"Big brother" Barack Obama took over as 44th President of United States of America. His inaugural speech gave much hope to everybody. He wants to change America and the world. Can he undo what harm Bush did to America and to the third world? Indian TV channels and press gave unprecedented coverage to the inaugural ceremony and highlighted his promises to the American people and to the world.
From Indian context, Obama raised Kashmir issue which was uncalled for. One has to see what will happen to the much hyped Indo-US nuclear deal. Any additional conditions to operationalize the deal will not be in the interest of India. USA needs Pakistan’s support to curb terror and Talabanism in Afghanistan. Again, like previous US Presidents, Obama also will fall for the Pakistan’s blackmail, and dole-out billions of dollars to Pakistan, which ultimately will be used by Pakistan to sponsor terrorism in India. India better watch out.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Underage driving - Global problem
One of the Indian news paper dailies has started a campaign against underage driving prevalent is the cities like Mumbai. A lot of comments/opinions were published, mostly against the driving of two wheelers. This is a global problem with the youngsters.
In short, the children go for the rash driving just for the thrill of it. The favorite heroes do the thrills in the films is the major single factor responsible for the juvenile offence. The children get driving license easily, even without going to the transport authorities (RTO), through obliging driving schools or agents for a small amount of money by bribing the driving–test inspectors at RTO. Corruption is rampant in RTO offices. The offence is normally carried out during night time, in fast roads such as Palm Beach Marg, Navi Mumbai. These speed demons drive the vehicles dangerously, often without helmets, resulting in accidents. Innocent lives are lost due to this misadventure.
Parents may or may not be aware of the adventures of their children or, simply do not bother. They don not have time to be proactive and discuss the issues bothering their wards. The penalty by prosecution is paltry and is not serving as deterrent. There are opinions expressed, to impose life-time penalty on parents, the underage driver, and confiscate the vehicles. Vigilant parents and traffic police, and continued appeals against underage/rash driving in the media/TV by the film actors will go a long way in controlling such incidents.
In short, the children go for the rash driving just for the thrill of it. The favorite heroes do the thrills in the films is the major single factor responsible for the juvenile offence. The children get driving license easily, even without going to the transport authorities (RTO), through obliging driving schools or agents for a small amount of money by bribing the driving–test inspectors at RTO. Corruption is rampant in RTO offices. The offence is normally carried out during night time, in fast roads such as Palm Beach Marg, Navi Mumbai. These speed demons drive the vehicles dangerously, often without helmets, resulting in accidents. Innocent lives are lost due to this misadventure.
Parents may or may not be aware of the adventures of their children or, simply do not bother. They don not have time to be proactive and discuss the issues bothering their wards. The penalty by prosecution is paltry and is not serving as deterrent. There are opinions expressed, to impose life-time penalty on parents, the underage driver, and confiscate the vehicles. Vigilant parents and traffic police, and continued appeals against underage/rash driving in the media/TV by the film actors will go a long way in controlling such incidents.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mumbai Marathon-2009
Congratulations to Mumbaites, over 40,000 of them participated in the Standard Chartered Bank and TCS organized Mumbai Maraton-2009 today (18/01/2009). This is the first major public event, post 26/11, which again shown the true Mumbai spirit and unity. In this well-organized, 6th Annual event, young, old, handicapped and national/international players, including bigwigs from business and entertainment sector participated without any inhibition. Total prize money is around US$250,000.
However, the majority of the participants are not running for prize but for promoting various social issues such as tribute to the 26/11 terror victims in Mumbai, girl child’s education and for the benefit of less-privileged population. The event was conducted in three categories: Full marathon (42km), Half-marathon (21km), Dream Run (6km) and Wheel Chair run. The marathon began and ended at CST (26/11 terror attack site). Over 3,000 policemen provided the security cover. The focal theme was PEACE. Kenya’s Kenneth Mugura won the marathon. The winners of the Half-marathon are: Surinder Singh (men) and Kavita Raut (women).
The event succeeded in proving AGAIN that nothing can change the success of “Unity in Diversity” concept in Mumbai. Media coverage however, looked more like “paid to promote business and entertainment bigwigs” rather than the true spirit of the marathon and the actual participation. Media, as usual, either do too little or too much, but not in moderation!
However, the majority of the participants are not running for prize but for promoting various social issues such as tribute to the 26/11 terror victims in Mumbai, girl child’s education and for the benefit of less-privileged population. The event was conducted in three categories: Full marathon (42km), Half-marathon (21km), Dream Run (6km) and Wheel Chair run. The marathon began and ended at CST (26/11 terror attack site). Over 3,000 policemen provided the security cover. The focal theme was PEACE. Kenya’s Kenneth Mugura won the marathon. The winners of the Half-marathon are: Surinder Singh (men) and Kavita Raut (women).
The event succeeded in proving AGAIN that nothing can change the success of “Unity in Diversity” concept in Mumbai. Media coverage however, looked more like “paid to promote business and entertainment bigwigs” rather than the true spirit of the marathon and the actual participation. Media, as usual, either do too little or too much, but not in moderation!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Are Pak nukes are secure?
Nuclear-armed Pakistan, under the present circumstances of uncertain political leadership in Pakistan should not be taken lightly. Pakistan’s National Security Advisor, who was a close confident of President Zardari was sacked. This shows the existing rift between the President and the Prime Minister Gilani who seems to be now closer to the army than to the President. Control of nuclear weapon systems with the army (General Kiyani) is not strategically desirable for India. America is going soft on Pakistan for its own reasons in Afghanistan. Any move from Indian side to snap all ties with Pakistan should be considered only after taking into account all the consequences, and Indian preparedness to respond quickly to nuclear terrorism.
It is time that the United Nations and countries like America, France, UK and Russia should sit together and decide on a plan of action so that the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is in civilian hands and are secure. An unstable and “talibanized” Pakistan possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a threat to the whole world.
It is time that the United Nations and countries like America, France, UK and Russia should sit together and decide on a plan of action so that the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is in civilian hands and are secure. An unstable and “talibanized” Pakistan possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a threat to the whole world.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Corruption is the Cause of India’s misery
It is reported by Anti-Corruption Bureau that inspite of the existing Anti-Corruption Law, corruption is rampant in government departments. In a comparative statement of registered cases in 2008, the police department is topping the list followed by Revenue department and Civic bodies. The country, infested with such corrupt officials can never dream of becoming world super-power. It is unfortunate but seems to be true that everybody in India has a price tag. No personal ethics. No national pride!
The reported numbers are only a tip of the iceberg. Everyone is afraid of the possible worst consequences of providing “specific information” about the corrupt officials with “extra-lavish” life styles. Let there be a group of citizens, who can be authorized to expose such corrupt officials, or catch them red-handed, by posing as a “common man” to get the work done in the government departments such as revenue, police, traffic, rationing, registration of housing societies, departments of electricity and water supply. It is a simple solution, but no body will do it because corruption is the way of life in India.
The reported numbers are only a tip of the iceberg. Everyone is afraid of the possible worst consequences of providing “specific information” about the corrupt officials with “extra-lavish” life styles. Let there be a group of citizens, who can be authorized to expose such corrupt officials, or catch them red-handed, by posing as a “common man” to get the work done in the government departments such as revenue, police, traffic, rationing, registration of housing societies, departments of electricity and water supply. It is a simple solution, but no body will do it because corruption is the way of life in India.
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