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Thursday,
June 13, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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UK upholds India’s stand Punjab’s fiscal woes Truce with naxalites |
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How Bofors case was mishandled
Naidu at his manipulative best again
The Cross is a symbol of love & sacrifice
It wasn’t green or yellow rain, but bee droppings!
Where bees make coffee
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UK upholds India’s stand IT is too late in the day. But it is better late than never, as the saying goes. Here the reference is to the latest statement made by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in the context of cross-border terrorism which has been nurtured by the successive governments in Pakistan for many years as part of its Kashmir policy, now collapsing under its own weight. Mr Straw, who was in the subcontinent recently in connection with the global anti-war efforts, has admitted that Pakistan's notorious intelligence (read subversive) agency ISI has had a "direct link" with the hardcore terrorist outfits indulging in violence in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India. This has been India's stand ever since it began to be targeted from across the border with the help of well-trained and highly
motivated terrorists, including those of the mercenary variety. India provided sufficient proof to substantiate its claim off and on, but its claim was not given the seriousness it deserved till the September 11 terrorist strike inside the USA. Even today when the realisation has ultimately dawned on world powers that the ISI has been directly or indirectly involved in the birth and growth of almost all Kashmir-related terrorist outfits, they use guarded language so that the American protege in the region does not feel hurt. It is for the first time that a senior Western leader has made a categorical statement on the subject. But his acknowledgement of the reality has come when Pakistan has committed itself before the world community to destroying the infrastructure of the militant organisations, including their training camps, prospering in the name of the Islamic concept of jehad. It will be greatly appreciated if Mr Straw demands that some mechanism should be evolved to ensure that the ISI desists from indulging in such activities in future Anyone who has been following the developments in Pakistan would testify to the fact that the ISI acquired the massive muscle power it has with its involvement in floating jehadi outfits to continue the proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir. The newspapers published from various Pakistani cities have been carrying details about which new terrorist network was fathered by the ISI at a particular point of time and which one was abandoned when its "leadership" refused to dance to the tunes of the intelligence agency. The Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the Lashkar-e-Toiba, the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and most of the other constituents of the powerful Jehad Council owe their existence to the ISI. In fact, as a result of the ISI's efforts a whole terrorist (jehadi to most Pakistanis) industry had sprung up over the years. It was not without reason that India had been demanding that Pakistan should be declared a terrorist state before September 11. The Musharraf regime has promised to the world to destroy the deadly industry root and branch. Western leaders want India to believe that Islamabad has begun the difficult process earnestly. But India will believe the wily General's words only when he will have finally accomplished the task. |
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Punjab’s fiscal woes Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh asked for a sum of Rs 2,750 crore from the Planning Commission for 2002-03. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K. C. Pant gave him Rs 43 crore extra. Most interactions between the Centre and the state do not have such an unusual and happy ending. It could be seen as the beginning of better things for Punjab because of the extraordinarily good chemistry between Capt Amarinder Singh and Mr Pant. The Planning Commission has given the additional amount for the implementation of certain high priority welfare measures like construction of dwelling units for members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and development of border villages. Of course, the additional amount is insignificant keeping in mind the dimensions of each of the tasks the state government has been asked to perform during the current financial year. However, something is better than nothing, particularly if it has come as a special gesture from the Planning Commission keeping in mind the need to invest in upgrading the infrastructure in border villages as also providing shelter to the downtrodden section of people. Mr Pant deserves a word of appreciation for not allowing the fact of Punjab being in the hands of “political opponents” to cloud his judgement while deciding the Plan allocation for 2002-03. If Capt Amarinder Singh stays on course and away from the politics of vendetta and coverup, he stands a good chance of being counted among the few able Chief Ministers of Punjab. Partap Singh Kairon was one. Keeping in mind the scale of militancy when he took over, Beant Singh too deserves a word of praise. Capt Amarinder Singh’s biggest challenge is to pull back the state from the brink of bankruptcy. He will have to look beyond the amount allocated by the Planning Commission for putting into place a comprehensive package for the revival of the state’s economy. Punjab’s growth rate slowed down alarmingly during the 9th Plan period. The Chief Minister gives the impression of being in complete control of the situation - a bit messy though. There is no reason why he would not be able to fulfil the promises he has made for removing the factors that resulted in a sharp drop in agricultural production. Populist policies were largely responsible for driving the proud farmers of Punjab to consider suicide as an option for overcoming the financial crunch. The Chief Minister has said that harsh fiscal reforms were necessary for making Punjab take its legitimate place as the economically forward looking state of the country. The tasks before him are daunting. But he has shown the will to take the bull by the horn. He should ensure that Punjab makes a substantial contribution in the information technology sector. The biggest challenge before him would be to say no to the sops that have driven the farmers into a vicious debt trap. He should accord agricultural reform the highest priority. If he can get the process started now, he will have a lot to show by way of genuine growth in the farm sector five years down the line. |
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Truce with naxalites On the face of it, the recent talks between the representatives of the Andhra Pradesh Government and the People’s War Group (PWG) should be welcomed because it provided a meeting ground for both sides to put forth each other’s viewpoints across the table. The fact that there has been some realisation on the part of the PWG men to talk to the government, their initial reservations notwithstanding, is itself a welcome sign. Given the issues involved in the three-decade-long armed struggle by the PWG and the magnitude of the naxalite problem in the Telangana region, it would be unfair to expect a breakthrough in the very first round of talks which were by and large preliminary in nature. The first round could well be interpreted as a courtesy call by PWG emissaries — Varavara Rao and Gadar — on the two official representatives — Ministers K.Vijayarama Rao and T. Sitaram. Both sides are again meeting on June 20 during which they are expected to examine the issues in greater detail. The preliminary round did help produce a conducive atmosphere for further talks. However, doubts are bound to be raised on the success of these negotiations if there is no willingness on both sides to understand the ground realities and strive for an amicable resolution of the problem. In the first place, the PWG men need to realise that they would not be able to achieve their goals at the point of the gun. They will have to honour the legitimate institutions being run under the provisions of the Constitution, abide by the rule of law and give up their armed struggle, if they want to create an effective democratic space for themselves for the realisation of their socio-economic objectives. Clearly, the PWG’s terms for a dialogue vis-a-vis the state government fall within the
preview of the established constitutional democratic norms. But no government can endorse the methods being employed by the PWG to achieve its goals — indiscriminate killings, extortion and so on. The PWG’s concerns and expectations will carry some credibility only if it gives up the gun. On its part, the state government too should be willing to address the issues raised by the PWG such as fake encounters, underdevelopment and land reforms with an open mind. It should examine complaints of fake encounters dispassionately, honour human rights and take remedial measures. As for underdevelopment, if the Telangana region continues to remain backward even after 54 years of Independence, successive governments need to be blamed for the malady. If Kerala and West Bengal could succeed in land reforms, why cannot Andhra Pradesh? In its own interest, the government should address the naxallite issue more as a socio-economic problem than as a law and order one. |
How Bofors case was mishandled The Bofors case is now on to the second decade. It is important to recapitulate some details for full understanding of the case. The Government of India had been on the lookout, since 1980 for a suitable 155-mm gun system to meet the country’s defence operational requirements. The choice was short-listed to M/s Sofma of France, M/s AB Bofors of Sweden, M/S IMS of UK and M/S Voest Alpine of Austria in December, 1982. In November, 1985, there was a further short-listing of Sofma and Bofors. Finally, the order was placed by the Government of India with Bofors on March 24, 1986, for the supply of 410 numbers (400 plus 10 free) of 155 mm field Howitzer 77-B gun system/spare guns for a total amount of SEK 8410.66 million (The Kroner is the official currency of Sweden). In Indian rupees, it was equivalent to about Rs. 1437.72 crore at that time. Earlier, the Ministry of Defence had set up a seven-member negotiating committee in May, 1984, with the then Defence Secretary as the chairman. At the meeting of the committee held on March 12, 1986, it was felt that the offer of Bofors was the better of the two. It recommended that pending finishing touches to the contract, a letter of intent might be issued to Bofors, to the effect that the government was willing to award the contract to them. It was subject to their satisfying the Government of India on all aspects of the purchase, license production, credit and other arrangements. These recommendations of the committee were approved first by officials of the Ministry of Defence and then of the Ministry of Finance (about 10 of them) and by four ministers. The letter of intent was promptly issued to Bofors on March 14, 1996, with a kind of efficiency neither seen nor heard of in the Government of India, either before or after the above approvals. Further negotiations were continued. It was an unusual case, where negotiations continued even after the letter of intent was issued. Bofors submitted revised offers on March 21, 1986. Correct procedure would have been to issue any final letter, after all the negotiations were over and not half way. The then Defence Secretary sent a note to the former Prime Minister stating, “it is now requested that permission may kindly be accorded to sign the agreement with Bofors. I had discussed this matter with Raksha Rajya Mantri (A) at the airport before he left for Bhutan on 21st morning and he gave his blessings that if Bofors eventually agreed to give 10 guns free of cost; we should go ahead and clinch this deal.” On March 24, 1986, the late, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi approved the proposal to conclude the contract with Bofors. Bofors, despite their clear knowledge from May, 1984 and definitely from May 3, 1985 onwards, that agents were prohibited, Bofors made huge payments to them during 1986 and even as late as up to March 30, 1987. The “agents” did not do any purported service to get the contract in favour of Bofors, as per the views of the Defence Ministry. Yet they were paid large sums as commission. No businessman pays any money without a pro-quid. The Bofors consistently gave the names of the actual beneficiaries of the remittances made by them. The Government of India set up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the question of kickbacks in Bofors. In the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, it is mentioned that Mr Thulholm, Chairman of Nobel Industries had stated that so far as he was aware, payments had been made to Indians or to an Indian company in connection with the contract. Mr Thulholm had also stated that he could not guarantee that bribes had not been paid. Bofors being a subsidiary of Nobel Industries, this statement of Mr Thulholm is self-explanatory. The contract dated March 24, 1986, was awarded to Bofors without ensuring that there was no agent or middleman to whom any commission was payable by the manufactures. By not ensuring these the Defence Ministry did not obtain from Bofors a corresponding reduction, at least to the extent of the commission payable by Bofors to the so-called agents from the contract amount payable by the Government of India to the company. There has, therefore, been dishonest or fraudulent diversion of the funds of the Government of India to Bofors, at least to the extent of over SEK 319.40 million which was the commission paid by Bofors to several agents, including Mr Ottavio Quattrocchi, the Hinduja brothers and others who have been charge-sheeted by the CBI. The CBI had earlier sent two letters to the London-based Hinduja brothers, requesting them to join investigations in the case. But they never appeared. Things started moving when the CBI informed the Special Court on January 10, 2001, that the three brothers would not be arrested on their arrival in India if they came to face the trial in response to the summons against them. The three Hinduja brothers chargesheeted in the Rs 65-crore payoffs case appeared for the CBI cases on January 19 and 20, 2001. They had earlier avoided appearing before the investigating officers and instead wanted to be interrogated in London. They appeared before the CBI for further investigations only on court orders. They had never been co-operative with the CBI even to explain their stand. The CBI had been trying to secure the presence of the three Hinduja brothers — Mr S. P. Hinduja, Mr G. P. Hinduja and Mr P. P. Hinduja — ever since it brought home the Swiss bank documents pertaining to their case in 1999. The CBI filed the first-ever chargesheet in the Bofors kickbacks case in October 1999, after receiving the government sanction. It followed it up with the second chargesheet against the Hindujas. Incidentally, the Hinduja brothers, along with Mr Ottavio Quattrocchi and Mr Win Chadha and M/s Jubilee Finance Inc, Panama, were the appellants before the Swiss authorities contesting the execution of the letters rogatory issued by the Special Judge, Delhi. This fact had come to the notice of the CBI on July 23, 1993. On June 10, 2002 a single judge Bench of the Delhi High Court quashed the chargesheet filed against the Hinduja brothers in the Bofors payoff case on technical grounds that the investigating agency had not obtained the consent of the Central Vigilance Commission before filing the chargesheet. Allowing a petition from the Hindujas, Judge said “I quash the cognisance taken by the special (trial) Judge and all consequential proceedings.” But the Judge made it clear that the bail granted to the Hinduja brothers — Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand — and the condition imposed by the Supreme Court that at least one of them should remain in India at any point of time would remain intact.” The quashing of the proceedings against the Hindujas practically buries the 12-year-old case as two of the main accused, Dubai-based former Bofors agent Win Chadha and former Defence Secretary S.K. Bhatnagar are no more. The extradition proceedings against the Italian businessman, Mr Ottavio Quattrocchi and Sweden-based Martin Ardbo are still pending. (Rajiv Gandhi was shown in the column as one who was not sent for trial.) The judge did not accept the contention of the CBI through the Solicitor General that the Supreme Court judgment did not intend to provide additional safeguards in favour of the individual accused. The CBI counsel had submitted that in the investigation of offences the functions of the CBI were independent and could not be interfered with. The judge accepted the submission of senior counsel for the petitioners that the sanction of the Central Vigilance Commission was required for filing the chargesheet even against the private persons, involved in corruption cases. However, the judge said that the prosecution would be free to file a fresh chargesheet, if so advised, after following the procedure laid down by the Supreme Court in the Vineet Narain case in which the CVC was entrusted with the task of reviewing the cases filed by the CBI. The judge said that in this case, the CBI on its own showing had not placed before the CVC the results of its investigation and had bypassed it by filing a chargesheet before the trial. In its order of December 18, 1997, in the Vineet Narain case the Supreme Court had stated: “The CBI shall report to the CVC about cases being taken up by it for investigation; progress of investigations; cases in which chargesheets are filed and their progress. The CVC shall review the progress of all cases moved by the CBI for the sanction of prosecution of public servants which are pending with the competent authorities, specially those in which sanction has been delayed or refused.” Nearly five years after the apex court order the CVC as an institution is yet to be granted a statutory status. As it became necessary to continue the CVC beyond April 5, 1999, when the CVC Ordinance expired, the Central Government issued a resolution on April 4, 1999, which laid down the functions and powers of the CVC. The legal position as derived from the April 4, 1999 resolution makes it clear that the CVC is not mandated to give prior approval to the CBI for registering each case. The CBI or any other police agency continues to be governed in their investigations by the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. It is nowhere laid in the rules or the Ordinance that the sanction of the CVC is required for filing a chargesheet even against non-public servants. However, the CBI Director and the Central Vigilance Commissioner hold monthly review meetings to review the cases registered as well as the progress of the investigation and chargesheets or closure reports filed by the CBI. The CVC is empowered to cause an enquiry into any complaint of corruption or abuse of authority against any official belonging to the Group “A” service of the Central Government, its corporations, government companies, societies and local authorities owned or controlled by the Central Government. One of the implications of the Delhi High Court judgment dated June 10, 2002 would be that the public servants and other private persons charged by the CBI in corruption cases, where the CVC’s formal sanction has not been taken, can cite it to seek relief on similar technical grounds. However, as per the present law, which is in force and has stood the test of time, under Section 197 of the Cr.P.C. and Section 19 of the P.C. Act, 1988, the sanction for prosecution of only public servants is required from the appointing authority, which, in turn, consults the CVC. The present role of the CVC is only advisory. Neither the Supreme Court order of December 17, 1997, in the Jain Hawala case nor any law contemplates that the CVC should vet or sanction every prosecution launched by the CBI, except in the category of cases which pertain to the specified category called “Public servants”. and which lie within its ambit. Till the Supreme Court interprets its own ruling in the Jain Hawala case, on an appeal by the CBI, which it is contemplating to file, it is curtains for the Bofors case. Also, if the ruling of the single Judge of the Delhi High Court is upheld by the Supreme Court, the law will have to be suitably amended and the scope of Section 197 Cr. P. C. as well as the role of the CVC would have to be suitably modified. The writer, a retired IPS officer, is a former Director, CBI. |
Naidu at his manipulative best again Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu seemingly took up the case of Vice-President Krishan Kant for the high office of President of India. He, however, smelt a rat when the Congress observed in passing that it was not averse to Mr Kant’s candidature as the next occupant of Rashtrapati Bhawan. That compelled Mr Naidu to rethink about pushing Mr Kant’s case as the possible fallout in a future scenario if the Congress regained power on the Raisina Hill in New Delhi. It did not take much time for the wily Telugu Desam Party leader to dump Mr Kant and go along with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's desire that the Bharat Ratna awardee and the main brain behind India’s missile programme, Prof A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, should be the country’s next President. Mr Naidu was quick to declare through his emissaries that the Congress's willingness to back Mr Kant's case was the Vice-President’s biggest disqualification. This was the primary reason why he lost the race. Mr Naidu was specially flown into the national capital by an aircraft of one of the central police organisations for last minute's consultations. Immediately on his return to Hyderabad from New Delhi after discussions with the Central leaders on the Presidential candidate, Mr Naidu claimed that he had, in fact, first thrown up Professor Kalam’s name for the office of President. The BJP leadership has deliberately sought to look the other way about Mr Naidu’s claim as it direly needs the support of the TDP in getting the NDA’s Presidential nominee through in the electoral battle without any hiccups. At the same time it should not be forgotten that the eminence of Prof Kalam has a South Indian connection as he hails from Tamil Nadu. A challenging job Mr Harsh Bhasin has a tough task cut out for him as and when he is formally appointed India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, undoubtedly the hottest place on earth for an Indian diplomat today. The Union Government has already set in motion the process of sending him to Islamabad. Certain procedural formalities are being completed before the formal announcement of his appointment will be made. His appointment has already been cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Appointments. What can be the procedures? Obviously, the government does not expect him to go to Islamabad by road or by a circuitous air route via Dubai. For this New Delhi will have to resume direct flights to Pakistan and, needless to say, Islamabad has to reciprocate India’s gesture of lifting the ban on Pakistani planes overflying India. This is one of the diplomatic procedures Mr Bhasin would have to await. An officer of the 1968 batch of the IFS, Mr Bhasin has got the most prestigious but equally challenging assignment in his 34-year long diplomatic career.Till recently he was India’s envoy to South Africa. He also had postings at the Indian missions in Hong Kong, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu under his belt. South Block grapevine has it that Mr Bhasin has been known for his impeccable record and distinguished career. IA’s full-time CMD With the appointment of Mr Sunil Arora as the full-time Chairman and Managing Director of the erstwhile monopoly Indian Airlines for three years, the Hoshiarpur-born civil servant has a daunting task ahead — shedding the flab and making the national carrier lean, competitive and profitable. For the last two years Mr Arora has been officiating as the CMD of the airline. Despite the inherent disadvantages of a public sector undertaking coupled with its social commitments, Mr Arora has ensured a more rigorous maintenance, refurbishing the image of the carrier and paying greater attention to inflight catering. He also saw to it that it was not found lacking in on-time performance, taking care of the imperative need to be innovative and imaginative as one moves forward, rather than harp on a given situation. The soft-spoken Arora, who belongs to the Rajasthan cadre though his home state is Punjab, was the first choice. He maintains that “we have a highly dedicated team of professionals in various streams. There is need to improve the product constantly. The bottom line is that the airline's strategy has to be market-driven with a human face.” |
The Cross is a symbol of love & sacrifice Certain events happen in life and yet it is difficult to account for them. To explain them is not to explain them away but to analyse how and why things take place. The human dilemma of not finding adequate answers to the question continues to puzzle us throughout the ages. One of the questions of cardinal importance that faces us at every turn is: What for do we live, and what is the meaning of life? Or is life just a mindless journey to be undertaken as a dull routine, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing? I think it is sheer human presumption to imagine that the problems of human existence are soluble. We sometimes wonder why men of virtuous character and piety continue to suffer. Socrates drank hemlock for his refusal to sacrifice the cause of Truth, which he held dear to his heart. Betrayed one of his closest followers and denied by another, Jesus Christ was crucified with his head lolling down, and his hands and feet viciously nailed to a wooden cross. Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead by one of his compatriots for promoting Hindu-Muslim unity when the Muslims were threatened by the growth of communalism. Job was a God-fearing man, highly respected for his nobility of character. Fortune smiled on him. He was a man of substance, of piety and compassion, he loved his fellowmen. Yet he lost his sons and property. Why should Job suffer much when he was so good is the central problem in the Book of Job. Job represents a human soul wrestling with the problem of pain befalling on innocent man. Job’s story of suffering makes him fully representative of human nature. Job does not claim to be sinless. He admits that he may have sinned but he has not purposely sinned or committed such wickedness as to deserve so much suffering. Job argues with his friends over his own plight. Endowed with sharp intellect and sensibility, he reviews his life and probes into the mysterious and inscrutable ways of Deity from whom he expects justice. He asserts that man is the measure of divine dealing and that there is no unwearing relationship between prosperity and righteousness. He urges that God prefers honest perplexity to self-satisfied theories. Job is seeking wisdom on life’s darkest problem. The Book of Job in the Old Testament is counted among the masterpieces of world literature. At the outset, despite his great suffering, Job refuses to denounce God but gradually doubts begin to assail him about God’s notion of justice. Suffering seems to pose upon him that God is arbitrary, unjust and a pitiless judge. God just seems to him no longer merciful, gracious and friend. Job is torn between faith and skepticism. His three friends expostulate with him and urge him not to lose faith in God. Finally, Job converses with God and God’s replies evoke his trust in the affairs of the world, even though God’s attitude to man appears mysterious and inscrutable. Though as the presiding Deity he shows some benevolence to Job, the righteous continue to suffer. The problem of the unmerited suffering remains unsolved. According to Islam, suffering is a natural dictum of human experience and has to be accepted as God’s will. In Buddhism, suffering is viewed as a wrong way of thinking because suffering as well as pleasure are regarded as states of mind contingent on the view that there is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so. In the Bhagavad Gita, a strong plea is made for the cultivation of a disinterested and detached view of life where pleasure and sorrow are viewed with complete stoic indifference. That is also the Sufi way of meeting the challenges of life. Shakespeare too, in some of his major plays, shows how Virtue is discounted. In his soliloquy, Hamlet refers to the ‘heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir too! For the lot of man there are the whips and scorns of time, the oppressors’ wrong, the proud man’s contumely, the pangs of despised love, the law’s delay, the insolence of office and the spurns that patient merit of unworthy takes!’ In Shakespeare’s play King Lear, good and evil are ranged in a series of distant conflicts. The consequence is not the enforcement of justice and triumph of goodness but rather the blindness of the doom, which overflow both good and evil. Though guilty are punished but as Schlegal wrote “the virtues that would bring help and succour are everywhere late or are overwhelmed by the cunning activity of malice: vice drags down: virtue not to a dissimilar fate.” The classic case of undeserved suffering is that of Jesus Christ. His message was one of love and compassion for the tortured humanity. He had a tearing spirit, and knew not fear or malice. He lived for the poor, the humble and the weak. He treated all men as his equal. Despite his purity of his being and his anxiety to do good to fellow men, he was strung up on a cross to die as a condemned criminal. Jesus’ was a macabre execution while hanging on the Cross; writhing in agony, he cried, ‘My God, why have you forsaken me?’ Was it a cry of despair or dereliction? Mother Teresa explained that Jesus’ cry was not a denial of God, but a positive assertion of his being simply human who was serving the good and humanity. What is the explanation for Jesus’ crucification? Is it that virtue dies and vice prevails? The explanation is that at the critical moment when Jesus is executed for no fault of his, God does not stand out as a silent spectator but takes upon himself the evil that destroys the sin of the world and dangles Jesus’ example to the world that feudal law is absolute power and that He himself is ready to bear on himself the sins of the world. By setting a shining example of Jesus’ sacrifice for a noble cause, God is asserting the significance of the finest, noblest human values as the means for a spiritual uplift of humankind. The Cross is, therefore, a symbol of love and sacrifice justifying the ways of God to man. The poet Cowper wrote “He wore (Jesus) the thorn-crowned head and bleeding brow/rules the world.” |
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It wasn’t green or yellow rain, but bee droppings! Kolkata Panic and curiosity gripped Sangrampur village, some 30 km north of
Kolkata, West Bengal capital, following intermittent showers of green and yellow rain since Friday. Villagers of Sangrampur collected the green and yellow “raindrops” in utensils and bottles. Some of the superstitious among them called it a curse of god and began propitiating the gods and exorcising evil spirits from the village. Scientists, first suspecting it to be a case of acid rain, were baffled when the colourful drops showed no trace of acid or metal. “After laboratory tests, the drops of liquid were found to contain a mixture of pollen of common grass, parthenium shrubs, coconut and mango tress. This pollen concoction must have been consumed by honeybees, and what is being misconstrued as rain is actually their droppings,” West Bengal’s Environment Minister Manab Mukherjee explained. However, he could not explain the repeated occurrence of “green monsoon” over three days. Also there had been no mass sightings of honeybees over
Sangrampur. The minister could not explain the phenomenon of mass defecation by the insects either. Mukherjee, however, said environmental scientists have reported such occurrences in Cambodia and Kerala. In case of the latter, which happened a few months ago, pollen was found in red “raindrops,” but it was not attributed to a pestilential phenomenon. The minister assured that as there was no acid or metallic content in the green and yellow liquid, there was no threat of damage to crops or human beings. “But, people should be cautious against coming in contact with the liquid because pollen can cause allergy in some.” The authorities have ruled out the colourful rain had been caused by high levels of air pollution in nearby
Kolkata, which logged 31.5 micrograms per cubic metre of sulphur dioxide in its atmosphere. The gas can cause acid rain.
IANS |
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Where bees make coffee Coffee growers who want to boost their crop for free should hire an army of willing, unpaid volunteers: the bee. The mainstay of the world coffee business, Coffea arabica, is a self-pollinating shrub that is not supposed to gain anything by being exposed to insect pollinators. But US scientist David Roubik of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has found that conventional wisdom has got it all wrong — the African honeybee, he found, can increase crop yields by half by helping the pollination effort. Roubik studied bees in Panama, where they were introduced in 1985 and are now naturalised. They are major pollinators of coffee on farms located in forest highlands, he found. Roubik looked in particular at 50 two-year-old plants, half of which were bagged with fine mesh to prevent bees from landing on them, while the other half were left uncovered, so that they could be visited by the insects.Shrubs that were exposed to the bees had a 49-per cent increase in the number of ripe berries compared to the meshed plants, and their berries were seven per cent bigger, too. Roubik, writing his work in the weekly journal Nature, says coffee harvest statistics confirm the benefit of the bee. Those data prove that coffee yields in Latin America zoomed after the African honeybee became established there.
AFP Napoleon's shirt sold for $ 60,000 A linen shirt of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and found in his carriage after the battle of Waterloo in 1815 has been sold for $ 59,790 (40,630 pounds), Sotheby's auction house announced. The buyer's identity was not made public. Sotheby's had estimated the long-sleeved beige shirt, which carries a discreet imperial monogram, would fetch between 30,000 and 40,000 pounds. The shirt was among items of clothing found in Napoleon's carriage after the defeat of his French army by British and Prussian forces at Waterloo. The clothes were sold to the British government before being acquired by William Bullock, a businessman who exhibited them in London in 1816. The carriage was destroyed in a fire in Madame Tussaud's waxworks in 1925. The shirt was sold by Rudolph Moshammer, a leading figure in the German fashion industry. Profits from the sale are to go to a charity for the homeless in Munich.
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Go forth in life with a freshness of heart, Seek not riches, nor glory, nor pomp, work in humility and contriteness of heart, In this way you will reach the goal of life. Prudence and profit go together, Be wise in all your actions, In Truth is your salvation, Worship God in true renunciation. There is no charm in a life of deceit, There is no happiness in eating and drinking, Be away from the dark den of falsehood. Do not keep company with liars and cheats, Truth is the only weapon, Virtue is the only remedy. Mercy and justice are Divine attributes, Forsake not even the evil doer, Forgive him and renew your friendship And make him a wiser man. There is no sin so great as vilifying, There is no blemish so great as untruth, Practice righteousness at all costs, For that is the sure way to God. There is nothing so shameful as flattery, Nothing so derogatory as idle gossip, sin and suffering go together, virtue is its own reward. Beware of malpractices, Shun evil like a scorpion, Be kind to all even the sinner, But keep away from the path of sin. Be not elated by success, Nor be daunted by failure. For success and failure are passing phases In the panorama of life. —Yogi M.K. Spencer, How I found God.
*** India does not imported drugs from the west when she has an inexhaustible stock of a variety of drugs grown in the villages themselves. But more than drugs, they have to teach the people the right mode of living. —Harijan |
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