Monday, December 19, 2011

Bhagavadgita to Face Ban in Siberia

This is not the first time that a religious text or issue has attracted the attention of state beaureacracy. States sometimes attempt to divert attention from pressing issues by diverting people's attention to bizarre issues of religion. This is one such example. So there are groups protesting in Siberia, while thousands of miles of land is burned over by an oil spill caused by gas fountains. In India, the parliament spends precious time on this issue while numerous other important issues await consideration. What a world of politics!
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/212815/storm-ls-over-move-ban.html

Friday, December 16, 2011

Anna Hazare Awarded: IBN-CNN "Indian of the Year 2011"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FpWhniZbgc&feature=player_embedded


Anna Hazare is awarded the well deserved IBN-CNN "Indian of the Year award 2011". An epitome of common man with no possessions, relations or positions, Anna Hazare, became a people's phenomenon with his demand for "Lok Pal," bill, to check corruption in the government. He rightly states that people are his strength, and rightly his honesty is his strength which helps rally the millions of people with him.
Jai Ho Anna!

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Operational Soon

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Kudankulam-to-be-operational-in-two-weeks-PM/articleshow/11133803.cms

Nuclear power plants are built in many places in India. How safe are they? Despite worries of locals, numerous plants are given permission to begin construction. Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and lack of adequate water to cool off the plant towers are only a few of the issues. Increasing Tsunamis in the zone between India and Indonesia are a constant feature. Past Tsunamis have hit the coast of India, not very far from the coast. Must we continue to build nuclear plants in our backyards in the name of development?

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Rupee Slips

Rupee continues to lose value against the Dollar. The decline is said to continue into the new year, 2012.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Rupee-ends-at-all-time-closing-low-of-52-35/articleshow/10844606.cms

Rupee decline in History:

20 years ago Rupee lost 20% of its value in the 90s. However, todays decline is the biggest ever loss for Indian Rupee in recent years. The drop in rupee value is severe this time since Dollar is also losing value, compared to the early 90s, when the Rupee lost value against an appreciating Dollar. This makes it very concerning for India, eventhough Pranab Mukherjee has enunciated his faith in the resiliency of India, and its capacity to bounce back. It may take at least a decade of hard work for such a miracle to happen under the present circumstances. In terms of economy the future looks bleak unless the RBI steps forward and takes some drastic measures, such as tightening debt rules and increasing the interest rates. Otherwise, this trend may continue and Rupee will cross Rs. 75 mark before next summer.

Monday, December 12, 2011

History in the News

Delhi Celebrates 100 years as Capital
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Happy-birthday-Our-city-turns-100-today/Article1-781138.aspx
http://zeenews.india.com/news/delhi/delhi-celebrates-100-years-as-india-s-capital_746522.html

What is Happening here? Did we forget how long Delhi had been capital in India, if not for India as we know it now. Are we that desperate for celebrations?
Delhi became the capital of British India in 1911- Not the present India as we have it now.
It was capital before- for a number of empires similar to British India. The Sultanate itself is named after Delhi as Delhi Sultanate- established a 1000 years earlier.

Should we celebrate all these cities that became capitals of new states after independence.
Welcome to a new trend- Celebrations for the Capital Cities!!
When did Hyderabad become capital of AP?
When did Chennai become capital of Tamilnadu?
What about Kolkata? Should we get sad it lost the status of Capital of British India in 1911 to become a state capital that was divided in the middle?
Is'nt it a 100 years yet?