Monday, June 26, 2017

June19th, 2017, was a memorable day, in the world history of space science as our Mars-Orbitary Mission MANGALYAAN,-successfully completed 1000 Earth Days.It is a pride of the nation. ISRO has gained reputation in the International space field after the success of Iconic Mangalyaan Mission, and successful launch of GSLV Mark3. This success has taken Indian pride to greater heights. With this we will be able to attract foreign investments, .
It is indeed a matter of deep satisfaction that the launch of GSLV-Mark3, which was nicknamed as "fat boy" by the space scientists, and "Bahubali " by Telugu media. India has shown to the world that its space program is cost-effective, and that it can plan future programs Chandrayaan 2 or Mangalyaan 2, to Moon and Mars. It is now time to seriously think of a manned mission, to space, the only segment in space science where China has an added advantage over us.
I congratulate ISRO for the success of GSLV which has enabled India to occupy a pride of place and recognition among scientifically advanced nations. In fact, an year ago, I remember to have read a comment that it was necessary to indulge in the luxury of this costly mission ignoring the deplorable conditions of millions rural population as the money spent on this mission could have been used for the development works in rural areas. But let us understand that the investment in space research has to be continued because it is like a goldmine where mining has just begun. It needs patience and foresight. Those who look for immediate returns on investments may fail to see the long term benefits which include opening new vistas, for a better living. Kudos to ISRO scientists.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Who will be our next President of India? This question is on everyone’s mind these days as the Election Commission kick-started the process by which India will get its 13th President and BJP's President Amit Shah constituted one committee with Rajnath Singh, Jaitly,and Venkaiah Naidu, to discuss with all stakeholders to arrive at a consensus. Congress leadership has already reached out to parties such as, TMC, DMK, BSP, SP, RJD!NCP, CPM, CPI,JD(U) and JD (s) etc. However their coming together looks difficult because of internal contradictions, as many of them had fought against the Congress in the past. I feel it is not the arithmetic, but the political chemistry that matters. I have heard names of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Mahatma 's grandson, Maharashtra's strongman Sharad Pawar, but as usual it seems there is no agreement on any candidate as of now. But the opposition camp, has thrown the ball in ruling party's court, to build a consensus. On the BJP's front, the Presidential ambition of Advani, now lays shattered in the wake of Supreme Court reviving charges, against him in Babri Masjid case. Draupadi Murmu's name (Jharkhand Governor) also being suggested as first ever tribal President, while elevation to either, Sushma Swaraj or Sumitra Mahajan, also seen as possibility. We cannot rule out a surprise too.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Our Prime Minister has been invited by the President of America, and immediately even dates were also announced for the US visit by our PM.  US has always been an unpredictable in its foreign policy towards India and Donald Trump takes this unpredictability to the next level. Of late, there is feeling that India is drifting towards US which is placing strains in our relationship with Russia which has been a reliable ally throughout. Our PM has visited Russia few days ago to maintain balance. With my little understanding what I feel, we should follow a simple rule that in foreign policy we do not have permanent friends or permanent foes. Peace in Afghanistan is still elusive so there is possibility that that US policy towards Pakistan is going to be more or less same,and therefore India should tread cautiously.
The Trump's ban on immigrants from seven Muslim countries is a symbolic gesture on his tough stand on terrorism. As such US will not be safer from Islamic terror, than before because he has left out countries like Pakistan, Saudi, and Afghanistan which breeding grounds for terrorism. US needs to address gun violence which is also a form of terror, which we notice many incidents in the recent past. The stalwart President from same Republican Party Abraham Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation to free the slaves, risking his own life, in 1863 but now Trump who occupies same chair has signed an Executive Order to stop immigration of seven Muslim countries basing on unfounded religious prejudices. It is going to be a great disservice to his own country and to the civil world as well.
While Trump's patriotism is understandable he shouldn't forget the truth that US IT industry owes so much to the millions of Indians but for whose penchant for innovation, creativity and tireless undaunted efforts it might not be what it is today. After all Indian brain power cannot be ignored.

Monday, June 12, 2017

It is totally horrifying to see and hear these food adulteration stories day in and day out.  All the basic items like milk, ghee, pulses and cereals, fruits etc consumed by common man are being adulterated. Even the daily used bread and food are seemingly harmful for the health. Normally the doctors advise their patients to take milk, bread and fruits, while recovering from illness. But now it is certain that the heathy may become sick, if we take these food items. The fruits are being ripened with carbides, the milk is found with harmful chemicals like Urea, while it is reported that the breads and buns, in the market are found with carcinogenic chemicals like potassium bromate and iodate. The food adulteration is nothing but an act of giving slow poison at massive scale. It turns out to be hazardous at individual level, while it is a financial burden also, which is avoidable.
 It is alarming that poisonous ingredients are found in cheese, jam, and jelly, which form the toppings in the bread taken daily as breakfast by many people, not only abroad but even in India now. I even came to know that the latest one where the toppings for bread are laced with dangerous substances in the name of preservatives, have sent jitters, that no foodstuff is safe, despite proud proclamation by the manufacturer. Even reputed food product manufacturers have come under close scrutiny of the food authorities due to various unscrupulous methods used to get flavour, and increase in shelf life of a product. We all know that the doctors have already been warning against consumption of junk food due to health reasons.
Even the leader elect are so corrupt that they keep their voters busy by raising other issues which have nothing to do with what they eat. Every other day we come across reports highlighted by media. I really do not know whether our rulers ever take up such issues seriously until few people die so that the issue could be politicised. Here again let us not forget that our leaders also adulterated as they mix up issues to keep people confused and to keep them away from core issues.
We have heard the words blood cancer, lung cancer, throats cancer etc. But now even our bread is cancer.  It started with Pepsi cola, fruits, vegetables, then noodles, and now bread. Now with all this people are left in lurch unknown whether to consume such food items at all or not. It is ironic that at a time when people leaning towards eating healthy, the most basic healthy foods we are getting are contaminated. I feel its time for local governments and central government to step up to make sure that public gets only pure and healthy food. Maybe establishing a authoritative body to disseminate correct information to people cautioning them and guiding them of current problems with food available in the market.