Awami League and Hindu Persecution

A considerable section of the international community, not only in India or the other neighboring countries, but also in other parts of the world is busy in making merriment over the stunning triumph of progressive and secular forces in the land of Bangladesh. Truly, this is an epoch making victory and if someone considers, this will give rise to a new age of hope and brightness in the distraught county, he can’t be blamed. Well, the Hindu minority community of Bangladesh has also joined this elation and it hopes that the Awami League-led government will ensure a better life along with security to them. Here comes an important question. Can this ever be?

What has been the record of the Awami League in all these years and its relation with the Hindu community? Was it ever conscious to safeguard the Hindu interest or has it always used the far flung Hindus as mere pawns for a checkmate? These questions are coming to the fore since the Hindu population has come down to 9% from nearly 30% (1948) till date and on the word of dupes or victims there is hardly any difference between Awami League and ideologues of Jihadi fundamentalism in the country. It should also be noted, according to experiences, the mighty presence of Awami League helps perpetrators to hide religious persecutions on minorities, which go on relentlessly.

Are there strong evidences that can prove the culpability of this icon of Bangladeshi secularism? Let’s scrutinize facts and figures.

The ideologists of the Awami League were directly associated with the Muslim League that was responsible for the deadliest Great Calcutta Killing (1946) and in this episode the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the nation of Bangladesh, was of a trusted lieutenant of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, then Chief Minister of undivided Bengal. It is alleged by several sections that Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy is the true founder of the Awami League (then Muslim Awami League). What an irony! The party, in order to exploit the (then) reigning politics in Pakistan, changed its stance and became Awami League in 1952.

The greatest achievement of the party in the later period was to spearhead the historic Language Movement in 1952 although the demand to make Bengali one of the official languages of Pakistan was first propounded by Dhirendra Nath Datta (1886-1971), MP from Coomilla on February 23, 1948 in the Pakistan Constituent Assembly in Karachi. However he was not even thanked by Awami League, at that time, as he was a Hindu.

Now let’s enter into the other acts of this glorious party. It was on 25 th-26 th March, 1971 when the Pakistani Army started its operations. This was done by means of ethnic cleansing of Hindus and Muslims but with the exclusive gangrapes of Hindu women. Nevertheless, the Awami League carders were seen in looting the affluent Hindu families. Don’t get amazed! There are others too!

In India, during the fateful India-Pakistan war of 1971 training camps were opened at Balurghat, Siliguri and Dehradun under the auspices of the Govt. of India for the training of Mujib Bahini. What did happen there? In Balurghat, 7 Hindu liberation fighters were bayoneted since they were found discussing that the liberation of Bangladesh would bring no liberation for Hindus. In Siliguri 7 Hindu youths were bayoneted since it was alleged that they dared to tease the daughter of Fazlul Haq. But the incident of Dehradun surpassed all. There 16 Hindu boys were brutally murdered since they had kept Bhagavad Gita in their pockets. The Govt. of India preferred to remain quiet or else any outburst would have derailed the movement harming India.



Now let’s concentrate on Ramna Kalibari. This ancient temple was desecrated and destroyed by the Pakistan Army on 25-26 March, ’71 resulting into the brutal murder of 200 Hindu devotes, if not more, alongside. But the following history is more painful. The Bangladesh government under Mujibur Rahman, refused to acknowledge the long standing demand of Hindu community (temple’s restoration) and destroyed the remaining portion of this property spreading over 26 acres. According to the latest ordinance, it is now Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy Park and the project completed without any compensation.

What has been the role Awami League regarding Vested Property Act (erstwhile Enemy Property Act)? It was reintroduced by the Awami League government and 1,62,000 acres of land was incorporated into this Act between 1972-75. We should remember that Vested Property Abolition Act was introduced in 2001 by Sheikh Hasina Wazed and the consequence is well-known.

Let’s focus on his illustrious daughter now. Is she better? There were lots of hopes but all have already been squashed. She is always a devout Muslim and then a Bangladeshi, according to her own revelations. This conviction made her denounce the Bangladeshi Hindus as people with twin allegiance. The Hindu minority leaders faced the same rhetoric when Hasina advised them to become Bangladeshi citizens first. What’s more she has been refuting the charges of Bangladeshi infiltration to India!

Have these nefarious designs been played only against the Hindus? Not at all! The Chakma community (Buddhist) has also faced the same effrontery. Manabendra Nath Larma, chief leader of the Chakma community and also the MP of CHT went to meet Mujibur Rahman (regarding CHT’S development). He was advised to become a Bengali, conversely. It is said that this brazen outlook made Mr. Larma initiate the armed struggle. Last but not least, Bangladesh joined OIC under the aegis of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The above-mentioned facts are tiniest specimens of the insensate and unabated minority persecution in the land of (alleged) Bengali nationalism under the covert and overt patronage of Awami League. There are, indeed, numerous stories of persecution that are undated and undocumented but continue with the same vigor.

Is a decent and a secured living of Bangladeshi Hindu community a bleak prospect? We think it is. Nevertheless, there is a greater reality. The greatest sin of Hindu community has been to confide in Awami League. It is, without doubt, a blasphemy.

India must intensify sea route security to throttle nuclear attack

How much is India capable to shield itself against any nuclear attack? There was a time when any such talk was termed as next to insanity but no more. The emergence of Taliban and Al-Qaeda and their successful operations in several parts of the globe has changed the scenario forever. This is a different world and the stance of radical Islam against India (terming it as an infidel) gave a new fillip to the imbroglio. The 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai has added fuel to the fire.

It has been learnt that the assailers on the fateful day had more sinister intentions but the obstinacy and counter attack of India made them finish with that. But, as fresh reports are coming in, a new danger is emerging and it may erupt at any time in India. This is the threat of a nuclear attack and if sources are to be believed, the terrorist groups are trying this way too and are gearing up. It can be said that the experts were speculating of this way and the statement of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Suresh Mehta has hardened their standpoints only. The Indian Navy is apprehending an attack through the sea route.

These fears are not baseless. The perpetrators in 26/11 terror attack made the best use of sea route and carried out the mayhem. The same thing can be repeated again and successfully due to the vulnerability of India at several points. The Chief of Naval Staff said, “The container would be the most likely means for terrorist organizations to illegally transport a nuclear weapon.”

What are India’s vulnerabilities hence? They, as indicated by the Navy Chief, include India's inadequate port security, and the lack of means to scan shipping containers. “The airport security system has been working fairly well over a large number of years. And a similar system for containers would have universal acceptance,” Mehta suggested.

There is no doubt in it that this is urgent and the good news is that the government is realizing this. The Cabinet has approved the unified operation of all maritime security agencies, all of which will now report to the regional Navy boss. But this is not enough and there is the need of more. First of all, India will have to change its fortress mentality. This has ravaged India without a doubt.

Materialism quashes human emotions

Even these days, when the saga of modernism and reliance on modern ethics has commenced in the Indian society, we often come across incidents of separation between couples due to trivial reasons. Well, these episodes are not confined within married couples only but among young lovers also. Though in the conventional Indian society wives are dubbed as more responsible, a boy is believed as perpetrator if there is a break up with his fiancée. Any such accusation is not baseless also since in most cases boys are found to be apostates. What will happen if the reverse happens? How will the Indian society look at the girl who dumped his beau? Will she be considered as slovenly woman?

A similar incident is in the making. It has been learnt, from unnamed sources, that Freida Pinto has repeated the rare incident and has dumped Rohan Antao. Don’t you know of Freida Pinto? She is an award winning actress in her debut film Slumdog Millionaire (2008). For her acting she has won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Slumdog Millionaire won five Critics' Choice Awards, four Golden Globes and seven BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, and has been nominated for ten Academy Awards.

But it seems that, the hero of this tragic episode, Rohan Antao is not aware of these latest developments. He is a 25-year old director of a marketing firm in Mumbai and is a “very private person”, according to his own confirmation. When he was approached by the HT City, Rohan expressed shock and said, “Let me speak with her. Has she really given this statement [about breaking off with him] to the media? She could be talking about something else.”

Though he is in a denial, sources confirm that the funeral is complete and his name has been expunged from Freda’s personal diary. But Rohan, so they say, supported Freda in her modeling and acting career and even helped her develop her website besides handling publicity for her.

It is not known whether Rohan will come back in Freida’s life, if she fails to become an “Ash” or the sexy siren “Bipasha”, but this is a classic example of ditching human emotions in search of materialistic gains.

Taliban plans to attack government building to challenge State

The recent revelation of the President of Pakistan that the Taliban forces are trying to get hold of the country along with its nerve centers has sent a shudder through the backbone of the international community and the attempt of the dreadful brigade to attack government buildings one at a time has added fuel to the fire. What is the source of this pernicious ideal? Is it the intrinsic philosophy of this rugged terrain or the primordial tenets of an outdate notion? It is difficult to even conjecture right now but there is no doubt in the fact that the potency is getting high with the passing of each day.

Go through this. In the recent days the police force in the southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan thwarted an avant-garde attempt of the Taliban forces to take hold of a government building by means of an unexpected attack. It was definitely a great success of the police force which resulted in the arrest of three insurgents. This was revealed by Matiullah Qati, who happens to be the Chief of the provincial police. Speaking on this to press and media persons at a press conference Qati told, "The rebels in a new conspiracy had planned to attack the building of the Administration Reform Department Saturday night but police unearthed the plot and foiled it by arresting three terrorists."

What’s more, the three nabbed insurgents were shown to the media persons by the Chief and he stated emphatically that these terrorists were attempting to storm the building and conduct explosions. The three men were Afghans and affiliated to the Taliban outfit, as sated by the police chief. Though nothing happened and the administration emerged victorious, it is worthwhile to mention, that in unified strikes on government buildings in Kabul last Wednesday Taliban militants bumped off 20 people and injured 54 others. The majority of them were civilians.

It should be mentioned before finishing off the article, that terrorists’ attempts to attack government buildings are to challenge the authority and its sway over the State and its populace. The conflict seems to be unending at the moment.

Green building rules the roost

Green building is no longer any new concept but to a section of builders and also real estate developers it is becoming the best ploy to avert the negative aspects of the downturn and also the sordid market. Well, several organizations in the realm of the United States of America are coming to the forefront in this regard and North Coast Builders Exchange among them deserves a special mention due to its initiatives. North Coast Builders Exchange is a member-operated, not-for-profit association serving the Construction Industry in the California North Coast area (for the most part Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties).

Nowadays the North Coast Builders Exchange is engaged in the planning of a green-building education center and it seems that it could be equipped by mid-summer. What are the present activities of the organization? The center, as has been learnt, is found to dwell in 1,400 square feet in the group’s Santa Rosa offices with several booths. Reason? North Coast Builders Exchange is determined to show how green-building concepts are interconnected. What are the categories for the booths then? Well, they do include energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, low-water landscaping, carbon footprint reduction and “smart” land-use planning.

However the main focus would be on education instead of mere promotion of products. All these have come to the knowledge thanks to initiative of Warren Brown who also said, “What we’re trying to avoid is making it look like a trade show.” He is the Chairman of the exchange’s Green Building Committee and also an esteemed Graton-based solar-power specialist, general and electrical contractor. In addition, apart from the exchange’s 1,800 members, the center may educate public and also students.

Speaking on this, Doug Hilberman, president of Axia Architects of Santa Rosa and past president of the AIA chapter stated, “It would be a set of displays for best management practices and methods for interpreting LEED and Build It Green” “As those two models affect remodels and existing building, we will have more of the public unfamiliar with those programs and will want to find out how to figure those line items into systems and materials.”

Spate of Hepatitis D makes government pro-active

Hepatitis D is known to almost all of us. It is also referred to as Hepatitis D virus (HDV) and classified as Hepatitis delta virus and is a disease that is caused by a small circular RNA virus. The disease is deadly indeed and if apposite or preventive measures are not taken, it can lead to serious fallouts and even death. Well, the same is happening nowadays at Modassa town in the state of Gujarat. It has come to the knowledge that 12 persons have died and 35 fallen ill due to the deadly hepatitis D virus in the last week. It is feared that several cases are unknown yet and the number of affected persons are rising steadily.

The spate of the disease and the unusual situation has created uproar in the local and state administrations. This became evident when the officials of the state Health Department were found to initiate an intense investigation to find out the reason of the sudden eruption. The officials raided 10 private medical practitioners’ premises as a result. However they came out with only one success. It was found that the doctor was not using disposable syringes and not even sterilising them. There is no doubt that this is a dreadful offence and the officials initiated a process of filing an FIR against the doctor therefore. It is to be noted that the raid was conducted by a three-member rescue team of B J Medical College, Ahmedabad, led by Nayan Qadri.

Speaking on this, epidemic medical officer, Sabarkantha, A K Bhati told, "We had taken samples of syringes and other equipment from different medical practitioners to ensure that proper medical norms are observed when injectibles are being used."

Well, the government has taken steps to curb the disease already. It has been found 27 paramedics along with five doctors are surveying the area. On the other hand local administration has distributed over 25,000 pamphlets for the creation of consciousness about this disease. According to governmental sources, a team from National Institute of Communicable Diseases & Director General of Health Services (NICD & DGHS) will be in the affected area soon.

Doctor’s awful mistake disgraces medical fraternity

There are certain professions in each and every society which are highly esteemed thanks to their responsibilities, nobility and also selfless services to the humanity. The medical profession happens to be one of them and for that reason the doctors are not only respected but also depended to the highest extent. What may happen if the doctor gets identified for wrong practice or is found to diagnose wrongly? There will definitely be mayhem and the dignity of this noble profession will be shattered. The same took place in Kolkata, one of premier cities of India, yesterday.

The nationally acclaimed SSKM Hospital remained witness to a bizarre incident where a nonagenarian patient suffered two surgeries on a single day due to the awful blunder of a junior doctor. What did happen actually? Pramila Dey, the 93-year-old woman, was admitted to the high-status Woodburn Ward of the hospital on Tuesday night after falling at home and injuring her right leg consequently. She was admitted under the surveillance of Dr Samar Gupta who took the decision that Mrs. Dey would undergo a skeletal traction. It is to be noted that this process involves the insertion of a 4-inch-long steel rod into the right leg.

This was decided and there were expectations that everything would go as usual. But what did happen after that was totally unusual. As stated by sources, pins were inserted in the wrong limb under the supervision of Surajit Kundu, a junior doctor of the hospital.

This horrendous mistake was first detected by the family of Mrs. Dey who were horrified to find out that her left leg had been operated upon instead of the right. The family got furious and rushed to lodge a complaint with the hospital superintendent.
Though Doctor Samar Gupta has declined to comment, the hospital authority acknowledged the mistake and confirmed that corrective measures on the right leg had already been taken.

We have a very simple question. How can a doctor be so irresponsible? SSKM along with the Woodburn Ward are highly respected and it is expected hence that proficient and deliberate doctors should be in the hospital. This is not only a noble profession but also offers the greatest barrier to death.

Should the doctor be suspended or his license be rescinded instead of mere castigations? Suggest us.

Mumbaikars’ patience regarding disorderly train system close to collapse

What is the present demand of Mumbai? Is it a better security system that can stave off more 26/11 episodes? Well, according to many, this is a conventional demand but what Mumbai wants at present is an efficient and more professional train system. There is a question in this regard. Have you ever traveled by the local train of Mumbai? It’s indeed a great experience although you travel by commuter trains in your state. Truly speaking, the entire service is shattering. There are a number of trains but this number appears to be too small against the ever burgeoning population of Mumbai.

Mumbai is the financial capital of India and also the main center of trade and commerce in the country. For this simple reason thousands of people from all over the country pour into this bustling city weekly and this unfortunate reality almost throttles the local train system of Mumbai or the city’s lifeline. There are great frustrations among people hence and there have already been signs of revolt, witnessed in a sudden protest last week. The demands of people are simple and all they want are more trains with better services and travel in comfort hence.

Have the consecutive governments failed to keep promise? Take my suggestion. Never dare to ask this question to any Mumbaikar or else you may be beaten black and blue (they’re on the brink of getting exploded in anger). Each and every government, be it at the Center or the State, has duped them and they are the worst sufferers, as indicated by the bulk of the Mumbaikars or daily passengers. Only on the last year the budget promised additional train lines between Mumbai Central and Borivali on Western Railway, CST and Kurla on Central Railway along with the introduction of 156 new rakes.
What has been the result? The promises are to be fulfilled yet and rakes are facing teething troubles. Only one question comes forward in this respect. Was the ad-lib protest in Borivali last week after trains were delayed and cancelled an exception? Those, who consider it as exception and count on the patience of Mumbaikars, should swallow Subhash Gupta’s recent comment. He is the President, Mumbai Yatri Sangh and said, "Borivali was just a trailer. If they don't mend their ways soon, they will see that same thing on the Central Railway. This is a warning."

Have you got the real meaning?

Extremism occupying center stage in India gradually

How should you conduct your own life? Whom should you speak with? What should you think about? These are not any common questions but form the basis of a democratic culture and also of an individual. The founding fathers of the nation or modern India had high regards for these notions and that led them to establish the democratic ethos. However, almost after seven decades of national independence, it seems that these high dreams are fading and extremism and intolerance (at least in thoughts) are gradually occupying the center stage instead. What is most shocking in this respect is the formation of moral police.

According to analysts, moral police is the expression of a fascist tendency that tries to curb the individual liberty of a person and wants to impose its own guidelines as an alternative. This became prominent and earned immense power in the Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. Is the same happening in India if we take the Mangalore incident (recently happened) into account? Well, it is too early to compare the Sri Rama Sena with Gestapo but the same thing can happen within few years if clandestine support of the authority persists.

In the Mangalore incident women in the pub were thrashed bitterly but there was no casualty. However, there is a different story now. A 16-year-old college student committed suicide becoming incapable to put up with the disgrace after a group of men “caught” her dating a man from another community and handed them over to police. This incident seems to be first in the town and also one of the very few similar incidents across India. The group of men who gave rise to this incident comprised of young members.

The girl was a Hindu and was also a student of Aikala Pre-University College. She had the audacity to make friendship with Saleem, a Muslim bus conductor! Both of them were brought to Mulki Circle police station after the couple was “spotted in a secluded place”, as stated by the police.

It is not known yet whether Sri Rama Sena was involved with this incident but it’s evident that treatises sporting the need of discrimination, aversion and struggle to establish supremacy are fast gaining ground in the society.

No country or society has ever benefited through extremism. Pakistan is the latest example. India, in spite of our dislikes, may have the same future as well.

Kidney-selling racket exposes human’s heinous greed

In the Hindu philosophy there have been immense and profound references of six inherent vices or cardinal passions of a human being. They are sexual passion, anger, greed, infatuation, vanity and envy. Pundits have debated on these for centuries and have concluded that the same factors may take prominent roles in a society also. What’s more, if either the first or third intrinsic frailty gains prominence in the society, the declension commences and it becomes equivalent to the death knell. We are witnessing the same in the Indian society and it is getting clear that greed knows no bounds. How can you justify then, if you like to differ, the heinous business of human organs?

In the recent days a large and strong kidney-selling racket has been unearthed in Kolkata and the arrest of the kingpin Manik Chowdhury alias Partha along with others has led to the disclosure of several shocking tales. It has already been stated that human greed knows no bounds and Partha had even tried to get his associate Chandana Mukherjee's son Raja to part with a kidney. The entire planning got foiled since Raja didn't match with the recipient. It is to be noted that Raja was arrested by Detective Department on Wednesday night.

According to sources, the arrest of Raja was highly decisive and the perpetrator has confessed by now of his involvement in two kidney transplantations. It has been learnt, that there was the involvement of a number of doctors. Where are they? They are to be found yet and the Detective Department is trying hard to find out about the doctors who performed the surgeries and also the hospitals they are involved with.

There is no doubt in it that the police is acting wholeheartedly and in a fast manner. In accordance with the findings of the police, it is clear that the majority of the donors came from the south Bengal districts of South 24-Parganas, North 24-Parganas, Nadia along with the two districts of Midnapore. The Detective Department is in full swing.

Talibani attack on Afghan government’s buildings proves its competence

In the recent years the medical world in the global arena has advanced a lot thanks to the researches and altruistic activities of researchers and doctors. A large number of medicines have been brought to the forefront meant for healing the deadliest diseases even. The credit goes to the global medical fraternity. But there is a greater disease that is not only exerting sway in several sectors but is also expanding its base by leaps and bounds. It’s Islamic terrorism that is spreading throughout the globe like wild fire from the epicenters in Pakistan and Afghanistan and under the aegis of Taliban and Al-Qa'ida.

How are they operating in spite of the hardened standpoints of United States of America and several other prominent UN members? This is quite difficult to assess and the experienced journalists (especially those who are familiar with the rugged terrain of Afghan land) are finding it hard even.

Whatever it is the nefarious designs of Islamic terrorism are in full swing and its proficiency has again come forward owing to today’s multi-pronged Taliban attack on government buildings in Kabul. According to the latest available information, at least 19 people were killed and 46 injured. The attacks on these buildings took place only at the time when Washington is desperately trying to evolve a new strategy to halt the ongoing violence of decades.

As stated by eyewitnesses, the bulk of assailants were wearing suicide vests, the entire group stormed the building and started firing indiscriminately. Everything happened so suddenly that the security service was flabbergasted and had no other way expect to flee. Employees and security guards were shot as they moved through the buildings. They also launched a ferocious attack on the justice ministry and an office for the prisons department close to the presidential palace in the heart of the city. The justice minister, Sarwar Danesh, finding no other way was forced to hide inside his ministry building as gunfire rang out.

This is one of the deadliest attacks in the past few years in the region and the assault on the government building was to defy the administrative presence. Taliban has already stated that attacks had come in response to the treatment of militants in government custody.

It’s time to act now or else in the future Afghanistan may become devoid of governmental buildings.

Bikini babe Katrina turns to political “Bahu”

Lots of films have already been made that speaks of the dark side of Indian politics and the film directors like Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Saeed Mirza, Shyam Benegal, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and others deserve special mention for that. However, their films have been part and parcel of the Indian parallel cinema and for that reason they have reached to and been appreciated by select audience. On the contrary, film like Aandhi, the 1975 Indian movie allegedly based on then prime minister Indira Gandhi's life and partly inspired by Tarkeshwari Sinha and directed by Gulzar have been found to attract more audience.

Now it solely depends upon the director which path should be followed. Well, Prakash Jha, the noted Indian film producer-director-screenwriter, who is most known for his political and socio-political films, has been following the trail of Gulzar Saab right from the beginning and Damul (1984), Mrityudand (1997), and Gangaajal (2003) are finest examples. He is back again and is busy with the film ‘Rajniti’ with actors Naseeruddin Shah, Nana Patekar, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Vajpayee and last but not least Katrina Kaif. What has been the reason behind including a sexy siren like Katrina in this grievous plot? Don’t get surprised. Katrina Kaif is playing the role of Sonia Gandhi in the film and with same type of saree and folded hands.

This is the second film in the Indian industry concerning the most powerful political dynasty in the Indian scenario and has striking resemblances with the ‘Anataratma’ or soul or the UPA Chairperson or the omnipotent persona of Congress (whichever you say) Sonia Gandhi. Katrina Kaif, as has been learnt, is enacting the role of a politician (a widow and a high-profile politician) who takes charge after her husband dies a tragic death. In the film there are a number of scenes where political rallies with huge cutouts of Katrina and Tricolours (without the hand symbol) will be shown.

For all these reasons, if you want to see Katrina flaunting as a bikini babe, it’s better for you to steer clear of the theater. Katrina Kaif will be seen wearing cotton sarees in the movie. May be for the first time!

Can astrology be called a science?

The conflict between rationals and adherents of astrology has been going on for hundreds of years. While the first group considers it as a mere superstition and a nice ploy of deceiving people, the later group has wide regards for it. India is no different and the same tussle persists in this soil too. However, the contribution of Indian astrology has not been less than any and its attraction in the world (especially after the introduction of internet or other sophisticated technology) knows no bounds. The foundation of Indian astrology or Jyotisha is found in the Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures.

Well, there is a acute difference between the Indian and western astrology The practice of Jyotisha primarily relies on the sidereal zodiac, which is different from the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology in that an ayanamsa adjustment is made for the gradual precession of the vernal equinox. Besides the major aspects of Indian astrology include several nuanced sub-systems of interpretation and prediction. Do you also consider this as a science? It may be but the rational prefer to hurl scathing attacks against this always.

This attitude came into light once again when Prof. Dr Jayant Narlikar, the famed Astrophysicist, launched a vigorous attack recently. He was found to paint the whole discipline of astrology in the color of superstition while speaking on the topic “Astrology-Pseudo Science” for a packed audience in Rourkela. He also cited several investigations that proved the fallacies of astrology and the pertinent gurus to a great extent.

Speaking on an investigation in the recent past he stated, “We took the horoscope of 100 mentally retarded and 100 bright children and jumbled them up. Finally, we tried to find out from the astrologers whether they can spot them rightly in which 50 persons participated. We gave 40 horoscopes to each individual. Surprisingly many did not return their findings to us and of those who did the highest was 22 correct answers and 17 was the average. And it was like the chances one takes with coins where the chances of heads and tails always come.”
However, the number of convinced people among audience is still unknown.

Ram Mantra and Modi shine in BJP meeting

At each time election draws near we hear from BJP its adherence to the Ram Temple and how does it want to build India a strong, self-reliant nation. We get tired of these but not the leadership of BJP or else apart from its credibility (already at stake) its existence may come to the edge. This is not desirable in any way and for that reason it reiterates Ram mantra. The same was also seen on the third day of the BJP’s national executive-cum-council on Sunday morning. But causing shudders within LK Advani, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi did steal the show.

Whatever may be the castigations against him, there is no doubt in it that Narendra Modi remains vibrant always and for that reason his speech also expresses the same stances. He was seen to lash the UPA government once gain for its humongous failure to tackle the spate of terrorism along with its ‘half-hearted’ and ‘feeble’ attempt to get to the bottom of the conspiracy behind the Mumbai terror assault. What is the main reason behind this conciliatory and frail attitude? It’s the compulsion of vote-bank politics, according to him. He also brought to the fore an allegation that the Pakistani miscreants could not have carried out the attack without the help of local elements.

“Who’s stopping them from getting them (the local help)? It’s only vote-bank politics, which is leading the country on the path of destruction,” he alleged.

He also disparaged the Congress and the Manmohan Singh government for its governance track-record and its undue allegiance to a single dynasty.

“For a long time now, there has been a sustained campaign to vilify the BJP as a Brahmin-Baniya party, a party of the Hindi heartland and an urban party, even when the party was winning elections in various corners. There is an attempt to depict the party as being anti-women, even though the BJP has the maximum number of women representatives,’’ he stated very clearly.

The scathing attack on the opposition did satisfy a good section of the crowd and it became evident. What was the reaction of BJP’s topmost leadership and prime ministerial candidate LK Advani? They were not available for comment.

Makeshift tents replace buildings in Gaza

What is the present situation of Gaza Strip? This coastal region at the southeastern corner of the Mediterranean bordering Israel and Egypt has been in the news for all wrong reasons. We all know that it came to the international headlines on account of the Israeli onslaught. There is no correct information on casualty up till now but reports indicate that more than 1,330 people were killed and the destruction of homes of some 30,000 Palestinians took place. The situation is, without doubt, dreadful and the plight of the refuges may bring tears in anyone’s eyes.

Well, Gaza's Hamas-run government is leaving no stone unturned to refurbish the whole region and has partnered with international aid groups and local charities. However, for the time being, it is concentrating on makeshift tents instead of constructing new buildings or homes for refugees. Fund is really a problem and the localized government is facing its impact. Throughout the region devastated buildings that include residential properties along with school and hospitals can be easily found. This brings back the horrendous memories of Gaza's 1948 refugees for many.

According to Palestinian and some Israeli scholars, Jewish militias became instrumental in booting out more than 700,000 Palestinians before and during the war that followed the creation of Israel in a deliberate campaign of ethnic cleansing. The same processes have been continuing for years and the climax reached in the recent attacks of Israel on Palestinian militants. One of these five new camps is Camp Dignity that provides shelter to some of the 30,000 people it says lost their homes in the three-week conflict.

Will these tents instead of buildings continue forever? This is very difficult to say. It should be stated Israel and Egypt have prevented all but basic humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Building materials are scarce, and reconstruction has been held up by the restrictions. What’s more, all these are happening since the Hamas takeover in June 2007.

Rampant construction of buildings enticing earthquake in Himachal Pradesh (India)

Earthquake is not alien to the human civilization. Throughout the world and on each year the occurrence of earthquake is quite natural. It happens to be the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves and are recorded with a seismometer, also known as a seismograph. For that reason many regions in the planet like the entire Dhauladhar Range in Himachal Pradesh (India) are regarded as sensitive earthquake-prone regions where devastations can take place at any moment.

However, in the present age lots of scientific measures to protect and prepare possible sites of earthquakes from severe damages have come to the fore. These include Earthquake engineering, Earthquake preparedness, Household seismic safety, Seismic retrofit (including special fasteners, materials, and techniques), Seismic hazard, Mitigation of seismic motion, and Earthquake prediction. But there are some prerequisites and the control in the construction of buildings happens to be one of them.

What is going on in Dhauladhar Range therefore? On the contrary, the whole area has become marked for random and unplanned buildings along with unrestrained residential constructions. Lots of studies have been made and each one of them has concluded that in past five years the Kangra district, particularly Palampur and Dharmshala towns, have turned into a huge concrete jungle. Isn’t the government aware?

Well, the government of Himachal Pradesh can’t be blamed. It, witnessing the gruesome consequences of devastating earthquake in Gujarat in 2001, introduced Town and Country Planning Act and tried utmost to standardize the construction activities in this region. What’s more, the government brought all important towns of Kangra district within the purview of the said act. But that has failed to dissuade the spirits of developers and homeowners and construction of buildings is unabated.

Nowadays one can find hundreds of construction activities, of buildings including residential houses and multi storied complexes in the district. Even the same region has become famous for commercial activities and several hotels and shopping malls with multi-storeyed structures have been built while many are in the offing.

What may be the consequence? The entire scenario is enticing another earthquake and devastations may happen at any moment.

Disintegration of Pakistan can squelch terrorism

Terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism are inseparably related and according to many, these are cancerous growths in a nation which can be one of the best places in the world provided that precise steps are taken. However this standpoint also brings to the fore lots of questions. Can this be ever considered as a true appraisal? There are several experts regarding evolution of politics in South Asia and Pakistan and they consider that terrorism in Pakistan, thanks to the clandestine support of the Pakistani leadership (under the aegis of Punjab), has become a national curriculum and also the greatest employer.

Where do the funds originate from? There is no answer to this cryptic question since the majority of Pakistanis remain ignorant of this. However, the terrorist camps scattered throughout the nation go on in full swing. Are you interested to know something of the benefactor and the basis of terrorist groups? It can certainly be said (without any external help) that the Rawalpindi based Pakistani Army and ISI are interwoven and their combined effort is a key factor in expanding the nefarious designs of Pakistani terrorism in other countries. The terrorist groups collect their ardent cadres or valiant Jihadis from vast numbers of semi-literate madrassa educated masses.

There are several discrepancies also. It has often been found that Pakistani establishment in the wake of gruesome terror attacks in any country adopt stern measures and close these domestic groups at the earliest. Nevertheless, after some days these groups resurface and with renewed vigor. Studies have shown that the terrorist groups at these times become able to get more cadres than ever before. What do happen in reality? The operations of Government of Pakistan are mere eyewash. During these periods both the groups’ names and characters change or they hide behind the façade of a charitable NGO.

This has become quite common in these years and it seems this will remain incessantly unless they are stopped forcefully. What should be done therefore? This is not the time for the international community to abide by hands off policy but to get active. Pakistan has to be dismembered and only this policy can throttle the root of terrorism. Secessionist movements in Pakistan for Balawaristan, Sindhudesh, Pashtunistan, Waziristan and Balochistan must be supported for disintegrating it.

There is no other way.

Dark hour of Indian democracy visits again

What is the difference between the culture of true democracy and travesty of democracy? It is quite difficult to tell. However, it can be said, when the governmental institutions become corrupt, count more on parochialism and nepotism for governance, tools of retaining law and order become organs of repression, conviction of populace on cherished ideals of the nation gets lost, democracy cease to exist. Has India reached this stage already? It is again quite difficult to state although the moral fiber of the country is waning gradually and there is no doubt in this.

From the national independence in 1947 till date there have been the accessions of several parties to governances in different states of India and there is a concord between them. Each of them has tried to control the police force and pertinent administration and to run them in accordance with its own interest. This single intention has created several upheavals both in the national and state politics at times. There are even instances when excessiveness in this regard led to the downfall of governments and the intervention of the judiciary as well.

For that reason, even if the recently released information of the appointment of A N Roy as the DGP in the state of Maharashtra disturbs you, there is nothing wonder. This has been the tradition of Indian democracy from the initiation and even from 1937 when Congress assumed governance for the first time in British India, according to historians.

It has been learnt from undisclosed sources, NCP, especially the then deputy chief minister R R Patil, became instrumental in the entire happening. Mr. Roy toppled several senior officers at that time as he was the junior most among the contenders. But this obstacle proved to be trifle since he had the necessary political endorsement.

All these are included in the petition of S Chakravorty, who challenged the appointment of Roy, before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Well, we are not certain yet who is right but experiences have shown that these can be possible.

If all these are true, we must consider that the dark hour of Indian democracy visits again.

Intelligent and more full-blown species may exist in other planets

There can be the presence of intelligent species in other planets also and some of their civilizations may be more advanced than the human race. Don’t get amazed since this may be a reality, according to the latest revelations of the scientific world. Well, it should also be noted that the presence of life in other planets is no conjecture but a reality to a section of scientists. What are the findings of the recently concluded investigation therefore? As stated by pertinent researchers, aliens could be alive and well on almost 40,000 other planets.

Moreover, the researchers have calculated that equal to 37,964 worlds in the galaxy are hospitable enough and as a result there can be the emergence and evolution of intelligent creatures at least as intelligent as humans.

In this context the name of astrophysicist Duncan Forgan deserves special mention. He was instrumental in the creation of a computer program that succeeded in collecting each and every data on the 330 or so planets known to man and also worked day and night to determine the conditions suitable for life. There was a precise assessment of several factors like temperature and availability of water and minerals, which was then extrapolated all over the Milky Way.

The study also considered three scenarios of how life could develop. The first of them concluded that no less than 361 planets can maintain intelligent life although in these planets it is difficult for life to form but easy for it to evolve. In the second scenario there are 31,513 planets and in these planets life is easily formed but struggles to develop more. There is the presence of 38,000 planets in the third scenario and in this context life can be passed from planet to planet with the help of asteroids.

What shall be the nature of life in these planets? They will certainly not be in the form of amoeba but quite advanced. It may be that they appear to be more advanced than human beings! There is no wonder in it. According to Duncan Forgan, 'Most of the other planets we have looked at are older than our own - so I would expect to see more advanced civilisations than ours existing.'

Indian Defence Minister’s despicable talks make India more futile

We have been hearing Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the Minister for External Affairs, India and his wise sermons on terrorism and the role of Pakistan in wake of 26/11 carnage in Mumbai. But now it’s the turn of the Defence Minister AK Antony who refuses to lag behind and has joined the bandwagon therefore. Do you have any idea of this bandwagon? It’s to castigate Pakistan and its nefarious designs but not to launch any direct attack or crush the terrorist camps within that country or else that may destabilize the international pace. India, after all, is famous for clemency and as the active proponent of global peace!

Well, the Indian Defence Minister was speaking in the 11th Asian Security Conference at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi where he reiterated the fact that Pakistan was playing with fire and therefore termed the rogue state (Pakistan) as the "epicentre" of global terrorism and urged it to act with "sincerity and decisiveness" against the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.

According to Mr. Antony, there had been lots of confidence building measures (?) in the last few years but all were destroyed by the "dastardly" Mumbai attack. He said, “That major attacks of large magnitude can be planned and executed by elements in Pakistan totally undermines the solemn commitments to us made by its leadership that territory in its control would not be permitted to be used for terrorism." Is India repenting owing to that?

For that reason, according to the Minister, the responsibility to nip the evil designs of terrorism and spate of terrorist attacks in the Indian soil in the bud was on Pakistan. He said, "It is in the interest of this region and the rest of the world that such perpetrators of wanton violence are brought to justice and the infrastructure of terror is eliminated."

One thing is clear from all these that India lacks the moral fiber to attack Pakistan even if it gets evidences that the rogue state is planning to nuke. The problem is not with any specific minister or this UPA government. On the contrary, the problem lies in the conventional Indian mindset which through centuries has been following the ‘fortress mentality’. This not only makes the nationality futile but the country an ideal buffoon also. There are numerous examples regarding this and we needn’t get into those currently.

One thing is clear. India will go on talking and she can do only this. Can India ever implement the Israeli policy? Are you dreaming?

Google Earth aiding terrorist designs nonchalantly

I think that the readers of this article are well-concerned with the name Google Earth and are already astounded due to its extent and excellence. Google Earth, in short, is a virtual globe, map and geographic information program that was originally called Earth Viewer, and was created by Keyhole, Inc, a company acquired by Google in 2004. It maps the Earth by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography and GIS 3D globe. Well, there is no doubt that the service is unique and never before the humanity comprehended the earth in this way.

However, at present, Google Earth is, indeed, in a tight spot owing to the spate of allegations that has shivered its foundation even. There is a dreadful allegation that Google Earth, through its latest technology, is helping the terrorists all over the world and this has given a new fillip to the waning evil (terrorist) designs of once. It has been learnt that terrorists (irrespective of ideological differences) all over the world are gearing up owing to this new development and are getting busy in hiring technical experts to exploit the existent reality.

What’s more, as indicated by several security agencies, there has been a drastic change in the mode of attacks or terrorist strikes and in this regard sophisticated technology or organizations like Google Earth are greatest perpetrators.

Are these allegations false? How can this be said? It is a reality that terrorists belonging to both Hamas and Pakistan have been using Google Earth in full swing. The latest 26/11 carnage in Mumbai and Hamas-led terror strikes into Israel have brought to the forefront ample proofs of this. Can Google Earth be hold responsible for this as it is a mere technology?

Well, John Hanke, the man in charge of Google Earth and Google Maps, starts from here and leaves no stone unturned to prove the innocence. As indicated by him, the entire subject is not only ridiculous but any counter-argument fails to hold water also. The terrorist groups, on the word of him, could use any map also instead of Google Earth or any other strategy. The evilness exists within the perpetrator but not the tool of crime. Here lies the main difference.

Before I finish, another crucial aspect should be concentrated upon. Google Earth is not involved at all but it is helping the devilish schemes nonchalantly through the modern technology in the best manner and this will continue. How can this be checked? There is no answer for the moment.

Google Earth 5.0 expands human knowledge

Google Earth version 5.0 has been released at last and it has brought along with it a new dimension. Well, this is the view of the majority and an extensive survey among them proves that they have high regards for the Google Earth. What is the specialty of the version 5.0? It should be remembered that it is still labeled as beta software but there is uniqueness in every respect. Google Earth version 5.0 enables you to see ocean floor and sea surface imagery in addition to synthetic historical scenes of famous sites. On the other hand it includes some advancement to its armchair world touring features.

However, there are other aspects as well. There is no doubt that its two recently completed updates to map 200m Galaxies and Ancient Rome have been major successes and this has emboldened the spirit Google Earth to a great extent. For that reason, it is set to map Mars, history and several other factors of earth or the planet where we live in.

In this regard, as has been found, Google Earth 5.0 has asked for the assistance of well-known US oceanographer Sylvia Earle and set about mapping the entire sea bed that includes the Mariana Trench. Is this all? By no means! Google Earth 5.0, through the addition of extra swank, can also change to a 'Sea Level' with 3D animated waves. This lets the user get into bottom and have a look at the topography. You can also take the help of a number of Wikipedia info, YouTube videos, migratory patterns and scientific expeditions to develop your knowledge bank. There are plenty.

Let’s focus on MARS now. Google Earth 5.0 has mapped it in 3D or a three-dimensional form or appearance for the benefits of the users.

It may be that you are no longer a student but a professional. Even in that case, it will amaze you a lot and help you to increase knowledge. Never forget education is not related with any specific age and you can gain knowledge till the last breadth.

Centenarian rebel’s protest against proposed demolition of school buildings earns kudos

Age cannot be any barrier at all if the pertinent individual has a definite cause. This is being proved once again by the centenarian revolutionary Binod Behari Chowdhury in the Chittagong district through his stormy protest against the proposed demolition of two historical school buildings of the region. These two school buildings happen to be most well-known girls' schools of Chittagong, Aparnacharan and Krishna Mumari Schools. It is to be noted that these school buildings make one commemorate the specimens of Pritilata Wadderar, one of the finest women revolutionaries in the anti-British struggle of the region.

Pritilata Wadderar was involved in the illustrious Chittagong episode of 1930s that not only rocked the foundation of the British imperial structure but also created an everlasting exemplar of self-sacrifice and devotion to the national cause.

The problem started owing to the arbitrary decision of Chittagong City Corporation to tear down the two historic school buildings to build multi-storeyed commercial buildings. Mr. Chowdhury was not ready to accept this insult even in this fag end of life and has become the initiator of a movement that has earned esteem from the citizens. He started the movement through beginning a token hunger strike in front of the school buildings recently and has been joined by leading citizens of the city and workers of different organizations.What has been the reaction of Chittagong City Corporation? Well, it seems that the organization is steadfast in its approach and this has become evident from a recent advertisement under the aegis of Mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury. The advertisement stated, "Those who look to this great initiative in any other way than the development of an education-friendly modern complex for these two historic schools have taken a condemnable role to tarnish the successes of the Chittagong City Corporation." "This role is not desirable from any quarters interested in education. So I want to let you know with firmness that the proposed education-friendly complex will be built." Well, none is sure what will be the outcome but the persistence of the aged revolutionary who was also a comrade of slain Pritilata Wadderar has earned kudos across social echelons. It is worthwhile to mention that she was the first headmistress of Aparnacharan School.

Status of intellectual property is waning

There was a time when people used to frown at the concept of intellectual property and considered it similar to any extraterrestrial object. However through decades and with the change of the global business the erstwhile animosity is no more and people (whatever may be the number) have started to comprehend it. But, a large number of people are to get it yet. Let us concentrate on the essence of intellectual property therefore. Intellectual property (IP) is legal property rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial, and the corresponding fields of law.

According to the intellectual property law, the owners have certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets. These include, literary, and artistic works; ideas, discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. The most common forms of intellectual property include copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.

What is the present situation of intellectual property throughout the globe? According to the recently published study of McAfee, the internationally acclaimed security technology company, the situation is not well and is waning gradually. Only on the last year the companies worldwide suffered a loss of more than $1 trillion worth of intellectual property. What’s more companies all around eight countries lost $4.6 billion worth of intellectual property in the last year. Well, it should be mentioned, the same companies expended approximately $600 million for repairing the harms from data breaches.

On the other hand, as revealed by the investigation, the third world countries are quite ahead of their Western counterparts in the protection of intellectual property. Take for instance the three countries viz. India, Brazil and China. These three countries have been identified to spend more money on security than the leading countries like Germany, UK, US and Japan. It may be an Asian consideration but it’s true that people of China and India invest more on securing their intellectual property for competitive advantage than others. Keep in mind that seventy four percent of Chinese and sixty eight percent of Indians are engaged in this domain.

McAfee, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is the world’s largest dedicated security
technology company.

Put Raj Thackeray into a straightjacket

The situation would certainly have been different, had there been the involvement of any other one. But for the new ‘Sarkar’ of the city of Mumbai nothing matters and it seems nothing can prevent him from the accomplishment of his ‘sacred’ objective as well. Well, we are talking of ‘His Excellency’ or the new boss of Mumbai Raj Thackeray and the latest exploits of the valiant warriors (cadres) belonging to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The party has already been in the news at several times owing to its glorious achievements (?) in harassing and manhandling the North Indians stimulating the fire of parochialism, sectarianism and regionalism.

Thank god Chatrapati Shivaji and Bal Gangadhar Tilak are no more!

However, at this time, owing to another glorious (?) deed the MNS Chief Raj Thackeray seems to be in a tight spot. He was summoned by the Maharashtra Governor SC Jamir due to the vandalism of the MNS workers in the prestigious and historic campus of the Mumbai University. A group of MNS cadres had launched an assault on the university and later ransacked the campus to a great extent.

What was the sacrilege of the university? Well, it was regarding the issue of retaining Marathi as an optional subject in the curriculum. This single topic was enough to infuriate MNS and its boss and citing "neglect" of Marathi students it launched a deadly attack on the Mumbai University’s registrar chamber. It is to be noted that the Governor, in his capacity as Chancellor of universities in the state, went to the university in person to take stock of the situation and summoned Raj Thackeray on the very next day.

Nevertheless, Raj was accompanied by key associates that included spokesperson Shirish Parkar and was at Raj Bhavan for around an hour.

The incident has created a new uproar in the state which is yet to come out from the horrors 26/11 carnage. Though the incident has already been discussed in the cabinet meeting presided over by the state’s Chief Minister, it seems nothing will happen at all.

But it’s the time for the government to show guts and get stern over Raj Thackeray. His every move leads to a disaster and kindles the fire of hatred. It’s too dangerous for the cohesion of India and is not desirable.

Red colour stimulates men’s vigor

What can be the best definition of red color? Is it simply a color at the end of the color spectrum (next to orange) resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies? Or is it prominent since it is manifest in the banners of political parties adhering to Leftism or ideology of the political left? How will you rationalize then as red has always found prominent positions in the expression of love through centuries? Whether it is ancient rituals or red hearts on Valentine’s Day or mistletoe at Christmas, red has always attained a central role.

Nevertheless there is one thing in common. In each segment, irrespective of love or politics, there is the presence of a vivacity and zeal and red expresses the combined form of these two traits easily. For this single reason, the red color reigned supreme in the anti-globalization struggle in the recent past (it expresses rebellion too!). Now the question remains why people remain so attached with the color red? There is no other color in the human civilization that has been in the center stage. Well, according to one section of researchers, the color red, due to several factors, has always been tied to carnal passions and romantic love across cultures and millennia.

But even after this we grope in darkness for the basic reason. However, a new research throws fresh light to this endless debate. The researchers including University of Rochester psychologists Prof Andrew Elliot and post-doctoral researcher Daniela Niesta state men get attracted to women and this attraction is stimulated vehemently by the colour red. The duo had gone through five psychological experiments to find out the matter and concluded that the colour red makes men feel more affectionate toward women. But the entire development remains unnoticed by men since they are hardly aware.

According to the researchers, men’s response to red more likely springs from deeper biological roots since female baboons and chimpanzees blush evidently when approaching ovulation and this is an obvious signal designed to attract males.

One thing is clear. Red colour exerts a drastic influence only on men and not the other one.

Drink lots and be a robust player in bedroom

Even in the recent past it was supposed that the regular consumption of alcohol was not only injurious to health but also had a detrimental effect on the sexual performance of men. There was a large belief, among a section of scientists even, that drinking alcohol, either in low or high quantities, would wreck the power of semen or the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract. Besides it was also alleged that the squalid effects of erectile dysfunction, or 'brewer's droop' take place due to the high intake of alcohol.

The situation was quite enough to panic a male person and also reduced the general inclination of men towards alcohol throughout the globe substantially. If you were also one of them, I do feel very sorry for you. It was, indeed a grave mistake to infer in that way and a recently concluded research says just the opposite. The researchers, while conducting the study on 1,580 Australian men, were astounded to find out the bizarre results. The research has brought to the fore the conclusion that alcohol, conversely, enhances the competence of a male in sexual activity and this develops his relationship with spouse to a great extent.

What do you think therefore? Will you regain your drinking habits? Well, everything depends on you. But, if you are hesitant still, you ought to concentrate on the other startling facts. According to the finding, even if anyone is a binge drinker, he will undergo lower rates of erectile dysfunction (if it ever happens) than the teetotaler or a total abstainer. Nevertheless, the best is always to remain in the stage of low-drinking. Why? The only reason is that the so-called low-risk drinkers, those who have four drinks a day for up to five days a week, fared best in the research.

For all these reasons, if a person or even a moderate drinker suffers from erectile dysfunction, it is futile to point the finger at his habit of drinking. There may be other strong reasons.

So go on drinking and build up your performance. You should perform some job with your wife in the bedroom, after all.

Taser stun gun fails to gratify aspirations

This may not be a new subject for the human rights activists performing throughout the world but it is a reality that the Taser stun gun has been failing to match the expectation. What’s more, lots of questions are emerging in the greater society regarding the use of Taser stun gun. What are the most evident reasons behind this? Well, it is worthwhile to mention, in this context, that the United Nations Committee against Torture reported that the use of Tasers can be a form of torture, due to the acute pain they cause, and warns against the possibility of death in certain cases. Is it so? Let’s find out.

Well, the Taser stun gun has already been advertised and sold as a police tool that can lessen the number of suspect shooting deaths and officer injuries. However, according to the appraisals of a new study, its use does not reduce the number of people who die in custody. Can it be so? This is very difficult to state, as indicated by observers. As stated by them, Tasers were brought to the fore as ideal less-lethal weapons to be used by police to restrain widespread social or political disturbances, or potentially dangerous subjects. Nevertheless the use of Tasers has become controversial since many incidents have resulted in serious injury and death.

The study was conducted under the auspices of the researchers at the University of California San Francisco. These esteemed researchers left no stone unturned to make the investigation a success and therefore looked for cases of in-custody sudden deaths to differentiate between the period of using the weapon and the period before its use. What was the result? There was a stark increase in the rate of in-custody sudden deaths in the first full year of Taser deployment, if compared with the average rate in the five years before the stun guns were used.

Even though a decrease in the following years in sudden in-custody deaths was found, which probably resulted from changing the ways of using Taser stun gun, the danger persists always. Lastly, it must be said that this painstaking report is, without doubt, half-done. Want to know the cause? Ten largest U.S cities where stun guns are used most frequently refused to release their Taser data for the study.

Israel destroys Gaza buildings and poise of Hamas too

What is the condition of Gaza at present after Israel called off or postponed indefinitely its strikes on the city? Where is the Hamas leadership in that case? While the first question comes from the international community, the second question hails from not only the global humanity but from the citizens of Gaza Strip also. The Hamas leadership has not shown its face till now since Israel declared armistice unilaterally. Let’s concentrate on the first question therefore.

In the ravaged city what you can find is nothing but devastated buildings because of the Israeli air strikes accompanied by ground assault. Everywhere you can find rubbles of buildings that once used to provide houses for the common civilians, business and schools. What’s more the UN sponsored school buildings, offices and centers for assisting refuges were not spared even. Take for instance the Presidential Office on Gaza City’s Mediterranean seashore.

This building consisting of proficient architecture once upon a time has become a collection of concrete rubble and crushed glass along with smashed machines, broken furniture and much more. But don’t even dare to undermine its significance. In the days prior to the Israeli onslaught this beachfront building was regarded as a highly important (strategically) building and was also one of the main security bases of Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement. Even during the heyday of Palestinian Authority presidents Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas it was used for a significant purpose.

The foreign and dignified visitors were kept here and this include Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Jacques Chirac of France. However, this is not all. It is becoming quite difficult in the city, at present, to find out a safe mosque for religious purposes. Take for example the Taha mosque in the northwestern town of Beit Lahiya. It was demolished in an Israeli air strike completely though you can still find its 75-foot minaret standing with green Hamas flags atop of
it.

Where can the Hamas leadership or the valiant spokesman of radical Islam go? It is alleged by the local citizens the horror-struck leadership has taken refuge underneath the innumerable devastated buildings. They are afraid, it has been learnt, and will come out only when the international community assures of their safety.

Israel has not only wreaked havoc on buildings but also the self-confidence and potency of Hamas.

India salutes martyrs through conferring Ashok Chakra

It’s not the time for any standing ovation but to bow heads in respect to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the integrity, solidarity and sovereignty of the nation. India is also doing the same and saluting the gallant sacrifices of as many as 11 personnel, that include people who lost their lives in the Mumbai terror attacks, through conferring Ashoka Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award, on the occasion of Republic Day.

Who are these persons? It has been learnt that the list of awardees include four Mumbai police personnel. They are ATS chief Hemant Karkare; Additional Commissioner of Police, Ashok Kamte; Inspector Vijay Salaskar; and Assistant Sub Inspector Tukaram Umble. Well, there are other awardees as well. They are NSG personnel Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havildar Gajender Singh who lost their lives during the commando operation in Mumbai.

There is also the inclusion of the name of Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma of Delhi Police in the list. He was killed in the Jamia encounter with terrorists in Delhi last year. The others happen to be Col. Jojo Thomas, Havildar B.S. Bohra. Two others like Orissa Special Operations Group Assistant Commandant Pramod Satpathy and Meghalaya's DSP Raymond P Diengdoh along with these nine personnel will be honoured by the President on January 26. It is to be noted, that this is the first time in the history when so many persons will be conferred Ashoka Chakra on a single occasion.

It has also been learnt that some differences also emerged among the decision making committee on the subject of selecting the awardees and the awards to be conferred on them. The recommendation of the Maharashtra government was that that the gallantry award be given to 15 of its personnel for their bravery in dealing with the Mumbai attacks. There was a preliminary suggestion that only a handful of personnel should be bestowed Ashok Chakra while others the Kirti Chakra.

However, this idea was disposed of since the majority of the members termed it as unsatisfactory.

LeT gets more tainted; Germany accuses it too for spearheading Mumbai carnage

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the dreaded terrorist outfit hailing from Pakistan, is getting cornered with the passing of each day and now it’s the turn of Germany. Germany, one of the main powers of Europe, in respect of both economy and military, has also accused LeT for being responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. However, it preferred to stay mum on the subject whether other terrorist groups having the backing of Al-Qaeda were also involved. What makes Germany interested in the Mumbai outbreak? It should be remembered three German nationals were slain or bumped off in the Mumbai carnage.

This consideration of Germany was cleared by Joerg Ziercke, President of Germany’s Federal Police in India while he was having a chat with the media persons. Mr. Ziercke appeared quite confident when he said, “Based on whatever investigations we have conducted till now, we feel it is Lashkar that is responsible for these attacks.” Nevertheless he mentioned that he was not aware of the fact whether the LeT had direct connections in the Mumbai attacks.

Mr. Ziercke is on a three-day visit to India and as part of the program met National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan, Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Mathur. It has been learnt that he also had meeting with Central Bureau of Investigation Director Ashwini Kumar and senior officials in the Narcotics Control Bureau.

What were the subjects of discussion? Well, neither of the two sides did come out clearly in this regard but the German official was candid enough to say that the discourses did not revolve around the evidence New Delhi had given to Pakistan. While speaking on this he said, “We generally spoke about the incident, the German perspective and what we have to say about it.”

There are, indeed, some evidences that prove Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is active in the soil of Germany and is expanding its network (resulting certainly from nefarious designs) by leaps and bounds. However, they have not shown any “operative risk” till now and that prevents the pertinent government from adopting stern measures.