Yes, Force India did the unbelievable thing in F1 circuit. Firstly, at the Belgian Gran Prix 2009 they got the pole position. That was simply unthinkable a few months back. Great work by Giancarlo Fisichella. It took 29 starts to reach this milestone and the first points for Force India. For Fisichella this is the first pole since 2006.
Second, Force India finished second at the end of the race. Even that is simply an amazing feat by a car that doesn't have the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). One has to appreciate Fisichella's racing skill to keep a cool mind till the end of race and see to that he stands on the podium.
Fisichella's team mate Adirian Sutil finished 11th, much better than the earlier experiences wherein they had to dropout due to technical failures etc. Also Sutil did not fall below the position he started with. Overall, its a memorable day for Team Force India.
It is simply unbelievable feat. Sometime back there were reports that teams like Force India should not be allowed to race in formula one race as these teams have not performed much. Now these critics needs to re-evaluate the team and should stop passing unwarranted comments on any laggard teams.
Also its a proud day for the billion plus Indians. Its only a day ago the sports minister commented that India do not need to hold formula one racing in its backyard as there are other burning problem they have to tackle. This should be a good reason to kick the lazy minister into some concrete action to create facilities for formula racing in the country.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Second wave of Swine Flu coming
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging people around the world to brace themselves for a second wave of the swine flu pandemic as the heavily populated northern hemisphere edges towards the cooler season when flu thrives.
Swine Flu has swiftly spread to nearly 177 countries now, reports WHO. It spreads easily as the temperature cools down. But are the medical community ready to take on Swine Flu.
So far there is no sign of it. All deaths are merely attibuted to Swine Flu, due to late diagnosis. Meantime Karnataka government announced that it will bear the expenses for patients who undergo swab tests and medical treatment at private hospital. That is good news for the less fortunate ones. No idea as to what the central government is doing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has termed H1N1 swine flu as unstoppable because many countries are not keeping a track and precise count of the virus cases.
Swine Flu has swiftly spread to nearly 177 countries now, reports WHO. It spreads easily as the temperature cools down. But are the medical community ready to take on Swine Flu.
So far there is no sign of it. All deaths are merely attibuted to Swine Flu, due to late diagnosis. Meantime Karnataka government announced that it will bear the expenses for patients who undergo swab tests and medical treatment at private hospital. That is good news for the less fortunate ones. No idea as to what the central government is doing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has termed H1N1 swine flu as unstoppable because many countries are not keeping a track and precise count of the virus cases.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Swine Flu handling
When the first cases of swine flu was reported months ago and it has not hit out shores the health minister said that India will not become a victim of it. But today we have already close to 44 deaths till date.
Still doctors are not able to diagnose the symptoms. All the cases where death happened, most of them came with symptoms of viral flu/fever. Also the co-ordination between agencies involved in controlling is very pathetic. It took almost half a week for the central team to arrive at the site of first death.
At times Health department issues notice that every one should get themselves checked as a preventive measure. But when people arrive in big numbers they shoo them away saying it is not necessary to carry out test merely on the basis of doubt. This has happened in Hyderabad and has caused immense problem and confusion among the public.
A thriving black market has developed as a result of shortage of medicine and preventive masks. Masks which cost barely Rs.30/- or Rs.40/- are being sold at Rs.200/- to Rs.250/-. In many places masks are not available.
Proper diagnosis method is yet to be developed. Only after death, doctors declare that the patient was admitted for treatment and was too late for them to do anything. That is a ridiculous argument. That shows how ignorant the medical profession is about this Swine Flu.
Still doctors are not able to diagnose the symptoms. All the cases where death happened, most of them came with symptoms of viral flu/fever. Also the co-ordination between agencies involved in controlling is very pathetic. It took almost half a week for the central team to arrive at the site of first death.
At times Health department issues notice that every one should get themselves checked as a preventive measure. But when people arrive in big numbers they shoo them away saying it is not necessary to carry out test merely on the basis of doubt. This has happened in Hyderabad and has caused immense problem and confusion among the public.
A thriving black market has developed as a result of shortage of medicine and preventive masks. Masks which cost barely Rs.30/- or Rs.40/- are being sold at Rs.200/- to Rs.250/-. In many places masks are not available.
Proper diagnosis method is yet to be developed. Only after death, doctors declare that the patient was admitted for treatment and was too late for them to do anything. That is a ridiculous argument. That shows how ignorant the medical profession is about this Swine Flu.
So many are gay now
Ever since the country has passed the gay law, it has become more open for people to declare that they are gay. Previously they held back for reasons known to themselves and always hesitated to talk about it to any one, even to their dear ones.
Off late suspicious spouses are hiring detectives to trail their partners to know what is happening with them. Most of them are in for a shock that they are having an affair, but of the same sex.
Well, the detectives are laughing their way to bank, while the one of the spouses don't know how to handle the situation. Their life is shattered when they come to know their partner is gay. This is something unusual for a country like India, where marriage is a very sacred institution.
With the decriminalisation of gay relationship, people are taking the risk of coming out and declaring their kind of choice.
Off late suspicious spouses are hiring detectives to trail their partners to know what is happening with them. Most of them are in for a shock that they are having an affair, but of the same sex.
Well, the detectives are laughing their way to bank, while the one of the spouses don't know how to handle the situation. Their life is shattered when they come to know their partner is gay. This is something unusual for a country like India, where marriage is a very sacred institution.
With the decriminalisation of gay relationship, people are taking the risk of coming out and declaring their kind of choice.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Farmers suicide on the rise
About 20 farmers have committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh. Andhra is one state where farmers suicide is always at the highest every year. Previously money lenders were blamed for everything. Government is yet to ascertain the reasons behind these suicides. This is the case of one state. Other states too are facing similar problems.
After the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, that should have changed. But in Andhra, the situation still remains the same. The money under the NREGS never reaches the rural unemployed. Farmers do not get loans in time. Most of these facilities are appropriated by the big fishes. Marginal farmer is always at the risk of losing the small piece of land he owns.
In many places farmers are not eligible for loan waiver because they either hold bigger chunks of land, whereas he is in need of money to till the land and sow the seeds. Many farmers pay back the loan in time, but the politically well connected bigger farmers do not pay back the loans and appropriate most of the benefits in connivance with the corrupt bank officials and local politicians.
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After the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, that should have changed. But in Andhra, the situation still remains the same. The money under the NREGS never reaches the rural unemployed. Farmers do not get loans in time. Most of these facilities are appropriated by the big fishes. Marginal farmer is always at the risk of losing the small piece of land he owns.
In many places farmers are not eligible for loan waiver because they either hold bigger chunks of land, whereas he is in need of money to till the land and sow the seeds. Many farmers pay back the loan in time, but the politically well connected bigger farmers do not pay back the loans and appropriate most of the benefits in connivance with the corrupt bank officials and local politicians.
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Charity Fund raising by NGOs - Another nonsense on the rise
Give India has roped in famous personalities from every walk of life to raise funds that is dubbed as 'Joy of Giving Week' which begins on 27th September. Sports personalities, Corporate honchos, Chief Ministers, Government Departments, Municipal corporations from across the country have pledged their support.
It has become fashionable to contribute a part of your income to NGOs. There is huge list of NGOs lined up to serve the poor and downtrodden. The North-Easter region has the maximum density of NGOs. It is something like a NGO or every 1000 persons.
But what is the result? The poor remain poor. That is a mystery. There are lots of people working with NGOs, on very fat pay package. Many of them MBAs. So the fund that reach the target is often very less. They spend lots of time on Seminars, Symposiums, Research studies, Annual Meetings - all of them on a lavish scale. So no wonder the poor in spite of being served still remains poor.
World Vision collected close to hundreds of millions of dollars soon after the Tsunami hit the southern coast of India in December 2004. Reports suggest that most of the money was never used for the purpose they were raised. What happened to those money?
Another NGO, Catholic Relief Society tried to import soya bean that is unfit for animal consumption from US for their conversion programmes in India. That shipment was impounded at the port by authorities. The case was quietly buried as UPA was ruling at center.
So is it worth handing over your money to these charlatans (many NGOs are front organisations for money laundering also) who do not intend to use it for the purpose you wanted? The best course would have been for the NGOs to enlist the services of people to do a week's work at the site apart from the contributions. But none of them will do this. They will justify it by saying that these personalities are too busy to give up their time. Corporates are happy their are getting a tax break, the NGO got money. These two benefited. The poor who is he beneficiary doesn't even know that such a thing ever happened. HE still remains poor.
Its time to stop this nonsense.
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It has become fashionable to contribute a part of your income to NGOs. There is huge list of NGOs lined up to serve the poor and downtrodden. The North-Easter region has the maximum density of NGOs. It is something like a NGO or every 1000 persons.
But what is the result? The poor remain poor. That is a mystery. There are lots of people working with NGOs, on very fat pay package. Many of them MBAs. So the fund that reach the target is often very less. They spend lots of time on Seminars, Symposiums, Research studies, Annual Meetings - all of them on a lavish scale. So no wonder the poor in spite of being served still remains poor.
World Vision collected close to hundreds of millions of dollars soon after the Tsunami hit the southern coast of India in December 2004. Reports suggest that most of the money was never used for the purpose they were raised. What happened to those money?
Another NGO, Catholic Relief Society tried to import soya bean that is unfit for animal consumption from US for their conversion programmes in India. That shipment was impounded at the port by authorities. The case was quietly buried as UPA was ruling at center.
So is it worth handing over your money to these charlatans (many NGOs are front organisations for money laundering also) who do not intend to use it for the purpose you wanted? The best course would have been for the NGOs to enlist the services of people to do a week's work at the site apart from the contributions. But none of them will do this. They will justify it by saying that these personalities are too busy to give up their time. Corporates are happy their are getting a tax break, the NGO got money. These two benefited. The poor who is he beneficiary doesn't even know that such a thing ever happened. HE still remains poor.
Its time to stop this nonsense.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Food Security
Everytime the monsoon fails we face the problem of food scarcity in India. Prices shoot up and those in power do nothing to tackle it. Meeting will be called by the concerned ministries. From Prime Minister onwards everyone will assure that we are capable of handling it and has done in the past. Opposition will cry foul and say government is sleeping. The Fat Pigs, I mean the bureaucrats, will roll out reams of papers to show how they managed it the last time.
It is said that every year about a Billion dollar is spend on the upkeep of Food Corporations of India (FCI) godowns. Another one billion dollar worth of stock is eaten by pests. How much gets stolen is another factor, so far no study has been conducted. What is released through the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) is mostly cornered by the traders through the unholy allinace with the PDS officials and distribution license holders. That stock gets sold at normal market rates earning them a fat profit. What the ration card holder gets is generally that even animals cannot consume.
A couple of years back there was an incident in which goats and cows roaming around the FCI warehouse in Kerala were found dead. Investigation revealed they died due to poisoning. What they ate was rice and wheat which were infected with fungus. This is the state of our warehouses that store food grains.
When prices soar, we keep loading fresh stock of food grains into the FCI godowns. Instead of releasing it to market and cooling down the prices, our bureaucrats and politicians start sermonising how it will help farmers. When drought hit orissa and hundred of people died of hunger, government refused to release food grains to those needy. As previously mentioned we let pests eat almost a billion dollar worth of food grains. If properly managed, these excess stocks will not only keep the food grain prices under control, but also save the life of hundred of hungry poor people. Its a shame that we do not realise this even now.
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It is said that every year about a Billion dollar is spend on the upkeep of Food Corporations of India (FCI) godowns. Another one billion dollar worth of stock is eaten by pests. How much gets stolen is another factor, so far no study has been conducted. What is released through the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) is mostly cornered by the traders through the unholy allinace with the PDS officials and distribution license holders. That stock gets sold at normal market rates earning them a fat profit. What the ration card holder gets is generally that even animals cannot consume.
A couple of years back there was an incident in which goats and cows roaming around the FCI warehouse in Kerala were found dead. Investigation revealed they died due to poisoning. What they ate was rice and wheat which were infected with fungus. This is the state of our warehouses that store food grains.
When prices soar, we keep loading fresh stock of food grains into the FCI godowns. Instead of releasing it to market and cooling down the prices, our bureaucrats and politicians start sermonising how it will help farmers. When drought hit orissa and hundred of people died of hunger, government refused to release food grains to those needy. As previously mentioned we let pests eat almost a billion dollar worth of food grains. If properly managed, these excess stocks will not only keep the food grain prices under control, but also save the life of hundred of hungry poor people. Its a shame that we do not realise this even now.
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Sunday, August 9, 2009
A New Chapter in Karntaka-Tamil Nadu ties
After 18 years finally the statue of Thiruvalluvar, the saint-poet of Tamilndu was unveiled near the Ulsoor Lake area in Bangalore. It was a positive move by the Chief Ministers of both state. Shortly Sarvajna statue will be unveiled at Ayanavaram Park in Chennai.
Also notable was the statement issued tha all disputes will be solved through talks, which is a positive sign. But Tamil Nadu has the habit of going back on its words and trying to force its own will through blackmalining he central government. The present government at centre is still not a safe one, although there are lesser number of hostile partners with them. They will be tempted to yield to Tamil Nadu because Karnataka is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
There is so much hatred between the Kannadigas and Tamils over Cauvery water sharing, Hognekal issue etc. On both these issues, Karnataka has been treated very badly by Central governments and the genuine concerns of Karnataka was not even looked into. The british created this problem and left it to us to fight over. But its for us to solve this, Now and here. Will the two CM's take the bold step and do the impossible. The current situation is too fluid for the TN CM as elections will be around shortly.
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Also notable was the statement issued tha all disputes will be solved through talks, which is a positive sign. But Tamil Nadu has the habit of going back on its words and trying to force its own will through blackmalining he central government. The present government at centre is still not a safe one, although there are lesser number of hostile partners with them. They will be tempted to yield to Tamil Nadu because Karnataka is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
There is so much hatred between the Kannadigas and Tamils over Cauvery water sharing, Hognekal issue etc. On both these issues, Karnataka has been treated very badly by Central governments and the genuine concerns of Karnataka was not even looked into. The british created this problem and left it to us to fight over. But its for us to solve this, Now and here. Will the two CM's take the bold step and do the impossible. The current situation is too fluid for the TN CM as elections will be around shortly.
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More Clarifications needed on Ambani tussle
If the government really owns the gas, they why let others do the pricing and profit? Can't they regulate the at what price the gas found in KG basin?
The agreement between Ambani brothers should not be allowed as they not in the interests of the nation. Will Anil Ambani sell power cheaply to the state electricity boards? No. He will not. But he wants cheap gas to make a fat profit. If the price of gas has gone up in the market, then he should pay the market price.
Likewise Mukesh Ambani also should not be allowed to get away. His company is deliberately under producing gas to create an artificial shortage. If the government believes that gas belongs to it, then government should put its foot down and talk tough to both and regulate the prices where no one is hurt. Government also has an interest in the whole issue.
Unnecessary court cases should be avoided. It has bad effect on those engaged in exploration business as these incidents will prevent further investments in the sector. Government should decide now whether it wants to regulate the prices or they want free market pricing. then they have to put down rules and scrupulously follow it.
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The agreement between Ambani brothers should not be allowed as they not in the interests of the nation. Will Anil Ambani sell power cheaply to the state electricity boards? No. He will not. But he wants cheap gas to make a fat profit. If the price of gas has gone up in the market, then he should pay the market price.
Likewise Mukesh Ambani also should not be allowed to get away. His company is deliberately under producing gas to create an artificial shortage. If the government believes that gas belongs to it, then government should put its foot down and talk tough to both and regulate the prices where no one is hurt. Government also has an interest in the whole issue.
Unnecessary court cases should be avoided. It has bad effect on those engaged in exploration business as these incidents will prevent further investments in the sector. Government should decide now whether it wants to regulate the prices or they want free market pricing. then they have to put down rules and scrupulously follow it.
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Friday, August 7, 2009
Who owns our Natural Resources ?
The dispute between Ambani brothers on the KG basin gas has been going on for while now. The deal struck between them on the gas supply was at a time when the price was low. When the crude and gas price skyrocketed internationally, it made no sense to sell it at lower price. This ticked off Anil Ambani whose projects will suffer if they dont get the gas in time.
Its true gas has to be delivered at the agreed price as per the agreement. Nobody envisaged a stage where the prices will shoot northwards for a longer period of time. In the commodity boom everything went up, unsettling the calculations of everyone.
If the tussle goes on for long period, its the shareholders who will suffer the most. Due to non-availability of gas projects get delayed. That will set us back by a couple of years. The Petroleum Minister recently made a statement that they own the gas and not Mukesh Ambani controlled Reliance Industries. We have not heard much from him after that.
Does the government really the own it or has it sold it to private corporations? Who is responsible for the whole mess? There is no answer for that, atleast at this moment. There should be an end to this and government should act fast and set right as to who owns the resources. Else this kind of uneasy situations will arise and could cost the nation and its people a lot. This is the time to make things clear. Will that happen in the near future? May be.
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Its true gas has to be delivered at the agreed price as per the agreement. Nobody envisaged a stage where the prices will shoot northwards for a longer period of time. In the commodity boom everything went up, unsettling the calculations of everyone.
If the tussle goes on for long period, its the shareholders who will suffer the most. Due to non-availability of gas projects get delayed. That will set us back by a couple of years. The Petroleum Minister recently made a statement that they own the gas and not Mukesh Ambani controlled Reliance Industries. We have not heard much from him after that.
Does the government really the own it or has it sold it to private corporations? Who is responsible for the whole mess? There is no answer for that, atleast at this moment. There should be an end to this and government should act fast and set right as to who owns the resources. Else this kind of uneasy situations will arise and could cost the nation and its people a lot. This is the time to make things clear. Will that happen in the near future? May be.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009
Death sentence to Mumbai blast accused
Atlast the judgement has come. The accused in the 2003 Mumbai twin blast accused were sentenced to death by the Special POTA Court. The incident resulted in the death of 52 people.
It has taken 6 long years to deliver the judgement. Inspite of having all evidences pointing to the accused, it has taken the system so long. The accused rightly deserved the death sentence. And there should be no more delays in executing the sentence. It must be carried out in the next few weeks, so that the public confidence is restored and send a warning to all terrorists.
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It has taken 6 long years to deliver the judgement. Inspite of having all evidences pointing to the accused, it has taken the system so long. The accused rightly deserved the death sentence. And there should be no more delays in executing the sentence. It must be carried out in the next few weeks, so that the public confidence is restored and send a warning to all terrorists.
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RBI vs SEBI
The Bank regulator, RBI and Financial Markets regulator, SEBI have locked horns again over who should regulate the markets of listed/traded instruments. I agree to SEBI' argument that all that is listed or traded in the markets should be under its regulation. Multiple regulators in the same market should be avoided at all costs.
This debate has been going on for a long time. RBI is presently playing the role of Regulator in Banking, Issuer of securities and that of Banker to government. In this scenario its better for RBI to vacate the role of regulating traded instruments as SEBI is more competent in that space.
Government should take immediate steps and relieve RBI of some of the role where its presence is not required. The matter is kept in abeyance for long. Its high time the Finance Ministry take the bold step of handing over the regulation of listed securities to SEBI.
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This debate has been going on for a long time. RBI is presently playing the role of Regulator in Banking, Issuer of securities and that of Banker to government. In this scenario its better for RBI to vacate the role of regulating traded instruments as SEBI is more competent in that space.
Government should take immediate steps and relieve RBI of some of the role where its presence is not required. The matter is kept in abeyance for long. Its high time the Finance Ministry take the bold step of handing over the regulation of listed securities to SEBI.
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