The lesson for us from the US-Russia agreement is this. The deal demolishes the “US hegemony” argument of the Left parties vis-a-vis the Indo-US nuclear deal. Russia, by signing this deal, has not in any way become America’s poodle, has it? Far from it.
Russia under Putin has undergone a profound change in attitudes and outlook amongst its citizens, who were demoralised after the end of the Cold War. Over the past decade a confident, nationalistic Russian identity has emerged, with the rising standards of living and a gradual return of Russia to having a say in world affairs. Given these factors, a deal that would subvert the notion of a rising Russia is unthinkable.
— Karan Thakur
New Delhi
Alliance for people
•It was good to read about the “citizens’ alliance initiative against malnutrition” ‘Let politics take a backseat’ by Supriya Sule . Also, the fact that so many MPs have learnt to work together is indeed praiseworthy.
However, I think somewhere the campaign only appears to be talking of ICDS as the solution for tackling the issue of malnutrition. Our depressing record in centrally managing such services fails to enthuse the general public. There are indeed no instant solutions to such chronic problems, but the “reputation” of having the highest number of malnourished children is reason enough for out-of-the-box thinking.
If the alliance engaged in dialogue with the people in areas where malnutrition is rampant, solutions could emerge locally — for example, community kitchens.
— Nidhi Prabha Tewari
Delhi
Still a men’s world
• When nearly 50 per cent of the population are women, then why did the women’s reservation bill take 12 years to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha, even after its introduction in the Lok Sabha? Because men are going to have the final word on reservations meant for women. The Samajwadi Party members’ behaviour in the Rajya Sabha during the introduction of the bill was shocking, to say the least. Now the RJD too is threatening to oppose the legislation.
— Bidyut K. Chatterjee
Faridabad
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