Latest news with #VBA
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Dynasty and division: The crisis in Dalit politics in Maharashtra
Written by Upendra Sonpimple Dalit politics in Maharashtra is undergoing a crisis of identity and leadership, marked by internal divisions and dynastic claims. At the centre of this conflict are two grandsons of B R Ambedkar — Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), and Anandraj Ambedkar, head of the Republican Sena. Both claim to be the true torchbearers of Ambedkar's ideology, yet their rivalry and political strategies raise critical questions about the future of Dalit leadership. The situation intensified when Rajratan Ambedkar's faction of the Republican Party of India (RPI) allied with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena for the upcoming local elections. This alliance, framed as a union of 'Shiv Shakti and Bhim Shakti', was seen by many as a betrayal of Ambedkarite principles. Ambedkar had openly opposed Hindu right-wing organisations like the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha, making such partnerships ideologically contradictory. This political manoeuvring reveals a deeper issue: The increasing reliance on hereditary legitimacy in Dalit politics. Both Prakash and Rajratan Ambedkar have used their surname to claim moral and political authority, particularly among Neo-Buddhists and Mahar communities. This approach contradicts Ambedkar's own rejection of dynastic rule. As he once stated, 'What is more important, the right of the prince or the welfare of the people?… Even the best friends of the States will not say that the welfare of the people should be sacrificed for the sake of maintaining the rights of the prince.' Ambedkar's vision was rooted in democratic and rational leadership, not bloodline. He did not appoint his own son, Yashwant, as his political successor. Instead, he left the leadership of the Scheduled Castes Federation open to capable followers, regardless of lineage. Yet today, Dalit politics in Maharashtra often promotes the idea that only Ambedkar's descendants can lead, sidelining emerging voices from non-Ambedkar descendants. The VBA, for instance, has campaigned on the notion of 'pure Dalit leadership', implying that non-Ambedkar descendants are self-serving or corrupt. This rhetoric not only undermines democratic values but also mirrors the logic of caste, where hereditary superiority justifies power and raises urgent questions: Does dynastic politics threaten the emergence of new Dalit leadership? Is the movement shifting from ideological mobilisation to emotional loyalty? Can hereditary politics effectively challenge Brahminical dominance, or does it replicate its structure? Historically, the Dalit movement in Maharashtra drew strength from anti-caste rationalism, beginning with Mahatma Phule's Satyashodhak Movement and culminating in Ambedkar's fight against untouchability and caste oppression. Today, however, dynastic politics risks undermining this legacy. Even among Mangs, there is a search for descendants of Annabhau Sathe to lead, reinforcing hereditary rather than ideological commitment. Moreover, Ambedkar descendants/ leaders have increasingly adopted soft-Hindutva and loose secularism, visiting Hindu and Muslim religious sites to gain broader support. The VBA's past alliance with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena exemplifies this trend, raising concerns about ideological dilution. If alliances are formed without ideological clarity, can claims of bloodline purity hold any moral ground? This shift mirrors the caste system's logic, where hereditary superiority justifies power. In politics, such logic suppresses democratic participation and stifles dissent. The master-slave dynamic — where followers are emotionally bound to dynastic leaders — creates psychological dependency, limiting the scope for revolt or alternative leadership. The Dalit movement in Maharashtra is already experiencing political demobilisation. If dynastic politics continues to dominate, it may extinguish the space for critical thinking, grassroots mobilisation, and ideological unity. Dalit leadership must become more radical and inclusive, breaking free from caste-based patronage and fostering a community that is politically active and ideologically grounded. At the national level, Mayawati's succession planning within BSP — passing leadership to her nephew — also reflects dynastic tendencies. However, in Maharashtra, the narrative of 'pure blood' creates a false consciousness, distancing Dalits from their ideological roots and weakening the movement's transformative potential. The emotional outrage surrounding hereditary leadership is anti-Dalit, anti-Ambedkarite, and anti-democratic. It suppresses the rise of new voices and creates a culture of obedience rather than critical engagement. If this trend continues, it could lead to the ideological erosion and eventual stagnation of the Dalit movement. To revive the movement, Dalit politics must return to its rational, anti-caste, and democratic foundations. Leadership should be based on commitment, capability, and ideological clarity — not lineage. Only then can the movement reclaim its transformative potential and truly honor the legacy of Ambedkar and Phule. The writer, a social justice and caste discourse scholar, is a New India Foundation fellow (2018-19) and Adam Smith fellow (2024-25)
Business Upturn
a day ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Vietnam Blockchain Association renamed to 'Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association'
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The renaming marks a strategic turning point in the journey to redefine the role, mission, and vision of the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association (VBA), reaffirming its commitment to promoting the development of the Vietnam Blockchain Service Network (VBSN) toward a comprehensive, sustainable national-scale blockchain ecosystem. On July 25, 2025, the Vietnam Blockchain Association officially announced its new name: Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association (VBA). The new name reflects the Association's shift in direction, from promoting blockchain technology to becoming a central force in shaping and leading the development of Vietnam's digital assets market and blockchain ecosystem, starting with the VBSN. 100% of delegates approve renaming to Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association A representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the new name demonstrates VBA's progressive vision and timely adaptation to the emerging digital assets market. The renaming decision was unanimously approved by 100% of the Executive Committee, members, and representatives from government agencies including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Science and Technology during the Association's Extraordinary General Meeting in 2025. This event took place in the context of Vietnam issuing a series of strategic policies guiding the development of blockchain and digital assets. On October 22, 2024, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 1236/QĐ-TTg to announce the National Blockchain Strategy, aiming for Vietnam to become a regional leader with international standing in blockchain by 2030. According to Decision No. 1131/QĐ-TTg issued on June 12, 2025, blockchain is listed among 11 strategic technologies. Notably, the Digital Technology Industry Law, passed on June 14, 2025 and effective from January 1, 2026, officially recognizes digital assets as legally protected assets. According to Ms. Nguyễn Vân Hiền, Vice Chairwoman and Secretary General of VBA, 'This name change not only reflects our alignment with global trends but also affirms our determination to promote the integration of blockchain technology and digital assets into Vietnam's legal, financial, and public service systems, helping the country to participate in the global digital transformation actively.' The General Meeting also approved the addition of eight new Executive Committee members, expanding the leadership body to 28 members. Mr. Phan Đức Trung was reappointed as Chairman of VBA, alongside three Vice Chairwomen and Chairmen: Ms. Nguyễn Vân Hiền, Mr. Nguyễn Trọng Khang, and Mr. Phan Chiến Thắng. Chairman Phan Đức Trung outlines 5-year strategic plan (2025–2030) Looking ahead to the 2025–2030 period, VBA aims to support at least 50 domestic enterprises in deploying blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions on the VBSN platform. The Association will also pilot at least three public services using blockchain and develop two fintech initiatives applying blockchain in the financial and banking sectors. Chairman Phan Đức Trung emphasized, 'With our new name, an expanded strategic direction, and a strengthened leadership team, VBA is entering a new phase of strategic development. In this stage, technology is no longer merely a goal, it is a driving force for innovation, enhancing national competitiveness and contributing to Vietnam's presence on the global digital economy map.' For more info about Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association:Website: X:
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ambedkar grandsons' reunion fizzles out in fallout of Shinde, Republican Sena tie-up
In May this year, Republican Sena president Anandraj Ambedkar said he was willing to set aside his differences with his elder brother and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar, saying 'If Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray could come together, why can't the Ambedkar family unite.' Two months down the line, Anandraj and Prakash, grandsons of B R Ambedkar, are caught in a verbal duel with any possibility of their reconciliation petering out now. This was apparently triggered by Anandraj's decision last week to join hands with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde for the local body elections slated for later this year. The Shinde Sena is a key constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in the state. Following Anandraj's move, Prakash asked the VBA activists and supporters to counter Dalit outfits which have aligned with the BJP/RSS, openly or tacitly, while using B R Ambedkar's name. Raising objection to Anandraj's dismissal of any 'threat' to the Constitution under the ruling BJP-led NDA, Prakash has alleged that the Republican Sena has 'compromised' its ideology by tying up with the Shinde Sena. 'The Republican Sena's alliance with the Shiv Sena not only undercuts the fight against BJP and its allies to save Constitution but is also against the ideology of Phule-Shahu- Ambedkar,' the VBA chief claimed. 'It is now up to followers of Phule, Shahu and Ambedkar whether they want to stand with a puppet of BJP/RSS whose ideology is to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti, or to stand with someone whose ideology is to uphold and defend the Constitution,' Prakash said. Hitting back, Anandraj said, 'Republican Sena has forged an alliance with Shiv Sena on a common agenda of welfare of oppressed and backward classes. We have not joined BJP/ RSS. So where is the question of compromising our ideology. We are committed to Ambedkar's teaching and principles.' The rising tension between Prakash and Anandraj seems to have derailed the possibility of their reunion. A senior VBA leader close to the Ambedkar family said, 'The Dalit leaders championing the cause of social justice and welfare of oppressed have failed to unite and work as a team. Unfortunately, everyone wants to become a leader. And it becomes easier for established parties in both the ruling and Opposition camps to exploit this weakness to their advantage.' The Republican Party of India (RPI) was founded by B R Ambedkar in September 1956, which evolved after the dissolution of the All India Scheduled Castes Federation. Over the decades the RPI disintegrated into several breakaway outfits, including the RPI (A) led by Union minister Ramdas Athawale, RPI (Gawai), RPI (Kawade) and RPI (Khobragade). There had been attempts in the late 1990s to unite various RPI factions. Coming on a common platform, they fought the 1998 Lok Sabha elections together in alliance with the Congress, getting four seats won by Prakash Ambedkar, Ramdas Athawale, Ramakrishna Gawai and Jogendra Kawade. Their joint RPI front however unravelled after some time. In 2009, their another attempt for unity failed. Since his student days, Prakash Ambedkar had been part of the RPI. In 1994, he left the party to form his outfit Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, which evolved into the VBA in 2018. Anandraj broke away from the RPI to float the Republican Sena in 1998. Although based on Ambedkar's philosophy like other RPI factions, the Republican Sena has a limited presence in the state. It is known for having a base among Dalits and marginalised, especially in pockets of Mumbai and some places in the Vidarbha region. In contrast, Prakash has been rooted in state politics for several decades, and has a wider acceptance and larger socio-political network across the regions. In November 2022, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray joined hands with Prakash Ambedkar, asserting that they came together to save the Constitution and democracy, which had been facing a 'threat', they alleged, from the BJP dispensation. An ally of the Opposition Maha Vikash Aghadi (MVA), Uddhav's alliance with Prakash however fell through ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The VBA contested in these polls alone, failing to open its account. A Shinde Sena insider said, 'Shinde earlier tried to join hands with Prakash Ambedkar. He wanted VBA to become an ally of the Mahayuti in 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. However, Prakash preferred to go solo in these polls.' Besides his critics, even a section of Dalits believe that Prakash has not been able to lead the community effectively. Even in the 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, the VBA, contesting alone, had drawn a blank, although it was said to have hurt the prospects of the then Opposition Congress-NCP coalition in several seats by causing a division of 'secular votes' between them. The Shinde Sena has allied with the Republican Sena with a view to boosting its prospects in the upcoming local body elections, especially the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. It indicated Shinde's bid to expand the Sena's support base beyond Marathis to include Dalits. For his part, Anandraj is looking to find his feet in state politics through this alliance in the local body polls. He said, 'The alliance is for the welfare of oppressed segments. It would also provide a platform to them to participate in power.' Rejecting the VBA's charge that Anandraj 'buckled under Shinde's power play', a Republican Sena insider pointed out how Prakash had himself tried to form an alliance with Uddhav ahead of the 2024 polls.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Power Query vs Power Pivot vs VBA : Which Excel Tool Should You Use?
Have you ever found yourself staring at a sprawling Excel workbook, wondering if you're using the right tool for the job? Between Power Query, Power Pivot, and VBA, it's easy to feel like you're navigating a maze of overlapping features and cryptic capabilities. Each tool promises to simplify your workflow, but without a clear understanding of their strengths, you might end up misusing one—or worse, wasting hours on tasks that could've been automated. Whether you're cleaning messy datasets, building interactive dashboards, or automating repetitive tasks, knowing when to use these tools is the key to unlocking Excel's full potential. In this coverage, My Online Training Hub demystify the unique roles of Power Query, Power Pivot, and VBA, helping you identify the best tool for your specific needs. You'll uncover how Power Query streamlines data preparation, why Power Pivot is indispensable for advanced analysis, and where VBA shines in automation. But it doesn't stop there—understanding how these tools complement each other can elevate your Excel skills to new heights. By the end, you'll be equipped not just to choose the right tool, but to combine them for workflows that are smarter, faster, and more efficient. The question is: are you ready to rethink how you work with Excel? Power Query: Simplify Data Cleaning and Transformation Power Query is an essential tool for cleaning, transforming, and consolidating messy data from various sources. Whether you're dealing with inconsistent formats, missing values, or data spread across multiple files, Power Query simplifies these tasks. It automates repetitive processes by recording transformation steps, which can be refreshed whenever new data is added. For instance, if you frequently import sales data from multiple regions, Power Query can merge and clean these datasets with just a few clicks. Its ability to handle large datasets and integrate seamlessly with Power Pivot makes it indispensable for data preparation. However, Power Query is not designed for advanced calculations or relational modeling—tasks better suited for Power Pivot. Key benefits of Power Query: Automates repetitive data cleaning and transformation tasks. Handles large datasets efficiently. Integrates seamlessly with other Excel tools like Power Pivot. Power Pivot: Advanced Data Analysis and Modeling Power Pivot is the ideal tool for analyzing large datasets and creating relational data models. It allows you to connect multiple tables, define relationships, and perform advanced calculations using Data Analysis Expressions (DAX). With DAX, you can create metrics such as year-over-year growth or custom KPIs, which are critical for business reporting. Power Pivot also supports dynamic dashboards with slicers, timelines, and interactive charts, making it a powerful tool for decision-making. For example, you can build a dashboard to track sales performance across regions, allowing users to filter data dynamically. However, setting up relationships incorrectly in Power Pivot can lead to inaccurate results, so careful attention to detail is essential. Key features of Power Pivot: Enables relational modeling by connecting multiple tables. Supports advanced calculations using DAX formulas. Assists the creation of interactive dashboards for better decision-making. Still Guessing Between Power Query, Power Pivot and VBA Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in Power Query by reading more of our detailed content. VBA and Office Scripts: Automating Repetitive Tasks While Power Query and Power Pivot excel at data preparation and analysis, VBA and Office Scripts are designed for automation. VBA, a desktop-focused tool, can handle tasks like generating reports, saving files, or creating user input forms. Office Scripts, on the other hand, extend similar automation capabilities to Excel Online, making them ideal for cloud-based workflows. For example, you might use VBA to automate the emailing of weekly reports or Office Scripts to refresh data in an online workbook. These tools are not substitutes for Power Query or Power Pivot when it comes to data cleaning or modeling. Instead, they shine when built-in tools fall short for specific automation needs. Key use cases for VBA and Office Scripts: Automating repetitive tasks such as report generation or file management. Enhancing workflows in both desktop and cloud-based environments. Filling gaps where built-in Excel tools are insufficient for automation. Common Pitfalls to Avoid Misusing these tools can lead to inefficiencies or errors. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for: Using VBA or Office Scripts for tasks better suited to Power Query, such as data cleaning. Power Query's intuitive interface is far more efficient for these tasks. Failing to set up relationships correctly in Power Pivot, which can compromise the accuracy of your analysis. To avoid these issues, it's crucial to understand the strengths and limitations of each tool. This ensures you select the most effective solution for your task. Combining Tools for Greater Efficiency The real power of these tools lies in their ability to work together. By combining them, you can create scalable, dynamic solutions tailored to your needs. Here are some examples: Power Query + Power Pivot: Use Power Query to clean and prepare data, then load it into Power Pivot for advanced analysis and interactive dashboards. Use Power Query to clean and prepare data, then load it into Power Pivot for advanced analysis and interactive dashboards. Power Query + VBA: Automate data imports and refreshes with VBA, while using Power Query for transformation tasks. Automate data imports and refreshes with VBA, while using Power Query for transformation tasks. Power Pivot + VBA: Automate calculations and reporting tasks in Power Pivot using VBA scripts. These combinations allow you to streamline workflows and maximize productivity. Power BI: Taking Analytics Beyond Excel For those requiring even more advanced capabilities, Power BI offers a robust platform for building fully automated, interactive dashboards. It integrates seamlessly with Power Query and Power Pivot, allowing a smooth transition from Excel to enterprise-level analytics. Power BI is particularly valuable for organizations that need sophisticated reporting and visualization tools. Why consider Power BI? Provides advanced visualization and reporting capabilities. Integrates with Excel tools like Power Query and Power Pivot for a seamless workflow. Supports enterprise-level analytics and collaboration. Making the Most of Excel's Tools Choosing the right tool in Excel depends on the task at hand. Power Query is unmatched for data transformation, Power Pivot excels at advanced modeling and analysis, and VBA and Office Scripts provide powerful automation capabilities. By understanding their unique strengths and combining them effectively, you can streamline your workflows and achieve optimal results. Whether you're cleaning data, building dashboards, or automating tasks, these tools empower you to work smarter and more efficiently. Media Credit: MyOnlineTrainingHub Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
The warning sign about Chinese steel before Kew pool roof collapse
Lab testing detected 'inconsistencies' in the Chinese steel used to support the roof of a $73 million Melbourne public pool before it caved in during a construction collapse, a court has heard. A court heard imported steel used by construction company ADCO to build the Kew Recreation Centre was found to have a range of issues, including insufficient yield stress, tensile strength and excessive aluminium. The company's procurement manager, responsible for sourcing the steel, told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court that late changes to plans for the trusses were also not resubmitted for approval as it would have caused a 'big financial and time impact' for its client, the City of Boroondara. The roof of the $73 million Kew Recreation Centre redevelopment on High Street caved in at 10pm on October 20, 2022, causing a deafening bang locals likened to an explosion. Twisted metal members, which had been holding up the roof, fell from both sides. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has filed 18 charges against ADCO Group and its director John Conroy following a two-year investigation into the major construction collapse. After ADCO's procurement manager Richard Zhang failed to provide a witness statement, the VBA applied to the court to conduct a compulsory examination of him. Under cross-examination from VBA council Chris Carr, KC, on Wednesday, Zhang said senior ADCO engineers raised concerns about the accuracy of mill certificates for imported steel they had used on previous projects and, as a result, agreed the material for the Kew pool would need to be independently tested by Australian labs. He said the testing was undertaken when the steel arrived in Australia after his role on the project had finished, though he was still included in email chains that raised concerns about the steel before the collapse.
