Weekly News Round Up

INTERNATIONAL

Tony Blair, former PM of Britain during his deposition before Chilcot Commission on Iraq despite vociferous protests by anti-war demonstrators in its premises stuck to his earlier position of justifying the war declared on Iraq in 2003 jointly by USA under George W Bush, NATO countries and a few Gulf nations. The war was declared on false accusations of Iraq under Saddam Hussein possessing WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction). Jr. Bush’s ‘most loyal servant’ of those times still follows “His master’s voice”. Such war criminals are always a blot on the Global face. Let’s feel ashamed of him and his master.

WHEREABOUTS OF HAKIMULLAH MEHSUD

Neither Pakistan nor USA is not certain about the reported killing of Hakimullah Mehsud. Pak-Taliban sources have not yet confirmed or denied it. The guessing game continues.

A.R.RAHMAN- ANOTHER FEATHER ON HIS CAP

India’s pride, one of the great composers of our times close on the heels of his winning Oscar Awards for his composing of music for “Slumdog Millionaire” has once again emerged in flying colours in winning two Grammy Awards along with Gulzar, the lyricist and Tanvi Shaw. A proud moment for us to rejoice and celebrate. Long live Rahman…Jai Ho.

INDO-PAK TALKS ON THE ANVIL

After our Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao’s initiative for a foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan that nation has accepted the proposal. Salman Bashir, Pak Foreign Secretary is likely to meet Mrs Rao anytime in the coming weeks after the venue is announced. Home Minister P.Chidambaram on the side-lines of the SAARC meeting is also likely to meet his Pakistan counterpart Rehman Malik to discuss and find measures to solve the terror threat from across the border. Pak PM Yusuf Raza Gilani meanwhile has again raked up the ‘core issue’ of Jammu&Kashmir. This ‘core issue’ coined by former General (Rtd) Musharaff being harped on by his successors 24X7 might be providing some lighter moments to certain cartoonists.

Here I am reminded of an article by Rajiv Dogra, former foreign diplomat in Indian Express (Sticking to Nehruvian views) his arguments for India to speak from a position of strength to discuss with Pakistan over future relations are to be appreciated. The 1962 war launched unexpectedly by China caught our nation unawares and annexed our territory always serves as a reminder while dealing with any country. Be it China, Pakistan or even USA or Britain. Especially in these turbulent global atmosphere defence capability is of paramount importance.

RAJAPAKSA’S NEW TERM

Mahinda Rajapaksa who secured an overwhelming majority of votes in his electoral contest against General (Retd) Sarath Foneska is set to commence his new term from November. The President has promised no discrimination against Tamils and has assured a period of peace and prosperity and tranquility to each citizen.

CIVIL-NUCLEAR TEXT CONCLUDED WITH BRITAIN

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and British Business Secretary Lord Peter Mandelson have prepared text of the Civilian-Nuclear Deal to be signed on a convenient date in future.

NATIONAL

Rahul Gandhi while on a tour to Bihar has made known in no uncertain terms Congress’s decision to contest coming Assembly elections without the support of any other parties. Whether his Party’s gamble will pay off is to be awaited. Nitish Kumar, the incumbent Chief Minister and the leader of Janata Dal (United) is riding on the crest of a popular wave now. However in politics anything is possible.

Chief Ministers’ Conference In Delhi

Addressing Chief Ministers of more than 30 States and heads of Union Territories Prime Minister ManMohan Singh dwelt on the alarming escalation of prices of food articles and essential commodities and suggested a slew of measures to rein in inflation. One fails to digest his statement that food inflation is gradually coming down at a time when prices of food articles are sky-rocketing. True to the characteristic style of our rulers, he missed no opportunity in blaming the State heads for not taking adequate measures to bring down the prices. Congress party’s election promises have been belied. The expectation of a good harvest, providing remunerative prices to farmers, if needed import of essential food articles, crackdown on blackmarketeers and hoarders -a host of measures so to say. True to his leaning towards neo-liberal economic policy he didn’t miss the occasion to advocate for a atmosphere by inviting multi-national giants like WalMart to open retail chains to compete with our small-scale retail market allowing Walmart to enter India will certainly result in the closure of our retail markets as they won’t be in a position to take on giants like Walmart. Even in USA some States have not yet allowed Walmart to enter their territory. A standing core-committee of Chief Ministers and Central Ministers Pranab Mukherjee and Sharad Pawar was formed to implement necessary measures to rein on food inflation. Mayawati, the UP (Uttar Pradesh) Chief Minister was conspicuous by her absence. Really great like her towering statues.

Rahul’s visit to Mumbai

In the wake of mounting threats by Shiv Sena leaders Bal Thackeray his kid Uddhav Thackeray and nephew Raj Thackeray to take on Rahul Gandhi warning him of dire consequences for advocating ‘Mumbai for all Indians’ the nation watched with bated breath the determined youthful leader’s decision to take fight to the cosmopolitan city - the news which drew the attention of all across India. Shiv Sena’s threat proved a damp squibe. Rahul visited Mumbai, addressed students, the reports indicate the students were bowled over by his charisma at Vile Parle and Ghatkoper undertook local train journeys and declared ‘Mumbai for all Indians’ and to be fearless. The VVIP was however provided with maximum security cover.

Kirit Parekh Committee

To those among us who find it difficult nowadays to make both ends meet due to spiraling food prices here is a happy heart warming news. Kirit Parekh committee has submitted its report to the Central Government suggesting steep increase in prices of fuels- a hike of Rs.100/- per gas cylinder, Rs.6/- for kerosene and such generous increases suggested for petrol and diesel. Happy days are here again…most probably the implementation before the presentation of next Central Budget could be expected.

REGIONAL

Dealing a heavy blow to Malayalam film world, the versatile film personality Cochin Haneefa (1951-2010) left for his heavenly abode this week. Actor-director who donned various roles like villain, comedian and director proved his mettle in all the fields, he stepped into.

Expulsion of Amar Singh and Jaya Prada

Finally Amar Singh and his staunch loyalist Jaya Prada have been shown the door- to the delight of both- from Samajwadi Party (SP). Let’s wait for their next move.

Thunchan Festival begins

This year’s Thunchan festival began at Tirur on an auspicious note. The well-know Urdu poet Shams-Al-Farouqi inaugurated the festival lighting the traditional lamp. The patron of the festival, great literary figure M.T.Vasudevan Nair presided. Kamala Suraiyya aka Madhavikutty was fondly remembered on the occasion.

S.Sivaraman Former MP

S.Sivaraman, Ex-MP expelled from CPI(M) for his anti-party activities. He represented Ottapalam before S.Ajaykumar was handed over the mantle. Sivaraman is poised to join Congress.

Vayalar Ravi

Vayalar Ravi, Overseas Minister met with a car accident at Liberia while on a tour to African nations. The Minister sustained minor injuries and now he is reportedly recovering in an Ivory Coast hospital.

Finance

Barack Obama’s budget proposals have been unveiled. This year he has presented a budget of $3.83 trillion showing an overwhelming deficit of $1.56 trillion. Employment generation and taxing the wealthy are his main goals. Economic pundits hold diverse opinions relating to the hike in mounting deficit. According to Paul Krugman, the Nobel laureate, the hike in mounting deficit need not cause much alarm.

Cinema

‘Avatar’, the science fiction- epic drama by James Cameroon and ‘The Hurt Locker’ by Kathrin Begilowe, the epic-drama of Iraq war have won nine nominations each for this year’s Oscar. Kathrin Begilowe, the ex-wife of Cameroon. While ‘Avatar’ is the most expensive film, ‘The Hurt Locker’ is a low-budget one.

Sports

Cricket
India’s fight for World No.1 in Test ranking remains a million-dollar question while they have started taking on South Africa at Nagpur presently 2nd in the group. South Africa on the first and second day of the match with the brilliant batting of Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla is on a strong wicket.

South Asian Games

India is forging ahead in the South Asian Games now going on in Dhaka. Other nations are trailing far behind.

Hockey

Raj Pal Singh is finally, after much confabulations named Captain of Hockey India.

Literature

Jhumpa Lahiri, famous Indo-American Pulitzer winner has been included in USA President Barack Obama’s committee on Arts and Humanities. She won the Pulitzer award for her ‘Interpreter of Maladies’- a collection of stories. Her novel, ‘The Namesake’ was widely acclaimed around the world which also won many laurels. ‘Namesake’ later appeared on celluloid directed by none other than the versatile director Mira Nair. Her latest work is a collection of short stories “The Unaccustomed Earth”. As a short story writer Jhumpa is really unique.