text:
An act of terrorism or an act of homophobia
- by Akanksha Mishra
- 4 years ago
- 21546
Mass shooting at a gay nightclub PULSE at Orlando, Florida has left everyone speechless. This is one of the worst massive shooting in American History where 50 people were killed and 53 people injured by a single gunman.
On Sunday morning, June 12, when people of Florida were still trying to understand the murder of The Voice star, Christina Grimmie on Saturday night, at the Plaza, Orlando, Florida, came the news of this massive shootout at a gay nightclub which has raised fear in the minds and hearts of the LGBTQ community as well as among the people of Florida.
It is still not clear what made Omar Mateen to allegedly walk into the club with an assault rifle and kill 50 people. But according to the reports, Mateen's father said that he might know what might have triggered the killing. He told NBC news, that Mateen had been enraged by the sight of two men kissing each other months earlier, and said that might be related to the massacre. While the authorities claim Mateen called the police before the attack and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Questions have been rising whether this mass shooting was an act of homophobia Or an act of terrorism?
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Even with many indicators it is yet not clear, we cannot label the act, since according to sources, Mateen was reportedly regular at the gay nightspot and used gay dating apps. A few of the clubgoers have reported to seeing him often at the club. A few others have claimed him to have been using multiple gay apps, including Grindr, with mutual acquaintances "to hook". If it really is so, then his going and killing people 50 people at a gay club doesn't explain. Was it really the two men kissing he had seen trigger such violence? Isn't such a scene common at a gay club? If he was really homophobic why would he visit gay clubs often.
Indeed, even if the motive hasn't been established, the attacks are likely to have the effect of turning gay clubs into targets, and leaving some in the LGBTQ community afraid to go to them. The Islamic State, to which Mateen allegedly pledged allegiance before carrying out the attack, betrays horrific intolerance towards people from the LGBTQ community in Muslim societies around the world.
Read Also: Terrorism: The Darker Deeper Problem
But yet again, the thing is Mateen himself didn't grow up in a Muslim society. He was born in New York and grew up in an environment where he surely must have witnessed the evolution of LGBTQ rights movement over the last few decades. James Comey, FBI Chief, said, Mateen had been "radicalised" while consuming online propaganda and that he had claimed allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a series of calls during the attack. Although yet again, US authorities said they had found no direct links between Islamic State and Mateen, the US-born son of Afghan immigrants.
So what really is it? Just because Mateen pledged to Islam before killing, is it right to link Islam and terrorism and demonise Muslims, or call it a homophobic act. Whatever this is, one thing is very clear, as President Obama also said, this is an act of hate. This is not just about the 50 people killed in Orlando, it is about every queer person who is endangered not only by gunmen, but by homophobic religious leaders, tweeting politicians, violent family members, coworkers, classmates, neighbours, creators of media and more. Today when lots of Indian politicians take to twitter to sympathize with the massacre, they forget that with India, the fear among LGBTQ community is not from outside but in-built. Gay sex is still illegal. Section 377, a colonial law that criminalises "unnatural sex", remains on the books in India.
Once again religion and violence are brought on the same platform. Whatsoever may have instigated Mateen to such a horrifying shootout, this attack will be the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman and the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since the 9/11 attacks.
India is a land of engineers and one cannot simply deny that upon seeing the current scenario. One of the hilarious scenes from a famous Hindi movie, 3 Idiots had just made it to the point, where the father of a 'just arrived' son uttered, "mera beta Engineer banega" (My child will become an Engineer). The words felt like a thunderclap to the boy who didn't even know in what language was the man in front of him, is speaking. Fun-fact : With a factory output of 1.5 million engineering graduates passing out every year (which also runs the risk of not getting a job at all for almost 40% of them) India holds about 2000 Engineering colleges , with 700 colleges alone in Andhra Pradesh itself.( That's phenomenal!)
The second "acceptable" and "dignified" profession is to become a Doctor. India CAN produce a force of 50 thousand doctors every year, with better regulation of medical education. Undeterred by which, India accounts for about 10 lakh doctors and other medically engaged professionals in the year 2014. Yet, the government has clearly stated the shortage in terms of "quality of medical facilities".
As reported, there is only one doctor for every 1700 people in the country. Maybe that is reason why, Indian parents consider it to be their societal duty to give the country, good numbers of doctors at the cost of their own child's dreams.
A reality check: Out of those million of students, nearly 20- 30% are exposed to the risk of not getting a job at all. Whereas ,the large percentage of the 'fortunate' ones who do end up getting a job after an engineering degree take up jobs which are well below their technical qualifications, since the supply far outnumbers the demand. They do not get jobs for which they are qualified or 'suitable' jobs, which makes the matter even worse. Also, the staggering growth of IT industry in India has slowed down to a 10.2% growth rate at present. The demand for qualified professionals has also been understandably gone down too.
Such critical situation only calls for a better investment in the field of IT and Engineering sector or opting for a more rational and easier-to-do solution, GET A LIFE BEYOND ENGINEERING!
With the growing popularity of up-coming business ideas and startups offering interesting and stable opportunities , one must not just confined his/her potential to the professions which gives them 'respect' in the society. Even, a corrupt politician or a money-eating police man earns the so called 'respect' (at least on their face), but that does not imply for each one of us should become a politician or a police man. Another dialogue from the same movie, i.e., 3 IDIOT, says, "kaamyab mat bano, kabil bano"( there is no need to strike hard for success, rather focus on being capable in what you do). Rather than taking into consideration of other's opinion including your own parents, one should try to achieve what they actually are actually passionate for.
So, here's a list of some of unconventional job opportunities in India that also offer good career prospects. Many of them could even pay you higher than salary of a doctor or an average engineer.
- Chocolatier
Love chocolates? If yes, (with a witty smile and an instant nod) then you are born for this job. A Chocolatier is an expert who uses his/her wide knowledge of flavor, texture, history and other aspects of chocolates to create delicious and mouth-watering confectioneries, deserts, cakes, candies and sweets out of chocolate and other related products. Chocolatier can become an entrepreneur, by tying up with corporate houses, florists, bakeries, and gift shops to market their products.
Some of the institutes in India offering the same are:
- Chocolate Academy, Mumbai
- Barry Callebaut India Private Limited, Mumbai
- Craft and Social Development Organization, New Delhi
- Swisswrap Chocolate Academy, Mumbai
- MAPP – Magnificence Academy of Packaging Professionals, New Delhi
Gulping down bottles of wine just for free. Sounds interesting?
Here's another upcoming profession to rightly serve your taste buds, Sommelier or wine taster. A Sommelier is the one, who can help in understanding the different types of wine and help pair wines with specific foods. Wine tasters also help choose wines for various restaurants that would go well with their menu. Another interesting option is to organize wine tasting tours in vineyards in India. Wine experts can also write articles on wines for lifestyle magazines. Also, there is a Sommelier championship held in India to provide a platform to the budding professionals in the field of wine tasting.
Some of the institutes offering this course are:
- Wine Academy of India ( WAI), Chennai
- Register to WSET course
- Vinecrest India, Delhi
- Institute of Wine and Beverage studies
- KBR School of wine, Mumbai
Are you an animal lover? If yes, then say yes to this alternate career option of pet grooming. If have you always earned success in taking good care of the pets, whether or not they belong to you, you may turn out to be the best for your client's pet as well. As the name suggested, a pet groomer is expected to ensure the hygiene and adequate cleanliness of the pets, ensuring that any kind of wound or disease which the pet may be exposed to is healed along with enhancing better relationships between the pet and the owner as well .Regular grooming is considered essential to ensure improved life span and heath of the pets, and this is the reason this career option is growing popularly, specifically to fulfill needs of upper-middle class and high-class families who wish to provide all comforts of life to their darling pets.
Some of the companies which also offer this course for learning are:
- Scoopy Scrub,Delhi
- Fuzzy Wuzzy Professional Pet Grooming School, Bangalore
Are you into the world of computer and its fascinating codes?
Hacking down your friend's social network profile is a mere source of 'fun' for you? Then this could be your professional goal. An Ethical Hacker is a certified hacker is a qualification obtained by assessing the security of computer systems, using penetration testing techniques. Many big companies and government agencies look for ethical hackers for various security purposes. An ethical hacker must have a good knowledge of coding in different programming languages. The average salary ranges between Rs.2-5 lakhs for a fresher, and after an experience of five to six years, you can easily command a salary of Rs. 10-12 lakhs annually, depending upon your skills! (Still thinking to apply for IIM?)
Some of the courses where one can apply are:
- Indian School of Ethical Hacking ( ISOEH), Kolkata
- Institute of Information Security, Mumbai, Pune,Delhi, Chandigarh
- Even short courses are offered by many IT companies like Arizona Infotech ( Pune)
Do you have happy feet at dancing? The energy and the magic created with the snappy dance steps over the groovy music can even heal depression or any kind of stress, a person maybe undergoing. That's what this profession is based upon, 'dance away with worries'. A
Dance therapist uses the psychotherapeutic body movement and dance to support intellectual and emotional functions of the body. Rather than teaching dance, therapists try to assess the individual's needs and issues. Then they initiate and help develop movement patterns, taking off from the physical-emotional-intellectual level of their clients. People with background in dance and psychology can opt for this exciting career option.
Organizations such as the Creative Movement Therapy Association of India is one of the pioneer organizations in the country that offers sessions in dance and movement therapy and have been hugely successful in helping people deal with stress and anxiety better.
Do you believe in your strengths of shopping right? If yes, then you should imagine a scenario where you would be paid for it! There are often certain circumstances where one cannot find adequate time to devote for shopping, like organizing wedding can itself be a burden which can be topped with an additional headache for shopping, this when the 'personal shopper' pops up into the scene. They help you decide you look for an occasion, keeping in mind your style and help you shop. It's like being a stylist and a shopper, all At once.
Who knows you may be even appointed by celebrities across various fields to be their shopping assistant. Sounds fascinating!
In India there are several image consultant training institutes to groom your knowledge in this field. Online certificate courses can also be received for the same (Visit the official website of IAP Career College)
Diving deep into the unknown fathoms of the ocean and having a glance of the life beneath the visions of the others – this could be your daily routine if you choose to be an oceanographer. Oceanographers or mariners cover a wide range of topics including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the sea floor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean. Oceanographers and marine biologists study plants and animals in the marine environment. They take a deep interested in the numbers of marine organisms and how these organisms develop, relate to one another, adapt to their environment, and interact with it.
Some of the institutes that offer this curse/diploma are:
- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology & Oceanography (CASMB), Annamalai University,
- Centre for Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL), Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
- Department of Marine Sciences, Goa University, Goa
Apart from those mentioned in the list, one can choose other alternatives for offbeat career options as well, be it a game tester, a foodie (officially food tester), pastry chef and many more. All that one needs to have is, passion and courage to choose the given profession, rather than confining to ones which are identified by the society, and you are all set to attain the higher steps on the success ladder with a secured income and a dynamic job.
The crazy debate of vegetarians and non-vegetarians has been going on for centuries. People prohibit eating non vegetarian food in the name of religion and morality. Most of the vegetarians strictly believe that eating meat and chicken is an immoral, unethical and insensitive act depicting inhumanity and cruelty towards those meek creatures. They criticise fellow beings and feel disgusted for them.
On the other hand, non vegetarians eat it out of taste and some believe that meat, fish and chicken contains more proteins, vitamins and minerals as compared to simple vegetables and grains. Statistics support that seafood and non vegetarian food contains vitamins and proteins that cannot be purely achieved of out of simple food.
But, the actual matter is not about who is interested in eating what; the complete dispute is regarding the mentality that people carry with them. To be precise and simple, the kind of food we eat is based on our preferences and taste. It is upon us to decide what should we eat, and what we must not eat. You must not form an opinion about an individual just because of the kind of food he/she eats. We must respect the choice of all, without criticism and hatred.
There are many people who eat eggs and call themselves eggitarian; perhaps a new trendy word. I have heard people say how can you kill a yet-to-be-born-baby chick? It isn't so. All eggs do not hatch into chicks. Only fertile eggs that have been incubated under proper conditions can become an embryo and develop into a chick. So, eating eggs doesn't constitute killing living beings.
Next, when I think about why people put blame on killing fellow living beings, I get shocked. If thought deeply, even plants are living beings then why are plants killed to satisfy human wants? Roots like onion, carrot, sweet potato and beetroot are eaten which are extracted by destroying the plant. If we don't make it an issue, then why eating meat is an issue. It has been scientifically proved that plants respond to human touch, they understand emotions so why aren't plant eating animals not blamed for killing plants which provide us with the basic life amenities ? It is ironical that we kill a living being for food and criticise others for killing animals, which is just a different category of living beings. Then, how does the question of immorality come for non vegetarians and not for vegetarians? Just because plants don't shout, they are immobile and we are not thinking properly about this issue doesn't mean that killing plants is right. I don't get why we become so orthodox and irrational on some issues.
The world lives on Darwin's theory of 'Survival of the Fittest.' The entire existence of mankind and other species can be summed up in the urge to survive breaking all the odds and therefore, the food chain goes on. Birth and death are the two sides of the same coin. We humans, indisputably, get wider choice being the most advanced species.
So next time when you point out at a non vegetarian and pass tantrums, do remember that it is okay; stop making a fuss about it. Don't make someone feel guilty for no good reason. Have a broader mentality and accept the fact that no matter what, every species in this world has to do something to fill up his stomach. This is what life is all about. Eat healthy, live pure.
Hairstyle complements our outfit. A person is well dressed when he has an eye pleasing hairstyle which perfectly goes with the dress. A perfect, trendy and appropriate hairstyle can make us look gorgeous, enhancing our beauty. In the busy life schedules, what everyone needs is mesmerising, easy and quick hairstyles.
So here are a few easy, distilled and modern hairstyles that you'll love.
The modern messy bun goes with all every outlook and dress, giving a beautiful look to your face. It is appropriate for all types of occasions and events and is a simple hairstyle that you can do yourself at home. Try it out- it is the new trendy look you can carry with you wherever you go.
Loose falling hair definitely looks good on you, but with a touch of style and simplicity, your hair seems managed and perfect all the time; exactly the way you want them to be.
One of the most versatile braid; you may either make it in the centre or at one of the sides, it looks amazing. It can be an added style to complement your ponytail or any other style that goes on your face. If you are not getting what would go on your outfit, French braid will definitely come to your rescue as it goes with all- a gorgeous look for you.
A glowing touch of Indian culture coupled with modernity will change your getup for good and give you a new look. It complements both Indian wear and western dresses. Quite simple and unique hairstyle that will make you shine in the crowd.
Tired of simple, plain pony!
Bring a change with the new cute look and stylish pony that will suit your dress and act like a makeover for you. The best part is it only takes two minutes to create it and it is so versatile that you can wear it to any occasion.
It is the ever popular style. Like the name suggest, it is just two easy steps- tuck it and then cover. It can be used in both formal and casual occasions. Undoubtedly, it is a beautiful and very easy style to create.
When you are running out of time, this half up and half down will complement your flowing hair. It gives a finishing touch to your hair, enhancing style.
This style doesn't require an expensive trip to a saloon. Rather it is a great way to add a little bit of style to your look without making too much of efforts. It is even preferred if your clothing is a bit extravagant. No offence, but slicked back ponytail is more dressy than just a regular ponytail.
Hurry up girls, look more modern in less time, less efforts and more perfection.
It is very important for India to get into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) because, our future energy needs depends on it. However, there is a huge blockade called China, which under no circumstances wants India to join this group of nations, who are principal "supplier countries that seek to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of two sets of Guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports." At present, almost all countries support India's entry except China who sees India as its challenger and main rival in Asia.
But the spirited foreign policy campaign of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last two years has now put India within a striking distance along with the support of United States of America to get into NSG and this has created a panic situation in Pakistan forcing it to approach other countries who already are supporting India. Already the Pakistanis and the Chinese are upset because somehow India is now a member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) which will now allow India to sell BrahMos cruise missile to other countries, particularly in South East Asia and that will tip the balance in the South China Sea where China is hugely disliked and feared.
But the real reasons for China's insistence on the exclusion of India from the NSG is Pakistan, a nation which has a long history in smuggling and proliferation of nuclear technology and the components need to build powerful nuclear warheads. China wants Pakistan to also get a seat in the NSG club because it wants to maintain a buffer and also keep India's foreign policy and defense policy Pakistan centric, so there will always be strategic imbalance between China and India. But the fact is every other country who are members of NSG supports India and does not want Pakistan to get access to more nuclear materials, equipment technology because as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Pakistan continues to be ahead of India when it comes to having higher number of nuclear warheads and beats Israel as well as North Korea. Pakistan applied for membership in 2016 with China's support but given its track record of selling nuclear secrets to countries like North Korea, Libya, and Iran, it is safe to assume the rest of the members will not support Pakistan's entry into NSG because it is an irresponsible nuclear weapons state.
Right now there are 48 member countries that have the right to veto any new nations joining NSG, and China clearly likes to use this power to lord over India. But this is not the first time this has happened because China being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Consul just recently used its veto power to block Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad and its chief Masood Azhar from being banned; sighting the decision was taken on the bases of "facts" and "procedure" but in general, China is against all forms of terrorism as long as it emanates from Pakistan to hurt India since it has huge strategic and economic stake in the form of China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC)
For China, any strategic gain by India is detrimental to its designs in South East Asia and the Indian Ocean Region where it wants to dominate. However with India developing Chabahar Port in Iran which will give us the gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Caspian Sea is major Geo-strategic. The distance between Chabahar Port to Gwadar Port is only 170 kilometers which are located in the restive Baluchistan region and India's "look east" policy is to develop the closer relationship with its South East Asia Neighbors like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia, having left China feel the pinch.
The only technical reason the Chinese have to stop India from getting into NSG is that we are not signatories to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, some of the past member countries like France joined NSG without signing NPT which is the precedence India sights and its long record of maintaining its integrity with its own nuclear program unlike Pakistan who has been caught with its hand in the Cooke jar for clandestinely selling nuclear technology to rogue state like North Korea and in return getting nuclear capable ballistic missile technology which is prohibited under MTCR. Also, if India signs the NPT it will seriously compromise its national security since it will have to give up its nuclear arsenals and when you are surrounded by two neighbors with whom India have fought wars, it would be illogical. Plus we will be at the mercy of other nuclear power nations to protect us and in return make deals which will cost us dearly.
China knows this which is why it is forcing the NPT card on the table because India will never sign the NPT under the current clauses. It also knows that its lackey, Pakistan will also never sign the NPT thus making this whole action of India moot or both countries join after signing the NPT making it a win-win situation for China. So to propose Pakistan's name to become a member of NSG as precursor knowing fully the other countries will say no to, will than give China the opportunity to state that by letting India into the NSG, it will create an unstable security dynamics in Asia and would lead to nuclear race. India is now a very fast growing economy and has a growing energy need. Since the world is fast moving towards clean energy and nuclear energy constitutes as one of the most important sources of clean energy which will fulfill our growing need.
The Countries who are the permanent members of NSG are Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States.
Music is an entity indefinable by words alone. It is not only something you hear but what you feel. It is something your soul can reach out and touch. Complex or simple, fast or slow, loud or soft. It is what you feel, or it could be your method of escape or it could just keep you alive. One such genre of music is Blues. It is the music of the heart. It comes straight from the heart and holds such emotions that touches the cords of the listener's heart. All you music lovers, you get what I mean, don't you, and if especially blues is your genre too, you're gonna love this. Listening to good blues, for me, is something where I can have a heart to heart conversation with the singer itself. Sadly, there are very few pure blues band in India. But here's a list of the top five Blues band that all of us should know:
- Soulmate: This one is my personal favorite, and also the best blues band in India by far. They are from Shillong, Meghalaya, which is also known as "India's Rock Capital" owing to it's inhabitants' great passion for music. The band is primarily made up of Rudy Wallang(guitar/vocals/songwriter) and Tipriti 'TIPS' Kharbangar (vocals/guitar), although they frequently team up with session musicians when on tour. This band came together in 2003, playing their first concert at the 'Roots Festival' at Umiam. It also happens to be the only Indian blues band to have represented India at the 23rd International Blues Challenge organized by The Blues Foundation of America, in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, in February 2007 and 2010. Tipriti is considered as one of the finest female singers to have emerged from North East India and Wallang is considered one of the most respected blues guitarists of India.
- Smokestack: This band named after the legendary song by Howling Wolf – Smokestack, started off as a pretty purist country blues trio, singing mostly covers of the classic blues songs across all styles in 2006. They all hail from Pune. At present the band consists of five members- Anoop Kumar (Vocals, Acoustic/Electric Guitar), Michael Thompson (Harmonica), Vishal Gore (Vocals, Bass, Electric/Acoustic Guitar), Shreyas Iyengar( Drums, Percussion) and Vidula Andromeda (Vocals, Harmonica). They began experimenting with folk and roots music as well as rhythmic influences from around the world, soon after their formation. This led to expanding the band to include drums and electric guitars. The band is known to channelize raw, direct emotions through their music.
- The Saturday Night Blues: It is one of the only mainstream blues band in India, formed in 1999. The band, made up of some of the cream of Kolkata's working musicians, performs frequently on Saturday nights at Someplace Else, the "Music Mecca" of India - The Park Hotel, downtown Kolkata - for over a decade The band members are Jayanta Dasgupta (Vocals, guitar), Arunima Dasgupta (vocals, percussion), Stuart Munro (vocals, bass guitar), and Avinash Chordia (drums). Be it the down home delta blues of Mississippi, the chic and groovy sounds of Chicago, the smokin' jazz blues of New Orleans, the gritty blues of Texas or contemporary blues , this band plays it all! Their sound is lively, energetic and strongly groove driven and has won them a massive, steady fan following. Their informal and interactive approach towards the music and the audience always results in an evening that is pure entertainment. If you're looking for some soaring slide guitar and smokin' hot-rodded blues, this is the band you want to tune into!
- Big Bang Blues: This band started off in 2009, with the electric blues sound, hails from the capital city, New Delhi. They then evolved into a more Blues-Rock act. The band members are- Sushant Thakur (Guitars/Slide)
Ipshita Roy (Vocals), Shivam Khare (Keyboards), Rahul Rai (Bass), and Adhiraj Mustafi (Drums). The five-piece band creates its sound from the diverse influences from Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan to Aretha Franklin, Etta james. It is also known to create its sound from the diverse influences brought in together by the members who trace their roots to completely different backgrounds. It has brought to Indian music scene a variety of sounds with unmatched energy.
- Blues Conscience: Founded in 2008, this band hails from Chennai. It began with the intent of promoting blues in the contemporary rock and metal dominated Indian music scene. The band members are- Anek Ahuja (Vocals/Bass), Aum Janakiram (Vocals/Guitars), Neil Smith (Drums), Sid Kumar (Keys), and guest member Maarten Vsiser (Saxophone). As a three piece outfit, their roots go deep into some of the greats that have played the blues such as B.B.King, Jimi Hendrix, etc., to name a few. They provide a fully suited up act, retaining every essence of the blues, and doing renditions of their own. Often this band is called a 'feel good band' that constantly engages the audience with the right energy.
All of these bands perform across India and are very refreshing. I hope you like this list and may it inspire ya'all music lovers to listen to more of Indian blues and appreciate the talent we have in our own motherland.
(p.s. Don't forget to tell us what you think about it.)
Frustrated from the unbearable heat of Delhi? Here are 7 nearby "chilling out" places surrounding Delhi that can offer you the perfect getaway from this intolerable weather and Delhi's prolong heavy traffic roads and crowdedness.
With an alluring scenic beauty to the much needed 'air-freshness' ,all of these hill stations are located within a radius of 400kms and thus they could be your next weekend destinations.
- MORNI HILLS (260 kms)
Morni is a small village located at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi (In Panchkula district of Haryana). With a land full of greenery and astonishing beauty of nature one can just forget the worries of world and enjoy the treat of a marvelous scenic beauty of the hills. Blessed with breezing air in the lapse of the Mother Nature, Morni hills shall provide you the perfect escape from the Delhi's stress. Some of the good sightseeing options are the two lakes that are present amidst the spurs of the hills, namely Tikkar taal and Bada tikkar (and Chota tikkar as well) which are also considered sacred by the local inhabitants. Apart from trekking, one can also choose to go for other activities like rock-climbing, Low ropes, commando nets, Burma Bridge, boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and rappelling. As an add on to the fun package, the area also has a well-constructed, thrilling adventure park to give you one of best joys of the mad rides. A weekend escape or even a family picnic spot, Morni gives it all.
- LANSDOWNE (260.5 kms)
Lansdowne, one of the quietest and "unspoiled" hills station located in Pauri Garhwal district in Uttrakhand, could be the perfect destination to be cut off from the crowd and recline with peace. It is one of the cleanest hill stations as it lies in the well-off cantonment areas of Garhwal Rifles. With beautiful architecture and marvelous creativity, the buildings provide a spectacular insight into the times of British colonization. Salubrious weather and the mesmerizing view can be the perfect compliments for meditative rejuvenation. Apart from which is the infamous man-made artificial lake, Bhulla Lake, or locally named as Bhulla Tal is one of the most maintained lakes in the area and a major tourist attracter. Adventure activities like trekking, bird watching and boating can be a good source of entertainment as well.
Looking for a tranquil atmosphere? Then Lansdowne is a must visit!
- NAHAN (262 kms)
Nahan, a hill town is the headquarters of ancient Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a rich –in forests and snow capped mountains surrounding it. The picturesque hill station shall leave you spell bounded with its breathtaking view and culturally rich diversity in fauna. Being a historic town in the princely city of Sirmaur the land is marked with architectural establishments and a great agricultural base. It's in the 'must travel' list for those interested in trekking. Apart from which, there are several tourist spots to give you pleasurable experience like Villa Round, Renuka Lake, Mall Road, Hospital Round, Kaisthan Temple, Jagannath Temple, Shudh Dhar Shiv Mandir, Shiwalik Fossil Park, Trilokpur Temple and Dhaula Kuan. Even a walk around the city will give you astonishing sights of its well maintained cleanliness.
Looking for the richness of both, greenery and culture? This is your 'nearby' dreamland.
- NAUKUCHIATAL (313 kms)
No, it's not the name of a town located down in the south, but a small lake village in Nainital to give you a place to rejuvenate in an enchanting valley. Naukuchital, literally meaning a nine-corned lake holds a mystic quality on the basis of some local myths and stories is a tourist attracting magnet. According to one of the beliefs, it is said that, if one takes a glimpse of all nine corners at once with foots on earth, one shall disappear in clouds to attain nirvana ( paradise, most appropriately). This implies that it is impossible to look at all nine corners of the lake at once with your foot on the ground. Apart from such mysterious elements, the village holds a heart-stopping beauty of flora and fauna to overwhelm you with a heavenly feeling. Placid beauty and a climate perfect to give you relaxation; Naukuchital's beauty can be defined in a poet's thoughts, a traveler's odyssey and an avid dwellers peace of mind.
Next time if you think of visiting Nainital, do remember this place.
- KANATAL ( 300 kms)
An amicable town near Mussoorie, Kanatal serves to be mainly a weekend getaway for the locals as well as those looking for a quite place undisturbed by the infestation of tourists unlike the popular hill station, Mussoorie. This town is located in a very scenic setting surrounding by mountains and rivers and creating an artistry beauty. Most of the times, the town is left untouched by the excessive tourist stepping and man-made ruckus, which adds to the 'quietness' of the town. You can also take a walk through the town and discover apple orchards, pine forests, tiny temples and the friendly locals. One can have a visit to the Kodia Jungle, which is a dense forest area located at a distance of around one kilometer away from Kanatal and spot a few wild animals by taking a ride through the jungle in a jeep, along with a rejuvenating bath at many natural springs which are quite prevalent in the region. Also, Tehri Dam is one of the 'must see' of this place. You can visit this place any time due to the neutrality in the climatic conditions which is pleasant and salubrious.
- MUKTESHWAR (340 kms)
Mukteshwar, a pleasing town located in the Nainital district of Uttrakhand state got its name from a 350 year old temple named Mukteshwar Dham whose residing deity is Lord Shiva. As it sits high on the Kumaon Hills, the town treats you with a 180 degree astonishing views of the imposing Himalayan range. Legends say, Lord Shiva stepped at this place and eradicated Asur or a demon's negativity and further granted him with Mukti or salvation. Earlier being untouched by the tourists, the town now witnesses a growing construction of hotels to render the services to the rising tourist population. It is said that the greenery here makes you fall in love with the nature completely, even claiming that one of the famous hunters, Jim Corbett (yes, the national park is named after him) came to shoot a tiger but fell in love with the town's natural bounteousness. . One side offering the views of religious abode like Nanda Devi, Nanda Koti, Nandaghutni, Trishul and Panchachuli and the other capturing the views of a splendid valley covered with lush green forests is actually a feast to the eyes. Then what's the wait? Come here and fall in love with the magnificence of nature's beauty.
- CHAIL (400 kms)
The former summer capital of Patiala, Chail is a beautiful hill station residing in the Shivalik range of Himachal Pradesh. Despite of panoramic views and resplendent aspect of the nature, Chail has a deep history in connection of its marvelous infrastructures present in the place. Be it Chail Palace, Chail Cricket ground and Chail Military School, they are all symbols of Chail's connection with the erstwhile royal house of Patiala. Along with Kufri and Shimla, Chail are collectively called as the "Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh". What adds to the perfection of this place is less number of tourist visitors, although the hill station is surrounded by two popular hill stations of north India. Thus, one can spend quality time with the gratuity of nature and its lively heritage of wild flora and fauna. Chail's wildlife sanctuary attracts a large number of nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Easily spottable animals like Himalayan black deer; common langur, sambar, goral, wild boar etc await your presence to have a look at their grace and the vast green fields. It is an ideal place for the trekkers as lots of trekking trails lead from Chail to Shimla, Choor Peak, Kali Temple and other places. Angling another popular activity is undertaken in Giri River, which is few kilometers away from Chail. It is also a popular pilgrimage, as many tourists and locals visit KALI KA TIBBA, which is a famous Shrine in Chail, every year. One of the best times to visit this hill station is June itself. So hurry! And pack your bags for a getaway this weekend!
On Monday, the members of the Delhi University Teacher's Association (DUTA) along with the scholars and students of Delhi University held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar demanding the withdrawal of the controversial Academic Performance Indicators (API) system and UGC Gazette Notification .
There have been innumerable protests which have been the talk of the town for last one month. The newspaper headlines are filled with the news of delayed results and their boycott in the admission process. This is because of the amendments ad changes made by the government in the contentious API and increase in working hours.
The teachers are worried about their job security as many posts are being cut short in colleges. Moreover, according to DUTA, the increase in the number of direct working hours will reduce the requirement of excess staff and the appointed teachers will be overburdened, reducing the efficiency of the staff, thus, further degrading the education system. Earlier, direct working hours included lectures, practicals, project supervision and tutorials, all of which were treated equally, but tutorials have now been removed, and the definition has been narrowed down to "Lectures/Practicals/Project Supervision" .As per the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges and measures for the maintenance of standards in higher education) Regulations, 2010, the number of teaching hours has been increased. An Assistant Professor who was earlier required to teach 16 hours weekly will now have to work 18+6 hours and Associate Professors and Professors who worked 14 hours - including time spent on tutorials and practicals, will now have to work 16+6 hours and 14+6 hours respectively.
More changes have been proposed by API which has caused further restlessness for teachers.
Reduction in number of seats for teachers from various Colleges under DU:
- Teaching posts have reduced to 13.4 per cent from 20 in physics department of Miranda House
- Hindi department of Miranda will lose about 40.9 per cent of teaching posts
- Shri ram College of Commerce will lose 49.4 per cent of teaching positions
- Hindi department in Deshbandhu College will lose upto 49.8 per cent teaching positions
- Political science department at Ramjas will lose 44.1 per cent and English at Kirori Mal, 39.5 per cent of its teaching posts
Changes to be implemented (Teachers' context):
- Introduction of students' evaluation of teachers
- Only students with more than 75 percent can evaluate their teachers
- Under teaching/learning/evaluation, a teacher is expected to have 100 points as an assistant professor
- Associate professors are expected to have 90 points in the same category
- Professors are expected to have 80 points
The Teachers' Union are protesting against the amendments proclaimed by the UGC. DUTA is a democratic body and we will not let the government decide our fate." DUTA President Nandita Narain told The Citizen. She further added that the decision to boycott the evaluation was taken after the UGC notification was put before the General body and All Staff Association in a meeting which was held last week. The HRD Ministry is trying to protect the UGC by giving a view that it will make things more flexible and assured that the said changes will not result in any retrenchment of the staff members, yet the teachers continue to conduct mass protests and has taken the issue to higher authorities.
Attacking the new rules, the memorandum, signed by DUTA president Nandita Narain and secretary Saneep, said: "Any teacher who is interested in 60 points will have to teach 600 hours per year or 300 points per semester. In a semester of 15 weeks, this works out to 20 hours a week... it will be impossible to meet (the target) even if a teacher takes no leave at all, does not fall ill, does not enrol herself in Refresher Courses or do Research Projects."
The mass protests and delay in results has become a situation of worry for the students, especially for the sixth semester. Final year students are sceptical about their results and worried as they seek admission in post graduation courses after the completion of graduation in DU. They are supposed to submit the marksheet by mid of August, both in Indian and foreign educational institutions, which isn't seeming feasible, as per the going trends.
The teachers are boycotting the new admission process which may delay the new session of the next batch, creating problems for all.
It is high time to come to a final solution to this issue which is running wild from last month so that all the other significant tasks may resume smoothly again. It is hard to say what is right and what is wrong, but even the right idea can degrade the education system if not implemented properly. Past is the clear witness of how vague changes in the system like the initiation of FYUP have experimented with the lives of students and teachers alike. Therefore, the changes should be made with deep thought and with the proper strategy of needful implementation.
Religion is a highly mistaken concept in contemporary world. Religion is related to the kind of clothes worn, the language spoken, the traditions and rituals followed and so on and so forth. India, the land of Unity in Diversity is a colourful country where every religion has the right to live peacefully. Religious diversity and religious difference are both established in the country by law and custom. The constitution of India has declared the right to Freedom of Religion as a fundamental right.
Religion, according to people, is following a particular set of culture and ideas, as prescribed by the Godman or their elder generations. More precisely, it is the blind faith in a supreme power that is different for groups of people. Right from the birth of a child, he is deemed to follow the ongoing traditions followed by his family. Even before beginning any activity, he has become a victim of social norms, unaware of its existence. He is told not to question or raise a finger against any custom, no matter how illogical it may seem. Any objection is considered as the ultimate sin of human life.
What exactly religion is? Is it just the separation of human race on the basis of outer pretence? Not at all.
I fantasize the time when Hindu and Muslim actually shared a brother like bond which shattered after the British's raj on Divide and Rule policy. Turn to the history and facts, 2002 Gujarat Hindu- Muslim riots, Ayodhya temple scuffle and daily communalism incidents have shook the country. The protests take the form of mass violence and molestation between the communities.
Everybody is commercialising his own brand of what he calls 'God'. People are coming forward to prove that their God is the best. This is complete lunacy. Doesn't anyone remember the old age adage, "God is one". The situation has become so grim that it has become a global issue and many movies, for instance Oh My God, PK by Aamir Khan, has projected the issue and tried to bring about a change in the attitude of common people. It is a satire on the Godman and their methodologies to attract people and both condemn religious fraudsters that divide and rule.
The act of terrorism and riots is a result of safeguarding our personal religion and taking revenge from the people of other religion who did absolutely no wrong to us, but the past assumptions of wrongful acts without any concrete proof leads to hatred, which is unbreakable and it pushes people to show their act of cruelty. Even the smallest simple acts are wrongly interpreted and results in rage and anger. The mafias, for their self- interest, use religion as a weapon to conquer the trust of innocent people and add them to their plan. This blind faith has dragged us from our rationality, logic and righteousness.
We believe everything we are told. How are you going to justify the influence of rich people on religious people? We only pretend at religious places to prove that we are a prime devotee. But how good it is to pour water, milk, and other eatables in abundance in holy places when our fellow beings are dying of hunger and starvation? Religion isn't about showing off, it is about true and pure feelings which aim to bring good for everyone.
The so- called Godmans have indeed started a business, simple and easy. Rightly pointed out in PK, this is indeed 'dar ka business.' God fearing people are easily tricked by others in stressed situations and they go blind in faith as they do not want their soul to depart in Hell. These manipulations have killed the human instinct of fearlessness and logic. They have become victim of orthodoxy.
The true religion is the religion of Humanity. Read the Holy Scriptures written by highly knowledgeable and worthy people, and you'll know that each blessed and powerful soul focused on the same principles of Humanity and goodness. Humanity is above all considerations.
I don't advocate the absence of God. Yes, there is the supreme power acting on the Universe, controlling everything day in and day out. He created us, not to fall prey to wrong tactics, but to share the values of love and brotherhood and make this world a better place to live in. This discrimination and separation only make us immoral human being, unworthy of the cause of our existence.
Believe in God, respect him and focus on his teachings but don't let it be your weakness. The true values make us stronger and focused. Don't let any other person take undue advantage of your faith.
Live simply, walk humbly, love genuinely, help kindly and always do the good of others. That's the act of true devotee. Don't act out of fear, but with due regard and love. Make this place a better to live in.
Few days ago, nearly 400 people were arrested for creating a huge ruckus in the streets and looting over food shortages in the capital city of Surce, Venezuela. During this food war, many people were reportedly marked dead by the local media, which is not accepted to be truthful by the authorities. More than 20 businesses were plundered and the local authorities claimed this act of "vandalism" to be inspired from a right-wing faction within the country's opposition, as reported in a national daily. "I have no doubt they paid them, this was planned." This statement was not something new to be heard, as the filthy game of politics, there is rule of making irrational and insensitive accusations over the opponents. But by taking a deeper look into the matter, the sense of fatality seems to have grounded the locals who are the sufferers in this drowning state of the nation. With desperate masses shouting out "We want food!" protests and melees at shops have spread across Venezuela in recent weeks, caused by severe shortages. This was one out of the tenth situation that had prevailed in the country and dreaded the entire nation, which are already suppressed under brutal recession and the highest inflation rate across the globe. Searching for reasons for this current fiasco, people have claimed this situation to be a result of failed attempts of the 'socialist economy policy' of the Maduro's and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez are to be blamed.
But how had all this begun in the country, which is now in the state of devastation and curbed downed in productivity?
Shortages in Venezuela have been quite prevalent since decades, following the miscarried enactments of price controls and other socio-economic policies since the time of Hugo Chavez's rule. Further, under the order of Nicolas Maduro, the failed policies of prices, massive importing and the major chunk hoarded by the government of the US dollars, made Venezuela fall short of various necessities in terms of daily food products like milk, various types of meat, coffee, rice, oil, butter prices, which had hiked and even personal hygiene products and medicines had fallen short in terms of supply. As a result of such mismatch, the Venezuelans have to wander around for food, wait in lines for hours and sometimes settle without having certain products.
All this had commenced in the year 1983, when CIA director Bill Casey made a deal with Saudi Arabia, in return for the latest American weapons, Saudi Arabia agreed to open the crude spigots which crippled the Soviet Union's economic dependency, which had turned out to successful. But this had resulted in severely damaging the oil prices worldwide thus affecting other oil exporting countries including Venezuela, as well. As the oil prices collapsed, the economy of Venezuela had contracted facing sky rocketing inflation rates.
Inflation was at its highest, in the 1990s when it settled at 100% in 1996 and made the entire nation become a land of poor accompanied by helpless governing. This was the phase when Hugo Chavez came into power and made attempts to cool down the burning economy, by introducing economic control mechanism of capital flight, which had successfully reduced inflation by 25% annually.
Capital flight: It implies that the citizens are transferring their money or their assets to other countries in order to protect their finances from the increasing rate of taxes or the government that is on a verge to default on its debt. This is largely done by middle class and the upper class people in a socialist country, as the upper class people do not want to share their assets and thus decide to transfer its personal resources to other nations.
Thus majority of capital flight from Venezuela was been transferred to Florida, US, which was almost equivalent to a full year's worth of income, due to the rich stability of US dollars and lack of confidence in the Venezuela's citizens and investors. One of the major consequences of the controlling policy of capital flight was shortage of domestic wealth in the country which resulted into a sharp decline in the foreign exchange rate, i.e., devaluation of the nation's currency. Implicating, a higher capital flight leads to a higher devaluation of the national currency. As the currency is devalued, the citizens lose a huge chunk of their assets and income particularly, which further declines the purchasing power of the common man and also creates the situation wherein the importers are worse off. This final phase translates into an ever-growing inflation trap.
Chavez's failed controlling policy of capital flight had devastated the economic and the financial stability of the country. To make up for his mistake, Chavez tried to restructure the role of government in the capital market by its meticulous intervention. This means that the government had used its own foreign reserves to purchase its own currency and stabilizing the existing domestic currency. The birth of CADIVI had happened back then, a state run exchange bill which granted its citizens with limited amount of US dollars in the times of when a person had to travel to US, purchase listed import goods or pay off foreign debts etc. But to no avail, this system had a loophole which was already detected by the opportunists, who had collectively established a black market for US dollars. Now the local citizens had purchased the US dollars from the government by forging a flight ticket to US to meet the criteria and then selling these dollars at a hiked price, and earning huge profits from such activity. All this had encouraged the economy bubble to increase and further declining the value of Venezuelan Bolivar currency. This exchange mechanism had also empowered the local importers to sell both the imported as well as domestically produced goods to the nearby country of Columbia and get US dollars in return which could be sold in local black market to earn huge fortunes. Thus, import and export of local goods had become a lucrative business for many. The aftereffect of this was shortage of food in the country itself since the import quantity was so high that it had made the local goods to be depleted below the sustainable lines. In January 2015, the hashtagAnaquelesVaciosEnVenezuela or EmptyShelvesInVenezuela was the number one trending topic on Twitter in Venezuela for two days, with Venezuelans posting pictures of empty store shelves around the country. The reality had shocked the world that the country was dying out of lack of basic facilities followed by eruption of national health care crisis as well. The country still seems to be struggling with the same and entangled in a vicious circle of interwoven economic aspects leading to consistent inflation which has been translated into an apocalypse for the country.
All of this had started to be flashed into several media channels, when Maduro's government was extensively being criticized for its failed attempt to curb down inflation which had doubled the rate to 56% now. The Democratic Unity Alliance (several different parties had joined their hands to slaughter only one enemy, Maduro) has left no stone unturned to show their antagony through public demonstrations. To bring an end to the fixed currency rate system,which established by the Chavez government, Maduro decided to call for another financial consultant which had asked the government to open its foreign exchange market, thereby devaluating the domestic currency through its normal global rates, which would have eventually lead to hyperinflation which would bring an end to this so called beneficial policy. Facing riots and mass agitation, by the crowds of upper and middle class people, this policy has not come to power and the country still breaths in the polluted air of an inefficient system. By 2016, experts feared that Venezuela was possibly entering a period of famine, with President Maduro encouraging Venezuelans to cultivate their own food. In January 2016, it was estimated, that the scarcity rate of food was between 50% and 80%.The newly-elected National Assembly, primarily composed of opposition delegates, "declared a national food crisis. Also, Many Venezuelans then began to suffer from shortages of common utilities, such as electricity and water due to the prolonged period of mishandling and corruption under the Maduro government, as claimed.
High inflation and scarcity of basic resources are the issues that continue to persist in this country which is doomed by the ignorant measure taken by its ruler and their abortive policies. The dominance of the Maduro government in the next elections as well, serves to haunt the local citizens who are dying out of lack of food and lack of choices. Justifying the shortages in the name of "economic war" by accusing US for the country's deserted state seems like the only measure taken by the government to cover up its "crimes against humanity".
All that one can hope for that, such bloody riots and the ignorance on the part of the government, takes the shape of a transition to democracy rather than declaration of a civil war in the country.
Youth stabbed to death in a busy street, as people were recording it live
On Wednesday, 22 June, a man was beaten and stabbed to death in a busy street of Karnataka, while his friends were trying to help him escape out of the beating. However nobody except them came forward to help him. Infact, majority of the bystanders who have witnessed the event were recording it on their cell phone! (Hello? The man is being killed in front of your eyes, did you notice that?). But why was he brutalized to this extent? At 4.30 pm yesterday, a man identified as Dhanush by the local police in Hassan, 185 kms from Bengaluru, was allegedly staring at a young woman at a bus stop when two men took the offense and got into a verbal quarrel with him. Following which, Dhanush had called his brother and two friends for help and a fight broke out between these two groups. Then, Dhanush's brother, Sudeep, was stabbed. On camera, he can be seen bleeding profusely. At the bus stop nearby, people stand and watched, but nobody came to help or make the situation under control, as reported. Senior police officer Rahul Kumar told NDTV that the attack stopped only when a police team arrived."A case was registered yesterday and five of them have been booked and arrested," he said. It may sound legit to the soul of a feminist, that the man had deserved it, but without proper evidence and no legitimate right to take law and end someone's life, the act is no less than a crime.
Dying hopes on Humanity
Many of such incidents have shattered the hopes on humanity and raised the questions on insensitivity of the onlookers. A similar case had occurred two years back, when a 19-year-old laborer was allegedly stabbed to death by a man in a busy market in Southeast Delhi's Dakshinpuri area, in the day light. According to police, the victim, Raju Pandey, had gone to the market for lunch when he reportedly entered into a scuffle with the accused named, Ashu, over money. The argument took an ugly turn when Ashu had allegedly taken out a knife and stabbed Raju, a police officer had reported. Moreover, police said that an onlooker recorded a video of Raju lying in a pool of blood instead of rushing him to the hospital. The video showed Raju lying on the road shouting for help as people stood around looking at him bleeding.
"The family of the deceased alleged that the onlookers let their son bleed to death. They said no one rushed him to the hospital. Instead they were recording a video. They waited for the PCR van to reach and rush him to the hospital," a police officer said.
A man is stabbed to death, road rages, catastrophic accidents, woman being harassed, elderly couple being abused, animals physically tortured, a foreign tourist stabbed to death or students falling prey to racism being physically abused etc are few of the categories of such recorded videos which went viral online when the proud onlookers had unashamedly done this act of timidity and insensitivity.
Reasons for Ignorance
All these incidents only raise one question, as to what makes the people so insensitive to such brutality. The foremost reasons are:
- Gaining Popularity and thus easy money-making idea, as the news channels most likely desire to have such live videos to showcase on their media channels, exclusively to catch thousands of eyes. Also, by simply putting the video online on social media platforms and YouTube and thus earn themselves with some credit and an 'intangible' boost with the number of likes and comments on the posted videos, with millions watching the video, encourage this imbecile outlook.
- Reluctance to help the victim, is usually common among the eye-witnesses, mostly because of they think that they might get involved in investigation related to the accident and as a consequence of which, they will be questioned unnecessarily from the authorities implying a huge wastage of time and energy which they could have devoted to their work and busy –ongoing lives. Also the lay back attitude of relying on others to help the sufferer often ends with no one extending their helping hand towards him.
- 'Why should I help' attitude is quite common among those who stop by for some time and when the 'show' is over they move ahead with their work. People are too cold to show their pity or sympathy towards such misfortune, rather they just add to the hordes of casual onlookers watching the pandemonium and then move ahead, acknowledging their heads with the grief towards the rising intolerance in the country.
- Ineffective implementation of Samaritan Law, which offerslegal protection to people who give reasonable assistance to those who are, or who they believe to be, injured, ill, in peril, or otherwise incapacitated, is largely not implemented in India. Often, they are subject to ill-treatment and tedious question-answer sessions held under police custody which makes them unwilling to redo such noble cause again.
Bringing about a Change
Fortunately, The Good Samaritan Law has been only recently being approved by the Supreme Court (w.e.f. 30 may 2016) issuing guidelines by the Centre for the protection of Good Samaritans at the hands of the police or any other authority.
Some of its benefiting guidelines, as mentioned, are:
- The Good Samaritan will be treated respectfully and without any discrimination on the grounds of gender, religion, nationality and caste.
- Any individual, except an eyewitness, who calls the police to inform them of an accidental injury or death need not reveal his or her personal details such as full name, address or phone number.
- The police will not compel the Good Samaritan to disclose his or her name, identity, address and other such details in the police record form or log register.
- The police will not force any Good Samaritan in procuring information or anything else.
Hopefully, this shall encourage the onlookers to come forward and help the ones suffering without fearing to invite troubles to them.
Such reluctance and shamelessness by both the onlookers and the local authorities has to be dealt with sternly. As, nearly 50 % of the road accident victims and those who die due to a quarrels held in public areas is due to the negligence of those who were present at the 'blood'-y sight. On the part of the victims, to help themselves, by seeking aid from the onlookers, they should understand the 'Bystander effect 'and point at someone to help them. The game of 'pin-pointing; will make the onlooker feel responsible enough to help the one crying for it and come forward from the crowd.
Bystander's Effect: The bystander effect, or bystander apathy, is a social psychological phenomenon that refers to cases in which individuals do not offer any means of help to a victim when other people are present. The probability of help is inversely related to the number of bystanders. In other words, the greater the number of bystanders, the less likely it is that any one of them will help. Several variables help to explain why the bystander effect occurs. These variables include: ambiguity, cohesiveness and diffusion of responsibility. (This is what happens in most of the busy streets of India, too many eyes, but no hands)
With the necessary reforms in the legal structure and embed 'more' sensitivity towards such incidents, many lives can be saved. As rightly it's said, ignoring a crime is same as committing one.
Next time don't think about sharing the video, kindly care to share your concerns whenever you see a needy lying helplessly in front of the mass.
Over the years, education in India has been made available for everyone almost throughout the country. And yet, there still are places where children have no means of education, or even a wish to choose education. They are influenced by the people and lives around them and have very little to their imagination they could dream to be. Or in some places where they often fall into a life of crime, and instead dream of becoming a gangster or mafia in their own area, so that they do not have to live a difficult life as the one they had in their childhood.
Such is also the painful story of the kids growing up in the slums of Mumbai. Here the kids have a hard life, living a life of anonymity, striving to survive, where their parents have to work day and night to put food on the table, leaving the children to run wild which often results in them fall into the clutches of local goons and slum lords who lead them astray or into a life of crime. The distractions are many and role models few.
A Mumbai school for the underprivileged has taken up the initiative to put efforts to engage and educate the children so they can lead a better life and dream of a future that is commendable, by bringing education to the children at their doorsteps. Yes, the Door Step School has taken the big leap to change the present and to make 100 percent literacy a reality. This is a group of people whose main motivation in life is 'service to society' and they believe the best way to do so is to usher in a wave of knowledge that engulfs the future of our nation – the children.
Door Step School was founded by the duo Mrs. Rajani Paranjape and Ms. Bina Seth Lashkari in 1988-89, Maharastra. Now they run two chapters of the school- in Mumbai and in Pune. They came up with an interesting initiative to encourage and motivate children to study. India is a country where the lanes and streets are named after famous peoples who have been role models for many people in many ways. But these kids in slums have very little or nothing where they could look for proper and right role models. Door Step School realized that these kids needed real role models, so why not the very kids who were beating the odds everyday by staying in school and excelling. They themselves could be potentially famous children. So what they did is, the teachers identified the most promising students and named hitherto no-name alleys and narrow streets in the slums after kids, who are academic achievers or have made the effort to rise above their circumstances to study.
The Local Corporators joined hands with the Door Step School in this initiative. Innovative initiatives like these serve the purpose of rewarding kids for their efforts and creating role models for other children to enroll in school. Felicitating them also serves the purpose of getting them to stick with academics and focus on building careers. The entire slum community were invited at these road-naming ceremonies and even some famous people graced it with their presence. Also the parents of these kids were celebrated as they too contributed their part by toiling day and night for them.
This road naming activity has so far been carried out in three slum localities of Mumbai which are, the Balasaheb Ambedkar Nagar Chawl at Cuffe Parade, Hiranandani Akruti Chawl in Govandi and Maharashtra Nagar Rickshaw Stand Chawl in Mankhurd, and over a dozen of streets are named after kids who now live for a new dream, not to choose the corrupt path but be role models and successful people in life. These very slums that used to be the signs of depression and hopelessness are now turning into places and sources of inspiration in the society.
Dog meat eating has existed in China for more than 500 years, where it was once a traditional delicacy, it was however dramatically declined, but the festival has only taken place since 2009. Every year on 21 June marks the beginning of the time when humanity was slaughtered, shedding blood of the innocents. The Lychee and Dog meat Festival, commonly regarded as the Yulin's Dog Meat Festival, is being celebrated for the seventh time this year, despite of being symbolized as a disgrace over mankind and petitions signed in lakhs, pleading to let go off the faultless souls, who are howling in pain and dying with torture. "An estimated 10 million dogs are devoured across China each year, including around 10,000 that end up at the infamous Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which kicks off once again on June 21 in Yulin, Guangxi."
A portion of this meat comes from kidnapping and forceful abduction of stray and pet dogs across various parts of the city. These are then transported in a crowded, brutal and unsanitary atmosphere, sometimes from unknown sources, only to arrive at the festival sick, dying or dead, according to CNN. China's food safety administration bans selling meat from animals in these conditions. Prolonged exposure to unvaccinated dogs increases the chance of contracting the deadly diseases. Thus, the Yulin incidence of human rabies is most common among top ten cities of China, as reported. Hence, the Festival is criticized, to serve to be a threat to public health.
Why dog eating became a cultural practice in China?
Every culture has its culinary peccadilloes, and China has a long history of eating dogs, basically since 500 years ago, due to a belief of dog's meat possessing medicinal qualities as their meat is supposed to stoke the body's yang energy. Also, According to Chinese lore, eating dog meat stimulates 'internal heat, making it a food that wards off winters' cold'. But on the inaugural day to celebrate summer solstice, it's a superstition that's driving dog consumption : the meat is believed to bring good fortune and health. At Yulin, hotpots are fired up, lychees peeled and liquors poured with the dog meat served in good supply. Harbourers of such tradition, butcher over 10,000 dogs by celebrating this cruelty over 10 days.
Authorities in Yulin claim that the Festival does not exist!
Gathering huge media attention, with people from different parts of the world fulminated against this practice in China, authorities in Yulin have claimed in their official statement that there was no such festival held, but only a "small gathering of locals celebrating a cultural practice with consuming the dog meat". Asking the government to intervene in between, they said that making a ban is not in their hands since it is conducted by private businessmen. Still believing in the power of morality over cruel, the petitions were addressed to the president, Xi Jinping seeking for justice of the nonsensical butchering of thousands of dogs. But, it seems like everything has fallen into deaf ears, as the 'non-existent' festival is celebrated this year as well, with nearly 10,000 lives being sacrificed in the name of traditional fallacies.
China doesn't have an Animal Protection Law
A draft law was being proposed in 2009, to punish the animal abusers with a fine with hefty amount and detention over two weeks. But to date, the National Congress has not signed the law, it has a "yet to issue" statement on it. However, the experts had clearly mentioned that it was illegal to trade such animals, which are treated as 'pets' and 'companions' under the regulations passed by the Ministry of Agriculture, which had also asked the requirement of laboratory quarantine for animals before transportation, a practice that's "rare to see," animal rights lawyer An Xiang told China Daily. Even more, many dogs are stolen, abducted, raised in households, making dog trade difficult to document (there are also dog farms, too). With no options left, the activists had to buy dogs which were illegally abandoned by the local traders at a huge amount.
This year, 1000 dogs were saved by the adamant dog protectors
There was a silver lightening in the city where the humanity was doomed upon, as the animal rights activists and the dog lovers had 'ruined the mood' at the Yulin festival by rescuing nearly thousand of caged dogs which were to become a meal for the festival. Human Society International (HIS) along with others had been buying the caged dogs which were ill-treated at the hands of their slaughter-master and traders. However, they had faced problems while buying the dogs as the traders became suspicious about the motive of their so-called ' buyers' and many were not willing to sell their stock believing that it would defeat the purpose and kill the celebrations. Unfortunately, all the dogs could not be saved, which made many of them cry at the scene of such massacre, where blood of the innocent flowed and people had prey to the almighty to let these souls rest in peace and not take a rebirth as a animal again in a country, which is proud in its achievements but is helpless to favour the interests of their own citizens. Every victory shall be short-lived without a cultural change. It is high time to recognize that dogs are 'friends', oftenly regarded as 'human companions'. How can you kill your own friends? The brutality has to stop.
Until, there is not adequate enforcement by the Government and the support of local authorities to show the rage against such disgraceful practice, China shall always live with a badge of dishonor, against its astounding conquests over the world.
United Kingdom's much-discussed demand to leave from the European Union(EU) had caused many squabbles in news . After being a part of the EU for 43 years since 1972 UK took a referendum to exit from this 28 member states fraternity, European Union. Much has been in question as to why and what has led to these circumstances. Till yesterday, the people emotions had been mixed on the question of Britain leaving the Union, as the nation was split almost equally over Brexit(Britain's Exit) and Bremen (Britain to remain) from EU. Yesterday on 23rd June UK held its referendum for the vote and the results are out. Brexit has won over Bremain, with the "leave" campaign securing 51.8 per cent of the vote. Now that Brexit is a reality what is going to happen next. Here's what we think all should know:
What was happening?
Britain was dealing with a love-hate relationship with the EU for decades. This decision of Britain to self-eject from EU is not a culmination of just 4 months of a heady campaign but 4 decades of latent Euroscepticism. So PM Cameron led the referendum as he had promised that he would after winning 2015 general election i.e., to decide whether to stay or to leave the EU. The election took place yesterday June 23, and as the counting process is complete today the result is in favour of Britain to exit from EU.
Why was the referendum needed?
Prime Minister David Cameron promised to hold a referendum if he won the 2015 general elections, in response to growing calls from his own Conservative MPs and the UK Independence Party (UKIP), who argued that Britain had not had a say since 1975, when it voted to stay in the EU in a referendum. The EU has changed a lot since then, gaining more control over their daily lives, they argued. Mr. Cameron said: "It is time for the British people to have their say. It is time to settle this European question in British politics."
Major Factors that led to Brexit
The "leave" campaign of Britain mostly focused on emotional arguments about immigration, but there are many other reasons which we think were considered as would benefit UK if it left EU.
- The EU was seen as a threat to the British sovereignty, as this also was very openly expressed by the majority Conservative politicians. Over the past few decades, a series of EU treaties had shifted a growing amount of power from individual member states to the central EU bureaucracy in Brussels. On subjects where the EU had been granted authority such as competition policy, agriculture, and copyright and patent law, it overrode the national laws.
- The EU was said to be strangling the UK in burdensome regulations, leading many critics to state that EU's regulations were becoming increasingly onerous.
- Many British Conservatives saw EU as an imposing left-wing, big-government policies on Britain, whereas some other on the British Left saw that EU's antidemocratic structure gave too much power to the corporate elites and prevented the British Left from making significant gains.
- EU law guaranteed that citizens of one EU country had the right to travel to another without any difficulty for living or job necessities. But the British people felt the impact of this rule increasingly since the 2008 financial crisis. The Eurozone had struggled economically which led the workers from Eurozone countries to flock in the UK in search of work. But this led to the decrease in the job opportunities for the native working population, hence, the immigration became such a politicized issue in Britain.
- While many Brexit supporters simply wanted to reduce the amount of immigration overall, many others argued that the UK could have a more sensible immigration system. EU rules require the UK to admit all EU citizens who want to move to Britain, whether or not they have good job prospects or English skills. This "leave" campaign advocated the admission of immigrants who would bring valuable skills to the country who could integrate well into the culture of Britishers.
- The UK could keep the money it currently sends to EU, that being said, currently the UK's contribution is about $19 million per year. The EU doesn't have the power to directly collect taxes, but it requires member states to make contribution annually to the EU Central Budget. While much of the money that the UK contributes is used in the services of the UK itself but Brexit supporters argued that it would be better for the UK to simply keep the money and let Parliament decide how to spend it.
What is the scene now?
Well, as a result of the referendum, after Brexit won maximum votes, Prime Minister David Cameron resigned today saying Britain requires a new PM to lead from now. The Cabinet will meet on Monday and a timetable for him stepping down will be drawn up. It is uncertain what will happen hereafter, since no country has left the EU before and the rules for exit are brief in the Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon. The Pound has crashed to the lowest since 1985 as sterling fell below $1.35 as London market opened today. Even France's economy has taken over UK's sending investors to flee to the safe haven of gold. This fall seems to be the worst in history.
Now, it will take a minimum two years for UK to leave the EU. During which it can continue to abide by the EU treaties and laws, however, won't be able to participate in any decision making. It will have to thrash out the terms of its departure. Issues will include what financial regulations will still apply to the City of London, trade tariffs and movement rights of EU citizens and UK nationals. The agreement will have to be ratified both by the European council and the parliament in Strasbourg.
Well, the consequences are very much uncertain now but according to many people in the EU, community believes that Britain quitting its membership can encourage other nations to follow suit with referendums of their own or deals of their own.
David William Donald Cameron (born on 9 October 1966), the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, is the leader of the Conservative party and the member of Parliament for the Oxfordshire constituency of Witney. Following the election of a hung parliament in the 2010 election, Cameron became the Prime Minister as the leader of the coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. He was re-elected as the Prime Minister in 2015 election where his party won majority votes for the first time since 1992.
The debate of Brexit vote has been an issue of agitation in the United Kingdom for ages. Campaigners have worked against the Europian Union( EU) ever since the UK joined the common market in 1973.
The referendum carried by Mr. Cameron, delivered a shock victory for the Leave campaign. Mr Cameron, who was in stark support for continuing with the common market as he feared that the separation from the Union may bring negative repercussions for the country, resigned from his reputed post via an explanatory statement outside 10 Downing street.
The issue hounded John Major's premiership, lay dormant through the Tony Blair years before rearing its head once again as the economy turned sour at the end of the last decade.
David Cameron was keen to move his party away from 'banging on about Europe' after he became the leader. But once, he felt an urgent need for the referendum as this topic was gaining huge momentum among the masses. Brexit, a term simply coined long back, became a mainstream political movement in Britain. The prime minister finally committed to an EU vote in January 2013 with what has become known as his Bloomberg speech, promising to renegotiate and then call a referendum by the end of 2017. He was over optimistic and confident that this issue might settle down soon and people would not give a cry for it. But the opposite happened. In his Prime Minister campaign, he tasted victory partially on the promise of a referendum, which made it simply impossible for him to back off.
The results shocked everyone. Over 33 million people from England, Scotland, whales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar participated in the poll election and over 52% of the votes were in favour of Brexit. At the outbreak of his speech, he exclaimed, "I think the country requires a fresh leadership to take it in this direction."
Though, he ended on a very peaceful note, he literally broke into emotions at the time of his speech. Serving as the Prime Minister of UK for six years, he was thankful to people who supported him and gave him a chance to work as a representative of the country. No matter what the decision came out to be, he optimistically carried on his speech saying, 'British people have made their choice that not only needs to be respected but those only on the losing side of the argument, myself included, should help to make it work."
Let us see what happens when the new government comes into force, and what happens with the new policy of Britain. Fingers crossed.
Presently being the 'targeted' face on the dart board of Subramanian Swami's, Indian politics' poster boy, Mr. Arivnd Kejriwal seems to have become a professional movie critique by explaining his thoughts on the latest Bollywood releases, from PK to Udta Punjab. No, the aim of his life is not just being a "Modi-basher" and ruining the already ruined, Delhi, but also, out of his 'busy' political career, he likes to go for the movies and shares his experience on his twitter handle as well. Despite his desperate attempts to steal away the limelight by posing to be 'controversial' by his actions and statements, Kejriwal's habit of watching and reviewing a string of Bollywood movies seems to be slammed by his followers on Twitter, who have never left any stone unturned, to add the humor to his miseries. The hashtag 'Kejrimovies' is running hot on Twitter now.
Here are few of his tweets, which have proved that the Delhi's Jhaadu Man, 'Kejru' is more than being a full-time CM. (Starting from the most recent reviews)
- "V interesting movie" @ShirishKunder
Spouse of Farah Khan and a Film maker (including Jaan-E-man and Joker), Shrish kunder's magical work on the short-thriller movie, Kriti, already gathered millions of eyeballs on YouTube as it went viral, last week. The movie holds an interesting yet a dangerous aspect of mind's self-created psychological twisted truths, starring the infamous actors, Manoj Bajpayee, and Radhika Apte. The movie seems to be very alluring that even Kejriwal got the time, to watch this 18 minutes thriller and review it with a limited expressing capacity.
- "Just watched Udta Punjab. V Powerful. Badals must watch it see what they have done to Punjab"
Ooooo! What a comeback, Mr. CM!
Already being subject to several controversies and being nearly 'banned', Nihalani's nightmare, Udta Punjab was able, to sum up nearly 10 crores on its first day and many had appreciated that the movie was worth it all. The movie seems to be a delightful experience for Mr. Kejriwal as well, who had not missed the opportunity in politicizing his beliefs while addressing his grief on the drug menace in Punjab.
- "Just watched PK. Excellent movie. Congrats @aamir_khan for handling such delicate subject so beautifully"
Even Delhi's CM loves you, Aamir. How could you ever think about leaving this country? *makes a wimpy face*
Pk, a satire on the prevalent conditions in the 'Mandir and Masjid' sector of our economy and how the religions have divided us since the inception of a supreme power, named 'God. Such well-knitted movie with interwoven controversial aspects seems to be well appreciated by even the too –sensitive 'Dharna – Man', Kejriwal, who calls the movie's subject to be 'delicate' (good observing powers, Sir) and well handled by our perfectionist, Aamir Khan.
- "Went to see Bang Bang with my family. Nice movie. Kids enjoyed it. Congrats @VishalDadlani"
Awww! Devoting quality time to your family, despite being levied with over-the- top and most of it 'unrequired' burden, Mr.Kejriwal seems to be the perfect 'Aam Aadmi'.
The Hritik Roshan starrer film, Bang Bang ("inspired" by the Hollywood film, Knight and Day) has been a treat to those who had left behind their brains at home and enjoyed the power-packed action and unmatchable dancing ability of Hritik, has been surely loved by the CM's kids as well!
But unfortunately their Dad had again become a subject to be ridiculed on the social media, and many doubting his abilities to be capable enough to rule the city.
"Bang Bang achi lagne wale ko Desh kaise chalane de?'' (How can we let someone, who likes the film Bang Bang rule the country'?), asked a curious yet a funny man on Twitter to Mr. Kejriwal. That's harsh! Sadly, there is no place for an innocent movie critique in this country.
This is not the end, as the all rounder, Mr.Kejriwal has also offered scrutinized 'filmi' reviews on the latest releases including Ajay Devgan starrer Drishyam to serious –subjected, Massan starring Richha Chadha as well. Follow the upcoming Bollywood movie critique, who also holds the qualification of a nagging Thulla on Delhi's roads of odd and even and the brand ambassador of 'Anti –Modi', to give his best analysis and 'non- corrupted' ratings on the movies you may think of watching in your free time.
Open up a newspaper and you are most likely to find a headline or a troll on Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. It looks like Kejriwal is obsessed with Modi, for some unknown purpose. There are Chief Ministers of other twenty-eight states too, but their poor chemistry and arguments are the talk of the town, maybe because Delhi and Union government share a dependent bond, Delhi being the Capital state of our motherland.
Mr. Narendra Modi is an extraordinary man with dream and vision for India. Despite his poor English vocabulary, he has the skill to grasp the attention of foreign Ministers and tie up with them. He is an excellent orator who has impressed the entire world with all he has.
On the other hand, Arvind Kejriwal, too, is a much impressive personality. He jumped into politics and is currently working for the benefit of the citizens and trying his level best to keep all the promises made in the Manifesto.
But it is hard to understand why he is so engrossed with the PM. There is not a single interview of Mr. Kejriwal which does not feature Mr. Modi. Currently, the issue of Modi's degree was overrated in the media due to the continuous involvement of Kejriwal. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claims it has new documents to prove that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lied about graduating from the Delhi University and that a degree published by newspapers recently is "fake". The ruling BJP has said that the allegations are "too silly to respond to." Obviously, I don't get what will happen to raise such an issue in a country where qualification of a minister is not significant. I get it, Kejriwal might be hurt when the MLA of his party was taken to bars for a fake degree but why create a havoc on this issue?
Even if Kejriwal is correct on this issue, the entire covering of the issue has set everything wrong for him. If he has to pin- point the flaws of others, especially the one holding such a reputed place, he must come with complete worthwhile evidence. There is no point passing such ordinary and insignificant statements. He needs to learn a bit of political professionalism.
There was again a tussle when Arvind Kejriwal and the Congress warned the Prime Minister against allowing Pakistani investigators to visit the Pathankot Air Force base have proved justified. The PM's "lack of knowledge of the intricacies of diplomacy," stands exposed, stated Anand Sharma of the Congress, after reports that the Pakistani team has concluded that India staged a deadly terror attack in January at the base, and then tried to "malign Pakistan" by stating that the six terrorists were from across the border. Once again, he pointed out his finger against Modi. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the CM should tender for an unqualified apology to the Prime Minister for using words like the coward. In response, Manish Sisodia exclaimed, "You take back your actions, we will take back our words." Only God knows when these unimportant quarrels are coming to an end.
These never-ending arguments are not just destroying the general environment of Delhi but are resorting to more confusion and enmity. Both of them should share a better and peaceful work environment, focusing on the betterment of the country rather than their own personal bothering. This is expected from every politician, bureaucrat and citizen but indisputably, it is most suitable for them.
Hopefully, this possessiveness will come to an end sometime and we will be able to see them working together, no matter how impossible this statement seems right now.
The "TROLLING 2.0" has been all set to break through the list of controversies and attain a position of being the top-most theme on Twitter. Those in support of ' TROLLKEJRIWAL' party, again have got an opportunity to nag down the CM, who seems to be running wild over his spree of buffoonery and his 'can't-be-ignored' statements on the mini-blogging site which has always catch an undue attention by the 'Twitterati'.
As the world was giving their own set of thoughts and philosophies on how good or bad the triumph of 'Brexit' could be on the people of Britain and its economy, there comes our honorable Delhi's Chief Minister to again steal away the glory and be entitled to the category of a 'controversy' drama queen, as he again used his limited –character speech delivering platform, Twitter, to let people know about his profound views and bow before his trembling political career.
The self-invitation to thriving sarcasm and becoming one of the most trolled Indians on social media, was when Mr. Kejriwal had used the podium called Twitter and uttered " After UK referendum, Delhi will soon have a referendum on full statehood "
Keeping his words (which is rare to be seen), Mr.Kejriwal has already submitted a draft bill proposing full statehood for Delhi in May 2016!
For now, no one has the slightest of idea, what the proposed bill has sought to mention but it seems to have pushed up the adrenaline levels among the Anti-Kejriwal Twitter accounts, who have yet again trolled the CM, to an incredible extent for his disabled-humorous sense. However, just like his previous tweets relating to 'anti-modi campaign', film reviews and half-aware knowledge on current political scenarios, Kejriwal has again proved to be a potatohead and mistakenly-turned Politician by heading as a recent-buzz on Twitter, which has notched-up high since 25th june ( after his controversial tweet).
His latest statement has even made many doubt about whether his twitter account is actually 'handled' by him or is just fake and made the 'anti-kejriwal' feel insecure about their jobs and losing out the chances of trolling him down, as his official account seems to be doing an incredible work already and snatching away their limelight. "Sometimes it's hard to believe this account is not parody account "was one such tweet grabbing the attention of many.
What could be the name of the campaign if Delhi had to hold such referendum? "#Dehxit #Dehxter? #Dehpart? "asked another troll targeting Kejriwal. Soon, after his tweet, Kejriwal seems to be the 'butt of all the jokes' one could have thought of, giving birth to a whole new format for ridiculous jokes including people asking referendum for whether AAP should exit the country, or a referendum on Kashmir South Mumbai or Bandra and also separation of groundnut from Bhelpuri (which is just too annoying for many) from all parts of India! (Hilarious!)
With his preposterous attempts to gather the elements of politics and entertainment together, even the comedians of greatest times might hail before him. Having an undeterred grit, he could even challenge Trump and 'save' America (as some Twitteratis suggests), with people howling 'the Reign of the Imbecile' in the country.
So hold on to your seats and grab your popcorn, as Kejriwal: The Funny Man, shall be back again onto your television sets, being flashed on every news channel and leave you ask for more reasons to lose out faith on Indian politics.
For past few weeks, the whole world is listening and seeing what is going on with UK and EU. Britain's decision to lead a referendum and then winning the Brexit has shocked some, whereas, pleased some. Most of you might already know a lot about Brexit but here are a few facts you might not know:
- A large number of voters at the referendum voted at their gut instinct. They weren't able to choose any side mainly because, for many, this referendum had become a question not about what would happen to UK if it left, but about what kind of people voters wanted to be. The 'Remainers' believed in community, and tend to define it as broadly as Europe, or even more globally. They gave primacy to the need for countries to work together. They believed that ceding a certain amount of control leads to freedom, and feared that Britain outside EU would become a closed fortress. Whereas, the 'Leavers' feared that Britain inside EU lacked sovereignty and control over its destiny. They believe in community too, but also believe that seizing control of their governance is the only way to achieve what's important for the country. Irrespective of the result, a big part of the country feels aggrieved.
- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said two days after UK voters decided they wanted to leave EU, that he'd like to start immediately on the strategy of Britain's exit. Foreign ministers from EU's six founding countries met in Berlin to discuss the speed and strategy of Britain's exit. According to Juncker, it didn't made any sense to wait until October to try and negotiate the terms of their departure, since the Britons already made a decision to leave in the referendum.
- A lot of economists and analysts at the UK treasury, the IMF, the OECD, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, among other institutions strongly believed and still think that leaving EU would harm the British Economy mainly because of trade. A far larger share of the UK's exports go to the EU than vice versa. Leaving the EU's free-trade block puts a big chunk of these goods and services at risk, were tariffs or other barriers to be imposed on them. Many European leaders don't seem keen to cut friendly deals with a post-Brexit Britain. From Banks to Car-makers, many multinational businesses say that Brexit would put their jobs at risk.
- Britain's trading options with EU after Brexit. One option would be EEA membership—the so-called Norway option—which would give Britain trade with the EU almost as unfettered as it has now. Another option might be a more limited set of bilateral agreements, like those agreed between Switzerland and the EU. Other option could be a free trade agreement such as those that the EU has with South Korea or South Africa. Most trade with the EU would be tariff-free, but the big barriers to trade caused by "behind the scenes" protectionism—discrimination against foreign companies' bids for public contracts, for example—would go largely untackled. And finally, the UK could trade with the EU under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules in order to regain as much sovereignty as possible.
- Curb on immigration after Brexit completely depends upon the trade arrangement Britain will negotiate with the EU. EEA membership would require Britain to remain open to immigrants from the EU, as would a Swiss-type agreement. As to curb immigration being a big reason for leaving the EU, it seems unlikely that Britain would opt for either of these two arrangements. On the other side the EU would probably insist a customs union with Britain that will come at the price of continued free movement, which is highly unlikely, therefore if Britain were to opt for a free trade agreement it might have some scope to control immigration from the EU. The only situation in which Britain would certainly be free to limit immigration is if it opted to trade under WTO rules, which would maximise economically damaging trade barriers with the EU. Britain would face an invidious choice: damage its economy by leaving the single market entirely, or allow free movement to continue.
- Some regions will have more to lose from Brexit than others. Around 40 per cent of the EU's budget is used to spend on developing the infrastructure and industries of the Union's poorer regions. If Britain after leaving the EU, fails to agree a free trade deal in goods, the northeast and other manufacturing regions would face EU tariffs, weakening their economies. Meanwhile, if Britain made a deal on goods trade with the EU but no services agreement is struck, London would be more badly hit, because 8 per cent of London's private sector activity comprises export of services, largely financial, to the EU.
- More than two and a half million people have signed a petition demanding a second EU referendum after an MP called for Parliament to refuse to ratify Brexit. Most Brexit voters are regretting after they voted Britain out of EU. According to Professor Vernon Bogdanor, a prominent constitutional expert, a second referendum is "highly unlikely". He also told The Telegraph that he doesn't thinks that EU might want to bargain any further, they will take the already cast vote to be final.
- Brexit might as well lead to Scoxit. It is not necessary, but it is possible, as Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader, had promised another referendum if Britain voted to leave the EU against the wishes of Scots. But would Scots really want an EU border with their largest trade partner, England? After four decades of EU membership, Britain's formal relationships with the rest of Europe are governed by a tangle of treaties, institutions and laws. The reach of the EU into British life is so far-reaching that Brexit would require a renegotiation of most of Britain's international obligations. A new trade agreement would have to be signed with the EU—and more than 50 with other countries outside Europe, to make up for those annulled by Brexit. So Scotland might—probably against its economic interest—leave the UK, which would lead to another round of political and economic turmoil.
Although, Brexit's affect on Britain are certainly quite unsung at the moment, we really hope these facts will aid to a better understanding of Brexit. We would really like to know what you think about these, please tell us in the comments below.
According to the latest report from Reuters News Agency, three suspected ISIS suicide bombers blew themselves up in Istanbul's main international airport on Tuesday, killing 36 people and wounding close to 150. According to Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, it appears the attack was carried out by Islamic State/ ISIS militants. It is clear the attackers were trying to target international travelers because Istanbul Atatürk Airport is one of the biggest and the third busiest airports in Europe and attacking this airport will lead to causality at an international level.
Speaking to reporters the Turkish Prime Minster Binali Yildirim said "It became clear with this incident again that terrorism is a global threat. This attack, targeting innocent people is a vile, planned terrorist act." He further added by saying "There is initial evidence that each of the three suicide bombers blew themselves up after opening fire." This is a common tactic used by suicide bombers because if one of them starts shooting the crowd will run towards the exits in great numbers making it possible to inflict mass causality.
The majority of killed and wounded so far have been Turkish nationals but there is a strong possibility that the dead and wounded could include foreign nationals. Again the attack was executed in the same manner as Brussels Airport terror strike which was again carried out by Islamic State suicide bombers back in April this year. Turkey's Islamist President Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement "The attack, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, shows that terrorism strikes with no regard for faith and values," and "The bombs that exploded in Istanbul today could have gone off at any airport in any city around the world."
So far no one has claimed responsibility for this latest attack but it has all the hallmarks of ISIS who are known for their brutal tactics. World leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned this attack. The PM posted the following on his official twitter handle "Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly."
The White House has witnessed the presence of one of the most influential people of the World so far. But, there is a different story attached to it too. There have been various cases of extra marital affairs by different Presidents. Feeling shocked!! Let us check a few examples ourselves, and know it right to believe this difficult- to- digest fact.
Thomas Jefferson (April 13 [O.S. April 2] 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776). He was elected the second Vice President of the United States (1797–1801 and in 1800 was elected the third President (1801–09). Jefferson was a proponent of democracy, republicanism, and individual rights, which motivated American colonists to break from Great Britain and form a new nation. He produced formative documents and decisions at both the state and national level. Sally Hemings was the enslaved woman of the President who is believed to be in a long extra marital relationship and six children with him, four of whom survived.
Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the USA. He was the first man to serve as the President for two consecutive terms. Cleveland was attracted by a 38 year old woman, Maria Halpin, who was working as a sales clerk at a department store in Buffalo. He was courting Halpin for several months and finally after continuous persistent efforts, they fixed a date. What happened next would now be called as a date rape, Cleveland assaulted Halpin and threatened her to dire consequences. After six weeks, the lady discovered her pregnancy and this was the illegitimate son of the President.
Caroline 'Carrie' Phillips was the mistress of Warren Harding, the 29th President of United States. After the affair came to light, Florence Harding, wife of the President felt betrayed and exclaimed that this was not the first time she discovered her husband's infidelity. To separate the two lovers and allow time for the respective marriages to be reconciled, the Phillips family returned to Europe, leaving the Hardings in Marion. The affair ended when Phillips blackmailed Harding during the senator's run for office. She is the only woman to have successfully blackmailed a major US political party.
He is believed to have another affair with Nan Britton. Her father, Dr. Samuel H. Britton, met the President and informed him about her daughter's infatuation towards him. Harding met her, and claimed that somebody she would meet the man of her dreams. At that point of time, Harding was already involved in a passionate affair with Carrie Phillips. After she graduated from High school, Britton moved to New York City where she began intimate relationship with Harding.
Following Harding's death, Britton wrote a book, The President's Daughter, published in 1928. This book featured the story of their daughter and she got it published to earn money to raise her child.
Lucy Page Mercer Rutherford is an American woman best known for her affair with President Roosevelt. In his book "Franklin & Lucy: President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd and the Other Remarkable Women in His life", Joseph E. Persico suggests that the affair between Franklin Roosevelt and Lucy Mercer, which was supposed to have ended in 1918, resumed even sooner than most scholars believed — indeed, that it may never have ended at all.
She and Franklin probably became intimate in 1916, but their affair came to light to the public at large in 1918, when Eleanor, unpacking for her husband, who had just returned from England with the flu, discovered a bundle of incriminating letters.
Kay Summersby (23 November 1908 – 20 January 1975) was a member of the British Mechanised Transport Corps during World War II, who served as chauffeur to Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Force Dwight D. Eisenhower, later as his secretary. The President and the lady came extremely close during the warfare. Some later writers spread the rumours that they had intimate relationship too, but those who them well denied it clearly.
It might be possible that Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe didn't have full- fledged affair, but they would have got intimate at least once. According to Marilyn Monroe's biographer Donald Spoto, Marilyn Monroe called her personal masseur, the actor Ralph Roberts, from the same bedroom where JFK was staying at Bing Crosby's house. Later at an interview, Spoto himself verified that Monroe has discussed about her sexual relationships with him.
She sung the traditional birthday song for the President in a ceremony 10 days before his birthday saying, "Happy Birthday Mr. President" for which the President was allured and said, "I can now retire from politics after having had Happy Birthday sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way."
Fitzgerald initially started as a secretary of George Bush and consequently became a lot more. She is called the 'other wife' or 'office wife' of the President. Rumours about them went up and down, but their affair is a sure shot news.
The affair of Clinton was like the show stopper in the series of affairs. It was unusually famous and popular amongst all.
In 1995, Monika Lewinsky, a graduate of Lewis and Clark College was hired as an intern in the White House in Clinton's first term and was later retained as an employee of White House office of Legislative Affairs. While working at the White House, she began her personal relationship with Clinton, which she later confided to a friend and Defence Department co- worker Linda Tripp, who secretly recorded their conversation.
A term Lewinsky scandal was coined as the American political sex scandal that came to light in 1998, describing the sexual relationship between the two. In his speech, Clinton declined that there is no such relationship and the allegations are false. President Clinton was held in civil contempt of court by Judge Susan Webber Wright for giving misleading testimony in the Paula Jones case regarding Lewinsky and was also fined $90000 by Wright. His license to practice law was suspended in Arkansas for five years and later by the United States Supreme Court.
History has a hoard store of mysteries and astonishing myths that keep surfacing from time to time. Some of them seem so unbelievable, but history also provides evidences in wondrous ways. One of such astonishing thing that I'm going to discuss here is about the Poison Damsels or Vish Kanya. Sounds weird, right? But apparently the mention of this subject has surfaced to our day today lives innumerable times in different ways. The most recent was, that in the tribal community and also some other communities of Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh, was found that these so called 'Vish Kanya' still exist today and that these girls make it a mission of their life to carry out this tradition unlike some other traditional practices which gradually subjected to extinction.
India seems to have a long tradition of belief in poison damsels. We have found evidences of it in literature, folklore stories and myths. Vish Kanya or Poison Damsels were described to be young, beautiful women reportedly used as assassins, often against powerful enemies, during the times of Ancient Indian Subcontinent. To consume poison in their meals is told to be normal, they had it in breakfast, in lunch and even in dinner. It was believed that it became impossible to sleep without the consumption of venom. Surely, a lot of you must have heard about it from your grandparents and read in stories that these extremely beautiful enticing maidens could breathe poison, venom flowed in their veins and that a mere touch of theirs could be as dangerous as an instant death. Dr. J. Jamshedji Modi in his article "The Story of Alexander the Great and the Poison-Damsel of India. A Trace of it in Firdousi's Shah Nameh" mentions of the types of poison damsels that have been recorded in various Indian and Persian writings. The types mentioned are:
- "A poison-damsel, in the original sense of the word seems to mean a damsel who does harm deceitfully in some way or other to another person."
- "She is one, born under an inauspicious configuration or conjugation of planets. So, she does harm to one who marries her. It is this view, that seems to have led, and even now seems to lead, many Indian parents to resort to an astrologer to ascertain, whether the planets, under the influence of which their children are born, are of the same conjunction or not. The happiness or otherwise of marriage depends upon that."
- "A damsel who is, in some way or other, so much poisoned or infected with a disease, that she is likely to convey her poison or infectious disease to the person, who has intercourse with her or who comes into some form of close contact with her, and to bring about his death. A woman infected with a venereal disease is a poison-damsel of this kind."
- "A damsel who has actually saturated her body with gradual doses of poison, and who, therefore, is in a state believed to be likely to convey the poison of her body, so saturated, to another person who comes into contact with her."
- "A damsel who treacherously captivates the heart of a person, and then actually gives him some poison in food or drink."
Existence in contemporary times
The recent discovery of existing poison damsels in Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh has led to various questions such as, even if these people consume venom, how is it that they survive the venom's effect and become immune to it whereas a mere drop can lead to the death of even a huge elephant. It is of questionable nature to think alone that can these poison damsels actually exist among us even today. Well, a recent study conducted by a News TV Channel shows that they do live among us. Also the study shows existence of poison man as well. In the jungles of Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh women are found to be using poison to fight off evil. Evil that takes the form of dark criminal minds that prey on their helplessness and take advantage of the situation. These women are also called the Snake women of the Santhal parganas, who attack intruders and threaten them with venom of snakes. These girls and women actually don't consume venom like it used to be traditionally, instead carry it around to protect themselves. The venom they carry is so effective that death comes almost instant. These young girls have to spend almost the entire day in the dense jungles either to collect firewood or leaves. The jungles are full of wild animals who could attack them at any time and there will be no one around to even help them, that is why they stick to measures as these, carrying around sharp pointed instruments loaded with snake poison, securely hiding them in their clothes either around their waist or in the form of amulets around the upper arms or neck.
History and Origin
Origin of poison damsels dates back to centuries earlier. We've heard in folklores and stories that Kings in ancient times used to select young girls when they were just babies to raise them up as Poison Maidens. So a carefully crafted diet of poison and antidote were given from a very young age. This practice is also called Mithridatism after the Greek Emperor Mithridates VI of Pontus, who practiced it to protect himself from enemies. Evidences of practice of Poison girls in India have been found in literary works of Chanakya, like in Arthasastra, in books, Sukasaptati, Chanakya's Chant, a Latin work called Secretum Secretorum. The story of attack on Alexander the Great by sending him a beautiful maiden(which in fact was a poison maiden) by an Indian King is popular. There are various versions of the story, three of them seemingly more authentic, in which a maiden is sent to Alexander as a gift, he is at once enticed by the beauty and wants to have her but the original motive behind sending her is seen through by Aristotle or another minister and Alexander is saved and the girl is killed. According to the historians, while raising these girls, many would not survive, those that did were immune to other poisons and their body fluids would be poisonous to others; sexual contact would thus be lethal to other humans. There also exists a myth that says a Visha Kanya can cause instant death with just a touch.
Current Practioners
The study conducted by the news channel showed, there were people some of which openly declared being a poison man or woman and some who thought it was better to remain concealed. Some among them who opened up were Peelu Ram and Ashok of Jashpur, Chhatisgarh etc., other were women who opened up but didn't disclose their name. They also made it clear that this practice was still being carried on not for any addiction or drug purpose, but only to preserve their tradition which is hundreds of centuries old and also want to pass it on to their younger generations. Even Historians like Santosh Panday and C.V. Daniel asserted that these people who are trying to preserve their traditions is a good thing.
How its done
For most people though (as it was my first question too) it was hard to believe as to how this practice was still carried on. How did the consumption of venom not kill them? Upon lots of queries these people have explained that since directly consuming the venom can burn out their veins and esophagus, so most of them dried the venom, churned it into powder and then consumed it little by little, and gradually when their system gets adapted they can even drink the venom directly and nothing would happen to them.
Similar practices from around the globe
This practice isn't just present in India, but in other countries as well. China being the most popular, but there they eat snakes not the venom alone, as they believe snake has medicinal properties which can control and cure blood pressure and heart diseases. Also an American scientist, Tim Freddie has researched upon the medicinal properties of venom and is trying to create an anti-venom vaccine, in the process of which he has bitten himself altogether 160 times by various dangerous snakes. He said it burns in his skin for a moment and there is little swelling around the bitten part, but they soon disappear since his body has also become immune to the snake poison.
Existence of people like these in one way seems unimaginable in modern days, but evidences like these leave you speechless. They are no less than super people with super capability, except for a fact that, in ancient times they existed to safeguard and protect the Kings and today they exist to protect and safeguard their traditions.
The rigorous adoption law makes it way more difficult for a single father, in India
Creating a bridge of norms, the law guiding the adoption procedure in India, has significantly made it difficult to carry on the noble caus of aboption for a single parent, specifically a male. The adoption law is under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956. Under this act, a single parent or married couple is not permitted to adopt more than one child of the same sex. Foreign citizens, NRIs, and those Indian nationals who are Muslims, Parsis, Christians or Jews are subject to the Guardian and Wards Act of 1890. Under this act, the adoptive parent is only the guardian of the child until she reaches 18 years of age. Also, the eligibility criteria for this nobility are that an adoptive parent should be medically fit and financially able to care for a child. A person wishing to adopt a child must be at least 21 years old. There is no legal upper age limit for parents but most adoptive agencies set their own benchmarks with regard to age. For a child who is less than a year old, the adoptive parents can have a maximum combined age of 90 years. Also, neither of the parent must be older than 45 years. And many such guidelines are must to be adhered under this law.
But, Tusshar Kapoor found a whole new way to embark the journey of a single father
The infamous Bollywood actor known for his comedy genre in Hindi movies, from Golmaal to Kya Super kool hain hum, has turned out to be an inspiration to all the Indian men, who long to have a child of their own and not just confined to practice of being married to have a child. Tushar has just opened up the third gate to those who wish to enjoy the experience of single parenthood, being a male. "Parenthood is now an option for many who choose to be single parents" says the proud father of a baby boy, who is named 'Laksshya'.
In the league of Sharukh khan and Aamir khan who have opted for Surrogacy, Tusshar kapoor seemed to be extremely elated at the glance of his baby boy, who is a gift of the process of surrogacy using IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. Dr Firuza Parikh, Director of IVF and Genetics at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, who led the treatment said, "I am impressed with Tusshar's determination to be a father. He maintained a keen interest in the baby's health at every stage. He will surely be a sensitive and nurturing parent. Recently, we have had many single men and women approved for parenthood. As a public figure, Tusshar's brave and bold decision will open the field of assisted reproduction making it accessible to not just single parents, but also to many who fervently desire to have a baby" in her talk with a national daily.
An in-flight chat with Prakash Jha, had sown the seeds to the thought of trying Surrogacy
Not many know that it was director Prakash Jha who enlightened and encouraged Tusshar about the latest medical process. Happy to finally realize his dream of becoming a father, Tusshar said, "Last year, I went to Tirupati temple. I happened to meet director Prakash Jha. We were in the same flight. He told me about this procedure (IVF) and how one could be a single parent using the same. He also introduced me to a family who had used surrogacy to have a baby. I felt inspired and decided to go in for the same."
The actor also said that he was in a hurry to become a parent. "I will be 40 this year and that is why I went ahead with what was told to me and I am happy that I took the right decision. My family is complete now," said Tusshar.
Newly become aunt Ekta Kapoor couldn't hold her joyfulness for long and took to the Twitter to share the first picture of 'Laksshya' with his grandfather and veteran actor Jeetendra 'who is seen kissing the forehead' and showering blessing on his first grandchild. Supportive to their son's courageous decision, the proud grandparents, Jeetendra and wife Shobha Kapoor are quite enthusiastic to welcome the youngest kapoor member to their family and assuring that he'll get the 'best father' as Tusshar has always been a dotting son to them.
The bold step to embrace parenthood taken by Tusshar Kapoor shall surely bring about a change in the societal-thoughts on single-parenthood, if not reforms in the present rigid adoption law in India.
Delhi University's first cut off list is out this Wednesday, i.e., 29 June, 2016 beginning the cycle of admission process and a big run for candidates to grab a seat out of the total 2.5Lakh applications submitted.
Though no college has kept its cut off 100 percent from last year, yet the cut off percentages are soaring higher. Ramjas College, a prominent and the oldest college of North campus, has the highest cut off demanding 99.25 for B.com( Hons), 98.75 for B.Com and 98.5 for Economics Hons.
Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), the most sought- after college for Commerce and Economics in the country, has a cut off percentage of 98% for B. Com hons which has shot up a bit from last year where the cut off was 97.375. The cut- off for Economics hons has sticked the same as before, 98.25.
Hansraj College has maintained fairly same cut offs as the previous year.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College has raised its cut off as compared to last year, with 99% for B.Sc in Electronics.
Miranda College has also kept its cut off almost same, highest being 97.75 in Economics Hons and 97.50 in English Hons.
The first cut offs are drastically soaring higher annually, shattering the hopes of many students who dream of DU. Crossing 90% is so normal that the marks have lost their value. More seats must be made available and the students must be counselled properly not to take it to their hearts and handle it calmly, after all this is not the end of your life. Many colleges soar up the first cut- offs intentionally, and then get back to normal in the subsequent cut- off lists.
It is the impact of rising cut- off list that students have started to accept the stark reality and are resorting to other colleges as well via entrance or merit. This is a wise decision, because there are many colleges at par with DU, but people neglect it out of lack of awareness or guidance.
This year, the cut offs are expected to be closed even earlier as a consequence of more students in the 90+ list in the Best Four Subjects (BFS). Let us see what happens in the next lists. Will it bring relief for the candidates or break their hopes immensely? This is tough to answer but indisputably, rejections are deemed to be more than selections.
Deadly Attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh
On the last Friday of Ramadan, some nine terrorists attacked a Spanish restaurant, Holey Artisan Bakery, by opening fire and taking around 30 people hostage, news agencies quoted. The terrorists opened fire around 9.20 PM shouting 'Allah Hu Akbar' and closed the doors of the restaurant. Two Italian nationals have been killed as well as one police chief, Muhammad Salauddin of a Gulshan local police station. One more police personnel is injured and getting medical treatment in the local hospital.
Shooting in Dhaka Restaurant:
The attack was fully organized as the militants knew that on Friday there were a lot of people in and around that restaurant area. They are reported to have done recce of the place as that diplomatic place is under stringent security all the time. This is a security lapse by both the intelligence and local police. Rapid Action Force of Bangladesh (RAB) has been deployed in the diplomatic zone of Dhaka.
RAB Deployed:
The chief of the elite anti-crime force, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), informed reporters Friday night that they were working to save the lives of the people trapped inside the restaurant. Some foreigners are believed to be among the hostages. One driver who was present at the gate was shot in the neck. The driver is getting medical treatment.
Government has blocked live telecast of the current situation so as to procrastinate any untoward incidence. It is yet to ascertain, which terrorist organization these terrorist belong to. The purpose of the attack is not clear as the RAB or the local police are yet to establish connection with the terrorists holding up in the restaurant. It is reported that there may be around 60 people taken hostage as the capacity of the restaurant is around 100. This restaurant is an open Spanish restaurant.
Of late, there has been numerous attacks on Hindu nationals of Bangladesh and even this morning a Hindu priest was hacked to death by local extremists. The government has denied the hands of ISIS in any of the attacks happened in the recent past. Bangladeshi government has arrested around 8000 people against the recent attacks on the Hindu nationals.
Barack Obama has been briefed on the situation and Indian foreign office is in constant touch of the situation. Indian foreign office has confirmed that no Indian diplomats are in danger. "We have accounted for all Americans working for the chief of mission authority" in Dhaka, John Kirby, a State Department spokesman said. He called the situation "fluid." In the holy month of Muslims, a lot of deadly attacks have been reported. People have not come out of the shock of Istanbul attack and this attack in Dhaka has shaken everyone once again.
TAGS: Attack in Dhaka, Attack in Bangladesh, Dhaka Under Attack, Attack Dhaka Bangladesh
AAP - Playing a Dangerous Politics
Inciting the Incited
Our country, right from north to south is turning intolerant and terrorist-like along with political lunatics that are making the most out of such situations. A couple of days back 11 ISIS terrorists were caught from Hyderabad and further investigation is still on. They were planning to throw beef in Hindu temples in the area, in order to disturb the harmony of the place. The heat of the matter was not yet doused and our own beloved Delhi's ruling party rose in the news again for plotting to create a riot like situation in the Punjab ahead of the state election next year.
The accused Vijay Kumar who is caught for desecrating the Qoran told the Sangrur police that he did it at the behest of Naresh Yadav, AAP MLA from Mehrauli, South Delhi area who offered him RS. 1 Crore to carry out the misdeeds. Earlier, the police had arrested three men — Vijay Kumar, Nand Kishore Goldy and Gaurav — who have reportedly confessed as reported in the Indian Express.
Vijay Kumar wanted to take the revenge of Pathankot incident and he said that he hated Pakistan. Naresh Yadav may have got to know about his intentions and leveraged the situation. "Vijay Kumar has stated that in Malerkotla, he was offered Rs 1 Crore for desecrating pages of Quran and throwing them near a drain on Khanna Road. Their plan was also to desecrate a Hindu holy book next," said The Hindu. Naresh Yadav is booked for inciting riots in Punjab. The news came ahead of the three day Punjab visit of CM Arvind Kejriwal. Punjab's fight against drug menace and similar desecration cases were reported earlier as well. Stop inciting the incited.
Look Back Before You Speak:
BJP and Congress are blamed for anything and everything. It is either a conspiracy or a political vendetta. A couple of AAP MLAs were arrested in 2015 for inciting riots.
Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Akhilesh Tripathi was held in a 2013 case of rioting and criminal intimidation and sent to judicial custody for two days on November 26, 2015 by a Delhi court.
AAP MLA Mahendra Yadav was arrested for rioting, assaulting government official in January 29 2016.
Mr. CM says on Dadri incidence, 'BJP should not spread hatred for political gains'. What a paradox!
Dirty and Dangerous Politics
"Anti-national agenda" supporting Khalistani ideologue, and accepting funds from Sikh separatists staying across the globe have thrown Punjabi's into an uproar against the controversial Aam Aadm Party as said by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, a suspended AAP MLA. With the intention of fomenting trouble in the state, struggling to get out a decade old intoxication, AAP has passively been supporting the Khalistani movement. Altogether, 35000 terrorism afflicted families were to protest and stop his cavalcade to enter the state of Punjab.
Arvind Kejriwal has been speaking about the Sikh riots ever since he started sitting on Dharnas. He played a very tricky and mean role all these years.
Indian Mirror mentions "How articulately Arvind Kejriwal manipulates the reality can be judged during his hunger strike as Delhi CM in 2014. He had presented the wrong facts in media and the truth was entirely different." He said that Delhi police is acting on center's instructions and had blocked the toilets, though on camera his supporters were caught using the toilets. He blamed the police for removing tea stalls and drinking water. All his lies were caught on camera. He is best known for accusing and when caught runs away from the scene or does not talk about that after that. These smaller incidents talk volumes about his intentions.
On the 31st anniversary of India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, Kejriwal issued a cheque of Rs. Five lakh to the victim of deadliest carnage in Sikh history. This was a joke as the victims got Rs. Five lakh after 31 years of the incidence, pittance. This shows he was using the matter to gain political mileage.
Lack of Proper Minister-in-Law: No Legal Consultation
All the educated ones have been suspended or ousted. There is literally no one to give them proper suggestion what to do and what not to do. The day Britain announced its separation from EU after the referendum, Arvind Kejriwal demanded Brexit like referendum in Delhi. Either he does not know or he ignores where he is trying to drag India to. Referendum is unconstitutional and cannot be held. If he believes in referendum, then why didn't he demand referendum for Ram Mandir issue in UP or many such other issues? It is not only AAP that does all this, all the parties across India are guilty of this sort of things. But AAP riding on Anna Hazare's back convinced the people of Delhi and India that he is not a politician, he is somebody who wants to get Delhi rid of corruption and bring prosperity to the state. Later on, when he realizes that he has power, he started to dream of a PM position. He directly targets PM Narendra Modi. He became so excited that he forgot the dignity of CM's position and used bad language while speaking about the PM of the nation.
He has not spared Media people either. There is this full page article by two NDTV journalists who were thrashed by Mr. CM, and they started doing investigative journalism. They brought the nexus of extracting money from people looking for government positions, in light. His souring party funds is always a point of concern for the people of India as well as for the other political parties. AAP or any other party for that matter should fight for basic needs like education, health and sanitation curbing poverty and all, not the way AAP is behaving. It is dangerous for the country.