In a virtual launch event for Arvind Panagariya's book on the Nehru Development Model, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his concerns about the model's repercussions on both domestic and foreign affairs in India. He argued that the beliefs propagated by this model still hold weight in influential sectors of the country, despite efforts towards reform. He also quoted an American policymaker's infamous misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947, and suggested that it may not have been entirely wrong.
India's Nehru Development Model: A Critical Reassessment
India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a pivotal role in shaping the country's economic and foreign policies during the post-independence era. Nehru's ideas and beliefs came to be known as the "Nehru Development Model." However, in recent years, this model has come under scrutiny for its perceived limitations and its influence on India's current affairs.
External Affairs Minister's Concerns
In a recent virtual launch event for Arvind Panagariya's book on the Nehru Development Model, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concerns about the model's impact on India's domestic and foreign affairs. He argued that the ideas promoted by this model continue to hold sway in influential circles, despite efforts towards reform.
Jaishankar pointed to the example of an American policymaker's misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947 as a lack of understanding of the country's complex political landscape. He suggested that this misinterpretation may not have been entirely inaccurate.
Criticisms of the Nehru Development Model
Critics of the Nehru Development Model argue that it:
Calls for Reform
In response to these criticisms, there have been calls for reforms to India's economic and foreign policies. Supporters of reform argue that:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Nehru Development Model? A: A set of economic and foreign policy ideas espoused by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
2. What are the main criticisms of the model? A: Centralized planning, protectionism, neglect of agriculture, and non-aligned foreign policy.
3. What are the calls for reform? A: Economic liberalization, trade promotion, agricultural development, and a more active foreign policy.
4. What is the significance of the American policymaker's misinterpretation of India's interim Hindu government in 1947? A: It highlights the potential for misunderstandings and the need for accurate assessments of India's political landscape.
5. What are the concerns raised by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar? A: That the ideas of the Nehru Development Model continue to influence influential sectors in India, despite efforts towards reform.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to reflect on the transformative impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) movement, which has completed a decade since its launch. Noting the initiative's achievements in promoting gender equality and providing education opportunities for girls, he credited its success to the dedication of communities and organizations nationwide. PM Modi also urged continued commitment to empowering India's daughters and highlighted the integration of BBBP with Mission Shakti, a comprehensive programme for women's safety and empowerment.
Donald Trump's second term as president began with a clear focus on his MAGA base. He declared a break with global multilateralism and pardoned nearly all of the rioters who stormed the Capitol to overturn the 2020 election. Immigration was the main theme of Trump's speeches and executive orders on Day 1, and his actions will especially impact children of temporary Indian workers in the US. Trump also promised a review of US trade policies and could impose a universal tariff on all imports.
After former President Trump revoked his Secret Service protection, former National Security Advisor John Bolton condemned the move as a sign of weakened charges against Trump. Despite past threats from Iran, Biden had granted Bolton a security detail in 2021, but Trump removed it after his inauguration. Bolton also reminded the public of the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, which likely led to the Iranian threats against him.
President Donald Trump was officially inaugurated for a second term today and wasted no time in making his presence known. He quickly enacted a series of executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. In addition, he fired four senior government officials appointed by Joe Biden and threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The controversy surrounding his inauguration continues to escalate as video footage of tech billionaire Elon Musk's "Nazi" gesture at a Trump rally surfaces. Amidst all this activity, Trump's return to power marks a significant moment in American history, as he becomes only the second president to hold non-consecutive terms.
A shocking kidney transplant racket was uncovered in a joint raid conducted by law enforcement and health authorities at Alakananda Hospital in Hyderabad's Doctors Colony. The hospital staff allegedly lured women with promises of financial gain and illegally conducted organ transplants. One person has been arrested and four critically ill donors have been rushed to another hospital. The incident has prompted calls for stricter monitoring of hospitals allowed to perform organ transplants.
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, the BJP is gearing up for a series of rallies to attract Purvanchali voters. The rallies will feature top leaders including PM Narendra Modi, CM Yogi Adityanath, and other prominent Purvanchali faces. The party is also set to organize bike rallies and attract support from various states, with UP CM Yogi Adityanath expected to address 14 rallies in Delhi.
In the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly Elections, BJP's Kalkaji candidate Ramesh Bidhuri drew controversy over his derogatory remarks towards Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and AAP's Atishi. The Delhi Chief Election Commissioner issued a warning against such language, but many women voters in Kalkaji are disturbed by Bidhuri's comments and believe it reflects his attitude towards women. With a sizeable female electorate in Kalkaji, Bidhuri's remarks could potentially sway how women in the constituency vote.
Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has revealed the state's focus on agriculture and IT sectors in the upcoming budget for 2025-26. He stated that discussions with various stakeholders, including government officials, industrialists, and residents of Patna, have taken place to incorporate their insights into the budget framework. The government aims to align with the Central government's innovative budgeting approach to drive growth, employment, and investment in Bihar. The budget session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly is set to commence soon, coinciding with the Union Budget session in the Lok Sabha.
BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri's derogatory comment about Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has sparked controversy and criticism from the AAP. This is not the first time Bidhuri has made sexist statements against Atishi, who is running against him in the upcoming elections. The Delhi CM's party has condemned Bidhuri's remarks and vowed to not forgive such abusive behavior from both him and his party.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is facing criticism from both the BJP and opposition parties for his version of the Ramayana story, which he narrated during a recent election rally. Kejriwal's remarks, where he compared the BJP to a golden deer, have been deemed as offensive and disrespectful towards the Hindu religion. BJP leaders are demanding an apology from the CM, while the opposition leader has slammed him for his lack of knowledge on the epic tale.