SPACE EXPLORATION IN INDIA    Synopsis: In ancient India astronomical and mathematical knowledge was highly advanced. The world owes the invention of zero and decimal system to India. Vedic literature and Epics are full of significant space-references. The 17th century observatories in the country were equipped with highly accurate instruments which presuppose such observatories in the past as well. Modern Indian space research is late yet very significant. India has...

  SPACE EXPLORATION AND RESEARCH Essay No. 01 Synopsis: Space is an endless expanse containing all things like earth, solar system, galaxies etc. It has been an object of great interest to man since time immemorial. Modern research and exploration in space has been phenomenal. It began with the launch of Sputniks by Russia. Americans created history by landing on the moon in 1969. Space probe by manned and unmanned airships...

  Reshaping the UN Security Council     Synopsis: Being a result of wartime thinking of a few victorious nations, the U.N.O does not reflect the wishes and aspirations of majority of the nations of the world. In essence it has been, more or less, like an exclusive club of a handful rich nations led by the U.S. they are permanent members with veto powers in Security council, the all powerful...

  NAM’S (Non- Aligned Movement) RELEVANCE Synopsis: The scepticism and doubt about relevance and meaningful role in Non-Aligned Movement in the now changed unipolar world is full of cynicism and unsustainable. Great visionaries and stalwarts established NAM for the achievement of noble ideals of equality, independence, peace, mutual trust, development and exploitation-free world. Many of these aims are yet to the achieved in respect of the developing countries. NAM has to...

Sexual Harassment: The Hidden Truth                 When most people think of sexual harassment, they think of a guy grabbing a girl.  However, sexual harassment can be something as “insignificant” as being called a slur.  It is anything that makes a girl, or boy, feel uncomfortable about his/her sexuality.                 According to the law, sexual harassment is anything from unwelcome sexual advances and requests for sexual favors to verbal statements of a...

Return of Democracy in Nepal                 The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal has been witnessing large scale violence at the hands of Maoist rebels ever since King Gyanendra ascended the throne.  They have been demanding an elected Constituent Assembly.  Initially the movement did not aim at ending monarchy or at clipping the wings of the King.  But with the passage of time, as the stands were hardened, the Maoist rebels were joined...

The Sardar Sarovar Dam and The Narmada Bachao Andolan                 The Sardar Sarovar Dam over the Narmada river has been dogged with controversies ever since its inception.  While the dam is said to be life-line of Gujarat and of great advantage to the adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, activists of Narmada Bachao Andolan under the leadership of Medha Patakar has been opposing it.  Their opposition is based on...

Value Added Tax (VAT)   VAT means Valued Added Tax. It is a new idea in Indian Taxation system.  It is expected to bring much needed reforms in the Indian taxation.  It is a different system for the collection of tax.  Under VAT system, tax is charged at each point of sale of goods with input tax credit for the tax paid at the earlier stage.  For example, under this system,...