It is the height of ignorance and arrogance.
By any rational standard India is a robust liberal democracy. Fierce electoral competition, political freedoms, peaceful transfer of power, elected governments at the Union and State level exercising real authority, a strong federal system with states largely in charge of their destiny, independent judiciary, strong, independent constitutional authorities - if these do not constitute democracy, then there is no democracy anywhere. And to harmoniously blend multiple languages and faiths that cannot even be contemplated in the rest of the world while preserving freedoms is nothing short of a miracle.
Of course we are a work in progress; rule of law needs a lot of work, local governments are weak, political parties are largely autocratic, FPTP system in our conditions entails vast, illegitimate expenditure for inducements to voters, and corruption is endemic in many areas.
Anybody who thinks these flaws make us an autocracy has no understanding of politics or democracy. Let us not be swayed by uninformed people voicing reckless opinions. We neither need certificates from people of prejudice, nor should we indulge in triumphalism. We need a robust, mature, dignified, yet humble approach to resolve our dilemmas. There is much to celebrate in our democracy, and yet there is much that needs to be done to make our democracy work for all our people.
@saffrontrail Bangalore is a lost cause. A once flourishing city is now on a relentless journey towards complete putrefaction, all thanks to a clueless administration and our utter lack and disregard for civic sense.
@Sandeep_s_k_y_ We need stricter punishments to be enforced else this will happen again and again and such riders will never face any repercussions. I guarantee you he will continue to ride like that after the follow up PR show.
🤍👋🏻 Luka Modrić’s letter to Real Madrid fans.
“Dear Madrid fans,
Time has come. The moment I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end... On Saturday I will play my last match at the Santiago Bernabéu.
I arrived in 2012 with the desire to wear the shirt of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do big things, but I couldn't imagine what came next.
Playing at Real Madrid changed my life as a soccer player and as a person.
I feel proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
I want to thank the club from the bottom of my heart, especially the president Florentino Perez, my teammates, coaches and all the people who have helped me during all this time.
Throughout these years I've experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations and magical nights at the Bernabéu... We won everything and I was very happy. Very very happy.
But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Madrid fans. I really don't know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected and loved I have felt and feel. I will never forget each ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me.
Leaving with a full heart. Filled with pride, gratitude and unforgettable memories. And even though, after the Club World Cup, I'm no longer going to wear this shirt on the field, I'll always be a Madrid fan.
Hala Madrid y nada más!”.
@DriveSmart_IN In India, driving is always "Out of Syllabus". No textbook can help you. Our roads are full of idiots, one more idiotic and blinder than the other.
@HathwayBrdband I think the only thing that's worse than your customer service right now is the website you are running. I'm pretty sure your Chatbot has taken over the company and managed to make it non-functional.
@HathwayBrdband Thanks, but I am unable to lodge a complaint in the selfcare account as the AI bot quickly ends the conversation. Can you please send me a DM so that I can privately reply with details?
Our educational outcomes are appalling, but the demand is phenomenal. Governments are spending ₹ 60-100 k/child/year; even low income parents are spending disproportionate sums out of pocket in the hope of giving their kids a headstart. In many states over 90% kids pass the exams, but national achievement surveys show that only 15-20% kids have grade-appropriate knowledge and skills. ASER surveys reveal the dismal learning levels. PISA survey of 2009 showed that our kids at 15 are second from bottom out of 74 entities/nations surveyed (thank God, Kyrgyzstan is in the list!), but our government's response is not to improve outcomes, but to refuse to participate in PISA surveys after that!
Many things need to be done to improve school outcomes. But when the demand is good, but supply is terrible, the best way to quickly improve learning levels and outcomes is to reform the assessment/examination system. All stakeholders respond to incentives. In a system that rewards rote learning and mass copying, most kids focus on them and get good but useless 'grades'. If the system rewards conceptual understanding, application of knowledge, problem solving, comprehension, communication and logic, and if the assessment is honest without scope for copying, the stakeholders will respond and the kids will master the needed skills to allow them to navigate the modern world and become productive members of society. Only 60% of our kids go to government schools and the state is spending 3.6% GDP for abysmal outcomes; US and UK spend about the same share of GDP for 90%+ kids going to govt schools, and most of them learn well and are able to fulfill their potential. We need sensible evaluation and assessment honestly conducted.
School education is our greatest failure in the past eight decades. Our kids deserve better, and as a nation we should aspire for more.
Our failure of school education is condemning the poor to remain poor, perpetuating caste discrimination, undermining our kids' future, and stunting innovation and growth.
We can easily improve school outcomes and skills at current level of expenditure if only we have the will and wisdom.
@motorolaindia My Razr 50 Ultra phone was delivered with the box cut open. Is this expected or is the box tampered with? I ordered from Motorola website.