" Trump is Not Finished in American Politics Yet " – February 23, 2021.
Former US President, Donald Trump's second Impeachment trial ; his acquittal ; and to an extent the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack – once the biggest draws have their curtains fading from light now.
An important aspect that has not been in many discussions or print drawn as example/precedent pertains to the 1785 case of Warren Hastings ( who served as the Governor General of India ) whose removal from office was proposed in the British House of Commons after his retirement. The trial was based on accusations of amassing wealth disproportionate to the sources of his income during service ; charges of extortion ; and his orders to shoot the Maharaja Nandakumar who staunchly opposed his style of Leadership. Following the debate and discussions during the trial, the resolution to remove him from office was defeated. Significantly, Jamie Raskin, Democratic Lead Manager of Trump Impeachment trial in the US Senate, quoted this as a previous example to justify the proceedings. In the final verdict, Trump has been acquitted.
US Capitol attack of January 6, 2021, cannot be erased from human memory just as injustice cannot be erased from the world. Even before the Senate trial it was well known to everyone that it was faced with the prospect of a certain defeat. But, it perhaps helped highlight : (a) the fact that the attack had the tacit support of Donald Trump and will be registered in future history of America , and (b) to erase the stigma and taint attached to the incident from the eyes of the world.
Citing this trial of Warren Hastings, Jamie Raskin emphasized that, " even when a person is not holding his office, it will not be wrong to make formal legislative inquiries through the accepted process and to make the required resolution against the person."
Removing persons holding high offices in America is not a simple matter. To hold a Senate trial a vote of acceptance is required. Donald Trump's trial happened after a formal acceptance.
Results of the General Election in America will be known in November itself. The new President-elect will however formally take charge only on January 20. During the intervening period, the losing President will hold his office in the White House with full legitimate power. The acts of the President during this period hold significant value and impact for the successor. A defeated President should not be granted any liberty to do what he pleases , specially during this period on account of " January Exception/Proscription" is the rubric here. Donald Trump is the first President in American history to be impeached twice in his term of Four years. This Impeachment trial also holds the distinction of the shortest in the course of trial days in history. President, Donald Trump, got acquitted with the votes favouring him at 57 – 43.
If there remains one special meaning to this Impeachment trial, it is that Donald Trump had not lost his rights to contest the 2024 General Election again. He cannot, however , be completely solaced by this memory with a host of criminal investigations still hanging in the balance even as he hangs tough.
According to the 14th Amendment, section 3, of the American Constitution – any individual inciting insurrection can be removed from office and if he is a common citizen criminal investigations can be proceeded against him/her.
Even amidst all the demanding circumstances one cannot take the shine off the reality that "Trumpism" and the support of nearly 75 million voters will exist in America for years, if not for decades.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 – 6.19 a.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " If Abe Lincoln came back to life, he would lose New York and he would lose California too " – Donald Trump.
" Perseverance Rover and Mars Exploration – Not Easy but Worth it " – February 22, 2021.
This is a glorious period for Indians in America holding their flags flying high after committing to nail their colours to the mast.
If Kamala Harris swung into the saddle of VP on January 20, 2021 ; if more than 20 Indians have been nominated by President, Joseph Biden, to key positions in US Administration ; – now it is Bangalore born, Dr Swati Mohan who with her parents migrated to America, adding another feather to our cap of pride in making an impactful contribution to the "Perseverance" Rover launched by NASA in their aim to explore and inhabit the Second Planet , "Mars" on Friday, February 18, 2021.
Having raised the heartbeats of millions for more than 7 minutes when the Perseverance Rover's six wheels finally and successfully landed on the Red Planet, a new hope was kindled 47.2 crore kilometres away on Earth for the humankind.
Research Scientist ( Aerospace engineer and Guidance control Operations Lead on the NASA Mars Mission 2020 ) Dr Swati Mohan proudly made the announcement of the landing at 2.25 a.m. on Friday.
Launched from Florida's Cape Canaveral on July 30, 2020, it took 203 days to cover the 300 million miles from Earth. The weight of the Rover was 1025 kilograms. Its length was 3.048 meters and height 2.13 meters. The expenditure incurred was 207 crore dollars. This is the largest and technologically most superior spacecraft launched in history so far.
It is also the first Rover in nearly thirty years to use domestically produced plutonium created by national laboratories in U.S.A. The cost of the mission is equal to the amount of money Google makes in 6 days ; or the amount of money Americans spend on pets every 10 days ; or equivalent to 33 hours of running the US Department of Defense.
One Mars year is equal to 2 Earth years. The chief aim of this mission is to characterise planet's geology, and past climate and to be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith paving the way for human exploration of the Red Planet. Explore the possibility of life or otherwise to be precise.
The 45 sq km Jezero Crater where it has landed, the site of an ancient river Delta ( previous orbital missions have pointed to the wet conditions ) has harboured life billions of years ago ; whether microbial life existed or not ; whether the temperature patterns are life preserving ; collecting samples of rocks ; testing new technology that can benefit future robotic and human missions to the planet – are some of the objectives constituting this mission.
Research pertaining to the atmospheric gases is the top priority now. Past research has evidenced the existence of nearly 90% carbon dioxide in Mars atmosphere. Plants, shrubs, and trees on earth take CO2 and release O2 during the day while they take O2 and release CO2 during night on Earth. This type of exchange is not found in Mars. Hence, the scientists have carried an instrument called 'MOXIE' to Mars this time to test the production of O2 from CO2 in Mars. This is the most significant aspect of this launch that will ascertain the possibility of human inhabitation in future.
Mars exploration is not new ; starting as early as in 1960s several attempts have been made in the last 60 years or so. Viking 1 and Viking 2 in 1975 were the successful early launches by America. About 16000 photographs were collected during that time. "Pathfinder" in 1996 ; "Spirit" and "Opportunity" in 2004 ; "Phoenix" Mars Lander in 2008 ; "Curiosity" in 2012 and "InSight" Lander in 2018 are the other launches from America. Each of these has served to bring new insights to the process of Mars Exploration.
India launched its " Mangalyaan" in 2013 first ; UAE's Al Amal ( "Hope" – 2021 ) is the Arab World's first such mission that landed on February 9, 2021 ; and China's "Tianwen 1" landed on February 10, 2021 is its first now orbiting the red planet ; China's "Tianwen 2" will be landing in May. India's "Mangalyaan 2" is getting ready to be launched. (exact date is not known, however).
Whether Mars holds water for human habitation ; whether Mars has a congenial atmosphere with enough O2 for human inhabitation ; and whether Mars has congenial temperature for the safe existence of human beings are some of the ongoing researches on this aspect.
The secret of evolution of life in other planets is the primary quest that drives the human interest to explore Mars now. It is the vista of the greatest opportunity that our children, grandchildren, and/or great grand children can hope for with joy, dream, and ecstasy of reaping the benefits in their lifetime.
Monday, February 22, 2021 – 10.29 a.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit " – Stephen Hawking.
" Is China Advancing its Steps in India-Sri Lanka Relationship ? " – February 18, 2021.
India-Sri Lanka relationship is a well established relationship. Tamils and Tamil nadu politics are the two pillars governing this relationship. Elections to Tamil Nadu assembly are to be held soon.
China's recent emergence as a force determining India-Sri Lanka relationship in this context has to be noted. How this will shape and which direction it will take under the circumstances remains a mystifying puzzle.
China has been offering financial support to Sri Lanka extensively. Most sea ports of Sri Lanka are upgraded with the help of either a Chinese Organisation fully or jointly.
The previous political leadership of Sri Lanka had set an agreement to upgrade the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Seaport jointly with India and Japan. But the present Government (2019) under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to pull out of that agreement independently without any consultations with either India or Japan.
In addition, it has recently given the responsibility of establishing electric facilities in Yazhppanam islands to China. That the islands are located just 50 km from Tamil nadu, Rameswaram, is significant. China executes this work jointly with Ceylon Electricity Board. Sri Lanka approved Sinosoar-Etechwin JV in China to install hybrid renewable energy systems in the following islands – Nainativu, Delft or Neduntivu, and Analaitivu. All these are connected to the Jaffna Peninsula by ferry service managed by Sri Lankan Navy.
Many in Tamil Nadu are concerned and cautioned against the safety of Indians. Many in India have also condemned this development. India has also registered its strong concern over the ₹ 87 crores project to be executed with China.
Austin Fernando, Sri Lankan former High Commissioner to India has voiced his support for Sri Lanka that this project backed by Asian Development Bank had the due procurement process including invitations for contracts from International Organisations fairly and genuinely. He also cited the participation of an Indian Organisation in this process (without citing its name) that could not succeed.
In the 1980s America attempted to establish a Tower in Trincomalee (city in Sri Lanka) which was strongly resisted by India. Sri Lanka was subjected to the stress and pressures of India that proved fruitful. But, India is not in a position to adopt a similar stance today.
The islands where the electric facilities are to be established are not in close proximity to the land of Sri Lanka. Uptil now, the islands used only diesel generators for their needs of electricity. Of these islands, Eluvaitivu is the smallest and Neduntivu is the largest. Neduntivu is also the island where Sri Lankan Naval Base is organised. It was also at the peak of LTTE agitation that Sri Lanka faced them from this island.
Indian External Affairs Minister, Sri Jayashankar, has clearly expressed the firm resolve to strengthen the India Sri Lankan relationship. He has also reiterated emphatically the two key aspects of : (a) Justice to the Tamils ; and (b) establishing their rights through implementation of 13th Amendment by the Sri Lankan Government. However, Sri Lanka's efforts do not create any faith in true observance of these conditions.
However, within a month of his visit Sri Lanka offered India's participation in the upgradation of the Western Container Terminal of Colombo Seaport even while pulling out of the Eastern Container Terminal.
Rajapaksa brothers have always held the belief grudging India's responsibility in the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier. Hence their staunch opposition to involve India in the matter of Sri Lankan Tamils. This is also a reason why the clout of China is raising in Sri Lanka.
Lankan citizens seem to believe that India should not try to put their oars in the internal matters of Sri Lanka. That China is slowly becoming a force to reckon with in determining India-Sri Lanka relationship is seen clearly here. It presents a challenge to India.
Thursday, February 18, 2021 – 3.17 p.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " India and Sri Lanka are both neighbours and Republics within the Commonwealth of Nations ".
" Happy Republic Day, January 26, 2020 " – January 2020.
My BlogLeader is knowledge driven.
I am fortunate to have witnessed two Republic Day Parades ( also Beating Retreat ) in Delhi, one in 1976, and the other in 1977, during my Defence tenure.
PM, Indira Gandhi with French, PM, Jacques Chirac. 1976.
Republic day, 1976.
For momentous occasions of this nature, it is said with pride, that anyone who gets to witness one in life may be likened to seeing them all in life. I felt extremely happy then.
In recent years I made it a practice to see the events of the Republic Day Parade on TV without fail. It makes me wonder how the celebrations have turned into a great spectacle exhibiting our innovative military arsenals combined with our innovative methods of displaying cultural heritage – the two key elements and characteristics of the nation. It seems to belie/alter the old saying…
" President Joe Biden's Inaugural Address – Theme of Unity and Healing " – January 20, 2021.
New American President (Joe Biden) and Vice-president (Kamala Harris) were sworn into office this noon ( VP at 11.27 a.m. ET and President at 11.47 a.m. ET ) , January 20, 2021.
Calling the day as 'Democracy Day' and 'America's Day' and asserting that at this hour Democracy has prevailed, Joe Biden emphasised that Americans today Celebrate the cause of Democracy and not just the victory of a candidate.
"My whole soul is in 'Unity', bringing Americans together and healing the wounds" – he said while assuring that Unity is the path forward that I will mount to take all of us through these challenges.
His recipe for the evils that Americans face today lie in opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, honour, and truth.
He promised to repair the alliances, engage truly with others, and lead not just by the power of examples but carving strong and trusted partnerships for peace and security.
A silent prayer to all those who lost their lives due to the pandemic was his FIRST act as President.
Citing the complex problems of racism, inequity, economic struggle, and control of pandemic as the immediate problems to tackle, he will prepare the nation to be judged by how it resolves these problems and write the next great chapter in American History.
Tracing the work and prayers of centuries by the citizens as his legacy, he vowed to add his team's work and prayers to continue and enhance that during his term.
Unity and not division, light and not darkness, truth and not lies are the way forward to write a new story of America – according to him.
He ended his 21 minute address with words : "Before God I will give my word to defend our democracy, to defend every American, and to defend our values to write a new story of America".
His address centered around the theme of Unity and Healing with no reference to any specific plans or programs in any sector, no reference to Trump, and no reference to past mistakes.
In an optimistic mood with conciliatory attitudes and gestures he reflected the realities of the present situation with the promise to treat every American well.
It was a celebrated speech, ambrosial in a sense to people seeking to invoke patriotism and unity.
America witnessed today, two septugenarians : One entering the White House gloriously and the other leaving ingloriously ; one faced with the challenges of the future of the nation and the other faced with the challenges of future dangers to his personal status ; one with an excellent popular perception of his skills and the other with a gravely diminished popular perception of his skills ; one with his self confidence matching the requirements of the situation and the other with his self confidence shattered amidst painful future circumstances in life ; and one with a high level of motivation to engage in positive actions for a worthy national cause and the other with an increasing need for motivation, specially, after the traumatic experiences of this fortnight to engage in actions for a worthy personal life.
This inauguration in effect is a legendary stuff in the history of American Presidency.
To some, it is the brightening of the cheerless times ; while to some others it may be the unnatural cession of rights of ruling or governing.
America has a new President, new Governance, and a new Era from this day.
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 – 11. 47 p.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " I will be a President for all Americans " – President Joe Biden in his address.
" US-India Relationship – ' A Basic Necessity of Political Engagement ' " – January 19, 2021.
As America prepares for the inauguration of its 46th Predident, Joe Biden, both Washington and Delhi think-tanks will be immersed in thoughts about shaping up mutual understanding, support, and relationships.
Having overcome the many obstacles in their path of Presidential contest, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will set out on their journey to unite, heal, and promote America in a new beginning of a new Era from tomorrow. That Kamala Harris has her origins in India is a matter of pride to the Indians.
PM Narendra Modi has been able to strike a healthy relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and support with President Donald Trump. Whether the change in US leadership will witness a change in our engagement and relationship is keenly awaited.
Indian Americans feature prominently in Joe Biden's nominations to his team even before the inauguration. About 20 Indians including 13 women will hold key positions in his administration. For an ethnic community representing just 1% of the population this is a remarkable feat.
Dr Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General ; Neera Tandon, Director of the WH office of Management and Budget ; Vanita Gupta , Associate Attorney General, Dept of Justice ; Uzra Zeya, Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights ; Mala Adiga, Policy Director to the future First Lady, Jill Biden ; Sabrina Singh, First Lady's deputy Press Secretary ; Aisha Shah, Partnership Manager at White House Office of Digital Strategy ; Sameera Fazili, Deputy Director at the US National Economic Council ( NEC ) in White House ; Bharat Ramamurti, Deputy Director, WH, NEC ; Gautham Raghavan, Deputy Director in Office of Presidential Personnel ; Vinay Reddy, Director of Speech writing ; Vedant Patel, Asst press Secretary to President ; Sonia Agarwal, Senior Advisor for Climate Policy and Innovation in the Office of the Domestic Climate Policy at WH ; Vidu Sharma, Policy Advisor for testing for WH COVID-19 Response team ;
Tarun Chhabra, Sumona Guha, and Shanthi Kalathil are also becoming part of the National Security Counsel at WH.
Neha Gupta, Associate Counsel and Terms Shah as Deputy Associate Counsel to the Office of WH Counsel. Garia Verma, Digital Director of the Office of the First Lady.
The fact that Indian Americans ( about 20 in all at present ) are finding their places in Biden Administration and VP Kamala Harris has her origins in India will not alone stand testimony to the favourable future relationships between America and India. History of mutual relationships between the two nations do not record changes in Foreign Relationship with changes in US leadership. The nomination of Indians, nevertheless, can help hit a sweet spot between working relationship and expected changes.
It should also be recognised that most of these are descendents who ( second or even third generation ) have left India seeking greener pastures with progress and prosperity in America when they were either denied or when they failed to gain their deserved fruits. It will not be surprising if they hold a view that may be filled with general unhappiness ; disapproval of our culture ; disregard for our way of living ; and criticism of our actions.
Many, including Kamala Harris strongly criticised our Human Rights record and religious intolerance as being negligent, harmful, and threatening. House Representatives, Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna have often been vocal against India in their Congressional discussions raising issues frequently on these aspects consistently. Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Robert Menendez are leaders who have expressed views against India and its internal problems while President Donald Trump had always maintained a stand not to interfere with the internal affairs of India during his term.
To the credit of Biden Administration, however, it must be accepted that their knowledge of mutual relationships and internal problems are fairly deep.
Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and William Burns are officials who have been significantly familiar with India.
China's relationship with America is anything but fair. As the ancient proverb goes, " the enemy of my enemy is my friend ", our strength grows from our conflicts with China.
For anyone wishing to write a Political Enchiridion, the Relationship between America and India is one that is indispensable.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 – 10.39 a.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " Our greatest policy problem is our decisions at home. Our greatest foreign policy need is national cohesion and a return to the awareness that in foreign policy we are all engaged in a common national endeavor " – Henry Kussinger.
" Pongal – the Solemn, Extolling, and 'Unique' Celebration " – January 14, 2021.
" Bury the hatchet, Let bygones be bygones, Forget and be reconciled " – phrases that sound familiar to me during 'Pongal', the period of summer harvest in most parts of India.
I liken it to the marriage of heaven and earth, sky and the soil.
I also like to see Nature and Life meeting and greeting each other to bless and energise us all, People . Let it also symbolise the purification of every soul.
Paddy and Sugarcane greet the farmers and their five plus the sixth sense(s) with the gift of an El Hombre Dorado on this auspicious day. The land will become bare soon, though. They, however, will stand rewarded overall.
"That Sun God will change the direction of His chariot from east to west and take…
" Welcoming Joe Biden to Begin a New Era of America " – January 8, 2021.
" US General Election was not 'stolen', nor was it 'rigged' as claimed by President, Donald Trump ;
Joe Biden is the legitimate President-elect set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2021 ;
Democratic Party can enjoy untrammeled and even let their dreams run wild enthusiastically. "
President, Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the Election have come to a naught. His allegations of fraud have been distinctly rejected.
US besides being the oldest democracy in the world stands out as the Superpower with its economic strength, technological superiority, scientific prowess, military might, and nuclear advancements of top quality amidst all nations of the world.
Hence, its Presidential Election is a matter of utmost importance to all nations of the world.
Who and how the country which can guide the course and destiny of several other countries lets its Leader wield the sceptre is of equally great interest and importance to all nations.
Economy, Health, and Foreign Policy, the three pillars of Progress in society/evolution need a head that is sensible, heart that is solemn, and hands that are steady to frame and implement policies making domestic and worldwide impact.
The US Presidential Election 2020 has been sensational with excitements throughout the year. It has not subsided even after the voting was completed in November 2020. The reasons are too well known to everybody now. "The head, heart, and hands that wielded the sceptre for 4 years since January 20, 2017 – President, Donald Trump ".
A Leader of strong and forceful views, his domineering manner and influence over handling of all issues have been the causal factor in the collision course/trend with other nations evoking unsparing discussions and debates. Clash of interests, opinions, and policies with North Korea and Iran in the early months of Presidency emboldened gloomy prognostications of even a nuclear war erupting.
Trade War with China ( seen as a fitting move to protect the interests of Americans ) though a matter of happiness and geniality for US Indians, its actions on tweaking visa regulations stymieing Indian youth's efforts to seek admissions and job opportunities has, nevertheless, been viewed as unfriendly and irritable.
President, Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and George Floyd protests received condemnation from the public in great measure(s). A surge in anti-Trump sentiment was the result.
More than the above, Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat graciously in the General Election results despite many reversals in court cases tarnished his public image further.
The Supreme Court twice rejected lawsuits to overturn Joe Biden's victory within a week ( between December 7 and 13 ). First, it turned away an appeal from Pennsylvania Republicans on December 8, 2020. Again on December 12/13 it rejected the Texas lawsuit on the election outcome. The Texas lawsuit includes 17 attorney generals (of 17 States) and 126 Republican members of Congress urging the SC to invalidate millions of votes in 4 battleground states – Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia.
House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, termed the suit as " an act of flailing GOP desperate, which violates the principles enshrined in our American Democracy ".
The Electoral College on December 14, 2020, confirmed Joe Biden's victory in the Presidential Election making Biden's way to the White House another step closer amidst Donald Trump's challenges.
Biden stated : " In this battle for the soul of America, democracy prevailed ".
On January 6, 2021, the Electoral votes by State wise were counted and VP, Mike Pence, (President of the Senate) presiding over the proceedings confirmed the results of the Presidential Election. Joe Biden was declared winner with 306 Electoral votes.
The hands that wielded the sceptre until then has withered and fallen.
The proceedings witnessed an interruption with supporters of President, Donald Trump, barging into the Capitol building causing the Certification process to stop (while safeguarding the Congressmen). The ensuing garboil with clashes between law enforcement personnel and the stormtroopers resulted in deaths of 4 people including a woman.
Soon after, President, Donald Trump, pledged an orderly transfer of power on January 20, 2021. He said : " The certification represents the end of the greatest first term in Presidential History ".
The fire, flames, hopes, and dreams of President, Donald Trump, to continue as President for a second term has been extinguished finally. It seems like a bad dream now.
In retrospect one may feel how it would have been had he heeded to the advice of some of his aides who had suggested him to accept defeat quickly as " Your wish is my command".
What would have earned him Goodwill and Sympathies has become a blot on his etcutcheon for years to come.
How the Democrats make their play for their agenda in the next two years in respect of Obamacare, SC Justices, Statehood for Washington DC, Puerto Rico … , Abolition of Electoral College , Gun Control legislation, Immigration, Foreign Policy, and Climate Change will be of interest not just to America but to all nations of the world too.
Joe Biden is ready to wield the sceptre and a new Era is expected to dawn on America from January 20, 2021.
Friday, January 8, 2021 – 12.01 p.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " One may lose something, but another door may open making the person who lost something gain something else ". President, Donald Trump, lost his Presidency for the next term – Will he get the coveted Nobel Peace Prize (nomination and later the prize ) for his Middle East Peace Initiative in February ? "
" New Relationship Between Britain and the EU " – January 2, 2021.
What has been dragging the feet of the administrators of EU and Britain while tussling with one another for achieving exclusivity for nearly 4 years has been resolved completely. The final story has the Britain's separation to end all separation anxieties. For the British PM, Boris Johnson, who has accomplished this peaceable settlement, it is a crowning diplomatic success in his term.
It was the pronouncement made by the Conservative PM, David Cameron, on January 23, 2013, that : "should the Conservative party win the ensuing Elections, a referendum on the issue of whether Britain should leave the EU or not will be held that will set the struggle for an independent Britain rolling ". The Conservatives won the Elections in 2015.
Subsequent to the acceptance announcement of the European Federation to accord Britain a Special Status in 2016, PM David Cameron sought to conduct the EU Membership referendum in June for the continuance of Britain in the 28 member EU.
The demand and desire of Britain to exit the EU started gaining voice under Boris Johnson at this time itself.
About 52℅ of people voted in favour of Britain leaving the EU. PM, David Cameron, resigned. On July 13, 2016, Home Secretary, Theresa May, became the PM. March 29, 2019, was set as the new date for Britain to leave the EU. PM, Theresa May, in an attempt to enlarge her majority in the Parliament, announced a sudden election. Contrary to her expectations, the Conservatives lost their majority and were compelled to form a minority coalition to continue in power.
A no confidence motion moved against PM, Theresa May, was defeated in December 2018. PM, Theresa May, placed the Brexit Agreement before the Parliament for passing in May 2019. Against all her expectations, the agreement was not passed. It was also rejected three times in the Parliament.
The previously set date of March 29, 2019, was now extended. PM, Theresa May, resigned on July 24, 2019, after Boris Johnson won the Conservative Party Leadership on July 23, 2019. Agreement getting accepted or otherwise, Britain will leave the EU by October 31, 2020, he averred. He also pronounced that the date set was extended again till January 31, 2020. In the General Election held in December, PM, Boris Johnson, won securing full majority. And, Britain finally left the EU on January 31, 2020. However, for finetuning the negotiations, a 11 month timeframe was granted.
Britain has successfully come out of EU after winning a great struggle. It, however, will not break the relations between Britain and EU due to the many regulations/conditions and privileges/incentives surviving.
Britain's medical practitioners, technologists, and architects have to register in countries they want to pursue work. Lawyers and Auditors are exempted from these regulations. Also, manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies will get tax exemptions if they source 59% of spare parts locally.
The broad opinion is that India will stand to gain from Brexit. Significant to note is the fact that Indian tech companies, professional enterprises, and the likes are heavily invested in Britain after America. It also constitutes the reason for our industrialists migrating to UK. Indian Software sector heads hold a focused attention to open offices in EU and to continue Trade relations with Britain.
Bilateral trade between India and Britain is of the order of $ 15 billion. Contribution of exports in trade is $ 2 billion more than imports.
UK PM, Boris Johnson, will be the Chief Guest, for our Republic Day Celebrations 2021 on January 26. Many agreements between India and UK will be finalised and signed during that time. Specially, relaxations in migrations of Indians for Education and Job Opportunities are keenly expected.
If Brexit Agreement is a great comforter and encourager to Britain, it will be an excellent "opportunity" for India.
Saturday, January 2, 2021 – 12.19 p.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " This is an amazing moment for this country. We have our freedom in our hands and it is up to us to make the most of it " – Boris Johnson in his New Year Address.
" New Year 2021 – Give It Five ! " – December 31, 2020.
2020 has been one of the most unforgettable years of this Century with chilling imageries of the Coronavirus still haunting us all. The entire world was crowned with Corona. 2021 shall change that is everybody's hope and prayers.
That which started in China in Nov/Dec 2019 spread its tentacles hard everywhere in the world swiftly.
Streets without any transport ; Temples without devotees ; Factories without employees ; Theaters without audience ; and any other thing that one can think of not having heard or seen in our lives before constituted the sad and stunning spectacle through most of 2020.
If ever people came to the streets, it was to witness the empty sight and situation haunted by the spectre of aching emptiness in their hearts and minds.
Students in schools and colleges passed and graduated mostly without any examinations. Many continued with their studies either online or joined work that was lucky to have been offered.
Mask wearing, Social distancing, and Repeated washing of hands became a habit. Everyone in this world had become a creature of these habits in 2020.
Economy battered ; Unemployment soared ; Relationships and reputation tattered ; Normal life disrupted ; and Homes and Shops shielded.
It was nearly a gracious gift from the Gods that elders in homes got their fresh opportunity to interact with their grandchildren directly in homes or with the help of electronic gadgets. For those struggling to come out of their homes, it made for a refreshing change to be in conversations with their blood relations.
Savings and not expenditure had not just become the saving grace but the gospel of financial strength of most individuals.
Those intentionally spending their time in parks or public places were frightened to gather in those very places. Even family, social, or religious gatherings that usually lull people into a sense of security were totally avoided.
Misleading initial impressions of reality that Corona will disappear soon have been belied and erased from our minds when news of deaths of celebrities due to Coronavirus attack became known with each passing day, week, or even month. Herman Cain, former Republican Presidential candidate (74); John Prine, folksinger and songwriter (73); Lee Fiarro, actress (91); Lucia Bose, Italian actress (89); Ken Shimura, Japanese Comedian (70); Floyd Cordez, Celebrity chef (59); Maria Teresa, Princess (86) first royal to die – are just to name some international figures. H Vasanthakumar, Congress MP; SP Balasubramanyam, singer; Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India; and J Anbazhagan, DMK MP are some Indians to note.
That 2021 will not be free from the stranglehold of Coronavirus is already visible. Andrew Hayward, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at University College, London, warns that " UK is already entering a very dangerous phase of the Pandemic ", and added that "desired" action is needed. 'Tighter restrictions than before are needed to contain the new variant of Coronavirus detected recently'. England already has more COVID-19 patients now in NHS hospitals than during the peak of first wave in April 2020. First known case of the new COVID-19 variant from UK has already been identified in the US yesterday, Dec 29. It raises the stress and anxiety of every individual, in particular, the US, UK, and EU which already bears the brunt of this COVID-19 tragedy.
People of many nations were caught in the grip of fear and several national governments lost their grips in its effective control.
What has happened has happened. Coming New Year 2021 should see everyone with a new determination and strength.
Respect every Religion ; Respect every Citizen ; Respect Savings ;. Respect Health ; and Respect Hard Work – should be the message of 2021.
2020 had planted the seeds of future hope for everyone who has been holding the present as 'reality'.
2021 foresees and anticipates the hope and determination that we can make in our lives under any critical situation.
Hi Five to 2021.
Thursday, December 31, 2020 – 11.19 a.m. (IST)
Tidbit : " New Year is the time to start a new chapter in life ".