Darfur-new begining of a end or end of new begining?

the recent ceasefire between JeM and Sudan govt. has marked a new dimension in This civil war torn country of Africa. Ever since the World came to knw about the Genocide in Darfur various attempts were taken (though half heartedly). Last year International Criminal Court(ICC) declared Omar al- Bashir, the president of sudan, as a war criminal and the pressure started to mount on Khartoum. The Important thing about this ceasefire deal is that it allows Justice and equality movement(Jem) to become a political party and get some seats in khartoum . Moreover the 100+Jem fighters who are presently facing death sentence will be freed. Neighbour Chad has played an important role in brokering peace deal though Sudan Govt. believes that Chad has been funding and arming Jem for a long time. Time will only tell how long this peace can be sustained .


* further reading- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Darfur

Wake up call-Indian govt. tightening noose on FDI in tobacco

the recent indication on complete ban on FDI in tobacco is a welcome move. I have always been surprised by the shortsightedness of Indian politicians and bureaucrats but this time something good has come out. of course there is a possibility that the decision was taken because of great lobbying efforts by ITC and local players in the industry but still it serves multiple purposes. First of all these tobacco companies target where it hit the most .....the youth.... it has been observed that most of the cigarette companies target youth because they easily become loyal customers.(US cigarette brand CAMEL is known for such tactics) No. of Cancer patients due to first and second hand smoke are on rise. Interestingly despite the efforts by Health ministry such as warnings on cigarette packets there is hardly any impact on the no. of smokers . looking from another angle it can be noted that despite the fact that tobacco and liquor companies make huge contribution to the Exchequer the indirect cost in terms of medical facility is mind numbing. given the fact that India contribute less than 3% of its GDP in health facilities. The no. of incidents ,where common man's inability to afford healthcare facilities, are on rise as always. Every year the a large chunk of patients fail to get basic medical facilities. With lack of proper infrastructure the economic growth have been biased so far and poor people had little or no share in this growth. lets hope that reform in health services take speedy route.

Cigarette addicts may not see brands like Marlboro Camel, Virginia slims or Salem....... but as of now it seems that they will have to settle for Wills, gold flake and 4 square.

One evening in ART & Culture circle of Mumbai

Yesterday i was at Kala Ghoda art festival in Mumbai. This was my second year to visit the festival. I must confess I m not a art expert but certainly it fascinates me. So yesterday me and my roomies decided to visit the festival. although we wanted to watch the play but we had to settle for Symphony. It was gr8. this was the first time i saw a live Symphony performance. then a dance show and fashion show. Best part bout d festival is that ....crowd is elite. Pretty girls, old hands at work etc. ......

Bomb blast in Pune was a news..... that broke out at the same time.......... mood got spoiled ........ here we go again....... terrorism......... holly shit ....... when dis sh*t will stop.