From the Editor : Anil Tyagi

Film actor Raj Kapoor is considered by many to be the biggest showman of the film industry. Now Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being hailed as the greatest showman of Indian politics. The Howdy Modi show in USA with the slogan ‘Shared Dreams, Bright Futures’ organised by the Texas India Forum, was definitely spectacular. No doubt, it has augmented the image, aura, and impact of Modi across the world not only among Indians but among US citizens also.

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Cover story : Much ado about nothing

In a new world order, dominated by a multi-polar world, India needs to establish herself strongly along with the US, Russia, Eurozone, China, and Japan. Modi’s personalised diplomacy is a huge attempt to achieve this objective. His endeavour is to leverage India’s status as an economic power to achieve political and diplomatic clout. Naturally, the spectacular extravaganza at Houston has been hailed by many as a shining feather in Narendra Modi’s cap. But as the show was watched by millions, Modi’s blatant endorsement of Trump’s candidature – Ab kibaar Trump sarkar – left diplomats and bureaucrats baffled. Diplomacy has always been a behind the scenes activity – nuanced and sensitive – and not a roll of the drums. As Prime Minister of India, Modi represents over a billion Indians and yes, he was voted back to power with a resounding majority to lead India.

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Governance : REVITALIZING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION: ADVISORY SERVICES IN INDIA

In India, food grain production has largely been possible through irrigated agriculture. But over fifty percent of cultivated land that produces more than eighty percent of nutri-cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables is monsoon dependent. Such land in ‘rainfed’ regions also face vagaries of aberrant monsoons, droughts, soil degradation, nutrient deficiencies and declining ground water table. We are a food secure nation notwithstanding. Ensuring nutritional security and climate change resilience are additional future concerns. 

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Governance : Should IAS be discredited?

“Despite their integrity, hard work and competence, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, who occupy almost all senior administrative positions in the states and at the Centre, have not been able to improve development outcomes for citizens. India could not achieve many Millennium Development Goals, particularly in hunger, health, nutrition, gender, and sanitation. India’s social indicators are today worse than poorer countries such as Bangladesh. Besides, growth has not helped the most marginalised groups such as tribals and women. Section 46(1) of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act still places women on a par with lunatics and idiots. Of all these groups, tribals have been the worst sufferers because of anti-tribal forest policies, displacement laws, and poor governance.

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