Whispers Forum

The record breaking heat across the country also led to a steep hike in power demand as ACs, coolers etc remained functional for extended periods. In a significant achievement for India's power sector, the country has met a record maximum power demand of 250 GW on May 30. The combined impact of weather-related loads and growing industrial and residential power consumption led to a record power demand. Support from renewable energy sources especially solar during solar hours and wind during non solar hours is also very significant in meeting the demand.
Nitin Saxena

There are contradictory speculations about election results. All political alliances are claiming majority. Consider a hypothetical situation. What will happen if neither the INDIA alliance nor the NDA fails to achieve the magical 272 mark. The independents could rule the roost. Horse-trading may become widely prevalent. Total chaos, beyond the control of a caretaker government. What will be the fate of anti-corruption agencies? The Election Commission may be flooded with innumerable complaints from hundreds of loosers demanding verifications of EVM/VVPAT machines. If not satisfied (by action or inaction of the commission) the loosers would approach the subordinate courts across the country, further aggravating the backlog of pendency. Geo-political situation is fluid. There is a distinct possibility of China annexing Taiwan escalating tension in the south-china sea region, triggering entry of the US and its western military allies. Worse, China has reportedly deployed PLA forces along the LAC, posing serious threat to India’s security. It has occupied large chunk of land in Ladhak and it trying to grab Arunachal Pradesh. One supposes it to be one reason for extending the tenure of the present Army chief, General Manoj Pandey by a month? Why,was succession planning not done for such sensitive assignment. This is intriguing and reprehensible? One last point relevant to the ongoing elections. Incidentally, how are Secretaries, Addl/Joint Secretaries and other functionaries, being appointed by the Government amid the Model Code of Conduct during the elections. The Election Commission did not raise objections by invoking MCC. The civil services headed by the Cabinet Secretary has much to explain for making appointments ahead of formation of new government. According to WIC, the present dispensation seems confident of retaining power, the third time. The Media is complicit, divisive and partisan.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

The tax collection system of our country India is moving towards improvement. For the first time in the country, GST collection has crossed Rs 2 lakh crore. Tax experts are calling this the success of efforts to reform the tax system. The future of any democratic system depends on its rich economic resources. The economies of many countries in India's neighborhood collapsed due to lack of planning, corruption and the expenditure burden of populist policies. Therefore, much needed efforts were made to enrich the financial resources in India. It is noteworthy here that while there has been an increase of 13.4 percent in tax collection from domestic activities in April, the revenue collection from imports has also increased by 8.3 percent as compared to last April.
Anam Kumar

Heading with fifty five percent (290 - 293) of majority, BJP will continue to lead the country for the third consecutive term. The Lord Ram Mandir made a strong wave uniting Hindus all over the country. A major revamping can be seen in the party workforce afterwards. To further strengthen the country & party, very strict & disciplined actions are to be taken by Narendra Modi in the times to come. Central planning & decisions are impressive whereas State implementation is weak; one new Ministry (clean image bureaucrat) should be made for schemes implementation and feedback. Market uptrend can be seen after mid June giving a boost to the Indian economy.
Vivek Dhawan

While Russia has been our strategic partner, China has been a permanent pain in the neck; a strategic challenge for India. The growing proximity will have far-reaching implications on the emerging world order.This should not be seen as reversal of China’s expansionist policy vis-a-vis its neighbours, especially countries in the Indian sub-continent and the indo-pacific region. India would be naïve in seeking Russia’s intervention in resolving border disputes with China in the context of its stated foreign policy. Restoration of China-occupied J&K (Read as Aksaichin) and vacation of several villages in Arunachal Pradesh, forcibly occupied by China, to India, seems far-fetched. China has occupied a large part of Gilgit-Baltistan, ceded by Pakistan under the CPEC. This belongs to India. Against this background, the new-found friendship between Russia and China, is expected to pose a serious threat to international peace.
China is hell-bent on the forcible take-over of Taiwan. Sorties by PLA jets in Taiwan air space have, of late, increased manifold. After China’s take-over of Taiwan in the foreseeable future, China will be further emboldened to assert its hegemony by controlling maritime routes in the south-China sea. The China’s Coast guard had recently issued a warning for taking coercive action against all trespassers in the south-China sea. It is preparing to carry out attacks on the Philippines and Vietnam. The US is a speechless bystander. Russia’s possible role in case of a two-front war between India v/s Pakistan joined by China, remains a riddle inside a mystery. This is in view of the fast changing dynamics of international geo-politics, geo-military and geo-economics. Russia has been India’s friend –in-need in the past. But, the future is uncertain. It has to choose between China, a brother and India,a friend! The US cannot be trusted. Its objective is only to assert its primacy over other nations and military allies, retain its No1 super power status by creating potential flashpoints in the world and keep its armaments-supply factory operational.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

Respondent was of the impression that the information sought in RTI application was already replied as similar information he had already asked in some other RTI application. Hence, he returned the RTI application stating that the information requested has already been supplied previously. Later, on perusal of files, the CPIO understood that the information requested in this petition is different from previous petition and expressed his regret for the mistake assuring the CIC that such situation will not recur in future. The PIO submitted that it was not done wantonly or in malafide intention. The CIC observed that the Respondent was unable to respond correctly to the queries raised by the Appellant, subsequently, the FAA had furnished appropriate information. Considering the detailed, comprehensive and self explanatory statement of facts filed by the Respondent before it, the CIC directed the PIO to send a copy of the written submission to the Appellant. The CIC closed the matter directing the Respondent to submit a compliance report in this regard before it..
Comments This case law offers relief in those cases where the PIO has inadvertently acted against the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
Citation: Shri Vanniaperumal A v. Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CIC/NIEPM/A/2023/605558/MOCAF; Date of Decision : 27.03.2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

This Cartoonist Arushee Mehrotra seems to be a seasoned sanghi! Nice job in dalaali!
Whgish
Why people hurt by cartoons?
I don't understand why people are so hurt by cartoons. It's a cartoon and it needs to appeal to the masses. It can be something the cartoonist wants to convey. Please understand that calling someone Sanghi, Dalal or Godi or xyz doesn't make you an intellectual intellectual rather a big mouthed fool.
Madhav
No wonder turnout is lower!
Yes it’s puzzling. Not only this time in all last two or three elections, we have seen electioneering at the lowest ebb. No wonder turnout is lower, much lower in younger voters. The type of discourse by political parties and worse by all except a few TV channels really puts you off. It is time for introspection by top politicians.
Awadhesh