Warrier's blog

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/good-food-or-bad-drugs/article19778761.ece Will be back with my views later. M G Warrier

https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/western-ghats-throw-up-a-new-snake/article19764405.ece/amp/#ampshare=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/western-ghats-throw-up-a-new-snake/article19764405.ece A new variety of snakes from the Western Ghats M G Warrier

http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/elon-musk-s-new-vision-anywhere-on-earth-in-under-one-hour-117093000060_1.html Around the world in eighty minutes? M G Warrier

I-T cracks down on black money stashed abroad : Indian assets of tax evaders can be attached... Accounting black money This refers to the report “I-T cracks down on black money stashed abroad” (BS, September 30). Prime Minister Modi got ridiculed for his   assertion about black money. He had said in 2014 that he will make effort to bring back black money stashed abroad by Indians and make it available for resident Indians. It has to be said to Modi’s credit that his government created an awareness about corruption and unethical practices in which money played a prominent role. He somehow forgot one thing.  World over, Government is, "Of the Rich, For the Rich and By the Rich". In some form or the other, legislative process, bureaucracy and judiciary as also electoral processes are owned and managed by the RICH and the POWERFUL. All discussions by the Media, Analysts and activists in the social sector including social media need to be seen in this perspective.

WEEKEND LIGHTER: A WORLD OF THREE ZEROES  (September 30/October 1, 2017) Feel free to mail your views on this edition of WL to   mgwarrier@gmail.com Section III Leisure: Three good human beings I Cover Story A World of Three Zeros: Muhammad Yunus The book on my table is “A World of Three Zeros: The new economics of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions” by Muhammad Yunus, who asserts: "We owe it to future generations to begin moving towards a world of three zeroes: zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions. A new economic system in which social business plays an essential role can enable us to achieve this goal." - Muhammad Yunus Excerpts from a write up on the book: Muhammad Yunus launched Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, which made capital available to the poor, especially women. As he writes in his new book,  A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zer

http://www.livemint.com/Politics/WUt8EmLNJVnJvRKdJQ8rQM/Indian-economy-looming-as-Achilles-heel-of-Narendra-Modi-go.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter After reading "A World of Three Zeros" by Muhammad Yunus, I have started wondering, whether economic growth by itself is going to help India to move towards zero poverty and zero unemployment. M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-significance-of-navaratri-or-nine-nights/article19768343.ece The Hindu Friday Review, September 29, 2017 Imperishable Nine Interesting article by Padmaja Suresh and nice picturisation by Keshav. M G Warrier

https://in.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/exrbites/attachments/1595644064;_ylc=X3oDMTJuZnE1dmptBF9TAzk3NDkwNDgxBGdycElkAzMxMjczODI4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcyMDY2NjAxNQRzZWMDYXR0YWNobWVudARzbGsDcGhvdG8Ec3RpbWUDMTUwNjY1NDYyMw--?itemid=956499631 Painting by Pushpa daughter of PP Ramachandran, on the occasion of NAVARATHRI, 2017. PPR Sir is my good friend and senior colleague. M G Warrier

http://m.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/gold/wgc-to-form-panel-to-set-up-spot-gold-bourse-in-india/article9876832.ece This is a welcome initiative. M G Warrier

http://wap.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-expected-to-become-6-trillion-economy-in-10-years-morgan-stanley-117092701045_1.html?utm_source=campaign_pn&utm_medium=push_notification&utm_campaign=browser_push&utm_content=&utm_term= India's growth prospects $6 Trillion Economy in ten years? M G Warrier

http://m.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/i-gave-zero-time-to-my-wife-no-time-to-my-children/article9874486.ece An interesting interview. A late regret, only about work-life balancing. Useful hint for the present generation. M G Warrier

Reducing indents for clerical recruitment in PSBs worrisome, say unions : There is growing concern that public sector banks are ‘progressively reducing indents’... HR issues in PSBs* Vinson Kurien’s story “Reducing indents for clerical recruitment in PSBs worrisome, says unions” (HBL, September 27) covers only one aspect of several HR-related issues confronting public sector banks which have become the whipping boy for all the ills of the Indian economy. Across sectors, from farm sector to IT, trade unions have succumbed to political influence and different vested interests have abused them and made trade union leadership inefficient over time. HR issues in PSBs which have been there for decades, from board level appointments to recruitment of clerks are the main contributor to the chaotic situation these banks have landed as of now. Inadequate attention to recruitment, training and In-house up-skilling of staff and large scale outsourcing (read engaging service providers

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/mobile.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/business/obama-healthcare-speech.amp.html#ampshare=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/25/business/obama-healthcare-speech.html

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/Let%E2%80%99s-attract-the-tourists-better/article14545982.ece WORLD TOURISM DAY: September 27, 2017 This is an old article, written by me, published in The Hindu during August 2016. Being posted for its relevance today. Today is World Tourism Day. M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/if-dissent-is-not-allowed-itll-take-different-forms/article19715931.ece Dissent is an essential ingredient of democratic process. M G Warrier

Rajiv Mehrishi takes charge as new CAG : Mehrishi will have a tenure of about three years... Posted online comments asunder: Actually, time is appropriate to review the procedures, processes , skill requirements and tenures for appointments to top positions in government, statutory bodies and public sector organisations including PSBs. As rightly observed, except where tenure gets reduced for valid or unforeseen reasons such appointments should be for a tenure of 5 years or more. What is coming in the way is the expediency and comfort level of politicians and bureaucrats to work with people who are on "temporary appointment" Actually, by the same logic appointments of High Courts and Supreme Court also should be made tenure appointments for 5 to six years giving relaxations in age limits. After all, the present age limits were fixed long back when life expectancy and fitness levels were different. M G Warrier, Mumbai

http://kamadenu.blogspot.in/2017/09/blog-post_25.html?m=1

http://www.thehindu.com/ todays-paper/tp-opinion/turn- the-economic-ship-around/ article19749529.ece A World of Three Zeroes: Muhammad Yunus Excerpts: "We owe it to future generations to begin moving towards a world of three zeroes: zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions. A new economic system in which social business plays an essential role can enable us to achieve this goal." I have placed order for my copy of the book. M G Warrier

https://www.google.co.in/amp/ www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- ed/recognising-alzheimers/ article19747472.ece/amp/# ampshare=http://www.thehindu. com/opinion/op-ed/recognising- alzheimers/article19747472.ece The Hindu, September 25, 2017 Recognizing Alzheimer's: Vijayakumar Harbishettar September 21 was World Alzheimer's Day M G Warrier

http://wap.business-standard. com/article/opinion/letters- weakening-of-psus- 117092400777_1.html Business Standard, September 25, 2017 Letters Weakening PSUs: M G Warrier Submitted version of this letter was posted here on Saturday, September 21, 2017. Please see "Public Sector chief deserve better: Business Standard" M G Warrier

http://wap.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-wants-more-rate-cuts-to-revive-growth-117092300779_1.html?utm_source=campaign_pn&utm_medium=push_notification&utm_campaign=browser_push&utm_content=&utm_term= A forum for bargaining The GOI spokespersons have been interacting with media about monetary policy stance, just before every MPC meeting at RBI. MPC has accepted some self-imposed discipline in regard to going public with individual/personal views on policy issues. GOI is guided by politics while RBI and MPC go by policy considerations... M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/tales-of-the-hypochondriacs-listen-to-your-bodies/article19743605.ece Posted online comments M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/economy-has-hit-rock-bottom-can-only-revive-from-here-says-gurumurthy/article19740432.ece Have posted online comments M G Warrier

http://kamadenu.blogspot.in/2017/09/blog-post_22.html?m=1 Visit kamadenu.blogspot.in for drawings and paintings by Keshav (The Hindu) M G Warrier

WEEKEND LIGHTER: 3 Questions to Dr Rajan  (September 23/24, 2017) Feel free to mail your views on this edition of WL to   mgwarrier@gmail.com Section III Leisure: Verse 11, Saundaryalahari I Cover Story 3 questions to Dr Raghuram Rajan: Why you didn’t do, what you wanted to do? This refers to TT Ram Mohan’s piece “Rajan in the limelight again” (BS, Finger on the pulse, September 19). Those who have been following Dr Raghuram Rajan at least from mid-2013 will have no doubt about what the former RBI Governor meant by titling his 2017 book “I Do What I Do”. So far, Rajan has used his ‘properties’ and timing with the deftness and precision of a magician. His understanding of the Indian media and the ability to change the directions of cameras and mikes single-handed is well-known. This much of introduction is the minimum needed, to make the following observations about ‘what he did’ during the last one year. Once the media and the analysts start contemplatin

Public sector chiefs deserve better : Quarterly appraisal of ONGC's new chairman beats logic... HR at the top This refers to Shyamal Majumdar’s piece “Public sector chiefs deserve better” (Business Standard, Human Factor, September 22). Institutions are made of people and successful institutions have talented and efficient people providing leadership at the top. This is equally applicable for organizations in private and public sectors irrespective of their age or size and recent experiences in India give enough supporting evidence to prove this. Since 1950’s India has recognized the prominent role public sector need to play in economic development and supported development of strong public sector organizations in core sectors like banking, oil exploration, defense, space research  and so on. Success stories of PSUs in India conflicted with the commercial interests of the private sector in India and abroad. 1970’s and subsequent decades saw conscious moves by the rich a

Blog Content This blog has been in existence for about a decade now. On an average it attracts around 200 pageviews daily. Not many comments. The subjects covered here include human rights, spirituality, finance, politics, poverty, governance...Anything affecting our survival... All are welcome to make suggestions for improvement. M G Warrier PS: "Reserve Bank of India Pension Revision: No Man, No Problem" posted on April 1, 2017 leads in popularity with over 1300 pageviews so far.

http://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/faith-colum-swami-advayananda-speaks-on-gitas-karma-and-gnana/article19729244.ece The Hindu, September 22, 2017 Faith Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga Enjoy reading this simple interpretation of the seamless relationship between Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga. Both leading to the same same destination. M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/a-century-on-royal-familys-letters-return-to-russia/article19722387.ece A century on, royal family's letters return to Russia. Sold in auction by the last owner for $84,000 M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/anger-growing-against-modi-govt/article19724115.ece Rahul’s willing This refers to the report “Anger growing against Modi govt” (The Hindu, September 21). Looks, planetary positions are changing in Rahul Gandhi's favour after a long time. Geographically, today there is no better place than US for a political leader of Mr Gandhi’s stature to declare his intentions to play the lead role in Indian politics. A section of Indian media has assigned the job of giving the final makeover to Gandhi for becoming the main opponent to Modi to Sam (Pitroda) for whom Delhi politics is nothing new. Converting the anger of the masses into an opportunity is an art. No one will dispute, there is enough anger against Modi. The anger is growing day by day, in the fertile grounds of demonitisation, one paisa loan waiver, beef to GST and fuel price to cost-benefit analysis of bullet train controversies. When back home, the only uncomfortable th

http://m.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/aarati-krishnan/aarati-krishnan-reviews-bimal-jalan-book-on-india-future/article9853419.ece Bimal Jalan on reforms M G Warrier

Highly objectionable : Linking Aadhaar with bank accounts not in sync with the law... Posted online comments: Law and justice This refers to the piece “Highly objectionable” by Jinoy Jose P (HBL, From the Views Room, September 20). Recently, lamenting about unethical behavior by law makers, social activist and poetess Sugathakumari in her poem mentioned about the helplessness of the frog which got hooked by Srirama’s arrow. The frog had been taught by its mother that Rama was the protector and when his arrow caused fatal injury, the frog suffered in silence. If the political leadership which comes to power decide to do things arbitrarily or in violation of established norms and practices, a time has come when common man feels helpless and doesn’t even feel like going in appeal. The frustration emanates from the sense of futility in fighting the establishment. The money power of the rich or the omnipotent government will keep fighting in courts from the lowest level to the Sup

http://www.advaita-vedanta.co. uk/index.php/content/229- saundarya-lahari-verse-11 Srichakra: Stanza 11 of Saundaryalahari by Shankaracharya

https://www.google.co.in/amp/ www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- ed/the-legal-status-of- animals/article19710497.ece/ amp/#ampshare=http://www. thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/ the-legal-status-of-animals/ article19710497.ece The Hindu, September 19, 2017 Legal status of animals: Sakshi This article talks about a legal battle and related research starting from an "accidental selfie "clicked by an animal. Animal lovers made out a case that the "copyright" of the photograph should go to the one who clicked the photo. I'm less worried about the animal rights. My thoughts, as always, goes on a tangent 😊. Everyday, we come across photos, articles and features in electronic media involving several "less privileged humans". Should not the real actors and models get a reasonable share from the revenues that these artworks/features generate over time? Just think about it. M G Warrier

Raghuram Rajan in the limelight again : Raghuram Rajan's views on reform of governance at PSBs are rather more debatable... September 19, 2017 Rajan effect This refers to TT Ram Mohan’s piece “Rajan in the limelight again” (Business Standard, Finger on the pulse, September 19). Those who have been following Dr Raghuram Rajan at least from mid-2013 will have no doubt about what the former RBI Governor meant by titling his 2017 book “I Do What I Do”. So far, Rajan has used his ‘properties’ and timing with the deftness and precision of a magician. His understanding of the Indian media and the ability to change the directions of cameras and mikes single-handed is well-known. This much of introduction is the minimum needed, to make the following observations about ‘what he did’ during the last one year. Once the media and the analysts start contemplating over the content of his recently released book and the bold statements Dr Rajan made during his speeches and media interac

http://wap.business-standard. com/article/opinion/avoidable- issues-117091801331_1.html GST was intended to be "Good and Simple Tax". Initial hiccups indicate that we can create a 100  problems from any solution! Moneylife is in the forefront of fighting on consumers rights. Last week I "purchased" online a month's subscription for Moneylife Magazine. I was charged Rs100 (pre-GST subscription) plus Rs18 towards GST. A Sulabh Shouchalay receipt is doing rounds in WhatsApp which shows: Charges for use: Rs 5 GST.                     : Rs 1 Total.                    : Rs 6 The background for the letter published in Business Standard today is explained above. M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/a-populist-nationalism-is-now-alive/article19697534.ece Between "Inspiration and Imprisonment" M G Warrier

http://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/his-immeasurable-form/article19663897.ece

Spinning a web : The RBI’s report reveals that demonetisation may have fatally damaged the Indian currency system, with more trouble in store. By V. SRIDHAR...

WEEKEND LIGHTER:  Focus on safe travel  (September 16/17, 2017) Feel free to mail your views on this edition of WL to   mgwarrier@gmail.com Section III Leisure: Right to worship I Cover Story Focus on safe travel This refers to Vinayak Chatterjee's piece "Roads far more unsafe than railways" (Business Standard, Infratalk, September 11). The article has put together some very relevant information supporting the argument for improving road travel safety. While there can't be two views on the urgency to do everything possible to make road journey safe, one is tempted to think loudly that safety has to be the primary concern in any mode of travel. Railways for example are not able to make their trains less accident-prone by ensuring adequate renovation of tracks, signal systems and engines and bogies on an ongoing basis and having adequate manpower in service at any point of time. The suburban local trains in cities like Mumbai continue to be

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/230816/pookkalam-is-an-everyday-affair-in-purameri-kovilakam.html K C Udaya Varma Raja and I studied in the Kadathanad Rajah's High School Purameri during the same period (1952-59) M G Warrier

Right to worship A visit to Guruvayur temple early this week, by the Kerala Minister Kadakampalli Surendran accompanied by his family members has been picked up by certain political parties to involve the CPI (M) in a new controversy. The case against Kerala Communists is being built up on the premises that communism is against worship of God. Ironically, some Marxist leaders in Kerala too are lured to buy the argument and have agreed to "look into the matter". Now that an issue of public interest has been raised in public, the CPI (M) should come out publicly explaining its stand on right to worship. Indian Constitution confers certain rights to the country's citizens. Social or Political organizations in India cannot deny any of those rights, making it a pre-condition for their membership. If this much is agreed, resolution of the controversy arising from "Communist" Minister's temple visit will be quite easy. M G Warrier, Mumbai