Posting after a long time. My " reflections" on some of the current issues today.

1. UP elections: Mukthar Ansari with 24 cases ranging from extortion to rape, currently lodged in a jail, gets a ticket to fight from Varanasi. His equally illustrious brother was granted bail a few months ago to fight from another constituency. They have been undefeated in the past three elections. Two questions - How can the ruling govt overrule a Supreme Court verdict to have their politicians released from jails to fight elections? How have they managed to remain undefeated?

The answer to the latter only seems that the elections are manipulated- voters been forced to vote for BSP. Time for election observers to shift from J & K to UP.

2.Pakistan admits to 26/11- Big deal..and a big thank you to USA from the Indian people. We have given up hope on our govt to fight terrorism. Perhaps, if Obama could spare some time to contest for the Indian elections, we may elect him...what our leaders couldnt achieve in three months(not for lack of options but rather wont)..this man did in a single phone call..we dont mind paying for your international phone calls Mr Obama..just keep them ringing for the Pakis. 

3.Taliban takes over control of Swat area " Switzerland of Pakistan" in NWFP, Pakistan- Some good news finally. The hornets nest stirred by Zardaris statement of Taliban taking over control of thier territories now seems to be true.  Pakistan is indeed a victim of terrorism but the enemy it is fighting is itself. Much like the Americans who breeded Saddam and Taliban, only to fight them a decade later, Pakistan is realising that terrorism is a two sided coin. Unfortunately, while USA and Pakistan have a common enemy in Taliban, India is alone in its fight against Pakistan's state sponsored terrorism. So while the former is not vanquished, it is foolhardy for India to expect USA to place great emphasis on 26/11. We must reach out to other countries and once garnered enough diplomatic clout, launch an offensive on Pakistan. The Pakistanis have always raised the war cry when the heat is on it forcing India to go on the defensive. It would be interesting to see how the world reacts when India threatens to go for a war unless it gets positive and concrete results in Pakistan's FIA investigation on 26/11. Played the role of responsible elder brother for too long..time to switch roles to the complainig and spoilt younger bro.

4.Top ten mistakes made by Indian doctors(India Today Feb 16 issue)- The most common gaffe - leaving things ..tools..towels.. in the patient. Nice article..though slightly frightening..puts medical care in India in a very sorry state.

5.Many urban Indians turning to Buddhism( the most high profile being Priyanka Gandhi)-

Political parties plz take notice. Babri and Godhra maybe history if the trend continues.

In a way, this symbolizes that we are ready for a change...and Buddhism is the most non controverisal change.

6.Jade Goody decision to film her death on television draws flak- Give the woman a break..she is addicted to reality TV...racist remarks ..wedding..death bed..seems life has come a full circle for Ms Goody (her name belies her) on the small screen.

7.Knowledge Comission invites ideas from the country's youth for India's

 development-

http://www.knowledgecommission.gov.in/contests

Top MNCs have successfully exploited the internet to invite ideas from the youth by organizing online competitions on various topics- Microsofts Imagine Cup...Mc Kinseys e4si..Nat Geos Habitat Competition. The model is successful as students get a platform to showcase their talent and the companies benefit by giving shape to the ideas.

Congo to Sam Pitrodia for tapping into this "modus operandi". Publicising it on community websites is perhaps the best way of spreading awareness.