** Sixth Pay Commission & Defence **

The Sixth pay commission has submitted its recommendations on the revised pay scales for Central Govt employees to the Govt. It is expected that the recommendations are going to be implemented without any major changes.

Last time, after the pay commission recommendations were implemented, there was a huge turmoil in Indian Air Force. The disparity in pay was the bone of contention. Not the disparity in pay between Men and Officers - but amongst Officers themselves and that is what led to the agitation. [ Men, without the support of Officers, in Services, can never do a minor protest, leave alone a huge agitation ].

Whats going to happen this time??? I am not an expert nor have I gone through the whole set of recommendations - but, from what I have seen, let me just quote one recommendation that is about to be implemented. For those serving in difficult areas - there is an allowance. Men would get around Rs.1000 and Officers would get around Rs.6000/- !! So - is the terrain more difficult for the Officers than for Men?? Are the climatic conditions more harmful for Officers than for Men?? When it comes to a posting in difficult terrain, Officers get the best of everything - and still get paid with higher allowances !!

Officers are employed based on higher education qualification, but what has that got to do with the allowances such as that meant for difficult terrain ??? Everytime, a new pay commission submits its recommendations, the Officers get the flesh while the Men are left to be content with bone pieces (because, its the officers who forward the recommendations to the panel !!)

I am reminded of a Service Slogan ..."The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command, come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety comes last, always and every time."

This, like so many other slogans, remains just as a slogan and nothing else. Practically, it is "Self first, Self Next and Self last !!!"

Jai Hind !!!

** Art !! **

French President Sarkozy's wife's nude photo, shot way back in 1993, is about to be auctioned !! The auctioning house has said that it is bringing the photo under hammer only because Bruni (First Lady) is a beautiful lady and the photograph is an art. Well - why did no one identify the "art" till she became the first lady !! You can give one thousand explanations to justify the means to earn money !!

** ICL Vs IPL **

Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) runs the IPL and the rebel ICL is being run by the Zee group. Though the ICL started first and there are many international players of repute - BCCI has played strong arm tactics and has managed in getting the ICC, the world governing body not to recognize the ICL group. Also, the BCCI has flexed its muscles and has got all the countries to impose restrictions on players from playing for ICL.

The worst act of the BCCI is yet to come - now, it has decided to ban all the youngsters playing cricket for ICL from playing cricket in all leagues, divisions, colleges, universities, etc. This would be the most atrocious act. I am not able to understand as to why the Govt is remaining as a mute witness to all these bullying tactics !! Is it because one of its own ministers is the Chairman of the BCCI?? Well, why is no one going to court under the "Monopoly Restrictive Trade Practices"-Act ???

** A Good Question **

"When Dr Haneef was arrested for his links with terrorists by the Australian police - our Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said that he was not able to sleep. So, why is our Prime Minister not losing his sleep when Sarabjit Singh is languishing in Pakistan Jail and is facing the death sentence??" - that was a nice question posed by one of the BJP MP to the PM in the Lok Sabha !! A nice question !!

** Rajini - Sultan the Warrior **

Click on the link below to see the trailer of Soundarya Rajinikanth's forthcoming animated movie - "Sultan the Warrior" ..... ** Sultan The Warrior **

** STOP THIS **

The second drama, within a week, was enacted with great fanfare. This time, it was for the victorious senior Indian cricket team that arrived from Australia. Felicitations in a huge stadium thronged by thousands of people, attended by ministers and many biggies, cash awards running into lakhs and crores..... When will all these stupid acts stop ?

Indian cricket team really played well and defeated the world champions - there is no denying that... but, why go overboard with all these ceremonies?? Worst factor is, many of the players were averse to such ceremony. But, these days, everything is being looked upon as an opportunity to hog the limelight, especially by the politicians and the "chamchas" who are always on the lookout for opportunities to please politicians. The media plays a big role in this annoying drama - dishing out interviews after interviews to fill in their air time. It doesn't really matter even if you are a servant, mopping Sachin's hotel room - your interview becomes important. Why can't the media be more responsible??

** CT Scans & Cancer **

Research works on the effect of CT Scan over humans have time again proved that the risk of cancer is high in case of adults and is too high in case of children. Specialists recommend that the amount of radiation should be minimized in case of kids; should only scan when necessary; should scan only the indicated region; scan only once and a big NO for multi phased scanning.

With the mushrooming of CT Scan centres being run as business units in India, do we have any rules and regulations in place for subjecting people to CT scans? For most of the ailments, CT Scan has become the next logical step (Doctors go the extent of insisting that you take the Scan in X or Y Scan Centre - as they too get a 'cut' !!). It is being said the those who are not aware of the CT Protocol Guidance should not carry out CT examinations. But in India, the only protocol that works well is the "Profit Oriented Business Protocol" - nothing else. That also reminds me of the Doctor and Pharmacists nexus in India - let me take up that later.

For now, please do know about the risks of CT Scans. In case of any of your friends or relatives need to go for CT Scans, especially the kids, please make them aware of the risks and their right to ask for minimum radiation - scan only the essential parts etc that the specialists suggest.

** Kashmir Singh **

Kashmir Singh has spent 35 years in Pakistan prison on charges of spying. Finally one good man, who happened to be in the right position, saw his plight and took it up with Mushraaf during one of his good moods and the result is freedom for Kashmir Singh after 35 years in Pak prison. Lucky this man, Kashmir Singh is - because, there are quite a few who might have breathed their last in Pak prisons, especially quite a few Indian soldiers who became PoWs during the Indo-Pak War. For a person who remained in Pak prison for 35 years, this man really looked hale and healthy. Thats the "Punjabi Strength" for you !! :)

** Chidambaram Episode **

One Mr. Samy wanted to recite Thevaram and Thiruvasagam at Thiruchitrambalam, situated just in front of the sanctum sanctorum. He, with the permission of HR&CE (Govt Dept) went to the temple. The Dikshithars, who are administering the affairs of the temple protested this move and stopped Samy from entering the sanctum sanctorum.

This is the gist of the whole dirty incident that happened on Apr/30 at Chidambaram Natrajar temple. Mr. Samy could have gone to the temple without a big group of people behind him. The Dikshithars could have allowed Mr Samy. But neither happened and this issue, as like so many other, has been highly politicised.

** Hullaballoo **

India has won the Under-19 world cup and the team returned to India today (Mar/04). The reception that the team received is quite baffling. There were quite a lot of people who thronged the airport and a huge police force for protection. The winning team members were taken on a procession in an open bus through the city (akin to how the seniors were taken around after their T20 championship victory). Every member of the winning team has been awared Rs.15 lakh each and I am sure a few more are yet to come. I only wish that these things does not corrupt the kids and scuttle what could be a good career (you see, everybody is not Sachin!).

I was just wondering whether was it a game or a battle that these guys have won !! Compare this to the plight of a poor girl, named ILLA-VAZHAGI, a slum dweller in Chennai who went on to win the World Carrom championships twice and yet did not get anything from anybody. When one of the news channel highlighted her pathetic condition (there is no space in her house to keep the carrom board !!) TN State Govt has offered her a reward of Rupees ONE lakh !!

** Thamizhan !! **

Our GREAT Anbumani Ramdoss has done it again !!! He has ordered a 22.5% of quota for SC&STs in Medical and BDS colleges. This did not exist before. "Thamizhan", so far, has taken so many initiatives that subsequently takes mammoth proportions and ultimately destructs this nation..... this is one more to our 'proud' cap !!! "Thamizhan yendru sollada - Thalai Kunindhu Nillada" !!

All the destructive elements that haunts our Nation today were first started by Tamilians. Hatred against other language and other state people first started in TN. "Separatism" - first started in TN !! "Corruption" in mammoth levels first started in TN. Quota beyond 50% first started in TN... the list is endless.

** Resolution ? **

Last week, in one of the Muslim conventions held in Uttar Pradesh, India - the Ulemahs, have condemned terrorism. From what I read in the newspaper, The Hindu, it is clear that just a resolution was passed condemning terrorism and most of the speakers spoke in length about the 'atrocities' met out to the 'minorities' and in condemning the Govt and the policies. None of the speaker, reportedly, spoke against terrorism or Jihad. Possibly they just passed a resolution without having spoken a word against the atrocities that are being committed in the name of "Jihad". And unfortunately all the newspaper claim this as a major step forward !!

As long as we have a Govt in the centre that fears talking against Jihad and taking strict measures against Terrorists - its going to be a loss-loss situation for the nation. Govt fears that talking against terrorism will be construed as words against Muslims !! Doesn't such a stand implicate the Muslims as terrorists?? When will we have people at helm who see issues as issues and not as 'Vote' banks??

** Sujatha **

Famous tamil writer Sujatha passed away yesterday (27 Feb 08). What a great loss to the Tamil literature and Tamil society?? There is no one in the horizon to touch standards near to that of Sujatha, leaving alone taking his palce. May his soul rest in peace.

** Bush Jr's Jr **

Bush Ka Beta... Bush's son...

** INVASION **

The king had a fairly good and large territory to govern. One fine day, a group of rebels, numbering to around 600 decided to attack. They grouped together with a well laid out strategy. They chose one district - blocked all roads leading to the territory and carefully selected the targets!! They killed the guards in-charge of the armoury and looted all the arms and ammunitions. Around 15 died on the King's die - NOT a single death on the rebels side. A two hours operation and a rousing success.

If you thought that the above story should have happened during previous century or in one of those strife struck African nation - you are grossly wrong. This happened just before two days in Orissa, India. A group of around 600 Naxals attacked the Nayagarh district in Orissa, attacked Police Stations and Armouries of the district. NOT a token of resistance was offered.

Two days after the attack - with the Nation's entire Govt machinery behind (including IAF helicopters & bombers), there hasn't been much success in the battle against the Naxals. Govt sources say that 40% of Arms and ammunitions has been recovered so far - but knowing well about Govt responses, I highly doubt those figures.

Naxalism is rearing its ugly head in a big way in India. Its high time that the Govt acts sternly against Naxalism. But the crux of the Naxal growth, in my view, is poverty and poor infrastructure facilities to the people in rural areas.

** The Sinking Road **

Yes... its true !! Dont be surprised !! One of the roads in Chennai keeps sinking (not the entire stretch but at patches). If you dont trust my words - please do make a visit to Chennai and I will take you to that very road to see that for yourself !! This started happening a few months before on one patch of the road. Around five to six meteres stretch of the road, suddenly sunk by around two feet from the surface. Since then, this phenomenon is being witnessed on quite a few places on this stretch of the road.

Hey.. NO... it is not because of any super natural power - it is just due to the the power of the "contractor" - the person who had built a sewerage line beneath this road. At one end of the road, there is a sewerage plant and hence the sewerage line beneath this stretch of the road is a bit huge and it was constructed before two or three years. Probably the contractor had paid too much of bribe and was not able to provide a quality structure and hence this structure is giving way. This being a very busy road with lot of heavy vehicles plying on a daily basis only has made the matter worse.

A poor quality structure giving way is nothing new. But the measures taken by local authorities to fix the issue is something you can never imagine, thats the icing on the cake. One would expect that the structure beneath the road surface to be fixed first and then the road be laid ... right? But, those sane measures have been given a GO - silently, the surface, wherever its sunk is being filled with sand and stones, brought to the normal road level and being laid with a fresh layer of tar road !! Bingo !! By doing such stupid cover-up operations, they are only laying the foundation for an even greater danger. God Bless us !!

** BSNL **

We remained out of telephone link for quite a long time. I made a habit of visiting the local BSNL office almost daily to get our lines restored - only to be told that there is some major cable break and people are working on it. After the first week, the lines were restored only to go down again after two days. Today, after so many days, our telephone link still remains out of service - but to my great surprise, I see that our Broad Band link is working !! The lines may be down - but we have to keep paying the rent - that is the true meaning of "looting" !!

** Thuglak **

Thuglak is online... subscription fee is $20 p.a. If you are interested -> click here www.thuglak.com

** Another New Car **

This time it is Mahindra that has come out with a cheap car priced at Rs 1.3 lakh.... my friend mailed me the info and I do not know how valid and good the info is .... - Neverthless, the car has nice looks and hence thought of posting.....

** ICL Vs IPL **

Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Cricket Control of India's (BCCI) new wing has got the biggies of India like Ambani, Vijay Mallaya, Sharukh sponsor the newly formed Twenty-20 teams. Thus it has taken a huge leap both financially and on conducting this tournaments as well. Ambani has taken away the Bombay team for 436 crores, Vijay Mallaya the Bangalore team for 435 crore, India Cements the Chennai team for 354 crore, Sharukh the Calcutta team for 312 crore and so goes the list. (Something similar to the Football sponsors) . Now we will have the tournaments conducted in Apr this year.

With this move, the Zee group headed ICL, with Kapil Dev at its helm, is heading towards even tougher battle. Its existence is going to be in question. The ICL was facing a tough battle right from the beginning. The BCCI got it de-recognized by the ICC !! BCCI had the players participating in ICL banned from its official list. BCCI manipulated and got the big stadiums locked for the ICL tournaments. And the final blow was this "IPL" punch!!
Whether cricket will get more interesting or not - cricketers are going to be getting more and more money !! Let us not forget the betting aspects !!