 |
|
For favours received Exam system disgraced |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
A shameful act Foreigners' security must be ensured THE recent murder of an Australian woman soon after she disembarked at Delhi and took a prepaid taxi to her destination is shameful. It shows the kind of difficulties that foreign tourists have to face in India.
Missile testing
The year of the monkey
Rural Haryana turns to improved stoves
|
For favours received IT was disappointment, rather than anger, that was manifest in India’s reaction to US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s announcement that Pakistan would soon get the status of a non-NATO ally. India would not have been annoyed if Mr Powell had taken it into confidence on this when he was in New Delhi before flying out to Islamabad. In any case, the US conduct did not gel with its professed relationship with India. If this is what “strategic partnership” is all about, India has reason to be skeptical about such affiliation. There is little doubt that Mr Powell’s announcement would have “significant implications for India-US relations”. Much will, of course, depend upon how the leaderships in the two countries allay each other’s fears. However disappointing Mr Powell’s statement may be, India is not overtly perturbed by it. It is significant that India has not made any reference to his clarification that the same status could be accorded to India as well. As it is, India is not enamoured of such status, which it could have acquired long back by becoming a supplicant like Pakistan. It did not matter to India that Pakistan was a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) and the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO), both of which became defunct in due course. It also realises the compulsions for the US to confer the new status on Pakistan. The US wants to reward Pakistan for all its assistance as exemplified by the cornering of Ayman Al-Zawahiri, the second-in-command in the Al-Qaida organisation. It also wants to showcase Pakistan as one of its Muslim allies at a time when even Poland and Spain are having second thoughts about continuing as US allies on Iraq. What irks India is the enhanced military relationship Pakistan will have with the US under which it will have access to sophisticated military hardware. It knows only too well that these weapons will be pointed at India, given Pakistan’s territorial ambitions and willingness to go to war to achieve the same. Of course, India has enough strength and determination to defeat any adventure on the border with or without such weapons. Yet, it would be difficult to reconcile to the fact that weapons supplied by its own “strategic partner” could be used against India. That is what makes Mr Colin Powell’s statement particularly irksome. |
|
Exam system disgraced THE Punjab School Education Board’s examination system seems to have collapsed. That is bad enough. But the worst part is the education authorities have lost control of the crisis. At least three sets of inquiry have been ordered into the leakage of question papers: the school board is holding an internal inquiry, the Mohali police is on the job too, as also the Vigilance Bureau. As only expected, there is no clue yet to the leakages. Some blame private schools of dubious reputation arbitrarily granted affiliation by the school board. An exasperated Chairman of the board keeps cancelling or postponing the examinations of Classes X and XII. There is utter confusion. No one seems to be in command. The State Education Minister needs to do much explaining. Last year the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) saw its credibility shredded to pieces when answersheets of secondary and senior secondary students were found to be tampered with. Later in the year surfaced the racket of open sale of question papers of the Common Admission Test (CAT) for entry into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), putting the educated citizenry into a shocked disbelief. Many had then thought that the other examination authorities would learn a lesson and plug all loopholes. But the Punjab School Education Board has proved that it does not move to do its basic duty. The obvious sufferers are the students. Not only does their faith in the fairness of the examination system get brutally shaken, but also in the given circumstances they cannot put in their best in the tests. Disillusionment at the state of affairs sets in rather too early. The other day two teachers in a Bathinda school stripped a student for refusing cooperation in copying by wards of some VVIPs. An exemplary punishment is yet to be awarded to the culprits. Education is too serious a subject to be handled so carelessly and callously. Incompetence and mismanagement cannot be allowed to go unpunished. The State Education Minister and other authorities need to do a lot of explaining. Some heads must roll if public outcry has to be contained. |
|
A shameful act THE recent murder of an Australian woman soon after she disembarked at Delhi and took a prepaid taxi to her destination is shameful. It shows the kind of difficulties that foreign tourists have to face in India. Regrettably, women get the worst treatment and the memory of the recent incidents of the rape of a young girl from Fiji as well as a Swiss diplomat at Siri Fort is still fresh. In March, a Japanese woman was robbed, and a month earlier, a German tourist was molested. Not that Indian women fare better, a college student was sexually assaulted by some men from the elite President's Bodyguard unit of the Army, a nurse was raped in a hospital and a doctor raped a patient. The incidents are recurring. In the case of the Australian woman, robbery and much else seem to have been the motive that led to the murder of someone who had come to seek spiritual solace in India. The taxi driver has been apprehended, and has reportedly confessed, but it remains to be seen how the case stands up in the court. All too often, the accused are bailed out or go unpunished. The larger question here is of security in general. The nation's Capital has become its worst city as far as crime is concerned. The focus of the police forces is in solving crimes rather than preventing them and, of course, a large segment of the force is deployed for VIP security. This leaves the police woefully inadequate to deal with the safety of the ordinary citizens and visitors. Coupled with this, the lack of prosecution and the propensity of taking short-cuts often lead to unexpected acquittals in courts. Foreign visitors deserve warm welcome, not molestation, rape or murder.
Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninetynine per cent perspiration. — Thomas Alva Edison |
Missile testing ON March 9, 2004, Pakistan test-fired solid propellant Shaheen-2 ballistic missile, which is supposed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to a range of 2500 kilometres. The aim of the test as stated officially was “to ensure the reach of the missile was sufficient to deter aggression and prevent military coercion”. But the unstated aims appeared to be three. One, to demonstrate its strategic capability to India. Ever since Operation Parakram, Pakistan has often accused India of military coercion. Two, it may be related to India’s deal with Israel to buy the Phalcon airborne radar system that has been officially criticised by Pakistan, and India’s Agni 3 missile test, expected to be carried out in the near future. Three, to convey to Pakistan’s domestic audience that the A.Q. Khan affair had not compromised its nuclear and missile programmes. A negative feature of this missile test and political messaging was that it was conducted within 62 days of the Islamabad Declaration. But the positive features were that Pakistan gave advance notice of the test to India as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two governments in Lahore in February 1999 (Lahore MoU). No political rhetoric or jingoism followed the tests in either country, and there was very mild reaction on the test from foreign countries; the US and Japan merely conveyed prudence and no more. Ballistic missiles are the most effective delivery vehicle for carrying any weapon of mass destruction and are, therefore, an essential part of a credible strategic deterrent system. The primary purpose of any missile flight-testing is to validate technical designs. In the Indo-Pak strategic environment, however, they also carry a subcontinental “instability price” due to the following: One, short distances, a short flight time and, therefore, a very short warning. Two, ambiguity about the possible warhead; whether it is a conventional or an unconventional warhead. Three, command and control systems for strategic weapons in both countries are still evolving. Four, India and Pakistan do not possess a foolproof control mechanism to prevent an accidental launch or self-destruct system, should a missile follow an errant trajectory. Five, lack of real hotlines (communication system) at political and military levels between the two countries. Six, Pakistan and India do not have mutual transparency or independent means to confirm missile non-deployment or deployment. Historically, ballistic missiles have always played a major role in “political messaging” as well as in terms of conflict escalation. In India and Pakistan, such missiles have become an attractive part of military parades to convey and often exaggerate technological and military capabilities. (While in Service, I had objected to such displays unless a system was operationally inducted into the Service. But the enthusiasts overruled it by making these missiles a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation contingent). In Pakistan, ballistic missile models have been erected in several cities to highlight Pakistan’s macho-military image and a matching response to balance India’s progress. In the recent past, Pakistan, sometimes India too, has timed ballistic missile tests for conveying political messages to domestic and foreign audiences and to send military strategic signals to each other. The political message given by a missile test is generally three-fold. First, the test provides technical validation, and a successful test enhances deterrence capability. Second, the public perceives it to be a major national technical breakthrough and acquisition of an important capability. Thus, it enhances the popularity of the government and the political party in power. Thirdly, the message involves diplomatic management of international reaction. The following instances will indicate how Pakistan and India have attempted to exploit these tests in the past few years: One, in April 1998, Pakistan tested its first Ghauri (North Korean liquid- fuel Nodong missile). This resulted in MTCR sanctions for Pakistan and North Korea. Two, in April 1999, India conducted the Agni missile test. Within two days, Pakistan retaliated by test firing Ghauri and then Shaheen-I (solid fuel) missiles. The message was clearly of one-upmanship. Three, during the Kargil war, according to Bruce Reidel, the US administration used the ballistic missiles issue to put pressure on Pakistan. It conveyed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the Pakistan Army, without his knowledge, had deployed ballistic missiles and was about to escalate the crisis. Four, in January 2002, soon after the jehadi terrorists’ assault on Parliament when Indian troops were still deployed (but major crisis moments had already passed after General Musharraf’s January 12 speech), India test-fired Agni-1, thus escalating the crisis without taking any advantage. Five, consequent to the Kaluchak incident in May 2002 when tension increased considerably and there was again a serious talk of war, Pakistan test-fired three Hatf (Ghauri, Ghazanavi and Abdali) ballistic missiles. Although the last instance made no real impact on the Indian military and External Affairs Ministry officials termed it as “missile antics”, Pakistan President General Musharraf believed that he was successful in conveying its deterrent signal. On June 17, 2002, he stated: “By testing with outstanding success, the delivery systems of our strategic capability, these men (Pakistani scientists) validated the reliability, accuracy and the deterrence value of Pakistan’s premier surface-to-surface ballistic missile systems of the Hatf series...”. Most Pakistanis continue to have such a notion about their strategic weapons capability. These incidents show how Pakistan and sometimes even India have been using missile flight tests for sending political and strategic messages. This has very often resulted in unnecessary political rhetoric, crisis hype and warped conclusions, and also triggered outside diplomatic intervention. It may be noted that this kind of political or strategic messaging through missile tests does not figure in the Sino-Indian security environment. I believe that political messaging for the domestic and international communities, and for the purpose of deterrence has run its full course on the subcontinent. Sending political messages through missile flight-testing has lost its value. If India and Pakistan are serious about taking the Islamabad Declaration (January 2004) forward, both nations should take note of the possible negative technical and operational consequences and get down to working out detailed confidence-building measures. A start for this purpose has already been made in the Lahore MoU. We need to carry that forward by working out implementable short-and-long term measures. These can be the establishment of nuclear risk control centres in both countries, avoiding ballistic flight-tests during a crisis situation, eschewing political and military rhetoric concerning strategic weapon systems, working out the means of communications at military and political levels during a crisis and avoiding the triggering of events that may cause immediate military reaction. n The writer is a former Chief of the Army Staff |
The year of the monkey THOSE who are planning to have a baby in near future should count on the Chinese Year of the Monkey-2004; otherwise they may have to wait till 2016 when it comes again. Any special reasons for having a baby in the Year of the Monkey? Yes, there are. If a child is born in the Year of the Monkey, it is very intelligent, well liked by everyone and could have success in any field it chooses. There are many big name Monkeys but, I believe, there is one who beats them all. She is ELIZABETH ROSEMUND TAYLOR, popularly known as Elizabeth Taylor, the enchantress with unique violet eyes and little girl voice on whom I have spent lots of youth’s dew and dough. I have willingly and gladly opened my purse again and again to see her as Cat or Cleopatra or Shrew whether she is on a Hot Tin Roof or her kissable lips being moistened by the juice of Egypt’s grapes or wanted to be tamed by Petruchio. But none could tame her in real life. She mastered (or ‘mistressed’) the art of ‘husband husbandry’. Those who are son-fixed may think of Omar Sharif, the Lebanese-Egyptian actor who made big with Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago and is still going strong with 75 movies to his credit. This is what the Year of the Monkey provides to those who have yet to come out of the womb. Does it provide something to those who are gradually heading towards the tomb? Yes. But it depends upon the colour of their underwear. According to the ancient Chinese belief, wearing red underwear, in the Year of the Monkey, brings luck to the wearer because monkeys have red rear ends. If one starts wearing the colour then everyday in the year 2004 will be a red-letter day in one’s life. There was a news item from Singapore a few days back that red ‘lucky undies’ emblazoned with monkey cartoon characters are selling like hot property there. If Singapore can do, can India be far behind? With general elections ahead, the red underwear can add to the credentials of all aspirants of party tickets. Their chances of getting the ticket would increase if in addition to the colour, funky monkey is printed or embroidered in the undies. Added advantage would be that the ‘feel good factor’ between their thighs would blunt the opponent’s hits below the belt. Who knows continuous wearing of the colour may bless them with the most wanted car with red light on top! Kachha shops may look forward to their hey days and put up sale slogan like, “Bandar ke saal mein, hamaraa laal kachhaa pehno, / Samajh lo tumne jeet liya chunao Bhaiyo aur Behno.” |
Rural Haryana turns to improved stoves
OVER the recent past, 78 villages in Haryana have been reaping the benefits of switching over from the traditional to improved cooking technology. By using the energy efficient cooking stoves, developed by experts under the ongoing Rs 126 crore Haryana Community Forestry Project (HCFP), thousands of women in rural Haryana are showing the effective way of saving fuel and guarding health while working in the kitchen. As the ambitious European Commission-funded project achieved mid-term completion on March 15, surveys regarding the use of improved cement cooking stoves across the targeted villages in 10 Haryana districts throw up significant results. Installed in a bid to reduce the dependence on wood for fuel, the 3900 energy efficient, low-smoke cement cooking stoves are proving to be Haryana’s answer to the depleting forest cover. The improved stoves are saving one tonne of firewood per stove per year. Developed with the scientific assistance of experts from the Energy Resource Centre of Panjab University, these stoves have also considerably reduced the incidence of disease among women in Haryana’s villages. Recent surveys show that the incidence of lung obstruction and eye problems has come down to 40 per cent in six months of the use of improved cooking stoves. The percentage of women with eye problems like irritation of eyes, watering and cataract has reduced from 66.67 to 40 per cent and that of women complaining of cough has come down from 40 to 36. No burn injuries have been reported over the period of use of improved stoves. Improved stoves are also saving families from the harmful effects of pollutants emitted by traditional stoves. These pollutants are equivalent to smoking 200 cigarettes per day, says Prof S.K. Sharma of the Energy Resource Centre, PU. He adds, “With the use of improved stoves, total emission is being substantially reduced.” While the reduction in carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions is 3000 tonnes and 150 tonnes, respectively, total suspended solids are being reduced by 500 tonnes per year. In terms of firewood consumption too, the stoves are extremely cost effective. They are saving nearly 1.3 tonnes per cooking stove per year. The total saving of fuel from nearly 1,000 cooking stoves installed earlier under this consultancy (another 2,900 stoves have been now added) has been nearly 1,300 tonnes. The improved technology, which some other states are now thinking of replicating, is also economically very feasible. At the current rate of wood fuel — Rs 3,000 per tonne — the net saving on account of the use of improved cooking stoves under this project is about 39, 00,000 per year. Significantly, the life of the improved chulhas, explains Prof S.K. Sharma of the Energy Resource Centre, is six years as compared to the average life of a traditional clay chulha which is six months. In that case, the total saving over the life of the cooking stoves, worked out by field experts, is Rs 20 million. It is on account of this economic and ecological viability of the project that the Haryana Forest Department, the executing agency for the HCFP, is going to install another 1,000 cooking stoves in 20 villages across the 10 selected districts. These are Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari. An interaction with the sarpanches of villages like Kaimbwala in Barwala block where all the stoves are being used daily confirms that the technology is helping in improving the ecological health of villages. Sarpanches reveal that the plan is implemented systematically. Every village first makes a microplan where it indicates the demand for the improved chulhas. The villages with the highest demand are taken up as target villages. As of today, 3,900 improved stoves have replaced traditional stoves in the hearths of over 1,000 households in rural Haryana. Mr S.K. Dhar, coordinator for the HCFP, says that the department is facing difficulty in meeting the rising demand for the improved cooking technology. “There is a scramble for this technology, but we are not providing more than 50 chulhas per village. We have, however, set up self help groups (SHGs) and trained link workers to repair stoves and build new ones. Villages are now becoming self sufficient. Self help groups, in many cases, are making and supplying chulhas. Last year they generated an income of Rs 7 lakh. Women are increasingly using the improved stoves because of the health benefits.” The villages that top the list as users include Dharkanwali and Makunswami in Sirsa, Poldankalam in Rewari, Sundran and Munden in Khanina of Mahendragarh district. |
|
Maya Memsahib Now that she has decided to go it alone, all parties are having to revise their election strategies. Even the revolt in her BSP has not diminished her status. She seems to have grown even taller in the eyes of her community. She has taken care to have Muslims, OBCs and upper castes along with scheduled castes in here list of candidates. Of late, she has been going out of her way to woo various communities. As of now, she has ruled out any truck with the Congress or any other party. But tomorrow is always another day. Starring Shahrukh Hyphen Films’ “The Inner World of Shah Rukh Khan” directed by filmmaker and author Nasreen Munni Kabir aims to unmask the person behind the star mask. It has a “hyper, scared …” Shahrukh saying that acting for him has been an escape from the unbearable sadness caused by the death of his parents when he was not even 24. Cricket czar Sharjah cricket tournament organiser Abdul Rehman Bukhatir has his fingers in too many sports pies. His latest venture, TEN Sports (Taj Entertainment Network), has shaken the Indian viewers by asking them to pay to enjoy their favourite sport on the television. Ironically, the channel had initially announced that it would be free-to-air, but soon did a volte face. There is mega money involved. The advertising revenue for cricket alone is pegged in the region of Rs 600 crore per annum. TEN has the right to all cricket in Pakistan. Coming in conflict with the Indian authorities in nothing new for the Chairman of the Cricketers Benefit Fund series (CBFS) which he had established in 1981. When there was speculation in 2001 that India would not play at Sharjah for three years, he had burst out that a concerted effort was on to sabotage cricket at the desert venue. He had conveniently made light of the CBI report on match-fixing. |
He who recognises the existence of suffering, its cause, its remedy, and its cessation has fathomed the noble truth. He will walk in the right path. — The Buddha Our sorrows are the results of our misdeeds. — Swami Dayanand Saraswati God bedecks only those on whom He castes His gracious glance. —Guru Nanak According to the Purusa Sukta of the Rig Veda, the whole Purusa is not melted into the world. This is the foundation of the emergent view of evolution in India. — Sri Aurobindo Honest error is to be pitied, not ridiculed. — Chesterfield |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | National Capital | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
THEY love her; they hate her; they fear her. Yet politicians cannot do without Mayawati. To that extent, she is always a kingmaker. The way the BJP and the Congress tried to bring her to their side despite what she did to them in the past is remarkable. 
Shahrukh Khan has starred in some of the biggest Bollywood hits in recent times. Now, he is himself the subject of a 50-minute documentary financed by the UK’s Channel 4.