And for a Friday after withdrawal of the Disaster Management Act, some thoughts….. some musings…..

Ukrainian soldiers decide to get married in the midst of their war with Russia.

In India, Covid as a pandemic is in its final stages and we are moving into the Endemic stage. Almost all restrictions have been removed. Schools and colleges fully resumed. Marriages and all social functions allowed. Shopping complexes, gyms, swimming pools, spas, cinema halls etc. etc. all freed up. However, wearing masks and CAB is strongly recommended by the Govt. States will have 2 broad based frameworks for restrictions – test positivity of 10% or more in past week and bed occupancy of 40% of ICU or oxygen beds. India has learnt its lessons after the second delta wave of pandemic – not to let the guard down. With the country’s massive success in vaccination – 84% fully vaccinated and 97% partially, that is almost 2 billion vaccination doses and now even children getting vaccinated. We are hopefully and with God’s Grace, out of the huge crisis of the pandemic.

The global economic recovery ofcourse has been constrained by the ongoing Ukraine war, almost into its 28th day and no quick end in sight. But the Indian current economic status and outlook is far far better than the dismal picture being projected by the western media. Russia needs India to sell their arms and India needs Russian oil at discounted prices. Saudi and India are the worlds largest defense buyers. US and Russia are the worlds largest exporters and India buys all in hard currency. No favours. Each country does what’s best for themselves. Within last week, Japanese and Australian PMs, Chinese FM and many more have visited New Delhi. Israeli PM, who is of Russian origin and had already visited Moscow to soften the Ukraine issue is also coming early next month. India is at a diplomatic sweet spot. India’s stock markets have bounced back to pre-covid levels and exports have crossed 400 Bn $ for the first time ever. Most migrants have returned to cities and salary raises are the norm.

India is recovering, but still let’s all be vigilant. Volatility and uncertainty is nothing new to Indians. Let’s all brace up, the spirited way, the ethical way, the SEEGOS way.