Dinesh Kamath, Editor of Newsband, completes twelve and a half years in Kailashchandra Prakashan on 11 October 2016. His joining date was 12 April 2004.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Good advice to India by Singapore PM' that was published in Newsband

Good advice to India by Singapore PM

How can India grow its economy? Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has the answer. He says India must remove bottlenecks so that foreign investors can operate in the country just as its own corporates expand their global footprint. The Centre may not be used to such public plain-speaking, even from Western leaders but it must think about the view put forward by Lee Hsien Loong.

Opinions shared by the PM of Singapore are truly reflective of the investment atmosphere in India. With an ambitious project “Make in India “, we have had all the right noises in the Global Investment sector. However, the curiosity seems to be fizzled out with such recalcitrant and archaic rules related to land acquisition. Strong Political will is the need of the hour to achieve the milestones promised by the current government which seems absolutely lacking.

Government seems keen to reach the target of being one of the best 50 countries in ease of doing business. But this seems too farfetched and unrealistic. Focus should rather be on Ease of Investing rather than Ease of doing business only then the true economic potential of India will be realized.

We just make laws and more laws, we have failed at bring on table a law that includes all.

Singapore is a small island with no natural resources. It knew its geographical advantages such as good harbours and strategic location in Asia. It had to depend on foreign investment for its development. Therefore, it allowed a free hand to foreign investors. During the years of global expansion, it enjoyed the spill over benefits. Its infrastructure in terms of metros, transport, highways and real estate has been the envy of many developing countries, including India.

What India needs right now is job for our huge younger population. For job we have to make a reform in our old obsolete laws which is not much more effective now. But reform should be made by putting people's sentiments and requirements in mind.

India has not less than 400 million people in the age 18 to 45, who are struggling for jobs, currently just eking out existence by "bits and pieces" jobs. Any attempt to create Development plans - whether based on common agriculture or based on so-called Hi-tech, Bio-Tech, Nano-Tech and so on would have to look at this scenario whereby unless India generates with ease two jobs per Ha of Land available, we are soon entering a holocaust like situation and any time it could go out of control situations - probably even too late for any corrections. This most important problem of job creation for local society, that would help every able bodied person to work and earn, cannot be brushed aside - nothing else is important. We may soon hit 1,450 million population, when per capita non-forest land would be 0.15 ha

Of course the Singapore Prime Minister had rightly pointed out the two conundrums which are blocking India from getting massive FDI. The land acquisition laws and the ease of doing business are the factors which makes the overseas investors to hesitate to Invest in India. The political parties hue and cry on land acquisition, absence of conducive law for acquisition, discouraging labour laws, little coordination between States and Centre in accepting laws conducive for overseas investment - all harden the ease of doing business. The Singur fiasco of TATA on Nano project is clear evidence how the domestic investors are sent from pillar to post in making new investment. But Modi is strong on Make in India concept.

 Indian political scenario is not conducive for healthy industrial climate and India to travel miles in augmenting the ease of doing business. Singapore's Prime Minister was equally candid when he visited India in 2012, by when UPA II was unravelling, as was his deputy when he addressed NITI Aayog recently. If we are to progress economically, we must encourage our friends to be blunt in their assessments, not praise us to the skies.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'An attempt to discipline the BCCI' that was published in Newsband

An attempt to discipline the BCCI

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has failed to adopt the recommended administrative reforms. In a 79-page report filed in the Supreme Court, Justice R.M. Lodha has said the BCCI’s current office-bearers would have to relinquish their posts. The actions were seen as a failure to heed the Supreme Court. The appointment of selection committees, to cite one example, went against norms set by Justice Lodha.

India has a home season bounty — 13 Tests, including the match that concluded in Kanpur this week, and an imminent Ranji Trophy schedule. Now there is the risk of disarray. The Lodha Committee has made a gallant effort to clean the thoroughly corrupt cricket administration of India. But considering that corruption is so deep rooted, it is doubtful if its objectives will be fulfilled.

 Attention paid to cricket is inversely proportional to the people who play. The Olympic results should open our eyes to the need of students and young people who play football, hockey, volleyball, basketball or take part in swimming and gymnastics, all of which take no more than two hours which is not hard to spare

Where is the need to nominate Sharad Pawar as an alternate director when he has crossed the age limit prescribed by the committee for such positions? The honourable SC is viewing the developments in a proper perspective. The court should ensure that Justice Lodha Committee's recommendations are fully implemented.

The court intervention on implementation of Lodha committee should at least lessen the corruption prevalent in Cricket Board. Despite many pro-player reforms, the Board might have taken some positive steps but transparency should increase.

The critics must understand that Lodha Committe has given the reform measures in its recommendations to be followed in Indian cricket and the BCCI has no concern for the Lodha Committee measures and it goes its own way in nomination. If such is the attitude of the Board it means its ruining administrative style will continue and it does not care for judicial recommendations.

If BCCI goes its own way then this respectable game will receive further slaps in its national and international administration and IPL-like scandals will continue further.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Hillary has an edge over Trump' that was published in Newsband

Hillary has an edge over Trump

U.S. presidential debates gave the world the sight of an experienced politician, and first-ever woman nominee for the White House, Democrat and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Her Republican rival is Donald Trump. It was a tough fight between the two and undoubtedly Ms. Clinton emerged from the brawl with poise and a lawyer-like command. The elections are within six weeks i.e. on November 8

Presidential debates are followed by most US citizens and foreign people with great interest. The Clinton-Trump debate was not only very interesting but also raised many controversies. Some people feel that personal accusations and anchors partisan behaviour has lowered the standards of debate.

The USA, with 4.2% of world population, enjoys 25% of all wealth and resources, and they have the world's best Human resources, whereby almost every nation, including India, have unwittingly allowed huge "brain drain", and somehow consider that as a great thing for the world. While, one cannot question the sovereignty and world Right of the USA to progress in any fashion they wish, today the equations of world Socio-Economic and political systems are not just simple arithmetics and mere considerations of one nation - instead, we have reached a stage whereby the world's resources are entwined in an unparalleled interconnected system, and what happens in even a small nation has repercussions, worldwide. And, when it pertains to the Richest and most advanced nation, the impact would be tremendous.

Both Hilary and Trump took the debate in the right perspective pointing out the weaknesses with dramatic presentation. Hilary was taken by surprise by Donald on her weakness of using a private e mail server, her proximity to Wall Street issues and the like and she was put behind in that scores. But Trump's foreign policies, comments on Muslims, African American issues, tax cut for big business houses etc., all were criticised by Hillary. Ultimately, the moderator slanted the scale towards Hillary and now Hillary is one up in the score of three.

The best thing is like it happens in Indian elections, they did not debate on what freebies they would shower on the people if they get to the Presidential Palace.

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Modi is right in wanting to respond strongly to the Uri attack' that was published in Newsband

Modi is right in wanting to respond strongly to the Uri attack

Calling a meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty and MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status to Pakistan proves that Prime Minister Narendra Modi intends to examine all the non-military options before the government for a strong response to the Uri attack.

Dams required to hold the course of the tributaries of the Indus to alter water levels to Pakistan dramatically would take more than a decade to build. Revoking the MFN status will hardly punish Pakistan’s economy given the low levels of bilateral trade. Terrorist attacks such as the one at Uri require a combination of measured but firm responses. The Uri attack has exposed the need to shore up its defences.

Legally, it is not possible to stop the water flow of IWT. If we do that there are less chances that we might win the case globally. Yes, economic sanctions are warnings to hard decisions and are known world-wide practice, including the UNO. It is well within India’s sovereign right to resort to that practice against Pakistan for all the bad things it is doing against our country. A country’s self-respect cannot be bartered for securing certificates of good conduct from other countries. Nation’s self-respect cannot be measured on the basis of profit and loss yield. Why do we want to build an image of good boy when aggressor is always ready to destroy very Idea of India? Why to be afraid of world bank/world community? Have any one of them come to our aid? Answer is big no. They just condemn and their job is over. We have to do it on our own.

Water has always been a weapon of war since ancient times. In trans-national water system, country at up-stream has always a strategic advantage in regulating flow of water. Even the way water is released by country at up-stream can work like ammunition. Even under ambit of treaty arms of down-stream country can be twisted by regulating water skilfully. Moreover, only one treaty between two countries does not work in isolation, but, both the countries must respect and follow other treaty also. If one does not follow Shimla Agreement, then why other should follow IWT. As far as issue on loss on bi-lateral trade on MFN status is concerned, it has to be seen in totality on percentage loss of GDP, economic strength, other strategic gains and future economic gains.

If leverage as provided in Indus Water Treaty, 1960 is utilized, it would be a good start to begin with. It would enable the better utilization of our due of water resources out of the three western river and propel the developmental activities in J & K especially in the infrastructure. Further, it would also send a strong message in the international fraternity about the constructive response of India to destructive activities of Pakistan. However, the response shall not limit to such diplomatic moves wherein room is made within four corners of treaties or agreements. We must need to enhance our capabilities to neutralize terrorists as far as their presence in Indian territory is concerned. The way they are able to conduct their operation on Indian land attacking critical infrastructure such as defense establishments etc. is a matter of concern. We must introduce new technologies and train our personnel along with boosting their morale to inflict irreparable loss to the enemy.

Pakistan has been and continues despite ongoing onslaught of terrors instigated by its Military and ISI institutions. This makes one feel that India should proceed with the abrogation of IWT treaty.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Tutak Tutak Tutiya, Mirjya Dare To Love, MSG The Warrior Lion Heart, Queen of Katwe, Miss Pergrime’s Peculiar Children and The Girl On The Train) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

By Dinesh Kamath

Tutak Tutak Tutiya

Tutak Tutak Tutiya is a Bollywood Movie directed by A. L. Vijay starring: Prabhu Deva, Tamannaah, Sonu Sood with music by Sajid-Wajid.

Tutak Tutak Tutiya is a story of Krishna, an executive working in Mumbai, and his ambition in life is to marry an ultra-modern girl. But he ends up marrying a village girl due to unavoidable circumstances. He brings her to Mumbai and out of embarrassment he hides the news of his marriage and keeps his wife secretly in an apartment. After a few days, he starts noticing her behaving strange and slowly realizes that she is possessed by a spirit whose ambition is to become an actress and she starts using his wife’s body to fulfil her desires. How he gets rid of the ghost and how he rescues his wife is the rest of the story.

The movie has Prabhu Deva as Krishna Kumar, Sonu Sood as Raj Khanna, Tamannaah as Sweety, Murali Sharma, Amy Jackson in a guest appearance, Esha Gupta in a guest appearance, Farah Khan as herself (guest appearance) and Shah Rukh Khan as Voiceover.

Mirjya Dare To Love

Mirzya is a 2016 Indian Hindi film epic fantasy romantic thriller film co produced and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Produced by Cinestaan Film Company and ROMP Pictures, it stars Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher in lead roles along with Anuj Choudhry, Om Puri, Art Malik, K. K. Raina, and Anjali Patil in pivotal roles. It is inspired by the Punjabi folklore of Mirza Sahiban. The film has Harshvardhan Kapoor as Mirzya, Saiyami Kher as Saahiba.

Mirziya is an epic love story that is set in Rajasthan. It is inspired by the folk tale of 'the legend of Mirza - Sahiban'. The film has heightened drama and action-packed sequences. It is also said that Mirzya is based on Telugu hit film Magadheera. The stories of the lovers, played by Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher, run parallel to each other and do not follow one another. One story is the legendary tale of Mirza-Sahiban and the other is set in contemporary Rajasthan. But Adil and Suchitra (Harsh and Saiyami) are not reincarnations.

The soundtrack is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. There are 15 tracks in the album, including 6 short songs on the character of Mirzya, composed by Daler Mehndi. They are 1. Mirzya, 2. Teen Gawah Hain Ishq Ke, 3. Chakora, 4. Aave Re Hitchki, 5. Hota Hai, 6. Ek Nadi Thi, 7. Doli Re Doli, 8. Kaaga, 9. Mirzya Theme - Broken Arrows, 10. Yeh Wadiyan Doodiyan Kohre Ki (Music: Daler Mehndi), 11. Mirza Se Darre Khuda (Music: Daler Mehndi), 12. Mera Mirza Sher Jawan (Music: Daler Mehndi), 13. Lahoo Luhaan Zameen Hui (Music: Daler Mehndi), 14. Puchh Na Pende Mamle (Music: Daler Mehndi) and 15. Phaa Paye Na Ishq Da (Music: Daler Mehndi)

MSG The Warrior Lion Heart

MSG The Warrior Lion Heart is a film directed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and his daughter Honeypreet Insan. The film starring Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is a story of a medieval warrior fighting with the aliens for the honour of his land.

The story is about a medieval warrior who fights for the honor of his land and the dignity of the womenfolk. The story travels centuries apart as he emerges in another role as a modern Indian equivalent of James Bond, a stylish top secret agent. The marauding aliens run amok, as they are hundreds of years ahead in technology. Lion Heart is their only stumbling block in their march to overpower planet Earth. Will Lion Heart manage with his primitive weapons, or will he surrender. There is romance apart from action and high drama and finally, an amazing twist in the tale.

The music is composed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The soundtrack album consists of 2 songs, all written and sung by Singh, himself. The songs are Dhol Baaje and Sohna Mera Mishri Di Daliye.

Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe is a 2016 American biographical sports drama film directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler. Starring David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, and Madina Nalwanga; the film depicts the life of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan chess prodigy from Katwe who becomes a Woman Candidate Master after her performances at World Chess Olympiads. Adapted from an ESPN magazine and book by Tim Crothers, the film is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and ESPN Films.

Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende's guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.

Miss Pergrime’s Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a 2016 British-American-Belgian 3D dark fantasy adventure drama film directed by Tim Burton, produced by Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping, written by Jane Goldman and based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Ransom Riggs. The film stars Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O'Dowd, Allison Janney, Rupert Everett, Terence Stamp, Ella Purnell, Judi Dench and Samuel L. Jackson. Filming began in February 2015 in London and the Tampa Bay Area.

When Jake (Asa Butterfield) discovers clues to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times, he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As he learns about the residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that safety is an illusion, and danger lurks in the form of powerful, hidden enemies. Jake must figure out who is real, who can be trusted, and who he really is.

The Girl On The Train

The Girl on the Train is a 2016 American mystery thriller drama film directed by Tate Taylor and written by Erin Cressida Wilson, based on the 2015 debut novel of the same name. The film stars Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Édgar Ramírez and Lisa Kudrow.

Rachel Watson, an alcoholic who divorced her husband Tom after she caught him cheating on her, takes the train to work daily. She fantasizes about the relationship of her neighbours, Scott and Megan Hipwell, during her commute. Rachel (Emily Blunt), who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds. All changes when she witnesses that something from the train window and Megan is missing, presumed dead. 

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Pulling out of the SAARC summit - right move by India' that was published in Newsband

Pulling out of the SAARC summit - right move by India

India has decided to pull out of the SAARC summit in Islamabad this November, with Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh deciding to follow suit,

India has pursued a “SAARC minus Pakistan” plan to push through with agreements it is keen on.

Islamabad dropped any plans to send a representative to India to formally extend an invitation to the summit, as is the custom. Home Minister Rajnath Singh was given a mixed welcome by his Pakistani hosts during the Home Ministers’ meeting in Islamabad in August, prompting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to cancel his visit for the subsequent SAARC Finance Ministers’ meeting.

Given the prevailing environment of deep mistrust and tension, it is unlikely that the summit will be rescheduled to take place in the near future. This is the best way to put Pakistan into isolation stage. This is the first strong step taken by an Indian government by boycotting SAARC summit since it will increase pressure on Pakistan externally and internally. India should also be happy with decision to support us by some of our neighbouring countries.
They showed their love for India and sought action against terrorism.

SAARC minus Pak is not an end in itself but it is the need of the hour. At least the remaining economies which want to progress must get connected very closely.

India pulling out of the SAARC summit plus Afghanistan,Bangladesh and Bhutan also pulling out of the summit makes it quite clear that Pakistan is no longer a trouble that affects India only. The strategy now should be from sub-SAARC group including nations with economic growth as their motive and who are willing to work together on trade and connectivity projects. Isolating Pakistan might not show results in the short run but if kept out long enough, it might be forced to reconsider its status as a terror nation. With the petition to the White House to declare Pakistan a terror sponsoring nation already gaining huge support, such a step will further enhance pressure on it.

India should also rethink the-Most Favoured Nation-status it has accorded to Pakistan as Pakistan has failed to reciprocate on the same. Revoking IWT (Indus Treaty) and nullifying any trade and commerce with Pakistan is also a much needed step.

India has to show its anger and protest by some means as the attack on Indian army if left without a proper repulse would result in demoralizing army men. Present government finds SAARC meet a good opportunity to slight Pakistan and did well in enlisting the support of three more countries. Had it been successful in enlisting Maldives and Sri Lanka it would have been stupendous success. India should however make efforts to convene the summit at the earliest in India and ensure participation of all other members since Pakistan will definitely boycott. Instead of winding up SAARC, it should survive minus Pakistan. Then only the attempt to isolate Pakistan will succeed.

Advocating unguarded cooperation with hypocritical neighbours will in all probability lead to self-inflicted misery. India's boycott of the SAARC summit is the best diplomatic tool to nudge our neighbour to do some serious soul searching. It is in the best interests of our country.