China being desperate or vindictive?

The visit of Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker's visit to Taiwan, the Chinese threats notwithstanding, has been like a slap on the face of China. Consequent to it, China holds largest-ever war games around Taiwan. Is it out of a misplaced bravado on the part of the Chinese leadership or a retaliatory measure, one wonders but it will definitely not be good in the interest of world peace.

Pelosi's visit has put a serious question to the 'one-China policy' talked about thus far. The concerned parties had avoided doing anything to jeopardise this arrangement. 

China's Actions post-Pelosi's Taipei Visit

China named it as 'local drills' which involved a conventional missile fire-power assault in waters to the east of Taiwan. It fired ballistic missiles and deployed fighter jets and warships as it held its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan.

Was it a show of force sparked by the visit of a high-profile US official to the island in years, defying stark threats from Beijing? The series of exercises were conducted in multiple zones around the island nation, straddling some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and at some points just 20 km from the island's shore.

Furthermore, a few AFP journalists saw a batch of five military choppers flying at a relatively low height over a popular tourist resort after having taken off from China's closest point to Taiwan. The exercises are supposed to go on till mid-Sunday.

Meanwhile, Japan has said that a few of the Chinese missiles had fallen in its waters.

My take

What does one make out of these provocative actions by the Chinese? Is Xi Jinping trying to put up a brave front for the loss of face he got by the Pelosi visit to Taiwan and being plain vindictive on the island nation? Or is he being desperate by cocking a snook at the US, thinking that it would avoid doing anything precipitous just as it did in the case of providing help to Ukraine, in its times of need during its ongoing war with Russia? 

I'd like to believe that it's a mix of both!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

The sun brightened up the daytime but slipped to a wet environment by evening.   

Kerala's solid waste management.

The state's solid waste management project faces a major challenge. Rs.2,300 crore project mandates five modern sanitary landfills, 130 acres needed for them.

The implementation of the KSWMP (Kerala Solid Waste Management Project) funded jointly by the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has set a huge challenge to the state government as it needs to acquire land for setting up five sanitary landfills - the mandatory component - to implement the project.

As per the norms set by the World Bank, the state will need at least five modern sanitary landfills having 25 to 30 acres each and as per the conditions, the landfills should be available within a range of80 to 100 km, for easy transportation of waste. A feasibility study would be launched soon. 

The Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd (KEIL) is runs a very successful landfill for disposing  of hazardous inert waste at Ambalamedu in Kochi and therefore, it's hoped that there won't be any public resistance.

As per estimates, Kerala generates around 11,449 tons of solid waste per day of which around 3,521 tons is generated in urban areas and 7,928 tons in rural areas. The local bodies are struggling to ensure scientific disposal of garbage owing to lack of infrastructure and a proper end-to-end system. 

Decentralised waste management is the current policy of the Kerala government and the KSWMP has been designed in such a way that it would support and strengthen the existing system. However, for 100% solid waste management, certain centralised facilities are necessary and landfills aim to fix this gap. Only then can the waste manage cycle become complete.

Courtesy. Shainu Mohan in the NIE.

My take

A project that needs to be given the highest priority. Prosperity of any place is directly linked to its efficient waste management system!

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Went about our work on an otherwise quiet, yet wet day.

Saw Mammootty's movie, 'One', for the nth time, during lunch.

Had a long chat with Paritosh Nath. He and his wife, Joyce are reaching Guruvayur on 31 Aug.

Lekha has reached the 'Sundara kaandham', in the course of the Ramayanam recital, where Lord Sri Rama is gonna enter Sri Lanka. The three chapters viz., Bala kaandham, Aranya Kaandham and Kishkinda kandham have been recited as of date.

A historic win!

Rupa Rani Tirkey, Lovely Choubey, Nayanmoni Saikia and Pinki became part of Indian sporting folklore, when they won the first gold medal in the Women's Fours final in Lawn Bowls.

Until Monday, the vast majority of Indians did not know much about the sport. The sport's origin goes as far back as the 12th century when the British empire had taken it to its colonies. India, however, did not have it till 2007, when it was introduced in the National Games so that they could conduct it in the 2010 CWG, they were hosting.

And that is where the four athletes from completely diverse backgrounds - Lovely (athletics), Pinki (former cricketer), Rupa Rani (kabaddi) and Nayanmoni (weight lifter) took up the sport. Having not been able to move forward in their respective disciplines owing to various constraints, they took a chance with Lawn Bowls. They came close to a CWG  several times in the past 12 years but each time had ended with a heartbreak. 

The finals was with South Africa. India had started off well cruising to 8-2 but over the next few Ends, the South Africans came back stronger, taking the lead to 10-8. The Indian team, led by Rupa, never gave up and when they went into End 15 they had taken an unassailable five point lead (15-10). Ultimately, India beat South Africa by 17-10.

The entire team was in tears. The dream that the four women had set out 12 years ago had finally come true.

Four Indian women from distinct backgrounds - who were trying to give themselves a second chance in life and sport - came together to achieve something that has never been done before!

Courtesy. The NIE

Tailpiece.

Got up late around a half past 6, the chores. Carried out the customary Wednesday 'aarathi' of the house and was ready by 10. Washing machinex was also done.

Went to town to complete certain urgent work and buy sundries.

Washed down the Chevy in the rain. 

The benchmark was never the bench!

The benchmark was never the bench......the benchmark will never be the bench...

In school, there was, is and will be, a unique and discreet subset. A few rows of back benchers who were never afraid of a test.

These backbenchers took the longest breaks, took the longest to settle down.

Rarely would have done their homework. Still, from teachers didn't evince a frown.

They were current on movies and knew great stuff on sports too.

If our city had secret places to visit, they'd already been there and done that too.

They weren't good at academics but weren't bothered about it. They were good in sports but would not bother others about it.

They were taller and heavier and some had seen more summers than others.

Puberty struck them earlier. One among them was a drummer.

They had magazines which front benchers didn't. More glossy and re-readable at that.

There was an air of mischief and a smile that complemented that.

Except for the art class, the ones in our class were great artists too. They'd draw on the desk, art mentionable and unmentionable too.

The knew how to fly planes. Land missiles on teachersand with a poker face, lie with panache and credence.

Catcalls and comments, came from them with a regular flow.

Assignments were jointly completed, later than sooner they would show.

They were a nice lot, happier than most others I'd say. More at peace with themselves, except on the results day.

Sports Day was the day they'd excel and make their class and house proud. Win points and medals, be cheered by the crowd.

They had the colours on holi-day. Their pen wielded ink too.

Their crackers resounded in toilets, they had the gadgets and games too.

In time we met again, in social media groups and reunions.

They have done as well as those in front rows, the differences have melted since.

Happy then and happy now, the backbenchers had a fair deal. They must've slogged in between. As good or better than the front row, I feel.

It generally evens out in life

Whether you were at the front or @ the back.

The benchmark was never the bench!

Tailpiece.

Our day had begun at 4, the chores and we were ready by 6. The caretaker was at our door by a half past 6 and helped me load the Chevy. It was raining as we cast off, stopped at the Nagaraja temple at Randalummoodu and then at the Mahaganapati kshetram, Kottarakkara.

Topped up the Chevy with diesel and checked tyre pressure at the usual bunk that I go to while at Kottarakkara. The scavenger cleaning the rest rooms did not allow me to go around the corner because he was cleaning it; controlled my anger and drove off. Stopped at the Kalpakavadi Inn at Kayamkulam for breakfast and the use of rest rooms, about a half an hour later. The time was 8.

Bore the brunt of the rain at many places enroute but the drive was nice, all through. Lunch - limited to light snacks - was at the IOC petrol bunk complex, Angamali. We frequent the place as both Lekha and I love the ambience there.

We reached The Quarterdeck around a half past 3, after doing my bank work and buying sundries. The opening up of the house and unpacking followed; settled down to listening to Lekha's recital of the Ramayana.

However, the first thing I did was to hoist the tricolour at our balcony, as exhorted by our Prime Minister, on account of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

It was a wet evening!    

Remembering a great persona.

Today's the 1st Remembrance Day of Pidavoor Amma - my brother-in-law, Padmakumar's mother - as per the Malayalam calendar and the date as per the English calendar is 11th Aug. Last year, this time, she was overtaken by Covid-19 and the post-Covid pneumonia did her in.

Actually, the 93 year-old lady was hale and hearty till the previous month, walking the length and breadth of her compound, taking in the sights. She used to interact with people who visited her - and it was a steady stream right from morning to evening, from the neighbourhood. And about a fortnight earlier to her end, the businessman - he ran a restaurant and was doing well - had called on her a trifle late in the evening. She'd gone to bed but retrieved herself to interact with him, heard his sob story about someone bothering him and had promised to take necessary action the next day. 

She'd insisted on feeding him and had sent him away with an assuring pat-on-his-back saying that his problem was now her's and she'd sort it out at the earliest. He, ultimately, turned out to be the villain. He'd hidden the fact that he had tested Covid-positive that morning and was advised by the local health team to remain at home in quarantine.

Three days later, Pidavoor Amma was tested positive for Covid and was admitted in a hospital at Kollam town for illness-management. Her treatment was being closely monitored by Anjana - an anaesthetist at Thiruvananthapuram and her grandson's wife - and she had recovered fully and was shifted out of the ward. Unfortunately, she'd contracted pnuemonia which, ultimately, claimed her life. She was in the hospital for about ten days.

People had visited the house, just to have a last glimpse of her and many had wept uncontrollably, showing as to how much she had touched their lives by her behaviour and large heartedness. 

She was fond of Lekha and me but what we can never forget is her seeing us driving off - after our visits - with folded hands, wishing us a safe journey. 

Have been missing and will continue to miss you, Pidavoor Amma! My tears and prayers.

Tailpiece.

We'd got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 8. Drove off to Padmakumar's house and were in time to see the commencement of the ceremony. It was nicely conducted and the conductor (Karmi), Narayanan Namboodiri was a pleasant elder.

It was a thoroughly wet day and we met Karthika and her parents, her brother and many others during the course of the day and had returned to Raj Nivas by 6, in the evening.

Pidavoor Amma's ashes will mingle with the waters of the Arabian Sea tomorrow, early in the morning, at Papanasam, Varkala.     

At Raj Nivas.

Our day started at 4, with Lekha's cellphone chiming away. The chores and we were ready by a half past 6. Kittu and the kittens were in attendance and Lekha had fed them before we cast off. As advised by my cousin's driver, I'd attempted a get away through the new exit beside the upcoming flyover at the kizhakkenada. It seemed to be too narrow for comfort and hence took the route via the Thampuraanpadi mukku-Kottappadi-Kunnamkulam-Thrissur.

But there was a slight mishap earlier as I scraped my Chevy's port bow on the embankment at the entrance of our gated enclosure and dampened my spirits. Lack of application on my part!

The exit from Thrissur was okay due to sparse traffic, being a Sunday. Breakfast was at the Saravana Bhavan at Paliyekkara. Saw the newly opened showroom, 'Wedlands', near the Haripad KSRTC bus station, which was inaugurated by superstar, Mammootty, a little while earlier.

Our lunch was at Hotel Annapporna at Adoor but I must confess it was because I'd missed the Padma Cafe! We reached Raj Nivas at a half past 2. The surroundings look nice as the weeds have been removed and the wild grass clipped.

Both of us had a good siesta and had a late tea around a half past 5. Spent time with my mom and dad to whom I'd explained the purpose of our visit and the duration that we were gonna be here. Heavy rain in the evening.

Lekha had recited the Ramayana and by this evening, she'd completed the 'Aaranya kaandam' (The longest of them all. She'd completed the 'Baala Kaandam' early last week). Tomorrow she begins the 'Kishkinda kaandam', which is the shortest of the chapters, as Lord Sri Rama prepares to go to Sri Lanka with the help of the 'vaanara sena'.

We'd got ready by 8, to go to my brother-in-law's house for dinner but after traversing more than half way through, it had to be aborted as a vehicle, in front of us, had crashed into an electric post and the post along with the overhead electric cables were on the road, obstructing traffic!

Lekha and I had returned and Lekha had deployed her contingency plan and we'd a sumptuous dinner of strawberry-flavoured Kellogs and bananas. 

Another of those vibrant yet quiet days!

Tailpiece.

The rains here seem to be heavier than what we'd experienced at Guruvayur over the last two days.      

An interesting phenomenon!

In Kerala, 6,000 ditched CPM for CPI in the past one year!

CPI, which sees itself as the cornerstone of the real Left, has been witnessing a large scale inflow of CPM cadre into its fold. Of the 6,000 CPM workers, 1,200 are from Thiruvananthapuram alone. The final tally will crystallise after the CPI's district conferences are over.

CPI also increased its membership by 11,000 in the past one year adding the highest number of workers in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Thrissur districts. Though people from many other parties joined, a majority is from CPM. Moreover, CPI has issued clear instructions not to induct any SDPI member.

The new members are drawn from CPM, Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (S), Muslim League and certain factions of the Kerala Congress. This is not a new phenomenon as it has happened in the past too. In fact, the migration created bad blood between the LDF allies in districts like Kannur with their district leadership openly clashing with each other.

The migration is also an indication that at least a section within the Left feels that CPI retains the true characteristics of the Communist party. There's a general impression that Cpi is ideologically better and more democratic than the CPM.

Of the two major Left parties, CPM and CPI, the latter has a more impressive track record and image. The party has not flaunted this publicly.

In a move to attract CPM rebels, the CPI has decided to give them direct party membership instead of candidate membership as is done in other cases.

Courtesy. The NIE

My take

This was bound to happen because of the superiority and often, brazen attitude, shown by the CPM, towards the other parties.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10. washing machinex of the remaining set of clothes.

Drove the Chevy to the nearest petrol pump to top up with fuel and check tyre pressure. Our fruit basket was delivered at home on placement of order. My cousin, Meera and Valsala - all advocates - dropped by to spend time with us after attending a wedding at the Krishna Inn.

Participated in the 579th episode of the Aazhchakkoottam : "Short stories and their changing styles" by Shri B Murali, renowned author of short stories, from 1600 to 1700 hrs. The interaction was interesting.

Shut down The Quarterdeck in a progressive manner.