INDIA'S CAR FOR THE COMMON MAN

Necessity is the mother of invention . This is very true of the latest invention of TATA motors, India. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, said, "I observed families riding on two-wheelers - the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors' engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal”.
Mr. Ratan N. Tata unveiled the Tata 'NANO', the People's Car on 10th January 2008.A development, which signifies for the global automobile industry. The People's Car will be launched in India later in 2008. The 4-seater Nano, with an engine around 625 cc, will have a dealer price of 100,000 rupees, or $2,500. This an ultra cheap, ultra small car, created for the common man in India - and it is an attempt to give millions of Indians the chance to participate in the benefits of India's strong economic growth.
Environmentalists are concerned that making a car affordable to the masses will increase pollution levels and make driving on India’s already crowded roads a nightmare. The chairman hit back saying that the Nano will pollute less than some motorcycles. No kidding, the engine is smaller than some motorcycles. Another concern is that safety has been sacrificed to keep costs down. He also states that the car complies with ’safety norms’, meaning that the car has passed the frontal and side collision tests in India.
I think today we, Indians, need a Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. The chairman of the Tata Group says “We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.” For us Indians it is really a moment of joy, pride and hope.

For further readings. :
http://www.tatapeoplescar.com/tatamotors/
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/10/business/10car.php
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/tata-nano-the-worlds-cheapest-car/?hp
Kollamkunnel Sebastian.

POPE BENEDICT XVI URGES TO ERADICATE POVERTY FROM THE WORLD

Pope Benedict XVI has launched a scathing attack on globalisation, blaming it for increasing world poverty. He criticized a world with luxury for a few and poverty for many, and called for sober lifestyles to ensure fair distribution of wealth amid a scramble for natural resources during His homily on epiphany.This criticism of the Pope is 100% true of Asian countries especially of India.

In 2007, billionaire Mukesh Ambani (Indian) became the richest person in the world, surpassing American software czar Bill Gates, Mexican business tycoon Carlos Slim Helu and famous investment guru Warren Buffett courtesy the bull run in the stock market.

The Planning Commission of India has estimated that 27.5% of the population was living below the poverty line in 2004–2005. Although India is a fasting developing country, the percentage of poverty also is increasing day by day. Here comes the relevance Pope’s call for the fair distribution of wealth amid a scramble for natural resources.
We can find two types of poverty – rural and urban - in India. India is a more rural based country highly dependent on agricultural sector. Alarming population growth, lack of investment, lower literacy rate, regional inequalities are the important reasons for country's rural poverty. The essential factors of urban poverty are improper training, growing population, slower job growth.

Government's plans and procedures to eliminate poverty ends in failures because of the high percentage of corruption. Egoism and corruption are the major features that prevents the equal distribution of resources. And it causes the growth of poverty day by day. I think the church in India and Government of India must take creative steps to respond to the call of Pope Benedict xvi to eradicate poverty from India.

For further reading :
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20080106_epifania_it.html
http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/oct/29mukesh1.htm

Kollamkunnel Sebastian.

BENAZIR BHUTTO THE LATEST VICTIM OF TERRORISM

Benazir Bhutto is the latest victim of terrorism but not the last. After her who? This is the million-dollar question in Pakistan today. But one should not forget that today terrorism is a global curse and not just a phenomenon of Pakistan or Afghanistan. From the US to the Asian subcontinent, everywhere terror reigns.
AS we know terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. Now develops a new terrorism with a networked structure. Terrorists are now able and willing to develop network forms of organization for the same reason that businesses are. This trend fastens the growth of terrorism in the modern world. Anti-terrorism efforts should be handled strictly by law enforcement as they always were.
Today in countries like India too a silent fear prevails form terrorists. The activities of such organisations have been increasing. But nothing serious has been thought or planned. Countries which are sponsoring terrorism should be boycotted immediately. One Laden is keeping the world on tenterhooks.
Now Pakistani President has sensed the danger. But the same President sponsored terrorism in Kashmir only to destabilise India. Yesterday’s friend is today’s enemy. The Frankenstein is now ready to kill the inventor. Who will come to rescue the world? Terrorism is now a global curse. Bush and Musharraf can curse only themselves for allowing this curse to spread all over the globe.
Terrorism is a serious issue. The terrorists can't win for ever. They can't wreck the economy or inflict other forms of irreparable damage on the nation. Terrorism is the greatest threat that humanity has ever faced. Violence begets more violence. Let us remember that terrorism is a curse which is against the teachings of peace and love.

Further readings :
http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071228/EDITORIAL/255891412/1013
http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article04/indexn2_html?pdate=281207&ptitle=Benazir:%20A%20life%20of%20achievement%20and%20struggle

Kollamkunnel Sebastian.