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

United States – Soaring Inflation

June 10, 2022

United States – Soaring Inflation

Padmini Arhant

The soaring inflation beginning with gas price at $7.00 and higher having domino effects on food and other essential goods and services is a burgeoning issue for people living with pay check to paycheck and those with meager savings in the economy.

There appears to be no immediate relief in easing skyrocketing inflation hurting consumer base again directly affecting business sectors in the economy.

The federal reserve inflationary control measures and government economic policy if at all any are yet to deliver necessary correction in inflation reminiscent of 70’s energy crisis leading to severe economic downturn.

The war in Ukraine brought upon Ukrainians from the western viz. United States and EU insurrection against then democratically elected government in 2014 is the result of deaths and devastation in the battle ground combined with nuclear threat from Russia.

The energy crises resulting from the ongoing war in Ukraine and further hindrances in food supply viz. wheat, soy, sugar etc. from Ukraine and Russia to other parts of the world have dramatic impact on the domestic and global economy.

Meanwhile, the global demand on crude oil now largely resting on the oil producing nations in the Middle East and others like Venezuela with sanctions on Russian energy imports only applicable to non-western nations is nothing new.

The Russian energy flow into western Europe such as Germany, Austria and Finland to name a few besides EU and NATO ally Hungary having categorically rejected the sanctions protocol claiming similar  scenario on meeting domestic requirements as priority are not only double standards but also reflect paradoxical western position in funding the Ukrainian invasion.

Amid these contradictory rules and activities, the energy price at the gas stations are record high in history taking toll on average and middle class already enduring economic pain from COVID and at present forced to contend with excruciating inflation in the absence of positive economic trend.

The market reaction and performance lately with Dow Jones dropping 700 points along with S&P 500 and NASDAQ precipitous slide are clearly indicative of inflation and lack of prudent economic solutions behind the present serious nonetheless preventable decline.

There is an urgent requirement for pragmatic and economically viable interjections to contain rising inflation in conjunction with diversifying energy resources improving and increasing energy distribution for affordability across the economy.

Unfortunately, there are no information or strategies made publicly known from the relevant monetary and fiscal authorities to ease growing concerns and frustration among consumers dealing with extraordinary economic struggles since COVID related shutdown and ongoing inflation debacle.

Obviously, the critical topics are inflation and energy price that are interlinked with a strangle hold on people especially in the middle and lower income groups deprived of any options in the economic strife leaving the poor and the poorest status abysmal.

What is the government plan of action on surging inflation?

What are the remedies pursued by the federal reserve other than interest rates hike with stagflation projected in the global economy?

What are the immediate possibilities to calm the inflation storm, energy costs, boost employment  opportunities, stabilize economic conditions across the spectrum and last but not the least soothe investor apprehensions in the volatile economic climate?

The Ukraine war must end with Russia’s divestment in economy over expansionism via military aggression exceeding 100 days in Ukraine. The only guaranteed outcome benefitting both sides i.e. Russia and Ukraine is permanent ceasefire and peaceful dispute settlement on all matter. The military engagement is proved counterproductive and exacerbated resources, morale and human lives with irreversible tragedy.

The western foreign policy engineered towards diplomacy and dialogue in ending Ukraine war is pertinent to global peace, security and economic recovery.

The economic factors such as inflation and energy rates at the gas pump are the burning issues for ordinary men and women representing the work force, consumers and tax payers in the economy worldwide.

Suffice to say those behind gain of function research triggering the global pandemic and big pharma have enormously profiteered from COVID disaster.

The defense sector viz. the military industrial complex and western governments on their part supplying weapons to Ukraine while procuring energy from Russia have secured multi-billions in arms trade to Ukraine having destabilized the once relatively peaceful country in 2014.

Let there be no more time wasted in cliché on Hollywood fame defamation trial and Jan 6, 2021 fiasco. The late night show hosts paid millions of dollars as propagandists with pre-recorded captive audience fake applause and social media attempts to deflect public attention with platitudes and parody are imposed as entertainment.

Meanwhile, there are no investigations or discussion on western violent intrusion overthrowing democratic power in Ukraine in 2014 and recently ejecting Pakistan’s government under former Prime Minister Imran Khan causing political chaos and further economic derailment in that part of the world.

The stark reality – the people survival is challenging more than ever deserving long overdue focus and respite from the deteriorating situation.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter

PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

P.S.                                                                      Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Pakistan affairs. 

Is Poverty Inherited or Imposed?

May 24, 2022

Is Poverty Inherited

or

Imposed?

Padmini Arhant

Is Poverty Inherited or Imposed?

There are different perceptions on poverty.

Poverty is often associated with social and economic background.

However, the question arise on generational poverty.

Why do some demography in society experience no social and economic progress over generations?

Who is to blame for the impoverishment of children dwelling in slums and shanty towns right beneath skyscrapers or high rise penthouse towers in metropolis of the world?

What causes many segments in society to remain poor, sick and hopeless in life?

Could this all be entirely the fault of individual, the family or the community they belong to leaving them in abject poverty with no changes in financial status?

Or

Would it be fair to hold the political, economic and social systems responsible for endless misery among overwhelming population in the world?

What about the government and economic sector role or the lack thereof to alleviate poverty across the spectrum rather than selective population?

Should education, basic facilities like clean drinking water, food, electricity and health care centers be reaching the poorest of the poor in urban, rural and remote areas of the country worldwide?

Who should decide the fate of every citizen in a country that are generationally oppressed, persecuted and denied any rights over several decades?

Is the poor remaining poor and the middle class struggling to make ends meet regardless of two or three income providers in a family related to government failure on economic management like inflation, unemployment, food shortages, fuel pricesand gross negligence in addressing crises in country?

What about the notion – poverty and economic suffering are designed for exploitation of the economically disadvantaged to serve in the work force as employees, national army though increasingly utilized as political leaderships’ private army witnessed in foreign military interventions and above all meeting exclusive and fiduciary interests of those reining control from behind the scenes and upfront.

First and foremost, corruption and greed are the bedrock of evil in society and the world at large.

Systemic corruption in politics with pervasive impact on economy, communication media, education, social, religious and general society hinder growth and development across the regions of state and nation.

Lawlessness among those held above law in politics, economy, diverse media, social and religious domains shun transparency and accountability.

Wars with illegal invasion and occupation of sovereign nations directly related to inflicting poverty and social destruction leaving families with widows, orphaned children, permanently disabled father, brother or any earning members wounded and crippled for life in warfare. All of these situations lead to severe poverty and miserable economic conditions.

Last but not the least, selective powerful, influential and affluent members control over global affairs lacking in scrutiny and openness barring public access to information on policy, strategy and planning contribute to secrecy and hypocrisy.

The hypocrisy arising from the unlawful spying, snooping, 24/7 surveillance of private citizens life, space and privacy intrusion to name a few among many criminal indulgence, while collusion in secret locations restricting citizen press or public to participate in policy making on world issues and humanity at large is entitlement to them.

The worst is despite these members’ occupation of taxpayers expended accommodation which are typically the people’s house unlike the private citizen’s home fraudulently claimed as such, the public as taxpayers have to deal with the wrath of violence even leading to fatality when gunned down with 29 or more bullets exhausting the magazine on unarmed civilian in the alleged trespassing of the public funded national property i.e. government residence.

Accordingly, poverty is imposed and not always inherited over generations to maintain status quo.

Defeating corruption, abandoning discreet operations using taxpayers money and subjecting illegal activities and actions to the same rule of law is the initial step towards economic relief amongst population subjugated in extreme poverty.

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

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

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

PadminiArhant.com

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.”

United States – Rising Inflation

October 1, 2021

United States – Rising Inflation 

Padmini Arhant

The great reset from World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland and COVID-19 induced global economy shut down in 2020 extended into mid 2021 cost lives and livelihoods across the spectrum.  The federal and certain states stimulus checks to alleviate dire financial difficulties among vast majority of population in the United States might have provided some relief but did not end economic plight. 

The retail industry together with millions of small and medium size businesses paid enormous price in the pandemic year despite economic assistance to some in the form of paycheck protection program to retain employees on payroll and other small business loans to survive the lockdown period. 

The current inflation is reflected in essential consumer goods and services posing a major challenge for average citizens in the absence of necessary economic growth. The job market is yet to project reasonable employment status that guarantees steady and stable household income. Amid grim economic situation, the all time high inflation is a serious concern for citizens with minimal or no income. 

The Federal Reserve intervention adjusting the prime rate on interest and other borrowings to curb inflation might be standard response. Following the federal reserve course in this regard, the impact on the housing market would not be entirely favorable to first home buyers or homeowners planning to sell or refinance upon interest rates hikes to correct rising inflation.

The balancing act weighs heavily on the Federal Reserve monetary policy and government’s fiscal policy to control inflation. 

United States Congress multi trillion dollar spending on infrastructure and social welfare bills arguably to stimulate economy with job creation and consumer spending underestimate underlying repercussions in exceeding limits especially the customary debt ceiling raised under every administration to circumvent explosive budget deficit. 

The luxury of printing money for various purposes in the wish list is a privilege not necessarily a game changer in delivering the desirable outcome. The fact of the matter is at the end of the day the economic ramifications adversely affect average citizens saddled with generational debt beyond recourse. The national debts in return burden the economy attracting bidders in the global market to leverage positions in many aspects.

The Congressional spending strategy deviating from prudent economic stimuli signal precarious conditions beginning with inflation and diminishing consumer power. The employment figures remaining lower than the expected margin and economic activities not fully resumed in the declining pandemic, the inflation impetus corrective measures to avert major economic crises. 

United States Congress and Federal Reserve combined efforts to stymie inflation represents the priority prior to any other economic endeavors in the multi-trillion dollar spending proposals pending bipartisan approval. 

The tax relief to businesses facilitating hiring, expansion and development are key factors in stimulating economic progress rather than the contrary that invariably drives major corporations offshore viz. China or other destinations. Similarly, small businesses and retail industry in the aftermath of prolonged economic shut down have no means of revival. The tax incentives to this sector is appropriate and urgently required for renewal. 

The government spending downsizing federal agencies and other areas of sprawling activities yielding no benefits wasting tax dollars are to be focused in containing expenditure. 

The staggering national budget deficit with phenomenal government undertakings in the backdrop of printing money is not healthy for the dollar as international reserve currency confronted with alternatives in the global economy. 

In conclusion, inflation drains common citizens wallet and depletes economy leading to banana republic experienced in many parts of the world. The monetary and fiscal authorities immediate actions to stabilize economy and escalating inflation is the preliminary step towards economic recovery.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author $ Presenter

PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com 

India – Constitution and Democracy under Siege

December 16, 2019

India – Constitution and Democracy under Siege

Padmini Arhant

Reiterating earlier call for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to step down from office in light of status quo specifically deteriorating law and order deploying undemocratic means using public funded law enforcement and other cadre to silence democracy resulting in innocent lives deaths and unlawful detention of peaceful participants voicing their legitimate concern over the unconstitutional Citizenship Amendment Act and religion biased Naturalization law. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah’s religion and caste oriented politics is the epitome of their political career. BJP government desperate attempts to distract citizens attention from burgeoning economic issues such as high unemployment in all sectors, agrarian crisis, decline in economic growth and productivity, massive banking fraud severely affecting banking industry creating panic and frustration among common depositors having lost all their savings earlier from PM Narendra Modi’s disastrous demonetization and now in the state run banks mismanagement of public funds allowing unscrupulous members associated with political parties and economic sector to default and abscond on government and political opposition watch is merely the tip of the iceberg.

Since assuming office in the second term touted as Modi 2.0 by state operated media and other communication outlets, PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah together embarked on controversial and counterproductive topics beginning with Article 370 abrogation, Criminalizing Triple Talaq (Divorce) among Muslim community while turning a blind eye to similar or worse situations among Hindus and other demography, declaring Lord Ram Temple construction through hamstrung Supreme Court’s final verdict on the embattled Babri Masjid (Mosque) site in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh comprising largest Muslim population…are BJP’s election manifesto preliminary actions. 

Lately, PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah rammed Naturalization Law and Citizenship Amendment Act cherry picking three neighbors in the entire India sub-continent and South Asia. They are Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh isolating Muslims in religion based asylum in the Northeast and rest of India. PM Narendra Modi justified the conspicuous discrimination against Muslims in this process stating they belonged to the majority in their country of origin compared to the BJP government empathized groups viz. Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and Parsis in those three nations ignoring the persecuted Sri Lankan Tamils living in Indian Southern State Tamilnadu and elsewhere who are ardent followers of Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma  evident in Hindu Temples erasement in Sri Lanka during ethnic cleansing by recently re-emerged Mahinda Rajapaksha regime (not without backend international and Indian political maneuver) in Colombo.

Likewise, the ostracized Rohingya muslims as minority in Myanmar with children, elderly and women upon arrival on Indian soil were expelled on unsubstantiated terrorism charges by this government showing little or no consideration for gross human rights violations experienced by them in Myanmar.

The irony in the ongoing catastrophic strategy of transforming India into a Hindu State and welcoming Hindu minorities from Muslim majority nations in the neighborhood completely neglects the plight and miseries of so-called Dalits, Adivasis (Natives), Indigenous, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Backward Class, Other Backward Class (OBC) representing overwhelming majority Hindus subject to atrocities and extreme violence from Hindutva zealots under the pretext of cow vigilantes tied to organizations viz. Bhartiya Gau Raksha Dal / Indian Cow Protection Organization and other fundamentalist groups directly operating under RSS run BJP nationwide. Notwithstanding the land confiscations from various tribes and farmers to benefit certain corporate families like Gautam Adhani, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani and the likes having close ties with the government and political class in general.

The interesting factor is the BJP government in New Delhi and other states /provinces have long been involved in beef export to near and far destinations amid fomenting violence leading to mob lynching on this issue against muslims and people determined as social outcasts referred to as Dalits in society.

Where is the humanitarianism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah towards sweeping majority i.e. the designated lower caste Hindus enduring generational prejudice in urban areas and untouchability in rural parts of the country with the practice institutionalized in the past five years of BJP government?

The incumbent government’s consistent pattern in utilizing polarization politics to deflect mass grievance and anger over economic woes to BJP manufactured social and humanitarian chaos confirms the administration’s inability to effectively address the growing economic problems demanding prompt solutions that appears to be unavailable given the government priority on anything other than the economy.

The government selective raids and investigation on corruption scandals excluding large swath of members within and among alliances in addition to corporate favorites and celebrities in the entertainment with an alarming record of tax evasions, offshore hoarding in tax havens, black money and embezzlements reported in Panama Gate and other national as well as international corruption exposures barely attract the authorities interest.

Contrarily, in neighboring Pakistan, the Panama Gate revelation caused political storm ousting the accused former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and family with imprisonment freezing the assets of Sharif family for fraudulent dealings and illegal wealth amassment in the economically struggling nation with substantial population in abject poverty. 

India is no different in terms of impoverishment with the poor and poorest survival hanging in balance by the minute of their lives whilst the rich, famous and powerful stashing wealth overseas and in disguised investments lasting several generations are untouchable and held above law. The reverence and constant adulations of them making headlines and in news columns overcast criminal indulgence exempting them from any inquiry and rule of law.

Indian politics has evolved into betting, bidding and bareknuckle crony capitalism. The corporate run government with major political party deploying underhanded tactics to intimidate and lure members of opposition is heading towards consolidating power unbridled in enforcing and executing policies and agenda rejecting consequential upheavals from such endeavors. 

The fragmented and fragile Indian opposition fraught with internal strife pose no threats to the ruling BJP having successfully established the horse trading in forming or toppling government at regional and national level.

The opposition has no meaning or relevance witnessed in latest state assembly elections with parties forging alliance regardless of political ideology and platform sharing the common goal to access power even if that calls for alternating terms in office.

The victim in the current political, economic and social environment is none other than the average citizen. The middle class and downwards bearing the brunt of the escalating abuse of power targeting the most vulnerable and weak segments whether it be muslims or the economically burdened lower class confined to accepting government’s lack luster performance in the economic front unassailable.

History is testimony to events beyond threshold delivering outcome against anything unsustainable.

Indian democracy is indeed at risk and the nation beckons not only forward, progressive, open minds but also anyone who deeply care about their present and immediate future to rein in authority wasting taxpayer funds and national resources in unnecessary and futile exercise with serious repercussions.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

U.S.Economy & Financial Markets

October 11, 2018

U.S.Economy & Financial Markets

Padmini Arhant

The Federal Reserve preparation to hike interest rates in December 2018 in consideration of historic lower unemployment and GDP forecasts is received cautiously with financial markets reaction to United States and China trade war alongside unnecessary economic sanctions against Iran and Venezuela having drastic impact on global economy.

The Federal Reserve move on gradual rate increase to maintain inflation at current 2 percent bearing low unemployment is a step focused on limited factors such as job and GDP data. However, the fact of the matter is there are other aspects with potential reverse outcome on Federal Reserve’s action to interest rates hike that merits attention.

On the job status, the unemployment figures might be impressively low. Nonetheless, the cash flow in the economy is still lagging in small and medium businesses and other areas of the economy involving direct consumer purchase such as the housing market and automobile industry.

In general, the consumer spending is fairly weak and reflected in retail industry poor performance with many brick and mortar stores struggling to survive in the anemic retail business. The retail figures at the end of holiday season this year will further indicate the condition one way or another. The conventional retail chains and big stores are facing tough competition from e-commerce with online giant like Amazon forcing  shutdowns on major retail stores unable to compete effectively given the popularity and convenience of online marketing.

The e-trade is a big challenge to standard retail business and that in a way controlling inflation on many goods and services in the market. Again, the purchasing power among majority of consumers in the middle and lower incomes category is static and even remain below the expected level despite low unemployment in the economy. One of the reasons behind this sluggish consumer spending is lack of fair income distribution.

Although the job market might appear to be favorable, the buying power among consumers on big budget items like home and cars as well as other essentials are nowhere near  anticipated market share with significant impact on construction industry and manufacturing sector.

On the international front, United States administration policy towards Iran and Venezuela is triggering currency devaluation in emerging economies like India and developing nations such as Pakistan, Turkey and countries in Latin America dependent on crude oil imports from overseas. The U.S. dollar pegged to oil trade, the strengthening of U.S. currency is mainly associated with global transactions in dollar and the alternative being euro depleting foreign currency reserves for most nations worldwide.

European economy barring Germany, Norway and few Nordic states are yet to recover from recession started back in 2007 and experienced until now. Many EU members like PIGS ( Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain) along with Eastern European EU states are not relieved from economic crisis and barely able to meet financial obligations amid EU enforced austerity contributing to depressed economic growth and development.

The debt saddled nations are driven towards debt servicing to enrich international monetary authorities and prominent bankers profiteering on the extraordinary debt burden of these countries confronted with liquidity crunch creating the dilemma of debt trap causing economic downturns for nations in this situation.

In the given scenario, euro as the optional trading currency is superficial posing needless strain on global economic activities especially in the backdrop of fragile European economy and United States politically motivated sanctions against Iran and Venezuela compounding the problems on the energy demands and supply chain for nations like India and China with massive energy consumption to fuel the economy. The other efforts in this context such as raising OPEC output to deal with United States sanctions on Iran and Venezuela do not satisfy market requirement that are already felt with unaffordable fuel prices in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and many parts of the world.

United States and Europe would be ultimately affected as the western multinational corporations are predominantly benefiting from global presence and operations right from production to sales, distribution and service  in many industries invariably exposed to common energy and economic issues striking the consumer base in Asia and other regions instrumental in boosting global economic progress.

The global economic regression is directly related to these unwanted events with immediate repercussions on allies and those behind the strategy. China trade war is another dimension with United States having granted the former MOST FAVORED NATION (MFN) status and many United States companies involved in manufacturing goods from China that are not only available in America but also in the global markets. China has long been the world’s central exporter and wholesaler with businesses from far and wide ignoring labor exploitation in addition to normal employment and environment violations in the profit-oriented system. As such, China’s reciprocation to U.S. actions are not without consequences for both economies engaged in mutual trade warfare.

Accordingly, discernment on decisions against China, Iran and Venezuela from the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is critical to save the economy from possible meltdown in the aftermath of global economic decline that are visible in the wake of current account deficits among many nations trying to maneuver the difficult predicament of survival and resolution to impending economic woes generating anxiety in the global domain.

As for the Federal Reserve resolve to move forward on the overnight federal funds rates over the next year and beyond from the present 2 and 2.5 percent to about 3.4 percent to contain inflation at 2 percent would predictably slow the positive economic trend hurting prospects in the already suppressed housing market and retail sales as highlighted above.

The macroeconomic forecasts on United States GDP for third quarter at 3.7 percent and 2.6 percent for fourth quarter with the Federal Reserve revision showing higher growth figures based on the latest tax cuts and government spending prompting Federal Reserve position on premature rate increase neglect stagnancy in ordinary household income.

The mere job growth in the absence of affordable living standards confirm income disparity. The per capita average net income and cash flow determining consumer price index and inflation is trailing behind projections and proposed changes to rates could wipe the gains realized in the recession free economic span in the past decade until now.

In a nutshell, the exponential rise in minimum wage and average income i.e. per capita income in correlation with GDP is important besides minimizing joblessness in the economy prior to addressing inflation alone in the macro and micro economic management.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com