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Demonetisation hasn’t ended terrorism or black money, has it?

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8 years ago

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Demonetisation hasn’t ended terrorism or black money, has it?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Unlike in the US, India’s TV media is busy playing cheerleader for the government

Ranjona Banerji
Look at the way I’ve been treated lately, especially by the media. No politician in history, and I say this with great surety, has been treated worse or more unfairly,” said US President Donald Trump in a speech this week.

Forget the media, the internet took him on with great delight almost immediately. The assassination of Julius Caesar, Nelson Mandela’s 27 years in jail, Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, John F Kennedy’s assassination were amongst the many examples provided of politicians who had perhaps been treated a little bit worse than Trump. And even with the “great surety” of historical proof.

But it is also true that the bulk of the American media has been unrelenting in its coverage of Trump and his presidency. He has not been cut any slack and his decisions have been held up to scrutiny. And to be fair to the media, Trump and his administration have helped. From day one, when Trump boasted that his inauguration ceremony attracted more crowds than any other and Trump aide Kellyanne Conway made that remarkable defence of “alternative facts”, Trump and the media have been at loggerheads.

Other elements of society and commentators have not been far behind. America’s comedians, talk show hosts and actors have been outstanding. Alec Baldwin’s impressions of Trump and Melissa McCarthy’s take on White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, both for SaturdayNight Live, are already classic cult stuff. The more Trump rants and raves against them, the more they continue.

More seriously, the distress with Trump’s arbitrary sackings of people in important positions, his open conflict of interest, his dependence on extreme “alt-right” advisors like Steve Bannon and some members of his family, his ignorance about protocol, American history, constitutional procedure and his disdain for democracy, his connections to Russia, is palpable and real. The many problems with Trump are clear to his own party, not just the opposition. The checks and balances of the American system are straining hard to keep the ship from tilting.

How long has Trump been in office? Not even six months.

By comparison, the Indian media look like novices and invertebrates since the Modi government came to power at the Centre, three years ago in May 2014. Forget the embarrassing gushing by TV anchors during Modi’s NRI function at Madison Square Garden. Forget even the cringe-worthy spectacle of journalists falling over each other trying to get selfies with Modi during a carefully crafted Diwali event. Let’s excuse all that as a ‘honeymoon’ period, quite common in the early days of a political tenure.

Let’s instead look at the media and the last seven months. On November 8, the prime minister announced that over 85 per cent of Indian currency was being taken out of the market in order to flush out black money, clean the economy, stop terrorism and stop counterfeiting. The result of this “demonetisation” exercise was chaos. Some of the chaos was covered by our brave news channels; some woke up to the chaos after people started dying in queues.

The government then changed the gateposts and claimed that the exercise had been done to make India into a “digitised” society and reduce our dependency on cash. Even then, the media continued with ATM queues, without taking up the government’s changing claims and the success rate of any of them. The rules were changed constantly and consistently from November to March, many without much media debate.

In March, after the UP elections, demonetisation was declared a success and over. Till date, there are no figures on how much black money was caught, how much terrorism was stopped, how much counterfeiting was countered and how digitised India had become. All figures available point to the fact that several industries shut down, there have been severe job losses, terrorist incursions from Pakistan continued, politicians and businessmen have been caught hoarding new currency notes and that digitisation has started moving backwards.

The effects of this disastrous move continue to be felt but are covered only by newspapers and news websites. Television news – which drives the agenda in the Indian media – has left the story alone. The past month it has concentrated on triple talaq and its terrible effects on women and on how the opposition and/or liberals have responded to terrorist attacks and Pakistan. Any media worth its salt questions the government in charge on relentless terrorist attacks. But not ours: ours goes back to anyone who is not currently responsible and then puts them through the wringer on some manufactured idea of “nationalism”.

Some of the rightwing media in America is looking to make a scapegoat out of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and anyone else for the mess Trump is in. Is anyone taking them seriously except diehard Trump supporters? What misery for India when the bulk of the media acts like a government cheerleader.

Even now, looking for ways in which to “celebrate” three years of the Modi government, some media outlets have decided instead to look at three years of the “failed opposition”.

What a tragic testament to the loss of integrity and ethics in Indian journalism.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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K M Cherian, eminent Indian cardiac surgeon, passes away

He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London, an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991.

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9 mins ago

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January 26, 2025

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Dr. K.M. Cherian, a towering figure in Indian medical history and a renowned cardiac surgeon, passed away on Saturday night in Bengaluru at the age of 82. His sudden death cast a pall over the nation, leaving a void in the field of cardiology and beyond. He had travelled to Bengaluru to attend a wedding when he unexpectedly collapsed.

His daughter, Sandhya Cherian, confirmed the tragic news, stating that he was rushed to Manipal Hospitals, where he was pronounced dead at 11:55 pm. The medical community mourns the loss of a true giant, a pioneer whose contributions reshaped the landscape of cardiac surgery in India.

Dr. Cherian’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. His pioneering spirit led him to achieve what was once considered impossible in India. In 1975, he etched his name into the annals of medical history by becoming the first surgeon in the country to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

This groundbreaking achievement marked a turning point, paving the way for countless life-saving procedures and advancements in the field. His expertise and dedication earned him international acclaim, transcending geographical boundaries and establishing him as a leading authority in cardiac surgery.

His profound impact on the medical landscape is further exemplified by his instrumental role in the establishment and growth of the Madras Medical Mission (MMM) in Chennai. As Founder, Vice President, and Director of this leading healthcare institution, Dr. Cherian spearheaded its development into a centre of excellence for cardiac care. His vision and leadership nurtured a culture of innovation and excellence, shaping generations of medical professionals and leaving an indelible mark on the institution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Cherian was recognised for his exceptional qualities and numerous accolades. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London, an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991. These honours reflected not only his exceptional surgical skills but also his unwavering commitment to medical excellence and ethical practice.

Even in his final days, Dr. Cherian’s dedication to his profession and his unwavering belief in the importance of compassionate patient care shone through. Just a day before his passing, he participated in the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, where he shared his insights and experiences, emphasizing the crucial role of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship.

His words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring his dedication to ethical medical practice and leaving a lasting impression. The nation mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, a medical visionary whose contributions continue to shape the future of cardiac care in India. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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Padma Awards 2025: Full list of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri awardees

The awards recognize outstanding achievements across all fields, with a focus on public service. The recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the Prime Minister.

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50 mins ago

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January 26, 2025

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The central government announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards on Saturday. These awards, conferred annually on the eve of Republic Day, represent India’s highest civilian honours. They are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a higher order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service).

The awards recognize outstanding achievements across all fields, with a focus on public service. The recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the Prime Minister.

This year, a total of 199 awards were presented: 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. The President of India bestows these awards at a formal ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, typically held in March or April.

List of Padma Award Winners 2024:

Padma Vibhushan:

  • Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy
  • Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar
  • Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia
  • Lakshminarayana Subramaniam
  • MT Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)
  • Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)
  • Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)

Padma Bhushan:

  • A Surya Prakash
  • Anant Nag
  • Bibek Debroy (Posthumous)
  • Jatin Goswami
  • Jose Chacko Periappuram
  • Kailash Nath Dikshit
  • Manohar Joshi (Posthumous)
  • Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti
  • Nandamuri Balakrishna
  • PR Sreejesh
  • Pankaj Patel
  • Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous)
  • Rambahadur Rai
  • Sadhvi Ritambhara
  • S Ajith Kumar
  • Shekhar Kapur
  • Shobana Chandrakumar
  • Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous)
  • Vinod Dham

Padma Shri:

  • Advaita Charan Gadanayak
  • Achyut Ramchandra Palav
  • Ajay V Bhatt
  • Anil Kumar Boro
  • Arijit Singh
  • Arundhati Bhattacharya
  • Arunoday Saha
  • Arvind Sharma
  • Ashok Kumar Mahapatra
  • Ashok Laxman Saraf
  • Ashutosh Sharma
  • Ashwini Bhide Deshpande
  • Baijnath Maharaj
  • Barry Godfray John
  • Begam Batool
  • Bharat Gupt
  • Bheru Singh Chouhan
  • Bhim Singh Bhavesh
  • Bhimawa Doddabalappa Shiilekyathara
  • Budhendra Kumar Jain
  • C S Vaidyanathan
  • Chaitram Deochand Pawar
  • Chandrakant Sheth (Posthumous)
  • Chandrakant Sompura
  • Chetan E Chitnis
  • David R Syiemlieh
  • Durga Charan Ranbir
  • Farooq Ahmad Mir
  • Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid
  • Gita Upadhyay
  • Gokul Chandra Das
  • Guruvayur Dorai
  • Harchandan Singh Bhatty
  • Hariman Sharma
  • Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale
  • Harvinder Singh
  • Hassan Raghu
  • Hemant Kumar
  • Hriday Narayan Dixit
  • Hugh and Colleen Gantzer (Posthumous)
  • Inivalappil Mani Vijayan
  • Jagadish Joshila
  • Jaspinder Narula
  • Jonas Masetti
  • Joynacharan Bathari
  • Jumde Yomgam Gamlin
  • K. Damodaran
  • K L Krishna
  • K Omanakutty Amma
  • Kishore Kunal (Posthumous)
  • L Hangthing
  • Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer
  • Lalit Kumar Mangotra
  • Lama Lobzang (Posthumous)
  • Libia Lobo Sardesai
  • M D Srinivas
  • Madugula Nagaphani Sarma
  • Mahabir Nayak
  • Mamata Shankar
  • Manda Krishna Madiga
  • Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli
  • Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous)
  • Nagendra Nath Roy
  • Narayan (Bhulai Bhai) (Posthumous)
  • Naren Gurung
  • Neerja Bhatla
  • Nirmala Devi
  • Nitin Nohria
  • Onkar Singh Pahwa
  • P Datchanamoorthy
  • Pandi Ram Mandavi
  • Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai
  • Pawan Goenka
  • Prashanth Prakash
  • Pratibha Satpathy
  • Purisai Kannappa Sambandan
  • R Ashwin
  • R G Chandramogan
  • Radha Bahin Bhatt
  • Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy
  • Ramdarash Mishra
  • Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar
  • Ratan Kumar Parimoo
  • Reba Kanta Mahanta
  • Renthlei Lalrawna
  • Ricky Gyan Kej
  • Sajjan Bhajanka
  • Sally Holkar
  • Sant Ram Deswal
  • Satyapal Singh
  • Seeni Viswanathan
  • Sethuraman Panchanathan
  • Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
  • Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)
  • Shyam Bihari Agrawal
  • Soniya Nityanand
  • Stephen Knapp
  • Subhash Khetulal Sharma
  • Suresh Harilal Soni
  • Surinder Kumar Vasal
  • Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)
  • Syed Ainu Hasan
  • Tejendra Narayan Majumdar
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi
  • Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla
  • Vadiraj Raghavendracharya Panchamukhi
  • Vasudeo Kamath
  • Velu Assaan
  • Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar
  • Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj
  • Vijayalakshmi Deshamane
  • Vilas Dangre
  • Vinayak Lohani

Note that “(Posthumous)” indicates the award was given posthumously.

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Republic Day 2025: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says respect differences, live in harmony

Attempting a task without understanding, he warned, is akin to acting like a “lunatic,” leading to wasted effort and potential problems. This concept extended beyond culinary skills to encompass all aspects of life, highlighting the need for informed action and diligent work ethics.

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1 hour ago

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January 26, 2025

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At the 76th Republic Day celebration in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday asserted the importance of unity and understanding in a diverse society. His speech, delivered after unfurling the national flag at a local college, extended beyond the celebratory aspects of the day, focusing on the responsibilities inherent in Indian citizenship.

Bhagwat’s central theme revolved around the need for societal cohesion, a concept he presented as crucial for harmonious coexistence. He acknowledged the presence of diversity within India, contrasting the nation’s approach with global conflicts often fueled by similar differences.

He argued that while individual distinctions and specializations should be respected, they should not overshadow the paramount importance of mutual respect and collaborative living. His analogy extended to the familial and community levels; just as a family requires harmony for its well-being, so too does a town and, ultimately, the nation. Internal conflicts, he implied, undermine the collective good.

He further emphasised the critical role of knowledge and dedication in achieving individual and societal success. Bhagwat used the simple act of cooking rice as a powerful metaphor. He explained that simply possessing the ingredients – rice, water, and heat – is insufficient; the knowledge of how to combine them properly is essential for a successful outcome.

Attempting a task without understanding, he warned, is akin to acting like a “lunatic,” leading to wasted effort and potential problems. This concept extended beyond culinary skills to encompass all aspects of life, highlighting the need for informed action and diligent work ethics.

His message extended into the realm of interpersonal relationships, highlighting the importance of faith and dedication. He contrasted the impersonal service received at a hotel with the welcoming hospitality often found in a home.

At a hotel, a simple request for water might be met with indifference or even hostility. However, at home, a similar request is usually met with generosity and warmth. This difference, he explained, lies in the presence of faith and dedication; actions rooted in trust and commitment invariably yield more positive results. Bhagwat concluded by emphasising that such faith and dedication are vital not only for personal fulfilment but also for building strong, harmonious communities and a thriving nation.

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