Let's Ecoplore!

On May 3 midnight, Obama declares ‘Osama is dead.’ The world wakes up with an alarm. Was it a dream or a dream come true? But world superpower’s voice cannot be misbelieved. Most wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden was shot dead in a US Navy Seal operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011. The mastermind behind 9/11 attacks was killed in a 45-minute midnight operation Geronimo. What sent shockwaves across borders was the fact that the terror boss was hiding in the territory of our dearest enemy Pakistan. What raised an argument of debate was the fact that America had not even sent a signal to Pakistan about the high-powered Navy Seal combat. Pakistani leaders claim that their ally had violated their sovereignty. But, what shut up Pakistan is the failure of ISI to track Osama’s presence on their soil since past 6 years or so. To make the matter worse, Osama’s haven was located just a few kilometers away from Pakistan’s army cantonment. Operation Geronimo is a testimony to Pakista...

India Against Corruption’s demand for passage of a strong Lokpal Bill was not lend adequate voice till Anna Hazare went on fast and thousands joined in his support. Hazare’s fast became a media event not only because he has raised an issue that pricks every Indian. But, also because people’s movement is lending striking visuals and making good TV. But TV too is focused on rhetoric rather than meaningful discussions on essence of the bill. If we analyze TV debates, we will notice, more arguments are being made on methodology of the movement than clause-by-clause discussion on the provisions of the Bill. Bone of contention between govt and Team Anna is more highlighted than the points of agreement. The attacks on the credibility of civil society members are given prominence over the debates on the machinery of Lokpal. Public consultations hardly get any media spotlight but every baseless argument put forward by Digvijay Singh is played out live. War of words between ministers and civi...

On the basis of the meetings held on April 16, May 7, 23 and 30, below are the provisions on which members of the govt and civil society have agreed, disagreed or have reserved for further discussion. The civil society members did not attend June 6 meeting as a protest against the June 4 midnight police action at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi. Points of agreement Lokpal Bill should provide for both- Lokpal at centre and Lokayuktas in states. Institution of Lokpal should be financially, functionally and administratively independent of the government. Its expenses will be charged from the consolidated fund of India. No sanctions from any government agency shall be required for making expenses. Lokpal will be free to decide the number of employees, their recruitment, salary and other conditions. Lokpal shall have power to make rules and regulations with respect to its functioning. After serving as Chairperson and members of Lokpal, they shall not be eligible for appointment to any of...

India Against Corruption’s crusade for passage of the Lokpal bill created an unprecedented movement across India. Fast unto death called by social activist Anna Hazare from April 5 to 9 attracted the apolitical Indians. Janta glued to their TV sets to find out what’s happening next? For the first time in post independent Indian history, people from varied backgrounds came to the streets to participate in a protest for which they were not even paid a penny. And, surprisingly the protestors were from both affluent and downtrodden backgrounds. Increasing corruption in the public system was the cause for which the crusade was on. Members of the civil society demanded the draft of a strong Lokpal Bill, which could act as a deterrent against corruption. The existing structure of the Lokpal Bill happens to be toothless tiger. Even this toothless bill had been pending in files since past 40 years. The Bill was introduced several times in the parliament between 1968-2011, but our insince...