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Indian Science Congress: attempt to restore past ‘glory’ makes India laughing stock

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In their endeavour to get over an inferiority complex, the ludicrous and ridiculous attempts by some participants at Indian Science Congress (ISC) to find scientific achievements in mythological tales have attracted attention of not just Indian media but international attention.

Coming on the back of similar assertions by one or two members on earlier occasions when the annual event was held after Narendra Modi government assumed office – with the Prime Minister himself talking about Lord Ganesha as an example of plastic surgery being practised in ancient India – this year has seen a surge in such ‘findings’ being presented at the ISC held at Jalandhar.

A science news portal Phys.org reported: “The distinguished gathering of Indian researchers and scientists hosts Nobel laureates, but in recent years has seen Hindu mythology and faith-based theories edging onto the agenda.”

The Indian Scientific Congress Association expressed “serious concern” as the unorthodox remarks aired by prominent academics at its annual conference attracted condemnation and ridicule.

At this year’s congress, Andhra University Vice Chancellor G Nageshwar Rao cited an ancient Hindu text as proof that stem cell research was discovered on the subcontinent thousands of years ago.

“We had 100 Kauravas from one mother because of stem cell and test tube technology,” said Nageshwar Rao, referring to the story from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Rao, who was addressing school children and scientists at the event, also said demon king Ravana from another centuries-old Hindu epic Ramayana had two dozen aircraft and a network of landing strips in modern-day Sri Lanka.

“Hindu Lord Vishnu used guided missiles known as ‘Vishnu Chakra’ and chased moving targets,” added the professor of inorganic chemistry.

Rao then explained evolution and human civilization while talking about the Dasavatara or 10 incarnations of Vishnu – from ‘Matsya avatar’ (fish) through ‘Kachchhap’ (Tortoise, an amphibian) to Varaha (pig) and man.

Another scientist from an university in the southern state of Tamil Nadu who was speaking at the conference said that Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein were both wrong and that gravitational waves should be renamed as “Narendra Modi Waves” while the gravitational lensing effect in physics would be renamed as “Harsh Vardhan effect”.

Dr KJ Krishnan reportedly said Newton failed to “understand gravitational repulsive forces” and Einstein’s theories were “misleading”.

He went on to claim that electricity and magnetism were the same phenomena.

India is no stranger to prominent figures debasing science or citing ancient Hindu texts like the Puranas and Vedas as ironclad evidence of the country’s technological prowess. Hindu mythology and religion based theories have increasingly become part of the Indian Science Congress agenda.

But academics said remarks at this year’s ongoing summit were even more astounding than usual.

Indian scientists have hit out at speakers at a major science conference for making irrational claims.

Critics said ancient texts are still to be read and enjoyed – but it was nonsense to suggest they were science.

The Indian Scientific Congress Association (ISCA) expressed serious concern at the remarks.

“We don’t subscribe to their views and distance ourselves from their comments. This is unfortunate,” Premendu P Mathur, general secretary of Indian Scientific Congress Association, told AFP news agency.

“There is a serious concern about such kind of utterances by responsible people,” he said.

Last year, India’s junior education minister, Satyapal Singh, told an engineering awards ceremony that airplanes were first mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic, Ramayana and the first working plane was invented by an Indian named Shivakar Babuji Talpade eight years before the Wright brothers.

He also said Darwin’s theory of evolution was wrong, and vowed to change the national school curriculum to reflect that.

In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a gathering of doctors and medical staff at a Mumbai hospital that the story of the Hindu god Ganesha – whose elephant head is attached to a human body – showed cosmetic surgery existed in ancient India.

In the Mumbai session in January 2015, Anand J Bodas, principal of a pilot training school in Kerala and Ameya Jadhav, lecturer at a Mumbai junior college, presented a paper within a symposium titled ‘Ancient Sciences Through Sanskrit’. Bodas and Jadhav claimed that ancient Indians had invented aircraft that could fly in multiple directions and had even reached other planets. They cited as reference a text known as the ‘Vaimanika Shastra’, which has descriptions and some diagrams of what have been claimed to be ancient aircraft. The text, claimed to have been written by the Vedic sage Bharadwaja is, however, dated to 1904 and scientists earlier had concluded that the designs in it were unrealistic and such aircraft could not have taken off, much less been capable of inter-planetary travel. Prior to the congress, noted scientists had objected to the paper being presented because of its pseudo-scientific nature.

At the same symposium, other papers were presented on ‘Engineering applications of ancient Indian botany’, ‘Neuro-science of yoga’ and ‘Advances in surgery in Ancient India’, all of which claimed ancient Indians had made fantastic inventions predating ideas in the West in the Early Modern period.

Addressing delegates at the session, Union science and technology minister Harsh Vardhan claimed that ancient Indian mathematicians had discovered the Pythagoras theorem “but very gracefully allowed the Greeks to take the credit”.

He also misquoted Stephen Hawking as praising the Vedas for containing a “theory superior to that of Einstein’s e equals mc squared equation”.

The education minister for the western state of Rajasthan said in January 2017 that it was important to “understand the scientific significance” of the cow, as it was the only animal in the world to both inhale and exhale oxygen.

The Breakthrough Science Society, an Indian-based educational charity, said it was “astounded and even horrified” at the remarks made at an academic summit. “Puranic verses and epics are poetic, enjoyable, contain moral elements and rich in imagination but not scientifically constructed or validated theories,” the group said in a statement Sunday.

“Such a hallowed assembly of scientists has been misused to make false and chauvinistic claims about ancient India.”

Mainstream scientists expressed displeasure over the claims made at ISC. Regarding the latest lecture by the Andhra University VC, the Indian Science Congress Association has expressed shock. “I feel very sad about the type of things he presented before the children. I had told our team to keep a check and that nothing unscientific should be spoken about from the stage. It is shocking when a person of the stature of a state university VC speaks like this,” said ISCA general president Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti, a biologist.

“All the abstracts of the papers to be presented at the sessions were scrutinised properly. The research papers were all above board and had no unscientific claims. However Rao came just for a talk at the Children’s Congress. The speech was not vetted as it must have been assumed that a vice-chancellor could give an inspiring talk to the children. I will now have to check how Rao got invited to give the lecture and whether there was a hint of what the contents of it would be,” Chakrabarti added.

ISCA general secretary Premendu P Mathur said, “Science is based on citation, logical explanation and experimentation. Had I been there, I would have questioned him about it. One should have asked him for evidence.”

Such claims have led to noted scientists staying away from sessions of the congress in the past. In 2016, Indian-born Nobel laureate V Ramakrishnan, a biologist at Cambridge University, had objected to religious ideas being mixed with science. “I attended the congress once and very little science was discussed. I will never attend it again. The idea that Indians had aircraft 2000 years ago sounds almost essentially impossible to me.

On Sunday, representatives from the Akhila Karnataka Vicharavadigala Vedike (Karnataka Rationalists’ Forum), and Breakthrough Science Society (BSS), an organisation of scientists and researchers that seeks to popularise science, as well as other organisations held a silent protest with placards outside the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.

“We had met the ISC Association president after the Mumbai session in 2015 and handed him a petition raising our concerns. After that we’ve had the congress in Mysuru, Tirupati, and so on, and the same things continue. People must ask the organisers how they allow this,” Rajani KS, secretary, BSS Karnataka, said.

BSS will hold protests in multiple Indian cities on Monday, including outside Andhra University to protest claims by its V-C, G Nageswara Rao, that Kauravas were born using stem cell technology , and Ravana had 24 types of aircraft.

CNR Rao, noted chemistry professor said, “I avoid attending sessions of the congress. If I attend, it might appear as if I am endorsing these statements and claims.”

The 106th Indian Science Congress is being held in Jalandhar, from January 4 to 7. The principal goals of the congress are “to advance and promote the cause of science in India and to hold an annual congress at a suitable place in India”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Indian exporters may face higher tariff under Trump’s America First agenda

The US stands as India’s largest trading partner, with annual trade exceeding $190 billion.

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With Donald Trump all set to become the 47th President of the United States, Indian exporters may face high customs duties on products such as automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals if the new administration pursues its “America First” agenda, according to trade experts.

The experts have also indicated that Trump might tighten H-1B visa regulations, which could raise costs and hinder growth for Indian IT companies. With over 80 per cent of India’s IT export revenues stemming from the US, these changes could make the sector vulnerable to shifts in visa policy.

The US stands as India’s largest trading partner, with annual trade exceeding $190 billion.

Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), said that Trump might extend tariffs beyond China to include India and other nations, citing Trump’s earlier statement that India is a large tariff abuser and his October 2020 statement labeling the country as the tariff king. These comments hint at the likelihood of more challenging trade negotiations during Trump’s second term.

“His America First strategy is expected to advocate for protective measures, including reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, which could hinder key exports such as automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, diminishing their competitiveness in the US market,” Srivastava stated.

However, he also said that a tougher US policy towards China could potentially open up new markets for Indian exporters.

The bilateral trade in goods between the two countries stood at $120 billion in 2023-24 as against $129.4 billion in 2022-23.

A GTRI report had earlier stated that according to WTO’s World Tariff Profiles 2023, the US also imposes high duties on items like dairy products (188 per cent), Fruits and vegetables (132 per cent), cereals and food preparations (193 per cent), oilseeds, fats and oils (164 per cent), beverages and tobacco (150 per cent).

International trade expert Biswajit Dhar remarked that Trump is likely to increase tariffs across different sectors to fulfill his MAGA (Make America Great Again) mandate. “With Trump’s return to power, we are headed toward a new era of protectionism,” Dhar predicted, pointing out that sectors such as electronics might be adversely affected.

Furthermore, Dhar raised concerns about the future of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), emphasising, based on Trump’s past decision to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), there may be uncertainty surrounding IPEF’s stability. Launched on May 23, 2022, the 14-nation bloc could face challenges ahead.

Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), stated, “While we might see Trump advocating for more balanced trade, disputes around tariffs are likely to arise amid rising protectionist trends and stricter immigration policies.”

Agneshwar Sen, Partner for Tax and Economic Policy (International Trade) at EY India, said that the US might strategically implement high tariffs to promote domestic manufacturing and adjust existing supply chains, potentially leading to increased tariffs on Indian exports such as textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and engineering products.

“India may need to look for alternative markets, which would be challenging, or consider retaliatory tariffs on US exports. Alternatively, we should prepare for a trade deal that is appealing to the US, not only protecting our existing interests but also facilitating new opportunities,” Sen noted.

Additionally, Srivastava pointed out that Trump’s concerns regarding outsourcing could result in policy changes affecting IT exports. H-1B visa regulations are crucial for facilitating the movement of skilled IT professionals from India. “A stricter immigration approach from Trump could potentially alter visa rules, thereby raising costs for Indian IT companies,” he explained, PTI reported.

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FIR filed against Mithun Chakraborty for provocative speech

According to reports, the complaint against Chakraborty pertains to a speech he made during a BJP programme at the EZCC in Salt Lake area on October 27, based on which police registered an FIR at Bidhannagar South Police Station.

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A case was registered against actor-turned-BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty by West Bengal Police on Wednesday for allegedly delivering a provocative speech during a party programme in North 24 Parganas district last month.

According to reports, the complaint against Chakraborty pertains to a speech he made during a BJP programme at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Salt Lake area on October 27, based on which police registered an FIR at Bidhannagar South Police Station.

The programme, which took place in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was organised to kick off the West Bengal leg of the BJP’s membership drive.

“We have started an investigation into the case,” said a senior officer of Bidhannagar police reported by PTI.

BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar described the FIR a result of vendetta politics. Chakraborty has not commented on the FIR yet.

“There is nothing provocative in his speech. These are nothing but attempts to intimidate him by using police as a political tool,” the BJP state president said.

Chakraborty, who was awarded India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, earlier this year, asserted on October 27 that the “masnad” (throne) of West Bengal will be claimed by the BJP following the 2026 Assembly elections. He pledged to utilise all necessary efforts to accomplish this objective.

During his address at a program organised by the EZCC, Chakraborty stated, “In 2026, the masnad will be ours, and we will undertake all actions required to achieve this goal.”

In reference to TMC MLA Humayun Kabir’s communal comments directed at BJP supporters during the Lok Sabha elections, Chakraborty cautioned against any attempts to intimidate voters affiliated with the saffron party, encouraging them not to abstain from participating in the forthcoming Assembly elections. He called upon the booth-level workers of the BJP to firmly resist any such efforts.

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Amid ruckus over special status resolution, Jai Shri Ram chants echo in J&K Assembly

The intense protests from BJP members led to multiple interruptions in the proceedings, ultimately prompting the speaker to adjourn the session for the day.

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On Wednesday, chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ echoed through the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly amid ruckus over the passing of a resolution calling for a dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives regarding the restoration of the erstwhile state’s special status.

The Assembly witnessed chaos after the resolution’s approval, as BJP members surged into the well of the House, tearing copies of the document and directing slogans at the speaker and the National Conference (NC) government.

The intense protests from BJP members led to multiple interruptions in the proceedings, ultimately prompting the speaker to adjourn the session for the day.

As tensions escalated, NC and BJP representatives exchanged sharp remarks while opposition members raised various slogans, including ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ ‘August 5 Zindabad,’ ‘Vande Mataram,’ ‘Anti-national Agenda Nahi Chalega,’ ‘Anti-Jammu Agenda Nahi Chalega,’ ‘Pakistani Agenda Nahin Chalega,’ and ‘Speaker Hai Hai’.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Sharma, accused the speaker of bias, asserting, “Reports indicate that you (the speaker) convened a meeting of ministers yesterday to draft the resolution yourself.”

“We condemn the introduction of the bill by NC-Cong aimed at reinstating Article 370, deeming it unconstitutional and misleading. J&K legislative Assembly is not above the parliament and Supreme Court of India, which upheld the abrogation of Article 370. Abdullah family cannot restore 370 even after taking a thousand generations,” he said, speaking to the media.

Another BJP member, Sham Lal Sharma, claimed that the resolution was prepared in collusion with the speaker in a guest house.

Sharma further argued that the Assembly election mandate supported the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting that the BJP secured 26 per cent of the votes compared to NC’s 23 per cent. He urged the speaker to act independently, accusing him of behaving like an NC leader during the proceedings.

The Assembly approved the resolution by voice vote amidst the uproar from BJP members. The resolution, introduced by J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, sought to restore the special status that was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019.

Choudhary’s resolution emphasised the significance of the special status and constitutional guarantees that protected the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, expressing concern over their removal.

It urged the Government of India to commence dialogue with elected representatives from Jammu and Kashmir to restore the special status and constitutional protections, while ensuring that any restoration process respects both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the region’s residents.

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