THE assertion of Ms. Ruchira Kamboj , India ’ s  Ambassador  to the United Nations, that India has a potential to be an international mediator, comes as a reflection of what the world feels on the issue. Thanks to its enhanced status in the international arena, the world looks to India as a powerful mediator with an ability to speak the truth in the best possible and balanced manner. This belief was strengthened when Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi told Russian leader Mr. Vladimir Putin that the time was not of war but was of peace. That statement had the backing of India’s ever-strengthening economy, very good military capabilities, and a well-oiled diplomatic t h o u g h t - a n d - a c t i o n combination. The world also believes in all these positive attributes of India. Ms. Ruchira Kamboj is fully aware of the role India is capable of playing in the international arena. Hence her assertion. However, as has come to the world’s notice in recent times, India chooses its own ways and means to take a step forward in diplomacy -- with a keen eye on national interest as the topmost consideration. This also denotes a heightened confidence of India in its own capability and role -- which India showed in the current Palestine issue.

 

 

T H E second rung of India’s cricket players is proving its worth in the T-20 matches against the visiting Australian team. These young players have won two matches in a row to show their grit and their resolve to establish the country’s superiority in the game. No matter the loss in the recent World Cup final, these youngsters, with sprinkling of a few seniors, are proving equal to the task of daring the mighty Australians and beating them out in the middle comprehensively. What is visible in the young team is the technique not just of batting and bowling but also of decisionmaking as the game progresses.They appear cool and ready for challenges and undisturbed when the other side appears to be doing better.This is the actual quality of a champion team -- to remain unfazed in times of pressure. In the two matches they won, the youngsters never looked like being under pressure, so to say. Much to the contrary, they looked ready for those times -- and appeared to have an effective answer to the challenge that arose from time to time. The experience of the two matches, thus, gives a terrific feeling of pride in youngsters’ ability to play world-class cricket with aplomb.