<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606904207516" alt="India is the 8th most affected country by terrorism, as per Global Terrorism Index, 2020" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India is ranked 8th with a score of 7.353 according to the eighth edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report. The report has been released by the Institute for Economics &amp; Peace (IEP), a global think tank headquartered in Sydney, Australia.
Although India has recorded 20% less terrorist attack and death caused by such attacks in 2019, it still finds itself in the top ten most affected countries by terrorism in the world. There were 558 terrorist attacks and 277 deaths from terrorism registered in India in 2019.
This report is produced on the basis of data acquired from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) that contains records of all the terrorism incidents since 1970.&nbsp;
The trends and patterns of terrorism incidents are studied to form an index where all the countries are ranked based on their scores, on a scale of zero to ten. A higher score will result in a higher rankings, thus reflecting the impact of terrorism on that particular country. A score of zero means that no terrorist attack was recorded in that country.
<ins>Impact of terrorism in India</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606904314711" alt="Impact of terrorism in India" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India is ranked 8th with a score of 7.353 in the index, just below the likes of Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan.
Although India recorded 20% less terrorist attack and death caused by such attacks in 2019, it still finds itself in the top ten most affected countries by terrorism in the world. These rankings immensely dent the economic progress as well as stability and global image of the country.
There were 558 terrorist attacks and 277 deaths from terrorism registered in India in 2019.&nbsp;
Unlike most of the other terrorism prone countries which deal with only specific disturbing elements like jihadists, communists, or separatist, India has to tackle terrorist activities on several fronts, be it in Kashmir (Pakistan sponsored terrorists and insurgents), Punjab (Khalistani movement), Assam (a secessionist movement), and some areas of Central India, which is dubbed as “Red Corridor” where re-emergence of Naxalite factions is causing immense discomfort to the Government of India.
Among the top ten countries most impacted by terrorism, the number of deaths resulting from terrorist activities is the lowest in India. The average of 0.5 deaths per attack is better in comparison to 2.1 in the other nine counties. The reason behind such a low lethality rate might be that bombings or attacks carried by Maoists or terrorists in Kashmir are often targeted towards police and military personnel followed by civilians.
There are a large number of terrorist groups in India, however many are seeking political recognition and often their attacks are not aimed at causing fatalities. Over half of terror attacks in 2019 were non-lethal with only 27 per cent of attacks resulting in more than one death. Only 14 of India’s 35 active terrorist groups were responsible for fatalities in 2019.
Notably, in 2019, the Maoists, and terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were responsible for 50% of the total attacks, and two-third of the total deaths in India. However, on one hand, the deaths caused by Maoist attacks has seen a decline of 33%, on the other hand the lethality of JeM’s attack has increased by 69%.
Jammu and Kashmir remained the region most impacted by terrorism in 2019, with 165 attacks, resulting in 103 deaths, most of which were perpetrated by Islamist groups. The three most active groups were Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizbul Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Both JeM and LeT have links with Al-Qaeda and Taliban, and they have also been active in Pakistan and Afghanistan, though most of their attacks are carried out in India.
In a deadly incident on February 14th, 2019, forty-one people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir by a suicide bomber. Inspired by Pakistani terror outfits, an explosives-laden vehicle had detonated targeting a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy along the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
The second most impacted state was Chhattisgarh which falls in the centre of the “Red Corridor”. A total of 85 attacks were carried out by Maoist extremists in 2019 causing 53 deaths.
<ins>Impact of terrorism in Rest of the world</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606904392773" alt="Impact of terrorism in Rest of the world" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Compared to last year’s numbers, the total number of death from terrorism has fallen by 15.5% to 13,826. The number of deaths has been constantly on a decline since the last five years after peaking in 2014.
Afghanistan has been ranked as the most impacted country by terrorism second year in a row. Its score of 9.5, termed as “very high”, is the result of several deadly incidents occurred due to the actions of major terrorist outfits like Taliban and Khorasan.
However, Afghanistan has recorded 1654 fewer deaths caused by terrorism incidents in 2019 when compared to 2018, amounting to a fall of 22.4%.&nbsp;
Iraq and Nigeria continue to follow Afghanistan in the top three, although Nigeria (plagued by Boko Haram) has also seen 2043 lesser deaths accounting to terrorism.
Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa, neighbouring Mali, Togo, and Ivory Coast, has witnessed the largest increase of 590% in terrorism related deaths last year, taking the toll to 593.
Sri Lanka suffered the worst terror attack last year when eight co-ordinated bombings on Easter Sunday took 266 lives.
The global economic impact of terrorism in 2019 amounted to US$26.4 billion, a fall of 25 per cent from 2018. This was mainly driven by a fall in terrorism deaths in the Middle East and North Africa.
However, South Asia remains the region most impacted by terrorism in 2019 where deaths by terror incidents have risen for two consecutive years, despite the improvements in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.&nbsp;
The Taliban continues to be the world’s deadliest terrorist group in 2019. However, terrorist deaths attributed to the group declined by 18 per cent to 4,990. Whether the peace talks in Afghanistan have a substantial impact on terrorist activity is yet to be seen.
Notably, the Covid-19 pandemic might have worsened the situation for terrorism prone countries as their governments are forced to shift their attention towards public health sector.
<ins>An insight into terror activities</ins>
Terrorist groups are constantly trying to increase their influence in order to grow their network. The major drivers of influence are media coverage, recruitment of sympathisers, and finances. These are the issues which need to be addressed to effectively fight against terrorism.
Several socio-economic factors are associated with terrorism are common to all countries. However, there are also noteworthy differences between economically developed and developing countries. Some socio-economic factors associated with terrorism include -:
<ul>
<li>High levels of group grievance and a weak rule of law is correlated with terrorism across all countries.</li>
<li>In case of more economically developed countries, social disenfranchisement and exclusion play an important role in terrorism.</li>
<li>In less economically developed countries, religious or ethnic ruptures, and corruption are more strongly associated with high levels of terrorism.</li>
</ul>

“India is the 8th most affected country by terrorism”

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606834687864" alt="More than 4 lakh people to vote for the first time in J&K since partition. DDC Elections in J&K: Everything you need to know." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The second phase of elections for District Development Council (DDC) are currently underway in the newly formed union territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.
The polls for the first phase have already been conducted successfully on 28th November, when an impressive voter turnout of 51.28% was registered, considering the freezing sub-zero temperature and an ongoing pandemic.
<ins>Historic for certain people</ins>
The abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35-A has brought relief to numerous people, who otherwise had lived an isolated life in the heavenly land of Jammu and Kashmir. These people are the refugees from West Pakistan, Valmiki Samaj (Dalits), and Gurkhas - all of whom will cast their votes for the first time in 70 years!
Until last year, people of these communities, amounting to more than 4 lakh voters, did not enjoy any voting rights, reservations in government jobs, and could not buy land or property even after living in J&amp;K since partition.
<ins>Local body elections</ins>
A total of 1427 candidates belonging to various political parties are contesting these elections. The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Altaf Bukhari’s Apni Party are the major competitors. The recently formed People’s Alliance consists of Farooq Abdullah’s National Conference, Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party and Sajjad Lone’s J&amp;K People’s Conference.
Voting for 280 constituencies in total 20 districts (14 in each district) will take place in 8 phases from 28th November to 19th December, 2020, and the counting will be conducted on 22nd December. About 169 companies of central armed forces have been deployed for the overseeing of elections.
&nbsp;<ins>What is District Development Council (DDC)?</ins>
The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is currently being run under the administration of the Lieutenant Governor who works under the interests of Union Government (Ministry of Home Affairs). Recently, on 17th October an amendment was brought in the J&amp;K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, through which a new unit of grass root governance in the form of District Development Council (DDC), together with District Planning Committee (DPC) were established in all the districts. This system replaced the the erstwhile system of District Planning and Development Boards.
The job of the DDC is to prepare and approve district planning and capital expenditure. It consists of 14 elected representatives from each district, the MLAs, and the chairpersons of all Block Development Councils. Its CEO will be an IAS officer who will be called District Development Commissioner. The term for a DDC will be of 5 years, and it will conduct meetings at least four times a year.
The DPC will consider and guide the formulation of development planning of each district, and thus will finalise the budget accordingly. It will include chairperson of DDC, MPs, chairperson of Municipal bodies, and district development commissioner.
The key difference in the new system of governance is that a district level of government body will be there which will consists of directly elected representatives.&nbsp;
This body will work in tandem with the lower levels, that is, Block Development Council, and Village Panchayat, thus bringing robustness in the idea of democracy at grass root level.

4L people to vote for the first time in J&K since partition

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606721005504" alt="Paris Agreement: Can India keep its big promises regarding climate change?" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India’s leadership at the global level in the fight against climate change has just been acknowledged in the recent Climate Transparency Report of 2020. According to the report, India is the only G-20 country which is doing its “fair share” to achieve the target of keeping the average global temperature rise below 2 degree Celsius as per the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;
The promises made by India in the Paris Agreement include reduction in emissions intensity by 33-35% of the 2005 level by 2030, increase in non-fossil share of cumulative power generation capacity to 40% by 2030, and per capita emissions to never exceed those of developed nations.
<ins>How are other countries faring?</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606721384474" alt="How are different countries doing according to the Climate Transparency Report of 2020" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

China, which is the second largest emitter of Green House Gases, has fared badly in this report as its efforts have been rated as “highly insufficient”. It is estimated that such a performance would result in an increase of more than 4 degree Celsius in the global temperature. A 4 degree increase in the average global temperature is dangerous, and certainly not in line with what has been envisioned in the Paris Accord. Even the countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates have received the same ratings.
The European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia have fared a little better being rated as “insufficient”. This means that at this rate the global average temperature rise will be less than 3 degree celcius.
Unsurprisingly, United States which tops the list of biggest emitters has been rated as “critically insufficient” along with Russia.
The United States had formally withdrawn from the Paris deal on this November 4th, courtesy of the current president Donald Trump who called the deal as “unfair to the USA’s interests”. However, the president-elect Joe Biden has promised that his administration will make the US rejoin the deal on the very first day of his presidency.&nbsp;
The next round of talks will happen in Glasgow, Scotland in November, 2021 where all the member countries will submit their performance reports and set targets for future.
<ins>A Glance at Paris Agreement &amp; its Goals</ins>

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1606721643776" alt="India's promises at the Paris Agreement." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Paris Agreement is an ambitious accord signed by 198 countries within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, France.
The agreement aims to bring together member countries in their fight against the phenomenon of climate change which includes global warming, and change in weather patterns caused by human activities responsible for emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
The main goal of this treaty is to limit the increase in global temperature well below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to put efforts to limit the increase to below 1.5 degree Celsius by the year 2100.
Also, the climate change is inevitable, although we aim to mitigate it, so this agreement envisages a ‘climate change resilient’ world which can efficiently cope with the challenges of climate change and its adverse effects, thus assuring the survival of human race.
According to the Paris Agreement, all the participating countries have set for themselves some self-determined goals regarding the reduction of GHGs emissions, and have promised to fulfill these goals in a stipulated time. These self-determined targets are called as Nationally Determined Contributions. This agreement is not legally binding, and the countries cannot be penalised for not performing accordingly.
<ins>India’s performance</ins>
The Indian contingent will surely enter the Conference of Parties (2021) with its head held high as India is the only G-20 nation that has managed to get a rating of “2 degree Celsius compatible”, thanks to its consistent efforts towards reducing Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions and adoption of renewable sources of energy through its various schemes and policies.
<ins>Energy Supply</ins>
India has officially achieved complete electrification of its households in the year 2020. The electricity production in India is also moving towards de-carbonisation, plus it is fairly consistent with the Paris Agreement.
Considering fossil fuel resources, India’s coal power share in total electricity generation has also reduced. However, it is still nowhere consistent with the Paris Agreement as the total coal operation capacity of India is supposed to increase to 300 Giga Watt by 2027, that too after all the planning.
India’s coal production is also seeing an increase, especially after the sector’s privatisation, and some of the coal mines are located in ecologically sensitive regions.
Talking of renewable sources of energy, earlier India had set a target of attaining 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, but last year this figure was increased and the target was set to a whopping 450 GW by the year 2030. The 450 GW figure includes 275 GW of renewable energy (solar and wind power), 75 GW of hydroelectricity, 15 GW of nuclear energy, and 100 GW from other “zero emission” sources.
Currently, about 89 GW (Solar and Wind) capacities are already operational, and projects worth 48 GW capacities are at bidding stage.
<ins>Industry</ins>
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency launched a scheme named Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Mechanism according to which energy efficiency targets have been set for industries. The industry which fulfills these targets is given a certificate and rewarded with incentives. This sector includes thermal power, cement, aluminium, textlies, iron &amp; steel, and accounts for 40% of the total energy consumption.
<ins>Transport</ins>
India has set a goal for 2030 that 30% of the newly sold vehicles till then will be electrically powered. This, in itself, is a ratification as the earlier target was of a 100%. This new bar is barely consistent with the Paris Agreement according to which India should have targeted at least 80%.
One of the measures taken by the GOI to increase the production and sale of electric vehicles is the scheme called Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II). This scheme provides incentives to the manufacturing companies as well as the customers through subsidies and tax concessions.
Notably, the Indian Railways announced in July this year that it will achieve complete electrification of railway networks till 2023, in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
<ins>Agriculture</ins>
India’s large population is engaged in agriculture sector where electricity (at subsidised rate) is used for pumping large amounts of water during irrigation, especially in the semi-arid areas like Punjab and Haryana. To address this issue, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has brought a scheme called PM Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) that will allow setting up of solar plants in rural areas with the help of the Government. These solar plants will be used by farmers to power their irrigation pumps and they will be paid for the surplus units by the power corporation.&nbsp;
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, launched in 2012, sought reduction in agricultural emissions, but failure of allocation of funds has dented its progress over the time.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Development (NABARD) has also launched various projects focused at rural energy management, renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. The bank also educates farmers about the climate change and its impacts, and how to fight against it.
<ins>Forestry</ins>
The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has come up with a National Forest Policy which aims to guide India’s forest management for the next three decades, and calls for a minimum of one-third of India’s total geographical area to be under forest or tree cover.&nbsp;
Green India Mission is another initiative launched in 2014 under the same ministry, and sets goals to “protect and enhance” the “diminishing forests” of India while responding to climate change. However, the environmentalists have complained that only 34% of the fund has been allocated, thus limiting the success of the mission.
<ins>Economy wise</ins>
India’s economy has been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic as the demand and production both had fallen down. However, as the economy recovers slowly, India might not be consistent with the Paris Agreements when considering the targets for 2040 and further.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Considering the population of India, which is about overtake China very soon, the emission levels are expected to increase although the per capita figures for the same are much lower in India’s case when compared to other major global powers.
Climate Change is a relevant issue, and must be dealt with full sincerity from both the Government and the civil society. India is on its way to achieve the targets which were set by it back in 2015, but to become a world leader when it comes to tackling climate change and shifting to new &amp; renewable ways of energy production, India will have to make structural changes, backed by a solid policy implementation.

Paris Agreement: Can India keep its big promises?

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1605100532359" alt="Pm NArendra Modi puts-down China and Pakistan at the 20th Summit of SCO Council of heads of State." style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the first-ever-virtual-summit of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO). Under the chairmanship of Russia, all the members and observer states joined the 20th Summit of SCO Council of heads of State via video conferencing.
Albeit virtually, this was the first time PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were face to face after the deadly altercation between the Indian and Chinese armies at the LAC in mid-June. Recognising the vitality of a nation’s sovereignty and integrity, PM Modi took the opportunity to convey a message to both the neighbours, China and Pakistan, and said, “India believes that to further deepen connectivity, it is necessary to carry forward with the core principles of respecting each other's sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
Leading the Indian delegation, PM Modi addressed the SCO Council where he highlighted the leading role played by India during the times of Covid-19 pandemic. He recounted the Indian Army’s contribution in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, and India’s Pharma Industry’s prominent role in providing support and relief through constant supplies after the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“Let us all stay happy and disease free. In this painful time of unprecedented pandemic, India's pharmaceutical industry helped more than 150 countries with essential medicines. As the world's largest vaccine producing country, India will use its vaccine production and distribution capacity to help the entire humanity in fighting this crisis,” he added.
<ins>A way for cultural exchange</ins>
While talking about the historical and cultural relationship India has with the SCO region, PM Modi also mentioned the initiative of holding first SCO cultural exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by National Museum of India. He also talked about the upcoming SCO Food Festival to happen in India in 2021, and about the translation of ten Indian regional literary works into Russian and Chinese languages.
“I give my outright support to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SCO in the year 2021 as SCO Culture Year. The National Museum of India is in the process of organising the first SCO exhibition on our shared Buddhist heritage this year. The Literature Academy of India has completed the translation of ten Indian literary works in Russian and Chinese languages,” he said.
He presented the ideas of Atma-nirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India) movement, and how it could add a ‘multiplier effect’ to the global economy in a post-pandemic world.
“I believe that Self-reliant India will prove to be a Force Multiplier for the global economy, and will accelerate the economic progress of the SCO region,” he further added.
While congratulating to the Russian President Vladimir Putin for calling the SCO virtual meet, PM Modi proposed for India to host the next regular virtual meeting of the SCO, next year.&nbsp;
<ins>About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</ins>
The SCO is a regional and inter-governmental organisation formed in Shanghai, China in 2001. The members of former Shanghai Five Group - China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - along with Uzbekistan established this regional body while calling it a ‘Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance’. It is headquartered in Beijing, China.
India and Pakistan joined the SCO as its full-fledged members in 2017 after being ‘observer states’ for more than a decade. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia are other observer states.
<ins>Observer States</ins>: Unlike the permanent members, these States do not possess the voting power, and cannot make any proposals. Though their participation in the summit is allowed, they do not have decision making powers.&nbsp;
The aim of the SCO is to maintain peace, security, and stability in the region by developing mutual trust and ‘neighbourliness’, co-operation in politics, culture, research &amp; technology, and to share common goals in education, energy, and environmental protection.&nbsp;
The Council of Heads of States is the chief decision making body of the SCO, and it comprises of Presidents (in India and Pakistan’s case, their Prime Ministers) of the member States.
A body of the SCO is Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure which is established to combat separatism, extremism, and terrorism.

PM Modi puts down China-Pak at SCO meet; bids for India to lead Covid-19 world recovery

<img src="https://discussion.policharcha.in/1604933042641" alt="India Russia collab for ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme’" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

India’s Atal Innovation Mission and Russia’s Sirius come together to launch ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme 3.0’, a 14-day virtual programme that will provide a platform to the bright ‘techie’ school going children of India and Russia, to develop innovative tech solutions (mobile and web based) for the redressal of global issues.
In a first such virtual bilateral youth innovative initiative between India and Russia, about 48 students and 16 mentors will team up to produce 8 virtual products and mobile apps, aiming to address global challenges related to culture, distance education, applied cognitive science, health &amp; well-being, sports, fitness and gaming training, chemistry, Artificial Intelligence, and digital financial assets amidst Covid-19 pandemic.
The idea behind this year’s programme is to encourage collaboration and innovation in science, technology, and design products.
The solutions brought up by these students during this exercise will inspire the development of 21st century technologies such as machine learning, data analytics, app development, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, 3D design &amp; printing, augmented reality, virtual reality, UI/UX, gamification, data analytics &amp; visualisations, and rapid prototyping among others, in India.
Last year, in a similar research-based programme, a cohort of 25 Indian students and 5 teachers had visited Sirius centre in Russia, where they developed 8 different tech-based products as to solve the issues pertaining to remote earth sensing, drones &amp; robotics, clean energy, biological &amp; genetic research, and data analytics &amp; frontier technologies.&nbsp;
All of the innovations were then presented to Russian president Vladimir Putin who lauded the talent and spirit of young techies.
<ins>What is Atal Innovation Mission &amp; its “tinkering labs”?</ins>
Nitin Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country, Atal Innovation Mission aims to provide a platform through which creativity and innovation can be inculcated, encouraged, supported, and mentored.&nbsp;
AIM is establishing world class ‘Atal Incubators’ across the country so as to promote entrepreneurship at University, NGOs, Small and Medium Enterprise, and Corporate industry levels by supporting startups in every sector and all the states.
Atal Tinkering Labs is another determined attempt to cultivate creativity and innovative mindset at the school level. Under this, a grant of Rs 20 lakh is being offered to schools PAN-India to build a specific room called as ‘tinkering lab’. These labs will be equipped with DIY (Do-It-Yourself) kits based on latest technologies like 3D printing, Robotics, Miniaturized electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things etc.&nbsp;
The students will be allowed to tinker with these kits as to generate curiosity and dig out creativity. The teachers are also to receive training so that they can effectively help the young minds flourish.&nbsp;
Additionally, this whole mission directs the country towards a future where we are not only modern and technologically advanced, but also self-reliant (Atma-nirbhar).

India Russia collab for ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme’

<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

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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