THOUGH THE term “narcosis” and “hypnosis” appear synonymous, both words pertain to induction of sleep. Narcosis is always associated with the state of mind induced by opium drug and its derivatives. Many such drugs produce relief of pain in addition to sleep and hence all opiates and the opioides are termed narcotic drugs or simply narcotics.
HEATED DEBATE has been generated around the Women’s Reservation Bill (WRB) with both sides proving inflexible. On one side, there are those calling for its implementation and, on the other, those who are opposing it. This is a superficial view of debate. As such, the debate is between those saying that it should be implemented as it is and those who say that there should be quota for OBC dalits and minorities within the quota. There are very few who are totally opposed to WRB; there are many willing to support it if quota within quota is accepted.
By Animesh Nerurkar
ON FRIDAY, March 19, 2009, a peaceful group began a protest march near the Panaji bus stand. This crowd of protesters comprised of 75 former health workers, their wives and children, advocate Subhash Pundalik Sawant (the workers’ lawyer) and Suresh Calangutkar, a social service worker. Besidas them, was a small posse of policemen on duty and a TV crew.
By Mihir S. Sharma
CONSIDER three images. The first: of the Karnataka assembly, in chaos on Thursday as the state’s chief minister responds to allegations that the state is near bankrupt - and that Rs 5000 crore of mining revenue is being diverted. B S Yeddyurappa denies it; but everyone present knows that he’s in a bind.
ON MARCH 6, 2010, Tivim sub postmaster Devidas V Manjrekar, failed to show up for work. Along with him, Rs. 17 lakh in stamps and cash went missing. Manjrekar’s misdeeds came to light when Mapusa Sub Division Inspector of Posts, Ratnakar Topare, filed a complaint at the Mapusa Police Station on March 11, 2010. An offence under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code (criminalbreach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) has been registered.
GLOBALISATION has resulted in deep inter-linkages among world economies. This, of course, is a truism. But you might still be surprised if someone told you that US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke would determine the fate of Pranab Mukherjee’s 2010-11 Budget. Here’s how.
The Women’s Reservation Bill is the first piece of legislation witnessing strong opposition within Parliament because this legislation will affect the fortunes of every single politician. If a secret voting is allowed on this important bill, Mrs Gandhi and BJP party bosses who have issued a whip will discover how deeply resentful their own party members are over this bill.
WHERE are the women in the media of today and how visible are they? Are women journalists more vulnerable than male journalists? How many women editors are there? Can women editors make a difference to the quality of male-dominated journalism which focuses overwhelmingly on politics, sports and entertainment and dismissively on issues relating to women, children and the primary quality of their life - something which impacts society far more? Are women journalists as professional as men journalists? Are single women more successful as journalists? Is there a forum for the valid grievances of women journalists in print and electronic media?
BY SAIKAT DATTA
ABOUT A decade ago, when Akashdeep Pandey came to Mumbai armed with a fresh degree in cinematography from Rajasthan University, he was one of thousands dreaming of making it in Bollywood. Today, the crawls of a few Hindi films made under the bigger banners-such as Yuvvraaj, starring Salman Khan-mention his name as assistant cinematographer. However, it’s his work in Marathi cinema that he remembers with satisfaction.
BY NANDKUMAR KAMAT
EXACTLY eight years ago, on February 7, 2002, at 10.30 am, I entered the office of Mr Manohar Parrikar, MLA, Panaji and then CM of Goa, at the Old Secretariat accompanied by Mr. Sandip Jacques, then GM of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) and the liaison officer for a one man commission appointed by the Finance Department to conduct a public hearing on Miramar beach management (privatisation) plan.
