Earliest Monsoon Over Delhi

Hi All,

Couldn't do my Blog last week because the Internet at home was down last week end.

But here I am again this week with my lead news item from Dilli, which all of you must have heard or read several times over - the Monsoons have broken over Delhi, earliest in living memory, after the wettest month of May. What is this, if not climate change, I ask for want of a better reaction!

While the respite from the oppressing Delhi summer heat is welcome, I am not sure that it's all for the better. In the absence of the " Loo"( Hindi not English),mosquito fatality did not take place. The persisting humidity and stagnant water puddles all over the city are ideal setting for them to become amorous and intimate. One may, therefore, expect outbreak of the dreaded "Dengue" fever. So those of us who didn't escape to the hills in May and June, be prepared to flee from Dilli, if the Dengue outbreak takes place in autumn.

The " Andhees and " Toofans" preceding the Monsoons had already taken a heavy toll of the Mango ( my favourite fruit on earth) crop in the north. And now the Eastern and north Eastern parts of the country are being affected by floods!

The price of Crude oil which has not stopped galloping for a year now ( what stamina of the oily skinned Stallion)), and the world wide shortage of food grains have added to our woes.Spiralling inflation and prices of essential commodities is affecting the masses,as also the poll prospects of the ruling UPA alliance.Therefore, we cannot go ahead with the Indo- US nuclear deal which all believe will help us tide over our huge energy deficit to some extent.

The small increase in petroleum products retail prices, which was unavoidable, has added fuel to the raging inflationery fire. No one seems to know how to control it!

The US economy's recession, set off by the sub prime factor has also affected our share markets and the financial sector. Every one says- these are cyclic phenomena.. But none is willing to venture to forecast, when things will improve.

The Congress party and its Allies want the "Deal", but do not want early polls. Their Left parters do not want the deal so as not to be seen siding with the US( with an eye on the Muslim votes)- but also do not want to face the electorate. So we are stuck yet again at a crucial stage of our developing into an economic world entity, largely because no party leadership has the kind of credibility to carry the masses with them to tell them "We know what's good for you. So vote for us if you trust us."

Looks like the BJP may have to wait another year, before they regain power at the Centre, which they appear poised to, with their mouths watering ...

But let us hope for better times for all of us.

The copious rains have washed Delhi bright green. The " Sawani" ( Sawan or Shravan is the month heralding the Monsoons as per the Hindu calender) - Crepe Martyl ( popular English name and Lagestoemia Indica ( Botanical) shrubs are in full bloom all over the city. The ones on the Moti Lal Nehru Place round about are the prettiest. The poor Kochias which were also at their peak green glory are in a mess- state of shock over the monsoons early arrival! I am carrying illustrative photos of the Sawanis, the Kochias,the inscrutable ( "Besharam") Bougainvalleas and a few other flowers flowering in my home garden, for the non "Maalis" to understand what I am talking about. There is also a chance picture of my own with the Prime Minister and friend Jyoti at a recent Reception in the capital.

Speculation over the fate of the Indo- US Nuclear Deal has overtaken the spot light of the local media over the Arushi( NOIDA) murder case, which largely remains unsolved, despite our premier Central Investigating Agency taking over. But Vijay Shankar and his excellent team of officers will, I am sure, crack the case soon to maintain the fairly high standards of investigation which the CBI has built over years.

Well folks so much for this week. Trying to keep my blogs short and readable at one go, as advised by a friend.

Take care and have fun