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Irrespective of how the family feud in the Samajwadi Party (SP) ends – and it is bound to be messy – one thing is clear. It is that the era of feudalism in Indian politics is coming to an end.

2017 can unfold as a dramatic year completely changing the existing pattern of global alliances and the relationship between the major global powers. With Donald Trump taking over the reins of US administration on January 20 after eight years of Barack Obama’s rule, the US foreign policy is sure to undergo dramatic changes calling for unconventional measures which have not been so far the hallmark of the Republican Party’s global views. The policies of the new regime so far announced by Trump indicate that Trump will certainly improve US relations with Russia and there will be good understanding with President Putin which will lead USA to reduce its commitment and defence expenses for Europe. As Trump’s advisers as also the newly appointed secretary of state Rex Tillerson have explained that Trump will give focus on improving the quality of life of the average Americans and the new government will be spending more funds for USA by cutting its fund commitments to the other parts of the world including Europe.

KOLKATA: Researchers in West Bengal have succeeded in developing a new strain of rice capable of resisting arsenic contamination in vast areas where the groundwater has been affected by chemical poisoning.

A year of despair ends; a year of hope begins. Ending the third year of his government (2016), Narendra Modi-dispensation is ending in state of paralysis of India’s financial system. It has totally failed to discharge its mandatory payment obligation for the millions of customers, even six weeks after Prime Minister Modi’s demonetization of Rs, 1000 and Rs, 500 notes. Bulk what has became “worthless paper overnight”.

India’s exports are facing the challenges of global recession and protectionist measures in the developed world. After two consecutive years of drought, this year’s good monsoon rains came as a blessing to the farmers. Farm production revived, but the farmers could not get the advantage as the domestic prices of produces have fallen and particularly after government’s demonetization of high value currency notes the traders are reluctant to purchase perishable commodities from farmers at remunerative prices and as a result the farmers are resorting to distress sales. The recent case of farmers throwing tomatoes in the streets of wholesale markets (mandis) instead of selling their produce to traders is a pertinent case.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress politics in Kerala plumbed a new low with the factional fight taking a nasty and violent turn.

In the world’s largest democracy, the people’s concerns, even touching daily life, may hardly matter when heady governments can do anything at their will, whether or not proclaiming a war on social evils like black money and corruption. There can also be momentary assaults on constitutional rights and liberties, some of which could become permanent conveniently for the life of that majoritarian government.

Decades of turmoil and bloodshed have made Jammu and Kashmir insensitive. Why else would there be such a divide on the issue of granting domicile certificates to some 20,000 families who crossed over to India from Pakistan in the aftermath of partition in 1947?

8th series of Vibrant Gujarat, to be held in January 2017, is upbeat despite demonetisation. Foreign investors are unnerved. Almost similar or more number of countries, attended the 7th Vibrant Gujarat, are expected to participate in the 8th summit.

Menace of cyber pornography, especially child pornography has grown by alarming proportions in India over the years and is now a definite threat to society. Easy availability of pornography on the Internet through electronic devices like computers, laptops, mobile phones and smart phones has potential to destroy the fibre of the society negatively affecting the impressionable minds of the children and youth of the country. Individuals report depression, social isolation, career loss, decreased productivity or financial consequences as a result of their excessive pornographic viewing.