- People in the know would nod in agreement that why only the bygone year rather it should be the last three years to contemplate how challenging times this period turned out to be. The once-in-a-century pandemic in the form of the Coronavirus simply destroyed the world economy through its ravaging spread leaving behind a trail of destruction. That the global community still grapples to come to grips with the economic damages courtesy of mobility restrictions bears testimony to the catastrophic occurrences of the period. Adding further misery to the already devasted economies around the world is the ill-timed Russian invasion of Ukraine leading to severe disruptions in the global supply chains. There simply is no respite from the challenges.
PC: Embracing Nutrition
- When we all thought that the uninterrupted reign of the virus is behind us, comes the news that the new variant of the Omicron sublineage has started playing havoc with many countries. China – who else – has been the epicentre of the latest surge causing grave concerns to the universe at large. The next couple of months remains very fluid not knowing how the virus might play out eventually. Against this backdrop, the year 2023 comes as a new hope meeting effervescently expectant tidings. However, the new year will make us feel edgy as too much is hanging in the balance and hence, shouldn’t jinx the silver linings. The world community would be praying fervently that the Russia-Ukraine war finds some closure through peaceful negotiation.
- Mind you, the world’s health and wealth are also closely tied to how China manages its stop-start pandemic games. Of course, India has so far done a credible job of riding these geoeconomic headwinds, from managing inflation to rerouting its energy supplies. But the work of returning to its potential growth path will become harder if a global recession builds up similar to the year 2022. Besides this knotty economic driving, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is also looking at a full calendar that will specifically test its southward skills. Expectedly, new sops announced for the electorally crucial Lingayats and Vokkaligas in Karnataka are indicative of how tough this prestige battle is. It will only get tougher in the coming days. Where does Congress stand here?
PC: Complete Controller
- Undoubtedly, Congress’s tough task will be to convert Bharat Jodo Yatra’s traction into electoral success. The Gandhi scion must understand that power is not poison, it’s a necessity. Strong opposition to a democratic form of governance is a must, and as such, Congress should truly live up to the billings to checkmate the BJP’s surge. Criticism for the sake of it will not cut any ice with the electorate. The increasingly aspirational society will not settle for mere rhetoric but wish to see concrete changes on the ground. Thus, narration from the political parties vis-à-vis developmental roadmap assumes importance to impress upon the electorate in choosing. Hopefully, people will be in for welcome experiences in the new year.
