I reached Mumbai.

It was Sunday Morning 8.30 am IST when I step down from a Volvo Bus with all my baggage. Sion welcomed with with morning heat and dust of Mumbai. It was 2003 when I came to Mumbai for the first time. Reason was Industrial Visit. Next two small visits were in 2006/2007... to meet someone...

Here ends 2010 and I was sent by company to Corporate office, to welcome 2011 from Arabian Ocean side..! I must tell Mumbai is oversubscribed IPO. Houses are at its peak of cost.. skyrocketting... food.. only Badapaao and Tea is affordable to common Indian public.
Transportation will kill you, if you don't like to travel with crowd. Did u decide not to use BEST buses or Mumbai Local. Bring out 500 bucks from your pocket, its gonna burn out in no time...

But, this place has a charm. This place is moving. This place is a true picture of an India, out of India. All have one motive, MONEY. How... to be decided by Individuals. All are busy in their way of earning money. For outsiders, I see mumbai as Magnet which has capability to attract everyone, be it magnetic or non-magnetic.

Hope I get some time from new responsibilities, so that i can scrib something on technical and non-technical aspects... some of my researches done in past... and some of experiences that i get everyday...!

Curious: Can we have E-Voting system in India?

More than 20-25 % of eligible Indian citizen are not able to vote during either State or Central elections. The reasons are obvious: They are far from their hometown (constituency) due to:

1. Education (Engineering, Medical, Higher Studies etc.) Even in IITK, with 450 students in one batch, hardly- 40-45 students are from kanpur, and 150-200 are from UP. If I take parallel for every colleges, more than 50 % of students in any technical colleges have students who have right to vote, but they can not go to hometown for voting.

As per a survey, 30-40% of students studying at Bangalore are from BIHAR.

2. Jobs. Only Bangalore has 60-65 % population of software engineers who are not residents of Bangalore, so they don't have right to vote at Bangalore. Similar are the cases at Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi/NCR and other metro's.

3. Our NRI friends. They can not cast their vote sitting in their home @ other countries.

So, a voting % of 50-60 % in any elections are obvious. In this light, I proposed at many forums that can we have an E-voting system?, with the permission and acceptance of Election Commission of India. I am sure, if 4-5 IT companies do a consortium on making such a system, it is possible. (A group patent can be filed.. to protect it getting copied from outer world.)

We can do this as a part of CSR with some assistance from Government. I am sure, by implementing the same, we can achieve the voting % of 75-80%, and that will be a decent percentage to select a correct and precise government. A politician can only do dirty politics on rural mass, not with elite class.

May I request some IT savvy guy or team to please look into it. We should be involved more in developing the system, then commenting and arguing on systems.

Some Mirage Effects...

Mr. Afzal attacked on Parliament. He was arrested and till now he is waiting for Death Penalty. Hon. President of India has still to look on his mercy petition. He is enjoying the tightest securities of India.

Mr. Kasab attacked on Economic Hub of India, killing 'some' International people along with many Indians. Big International Drama took place, and after 2 years, Indian Court has sentenced him to Death. He can go to High Court, Supreme court to challenge the decisions. Even to President of India for Mercy petition. Till then, the best of Security will be given to him, to keep him alive so that he can be hanged may be after 10 years...!

So many Local train Blasts in Mumbai, killing 100's of Indian Public, No one is accountable.

Recent Naxal attacks in Jhargram, killing 160+ Indian public. No one is taker.

Air India Crash. Killing all (except 8) the passengers and Crew Members. No one is taker.
Aids kills 1000's. No one worries.
Hunger Kills 1000's. No one worries.
Natural Calamities (cyclones, Floods, Drought etc.) kills 100's and affects 1000's. No one worries.

When no one worries for major crisis, why do we or Govt. worries for smaller killings?

Common People are only there to be used and demolished when their use is over. Why one thinks of Common People at all? If I see correctly, Normal public is just like Prostitutes for Politicians to make their ground.

Then I think, why common people is going for Voting? Why we are expecting much from Politicians?

Another 'Bubble Bust' in Economy?

India, or for that matter World has witnessed a worst ever Recession and Economic Meltdown. Though India recovered from it and economy grew, despite US and EU market still trying to recoil itself, the heat can still be seen. As Mr. Pranav Mukharjee claims, GDP growth of India is ~7.6%. I was just thinking are we (Indians!) really secure?
Let us understand various areas:

Steel: The so called spinal cord of any Economy. Iron ore cost has sky rocketed recently. The cost is decided by Export and private sectors. Indian steel makers are not getting mines for extraction, but Iron ore is happily been sold to foreign agencies like China, Australia and many more part of Worlds. Coal / Coke costs are all time high. All these leads to high input cost of production. Now, Ministry of Steel (Cong. Govt.) is least bothered with the price rise. But they do worry for normal PRICE RISE. So they don't want steel cost to increase. What will Steel Industries Do? I see a bubble bust coming up in Steel Industry- Sooner than expected.

Agriculture: India is known as "Krishi Pradhaan Desh" (Agriculture rich country!), Ironically status is all time low. A country which has witnessed green and white revolution is suffering from highest ever cost of Groceries and Milk. Last 6 Years has been worst with more than 1000 farmers committing suicide. The Minister, who should be keenly interested in developing Nation, is keenly interesting in his OWN business, that includes getting the Chairmanship of ICC.

Oil and Natural Resources: Population has burst out, So jungles have been converted into living Land. Everyone wants to enjoy more than 1 car. Fleet of cars implies the status symbol. Consumption of Natural resources has increased, Production has gone down. It has led to deficit. Now Govt. does not want to increase cost.. Why, THEY WILL LOOSE POWER. Sufferers: Oil Companies, Government. They are incurring huge loss.

All money making sectors are suffering. Govt. owned Organizations are incurring loss on account of Rival Private Players Profit. Who is accountable for this? I was just pondering on some questions.
1. If BSNL, MTNL has such a wide network, how come private companies like Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, MTN, Reliance, Tata, etc are booking profit.?? Why BSNL is not booking such a high profit.? I think if BSNL do its job better, there will be no room for Private Players...
2. 10 Years back, Air India was the only national and International Carrier. Had they performed better, how come private players like Jet, Kingfisher, IndiGo, etc. popped out.? Unless these Govt. organizations show their inefficiency, will it be possible for Private players to flourish?
3. Iron ore reserves are National Property and Pride. It should wholly be governed by Govt. of India, under Steel or Mines Ministry. How come private players are so influential? More than 50% of reserves are with these Private Players. NMDC, though a Govt. enterprise reacts as if they are the Owners!
4. Education is becoming Costlier Day by day. We tell Education is the right to every Indian, still the cost of Education is rising. Govt. has no control over it. With increasing inflation, the Poverty line is going up. It only implies that percentage of populations are been barred from quality education.
5. There are huge vacancies are Govt. Dept. But they don't want to fill the positions. Now, even if they fill they have a rigorous process of filling the same. Either you need to be extremely talented, or you need to have good "Balance" to fill the pockets of 'BABU'. Once vacancy is filled, the so called "Govt. worker" becomes inefficient.
Had the teachers chosen for Govt. Jobs shown their integrity, how come Coaching Institutes would be earning in billions?

There are many more issues... countless. Point is not to count them, but to act on them. Who will Act.? Govt. don't want to act. Normal people can not act. Who will do it? Should we say "Eisa hi Hota hai?" and Chalta hai yaar, chalne do... and hide from Truth.?
Should we wait for a big time BLOW for us to React?

India and Pakistan - friends or foes...!

I was wondering what is this? I do have a little interest in Politics, so I try to understand the 'read between line' meanings.

I see Pakistan as India only; just got divided in 1947. Thanks to outgoing British Monarchy, Pt. Nehru, Mohd. Ali Jinnah and Gandhiji. Divide and Rule policy was played and we fell into the trap. On the name of Religion, India was divided into Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since then, politicians Pakistan and Bangladesh is fighting with India and Indian Continent on some baseless demands. Irony is the fact that some other countries are promoting it. Pakistan is promoted by some western countries, where is Bangladesh is promoted by some Eastern countries..!!

What are we doing? Since 1967, we are talking with Pakistan on peace. From late Lal Bahadur Shastri ji to Dr. Manmohan Singh, we are only talking...! Talks have been made at all levels. Ministry levels, Secretariat levels, Prime Ministerial Level. President Level, National Level, International Level, still we are confronting over various levels.
Leaving aside some unresolvable issues, we have resolved our disputes with Bangladesh, but with Pakistan, we are only talking, and Pakistan has not changed since last 40+ years.
Name me any country, where the peace talks has not been organised. According to me, these political parties of both nations are united together, THEY DON'T WANT A SOLUTION AT ALL. All what they want is, visit various countries on Government expanse. Today Jakarta, Tomorrow China, then Some European Countries, then some American Countries, then Australia. If all is over, then people in Pakistan will say, Yaar Taj Mahal nahi dekha... so a high level meeting of both nations are called in Delhi, with a visit to Taj Mahal for high profile Guests!
I have a firm believe that the issues of India and Pakistan will not over till the so called delegation team does not visit all the visiting places around Globe. Else, it will keep running in a vicious circle. I urge Govt. of both nations to arrange the world tour of some 20-30 people from both nations within 5 years, so that by the time Govt. term is over issues can be resolved.

People of Bangladesh do not want war or conflicts. They want a means of survival. They want trade with India. They want education, creation of jobs, inward money flow and a blissful life in Bangladesh. Everything surfaced, but then comes ULFA, ALFA etc. funded by third world and only to disturb both India and Bangladesh, in the name of disputed boundary.

Pakistan has fell in its own trap. The reason why it nurtured Terrorists are back biting it. It should rather look inwards and shake hands with India. Pakistan is blessed with wonderful handicrafts, Sugar Industries, hard working people, fertile land etc. Technologies from India and dedication of Pakistan can create miracles if these two nations join Hands. I wish instead of taking funds from World bank and USA, Pakistan should start taking fund from India and work towards a better tomorrow. Both these nations are fighting with economic war, and still billions of money is expended in the name of border security and fighting with terrorists, jehad's and extremists.

Buddy you send us your surplus Sugars and handicrafts, we will send you our rice, pulse, wheats. We both will be happy..! Just think if India and Pakistan's Cricket, hockey or football teams unite, what will happen? Who will Win us? Every year the World Cup's will be ours...!

Who wants Black Money from Swiss and other banks?

I was little curious. Who wants the stashed 75000 crores of Indian rupees? Government of India - NO; Political parties - No; Public of India - Not Interested; RBI - Interested but helpless.

The process says that an amendment or say Bill has to be passed with more than 50 % votes in both houses of Parliament, further signed by President of India. Money should be rooted to RBI and Governor- RBI has to channelize money to other associate national banks for money flow in National market.

The election result of 2009 general poll was: UPA (262 + {82}), NDA (160 - {60}), Third Front (79 - {29}), Others (42 - {36}). Value in {} shows the deviation w.r.t. 2004.

UPA's main constituent Congress (207) and DMK (18) do not even promised anything in their Election Manifesto 2009 (I have copies of them) about Black money or any effort in bringing back Black money from Swiss and other banks. BJP and CPI have written boldly that they will do their hard work in bringing the money back, but time frame has not been given.

I look at it as a propaganda, or say Political stunts. Some months back we saw big politicians saying that money will be back in 100 days. One year is about to be over. No one bothers. People raise voices, Govt. assures of action, then things dies out.. again someone from opposition party or NGO or Baba Ramdeo speaks of stashed money... Govt. wakes and give another promise. All become Happy!

I was wondering about the black money. Obviously Gulaam India will not have Indians depositing money in foreign banks (if Yes, then only veteran Congress Leaders and other rich people like Maharaja's of that time). The money has flown from India only after Independence. So, when a poor country like India was trying to uplift its status, when people were dying of hunger- who was busy filling his/her bank balance abroad? There was Congress Government from 1947 to 1996...! So, people can only be either White colored aristocrats or Ministers or members of Political parties... Why will they allow the money to come back? Who wants to become poor? Who doesn't love money?
Hon. Finance Minister says he is talking to 60 countries on the same. Mr. Advani says he is critical about bringing the money back. Third front, who are good economists are keeping their mum on the issue. Who will put the amendment or bill in Parliament? Who will initiate the process? If congress wishes, UPA has 262 seats! Adding to it is NDA and Third front... I don't see the bill requesting swiss bank to deliver money to India can not pass in either of the house, if people are Patriotic. If they are concerned over Developing and making India a no. 1 country in the World.

Why the general public is made fool? Why Government is not sincerely looking at burning issues - at present Terrorism and Price Rise? Why government is not sincerely working on eradicating Bribery? Bringing transparency in all Govt. offices?

From where does the money come?

"A survey conducted by Centre for Media Studies (CMS) pegs the amount to be spent on the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, which would determine the next government in the country, at about Rs 10,000 crore (USD 2 billion).
The estimated Rs 10,000 crore cost for the Lok Sabha elections includes about one-fourth or Rs 2,500 crore being spent through "unofficial money" or the cash to be paid to voters by the candidates, the CMS survey says.
According to the CMS study, the government spending would be about 20 per cent of the total expenses, including about Rs 1,300 crore by Election Commission and about Rs 700 crore to be spent by various central and state government agencies for purposes like photo identity cards, EVMs and polling booth.
Various political parties are expected to spend about Rs 1,650 crore from their party funds, which would include about Rs 1,000 crore from the two main parties -- Congress and BJP alone.
In addition to spending by parties, candidates of the national parties are estimated to put in Rs 4,350 crore, while those from the regional parties are expected to spend another Rs 1,000 crore."

From where these money comes? Do these political parties pay IT return on the money? If not, these money must be Black money or money landed by muscleman / Businessman with tainted desires?

So, if a government is made with 'big money with ill desires', how can Government stop ill things being happened? Where are we going to? Lets say if Pepsi/Coke or KFC/McDonalds has put their money, obviously they will sell it in higher prices. If liquor barons like Vijaya Mallaya or Cigarette making companies put their money- Govt. can not stop them selling the same, even if it is bad and should be banned. Why the inflation should not go up? Are the public of India fooled?

5 years over. What Bihar has achieved?

5 years almost over and Nitishji's government has credited with lots of good and commendable work. After decades, Bihar has come in limelight. An unexpected growth rate of 11 % is sufficient to shock everyone and a matter to feel proud for every BIHARI Babu (and NRB's). Still some areas are grey and requires attention.

I shall be listing some issues over here that requires a deep concern.

1. Koshi River and Flood: This river almost get flooded every year. Millions of money comes and goes on the name of rehabilation and development- God knows what happens with that money?
why a series of Dam is not made on the river? Why Koshi is not connected with neighbouring rivers like Gandak, Boodhi Gandak and the Ganga? Why we are not making canals over Koshi? If Punjab can have best of agricultural lands because of Canals, Bihar is blessed with best of Soils. Why can't we produce highest? Why do Bihar suffer with Drought in Summers and Floods in Rainy seasons?

2. Ganga Action Plan: I don't know when will the Ganga gets cleaned? Everyone who connected itself with GAP, became millionaire and left. Gangaji is still flowing in same way. Lets leave UP. They will never grow. If Mayawati goes, Mulayam Singh will come and vice versa. They will rotate in the vicious circle. Can we REALLY clean River Ganga, when it enters Bihar- and can we vow not to pollute it?

3. NREGA and its effectiveness: Do we really check the effectiveness of NREGA. Are the people actually working, and people listed in papers Same? Are people really do the work they are required to do? Do they meet the daily deadline/ weekly / monthly deadline? I feel much of Govt. money is EATEN by middle man.

4. Development work are really quality work?: Again, on the line of NREGA effectiveness, do respective departments have check over the development work being done? Roads have widened up in Bihar, True. But maintenance is not up to mark. Whom to blame.? How many more years it will take to make it Smooth and running?

5. Mid Day meal: Do government has any check on the quality of food provided by so called NGO's. Are NGO's really working like a NGO or they have started their own business of EATING Govt. money, on the name of mid-day meal.

I am concerned for Bihar, so I am writing all this. It does not mean other states are milky white.. They too have similar problems. Its time to think and act.! Remember, 1 + 1 = 11.

Mr. Thackrey, Are you awake?

In the assembly elections 2009. Cong.+ got 144, BJP+ got 91, MNS 13, others 26 and remaining went for third front. BJP proclaims of a new and developed samaaj... MNS (Shivsena) wants Marathi Maanus to be developed. Together they make 104. If this 104 join hands with other 26 guys- they will be powerful enough to kick Government from every front and on every bill.

Still burning issues are burning. No takers.

1. Farmers in Maharastra commits suicide. Agriculture Minister for two continuous terms, Mr. Sharad pawar hails from Maharastra. Isn't it a matter of Shame.!

2. The terrorists who terrified mumbai is still alive and enjoys the best of security and facility. Even Saddam Hussain was not treated this generously by USA.

3. Mumbai is over crowded. Everyone cries.. You are developing Navi Mumbai. Why Pune is Pune only? You have places like Nashik and Nagpur. What about Developing Pune, Nashik and Nagpur as Mumbai 2, Mumbai 3 and Mumbai 4?

4. You are fighting for a no sense cause. Just for political mileage! Have you ever heard the voice of marathi maanus. They have never asked for jobs of Rikshawpullar, Vendors, Auto-Taxi Drivers, they want a living. They want food, cloths and shelters. As far as companies are offering jobs, they are happy.

5. Bhaigiri at its best. The economic hub of India is always under the threat of D company and many other groups operating from within and outside Mumbai.. Any plans of a happy and blissful life for Mumbaikar's?

Stop fighting over Marathi and non-Marathi issues. Unite yourself with Government and do something on checking burning issues. Check inflation. Check price rise. Raise from Party Politics and think genuinely for Marathi Maanus.

In 1947, we have already created Pakistan, on the name of religion. Let us not create another country on the name of Language!

Can we say no to Fire Crackers?

Fireworks are propelled by black powder (aka gunpowder). This substance consists of an oxidizer (potassium nitrate), a fuel (carbon), and an accelerant (sulfur). For every 270 grams of black powder used, 132 grams of carbon dioxide are created, the rest of it turning into potassium sulfide and nitrogen. Unlike gasoline, black powder already contains an oxidizer so that the combustion results in less CO2 created than the starting weight of the substance. Gasoline releases roughly 20 pounds of CO2 per gallon when combusted because it combines the carbon in the fuel with oxygen from the atmosphere. The standard unit for measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is metric tons, so I will convert the 2006 volume of fireworks consumed in the U.S.: 123,422.5 metric tons. Since 270 grams of black powder create 132 grams of carbon dioxide, we can multiply that ratio (132/270 = 0.4889) by the volume of fireworks to get annual U.S. emissions from fireworks: 60,340 tons. This is more than 12,000 cars emit in a year, or the emissions from 115,000 light bulbs left burning for a year! The smoke from fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic dusts (particulate matter) that can easily enter the lungs. This represents a real threat for people suffering with asthma or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Smoke from fireworks combustion may contain a mixture of sulfur-coal compounds, traces of heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals or gases. The combustion cloud can contain harmful fumes such as ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide. Smoke from consumer fireworks is of most concern because they are released at a low level which makes inhalation more likely compared to professional displays. Additionally, in this time where the issues of climate change and global warming are being presented with a sense of urgency, we need to be concerned about the greenhouse gases fireworks produce, which include Carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone.
(Excerpts taken from a researcher and environmentalist’s note, in his blog)

A case study has shown that within 1 hour of fireworks displays levels of Strontium in the air increased 120 times, Magnesium 22 times, Barium 12 times, Potassium 11 times, and Copper 6 times more than the amount present in the air before the event. Strontium was found to be the best tracer in this study because it measured very high during the event and much lower at other time intervals which indicated that it was mostly a result of the fireworks display.
(Vecchi, Roberta. "The Impact of Fireworks on Airborne Particles."Atmospheric Environment 2008)

Another study found that firework events brought air pollution spikes in suspended particles, Nitric oxide (NO), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), and created and dispersed an aerosol cloud hosting a range of metallic elements. The researchers found that although the "recreational pollution" from fireworks is transient in nature, the pollutants are highly concentrated and add significantly to the total yearly metal emissions and the particles are on average small enough to be easily inhaled which poses a health risk to sensitive individuals.
(Moreno, Teresa. "Recreational atmospheric pollution episodes: Inhalable metalliferous particles from firework displays." Atmospheric Environment Volume 41, Issue 5, February 2007).

Many fireworks are imported from China which is scary because they have a proven track record of cutting corners by using cheaper, more toxic materials. Some of the metals also have radioactive isotopes... hopefully they aren't being used in any fireworks.

We have enjoyed IPL 1 and 2, now IPL-3 is in India. Again they will have huge celebrations with tonnes of crackers being fired. Do we really think of saving our Mother Earth? When will we start celebrating an Eco-Friendly festivals and other festivities? Americans enjoy the July holiday with huge fire crackers... is it needed?