This Monday to Friday

This is my first attempt at writing a little something on the various things that happened during Monday to Friday. Being a student, and a higher education aspirant, people have always advised me to keep abreast with the latest events across the globe. Admittedly, I may have missed many events that took place this past week. But with a keenness, which I hope would only increase by the day, I write about this week as I see it. Suggestions and corrections are most welcome. 

What the Amul ads say
January 13:

The popular milk brand Amul draws attention to the plight of roads of Mumbai- the Business and Bollywood capital. A play on lyrics of famous Hindi song "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan" very accurately depicts the sad state of affairs. This situation is also prevalent in many other parts of the country, leading to many unfortunate accidents and disruption in transportation of goods, among many other problems. "Kachchi sadak" is not just an issue in the rural areas.

January 14:

India experiences cold weather and Amul captures the chill with its famous ad campaign.

With regard to cold and the poor, one of the commendable actions of New Delhi's new government is use of un-usable buses as "Raen-Basera" or night shelters for those on the streets. This seems to be an excellent use of vandalised property and goes on to show the emphatic side of the newest political party in the country. This also encourages all of us to find solutions by thinking out-of-box. Hopefully many such innovative ideas will be brought forth to tackle various issues of the aam admi. 

January 15: 

This Uttarayan saw the bonding of Gujarat's CM Mr. Modi and Bollywood star Mr. Salman Khan. Alongwith the nation celebrating the fun-filled festival in various forms: Lohri/Sankranti/Pongal/Bihu to name a few, these two also flew kites and enjoyed the Uttarayan delicacy Undhiyu. The actor called Modi a "good man" and said that every one should vote for the man they think is best. This, I think, is what the focus of this story should be on- the right to vote-it's importance and implications. 

Indian Politics

1.  "No file moves without Jayanthi Tax in Environment Ministry"

"Jayanthi Tax"- a bribery allegation by Mr. Modi against the former Union Minister of MoEF. Responding to this, Jayanthi Natarajan said that it was a canard and a personal attack on her as she had opposed to some major projects in Gujarat. These projects, she states, were in major green violations. A lot of talks are going on about her resignation, which some see as a fig leaf.

Meanwhile, an interesting article on her stint as the Union Minister of MoEF by Economic Times. 

 2. "Modi Can't be a PM, We Can set up a tea stall for him"

Mr. Mani Shanker Aiyar made this statement, attacking the opposition BJP's PM candidate Mr. Narendra Modi. Modi's opponents have many a times made similar jibes against him, while he and his proponents have used this fact to project him as a simple man rising from a humble background. In an attempt to touch the common man's pulse, this projection seems to have worked favorably. My personal opinion is that there is no good for Modi's opponents to make remarks against this fact because this does seem a creditable feat-a true and inspiring rags-to-riches story. There can be other issues that might help these opponents in their campaign. 

Here's what Omar Abdullah has to say on this-Outlook India

Obituary

January 17:  Suchitra Sen- the legendary Bengali actress.

Sports:

India Beat Olympic Champ Germany 5-4 in World Hockey League- Outlook India

The National Sport records another happy and a rather sensational win in the Hero World League Round 2- Men. Congratulations to the team and best wishes. Such feats must always be celebrated and not just in movies. Also,there is no wrong in practising "cricket as a religion", because every sport must be played like a war, with any achievement in any tournament adding to the nation's pride. Only important thing is to nurture each sport in spirit and support.

Tech News

1. Google's smart contact lens prototype that tracks glucose for diabetics-story by Washington Post.

My take: It is exciting to see the internet giant foraying into such fields. With the big brand name and a trust well established, Google can very easily derive capital for such experiments and innovations. Also, it attracts many intelligent minds, who come together and put the combined expertise and efforts that could result into many inventions making the world a happier and healthier place. Also, it is clearly a good business venture as with the success of such projects, the company too stands to increase its clout outside the search engines' and apps' markets. 

2. "MTV Twister- a speaker for those who like it loud". Review by the Indian Express

To me, MTV means non-stop hits, the Coke Studio, uber-cool veejays and the fun animations. Roadies for some. "Bakra" for many. Here comes an interesting Bluetooth speaker by MTV and Soundlogic, that promises to cater to those who host "wild" parties. A fun new gadget for the youth, a potential industry to bank upon for the music channel.