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http://www.instablogs.com/ G20 battles to stem global economic crisis The G20 meet is of prime importance for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to send back home the right message at a time when he has his own political game to play especially with the upcoming elections early next year. Each economy wants an answer to take back home to its own nations to say yes we are working to prevent job losses that will prevent dip in exports and keep the economy back on tracks. As the stock markets swivel wildly on growing economic fears, hopes are high that the summit would result in size and shape of the bailout for the struggling economies. India must ensure that the US does not become in any way protectionist during a slowdown, especially so after the export numbers in India slumped by 15 per cent for the first time in several months. More over, India should pitch for IMF and the World Bank support even though it is not in the 'eye of the storm.' We remain hopeful that the G20 leaders would agree on coordinated economic stimulus package to help prevent world plunging into recession. Pentagon scale back in defence budgets A senior Pentagon advisory group, in a series of bluntly worded briefings, is warning President-elect Barack Obama that the Defense Department's current budget is "not sustainable," and he must scale back or eliminate some of the military's most prized weapons programs.Pentagon insiders and defense budget specialists say the Pentagon has been on a largely unchecked spending spree since 2001 that will prove politically difficult to curtail but nevertheless must be reined in. Jordan amends law to ban public smoking After the law was amended to prevent smoking in all the public and private institutions the Jordanian minister of health minister Dr. Salah Mawajdeh had a meting with last Wednesday with owners of shopping malls in Jordan to finally take the step and ban smoking inside malls as part of the new smoking ban campaign. The meeting requested the mall owners to designate special smoking areas in their establishments in order to protect the non smoking public from becoming passive smokers. Dr. Mawajdeh added that fines would soon be imposed on anyone who breaks the new law. If taken seriously the smoking ban may work in most of public places which will definitely have a hard time succeeding gin restaurants and cafes Argeelah is an essential part of menu in these places. Thriving at the cost of ailing public Raising the price of mosquito repellants is yet another instance of commercial interest thriving at the cost of the population's health. Instead of producing the prices for helping the people coping with the epidemic of dengue fever companies are taking advantage of the threat and making money in a deplorable way. It is important that the government of Pakistan takes special notice of the situation and strict measures against commercial manufacturers who have increased the price of the mosquito repellants products without proper justification. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ American aid worker killed in Pakistan The assassination of Stephen Vance is a hard blow to the peace and developmental efforts being made by the non governmental organizations in the country. not only has it shaken the general concerns about the security concerns in the city especially the foreign citizens but also denoted the fierceness of resistance which terrorists hold for people like Vance which are trying to make a difference in the lives of tribal population Google tracks flu outbreaks through search queries There is a new common symptom of the flu, in addition to the usual aches, coughs, fevers and sore throats. Turns out a lot of ailing Americans enter phrases like "flu symptoms" into Google and other search engines before they call their doctors.That simple act, multiplied across millions of keyboards in homes around the country, has given rise to a new early warning system for fast-spreading flu outbreaks, called Google Flu Trends.Tests of the new Web tool from Google.org, the company's philanthropic unit, suggest that it may be able to detect regional outbreaks of the flu a week to 10 days before they are reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How comfortable do we all feel about our supposedly privacy-protected searches being used for ends that might be defined as in the public interest? Who will define what's interesting and what isn't? What if the Government begins to identify areas where people search 'AIDS', for example? What if it concludes that 'something needs to be done' in, say, Western Tennessee about AIDS? Israel attacks Gaza Strip, killing 4 resistance fighters It seems that Israeli army is on its way to break down the truce that was agreed to the Palestinian factions in Gaza. In the morning yesterday Israeli forces killed 4 Palestinians fighters in the Gaza Strip near the town of Al Qarara. It may look like such operations are made to empower some of Israeli leaders who are willing to win the coming Israeli elections. Palestinian card is being used in every Israeli elections and this one of course is not an exception. Such operations send messages to the people of Israel that include some certain names to be chosen and voted for as the most bloody and aggressive Israeli leaders. Buddha boy-Ram Bahadur Bomjan reappears Ram Bahadur Bomjan, a teenage Nepali boy, who is believed to be the reincarnation of the Lord Buddha, has re-emerged in a remote southern jungle after disappearing more than one year. Thousands of his followers were assembled to see and listen his preach this week. After the long disappearance, he was seen in one remote place of Bara district this week. Local people say that he is meditating for the long time without food, water and sleep. Many of the boy's followers believe he is the reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who founded the Buddhist religion 2,500 years ago. Buddhists strongly believe in reincarnation, the doctrine that every soul reappears after death in another bodily form. It hasn't verified he is either reincarnation of Buddha or not. But he has given a challenge to science as he is meditating for the long time without food, water and sleep. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Issue of Bhutanese refugees raises its head in Nepal Thousands of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal have been resettled in seven countries. These countries are USA, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and Canada. For the past 17 years, more than 1 lakhs Bhutanese refugees have been sheltered in eastern Nepal their eviction from their homes by the Bhutanese government, which introduced a law stripping them of their citizenship and civil rights because of their ancestry. According to UNHCR, Since March 2008, 6,200 Bhutanese refugees have been resettled and more are in the process of leaving the camps every week. Some Bhutanese people are happy to go abroad but some are sad. It is said that settling abroad is the vast conspiracy of Bhutan government to be protected from the rebel of displaced Bhutanese refugees. Migrating abroad is not the ultimate solution of the problem. Bhutan, India and Nepal government along with UN needs to take initiation to make return back to their homes for refugees and settle democratic environment for the public in Bhutan. Mexico refuses US offer of $30b swap line Mexico although being battered in recent weeks by the global credit crisis, has made a historic decision to refuse, at least for the time being, a $30 billion swap line offered by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The peso has slumped in recent weeks and commercial paper has had serious liquidity problems as international investors haul assets from emerging economies. With Mexico already suffering a sharp slowdown in its economy because of falling U.S. demand for its goods, stalled credit could lead to bankruptcies and layoffs. For citizens, although we are fearful, we are also holding great admiration for our President Calderon as he is clearly showing his intentions and are willing to fight for our future and economic prevail. French textbooks riddled with racial stereotypes Publishers in france have been ordered to modernize school textbooks. They have found to be riddled with racial stereotypes and negative images of social and ethnic groups. The report by state anti discrimination body consisted of the study of more than 300o illustrations in 29 schoolbooks. It revealed that women are often portrayed as house wives or secretaries, blacks as being poor or sick and the elderly as being decrepit. There is little mention of the homosexuals or the disabled. Men are depicted more often in positions of social and professional superiority. While this is ruthlessly politically correct the report underlines France s struggle to contain racism and intolerance in a country where gathering official statistics on race and religion is taboo. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Mexico reforms energy sector New rules governing Mexico's energy sector will put foreign oil companies on more solid legal footing, assigning them to explore and drill specific blocks of territory in the Gulf of Mexico and to get paid at least in part on performance. Mexico has used private contractors for decades, but the regulations approved by Mexico's Congress clarify how they can operate and give the state oil monopoly more leeway in parceling out and financing projects. We are in hopes this reform will not only offer an increase in our dwindling economy, but in addition create as many as 300,000 urgently needed employment opportunities. Pakistani expect change under Obama That President Obama has seen parts of Pakistan has come as good news to the people. Building high and illusory hopes on trying to draw favorable parallels on the basis of religion and past life will only prove an instance of self deception. The educated Pakistani people are concerned over Obama s statement of sending troops to Pakistan for combatting terrorism. Pakistan has seen lots of bloodshed and violence in the past few years. If Pakistan expects anything of the new president it is an effective plan for peacefully resolving the issue of terrorism on its land. We cannot afford anymore violence as we have seen so much lately. Now its time for US to think of a way that will clear Pakistan s territory of terrorists without the country s innocent population and economic productivity. Attempts to stifle Sri Lankan e-media It seems that the government is eying the private TV channels while using the Rupavahini and ITN as it mouthpiece. In the 1970s the then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike took steps to take over Lake House. Later her daughter and former President CBK followed her mother s footsteps and introduced a Broadcasting Authority Bill to parliament. This time the MR government, which came to power through the same political party, has introduced the above regulations in the name of national security. It is a violation of the fundamental rights of the people as well as the freedom of thought and expression. It appears, the government already has a grip on the private TV channels although not formally, when one considers how the news relating to defence is telecast by these channels. Every day we are told that areas that were under LTTE control have been captured or how their installations were destroyed. But the truth cannot be hidden even if new regulations are imposed on the media whether they are electronic or printed. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Sudanese President lashes out at France The Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir lashed out at Western countries and accused them of trying to topple his regime during the last 20 years. France, the UK and the USA were particularly targeted. Al-Bashir told his people not to worry about a pending arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). It contains three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder. "Money and ruling is not in the hands of US, France s policies on stem cell research, climate change and birth control have raised enough storms in the past. Mr. Obama s speeches related to the above mentioned issues have generated hopes. During the campaign Mr Obama indicated that we wanted to end limits on stem cell research, which the scientific community has claimed has hampered the effort to combat a range of diseases. This including the possible lifting of a ban that prevents international family planning organisations from advising women about the possibility of abortion and in some cases discouraging common contraceptive methods should be a definite breather. In the end, Barack Obama must use his executive power to not only recognize the existence of the problem but also initiate effective steps to battle the problem. Nepal records highest tourist arrivals The number of tourists visiting Nepal increased to the highest level in the month October. According to the officials, 50,567 tourists arrived in Nepal by air in October, an increase of 16.6 per cent from the same period last year. The reason behind the increment is said that these months are best time for trekking in the Hinalayas. The number of tourists of South Asia, East Asia, Europe and North America has been increased in this season. Regarding the growth of arrivals, international airways also have increased their flights. But, Nepal's national Nepal Airlines Corporation's planes are in repairing process, so it has also hampered to the arrival of tourists in Nepal. Nepalese hotels and Nepal destinated airlines tickets have already booked so that Nepal targeted tourists have changed their ways to another countries. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Pakistan unveils cyber crime laws President Zardari s decree has both positive and potential negative sides to it. On the one hand it will help curb terrorist activities on the web and other crimes committed online. It may help in checking plagiarism and abuse of cyber medium for personal and political gains. On the other hand it may also be easily misused, suppress freedom of expression and inflict punishment on innocent users especially young people. Who do not have advanced education on country s complete legal code. Also dubious is the clause of punishing the intent of crime as a crime in itself. There hardly seems any reliable means of gauging the person s intent and the enforcement of this primarily to excessive useless litigation over proving psychological tendencies. Extreme care need to be exercised before executing this statute. Road accidents rise in Jordan In Jordan road accidents are becoming a very serious issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. According to the Jordanian Public Safety officials on average 2 people are killed each day and 50 more are injured each day due to car accidents, knowing that the total population of Jordan approximates 5 million. Ignoring street rules has been the major factor in the occurrence of accidents. Drivers tend to speed change sets without signaling and generally drive with an aggressive attitude. Pedestrians also have their share in what s happening all which indicates the need for wider public education or may be stricter action when dealing with those breaking street rules, whether drivers or pedestrians. Chandrayaan-I enters lunar orbit ISRO has yet again made history through flawless execution of highly complex mission of inserting Chandrayaan in moon s orbit. This is truly a fantastic achievement and a great moment for the country. The maneuver was the most crucial moment in the whole mission, its successful completion only proves the competence our scientists and technologists have gained in keeping with the global standards. With the latest achievement more than 90 percent of the main objectives of the mission have been achieved. We have graduated into a real lunar mission. With everyone thrilled this is truly the first significant milestone that has placed India in the comity of nations such as US, China and Russia in terms of space technology. Mexican anti drug unit corrupted Four Mexican military officers and one soldier are under investigation for alleged links to a drug cartel. The investigation capped a week of corruption scandals that have arisen from the January arrest of Alfredo Beltr n Leyva, of the Sinaloa drug cartel. The federal Attorney General said that five officials in its organized crime unit had been arrested for informing to the Beltr n Leyva cartel and that a spy inside the U.S. Embassy had been handing over details of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration operations. The free flowing economic Drug cartel power has lead to citizens of every class from gardeners to high officials to enter into drug trade as informants. This treason upon our country will not stop until society as a whole regains it s morals and economic opportunities are created for all. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Obama right choice to lead United States USA has made history by electing the first African-American to be elected as president of the United States. With his victory, the historical burden African-Americans carry of being cast aside and discriminated against can at long last be laid to rest, and America can really be proud of this achievement and stand tall again. The world has been overwhelmingly pro-Obama, mainly because they believe President Bush has been so bad for the U.S. and the world. Now the world will again respect the U.S. The way he ran the best campaign ever in U.S. history raises high hopes of his capability to organize an administration that can tackle the global financial crisis and other challenges the U.S. and the world face. This is especially true after the current financial meltdown created by Wall Street -- which the U.S. leadership is expected to resolve in cooperation with the world. ABVP criticized for DU campus violence Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad itself poses a major communal fascist threat to the secular and democratic threat to the secular and democratic fabric of our country. The treatment meted out to SAR Geelani just because he happened to be a Muslim is absolutely shameful and shocking. ABVP had no right whatsoever to disrupt the proceedings of a meet being held with due permission of university authorities. Their act was a blatant assault on academic freedom and democratic rights. The nation is well aware of politics of hatred being practiced by its parent organization the BJP and RSS. They were responsible for not only the Gujarat genocide but also recent attacks against Christian minorities in Orissa and Karnataka. University authorities do not require the permission of ABVP goondas to hold a meeting on its premises. An enquiry should be launched into this act of vandalism and goondaism and action against the people found guilty must be initiated at the earliest. Also ABVP activists should stop equating their hollow jingoism with Bhagat Singh s nationalistic spirit simply by displaying his posters during their idiotic protests. The two stand no match. Piracy rampant in Kenyan music industry Though the music industry in kenya has risen as a potential driver of economic activity, piracy has continued to wreck havoc on the sector. The sector s contribution to the growth of the country s economy is close to none. The modern musical landscape of kenya is one of the most diverse and vibrant of all African countries. But under investment and ineffective management of intellectual property rights and rampant piracy have prevented the country from rising its economic potential and left it struggling to earn a living. Despite its vibrant creativity and booming production the Kenyan industry is nowhere near realizing its potential. The lack of investment in production has also stunted the industry s growth. However stakeholders are working to further improve the organizational corporate structure and provide effective education on intellectual property issues. The economic value of music to the country is beginning to be better understood and promoted. Dressing from traditional to modern Karim: Okay Akram why do you think these young men of fashion are going after these showy designs? Akram: I think it is mainly due to the fact that simple and plain T-shirts are commonly used by the young men like those working in factories, stores etc. so young men of fashion tend to distinguish themselves from the working class by picking these showy designs and colors. Karim: So it appears that it is more as a matter of identity rather than something else? Akram: Yes to me it appears to be the case in general. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ India sees a new global crisis manager in Obama Barack Obama s victory epitomises the journey of an African American to the White House. His victory has become a source of inspiration for a whole new generation. The results of US Presidential elections have raised both fresh hopes and reservations for the people across the globe. The democratic win may not sound like music to the ears of Indian BPO industry. Even though Manmohan Singh may have endorsed Obama s triumph nothing can disguise the fact that this victory will certainly have disturbing prospects for Indian outsourcing industry. Protectionism has been riding high on democratic political agenda. Obama s comments too have cleared the air in this context. The fact that he has pledged to include labor standards in free trade agreements can be seen as a means of shielding American companies from competition overseas. Tumbling shares of Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro combined with the cutbacks in outsourcing industry due to reduced spending by American financial services firms the going would be tough for this sector. Brazilian economy booming in spite of global credit crunch After a pause caused by the sudden crisis in the United States, the Brazilian real estate market should receive a new impetus because there are thousands of opportunities for investment in commercial, industrial and residential real estate. Only in Sao Paulo there are 755 buildings being constructed. Besides the fact that in recent years the return on these investments in Brazil overtook average of 26% annually, the fundamentals of the economy are very strong with inflation under control, lower interest rates and a surplus in government accounts. Of course,there may be a crisis in this sector in Brazil, but it would be for lack of investment, not because of credit problems, because the federal government has established lines of credit of billions to the builders and other business in real estate. The question is whether or not this pace will continue in the coming years. New Philippine law to boost ecommerce In a way to boost the ecommerce industry in the Philippines President Gloria Macapagel Arroyo signed a law that will establish a new authorized agency that will gather all financial information of a person or a corporation in different institutions to help determine their worthiness. The public act 9510 will create Central Credit Information or corporation. This could have been done long time ago since thousands of Filippinos have been duped by scammers and fake corporations and entities who run with their money even before they can be caught. There could have been a lot under too much financial pressure now. Nevertheless the new law will somehow encourage access to venture into ecommerce and other forms of new enterprises knowing that they already have a secure mapping of double checking the authenticity of every transaction. There will also be more lending firms and banks that will be providing the business capital especially the small enterprises. This will help the families prepare for any financial crisis. Lilongwe s wildlife National Park attracts financial support Malawi s main Wildlife Centre, the Lilongwe Wildlife Center situated in the heart of the Capital City, Lilongwe has attracted a lot of financial support from well-wishers. The Wildlife Center cares of injured, orphaned and rescued wild animals and is set up in the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary. Not only is the Lilongwe Wildlife Center a rehabilitation facility but it also serves as an education centre aiming to teach the city s children about Malawi s wildlife. The Centre now has new management with chairman Mark Sprong of Land s work. Malawi and nature-lovers worldwide welcome this development. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Obama becomes first African White US President Barack Obama supporters gathered in Chicago's Grant Park to celebrate his presidential election victory. No doubt it was long time coming but the change did come to America. Obama victory would have profound impact on the US. On every level America will be changed by this result. The election has definitely answered those who doubted that the US of capable of taking such step. It was historic in terms of Americans choosing the first African American president in an election considered to be the most expensive in American history. The swathes of the map were turned from red to blue as the election results poured out. That Obama seized Ohio, New Mexico, Iowa, Virginia, Florida, Colorado and Nevada all past republican trophies proves that the Americans have at last punished the Republicans for their past follies. Cheers to the United States of America for practicing wisdom this time at least. Japan fires military chief over WWII denial The spoken battle over continued struggle for Japan s involvement in WWII struggles on as most recently a Japanese general s unceremoniously led go after his essays suggesting the US pulled Japan into WWII was discovered on a private company website. However there has never been any lack of historical proof as to Japan s involvement in the war there has never been any lack off division in Japan between the right and the leftist groups one who seeks to remember and the other seeking to forget and moving on. The two sides seem to butt heads whenever a high ranking voice near the camp breaks the unspoken agreement not to speak. All those two camps remain divided over past events the real outcome lies in how or if they can resolve the conflict regarding the future events either in a rearmed militant Japan or a Japan that continues to constitutionally prohibit military aggression. Free wine tasting to be outlawed in France The French Government s proposals to ban wine-tastings in France is incomprehensible, and would oblige wine producers and exhibitions to charge potential clients for tasting their wine. As Sylvie Cazes, President of the Vintage Wine Union in Bordeaux, said, . 'France is the second biggest producer of wine in the world, but is alone in putting barriers up against its promotion. This is absurd.' The french wine industry is already in serious trouble due to heavy competition from new wine producing countries, and advertising is strictly controlled. These proposals represent another nail in the coffin of French Culture. Malawians struggle to fight HIV AIDS stigma Malawians infected and affected by HIV/AIDS still have to battle against the stigma that still surrounds the disease. The Malawi government has managed respond to HIV/AIDS beyond average levels, according to activists but human rights issues surrounding the pandemic continue to prevail. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS throughout most of the country is widespread but response towards persons living with HIV is still negative according to The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) one of the several Malawian civil society organizations that are implementing HIV/AIDS human rights programs. Nicola Ndovi, CHRR acting Program Manager said that people living with HIV need to be involved in CHRR programs that empower them with knowledge on their rights. She added that so far there has been more focus on prevention and care intervention and very little focus on human rights. Ndovi lamented that attitudes that stigmatize and discriminate against people living with HIV/AIDS continue as an example she related how community members in Mchinji district felt people living with HIV should be discriminated against because , as they said, they are already dead. Another community expressed their support for ostracizing those living with HIV giving the reason that sufferers are suffering the just result of their carelessness. As issues dealing with the civil rights of People Living with HIV remain a challenge to Malawi it is hoped that all Malawians will join together in helping the government fight stigma. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Economic issues important for kiwis ahead of polls At present, it s the New Zealand economy which is the major topic of interest to be addressed, as this concerns everyone in the country. People will want know they still have employment when they wake up in the morning, reassurance their life savings are safe in the banks, as well as the knowledge they are still able to afford to pay off their mortgages etc. The economy and particularly the current economic downturn, touches us all in different ways, therefore the economy would have to be up there at the top for the political parties to very seriously consider and confidently state their policies for addressing this situation. At the moment all the one sees nothing but a lot of wheeling and dealing between the major and minor political parties for their own benefit. We are yet to hear on what coalition is planning to work for the benefit of the country as a whole, especially in regards to the economy! Mexican financial system tied with drug money 10 percent of the Mexican financial system operates with laundered drug money. Mexico's lack of aggressiveness against money laundering has led to the creation of a pipeline from South America to the United States, where drugs, people, weapons and cash are trafficked, and that could be used for any aim, even by subversive groups. The ideologies no longer matter -- only the money. The free flow of information and money has changed everything. Mexican, Colombian and Middle East terrorist groups are increasingly connected. Over the years, money laundering enforcement has proved the most effective tool for cracking down on the drug trade. Without cash, the criminal networks fall into a downward spiral. If you take away their money, they can't pay their sources of supply, they lose credibility, and they can't pay bribes and employees. It is not easy to align the legal infrastructure to prosecute money laundering. There are a lot of obstacles within the bureaucracy and putting the things in place will take a lot of time. EU criticizes virtual strip search EU lawmakers have a valid reason for joining U.S. civil liberty campaigners in criticizing a new scanner that allows airport security to see through passengers' clothes. The new system, which the European Union plans to authorize at the bloc's airports, allows guards to see an outline of passengers' bodies beneath their clothes, making it easier to detect any concealed objects. The scanning is equivalent to conducting a virtual strip search that could raise just objections. Many travelers are bound to consider it as an enormous intrusion on their personal privacy. This means that the technology can only be used under compelling suspicions and not used routinely on the passengers. EU should consider offering alternate forms of security checks for the passengers who object to such search. Text messaging saves elephant lives Kenya s Ol Pejeta conservation park is using Elephants equipped with collars containing mobile phone cards able to send "text messages" to park rangers warning them when they are about to stray into neighbouring villages. The scheme was started two years ago, after rangers despaired at how to prevent elephants eating the crops on nearby land. The Kenyan Wildlife Service had already been forced to shoot five elephants at Ol Pejeta because of persistent crop-raiding, and decided to experiment with global-positioning technology to see if it could be used to prevent further incursions into farmland. The project is not without its difficulties. Batteries on the elephants' collars need replacing every couple of years, and it's expensive to have a team of rangers and vehicles on constant standby to head-off elephants. However, the Kenya Wildlife Service's elephant program hopes similar schemes will help to reduce some of the 1,300 crop-raiding complaints it receives each year. Thanks to the scheme at least for now both elephants and farmers can live together peacefully. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Foreigners laid off in Japanese downturn Foreigners who are among the first laborers in Japan to lose their jobs as the global financial crisis eats into demand for cars, trucks and motorcycles. The layoffs are the first evidence that the mushrooming economic meltdown in the United States and elsewhere which is shaking the Japanese labor market. At the core of the trend are hard times for the Japanese car industry. No. 1 producer Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan, Japan's third-largest automaker too is cutting back on domestic production. Most vulnerable to layoffs are the foreign workers who meet Japan's labor shortage as the country ages. Foreigners are often hired through temporary employment agencies, so they can be easily fired. They live in company housing, so they lose their apartments when they lose their jobs. There hasn't been a marked increase in homelessness, but anecdotes of foreigners having to move in with friends or relatives abound. Some foreign laborers have already abandoned Japan amid mounting troubles. Nepal's Child Soldiers Maoist child soldiers in Nepal are facing tough problems in terms o their reintegration with their respective families. Many of these child soldiers are struggling as civilians - having lost the power they once had as feared rebels and paying the price for their stance during the 10 year civil war. Almost 3,000 child soldiers, who have been confirmed as underage by the UN, are still living in Maoist camps across the country, with the former rebels afraid they will be re-recruited by other armed groups if they are released. There are specifically concerns that they might join other armed groups and there are people who, even if they came very late into the cantonments, have had some degree of physical and even military training there. Although UNICEF and other children's organisations have started working with child soldiers, both inside and outside the camps, to facilitate their return home. The process, however, is expected to be a tedious one. Child poverty in Britain Britain has one of the worst rates of child poverty in the industrialized world which is "shaming" this country. Around 3.6 million children, 28 per cent of the total, are living in poverty despite efforts by the Government to tackle the problem. It is appalling that in Britain in 2005 there are children whose parents cannot afford even the basic necessities others take for granted, such as a warm winter coat and three meals a day. We are seeing a new determination to tackle poverty but it is vital that we keep up the pressure on the Government to stick to its pledge to eradicate poverty by 2020. Poverty shames a relatively wealthy country like ours and we have a duty to stamp it out. It is shameful that poverty is still the greatest single threat to the well-being of children and families in the UK. India's no to refugees Refugees are the last thing India wants at this hour. Our country is already flooded with migrants and refugees from neighboring countries. India's porous borders allow all and sundry to escape lives full of destitution on account of war or poverty back home. Such influx has raised domestic problems within India. Our neighbors never get tired of exerting their political, social and economic sovereignty, their indisputable right to resolve the issues within their boundaries without any external interference. Good, they should. At the same time they must remember that right and responsibilities go hand in hand. If they cannot fulfill their responsibility of ensuring their safety they have no right to object to statements that arise from countries which are at risk of getting affected by their internal problems. It must understand that we cannot and will not provide for the refugee influx. To prevent that is the only option before Sri Lankans. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Economic disparity n in major US cities The futile pursuit of the American Dream, if I can put it that way. The UN-Habitat report has said that, while the US has less poverty than many cities in the developed world, inequality is high, rising above the international "alert" line. Levels of economic disparity in major US cities, including New York and Washington DC, are comparable to those of African cities. The problem lies in the fact that America tends to forget the near poor, who are above the poverty line, but well below the middle class all the time. They are earning too much to qualify for most of the benefits that we provide for the real poor, but they do not earn enough to be completely secure and at as a result, they're very vulnerable in an economy like this. Obama fever grips Kenya With Obama leading in the polls in the closing days of the U.S. presidential race, his name is featured daily on talk shows and in newspaper columns in Kenya. In Kisumu, the lakeside town in western Kenya which his father's family hails, seemingly every resident brags of being an Obama cousin. Even Senator beer, a local brew, has been popularly renamed "Obama."Kenya in recent years has celebrated world champions in distance running and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner, environmentalist Wangari Maathai. But no Kenyan hero has been as universally admired - or as ubiquitous - as Obama, whose most recent visit, in 2006, drew adoring crowds. Posters of a smiling Obama adorn the backs of Nairobi's psychedelic-colored minibus taxis, known as matatus, and radios blare songs praising him as a "homeboy" who would lead the world's most powerful nation. If most Kenyans have come to grips with the fact that an Obama victory won't necessarily change their fortunes, the prospect still inspires hope, national pride - and a little bit of mania. Illegal horse fighting in Philippines Illegal horse fighting in the Philippines cripples and maims thousands of horses every year. The brutal and bloody contests are continuing on the island of Mindanao with the help of both local police and government officials. Crazed stallions kick, bite and stomp each other into submission, while a screaming crowd of locals cheer on the spectacle. A helpless mare is tethered in the ring throughout the fight in order to enrage the jealous stallions. The animals "were trained to fight" by their handlers who manipulate the fights to take out the big prizes on offer. The horse fighting season runs all year round in Philippines with crime syndicates reportedly raking in the profits from illegal gambling on the fights. Horse fighting was banned in the Philippines 10 years ago but this event was run with the full knowledge and open involvement of the local police. The government should do something to stop this brutality against animals. LTTE's female suicide bombers Suicide bombings are not new in this part of the world but growing number of women suicide bombers is for sure. The growing number of women suicide bombers in LTTE outfit is really a cause for concern. It is very difficult to understand what goes in the minds of these women but LTTE has definitely recognized the power of women for its suicide missions because they are less conspicuous and can easily blend into a crowd. To me it appears that Sri Lankan women are not choosing it deliberately but by circumstances. Most of the suicide bombers come from the Northern Province which is LTTE's stronghold. It is clear that LTTE is forcefully making these women become suicide bombers but this gruesome exploitation is also showing the obvious hypocrisy of the LTTE's philosophy. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Sparks fly over Gilchrist s comments Gilchrist's autobiography which centers on the hostilities between the two teams in Australia last summer and saw India threaten to boycott the tour is bound to ruffle a few feathers here. The book questions Tendulkar's honesty throughout the acrimonious Harbhajan Singh-Andrew Symonds incident which occurred during the Test series between the two cricketing powers in Australia last summer. Australia claimed Harbhajan called him a monkey during a match but an independent tribunal later cleared the India off-spinner of the racial charge. The writing is clearly a part of marketing strategy that requires a sensational writing to sell books in Britain and Australia. It is very unfortunate that Gilchrist made such comments about Tendulkar. He should have thought twice before making such comments about Tendulkar, who is a great batsman and widely respected all over the cricketing world. Zambia faces clean water crisis There is urgent need for government to sink more bore holes in rural areas. Many boreholes that are in rural areas have not been working well as they have been overused. Many people in areas such as Kabulwebulwe now fetch water from nearby shallow wells were cows and goats drink from. It is clear that this water poses a health risk. The scenario is not different from other rural areas in South Province, Chief Chikanta s area where they need more than 200 bore holes. Many urban areas in Zambia however also suffer from lack of water because of low pressure and an increased population. Places like Mandevu Compound have for more than 20 years been having an erratic supply of water forcing people to fetch water from Matero township whose water supply is under rehabilitation. Lack of clean water is a major worry as every year the coming of the rain season sparks a Cholera outbreak which is also triggered by unsafe sanitary conditions. Japan s stressed medical system This is not the first time that a person has lost life due to lack of immediate attention. Japan might boast universal health cover and some of the world's best medical technology, but an acute shortage of doctors is leaving some hospitals unable to treat even the emergency cases. Grueling work hours are discouraging people from entering the medical profession in a country where the population is rapidly ageing, foreign doctors are barred and a swelling public debt caps doctors' salaries. Doctors say they are also suffering as they come under intense emotional and physical stress, prompting some to leave the medical profession or resulting in death due to overwork or even suicide. With the human toll rising all across Japan only hollow promises have been shelved out and nothing concrete has been done to address the situation. Nominee for 2008 CNN Hero awards It is wonderful to see a Malawian woman to be nominated by CNN for her valuable work in solely funding a school (at Chigumula) called Jacaranda Foundation in order to help fight the impact of AIDs, a disease that has killed 14 of her family members, including her father and two brothers. The name for her school and its foundation support comes from the Jacaranda tree, which symbolizes hope. Thanks to Da Silva's passion, the school is now thriving in her childhood home of Chigumula and more than 200 children, most of whom are AIDS orphans, receive porridge every morning and education, free of charge. Orphans [in Malawi] are deeply underprivileged, their grandparents try to raise them, with no money, no food, no clothes amidst grueling poverty. Da Silva funds almost entire initiative by herself, sending US$1,000, about one-third of her monthly paycheck, to pay the salaries of 12 teachers and the headmaster, and purchase whatever supplies she can afford. According to UNAIDS, 14 percent of Malawi's adult population is infected with HIV and more than half a million children have been orphaned by the disease. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ US warns Iraq over troop pact Bush Administration should stop dictating terms to Iraq on the security pact and instead help the country in securing an extension of the UN mandate. It is high time US withdraw its troops from Iraq especially after the success of Shia Sunni ceasefire and relative peace that has slowly but surely begun seeping into the Iraqi society. Iraq war has already been a huge burden for the American taxpayer. Ever since the conflict began US has spent more than $315bn on war and reconstruction half of what it desperately needed today for the financial bailout. Our economy is already in shambles, people have lost whatever faith they had in the administration s ability to protect their economic future. How can the government still afford to play with such flimsy ideas as securing legal basis for military presence in Iraq until 2011, naturally tantamount to inviting financial suicide? Let the UN handle Iraq. US should be busy setting its own house in order instead of bothering itself with Iraq s future. Indian Flood Relief aid a pittance Monetary relief provided by India is nothing compare to the amount of aid which is needed to actually affect the rehabilitation of flood victims in Nepal. Series of embankments and other structures built by India along the India-Nepal border meant for its own security are havoc in Nepal. According to the Kosi river pact signed between the two neighbours in 1954, India has to maintain, build and repair the various structures on the river. The Kosi breached its embankment in August after two of its spurs collapsed, unleashing destruction in Sunsari district in south Nepal as well as in Bihar state in India. In comparison to the 50,000 people left homeless in Nepal, the money handed over by the Indian government is inadequate. As per international norms, India should compensate Nepal for the ravages caused by the flood. This is the right time for self styled Big Brother that India is, to duly play its part and help its northern neighbor in need. School violence rising in Kenya Following the wave of post-electoral violence in Kenya earlier this year, violence has again erupted, this time in Kenyan schools. Several secondary schools' dormitories and administration blocks were set on fire in the last few months by students whose indiscipline continue to be a source of concern in many parts of the country. Characterized by the destruction of school property running into millions of Kenyan shillings, loss of study time and even death, this unrest spread spontaneously like a bush fire in the dry season. Violence is a part of the education institutes especially with the university students but over the past decade, university strikes have ceased and the trend has shifted to affect secondary schools. The violent events currently taking place in Kenyan schools are not good for the economy and for the future of the students. Considering the aftermath the high official must take the remedial measures to secure the academic future of Kenya's youth. Chinese toys checked for lead The seizure of container full of plastic toys believed to be contaminated with lead is depressing. Economic development at whatever cost it seems is the overriding motto which governs trade and industry functions within China. Recently Chinese dairy industry flooded the world market with melamine tainted milk in attempt to dilute the milk and making it appear higher in proteins. Not only did it risked the lives of thousands f infants throughout the globe but it also had a negative impact on businesses worldwide for no fault of theirs. The new finding that Chinese toy manufacturers in China have exported toys with high lead content is absolutely shocking. The Filipino government should sternly guard against import of goods from China and block the import of goods if laboratory examination succeeds in determining that the toys did contain lead, a toxic chemical. Afterall why should we pay the price for China's "who cares attitude" at the cost of the health of our own young and country's business interests. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Bush talks about easing economic panic One fails to understand the genre of positivity which President George W. Bush happens to see in the economic future of ordinary Americans. The statement comes at a time when Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke envisaged negative growth for two consecutive quarters in the US economy - providing a classic definition for recession. The government of the United States of America has failed in its duty to protect its citizens. With all their savings lost common American folks have lost all their faith in the banks, mortgage houses. There is a sense of betrayal, amongst the workers, pensioners that have been clearly robbed. I uphold a rather pessimistic outlook on both the American and global economy. I reckon there are some pretty tough times still to come. President Bush is befooling himself into thinking that such apparently soothing but misleading statements will generate positive sentiment. He s least bothered about the American people and their economic wellbeing. Winning the next presidential elections somehow or the other it seems is the only thing reining his mind. Rampant sexual exploitation of school children It is disgraceful to see Ugandan schools becoming hideouts for sexual exploitation of young children. Such schools can never produce bright, enlightened and educated minds. Exposure to sexual harassment will only generate an entire class of physically and mentally degenerate citizenry. Ugandan government needs to understand that even if free and compulsory education leads to rise in school enrolment, no amount of incentive can retain the children till such exploitation continues. What allows the abuse to prolong itself are the strong cultural practices, shame and ignorance which prevents the abuse from getting reported. But, then how can we remain mute spectators to the exploitation our children are subjected to? Schools in Uganda must work towards ensuring that teachers, volunteers, and anyone else with access to children is properly screened and trained. They should also implement and enforce a policy for reporting child sexual exploitation and handling disclosures from children. We must inculcate self confidence amongst our children so that they can better handle and protect themselves in all kinds of situations. Raj Thackeray s arrest sparks violence MNS and its goons should be immediately put behind the bars. Consider the plight of the candidates who worked day and night to appear in a Railway recruitment Board test only to be beaten by Raj Thackeray's supporters and hounded out of the examination centers. Many of the students had put in two years of hard work to prepare for the test only to see the same getting washed down the drain. Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and also a lucrative destination for people from all across the world and not just North India. The city s present form has emerged as a result of hardworking Indians and not just Marathi manoos alone. MNS and its goondas are operating in clear violation of fundamental rights which allow people the right to work in any part of the country. Its election time and it seems that for the MNS this is the perfect time to economic grievances with regional pride and communal identity to see itself through the day. What a shame MNS should be banned. Yeti footprints found in Nepal The Japanese team has proven that snowman should no more be a legendary figure for the rest of the world. The team found a footprint 20 inches long and looked like that of humans. The tales of the Yeti or the half-man-half-ape have gripped the imaginations of Western adventurers and mountaineers for decades. This is not the first time, footprints of yeti, a species of hairy, humpbacked and dark giant biped ape, were found in Nepal's Himalayan valleys. A noted explorer who claimed to have seen yeti was the father of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Similarly, British mountaineers Eric Shipton and Michael Ward found the yeti footprints in 1951 near the border area. Even Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, found giant footprints on the way up the top of Mt. Qomolangma, in1953. Confirmation of yeti is another feather in the cap for Nepali tourism already cashing in on country s rich cultural traditions and practices. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ Powell Supports Obama When was the last time anything happened in campaign 2008 that left McCain camp clearly pleased and happy. In the absence of right tone and right message McCain and Sarah Palin duo have come dangerously close to running aground several times. And, now with America's most senior soldier and senior most diplomat-Colin Powell supporting Barack Obama, McCain has definitely lost on high profile endorsements too. Colin Powell's disappointment with the tone of the Republican campaign and choice of Sarah Palin as the vice presidential nominee will definitely get media attention. That, if not causing a major dent in the Republican vote bank should at least be enough to swing the waverers into the Democratic camp. Barack Obama for the moment it seems is winning on all the three counts: in arguments, high profile endorsements and ultimately winning the elections too. Grave concern over Sri Lankan offensive India should have thought of Kashmir and then issued the statement. Will they tolerate a similar statement emanating from Pakistan? Before talking about the humanitarian impact of the offensive upon the Tamils they should think about similar fate being meted out to the Kashmiris. Can they afford to respect the Kashmiri right which demands self determination at the cost of India's territorial integrity? A smoldering Northern Sri Lanka is India's creation. For Sri Lankans the Tamil demand for secession has been aided and abetted from across the shores just as kashmiri claims to freedom have been supported from across the border. We have given ample chance for a peacefully negotiated settlement to prevail which allows each community to realize its own potential within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. Military intervention has always been the last resort for us. India should mind its own business and set its own house in order before discussing humanitarian issues elsewhere. Suicides expected to soar in Japan Economic woes definitely play a vital role in abetting suicide rates within Japan. Along with financial reasons cultural factors too are partly at play. Japanese society is known for its unforgiving attitude towards those who fail to climb the ladder of success. In fact, they consider suicide as the legitimate solution to all the vexing problems of life. So, whether it is a massive debt making you a burden on your family or political scandal that taints those around you it is your responsibility to protect them by offing yourself. Suicide in other words is an honorable way of taking responsibility for your future. Japan's most popular religions- Shinto and Buddhism-by being permissive actually abet the practice. The country's legal system doesn't do much to deter suicides, either. The penal code has no provision for killing yourself, which means the government can't seize your property or send you to jail after a failed attempt. With financial crisis in full swing recession related suicides can only rise and not fall. Zambia successfully controls malaria MACEPA, a project of the US-based non-profit organization PATH has shown that with commitment, coordination and leadership malaria can be controlled. Zambia's 2008 malaria indicator survey demonstrate the effectiveness of the scaled-up approach to malaria control adopted in Zambia. Particularly successful has been the improvement in the distribution of insecticide-treated bednets, expanding the reach of Zambia's indoor residual spraying program and providing preventive medicine and treatment for the most vulnerable. There has also been a sharp decline in the number of cases of moderate to severe anaemia. Two-thirds of Zambian households are now covered with at least one treated net or a recent indoor spraying. Eighty per cent of pregnant women now receive at least one dose of preventive medicine. Malaria survey is good news coming out from Zambia. It should continue making excellent progress toward its vision of a malaria-free Zambia. http://www.instablogs.com/

http://www.instablogs.com/ eCommerce walking tight rope The current economic downturn has left very few businesses unaffected. eBay too has registered its first decline in 13 year history. There has been 1 percent fall in the value of goods sold by the site and first ever decline in revenue which had been growing at 30 percent this time until last year. With the downturn becoming increasingly palpable more and more people would be inclined towards selling things to come up with cash. Even then it seems that it would be difficult to make for the revenue decline. To say that in difficult economic conditions, buyers and sellers are more likely to turn to eBay in pursuit of a bargain, or to raise needed cash is not inviting enough. Online shoppers today are smarter than web consumers of 1990 s. Essentially, buyers have discovered that they can find deals that are just as good elsewhere around the Web these days, and in environments that are easier to use and offer greater certainty and security than eBay s. Sellers too will catch on and follow the buyers and this time not necessarily on eBay. It s tough calling for ecommerce. New Zealand pessimistic about economy New Zealand consumers are more pessimistic about the outlook for the economy as global credit- market turmoil sparks concerns about financial stability. Most of the people expect that the economy will only worsen over the next one year. Confidence has fallen after the economy slumped into a recession in the first half of this year and the global credit crisis threatens a second-half recovery. The government s plan to guarantee the deposits with the nation s banks and the non-bank lenders too is quite unlikely to bolster confidence or even increase the spending. The reserve Bank of New Zealand s delay in reviewing the schedule rate in the current environment too is beyond logic and has left many annoying. With the fast approaching November 8 elections Prime Minister Helen Clark has backed her management of the economy to help overcome her deficit. Nothing can deny that the financial turmoil will definitely have an impact upon results of the upcoming elections. For instance, according to a poll conduct