Preview: India vs. South Africa

Mahatma Gandhi had spent 21 years in South Africa, where he developed his political views, ethics and political leadership skills. He realised he was out of contact with the enormous complexities of religious and cultural life in India, and believed he understood India by getting to know and leading Indians in South Africa. At a mass protest meeting held in Johannesburg, Gandhi adopted his still evolving methodology of Satyagraha (devotion to the truth), or nonviolent protest, for the first time. He urged Indians to defy the new law and to suffer the punishments for doing so.

And today India broke the shackles and beat South Africa for the first time in World Cups. A win that may bring the thought of going home with the trophy back. Indian batters looked hungry for runs and hunted every South African bowler one by one. A mouth watering performance for Indian fans.

The target set was once again lower than one's expectations during the middle overs. It showed that its very difficult to come and start slogging right from the ball one in the big Australian grounds. This certainly helped the Indian bowlers as South African batsmen succumbed to pressure and lost wickets at regular intervals(same story as the picture last week, only the cast was different, much like recent Bollywood films). Beating a formidble side, who were favourites for this game(and the tournament as well), no longer look as strong a side on the field, as they look on paper.

Dhoni's captaincy woes are vanished and it looks as if there were never any, forgetting about 5 continuous losses in Australia in last month and a half.The same set of Indian bowlers are suddenly looking more experienced(thanks to the IPL). The atmosphere in the Indian dressing room might be excellent right now. Players on the bench would also be enjoying their teammates' success.

budget

The budget is round the corner. The first complete one after the formation of Modi Sarkaar.

Maybe the right time to find out how well does his team do now, who are in the recovery mode after a tragic loss to AAP in Delhi elections. Also eager to find out if the prices of indigenous products reduce as a part of Make In India and promoting small businesses. During the election campaigns, BJP have talked about price hikes, now the ball is in their court.

People are the best judges. Last year saw many people going into and supporting BJP. Also a series of victories at different places made us believe in the Modi Wave. There were many projects started, whose results are not fully out.

A recent financial report said it is dangerous for country's economy to initiate so many projects simultaneously. Surely the FM would like to go at a moderate pace and see to it that he doesn't cross the line. As we came to know bringing black money back in 100 days and depositing Rs. 1.5 million in every bank account were very poor jokes, India won't accept another couple of big blows in the same financial year(by saying this I mean there are many more to come, but this much is enough this year and these jokes should be wide spread over the sixty months). By doing some little things, FM would like to become a Megastar at least for a week or so.

Now talking about the budget that comes before the financial budget, the railway one. I, being a Mumbaikar, expect a lot from Suresh Prabhu. As happens everytime around 40 seasonal trains and 20-25 new trains are bound to arrive. This time around, separate amount for semi bullet and bullet trains with proper explanation for execution of plans is in high demand. Also the plans for execution of FDI in infrastuctural developments and further announcements are in queue.

world cup-5

This time around, in the World Cup, couple of teams who are favourites, have never been crowned the World Champions. While one team has choked at the crucial moments, the other hasn't been able to carry the momentum after the Semis. But both teams are equaly tough to beat this time around. This time around too, they are bound to reach the Semis.

New Zealand have the advantage of home support and small grounds. They have one of the most balanced side. Playing against their arch - rivals in the group stage will be important for them as that result could be like make or break situation to top the group and can damage the confidence for the losing team. Their recent form has been excellent but inexperience and pressure from home crowd can haunt them in crunch situations.

South Africa are itching to remove the chokers tag and break the shackles. Most of the games they play can be one-sided as they have so many great players who can single-handedly change the result of the match. But the game against India would be crucial for them as they wouldn't like to leave the top spot in the pool B. If they win against India, they are most likely to win all other group-stage games and carry the momentum in the knockout-stage as well.

The team which don't lose the plot and have pretty much the same side in every condition are most likely to keep winning. A few players from both the teams are playing their first major tournament in the career, and would like to finish it on a high. Right now the players won't think about whatever I have written above. They will look forward at their next game and take one game at a time.

World Cup - 4

The terrific run of big teams have started. The results in the first couple of days show one-sided wins for the teams likely to reach the semis. The winning start of their campaigns prove that there will be a tight finish for the group winners. But it will also be interesting to see who comes last in the group after a great upset by Ireland on the Windies, earlier today.

We also have to beleive that keeping the winning momentum going won't be easy for any team.

Last afternoon we saw a great game between the arch rivals in the pool B and we will also see a game between the other arch rivals, both teams playing on home soil and tagged favourites to win the competition, game between Australia and New Zealand. A few teams still haven't decided their playing combinations, for eg. Pakistan and West Indies, which is hurting them.

Also small grounds, like Hamilton, are ideal for the upsets.

India have come on top against Pakistan, which means a lot to the fans. But the game against South Africa, a team which has never lost against India, will be a big game. Once again, on sunday, the Indian fans will be in front of their TV sets watching every ball with a breathless anticipation. Prayers of fans and players' execution of plans will be key to defeat the favourites, South Africa.

The duration between the games is long and no excuses of fatigue can be considered. The lively feilding would be tested between both the sides. But action off the feild won't be as hyped as the Indo - Pak game. Also the upcoming games in the other pool will be watchable.

India - Pakistan

A thumping win against our arch rivals, ensured first victory in International cricket in Australia this summer. India recorded a great win to start off their campaign today. It was our sixth straight win over Pakistan in World Cups since 1992. Also Kohli recorded his 22nd century and became the only Indian to score a ton against Pak in CWC.

The decision to bat first after India won the toss, came as a surprise to many of us. India hadn't won a single limited overs game, batting first, in Australia, this summer. But the world champions batted superbly, and diplayed good discipline till the 45th over. But once the hero, Kohli departed, our middle order was blown away.

A total of 300, looked small, which was once expected to reach above 315. The tension at the half time was same in both the dressing rooms, after India managed to reach 300 but Pakistan could have carried the momentum in the second innings. All eyes were now on the innings, which would have decided the fate of the game, but no one was much interested, because the real war between the Indian batsmen and Pakistani bowlers had already taken place. But it was a good fight and proved to be a treat for fans.

Indian bowlers found early wickets, ultimately. But Pakistan soon started to come out stronger with a good fight by Ahmed Shehzad and Haris Sohail. Soon the pack of cards fell after a slight air blow. After that the blood pressures finally came to normal after seven hours of tight game.

The Cricket World Cup-2

Who would score most tons? Who would be the most economical? Who would score most runs? And who would take the most wickets?

Most obvious questions after who will win the World Cup? Which teams will compete in Final? Which team is the Dark Horse? And which team may cause the most Upsets?

Will any team from the top 8 have an early exit?, obvious after seeing the performance of West Indies. Will Ireland become the second European team to reach the Quarter Finals? Indian Pride is in Deep Stakes. Winning Momentum is the key to win the World Cup.

Social Media should get ready to face outbursts of energy, flowing in high spirits. Freedom of expression and emotion, would the most used Fundamental Rights.

As the tournament goes on and reaches its business end, competing with yourselves and improving everytime would be the key to success.

Also taking each game at a time is important, and pushing the limits higher as the time goes by, can be a tried and tested method.

THE CRICKET WORLD CUP-1

If you win it, you become the most powerful. Winning it is more imortant than winning any award in the whole world. It is the most important thing for Indians, after their house. "We won't give it back", is what everyone is chanting.

People call over their relatives and friends, and enjoy together. Female fans become excited too. If you lose, there is a huge strike throughout the country. Actors, businessmen, common man, together experience it.

No one should cripple under pressure. Everyone should try to give in their best. Heart - breaks may soon follow, if you take one step wrong. Not only you, but the best people from all over the world are competing against you.

Where will you be during the making of history? Planning for fun shouldn't go wrong. No one should miss it, because you won't get a second chance.

Are you ready for THE CRICKET WORLD CUP.

To be continued...

Verdict of the people of Delhi

Exit polls are out for the recently held, the most important Delhi elections. For the last one year, Delhi has been without a Government but full of hope and expectations. The system in Delhi was punctured, for the previous year. Everyone blamed each other for the nuisance but neither the Liutenant Governor nor the Central Government did anything to help the people and prepone the elections. Of course the high voter turnout brings a lot of hope that a clear majority will make the newly formed Government take decisions quickly and do not frustrate the people of Delhi further as they have been in the waiting room for 365 days.

Replacing old laws with the new ones and putting the criminals behind the bars is the most obvious option. This will revive the legislature in the National Crime Region(NCR ). Going ahead with the developmant projects which rolled out during the Sheila Dixit's tenure as CM will maintain the development pace of the Capital. But corruption and crime should be as far from the system as engineering students are from books. Also fast track courts should award stern punishments and give a strong message throughout the country.

Delhi will witness history tomorrow, which would bring about attention of everyone in the world. The third election inside a year, including the Lok Sabha elections, bring a lot of excitement in every Indian. The LG would also be releived a lot, if a clear mandate is given to any party.

The expected seat share and the vote percentage is being telecasted everywhere in the media. Right from the morning, counting would start, and by the afternoon, everything would be as clear as water(of course, not mentioning the water from the Indian taps and rivers ). Hopefully, no deals and discussions should be there, before forming the Government, and Delhi should get a stable Government as the Capital of sixty- seven and a half year old Nation.

Godse, a Hero?

I was astonished to see the newspaper headlines, in the last few weeks, filled with the name of a person, whose act was the most shameful one. Any guesses?, I am talking about Godse. The Government of India has always stated that Godse was a criminal, who killed the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Godse beleived that India shouldn't be called as a secular state, but as a Hindu nation.

A few people of different political parties have opened their mouths on this subject, but soon had taken reverse turns. A road in Alwar, Rajasthan, should be named after Godse, a few people have demanded. Although, no political party has supported this. Barely, 1% of people have such sort of views.

Most of the people beleive that there is no point raising this issue, as everyone knows Godse was a criminal, there are many important things on which the government have to work on and why name a road after a criminal. There are many criminals who are still enjoying their lives inside the jails, with 5 - star treatments given and their cases being kept in safe lockers for years now.

There are many issues which touch the daily lives of everyone like, corruption, inflation, high EMIs, no cuts in bills, no citizen charter, loopholes in government services, careless government bodies, officials and contractors, etc.

Even after the change in the Central Government, not much has changed in the daily lives.

The Navi Mumbai Airport

Every company is competing hard against each other to get the contract for the Navi Mumbai Airport. Companies from the east, west are applying for this. People from throughout the world are looking at this airport as the best one in its class. The latest technology, ideas and security procedures are to be used during its construction.

As a localite, I am very excited about the project. But things ain't going as it should be. With a lot of tensions surrounding the land acquisitions, unwanted delays are inescapable. But the government is sure that the pace will go towards north and the work will be completed till the given dead line.

The government has promised that once finished, the airport will be magnficent. The Navi Mumbai Airport is proposed to be the busiest in the country in the Twenty First Century. It will be the first one in the satellite city of the country, which is also one of the best planned cities in the world at the moment. Right now the city has a plenty of green cover, with the western ghats, mangrove forests, a bird sanctuary, and lots of natural scenic hilly sites around, but their existence is challenged by several developmental projects which have started after the delaration of the proposal of upcoming airport.

There is also a huge industrial hub nearby, which generates a lot of fumes and chemicals, very harmful for living beings. With the population growth, long traffic snarls have become very much common. The experts are expecting that in fifteen years the whole city wouldn't look less than New York, Hong Kong or Shanghai.

Hopefully government goes about the development of the area, having in back of the mind, the solution to the above mentioned problems. 

The love - hate relationship of the Government and the Poor People

This time of the year, no one would like to go out on the streets at night, its so cold out there. Your family members would surely stop you, by mentioning the above words. And most of us will agree on this point mentioned by our family, regrdless of our disagreement with them on other topics. We would get into our beds and try to sleep for as long as possible.

But what about the people who don't have shelters over their heads. They sleep on the footpaths or try to find shelters under the flyovers, bus stands, etc. They don't have good food and medical facilities which are the two most important things to survive on the roads in such weather conditions. When I further think about this problem, I find its a bigger problem than it looks.

We, at the individual level, can do charity, and provide the needy with some blankets, old clothes, etc. The problem regarding the charities is that its difficult to find out how much of our money goes into what and where, because most of the charities are busy expanding their regional horizons and collecting awards, instead of helping the poor. The government says that they have passed the bills regarding the extension of number of people who can live in the government shelters, but the facilities in the tents turn out to be a major worry. We don't even know is the government telling the truth.

The elected people bring a bag full of sweet promises, when they arrive in the electoral speeches, but they hardly try to maintain the promises after they come into power. Getting votes is their only intention, and such people are the black spots on the name of public servants. During their tenure as a part of assembly members, they never come to meet people, know their problems and remove them, rather they enjoy their life to the fullest. The people who suffer the most are nobody, except the poor, who don't care who remains in the power.

A month into Modi's India in 2015

The India - US defence deal can bring about a lot of cheer to us. This deal can kickstart a new way of strengthening our defence. The powerful ideas not only match with the new projects started by the Indian Government, Make in India and Digital India, but also provide a threat to our immediate neighbours, Pakistan and China. There may be a lot of flaws in the Weapons that the Indian Army uses presently, but Indigenous weapon production is a boon to India. It can not only generate thousands of jobs and bring in Foreign Investments but also give The Indian Army, a new edge.

Various countries, and various companies are ready to cash in on this opportunity to invest their money in the huge Indian markets. This also gives the opportunity to various individuals to join the movement of PPP( Public Private Partnerships) which is initiated by the Modi sarkaar. One can understand that we should not be over - excited by the fact that these projects have been initiated, but wait and find out what this turns out into.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government has started the work on a very good note. Almost everyday he shares his views on social media and stays conected with the common man. Even when he sees people surrounding him at airports, he doesn't feel shy to meet them and talk to them. He joins people in their photos and clicks a few photos himself as well.

It gives out the message that the Prime Minister hasn't forgot his past and still likes to be and around the common man. He receives a lot of letters, messages and e – mails and PMO tries to reply and solve the problems mentioned in the letters.

Although the opposition doesn't leave any opportunity to target Mr. Modi, stating that he keeps on doing meetings with Foreign Leaders and Big Businessmen, and has forgotten the common man, who voted for him with a lot of expectations.

Lets see how this year goes for Narendra Modi, who has already started the year by showcasing his Bromance with the most powerful Person of the World at present, Barack Obama.

Use of Nuclear Weapons

A uniform research should be done secretly, by the United Nations, to actually know which country has how many Nuclear Weapons, and are they producing it illegally. All the activities regarding the Nuclear Weapons, of every country, should be tracked. The Security Council should be well aware of these things, maintain a record, and check if any treaty or resolution is being violated. Even if the biggest or strongest country violates it, the Weapons should be destroyed and heavy penalties should be imposed.

Special teams and agencies can be formed which should work jointly under The Security Council.

The leaders of bigger and stronger countries should be told about the cons of Nuclear Weapons. They should be asked to avoid and stop its manufacture. No Cold War or Ceasefire Violations should extend to the verge of Mass Killings and use of Nuclear Weapons.

We are still observing the Ill Effects of the Nuclear Bombings that took place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 70 years back. The US had been guilty behind this, and soon realised its mistake, which had killed thousands and had left hundreds of people severly affected. Not only Japan but the whole World was in deep shock and sorrow. The Mass Killings were a sign of end of The Last World War( At least till now), which led to signing of treaties preventing countries from initiating Nuclear Attacks.

Many countries are still fighting with each other, occupying other's land, violting ceasefire rules, causing unnecessary movement of terrorists, militants, drugs, black money, etc. on a regular basis. People are asking questions and nobody has an answer, the people in power change, approach changes, but the end results don't. Does signing on writtent treaties matter, until and unless, strong actions are taken. I feel the terms written in treaties do not leave impressions on mind and fade away, and come back only after a major disaster.

Faith on our Judiciary System

"They are out on bail, for indefinite time" - news headlines go this way. In my opinion, every citizen of the country has equal rights, but the politicians, film actors, big businessmen, etc. are well above the law. Wherever they go, special treatment is given to them, and they take undue advantage of that. Most of the people are fed up of this, as they face a lot of delays, at places like airports, temples, courts, police stations, hospitals, etc.

The law says no one's above the constitution, but the judges themselves are very lenient towards these VIPs. Also the police and the government never disclose the names of big fishes, which are caught in scandals, scams, etc. Media is suporting the common people, but they don't seem to fully go out against the VIPs. These big people influence everyone on the basis of money and muscle power.

Everyone should jointly come against this biased treatment given to the elite. Also the government and the police should be responsible for the protection of the witnesses, petitioners, activists, etc. We should learn from other countries, where stricter punishment is given to the elite as they have an influence over the large section of the society. Also the government should rise above and order unbiased investigation against every offender.

Also more people should start to speak on this topic and spread awareness about it. We should be alert and aware of our rights as a citizen of the country. Also the judicial system needs to wake up and work efficiently on improving the status of legislature. Everyone is alike and should be treated the same way.

Women

The condition of women in this world range from the worst to the best.

Some militant and terror groups of the world have captured, tortured and even killed women and children in many countries today. They consider this as a very good way to protest against their rulers. We don't know where are they kept, how are they kept, how many of them are kept, are they being provided with basic facilities of food, clothes and sanitation, and the biggest of them all - are they still alive?

The Pope, the biggest religious leader of the world, has already said that inhumanity against anyone cannot be a way to protest, and those who do that, do not belong to any religion. A lot of NGOs, throughout the world, have taken up the responsibility, along with the support of United Nations, Foreign Ministries of many countries and most of the media houses, to free these women. There have been a lot of protests and petitions, which have been non - violent and involved crowds in huge numbers, arond the globe, in support of these women. The whole world should come together and have a single approach against our enemies, namely, poverty, illiteracy, pollution, spread of diseases, etc. but first against our worst one, i.e., terrorism.

You must be a bit depressed reading this till now. But lets see the condition of a few more.

We now - a - days see a lot of women at the top posts of big MNCs, in the prime cities of business. They too have fought against a lot of problematic situations, and proven to everyone that they are worth of their respective vocations. They too have seen the days of failure, have been struck by hurdles and realised that their ways were full of thorns. But they got over it, tackled the situations hard, found new ways, and now have become the idols of inspiration.

Not only the women of high class societies, but from medium and lower class societies also, are inspiring others, including the people of opposite gender, to be determined and dedicated towards their work. Women teach us how to go about our work and how to manage things in a better way. We should also learn from them that the purpose of our life is to be satisfied, happy and make others happy. To become the wealthiest in the world, may be the dream of many, including myself, but doing hard work, being patient, accepting failures, and being disciplined in life can do wonders for each one of us.

My Experience

I had parked my car in the parking zone near my house. I was shocked to see it being towed away when I woke up after a great party last night with my BFF Montu. I was in a country far away from my own and had to give away on the luxury of having a car as I had been short on my payments. I had brought this shiny red car after being completely fed up after my mother's continuous demands.

I had to walk a few miles before I reached the cabin of the Bank Manager of my account, who was also a good friend and a mentor to me.

The value of all the shares I had brought had slashed and had taken a big dip southwards. Making money fraudulently was easy a few years ago, but now - a - days you can't even think of it.

My TV cable connection was down as well and only after a few challenges I was able to just renew my web pack.

That evening was dark and gloomy for me as I was a bit depressed. I just thought about the bad fate that had struck me and no wonder only a big piece of luck and fortune was required to overcome that. The standard and orthodox way to overcome the situation was to start working, which I hadn't done in the last few years. No one in the community knew what I did except lurking around with my car, girls and alcohol.

One fine sunday morning, I went to meet my Bank Manager who was, to my surprise, having brunch with a very beautiful lady. I thought I should leave them alone, after I got to know their plans to watch a film together. But I secretly followed them and went on to watch the film, a boring love story, which left the young couples mad in love, and others full of yawns and sleep. The next day I experienced, like every other week, Monday Morning Blues, and my conditions worsened, as I started feeling the fear of failure, the worst fear to have in the world.