WEEKLY NEWS ROUNDUP

INTERNATIONAL

Nuclear Summit at Washington

Prime Minister Dr.ManMohanSingh is in America on a four day visit. His visit on the eve of a Nuclear summit scheduled to commence tomorrow attended by 47 nations assumes significance at a moment the whole world is caught in the race for stock-piling more and more nuclear war-heads. The summit is primarily intended to reduce the stock-pile of nuclear weapons in the possession of various nations and to take urgent steps to prevent the terrorists from acquiring ‘dirty weapons’ as the terrorists will have no qualms in wreaking destruction at any part of the world and to warn the participating nuclear weapon states to provide maximum security to their nuclear sites thus protecting them from the reach of the hard-core militants.

To the consternation and shock of the participating countries including the host USA under whose leadership the nuclear summit is hosted Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu’s last minute withdrawal from the summit has turned out to be a dangerous portend. Israel always nurses apprehensions of attacks from the Arab community, the latter’s anger and belligerent attitude on the simmering issue of Palestinian is widely known across the world. A kind of existential threat, mutual suspicion lingering since 1948 must have been the reason behind the last minute back-out from the much-hyped summit. Major responsibility for this existential threat lies with Israel itself as intermittent bombardments, ruthless carnage of Palestinians and building settlements in West Bank and Gaza strip ignoring the warnings of its long term friends USA, Britain and a few Western nations.

Heartening indeed to note here that an ardent desire to slash Nuclear stock-piles in the armory of world’s two largest nuclear weapon possessors US and Russia- 95 percent of the lethal weapons are in their kitty- is seen.

Last week’s START-I (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) held in Prague in the august presence of US President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and the signing of a treaty to slash the atomic weapons by third is certainly a welcome sign. Yes, it is only a short step forward but that is not at all enough. Each country has certain roles to play in slashing the lethal nuclear war-heads and to enable them to refrain from acquiring such weapons, threat of sanctions and war is not a solution as such threats ultimately lead to the intensification of the fear-psychosis that is inherent in the psyche of developing nations and they are thus constrained to proceed on manufacturing nuclear weapons. Powerful nations must instead adopt a soft approach to these nations, invite them to talks and erase the apprehensions. Thus better sense would prevail upon them and that would ultimately lead them to refrain from the path of manufacturing killer weapons.

At this juncture close on the heels of Nulcear summit in USA in India a minor lapse in a Delhi super market led to the leaking of Cobalt-60 made many persons fall sick with symptoms of dizziness, nausea, rashes, dehydration. Cobalt-60 is mainly used to detect cancer. It was of less intensity and suppose major incidents were to happen somewhere what would have been the plight of innocent citizens.

While writing about the Nuclear Summit I just recalled the incident and set me thinking.

Hope better counsel would prevail over the nations especially nuclear-power nations to rescue the whole world from a nuclear holocaust.

Democratic Reforms in Pakistan

It is a welcome step. An all-party delegation, all unanimous in their views, tabled a report in National Assembly thus paving the way for the passage of 18th Amendment bill which would be an appreciatory step in future. Pakistan President Asif Ali Sardari will be divested of his privilege to dissolve the Parliament without the recommendation of cabinet. This privilege was introduced by none other than the former President General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf to perpetuate his hold on power. Now that Asif Sardari’s privilege to dissolve the Parliament to be taken away from him, the cabinet under Muhammed Yusuf Raza Gilani must recommend the dissolution of the Parliament, if warranted, to the President and then only the latter be enabled to proceed on these lines. The ushering in of a powerful democracy means the Army’s wings also getting clipped. Furthermore Indian democracy has a lot to cheer about - the co-existence of two neighbouring democracies in the long run may prove beneficial to both.

Taliban still haunting U.S.

Taliban launched another fierce attack on U.S Mission in Afghanistan and a suicide bombing at Peshawar led to the death of over 40 activists of the National Awami Party while holding a rally there inflicting heavy casualties on both sides. Four terrorists were reportedly killed in the encounter with security forces.

U.K to go to polls on May 6

United Kingdom is set to go to polls on May 6. The much awaited elections to be watched across the world for the last one year by international observers drawing near with popularity ratings of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameroon amidst twists and turns, the results might spring up some surprises. From the penultimate days of the reign of Tony Blair who was forced to step down on the Iraq muddle The New Labour Party’s popularity was steeply declining. With the elevation of the then Chancellor of Exchequer to prestigious post of Prime Minister, note here it was the fulfillment of his long cherished dream- Gordon Brown’s popularity graph was on a downward curve. An upbeat David Cameroon if nurtured dreams of entering 10 Downing Street with his popularity rate at its peak it was quite natural. The British electorate was also pretty sure about Mr.Cameroon and his wife Samantha (she might have felt like the first lady of the nation) getting enthroned in PM’s saddle in the near future.

Now much water flowed down Thames since then the results are anybody’s guess. A hung parliament is predicted by some observers. But observers can also go wrong that is the way politics move on. Another contender Nick Clegg of Liberal Democratic Party this time with the Harry Potter fame Daniel Radcliffe to his help though not cherishing the prestigious post at least might be able to play king maker. The Green Party under Caroline Lucas is hopeful of improving the Party’s prospects. Await till the counting date.

S.M.Krishna’s China visit

Much need not be expected from the visit of Foreign Minister S.M.Krishn’a visit to China. Here also ‘chai, samosas and gritty charm’. Tall talks on improving mutual relations, improving strategic, economic, educational, business, industrial ties, with all issues of contention still swept under the carpet, whether Pakistan must be watching with the wily ways of its traditional friend China, amusingly, interestingly and what not? Anyhow the news of pact on hotline between the two nations is a welcome one. Camaraderie Bonhomie, all abound

Rajapakse feels humbled

The formidable victory of SriLankan President Mahindra Rajapakse’s UFPA alliance (United Freedom Peoples’ Alliance) and his National Freedom Party in the Parliament elections finds him on a cheerful, humble mood for the enormous trust and love showered upon him close on the heels of his 18 per cent majority victory in the Presidential elections against his immediate opponent Retd (General) Sarath Fonseka on Feb 26.

Emergency declared in Thailand

Thailand PM, Abhijit Vejjajiva in the face of mounting attacks against his Govt by Pro-Thaksin citizens declared emergency in the country. He still refuses to budge and is not willing to step down. The stand-off still continues.

Indian student wins Gates award

Indian student Aditi Malik emerged one among the victorious students instituted by Melinda Gates foundation in the field of Social relations.7000 students from various nations had contested and only 80 emerged successful, and the Indian student Aditi Malik is one among them. Aditi Malik is student of human rights and she is going to join Cambridge courtesy Gates Foundation to go on with her studies coming autumn. A proud glorious moment for India and our congrats in abundance. Aditi hails from Delhi.

Polish President killed in a Plane Accident

Polish President Lech Kazynski along with 96 Polish delegation met with a Plane crash on board Tu-154 killing him on the spot. All the travelers got killed. Ignoring the Russian warnings the pilot of the ill-fated plane persisted with landing at an airport in the Russian city Slovenska amidst the thick fog. The plane hit the trees and crashed. The fog and the pilot’s error must have caused the crash. Kazynski’s twin brother Jaroslaw Kazynski is also an active participant in Polish politics.

India against Sanctions on Iran

Dr.ManMohanSingh has made it known to the US authorities India’s reservations on the move of US to impose sanctions against Iran. Whether it will go down well with America and its allies remains to be seen.

NATIONAL

Women’s Reservation Bill

The passage of Women’s Reservation Bill in the Loksabha scheduled to start on April 15 is unlikely. The Yadav troika and their allies, Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party are up in arms to stall it from getting tabled. The euphoria after its passage in the Rajya Sabha has vanished. The culprits are among the ruling elite also as many male MPs are apprehending the loss of their right to contest in the coming elections if it is enacted. Male-chauvinists have the upper hand in the national mainstream even now.

80th Anniversary of Dandi

Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi like some brand ambassadors of our country has already evolved into a ‘brand’- A ‘brand’ to be remembered and eulogized even by our neo-liberal ruling mandarins, industrialists, business tycoons only on special occasions. Otherwise how many of us recalled him on April 6, The 80th Anniversary of Dandi March which went off without a whimper. Khadi-clad political leaders are seen everywhere and Khadi-clad business tycoons also seen roaming around the citadels of power to achieve their aims by hook or by crook. I don’t want to write or talk much about them as my pen must not get dirtied.

Chidambaram’s Apology

“The buck stops at my desk. I own full responsibility for the dastardly incident”- Chidambaram was seen opening out his heart before the media on the unfortunate massacre of 76 CRPF jawans in the forests of Chintan Malar,. Dantewada district of Chattsigarh. He had reportedly sent in his resignation letter to the Prime Minister and PM abruptly confident of our Home Minister and that is a good omen.

Shoaib-Sania Nikah

Fed up. The media reminding us of paparazis are flocking around Sania and Shoaib Malik at Jubilee Hills residence of Sania expecting scent of something to enter their nostrils. Let them tie the nuptial knot and Insha Allah happily live there after, anywhere, anytime. Our media people have more serious issues to take up and leave these minor issues into the background. Sensationalism and gossips still continue to be the curse of our media as is the practice prevalent everywhere.

Left Parties hold demonstrations

Left parties CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Block under the leadership of Prakash Karat, A.B.Bardhan, Abani Roy, Debabrata Biswas led a long march along the Parliament street protesting against the galloping prices of food items and other essential commodities and also demanding the roll-back of those items. Karat, Bardhan ,Debabrata Biswas and Abani Roy courted arrest in the agitation against the UPA II govt.

FDI banned in Cigar sector

Who told our Govt is opening up all sectors for Foreign Direct Investment? The govt. care for our health seriously and hence no question of allowing FDIs in the cigarette manufacturing sector. Kudos to our Govt. After all Cigarette smoking is injurious to health. Touching indeed.

REGIONAL

Kerala State Film Awards Announced

The much expected Kerala State Film awards announced with ‘Paleri Manickyam- Oru Pathirakolapthakathinte Katha’ bagging the Best picture Award and Renjit conferred with the Best Director Award for the same film. Swetha Menon, as Chirutha bagged the best heroine award and Mamootty the best actor. Pazhassi Raja, directed by Hariharan and scripted by M.T.Vasudevan Nair got away with eight awards. Yesudas, the best male singer and Shreya Ghoshal the best female singer stole the limelight.

On the expected this year’s film awards announcement was followed by the washing the dirty linen in public with the ones who were left high and dry fuming and those who won the awards getting elated. Anyhow media celebrated the event, discussions, interviews and cross-fires as usual. Good. The show must go on.

Vaishakhan felicitated

Noted writer Vaishakhan was felicitated at Thrissur the other day by Purogamana Kala Sahithya Sanghom. His story ‘Silencer’ which was published in the Mathrubhumi Weekly bagged the Kamala Surayya Award. As a writer it was recalled by a critic his independent writing owing no leniency towards any ‘isms’. Noted social activist and cultural icon Sukumar Azhikode pointed out that Vaishkhan depicted the true life through his writings. Congratulations Vaishakhan.

Adieu to Rajesh, the brave Jawan

Rajesh, the Malayalee jawan who was one among the 76 killed in an ambush by the Maoists in the forests of Chintan Malar was given a tearful adieu at his native place of Airapuram, Mazhuvannur. He was given an adieu befitting a brave jawan who fought for his nation with full State honours in the presence of weeping relatives, friends and local people.

Thakazhy literary festival begins

Jnanapith Award winner and internationally acclaimed writer Thakazhy Sivasankara Pillai was recalled at Sankara Mangalam, Thakazhy, Kuttanad and an eight day literary festival got off to a colourful start. Discussions, seminars and Kaviyarangu are included in the eight day literary festival. Before the inauguration of the festival in the presence of Katha, Thakazhi’s better-half floral tributes were offered at Smriti Mandapam where he was laid to rest.

Katha was felicitated on the occasion. G.Sudhakaran Co-operation Minister inaugurated the event and noted novelist George Onakkur delivered a lecture on the writings of Thakazhi, K.R.Meera and other dignitaries were present.

SPORTS

Navratilova diagnosed with breast-cancer

Martina Navratilova, the renowned tennis star who holds a record of winning eight grand slams has been diagnosed with breast-cancer. She was in tears when the news was first revealed to her. The doctors are very much hopeful of curing it completely as it is non-invasive and only one percent out of hundred succumbs to it. Let’s pray for her immediate recovery.

Golf

Tigerwoods back to his first love

After undergoing traumatic days involving his sexcapades with more than a dozen ladies which led to his wife Jane Nerdine leaving him alone, Tiger Woods was all repentance personified. He confessed to his immoral acts before the media, spent his days in a rehabilitation centre, the therapy still continues. Tiger Woods is a reformed man now. Now he has returned to his first love- Golf- with a bang and has proved his uniqueness in Golf once more. Well done Tiger Woods.