<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603801719373" alt="PM Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

For the year 2020, assembly elections in India can be broadly characterised into two categories – Pre-Covid and Post-Covid. Note that ‘Post-Covid’ is not to surmise that Coronavirus is vanished from India, but one can say that the initial scare is passed away, and we are on the path of recovery.
Anyway, coming back to the elections. Pre-Covid time has seen assembly <a href="https://policharcha.com/article/politics/44b823c2-eff5-4183-83f9-607c95bdb661/the-abc-of-delhi-election-" target="_blank">elections in Delhi</a> , where for the second consecutive time, AAP was able to garner a monumental positive response from the public. On the back of its developmental work done in Delhi, AAP secured 63 of the 70 seats. One might also give credit to the anti-BJP narrative due to the passage of CAA, which ultimately resulted in a riot in the national capital. Not so long after that, India had to impose a nationwide lockdown to curtail the spread of Coronavirus which put a pause to the economic activity, and obviously rendered all the elections related activity to a stop.
After more than six months now, in the ‘Post-Covid’ period, it is the time for Bihar assembly elections to take place. Considering the status of politics in Bihar which is giving birth to an intriguing equation, it is safe to assume that Bihar elections will pave the way for the future of politics (and elections) at least till the next Parliamentary elections due in 2024.
On one hand, we have a Chief Minister in Nitish Kumar who has the reign since the last 15 years, but faces heavy anti-incumbency. He has a major political ally, BJP, which, some might say that, is facing criticism due to the handling of the Covid-19 crisis which has caused economic distress and further raised unemployment. On the other hand, we have a younger competitor in Tejashvi Yadav who is looking to put his party, RJD, back to power in the state. He is supported by the INC, which has lost its own ground in the state, and is trying to stay relevant by supporting RJD. There is also a third emerging player in Chirag Paswan, who is taking the LJP baton forward from his late father and a seasoned politician Sh. Ram Vilas Paswan.
The main contest is between NDA (BJP and JDU) and Mahagathbandhan (RJD and INC), but we cannot under estimate the standalone LJP which can play a party spoiler.

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603802097084" alt="Main points to consider in Bihar elections." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<ins>Main points to consider</ins>
According to the survey done by Drishtikone Media and Policharcha.com, NDA is expected to surpass the magic number of 122. BJP will emerge as the single largest party with around 85 seats and JDU will be able to get around 43 seats. Despite this feat, we might not see Nitish Kumar as the CM of Bihar. The case of Bihar will be in the similar lines to that of Maharashtra. BJP was the single largest party in Maharashtra, and on the back of that it persisted with the claim that a BJP candidate must be the CM of Maharashtra. BJP did not succumb to the political pressure made by Shiv Sena, and it resulted in the break-up of the two parties. Similarly, in Bihar also, no matter what it says before the result, BJP is likely to support its claim on the post of CM, not giving the chance to JDU’s Nitish Kumar.
Moreover, after the 2015 Bihar elections, which were fought together by RJD and JDU against BJP and LJP, BJP was not in the position to play a deciding role or even bargain for the post of CM. This time though, it is supposed to be the single largest party and that too with the support of the current CM, therefore it holds some leverage, and will not give the CM seat to JDU as a charity.
There is also major anti-incumbency against Nitish Kumar. Women voters are likely to not vote for JDU due to the fact that state-wide liquor ban did not reap the expected results. Moreover, the plight of the Pachpaniya community is there to be focused upon. There are about 55 castes living in Bihar which are considered to be the most backward. They assert that in the last 3.5 years of RJD’s rule, their situation has gone from bad to worse. The Bihar Government did not keep its promise to make these people socially empowered.
Nonetheless, it will be difficult to keep a seasoned politician like Nitish Kumar out of the political mainframe of Bihar, and because of this BJP might offer him a position at the Centre. Or perhaps Nitish Kumar can be next Presidential candidate as the presidential elections are due in 2022. What are your thoughts about it? Be sure to comment your views.

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603802282452" alt="Seats contested by different parties." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Another point to consider is the fact how LJP has fielded its candidates in Bihar. Out of the total 134 nominations filed by LJP, only six are contesting against BJP directly. This raises some questions regarding the intent of Chirag Paswan to go solo for the assembly elections this year. On paper, BJP and LJP are not contesting together, but if you consider that they are fighting against each other at just 6 constituencies out of the 243, you can say that there is something more than what meets the eye. LJP is likely to give more bargaining power to BJP as LJP is fighting against JDU, RJD, and INC on 128 seats. This will strengthen position of BJP and weaken that of other parties.
Muslim Yadav (MY) votes will also be one of the deciding factor. As always, caste configuration will play a substantial role to determine the fate of Bihar. Yadav voters will cast their votes in groups and are very likely to go with Tejashwi Yadav. Although, this time around Muslim voters have a task of their own. One can assume that they will vote against BJP, but they have several other options to choose from. This makes things better for BJP. Muslims can go with Mahagathbandhan (MGB), or even go with JDU due the secular image of Nitish Kumar. JDU had nominated 11 Muslim candidates who are expected to cut the vote share other parties. AIMIM is also in the scene in these assembly elections. They have nominated candidates to fight for 24 seats, out of which on six seats they have placed a candidate against BJP. Therefore, Muslim voters will have another option to vote for, which again makes BJP’s prospects better.
BJP is at a better position than it was in 2015. Considering the fact that, it was non-BJP ruled states of Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab which had sent the migrant workers, most of whom belonged to Bihar, back their states. It was Yogi and Modi’s Governments which helped them by giving them free food on the way, and then providing them with free ration for 7 months once they had reached their state Bihar. Therefore, contradicting the popular opinion that is upheld by the media that people will not vote for BJP due to economic crisis and unemployment, a substantial number of the rural population is going to favour BJP, partly because of Modi’s image also.
<ins>NDA very likely to form the Government</ins><ins> </ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603802747995" alt="Probable result of Bihar assembly election 2020" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

As per our survey, NDA is likely to secure 130 to 145 seats, out of which BJP will get 84 to 95 seats and JDU will get 40 to 47 seats. Therefore, BJP is gaining seats this year because of the anti-incumbency against Nitish, and Modi’s image. NDA’s vote share might increase by almost 2 percent from 41.2% in 2015 to 43% in 2020. It is interesting to note that, in the 2015 election, BJP and JDU did not contest together as a group, still BJP got the majority vote share of 24.4 percent, but could not become the single largest party.
Mahagathbandhan (MGB) is expected to win on nearly 85 to 95 assembly seats with the majority of share going to RJD at 60 to 70 seats. In terms of votes, MGB’s share is likely to increase from 25 percent in 2015 to 36 percent in 2020, but the number of seats won by them will reduce due the way LJP has fielded its candidates.

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603802853245" alt="Who Bihar wants as its next CM?" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

42% of the people of Bihar wants Nitish Kumar as their CM. 31%, 6%, and 3% of people see Tejashwi Yadav, Chirag Paswan, and Sushil Kumar Modi respectively as the CM of the state.
LJP will move up from its tally of 2 seats in 2015 to around 5-7 seats this year, and can even touch double digits, depending on the performances of other parties.

What are your views on Bihar election? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

Nitish Kumar might not be the CM of Bihar even if NDA wins

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603523340156" alt="Mission shakti. Women. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

To curb crimes against women and children in Uttar Pradesh, and as a reactive measure to multiple rape cases, including the unfortunate Balrampur and Hathras incidents, CM Yogi Adityanath has launched Mission Shakti in UP on 17th October. With an aim to guarantee security and respect for every woman in the state, the UP Government has kick-started the mission on the first day of Shardiya Navratri. The mission will run for at least six months till April (Vasantik Navratri) 2021.
CM Yogi Adityanath has said that the first phase of Mission Shakti will emphasise on raising awareness towards ensuring the safety and dignity of women and girl-child. In the second phase, the mission will turn into an Operation (Shakti) in which eve-teasers will be targeted and punished. They will have to face social boycott, and their pictures will be displayed publically, he added.
According to a report by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released recently, the highest number of crimes against women in 2019 was recorded in Uttar Pradesh. Such an appalling feat is all the more reason for such an initiative to take place.
<ins>Expedited investigation and faster judicial remedy</ins>
Just three days after the take-off, the state’s prosecution directorate under Mission Shakti campaign has identified as many as 400 cases related to crimes against women and children for their earlier judicial remedy. 134 of the 400 cases were of “serious nature”, and in most of the identified cases, the trial has been completed, officials at the prosecution department said.
Prosecution officers have started pushing back the pleas of the accused in the court as a part of the mission. 14 accused have been sentenced to death in 11 cases of torture and murder of women and children, while in another 11 such cases, 20 convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment under Mission Shakti. Other than that, in 8 cases of cruelty against women and children, 22 accused were awarded imprisonment and/or fine. The prosecution also got succeeded in revoking bail for 347 accused.&nbsp;
In Kanpur, the prosecution department is gearing up to punish the accused in cases related to rape, POSCO, and other female crimes. A list of such cases has been prepared in which punishment can be awarded by the end of this year. In the Sessions Courts, 200 such lawsuits have been selected from thousands of cases in which every day a hearing can take place to come up with a quick decision.
CM has also said that cases related to women crimes will be on the priority list, but drastic action will be taken against women who will lodge a false complaint.
<ins>All hands on deck</ins>
The mission is not only a crackdown on the perpetrators of crimes against women, but also an awareness campaign which invites members of the civil society, support groups, volunteers, and administration to the forefront.
CM Adityanath, on Friday, has attended the inauguration of ‘Mahila help desk’ at all the 1535 police stations in UP through a video conference. All these 1535 mahila help desks will have female police officers, considering that women are not at ease while filing complaints in front of a male police officer which further impedes the investigation. These help desks will function 24*7 and will be surrounded by sound proof glass. Moreover, no one will be able to see who is filing a complaint inside; thus privacy and security of the victim is of the utmost importance.
Earlier in the week, UP Government appointed Green Gang to launch a drive against anti-social elements who are involved in exploitation and harassment of women. Operated by Hope Welfare Trust, Green Gang is a group of women volunteers which runs de-addiction and anti-gambling campaigns in rural areas of Purvanchal region of the state. They will take duty for the safety of women in 200 villages in Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Chandauli, and Ayodhya districts.
Furthermore, in Pratapgarh girls studying in schools and colleges are being taught self-defence techniques. Nodal officers are giving instruction to staff and teachers of schools and colleges about self-reliance. Various state run programmes are also being organised to raise awareness about women’s helpline numbers – 1090, 181, 1076, 108 and 102. To make girls less hesitant about reporting any misbehaviour, female police officers from Baghpat are getting friendly with young girls by taking selfies with them.
In Agra, eight female sub-inspector have been appointed as outpost incharge in a bid to strengthen connectivity between civil society and police department, making it easier for women to report a crime.
To help spread the message of women safety, self-respect, and self-reliance, numerous events are lined up during the campaign to be organised in 521 blocks, 59,000 gram panchayats, and 630 urban local bodies in 75 districts for which 100 role models among women will be identified in each district.
<ins>Way forward</ins>
The whole point is to create a network starting at the grass root level to make it better and safe for women in the state. While the main focus is to curtail crimes against women, capacity building is also on the Government’s agenda. Couple that up with fast track courts to provide an expedited trial, and then Uttar Pradesh can do away with the ‘not safe for women’ tag (hopefully), but it is still a long way to go. Starting a mission is one thing, and implementing it effectively is another. It has been just a week since the mission was launched, and results are there to see, but it is still early days. Let us hope that this is not just another scheme, which gets started with full enthusiasm, and later just becomes a showpiece for the Government to blabber about at the time of elections.
What are your views on this mission? Be sure to express them in the comments section.

How Yogi’s pro-woman ‘Mission Shakti’ is doing

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603375492938" alt="JioPages. Jio Pages. Made in India browser" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Reliance Jio has launched a JioPages, a revamped version of its Jio Browser. The “Made in India” browser, “designed for Indians” will provide an alternative to the likes of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.&nbsp;
JioPages has been built using the powerful Chromium Blink engine that was developed with the contributions from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Adobe Systems, Opera Softwares, Samsung, and IBM.
This will enable JioPages perform actions much faster and smoothly, therefore enhancing user experience. The new browser is designed to keep the privacy of user at its core while using “encrypted connections”.
Jio Pages is now available to download for Android users on Google Play Store.
<ins>Jio Pages’ Features &amp; What makes it different?</ins>
<ul>
<li><ins>For multilingual India</ins>: Jio Pages comes with eight Indian languages; Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu.</li>
<li><ins>No more Annoying Ads</ins>: The users can block ads using the Ad Block+ feature of Jio Pages. Not many browsers provide this facility.</li>
<li><ins>Private Browsing</ins>: Jio Pages also supports incognito mode, but it is more than that. Users can choose to secure their private surfing with either a four-digit PIN or a fingerprint lock.</li>
<li><ins>Regional Content</ins>:- The new browser will provide users the facility of customising their content feed according to their region and favorite language.</li>
<li><ins>Personalized at every level</ins>: Jio Pages intelligently collects your user data to analyse what are your interests and preferences, and then customises your content feed accordingly. The users can choose their favorite theme enjoy a personalized experience.</li>
</ul>
<ins>What is Reliance Jio up to?</ins>
Reliance under Jio Platforms is looking to establish a digital empire of its own in India. Jio already has a strong hold over the telecom sector of India, thanks to its 40 crore (400 million) subscribers who have made Jio the biggest player of the industry in a very short time. Jio also has a host of smartphone applications like JioPay, JioCinema, JioTV, JioNews, JioMart and JioMeet.&nbsp;&nbsp;
With JioMart app, Jio is also eyeing e-commerce business which is presently dominated by Amazon and Flipkart.&nbsp;
Recently, Reliance Jio announced that it is working with Qualcomm to develop 5G network technology in India.

JioPages: An internet browser made in India; supports 8 regional languages

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603299114179" alt="How gambling is regulated in India. Gambling laws in India, How is Dream 11 leagal?" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

“Yeh main kar leta hu, aap Dream 11 per team bana lo” is one of the most heard and watched catchphrases on the internet since the advent of the thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League. However, considering that gambling and betting is illegal in India, one might question how apps like Dream 11, and MyTeam11, which involve making a fantasy team to earn some money rewards, and sites which offer online Poker, and Rummy are operating in India. One might also argue whether these avenues are used as proxies for online betting.
Gambling is generally considered a taboo from the viewpoint of Indian culture and values. The Hindu epic Mahabharata provides a classic example of what playing a simple dice game can lead to. Even according to the Islamic ideology, gambling is seen to be an addictive practice which can destroy personal lives and family values. If Indian values abhor so much the acts of gambling, then how come Dream 11 can be the title sponsor of IPL, or how can a person place bets on horse races in our country?
To get more clarity on the subject, we will have to look at the prevalent laws in India which deal with betting and gambling.
<ins>How gambling is regulated in India</ins>


<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603299267400" alt="Gambling laws in India." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Betting and Gambling is administered under the British-era law known as The Public Gambling Act, 1867. This Act prohibits gambling in public forum in India, and prescribes punishment for those who run such places. Some states have adopted this central Act, while others have taken matter into their own hands, and have made laws regarding the same. Betting and gambling is a state subject listed in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The Gambling Act, however, distinguishes between a ‘game of chance’, and a ‘game of skill’. While the former is prohibited under the Act, the latter is allowed, and is regulated by the concerned departments. Even most of the states’ anti-gambling laws exempt these games of skill from their purview. However, as per the Supreme Court of India, the ‘skill factor’ must outweigh the ‘chance factor’ for one game/sport to be called a game of skill.
Goa and Sikkim are the only states where gambling is legal. Casinos can be opened after getting an authorised license by the State Governments.
In West Bengal, Poker, Rummy and Bridge are excluded from the definition of gambling. In Andhra Pradesh, online gambling is completely illegal, and can lead to jail terms, however fantasy games are permissible. Assam, Odisha, and Telangana have made it illegal to play game of skill for money. Therefore, no type of betting is allowed.
It is to be clear that except the states of Goa and Sikkim, betting and gambling is indeed illegal and punishable crimes in India.


<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1603299329798" alt="Different gambling laws in different states." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Poker is a major grey area in the eyes of Indian law. Teen Patti (Flash) is banned, whereas Rummy is allowed. It is interesting to know that horse racing, which is one of the easiest games to fix, is legal to wager on because it is a skill game, yet cricket betting which requires the some sort of skill set is banned.
<ins>Dream 11: A game of skill or a game of chance?</ins>
Dream 11, MyTeam11, and other fantasy games are online competitions where you choose a number of players to form a team (let’s say a cricket team). This team of yours is then ranked following the real match involving those players and based on their real performances. If the players who starred in the actual game were on your team, then your team ranks higher, and you become entitled to a sum of prize money or a share of it.
Several High Courts in India have categorised these fantasy games as a game of skill on the basis on the following:-
<ul>
<li>Participants have to choose a team consisting of at least the same no. of players as playing in a real-life sports team (e.g. 5 in basketball, 7 in kabaddi and 11 in cricket/football)</li>
<li>All contests are run for at least the duration of one full sports match</li>
<li>No team changes are allowed by participants after the start of the sports match</li>
</ul>
Moreover, one has to be well informed about the status of the teams, playing form of several players, weather conditions, pitch and ground conditions, and several other things. So, indeed one must show some skill to increase his chances of winning.
<ins>Counter Arguments</ins>
Now, how would you know before a match, which player is going to shine? Is it not predicting or guessing or speculating? Is it really a ‘game of skill’ as they say? Is this really not a ‘game of chance’ because no matter which sort of expert one is, the reality is that nobody actually knows who might hit how many runs or take how many wickets the next day?&nbsp;
Only if it takes some efforts to make a guess, then should it not be considered betting at all? The idea of distinguishing games/sports based on their requirement of ‘luck/chance’ or ‘skill’ is paradoxical, but then what is more intriguing is the fact that these phrases have been produced by the courts of law.&nbsp;
Several judgments by some of the High Courts and the Supreme Court of India have made internet games like Poker, Rummy and Bridge, and fantasy sports like Dream 11 legal in India.
These judgments do not make gambling legal, but subjectively take some games out of its ambit. This is how Dream 11 have not only survived, but also thrived in the Indian market as it is understood to be a ‘game of skill’.
<ins>Internet Gambling</ins>
Sikkim has enacted the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008, with a twofold objective of controlling and regulating online gaming through electronic and non-electronic formats, and to impose tax on the same.&nbsp;
The above mentioned Act was amended in 2015 restricting the offering of "online games and sports games" under the licenses issued under the said Act to the physical premises of the game parlours within the geographical boundaries of the State of Sikkim through intranet gaming terminals. Initially, the phrasing of the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008 provided that the license shall allow the licensee to offer its games across India without restricting it to the territory of Sikkim.
Nagaland has enacted the Nagaland Prohibition of Gaming and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016. The said Act provides for promotion and regulation of ‘games of skill’ through the issuance of licenses by the State Government. This Act says that the license holders can operate from any State in India where gambling is allowed.
Except for the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008 and Nagaland Prohibition of Gaming and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Act, 2016, no other Central or State gambling legislation specifically deals with online gambling which puts online gambling involving a 'game of skill' in a spot of bother.
In the present global world in which everyone is connected through the internet, a person sitting in India can bet through a foreign owned website. There is no law which exclusively regulates/prohibits such activities in India. In the absence of any specific law directly regulating the online gambling through a server located outside the territory of India, these can be regulated only through the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the prevalent laws which pertain to foreign exchange earnings and money laundering.
<ins>Conclusion</ins>
From a societal and cultural perspective, it completely depends upon a person how he understands or exercises gambling. One can do gambling through online games or at offline platforms for fun, and it could actually be relaxing and mood refreshing. However, if one engages in gambling more than what is good, then it can also lead to loss of possessions, anxiety, frustration, quarrels, depression, alcoholism, suicidal tendencies, crimes, and so much more. It is perhaps because of these fearful consequences that our societies, from past times, have made rules to keep us stay away from gambling.
However, gambling is not a standalone issue here; the issue is how gambling is regulated. Gambling is still seen as a taboo, and apparently this assertion has been carried forward by modern nation states who care for their society and citizens, even though these states are fully aware that legalising gambling would also bring rapid economic growth, and job opportunities, but that is altogether a different issue which needs a proper discourse.
Anyway, what are your views on the debate of ‘game of chance’ vs ‘game of skill’? Let us know in comments.

Game of Chance or Game of Skill; how Gambling is regulated in India?

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1602933397681" alt="Zoji La Tunnel Project" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a move aimed at increasing regional connectivity, and providing an easy all-weather access to the public and strategic locations in the regions of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, the Union Minister for Road Transport &amp; Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on 15th October 2020, pressed the button for ceremonial first blasting of Zoji La Tunnel.
The Zoji La pass is stretched across the mountains at an altitude of 3500m above the sea level in the regions of Ladakh. It is a crucial part of National Highway 1 (NH-1) or Srinagar-Leh Highway, and connects the Kashmir valley with Ladakh, passing through Drass and Kargil.
<ins>Background</ins>
During the winters, the strategically significant region of Ladakh loses its connectivity with Srinagar as heavy snow makes the Zoji La an impasse. Even in the best case scenario, these areas are traversable for no more than six months in a year.&nbsp;
This not only creates difficulties for general public, but also dampens maneuverability for the military which constantly needs access to these areas, especially during the times when there is a simmering situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The demands for a solution, that would enable movement across the Zoji La pass easy and short, had been raising for past 30 years. Now, the Zoji La Tunnel Road is aimed to provide an all-weather connectivity between the geo-strategic regions.
<ins>About the project</ins>
The Zoji La tunnel road will be 14.63 km long, two-lane, and bi-directional, without a parallel Egress or escape road. This will also make it the longest tunnel in Asia. About an 18 km approach road will also be constructed to connect the tunnel with Z-Morh tunnel to enhance connectivity. The travel time will be reduced from 4 hours to just 20 minutes as the route will become traversable for the whole of year, during all the weathers.
The tunnel will get road safety and avalanche protection structures like snow covers, deflector dam, and catch dams etc.&nbsp;
Not only this, the tunnel road will be full of safety features like traffic control system, fire detection and suppression system, emergency telephones niches, and video surveillance system.
This tunnel road will prove to be strategically as well as socio-economically important as it will integrate the regions and bring employment to the local population.
The total cost of the project stands around Rs 7000 crores that will include pre-construction activities like land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation, as well as operation and maintenance of the tunnel for 4 years after its inauguration. It is expected to be completed in 6 years.
<ins>History</ins>
The idea of a tunnel road through Zoji La pass was first conceived in 2005 after such demands had been rising. Then it took 8 years for Border Road Organization to produce its report on the proposed project.&nbsp;
In 2016, after many efforts, the project was handed over to the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), while the commencement ceremony was attended by the PM Narendra Modi himself.
However, only after two years, the NHIDCL had got into financial trouble, and the project was aborted.
Realising the importance of the project and need of the hour, the Government swiftly reviewed the situation and worked in order to restart the project. Finally the construction is underway.
<ins>Other such projects</ins>
Several other projects, some of which are also of strategic importance have been either announced or are underway, according to the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Some of these projects are Delhi-Katra Green Expressway (cost - 21000 crores), a 10 km long Chhatru-Anantnag tunnel (cost - 5400 crores), a 12 km long Sinthan pass tunnel (cost - 4600 crore), a 65 km long 4 lane road between Srinagar and Banihal, among others.

Work begins for Zoji La Tunnel; Govt aims all-weather access to strategic locations

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1602865826416" alt="LGBTQ. Homosexuality. Same-Sex marriage. Marriage. Gay rights." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In the September of 2018, India took a progressive step towards securing the rights of the LGBTQ community when the honourable Supreme Court came up with a monumental judgement which struck down certain provisions of Section 377 of the IPC and decriminalised homosexuality.
Naturally, since then the gay rights activists and members of the civil society have been preparing for the next step i.e. the legalisation of same-sex marriage in India. Marriage is a sacred and traditional institution in our country, and therefore is governed by personal laws, rather than civil laws. So, the question of same-sex marriage has to be dealt with utmost care maintaining the right balance between tradition and modernisation.&nbsp;
The legislators, in the past, have already dealt with the deadlock between tradition and modernisation when it came to the conduct and legality of marriages in India. The questions then were not about marriage between adults of the same sex, but about marriage between adults belonging to different castes and faiths. Subsequently, we came up with The Special Marriage Act, 1954 to give way to the holy matrimony without having any parties to renounce their religion or alter their faith. Fifteen years later, in 1969, we came up with The Foreign Marriage Act to further safeguard Indian citizens who conduct their marriages outside the territory of India.
Therefore, The Special Marriage Act and The Foreign Marriage Act are two important pieces of legislation which deal with marriages in India which are outside the purview of personal laws. Now, the question came in front of the Delhi High Court regarding the legality of same-sex marriages under the above mentioned legislations.


<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1602866028184" alt="Marriage. special marriage act. foreign marriage act. homosexuality. gay rights. same sex marriage" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<ins>Backdrop</ins>
Two same-sex couples submitted pleas in front of the Delhi High Court seeking solemnisation and recognition of marriages under The Special Marriage Act and The Foreign Marriage Act respectively.&nbsp;
The first couple – Kavita Arora, and Ankita Khanna – have been living together as a couple since the last eight years. They both wanted sanctification of their companionship in front of the marriage officer (the sub-divisional magistrate, South East Delhi, Kalkaji) under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, but were denied as they both are of the same sex.
Services like opening a joint bank account, buying family health insurance, or securing address proofs, which are trivial and easily accessible for heterosexual couples, are a struggle for us, the petitioners said.
Another same-sex couple, both men, Vaibhav Jain, an Indian citizen, and Parag Vijay Mehta, an overseas citizen of India who got married in the United States. They wanted their marriage to be recognised in India under The Foreign Marriage Act, but the Indian consulate refused to register their union. They were prevented from travelling to India as a married couple during the Covid-19 pandemic.


<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1602866153105" alt="delhi high court. same sex marriage. LGBTQ community. Gay rights. " style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<ins>Possible problem at hand</ins>
The Delhi HC enquired from the counsel of the petitioners whether they have challenged the concept of marriage in their pleas. The HC stated that the word ‘marriage’ is not defined in the 1954 and 1969 legislation.
“Please understand that till the concept of marriage is not challenged, it would not be able to move forward in the matter because marriage is not defined. There is otherwise no question on the maintainability of the pleas but in both the Special Marriage Act and Foreign Marriage Act, the term marriage has not been defined,” said the court.
It was pointed out by advocate Rajkumar Yadav, one of the counsel representing the Centre, that a situation like this has not been faced in the 5000 years old history the Sanatan Dharam. To which Justice Menon replied, “We may shed our inhibition. The laws are gender-neutral. You please try to interpret the law for the citizens of Sanatan Dharma in the country. This is not an adversarial litigation. This is for the right of every citizen of the country.”
The two-judge HC bench consisting of Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw and Justice Asha Menon pushed the matter for next hearing on January 8, 2021, and has asked the Centre’s opinion about the case.
This issue would require a detailed reply, the Central Government standing counsel Kirtiman Singh said.

Delhi HC asks Centre’s opinion on same-sex marriage

Already world is dealing with Covid19.

But China is using this 'opportunity' to engage in creating complications across its borders, whether land with India or sea, in South China Sea.

Now it has fulfilled Bangladesh's long term demand of reduction in tariffs, and that too by 97%! The timing couldnt be perfect.

Where is China headed to?

How realistic is our this thought that we should Boycott Chinese Products in response to the Dragon's aggression across the border?

Wallet vs Bullet

Is there anyone who feels Nirmala Sitharaman is doing a good job and she is not one of the worst FM we have had in our history?

Even eligible ? 

What's your take on PM Modi's latest message on Aatmanirbharta "Self-Reliance"?&nbsp;
Is this going to catapult Indian economy on top?

We know that we are in middle of a crisis but what is being done now, had it been done in the past few years, wouldn't it have been better?
Make in India, Startup India, Digitak India were all initiatives but then why did not they bore fruitful results.

It has always been said of Modi Government that their intention is always good but the implementation is not?

Self-Reliance

As we all are aware about the "Vande Bharat Mission" Exercise, known as the World's biggest expatriation exercise of the world, taking off today. What ae your opinions on this?
Do you think this is the correct step, correct timing to start something like this as we already know that the COVID19 cases in India are soaring rapidly. This expatriation might bolster the Pandemic and could give catastorphic results. I am sharing some of the main points below.
1. The mission is all about bringing stranded Indians from abroad.
2. 64 flights over 1 week to repatriatestranded Indians.
3. 14,800 Indians from 12 countries to be brought back in phase1.

Is it the correct step and time for THE REPATRIATION EXERCISE of the Indians from U.A.E?? 

would like to know what you feel is the setting root for such crimes?

I am more than active on twitter and it has actually helped me to find out more from different perspectives and do research. In India right now internet is provided at a very cheap rate for everyone , so less than thankfully many labourers have the connection. Now a new trend which has commenced is low grade small movies from few production houses like fliz,gupchup etc where in they have started to show similar adult movies or porn being a welcomed route. It just doesn't need any acting skills and their is nothing in it except of the scenes and they are readily available over the net. Mixed with the languages used in songs and movies along with individual albums these days, that is degrading the humans and more so the females.
Isn't it the time to get in some strict actions in place now as even many such other atrocities like domestc violence and rapes have always played a key role in degrading the life of woman in our nation. ?

Boys locker room

There has been a lot of discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pmcares?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/pmcares"><a href="/hashtag/pmcares"><a href="/hashtag/pmcares">#pmcares</a></a></a></a> .Some say it is a replica of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pmnrf?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/PMNRF"><a href="/hashtag/PMNRF">#PMNRF</a></a></a> and others are questioning its transparency and use.
Some Facts:
1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pmnrf?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank">#PMNRF</a> was introduced to bring back people displaced from Pakistan and contribute a small portion towards medical treatment. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pmcaresfund?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/pmcaresfund">#pmcaresfund</a></a> is just about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/covid19?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/covid19"><a href="/hashtag/covid19">#covid19</a></a></a>.
2. Relief funds set up state government don't fall under CSR Donations - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/companiesact?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/companiesact">#companiesact</a></a> Act,2013. Ironical when the party which placed it now questions it knowing that it will need an amendment to change it.

3.Contribution of funds to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sdma?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/SDMA">#SDMA</a></a> will be taken as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/csr?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/CSR"><a href="/hashtag/CSR">#CSR</a></a></a> Expenditure. Why are some states complaining and politicising it rather than asking the corporates to contribute under it and avail <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/csr?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank">#CSR</a> Benefits under prevailing law??
4. States get 41% share of the revenue under 15th Finance Commission so it's time they chip in because the way I see, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pmcares?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank">#pmcares</a> is doing what it is supposed to.
5. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/pmcares?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank">#pmcares</a> will be audited by independent auditors. <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-cares-to-be-audited-by-independent-auditors/articleshow/75112792.cms?fbclid=IwAR0UARVDu33NvYzBfgDSwwyDeGFBtcuXcIydiFX9vVbbwLTZon8BF5TL_lA" target="_blank">https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-cares-to-be-audited-by-independent-auditors/articleshow/75112792.cms</a>

Isn't it high time we forget the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/religion?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/religion">#religion</a></a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/party?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank"><a href="/hashtag/party">#party</a></a> based bias and unite as a nation. Or does it require more <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/covid19?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" target="_blank">#covid19</a> deaths for us to finally stop politicising everything?

When will we unite as a nation by keep religion and politics aside?

India is one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, has the largest young workforce, most densely populated country (and the largest consumer market).&nbsp;

BUT is it sufficient?

As, on the other side:
1. We are still lacking the basic infrastructure to support large scale manufacturing. As we are still largely dependent on our service sector and primary sector, and have over the years grown in these two primarily ,leaving our manufacturing capabilites underdeveloped ?

2. Is our young huge workforce "skilled" also?

3. Do we have simple Economic, Labour &amp; Corporate laws in place to permit easy entry, exit &amp; working of the firms/corporate?

4. Are our Income tax laws favourable for foreign countries for setting up manufacturing facilities in India?

5. Do we have proper transportation network for movement of goods within india and for export outside india? Like: Dedicated freight corridors, Developed Ports, ICDs (Inland Container Depots) etc.

6. Are our export clearances easy &amp; whether our FTP(Foreign Trade Policy) is really making impact for increasing exports?

Where is China headed to?

Wallet vs Bullet

Even eligible ?

Self-Reliance

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