A TOPSY TURVY WORLD : FRANK REFLECTIONS

If you have inclination, I had time and some reflections on world affairs, on the birth anniversary day of Mahatma Gandhi & Lal Bahadur Shastri as also the pious day of Vijaya Dashmi.

We burn effigy of Ravan without fail once a year but refrain from killing Ravan within ourselves.

Let us look around, talk about life and attempt to share experiences. No harm in divulging something, smiling and laughing until we cry. Hear the music from within and from chirping of birds and laughter from neighbourhood.

We may still be left with some time and opportunity ahead of our ultimate march towards Sunset year. Second inning of life can be also more relaxing, productive and creative, if we desire so or mould it to be. Lets not mess it up.

WORLD AROUND US

World comprises of hundreds of countries of which not less than 195 or so are members of God forshaken U.N.O. They are different from each other in terms of shape & size, culture, dance & music, historicity, population, quality of life, incidence of poverty, levels of education and health, rural and urban settings and now clutches of all pervading social media.

But certain attributes are somewhat common with some pluses and minuses in regard to public servants and Bureaucracy. And it is this class which administers, rules, confuses, misguides and is responsible for ills of the system that get perpetuated over a period of time.

World at a distance may look green, full of air to breath, plethora of water to drink but it may turn out to be populous and polluted. It may be also prosperous and troublesome, if not challenging.

One should have worthwhile company, apart from neighbours and relatives to keep you engaged, focused and kicking.

When chips are down, when you are in the midst of a crisis, one’s presence of mind and mental toughness come handy, it would come to your rescue.

Cute cutlery, cosy chairs, cool dwelling unit, coupled with free flow of pen may always facilitate to achieve a state of relaxation and freedom.

Fire, Fire, Everywhere

We should neither be comfortable nor happy when fires are raging, all around. At times incessantly, from volcanoes or lush green forests or when notorious long range missiles are fired from the Israeli territory at the innocents in barely 365 sq kms area of Gaza Strip and West Bank. Many other countries of West Asia and Latin America, a few very close to U.S.A. too are on receiving ends.

ANY THING TAAZA IN GAZA ?

In Gaza Strip having an area of 365 square kms, a state of acute fear and intimidation prevails even after second anniversary of brutal killings of twelve hundred Israelis by the dreaded men of Hamas and taking away of several of them to Palestine controlled areas in Gaza Strip.

As a form of reaction and revenge, Israeli Army has tortured and killed over 67, 000 Palestinians thus far. Of these 20,000 are children and 15,000 are women. Every three hours, a child gets ‘liberation’ from this miserable world.

1500 medical workers too have lost their lives owing to repeated bombardment of Al-Shiba hospital, the largest one. Apart from acute shortage of food grains and completely shattered health and nutrition set up, 95 % of the schools have been damaged.One long tunnel discovered recently seems to have helped Palestinians immensely whenever Israeli attack would happen. Damage to infrastructure, however, is beyond repair.

Whenever U.N. and other international aid agencies make an attempt to enter the Strip on humanitarian ground, their personnel are also attacked and killed sometimes. Mostly they are held up even after ‘mandatory’ clearances.

Entire area has been rendered unlivable.Twenty thousand innocent children are suffering from mal nutrition.Under these situations, International humanitarian aid is allowed only off and on. Israeli brutality duly ignored, purposely by U.S.A, is never ending. Most of us keep quiet or prefer to become silent spectators.

Israel had the indecency to bomb Gaza even on ‘War’ anniversary day of 7th October. Their tanks, boats and jets pounded parts of Gaza giving remaining Palestinians no respite. Indirect negotiations at Sharm el Shaikh in Egypt, between Israel and Hamas hardly looked promising.Key issues were Israel ‘s withdrawal from Gaza Strip and disarmament of Hamas.

President “Flamboyant” Trump, however, had expressed the view that “there was a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East , beyond just Gaza”.

It is a fact that for want of a Cease Fire, Israel had succeeded in causing international isolation of Gaza Strip.

Whither Peace Plan ?

At present when a so called 20 Point Peace Plan has been proposed by President Trump, supported unfortunately by India and a few others, Israeli incursion continued shamelessly till last moment. It may be noted that after a long gap when so much negative has already happened, we have the audacity to say that “terrorism in any form is not acceptable” and we also go to the extent of congratulating “Baba” Trump and Bibi, the killer of the century.

Israel being Israel has not abated even after more than one appeal from U.S. President to halt inhuman hostilities and long awaited announcement by Hamas that remaining Israeli hostages would be released and that they are ready to talk, but with conditions.

Temporary Cease Fire (C.F.)

Against all odds and apprehensions, fresh round of Cease Fire has taken effect on October 9. Israeli forces in large numbers have begun withdrawing, wheras the poor and upset Palestinians have also begun a cautious march to their shattered homes in their homeland.

Celebrations were seen on both sides. But will they last ? Israeli hostages would be released not before October 13 or 14. Following this, 200 Palestinians, at present in Israeli jails are likely be released alongwith others picked up by Israelis from time to time

An international force having a strength of 200 would monitor C.F. and prevailing conditions. As a precaution, U.N. aid agencies have rightly warned of famine in entire land mass.

NO FULL STOPS IN INDIA

Fires also emanate at regular intervals from hideouts of insurgents and Naxalites, streets or small towns of India, out of sheer jealousy or hatred or orchestrated ones between the social groups, political outfits or youth or students. They may not have a well thought of goal but they hit the road for no rhyme or reason at regular intervals to espouse their unjustifiable cause.

Wide spread disturbances in West Bengal, U.P., J & K, Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have become regular features.

Tamil Nadu in its one of the worst stampedes at Karur on 27th September has seen death of 60 persons and injuries to equal numbers. Film stars cum political aspirants, Vijay in the present case, never miss a chance to wash off their hand when “Ganga Is Flowing”.

Babas Never Give Up Their Dhabas

Sometimes it is Dhirendra Brahmachari or Chandra Swami or Baba Ramdev or Baba Ram Rahim, followed religiously by Pandit Dhirendra Shashtri, young and handsome Baba of Bageshwar Dham or Police Baba of Hapur. At other extreme, it may be Jhingur Baba or now fast emerging Chaitanya Baba. All try to be instrumental in influencing and changing public opinion. But deep inside their heart they also have extreme sexual desire and swift inclination to have a following abroad while erecting their real estate empires in a few places within country and not missing a chance to own flats and villas in Dubai like 6000 Indian Billionaires.

Many a time, these activities impede the expected flow of a town or state or even a country.

Who suffers, who benefits, who facilitates, who makes political capital out of it ?

Are we getting bored or energized or elated altogether?

Manipur Blockade

Manipur is facing a blockade since May 2023 due to perpetual clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes. It has taken life of over 300 persons, injuries to thousands, about sixty thousand persons have been displaced, apart from destruction of thousands of dwelling units. Majority of weapons looted from police armouries remain un-surrendered, thus giving a free hand to anti social elements. Meiteis occupying the valley of Imphal have perpetual threats from the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribes inhabiting the nine hills overlooking them.

Situation seems to have become more grim after three hour visit of the P.M. on September 13, when due to inclement weather and adverse law & order situation, he was compelled to undertake a road journey of 70 kms from Imphal to Churachandpur.

Clashes have reportedly intensified. As money is no solution, neither Rs 7,300 crore package of P.M. nor promise to rebuild houses will make any dent in immediate future.

Demand For Statehood In Ladakh

People of youngest and. most peaceful U.T. Of Ladakh had tremendous expectations from the Central Government ever since Articles 370 and 35A were abrogated in 2019. It looks like process of transition was caught in usual bureaucratic wrangle which did not belie expectations, per se, but some key issues were not given the importance they deserved.

Things are reported to be brewing up since 2007 when Sonam Wangchuk, renowned public figure, Magsaysay awardee and leader of agitationists had to face rough weather from MHA in regard to foreign donations to his NGO, Students Educational & Cultural Movement (SECMOL). Thereafter, U.T. administration, unfortunately , cancelled his Patta of 135 acres on August 21, 2025.

To win public sympathy, Sonam Wangchuk, the ‘Govt. of India Expert of all seasons’ has started movement in favour of Statehood, Constitutional safeguards under 6th Schedule and distinct tribal identity. They were provoked to indulge in violence on 24th September at Leh in which four persons died and over 50 were injured.

Since Wangchuk continues to be in Judicial remand at Jodhpur, it would be advisable to wait for further developments. He certainly deserves a better deal.

SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION

After a justifiable hue and cry and following a three month Special Intensive Revision, E.R. of Bihar has come down from 7.89 crores to 7.42 crore voters, a 6% dip since June 2025.

While 21.33 lakh voters have been added, 3.66 lakhs have been deleted.

As learnt on 30th September, Citizenship barely was a factor, much against the apprehensions expressed. As regards deletions, it is good to know that 99% of them were due to deaths, permanent migration and duplication. Direction of Supreme Court to ECI to allow Aadhar card as one of 11 documents was not only crucial but it succeeded in containing ‘superfast flow’ of latter.

It may be noted that last SIR Was under taken 20 years ago. West Bengal and Kerala have opposed it vehemently. As elections to Assam Assembly are due soon, C.M. of Assam has welcomed it.

General World Scenario

A full scale war going on between Russia and Ukraine for three and a half years.The much awaited Alaska Presidential summit too could not come to a peace deal. It is sad to note that bi-lateral diplomatic efforts have also floundered with both Moscow and Kyiv launching deadly strikes into each other’s territory, rather Russia, lately advancing on the battle field. President Putin has gone on to claim that his forces have captured 5,000 Sq kms in Ukraine this year. On the eve of biting winter, Russia has attacked key energy infrastructures through 450 drones and several missiles. One defiant young Ukrainean mother seemed undeterred by such brutal attacks.

On the other hand, one after another, each country of the Middle East is getting attacked and devastated. By whom?

Prime perpetrator is Bibi headed Israel, fully guided and supported by Donald Trump led U.S.A. Also it is a proxy war situation between two Super powers.

CHINESE CHEQUERS

China in the company of its age old and fair weather friends never misses an opportunity to further strengthen and fine tune its position on world stage , whether its policy is with regard to U.N.O., BRICS or S.C.O. Its close ties with Russia and North Korea are by now well known. Presence of President Putin, Kim Jong Un, North Korean head and eighteen other heads of states at the SCO summit at Tianjin and later at Tiananmen Square Grand parade gave a solid boost to China. Apart from latest, massive and lethal arms & ammunition and superior air power on display , a huge vehicle showing 61 war heads was noticeable. It had 60 very long range missiles capable of hitting targets right up to USA and one Hydrogen Bomb. China is the only country in the World to make a Hydrogen bomb so far and that 75% of rare earth minerals are exported by it to U.S. and many developed countries. It is absolute monopoly situation by China.

Challenge to the hegemony of U.S.A. & its all pervading Dollar by pushing forward multilateralism was inevitable after S.C.O. summit at Tianjin. In terms of latest development, Li Qiang, Chinese P.M. will be leading a delegation to North Korea to participate in the 80th anniversary celebrations of the ruling party from October 9 to 11.

In this regard one also needs to take note of provocation given by U.S.A. to Taiwan against China from time to time.

Struggle of Syrian People

Once a prosperous country under the Assads, Syria witnesses today absolute hunger & poverty owing to its 14 years of Civil war. Its civilization was one of the most ancient, only preceded by Mesopotamia. From 1947 to 1991, Syria was an ally of Russia and same continued till the end of regime of Bssher-Al-Assad on December 19, 2024.

The new regime under Ahmed el- Sharaa is having tough time with U.S. backed Kurdish outfit in Northern and North Eastern parts. Recent clashes between SDF and Government forces have cast a shadow over a deal signed in March ,2025. Purpose of a bill is to “stich together” the country, devastated by Civil wars. Thomas Barrack, Special Envoy of U.S.A. is working hard in this direction. In a rare gesture, President Trump felicitated Ahmed el- Sharaa during his Middle East tour from May 13 to 16, 2025.

Softening of Stance of Afghanistan

Emerging effects of changes in Afghanistan for the last four years too need to be analysed in regional context.

Although Afghanistan was re-grabbed by the Talibans on August 15 ,2021 and the new regime seems to have gone closer to China, Talibans have now realised that living in isolation may be detrimental to their overall interests. Decision by the Talibans to send Amir Khan Muttaqi, its Foreign Minister to India for important bi-lateral talks with External Affairs Minister and NSA will certainly help India at a time when U.S.A. has wished to take back Bagram air base and when Afghanistan is giving an impression of supporting India against Pakistan.

Muttaqi is the first senior Taliban functionary to visit India with a five member delegation. The visit is a welcome one as it is a significant step forward in country’s efforts to forge a working relationship with the Talibans, more so, in view of its U.S. Dollar 3 Billions investment in Afghanistan.

Security issues, cooperation for counter terrorism and need to check snuggling of drugs also figured in the talks. Missile attack on Kabul by Pakistan three days ago and similar one in the first week of September should be noted with deep concern.

Pakistan In Turmoil Again

Power elite in Pakistan had not taken enough rest after four day conflict with India that disturbances began surfacing in POK as also Baluchistan. Islamabad per se, remains heckled 24 × 7 due to opposition rallies.

While marches against Pakistan Government a few days ago by Awami Action Committee in Pak Occupied Kashmir were reported to be successful, 6th I.E.D. attack in 2025 alone on Jaffer Express (having army men on board) on Punjab-Sindh border, allegedly by Baluchistan Liberation Army has sent shock waves all over Pakistan. Both developments are crucial ones in favour of India.

Meanwhile former P.M. Imran Khan and his party Tehreek-e- Insaf continue to be targeted by the henchmen of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party. Ms. Sanam Javed, a member of Social Media team of T-e-I was kidnapped recently in broad day light in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Weakening of Base of French President

Growing political instability or turmoil and poor state of economy in second largest economy of Euro Zone of France has seen five Prime Ministers in less than two years. Not only this, French President Emmanuel Macron is facing growing pressure to resign or hold a snap parliamentary poll by Marine Le Pen’s far right Nationalist Rally, the single biggest party in Parliament.

Political chaos must end, that’s the demand. Second term of 47 year old Centrist President ends in 2027.

Fragile Situation in Japan

In the same way, quick change of Prime Ministers in Japan has become a regular feature. Shigeru Ishiba, outgoing P.M. had to resign owing to loss of majority of ruling Liberal Democratic Party in the Upper house of the Parliament.

For the first time, Sanae Takaichi, a 64 year old woman leader of ruling Liberal Democratic Party is tipped to take over as Prime Minister. She became M.P. for the first time in 1993. Having close ties with Shinzo Abe, former P.M., she has a tough stance on China.

She will be faced with a sluggish economy, economic stagnation, low wage growth, aging population and rising inflation.

Political stability in Japan is necessary from trade and economic cooperation point of view as far as India is concerned.

Legacy of Mujibur Rahman Gone in Bangladesh

A democratically elected Government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh was ousted on August 4, 2024 by a violent mob. Hindu and Buddhist Bengalees became prime targets. Long promised elections by the youth under leadership of a 85 year old “Senior Advisor” now look a distant possibility.

Overthrow of Government In Nepal

As if this was not enough, on 7th September, protests of youth and students against banning of 26 social media platforms, rampant corruption and political instability led to overthrow of KPS Oli Government in Nepal. Swift turn of events led to unnecessary death of 30 persons and injury to over 300.

Role of Army

It was decisive in both the situations. While in Bangladesh they were watching the situation from a distance as Md. Yunus came from U.S.A. to take over, in Nepal they ruthlessly fired upon surging youth which led to deaths and casualties. Complete lack of empathy and responsibility was witnessed on first six days.

One should not expect much from interim Prime Minister, Justice (Retd) Mrs Sushila Karki in the backdrop of very short tenures of past national governments and overall political instability. She may have been the first Woman Chief Justice of Nepal but politics is not everyone’s cup of tea. Ministers appointed by her or on her recommendation, after all, belong to same old haggard stock. As it is not going to be bed of roses in Nepal, it may be wise, rather, advisable to wait and watch.

Condition of Brazil

Away from Asia, Jair Bolsonaro, former Brazilian President has been arrested and convicted for 27 years in prison. In addition to his dubious background, it appears to be a case of political vendetta. Accordingly, he has obtained support from President Trump. Earlier Dilma Rousseff, Bolsonaro’s one time colleague and predecessor, was impeached for indulging in corruption in 2016. With such a background, acute economic crisis being faced by Brazil for over five years and overall meek personality of L.T. Lula da Silva, the current President, it may be difficult for Brazil to host and provide leadership to next Conference of BRICS.

Australia and New Zealand

As on date, both Australia and New Zealand have low profile heads in Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon, respectively as opposed to their predecessors, from whom practically no substantial role in international politics can be expected. QUAD or no QUAD, it may not make any difference to them.

Canadian Affairs

Mark Carney, a top banker, who took over as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada in March 2025 is proceeding slowly and cautiously as opposed to Justin Pierre James Trudeau, his high profile and controversial predecessor.

He has pledged to unite Canadians, defend Canada’s sovereignty and build Canada as the strongest economy in the comity of G-7. Indians hope that protection given to Sikh terrorist elements in Canada earlier will not be repeated in the new dispensation.

As a matter of priority, Mark Carney has to take on the might of U.S.A. in regard to high tariffs already and all other manifestations.

Meddling by U.S.A. In Venezuela

Relations between oil rich Venezuela and U.S.A. have gone from bad to worse. Very recently a number of their boats and vessels were attacked on orders from White House on the suspicion of carriage of drugs, therein. As such, democracy in this country has been for name sake for ages. Very few free and fair elections have been conducted.

As President Trump is pursuing a relentless tirade against President Nicholas Maduro of Venezuela, latter has written to Russian Permanent Representative to UNO to convene a Special Session of Security Council to discuss the issue.

When I was writing all this, not in figment of my imagination, I would have thought that a prominent opposition leader from this country was being considered for Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, over riding the tall and much publicized claim of Donald Trump, the all pervading President of U.S.A.

New Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Yes Miss Maria Corina Machado ,opposition and human rights leader of Venezuela and head of Atenea Foundation scored over mighty or shall we say “almighty” Donald Trump, when an announcement to this effect was made at 2.30 p.m. on October 10.

With this remarkable announcement ,Machado’s long struggle for free and fair elections in her country has received International support and attention.

As head of her party Vente Venezuela, she had contested Presidential elections, unsuccessfully un 2024.

She is known for her famous Quote – “Tool of Democracy is also tool for peace”

This year a record 300 nominations for Nobel Peace Prize were received by the Committee located in Norway. Trump tried all his means vociferously, even help of non descript Pakistan was taken but at the end, his tricks, machinations, lies, pressures, threats did not work.These Should Not, in the interest of humanity and for the sake of much sought for, peace in the world.

SUMMING UP

Who will limit, Who will impede, Who will Cap?

These are the Burning Questions. Generations come, generations go but ills of the system go on getting complicated. Because we refrain from giving up our casual approach. Because our petty interests in general, override long term steps supposed to reduce miseries and serve people at large.

Therefore, a time comes when we are forced to do compromise with the same norms of the system, which needed modification, earlier.

Generations Come, Generations Go, But the Show, irrespective of its shape, size and manifestation goes on AS USUAL.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)