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The Raisina Dialogue 2024, held in New Delhi, indeed reflected India's commitment to engaging with the international community through diplomatic means. The three-day event served as a platform for India to convey its perspective on global issues and showcase its dedication to finding diplomatic solutions to world crises.

The theme of CHATURANGA, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning four components—Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, and Create—reflects the complexity of contemporary world politics. It acknowledges the existing realities of conflict and contest in a changing geopolitical order. The emphasis, however, is on transforming these challenges into opportunities for cooperation and creation.

In the context of global affairs, acknowledging the presence of conflicts and contests is a realistic approach. However, the overarching goal is to transcend these challenges and move toward collaboration and innovation. By fostering cooperation, nations can address shared issues and create a more stable and prosperous world.

Through such global dialogue, India demonstrates its commitment to being an active participant in shaping the global narrative. By emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and negotiation, India seeks to contribute to the development of solutions that benefit the international community as a whole. The event serves as a testament to India's diplomatic prowess and its desire to play a constructive role on the world stage.

Participating in the 2024 Raisina Dialogue has provided me with insights into the underlying messages conveyed by the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi’s popularity on the global stage, surpassing other world leaders, adds significance to the messages emanating from New Delhi.

In tune with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, the Indian leadership has communicated a crucial point to major world powers—that dealing effectively with the complexities of the present global landscape is imperative for progress. Jaishankar emphasizes the four dimensions of conflict, contest, cooperate and create, asserting that these elements are driving the games that nations play in today’s geopolitical arena. The Raisina Dialogue, as a platform, is dedicated to deliberating on the risks, challenges, choices and outcomes associated with these dimensions.

Participants might question how fruitful the panels were in addressing the pressing issues of our time and whether the discussions were fair and comprehensive. These aspects can be separately evaluated and discussed.

Through latest global events such as the successful hosting of G20 and a strong presence in global forums, India has tried to give major three messages to the world.

Firstly, India has not merely emerged; it has already established itself as a significant global player. In 2010, during his visit to India, former US President Barack Obama remarked, “India is not rising; India has risen,” emphasizing the nation’s substantial progress. Over the past 14 years, India has become the world’s fifth-largest economy, surpassing Japan.

Secondly, India functions as a bridge and a global balancer. The strategic partnership between India and the US has grown significantly, aligning their approaches on various global and regional issues. Simultaneously, India assumes a leadership role in ‘Global South,’ unifying nations in the southern region to amplify their collective voice. According to Jaishankar, the developed Western world often overlooks the challenges facing the Global South, and India actively advocates for their concerns.

India holds a prominent position in BRICS, a bloc that aims to introduce its currency to reduce reliance on the US dollar. BRICS nations have initiated trade transactions in local currencies, challenging the dominance of the American dollar. Additionally, India is a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), alongside the US, Japan and Australia, formed to address and manage China’s ascent as a formidable global power.

While India collaborates in regional and global blocs to counterbalance China’s influence, it simultaneously maintains issue-based relations with China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping initiated informal summits, recognizing the significance of their bilateral relations.

India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict underscores its autonomy in decision-making. India has strongly asserted its right to determine its policies and actions in these situations, rejecting external suggestions. In West Asian and Eurasian conflicts, India has never sought advice from the West, reinforcing its commitment to independent decision-making.

In essence, India’s global positioning involves being a recognized economic powerhouse, a diplomatic bridge and a strategic balancer, playing a pivotal role in various international forums while maintaining autonomy in addressing regional and global challenges.

Thirdly, India serves as a global public space, exemplified by the inclusive approach taken during the Raisina Dialogue. Leaders from various continents were invited to engage in discussions on global and regional themes. India’s democratic foreign policy and status as the world’s largest liberal democracy has provided a common platform for individuals, regardless of their ideologies, economic status, or political systems, to openly express their perspectives. This inclusivity extends beyond heads of states, prime ministers and foreign ministers to encompass business leaders, thinkers, policy commentators and strategic analysts, who were given the opportunity to interact openly. Thematic sessions and business forums held in different corners of the grand venue facilitated both focused discussions and sideline meetings.

As the upcoming elections draw closer, Prime Minister Modi has been projected as a leader of global stature. The forums like the Raisina Dialogue have contributed to establishing Modi as a globally influential figure, garnering popularity not only within India but also worldwide.

However, it is crucial for Prime Minister Modi and Indian leaders to demonstrate their global exposure and stature in their interactions with neighboring countries. While the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy is in place, there is a need for it to be more action-oriented rather than limited to rhetoric. Jaishankar’s foreign policy approach is realistic, prioritizing India’s national interests. While it is understandable that every sovereign nation should safeguard its national interest, larger powers and economies should adopt a more accommodative stance, especially when developmental issues are at stake. Striking a balance between national interests and regional cooperation is key to fostering positive relationships with neighboring countries.

In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, the COP28 outcomes echoed a resounding message of progress and inclusivity in the fight against climate change. COP28 Outcomes Briefing event organized by Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy held in Abu Dhabi on March 6 was a pivotal event as the UAE demonstrated leadership and commitment to the principles of the Paris Agreement.

The event aimed to delve into the historic outcomes of COP28, providing a comprehensive update on global climate diplomacy, along with an exploration of the agreements and initiatives that resulted from the conference.

For the first time in COP history, crucial decisions were made on the inaugural day, underlining the UAE’s proactive approach to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. Despite initial skepticism about the role of oil-producing nations, the UAE proved that sustainable development can coexist with responsible resource management.

At the core of COP28 was a clear recognition of the outcomes, achieved through inclusivity and dialogue. By ensuring that all voices, especially those of developing nations, were heard, the UAE fostered a sense of collective ownership and accountability.

One of the most significant achievements of COP28 was the launch of the Global Decarburization Accelerator and the Oil and Gas Charter. Leading oil companies such as ADNOC, NOC, and ARAMCO and many pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, signaling a transformative shift towards renewable energy.

Furthermore, COP28 saw unprecedented collaboration with developing countries, as evidenced by the Global Cooling Pledge signed by 69 nations. The UAE’s commitment to financing climate action was underscored by contributions from oil companies, with each pledging $25m, complemented by a $100m commitment from the UAE itself.

Crucially, COP28 emphasized the importance of translating financial promises into tangible action on the ground. Developing countries were urged to grab the opportunities presented by the UAE’s initiatives, including the establishment of a Youth Champion for Climate.

COP28 also reaffirmed the significance of trade and negotiations in shaping global climate policy. Major decisions were mandated during the conference, highlighting the UAE’s pivotal role in driving consensus and collaboration among nations.

COP28 stands as a testament to the UAE’s unwavering dedication to climate action and sustainability. By championing inclusivity, innovation, and responsible resource management, the UAE has set a new standard for global climate leadership. As the world looks towards a more sustainable future, the outcomes of COP28 serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Street art is any form of art that has developed in a public place. Moreover, the art in the street to express the feeling is street art. Easiest and the most effective way to endure messages concerned to political ideology, social issues and confrontation on the street walls are street art. It has its own glory.  In this post modern era open platform is street. There are different forms of street art that includes graffiti artwork, stencil, stickers’ cot, street poster art. Street art has its own history too.  At first it was the stencils which have a parallel history with graffiti. It has become the instrument for socio-political activities for those who declared themselves as powerful agents to change existing society with heavy weight messages.  In this context Banksy, as an anonymous England based street artist, political activist, was tagged as the world's first street art disaster movie debut in 2010.   

It conveyed the quick message to all. That is why street art earned its place in the contemporary art world.  Some of the earliest expressions of street art where graffiti started sharing ideas up on the side of cars, trains walls which were the works of gangs of New York in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Street art and graffiti has become the ephemeral movement in the then period of time. The street has waved to different parts of the world from the western world. Among the street artists we have to take Bansky’s name that comes first. 

There are several famous street art among Berlin Street Art by JR pictured in Berlin on 16 April 2013. A man named Francisco Rodriguos da Silva, known as Nunca in the neighborhood of Sao Paulo on 7th April 2008 was the best mural artist. A mural of Nelson Mandela by Graffiti artist Mark 1 on 7th 2013 in cape town in South Africa is well known of that time. A mural by Del Kathryn Burton entitled ‘The Whole of Evening’ which adores the side of an apartment block is found as the glorious example of street art in central Melbourne on 8 July 2008. Till 2013 the street art was able to expose cultural phenomena from Lisbon, Moscow, Los Angeles, Bogota, Bethlehem, Palestine and the rest of the world.          

Back home before the people’s movement the wall of street of Kathmandu was just for the politicians.  It was a message to the public written ‘bandha’ and the slogans of politicians.  The wall was for the movie posters too.  Nonetheless, we see the same wall is packed by the art work today.  It shows the positive symptoms in society.  

The movement of Street Art in Nepal is not new though the visit of international street artist Bruno Levy in 2011 gave all the shape to the wall with colorful messages. His attempt to beautify the street of Kathmandu through the big project watched by our youths around the valley has become a source of inspiration to all.  Henceforth, at present youths are self reliant to attach to the wall giving the vivid expression in the socio political issues of postmodernism in Nepal. The satirical doctrine of Street Art has become the ultimate platform to warn the leaders that epoch like the tsunami.  

The graffiti is writing, painting in public places especially on the wall.  It is concerned with the permission of owners. If not permitted to draw on the wall it becomes like vandalism, otherwise with the permission it becomes street art. Moreover, most importantly graffiti with permission is mural art. Both are real pieces of art directly applied to the wall, so, I consider it as the applied form of Art at present, where I stand and view Laxman Shrestha as a street artist with his  team. He started his journey from Nepaljung as a young and energetic street artist.  

Emergence of youths on the wall has forced the government to take some actions to do something for the artist. Today’s artists, on one hand, come up with traditional art and its value along with contemporary art; whereas there is a great pressure on the artist because of the influence of globalization. Despite the confused circumstances the new theme of art has developed in the Nepali art field. They have picked up on socioeconomic conditions, unstable politics and psychic behavior of people as the agenda in front of common people. It has become the easiest way to convey the message to the citizens of a country. It was the dream of  artist Laxman Sherstha to have to come on the wall from different corners of the country. 

Despite the fact, there are several street artists amongst them Shraddha Sherstha, Kalo 1o1, Sadhu, ArtLab, Artudio and many more young artists who contributed in this field.  Nonetheless, Kathmandu Metropolitan city recently had agreements with Nepal Academy of Fine Art to complete numerous murals in the different parts of the city within mid-June 2024. Thanks to mayor Balen Shah declaring and finding the importance of Street Art has separated the budget to complete street art within the special areas of Kathmandu.

Notwithstanding all that national politics got people accustomed to, its shenanigans, backdoor dealings and secret negotiations, most of us were surprised by the lightning speed through which Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal shifted side and dropped the Nepali Congress from the government.

While it is true that there have been some misunderstandings and disconnects between the CPN (Maoist Center) and the Nepali Congress, few people really were expecting such a rapid change of government.

Once again, we got a confirmation that trust and commitment are not valued currencies in politics.

Rather what always prevails and, at the end count, are cynicism, unhealthy ambitions and a thirst for power for the sake of holding it and extracting the maximum benefits out of it, mostly for personal interest.

We do not need to spend many words on PM Dahal’s attitudes and capacity to retain power at any cost. Most of the citizens just got a strong validation of their feelings about him, a confirmation that the PM is a unique master at preservation and survival.

Probably, we should not even spend too much words on Rabi Lamichhane and his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Instead of staying out of power and leading a constructive politics of opposition, criticizing the government when it is due but also able to contribute with good ideas any time the occasion would arise, Lamichhane chose to jump and join the government.

It is all quite depressing if you think about it.

If you care about the future of the country, if you are genuinely interested in politics as a platform to change the society for better, then this gloomy scenario makes you really wonder about the future.

If political events stand as they are and continue in such a way, then it is obvious and clear that a sense of doom and hopelessness among people will prevail and it is already happening as we know.

Yet, is there any way to change this status quo and the way politics work?

As an observer to the vicissitudes of this nation, I believe that there are two venues to change the current state of affairs.

One idea is to copy, adjust, simplify and recalibrate some practices that occur in the United States of America.

The other instead is more about a system change in the way liberal democracy works not only in Nepal but also around the world.

While the latter is more complex, bold and certainly more visionary, the former instead could be more doable and practical, a way to ensure that only serious candidates get elected to the parliament.

Let’s start from here.

In the USA, as most readers know, there is a galaxy of so-called Political Action Committees, a complex and uniquely American way of supporting, mostly financially, certain candidates over others.

These tools, known as PACs, come in a variety of forms and they are correctly objectionable for their opacity.

Thinking about how such mechanisms could be improved and made more transparent and adapted to a totally different context go well beyond the scope of this piece.

Certainly, with all the alleged corruption that goes on in the electoral process in Nepal, it would be intriguing to explore ways to bring more accountability to the system.

PACs could perhaps offer an imperfect but more morally acceptable form of reigning malpractices in the system but my interest here is to focus on just some of their aspects that have less to do with the financing of campaigns.

The idea is that citizens of the country could form groups, even informal, to assess not only the moral and ethical leadership of running candidates but also their credentials, their expertise.

Regardless of the parties for which they will run, aspiring members of the Parliament at federal and provincial levels but also those proposing themselves to lead smaller local governments should be assessed based on their own character and performances.

If they are serious, competent, well-prepared and have good ideas, then such candidates should be made more visible, more prominent.

Citizens united even in small groups could do that.

Because the electoral game in Nepal is not so clean and fair, at the end of the day, we all know that what really matters is the “dough”, the money that moves around to win over people’s votes.

Instead, citizens, also based on their political preferences and ideologies, should be able to identify serious and promising candidates and support their campaign.

In the USA, there are many types of platforms, including Emily’s List that is a PAC focused on electing progressive democrat women.

What is captivating is not the financial support, the money put in the electoral campaigns throughout the States, though they are very substantial but requires a specific legal framework that is found only in the USA.

The most interesting part is the capacity-building, the non-financial support that the candidates “selected” by the organization, can count on.

This technical support can really make the difference in preparing a candidate to run a successful campaign.

The training offered vary from “Defining your values” to “Delivering your message” to “Effective campaigning”, just to offer an idea.

The bottom line is that there should be a way to ensure, also in a nation like Nepal, that more able, honest, integrity driven politicians are supported to emerge and win.

Even without a big “infrastructure” in place like the one of Emily’s List with its ambitious mandate of providing political competencies to its candidates and its mission to get elected only a certain typology of them, people in different constituencies in Nepal could come together to “study” and evaluate those running for office.

This could represent a much simpler way to ensure that the best candidates get elected, a bit like what happens in a caucus, another uniquely American mechanism used during the primaries, where citizens gather to discuss and choose their preferred candidates.

Again, there is no need to copy the whole mechanisms here mentioned, this won’t be practical either.

Yet there should be ways, even informal and within the current electoral system, that enable citizens to focus on picking candidates for their quality, because they deserve getting elected.

A citizen might not vote for a serious and competent candidate because of her ideology but the same citizen should be in a position to identify her best option according to her way of thinking.

Obviously, these ideas also provide an opening for more independent candidates, even if, running as an independent, should not be seen as a default guarantee of seriousness and wisdom.

The other option, something that deserves a full column on its own, would instead consist in rethinking the current liberal democracy framework.

I would not certainly change it for a dictatorship of the proletariat but would instead consider offering people more room to participate in the decision-making.

I am referring to forms of deliberative democracy that would not replace nor substitute elections, the core of the current liberal system.

Instead, more deliberations would allow citizens to decide and complement the work being done by elected politicians. But this is another story.

Ultimately citizens should not get resigned to what has been happening in politics with all its downsides. Forming new parties might not be the best way forward but empowering citizens with a stronger saying throughout the electoral process could instead be one.

Views are personal