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Lockdown being gradually lifted across the globe does not signify that the fears of corona virus are over. Yet great powers have become active in asserting to play their role in a post-COVID world. Concerns for collectively working to save the world from COVID crisis have taken a backseat. With US presidential elections round the corner, this year, President Trump is determined to expose China for not being transparent in handling the pandemic which has spread across the globe from its epicentre. China has kept on denying that the virus was not the product of Wuhan lab, but has jumped to humans from the wild.

The bloody face-off in the Galwan valley leaves no space for doubt as to the future relationship between India and China.

India has an estimated 26,000 startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, recording consolidated inflows of over $36 billion in the past 3 years with 26 “unicorns” – startups valued over $1 billion. However, data suggest that the expansion in the startup ecosystem has largely been clustered in the large (Tier 1) cities and states with financial depth, and especially in IT-enabled sectors including e-commerce, transport, and finance. Small businesses beyond the metros are not fully aware of, or integrated into, programs that provide startups with various government incentives and tax breaks. Despite the progress made so far, Indian businesses face huge challenges, such as the unorganized and fragmented nature of the market in most sectors, a lack of clear and transparent policy initiatives that startups can tap into quickly, as well as a lack of infrastructure, a lack of knowledge and exposure, and complications in doing business.

The unprovoked exchange of fire between Indian and Chinese force in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh in mid June resulted in spilling of heavy blood on both the sides. The Indian Prime Minister cautioned any more provocation would be met with appropriate response. India is not a weak nation. She is capable of meeting every threat. China also confirmed heavy casualties on its side but sued for peace.

It is rare that a government, secure behind an 80-seat majority in the House of Commons, has appeared so vulnerable.

The news that the doctor's and other health workers fighting COVID-19 have not been paid salary for several months in some places is a matter of shame. The Hon’ble Supreme Court reprimanded the government and directed to not suspend or file any case against those raising the issues of their concern. Statements by resident doctors working in the Municipal Corporation Delhi hospitals, that as a result they are unable to afford their day to day life, are awful indeed.

The escalation of tension across India -China border is a matter of great concern for all peace-loving people. It took an unexpected turn when 20 Indian soldiers were killed at Galwan valley. Those martyrs will be remembered as heroes of the nation. We hope that their families will be taken care of by the government. Though the Chinese side did not reveal their casualties, reports say that they also had damages including loss of human lives. Cross border interventions by any neighbour could not be tolerated by any country with self-respect. Territorial encroachment is nothing but attempt for territorial expansionism. In the past also China had expressed her affinity to that.

The surreptitious intrusion of Chinese Army into Ladakh in India in the first week of May has made many turn to the pages of history to appreciate the scope and merits of the India – China (Sino – Indian) border dispute over Aksai Chin area. Border disputes, undoubtedly, are complex and so is this dispute with regard to Aksai Chin. It involves appreciation of factual aspects of several demarcation lines drawn by the experts in the last one and half-century based on evidence of historic sovereign control, interpretation of the treaties and application of International law on State succession.

The surreptitious intrusion of Chinese Army into Ladakh in India in the first week of May has made many turn to the pages of history to appreciate the scope and merits of the India – China (Sino – Indian) border dispute over Aksai Chin area. Border disputes, undoubtedly, are complex and so is this dispute with regard to Aksai Chin. It involves appreciation of factual aspects of several demarcation lines drawn by the experts in the last one and half-century based on evidence of historic sovereign control, interpretation of the treaties and application of International law on State succession.

The threat to human life from COVID-19 and food insecurity is most likely to put greater challenges before all the countries of the world, especially the least developed and developing countries. A historical fall in the development finance in 2020 coupled with likelihood of second wave of COVID-19 will be an additional challenge to surmount.