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Narendra Modi’s conciliatory speech in parliament, which was followed by a chai pe charcha with Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, provided more examples of the prime minister’s changing persona. From being the hawkish Hindu hriday samrat at the time of the Gujarat riots, he appears to have evolved into the very epitome of moderation and inter-faith harmony.

India has a diversity of cultures with different religions and a variety of languages. Yet her diverse people are all one. They are all Indians. The Constitution of India has defined national territory, integration and laid down basic parameters for harmonious and equal development of all citizens without any discrimination of castes, creeds, religions and sexes. Besides, it conjures up memories of the brave child ‘BHARAT’, the valorous past of Lord Ram, ideal of warriors, kings, manhood, idolized by Mahatma Gandhi in daily life, Lord Krishna’s immaculate practical teachings, lessons in bravery, justice and wonderful feats, popularly adored and adopted on the Indian psyche. In addition, India illuminates the illustrious representatives of mankind and beacons of humanity, Buddha, Mahavir, Christ, Hazrat Mohammed, Guru Nanak, Akbar, Ashok, Mahatma Gandhi and other brightest stars shining in the firmament of ever born highest dignitaries, Pundit Nehru’s model for nation building, in service to humanity at home and world peace policy abroad.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress in Kerala is sharply divided over the issue of taking disciplinary action against party leaders who were responsible for the poor performance of the party in the local bodies elections.

BHOPAL: Mr. Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh is setting up a new record in the state politics as the longest serving chief minister. Previously senior Congress leader & Ex Chief Minister Mr. Digvijay was known for this. Digvijay ruled for about 10 years and one day from December 7, 1993 to December 7, 2003. None of the other chief ministers whether from Congress or other political party could hold the post so long. And more interestingly, no non-Congress leader could even complete 5 years tenure. Shivraj Singh Chauhan who became Chief Minister on 29th November 2005 after Babulal Gour is now setting up new record by breaking the record of former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh.

Bihar model of Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) cannot be replicated in Uttar Pradesh. This is the general consensus in the RJD and JD(U) circles. The objective political conditions prevailing in Uttar Pradesh are different from what existed in pre-poll Bihar and secondly, the relation between the Yadav chieftains Lalu Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav is not so amenable for experimenting with this model. The relation between the two leaders has worsened to such an extent that Lalu did not attend the birthday bash of Mulayam at his village Saifai.

Waste to wealth or wealth from waste always fascinate frugal people not because it gives them an opportunity for one more avenue for revenue but because it has a social purpose particularly when the expeditious disposal of urban waste piling up in the cities has become a big challenge. It is also a fact that most of the municipalities in urban India do not have the wherewithal or personnel to ensure that the different types of waste getting piled up in the garbage bins of the cities are duly treated or incinerated with least polluting impact on the living surroundings.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Is the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front(LDF) in danger of losing the political initiative it has wrested from the Congress-headed United Democratic Front (UDF) following its victory in the local bodies elections?

Recent carnage in Paris is enough a caution that the world leaders do away with the pet words – “good terrorists and bad terrorists.” This approach has done no good so far. Rather it has vitiated the atmosphere and created an environment for grooming of terrorists. Patronizing some as “good terrorists” and others as “bad terrorists” is nothing but a political ploy to disadvantage one’s adversary. It is, therefore, high time that world leaders push for an early conclusion Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism at the United Nations. This proposed treaty is held to hostage due to the insistence of some countries demanding a definition of terrorism. It is but logical that terrorism should be defined in clear terms.

Onion and pulses prices soar periodically in India and that too ahead of elections bringing tears to common man and deny much needed protein to the poor. This happens despite the fact that the production has increased substantially in the country. Onion production has doubled in the last 7-8 years to 190 lakh tonnes. The pulses production might not have grown that rapidly but India is the largest production of pulses at 19.5 million tonnes. The country is also the largest importer of pulses at 3.5 million tonnes.

KOLKATA: Despite Gorkhaland agitation leader Bimal Gurung’s recent announcement of a long march to Delhi from the hills, the movement for a separate state in North Bengal has lost its earlier momentum. Mr. Gurung thinks it is time to revive the agitation and rev up flagging rank morale.