Blog posts or editorial opinions on various topics, themes, and subjects. This was initiated on Blogger (Profile: 13978556086472892718) in 2010 (there were three different blogs, which dealt with general, literary, and econ. insights) and was later migrated after the creation of the domain and website (now all appear in a combined form).
2025 has arrived. This is a big wide world. There were so many events in 2024 and numerous words to describe them. Let’s discuss my choice for the year 2024. Once upon a time ‘Giant Ape’, considered as the largest primate, inhabited the earth. Later, this ape disappeared whereas a relative of this primate continued…
Climate change impacts all living beings. Cutting of trees and development activities have their impact on various beings such as birds and animals. While langurs are occasional visitors, crows have disappeared in many places including in Bhilai. So it was a pleasant surprise to find crows hovering around the nearby zoo that I visited, with…
States in India may have been divided due to linguistics, economic, development, or administrative factors. However, in reality if people visit any place in Madhya Pradesh (MP) from Chhattisgarh or vice versa, they don’t usually say we are going to MP or CG, people simply refer to the name of the city such as Bhopal,…
2024 has arrived. It’s a leap year. Like every year, many from India and across the world garnered accolades in 2023 in various forms of arts and sports. People were recognized for their work in literature, medicine, science, information technology, academics, humanitarian work, and peace as well. However, life is not just about winning prizes…
So here it is—the last day of the year 2022 and it will soon become a history. The year started with the hope of a thaw in United States (US)–Russia relations. However, the scenario changed swiftly in February with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This was an avoidable war and while there were numerous efforts…
When something happens in a town/city, the event may make many believe that it’s true for the entire place. Miscreant activities or accidents in any part of a country or world cannot be ignored. Each and every life is precious. However, cities and towns differ in area as well as in population to other areas.…
Finally, the word of the year 2021: Oxford: VaxMerriam-Webster: VaccineCollins: NFT (Non-fungible Token) Cambridge: PerseveranceDictionary: Allyship I have two choices for words of the year with equal weightage: 1) Exodus (caused by crisis in Afghanistan and other nations) 2) Vax
As 2021 draws to a close, covid is making a re-entry after vaccination success. COP26 saw promises by countries: Inter- and intra-country consultation, cooperation, and implementation are crucial. Olympics and Paralympics were successful despite Covid threat. New coalition government came to power in Germany. Angela Merkel surely has a role to play in world affairs…
Get your copy or read it on Amazon Kindle today: World of My Dreams: Poetry and Prose Sunday Giveaway. Happy reading. Keep smiling. Keep shining.
India has lost a gem called ‘Dilip Kumar (Mohammed Yusuf Khan)’ today. An extraordinary actor and a great persona who will continue to inspire many in the years to come. In the final year of MBA, we were supposed to create and act in two plays. In one of the plays, our team created a…
The concept of blue economy has gained significance in the recent years. The sustainable development goal (SDG) 14 of the United Nations lays emphasis on sustainable use of ocean, seas and marine resources. Countries in the Indian Ocean region have also recognized the potential and significance of oceans, coastal and marine resources. This resulted in…
India is considered a bright spot in the global economy, though economists differ on measures required to maintain this status. While the government’s initiatives such as Smart city, Make in India, Digital India, and Startup India along with reforms are likely to have a positive impact on the economy, the key is to harness the…
I got it wrong on the Presidential election. It was a brave decision by the Congress to nominate Pranab da as presidential candidate under the circumstances. However, this post is in dedication to a special person.We come across many people in our lives. While some remain as mere acquaintances, some evolve as friends. In today’s…
The volatile political situation, growing dominance of the regional parties, social activism and vibrant media have changed the dynamics of the Presidential election. The countdown has begun and so have the parleys among the political parties. With general elections, just two years away, the national and regional parties are eager to get their permutations and…
The literary fest: Authors and readers alike wait eagerly for such festivals. Debate, dialogue, readings and stories, the fest had everything that one seeks from an assembly of writers and readers. If acclaimed writers left their impression, Oprah Winfrey stole the show. The controversy: What was the controversy about? Was it regarding the banned book…
Democracy with all its inherent flaws is still the best bet for the world. Elections play a pivotal role in democracy. Election fever has set in many of the countries going to polls this year. Here’s a look at some of the elections scheduled this year. The Finnish will vote on January 22 to elect…
India’s first polio free year has proved that determined and sustained efforts can result in amazing results. This should serve as encouragement for other initiatives and campaigns. We are facing severe challenges in the form of climate change, environmental degradation, child labor, malnutrition and numerous other concerns. Many of these issues seem insurmountable, thanks to…
The ongoing political reforms in Myanmar augur well for the region, Asia and world at large. Political stability and economic prosperity is crucial for Myanmar to play its deserving role in the region. Although there are challenges in the way, there are opportunities to leverage rich cultural heritage and nature’s treasures. It’s time to tap…
We are into the final week of 2011, which has been characterized of revolutions and protests. Egypt is still witnessing clashes, crisis looms large over Syria, Iraq is facing after-shocks after withdrawal of U.S troops and Pakistan government reportedly fears another coup. Even Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, whose Presidential candidature appeared to be unchallenged at…
As we enter the last fortnight of the year, Christmas fever has set in. For many, an eagerly awaited holiday season is fast approaching. Shopping Streets are more busier than usual. Online shopping sites are busy wooing the customers with attractive offers, and spammers may well be busy designing ways to dupe people. For retail…
After the FDI logjam, the focus has again shifted to the debate on the Lokpal issue. In one of my earlier posts, I said that it is still early to reach conclusions. Many years later, year 2011 would be seen in retrospect as a crucial year for Indian democracy. There will always be a debate…
Far away in Durban, South Africa 194 countries agreed on a landmark deal on the significant issue of climate change. The Durban Summit was significant as the first commitment period ends next year. Devoid of the hype received by previous Summits, the leaders arrived at an agreement after intense round of negotiations. The positives of…
Many young Indians have grown up Dev Anand being referred as an evergreen star. Dev Anand will be remembered for his matchless style, passion for cinema, and zest for life. Described by Indian cinema’s stalwarts as ‘evergreen star, ‘epitome of romance’, ‘entertainer with golden heart’ and ‘karmayogi’, the evergreen hero will remain in the Indian…
Will the division of a large state to several smaller states enable better administration or development of regions in question? Perhaps, the solution lies in decentralization of administrative functions, rather than the division of a state. However, decentralization in itself would not deliver the desired results. Equitable and balanced regional development could be achieved through…
The Prime Minister has urged for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the association, which is growing in significance with every passing year. The growing political and economic significance of the region was evident with the active participation of the United States (U.S). Greater diplomatic engagement and…
Bhupen Hazarika had a distinct voice, clear and easily recognizable. His voice had the power to make everyone stop and listen. In a career spanning over half a century, he donned several hats such as a film-maker, singer, composer, journalist and author among others. The legend left this world after a long illness. India has…
The continuing economic blockade in North-Eastern State of Manipur is cause for concern. While one group has called off the blockade after government assurance of considering creation of a new district, blockade by the group opposing the demand still continues. While there is no denying that it is a sensitive issue, groups involved must find…
In general, all countries have an understanding and are aware of the adverse affects of global warming and rising greenhouse gas emissions. Kyoto Protocol of 1997 was a major step to address the concern and reduce emission levels. However, the biggest drawback of the Protocol is the lack of ratification by the United States (U.S).…
The global human population has crossed the seven billion mark today. Significantly, it took just over two centuries for the global community to grow seven times of its size from around one billion at the beginning of the 19th century to over seven billion in 2011. We may well double ourselves over the next century.…
We can expect a flurry of activity in the coming months as the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI)’s new Takeover Code becomes operational from today. While promoters with less than 25% state would be striving to retain their control, acquirers would be plotting to takeover target companies. We can expect heightened private equity…
The Asian rivals will share the space as non-permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during 2012. India’s term, which started in January 2011 will expire in December 2012. Pakistan will serve the two year term from January 2012 to December 2013. We can expect cooperation between the two countries at the international level.…
India is finally beginning to flex its muscles and implementing its Look East Policy. The oil deal with Vietnam unfazed by Chinese objection to oil exploration in the South China Sea augurs well. However, China still has the edge in the region. While we may be enthusiastic over the oil deal, the Vietnamese media has…
Vladimir Putin’s apparent Return to Kremlin, his Eurasian Union proposal, the increasingly aggressive and self-assertive China, the crisis in the Middle East, unresolved Afghan issue, the rising India, the inward and outward dilemma of the U.S, increasingly self-enlightened Western Powers and turbulence in the Middle East may well alter the dynamics of the global politics.…
Thomas J. Sargent and Christopher A. Sims share this year’s Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences. Unlike other Nobel Prizes, the Prize for contributions in the field of economic sciences was established by Sveriges Riksbank, the Central Bank of Sweden in memory of Alfred Nobel. The duo are known for incorporating peoples’ expectations in empirical…
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakul Karman shared the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011. It takes strong determination and courage to stand for women empowerment in that part of the world, and the Nobel Prize Committee has rightly honoured the three distinguished women. While extreme poverty and high adolescent rate remain a challenge for…
Whether it is Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg, the great thing about them and many other achievers is that they made their mark quite early in their age. Personal Computers, iPhone, iPods, and iPads are becoming part of daily life for millions across the world. It’s sad for the world to lose Steve…
Lack of balanced regional development is one of the major reasons for inter-state or regional disputes, and demand for creation of new states. The development model could be designed based on the geographic, socioeconomic and ethnic environment of a particular region. For instance, promotion of handicrafts, handlooms and tourism industry may help in the development…
Save the Green Cover, Save the Hills, Save the Treasures of Nature, Before they are referred in stories as ‘Once Upon a time’.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), around 346 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, the chronic disease, which may also cause damage to other parts of body and even aggravate many other ailments. India may well have the largest number of patients suffering from diabetes. Changes in lifestyle, growing consumption of junk food may…
Cancer overpowered Nobel Peace Prize Winner and founder of the Greenbelt movement in Kenya, Wangari Maathai. She will be remembered for her contribution to women empowerment, sustainable development and employment creation, and inspire many for years to come. Visionaries are often ordinary citizens, who believe something is possible and strive for it with complete determination.…
Cancer overpowered Nobel Peace Prize Winner and founder of the Greenbelt movement in Kenya, Wangari Maathai. She will be remembered for her contribution to women empowerment, sustainable development and employment creation, and inspire many for years to come. Visionaries are often ordinary citizens, who believe something is possible and strive for it with complete determination.…
It’s beginning to dawn, there is silence and calm, the chairs are empty, the park remains deserted, very soon though, the silence will disappear, people will stroll through, and there will be hustle and bustle, the listlessness will return at noon as crowds disappear, the evening will bring a fresh breath of air, the park…
India is fourth largest economy in the world and is poised to overtake Japan in the near future. However, benefits of development has not reached every Indian. Indian economy has performed well even during the periods of recession over the last decade. The world is facing a similar scenario again. Therefore, it is imperative for…
We had a fairly long fasting season. Now, it’s time for the Rath Yatras. Will Rath Yatras solve the problems of the people. Will that help remove corruption, control inflation, ensure food and clean drinking water, create jobs? The answer is anybody’s guess. They will certainly attract crowds, but there is no guarantee that such…
The time it took for the aid to reach the earthquake affected victims in Sikkim is an eye opener. We need to develop nature friendly infrastructure in the North and North-Eastern region. We need to create viable mechanism to communicate and reach the remote parts of the country. On the positive side, the media was…
With overcrowding cities and increasing gap between the haves and have-nots, there is an urgent need for creation of shelter for the poor and the needy. People living in ‘informal settlements’ or ‘slums’ are forced to vacate, as and when construction and infrastructure work begins in those areas. This problem will continue until time we…
Rahul Dravid, rightly called the wall of Indian batting, bid adieu to ODI with a swift 83rd half-century. Dravid has been one of the finest Indian cricketers of all times. The statistics speak for themselves. Only five batsmen have scored more than 80 half-centuries in one-day international cricket. He is among the eight cricketers to…
What’s trending in India now. Oh yes!, the country has been smitten by the ‘Fasting bug’. Keeping fast is nothing new in India. Mahatma gave us the freedom that we cherish today, through fast and non-violence. Again it’s part of tradition. Muslims keep Roza, and Hindus fast on certain festivals. However, when people find that…
Heard Twitter reached 100 million user mark. The microblogging site has its share of advantages and threats. The way it connects people around the world is remarkable. Hope, the makers make it more secure and people continue to benefit from another finest invention.
Down with viral for a couple of days, did not manage to get adequate sleep. Wondered what makes us stay awake or sleep. Glanced through some old notes to find the cause—the Hypothalamus, which resides in the lower part of the brain. Hypothalamus not only manages wakefulness and sleep, but also regulates body temperature and…
Tenth anniversary of 9/11. While U.S has been able to streamline security and prevent further attacks, many countries across the world are still dealing with the menace. The hype after 9/11 of increased international cooperation has not changed the situation on ground. In the contrary, there are fresh challenges in the form of cyber threats.…
Ganpati Bappa Morya Agle Baras Tu Jaldi Aa. Having seen Ganesh Utsav pandals at every turn of the street in my hometown, it is heartening to see the same fervour down South here in Hyderabad. Tomorrow all roads will lead to @Tank Bund for Ganesh Visarjan. Now we have to wait for the Navratri for…
The ongoing anti-corruption movement has generated lot of discussions, debates, diverse opinions and huge media coverage. People are expressing their opinion on a critical issue of national interest more openly and on a public platform. We should hope that whatever happens now, will only strengthen Indian democracy. We will have much more clarity after a…
It was Anna all over India over the last two days and still continues to be so. The massive support for the 74 year old Kisan Baburao Hazare popularly known as Anna Hazare attracted attention of the entire world. Earlier the government which arrested Anna on Tuesday morning had to back down amid protests across…
Over 30 years before Yahoo! revolutionized the way people communicate, the song Yahoo! sung by Mohd. Rafi created a flutter in the hearts of Indians. Perhaps, no other actor could have left such an impression and done justice to the song as the irresistible Shammi Kapoor. His unique style was a refreshing change for the…
Shares have tumbled down over the last few days, following S&P’s downgrade. Quite rightly, people fear another recession, similar to that which engulfed the world after the U.S Subprime lending crisis in 2008. However, stock markets do not always react logically, and many a times, the reactions are sentimental. India has its own set of…
Talks or no talks, engage or disengage, war or no war, dialogue or no-dialogue, Kargil or 26/11, Kashmir or infiltration, nuclear test or bus service, military rule or elected government, Dawood or Hafeez, cricket or no cricket, Indo-Pak relations are always a news. An attack leads to war rhetoric, a meeting of diplomats results in…
Far away at Wimbledon, John Isner defeated Nicolas Mahut after 181 games spread over three days. However, fatigue overpowered Isner as he lost in straight sets to Thiemo de Bakker in the second round. It took only 23 games lasting 75 minutes for Bakker to defeat Isner, who made headlines after winning a 11 hours…
Just a few moments back, France lost a World Cup match to South Africa 1-2. The defeat comes in the aftermath of an ugly and avoidable crisis in the French camp. For the French and all their fans world over, it is surely a great disappointment. There were runners-up in 2006 and were expected to…
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