tweets

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Nice try by Soutik Biswas

BBC NEWS South Asia Gandhi's non-violence message to Mid-East

In 1948 he was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic who opposed his tolerance for all creeds and religions

Soutik Biswas tries to stretch the facts a bit. My limited knowledge (from what I have read) tells me that Godse was more aghast at the Indian government's pandering of Pakistan at Gandhi's behest. Whatever the truth is, it is sad that India in the 50+ years since the incident has choosen to keep the facts under wraps. And, take an extreme reaction to anything related to the event. So, we have books like "Nine hours to Rama" and plays like "Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy" banned.

Sunday, August 22, 2004

In (equality) we believe

In (equality) we believe

I like this article. It clearly put to rest the story that the NDA government was voted out of power because their policies were anti-poor. It is high time that people in India realize that the function of the government is to create opportunities, not give handouts.

Thursday, August 19, 2004

1 medal, 2 dopers, a few DNFs ah... the olympic experience

BBC NEWS |South Asia |India makes Olympic breakthrough

BBC NEWS |South Asia |India weightlifter tests positive

BBC NEWS |South Asia |India's Olympic highs and lows

I wish they gave a medal for
Highest percentage of dopers to medals (as it stands it s 2/1, we take the gold medal)
All dopers being women (something tells me this does not count towards empowerment of women. But, it is worth a try)

And, why did all those weightlifters with back pain etc... go to Athens. Not that the international community will miss them if they did not turn up. But, hey great holiday at the taxpayers expense. Wish some cousin of Uday Hussein was managing the Indian Olympic committee.

Thank goodness for Major Rajyavardhan Rathore pulling double duty. It takes acts like his both on and off job to save the country.

How eight pixels cost Microsoft millions - CNET News.com

How eight pixels cost Microsoft millions - CNET News.com

Interesting story about nuances in International Business. But, the reader response to this ismore interesting. There are idiots who seem to be interested in turning this into a political article. Of course, all options are represented. These jokers should realize the old saying - "When in Rome ...". So, if MSFT or any other corporation wants to sell its wares in India or any other country it better follow the local rules and be sensitive to the local customs.

For a better understanding of Kashmir from people who live there, check this out BBC NEWS | Voices from Kashmir. It is a classic story of promises betrayed, missed opportunities and political bungling that can turn even the "Heaven on Earth" into hell's hole.

Saturday, August 14, 2004

Of life and death

BBC NEWS | South Asia | India carries out rare execution

A friend of mine (a die hard liberal) sent me an email on the hanging - "hanging people in the 21st century is quite ridiculous
regardless of the crime.....what the heck next...public beheadings a la Saudi Arabia?"

I don't have a stance on death penalty. I don't like the idea of people being incarcerated for lifew, living a safe but confined life at the tax payer's expense. I am too much a capitalist - I would prefer the cheaper of all the options.

But, I do find it odd that that a nation that does sex determination tests on unborn child and aborts female foetus feels strongly in favor of death penalty. How about death penalty for those who abort female foetus, the ones who cause dowry deaths?

And, it is interesting to see that they did not feel the need to DNA testing before sending this man to his death.

Friday, August 06, 2004

How about setting the house in order

BBC NEWS | South Asia | India woos Africans for medical cure


"India's health indicators are among the worst in the world," says eminent economist Jean Dreze.

"Health is virtually absent from public debates and democratic politics in India."


Interesting story given that the government and the medical community would like you to believe that medical tourist is the next big thing. And, of course, the generics and AIDS cocktails would save the world.

Who will save the folks in India?