In the late 90’s when coloured printing was introduced and the invitation price of Re.1, Deccan Herald & Indian Express had finally got competition in Bangalore.

The light hearted Bangalore Times was a welcome change from the heavy reading of the Hindu. And people lapped it up.

Looks like Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. have taken to this image way too seriously. Although I do not get to read their print edition and have to make do with the online edition these days, something tells me that I am not missing much.

I was reading the online version yesterday and spotted this survey which asked women whether they like their male partners to wear a bra.

OK – valid question but totally warranted. In fact, this is just one of the few instances of garbage I have come across in what is known to be the largest selling newspaper in India.

If you don’t believe me, read this. Today’s edition’s top stories are “Archie, Betty, Veronica follow Bollywood formula”, “KJo was right to apologise to Raj: Hansal Mehta” and “Sperm, grapefruit slow ageing”.

“KJo” wanting to aplologise to Raj Thackerey is top news??? Give me a break! None of the above actually is.

And read this.…“Would like to see Rahul Gandhi as PM: Jaya Prada”. Since when did Jaya Prada’s opinion about the prospective PM gain such importance? Doesn’t other news like the flood situation in AP and Karnataka have more importance than Jaya Prada’s view on who would be PM, that too AFTER 5 years.

Well, TOI better get their act right sooner than later. Otherwise this newspaper is going to be as worthless as used toilet paper very soon.

As they dug deeper they saw layers of what looked like fossilised eggs.

The photos and samples were then sent to various universities who confirmed that they were dinosaur eggs.

Each egg is the size of a football - about 13 to 23cm in diameter, lying buried in sandy nests.

The leader of the team, MU Ramkumar, told the BBC the finding is significant and could help to unravel the mystery about the extinction of dinosaurs.

‘Infertile’

“The important finding is that these eggs have been found in different layers that means the dinosaurs came to the place over and over year after year,” he said.

Sauropods are renowned for their size

“The second important thing is that we have got volcanic ash deposits on the eggs which suggests that volcanic activity could have caused their extinction.

“The other thing we have found is that all these eggs are unhatched and infertile. So what made the eggs infertile? We need to carry out further studies to learn more from the findings.”

Scientists believe the eggs belong to the docile leaf-eating Sauropod branch of dinosaurs. Their remains have been dug up on every continent, including Antarctica.

Palaeontologists use the term to describe large, four-legged, plant-eating dinosaurs with bulky bodies, long necks and tails and tiny heads with relatively small brains.

Dr Ramkumar and his team have called on the central and state governments to protect what they are calling a “Jurassic treasure trove”.

The presence of dinosaur eggs was first recorded in the same district by a British geologist in the 1860s. In the 1990s a dinosaur egg was found in a government-owned factory in the state.

Courtesy: BBC News

Washington: Well known American essayist and intellectual Gore Vidal has predicted that President Barack Obama will soon glide the US towards a military dictatorship and may be assassinated just like two of his predecessors.

“We’ll have a military dictatorship soon, on the basis nobody else can hold everything together…But he’s inexperienced. He has a total inability to understand military matters. He’s acting as if Afghanistan is the magic talisman: solve that and you solve terrorism,” Vidal was quoted as saying.

Predicting that Obama may be assassinated, he said: “Just one lone gunman lurking in the shadows of the capital.”

Vidal, 83, reveals that he regrets switching his allegiance from Hillary Clinton to Obama during last year’s campaign to secure the Democratic presidential nomination.

“I was hopeful. He was the most intelligent person we’ve had in that position for a long time. His problem is being overeducated. He doesn’t realise how dim-witted and ignorant his audience is. Obama would have been better off focusing on educating the American people,” he said.

“We’ve failed in every other aspect of our effort of conquering the Middle East or whatever you want to call it,” he added.

On Obama’s plan to reform healthcare, he said: “He f***** it up. I don’t know how, because the country wanted it. We’ll never see it happen.”

Referring to Obama’s penchant for Lincoln’s philosophy, Vidal advised: “He loves quoting Lincoln and there’s a great Lincoln quote from a letter he wrote to one of his generals in the South after the Civil War. ‘I am President of the United States. I have full overall power and never forget it, because I will exercise it’. That’s what Obama needs - a bit of Lincoln’s chill.”

Google “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” if you want to see more of him!

The Power to Create - Funny home videos are a click away

1. Get a good boomerang. A boomerang is a precise object and is difficult to mass produce.^[1] Do not assume that all boomerang-looking objects will return if thrown. There are several cheap versions on the market which will not work properly, or may be dangerous to throw. A good boomerang should cost around $5-10, or £5-10.

2. Find a large, open area. (i.e. a baseball or soccer field) There should not be any trees or other obstructions around the distant area. You should know the estimated distance the boomerang will fly (which should be supplied by the manufacturer) and throw in the middle of an area with twice the area of the boomerang’s range. Never throw a boomerang in a crowded area. Warn onlookers before you throw the boomerang so they will be watching the flight.
3. Watch out for wind. Wind is a big factor in the proper return of a boomerang. The best flights will be achieved in 0-5 mph winds, however, after some practice you will be able to adjust for many wind conditions (within reason, of course) by throwing more into the wind, turning the boomerang, or by adding weight or flaps. The suggested angle to the wind is between 45° and 90° to the right or left of the wind in direct relation to the throwing hand. To get this angle, face directly into the wind, turn about 60 degrees or so to your right (if you are right-handed) and throw your boomerang in the direction you are facing.
4. Start with the proper grip. The two main grips are the cradle grip and the pinch grip.
   • The cradle grip is where the boomerang is grasped like you would a tennis racquet. The flat side of the boomerang is to the palm of the hand and the fingers wrapped around the shaped side. The thumb is either over the fingers (like a fist) or just above the index finger. Hold the boomerang as close to the end as possible to get maximum spin.
   • Use the pinch grip for better spin and control. Place the boomerang between the thumb and forefinger with the thumb on the curved surface. Cock the boomerang back toward the wrist at about a 45° angle. Pinch tightly so that the boomerang “pops” from the fingers as the arm straightens out. This makes for a cleaner release and better spin which helps the boomerang return.

5. Keep the layover angle (or angle of release) slightly less than perpendicular to the horizon. You’ll want to throw the boomerang overhand, like a baseball. A boomerang that is thrown horizontally like a flying disk or a frisbee will not return. The proper layover is normally 75-80°, but each boomerang will have its own “proper” layover. Start with the suggested angle and work from there. You must throw your boomerang nearly perpendicular, with the flat side of the boomerang away from you!

   

6. Throw the boomerang horizontally, or up to 20 degrees above the horizon. Most beginners will want to throw the boomerang up too high. This is not necessary, since the boomerang will naturally climb as it progresses through the circle of flight. If you throw too high, the boomerang will land behind you. If you throw too low, the boomerang will fly in front of you.

7. Catch the boomerang. It should be spinning relatively horizontally (if it is thrown properly). The easiest and safest way to catch a boomerang is to reach out both hands and attempt to clap them together on it. If the boomerang is moving too quickly, do not try to catch it! Later, after you have a better understanding of how the boomerang will react, you may try some trick catches or one-hand catches, but exercise caution. Wear cycling or weight lifting gloves, especially if you are attempting trick catches. These have open fingers for gripping the boomerang while throwing, but have extra padding in the palms, which will give you more confidence to catch the boomerang!

Hated by her own crew?

Megan Fox was the target of an open letter from unnamed ‘Transformers’ crew members slamming her as thankless, classless, graceless, dumb, trailer trash, and ungracious after she likened director Michael Bay to Hitler in an interview. Legitimizing the letter’s authorship and sidestepping some of the allegations it made, Bay even weighed in.

The fracas started when Fox recently told an interviewer of Bay:

He’s like Napoleon and he wants to create this insane, infamous mad-man reputation. He wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he’s a nightmare to work for but when you get him away from set, and he’s not in director mode, I kind of really enjoy his personality because he’s so awkward, so hopelessly awkward. He has no social skills at all. And it’s endearing to watch him.

In return, unnamed crew members posted a long slam of Fox on Bay’s website, signed “Loyal Transformers Crew,” which has since been removed. But here it is:

“This is an open letter to all Michael Bay fans. We are three crew members that have worked with Michael for the past ten years. Last week we read the terrible article with inflammatory, truly trashing quotes by the Ms. Fox about Michael Bay. This letter is to set a few things straight.

Yes, Megan has great eyes, a tight stomach we spray with glycerin, and an awful silly Marilyn Monroe tattoo plastered on her arm that we cover up to keep the moms happy.

Michael found this shy, inexperienced girl, plucked her out of total obscurity thus giving her the biggest shot of any young actresses’ life. He told everyone around to just trust him on his choice. He granted her the starring role in Transformers, a franchise that forever changed her life; she became one of the most googled and oogled women on earth. She was famous! She was the next Angelina Jolie, hooray! Wait a minute, two of us worked with Angelina - second thought - she’s no Angelina. You see, Angelia is a professional.

We know this quite intimately because we’ve had the tedious experience of working with the dumb-as-a-rock Megan Fox on both Transformers movies. We’ve spent a total of 12 months on set making these two movies.

We are in different departments; we can’t give our names because sadly doing so in Hollywood could lead to being banished from future Paramount work. One of us touches Megan’s panties, the other has the often shitty job of pulling Ms. Sourpants out of her trailer, while another is near the Panaflex camera that helps to memorialize the valley girl on film.

Megan has the press fooled. When we read those magazines we wish we worked with that woman. Megan knows how to work her smile for the press. Those writers should try being on set for two movies, sadly she never smiles. The cast, crew and director make Transformers a really fun and energetic set. We’ve traveled around the world together, so we have never understood why Megan was always such - the grump of the set?

When facing the press, Megan is the queen of talking trailer trash and posing like a porn star. And yes we’ve had the unbearable time of watching her try to act on set, and yes, it’s very cringe-able. So maybe, being a porn star in the future might be a good career option. But make-up beware, she has a paragraph tattooed to her backside (probably due her rotten childhood) easily another 45 minutes in the chair!

So when the three of us caught wind of Ms Fox, pontificating yet again in some publication (like she actually has something interesting to say) blabbing her trash mouth about a director whom we three have grown to really like. She compared working with Michael, to “working with Hitler”. We actually don’t think she knows who Hitler is by the way. But we wondered how she doesn’t realize what a disgusting, fully uneducated comment this was? Well, here let’s get some facts straight.

Say what you want about Michael - yes at times he can be hard, but he’s also fun, and he challenges everyone for a reason - he simply wants people to bring their ‘A’ game. He comes very prepared, knows exactly what he wants, involves the crew and expects everyone to follow through with his or her best, and that includes the actors. He’s one of the hardest working directors out there.

He gets the best from his crews, many of whom have worked with him for 15 years. And yes, he’s loyal, one of the few directors we’ve encountered who lowered his fee by millions to keep Transformers in the United States and California, so he could work with his own crew.

Megan says that Transformers was an unsafe set? Come on Megan, we know it is a bit more strenuous then the playground at the trailer park, but you don’t insult one of the very best stunt and physical effects teams in the business! Not one person got hurt!

And who is the real Megan Fox? She is very different than the academy nominee and winning actors we’ve all worked around. She’s as about ungracious a person as you can ever fathom. She shows little interest in the crew members around her. We work to make her look good in every way, but she’s absolutely never appreciative of anyone’s hard work. Never a thank you. All the crewmembers have stopped saying hi to Ms. Princess because she never says hello back. It gets tiring. Many think she just really hates the process of being an actress.

Megan has been late to the sets many times. She goes through the motions that make her exude this sense of misery. We’ve heard the A.D’s piped over the radio that Megan won’t walk from her trailer until John Turturro walks first! John’s done seventy-five movies and she’s made two!

Never expect Megan to attend any of the 15 or so crew parties like all the other actors have. And then there’s the classless night she blew off The Royal Prince of Jordan who made a special dinner for all the actors. She doesn’t know that one of the grips daughters wanted to visit their daddy’s work to meet Megan, but he wouldn’t let them come because he told them “she is not nice.”

The press certainly doesn’t know her most famous line. On our first day in Egypt, the Egyptian government wouldn’t let us shoot because of a permit problem as the actors got ready in make up at the Four Seasons Hotel. Michael tried to make the best of it; he wanted to take the cast and crew on a private tour of the famous Giza pyramids. God hold us witness, Megan said, “I can’t believe Michael is fucking forcing us to go to the fucking pyramids!” I guess this is the “Hitler guy” she is referring to. So this is the Megan Fox you don’t get to see. Maybe she will learn, but we figure if she can sling insults, then she can take them too. Megan really is a thankless, classless, graceless, and shall we say unfriendly bitch. It’s sad how fame can twist people, and even sadder that young girls look up to her. If only they knew who they’re really looking up to.

But ‘Fame’ is fleeting. We, being behind the scenes, seen em’ come and go. Hopefully Michael will have Megatron squish her character in the first ten minutes of Transformers 3. We can tell you that will make the crew happy!”

-Loyal Transformers Crew

Late Saturday Bay waded in slamming both sides: “I don’t condone the crew letter to Megan. And I don’t condone Megan’s outlandish quotes. But her crazy quips are part of her crazy charm. The fact of the matter I still love working with her, and I know we still get along. I even expect more crazy quotes from her on Transformers 3.”

No word yet from Fox.

Courtesy: phonedog.com

"I hate church! So should you!"

A Michigan church is enlisting Satan in a bid to drum up attendance at services. Metro South Church in the Detroit suburb of Trenton is posting signs saying the non-denominational Christian congregation “sucks” and “makes me sick.” The ads are signed by Satan. The campaign even has a website explaining why Satan hates the church. Youth Pastor Adam Dorband told WJBK-TV the church is trying to reach out to people and cut through the “noise.” Dorband said Jesus “wants us to be creative and he wants us to … use whatever it takes to reach people.” Pastor Jeremy Schossau said the campaign is meant to be whimsical and isn’t intended to upset anyone.

]]> http://mutiny.in/2009/09/09/oddball-news-satan-does-church-ads/feed/ http://mutiny.in/2009/09/09/oddball-news-satan-does-church-ads/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/mutinyin/~3/QNSmFsJmXa4/ http://mutiny.in/2009/09/09/no-more-class-x-boards/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:04:18 +0000 Kuriakose http://mutiny.in/?p=6139

So what does this mean for young India? Personally, I’ve been hoping and praying for a long time now that someone in the education ministry would come to their senses and do away with the board exams. Not just because of the pressure it puts on students nowadays (I am sick of hearing about kids who kill themselves because of examination stress) but also because, in the long run, your results at these exams actually count for very little. It’s important because it is probably the last general examination a student will do before specializing in either science, arts or commerce and it helps the student, and more importantly schools, decide what stream the student has better aptitude for. But ironically, the entire purpose of these traumatic papers pretty much ends when that decision has been made. Of course, this is but a first step in overhauling our education system for one that guarantees quality education for every student in the country. Sure, the grading system is a sigh of relief for burdened teens but now we need to ask; what about quality teachers? What about free education for all without compromising on quality? Hopefully, it’ll be soon enough.

Ever since Australian shores started attracting Indians for higher studies and jobs, alleged racist attacks have been reported in Australia. The situation is not so unique in Australia. Such incidents have been taking place in countries like US, UK, Germany, France and some African and Gulf countries also. Alleged racial attacks in Australia have raised the same old question for which every one of us would like to know the answer: Why such attacks? Is it because every continent has it’s own “Homo Sapien” species? Is it because our history hasn’t taught us the value of peaceful coexistence? Is it because Darwinian theory of “Struggle for existence” still apply to humans?

The answer to such questions is deep rooted in educational, economical, historical and sociological factors.

Firstly, We have IITs, IIMs, and many other reputed universities, but they are simply not sufficient. There is no dearth of talent in India but we need institutes like those in Australia, US, UK etc to channelize our talent so that it can benefit not only the individuals but also the society as a whole. Recently ASSOCHAM has reported that, Students’ exodus costs India a foreign exchange (forex) outflow of $10 billion which is sufficient to setup 20 more premier institutions like IITs and IIMs. UPA government’s initiative to set up new IITs and central universities is a welcome move but if those new institutions do not get significant funds for any reason, we cannot obviate the need of students going abroad for higher studies.

Secondly, our growing economy has enabled more people to pursue higher studies abroad if they don’t get into their dream universities in India. More over, our knowledge workers have turned out to be cheap labors and they have deprived the job opportunities in foreign countries for their own people. And hence the hatred unconsciously finds it’s expression in terms of racial abuse in many plural societies like Australia.

Thirdly, our history has taught us to be proud of our past. We don’t want to believe that one country’s historical past is just as important as our own. “Their past had been excellent but future is full of intense competition which is extra-individualistic. In the present global financial regime, every one, may it be individual or nation has to find a place for itself not on the basis of its past but on the basis of its present [source].” Surge of Chinese and Indian economy is shaping the contemporary economic history. The lenders (developed countries) of past are becoming borrowers at present. The resultant feeling attached to it, whatever form it may take, cannot be ruled out.

Fourthly, our sociological identity has gained significant importance ever since the colonial rule was uprooted. “The European Countries are finding their erstwhile colonies rubbing shoulders in gatherings at International forums. The sense of hatred which had these centuries been harboring unconsciously precipitates in their mind and find expression in such abhorrable acts of racial attacks [source].”

Finally, our ethics and morality finds no place in our quest for “more”. The questions of ethics and morality float only when we start contemplating about an event (like those in Australia) which shouldn’t have happened. Unfortunately thats the harsh reality of life.

The way forward:

We are living in a society where physical boundaries have no meaning, thanks to information revolution. Though we cannot rule out the need to go abroad for studies, we must be conscious of foreign country’s culture, customs and law of the land. Our own constitution denies many rights to persons who are not citizens. It is obvious that other countries will have their own rules for those who come to their shores. As a result, in alien country, there are some things which we can do and some things we cannot. It is unacceptable for any student or a group to believe that they can take the law into their own hands and engage in so-called retribution attacks or vigilante action. Keeping those aspects in mind, those who go abroad for studies must focus on their primary objective, i.e. higher studies, rest all must be secondary. We may face certain situations where our tolerance will be tested. But, our balanced kind of mind can obviate provocation and hence prevent some serious events like racist attacks.

On the other hand, countries who encourage foreign students to study in their country must have a strong machinery or institution which can detect and prevent the incidents of racism. Fairness of legal system and judicial intervention alone cannot sort out the problems of students. Racist acts at public places like restaurants, entertainment avenues, or any place outside the classroom must be punished with stringent laws/actions. Creating round the clock helpline, grievance redressal forum, multicultural police force are a welcome move and should be strengthened further.

If a foreign country can treat visiting students with a sense of respect and if the visiting students can show a sense of tolerance, there cannot be a room for conflicts. Thus, there is a “need” for “some balance”.

Read More:

1. Anguish in Australia - Frontline.
2. Assocham report.
3. Racist attacks on Indians: Myth and reality.
4. ‘Curry bashing’ time Down Under - Hindustan Times.
5. 2009 attacks on Indian students in Australia - Wiki.

1. Roots of Hatred
Sri Lanka secured independence (1948) from British through peaceful negotiations. No one then would have imagined that a mere disagreement in choosing official language could one day lead to huge humanitarian crisis in the island nation. From 1936 to 1944, Lankan leaders favored English for the official language. However, president J.R. Jayawardene (in 1944) favored Sinhala for official language. Prime minister Bandaranaike’s proactive move towards making Sinhala as official language led to the passage of “Sinhala Only Act, 1956“, which ultimately sown the seeds of ethnic riots. The civil war is a direct result of the escalation of the confrontational politics that followed.

Since then, Sri Lankan minority communities feel that, they had been discriminated by successive majority Sinhalese governments in Colombo. Many youngsters, with the support of diaspora around the world, formed a group to fight against alleged discrimination against Tamils and other minorities. This was the time when “Sun God” - Velupillai Prabhakaran’s Tamil New Tigers (1972) was born, which ultimately led to the formation of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 1976. Since then, [take a look at chronology of events],  several leaders including president Ranasinghe Premadasa, Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and over 80,000 civilians and millitary personnel were killed in the civil war. Peace was contemplated through negotiations but was never achieved.

2. Tigers dragged their feets
Starting from negotiations at Thimpu, Bhutan in 1985, till 2002’s ceasefire agreement, brokered by Norway, LTTE always dragged it’s feet over one or other issue.  LTTE rejected an offer from former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, which provided powers of devolution (a federal solution) and attempted to assassinate her in 1999. After ceasefire agreement in 2002, LTTE signaled willingness to discuss a federal solution. But in 2003, it pulled out of talks after six rounds of negotiations, citing inadequate steps taken to rebuild war-hit areas. “By accepting no compromise and by continuing to use tactics such as assassinations of perceived ‘enemies of the cause’ and violent retribution, the LTTE brought about its own doom. [EPW, May 30, 2009].”

3. Heightened frustration
Colombo had already lost many of its leaders and thousand of civilians. Assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in February 2005 further escalated it’s frustration. In the run-up to the November 2005 presidential election, president Mahinda Rajapaksa promised that he would fight Tigers to the finish. In August 2006, Rajapaksa and his core group made a political resolve to launch a “fight-to-finish” campaign against the Tigers. In the same year, “The LTTE provided the much-needed excuse for the assault when its cadre closed down the Mavil Aru sluice gates in the east, denying water to more than 30,000 civilians. The presidential core team in the campaign included his younger brother and Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the army chief, Lt Gen. Sarath Fonseka, both of whom had scores to settle with the Tigers (Both had survived assassination attacks earlier)…. The Defence Secretary and the army chief proved to be a lethal combination for the LTTE [Frontline].”

4. Fight to finish
“Despite a systematic shelling and bombing campaign that killed thousands of civilians, the Sri Lankan army did not receive anything more than token disapproval or humanitarian appeals from the international community. The Sri Lankan government’s ruthless drive to vanquish the “terrorist” LTTE was never halted in the final phase of war by an international community tired of “terror” - a stigma that LTTE carried for its past actions [EPW, May 30, 2009]” On April 26, 2009, LTTE declared a unilateral ceasefire as government forces surround an ever shrinking “no-fire-zone”. Colombo rejected the declaration and called it a “joke”. On May 18, 2009, V. Prabhakaran, the “Sun God” was finally set. Signalling the end of civil war between Sri Lankan government and LTTE. The vicotry rallies and celebrations due to “Sun God’s” death does not hide the enormity of challenges ahead for Rajapaksa and his successors.

5. Post war Challenges
Immediate post war challenge for Rajapaksa government is rehabilitation of more that 150,000 internally displaced civilians. President Rajapaksa has promised that he would complete the rehabilitation process within six months. Even though it sounds ambitious, it is not impossible if international community steps in and help expedite the process. Though Rajapaksa was successful in his “fight-to-finish” campaign against the Tigers, the roots of the conflict cannot be uprooted so soon. Lankan government must address genuine grievances of the Tamils. Present and future administrations at Colombo must make sincere efforts for the welfare of Tamils and other minorities. “Anything short of a federal setup that grants political rights for the oppressed Tamil population would only lead to a further festering of the deep wounds from years of marginalization and alienation of Tamils.”

If Rajapaksa and his successors does not make sincere efforts to promote equality, dignity and decent standards of living for Tamils and other minorities, “the seeds would be sown for another militant organization - one that would have learnt from the past mistakes of theLTTE - espousing complete separation [EPW].”

Now, this is writing of very fine quality that, reading it becomes an act of indulgence. What is beauty? Is it only about physical perfection or only about the pleasure of the senses? Apart from the sensuous aspect, is there anything more to it? To me, the answer is a resounding yes! Indeed, as the dictionary says, it is a “combination of qualities giving pleasure to the sight, mind etc”; “an excellent specimen of something.”

When I read good books, what I am in fact doing is indulging in beauty - a fact that is lost to people who say it is boring and monotonous to sit in a corner with a book. How I wish they knew what they are talking about so carelessly! How I wish that they partake in this indulgence and experience the pleasure themselves! The pleasures and advantages of reading are multitude.

To sum them broadly, I would say:

• Reading expands the horizons of the mind. In helping me imagine far off lands, cultures and customs, not only does it introduce me to whole new worlds, by making me every bit a part of the unfolding stories, it broadens the knowledge of the world.
• It has helped me empathize with others readily. To be able to acknowledge the feelings of others and see them for what they are requires a conscious effort to observe minutiae and perceive with a keen attention. I am indebted to the books for this more than anything else.
• Books as companions - this is something wonderful particularly when loneliness threatens to engulf. I pick a book and forget the world around. At first, I thought I was escaping reality and getting cocooned elsewhere in the confines of an imaginary landscape, but with age, I have brushed aside these thoughts.
• Reading good works, as the first few paras of this post demonstrates, is to the intellect what sensuality is to the senses. Beauty is more often than not, elusive. In imagining that it is obvious to the wandering eye, we deceive ourselves. It is in the detail, often deceptively petty, but on a keener discernment, quite evident. When I chance upon an especially good work, I get the feeling that I am blessed and relish it with happiness.

This post is inspired by reflections on reading the article quoted in the first para. When words transcend their perfunctory existence on paper and assume greater meanings that our intellect assimilates, there is no greater joy to the reader. Great authors never seem to take an extraordinary effort; instead there is an easy rhythm by which we are swept away. In being moved by writing, we exhibit a sense of humility and surrender which is so pure. Perhaps that is why - since books give so much and demand little - mankind will continue to be fascinated by them as long as the written word exists!

The status quo must change. The citizens in a democracy must be able to influence State policy (the part about our representatives “representing” us) and at the local level, the associated state machinery must be accountable to us and not some supervisor. While some of us may nod in affirmation in our living rooms, in the absence of a legislative framework, individuals cannot truly hold the state accountable. Individuals can’t; however, organized citizens can. History is replete with examples where the sheer force of public opinion overthrew repressive regimes, forced change of course, and enacted reformist legislation.

It is now past time that we the citizens of India organize and develop a counterweight to the State. At Swaraj Abhiyaan, we envision clearly defined channels of communication between the State and the individual, with transparency in the flow of information downward and accountability in moving consensus upwards. For instance, both the State and Central governments enact major laws without any input even from those people directly (and often negatively) affected. Under the Swaraj framework, the State/Central governments would be obliged to distribute draft legislative to the people and update as per the legitimate input of the people.

This seems fantastical in the current India. However, in a small measure, it has already started happening. As a precursor to the legislative framework, we have done a pilot in two Delhi wards: Trilokpuri and Sonia Vihar. Here, people directly decide allocation of government funds in their area. Area residents hold monthly public meetings, “Mohalla Sabha” in concert with the councilor and MCD officers to discuss local issues and collectively take decisions. To facilitate decision making, the councilor and MCD officers provide information on availability of funds, public works in progress, disbursement and approval of beneficiary schemes, and other pertinent information. Payments are made to contractors only if mohalla sabhas certify that the work done is to their satisfaction. In the past few meetings held in these wards, funds have been allocated on the spot for public works, pensions sanctioned, and most satisfyingly, work lying pending for years completed within days. These Mohalla Sabhas hence ensure administrative transparency, implementation oversight, and bureaucratic accountability.

Many of you are probably uninspired by the talk of drains and street lights. These issues seem so trivial compared to the larger issues of poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. However, these Mohallas are the very building blocks of an organized and informed populace. Each Mohalla Sabha creates a people’s collective that is able to collaborate and hold the state’s machinery accountable at its level. Each Mohalla is then able to move its learnings, viewpoints, and consensus upwards to contribute fully at the next level of decision making. Moreover, even information dissemination is simplified. Since each Mohalla is an organized collective with institutionalized processes for information sharing, only partial coverage (e.g., the democratically elected representative) is required initially for complete coverage. The population of Delhi, a staggering 16 million is easily sectioned into 272 wards, and then only ~2000 mohallas! We only need to get the information to one mohalla rep, and in the next MS, everyone will have the opportunity to weigh in.

One significant way then to the big sea-change is through these ward-level people’s assemblies. Spurred by the successes of our pilot in Sonia Vihar and Trilokpuri, we are now working to institute these meetings across all 272 wards of Delhi. If you’re as excited about the transformative power of Swaraj as we are, please join us. For those of you outside of Delhi/India, please urge your friends and family in Delhi to join us. In addition, we will love to hear from you with feedback, ideas for outreach, grassroots organizing etc.

Some experts have suggested that instead of using per capita emissions as a parameter, emissions per GDP (or GDP per emission) could be considered. This could be the right strategy which should be accepted by the developing as well as developed countries. Whatever nations or people say the fact remains that climate change is a real threat and something needs to be done about it sooner. The ill effects of climate change are going to be felt across the world and they are  not limited to one region or country.

Carbon emissions per GDP is supposed to measure the efficiency of an economy, where as carbon emissions per capita is more a measure of industrialization than anything else.  In modern economy energy use is high. Virtually all the economic activities depend on some kind of energy source , whether electrical or mechanical.  Most of this energy is derived from fossil fuels which are the chief emitter of carbon.  Thus emissions per GDP measure the kind of technology being used to fuel the economy. For eg, by having tougher  emission standards,  carbon emissions by vehicles can be controlled.  Similarly for coal fired power plants (coal is less cleaner fuel than petrol when it comes to carbon emissions),  by using effcient technology and techniques such as carbon capturing we can reduce the carbon emissions.  Adoption of new  and efficient technology will also fuel  GDP growth. Moving towards renewable sources like solar and wind will create new jobs and help in cleaner GDP growth.

Let us compare the ratio of  GDP to CO2 emissions for some countries.(source: wikipedia)

Sweden 6.591

France 5.373

Italy 3.842

UK        3.670

Germany 3.390

US   1.936

Kuwait 0.596

India 0.497

China 0.450

Iran 0.372

The higher the ratio the better it is. The value for UK is almost double that of US.  So though both the countries have  developed economies, UK’s economy is much more carbon efficient than US.  This is generally true for all major European economies.  Most of the developing countries fare poorly on this front.  India is slightly better than China.  As can be seen developed countries in general are much better placed in the list. Also the gulf countries where petroleum is available in plenty are performing  pretty poorly.

I am not sure how the carbon emissions are calculated. I assume that these emissions are calulated on the basis of fossil fuels burnt plus the carbon emissions by the industries which are of non fossil fuel origin such as by cement industry. Livestock are also major cause of carbon emissions.  Cows emit methane which is 20 times as  potent  than CO2 in absorbing heat.

So it can be clearly seen that there is large variation of emissions per capita across countries. It can be clearly established  that developing countries lag far behind the developed ones. The clean technology transfer from developed to developing countries can mitiagate this difference.  This is something the diplomats should look at. There is large scope of cooperation between the countries on clean energy front.  The other trend  is the variation among the developed countries. This may be because that European countries have done much more than US on this front. For eg petrol is cheaper in US than in Europe. This is reflected in the petroleum consumption per capita. US consumes around 24.8 thousand barrels(bbl) per year per capita whereas the same for UK is 10.9 and France is 11.9.Bigger cars are more popular in US than in Europe. This is also a  lifestyle thing. One of the reasons for bankruptcy of US carmakers was the increasing market share of Japanese car manufactureres like Toyota and Honda whose small cars are becoming more popular than SUV’s like Hummer.  Another example is of trains. High speed trains are very popular in Europe for long distance travel.  On the other hand people in US rely mainly on airways for the same. Energywise railways are more efficient than the airways.

One more important factor is the role that forests play in fighting climate change. The role played by forests in maintainig the ecological balance of the planet is well established.  By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen they help in maintaing the balance of gases in air. So if we have to fight climate change effectively the treaties related to climate change should give adequate incentives to preserve forests. The forests world over are facing the wrath of increasing population. A case in point is that of Brazil. The large Amazon forests of Brazil are being cut to make way for farms. In recent years Brazil has become a large exporter of foodgrains. This  has brought prosperity to many Brazilians. But it  has come at a heavy cost. Each year large tracts of Amazon forests are being cleared to make way for farms. Any efforts to stop deforestation brings opposition from local people and govt.

To fight climate change the effort has to be at various levels.  The individual, the communities,  the nations and the international community as a whole has to work to reduce global warming.  The govts. role is to facilitate the adoption of environmental friendly technology by the industry and the communities by providing incentives. Govt. can directly act in areas like transportation where there is a huge scope of improvement. Currently in countries like India, public transport in cities is not very popular.  Govt. should work to make it the mode of choice.

There are various mechanisms being proposed to fix the liabilty for climate change and to promote clean energy. Cap and trade, and carbon tax are the two main mechanisms. For these mechanisms to work , there has to be a consensus across nations. Also the nations have to agree on setting tough targets. Tokenism won’t help anybody.  There are sure to be disagreements. But we need the right approach and consensus to tackle this issue.

Every challenge provides new opporunities. The challenge of climate change has provided us as individuals and nations a chance  to make earth a sustainable place for all of us. It is now the time for all of us to seize the opportunity and make a difference.

For years, it has been accepted that budgetary allocations would be largely for defense, internal security and industry. Allocations for the social sector have been declining for years , ever the structural adjustment programnes began in the nineties , with the government handing over more and more segments of the development sector to the private sector under the nominal guise of the public-private sector partnerships. This year’s budget therefore, at least in its pronouncement is a welcome break, though the old demons of the PP partnerships still remain in the infrastructure sector – and it is on the backbone of infrastructure that most social development – be it health or education or economic empowerment occurs.

Some of the salient areas where the social sector has been assisted include :

• The total allocation for the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, which works towards credit support to poor women for innovative schemes, will be increased from Rs.100 crore to Rs.500 crore.

• Another highlight of the budget was that all services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) will be made available to all children under the age of six by March 2012.

• The National Mission for Female Literacy will aim at reducing female illiteracy by half in three years.

The government’s increased expenditure on infrastructure, agriculture and urban development should boost growth and receipts, and new incentives for private investment in education, social security and energy security should provide an impetus to these sectors while strengthening India’s competitiveness. To ensure balanced and equitable development, the government has widely increased the allocations to social development schemes, which should also play a vital role in boosting rural development and demand.

Baits are being provided for NGOs and charities to be involved in environmental concerns, tax benefits being one. At the moment , a charitable purpose under the present provisions of section 2 (15) of the Income Tax Act, ‘charitable purpose’ includes relief of the poor, education, medical relief, and the ‘advancement of any other object of general public utility’… The budget proposes to provide the same tax treatment to trusts engaged in preserving and improving our environment (including watersheds, forests and wildlife) and preserving our monuments or places or objects of artistic or historic interest bringing these activities under the ambit of charity.

Of course, not every will be satisfied. As someone who is working with issues of children at risk, I cannot but remember that India has the world’s largest population of children, accounting for around 375 million of the country’s billion-strong people. But budgetary allocation for them has for years been pitiable at a meager 1.2 per cent of the Budget and this year does not appear to be too different.

However, the focus of this Budget and of the government is to use a combination of pragmatic, humane and bold policy making to create the economic foundation upon which we can build a progressive and prosperous nation in consonance with the concerns and aspirations of all sections of society and that certainly ought to be commended, but a certain sincerity of approach that is visible here, that one failed to see for instance in the Railway Budget, presented just days before.