National Youth Day
12 January



In 1984, the Government of India declared and decided to observe the Birthday of Swami Vivekananda (12 January, according to English calendar) as National Youth Day every year from 1985 onwards. To quote from the Government of India’s Communication, ‘it was felt that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.’


The Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission as well as their branch centres observe the birthday of Swami Vivekananda.

The strong statements from India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi give a strong indication that both India and Pakistan are close to war. Air vigilance has been stepped up in both countries, especially in Pakistan after Pranab warned Pakistan that India keeps all


option open if Pakistan fails to deliver on its promises to crack down on terrorists. Pakistan scrambled its fighter jets over all major cities including Islamabad. The BSF is on high alert on Punjab border. Going to war as a deliberate choice is not an option that can be easily exercised. The impact of an India-Pakistan war will be felt beyond the subcontinent.

Is the war a solution to the problem between India and Pakistan?

Do you think India may lose patience sooner or later and forced to take a tough stance on Pakistan?

The Supreme Court has agreed to a proposal pertaining to the construction of a ropeway connecting Tirupati to the abode of Lord Venketeswara on the Tirumala hills.The seven km ropeway will coast Rs.300 Cr and expected to be completed in 18 months.Four lakh pilgrims would be ferried up and down in a day once the project is implemented,will create a record of its sorts.Also travel time will be reduced to 18 minutes.

Kolkata Book Fair 2009 will pack a major surprise for the first time in history, this much awaited event on every bookworm's calender will have a signature tune..............the anthem song OI DAKCHHE BOI means books calling you..... will have the music composed by percussionist Bickram Ghose,lyrics and music video by adman Sugata guha

The World population on 01.01.2009 as per estimates would reach 6,751,643,600.The world Population Foundation of Germany said the Planet's human population this year ( 2008 )rose by 82 million.

A $14bn bail-out deal for the US car industry has failed to get Senate support, raising fears of job cuts and a possible industry collapse. The deal would have given America's biggest car domestic makers, Big Three carmakers, i.e. Ford, Chrysler and General Motors the access to emergency funding to help them cope with the sharp downturn in sales because of the global financial crisis. As a result of the financial crisis, Chrysler is to halt production at all 30 of its plants for one month. Ford announced it was to extend the normal two-week Christmas shut-down at 10 of its North American plants for an extra week.

Last week, General Motors announced it was shutting down 30% of its North American production. Big Three carmakers have warned millions of jobs could be lost if the government does not agree to a package of loans to support the industry.

The three US auto companies need to be seriously restructured in order to survive. Do you agree?

Public sector banks on Monday announced that home loans up to Rs 5 lakh would be given at a maximum interest rate of 8.5 per cent, while those between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 20 lakh would be offered at 9.25 per cent. Besides, the banks would not charge any processing fees and pre-payment charges for loans up to Rs 20 lakh, and would also provide free insurance cover, the Indian Banks Association said.

The package looks at reviving the demand in the housing industry.

Though major real estate players gave a thumbs down to the announcement saying it was not enough. Rate of interests are still very high...there will not be many takers. Do you agree?

Do you feel that the step can only spur demand in smaller towns but give a miss to super metros, metros and Tier I cities?

Admitting that there were 'gaps' in the intelligence set up, Government on Wednesday said it will take a number of steps, including strengthening laws and setting up a National Investigation Agency (NIA) to insulate the country from Terror strikes like in Mumbai.

The move comes after criticism that the government was not doing enough to prevent attacks, such as the one on India's financial capital that killed 179 people. In a suo-motu statement in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the Government has decided to set up a Coastal Command for overall security of 7,500-km coast-line and create NSG hubs in various parts of the country as part of measures to make the protective system more effective.

Do you think govt has rightly identified the gaps?

There is a tendency to treat some intelligence inputs that are not specific or precise as not actionable intelligence. Do you believe?

Terror has struck at so many places in India that we have lost count of these places and the people killed. On November 26, however the attacks on 'high profile' targets expose the intention of the perpetrators to internationalize their cause.

When will it ever end?

Repeated attacks that India has had to deal with over the years is the result of no clear policy or action plan against terrorism on part of governments. Any action taken by any incumbent government has been undertaken with a view at the vote bank .

Three days of terror and mayhem at Mumbai have exposed India's vulnerability to a terror attack. The total negligence of the authorities in securing the safety of the citizens of India has tragically been exposed. Many experts believe that bureaucrats and politicians should be made accountable for the delays and lapses in the administrative system that cost the country hundreds of lives.

What can be the main cause for the growth of terrorism in India?

Is it the politicisation of religion? or absence of good political leadership?

Various organizations in the country continued to mount pressure on the Indian govt to act tough with Pakistan in the wake of reports of alleged involvement of its elements in last weeks Mumbai terror attacks. India has asked Pakistan to hand over 20 of its most wanted men as a sign of good faith while both sides tried to


cool tensions over the Mumbai terror attacks that have threatened to damage improving ties. There is also demand that India should do with Pakistan what the US did in Afghanistan, if Pakistan does not hand over those involved in the terrorist attack on Mumbai.

Would India be justified in going after terrorists responsible for the Mumbai attacks if they were on Pakistani soil? or should India agree with Pak for joint probe into Mumbai terror attack?

War does not solve any problem, none would gain out of War. Do you agree?

Suspected Islamic terrorists have attacked at least eight places in Mumbai, the financial hub of India on November 26 night. They fired indiscriminately, and lobbed grenades around while making their way to luxury Hotels and Railway Station and Airport. Over 100 people, incuding many foreigners have reportedly died and nearly 600 injured in these terror attacks. This terrorist attack provides a wake-up call to government and they start investing in the safety of its citizens.

Mumbai attacks show terrorism still top issue. Do you think economic woes pale in comparison to security fears?

Does this attack ‘proves’ everybody that we are still vulnerable to such attacks in future?