Public awards and recognitions, in present times, are totally arbitrary, discretionary based on political and extraneous considerations.

Padma awards catapulted some nondescript beneficiaries to sudden fame.

How was the Magsaysay awarded to Arvind Kejriwal, is a permanent enigma ? The award giving agency  is  allegedly funded by the  Ford foundation. 

Pure destiny. No merit.

Come on ,Kejriwal, sue me for defammation.

Cancelling  licences of 9,000 NGOs by Modi sarkar,is creditable.

 These NGOs had been receiving huge donations from the Ford foundation, Rockfellor foundation, Greenpeace foundation, Ashoka foundation etc -- all US-based.

Delhi CM Kejriwal's NGO received donations worth crores of rupees from the Ford foundation including huge bonanza prior to Delhi's elections.

Kejriwal now deploys Delhi's babus to snoop on Media for defammatory publications personally targetting him. His notorious circular to babus,  paid from public ex-chequer, is illegal and unconstitutional. 

He  stands totally exposed. He will pay the price  for raising public expectations and ditch it.The Media gag is reminiscent of emergency days.

Delhi's LG must order cancellation of circular.

MHA must step in.

(i)The ruling dispensation can’t disclose names of black money accused despite poll promises. 

(ii) Despite high growth rate of India’s GDP, 42% population still lives below poverty line; 

(iii) FCI says the country has 70 million tonnes of foodgrains, against the 51 million tonnes required to meet the needs of its public distribution system (PDS). We still need Food Security Act to feed the hungry millions.?Prosperity amidst poverty; 

(iv) India is proud to be a secular country despite its well-entrenched castes system, racial crimes and religious intolerance; 

(v) MPs call themselves as “Janta key sevak”.,while enjoying privileges like : rent-free accommodation, free power, water , unlimited telephone calls , free Railway and Air travel.

(i)The ruling dispensation can’t disclose names of black money accused despite poll promises. 

(ii) Despite high growth rate of India’s GDP, 42% population still lives below poverty line; 

(iii) FCI says the country has 70 million tonnes of foodgrains, against the 51 million tonnes required to meet the needs of its public distribution system (PDS). We still need Food Security Act to feed the hungry millions.?Prosperity amidst poverty; 

(iv) India is proud to be a secular country despite its well-entrenched castes system, racial crimes and religious intolerance; 

(v) MPs call themselves as “Janta key sevak”.,while enjoying privileges like : rent-free accommodation, free power, water , unlimited telephone calls , free Railway and Air travel.

The maoists in the red corridor and militants in North-east, J&K ,are being trained and funded by China's intelligence agency and the PLA for setting up more and more weapons factories.This is a proxy war against India,worse than full-scale conventional war.

The maoist cadres include technically proficient scientists, abducted and sympathisers, for helping them in manufacturing rocket and grenade launchers.

The tamasha has been continuing for decades.

PM Modi ,one hopes, raises the issue appropriately during China visit.

The maoists in the red corridor and militants in North-east, J&K ,are being trained and funded by China's intelligence agency and the PLA for setting up more and more weapons factories.This is a proxy war against India,worse than full-scale conventional war.

The maoist cadres include technically proficient scientists, abducted and sympathisers, for helping them in manufacturing rocket and grenade launchers.

The tamasha has been continuing for decades.

PM Modi ,one hopes, raises the issue appropriately during China visit.

The toor daal is procured from farmers @ Rs 50/ per Kg.

We pay Rs 120/ per Kg for it to retailers.

This is a wholesalers/retailers' market.

No one cares for the consumers.

Random Thoughts

The toor daal is procured from farmers @ Rs 50/ per Kg.

We pay Rs 120/ per Kg for it to retailers.

This is a wholesalers/retailers' market.

No one cares for the consumers.

Random Thoughts

The toor daal is procured from farmers @ Rs 50/ per Kg.

We pay Rs 120/ per Kg for it to retailers.

This is a wholesalers/retailers' market.

No one cares for the consumers.

Random Thoughts

The MINIMUM WAGE of unskilled/semi-skilled/skilled labour is roughly Rs 300 per day.

The basic pay of union CABINET SECRETARY is Rs 90,000 pm.With DA etc added to it , the total salary would be roughly Rs 3 lakh pm.

The basic pay of PRIME MINISTER is Rs 60,000.With sumptuary / constituency / daily allowances, it adds up to Rs 1.60 lakh pm.

The CEOs of India Inc get about Rs 8 to 10 crores per annum.

Mukesh Ambani gets Rs 15 crores per annum.His Antillia residence in Mumbai was built at a cost of Rs 800 crores.

Economic disparity is increasing exponentially

Whither Socialism ?

The MINIMUM WAGE of unskilled/semi-skilled/skilled labour is roughly Rs 300 per day.

The basic pay of union CABINET SECRETARY is Rs 90,000 pm.With DA etc added to it , the total salary would be roughly Rs 3 lakh pm.

The basic pay of PRIME MINISTER is Rs 60,000.With sumptuary / constituency / daily allowances, it adds up to Rs 1.60 lakh pm.

The CEOs of India Inc get about Rs 8 to 10 crores per annum.

Mukesh Ambani gets Rs 15 crores per annum.His Antillia residence in Mumbai was built at a cost of Rs 800 crores.

Economic disparity is increasing exponentially

Whither Socialism ?

Why are girls attracted to cricketers ?

Why not to other sportspersons ?

Is this because cricket has more money than games like hockey, football, volley balls etc ?

The complaint of "marital rape" is covered under Sec 498(A) IPC ( domestic violence )not as rape.

If it is covered under definition of rape, males will start rushing to prostitutes and live-in partners.

So, be aware, ladies.

BLOG : COLLEGIUM  v/s  NJAC

May 8,2015

Why is Supreme court opposed to NJAC's constitution after its enactment ?

The collegium system is alleged to be monopolistic ,opaque with favouritism and nepotism galore.

It has failed,jurists believe, not because of "independence of judiciary" but due to "intra-dependence of judiciary", 

The confrontation between the Judiciary and the Executive does not auger well for democracy.

Should the matter be referred to a larger Bench of SC, one wonders ?

The complaint of "marital rape" is covered under Sec 498(A) IPC ( domestic violence )not as rape.

If it is covered under definition of rape, males will start rushing to prostitutes and live-in partners.

So, be aware, ladies.

BLOG : COLLEGIUM  v/s  NJAC

May 8,2015

Why is Supreme court opposed to NJAC's constitution after its enactment ?

The collegium system is alleged to be monopolistic ,opaque with favouritism and nepotism galore.

It has failed,jurists believe, not because of "independence of judiciary" but due to "intra-dependence of judiciary", 

The confrontation between the Judiciary and the Executive does not auger well for democracy.

Should the matter be referred to a larger Bench of SC, one wonders ?

The complaint of "marital rape" is covered under Sec 498(A) IPC ( domestic violence )not as rape.

If it is covered under definition of rape, males will start rushing to prostitutes and live-in partners.

So, be aware, ladies.

BLOG : COLLEGIUM  v/s  NJAC

May 8,2015

Why is Supreme court opposed to NJAC's constitution after its enactment ?

The collegium system is alleged to be monopolistic ,opaque with favouritism and nepotism galore.

It has failed,jurists believe, not because of "independence of judiciary" but due to "intra-dependence of judiciary", 

The confrontation between the Judiciary and the Executive does not auger well for democracy.

Should the matter be referred to a larger Bench of SC, one wonders ?

The complaint of "marital rape" is covered under Sec 498(A) IPC ( domestic violence )not as rape.

If it is covered under definition of rape, males will start rushing to prostitutes and live-in partners.

So, be aware, ladies.

BLOG : COLLEGIUM  v/s  NJAC

May 8,2015

Why is Supreme court opposed to NJAC's constitution after its enactment ?

The collegium system is alleged to be monopolistic ,opaque with favouritism and nepotism galore.

It has failed,jurists believe, not because of "independence of judiciary" but due to "intra-dependence of judiciary", 

The confrontation between the Judiciary and the Executive does not auger well for democracy.

Should the matter be referred to a larger Bench of SC, one wonders ?

The complaint of "marital rape" is covered under Sec 498(A) IPC ( domestic violence )not as rape.

If it is covered under definition of rape, males will start rushing to prostitutes and live-in partners.

So, be aware, ladies.

BLOG : COLLEGIUM  v/s  NJAC

May 8,2015

Why is Supreme court opposed to NJAC's constitution after its enactment ?

The collegium system is alleged to be monopolistic ,opaque with favouritism and nepotism galore.

It has failed,jurists believe, not because of "independence of judiciary" but due to "intra-dependence of judiciary", 

The confrontation between the Judiciary and the Executive does not auger well for democracy.

Should the matter be referred to a larger Bench of SC, one wonders ?

GST Bill passed in Lok Sabha . 

May be passed in RS,too. The Congress knows it will not gain by opposing it. 

States assemblies ( half of total) may also ratify.

My queries are :

-----------------------

Will there be two different rates.;one for the Union,other for the states?

Will the rates of commodities fall ? And,if so,by how much ?

How will GST raise GDP,as claimed by FM ?

Will it help in creating job opportunities?

Will some experts clarify ?

I feel sorry for Salman Khan getting convicted with five years sentence. He is a good human being by virtue of his humanitarian work.

But, shame on battery of Salman’s lawyers for prolonging the litigation by 13 years and got paid for unprofessional advice.

Salman and his family suffered all these years. 

Why did the lawyers not urge the court for fast-tracking the case ?

Worst of all, a phantom driver Ashok Singh, was brought in at a belated stage to give false evidence. He will face perjury.

It would have been better had Salman confessed to his crime at initial stage itself instead of running away from the scene of crime. 

Speaking the truth would have influenced the court's verdict in his favour.

The Court should never be taken for a ride.

Airdropping the driver Ashok Singh was a huge blunder. 

The lawyers must be held accountable for unprofessional advice to the client merely to extort fee from an affluent client .

It was a case of drunk driving without licence.

I see little chance of Salman Khan getting reprieve from the Bombay High court in the given circumstances.

But, the courts are unpredictable.

LESSONS to be learnt :

-----------------------------

(a) Never trust your lawyers’ blindly.. 

(b) Question them about implications of every legal move.

(c) Never hoodwink the court.

(d) Remember,the lawyers' job is to fleece the clients by hook or by crook.

Hundreds of manhours being wasted in Parliament and TV debates about Dawood's purported location. Stupidity galore.

Pakistan is a rogue state.

Dawood could not have been extradited even if there had been an Extradition treaty with Pakistan. 

He and others of his ilk in Pak have been declared global terrorists by the UN and the US.

They can never be brought to India through negotiations or back channel diplomacy.

HOT PURSUIT is the only option.

One trusts, India's NSA, IB , RAW, Military Intellgence etc know what to do and when ?

Action must be awaited.

The dividing line between " corruption" and " honest error " is invisible.

Giving benefit of doubt to corrupt civil servants is now an arbitrary and discretionary option.

So, keep your boss in good humour. He/she is always right.

A change in work culture ,is inevitable and inescapable.

Arvind Kejriwal , a controle freak, is on collision course with LG, Delhi Jung.

Contradictory directions from CM and LG have left the Delhi babus in a bind.

The power seeking CM refuses to uphold the Constitution by inciting the civil servants against the Constitutional head of NCT,Delhi

The national capital cannot be left in limbo.

No wonder, 200 AAP members have resigned from the party in Maharashtra.

Kjriwal is in self-destruct mode.

In the event of failure of constitutional machinery in NCT Delhi, should the Centre consider proclaiming President's rule?

PM Modi connecting with the indian diaspora on foreign soil,is apreciated. But, issues like communal harmony, farmers' grievances,turbulent Kashmir are crying for attention, at home. Modi sarkar  is also going slow on UPA's serial scams and black money repatriation.

Building smart cities with wi fi facilities and bullet trains ,is far less important than alleviating poor man's sufferings. He wants two square meals a day. Wonky prioritisation would lead to lopsided development.

Jinhey Naaz  Hai Hind Par, Voh Kahaan Hai.

Selections  are made by DOP&T based on  subjective  assessments in  ACRs /APARs.No background  check is ever made through IB even in case of key appointments.This should be  made a mandatory requirement. I know of an ex-Secretary who was appointed as Member (Admn) to the Principal Bench CAT Delhi after retirement despite  serious strictures passed  against him by same Tribunal, while in service. The  practice of CVOs reporting to CMDs in PSUs ,is a charade. They, more often than not ,toe CMDs' line.Some CVOs insist on attending Boards' meetings  so that they could enjoy all perks admissible to  Functional Directors.The CVC is also not a holy cow in absence of accountability.

The Indian economy relies heavily on  Corporate sector. Ironically,the number of financial scams is also rising  now, faster than ever. The Sahara and Saradha scams represent the antithesis of all business ethics. Gullible investors could not have been fooled without  the politico- bureaucratic nexus .

The Indian economy relies heavily on the Corporate sector. The number of financial scams is increasing now faster than ever. The Sahara and Saradha scams represent the antithesis of all business ethics.

Gullible investors could not have been fooled without politico- bureaucratic nexus UPA era. A former SEBI member KM Abraham complained to  to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, accusing the Finance Ministry for inaction.  He claimed that then-FM Pranab Mukherjee and his advisor, Omita Paul,tried to force SEBI Chairman UK Sinha to "manage" high profile cases, The charge, denied by the accused, was not pursued. U K Sinha was rewarded with SEBI chairmanship for extending huge loan to the Kingfisher as head of bankers' consortium-, both from psu and private sectors.

Selections  are made by DOP&T based on  subjective  assessments recoded in ACRs /APARs.No background  check is ever made through IB even in case of key appointments.This should be  made a mandatory requirement. I know of an ex-Secretary who was appointed as Member (Admn) to the Principal Bench CAT Delhi after retirement despite  serious strictures passed  against him by same Tribunal, while in service. The  practice of CVOs reporting to CMDs in PSUs ,is a charade. They, more often than not ,toe CMDs' line.Some CVOs insist on attending Boards' meetings  so that they could enjoy all perks admissible to  Functional Directors.The CVC is also not a holy cow in absence of accountability.

The  umbilical cord  between politicians and  bureaucrats, was never cut. This led to their criminal bonding. Both are complementary and supplementary to each other. The States' bureaucracy from the top  down to Patwari, is spineless or with backbone, meticulously broken. Both enjoy a symbiotic relationship,mutually admiring and dependent. Inputs  from investigative and intelligence agencies will expose the nexus between politicians and politicized bureaucrats,who are readily available to be misused and abused.They indulge in all sorts of shenanigans to please political masters for getting plum postings and accelerated promotions. Post retirement-they are rewarded with powerful  assignments- Governorship, Ambassadorships,MPs, Advisors, Consultants  etc.They earn the sobriquet of "Field Marshals",who serve even after retirement. Sycophency is key to success. The problem was rampant during UPA and brazenly continues even now . Not all bureaucrats are bad. The honourable exceptions  are respected after retirement for their honesty,integrity and non-pliability, while in service.

The views expressed by  Rajya Sabha MPs on April 27, are praise worthy. However,their suggestion to extend  the MPLAD scheme to cover  Nepal, is neither practicable nor legally tenable.Don't forget that MPLADS  is a permanent mechanism for development within the country.   It would be appropriate to  subsume  the  MPLADS funds under India's  disaster management plan or PM's Relief Fund.The sense of the House must,however, be conveyed to  Nepalese Parliament. Let all MPs contribute.

The Civil Services are becoming increasingly ineffectual. Reasons are not far to seek. When we talk of time-scale promotions, reservation in promotions  in organised services, we want to say : Merit equals Stupidity.

PM Modi connecting with the indian diaspora on foreign soil, is apreciated.But, issues like communal harmony, farmers' grievances,turbulent Kashmir are crying for attention, at home.Modi sarkar  is also going slow on UPA's serial scams and black money repatriation.Building smart cities with wi fi facilities and bullet trains, is far less important than alleviating poor man's sufferings. He wants two square meals a day.Wonky prioritisation would lead to lopsided development.

PM Modi connecting with the indian diaspora on foreign soil,is apreciated. But, issues like communal harmony, farmers' grievances,turbulent Kashmir are crying for attention, at home. Modi sarkar  is also going slow on UPA's serial scams and black money repatriation.

Building smart cities with wi fi facilities and bullet trains ,is far less important than alleviating poor man's sufferings. He wants two square meals a day. Wonky prioritisation would lead to lopsided development.

Jinhey Naaz  Hai Hind Par, Voh Kahaan Hai.

Nehru snooped on Netaji even after independence. But,why ?

Why are Netaji's Papers not de-classified even now ?

The Nation wants to honour him with the truth.

Why did Nehru- Gandhi dynasty block de-mystification of Netaji's disappearance ?

Was Nehru scared of annoying the erstwhile Soviet Union,even after disintegration? 

Was Netaji arrested and detained in Siberia at the behest of the Britishers before being tortured t The fact remains that India got independence by virtue of Netaji's contribution. Nehru lost no opportunity in grabbing power with Gandhi's help.The mutiny in British-Indian army and Navy on the basis of clarion call by Netaji forced the Britishers leave India despite the failure of Quit India movement .o death ?

Our history needs to be re-written in correct perspective to replace the untruth spread by the left-leaning historians assisted by the Soviet Union,now Russia.

PM Modi's  jibe at Judiciary warning against  " 5-star activists " and  "perception- driven verdicts ", particularly in presence of  tainted politicos should have been avoided. CJI's  snubbed Modi with rebuttel in public view.

The congressmen during UPA misrule had indulged in same luxury with more vengeance and ferocity.

Such" tu-tu mei mei "  hits judicial credibility in public eye.

The Judiciary is not a holy cow.

It needs in-house Manthan, Chintan.

Why does it not finalise its stance on constituting Judicial Appointments Commission to replace the present Collegium system?

Why does it not focus on remedial measures to curb corruption in subordinate judiciary in bailing and adjournment matters.?

What about huge pendency of litigation matters in courts ?

Zero accountability.

Our peripatetic Prime Minister has a very busy diplomatic calendar.The furious pace of his international visits, gives the impression  that MEA's mandate has been hijacked by the PMO.At least,so it seems.Why does he not share the responsibilities with his ministers in MEA,one wonders ?Let him address the domestic concerns. Problems like high inflation rates , corruption, poverty,  illiteracy,over-population ,are crying for attention. A gradual decline in the initial tempo,is noticed.

The Indian National Congress is a pastmaster in diversionary tactics. The BJP has fallen into its trap.Rahul Gandhi and  his sidekicks  raise  extraneous issues  during election  rallies and Press conferences to keep the BJP busy in framing  responses leaving no time  to revive memories of multiple  scams and other substantive issues : Bofors, Quattrocchi’s  stage-managed escape  to Italy, CWG, 2G, Coalgate, Tetra-trucks , Choppersgate, Railgate,Appointment scams , General V K Singh’s  age row to help elevation of present Army Chief due to unmentionable reasons ,  Italian marines  case, Chinese  incursions into  India for partying , picnics, Vadra’s  fraudulent deals in collusion with DLF  and Haryana bureaucracy etc. 

The public memory is proverbially short. Have BJP leaders also fallen victims to memory loss ? They should have been vigilant enough in educating the voters appropriately in public and national interests. The PM pleads innocence by reiterating "I have done no wrong and I want to go honourably ". Why does he not confess that he all through complied with orders of  “ high command”  in perpetrating  all sins at the cost of public exchequer ? The successor government has to be faithful to the country first,party second. I don’t mind even if it is “vengeful”  in punishing all public servants as per Law of the land. Justice must prevail at the end. Being “Just and fair” to precursor central government, is hypocrisy.

Creation of   NJAC headed by CJI is laudable .The  collegium system was allegedly considered opaque  in top judicial  appointments. Take Subordinate Judiciary. Things are not hunky dory .Charges of corruption, favouritism and arbitrariness with zero accountability abound. The Centre must focus on

(a)Quality of  judges intake;

(b) Fill huge backlog of vacancies( 20% of total strength);

(c) Reduce large pendency of cases (About 3 crores) in courts across the country due to frequent and avoidable adjournments. Article 312 of the Constitution provides for creation of a National Judicial Service. The Law Commission . the Supreme Court  and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on law and justice have asked the Centre several times to create the All India Judicial Service. What are the road blocks?The States have their own judicial services; administrative control vesting with High courts. Unless the High courts and States agree tocreation of AIJS, the Centre cannot decide. No one likes to part with authority?

Recruitments to States' judiciaries are made either by High courts or State PSCs.No consistency, no uniformity in syllabi, valuation standards and merit cut-offs. Attracting best talent becomes the casualty. Create AIJS  at istrict Judges' level. Constitute a UPSC- like  body say the  "National Judicial  Service Commission"  to handle judicial recruitment and transfers.

Let it be the cadre controlling authority. Improve quality of intake through 3- stages examination(like in Civil Services) to arrest rising corruption in Judiciary.This should be thrown open to fresh Law graduates and serving judges at lower echelons. The practising lawyers with roaring practice are generally reluctant to sit in Bench.They are a brilliant lot and must be motivated to participate.

Will the PM please take the call ?

PM Modi's  jibe at Judiciary warning against  " 5-star activists " and  "perception- driven verdicts ", particularly in presence of  tainted politicos should have been avoided. CJI's  snubbed Modi with rebuttel in public view.

The congressmen during UPA misrule had indulged in same luxury with more vengeance and ferocity.

Such" tu-tu mei mei "  hits judicial credibility in public eye.

The Judiciary is not a holy cow.

It needs in-house Manthan, Chintan.

Why does it not finalise its stance on constituting Judicial Appointments Commission to replace the present Collegium system?

Why does it not focus on remedial measures to curb corruption in subordinate judiciary in bailing and adjournment matters.?

What about huge pendency of litigation matters in courts ?

Zero accountability.

There is nothing for India to cheer about Iran- US nuclear deal.

The Shia Iran is bound to turn super rich after lifting of sanctions by the US. Perhaps, Iran may become richer than the sunni Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis and Israel are already feeling threatened by the deal.

Terror funding of radical outfits by Iran could be possible.

Though India has good relations with Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

All three are inimical to each other- Shia,Sunnis and the Jews!.

India will have to play its cards deftly without annoying anyone.

Seems,there would be no escape.

Compulsions of geo-political situation and cross-border terrorism would impact the decision. 

Let there be no repeat of Kargil-type fiasco of 1999 after Vajpeyi's visit to Pakistan.

The proposed Land Acquisition Bill of BJP will help the Crony corporates, more than the farmers? At least,to begin with.

But, infrastructure development will help the country,in the long run.

To overcome the impasse, let the govt. enhance the quantum of compensation to farmers.

The Congress &Co must stop deriving political mileage by creating road blocks.

India's hopes for entry into Security council (SC)  as a permanent Member , are raised sky-high ever time a foreign dignitary visits us.

 India's feel-good euphoria lapses,soon after.

Must it be understood by MEA's mandarins that no country would ever be happy at India's elevation, including SC's  existing permanent Members.

If ,ever, India's candidature is considered ,it will be along with several other countries.

So,let us not live in a fool's paradise.

PM's pep talk to union Secretaries?

Work fearlessly and honestly; keep interacting with each others; break silos.

An exercise in hypocrisy.

Example is better than precept.

The unpliable and incorruptible, Khemka transferred 46 times in 25 years.

His fault : Zero tolerance to corruption Should civil servants learn to make "minor adjustments" ?

If so,to what extent ?

Only two options are available : Compromise with the political class OR perish.

The political class has vested interests in keeping the civil servants disunited.

The seniors rarely protect their juniors. 

Why should they incur the wrath of political masters. 

Successive Cabinet Secretaries and chief secretaries look for post-retirement rehabilitations.

MESSAGE to civil servants : Protect thyselves.

Gen V K Singh.MOS (MEA) stands marginalised by the Modi dispensation.

Earlier,he was wronged by the UPA in the age row.

Controversy keeps chasing him all the time, though he is not a serial offender.

The decision to send V K Singh to Pak's high commission on its National Day,was taken by the PM and his close cabinet colleagues on the advice of all-powerful PMO's bureaucrats.who are administering country's foreign policy. 

MEA's career diplomats are not kept in the loop,resulting in the IFS-- IAS stand-off.

I feel a sense of deja vu.

Similar discontentment was simmering between the two equally matched opponents,during the UPA regime.

No lessons have been learnt from history.

And,now, Lo and behold.

The Press statement read by V K Singh at prime time must have been scripted by the same set of bureaucrats as damage control step.

At least,so it seems

Modi ji's over-reliance on his trusted bureaucrats in the PMO,needs to be re-visited.

Allow all ministries freedom of speech.This is the expectation of the great silent majority in all ministries. 

Country needs a focussed and consistent foreign policy. Not a looney, confused and diffused policy.

As pert  the bilateral treaty,India can intervene in the Maldives if its national interests are jeopardised in any manner.

Rajiv Gandhi launched Operation Cactus in 1988 by sending 1600 indian troops to Maldives.

In face of present intimidatory posturing by China,India must  consider military intervention  in the Maldives,whose former President has been sentenced for 13 years as part of political vendetta.

All SAARC countries and the western powers are  waiting to see how India reacts to the development and how it asserts its primacy in the region.

Can the country expect the outcome of an early RAW initiative in the Maldives ,sooner than later ? The agency did a wonderful job in Srilanka.Let it replicate its success.

TOI of March 13,reported how Dr Manmohan Singh felt miffed with his former aide, for not taking his telephonic call in the context of summon by the CBI court in coalgate scam for court appearance on April8,2015.

I felt upset but not surprised.Both MMS and his former aide are out-of-power.

I,nevertheless, empathise with MMS's discomfiture at this point of time.One can blame him for wrong selection of aide.

But,there was no other option in the given situation,when others were not available to assist him.

When MMS was in the saddle, even as ceremonial head of government,all bureaucrats revolved around him. Brutally committed.

And.now... ??? OMG.

Committed bureaucracy is usually slippery,dicey.

The political class must always respect their detractor's viewpoints,while in power.

His lust for power,more power with no regard for public good, proved counter-productive.

The same applies to his former aide,who has been grilled by the CBI.

MMS is torn between conflicting choices of head and heart.

He needs spiritual and moral support.

Even at the cost of repetition, I urge MMS to be guided by the dictates of his conscience on April 8.

Political support by the Congress supremo ,is meaningless. It is meant to protect the Congress supremo alone.

Manmohan Singh  (MMS) got a summon from the Special CBI court  in connection with coalgate scam.  This is a matter of  procedure.He is not yet  proved guilty. 

Against this backdrop, Congress’s  solidarity  march  to Manmohan’s residence betrays Sonia Gandhi’s   nervousness . Why should she proclaim  that the party will fight the case legally Is there  any other  option available,one wonders ?

Congress’s  brazenness in  browbeating  the judiciary and pre-judging the issues,  amounts to contempt of  court. 

The court has not asked for  a certificate of  honesty and integrity from the Congress supremo.It goes by facts and evidences on record. 

Sonia’s long march of solidarity, is reminiscent of Congress’s  march of protests  against order passed by  Justice JMLSinha of Allahabad High court  leading to Indira Gandhi ‘s arrest. 

The Congress’s arrogance and impatience with the  Indian courts, is well known. Why does it always expect a privileged treatment for itself?

No wonder,it may soon  approach the Delhi high court for seeking exemption  for MMS  from personal appearance . But, what about Kumarmangalam Birla, Parakh and three other co-accused  summoned on similar charges.All  six have to be treated at par.

MMS’s involvement in coalgate scam, is undoubted.

He will pay the price for clingining to power. 

If  he committed gross irregularities  in coalgate scam under pressure from any quarter ( the  country knows it  fairly enough  ) why not share the truth  with the court. Suppression of truth is criminal.

Let MMS be guided by the dictates of his conscience. 

Let him not live the rest of his life with  feelings of  extreme guilt.

It will strenghthen  democracy in the country.

India's security agencies have noticed disproportionate  increase in number of sorties by Chinese war planes near Sino-indian border in the recent past . Is China preparing for winter war  with its never ending appetite for territory.

If that happens, it will be a watershed moment in geo-political history of the region.

China could be the Axis power,supported by Pakistan,North Korea, the Maldives, Srilanka ,Myanmar and ,possibly, Russia, Kashmir could be the hot spot, triggering  W W-III.

Defence strategists may laugh it away  under nuclear deterrance doctrine.

China does not believe in it and would never will.

Kashmir is fast becoming a hot potato for the fledgeling coalition.

CM's  incendiary utterances and the speed with which the separatists are being  released to spew venom against India, does not auger well.

BJP wants to taste power in J&K ,God knows, for how long?

The taste will grow bitter,more bitter,as it goes along.

PM's National Security Advisor ,perhaps, knows the best.

India's defence strategists are clueless.

Or,perhaps, I am over-reacting ?

MHA (UPA-II) permitted the interview with the rape accused in Tihar jail .

NDA after Parliamentary noise, enforced the ban.An exercise in futility.

BBC banned the ban by advancing the release of documentary from March 8,2015, International Woman’s Day2015 to March 4,2015. Fearing arrest, the lady producer ( A rape victim,herself) escaped slealthily.Rapes  will continue irrespective of documentaries and feature films.Let us confront the truth.

Why has the case against Nirbhaya’s rapists , been pending in the Hon'ble Supreme Court for about one year ?Was the application for expeditious disposal filed with SC by the Prosecution?If ,not,why not? Did the judicial delay not embolden the rape accused from making such outrageous observations?

 Hon’ble Chief Justice of India is urged to kindly order investigation into this to set the entire controversy to rest.Permission for interview was given by the then HM in UPA, sanction signed by Joint Secy and implemented by the then DG (Prison).Why not question them and decide their culpability?The entire world has downloaded the documentary and watched it.

The ban is irrelevant now.The government has not done  any favour by banning it.

Is there anything illegal or unethical in the documentary ? Why not watch the video to understand the mindset of rapists? Why not shame the potential rapists and prevent others from committing the same? 

Some pseudo- nationalists argue that the documentary will tarnish India’s image.

Far from it.Rapes are a universal phenomenon.

If we are concerned about India’s image, let us focus on issues like :India’s GDP growth, poverty alleviation , communal harmony, investment, employment generation etc .The entire World will be at India’s feet.

“India’s daughter - BBC banned  the ban”

March 5,2015

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Dear Pradhan Mantri ji.

Let the documentary be first seen by your Council of Ministers, writers, editors and other intellectuals, before taking a view before  the Parliament. There should be a special screening for MPs (RS &LS) and even the Top Judiciary Thanks.

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March 5,2015

MHA (UPA-II) permitted the interview with the rape accused in Tihar jail .

NDA after Parliamentary noise, enforced the ban.An exercise in futility.

BBC banned the ban by advancing the release of documentary on International Woman’s Day2015. Fearing arrest, the lady producer ( A rape victim,herself) escaped slealthily.

War mongering by Arnab GoswamI reached the zenith. He launched a diatribe against NDTV 24X7.The concurrent prime time debates on TIMESNOW and NDTVon March 3,2015,looked like a media war. A war for TRP between two media houses.

Rapes have always occurred and will continue irrespective of documentaries and feature films.

Truth is unpalatable. 

If it is not,it is Untruth.

Why run away from it? 

Why not confront it.

Even,Nirbhaya’s parents have reportedly, endorsed the production of said documentary.This is subject to confirmation.

Why has the case against Nirbhaya’s rapists , been pending in the Hon'ble Supreme Court for so long ?

Was the application for expeditious disposal filed with SC?

If ,not,why not?

Has the judicial delay not emboldened the rape accused from making such outrageous observations?

Let the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India kindly order investigation into this and set the entire controversy at rest.

The Congress rests in peace after noting that permission for jail interview,was granted by it under UPA-II.

Why not question Shinde ,the the HM, his Joint Secy in MHA and Vimla Mehra, DG (Prison) Tihar jail ? Decide their culpability.

The entire world has downloaded the documentary and watched it.

The ban still continues.At least, on paper.

How paradoxical !

The government has not done us any favour by banning it.

Is there anything illegal or unethical in the documentary ?

If I say, there is nothing wrong in the documentary, some morons will pounce on me.

My counter question to them is: Why not watch the video to understand the mindset of rapists? Why not shame the potential rapists and prevent others from committing it. 

Some pseudo- nationalists argue that the documentary will tarnish India’s image.

No, not, the least.Rapes are a universal phenomenon.

The US,UK,Germany,France ,Japan ,China , nay, the entire world,is grappling with it.

If you are concerned about India’s image, focus on India’s GDP growth, poverty alleviation , communal harmony, investment and employment generation etc .The entire World will be at India’s feet.

Should the Judges stop  attending social functions/parties  hosted by the bigwigs and then recuse themselves from the courts where the same high and mighty appear as litigants particularly in high profile cases?

Such recusals are becoming common these days in higher judiciary.

Could the Hon'ble Supreme court please take the call and lay down  guidelines. 

We trust our judges.

Let them give a written clarification to the CJI or Chief Justices of High Courts before hearing the arguments.

No recusal should be permitted  despite stout opposition by defending lawyers.

As Judges,they wear different hats.