First assignment

Looking backward and ahead-a perspective into 2008, a look into 2009

ARPANA DOGRA MMC-1 ROLL NO-1
Kosi floods,who is to blame?the answer to this question is technical,if the breached embankment of the kosi River in Nepal last month was a man made disaster.this must be true that the incindent must resulted from a combination of wrong technological choices,bad institutional arrangements and political misconduct.in addition to this lacking of technological and scientifical capabilities is part of the marjor problem that may occured in the incindent.so thank you for the import information.
Obama’s vitory wil motivate people to accept each other,to be open to one another,to live in peace and harmony and word for the common good.
SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS;
In 2008 indias achievements in sports are vey good like Abhinav bindra won gold medal in shooting,Vijender singh etc.they guys make indian to feel proud.they all are the big inspiration for the new generation.
LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP???The love that we all want from a partner is not possible without both having the commitment to try to make it last. Cooperation, compromise, that sort of thing. There’s a saying, “Happiness in marriage is not so much FINDING the right person as BEING the right person.”
If it’s easy to change one partner for another, where’s the incentive to develop staying power in a relationship? Instead people will think “I’m upset at my partner which means I’m with the wrong person. I’m going to get out so I can hook up with the right person.” It’s human nature, and and i think that this approach is creating increased numbers of people without the ability to sustain a long-term relationship. Many people imagine that living together before marriage resembles taking a car for a test drive. The “trial period” gives people a chance to discover whether they are compatible. This analogy seems so compelling that people are unable to interpret the mountains of data to the contrary. Here’s the problem with the car analogy: the car doesn’t have hurt feelings if the driver dumps it back at the used car lot and decides not to buy it. The analogy works great if you picture yourself as the driver. It stinks if you picture yourself as the car.so its not good because it can destroy our indian culture..after pass this law there no diffreance between indian n western culture.
Why Indians lose the game. How this shining history of History faded today? Whoever is successful in Indian market becomes the icon. Everywhere it is cricket which is beating the drum. From news channels to entertainment channels, all the sources of media shows cricket only. There is no place for hockey. Every Indian is more concerned for Gavaskar, Bradman, Richards, and all Indian and foreign players while they even don’t remind Dhyaanchand and K.D Singh, Ashok Kumar and Mohd. Shahid. Hockey players are not responsible for it. They have a ‘constabulary’ attitude which made them to lose.
In aarushi case my views Is, it take a very long time to solve and make people more crazy,people are desperiately waiting that who is the killer and why he or she did it.after months of capturing the media headlines,the Aarushi murder case has finally seen some answers.they blame Aarushi’s father then they released him.still that case make a mistery no one know the truth.who is killer and why??????
The poor in India and China, like the rest of the world, have also been affected by the rise in fuel and food prices. For India the problem is especially vexing. The 2008 Global Hunger Index of the International Food Policy Research Institute says India already suffers from alarming levels of hunger, and is one of three countries with the highest prevalence—more than 40 percent—of underweight children under five. The financial crisis could worsen the existing high levels of inequality in China and India, say experts. As this Backgrounder points out, despite unprecedented levels of economic growth in India and China, there is increasing geographic, sector-based,
Food crisis;Bread and butter are the basic requirements of every person. No one can keep body and soul together without eating, drinking and breathing because man is a serf to his physical needs. Without fulfilling fundamental requirements no one can even dare to think about sacrificing ones resources for satisfying the needs of others in this era of indifference and materialism. But to struggle for accomplishing ones necessities in the presence of inadequate sources is not the dilemma of our society. The tight spot of the contemporaneous humanity is that the loaded countries and the flushed cuckoos wallowing in pelf and plenty are plundering the already deprived ones. This exploitation has separated the world into potent developed and weedy developing countries and the populace of the globe into rich and poor categories. This unwarranted economic system based on unfair profiteering has given birth to frustration and a sense of deprivation among the cash-strapped victims of maltreatment., the general public should also take measures to control the population explosion, which will further fuel the famine in our country.
MUMBAI BLASTS;its not good it was very shamefull to those who did this,they think that if they can do this kind of things they become god of the our world but NO.they all become evils of our world.Those who killed in this blasts what are their mistakes????and throgh this they make a new terrorist.who born after this incident.
A Great Game.
Congratulations to China, BOCOG and all the athletes for fantastic opening and closing ceremonies and for topping the gold medal tally with 51 golds, despite American mainstream media claims that the US is no.1 with 110 medals. Be aware that American mainstream media were condemning China for "fake" footprints in the opening ceremony, "fake" singer and even "fake" weather when China used rainfall seeding to prevent rain during the opening ceremony. These are the rantings of a former sporting superpower which cannot accept that it is now no. 2 to China. We hua chiao in the seven seas are so proud of China"s achievements and we hope that China will again send the largest delegation to London in 2012 and show that China"s no.1 status in Beijing is no fluke.
after amarnath yatra kand govt take this responsibility from the shirne board,as you know it is a very old and good board,they help us to how to reach,distanes,altitudes and temp,climatic onsiderations and clothing room reservations,as they know all their responsibilty and all rules.if they do this all the management will be changed. its not good for the yatris and all.so govt cant do this.its just a misshappening not preplan.thats it.
The planned violence against Christians in Orissa has opened a new chapter of communalism in India. The saffron monsters are once again engaged in spreading hatred and dividing the country in narrow lines of religions..

2009;The main question is, how do we cut at the roots of terrorist prowess? Two ready-made solutions are offered by some armchair critics and self-styled experts. It is a very difficult task.because in every persons hearts their sre two corner soft and hard,we cant cut it.if the person hurted his hard corner beome his enemy.so we can’t stop any person.we don’t know where when who and how a person beome a terrioest?
REGULATING MEDIA;Maintaining the
balance between freedom and responsibility of the press is a challenge during such times. A modern, democratic state needs to be prepared to deftly handle this tool of public diplomacy during a crisis. The media failed the nation during the Mumbai terror attacks. Perhaps, that might be a bit too harsh a statement to make but it does have a ring of truth to it.

Remembering 2008….

If the year 2008 brought laurels and many contended memories for the Indians, it also ended with many unfortunate and dilapidated incidents to which every corner of India was a witness. While some important events brought cheers to the millions of Indians, some others sent them into grief and despair. We now have moved on to a new year of 2009 trying with great endeavors to forget the disastrous past events, side by side working with utmost zeal for making a brighter and more prosperous the new year. We shall now throw light on some of the most imperative news events of 2008.

Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano - People's Car launched
One of the India's largest car makers, Tata Motors had brought revolution in the car industry, by launching the Tata Nano - People's Car. The Rs.1 lakh Tata Nano is all set to fulfill the dreams of millions who could not afford to buy a car because of high prices. The Tata Nano was scheduled to hit the market in October 2008. However, it could not because of constant opposition from Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee in Singur.


Sixth Pay Commission Report - Huge Cash Bonanza for Govt. Employees
The UPA government turned more generous than what the Sixth Pay Commission recommended for the government employees. Over 55 lakh Central government employees benefited from the unprecedented pay hike.


Arushi Murder Case - The Biggest Murder Mystery
Arushi Talwar murder case became the biggest-ever murder mystery in India. The case is still unresolved. The UP Police and CBI goofed up by nabbing different persons and ruining the case. The Arushi murder case generated tremendous curiosity in India, which was never seen before.

The 14-year-old Arushi and her servant Hemraj were brutally murdered. Her father Rajesh Talwar was arrested on the charges of her murder and spent 50 days in jail. He went through a series of traumatic experience. The CBI later arrested servants Krishna, Rajkumar and Vijay Mandal. In the end, all accused got bail and the case met a dead end. Media acted in a very irresponsible manner during the proceedings of this case by creating a negative image of the innocent girl.

River Kosi changes course, Bihar Floods play Havoc
Nearly 15 lakh people marooned in 15 districts in flood-hit Bihar, after river Kosi changed its course after 300 years. Over 200 people died and millions rendered homeless. The impact of the floods was so severe that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh declared the Bihar floods as a "Natural Calamity" and announced Rs. 1,000 crore relief in addition to other assistance. Even Britain provided an assistance of Rs. 1.2 crore for the flood victims in Bihar. Nepal, which was indirectly responsible for the Kosi fiasco, apologized and promised to strengthen the Kosi river embankment.

Abhinav Bindra, Sushil Kumar and Vijender win Olympic Medals
Abhinav Bindra won the first-ever individual gold medal for the country in Olympic Games. He won the gold medal at Beijing Olympics in the 10m Air Rifle event. Sushil Kumar won a bronze medal in 66kg Freestyle Wrestling, while Vijender Kumar won a bronze medal in the 75kg Middleweight category boxing. For the first time in Olympic history, India returned with three individual medals.

Chandrayaan I - India's first-ever Lunar Mission
On October 22, 2008, India made history by sending its first ever lunar mission to moon. As the Chandrayaan I took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota, India became the sixth country in the world to send a space mission to moon. Later, the Chandrayaan MIP landed on the surface of the moon with Indian tri-colour painted on its four sides.

India, US sign Nuclear Deal
India and the USA signed the historic 123 Agreement in Washington. The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and India's External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee signed the agreement. The Indo-US nuclear deal ended India's nuclear isolation.

Mumbai Terror Attacks - 26/11
Although the year 2008 witnessed many terror attacks in the country, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks shook the nation and led to a massive outrage. 10 terrorists backed by Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Toiba, attacked CST, Nariman House, Hotel Trident Oberoi and Hotel Taj in Mumbai. They held the city to ransom for 60 hours.

The ATS, NSG, Marine Commandos and other policemen fought hard to flush out the terrorists and save Mumbai. In total, 183 people were killed and over 300 were injured. At least 18 brave policemen and NSG commandos became martyr in the attack. The security personnel killed 9 terrorists, while one terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab, a resident of Faridkot, Pakistan, was caught alive. At least 23 foreigners were killed in the terror attacks in Mumbai. The 26/11 (November 26) terror attacks in Mumbai, witnessed an unprecedented public outrage. The public anger was at its peak and the politicians had to bear the brunt. Wars of words continue unabated between Indian and Pakistani officials and leaders, while the world community has thrown its weight behind India. The US is vociferously putting pressure on Pakistan to act or perish. Media played a major role during this whole commotion by updating the public with the scenario going on at that time and by creating a united spirit among all the Indians.



OBAMA- First US black President
Climaxing the unlikeliest of journeys, Obama, the son of a black Kenyan and white mother from Kansas created history by becoming the first Black President of US.

Reservation in educational institutions
A great amount of dissatisfaction was formed among the youth section of India as reservation of seats was made a rule in the educational institutions including the medical field. Students agitated to this new law and media also gave a face to the students during this restlessness.

Submitted by:
Ayushi Mishra Roll No 47
MMC I

Looking Back and Looking Forward
No country can become an ideal state as depicted by Plato and Aristotle. Not everything can go smoothly. There will be jerks, ups and downs as well. Plethora of events does take place at various levels. These events could be tragedies or achievements for a country. Let us take a case of India. We already entered into year 2009. If we give cursory look at our back i.e. at year 2008, many remarkable events made India unforgettable.
Here we go with revolutionary achievements first. International politics has its own significance. The story begins as- In 2005, our PM and US President Bush signed slew of important agreements. Among them was Indo-US Civil Nuclear Cooporation. It took more than two years to become an agreement. Because Communists and BJP gave stepmother, treatment to this deal and held the opinion that India will serve as a junior partner to America. There was tussle between science and politics. Ultimately, science had upper hand. For India getting the N-Deal passed through NSG, IAEA and US Congress was great achievement in the year 2008.
Competing internationally next high point was the launch of mission Chandrayaan to the moon. It made India’s entry into the exclusive club of countries exploring the frontiers of space. With this India became sixth country in the world to send a mission to moon.
Even at national level coming up of sixth pay commission, acted as bonanza for government employees. However, defense people were not satisfied with this. Still it benefited over 55 lakh employees.
Considering technology, there also Indian brains did remarkable jobs. One of the India’s largest carmaker Ratan Tata had brought revolution in car industry by launching Tata Nano-People’s car. This was desiged for those who could not afford high price cars. Despite of controversies and opposition from Mamta Benerjee, Nano will be in market soon.
Nominating India in sports category, there also she got awards. As Abhinav Bindra won gold medal in shooting in Olympics. Sushil Kumar won a bronze in free style westling. At last, Vijender Kumar also made sporting history by becoming the first Indian Boxer to win an Olympic medal, a bronze. How can we tend to forget cricket, most prominent game in Indian. The Indian Premier League was at its best last year. It provided the entertainment of T20 cricket to cricket lovers. It was all fun, money and excitement.
These are just countable highlights of 2008. The year was marked by various glorious and revolutionary events. This was just one side, if we flip it the other side will show saddest part.
Throwing light on tragedies of 2008 the very first one that strikes our mind is Mumbai terrorist attack. Before Mumbai, there was Delhi, before Delhi Ahmedabad and before that Bangalore and Jaipur. Mumbai tragedy is difficult to obliterate from our mind. It shook the whole nation. Terrorists backed by Laskar-e-Toiba attacked elite places in Mumbai including CST, Taj and Oboeroi hotel, Nariman point. City was held to ransom for 60 hours. Atleast 183 people died and over 300 were injured.
The year 2008 also brought bad luck to the investors. Stock market crashed and BSE sensex which had at 22k mark fell down below 9k. Government and RBI both had tough time to tackle this economic crisis. Moreover collapse of Lehman Bros on September 15, 2008 brought global financial crises. This downturn in the global economy made several companies to work below their capacities.
Following these two incidents Arushi murder case also disturbed the whole India. It is better to call this case biggest murder mystery of the year. Here media was hyperactive even than CBI and police. Intelligent minds did criticize the role of media.
Another catastrophe was when river Kosi on August 18, 008 breached the embarkments in Nepal that led to destruction downstream in Bihar northern plains. Kosi is known as ‘the sorrow of Bhiar’. As many as 25 lakh people across 14 districts were affected and 2.5 lakh houses got destroyed. Though PM announced central assistance of 1000 crore but this disaster rendered many homeless.
We cannot afford to miss out Kandhamal episode. This was an absolute example of communal violence. The killing of VHP leader Laxmananda saraswati and his associates triggered riots in Orissa. Public property along with churches were attacked and set on fire. Despite the efforts made by the government, riots lasted for two months. Another such example was Raj Thackry’s septaratist attitude towards marathis.In this lieu he was arrested twice. He was in focus but due to Mumbai tragedy government’s attention got shifted from him to Pakistan.Similarly Amarnath land transfer issue rocked Jammu & Kashmir. A line was drawn between PDP and Congress and affect of this was seen in recent J&K elections.
Why to left sports, here also gave saddest moment to India. Hockey failed to qualify in final Olympics. It had glorious past to share but has depressed present.
Blaming government always is not an appropriate act on our part. Infact we people of India constitutes democracy and government is our voting product only. Whatsoever happened was our past, rather than playing blame game we all should must learn from our mistakes. So cross your fingers and be optimistic for 2009.
The peaceful elections in J&K mark the beginning of year 2009. These held elections give us youngest Chief Minister i.e. Omar Abdhullah. Let’s hope same and normal results from Lok Sabha elections. Sheila Dixit put forth-‘I think the UPA will do well in the 2009 polls. We have done a lot of positive work and have taken a lot of initiatives’. Infrastructure advancement including metro projects will be seen in this year. Moreover what electronic media did while covering the Mumbai episode that bound the government to pass media regulations Aim is to restrain channels from covering anti-terror operations, sex crimes, narco analysis etc.Restructuring economy and countering terrorism is on topmost priority in government agendas. So it is looking forward approach , great! Diplomatic relations with our neighbouring countries are also tend to change this year. As democracy turned up in Pakistan after such a long time but Mumbai tragedy worsened the relations again. Taking the case of Bangladesh there also regime got changed with coming up of Shiek Hassina in power. India is also making all sorts preparation for commonwealth games that going to be held in 2010. We can only judge when time will approach. India is ready to bat well this year but future cannot be predicted beforehand. So hope for the best…….
By Baninder Rahi

As we prepare to usher in a New Year, the year that we bid adieu will go down in history as one of the most eventful phases in the past decade or so. Its impact on the coming years will be significant and defining. The world slipped into the grip of a financial crisis with the world's top economy, the US taking a severe battering with its credit crisis. The financial markets have nosedived. The market demands and production are running low.

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This year has been a roller coaster ride for Indians – Starting the year with a bang when Sensex crossed 21000 mark and launch of Nano, that gave global recognition not only to Tata, but all of India. . I think overall for Indian sports it was one of the good year.

For a nation that swears by cricket and its cricketing heroes, IPL matches were an unparalleled high, only comparable to T20 experience (of 2007). The glitter of bollywood stars, business tycoons and big moolah at the IPL auction, made it perhaps one of the best things that happened to Indians. Indians witnessed over a hundred cricketers from across the world in action in IPL matches. The tempo set in by the sporting event sustained through later part of the year, when Abhinav Bindra picked the first ever individual gold at Olympics Games. For once India and Indians were cheering for a sport other than cricket. And of course, Chandrayaan launch took us to the next level of our ability to conquer space frontiers.
Peace in J&K, followed closely by Olympics and ISRO program to Moon in my opinion are the highlights of 2008. The moon mission made us prove our mettle, but J&K has found peace which matters most since last 40 yrs of turmoil. Olympics proved our ability to concentrate our actions, but that must be seen in the wider sphere of the common man. That is why the 26/11 attacks have caused such widetold misery in the perception of the aam aadmi.

This year also saw Dr. Manmohan Singh risking his govt but ultimately winning a trust note, albeit with a sore note of allegation of buying MPs. Notwithstanding this, UPA Govt won the trust vote with handsdown that enabled finally to sign the much controversial 123 Agreement popularly known as Nuke Deal with US. That it enabled India to get a NSG waiver to purchase nuclear materials without signing the NTBT and NPT. A rare diplomatic feat achieved in the history of independent India, thanks to the deft diplomacy of the PM.

2008 also would be remembered for UPA's achievement in all front though there were times when they were on back foot on high inflation, rise in prices of essential commodities as well as in petroleum prices. Nevertheless, they withstood the onsalught of the opposition and made people realise that it was due to global glut in the world market. This year also saw India bringing down its inflation to single digit and as low as 6.8% growth being between 6.8% and 7.5% with hopes to rise upto 8%.

This year 2008 also saw Muslims solidly rallying behind the Govt and the people of this country in condemning terrorism in any form. They said in one voice, terrorists were enemies of mankind and they cannot be associated with any religion. The height of Muslims patriotism came to the fore, when they refused to allow burial of the killed militants, on the ground that they no longer belonged to the community. This year also saw about 6000 Muslim clericks and Mullahs gathering in a two day conclave to condemn terrorism in harshest terms. Indian Muslims finally woke up to demonstrate their patriotism putting the nation's interest firsthe terror infrastructure to win back India's friendship

Barack Obama USA president created history

It is a history an immigrant has made to white house. American is multicultural country black, white, African, Asian , Hindus, Muslims and Christians live together happily and it is a land of opportunity. Martin Luther king the civil rights activist who has fight for the rights of black may be happiest person if he would have lived. From nothing, a black leader Barack Husain Obama has become the president of United States of America, born to Kenyan Father and American mother. People of America want change, did not bother about the cultural issues and want to live happily with dignity. With recession gripping up, many banks are declared bankruptcy, energy crisis, climate change, three trillion dollar Iraq war, people fear to lose house in subprime crisis, with these problems every American wants a change. American wants happy living and show the world that American are not against any race and religion. They want peace and happiness and good living.




On the whole, despite the gloomy present, it appears that things might look up. The pension sector seems to be the most upbeat, with the New Pension Scheme to be opened to the general public from April 2009. It could even mark the beginning of the much delayed and desperately needed reforms in this sector. The real estate sector, meanwhile, is not exactly shining. But experts and analysts believe that the worst is over, at least for the buyers. Developers might lose crores of rupees, but you might be able to buy your house for less than you thought. Interest rates on your home loan could also be lowered, although getting that loan is likely to be an uphill task in 2009. Among other reasons for this is that banks are moving towards capital protection and away from selling innovative investment products.

Besides protecting their wealth, investors are also looking seriously at securing their financial dependants and their health. Meanwhile, general insurance products are gaining popularity. While this is good news, it also highlights the fact that people are thinking of protection, not wealth creation, which might have become a thing of the past; equities are not going to do as well as they once did.

But don't lose heart. If you invest wisely, you will still be able to make some profit. And that, really, is what 2009 is going to be about: making careful and wise investing choices during turbulent times.

thanks
bhavita singh ,rollno-3



ECONOMIC CRISIS:-
The economic crisis and prospects of a prolonged downturn in global economic activity have increased threat in recent months among the people. Economic recession has led to lose of income and jobs. It has led to devastation throuthout the world. According to experts, decline in the purchasing power is the main cause of recession today.
MUMBAI BLASTS:-
On nov 26, 2008 a group of terrorists attacked indian soil. the terrorists attacked high-profile places in the mumbai city which includes hyper busy CST, landmark Taj Hotel, luxurious Oberoi Trident, etc. Almost 200 people were killed and many hundreds were injured. All the terrorists were killed by the Indian Army in an operation. only one, Ajmal Kasab, in our custody is a Pak national. It seems that pakistan has some involement in the attacks, according to kasab's statement.
ARUSHI MURDER CASE:-
May 17, 2008 a 14-year old girl Arushi Talwar was found murdered in her house in Noida at midnight. The case took a dramatic turn with the murder of domestic help Hemraj the very next morning. Arushi's father Dr. Rajesh Talwar was arrested for allegedly killing his daughter and servant Hemraj. The CBI took investigations into the double murder on 1 june, 2008. Later on, Rajkumar(servant of Durranis), Krishna(compounder in Tawar's clinic) and Vijay Mandal(servant of Talwar's neighbours) were arrested and produced befrore the Ghaziabad court. The case is still unsolved and final verdict has been given in this regard.
KOSI RIVER FLOODED:-
Kosi or Milk river is known as the 'sorrow of Bihar' when it flows from Nepal to India, as it has called widespread human suffering in the past due to flooding and very frequent change in course. Recently, a dam burst in Nepal caused river to change its course. Thousands of people in Bihar were marooned after the Kosi river breached its banks upstream in Nepal, flooding villages & towns in many areas across the state. The State govt 100 motorboats, 600 boats to rescue people. Also, relief camps were organised to rehabilitate people.
FOOD CRISIS:-
In the past two years, the world saw a dramatic rise in food prices, creating a global crisis and causing political & economic instability and social unrest in both poor and developed nations. Despite growing attention in the world media and expanding aid efforts by many orgnisations, the world hunger crisis continues to worsen as many of the communities struggle with daily hunger and starvation. But as of now, food prices have come down significantly from their earlier highs and inflation is said to be under control.
RAJ THACKERAY:-
Raj Thackerey is the President of MNS. He was recently in news for spreading regionalism in the country. His party supporters attacked on north indians residing in maharashtra, especially Biharis. He opines that maharashtra is their motherland and no outsider will be tolerated on their soil. He was also arrested in this regard and a case is filed against him.

LOOKING BACK
NUKE DEAL:-
UPA govt had some hard time to convince its allies to support the nuke deal. The Leftists withdrew their confidence and made the govt minor. later, Samajwadi Party and few others voted in favour of the UPA. After many controversies and disagreements, long-awaited nuclear deal was signed between India and US on 10 oct,2008 by Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his counterpart Secretary of State Condolezza Rice. The agreement overturns 30-year old US ban on supplying India with nuclear fuel and technology.
OLYMPIC GOLD:-
India clinched its first-ever individual Olympics gold medal in 108 years when Abhinav Bindra won the 10 meter air rifle event in one of the most pulsating shooting finals in the history of the world's biggest sporting extravaganza. With the earning of this medal, India made its presence felt. This chandigarh boy made the whole nation proud.
SIXTH PAY COMMISSION:-
6th Pay Commission was recently announced by Indian govt through notification. It provides fresh pay scales to all the govt employees.
BLACK US PRESIDENT:-
Democratic Party candidate Barrack Obama created history by defeating his rival Mc Cain of Republic Party. He became the first Black president of the US. Obama will sworn-in as 44th US President on 20 Jan, 2009. He has to gear himself up to face the challenges of economic crisis to ending the war with Iraq. His victory proved that the time of change has finally arrived in America.
TATA:-
Nano is the dream project of Ratan Tata. It came to a hault with the arising controversy and uncertainty over the Nano project at Singur. The controversy made the company pull out its project out of West Bengal. But now, Nano has found a new home in Gujrat. The project will soon come up near Sanand in Ahmedabad district.
J&K ELECTIONS:-
J&K assembly elections will be remembered forever for a host of reasons. It was after a long time that elections passed off peacefully, without any major incident marring the process. Elections also witnessed a huge participation of women, both as voters and as candidates. National Conference came out as winner in the elections. Omar Abdullah, who sworn-in as the CM of J&K, formed the govt in alliance with the Congress.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
COUNTERING TERROR:-
Almost every nation is the victim of terrorism. In India, terror attacks have played a havoc with the lives of the people since years. It is high time that all the nations of the world should join hands against terrorism and make every possible effort to counter terror attacks. It is the duty of every individual to protect and save the planet from any devastation.
LOK SABHA ELECTIONS:-
As the UPA govt has almost completed its term of 5-years in power, all the major political parties of the country have pulled up their socks for the general elections in 2009. They have started planning their agendas and manifestos to lure the innocent voters of the country.
REGULATING MEDIA:-
Today, media is a source of information and entertainment. It performs its functions of informing people with the latest happenings accross the globe. Either it be print media or electronic media, both have an important role to play in our lives. But, when it comes to regulating media. it is still a controversial question. Regulation of media may also regulate information, which at times neccesary to be known. But media should understand its importance and work accordingly without mere motives of benefitting itself in terms of TRPs and circulation.
J&K POLITICS:-
The healthy turnout of voters in the assembly elections have proved that the ploitics of J&K is on the right track. the newly elected CM Omar Abdullah has all the qualities of a true leader. His vision and voice will certainly bring peace to the valley. We hope that J& K regains its charm and beauty in the near future, despite any fear of terrorism.


by bhavna Modgil

Looking back and looking forward
Many events and occurences take place in every nation. So it happened in India. Some had affected it positively whereas others left quite a shady imprint on the history of the nation.
The Tata Nano is a four-passenger car aimed primarily at the Indian market. The car was envisioned by, Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, who has described it as an eco-friendly "people's car."
The car was launched at the 9th annual Auto Expo on January 10, 2008 in New Delhi. Tata targets the vehicle as the least expensive production car in the world. Nano is identified as a part of a “new breed of 21st-century cars.”
The Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement was signed by Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his counterpart Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, on 10 October. The Indo-US nuclear deal offers potential for a paradigm shift in India’s global role. It opens the door to a new era of trust and cooperation between India and the US. India and America now have the prospect establishing close ties.

India’s interest in the Olympics took a dramatic turn with the country bagging its first individual gold medal, courtesy of shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won in the 10-meter men’s air rifle event. Vijender Kumar, won his quarterfinal and assured the country of an Olympic medal, which will be India's third individual medal at Beijing Olympics. Vijender's and Sushil kumar’s victory brought cheer to millions of Indians.

Chandrayan-1 is India’s first unmanned mission to the moon. It was launched from the spaceport of Sriharikota on October 22. Chandrayan-1 would also carry a moon impact probe payload for demonstrating the technology needed towards landing on the moon’s surface. India believes rupees 368 crore lunar mission is a step towards its quest for the exploration of outer space and inter-planatery missions. Chandrayan will remain in lunar orbit for two years and will carry eleven experimental payloads of which five are Indian.

The IPL bidding has seen an emergence of new cricket marketing funda. India clinched the inaugural Twenty20 cricket World Cup after a thrilling five-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. IPL India Cricket or Indian premier is primarily backed up by BCCI. Although both have a rivalry between them, something that is gaining from this is the Indian cricket, as new players will get a doorway to enter into the big field by performing well in domestic seasons and then getting into IPL or ICL.
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The reservation policy introduced by the congress party in educational institutes is based on the Mandal formula providing 27 per cent quota for OBC’s in Central educational institutes and IIM,s and IIT’s. The proposal is expected to reignite the merit v/s quota debate in the country with academics and students expressing resentment over the move. The proposed reservation is expected to affect premier education institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which have already reserved 22.5 per cent seats for scheduled castes and tribes.
On 4 November,2009 Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the genral elections 365 electoral votes to McCain’s 173 and became the first African American to be elected president of the unites States. Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Americans placed their faith in Barack Obama and turning their backs on a past of slavery and segregation and electing the first African American to the US presidency.
Rarely has a murder so gripped an entire nation like the Noida double murders - and that for nearly two months. Aarushi Talwar, daughter of a dentist couple, found dead with her throat slit in the bedroom of her flat, domestic help Hemraj suspected of murder. The case received significant national attention, and has become representative of what most people believe are recent tendencies towards sensationalism in the Indian media, including tendencies of "overkill" and trial-by-media.
Mumbai has suffered several terror attacks starting 12 March 1993. On 26 November terrorists sprayed bullets from automatic weapons and hurled hand grenades at multiple near-simultaneous strikes at over a dozen spots across the metropolis, including at the five-star Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, Victoria Terminus, Vile Parle, Santa Cruz, Worli and Leopold Cafe in Colaba. :At least 80 people, were killed and some 200 injured as terrorists struck in a series of planned and synchronised attacks in Mumbai, around midnight Wednesday.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday resumed his 'war of words' against north Indians, saying he would not allow them to "destroy" the culture of Maharashtra. He poured venom against North Indians. He is back with his tainted political propaganda! After a hiatus of almost two months, he gave vent to his abhorrence for the community. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, National Panthers Party activists took to the streets demanding Thackeray’s arrest for his continuing diatribe against North Indians.



The global financial crisis, brewing for a while, really started to show its effects in the middle of 2007 and will consist of tips on how to research the United States Economic Crisis of 2008 and 2009. Around the world stock markets have fallen, large financial institutions have collapsed or been bought out, and governments in even the wealthiest nations have had to come up with rescue packages to bail out their financial systems. The Economic Crisis of 2008 is believed to have occurred because of global inflation, increased unemployment, high oil and food prices, a declining dollar value, a horrible housing market, and a subprime mortgage crisis.
On 18 August 2008, the Kosi river picked up an old channel it had abandoned over 100 years ago near the border with Nepal and India. Approximately 2.7 million people were reported affected as the river broke its embankment at Kusaha in Nepal, thus submerging several districts of Nepal and India. 95% of total flow of the Koshi was reported flowing through the new course. The fury of the Kosi river left at least 2.5 million people marooned in eight districts of Bihar. The prime Minister of India declared it a national calamity. The Indian army and non-government organizations were operating the biggest flood rescue operation in India in more than 50 year. It is reported as the worst flood in the area in 50 years.
In the wee hours of March 10, 2008, Indian hockey that has a glorious past to cherish, failed to survive the doomsday and died an unnatural death. For the first time since 1928, India failed to secure an Olympic berth, when they went down tamely to Great Britain in the Olympic Hockey qualifier final. It was a sad exit for India. While our cricketers continue to bring glory to the nation, Indian hockey players dashed the hopes of more than a billion people that take pride in saying that 'Hockey' is their National Sport.
India’s vision in 2009
India will look towards strengthening its anti-terror mechanism and will look at various counter-terror measures.it is left with no choice but to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism. Restructuring in 2009 entails organizational restructuring. It means financial restructuring, as in de-leveraging to operate more on a cash basis. It means corporate restructurings, as in spinning off units, preparing to acquire troubled companies or preparing to be acquired. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured news broadcasters, who have opposed moves to put restrictions on live coverage of emergency situations like the Mumbai attack, that changes in the Cable TV rules would be taken up only after "widest possible consultation" with all stakeholders.
Charu Sally
Roll number 5



At least 80 people, were killed and some 200 injured as terrorists struck in a series of planned and synchronised attacks in Mumbai, around midnight Wednesday. :At least 80 people, were killed and some 200 injured as terrorists struck in a series of planned and synchronised attacks in Mumbai, around midnight Wednesday.
Mumbai Blast on 26th November 2008 is one of the worst terror attacks on India and the magnitude of it is as bad as 9/11 Attack at the World Trade Center and Pentagon Attack in US. More than 125 dead, 380 injured, 9 foreigners killed, 14 Cops killed (3 of them in the IPS Category) and 9 terrorist killed in the drama, which went for above 44 hrs.
For the first time in 80 years, Indias dream of qualifying for the Olympic were dashed last evening when Britain defeated it 2-0 in the final of the World Hockey qualifying tournament at the Prince of Wales Country Club.
The setback also prompted Indias hockey coach Joaquim Carvalho to step down along with his support staff.
Eight time gold medalists India, who needed to win the six-team competition to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, to be held in August, failed to make it to the Olympics.

“It is normally difficult to capture the essence of a whole year in one headline. Life doesn’t happen in neat packages for journalistic convenience. However, 2008 was different. Many good things happened in that year: India displayed the cheapest car in the world; we won our first individual Olympic gold; an Indian author won the Booker prize; the IPL was a grand success; we launched a space craft to the moon; a historic nuclear deal was signed against heavy odds. And the world witnessed the amazing rise of a new leader of great promise in the world’s most powerful nation, a man who has aptly been described as a ‘ lead born in imagination’.
But this was all overshadowed by 2 major phenomena which struck at the core of every human being’s main concerns- their life and financial security. Terror and economic meltdown affected all our lives. It was, therefore, with some sadness we termed as the ‘Year of Fear’.”
• Arun Poorie, Editor-in-Chief, India Today
The year 2008 had on offer stark extremes in terms of highs and lows for India. While on one hand we were facing terrorism in its worst form, on the other we celebrated our first Olympics gold; while on one hand the inflation touched double digits in early 2008, on the other hand we got to see IPL changing the face of Indian cricket with huge magnitude of moolah involved.
Let me try to recapture the spirit of 2008 in one essay, taking into account the most important positive and negative developments throughout the year, one at a time. Beginning with the positive developments as follows:
Landmark Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal:
For the most part of 2008, the issue of Nuclear deal between India and the U.S. grabbed headlines across the media. But despite the pressures from the Left parties to not go ahead with the deal, the Congress finally managed to end India’s 34 year long nuclear apartheid. This Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement will address the country’s energy needs by enabling it to access civil nuclear co-operation from the U.S. and other countries.
Obama Scripts History:
On Nov. 4 2008, Obama a mixed race-Afro-American became United State’s 44th President. The son of a Kenyan, Obama, rode on am American hunger for change to win a stirring election against the all American hero John McCain.
First Olympic Gold:
2008 was truly a memorable year for sports. India scripted history by winning its first individual Olympic gold medal, thanks to the shooter Abhinav Bindra. Bindra totalled 700.5 points to win the men’s 10mm air rifle title on August 11.
Chandrayaan: Mission Moon:
India on Oct 22 200 joined the elite ‘Lunar Club’ by launching Chandrayaan-1 that proved India;s prowess in the field of Space technology. The moon mission marks the beginning of a new era in the history of India’s Space Programme.

J & K Elections:
The 60% voter turnout in J & K elections was a clear indication of the majority mindset rebuffing the separatists’ agenda. The third generation Abdullah scion, Omar, joined as the Prime Minister looking forward to carry the legacy of his fore fathers in the State.
Tata’s Nano:
Keeping his promise, Ratan Tata, launched his dream project Tata ‘Nano’, the world’s cheapest car at the Auto Expo 2008. However, all did not remain peaches and perfection for Ratan Tata as soon ‘Nano’ project was engulfed in political row as the original site in West Bengal had to be relocated to Gujarat. Finally, the delay only proved costly to the Tata group.
IPL: the Great Success:
The right combination of big bucks, Bollywood and babes gave way to this ‘desi’ version of an international game. IPL grabbed much of the limelight throughout the year right from the auction of cricket player for different teams to the mini skirt clad cheer leaders. Way to go!!
First Booker Prize for India:
Arvind Adiga’s debut novel, the White Tiger, went on to win the Man Booker prize. The 34-year-old made India proud by getting us the first Booker prize.
Negative developments of 2008 are as follows:

Terrorism and the Mumbai Blast:
Jaipur, Ahemdabad, New Delhi……and as the flaming finale Mumbai are all a reminder of a year in which India witnessed a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. The terrorist strikes in Mumbai itself left over 180 people dead and over 300 injured. The huge outcry against the inefficiency of the government in tackling terror, lead to the resignation of the then Home Minister, Shivraj Patil and the then CM of Mumbai, Vilasrao Deshmukh.
Global Financial Crisis:
The financial crisis of 2008 was a destruction of reputation and unsparing in its treatment of the investors. The meltdown sent heavy shock waves across the world, with economy after economy ducking to save itself. India too felt the pain of plunging stock markets and double digits of inflation that made 2008 a year of financial crunch for one and all.
Floods wreak havoc:
The Kosi river, which gathers water for some of the world’s highest mountains, changed its course I n2008. Its fury struck Bihar leading to one of the worst floods inn Indian history. A breached embankment of the Kosi left thousands homeless.
Media under Scrutiny:
It was after the irresponsible coverage of cases like Aarushi Talwar’s murder, Mumbai terror attack that the media was criticized for its sensationalism and breach of privacy. The year 2008 definitely proved to be one of the most unethical and embarrassing year for the media fraternity.
Raj Thackeray v/s North Indians:
Raj Thackeray’s rhetoric against people from North India started in early 2008 and resulted in violence in different parts of Maharashtra through the year, even reaching to states like Bihar. Raj blamed North Indians in Maharashtra as the reason for shortage of jobs for Maharashtrians. The MNS chief also attacked Amitabh Bacchan questioning his loyalty to Mumbai. However, what Raj needs to learn is to rise above the petty politics of regionalism and to treat all as Indians.
Indian Hockey team’s debacle:
India failed to qualify for the Olympics in hockey for the first time in 80 years leaving the hockey fans in disdain. What followed was a spate of name calling regarding the dismal condition of Indian hockey but the loss was only of the game.

Chavvi Bakaria

Crystal-Gazing the year 2009:
Looking forward into 2009, there are many aspects we need to watch out for as a Nation. Firstly, there is a need to tackle the issue of terrorism by upgrading security enforcement throughout the nation. Also, those behind the heinous acts of terrorism should be brought to the book and for this we need cooperation from hostile neighbors like Pakistan.
Secondly, it is pertinent to see the role of new U.S. President Barack Obama assumes related to his policies in regards to South Asian countries especially India. A cordial Indo-U.S. relation can mark the beginning of a new era in the history of the two nations.
Thirdly, a restructuring of economy is an important issue that government needs to look into taking up new measure that favour a stable economy in the time to come.
Fourthly, on the issue of climate change, a global pact is to be negotiated by the end of 2009. India might come under pressure to take on some commitments to cut the emissions.
Fiifthly, following the irresponsible media coverage of Mumbai attacks, the government is planning to come up with a regulatory bill for emergency situations to control the media.
Sixthly, the completion of a five year term by the UPA brings us to the Lok Sabha elections of 2009.what remains to be seen is the electorate’s decision to whether go in for a change or to maintain the status quo.
Lastly, from the field of sports, in cricket the team India has to defend a T20 World title along with its growing reputation in June 2009. Also the tennis fans eagerly await the return of Sania Mirza to the tennis fore front after an injury-ridden 2008 that broke her stride.

Submitted By:
Chhavi Bakaria

2008-Terror strikes but laurels in other fields
The year 2008 started with the reporting of the Lashkar attack on a CRPF camp in Uttar Pradesh and ended with the attack on the most vibrant city of India, Mumbai in November followed by attacks in Guwahati. All the major cities– Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Agartala- were attacked by the terrorists. Adding to this were the insurgencies in Kashmir and the north-east. And by the time 2008 drew to a close, India had lost 434 people in terrorist attacks and in 1157 in insurgencies in north-east. Does this paragraph define 2008? YES… for lot many of the Indians it does.
Mumbai attacks tested and at the same time the patience of people of India as they had been witnessing these terror strikes from the last 11 months. It was also counted as the most horrible attack because the terrorists openly fired at the people on railway stations, roads and other public places. Probably, the noise from the side of citizen was louder because along with the poor this time, the rich and advantaged group of the society, the Marriot and The Taj Mahal hotels, came under attack and also the media played its role in informing and showing everything thus inviting ruckus on the type of coverage it had done.
Contiuous terrorist attacks in different parts of India really took the terrorism to its peak and made the government as well as people worried. The tension after Mumbai attacks has escalated to such heights that even the neighbouring countries started giving statements on terrorism in South –Asia. The relationship between Pakistan and India once again came to a situation of another war as India repeatedly alleged the involvement of the terrorists hiding in Pakistan and Pakistan denying it religiously. But all this worry may show some results as the government has taken steps to deal with terror including the formation of a committee to work out plan for National Investigation Agency (NIA). These attacks also made government more vigilant to become accountable and people like home minister Shivraj Patil and Mumbai Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh were made to resign.
Not only the terrorist attacks but a number of other unpleasant events disturbed the lives of people in 2008. Bihar floods in its river of Kosi cost a lot of lives in the region. Also the controversy over Amarnath Shrine Board in Jammu and Kashmir reminded the troubled times of 1980s. Riots in Orissa again witnessed the communal disharmony. Christians ran here and there to save their lives but finally the court judgment made them to stay in their camps and celebrate their most revered festival, Christmas.
Even on the political front situation did not remain calm. We for the first time saw bundles of slush money in the Lok Sabha during the Indo-US deal voting and the democratic set-up touched an all time low. This Indo-US deal also kept the future of the UPA government in tenterhooks as left parties threaten to withdraw the support from the center but SP party of Amar Singh came to UPA'S rescue and gave support from outside to the central government. Raj Thackeray's attack on non-mumbaikars hit the very idea of being an Indian. And surprise came when nor did the government neither the police come forward to stop his goons from killing poor people.
Economically India started the year with 10% plus growth rate but as the world economic crisis deepen the effect can easily seen in the Indian stock market. The Finance ministry is, time and again, coming forward to avert the crisis as it is taking steps like reducing the cash reserve ratio and which in turn reduces interest on loans. Inflation touched double digits in 2008, stock exchange hit its highest and lowest in 6 years and one million jobs were lost. But India seems to be quite safe as its markets are not totally open to global market forces. In sports also the picture remained dismissal to some extent. Indian hockey team remained unable to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time in 80 years. Harbhajan Singh, a famed cricketer slapped his colleague Sreesanth and created unwanted ruffle on the ground. Racial remarks from Australian team also kept the Indian team under pressure.
Despite all these fear factors the whole year round, this was the year when India gain international recognition. India got its first gold medal in Olympics when Abhinav Bindra from Chandigarh shot the Bull's eye. It also became the third country in the world to have a satellite to moon called Chandrayan and the signing of nuclear deal ended the 34 years of nuclear apartheid. English Indian writer Arvind Adiga bagged the Booker prize. In business,Ratan Tata launched the cheapest car,Nano.indian Premier League also got success in bringing together the big industries as well as passion of Indians, cricket and cinema.
In regional politics, 60% turnout in elections in Jammu and Kashmir proved that the people have accepted democracy in the valley. In elections in other regions, people voted for good governance. Shiela Dixit was elected the chief minister of Delhi for the third time in row. Mayawati, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a dalit leader made her intentions clear of becoming the prime minister on the basis of her new political strategy of social engineering. And at the centre we found the new leader in command as Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh showed that he has the power to control the government.
Media was criticized for its biased and sensational role. In cases like Aarushi murder case, it allegedly tried to act as a judge and proclaiming the father as the murderer. And only after two days it retraced its statement. The follow-ups in Nithari killings were not reported. The live telecast of Mumbai terror attack was called against national interest.
In entertainment industry, low budget films ruled the box-office. Films like Fashion by Madhu Bhandhkar and A Wednesday were greatly liked by the audience and were also critically acclaimed. However on television reality shows ruled the prime time. All kinds of celebrities were brought in dance and music shows. Other than the reel life, the real life of many actors grabbed much space in media. Kareena- Saif affair as well as Khans fights did rounds of media attention. This time even sportsman like cricketer Yuvraj Singh was projected as the lover of Deepika Padukone. Not to forget dinner offered by Bipasha Basu to boxer on winning during Olympics.
Internationally, India had a good change as all its neighbouring countries have adopted democracy as their form of government. Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan accepted democracy. Sri Lanka tried hard to put an end to LTTE activities.american presidential election also saw the ascent of Barack Obama who was half black and kept Hanuman's photo in his pocket.
After listing all the important events and happenings of the year, its time to weigh goods and bads. And it seems that though India won many acclaims internationally, it couldn't save its people from terrorist activities and the danger of economic crisis loomed large. Hence in 2009 people hope for security for the common man from all physical as well as economic attacks. Everyone hopes 2008 would not be a prologue to the great economic crisis. People and the government, both are eagerly waiting for the Lok Sabha elections this year after the little tense but successful completion of Congress led coalition. New Delhi, capital city of India is all ready for the preparations of commonwealth games. The new policies of Obama, the president of USA are also to be seen as projected that he mightl stop all the outsourcing to India. A lot is expected from the policies of youngest Chief Minister,Omar Abdullah, in Jammu and Kashmir and last but not the least, new guidelines for the live coverage by the media are also expected from the government but the media is in no mood to accept it as always.

Chhavi Garg
Roll No. -7
M.A.-I

Holocaust of 2009
1. Countering terror: - Terrorism has become a bane for the world. People should be responsible towards their country. Terrorists are not aware what they are doing and why. Everyone should know their duties whether it is police, politicians, citizens & journalists. Security measures should be more stringent.
2. Lok Sabha election: - There are a lot of chances for congress to remain in the reign. Eiection commission should be stricter during the election. It should be a fair & peaceful election. People need a govt which could take some appropriate decisions for the nation to develop.
3. Regulating media: - There is a big need to regulate the media. Govt should take some steps to regulate media so that they do not go against the rule. Media should be aware of their responsibilities & code of ethics. It is essential for society to have watchdog. Media should reports the facts not the gossips.
4. J&K Politics: - We are hoping for a peaceful and beautiful state under National Conference Party and Indian National Congress Party. Umar Abdulah is the youngest C.M. of J&K. He could be a boon for the state. So that J&K should become a peaceful heaven again for the people.
5. Relationship with neighbours:- the relationship with neighbouring countries should be enhanced. Business / Trade on the border be reopened. We should shine to make a good neighbourhood for us to live with.
6. Commonwealth games:- we should well prepare for the upcoming commonwealth games which will be host by Delhi in 2010. As we lack in excellence in sports, this time we could win more medals at home .

Chinder Pal singh

India as a whole simmered because of terrorism in 2008 with successive blasts in Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Assam and Mumbai among other places. A new group Indian Mujahideen questioning the extent to which a particular community, a group of youngsters is infuriated, being infected with destructive ideology so as to take hopeless resort to terrorism and bloodshed of the common people. It calls attention to what would future of India holds if a certain section of youngsters is bent upon taking the non-violent, non-human way of solving some ethical issue.
As if terror alone was not enough, the politics of hatred was smouldered by MNS chief Raj Thackeray. It’s a shame that in this age, such politicians were given heroic reception by the media and his non-sensical speech was covered for quite a long time. He was shunned later by some of the Bollywood stars and after the Mumbai blasts, by many more Indians. Amid all this furore was another instance of anti-Christian riots where many innocent Christians were killed and though the issue was debated, mollified, reduced in degrees, yet it remains a black spot on India’s face. If such politics will fair again and if such anti-human activities are allowed to flourish, I am worried about the adage ‘United We Stand’. May India stay united amidst all turmoil and futile attempts by anti-harmony ideologies.
Jammu and Kashmir was yet again divided along region, religion and various people with variety of ‘-isms’ to cash upon. The media left no nook or corner unexplained, yet no panel of experts could come up with tangible solutions to maintain the AND status of India’s northernmost state. People were killed, curfews were imposed, the state ad media might have to stand still for days at a stretch, but the state gave a thumbs-up to democracy in the assembly. Though they showed a strong adherence to religious inclinations, nonetheless it was a victory of democracy. And passing on the baton, the hopes lie with Omar Abdullah to give a peaceful solution to the riots flamed earlier to bridge the divide between the three regions of J & K. Insha Allah, it will again become the heaven on earth and not the proverbial hell for its inmates.
The global economy plummeted to alarming depths. The US economic crisis spiraled in the whole world and its impact was felt in India as well. With crude price soaring, the inflation was at abn almost all-time high. The prices of vegetables, pulses and everyday commoditiues increased, much beyond the reach of common man, Amis this, the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations gave a bright ray of hope to govt. servants with almost 20% increase in salries, perks and allowances. The Defence Forces got a larger piece of the cake and hopes to attract more people under its tutelage.
The Olympics came home happily with a gold medal in shooting by Abhinav Bindra, two silver medals in boxing. Though Sania Mirza could not play for a major part of the year, but she dressed up in tracks in the opening ceremony, defying the tradition of sarees. Olympics hopes are kept up by other sportpersons bringing laurels at international arenas. The hosts China bagged maximum number of medals and in spite of Tibet upsurge in later part of the year, the anti-Tibetian policies of China were ignored by-and-large and it played the perfect host during the Olympics and didn’t let any “untowardly incident” to become known. Though the French and US Presidents gave hints of not attending the opening ceremony and Condolezza Rice was out there to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the debate died out soon and if they are still on there is almost nothing known about them. In this day and age, I hope Tibet gets autonomy and all anti-human practices should come to an end.
Miss India Parvathy Omnakuttam became the runner–up in Miss World contest in South Africa, though she was reported to challenge judges’ decision which she later denied. A model Tata Nano was exhibited in auto show but the one-lakh car has been the centre of controversies in Singur in West Bengal. It began the corporate world voicing their opposition to such practices and reacted in harsh manner towards the state. The Tatas moved their production site to Gujarat with smiling welcome by Narender Modi. The courts have recognised live-in relationships and the girl will now enjoy the privileges similar to that of a wife. Homosexual are gearing up for social recognition and countries like US and England have already legalised it, I think that India should also drop it’s hypocrisy and baseless arguments and should guarantee people freedom to enjoy their personal preferences and lifestyle.
Arvinda Adiga won the Booker Prize for his first novel ‘The White Tiger’. India performed well in cricket and Saina Nehwal and Som Devverman are the new stars at the courts of badminton and tennis, respectively. The Bollywood saw a slowdown but regained its sheen with super-starrer movies Rab ne bana di jodi and Ghajini. Small-budget movies like Rock On!!! and A Wednesday carried on the tradition of previous year of making money and earning critical acclaim. Barak Obama became the first Afro-American President after cut-throat competition. He brought a ray of hope with his dictum “Yes!We Can!”. May he fulfills the promises made and Indo-US nuclear deal turns into a tangible reality. India launched Chandrayan, its mission to moon, being the third country to do so.
The year 2009 began with hopes of economic restructuring, fall in petrol prices and regulations on media regarding the live coverage during the crisis after disappointing coverage of operation of the NSG during the Mumbai blasts. National parties are gearing up for upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The slow preparations for Commonwealth games will postpone them. The Satyam fiasco brought in focus the arrears in accounts and fallacy which had a negative impact on sensex. WE HOPE FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY, LESSER CRIME, MORE UNITY AND PEACE.
By: DEEPTI

LE PASSÉ AND LE FUTURE
The year 2008 saw both the good and the bad, the expected and the unexpected. There were events that made us proud and those that horrified us. Here is a look at some of the important happenings of 2008.
Nuclear Deal: 2008 saw the end of India's nuclear apartheid as India secured a clean waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at Vienna that legalised nuclear trade with India. US President George W Bush secured the waiver for India following which India signed nuclear co-operation treaties with France, USA and Russia.
Lunar mission: India became the fifth entity in the world to plant her flag on the moon and claim a part of lunar legacy when India's mission to the moon Chandrayaan's lunar impact probe touched down on the lunar surface on 14th November.
Olympic medals: The Beijing Olympics from 6th to 24th August 2008, saw India manage its best ever and end a distant 50th with One Gold and Two Bronze Medals with Abhinav Bindra bringing home the country's first ever individual Gold Medal.
First Black President: It was a historical moment for the US and the world when for the first time America selected an African-American as its president- Obama. The elections of the 44th president of the United States were held on November 4, 2008, with Democrat Barack Obama winning over Republican John McCain.
Nano launched: Tata Motors had brought revolution in the car industry, by launching the Tata Nano - People's Car priced at Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano is all set to fulfill the dreams of millions who could not afford to buy a car because of high prices.
The IPL and ICL: India, where cricket is worshipped as a religion and cricketers as gods, witnessed the biggest IPL(Indian Premier League) and ICL(Indian Cricket League) extravaganza this year. Cricketers were sold to the teams like commodities.
Sixth Pay Commission Report: The UPA government turned more generous than what the Sixth Pay Commission recommended for the government employees. Over 55 lakh Central government employees benefited from the unprecedented pay hike.
Elections in J&K: ignoring calls from separatists, people came in large numbers to vote in J&K. the six month long Governor’s rule has finally ended. Omar Abdullah has been elected as the Chief Minister and the hopes of the people of the state are pinned on him.
The year 2008 was also marred by unfortunate events. They are as follows:
Global Economic Crisis: Year 2008 will also be remembered for the biggest stock market crash. The global share market crash started from September 2008, which is still going on and created a huge financial problem through out the world. US became the first victim and then almost every country was affected.
Mumbai terror attack: On 26th November, India and Mumbai witnessed one of her's worst terror attacks when 10 Pakistani terrorists held the city to hostage raining bullets virtually unchallenged. It took 60 hours of NSG, Marcos and Indian Army action to flush out the terrorists from the Hotel Taj, Hotel Trident and Nariman House.
Indian Hockey Team fails to qualify for Olympics: For the first time since 1928, India failed to secure an Olympic berth, when they went down tamely to Great Britain in the Olympic Hockey qualifier final.
Arushi Murder Case: Arushi Talwar murder case became the biggest-ever murder mystery in India. The 14-year-old Arushi and her servant Hemraj were brutally murdered. Her father Rajesh Talwar was arrested on the charges of her murder. The CBI later arrested servants Krisha, Rajkumar and Vijay Mandal. In the end, all accused got bail and the case met a dead end.
Raj Thackery and MNS hold Maharashtra to ransom: Raj Thackery and his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) drew flak for their divisive politics and tirade against North Indians.
Amarnath Land Row and Trouble in J&K: The Amarnath land transfer issue rocked Jammu & Kashmir and created a wide divide between people in Jammu and Kashmir on religious and regional lines. The row triggered the fall of Congress-PDP government in the state.
Food crisis: Millions more of the world's most vulnerable people are facing starvation as food shortages loom and crop prices spiral ever upwards. And for the first time in history, say experts, the impact is spreading from the developing to the developed world.
Turbulence in the neighbourhood: the year saw instability in Pakistan even though democracy was restored in the country. There was a strain in relations with Sri Lanka because of the LTTE. Porous borders with Bangladesh and Nepal also served as a nuisance. Chinese incursions at the border affected our relations with the neighbour.
Though the year 2008 was marred by the economic slowdown and the terrorist attacks that killed hundreds of innocent people in several parts of India, especially the gruesome November 26 attack on Mumbai and India could not escape the fall-out of the economic recession that has gripped the US and Europe and the record hike in crude oil prices, resulting in high inflation that crossed 12% and the steep fall in the stock market, there is a lot to look forward to in 2009.
Anti terror mechanism: The bill for introducing a stringent terror law and a plan for the setting up of a central investigation agency) was placed in the Parliament recently. Having repealed POTA, some of its provisions have been incorporated in the Act. The law, hopefully, when it comes into force will provide resistance against terrorism.
Improving bilateral ties with the neighbours: India is looking forward to dismantling the existing barriers between South Asian countries. The Commonwealth will provide ground for that.
Call to regulate media coverage: With many berating the "unbridled" and at times "reckless" reportage during 26\11, the question being asked is whether there should be a mechanism to regulate live coverage of such situations that impact on national security.
Lok sabha elections: the Lok Sabha elections will be held in April-May in 2009 as the UPA will complete its 5-year term.
The Economy and infrastructure: 2009 will be a testing year for the economy. Hopefully, the fall in oil prices and higher interest rates will reduce inflation without causing too much of a slowdown. After falling in 2008, the Sensex could offer one of the best returns for global stockmarkets. Also, plans have been laid out to improve the existing infrastructure.
Preparation for commonwealth: The year will witness intense preparation for the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2010. This is the first time the Commonwealth Games will be held in India, which will be the third developing country to host the event.
Hence after the mixed set of positives and negatives in the past year, we are ever hopeful in the New Year.


Submitted by
DIVYA JYOTI RANDEV
MMC 1
ROLL NO-1O


Looking back and looking forward
India and US work on nuclear deal A top US official has held talks in India to push forward a landmark nuclear deal between the two countries. US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns met Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran in Delhi.In July, India and the United States agreed to co-operate in civilian nuclear energy programmes.It was a boost for India, which has not signed the non-proliferation treaty. In return, Delhi agreed to separate civilian and military facilities. It also said it would place the former under International Atomic Energy Agency norms. Under the agreement, US companies will be allowed to build nuclear power plants in India, and also supply fuel for nuclear reactors.Under the agreement, US companies will be allowed to build nuclear power plants in India, and also supply fuel for nuclear reactors.But differences still remain between the two sides, particularly on the steps India needs to take before the deal is passed before the US Congress.
Chandrayaan-1, is India's first mission to the moon launched by India's national space agency the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The unmanned lunar exploration mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft by a modified version of the PSLV C11 on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh about 80 km north of Chennai at 06:22 IST. The mission is a major boost to India's space program, as India joins Asian nations China and Japan in exploring the Moon. The vehicle was successfully inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008.On November 14, 2008, the Moon Impact Probe successfully separated from the moon-orbiting Chandrayaan at 20:06 and descended towards the lunar south pole in a controlled manner making India the fourth country to land its flag on the Moon.
The Tata Nano is a proposed city car — a small, affordable, rear-engined, four-passenger car aimed primarily at the Indian market — first presented by India's Tata Motors at the 9th annual Auto Expo on January 10, 2008, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India. Tata targets the vehicle as the least expensive production car in the world — aiming for a starting price of 100,000 rupees or approximately $2000 US. Newsweek identifies the Nano as a part of a "new breed of 21st-century cars" that embody "a contrarian philosophy of smaller, lighter, cheaper" and portend a new era in inexpensive personal transportation — and potentially, "global gridlock".
India at the 2008 Summer Olympics
India competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, People's Republic of China. A contingent of 56 athletes represented India, and they had a support-staff of 42 officials. The athletics contingent was the largest, with 16 athletes. On August 11, 2008, Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in the men's 10m air rifle shooting event. In doing so, he won the first ever individual gold medal for India, and the first medal in any event for India at the Beijing Games The 2008 Beijing Olympics saw the best ever performance by an Indian contingent, in terms of the number of medals. They won three medals in all (one gold and two bronze medals.
Black U.S. President
Barack Hussein Obama (born August 4, 1961) is the President-elect of the United States of America, and the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Obama was the junior United States Senator from Illinois from January 3, 2005 until his resignation on November 16, 2008, following his election to the Presidency. His term of office as the forty-fourth U.S. president will begin on January 20, 2009. He also taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. Following an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, Obama was elected to the Senate in November 2004. Obama delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in July 2004.
Sixth Central Pay Commission
The Sixth Central Pay commission was set up by Union Cabinet of India on October 5, 2006 for revising the salaries of central government's employees. The commission was set up under Justice B.N.Srikrishna with a time-frame of 18 months. Other members were Prof. Ravindra Dholakia, Mr. J.S.Mathur and Member-Secretary Smt. Sushama Nath.Report of Sixth Central Pay Commission was submitted to Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, now Home Minister, by Justice B. N. Srikrishna on March 24, 2008. The cabinet has approved sixth pay commission recommendations with some modifications on 14th august.Revised pay will be implemented with effect from 01.01.2006 and allowances will be paid with effect from 01.09.2008
Jammu and Kashmir state assembly elections, 2008
Elections for the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir were held over seven days in November and December 2008. Following the election, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) agreed a coalition with Congress and their leader, Omar Abdullah became the state's youngest ever Chief Minister at 38.
Reservation in India
The central government of India reserves 27% of higher education, Reservation in most states is capped at a maximum of 50%, but certain Indian states like Rajasthan have proposed a 68 % reservation which ironically includes a 14% reservation for forward castes.
2007-Supreme Court give stayed on OBC reservation in Central Government Educational Institutions.
2008—The Supreme Court of India on April 10 2008, upheld the Government's move for initiating 27% OBC quotas in Government funded institutions. The Court has categorically reiterated its prior stand that "Creamy Layer" should be excluded from the ambit of reservation policy. The Supreme Court avoided answering the question whether reservations can be made in private institutions, stating that the question will be decided only as and when a law is made making reservations in private institutions. The verdict produced mixed reactions from supporting and opposing quarters.
The Kosi River, called Koshi in Nepal, is a transboundary river between Nepal and India, and is one of the largest tributaries of the Ganges.
On 18 August 2008, the Kosi river picked up an old channel it had abandoned over 100 years ago near the border with Nepal and India. Approximately 2.7 million people were reported affected as the river broke its embankment. It has not been possible to assess the magnitude of deaths or destruction, because the affected areas are totally inaccessible.150 persons are reported to have been washed away in a single incident.The fury of the Kosi river left at least 2.5 million people marooned in eight districts of Bihar and inundated 650 km². The prime Minister of India declared it a national calamity. It is reported as the worst flood in the area in 50 years.
The global financial crisis of 2008–2009 is an ongoing major financial crisis. It became prominently visible in September 2008 with the failure, merger or conservatorship of several large United States-based financial firms. Beginning with failures of large financial institutions in the United States, it rapidly evolved into a global crisis. The crisis was triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis and is an acute phase of the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
Nearly 80 killed in multiple Mumbai blasts
MUMBAI (AFP) — Nearly 80 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai late Wednesday, as heavily armed Islamist militants hit two luxury hotels and took foreign guests hostage
.A group calling itself the "Deccan Mujahedeen"claimed responsibility for the assaults on the landmark Taj Mahal and Trident hotels in the south of the city and a number of shooting and bombing incidents elsewhere in the city.The focus of the coordinated assaults was the two upscale hotels, with gunmen taking an unknown number of foreign guests hostage and exchanging fire with anti-terrorist commando units.Mumbai's Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare was killed in one of the shootouts.Naval commandos stormed the Taj in the early hours of Thursday morning,apparently leading to the release of some guests inside, with television footage showing people being shepherded out of the building.Shortly afterwards, the upper floors of the landmark hotel became engulfed in flames and huge plumes of smoke billowed out from its distinctive red dome. Elsewhere, firing was also reported at Cama Hospital in south Mumbai, and three people were reported killed in what police called a "bomb blast" in a taxi in the southeast of the city.
Global economic crisis could hit remittances sector hard
The local remittance sector is bracing itself for what could be “a hard knock” arising out of the unfolding crisis in the United States economy and the slowdown in the remittance rate to Guyana could begin to impact significantly in as little as two weeks time.The local business community has good reason to be concerned over the unfolding global market meltdown that now appears more ominous in the face of the rejection of the United States House of Representatives of a US$700 billion bailout that would have allowed the US Treasury to finance the purchase of bad mortgage debt from struggling commercial banks, Chintamani told Stabroek Business.
Noida double murder case
On the morning of May 16, 2008, Aarushi Talwar (May 24, 1993 - May 15, 2008), the 14-year-old daughter of a successful dentist couple, was found dead with her throat slit in her parents' home at Jalvayu Vihar in Noida, a posh suburb of Delhi. Suspicion immediately fell on the family's live-in man-servant, Yam Prasad Banjade alias Hemraj, a 45-yr-old Nepalese national, who was found missing from the home. Immediately declaring Hemraj as prime suspect, the Noida police announced a reward for information leading to Hemraj's apprehension and arrest. In addition, a police party was dispatched to his hometown in Nepal, in hopes of apprehending him there.
Religious violence in Orissa
Religious violence in Orissa has surfaced repeatedly in recent times, increasing in severity. These outbreaks have been between the Hindu and Christian communities, with Christians suffering from the greater part of the violence. According to All India Christian Council, the 2008 violence affected in 14 districts out of of 30 and 300 Villages, 4,400 Houses burnt, 50,000 Homeless, 59 People killed including at least 2 pastors, 10 Priests/Pastors/Nuns injured, 18,000 Men, women, children injured, 2 women gang-raped including a nun, 151 Churches destroyed and 13 Schools and colleges damaged. The violence targeted Christians in 310 villages, with 4,104 homes torched. More than 18,000 were injured and 50,000 displaced and homes continued to burn in many villages.
India and the global food crisis
The years 2007–2008 saw dramatic rises in world food prices, creating a global crisis and causing political and economical instability and social unrest in both poor and developed nations.Oil prices further heightened the costs of fertilizers, food transport, and industrial agriculture. Other causes may be the increasing use of biofuels in developed countries and an increasing demand for a more varied diet (especially meat) across the expanding middle-class populations of Asia.As of 2009, food prices have fallen significantly from their earlier highs, although some observers believe this decrease may be temporary.
Raj Thackeray
Raj Thackeray is the founder and president of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (Maharashtra Renaissance Army), which is a regional party in the state of Maharashtra in India. He is the nephew of former Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, and cousin of current Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.In February 2008 Raj Thackeray led MNS in an andolan against North Indian "dadagiri". At a rally at Shivaji Park, Raj warned if the dadagiri of north Indians in Mumbai and Maharashtra continued, he would be compelled to make them leave the metropolis.] Raj was arrested for his speeches and actions.
September 16, 2008 Somalia
The Action of 16 September 2008 was a military operation conducted by France to retake the Carre d'As, a yacht which had been captured by Somali pirates on September 2, 2008.
2009
Indian general election, 2009
India will hold general elections to the 15th Lok Sabha by May 2009.
Elections in India for the Lok Sabha will take place by May 2009. India's Chief Election Commissioner, N. Gopalaswami, stated on December 28th, 2008, that he expects elections to be held between April and May of 2009. He attributed this schedule to the examination period from February to March, making polling places unavailable.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in Delhi, India between 3 October and 14 October 2010. With a population of over 15 million, Delhi is one of the largest cities in the world. This will be the largest multi-sport event conducted to date in Delhi and India generally, which has previously hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.This is the first time the Commonwealth Games will be held in India.In January 2005, the Commonwealth Games Federation vice-president Randhir Singh expressed concern that Delhi was behind schedule in forming an organising committee. On 18 January 2008, however, the Commonwealth Games Federation expressed its approval of Delhi's progress.
Response towards terrorism
India is taking up a lot of activities for countering terrorism.These will include re-alignments of the political spectrum and reassessments of fundamental values. Specific types of responses include:
• Targeted laws, criminal procedures, deportations, and enhanced police powers
• Target hardening, such as locking doors or adding traffic barriers
• Pre-emptive or reactive military action
• Increased intelligence and surveillance activities
India is also going to take up a lot of activities for restructuring economy and also for regulating media in 2009.It is going to take up a lot of activities for the improvement of infrastructure and improving diplomatic relations with neighbours.
DIVYA VIG

2008 was a year which was a mixture of achievements,improvements and killings too...we cannot deny to the fact that some major changes in world scenario were indicated in 2008...starting from losses that we had to face during this year the first chiefly being AARUSHI MURDER CASE.On the morning of May 16, 2008, Aarushi Talwar (May 24, 1993 - May 15, 2008), the 14-year-old daughter of a successful dentist couple, was found dead with her throat slit in her parents' home at Jalvayu Vihar in Noida, a posh suburb of Delhi. Suspicion immediately fell on the family's live-in man-servant, Yam Prasad Banjade alias Hemraj, a 45-yr-old Nepalese national, who was found missing from the home.
A post-mortem was conducted on Aarushi's body on May 17, 2008 after which it was cremated. Her parents took her ashes to the holy city of Haridwar. A retired Noida police officer, happened to visit the Talwars' home to express his condolences, and during his visit, detected blood stains on the stairs leading to the terrace of the flat. Following the trail of blood, Noida police detected the dead body of the missing domestic help, Hemraj, on the terrace. the police finally arrested Dr. Rajesh Talwar, the father of the deceased girl, on May 23, 2008,The Central Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation into the murders of Aarushi and Hemraj on June 1, 2008, forming a 25-member team in an resolute attempt to crack the case. In addition, the deputation of CBI officer Arun Kumar, formerly a member of the Uttar Pradesh Police, who was in charge of the investigation also ended in July, 2008.
Another major happening was the KOSI FLOOD.A human tragedy of unparalleled dimensions unleashed itself on millions residing in the 7 North Bihar Districts of Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnia, Khagaria and Katihar due to a breach in the in the eastern Kosi embankment upstream of the Indian border at Kushaha in neighbouring Nepal on the 18th of August, 2008. Following the breach, River Kosi, often referred to as the "sorrow of Bihar", picked up a channel it had abandoned over 200 years ago, drowning towns and numerous villages coming in the way of its newly acquired course, affecting more than 3 million people.
The FINANCIAL CRISIS 2007-2009, initially referred to in the media as a "credit crunch" or "credit crisis", began in July 2007when a loss of confidence by investors in the value of securitized mortgages in the United States resulted in a liquidity crisis that prompted a substantial injection of capital into financial markets by the United States Federal Reserve, Bank of England and the European Central Ban.The TED spread, an indicator of perceived credit risk in the general economy, spiked up in July 2007, remained volatile for a year, then spiked even higher in September 2008, reaching a record 4.65% on October 10, 2008. The World Bank reports that GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS rose 83% over the last three years and the FAO cites a 45% increase in their world food price index during just the past nine months. The Economist's comparable index stands at its highest point since it was originally formulated in 1845. As of March 2008, average world wheat prices were 130% above their level a year earlier, soy prices were 87% higher, rice had climbed 74%, and maize was up 31%.
THE 2008 ATTACKS ON NORTH INDIANS IN MAHARASTRA began on February 3, 2008 after violent clashes between workers of two political parties--Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Samajwadi Party (SP)--at Dadar in Mumbai, capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The clashes took place when workers of MNS, a splinter faction formed out of the Shiv Sena (a major political party of Maharashtra), tried to attack workers of SP, the regional party based in Uttar Pradesh, , Catproceeding to attend a rally organised by the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA).but caholic, Protestant, Pentecostal, and Independent were burned in Barakhamba village, Kandhamal district, central Orissa. December 23, 2007: Hindutva (Hindu supremacist ideology) affiliated Adivasi (tribal) organizations organized a march, rallying, "Stop Christianity; Kill Christians".A Dalit (formerly "untouchable" groups) Christian leader testified, "We went to the local police and informed them of the situation. They assured us that things would be under control. On December 24, we heard voices of Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shiv Sena people, chanting, 'Hindu, Hindu, Bhai, Bhai'; 'RSS Zindabad'; 'Lakshmanananda Zindabad.' They shut down shops. That night they felled trees to block roads, severed power and phone lines.
But the biggest threat that our country had to face was the mumbai blastsSeven churches The 2008 Mumbai attacks were a series of ten coordinated terrorist attacks across Mumbai, India's financial capital and its largest city. The attacks, carried out by a Pakistan-based using automatic weapons and grenades, began on 26 November 2008 and ended on 29 November 2008.At least 173 people were killed and at least 308 were injured in the attacks.
Eight of the attacks occurred in South Mumbai: at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, the Orthodox Jewish-owned Nariman House,the Metro Cinema, and a lane behind the Times of India building behind st xaviers church.
TATA GROUP SHOULD BE CREDITED TO THE FACT OF INRODUCING TATA
NANO...The Tata Nano is a proposed city car -- a small, affordable, rear-engined, four-passenger car aimed primarily at the Indian market -- first presented by India's Tata Motors at the 9th annual Auto Expo on January 10, 2008, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India.[4]
Tata targets the vehicle as the least expensive production car in the world aiming for a starting price of rs 100000.
Barack Hussein Obama II (pronounced /bəˈrɑːk hʊˈseɪn oʊˈbɑːmə/; born August 4, 1961) is the President-elect of the United States of America, and the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Obama was the junior United States Senator from Illinois from January 3, 2005 until his resignation on November 16, 2008, following his election to the Presidency. His term of office as the forty-fourth U.S. president will begin on January 20,2009.
The Sixth Central Pay commission was set up by Union Cabinet of India on October 5, 2006 for revising the salaries of central government's employees. The commission was set up under Justice B.N.Srikrishna with a time-frame of 18 months. Other members were Prof. Ravindra Dholakia, Mr. J.S.Mathur and Member-Secretary Smt. Sushama Nath.
Chandrayaan-1, (Sanskrit: चंद्रयान-१, lit: Moon-vehicle is India's first mission to the moon launched by India's national space agency the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The unmanned lunar exploration mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft by a modified version of the on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh about 80 km north of Chennai at 06:22 IST (00:52 UTC).The mission is a major boost to India's space program, as India joins Asian nations China and Japan in exploring the Moon. The vehicle was successfully inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008.
THE JAMMU KASHMIR ELECTIONS WAS ANOTHER CHIEF EVENT IN THIS YEAR .Elections for the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir were held over seven days in November and December 2008. The previous government led by the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) in coalition with the Indian National Congress (INC) collapsed when the PDP withdrew. Following the election, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) agreed a coalition with Congress and their leader, Omar Abdullah became the state's youngest ever Chief Minister at 38.2008 WAS ALSO SPECIAL FOR THE FACT THAT IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT INDIA WON GOLD MEDAL IN BEIJING OLYMPICS,NEW DELHI -- India's interest in the Olympics took a dramatic turn Monday, with the country bagging its first individual gold medal, courtesy of shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won in the 10-meter men's air rifle event on 12 august,2008.Bindra has been showered with cash prizes from sports and government bodies totaling more than $500,000, and with more lucrative sponsorship deals in the pipeline, commercial interest in the Olympics could spike here.
COUNTER-TERRORISM refers to the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments. Not all insurgents use terror as a tactic, and some choose not to use it because other tactics work better for them in a particular context. Individuals, such as Timothy McVeigh, may also engage in terrorist acts such as the Oklahoma City bombing.Efforts are also being made in RESTRUCTING ECONOMY.what the world faced in 2008 i.e.shortage of food and crash of share market.Government has come into its functioning.satyam scam is result of strictness by government that it has been unfolded.elections are expected this year.united progressive alliance following august 2008 confidence vote victory for the current government ,a statement by sonia gandhi has caused speculation that prime minister manmohan singh would be projected as the prime ministerial candidate in the next electionsmajority.BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE is the chief aim of this year which might improve traderelations of countries .Steps are being taken to keep a check on the functioning of media to improve its quality output.Commonwealth games are scheduled to be held between 3rd and 14th october 2009.Overall 2009 is expected to be a year full of activities and changes to make it a memorable one.
ESHA NAYYAR

Current Affairs
Assignment – I


Looking Back And Beyond
“2008 was one of the worst years in the history of world’s largest democracy.” This was the most common statement which appeared almost in every publication as we say good bye to the departing year.
If on one hand we won our first individual Olympics gold medal on the other we faced the worst terrorist attack by Islamic extremist on Indian soil.
First One: Nuclear Deal.
Indo-US Nuclear Deal has for the first time proved that national welfare has more value than the political selfishness. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was so keen to pass this bill that he never considered about his own government. Later he got the support of the Parliament too. Finally India got the strong friendship of United States. India got the inclusion in the N-Club along with the regular energy supply.
Second One: Mumbai Terror.
New form of worldwide terror, 26/11 strikes to India in Mumbai. Despite providing lots of proof of the involvement of the Pakistani based terrorists organization’s hand behind this attack, Pakistan is not at all agreeing to the claim of the Indian Government. Year 2008 provided some big hole in the security system of the nation, Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Delhi, Guwahati and then Mumbai taught some lesson to the security forces. People from different states came together and forced to the government to take some serious step against terrorism and to change the attitude.
Third: India on Moon.
Indian scientists got the huge success of the accomplishment of the mission moon. The cheapest and the best mission to the moon were named as Chandayaan I. This established India into the super powers of the world. India is now ready to provide the cheaper space program to other countries too, and ISRO is planning to launch the manned mission to the Moon very soon.
Fourth: Aarushi Murder Case.
One sad incident of the murder of Aarushi in her own house despite the presence of her parents in the house in Noida is still unsolved. This murder case got the biggest attention of the media; still CBI is unable to solve the case.
Fifth: Assembly Elections.
Termed as the Semi-Final of the parliamentary elections which is scheduled in the year 2009, the assembly elections in Manipur, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir proofed that Democracy is the back bone of the country. People came out to vote even despite the “Boycott” of the elections by some unwanted forces in J&K. Performance of the governments became the major criteria during these elections.
Sixth: Flood in Bihar.
The development of the Bihar Government during last four years was washed away in the flood. The problem was not so much tragic as the situation was. Attitude of the people caused more problems to the people who suffered during the flood situation. We need to change our system to tackle the situation.
Seventh: Fall of the Share Market.
The impact of the global market fall was so big that it reached to the Mumbai Stock Exchange too. Sensex falls deeply and this caused affect on the job sector too. Real Estate, Aviation, became the victim of the slow down. Finally India is thinking about how to recover from this impact.
Eight: First Individual Gold Medal in Olympics.
The biggest dream of India came true this year. Abhinav Bindra clinched first ever individual Olympic gold medal for India in the men’s 10m air rifle shooting. Other than him, Vijendra Kumar and Sushil Kumar too came up with medals and India is now taking the other sports (other than cricket) seriously. Jitender Kumar too won the heart of the fans.
My hopes from 2009:-
• India will become the Richest Countries In the times to come. More & More People Will Become Millionaires & Billionaires.
• Western Countries Will Suffer with Great Natural Disasters, Extreme Temperatures, Famines, Fires, Tornadoes, Twisters, Extreme Heat & Cold waves which will cause massive toll on life & property.
• Politicians of India will do everything to remain in power & will attempt to Quietly Destroy democratic institutions of India.
• Pakistan will continue to be the Biggest Terrorist Countries & Country Spreading Islamic Extremism In The world Supported by America, Britain, China, Saudi Arabia & some Other Nations.
• UPA & Congress will become unpopular with the public & will lose most of the elections in the times to come.
• Pakistan & China will continue to be great threat to India & Will be Jealous of India’s Progress.
• 21st century is being considered an Asian century, media is expected to be socially responsible and regain its credibility. Self regulation and professional ethics should become the sport pillars of media. It should understand its role in generating awareness and the bridge builder among nations and people.
• Better internal security system and paramilitary forces should be placed.
The media is not seen only as a provider of background but as contributing to a nation’s intellectual vibrancy as stated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.



Submitted By:-
Harjit Walia


1. Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano - People's Car launched

Tata Motors had brought revolution in the car industry, by launching the Tata Nano - People's Car. The Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano is all set to fulfill the dreams of millions who could not afford to buy a car because of high prices constant opposition from Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee in Singur.

2. Union Railway Budget 2008

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav presented his dream Railway Budget 2008, by announcing an unprecedented fare cut in all AC and Sleeper Class tickets. Lalu is credited for turning around the fortunes of Indian Railways. Although he failed as the Chief Minister of Bihar, he proved his mettle as the Union Railway Minister.

3. Union Budget 2008 - A People's Budget

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram satisfied all classes in his Budget 2008 and left the opposition speechless. There was nothing that could be criticized. The Union Budget 2008 turned to be a "Election Budget" with all major announcements directly benefiting the farmers, women, minorities, SCs and STs.

4. Sixth Pay Commission Report - Huge Cash Bonanza for Govt. Employees

The UPA government turned more generous than what the Sixth Pay Commission recommended for the government employees. Over 55 lakh Central government employees benefited from the unprecedented pay hike.

5. Gujjar Agitation in Rajasthan

The Gujjars led by Col. Bainsla brought the Rajasthan government to its knees. More than 50 people died in the violence that continued in Rajasthan for several weeks. The Gujjars finally relented after the Rajasthan government agreed to a 5% special quota for their community. However, that did not go well with the Meenas.

The Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan was trapped between the Gujjars and Meenas and could not win the trust of either community. That spelled the disaster for the party, as it lost the assembly elections held in November. Ashok Gehlot-led Congress returned to power in Rajasthan, riding on the anti-Vasundhara Raje wave.


6. Raj Thackery and MNS hold Maharashtra to ransom

Raj Thackery and his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) drew flak for their divisive politics and tirade against North Indians including superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Raj Thackeray and his party turned against the Biharis and UP residents. Raj's call of "Marathi Manoos" polarized a sizeable number of Marathi people, who came out in his support.

7. Amarnath Land Row and Trouble in J&K

The Amarnath land transfer issue rocked Jammu & Kashmir and created a wide divide between people in Jammu and Kashmir on religious and regional lines. Hundreds of people died and many injured, as the violence continued for over a month. The Amarnath land row triggered the fall of Congress-PDP government in the state.


8. River Kosi changes course, Bihar Floods play Havoc

Nearly 15 lakh people marooned in 15 districts in flood-hit Bihar, after river Kosi changed its course after 300 years. Over 200 people died and millions rendered homeless. The impact of the floods was so severe that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh declared the Bihar floods as a "National Calamity" and announced Rs. 1,000 crore relief in addition to other assistance.

Even Britain provided an assistance of Rs. 1.2 crore for the flood victims in Bihar. Nepal, which was indirectly responsible for the Kosi fiasco, apologized and promised to strengthen the Kosi river embankment.


9. Abhinav Bindra, Sushil Kumar and Vijender win Olympic Medals

Abhinav Bindra won the first-ever individual gold medal for the country in Olympic Games. He won the gold medal at Beijing Olympics in the 10m Air Rifle event. Sushil Kumar won a bronze medal in 66kg Freestyle Wrestling, while Vijender Kumar won a bronze medal in the 75kg Middleweight category boxing. For the first time in Olympic history, India returned with three individual medals.




10. India, US sign Nuclear Deal

India and the USA signed the historic 123 Agreement in Washington. The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and India's External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee signed the agreement. With this the operationalisation of the Indo-US nuclear deal formally began.

The Indo-US nuclear deal ended India's nuclear isolation. The main goal of the Indo-US nuclear deal is to enhance civil nuclear cooperation and trade between India and the US.

11. Mumbai Terror Attacks - 26/11

Although the year 2008 witnessed many terror attacks in the country, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks shook the nation and led to a massive outrage. 10 terrorists backed by Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Toiba, attacked CST, Nariman House, Hotel Trident Oberoi and Hotel Taj in Mumbai. They held the city to ransom for 60 hours.
The ATS, NSG, Marine Commandos and other policemen fought hard to flush out the terrorists and save Mumbai. It took longer, as the terrorists had kept over 300 people as hostages. In total, 183 people were killed and over 300 were injured.

At least 18 brave policmen and NSG commandso became martyr in the attack. They included former ATS chief Hemant Karkare and NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The security personnel killed 9 terrorists, while one terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab, a resident of Faridkot, Pakistan, was caught alive.

India stepped up diplmatic pressure on Pakistan and gained support from the globa community aftermath Mumbai terror attacks. At least 23 foreigners were killed in the terror attacks in Mumbai.

12. Stock Market Crash in India

The year 2008 brought bad luck for the investors, as the global meltdown took its toll on Indian stock market. The BSE Sensex, which had touched 22k mark, fell down over the past few months to trade below 9k and then recovered in December to touch 10k mark again.

The government and RBI had a tough time in dealing with the situation. Thousands of crores of money were pumped in to boost the market. The RBI took several measures like cutting the repo rate, reverse repo rate and CRR. Investors lost crores of rupees and went bankrupt. There were reports of many suicide cases, where people could not take the pain and ended their lives.

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13. UPA Govt. passes New Terror Bills

The UPA government, under pressure to act tough against the terrorists and the menace of terrorism, brought two new bills in the Parliament. The opposition also supported the bills. The Parliament witnessed a rare unity of all political parties to tackle terrorism.

The National Investigating Agency (NIA) Bill 2008, was passed by the Parliament. The Parliament also passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Bill , which has made several amendments to the existing law.

14 US to get its first black President Obama
Washington, January 19 2009: Barack Hussein Obama will make history when he is inaugurated as the first black-American President tomorrow, riding a wave of popularity but facing daunting challenges and huge expectations both at home and abroad that he will herald a change in the United States.

The charismatic 47-year-old former community organiser who has risen to the world's most powerful post will have his task cut out to bail out America from the worst financial crisis in decades and to carve a new path on the foreign policy front ensuring a clean break from the disastrous Bush regime policies of the past eight years
15 Elections in Nepal.
The 2008 Constituent Assembly election transitioned Nepal from a monarchy to a parliamentary republic and gave an overwhelming victory to the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), ostensibly ending the protracted civil war. Although acts of violence occurred during the pre-electoral period, election observers noted the elections themselves were markedly peaceful and “well-carried out."[1]
16 Bihar flood 2008
Report from visit to Kosi flood affected Murliganj Block of Madhepura Dist. in Bihar on 31st October and 1st November, 2008
Mahendra Yadav and his team of Asha Parivar is stationed in Babhangama, 15 kms. from Muraliganj Block headquarters of Madhepura Dist. of Bihar for over two months now to carry out relief operations and help people access relief from government schemes. Muraliganj is 80 kms. from Katihar railway station.
The salient points that emerged from my meeting with Asha Parivar and NAPM volunteers as well as from interaction with flood victims during a open debate organized by Mahendra on 1st November, 2008 at Muraliganj which was attended by 600-700 people are:
17 Sri lanka about to finish the tamil tigers
Sri Lankan troops over the weekend forged ahead toward the Tamil Tiger rebels' last stronghold, at the port of Mullaittivu, with the goal of ending one of Asia's longest-running rebellions.
The military in the past 10 days has won two major battles, capturing the rebels' self-declared capital of Kilinochchi and the strategic gateway to the Jaffna Peninsula, Elephant Pass. Many are asking if Sri Lanka's 25-year war is over. Not just yet, but here are some scenarios of what could happen next:
18 Isreal attack on gaza
Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported that the Israeli government threatened to kill of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Hanyieh if an abducted Israeli soldier was killed.

Israel said "In the framework of the extension of operations to return the soldier Corporal Gilad Shalit and to remove the threat of Qassam rockets launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip," the Israeli forces "distributed announcements from the air into the southern Gaza Strip, with the purpose of warning the Palestinian citizens against staying in areas in which the Israeli forces will operate against terror infrastructures," adding "Anyone who interrupts IDF forces activities, conducted in order to complete the mission to bring the kidnapped soldier home safely, will be in danger."
19. Chandrayaan I - India's first-ever Lunar Mission

On October 22, 2008, India made history by sending its first-ever lunar mission to moon. As the Chandrayaan I took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, India became the sixth country in the world to send a space mission to moon. Later, the Chandrayaan MIP landed on the surface of the moon with Indian tri-colour painted on its four sides. The Chandrayaan MIP also sent pictures of the moon's

Jagdish Sandhu

ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED TO
MRS. NEERA LOOMBA
INDO-US CIVILIAN NUCLEAR AGREEMENT
U.S. President George W. Bush and India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh exchange handshakes in New Delhi on March 2, 2006.
The Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement is the name commonly attributed to a bilateral agreement on nuclear cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of India.. The framework for this agreement was a joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and U.S. President George W. Bush, under which India agreed toseparate its civil and military nuclear facilities and place civil facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and, in exchange, the United States agreed to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation with India.[1]
LATE 2000s RECESSION
In 2008, an economic recession throughout the industrialized world was suggested by several important indicators of economic downturn.[1] Contributors to this downturn included high oil prices, high food prices, and a substantial credit crisis leading to the drastic bankruptcy of large and well established investment banks as well as commercial banks in many nations around the world. This crisis has led to increased unemployment, and other signs of contemporaneous economic downturns in major economies of the world.
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMAII is the President-elect of the United States of America, and the first African American to be elected President of the United States. Obama was the junior United States Senator from Illinois from January 3, 2005, until his resignation on November 16, 2008, following his election to the presidency. His term of office as President of the United States is scheduled to begin after he is sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States at noon EST (17:00 UTC) on January 20, 2009, in an inaugural ceremony at the U.S. Capitol..
KOSI FLOODS
The devastation caused by the Kosi has cast a shadow on India's ties with Nepal since the genesis of the calamity could well lie in
Kathmandu's apathy towards timely maintenance of the barrage that was breached. The issue came up during the meeting that PM Manmohan Singh had with the Bihar chief minister on Wednesday where Nitish Kumar is learnt to have presented a 2004 aerial map to establish the "neglect", which may involve the Centre as well.
LIVE IN RELATIONSHIPS
I feel that in the fast changing Indian scenario, live in relationships have become common.The Indian government has given live in partner i.e. female the rights almost equivalent to a legally wedded wife in order to save women from exploitation & domestic violence.
INDIAN HOCKEY
The national sport of the country has hit the rock bottom. For the first time in 80 years, India has failed to qualify for the Olympics. Its a sad fall for a country who lost only one Olympic match between 1928 and 1964 capturing seven gold medals and one silver. Of their eight gold medals, six were won consecutively.
ISRAEL – HAMAS
The Central Asia is always on boil. The latest in the series is the Israel attack on Gaza strip .This attack is killing innocent people of Palestine.
MUMBAI TERROR ATTACKS
India has become a soft target for terrorist attacks. Nobody is safe from Guwahati to Jaipur. Even the Indian capital New Delhi is not safe.To add to this, the Mumbai terror attacks further exposed the failure of Indian government in combating terror.
By
JAININDER PREET KAUR MINHAS
Jasleen Sahota
LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD
The current economic crisis began as a result of the American war on Iraq for possessing WMD’s , which lead to economic downturn in the industrialized world suggested by several important indicators including high oil prices, food prices and a substantial credit crisis leading to bankruptcy of investment and commercial banks all around the world. This has also lead to increased unemployment.
The Mumbai blasts were a series of ten coordinated terrorist attacks across Mumbai, India’s financial capital. It was carried out by a Pakistan based terrorist organization using automatic weapons and grenades; it began on 26 November and ended on 29 November. Ajmal Qasab, the only terrorist captured alive disclosed that the perpetrators were members of Lashkar-e-toiba. The media coverage of these attacks came heavily under fire leading to formulations of new regulations. Stringent anti – terror laws are also put in place but as Arundhati Roy was quoted saying you are clearly up against people who are ready to die and they are not bothered if their offence is bailable or non- bailable.
The 14 year daughter of a dentist couple was found dead with her throat slit in her home and the immediate suspicion fell on the live-in-servant Hemraj whose body was found later on the terrace of the house. After a disorganized and long drawn and bungled up investigation the police arrested Arushi’s father Dr.Rajesh Talwar charging him for murder, while his wife stoutly defended him. The case also shows the tendencies of sensationalism and media trial.
Nearly 2 million people were left homeless and scores killed by the worst flood in half a century amid allegations that the river defenses were neglected by corrupt officials. The waters rose in the state of Bihar after the Kosi river, swollen by monsoon rains, burst upstream dam. The waterway reverted to a heavily populated course it last flowed 250 years ago, destroying 250, 000 homes and leaving thousands of acres submerged.
The state transferred 100 acres of land near Amarnath cave to Amarnath Shrine Board for setting up temporary shelters for pilgrims. Separatists opposed this move saying the state’s autonomy is endangered by this. After the death of 6 people the issue snowballed in to a major confrontation between Hindus and Muslims deepening the communal divide. This transfer was later revoked and Governor’s rule was imposed in the state.
Raj Thackeray: the local political formations as Raj Thackeray’s party Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena has succumbed to parochialism by projecting non-existent antagonism between natives and ‘outsiders’. The notion perpetrated by the MNS that any city of India is only for the natives is repugnant and injurious to the ideal of national unity. He has been remarks about north Indians and iconic figures like Amitabh Bachchan for being more loyal to his birth state of U.P.
Anti- Christian violence in Orissa: the attack on Christians in Kandhamal and in Karnataka was a result of the fear and hatred which grew from a perceived subversion of their religion by missionaries. According to the Archbishop of Delhi, conversions were not forcible, these are a voluntary act and the Catholic Church engages in social work because its faith enjoins it do so and not to convert people. This act of mass killing has its base vote bank politics. Aboriginals form 22 % of Orissa population and this alone can swing the result of polls to any side. And the inability of the central government to take any decisive action against the Bajrang Dal for the atrocities in Orissa and Karnataka shows it has placed political considerations above any human considerations it may have had.
Olympic Gold: India clinched its first ever Olympic gold medal in 108 years when Abhinav Bindra won the 10 m air rifle event in one of the most pulsating shooting finals in the history of the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza. The historic victory for the 25 year old pro from Chandigarh came against heavy odds as he entered the event tanked number 17.
Roger Federer: Federer is currently ranked world number 2 is a phenomenal player and widely considered to be one of the greatest male singles players in the open era. He has won 13 Grand Slam Finals (3 Australian Open, 5 Wimbledon and 5 U.S Open titles) and currently just one shy of Pete Sampras. He has been named Laureus sportsman of the year four times. He has a storied rivalry with Spaniard Raphael Nadal. He has come under criticism for constantly losing out to Nadal in 3 consecutive French Open finals.
Live- in- relationships recognized: the new law by the Maharashtra government proposes to change the legal definition of a wife has also sought to legalize live-in-relationships.the granting of legal legitimacy to live in relationships will significantly contribute to the widening acceptability of the idea of a secular sexual relationship. Marriage should not be turned in to a monolithic, moral standard which everybody is supposed to follow. This law also helps to create less threatening spaces for women, as the cases of marital torture against women have alarmingly gone up.
Tata Nano shifted to Gujarat: RattanTata dismayed many people by deciding to shift Nano car plant from Singur to Sanand near Ahmedabad. It appears that they were taken in by the CM Modi’s image as dynamic, no nonsense business leader, besides being attracted to what the BJP celebrates as the Gujrat model of development based on haphazard industrial expansion at high human rights and environmental costs. At any costs Tata has bestowed unprecedented legitimacy and responsibility upon and Modi and his ghastly brand of politics.
Chandrayaan: A historic launch and a successful injection into the transfer orbit, India's first unmanned moon mission Chandrayaan-1 is ready for the next big. Chandrayaan-1 has to get into the orbit around the moon where it will revolve for two years before returning back to the earth.
The moon spacecraft, was put into transfer orbit around the earth by the Polar Launch Vehicle PSLV-C11 after it blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.The 1,380 km Chandrayaan-1, carrying 11 payloads, was released into a Transfer Orbit 18.2 minutes after the PSLV-C11 blasted off.
After a series of procedures over the next two weeks, the spacecraft would reach its desired Lunar orbit and placed at a height of 100 km from the Lunar surface, marking the operational phase of the mission which would put India in the elite lunar club.
Earlier, at the end of the 49-hour countdown, the 44.4 meter tall four-stage PSLV-11 lifted off from the second launch pad into a cloudy sky.
Chandrayaan-1 is carrying 11 payloads, five entirely designed and developed in India, three from European Space Agency, one from Bulgaria and two from US, which would explore the Moon over the next two years.

In this world where information is all force one possesses one tries to remain informed through what ever means one can be. Information is not just swallowed as such, we are Homo sapiens the expectedly wise and opinionated specie, we have some or the other views, in support or opposition to something and rarely a neutral response. To start with and prove my point I take the nuclear deal; people were at loggers head though they were equally oblivious of the facts .We are always frantic in our approach; politicians try to credit this situation and media tries to inflate it for its understood motives. Nuclear deal was not just a deal between two countries but a deal of two most talked about democracies; one of them is suppressive and the second one is submissive, manifestations are abundant in support. Deal was taken as an opportunity to lift all those embargoes placed on India after Pokhran. The internal dissension and the outer uncertainty ended when Government took its pluck forward in signing the deal against the wind. The dilemma that rises as an obnoxious smoke smells strong of the inhibition we have regarding the genuineness of the deal. Now, since we have dived into the unclear waters swimming will be expectedly tough through the situation. Let the critics have a topic to rant on, politicians to play with and masses to get fascinated over.

Sunk in the economic recession, world has little to offer and lot to snatch these days from an intimidated class whom we refer to as employee. Reasons behind this undesirable situation lies in fate of capitalism or the reckless economic practices carried out the world over ,is still undecided but highly talked about. We can talk about it in as much words we are provided; in one word it is debacle, in two it is a grave situation and so on. Media if on one hand made us cautious on the other scared us in an overstated manner. Politicians seen to be all casual with the situation or are just comforting us in this panicking situation; we are lesser known to. Economic recession is making its presence felt in various sullen expressions of working class and job seeking masses, stock holders panicky gaze and agape general public. Let’s have some respite by deriving peace from some philosophy like, ‘there is an end to everything”.

Sixth pay commission promised a lot but provided something that to in a skewed manner. A bureaucratic pleasure and a military embarrassment; as sections of our society interpreted it was representation of dissent it caused. Pay commission led to raising prestige of a group and defacing the esteem of another. Its consequences were more pride oriented rather than revolving around monetary disparities. Media could entertain while informing by itself. Political motives were ulterior but some how smart Indians could infer them to accurate levels.

Mumbai blasts were just another blow on our security measures. Were our neighbors smarter or were we dumb enough? They entered our territory and we were just unaware; and the people responsible are ironically busy just clamoring for higher salaries. These blasts were a reminder of what we need to do, or face the music anyways. The immaturity reflected in the coverage was predictably condemned; and censuring of Governments apathy was definite. All we can do is criticizing some authority, but what about those families who lost their members in these avoidable blasts. A cheque of lakhs is just emotion buying capacity of our politicians. We lost the best of encounter specialists, army personnel and witnessed the sugar coated felicitations their families received or rejected. It was a dishonorable chapter India added to its history for future generations reading.

Aarushi murder case was a blow on the face of profit hungry media. We can condemn media for its vicious hyper activity carried out without any hesitation. Murder of a girl was portrayed as a plot of some bollywood movie; family already going through a trauma was torn into shards and this state of affairs was sold as the entertainment section of the news, aired on different channels having similar motives. Are ethics of journalism changing or the paradigms undergoing some metamorphosis? Investigation of murder was not facilitated but in fact hampered by this over inquisitive journalistic group. Pillars of democracy are termite stricken and there is no one to mend.

If on this side of LOC things are grave on the other side they are even more pitiable. Pakistan is just another name of tragedy. Now and then, for one or the other thing it is criticized and it has not much choice other than just denying the charges without providing the proof. Either it be Mumbai blasts or the attack on Indian embassy in Kabul all have some fine hints towards the involvement of our warring neighbor, and its response is just the same always, like a child who is all dirty at hands with chocolate but denies eating. So shall we admonish them or should refuse to acknowledge their sins, like our children. All is our discretion; whether to display our frail approach or show them their unavoidable destiny.

A black president in America is something that can not be compared to anything since no precedent is there for reference. It is just a bizarre incident that catches the world’s attention for its exclusivity. Elections of this country are always a source of great speculation world over but this time the fray was exiting for America itself. Party was having factions and the display was blatant. What ever the world may feel or say, the truth is that America has for ostentation one more card and this time actual, for a change. The cake is tempting, the taste will not differ much, we expect.

Presence of Reservations in a democracy is a negation of democracy itself where foundation is equal opportunity. Just to grab votes of a section, interests of many are put to stake. Competence is ignored and political gimmick is given precedence in form of colossal reservations. In this evolving era we are trapped in these regressive steps and shockingly expect betterment of society, which is why we call ourselves to be irrationally optimistic. Exhilarated dreams have shocking awakening. Still it would be better to wake up as soon as possible.

Politicians will work for the people, media will eschew its selfish motives, and court will deliver justice, if believed will make us an eligible candidate for psychiatric counseling, jokes apart. In this quagmire where we are sinking deep and deeper who will rescue us other than we ourselves. You can not stop your house from getting burnt if you act as a passer by yourself; you have to fetch a pail of water. It is not the hyper activity of the governing class that is disquieting but the inactivity of the governed that shocks and is perilous to our existence.

Jasmeet Shan

Kapil Gautam
At every point of time certain events are taking place around the globe and their occurrences are inevitable. What matters is how they affect us. The importance of an event is determined by its proximity, magnitude, impact and timeliness. In the recent past certain events that captured our attention have made an indelible remark on our psyche. What else to start with, other than Economic crisis engulfing the world in general and India in particular. The capitalistic societies grow and falter, we use to read, but will witness, we never thought .The economists are worried and we are quizzical. People who were taking pride in accepting sumptuous salary slips the previous day were struggling to clench even smidgen of that, the day next. The ones who are chucked out are trying to carve a niche for themselves in this system and the ones who are still not chucked are living on the razors edge; guillotine can fall on there heads in the form of termination letter any moment. Raising our heads from these muddy grounds we can see this problem is just part of a multitude of problems that are proliferating.
If Christians are victims to the politically motivated riots in Orissa on one hand than on the other Kashmir issue seems to be lingering on with the stamp of eternity. What a common citizen can do is just euphoric fiction; a citizen’s right to speech and expression is negated by its sub clause per say. Journalist is constrained by so many Acts that he is either taking his career at stake for informing or taking the easy way out by escaping the reality deliberately. In the largest democracy all its essence is robbed off and the common man is deriving vicarious pleasure from movies like, ‘Rang de basanti”. Solution to these problems of riots and separatist forces lie not in hiding the facts from the public but making them aware of them carefully. Let the public decide the action, which should be taken for them by their representatives. In reality the situation is of authoritarian state, self protecting bureaucracy, suppressed media and reticent common man.

How can we forget the Nuclear deal per se that made people sit in support and opposition of it; ironically both the sides were equally oblivious of the facts .If Left was adamant so were the rightists yet the Government that was supposed to bend under pressure showed its gritty determination; for our good or bad, it is subject to conjectures. A deal with America is of more importance rather than the deal itself; the situation portrayed. A deal of enormous magnitude was signed and still the governing class is not in a position to say few factual words with surety; government informs us selectively we had accepted , but now even members of parliament are not taken into confidence it is unacceptable. Whom should we trust and who all should be trusted by our entrusted is an enigma. Answers are obvious in a democracy but nebulous in a country that is democracy just in words.
Sixth pay commission was an event in itself; it was criticized by venerated Army but at the same time was welcomed by rapacious bureaucracy .This increase in pay was a deceptive exercise Government carried out just to be condemned for, later on. Why such seemingly good gestures revolve around budget, we know, still look forward with eagerness and enjoy. We are sold in such a manner that we are proud of being sold; this is true democracy, or a depraved capitalism. Pay commission is well paid at least; let’s rejoice, deriving happiness from others happiness is the best, this is what democracy teaches and is a source of our superficial peace.




Aarushi murder case is condemned for the dramatization of tragedy but is that efficacious and sufficient; certainly the answer will be loud no. Murder of a girl was depicted entertaining to catch audience and made shameful for the ones who were aggrieved. Who is to be blamed? Media that was too busy minting money from its rising TRP or the Investigative machinery that fails to acknowledge even its own flaws. We rise when something terrible happens and sleep again for another to take place. We know, what this government should do, how this media should act, how these politicians need to be treated but fail to acknowledge our responsibility that is of paramount importance.

A Black President is acceptable to the supposedly most chauvinistic country to everyone’s surprise .Elections of US are always seen with eagerness but this time reasons were obvious and anticipated. Barrack Obama is the winner and has kindled hopes around the globe. We call ourselves sovereign, then why we associate so much importance to the elections of an Imperial state? To give tacit hints of our subservient soul, I deduce. Our president is Hindu, vice president a Muslim and prime minister a Sikh, still we are overwhelmed by America, why? To answer it prudently one can say that submissive nature is difficult to hide and certain to manifest in one or the other way.


Olympics this time was not an event encompassing variety of games but an event revolving around various politically motivated games taking place in nations the world over .It was more of a flaunt of China’s embellished ego . India was ethically low and pragmatically high on the show, for the reason that it shelters Dalai Lama yet yields to slightest pressure from China and starts repenting in front of media for the act of sheltering the spiritual guru. China is communist and has its genre in India too; so mixed response towards this farrago of over baked situation was probable. Olympics became a ground for proving allegiance, and declaring unfriendliness overtly and most of the nations were winners. Few even preferred the aloof corners of diplomacy and escaped unwanted criticism.
Very well said, ‘you may be unaware of what is happening in your home but sure for what happens in your neighbors house “. Pakistan is no different in its internal insecurities and external criticism, and now and then pouring the emotion in the east border sharing nation too, evidences of which are under process of verification. Nepal is now a nascent democratic state and is projecting it to be above trivial politics, though petty politics smells strong from the wafts of intrigue cooked. Bangladesh is again in so called democratic hands and supposed to stabilize for its own betterment; it will or not, known to none.LTTE is losing its grip and shrinking to the extreme northern territories of Sri Lanka ; it should be rejoiced or just taken as flash in the pan is purely individual choice that past experiences bestow on the public in general and government in particular. Dealing these neighbors need political acumen, of which our system seems to be devoid of.

Opposition to the reservations in educational institutions was somewhat predictable but magnitude was totally uncertain .Just to grab the vote bank politicians offered this enticing bait. Gimmicks of politics are celebrated by minority and condemned by majority. We need reservations even after sixty years of freedom; call it an example of political immaturity or its evilness. By reserving one category we are actually endangering interests of majority and leaving them to their fate. Is that what democracy promises? No, unless meanings change drastically.
The weakening of marriage institution is apparent from the rise of Live-in relationships the world wide; reasons are paradoxically incomprehensible .The ties that were once revered are now mocked openly; though a section stands for its rescue but relents to the strong winds of westernization. We are such a market in India where anything is accepted without knowing its pros and cons. We are just blind walkers on a road that leads to a predestined tragedy. Taking risk is manly, and our society seems to be macho in that sense. People are living in and society is dying in and out dryly.

Pirates of Somalia have emerged as reality from the adventurous story books and intimidated the sailors’ fraternity undoubtedly. Nothing is nervier than our panicking imaginations turning into realities and we left helpless. Our ships are hijacked and we are provided options equally shocking. We are guarding our land but some are ruling the empires of sea it speaks for itself.
Discussing all these and suggesting no solutions will be naively foolish. We are running programmes to counter terrorism that includes various strategies that should be adopted while combating such terror attacks. Restructuring the ailing economy is manifested in increase in cash reserve ratio, liquidation of banks and various changes in export- import matters. Lok Sabah elections are impending and source for generating euphoric dreams. Regulating media is an inevitable outcome of non-seriousness it has projected in various instances in the contemporary scenario. Infrastructure is given due importance in the wake of coming common wealth games; Flyovers, improvement of roads, construction of large malls is no new phenomenon. Our relations with neighbors are in a quagmire of improbability. We expect and are taking measures to improve relations but events force us to be skeptical and take self securing steps and even retaliate at times. Events that surround us force us to be more pragmatic in approach and leave the territories of complacency, or face the music certainly. Dwindling economy, feeble security, imprudent politicians, irresponsible section of media, rising rebellious voices, separatists, natural calamities, deteriorating relations with neighboring nations all are in vanguard of a movement towards debacle and only assurance is from philosophy “ If good times were short lived even bad times will not last for long”.

LOOKING FORWARD AND LOOKING BACKWARD
2008 ,a year termed by media as ‘Year of Fear’. India saw all the divisive forces acting over time to break the sacred thread that binds us together. Terrorism, naxalism , regionalism, casteism and religious fanaticism. If all this was not enough ,floods in Bihar wounded India in its heart. But mired with all this and then hit by economic crisis—first in the form of inflation and now as recession, India has been through a lot ,after years of economic boom,IT boom Bollywood boom .The shining India was wokedup to see the reality and face the threats head on.
But there was brighter side to it as well.India learnt to celebrate its individuality while being part of a big group. Its billion rejoiced when its country was endowed with its first Olympic gold(Abhinav Bindra),another Man booker prize(Arvind Adiga),its first golden globe (A.R.Rehman).It exulted in itspeople believing in power of democracy even more as seen in J&K elections.Its hopes and aspirations touched moon with Chandrayan-I. In every threat we could also feel that India which has come in its own and which has started taking decisions.
Economic Crisis The year saw rising inflation of level of 14 % which was around 5-6% in 2007.High oil prices,sub-prime crisis in US,and then crash of the US financial structure which had detrimental global repercussions.India too got affected but its strong economic base prevented the ultimate doom and unemployment that a US citizen is facing right now.Agreed many have lost much,but as we see every problem is an opportunity to find a new solution. Now inflation is at 5%,oil prices are at its lowest levels,economy will balance itself out in 2009 by the firm and planned decisions taken by new govts both in America and India.
Terrorism The biggest threat that India faced throught the year.A chill went through every heart when it saw the destruction and loss of life.Every time we stood up we were bogged down by another serial bomb attack.Though our state intelligence machinery failed on many instances in preventing these inspite of having received the information.We lost lives,welost our heroes,but we fought hard.We were scared first,but then when pain went to its extreme,as it did with Mumbai attacks,we learnt how to convert it into energy toresist and evnen punish them.
It got the people united from every walk of life.Citizens became vigilant,proactive and shooked govt to take action.NIA Bill got introduced,focus on training,remuneration,equipments increased the awareness .We have to look to the positive side if want ourselves to stand with high head in front of the world.
Internal Threats The year also witnessed North-South divide provoked by self proclaimed leaders like Bal Thackrey.Amarnath land row,Kandhamal killings,gujjar –meena clashes on reservation,rise of tamil brotherhood for lankan cause,increasing naxal activitiesin the red belt of india,rise of a new term ‘Hindu Terrorism’ from Malegaon blasts.
Mumbai attacks revealed the truth when the whole nation saw the youth dying to save others ,whenthey didn’t think about whether they are saving a hindu or a muslim,a north Indian or south Indian.The real heroes were in front of people.The younger generation saw in front of them the real humans.The situation is worrying and serious but we should rather learn from all these.Respect and tolerance for diverse traditions,people,cultures..The youth should be made aware of a great nation they belong to which endures all the diversity and still maintains its own identity.
Sports If in the first half it was IPL second half got busy with emerging sports.With a new sports minister, politics of federations came under control.Business ,entertainment,money ,fame and love of its country,sportspersons got it all.Saina nehwal,vishwanathan anand,vijendra kumar,M.C.Marykom,abhinav bindra,Nikhil kumar,rose the new heroes.Beijing brought the unchallenged,unnerving energyand interests in other sports.That gold has the capability to move billions and change their attitude towards games other than cricket which remains at heart of every Indian.Except for hockey we progressed in every other game thus providing a torchlight to the youngsterswhile getting ready for commonwealth games in delhi.
Politics With elections in 7 states,politicians were busy in making and breaking coalitions.Saffron brigade formed its first independent govt in Karnataka .Rise of young politicians like rahul Gandhi,who fueled the hope of entire nation by his india tour.Omar Abdullah became youngest CM of J&K.Giving the hope to many who have forgotten what peace is but hear the word every day.
Govt faced no confidence motion on nuclear deal issue,but didn’t took its words back.A govtwhose PM was accused of the dummy and weak PM ever help broke the nuclear isolation.The Lok Sabha had only 47day functioning the least in 60 tears of its existence.Cash for vote scam andRupees bundles were displayed in front of whole nation.Their conduct was shameless.Witnessing all this the youth has realized hoe essential it is for them to enter in political arena rather than shrugging it off as only corrupt’s affair.They would change the scenario for sure.It may take some time but the process may begin with 2009 loksabha elections.
Media Whether it was Mumbai attacks,nithari killings or arushi murder case,media was in media for all wrong reasons .Their manner of representing facts,sensationalization,dramatization and in some cases irresponsible coverage kept the tongues rolling.Questionswere asked from those who are always on other side of the fence.
Month long strike by staff , formation of IBA Indian Broadcasting Corporation of india,a self regulating body was formed.Regulation is the name of the game and would follow in 2009.Lets hope that after reaching its nadir media would fight back and get its image makeover.2009 would see a responsible,selfcontrolled Fourth Estate balancing the ethical and market aspects of the industry.
Entertainment Movies like A Wednesday,Mumbai Meri Jaan, Aamir, kept the flag high for content strong movies rather than star oriented ones.Experiment was the buzz word with movies like ghazini,jodha akbar,Rock on making it big.
Not only on big screen change was evident on small screen as well.Finally content based serials rather than soap operas ruled the prime time.Balika Vadhu,Utaran like seraila oudid Saas Bahu trash.
New Channels increased competition and hence quality of programmes increased.Reality show kept on increasing with big stars like salman khan and akshay kumar entering the field.
2009 would see the entry of a great leader ,First Afro American to become President of USA.Barack Obama would enter the world politics in such a sensitive phase when terrorist hubs are getting strengthened,economic crises.It began with satyam scandal,but with all these ghosts hovering around Indiasees the solutions in its youth.Rather than being subdued by all these nagativities 2009 should be a yearof introspection,transition,reform,transformation.With shock as initiating factor and hope as motivating factor we would be able to handle all the problems.May 2009 help us become a change maker and not change beggar.

KYA KHOYA KYA PAYA
PAYA (POSITIVE)
As the 2008 went away it had many ups and downs. Success, failure, development, destruction etc took place in different parts of the world. Let’s start with
1. Nuclear deal: - It happened to be the most important deal between India & U.S. Although Rss & critics criticised the deal, it makes India really a big & powerful country.
2. Chandrayan:- India sent its first rocket to moon. Now India is among the world’s top countries that have access to space. Indian scientists are really proud and so are we.
3. First African –American U.S president:-In the history of U.S politics there was no African –American president. But Barrack Obama, the president elect of U.S beats all odds and makes a way for non-white politicians to have a dream of becoming US president. After so much violence and wars people of America were fed up with George bush.
4. J & k election: - J&K politics has been a changing politics, the new chapter is of the youngest C.M Of the state .Congress and National conference is making coalition Govt. Which will have 38 yr old Omar Abdulla as new C.M. of J & k.
5. Tata’ Nana: - Well Tata’ nana was a surprise and centre of attraction for people especially middle class families. Nano will be a one lack rupee car. It’s a challenge for Tata’s group that whether they can make this happen or not. Though it’s not launched on the set time, people are waiting for it to hit the road.
6. Live-in Relationship: - These relationships were recognised in India also. The young generation have new trends and customs of their own .With time people and society have to understand and except this .So people recognised the matter and it became a part of the society. Couples in metropolitan cities were living together without marriage and their families have approved them to do so. There should be happiness and fun with deliberate decision not the sadness and restrictions with imposed responsibilities.
7. Reservation in education institutions:-The Govt. Of India make laws to provide the opportunities to study for the lower strata of the country. People that were suppressed and are not able to raise enough money to study were given reservation. Different categories of reservation like for SC, ST, OBC, Wards of army personnel, freedom fighters, physically challenged, single girl child etc. Though professionals criticise the reservations, it was not a failure. It really gave hope for the poor students.
8. Sports achievements: - Well 2008 being an Olympic year and Abhinav Bindra getting India its first individual Olympic gold, we decided to go for the shooter. After cruelly missing out on a medal in the Athens Olympics in 2004. India cricket team won the test series at home against Australia. South Africa has won the test series against Australia. In billiards Pankaj Advani won the world billiards championship in both format (time & frame). Saina Nehwal also makes it to the badminton quarter finals of Olympics. Vijender Kumar won the bronze medal in boxing .Sushil Kumar won the bronze medal in wrestling.
KHOYA (NEGATIVE)
1. Recession: - India and the entire world saw a great recession. First the shares market broke down &then recently the whole world including U.S was in the grip of recession. Strategies were applied to make people satisfied.
2. Arushi murder case: - An innocent girl was killed in her house and her father who was shocked by her sudden death had a difficult time, proving him not the killer of his own daughter. The police outraged the deceased’s modesty by making odd stories.
3. Mumbai attacks:-On 26 November, Mumbai came on global stage when terrorists hit the city. Terrorists set target on Taj hotel, Oberoi hotel, Nariman house &CST station. 188 people killed and 294 were injured. But this time people of India had enough of this &they raise the voice to curb the terrorism. Govt was not in the mood of talking. Tension was created between India & Pakistan.
4. Raj Thackeray:-He after getting separated from BAL Thackeray made to limelight by raising a campaign against the north Indians in the Mumbai. He tried to endanger the integration of the country.
5. Israel: - Israel was attacked the Palestine to curb the terrorism of Hamas but innocent people were killed and injured. This was not humane. Innocent people should not be killed.
6. J&K Shrine Board: - The Amaranth Yatra was at the centre of a political clash in Jammu and Kashmir and caught in the middle is the Governor who heads the Amaranth shrine board. With the assembly polls just months away it has snowballed into a major confrontation. The opposition says religious bodies should not be under state control.
7.Kosi Flood:- The desolate waterscape of flood-devastated Bihar, as far as Bihar’s two major ruling class rivals are concerned, is an arena for political one-upmanship with both Nitish Kumar and Laloo Yadav washing their hands off their own complicity in the devastation even as some 2 million victims wait for rescue and relief.







Submitted by:-
Lubhit Singh
Roll No. - 49
M.A - I

OVERVIEW OF THE 2009
1. Countering terror: - Govt. should aware people against the terrorism. And people should know their responsibilities. With their support, India can fight terror. Laws should be revised to tackle the terrorists. We have to get together to fight for ourselves. Our intelligence agencies should be more alert and skillful to be ahead of terrorist. I think we can fight terror not the way U.S did but in our own way.
2. Restructuring economy: - After such big recession the govt. should construct strategies with the help of economists to rebuild the economy. Business organizations should try to make the share holders secure. It is very essential to get the things at their right positions.
3. Regulating media: - media should be more concentrated on their job. Media should regulate themselves to make balance in the society. There should be some measures on which media could be judged. Media should not arbitrarily accuse anyone. Defaulters should pay and awards should be for excellence.
4. Commonwealth games: - India will host the commonwealth games in 2010 in Delhi. So we have to work really hard to get the ends meet. The standards should be uplift to international level. It will be an honor for us to a host event of this stature.
5. LokSabah election: - Lok Sabah election is going to be held in 2009. Congress is doing so much to win and BJP is also gearing up for the election. There will be a tough competition. One thing is sure that govt will be of coalition.
6. Diplomatic relations with neighbors: - we should make healthy relations with the neighboring countries support and have same intentions.
7. Improvements of infrastructure: - infrastructures the basics for development of any country. If India like to stand with U.S & other European countries, infrastructure needs to be improved. Without infrastructure the planning will also fail.
LUBHIT SINGH ROLL NO - 49 MMC 1

Looking back at 2008 looking ahead at 2009

There is always a juncture in time when one reflects back on the past and wonders how far one has come and then looks forward at the journey ahead . It is these sweet sour experiences that pass us by as events later taking shape as milestones which we call history . They get accumulated as a treasure for mankind and its generations to come.
The year 2008 was an year of triumphs and tribulations and of sorrows and enthusiastic joyous moments . It tickled us and taught us lessons , one greatest of all “ history repeats itself “. It wasin 2008 that India suffered most heinous display of terror attacks in Mumbai that created an uproar among people as if soul of entire nation had been churned to say “ enough is enough “ . It raised questions on conscience of people and media but as I said tought us – unfortunate lesson of history since it was not the only terror attack faced in October in north east ,in September in Delhi , in july in Ahmedabad and Banglore , in may in jaipur . It poses to me a greater question are we resilient people who believe in confucioss statement that our greatest glory is not in never falling but rising every time we fall or are we ignorant insensitive people who just carry on living their lives without pondering on the fact that it was our fellow countrymen who died or it was brave sons of the soil who layed their lives to protect others .
We had another challenge posed at the so called global community that of an economic downturn where economic growth fell as stack of dominoes . It showed the mutual dependence of economies in the globalised world and brought face to face with the vageries of consumption and easy credit philosophy .
Another happening within the country – The Arushy murder case reflected the sheer triviality of judicial and police system and when all was not enough holding of parallel trial by the media turned out to be a shameless display of unethical behaviour .
In the country sarv dharm sambhav fthe snake of communalism /regionalism displayed its poisnous hood in the manifestation of rioting and attacks against non marratthis in Mumbai for the sheer amusement of Raj Thakerrey and party who even does not care the fact that it is these non maratthis in The Navy who protect the coastline few kilometers away from his residence . Another was anti Christian riots in Orissa where religion seemed to have become just another marketable brand as Christians and hindus fought for greater number of adhsrers product remaining the same idea of universal brother hood peace and compassion .
AS they say one must look at the glass full . Year 2008 did provide with spectacles to be proud of . Be it Abhinav bindras gold or two silvers in boxing and wrestling at Beijing Olympics or Chandrayans fairy tale like journey to the moon that kindelled the eyes of many with hope and dreams of India becoming foremost in space exploration .
Another such great victory came about when India signed the nuclear deal Though was faced with daunting task of unstable governmemt at home and striking the right bargain in the international arena . It was a nail biting finish that established India as a responsible nuclear power that can stand shoulder to shoulder with established nuclear powers .
This year has been witness to history made having first African American being elected as president. It showed that in 60 years a lot can change from aparthied to global dominance anything is possible if people positively work for betterment of mankind.
Just as summer showers in India th sixsth pay commission cane as a relief to government employees who were under paid as compared to their corporate sector counterparts reviving them with enthusiasm for a few moments at least .
When I take a glance into the year 2009 I see many opportunities and challenges . I see India invoking strong steps to counter terror .. I see reforms being initiated in economies around the world to check such economic downturns from happening again . I see Indias economy shining with rise in growth . With the coming of the new president in U.S.A. I see a great challenge in restoring peace around the country .
I see India ever more resilient and making deliberate efforts at maintaining better relations with its neighbours with more active diplomacy . I see India ready to showcase to the world the best it has got by proving itself in commonwealth games as a great sporting nation and a welcoming host .

Chandrayaan
A historic launch and a successful injection into the transfer orbit, India's first unmanned moon mission Chandrayaan-1 is ready for the next big. Chandrayaan-1 has to get into the orbit around the moon where it will revolve for two years before returning back to the earth.
The moon spacecraft, was put into transfer orbit around the earth by the Polar Launch Vehicle PSLV-C11 after it blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
The 1,380 km Chandrayaan-1, carrying 11 payloads, was released into a Transfer Orbit 18.2 minutes after the PSLV-C11 blasted off.
After a series of procedures over the next two weeks, the spacecraft would reach its desired Lunar orbit and placed at a height of 100 km from the Lunar surface, marking the operational phase of the mission which would put India in the elite lunar club.
Earlier, at the end of the 49-hour countdown, the 44.4 meter tall four-stage PSLV-11 lifted off from the second launch pad into a cloudy sky.
Chandrayaan-1 is carrying 11 payloads, five entirely designed and developed in India, three from European Space Agency, one from Bulgaria and two from US, which would explore the Moon over the next two years.
Nuclear Deal
The U.S. Congress on October 1, 2008, gave final approval to the agreement facilitating nuclear cooperation between the United States and India. The deal is seen as a watershed in U.S.-India relations and introduces a new aspect to international nonproliferation efforts. First introduced in the joint released by President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 18, 2005, the deal lifts a three-decade U.S. moratorium on nuclear trade with India. It provides U.S. assistance to India's civilian nuclear energy program, and expands U.S.-India cooperation in energy and satellite technology. But critics in the United States say the deal fundamentally reverses half a century of U.S. nonproliferation efforts, undermines attempts to prevent states like Iran and North Korea from acquiring nuclear weapons, and potentially contributes to a nuclear arms race in Asia. The Congress-led UPA government seems all set to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States despite continuing opposition from the Left.
It is very clearly stated in the 123 Agreement that it will be subject to national laws, and the Hyde Act is a law of the US. Therefore, the 123 Agreement is certainly circumscribed by the Hyde Act, which very clearly states that if India tests a nuclear device, all further nuclear trade is to stop, and the nuclear materials that have already been sold to us have to be returned. No future Indian government would dare to jeopardise such a huge investment in nuclear power, by testing. If and when we test, they can simply quote the 123 Agreement and the Hyde Act, and pull out all their nuclear materials, leaving us devastated. The only option here is to renegotiate the 123 Agreement and have the clause inserted there. However, the Americans are unlikely to agree to this, as it goes against their non-proliferation policy..
Views In Favour
While both prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi have been asserting their views in favour of the Indo-US nuclear deal over the last few days, RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav also today voiced support for the nuclear deal.
Prime minister Manmohan Singh said a formal deal with the US will open up new possibilities of cooperation with major nuclear powers like Russia and France. The PM also said his government aimed to create an international environment suited for promoting peaceful use of nuclear technology.Congress president Sonia Gandhi and external affairs minister Pranab Mukerjee also underlined the need for promoting nuclear co-operation with other countries to serve India's rising energy requirements.Now that the general elections are nearing, the Left may also have to fall in line to avoid a political isolation. They may either keep quiet or not oppose the deal in a very vocal manner. "Our objection is not with the IAEA. Our objection is with the India-US deal which, according to us, is very deeply anchored" in American domestic law that will impact India's strategic nuclear programme.
While both prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi have been asserting their views in favour of the Indo-US nuclear deal over the last few days, RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav also today voiced support for nuclear deal.
Views Against
Marxist leader Prakash Karat yesterday warned the UPA government of make-or-break discussions, putting ice on the Congress party's renewed efforts to push through the nuclear deal.Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury, meanwhile, said the UPA-Left meeting would consider any proposal by the government though his party was opposed to "signing the IAEA accord."

Addressing the demonstrators, the party’s Delhi secretary Aparna demanded resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying his government was trying to reduce the debate on the serious issue of nuclear deal to a numbers game in Parliament. The party decided that State units pay attention to the electoral roll revision now under way in several States.
While the July 18, 2005, Joint Statement did indeed talk about India being treated as an equal by the US, neither the 123 Agreement nor the IAEA Safeguards Agreement has borne out those optimistic statements. India has to sign a safeguards agreement with the IAEA under which all nuclear material and equipment transferred to it by the United States as a part of this deal shall be subject to safeguards. In August 2008, the IAEA's Board of Governors approved in India-specific. It will begin to implement the new agreement in 2009, with the aim of bringing fourteen Indian reactors under agency safeguards by 2014. The IAEA currently applies safeguards to six of these fourteen nuclear reactors under previous agreements. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei says the IAEA and India are in dialogue concerning to the draft safeguards agreement.
Financial Crisis
The term financial crisis is applied broadly to a variety of situations in which some financial institutions or assets suddenly lose a large part of their value. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many financial crises were associated with, banking panics and many recessions with these panics. Other situations that are often called financial crises include stock market and the bursting of other financial ubbles, currency crisis. The 2008/2009 recession is seeing private consumption fall for the first time in nearly 20 years. This indicates the depth and severity of the current recession. With consumer confidence so low, recovery will take a long time. Consumers in the U.S. have been hard hit by the current recession, with the value of their houses dropping and their pension savings decimated on the stock market.
Tension is developing between trade and employment policies in some countries. The need to reduce costs and improve profits has pushed many companies to restructure production globally, with the result of increased foreign outsourcing. For example, Dell, the world's number two PC maker, recently announced plans to shift manufacturing from Ireland to Poland to cut costs. The monthly minimum wage is over $2,000 in Ireland, compared to $406 in Poland.
Other firms that are reportedly planning to expand outsourcing in emerging markets include: the major entertainment company Warner Brothers, Ireland's Wedgewood, and Japan's Renesas. Financial companies - which already account for about 25 percent of revenues of the large Indian service offshoring companies Infosys and Wipro - are also expected to increase outsourcing to cut costs. This fragmentation of production will help firms improve productivity, while softening the blow of the financial crisis on low and middle income countries, which gain both jobs and technology. The allocation of resources around the world will be improved, leading to gains from trade.
Reflecting on the recent dramatic downstairs rising unemployment, inflation, and loan repayment problems, I suddenly thought that it can’t be quite as bad as it seems. It’s probably true that this financial crisis has made life harder for many people, but there will also be new opportunities for development - at least for those who are innovative enough in their approaches.
Olympics Performance of India
The final shot from Abhinav Bindra's rifle may not have been heard outside the packed hall in the Beijing Shooting Range Complex on Monday morning. But its bang was loud enough to lift the spirit of a billion-plus Indians back home.

No individual gold has mattered so much to so many people in the history of Olympics. It was a medal for Abhinav; it was redemption for India. Never again will anyone be able to point a smug, sardonic finger and say: "No Indian is good enough to win an individual Olympic Vijender Kumar of India celebrates with his bronze medal during the medal ceremony after the men's middleweight (75kg) final boxing match at the Beijing 2008. One bronze medal also in wrestling by Sunil Kumar.
Ratan Tata presents Nano
The introduction of the Nano received media attention due to its targeted low price. The car is expected to boost the Indian Economy create entrepreneurial-opportunities across India as well as expand the Indian car market by 65%. The car was envisioned by, Ratan Tata Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, who has described it as an eco-friendly "people's car". Nano has been greatly appreciated by many sources and the media for its low-cost and eco-friendly initiatives which include using compressed-air as fuel and an electric-version. Tata Group is expected to mass-manufacture the Nano in large quantities, particularly the electric-version, and, besides selling them in India, to also export them worldwide.
Due to opposition to Tata’s Singur car-factory by Mamta Banerjee, Tata Motors decided to cease operations in Singur on 2 October 2008 and started manufacturing Tata Nano at its Pantnagar Singur car factory land dispute arose as Tata’s planned manufacturing unit for the car in, Singur, where the state government of West Bengal had allocated 997 acres (4.03 km2) to Tata Motors.

Mandeep

Looking back and looking forward
Many events and occurences take place in every nation. So it happened in India. Some had affected it positively whereas others left quite a shady imprint on the history of the nation.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday signed the 123 Agreement on civilian nuclear co-operation. The entry of India into a group of 'recognised' nuclear weapons armed countries, de facto though not de jure, is an event of historic significance. India's foreign policy has already undergone a sea change after the Indo-US nuclear deal. A landmark deal that allows the US to sell civilian nuclear technology to India.
Abhinav Bindra gave India its first individual Olympic gold medal, and ninth overall, when he won the 10 metres air rifle event at the Beijing Olympics. Vijender Kumar, won his quarterfinal and assured the country of an Olympic medal, which will be India's third individual medal at Beijing Olympics. Vijender's win brought cheer to millions of Indians.
Chandrayaan-1 is India's first mission to the moon launched by India's national space agency the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The unmanned lunar exploration mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor. The estimated cost for the project is Rs. 386 crore. The scientific objectives of the mission is to design, develop, launch and orbit a spacecraft around the Moon using an Indian-made launch vehicle.

IPL India Cricket or Indian premier is primarily backed up by BCCI. Although both have a rivalry between them, something that is gaining from this is the Indian cricket, as new players will get a doorway to enter into the big field by performing well in domestic seasons and then getting into IPL or ICL. Moreover with the growing popularity of twenty-twenty (T-20) cricket, one can say that test cricket and even one day cricket will get dampened as one can expect a lower turnout of people coming to watch a test match as compared to that of a T20 match.


The Union HRD Ministry's proposal of 27 per cent reservation for OBC students in Centrally-funded universities has re-ignited the merit vs caste debate in The important amendment is an attempt by Congress to re-establish its lost credentials among tribals,
the education sector, reviving the furore the Mandal commission recommendation raised in 1991. the implementation has taken the overall reservation in the central government funded higher education institutes to 49.5 per cent from the current 22.5 per cent (for SC and Sc students).
On 4 November,2009 Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the genral elections 365 electoral votes to McCain's 173 and became the first African American to be elected president of the unites States. Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Americans placed their faith in Barack Obama and turning their backs on a past of slavery and segregation and electing the first African American to the US presidency.
A 14 year-old mysterious murder of Aarushi Talwar has been catching the attention of the nation. A case that has been catching the attention of the nation is the mysterious death of 14-year-old Aarushi in Noida. The twisted tale has plumbed the depths of reasoning, raising questions at every turn - when the police in Noida named Rajesh Talwar as the prime suspect in the murders of his daughter and servant, and now with the CBI naming three others as the accused and giving Talwar a clean chit. The case has also attracted a lot of public attention as a bizarre whodunit.
Mumbai Blast on 26th November 2008 is one of the worst terror attacks on India and the magnitude of it is as bad as 9/11 attack at the World Trade Centre and Pentagon attack in US. More than 125 dead, 380 injured, 9 foreigners killed, 14 Cops killed (3 of them in the IPS Category) and 9 terrorist killed in the drama, which went for above 44 hrs. terrorists played havoc at the five star Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, Victoria Terminus, Vile Parle, Santa Cruz, Worli and Leopold Cafe in Colaba.

RAJ THACKERAY has The MNS was formed after he broke away from Shiv Sena following differences with his cousin and the party's Executive president Uddhav Thackeray. He once again resurfaced the debate—"Whom does Mumbai belong to?" The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief spitted venom in a rally against the north Indians in Mumbai.His attack on north Indians in Maharashtra is indeed an attack on India's national character. It has posed quite ominous signs to humanity and integrity of the nation. This time, however, a sigh of relief is that Uddhav Thackeray, cousin of Raj, sounds somewhat sober. Contrastingly, he says he has no grudge against north Indians in Mumbai but would give preference to Marathis. At present, the government of Maharashtra has asked for tapes of Raj Thackeray to be probed to reach a conclusion as to whether there was anything wrong in his remarks. The government seems to be playing its own politics by not arresting him. The ruling party in the state, Congress seems to have found a weapon in disguise in the MNS chief to counter attack its political rivals in the state—BJP and Shiv Sena.
The term financial crisis is applied broadly to a variety of situations in which some financial institutions or assets suddenly lose a large part of their value. In 2008, an economic recession throughout the industrialized world was suggested by several important indicators of economic downturn. Contributors to this downturn included high oil prices, high food prices high oil prices and a substantial credit crisis leading to the drastic bankruptcy of large and well established investment banks as well as commercial banks in many nations around the world. This crisis has led to increased unemployment, and other signs of contemporaneous economic downturns in major economies of the world.
On 18 August 2008, the Kosi river picked up an old channel it had abandoned over 100 years ago near the border with Nepal and India. Approximately 2.7 million people were reported affected as the river broke its embankment at Kusaha in Nepal, thus submerging several districts of Nepal and India. 95% of total flow of the Koshi was reported flowing through the new course. The fury of the Kosi river left at least 2.5 million people marooned in eight districts of Bihar. The prime Minister of India declared it a national calamity. The Indian army and non-government organizations were operating the biggest flood rescue operation in India in more than 50 year. It is reported as the worst flood in the area in 50 years.
Ironically, after 80 years of the beginning of its golden era, Indian hockey players let their country down by failing to secure an Olympic growth. In all probability, Indian hockey is set to meet the fate of Indian soccer. India had seen a golden era in Hockey, when our players won six consecutive Olympics gold medals from 1928 (Amsterdam) to 1956 (Melbourne). India later went on to add two more Olympic gold medals in 1964 (Tokyo) and 1980 (Moscow). In addition, India had won 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in Olympic Hockey. None other country has achieved this milestone.
India in 2009
India needs international partnerships by way of sharing analyses and intelligence. All countries must have access to high technology to counter terrorism. Restructuring in 2009 entails organizational restructuring. It means financial restructuring, as in de-leveraging to operate more on a cash basis. It means corporate restructurings, as in spinning off units, preparing to acquire troubled companies or preparing to be acquired. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured news broadcasters, who have opposed moves to put restrictions on live coverage of emergency situations like the Mumbai attack, that changes in the Cable TV rules would be taken up only after "widest possible consultation" with all stakeholders.
Mohit Singh
Roll no 24
Neha Chandok
LOOKING FORWARD, LOOKING BACKWARD…
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves”, said Bill Vaughan. To start on a pessimistic or an optimistic note is indeed one confusion that a commoner like me faces with the new year, for where the New Year brings hopes, plans it also reminds me of the gone by year which overall I think was a difficult one.
As we bid farewell to the turbulent 2008 and welcome 2009 with much eagerness, the mood is mixed. To begin with the year left some deep scars like the financial meltdown, global terrorism, disasters like the earthquake in China and flood in Bihar though the winning of Obama, the first black US President brought a new hope and let the year end on a better note. Before saying goodbye, let's revisit some of the major events of 2008.
I vividly remember the launch of Tata’s Nano, a one lakh car which brought accolades for the entrepreneur but also invited worldwide debates on the rising pollution. What followed next was totally unexpected; it hit major economies harder than the stones. The global economic activity was already suffering a setback mostly because of a slowdown in US economy. The fear that the US slowdown would spill over to the other markets and affect economies largely came true though the fact took some good months to establish it pushing companies to go bankrupt in the awake of crises while affecting jobs and outsourcing.
Fortunately, inflation has been falling in the emerging market economies of Asia, Latin America and Africa. Food and commodity prices which had peaked in June 08 have finally succumbed. Though India as a market was less affected by the global meltdown, the employees were affected with the closure of major American financial biggies including Lehman Brother, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; the last match struck the hay of the economic and corporate world of India with the revelation of Satyam’s forgery bringing back memories of Great Depression of 1929.
Politically, it was a year of political turmoil, for the almost clear division between the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Leftists. In a landmark political development which begun with the nuclear deal, the Congress-led UPA at the Centre and the Left parties parted ways. Though, on the other hand the winning of Barack Hussein Obama in the American Presidential elections created history as billions watched the election progress anxiously.
It was the play of the devil when 7.9 magnitude earthquakes hit China's Sichuan Province earlier in May which killed more than 8,500 people. Though the earthquake shifted focus from the ongoing protests from the Tibetans in exile, leaving the world to soften towards Chinese government. A series of terror attacks shook India. Delhi, Assam shook under the terror of blasts where on November 26th, ten blasts, one after another shook Mumbai. The attacks which began on November 26th ended only on November 29 leaving at least 173 people dead and 308 injured.
In the world of sports it was a moment to reckon with when Abhinav Bindra got India's first ever Olympic gold medal in an individual event as he won the men's 10 metre air rifle at the Beijing Games. Definitely, India was proud of him. The IPL auction, a bigger event where cricket was just a part saw everything from cheerleaders’, national and foreign players, big industrialists names, controversies and politicians. Arushi murder case set the buzz while media played irresponsible, triggering the media regulation proposal with a bad coverage of Mumbai terror attack. Raj Thackery and his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) drew hostility for their politics against North Indians and later on the Biharis and UP residents. Rajasthan was left in turmoil after violence in parts killed more than 50 people, finally bringing the Raje Government to its knees. It spelled disaster for the party, as it lost the assembly elections held in November as Ashok Gehlot-led Congress returned to power in the state. Earlier 15 lakh people were left stranded in 15 districts in flood-hit Bihar, after river Kosi changed its course after 300 years leaving a large populace homeless and killing a big number.
When Time magazine called Bollywood the 'world's busiest film industry’, indeed it was the E&M which sector got all the attention and that too for good reasons! In the world of movies, Indian cinema showcased movies other than on the stereotypical themes. Movies like A Wednesday, a story of the common man and his struggle with a terrorized life was well depicted. Directed by three-time National Award winner, Madhur Bhanderker, fashion revealed a world which is quite an open secret meanwhile Tahaan showcased terrorism and its affects on Kashmir and people living there. The same spirit and struggle was captured in Aamir. Rock on!, the first kind of a movie in many respects won accolades and appreciation for its projection of struggle of artists of rock genre in India while connecting it to the basic nature of today’s fast changing teen life. In Hollywood, movies like Dark Knight would be remembered for Heath Ledger's impressive performance as 'The Joker'. ‘The Visitor’ made another breakthrough in cinema with a totally different concept where the age and cultural differences get drawn by the power of music meanwhile exploring the possibilities of life one is forced to explore. Directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne, Kung Fu Panda- an animated comedy film, strikingly tells the story of Po (the Panda), the laziest animal in all of the Valley of Peace, but unwittingly becomes the chosen one when enemies threaten their way of life.
The year has gone by, recorded, ignored and lessons taken from; its past and 2009 has already begun. Where Obama would lead the politics on one front, policy makers would keenly follow his takes on recession, Israel-Palestinian issue and policies adopted to counter terrorism. India would follow the Indo-Pak-American words on terror, keenly looking forward to a terror-less year. Basic problems of roti-kapda-makaan would continue worrying millions and hopes would stick on to a cheaper fuel. Media fraternity would closely watch and resist policies introducing restrictions on the freedom of press.
If only human’s weren’t so adaptable!

By Neha Chandok

Neha Salaria..
The 2008 ,Pig year for Chinese was considered lucky for them as the most awaited event Beijing Olympics took place.Eight is lucky for them to the extent that Beijing Games was held dated 8 August which is eighth month,year 2008 at 8 P.m. & bagged the maximum awards & showed their strength to the entire world.But this luckiness is not the same on part of entire world.It is called as the year of multiple crisis by Ban Ki Moon & horrible year by Queen Elizabeth. On global scale,few years since 1991 could be considered so important & few since the 70s could be considered as devastating. 2001 saw terrorist attacks ,2003 war in West Asia but 2008 saw the both.
Terrorist activities shook the very foundation at different places.In India the blasts took place at Delhi, Surat,Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Assam ,Guwahati & the latest one at commercial capital i.e. Mumbai. It has raised high security concerns & made the government to come up with stern anti terror mechanism. Sadly it took government to depend on the attacks like these to act tough on terrorism.The way the Mumbai attacks were covered by media has left everyone spellbound.It is alleged that in race of TRPs the news channel forgot their code of conduct & showed the entire mayhem live along with the minutest detail which was not in accordance with the national interest.The Union Government is all set to amend Cable Television Networks(Regulation) Rules to rein in media in name of coverage of anti terror operation, sex crimes & narco analysis footage.If these are approved then the District Magistrate, Sub Divisional Magistrate & Commissioner of Police will have the power to block transmission by any channel & confiscate transmission equipment.Even the government will have the power to decide whether repeat telecast of a footage is necessary or not.In a way the government will have the entire power to control the fourth organ of democracy i.e. media which sounds draconian. No doubt the media itself is responsible for its awkward situation. But its not desirable on part of government to act on in extreme way. Where live coverage is concerned it can be delayed for 45 minutes. Media should self regulate itself & act maturely so that no one question the freedom enjoyed by media or it would be left out as mere agent of government.
The controversial nuclear deal divided entire country.The Left withdrew its support from UPA & Samajwadi Party provided the support at crucial moment. India signed the deal & became the alone country to have joined elitist NSG Group without signing NPT or CTBT. But along with it India also saw the blackest day in history of democracy because of cash for vote controversy. The future of deal lies with the first Afro- American President of USA ,Barack Obama who is going to take charge of US from 20th of January.He has to deliver many responsibilities & his priority is to bring back the shattered market & derailed economy back to the rails.US sub prime crisis & economic meltdown has shaken almost all major economies of world.Better US control its cold because the whole world is sneezing due to it.The inflation rate & oil prices touched the skyheights & gave big blow to the common man & the government But by the end of year the situation improved & provided the sigh of relief.
This year also saw of arrival of democracy in South Asia with the elections being held in Nepal, Pakistan & Bangladesh which would have deep implications on diplomatic relations with India. Hope the conditions become better in new year.The election held in Delhi, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan ,Madhya Prasad & Jammu & Kashmir showed the voter has changed and no longer decide his vote on caste factor & party lines. Anti incumbency factor also did not work in many states which means that voter now want the best governance & will choose the one which fulfils his demands irrespective of any factor.The elections in J & K are getting too much of attention because despite of boycott call of election by the separatists ,the voters came out of their houses & indicated the desire & readiness for the change.Omar Abdullah is going to lead the state in his policy named pheren .(P- planning,H- human rights protection ,E-education,R-reconciliation,A –assistance to minorities & weaker sections, N- new policies) Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh is adopting forward looking agenda to tackle terrorism & fundamentalism & hope to have good bilateral relation with India.
The Union Government also approved the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. The Defence services got the maximum attention as they will be getting good pay package & more promotions.The picture look rosy at the top but at the ground level there is not much increase in the salaries of soldiers who faces the maximum risk.
Ratan Tata.s Nano got involved in controversy of Singur issue led by Mamta Banerjee & this project got shifted to Gujarat from Bengal & is expected to run on Indian roads by Saptember.
This year also saw many crisis like Raj Thackery comment on North Indians, Kosi floods Amarnath land issue & anti Christian riots in Kandhmal. At international level the latest crisis is the Israel attack on Gaza which led to the deaths of civilians or non combantants .It was sheer violence of Hague & Geneva Convention. Human rights violatin is taking place at large scale there but self proposed guardian of human rights protectior US & others are silent on it. Now when Israel has destroyed all in Gaza has declared ceasefire but Hamas want to continue with to show their to face the Israel.
India also joined the elite club of five countries by fulfilling the mission of Chandrayaan & make its presence felt on moon too.Satyam Scandal has further deteriorated the corporate image of India
In field of sports every feat paled in comparison with the gold medal winner Abhinav Bindra shot down in 10 m air rifle event at Beijing Olympics. Sushil Kumar bagged bronze in wrestling in Beijing.The last time India won medal in wrestling at Olympics was in 1952. Chess wizard Vishwanathan Anand also ensured that he finished the year with his World Championshiptit

Neha Salaria

The glorious fearful 2008


Its normally difficult to capture the essence of whole year in one headline.
2008 was different..Many good things happened in this year. We won our first individual gold medal in Olympics .Before 2008 Indian sport could only wonder and lament over its wrecked luck. We only had the hard luck tales and better luck next time expressions.But this year, a few sports person made us believe that it is possible for its athletes,despite every limitation,hurdles,handicap and disappointment to find a way to the top of the worldIt may seem like to tall to claim to make on the back of what eventually were just three Olympic medals- India’s first individual gold and two bronze medal in shooting,boxing,wrestling.Besides India also got best ever woman badminton player Saina Nehwal. When talking of sports,how can we forget Cricket.2008 was year of transformation for Indian cricket,which usually function in a distant alternate universe,has also been touched by breeze of fundamental change.the IPL and the T20 were a great hit.It brought in the concept of instant cricket.
Tata’s Nano was another reason for joyous 2008 for those who dreamt of having a car one day.India displayed the cheapest car in the world.Even though Ratan Tata’s dream project of Nano turned into a nightmare When politicsobotaged the original site in Bengaltta managed to relocate themselves.there may be some delay in the arrival of Nano in the market but we are hopeful.
2008 also saw the country going nuclear .a historic nuclear deal was signed against heavy odds.the deal is seen as a watershed in US-INDIA relations and will certainly help India in catering to its ever going energy needs.
India’s first moon mission was another feather in the hat.the successful launch of chandrayaan-1 has catapulted the country into the league of a select group of nations which already have sojourn with the mystical satellite of earth-the moon.
Another significant achievement in year 2008 was the free,fair,peaceful elections in jammu and Kashmir.it was far more unexpected rather quite odd ,that a large no. of people turned up to vote,despite the state being ravaged by protest on the Amarnath issue a month before elections and a continuous threats by terrorists.
What remains the most significant event in 2008 is the American Pesidentials elections. The victory of Obama as the first black President of America is certain nly seen as a positive in the India’s context and that it would further improve the US-INDIA relations.
Besides being a glorious year ,2008 was also the year of fear.. the 26/11 and left us with bad memories of 2008. the Mumbai terror attackwas the most devastating in Indian history.it took 173 lives,lasted 58 hours gutted the heritage wing of Taj Mahal hotel and led to aface-off with with Pakistan that came perilously close to war.
And how can we forget kosi floods that claimed so many lives, and left so many people homeless in the stretches of bihar.
Besides the bad memories of Bihar and Mumbai, what made a common man shiver
was the economic crisis that affected not only India but the entire WORLD.
So, after having a glimpse of the year 2008, we can certainly say, that it was a glorious fearful year for INDIA.

Assignment by Neha Verma


Ring out the Old, Ring in the New

Could there have been a more eventful year than the previous one? It kept us awake and thinking.
Even a decade after, if we sit to recall the events of the year 2008, the first thing that would come to our minds would be the Mumbai Attacks on 26/11. It took a few terrorists to shake our nation. Many people lost their lives one more time. The common man rose in anger and had strong views to put forward, there were placards held out in huge gatherings like “A nation led by donkeys.”
The event followed a long debate on how to counter terrorism budding in Pakistan and most importantly how the Indian media behaved during the crisis. The focus was on how the media behaved and to bring back the censor. Things like this can be sorted out and rightly have been in the due course of time since the attacks with the coming of guidelines for the media.
The thing that can never be forgotten is that in no other country can the police constable of a financial capital be forced to fight with 0.030 vintage rifles from World War-II against highly trained terrorists armed with the most sophisticated AK-47 rifles. Perhaps in no other country would it take nine hours for its elite special forces to arrive for rescue operations, allowing people to die, just in the meanwhile. And all this happens because in this very country, in the name of police modernization, state governments have looted the exchequer to buy expensive cars for charge-sheeted ministers and bureaucrats; and some worthless Chief Ministers, who can move around with near 300-plus security personnel and convoys of scores of cars, while the citizens of India remain virtually unprotected. No doubt, the people of this country have seen enough. And with Mumbai attacks, each and every citizen of this country feels even more cheated and betrayed. Betrayal to such an extent that in this ghastly attack other than the invaluable lives of innocent citizens, the nation has also lost three of its brightest and most respected police officers, along with 11 others. Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salsakar died in spite of wearing bulletproof jackets, indicating the extent of corruption involved in the procurement of the bulletproof jackets and their quality, which could not even withstand bullets from a rifle. What else does one expect from the crass political and administrative class, which has made money from fodder to coffins and from guns to bulletproof jackets!
I just hope Mumbai attacks do not become just another entry in the glossary of terror and the victims just a statistic. I just hope something is done before we regain the cozy smugness of normalcy. And tomorrow would be another day, another city and more body parts and other horrors on the television screen.
Even the global food crisis made mouths talk in the previous year, thanks to President Bush. The crisis had many facets to it. The most fascinating, however was that it threatened to plunge an extra 100-milion people into poverty.
Many factors contributed to the crisis: water shortage, diversion of land, rising oil prices (dependence of agriculture sector on oil), skewed policies and other allied issues.
Interestingly, the switchover to bio-fuels added vastly to the problem. The ‘wonder fuel’ however was not so wonderful. One tankful of ethanol for a car requires more corn than the average African eats in a whole year.
Many solutions were suggested. One on them for India was to start controlling wastage – it was estimated that the food grains that are wasted in our country are enough to feed a sizeable population of Australia but is actually eaten by rats!
This Bush connection with the global food crisis reminds me of the US Presidential Elections. There was a neck to neck to competition between Obama and Mrs. Clinton. Though, Hillary gave Obama a tough fight and refused to bow out of the race, but may be that was not enough to win the Democratic nomination. Mid-way through Obama was so confident that he had stopped focusing his campaign speeches on Hillary. He simply targeted the Republican nominee to win Presidency.
Along with the Presidency, George Bush is leaving behind difficult economic and international (Iraq) situations to deal with.
China was too in the limelight the previous year. They built the best-ever Olympic village. They also dug deep in to tradition to pick an auspicious date for the launch. They chose the lucky no ‘8’ and fixed 8/8/08 for the inauguration of the games.
However, Chinese luck ran out even before the Olympics began. The Tibetans started using this hype to focus world attention towards their cause.
India found it difficult to decide its course of action. Bailing India out from this difficult situation were the Dalai Lama’s views that we must not resort to violence.
Moreover, many people claimed that sports and politics must not be mixed. Many intellectuals felt that they had no problem if they are told the truth: we are friends with the Chinese. Also, Sino-Indian interested in the long run need to be factored.
The popular opinion was that those who really care for the Tibetans should hope for a successful Olympics, which in turn would continue the process of opening up China.
Olympics were surely a success for India. It won its first ever individual gold by Abhinav Bhindra and other laurels in boxing.
Our hope for the New Year is to have a stronger economy and lesser pink slips; a more responsible media who must not be told by other estates how to behave. After all, there is responsibility on all the four pillars for the smooth functioning of the democracy. No one pillar can be shorter in length or say responsibility and accountability. We hope there is no finger-pointing on the media for being irresponsible and forgetting its limits and ethics as in 26/11 and Arushi Murder case the last year and many others instances before this.
At the back of terrorism in India is Pakistan’s hand. Pakistan has always been playing the communal cord – striking at selected places to provoke a backlash. Preferred by Pakistan is such a proxy war to make up for its conventional inferiority. In the coming time, India not only needs to beef up its technical intelligence capabilities but it also needs to sharpen its human intelligence apparatus. Instead of just learning from the past mistakes, we need to be adept at anticipating new forms of terrorism. We were earlier hoping for better Indo-Pak relations but it is now a far cry after 26/11.
In addition, there is a hope that the upcoming elections change the way our polity works. The self-serving political class must now look the other way. We can just hope people at the helm of affairs will now have the intent, courage and conviction to take the perpetrators by their horns. We can just hope they ring out the old and ring in the new. Is that asking for too much?
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( Submitted By: Nidhi Bhatia
Reminiscence and Anticipation
“Before the beginning of years,
There came to the making of man,
Time with a gift of tears,
Grief with a glass that ran.”
‘A great epoch has begun. There exists a new spirit’.
These words capture in complete truthfulness the events that took place in the year gone by. If there was one year, which could be said to be the representative of the change to come in d following years, It was the year 2008.We saw our selves...Our country and humanity, scaling great heights and tumbling down from even greater. Nations came close to war, history was created as US voted for its first black president (and Obama became a craze that surpassed color), the most populous country showed its might and splendor and bedazzled the rest of the world with its specter. Back home at India, blood oozed from every corner! Spattered with the colour of religion and region...we had brainwashed Muslim fanatics, Hindu extremists and characters like Raj Thakeray trying to mercilessly strangle the spirit of Indians! And as if this was not enough, the entire economy of the world was under attack! Where Inflation levels hit zenith, ‘Rock-solid’ banks like Merrill Lynch tasted dust! Overall, it was a year of change!
Talking about change, the word has come to symbolize, not just a change in a fundamental consciousness in the U.S. body politic but also a change, which symbolizes the change in humanity! And that is an astounding event. Obama is the current poster boy espousing this sentiment, which was initiated by none other than one of the finest U.S. Presidents ever- Mr. Lincoln. Being the first black president, this has in itself started off the change that we all hope to see.
Change was also witnessed with the signing of the Nuclear Deal after such hard work. The Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation agreement has gone through a gestation period much longer than an elephant’s! No issue in the last decade has generated so much uninformed debate as the proposed Indo-US nuclear deal. Vociferously opposing the deal were the left and right poles of Indian politics. The entry of India into a group of ‘recognized’ nuclear weapons armed countries, de facto though not de jure, is an event of historic significance. The US Senators, who sat through the night to vote on the Bill to clear the 123 agreement until the dawn of October 2 in India, must have been unaware that they were linking the new dawn in Indo-US relations. The proverbial Gandhi magic may have played a role in persuading the reluctant Senators to remove the last hurdle in India's 34-year-old struggle to end India's nuclear isolation.
Moving on, one of the much awaited events of the sporting world-Olympics-was another highlight of the previous year. And what a show! The Chinese pulled out all the stops to weave a spectacular "Tong yi ge menxiang, Tong yi ge shij" (or "One world, one dream") event. The most expensive Game in history till now; Right from the Opening ceremony to the Bird’s nest until the closing ceremony, the world sat enraptured as Chinamen showcased their power, strength and capabilities, not just off field but on field as well. With the Commonwealth Games slated to be held in Delhi in 2010, Delhi may well take pointers from Beijing. Nevertheless, what was most heartening in the Olympics, was our own heroes- Abhinav Bindra, Vijender et al who made India proud with one gold and two bronze! And what was most disheartening was that our Hockey team failed to qualify. What a disgrace that our National game could not be represented. But now with K P S Gill out of the picture we can definitely look forward to a ‘chak de’ team!
Where the previous year showed us such glorious times, it also bared its fangs and left many people bereft –both financially and emotionally. The ‘evil-I’ of Inflation and consequent recession caused trillions of money to be swiped off, leaving in its wake- dashed hopes, butchered dreams and mounting tensions. The market showed no sign of relenting and prices rocketed, making it difficult for the common man to make his ends meet. Banks all over the world had to bear the ‘bearish’ market conditions, which led to the downfall of many reputed banks in the U.S.
However, the one thing that made all our hearts bleed profusely were the terror attacks that hit our nation’s capital-New Delhi, our financial capital Mumbai and Ahmadabad! These demand unequivocal condemnation of the strongest sort. These were acts of sheer evil and those responsible are nothing less than devils incarnate. What else could be said of people who set off bombs in hospitals?
The attacks were utterly anonymous, and excessive. Over the last year Mumbai, Assam, Imphal, Kanpur, Malegaon burned in the misdirected passion of jihadis. India’s congested cities offer rich opportunities. Small bundles of explosives, hidden as they have been in lunch boxes, pressure cookers and on the backs of bicycles, have caused grievous damage. Terror and mayhem is something that every Indian is trying to cope with-day in and day out. Risk has always been there in our life. It was there even before and is present even now. However, never has it been raised to such a scary magnitude, that it now poses a threat to the very existence of precious human life. Never have we been so vulnerable than our present state. ! But, does it mean that we should stop all our activities and live in constant fear of the peril seeking our lives? Should we try to revert to older times? Should we let our life come to a standstill, allow it to stagnate? I am sure that the answer is a resounding NO! Our attitude should be one of defiance in face of insurmountable problems. It should bear testimony to the fact that it is up to us to conquer our fears and keep the sailing boat of ‘HUMAN SPIRIT’ afloat. Human Spirit- which refuses to die down, which resurfaces with infectious ebullience and is invincible. Human Spirit which in spite of taking cuts, blows, has always risen from the ashes of its sufferings. It is with this attitude that we look forward to the year 2009 and pray that it eases our worries and makes this world a better place to live!
My soul may set in darkness
It will rise in perfect light.
I have loved the stars too fondly,
To be fearful of the night.

2008- The year that was

The year 2008 was predicted as the year of chaos upheaval and unusual happenings. Abrupt declarations insinuating at the world's end were made. As the year unfolded, some of the predictions turned out to be true and others failed to even come close to reality.
The year was eventful in many aspects. Globalization churned out changes in social, political and cultural spheres the most significant were the changes in the earth's environment. One cannot deny the fact that the earth we were born at is not the same any more. But, who is to blame? Everything from disturbing the ecological balance, depleting the ozone layer to creation of weapons of mass destruction, man's perpetual contribution is undeniable. As we step into the New Year it is pertinent to look back at the year gone and retrospect. Understanding the past is as important as expecting the future. After all, the seeds of the future buds are sowed in the past.
The year was a landmark in the history of Indian nuclear energy and capacity. The historic indo-us civilian nuclear agreement between India and USA, levered India into the league of important nations. The deal went through a number of deliberations, opposition both within and outside India. Yet, it emerged victorious, owing its relevance in the condition of energy shortage of India. Another deciding factor was the responsible behavior of India in the past regarding nuclear and security issues. The most significant aspect of the deal was the new found friendship with USA. Moreover, India became the first nation to have signed such a deal without signing a non proliferation treaty with nuclear suppliers group.
Talking about scientific sphere, another landmark of the year, Chandrayan 1, cannot be ignored. It captured the fancy of every Indian who once dreamt of traveling into space. It is India's first mission to the moon launched by India's national space agency, ISRO
Chandrayan 1 has become an instant symbol of pride and power of India This pride had been aroused earlier in the year when ace shooter Abhinav Bindra won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. It marked a new era of hope for other sports other than cricket. It also became significant because, India started to yearn to be recognized as an important sporting nation.
These were the few of the positive happenings of 2008. But, for the whole world the most important were the U.S. presidential elections. The results were miraculous and significant. Barack Hussein Obama of the Democratic Party won these elections. And, as i narrate the past, he is been sworn in as the 44th president of America. But, more importantly he is the first ever African- American president of USA. The historic win is symbolic of the defeat faced by discrimination on the basis of race and colour that African- Americans had faced till date. There was a time when they were considered as " a white man's burden". They were thought to be as outcast and were confined to ghettos. But, these elections have marked the end of political struggle of African- Americans in USA. Barack Obama has emerged as a promising president to not just his country but also the entire world.
The year was also the year of tragedies and sufferings. The deluge in Bihar rendered the entire state into a helpless condition. The Kosi River went out of control. Total population of 1.2 crores was effected, 2.5 lakhs houses were destroyed, and crops in 1.6 lakh hectares were wiped off. The catastrophe was a serious blow on the poor farmers of the state. These were the sufferings caused by nature, but the most terrifying were the inhuman acts by men which surfaced as the anti-Christian riots in Orissa and the Mumbai terror attacks. In Orissa the saffron brigade went on a killing spree. It burned and destroyed anything of the Christian faith in its way. In the name of religion, the most devilish acts were done. Similarly, the eve of 26th November, 2008 witnessed a group of terrorists in wild killing frenzy, taking lives of innocent people. They aimed at the rich, the poor, the young and the old. For the first time an average Indian felt that he was insecure in his own country. But the massacre also triggered the dormant patriotism of Indians.
There were other human disasters like the Aarushi murder case. It was a tragedy that was blown out of proportion causing defamation and trauma to the victim and her family. The media was not a watch dog, but one of the major culprits in this case.
The year has ended but left deep scars and memories that cannot be effaced. Dawn of the New Year has brought along with it new hopes for the future. As far as hopes are concerned an average Indian wishes to be roped out of the prevailing economic crisis. The Indian economy, the social and political systems are crying out for help. There are hopes that efforts will be made to improve the ailing infrastructure of the country. But most importantly, there is hope that in this New Year peace will prevail and security will be restored. It is time for India and Indians to emerge stronger and resilient than ever.

As we say goodbye to the tumultuous year 2008 the New Year came with a ray of hope for every victim of 2008. We have so many expectations from 2009 and many of us lament the casualties and mishaps occurred in 2008. I wonder why everyone show such optimism when it comes to making predictions for 2009. Why we can't accept all bad things which have become part of our so called modern life. We should make ourselves armed against terrorism, diseases, market crisis, and crimes etc. rather than just hoping for a better year ahead. I certainly am not a pessimist but sometimes people who are over optimist frighten me. Last year has taught us many things which we should take care of and most important our own behavior in particular situations. For instance we do watch so called news channels, who rarely broadcast news, and glued to our idiot box when they indulge in irresponsible coverage of certain events based on crime, sex and sometimes useless dramatic coverage of some serious events like in Arushi murder case.
The focus of electronic media remained in giving a picture which is doctored and distorted. This came alive in cases like Arushi Talwar murder case and Mumbai blasts. The viewer should always be aware and attentive while sitting in front of television set. The viewer can easily become the victim of TRP race and stiff competition between channels. Media fraternity must introspect and analyse its role. For me the role of media was most noticeable. With the advent of new technologies media has became dangerously powerful. There are many cases of invasion of privacy, MMS scandals exaggerated and dramatized by our media and live coverage of confidential security operations. Media should make sure how it's going handle itself. Certainly it would be the first and main issue media will be tackling with in 2009.
Other than this some expectations from 2009 are:-
• The incoming Obama White House is going to be watched closely from the world's largest democracy. India has enjoyed a warming relationship with the United States under the past two presidential administrations following decades when American policy in the region clearly tilted in favor of Pakistan-India's primary rival. While there is anxiety about some of the new president's campaign pledges - such as halting the proliferation of nuclear weapons and reducing the outsourcing of American jobs, in general Indians seem hopeful the relationship with the United States will improve as it did for the past 16 years under the Clinton and Bush administrations.
• Retail majors are looking to welcome 2009 with a ray of hope. The retail sector has been badly impacted during the second half of 2008 due to the liquidity crunch. Hence, retail majors have dropped 50% of their proposed mall development in India for the next three to four years. Footfalls within retail malls have started reviving since mid-December and we hope the footfalls to grow within hypermarkets more as compared to shopping centers in the first half of 2009.
• The Tata Nano may be available in the market in early 2009. One of the India's largest car makers, Tata Motors had brought revolution in the car industry, by launching the Tata Nano - People's Car. The Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano is all set to fulfill the dreams of millions who could not afford to buy a car because of high prices. The Tata Nano was scheduled to hit the market in October 2008. However, it could not because of constant opposition from Trinamool Chief Mamata Banerjee in Singur. The Tatas later moved the Nano project out of Singur, West Bengal and embraced Narendra Modi's Gujarat.



Some unforgettable events of 2008 and there importance:-
• India, where cricket is worshipped as a religion and cricketers as gods, witnessed the biggest IPL extravaganza this year. The Indian Premier League (IPL) was at its best and provided the real entertainment of T20 cricket to the viewers. Cricketers were sold to the teams like commodities, but nobody had any complaint or regret. It was fun, money and excitement. The tournament was a big hit in the country also brought more money and exposure to both Indian and foreign cricketers. Rajasthan Royals, led by Shane Warne beat Chennai Super Kings, led by Ms Dhoni in the final to win the crown. There were 8 teams in the fray.
• Sixth Pay Commission Report - Huge Cash Bonanza for Govt. Employees. The UPA government turned more generous than what the Sixth Pay Commission recommended for the government employees. Over 55 lakh Central government employees benefited from the unprecedented pay hike.



• Mumbai Terror Attacks - 26/11
Although the year 2008 witnessed many terror attacks in the country, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks shook the nation and led to a massive outrage. 10 terrorists backed by Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Toiba, attacked CST, Nariman House, Hotel Trident Oberoi and Hotel Taj in Mumbai. They held the city to ransom for 60 hours. The ATS, NSG, Marine Commandos and other policemen fought hard to flush out the terrorists and save Mumbai. It took longer, as the terrorists had kept over 300 people as hostages. In total, 183 people were killed and over 300 were injured. At least 18 brave policmen and NSG commandso became martyr in the attack. They included former ATS chief Hemant Karkare and NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The security personnel killed 9 terrorists, while one terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab, a resident of Faridkot, Pakistan, was caught alive. India stepped up diplmatic pressure on Pakistan and gained support from the globa community aftermath Mumbai terror attacks. At least 23 foreigners were killed in the terror attacks in Mumbai. The 26/11 (November 26) terror attacks in Mumbai, witnessed an unprecedented public outrage. The public anger was at its peak and the politicians had to bear the brunt. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and Dy. CM RR Patil had to resign. P Chidambaram became the new Home Minister of the counrty, while Ashok Chavan took over as the Maharashtra CM. Jayant Patil became the Dy. CM of Maharashtra.



Name – Radhe Krishan
MMC – I, Roll No. - 30



ASSIGNMENT
SUBMITTED BY :RITI PARMAR

LIVE IN RELATIONSHIPS RECOGNISED:
I think living together before marriage is not always the correct way to decide whether you both are meant to be or not .when two people know that they are made for each other, they can feel the connection even if they are miles away from each other .i think most couples who have a live in do not end up marrying there is no meaning in a relation if there is no commitment from partners.
NUCLEAR DEAL:
Nuclear deal is an important deal in the Indian history. As the non renewable resources are depleting at a faster rate nuclear fuel is the new generation fuel. The main advantage in that small amount of fuel can generate large amount of energy and it is smoke free it will enhance the velocity of development of India and will raise the standard of living in significant way and effect our sovereignty in future .But there is this advantage also that we become a dependent nation .
PREPARATION FOR COMMON WEALTH GAMES:
It's very exciting that India will host common wealth games 2010 there should be special training for sports person on the basis of their assessment of previous performances and achievable targets systematic approach is adopted to select and train athletes and teams for participation of common wealth games .infra structure should be good and well planned.
REGULATING MEDIA:
Coverage of Aarushi murder case showed that media should be controlled .even in Mumbai terror attacks coverage was extensive these coverage become watershed in India's TV history ,but regulating does not mean that freedom of press should not be affected there should be guidelines for TV coverage of emergency situations .



TATA'S NANO CAR:
It's a dream car of a common man .it's comfortable, safe, all weather people car. Its price tag is just 1 lakh Rps so it's the most cheapest car of India and is even can be afford by common people having medium class social status. Although its a cheap car but AC model is also available which is just Rps 10000-20000 costlier then the simple Nano car. Rattan Tata has again proved that you can do what u think.
MUMBAI TERROR
I am very saddened that around 150 people lost their lives. It seems to be that Pakistani militants were behind these attacks. These terrorists should be hunted down and summarily executed. It's time to wake up for India. We shall fight and rise up against these terrorist who want to pollute our land feel it's disgusting that we have given the right to everybody and anybody to walk in to country and kill innocent people. Only sitting and condemning will not help.
AARUSHI CASE
Aarushi was killed in mysterious circumstances. It was furious with UP police failure to collect any concrete evidence, which would lead to the real killer. This case received significant national attention and has become representative of what most people believe recent tendencies towards sensationalism in the Indian media. This case has received a lot of public attention. Police allowed the media to freely roam the crime scene so there should be an action against media house.
OLYMPIC GOLD
India's ace shooter Abhinav Bindra created history by winning the first ever individual Olympic gold medal for the country. This is the first time any Indian won a gold medal in an individual event. It has been a great moment that we have been dreaming for decades. We salute to this great hero, hats off to Abhinav Bindra, he has made India proud.




INDIAN HOCKEY
The impressive performance of national team in various tournaments has boosted the popularity of Indian hockey. In 1928,team won its first Olympic gold medal from 1928-1956 the Indian men's team remained unbeaten in Olympics garnering 6 gold in a row, 2 silver and three bronze but last year Indian men's team was eliminated from Olympics competition this is the first time that Indian men team did not participate in Olympics.


ROGER FEDRER
The tennis player won us open, Olympic gold in 2008. He is a star in tennis. He inspires every sports person to reach top position in their game. He was ranked second last year but as 2009 begins we hope he will try to earn back his number one ranking. It's not easy because some new stars are nipping at Fedrer's heels, eager to step up and make their own mark in tennis history.
KOSI FLOOD
This incident is the most tragic event in the Indian history. Lots of people died. I think government should take some action so that these incidents will not happen again. Some faculty should be there to help the suffering people. Government should provide food, shelter, clothes, and medicine to the affected. Government should act fast in such situations. There should be a permanent solution to prevent these floods.




LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD
Talking about year 2008 India experienced many Ups and downs from launching of Chanderyaan1 to Mumbai attacks.
On international front India gave a tough fight to developed countries and was considered emerging super power world over. Event that shaped India’s international relations were India US nuclear deal Inked on October 2007 between two Countries US and India. Special concessions were given by NSG and IAEA. This ended India’s nuclear isolation and gave India a passport to forge bilateral civilian nuclear trade with other countries. The nuclear power development program opened a new opportunities for participation and growth of both public and private sector companies. India also decided to go ahead with Iran/ Pakistan/ India gas pipeline ignoring US pressure and added to its strength. Pakistan new government offered to work with India against Terrorism. India and France signed pact for civilian nuclear technology all this showed India’s smart move to strength and sustain as upcoming superpower.
The year has not been a joyride for Indian Economy and Business. With the global melt down following the US sub-prime crisis of 2007. The business world was affected badly. The world was under financial crisis. This crisis has shaken not only the US economy but the global economy also. The crisis originated when Lehman brothers fourth largest security house founded in 1850 filed for Bankruptcy protection in New York after it failed to survive the global financial disorder and lost nearly Rupees 639 billion. All this left a deep imprint on economy of Europe and developing countries like India. Business towards the end of 2008 looked sluggish it teaches us lesson excessive leverage and greed to make money always creates havoc. To overcome from this situation we need to exercise control and regulatory framework for the economy at much faster race.
More than 17 million people have been affected in India, Bangladesh and Nepal by Kosi flood. In India this deluge took place in northern part of eastern India, when the Himalayan river Kosi burst its embankment in two locations & shifted its course through a part of Bihar state to join Ganga. More than 3 million people had been rendered homeless. This is not first time Kosi flood has occurred indeed, the Kosi has been described as the ‘River of Sorrow”. The Kosi `s destructive abilities were because of the enormous amount of water, laden with silt, sand & kankar that it brought down from the Himalayas. The massive amount of silt caused the river to shift its course frequently. The current disaster took the lives of so many people emphasizes the urgent need to rethink water management strategies & policies. We need to consider how & why this great disaster happened, whether it was avoidable & what lessons might be taken from this.
Aarushi Talwar the 14-year-old daughter of a successful dentist couple, was found dead with her throat slit in her parents' home at Jalvayu Vihar in Noida. Suspicion immediately fell on the family's live-in man-servant, Yam Prasad Banjade alias Hemraj, a 45-yr-old Nepalese national, who was found missing from the home. THE DUO murder case in Noida, took a new turn when police arrested Aarushi’s parents. It is alleged that Rajesh Talwar was the murderer of his child. All circumstantial evidences said that Talwar has killed his daughter.
Media did a good job in covering the Noida double murder case, but what did it achieve by showing explicit video of Aarushi in a compromising situation, except to bring disgrace to her name. Is it just for TRPs that news channels work?
The Communist parties pulled out over India’s historic civilian nuclear deal with the United States and the government’s survival was put to the ultimate test. But parliamentary politics in India dipped to a new low when wads of cash were whipped out in the well of the house. Opposition MPs claimed money was used to buy support. The allegations did not stick and the Manmohan Singh government survived the trust vote.
Talking about technology gain India sets a world record by sending 10 satellites into orbit in a single launch. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C9) successfully puts all the 10 satellites into orbit. Chanderyaan1, India’s first mission to the moon was launched by India’s National Space Agency ISRO. India marked entry on moon by this. This also marked completion of the most important phase of the Indian lunar mission.

Raj Thackeray's speechifying against people from North India started early 2008 and resulted in violence in different parts of Maharashtra through the year, even spreading to states like Bihar. Raj blamed north Indians in Maharashtra as the reason for a shortage of jobs for Maharashtrians. The MNS chief also attacked Amitabh Bachchan questioning his loyalty to Mumbai. Where were Mr. Thackeray and his MNS? At the time of Mumbai attack when people from different region fought and saved Mumbai not MNS. The people of India must send a message to all politicians- Rise against regionalism and treat all as Indians.

The Indian cricket team started off winning the tri-series in Australia. The success of the inaugural IPL 20/20 league reaffirmed India’s pre-eminence as one of most powerful forces in the world of cricket. India capped its season with home series wins over both World champions Australia and England and many Indians now hope India can actually become no.1 in world cricket. New heroes like Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma emerged, and there was success for other Indian sportsmen too.

Abhinav Bindra made the nation proud winning India’s first individual Gold in shooting at the Beijing Olympics. While boxers like Vijender Kumar packed a punch, Sushil Kumar grappled both inner fear and pressure to add a bronze from the wrestling mat and make it one of India’s most memorable campaigns in the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.

Jeev Milkha Singh winning the Asian Golf’s Order of Merit and shuttler Saina Nehwal’s sudden rise in the badminton world brought India more cheer. So, it has indeed been a rollercoaster year for the country.
2008 witnessed a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across India. On November 26, 10 terrorist strikes in Mumbai left over 180 people dead and over 300 injured. Some of the city's most prominent landmarks, the Taj hotel, the Trident-Oberoi hotel, and the CST station were targeted by terrorists. Only some months earlier, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Guwahati were left reeling after serial blasts hit the cities leaving scores dead and several injured. It was the worst attack ever on nation it has not only dented Mumbai but hurts the sentiments of whole nation.
We Indians live with high hopes and attitude to move forward. In 2009 India will go through a lot of revamp in terms of infrastructure and new modern governing laws. As Prime Minster said that strict action should be taken against terrorism and nip that from bud. Steps should be taken to regulate media and there working at the time of national emergency.

Shivani NEgi
“Dark Ages” .....seems if a phrase been picked out from some historical texts! But the irony is here it aptly describes the bygone year of 2008....a year of Despair, Destruction and devastation. NO! Not an exaggeration or playing with alliteration but actual description.
For the sake of progressive and positive analysis, 2008 can wear a tiny crown to congratulate itself for the clinching of Indo-US Nuclear deal in October 2008 that ended 34 years of nuclear apartheid for India. The deal has paved way for:
1. Providing energy to rapidly growing population and industrial demands of our country
2. Closer economic and political ties between the world’s two largest democracies
3. Unlocking of the global technology gates for India
But there cannot be 100% satisfaction as according to the agreement all the transfer of nuclear technology, materials and equipment to India would stop in case it carried out a nuclear test.
Another episode is the proud moment of Chandrayaan saying goodbye to mother earth on 9th November .This successful lunar mission of India has included it in the exclusive club of the US, Russia, China and Japan.
The saga of sports achievements of 2008 is worth telling: Indian cricket team humbled down mighty Aussies and England, Vishwanathan Anand championing the Chess at International level, Abhinav Bindra (shooting), Vijendra Singh (boxing) and Sushil Sharma bagging gold, silver and bronze respectively in Olympics. Jeev Milkha singh tormenting his golf rivals and Sania Mirza showing a spectacular performance in tennis. At world level Rafal Nadael broke the invincibility myth of Roger Federer.
Putting a feather in Indian in Indian innovation and materializing the common man’s dream of owning a car ,Tata motors India limited launched Nano, the world’s smallest and cheapest car(1 lakh).
In political field, J&K‘s aspirations rose high with the elevation of young and dynamic Omar Abdullah as the youngest chief minister of the state. Hopes are that Kashmir may become a heaven on earth once again. Simultaneously after a span of 7 years of no elections Bangladesh got its democratic lady leader Sheikh Hasina who got 85% of the total votes.
The landslide victory of African American, Barack Obama for American presidency is strongly anticipated to strengthen in the forces of peace, progress and democracy across the world. Particularly India can hope to have closer ties with US to jointly combat terrorism. He should also aim to make success of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and fish out of economic recession.
Almost all the govt. Employees and bureaucrats have reasons to rejoice with the implementation of 6th pay commission revising their salaries and allowances. But the armed forces are still anguished and dissatisfied with it and call for immediate redress of the anomalies.
But here these glittering events lose their spark by the black smoke emitted by the one after another tragic events.
With the US economic meltdown came in financial crisis, liquidity crunch, and slowdown-call it whatever! It has gripped the word tightly every sector; manufacturing, real estate, service, airlines are struck hard. Lacks of people have lost their jobs. Food crisis, inflation and unemployment all have become rampant with the economic depression. This is perhaps the worst financial crisis if compared with that of Great depression of 1931. The BSE plunged to deepest this year.
Gross mismanagement and official neglect of Kosi river lead to worst floods in Bihar in Indian history. The flood had inundated 16 districts in the state and displaced 29lakh people. The estimated damage runs into thousands of Crores.
What has been the most depressing is the Mumbai Mayhem of 26/11, killing more than 185 people and injuring many. In this urban terrorist attack the city’s most high profile areas were targeted. Before this Bangalore, Ahmadabad and Delhi were hit hard by terrorist attacks. Eventually in 2008 entire nation has been under terrorist attack killing more than 1000 people. The scale ,intensity and level of orchestration of terror attacks in Mumbai makes clear that terrorism is India’s deadliest enemy.
Maharashtra and Orissa were hard hit by communal and separatist tendencies.raj Thackeray and his Shiv Sena resorted to anti nationalistic moves. They drove out Biharis whom came to give railway exams. They are undermining the very idea of India by thrashing known Maharashtrians -a glaring example of jingoism and chauvinism. In Orrisa the anti-Christian riots broke up in Kandhamal and many innocent Christians killed and their properties and churches were put on fire.
In crime field, the sensationalised twin murder case of Noida, known as Arushi murder case is still, the biggest unsolved, messy urban murder mystery. In sports what can be more dampening than the poor show put up by Indian hockey team as they could not even qualify for semi-finals.
What can be termed as ruthless and barbaric is the indiscriminate slaughter of Hamas at the Gaza strip by Israel’s. Over 1200 Palestinians have been killed. Israel has been getting support from Uncle Sam in this hideous deed.
But what is of concern is to adopt both reactive and proactive approaches to deal with devastating events 2008. For terrorism, effective intelligence, sincere polity, alert citizenship and tight security can help to curb terrorism. The international pressure on Pakistan should be intensified. As far as economic crisis is to be dealt we should have out of the box ideas that will reinvigorate the economy. May be the time is to move to Karl Marx socialist theory to come out of crisis. In the wake of criticism of media and its subsequent apology (with regard to terrorist attacks) the question of regulating media by government almost seems like imposing gagging act of pre-independence days. Media can’t be and must not be regulated. The UPA government’s five year rule will end by upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Delhi is all set to prepare itself for commonwealth games.
All that 2009 requires is patience, sincerity and unity at every level to save people from clutches of terrorism and financial crisis.
Shobhna Juneja
Siddharth Negi
Roll no. – 39
MMC - I
Looking forward and backward
A year in the history of a nation, world and universe has different dimension and contour. If looked from a personal point of view the most defining act was the Mumbai siege batter known as 26/11. The country changed and also our perspective about terrorism. The year 2008 ended with party and gung-ho for the people around the world but in Gaza it was the Israeli bombs saying goodbye to the year 2008. The panoramas of important events of 2008 are:-
US got the first African American President:
In 2007 most of the people are not aware from the name of Mr. Barack Obama. During the presidential campaign he first defeated the former US first lady Hillary Clinton and then he defeated the thinking of the people that US will never elect an African-American as President. On November 04, 2008 he defeated the Republican candidate John McCain by a huge margin and thus he became the 44th President of United States of America.
China Olympic 2008:
For the first time China hosted the Olympic Games and on this occasion China opened the door to the entire world. Summer Olympic 2008 which were popularly known as XXIX Olympiad shows the strength of China to the entire world. The grand opening ceremony will always remain in the memory of lots of people forever. People will also remember this event for the eight gold medal won by Michael Phelps.
Global Economic Crisis:
Year 2008 will also be remembered for the biggest stock market crash. It was even the worst market crash since the Great Depression of 1929. The global share market crash started from September 2008, which is still going on and created a huge financial problem through out the world. US became the first victim and then almost each and every country became the victim of the scenario. This incident caused heavy downfall in job sector and few people lost their job too.
Mumbai Terror Attack:
An incident which shocked the entire world, it started from the night of 26th November 2008 at Mumbai which is known as the Business Capital of India. The incident of the attack by around 10 terrorists to the financial capital of India took the life of around 175 people including some foreigners too. This incident shocked the entire India as well as the world too.
India’s First Unmanned Mission to Moon:
It was a huge success to the Indian scientists and a boost to India’s space mission. India launched the first unmanned mission Chandayaan-1 on 22nd October 2008, and thus India became the superpower in the field of space missions. Now India is planning to launch the manned mission to the moon.
Other than these events some of the great people passed away during 2008 include Paul Newman, Sydney Pollack, Tim Russert, Bernie Mac, Heath Ledger, Mahender Kapoor. The list has a few more name and we pay homage to all of them.
Nuclear Deal.
Indo-US Nuclear Deal has for the first time proved that national welfare has more value than the political selfishness. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was so keen to pass this bill that he never considered about his own government. Later he got the support of the Parliament too. Finally India got the strong friendship of United States. India got the inclusion in the N-Club along with the regular energy supply.
Mumbai Terror.
New form of worldwide terror, 26/11 strikes to India in Mumbai. Despite providing lots of proof of the involvement of the Pakistani based terrorists organization’s hand behind this attack, Pakistan is not at all agreeing to the claim of the Indian Government. Year 2008 provided some big hole in the security system of the nation, Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Delhi, Guwahati and then Mumbai taught some lesson to the security forces. People from different states came together and forced to the government to take some serious step against terrorism and to change the attitude.
India on Moon.
Indian scientists got the huge success of the accomplishment of the mission moon. The cheapest and the best mission to the moon were named as Chandayaan I. This established India into the super powers of the world. India is now ready to provide the cheaper space program to other countries too, and ISRO is planning to launch the manned mission to the Moon very soon.
Aarushi Murder Case.
One sad incident of the murder of Aarushi in her own house despite the presence of her parents in the house in Noida is still unsolved. This murder case got the biggest attention of the media; still CBI is unable to solve the case.
Assembly Elections.
Termed as the Semi-Final of the parliamentary elections which is scheduled in the year 2009, the assembly elections in Manipur, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir proofed that Democracy is the back bone of the country. People came out to vote even despite the “Boycott” of the elections by some unwanted forces in J&K. Performance of the governments became the major criteria during these elections.
Flood in Bihar.
The development of the Bihar Government during last four years was washed away in the flood. The problem was not so much tragic as the situation was. Attitude of the people caused more problems to the people who suffered during the flood situation. We need to change our system to tackle the situation.
Fall of the Share Market.
The impact of the global market fall was so big that it reached to the Mumbai Stock Exchange too. Sensex falls deeply and this caused affect on the job sector too. Real Estate, Aviation, became the victim of the slow down. Finally India is thinking about how to recover from this impact.
First Individual Gold Medal in Olympics.
The biggest dream of India came true this year. Abhinav Bindra clinched first ever individual Olympic gold medal for India in the men’s 10m air rifle shooting. Other than him, Vijendra Kumar and Sushil Kumar too came up with medals and India is now taking the other sports (other than cricket) seriously. Jitender Kumar too won the heart of the fans.
Lessons on Cricket Ground.
India virtually became the super power in the field of cricket too. India got the new captain in all the format of cricket in the form of M. S. Dhoni. India performed quite well in the three formats of cricket T20, ODI and Tests too. Some of the seniors like Saurav Ganguly and Anil Kumble retired this year.
Expectations from 2009:-
The year 2008 was a complete package in itself having hatred, love, truth, hope, despair, pessimism, optimism and all other colors. The year 2009 will also be not different because there is something which never changes. Years come and go but the happy and sad music of life goes on and on. The world will be a more dangerous place to live if fundamental changes are not brought in the way we look at problems. The world should try to bring the terrorists on table and discuss or start a conversation with them. Lot of things is expected from Obama and hope he fulfill them. In India a secular government is expected which will hopefully tackle the problem of economy. Shanti shanti shanti

Certain events are too important to be forgotten. We are always surrounded by events mundane or bizarre, decided according to their level of impact, occurrence pattern and timeliness. Certain events are very important by their very nature itself whereas certain events are seen in a particular context and attain importance. Let the events be interpreted in a very neutral manner and focus just on their occurrence ………………..
NUCLEAR DEAL
One among the most important affairs of India, in which after a lot of negotiation with America a deal got finalized, is none other than nuclear deal itself. The deal was revolving around America and other members of NSG that would supply India the radioactive U235 for its electricity production. The deal was highly opposed by the comrades and few other political parties as they had few reservations that this deal would be just another tactic of America to suppress developing countries under the veil of an attractive offer. But after a lot of hulla bullah, political action was taken opposing the leftist clique; in favor of India, subject to thought.
OLYMPIC GOLD
The Olympics were held at Beijing, yielding the movements of glory for Abhinav Bindra in particular and India in general. It was a matter of pride when shooter Abinav Bindra won the first gold medal for India, a distant dream we used to see. The winning was outcome of decimal point difference, but a huge event in itself. His achievement is taken as a precedent and inspiration for the future shooters.
CHANDRAYAN
Success comes to those who work hard for it. Chandrayan I, the first rocket which was designed by the scientists of ISRO was rocketed towards the moon. The objective of Chandrayan was to carry a camera on the surface of the moon and send pictures of it. It is sending continues pictures and would be working for three years. After the completion of term other series of chandrayan rockets are scheduled to be sent to the moon.
BLACK U.S.PRESIDENT
Barrack Obama succeeded in the race against racially interpreted elections and set an example for the world. Obama was against the Republican Party candidate John Mc Cain. Hilary and Obama were nominated for Democratic Party but the initial elections gave Obama a clear way for the Presidential election. This time elections were not just inter party but we saw a lot of intra party rivalry also ,that settled for betterment of party itself, though set a bad example. Obama an African who studied from the Howard University is the architect of America’s future. All this shows the democratic spirit of America on face value; flaws are best covered by an event that was not well generated with such essence though
ROGER FEDERER
The Swiss player, ideal of all tennis lovers justifies for being treated so. Roger Federer won 13 grand slams and equals the record of Pete Sampras. He has won Wimbledon five times in a row and also equals the record of Bjorg. But the year 2008 has brought a lot of disappointment for this tennis star. He continuously lost many of the grand slam events and lost his ranking from the top to number two. He won an ATP event which is the only win for him.
TATA’S NANO
Another product of the Tata’s in automobile was the much sought after car ‘Nano’. The car was designed to cater to the needs of the middle class and economically constrained yet car loving section. The car was launched costing mere one lakh. The Tata’s started a plant at Singur at Bengal but there was lot of agitation by the TRIMUL Congress as they had an opinion that the plant was constructed on the agricultural land. Later it also demanded shares and kept on fighting and agitating. Spectating all this, TATA shifted its plant from Singur to Gujrat where the C.M. MODI offered him land for the production purpose of the car.
SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS
The year 2008 can be called a year which is good for sports. Firstly Dhoni’s men brought home the first T 20 World Cup. This event of World cup nature was won after a gap of 25 years since India won a World Cup 1983 then it was the Indian contingent who went to the Beijing Olympics and brought the maiden gold and two bronze medals. Later in the World Cup also Indian boxers did a great job and managed to bring bronze medal for India. Also SACHIN Tendulkar broke the record of Brian Lara by scoring highest number of test runs in test cricket at Mohali against Australia.
SIXTH PAY COMMISSION
The sixth pay commission came as a reward for the Central Government employees when the central government revised the pay scales of the employees. After the sixth pay commission was passed there was a handsome increase in the salaries of the employees. Also the employees who were not promoted were given the scales of higher ranks.
AARUSHI CASE
The biggest murder mystry case of the year 2008. This is that mystry which is not solved yet but there are constant doubts on certain people. The murder being committed in NOIDA of a young girl called Aarushi who was the daughter of doctor parents. While solving the mystry the C.B.I. had doubts on doctor Rajesh Talwar and had narco test on him. But later it was found that their servant Krishna was the culprit as according to the narco test. The reason being the insult being done by doctor Rajesh Talwar of him. The mystry goes on but there has not been a conclusion as yet.
MUMBAI BLASTS/TERROR
9/11 for America and 26/11 for India have something grave in common, the budding feeling of insecurity and political non seriousness. When some Pakistani terrorists came by the sea route to Mumbai and hijacked Hotel TAJ at the Gateway of India was the security personnel in slumber. They started with their ammunition firing and ended with our emotional loss of tranquillity. A terror wave ran through the city for about five days in facts, and for ever for few, in memories. The army and the police were handling the operation and the people who had mishandled were all quizzical. Later when the terrorists captured the nariman building then the NSG commandoes were called in and asked for the assault. All the terrorists were encountered except one who was caught alive to be subjected to our rapacious interrogation. The terrorist Ajmal Kasab who calls himself to be a Pakistani national said his mission was to destroy the building of Hotel. In the operation many officers like ATS Chief Karkare got shot by the bullets of the terrorists.
KOSI FLOODED
The biggest calamity that struck the State of Bihar was when the river kosi flooded because of the breaking of Dam on it which is situated on the borders of Bihar and Nepal. Almost all major parts of Bihar were under the cruel claws of the flood resulting in loss to agricultural life, shelter and above all food problems. Water borne disease started to raise their heads. Finally people were asked to shift from their respective area to the safer parts of Bihar.
ECONOMIC CRISiS
We need to divert this share of i or eye as you say to the economic recession for our own betterment. The year 2008 showed the signs of recession when the market plummeted and it came on verge of crisis in the Global Market.. The crisis started in America and ramifications were widespread. Due to this there was a sweeping fall in money value resulting the low purchasing power and threat to employment. The people started to save more as against investing. Big corporate giants are having certain obvious reservations for providing jobs and even terminated the existing employees.. Currently the situation is making a start towards betterment but still it would take time to improve the economy. Rome was not built in a day.
J & K SHRINE BOARD
The Amaranath Yatra in J & K which is shortly opened for 2-3 months every year was allotted the land of jungle for its Shrine Board by the C.M. Ghulam Nabi Azad. But the opposition party started a strong agitation against the decision; genuine or not, subject too surmise. The fighting spirits of agitation resulted in withdrawing the land from the Shrine Board. But later again on the demands of the Board Ghulam Nabi Azad granted the land for temporary haven to the Shrine Board.
ISRAEL/HAMAS
A place called Gaza Patti which is in possession of a terrorist community called Hamas who on the backing of the Palestine bombarded rockets on Israel. In retaliation Israel warned the Hamas terrorists but it was no avail. Then Israel started to answer back by bombarding rockets on them. Israel forces were ordered to attack and hence conquered a larger part of it. But still the fighting goes on and the bombardment continues.
CONCLUSION
While looking forward toward 2009 it can be said that we are continuously countering terror in our country which raise its head from our hostile neighbours. From the Mumbai attack we are continuously doing investigations and other agencies like FBI is also helping us to counter terror in the World. On the other hand after a huge crisis on economy efforts are being made to restructure the economy in positive mind set but the recent Satyam scam can lead to faults in restructuring the economy World over. Now as the elections are heading, lot of efforts by the parties are being made to demand votes and they are continuously trying to improve the infrastructure in our country. Also as the common wealth games are this year in delhi and the Dixit led congress is making some hard efforts to make the games a success by building infrastructure which is of a world standards. Recently there were elections held in J & K which were peaceful and resulting in Omar Abdullah being the C.M. of the State. Such yound prospects would lead country to the highest.

THE EVENTS THAT MADE BUZZ IN 2008
India is on the Moon:
When man first reached the moon, the event made it to history books. We think this one should make it to Indian textbooks, too, as India became only the 4th country in the world to say been there, done that at a fraction of the budget the rest of the tech-advanced world had used Chandrayaan-1 is an unmanned mission, but carries five payloads for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and six payloads from other international space agencies including NASA. ESA and the Bulgarian Aerospace Agency. The payloads house the technical equipment that will then conduct the scientific experiments that the project has been designed for. We don’t know about the rest of the world, but personally were over the moon.
THE BIG BAND Machine Starts Work:
Otherwise called particle collider, this three mile long machine that straddles two countries and the dream of countters scientists who’ve worked on it dims to replicate the exact moment of the big band, which brought the planet into existence, to learn vital lessons about our planet. As a project it was incredibly ambitious (no to mention expensive____it’s the world’s most expensive scientific experiment to date):- as an event, it was melodramatic as hell, what with pandits in Varanasi conducting a big yagya to negate what they saw as the potential disastrous implications of trying to tamper with nature. It gesinia 27km long underground tunnel between France & Switzerland. The particle collider itself looks like something spillberg would dream up, given that 2000 people worked on the project, we’re not entirely sure they he didn’t.
BARACH OBAMA is Elected President:-
He hasn’t even been sworn in yet, but already there’s very little left to say about the man that hasn’t already been said. We haven’t seen this degree of worldwide excitement over one man since Michael Jackson; so remarkable is his appeal, if he’d chosen to stand for election in pretty much any country around the world; he’d have won! Our vote, certainly goes to him-for his cool, collection unexcitable manner, for his ability to inspire confidence without hysteria; for everything he stands for as a person and as America’s first African-American president. In a year where good news was hard to find, he really made our world rock. We’re waiting for January 21, when he’s sworn in, to pop open the bubbey!
ABHINAV BINDRA and to Wins at the Olympics:-
Three pretty much unknown names before August. Three pretty much household Indian names after August. That’s what the difference between having an Olympic medal and, will, not having one is. When Abhinav Bindra won India’s first ever individual Olympic gold medal, the country let out its collective breath- the so called jinx was over. And then 2 other boys, Vijendra Singh & Sushil Kumar, came home with individual bronzes in wrestling & boxing. Finally we can look forward to London 12 with something resembling anticipation…..!
MICHAEL PHELPS Achievers the Virtually Impossible:-
At an age when most guys are watching sports on T.V. (with a cold beer for company) 23-year old Phelps has already won 14 individual Olympic gold medals- a world record of which 8 were at Beijing this year, another record. He holds seven swimming world records. He has a body that would make Greek gods look flabby. Interestingly, for those who think geniuses are born, not made, here’s some info-in his youth, Michael was diagnosed with. Attention Deficit Disorder, and also had a drunken driving incident!
ARAVIND ADIGA Wins the Man Booker:-
Okay, we don’t want to seem biased-any worthy achievement makes us happy, not just Indian achievement. But it’s hard not to grin a little wider when it’s local boy made good, which is why we haven’t stopped smiling since Adiga won. He’s the fourth Indian-born author to win (not born) originally a financial journo, Adigo spent three years working for time, before going freelance and writing his book alongside.
Aamir’s Taare Zameen Par Makes it to the Oscars:-
We smiled a little, we cried a little, and we respected Aamir Khan a lot more, even though we started out thinking pretty highly of his movie-making skills to begin with Love Aamir or hate him, his movies never leave you indifferent and if that’s not something to say about a film maker, we don’t know what any country could be proud of, and while we don’t know about winning or losing, we certainly know about deserving way to go Aamir!
THE IPHONE is finally in India:-
Call us biased, but despite the no. of me-toos, we were desperate for the Apple Genuis iphone to make it into our lwes. Sure, there’s loads of touch phones & sure the iphone has flaws, but when has that stopped a great product from capturing the imagination like this one has. And yes, we’re even prepared to pay the ridiculously excessive price of the damn thing in India-this is technological art.!
Six Packs are everywhere:-
SRK may have brought it back, but Salman and Aamir aren’t exactly being lazy about giving their bodies the six pack edge either. When SRK emerged from the water in Om Shanti Om with his abs glistering, we gasped-and guys looked thunderstrucle. Girls have to have bodies, we just have to have the minds or the money, they seemed to be thinking. No more dudes. We’ve got the minds and are working for our own money; it’s time for you to go out and get the bodies. Now we have Aamir sporting the look in his upcoming flick Ghajini. And the promos are promising as well as racy. The Khan’s are writing the manual on how it’s done.
The Dark Knight Sets Box Records:-
Health Ledger’s much awaited movie, The Dark Knight released this year, and rewrote every record that counts. It picked up a not-to-be scoffed at US$400 million in just 18 days and has to date done over a billion dollars around the world. Critics have called for a posthumous Oscar for Ledger’s performance, perhaps the greatest tribute that could be paid an actor, the movie, unusually for a box-office blockbuster, is also tipped to make waves at next year’s Oscars. Rarely do vommercial and critical meet……..when they do, we want to be in front row, applauding!
Jackson Returns:-
As a reissue, may be, but it’s still a big deal. Whatever your views on The Jackson, Michael (who has, since, converted to Islam and taken the name Mikaeel) still holds the title for the biggest selling album of all time. And this year, Thriller returned as it celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special reissue featuring collaborations with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas will i-am, Fergie, Akon and Kanye West. This is music history being made, even if with less of a bang than 25 years ago. Jackson has arrived on the scene, yet again!
Atlantis Open in Dubai:-
You could rant about excess in times of recession, or you could save about the incredible fireworks display that was, apparently, visible from space, but either way, the opening of the Atlantis, just off Dubai, was impossible to ignore. The biggest stars in the world-think Charlize theron, Robert De Miro, Richard Branson, Lindsay Lohan, along with Celeb-DJ girlfriend Sam Ronson, who played at the afterparty. Bollywood was centre stage, with Priyanka Chopra being invited as Goddess of Atlantes (to do the unveiling honours) SRK getting the priciest suite, and Priety Zinta, Malika Sherawat, Arjun Rampal and more in evidence.
The Nano Makes a (theoretical) Launch:-
A big guy in Indian business lauched the smallest big idea we’ve ever seen –the Nano! Sure, the year hasn’t been great for the Tatas, with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, and the whole Nano Singur Cntroversy, but we think Ratan Tata’s company –and the care has what it takes to beat the odds. The world, and we, are waiting to see the car hit roads next year and change the way we look at car, and what they cost, forever!
Australian Classic Rockers-AC/DC Return:-
It took light years, but from the sound of it, fans consider it worth the wait. Australian classic rockers AC/DC released their 15th studio album Black Ice in October to massive acclaim and look set to create all sorts of records sales are expected to cross 10 million in 2008. It look eight years, but from the sound of it, fans consider it worth the wait. The leaned-Malcolm and Augus Young-was formed in 1973 in Sydney and is considered the pioneer of heavy metal by all the huge fan brigade around the globe.
And the events of 2008 I wouldn’t even like to discuss are:

The Economy Goes Into Sudden Death:-
….and with it, the jobs, security, lwes and futures of hundreds of thousands across the world. The worst ever financial crunch in recent decades has taken a toll on virtually every part of the globe. Reports say me haven’t hit rock bottom yet, we can only hope better times are around the corner as we usher in a brand new year.
India’s Year of Terror:-
Mumbai, Delhi, Assam, Orissa, Kashmir. It was a year of horror, fear, destruction and terror, in virtually all parts of the country. We prayed for peace, but we know more than prayer alone is needed to resolve the constant fear we live with these days.
Heath Ledger Ods on Prescription Pills:-
28 year old Heath, heartthrob of a hundred thousand girls and one of the hottest villains (his last movie being The Dark Knight) we’ve ever seen, accidentally Od’s on prescription pills and passed away this year; we were heartbroken, both for talent lost and for the little baby girl he left behind.
Although 2008 was not a great year for everybody but it was not even that bad also. I hope that we will have an wonderful 2009,which will make me write another essay but totally in a positive way.
Submitted by
SRITI GHOSH

Terrorism in India
"Terror" comes a Latin word meaning "to frighten". The terror cimbricus was a panic and state of emergency in Rome in 105BC. The Jacobins cited this precedent when imposing a Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. After the Jacobins lost power, the word "terrorist" became a term of abuse. Although the Reign of Terror was imposed by a government, in modern times "terrorism" usually refers to the killing of innocent people by a private group in such a way as to create a media spectacle..Terrorism is the systematic use of terror. Till now there is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism.Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those acts which are intended to create fear , are perpetrated for an ideological goal , and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants.
Terrorism has been used by a broad array of political organizations in furthering their objectives; both right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic, and religious groups, revolutionaries and ruling governments. The presence of non-state actors in widespread armed conflict has created controversy regarding the application of the laws of war.
Jammu and Kashmir state has been the focal point of a territorial dispute dating back to 1947—when British colonial rule ended—involving India, Pakistan, and China. India claims the entire region as its sovereign territory, though it controls only about half of it. A third of the land is controlled by Pakistan, and China controls the remainder. The quarrel between India and Pakistan has touched off a number of military showdowns. Since the late 1980s, the region has been home to a number of militant groups seeking independence for the region. Over the last decade, this conflict has been linked to some two-thirds of all fatalities from terrorist attacks in India.
Andhra Pradesh state along the Bay of Bengal coast has endured a number of attacks linked to a group known as Naxalites. Named for the town of Naxalbari where their movement began in 1967. Naxalites are revolutionary communists. Though not all are militant, Human Rights Watch estimates some 10,000 are members of armed militias, which continue to wage a low-intensity insurgency that claims hundreds of Indian lives every year The states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Orissa have witnessed high levels of Naxalite activity, but Chhattisgarh witnessed the most Maoist-related violence.
North eastern states. Violence has plagued several states in northeast India ever since the country now known as Bangladesh was partitioned off in 1947. Fighting has been particularly bad in the states of Assam and Nagaland, which over the years have received a large influx of immigrants.
There are scores of insurgent and terrorist groups operating in the country. Those recognized by the U.S. State Department as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or other "groups of concern" are:
Lashkar-e-Taiba , whose name means "Army of the Pure," is a militant Islamist group operating in Pakistan as well as in Jammu and Kashmir. The group is blamed for some of the most high-profile terrorist attacks in India.
Jaish-e-Muhammad, meaning "Army of Mohammed," is another Pakistan-based terrorist group operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Harakat ul-Mujahedeen (HuM), or the "Islamic Freedom Fighters' Group," was founded in 1985 as an anti-Soviet group fighting in Afghanistan.
The Communist Party of India (Maoist) was formed by a merger of Naxalite groups in 2004 after talks between the Indian government and the leftist militants broke down. The group seeks to establish a "revolutionary zone" of control extending from the Nepalese border down to the southern part of Andhra Pradesh that would ultimately become a sovereign state.
Harakat ul-Jihad-I-Islami (HUJI) was founded in 1980 to fight Soviets in Afghanistan but has since concentrated its efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jamiat ul-Mujahedin is a small group of pro-Pakistan Kashmiri separatists operating in or near Pakistan.
The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has sought to establish an independent socialist state in Assam since its founding in 1979.
The recent terrorist attack on Mumbai has left a big question on Indian security . Mumbai attacks were a series of ten coordinated terrorist attacks across Mumbai, India's financial capital and its largest city. The attacks, carried out by a Pakistan-based terrorist group
Counter-Terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.Counter-terrorism includes both the detection of potential acts and the response to related events
A number of intelligence, military, and police organizations within the Indian government contribute to counterterrorism efforts. These include state-run police forces, special security forces to guard airports and other high-profile targets, and paramilitary forces that patrol the borders and assist the police when necessary. These paramilitary groups, such as the 165,000-strong Central Reserve Police Force, have been accused of committing human rights violations, especially in Kashmir, where they are particularly active. The army usually participates in counterterrorism operations as a last resort, though in Jammu and Kashmir they play a more consistent role. India's closest structural equivalent to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees national police, paramilitaries, and domestic intelligence gathering.
In India there are several intelligence agencies that monitor terrorist activities. The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is the external intelligence agency and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), a division of the Home Affairs Ministry, collects intelligence inside India. A Joint Intelligence Committee analyzes intelligence data from RAW and IB as well as from a handful of military intelligence agencies, which usually provide tactical information gathered while carrying out counterterrorist operations.
The IB oversees an interagency counterterrorism center similar to the CIA. The Ministry of External Affairs oversees its own counterterrorism body, much like the U.S. State Department, which oversees diplomatic counterterrorism functions such as briefing other nations on suspected Pakistani sponsorship of terrorism in India.
The terrorism has became the talk of the town but we can’t let it go like this by just waiting for some police or military men to come and counter the terrorism . The citizen should rise above their level and do constructive works collectively, not just lightening the candles on the street but also light the spirit inside you .



Looking forward, looking ahead…a roundup of 2008
Every New Year brings with it, new people, new thoughts, new expectations and a new series of events which actually makes a year special and unique. Year 2008 was just another year which falls into this category but with plenty of unexpected events and results, some good and some bad.
The year started off with a big sporting controversy involving an issue that has existed since ages immemorial. The second test match between India and Australia back in Sydney, witnessed racism charges and to top it, some bit of bad umpiring. Harbhajan Singh was targeted by the Australian cricketers. Andrew Symonds, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden charging Harbhajan as a racist. The scandal, known as "monkey-gate" raised Indian emotions, as Harbhajan was banned. Later, India went on to win the Perth test and ended Australia's supremacy in world cricket and emerging as a super power in cricket for year 2008.
India also made their presence felt at the Beijing Olympics, with 3 people winning the medals this time, with Abhinav Bindra winning India’s first, medal in Individual sports category. He won the gold medal at Beijing Olympics in the 10m Air Rifle event. Sushil Kumar won a bronze medal in 66kg Freestyle Wrestling, while Vijender Kumar won a bronze medal in the 75kg Middleweight category boxing. For the first time in Olympic history, India returned with three individual medals. On the downside, India also had a major disappointment with Indian hockey team unable to quality for the Olympics in a sport that’s also our national sports.
One of the major highlights on India’s way to development was the Indo – US nuclear deal. The US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and India's External Affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee signed the agreement. The main goal of the Indo-US nuclear deal is to enhance civil nuclear cooperation and trade between India and the US. Followed by this big news, was also success of India’s lunar mission to moon, with Chandrayaan-1 landing of the moon and sending pictures of the moon surface, with which India became 6th country to have successfully completed the landing on moon. Also in technological progress, Tata motors announcing their project of car that costs only 1 lakh rupee named Tata Nano, which would be made available to the people by the mid of year 2009.
With global economic recession hitting almost every country in the world, India wasn’t the one left out, as many companies went bankrupt, employees were removed, and lack of jobs in the private sector made to the headlines this year. Investors suffered the most as the sensex broke down to 9 k from a value of 22k. Government had a tough time countering this situation with RBI taking several measures to reduce several cuts and helping banks with monetary support. On the good side of economy, the union budget 2008 and also the railway budget made the news headlines for quite some reasons, with former union minister P.Chidambaram satisfying all classes of people, and also railways minister Lallu Prasad Yadav presenting another good railways budget, that made people happy. The most awaited sixth pay commission report made several changes in income of govt. employees, with huge pay hikes to satisfy people further.
Controversies and criminal cases were surely the highlights of the year 2008, with Arushi Talwar murder case becoming the biggest-ever murder mystery in India. The Arushi murder case generated tremendous curiosity in India, which was never seen before. Year 2008 also witnessed agitations and offenses at various parts of the country, Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan that continued for months, until Rajasthan government ending up giving 5 percent reservations to Gujjar community. Another big controversy involved Raj Thackery turning against Bihar and UP people and also being supported by other Marathi community, the violence ended with several violence reports, and many people beaten up. Thackeray spent 2 days in jail and was released on bail later. Another controversy involving the Amaranth land transfer issue rocked Jammu & Kashmir and created a wide divide between people in Jammu and Kashmir on religious and regional lines. Hundreds of people died and many injured, as the violence continued for over a month. The Amarnath land row triggered the fall of Congress-PDP government in the state.
The year wasn’t behind in disasters both natural and manmade ones. With Bihar being wrecked by the change of course of the river kosi after 300 years, with millions losing their shelters and hundreds loosing their lives, the year was also flooded with terror attacks in the country with several places being bombed, many terrorists being arrested. Whole of the world witnessed as the terrorists make their way to 2 biggest hotels in Mumbai, hostaging several people, and killing many. India stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and gained support from the global community aftermath Mumbai terror attacks. At least 23 foreigners were killed in the terror attacks in Mumbai. This led 2 the formations of 2 anti terrorism bills in the parliament and also strengthening the laws against terrorism. Pakistan is still under the gun of global community and is suffering a major pressure from India to strengthen their laws and removal of terrorist support from their country. This issue is yet to be resolved though.
All in all, the year 2008 was full of surprises for India, brought victory and peace to many, and took away everything from others. Though we are still on the process of becoming a developed nation, we still have to learn from our past mistakes, reviewing our weakness and taking all possible steps to remove them, only then remembering and writing roundups will be worthwhile.
If not silence, may peace prevail in 2009.
Submitted by
Sudhir Negi
MJMC-1

INTRODUCTION
The year that went by gave us various experiences. Some happy, some exciting & some sad. But we took them in a positive stride & moved from strength to strength. The year 2009 stands out as a hope of joy & progress for India.
In this assignment I have briefly described some important events that occurred in the year 2008.Moreover,it also a carries a brief glimpse of 2009.

2008

1. ROGER FEDERER

Roger Federer (pronounced /ˈrɒdʒə ˈfɛdərər/;[1] born August 8, 1981) is a Swiss professional tennis player who is currently ranked World No. 2. He was the World No. 1 ranked player for a record 237 consecutive weeks, from February 2, 2004, through August 17, 2008
Federer has won 13 Grand Slam singles titles (3 Australian Open, 5 Wimbledon, 5 US Open), currently just one shy of all-time leader Pete Sampras. He holds many records in the game, including having appeared in 10 consecutive Grand Slam men's singles finals (2005 Wimbledon Championships through the 2007 US Open) and 18 consecutive Grand Slam singles semifinals (2004 Wimbledon–present). He also holds the open era records for most consecutive wins on both grass courts (65) and hard courts (56).


2. A promise is a promise
The Tata Nano is a proposed city car — a small, affordable, rear-engined, four-passenger car aimed primarily at the Indian market — first presented by India's Tata Motors at the 9th annual Auto Expo on January 10, 2008, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, India
Tata targets the vehicle as the least expensive production car in the world — aiming for a starting price of Rs.100,000 (approximately US$2000).

Due to opposition to Tata's Singur car-factory by Mamta Banerjee, Tata Motors decided to cease operations in Singur on 2 October 2008 and started manufacturing Tata Nano at its Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand.But the mother plant has been shifted to Sanand,Gujarat.




3. J&K goes to polls
A 65% of turnout in valley even after call for boycott by separatist leaders shows a peaceful sign in the valley. The entire world was surprised after the record turnout of voters in this assembly elections.
The Kashmiris, who pelted stones, shouted slogans against government three months ago, came out to vote.
Support of Kashmiri Awam to elections not only surprised the separatist leaders but also a severe jolt to their movement. Kashmir people have chosen ballot over bullet to resolve the problems and move towards development.

National Conference president Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the youngest-ever Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir by state Governor NN Vohra on 5th Jan.


4. LIVE IN RELATIONS
The law for the protection of women from domestic violence will provide equal benefits for the women who are in live-in relationships. They are no any differences between married women and women in live-in relationships on the question of rights against domestic violence. It clearly means that now the metro-cultured live-in relationships have an official recognition. According to the new law, whether within a marriage or a live-in relationship; verbal abuse and wife bashing will be considered as an offence. It will cause penal provision of one year in jail and Rs 20,000 fine. The offences will be non-bail able.
5. SHAME GAME
For the first time in 80 years, India's dream of qualifying for the Olympic were dashed last evening when Britain defeated it 2-0

in the final of the World Hockey qualifying tournament at Santiago, Chile. Moreover, Indian hockey was rocked by a cash in scam as well.




6. RAJ KA “GOONDA RAJ”

After spending two years in the wilderness, Raj Thackeray rose like a Phoenix from the ashes in February this year after a verbal duel between with Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party workers clashed with Samajwadi Party workers in Mumbai over UP wallahs and Biharis. Conveniently, hijacking his uncle Bal Thackeray's anti-north Indian agenda right under Uddhav's nose, Raj walked away as the savior of MARATHI MANOOS.



7. AMARNATH MAKES J&K BURN

The trouble started in Jammu & Kashmir on May 26 after the Congress-led Govt decides to transfer 100 acres of forestland to the Amarnath Shrine Board.
A prominent Hurriyat leader was killed in police firing, which claimed a total of four lives and curfew quickly imposed in Srinagar after a protest march by separatists and others in an attempt to cross the Line of Control against the "economic blockade" turned violent. Counter protests take place in Jammu over the Amarnath land issue and communal divide deepened.


8. MUMBAI ROCKED BY TERROR

Terror Trail Map
The 2008 Mumbai attacks were a series of ten coordinated terrorist attacks across Mumbai, India's financial capital and its largest city. The attacks, carried out by a Pakistan-based terrorist group using automatic weapons and grenades, began on 26 November 2008 and ended on 29 November 2008. At least 173 people were killed and at least 308 were injured in the attacks.
Eight of the attacks occurred in South Mumbai: at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Oberoi Trident, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital, the Orthodox Jewish-owned Nariman House, the Metro Cinema, and a lane behind the Times of India building behind St. Xavier's College. There was also an explosion at the Mazagaon docks in Mumbai's port area, and a taxi blast at Vile Parle.
By the early morning of 28 November, all sites except for the Taj Mahal Palace had been secured by Mumbai Police and security forces. An action by India's National Security Guards on 29 November resulted in the conclusion of the Taj Mahal Palace encounter, ending all fighting in the attacks.
Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only terrorist who was captured alive, disclosed that the attackers were members of Lashkar-e-Toiba, the Pakistan-based militant organization,





9. COMMUNAL VIOLENCE
A rumour that a prominent VHP leader Swami Laxmananand Saraswati had been killed by a Christian mob at Dasingibadi set off a wildfire of violence across Kandhamal, Orissa. Churches were destroyed & mobs went on rampage. It is alleged that the state govt turned a blind eye towards the rioters. The rape of a Christian Nun shocked the entire country.
10. MOON CALLING
8th Nov, 2008 will go down as a red letter day in the annals of Indian space odyssey.PSLV-C11 successfully put CHANDRAYAAN-1 in the moon’s orbit, some 3.84 lakh km away from the earth. It left the earth on 4th Nov,2008.


11.
This Olympics was special for India. Abhinav Bindra won India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in 10m air rifle event. The icing on the cake were bronze medals won by Vijender & Sushil in boxing & wrestling respectively.

12. BLACK U.S .PRESIDENT


In what is being hailed as an epoch-making event, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama, an African-American Senator, became the first Black President of USA on 4th Nov,2008. He garnered 364 votes defeating his rival Republican John Mc Cain who could muster only 174 votes. His victory marked the rise of a new generation of American leadership & symbolic rejection of the policies of Mr.George.W. Bush.


13. ECONOMY DERAILS
It came as a shock that an estimated million jobs were lost in 2008 world over. Many American companies & banks went bankrupt. The Indian job market seems to be coming down due to global recession. This is because our companies went riding headlong on the wave of economic boom & paying humongous salaries, never expecting the inevitable ebb.
14. SKY ROCKETING PAY RISE ON THE ANVIL
With the Central govt. giving a green signal to the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission, the salaries of govt. employees across India would get a multiple increase in salary, pension & other allowances. The controversy regarding the brewing discontent over anomalies in pay structures among the Defence forces has also been settled amicably.
15. RESERVATIONS
The year 2008 would also go down as the year that revived the Mandal era to an extent. The OBC reservation proposed by the Union HRD Minister, Arjun Singh were implemented after some riders imposed by the Honourable Supreme Court Of India. The creamy layer was to be kept out of the purview of these reservations. The total number of seats in the general category would remain the same. However, additional seats would be added for OBC students & funds would be provided for developing the requisite infrastructure by the Central Govt.



2009
1.COUNTERING TERROR
In the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attack, the entire country has risen against this menace. The government has passed the new anti-terror law. We need to adopt a pro active strategy against Terrorism. This evil is not restricted to India alone, but has spread its tentacles all over the world.
2.LOK SABHA POLLS
The year 2009 is going to witness the battle of ballot in the month of March with the country going to polls. This Lok Sabha election will be a test of popularity of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L.K.Advani & the scion of the Gandhi family Rahul Gandhi.The recent victory of the Congress in three states has brought it on a sound footing for the elections. Moreover, the political significance of seasoned players like Mulayam Singh Yadav,Lalu Yadav,Mayawati,Ajit Singh,Karunanidhi & Chandrababu Naidu will be determined by bthe outcome of these elections.

3. MEDIA CENSORSHIP
The role of electronic media came under severe criticism from all quarters for their irresponsible coverage of the Mumbai terror attacks especially, the Taj Hotel siege. The news channels gave minute details of anti-terrorist operations & indirectly helped the terrorists.Thus the Central govt decided to curtail the freedom of the electronic media.It decided to censor its actions.
4.J& K Elections
The people of Kashmir rejected the separatists as well as the militants call for the boycott of elections. National Conference emerged as the single largest party & formed the government in alliance with the Congress. The scion of the Abdullah family Omar Abdullah became the Chief Minister.Mufti Mohd.Sayeed’s PDP & BJP swept the valley & the Jammu region,thanks to the Amarnath Land Row.
5. Commonwealth Games
India is going to host the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010.The IOA & Sports Ministry are racing against time for completing the sports infrastructure. The successful organization of these games would give sports tremendous boost ion India.






SOURCES OF INFORMATION
• INTERNET
• The Hindu
• Competition Success Review
• Dainik Bhaskar
• Pratiyogita Darpan


By Sujay Kapil

World over India is being recognized as leader in South East Asia. Infact, not only in South East Asia, India is considered a strong candidate for permanent seat in Security Council of United Nations. Economists predict India to be among first three leading economies of the world by 2015. Year by year India is strengthening itself, clearing the obstacles coming in her way of becoming a developed country, no matter whatsoever pulls and pressures are. India witnessed many rise and falls in the year 2008. While some important events brought cheers to the millions of Indians, some others sent them into grief and despair.Although there are many such important events, both national and international, but there were few that were path breaking and those have been dealt up as following:
Internationally it was an eventful year. Especially the Nuclear Deal that finally was finalized with IAEA and NSG waiver in September 2008, implicitly recognized India's "de facto" status even without signing the NPT. Moreover, in a way India was world over applauded for having such a strong non-proliferation record even though it has not signed the NPT.
The 15th SAARC Summit, which held from 27 July till l3 August 2008 brought new hopes not only for India but for the entire region as the leaders participating sworn for fighting against terrorism, improving Human Rights mechanism in the region, improving trade relations amongst the member nations by bringing to reality SAFTA and aiming at sustainable development.
At sports front, at Olympics 2008, though first time since 1928, India failed to secure an Olympic berth in hockey (national game of India). However, it won its first ever gold in shooting and the credit goes to Abhinav Bindra. Sushil Kumar won a bronze medal in 66kg Freestyle Wrestling, while Vijender Kumar won a bronze medal in the 75kg Middleweight category boxing. For the first time in Olympic history, India returned with three individual medals.
At home India had, economically a bumpy year. It is said that if USA catches cold, world sneezes and rightly so happened on January 22, 2008 when the Indian stock market dipped down to its lowest ever. The BSE Sensex, which had touched 22000 mark, fell down over the past few months to trade below 9000 and then recovered in December to touch 10000 mark again The bearish trend remains but definitely, there is ray of hope with steps taken by SEBI and regularization of stock markets. The world over recession (started with Sub-prime crises in USA) has hit hard not only India but rest of the world as well. Rising rate of inflation, prices of oil have literally retarded the growth rate of developing countries especially. In India inflation reached unprecedendent high levels crossing even 11% mark. Government undoubtedly made efforts to counter the problem.
Politically too, the central Government had to underwent a fire test in form of Confidence Vote. After the Left Front withdrew support to the UPA government over the Indo-US Nuclear deal, the UPA sought trust vote on the floor of Lok Sabha. Amid high drama, new alignments of political forces and cash-for-votes scandal, the UPA managed to score a point over the opposition and won the trust vote by an unexpected margin (275-256).
At regional level, too Raj Thackery and his MNS drew flak for their divisive politics and tirade against North Indians including superstar Amitabh Bachchan. The Supreme Court on this said, "We know what is happening. The 'son of the soil' theory is not acceptable. We will not permit balkanization of the country".
India, where cricket is worshipped as a religion and cricketers as gods, witnessed the biggest IPL extravaganza this year. IPL provided the real entertainment of T20 cricket to the viewers. Cricketers were sold to the teams like commodities, but nobody had any complaint or regret. It was fun, money and excitement. Rajasthan Royals, led by Shane Warne beat Chennai Super Kings, led by Ms Dhoni in the final to win the crown. There were eight teams in the fray.
Apart from all this, one of the India's largest car makers, Tata Motors had brought revolution in the car industry, by launching the Tata Nano - People's Car. The Rs. 1 lakh Tata Nano is all set to fulfill the dreams of millions who could not afford to buy a car because of high prices. The Tata Nano was scheduled to hit the market in October 2008. However,the Tatas later moved the Nano project out of Singur, West Bengal and embraced Narendra Modi's Gujarat. The Tata Nano may be available in the market in early 2009.
On October 22, 2008, India made history by sending its first-ever lunar mission to moon. As the Chandrayaan I took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, India became the sixth country in the world to send a space mission to moon. Later, the Chandrayaan MIP landed on the surface of the moon with Indian tri-colour painted on its four sides.
The most talked about event of 2008 is undoutedly the deadly terrorists attacks .Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangaluru literally the hubs of India were targetted .and the worst strike was on 26th of November 2008.
10 terrorists backed by Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Toiba, attacked CST, Nariman House, Hotel Trident Oberoi and Hotel Taj in Mumbai. They held the city to ransom for 60 hours.
It took longer by the ATS, NSG, Marine Commandos and other police officers as the terrorists had kept over 300 people as hostages. In total, 183 people were killed and over 300 were injured.
At least 18 brave policmen and NSG commandso became martyr in the attack. They included former ATS chief Hemant Karkare and NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. The security personnel killed 9 terrorists, while one terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab, a resident of Faridkot, Pakistan, was caught alive. India stepped up diplmatic pressure on Pakistan and gained support from the global community aftermath Mumbai terror attacks. At least 23 foreigners were killed in the terror attacks in Mumbai.
Terror attacks in Mumbai, witnessed an unprecedented public outrage. The public anger was at its peak and the politicians had to bear the brunt. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and Dy. CM RR Patil had to resign. P Chidambaram became the new Home Minister of the counrty, while Ashok Chavan took over, as the Maharashtra CM. Jayant Patil became the Dy. CM of Maharashtra.
The UPA government, under pressure to act tough against the terrorists and the menace of terrorism, brought two new bills in the Parliament. The opposition also supported the bills. The Parliament witnessed a rare unity of all political parties to tackle terrorism.
The Government passed the National Investigating Agency (NIA) Bill 2008 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Bill, which has made several amendments to the existing law.
For every coming year, new goals are set. Sometimes they are also determined, based on preceding year’s performance. In that way, 2009 is really going to be a crucial year. Countering terrorism, curbing the internal security threats, nipping inflation, maintaining the 9% growth rate of GDP, chalking out better Human Rights mechanism are some points of high priority in the national agenda. Moreover, the upcoming Center elections and then the new Government, which will be chosen, will determine the course of action being adopted to tackle these points. Apart from these, there are events exclusive to 2009 like the Commonwealth Games 2009, change in relationship between USA and India owing to the coming of new democratic Govt. their, the third generation of Abdullah’s(Omar Abdullah as CM of Kashmir) and Kashmir, Indo-Pak dialogue on security issues. The budget of 2009 is also of great importance because it will be the last budget of the UPA
So all this makes year 2009 a happening one with some and very promising as it is hoped the loopholes that were left out in 2008 will be covered in 2009.
.

By Swati Kundan

Olympic gold
Abhinav Bindra of Chandigarh won the gold medal at Beijing Olympic 2008 in 10 meter air rifle men event. He becomes first Indian to win individual gold in Olympic for India in the history. It was india’s first Olympic in 23 years.

Chandrayan
India’s successful launch of Chandrayan-1 is being described as yet another milestone in the race for collimations of the space. Chandrayan spacecraft is carrying two instruments of national aeronautics and space administration, three of European space agency and one of Bulgaria. Main objectives of the mission search for possible minerals Eg. Helium-3, an isotope scanning of ice and atmospheric content etc. The launch of Chandrayan, has also served to enhance India’capablity to commercial manufacturing and launch satellites.

Sixth pay commission
The sixth central pay commission under chairmanship of B.N. Krishna was recommended 21 percent hike in basic salary of 50 lakhgovt employers, and govt has accepted the recommendations. It will come into effect from January 1, 2006. Alongwith salary hike, it assured atleast three psomotions. It will enhance the economic status of govt. employers and motivate the talent of country toward govt services from private section, esp in civil services.

Black US president
The US presidential elections held on Nov 24, 2008 elected Barak Hussain Obama, Illinois senator as youngest and first Africa-American as president. It happened first time in constitutional history of 220years of US. He sworned in as 44th president and will face a crush of immediate challenges from economic crisis to ending the war in Iraq. World looks Barak Obama as agent of change in world politics.

Sports achievement
Sports culture of any particular country has direct relation with its socio-economic development. China has demonstrated in Bering Olympics. India also first time in Olympics wins one gold and two bronze medals. It is great achievement culture developmental point of view. We need better management and policy-makers in area of sports to show much better performance in London Olympics.

Countering terrorism
For countering menace of terrorism both long and short term strategies are needed . In the short term measures, strengthen of intelligence agencies, strict laws, fixing of accountability, police reforms, wide use of modern technology and co-operation are needed, whereas in long term measure only strengthing of democracy wherein there is proper channelization of dissent minority is given representation, poverty allevation and economic parity1can be effective measures

Restructuring economy
After few years unprecendent growth in all spheres of economic life, India is facing one of the worst economic crisis. With dwindling economic growth rate, increasing poverty stricken population in the background of adverse international scenario, restruchiring of the economy on some sound and effective premises is the need of hour to fulfill the vision of more than billion people to see country as a super power.

J&K Politics
In the background of tumultuous land transfer controversy and appeal of sepattist to boycott the elections , the success of recently concluded elections has substantially affirmed india’s democratic credentials. It has sent a strong message to whole world including PAK and separatist that blood, bombs,murders cannot take predence over democracy. With new, young and energetic at the helm of power, one can hope that various problems of J&K like valley & jammu conflict, peace restorations will be powerly addressed.

Reservation in education institution
The constitution of India enjoin on the state to take positive actions to bring true equality as is enshrined in article 15,16 and article 14. These positive actions which include reservation in favor of backward classes in educational institutions has been upheld and justiciable by apex court. But, state must remember that it is temporary phenomenon therefore should not be allowed to become perpetual right.

TATA’s NANO
NANO, a revolutionary step of Tata took place last year at annual motor fair, where the head of Tata Mr. Rattan Tata announced the car for just 1 lakh. Naming it as the car of common man tata promised the people to make it till November but due to nandigram issue the project could not be fulfilled in that meanwhile time. After the invitation of Mr. Narinder modi tata has planned to start its work in Gujarat. So it’s the time for common people to enjoy the car for the amount that he can pay easily.


Aarushi case
Aarushi murder case was one of the famous case of the year 2008. It has shown the unlashing power of media that how media can brand a innocent as criminal and a criminal as innocent with impunity. It has also signaled that media must regulate itself, restrain itself otherwise people will start loosing faith in its credibility and hence will become discredited. Which will be the doom’s day not only for media but for the democracy of India.



Preparation for commonwealth
With the grand success of Beijing Olympic, china has established itself as the world power. This factor has increased pressure on India to make commonwealth games as success. But, recent reports in media shows just opposite. There is still lot of work is needed to be done. Organizers must take it not only the from the point of view of games but the pride of the country also.

Indian Media
In recent times due to proliferation of sources of media and intrusion of it in certain exclusive areas Eg. Media trial, private life,demand for regulating media is gaining ground. Undoubtedly, media has encroached the limit, therefore, needed to be restricted, but this change should come from within the media community. Any outside effort will be antithetical to democracy, hence will prove counter productive in long run.

Raj Thackera
The nephew of Dada sahib Bal Thackeray and the head of maharashtra navnirman sena was in news last year because of his hatred words as well as actions against the north Indians. In February 2008 Raj Thackeray led MNS in an andolan against North Indian "dadagiri". At a rally at Shivaji Park, Raj warned if the dadagiri of north Indians in Mumbai and Maharashtra continued, he would be compelled to make them leave the metropolis Raj was arrested for his speeches and actions.


VIJAY KUMAR
ROLL NO- 50
MMC