ILLIBERAL TRENDS IN INDIA'S DEMOCRACY                                Over last few years, under the rule of BJP party at the center, democracy has   been diminished in India. The party in power has treated one religious minority in  particular with  disrespect. There is an increase of communal disturbances, leading to    undermining  diversity of  the country, which has been one of its strengths. This is also a threat to the unity of the nation.                Independence of certain institutions, such as, press and judiciary, which are  the bedrock of democracy, has been significantly compromised under the current  regime. Also there is widespread misuse of certain governmen...

                                      INDIA'S FARMERS MOVEMENT                The current farmers' agitation in India against the new agricultural laws is unprecedented. It has been going on for almost three months. Mainly concentrated in the northwestern region, its  participants have shown an unusual amount of resilience and solidarity. That it has been peaceful is its  redeeming feature. It is not led by any political parties. Rakesh Tiket has proven to be its most loved  and formidable leader. The three new laws, promoted by the ruling majority as needed reforms, were  passed thru the parliament hurriedly without due deliberation, and without consultation with farmers.  This has created in farmers feelings of mistrust toward the government. They feel that their livelihood   is in danger. Most farmers in India are po...

                                             FEAR              Fear is one basic aspect of human nature. Some fears appear to be inborn,  such as, most babies cry upon hearing a loud noise. Some fears are learnt, e.g., fear of hot objects is learnt from experience. Some fears are useful, such as, fear of walking up to the edge of a hill protects one from a dangerous fall. On the other hand, some fears  are unwarranted, such as panicking whenever there is a thunderstorm. Some people are  of timid temperament  from birth while some become characteristically so as a result of  growing up in  traumatic circumstances.                  some unrealistic fears create hurdle in enjoyment of life and often become a cause  of a lot of mental suffering. There are many kin...

                                    INDIA'S ECONOMMY           Economic inequality has increased in India by the end of year 2020, during which the  world suffered from Kovid 19 pandemic.  Profits of the big industries have soared while  the unemployment among the rural women and urban youth has increased significantly.   The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2021-2022 does not provide needed income  support for the poor and liberal credit support for the revitalization of small and medium  industries.           Increased infrastructure spending and disinvestment of several public sector units are welcome policy steps but the devil is in the degree of efficient implementation. To come out safely from the pandemic, vaccination of the population needs to be followed  with aggressive speed. Protectionism is not...