HTLS 2023: PM Modi on mental, perceived and exaggerated barriers

Goyal expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning in Rajasthan and mentioned that his party would comfortably win in Madhya Pradesh. He also expressed the belief that there would be a regime change in Chhattisgarh.

He says PM Modi's popularity at Centre is not a barrier in states but strength.

Goyal claims there is a lack of confidence in the Congress party and that the general sentiment among the public is against the grand old party. He asserted that the Congress party has failed to fulfil its election promises in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh

Goyal expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning in the state of Rajasthan, suggesting that a victory for the party is imminent. He criticized the concept of 'freebies,' implying that these promises or giveaways may not be sustainable.

We're excited to bring you the next session featuring Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Textiles, and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, in conversation with Anand Narasimhan, Managing Editor of Special Projects & Senior Anchor at Network 18.

Lt. Cdr. Annu Prakash acknowledges that it's not a matter of capability but rather space constraints that have kept submarines off-limits for women. She shares her own experience, where her initial expectations did not include being posted on a warship.

Singh highlights the evolving nature of warfare, including the inclusion of space, cyber, and information warfare. She points out that combat roles are undergoing transformation, and women are expected to play a more substantial role, including decision-making.

"The concept of warfighting itself is going through a huge change. We have space, cyber, and information warfare. In times to come, combat roles themselves will undergo significant changes, and women are likely to take on more roles and become part of the decision-making apparatus. We have witnessed in recent wars how these new dimensions are playing a major role in decisive warfare."

Group Captain Shaliza Dhami highlights the substantial growth and progress made in the representation of women in the armed forces. She emphasizes the importance of outreach and awareness, especially through media, to make women aware of the opportunities.

"I personally feel if you just see the numbers and see the growth where we are now vis-à-vis when we started the induction. We have grown a lot. To know that there are defense forces, we need to reach out to them. Nowadays, media is playing a big role. Earlier when I joined the service, I didn't have much idea about the Indian Air Force before I actually landed up in an NCC unit."

In response to the question about whether the induction of women in Agniveers will enhance representation in all three services, Lt. Cdr. Annu Prakash shared her thoughts:

"Definitely. The Navy has now adopted the vision, 'All roles, for all ranks, for all women.' All branches of the Navy are open to women. Initially, the girls who have not dreamt that they could actually take up those roles. I feel the numbers will go up exponentially."

During the panel discussion on women in the military, Col. Neha Singh responded to the critical issue of gender imbalance in the armed forces. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on gender inclusivity rather than mere numerical representation.

"When we are dealing with the issue of national security, it is unfair to talk about numbers and percentages. We should talk more about gender inclusivity - how women can be included in the armed forces and what roles they can play. Barring the three combat arms, the army has included women in various other roles quite effectively. Our organization can envision what roles women can fit into."

In the ongoing discussion on women in the military, Group Captain Shaliza Dhami provides valuable insights on the systematic changes that have taken place over the years:

"Any time we induct something new, we go systematically. So probably when women were inducted in 1991-92, there was a system in place, but later when women were employed in other branches. Today, all branches are open to women officers. There have been a couple of turning points."

Col. Neha Singh emphasizes the recent grant of permanent commission to women officers as a significant turning point for women in the Indian Army. She highlights the dream of becoming a commanding officer that many women officers have held and how this dream is now becoming a reality.

"As far as the turning point for women in the army is concerned, the recent permanent commission that has been granted to women officers and followed by the command roles, and promotions that have come up. When we joined the Indian Army, every officer had a dream of someday becoming a commanding officer. We also had this dream in our minds, but we never knew if it was going to manifest in our service life. So, definitely, this is the turning point."

We are thrilled to have three distinguished defense personnel, Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash from the Indian Navy, Colonel Neha Singh from the Indian Army, and Group Captain Shaliza Dhami from the Indian Air Force, in conversation with Rahul Singh, Senior Associate Editor of Hindustan Times.

Curtis reflects on the resilience of the US-India relationship, acknowledging that it has faced hiccups in the past.

"But I think right now it is particulary strong. We have weathered differences over Russia is pretty remarkable and I think we are likely to see challenges in the future. But there is such a strong foundation now between the two countries that has been built up overtime. I am bullish on the relationship overall."

Pei shares his perspective, noting that the outside world may have overestimated China's capabilities. He believes that the US and its allies are better positioned to succeed in the next technological race.

Minxin Pei explores the significance of technology in geopolitical rivalry and US-China relations. He underscores that we are on the cusp of a technological revolution that can reshape economies, future warfare, and daily life. China has been committed to acquiring these technologies.

“We should not forget that in the last 40 years, China really came from nowhere. That's because China had great relations with the most advanced countries in the world. But that's not anymore. So the next stage for China is to acquire these technologies and make scientific breakthroughs."

Curtis highlights Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Washington, emphasizing its extraordinary nature. The commitments on technology and defense cooperation, including the joint production of jet engine technology, mark a remarkable development in the US-India relationship.

Lisa Curtis delves into the US-India relationship, noting the significant progress over the past two decades. She highlights that China's more aggressive approach in the region has boosted the US-India relationship. The border crisis, intended by China to deter India from further involvement with QUAD or the US-India relationship, has had the opposite effect.

"China may have been trying to signal India not to go too far with QUAD, or US-India relationship. I think the border crisis had the opposite impact. I have seen India even more invested in QUAD since then and more committed to US-India relationship."

Curtis emphasizes China's aggressive tendencies, aiming to undermine US influence and access in the Indo-Pacific region. In response, the US is strategically building partnerships and alliances, especially the elevation of QUAD.

ip Next: Lisa Curtis, Professor Minxin Pei on geopolitics at HT Leadership Summit 2023

CJI Chandrachud extends his best wishes to the Indian men's cricket team in the ongoing World Cup. He admires the team's commitment to physical and mental fitness, praising their ability to maintain equilibrium. This dedication and inspiration extends not only to the men's team but also to the women's team. A message of support from the Chief Justice.

CJI Chandrachud offers insights into his favourite leisure activity - reading books. He shares that he also enjoys travelling with his wife Kalpana and has a deep love for music, finding it soothing for the soul. His music preferences range from Western popular music to the spiritually uplifting bhajans. An interesting glimpse into the personal side of the Chief Justice.

Chandrachud highlights the real challenge faced by judges – balancing the massive workload while creating mental space to address critical legal issues. He emphasizes the need for judges to find a space for meditative reflection in their work.

Chandrachud shares his perspective on the retirement age of judges, highlighting the difference in the Indian model compared to the American Supreme Court. While the American system has no age of retirement for judges, in India, judges do retire.

I think it's important that judges must retire because I think it is too much of a responsibility to cast on human beings in terms of their own infallibility by postulating that they should not retire from office. Judges are human beings, they are prone to errors. It's important to pass on the mantle to succeeding generations who would be able to point out the error of the past."

Chandrachud reflects on the unique role of the Supreme Court of India, emphasizing its wide jurisdiction. He says the American Supreme Court decides around 80 cases in a year, while this year, the Indian Supreme Court has disposed of a staggering 72,000 cases, demonstrating its commitment to serving the people.