Happy Dassera, Deepavali and all other festivities of all faiths falling in the remaining part of the year 2019.

The biggest event of recent times was the scrapping of Article 370 of the Indian constitution and the subsequent merging of Jammu and Kashmir and creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh. A bold step of this nature was possible only by “ a government unimpeded by compulsions of coalitions” as I had said in my last post. The measure seems to have drawn the support of a large majority across the country. The government has been able to limit international reaction, despite sound and fury from a neighbouring country, by treating it as an internal matter. Nevertheless, wary steps are called for until the situation in the valley returns to normal and an elected government is installed in the state.

Equally bold is the decision to cut corporate taxes to boost a sagging economy, despite the loss of revenue it implies. Once again, the government needs to be on its toes to ensure the measure does not go in vain. So far, the leadership appears to be aware of its responsibilities. Let us wish them success in their efforts.

The boat tragedy on the Godavari once again lays bare the lip service our leadership pays to safety of passengers on waters as well as on roads. After each tragedy we are used to hear words like, I am shocked, extremely pained, saddened, very unfortunate, deeply anguished etc. from our leaders but once the memory of the tragedy fades, everything goes back to square one until the next tragedy strikes. In the instant case there are many doubts about how the voyage was permitted when the river was in spate and what precautions were taken to ensure passenger safety. Not the boat owners alone but the whole gamut of state authorities involved need to be made answerable.

Devastation by the monsoon and the resultant floods has been more severe this year than in the recent past. The monsoon this September is said to be the most severe for a century. Our hearts go out to all those affected with the sincere hope that all the agencies concerned will do their very best to relieve their distress.

Unprecedented scenes were enacted in the mega show in Dallas, where the heads of governments of the two largest democracies in the world addressed a massive collection of Indian Americans. It displays not only the growth of relations between the two countries but also reflects the change in technology and attitudes in the twenty first century.

The Indian cricket team floundered in the semifinals of the One Day World Cup, but it was not number four who failed but the first three as well, despite the records broken by them in the run up to the semis. Since then, the team has done well so far in the World Test Championship and hopes to confirm its top position in this format.

“Sports ministry sends 9 names for Padmas — all women” read recent newspaper headline, highlighting the strides sportswomen are taking in international arenas. In boxing, wrestling, archery, athletics and even para Badminton Indian women are blazing a trail that bodes well for their chances in the next Olympics. Meanwhile, PV Sindhu finally overcame her demons to win the Badminton World Championship and others in that sport continue their exploits. In men’s boxing too Indians are reaching for gold in the next Olympics.