Deal US President George W. Bush signed the legislation in law on Wednesday which allows the ‘natural partners’ United States and India to resume civilian nuclear trade after the gap of thirty years. It must be learnt that US had imposed ban on civilian nuclear trade with India after the first Pokharan explosion. The deal will become operational by Friday when Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will formally sign it. Earlier Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could not sign the deal during his US visit as it had not been passed by the Senate. It had happened again during Condoleezza Rice’s India visit as Indian leadership wanted the documents to be signed by the US President first. If had happened because India had apprehensions about the latest statements made by the US administration and it had fears that congress approved legislation may have a couple of riders regarding the fuel supplies. Hurdles PM Manmohan Singh and President Bush had approved the deal in July 2005. But very few had expected that it will become a reality as the leadership of both of the nations had to face a stiff resistance nationally and internationally. PM Singh could not go ahead with the deal as his UPA alliance was being supported by the Left parties who are known for their anti-US politics. Some parties had objected the Singh government’s move by saying that it will compromise the national interests and India will become a satellite of US. On the other hand this deal was being opposed by US lawmakers and non-proliferation hardliners also. Indian Concerns With this agreement India has got the recognition as a nuclear state. India has become the single country that has not signed CTBT and is not a member of NSG but has indulged in civilian nuclear trade with other nations. It is because of India’s non-proliferation track record. There are no changes in certain provisions regarding fuel supply commitments as provided in the 123 Agreement. Recently US administration had asserted that uninterrupted fuel supply assurances were only the political commitments and not legally binding. According to PTI Indian Ambassador to US, Ronen Sen, said New Delhi’s concerns on certain provisions of the bill have been addressed.
Archive for October 9th, 2008
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Bhajji Becomes Ravana-Hurts Sikh Feelings
October 9th, 2008 
krishna Controversy Shoib Akhtar for Pakistan, Andrew Symonds for Australia and Harbhajan Singh (Bhajji) for India are the match winning cricket players. But it is not their performance in the International cricket that keeps them in headlines. They always remain in headlines not only for their onfield performance but also for their off field controversies. Shoib Akhtar is out of Pakistan team on disciplinary grounds and same is with Andrew Symonds. But Bhajji too has earned Akal Takhat’s wrath by performing and dancing on a TV show as a demon king Ravana. He had dressed as Ravana and was wearing a tilak when he danced with Mona Singh (actress) in the television show, “Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena”. Sikh Tradition Sikhs have a unique a identity and a lot of importance is given to preserve it. It is the Sikh history that thousands of Sikhs had sacrificed to preserve their identity under the Mugul and British rule. Bhajji’s act of dressing like the demon king and wearing a tilak is highly objectionable to the community. He has hurt the Sikh sentiments Akal Takhat has ordered him to apologizer to Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh Sangat for the objectionable act. It must be learnt that Akal Takhat is the oldest and supreme Sikh Body that is elected by the Sikhs, democratically. Akal Takhat’s Hukamnamas (orders) are respected by the Sikhs as the orders of their Guru. Sikh Sentiments Though no one have complained against him but Akal Takhat has taken the notice of the act and have taken the action. Internationally, he is recognized as a Sikh player and his act have sent wrong messages about the Sikhism. He had taken part in the TV show during the navratras. Navratras are the nine day festival season after which the tenth day is celebrated as Vijay Dashmi. It means goods victory over evil. According to the Hindu mythology Lord Rama had killed the Demon king Ravana on this day. Despite physical identity there is not enough difference between the Sikh and Hindu religious teachings. Sikhs too, give a lot of importance to Lord Rama. Thus Akal Takhat’s stand against Bhajji is natural. Some months ago cricket commentator Mandira Badi had used the Sikh religious symbol “Ek Omkar” on here body as a tattoo and had to apologize for the act.
The Day Of Victory Of Good Over Evil-Dussehra
October 9th, 2008 Aman Festival Season With the navratras (nine days festival season) of September, India’s winter festival season starts. During these nine days Indians worship their gods and goddesses according to their regional rituals. Though there is a great difference the way in which these nine days are celebrated in different stated but this festival is celebrated all over India. West Bengal’s Durga (goddess of war) Pooja is world famous. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijay Dashmi or Dussehra (Victory Day). According to the Hindu beliefs, on this day Lord Rama had killed the demon king Ravana and had scored victory over the demons. It is believed that Ravana had abducted Rama’s wife, Sita. Beliefs According to the Hindu mythology Ravana was a 10-headed demon king. Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana, follower Hanuman and army of monkeys had fought a war for ten days against Ravana and had won it on the tenth day with the death of Ravana. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow in Ravana’s navel which pierced through the pot containing nectar of immortality that had been stored in his navel. After it Ravana had died and Rama was united with his wife. After the 20 days of Dussehra, Diwali is celebrated which marks the day, Lord Rama had reached his kingdom, Ayodhaya. Dussehra During these ten days Ramleelas (stage plays) are organized in all over India almost in every village and towns. Plays are enacted to mark the 10 day battle between Lord Rama and Ravana. Ramleelas end on the tenth day. On this day, huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath are burnt in large open grounds in the evening. People throng to see the Ravan Dahan (burning of effigy of Ravana) in large numbers. Dussehra also marks the beginning of winter season in the country. Durga Pooja Lord Rama was a worshiper of Goddess Durga. Durga represents the divine power called Durga or Shakti. Duga also represents feminist power. She is also known with many other names as Ambika, Shiv-Shakti, Parvati etc. During the navratras people visit religious places and Durga is especially worshiped during these days. Especially Durga Pooja is the popular festival of north-eastern states. This year’s Dussehra will be celebrated on September 9.
