossil fuels, carbon emissions and reduce import dependence.
'The richness of Buddhism makes it possible for us to create these stories and to interpret them.'
The South Asian nations could script a new history of cooperation and prosperity that could serve as an example for other nations, notes Dr Rahul Mishra.
For the current woes of the state to end, in city after city, town after town, village after village, unauthorised constructions have to be removed, no questions asked, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
'Mr Vajapyee felt that you could pray to any god or not pray at all, but the country comes first.'
'The Citizenship Amendment Bill is a classic case of short-term gain over-riding long-term interest. 'We must welcome all persecuted minorities from our neighbouring countries and not just Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists,' says Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
'Where should shudra-OBCs go because of whom the nation is surviving?'
'Watching these actors is like a masterclass.' 'All that I've done so far pales in comparison.'
Feeling "hurt" by the Delhi gang rape and other recent incidents of crimes against women, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said a society which cannot provide security and dignity to its women is not worth considering a civilised one.
Leaders hope the Ayodhya temple ceremony would pave way for harmony.
We used to hear of the Modi-Shah pair as the hyphenated top of the BJP leadership. Lately, the hyphen has disappeared and it is only Modi at the top. Yogi Adityanath gets honourable mentions, but he is still a good distance away from being anointed a worthy successor, observes Shreekant Sambrani.
'Instead of developing the capacity, capability and strength to fight our external enemies, we are turning our own people against each other.'
The president also said that the press would be failing in its duty if it does not pose questions to the powers.
'From now on, every time Modi takes a foreign dignitary in his arms, the Indians will remember how he was taken aback when an Indian indulged in hugplomacy,' says Amulya Ganguli.
'Every actor has gone through the situation of his work drying up. I am no exception.'
Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Communist Party of China at the historic Tiananmen Square, Xi in over an hour-long address also said that integrating Taiwan with the Chinese mainland is a historic mission of the ruling party.
Neeraj MS, 25, a social worker at NIMHANS in Bangalore shares some tips:
Subhash K Jha picks five unforgettable Hindi films that capture the inequality of the caste system.
In a series of tweets, Mahathir Mohamad had said that 'Muslims have a right to be angry and kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past'. It sparked an angry outburst on social media with many users calling out the former Malaysian prime minister.
From April 1 next year, over 600 state-run Madrassas will be converted into upper primary, high and higher secondary schools with no change of status, pay, allowances and service conditions of the teaching and non-teaching staff.
Our first contact from an advanced civilization could be equivalent to when Native Americans first encountered Christopher Columbus and things "didn't turn out so well", Hawking said in a new online film.
'A setback in UP will be nothing short of a political disaster on the eve of the 2024 general election.' 'Will it mean that Modi will be able to stay in his new house only for a year after it becomes ready?' asks Amulya Ganguli.
Swaraj also said that she is in constant touch with Indian high commission.
'Modi has visited all these three countries (the UAE more than once, inexplicably) but has left out Kuwait and Oman, the two Gulf countries that are closest to India in their political, cultural and civilisational ethos,' notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
President Pranab Mukherjee has yet again come out with an appeal for practicing tolerance and to accept differences while respecting dissent, in remarks that come in the midst of growing intolerance in the country.
The President asked, "Is tolerance and acceptance of dissent on the wane?"
'The individuals whom this government and its media call 'Urban Naxals' should not have been arrested.' 'In any civilised democracy (which India is not) this would not have happened,' argues Aakar Patel.
Pakistan parliament on Thursday adopted a unanimous resolution against the caricatures published by French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, saying it is a deliberate attempt to 'widen misunderstandings among civilisations' and incite violence.
A group of Bharatiya Janata Party workers jostled former Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury on Thursday and even defaced the nameplate outside her Saket residence, the act inviting sharp criticism from various quarters, including from the party's leadership.
Asserting that the Lokpal cannot completely wipe out corruption which is as old as the civilisation itself, Team Anna member Justice N Santosh Hegde on Monday said that if the menace could be contained up to 60-70 per cent, "we would be very strong".
'I'm the daughter of both one of the oldest civilisations in the world (India) and one of the most multicultural societies in the world (Australia).'
'A country cannot be run on lines that everyone should be in agreement and those who disagree should be silenced.' 'If this is how they look at democracy, then I can only wish good luck to the future of parliamentary democracy in India.'
Condemning the killing of a senior journalist of English tabloid Mid-Day in Mumbai on Saturday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said no civilised society can tolerate this kind of attack on the freedom of the press."This act has challenged the freedom of press and the perusal of objective reporting. This incident is a sign of insanity perpetuated by mindless individuals in which innocent citizens are killed," she said.
