WikiBribes?

Govindraj Ethiraj talks about how WikiMapia and other Wikie services (apart of Wikipedia ofcourse) have been so innovative and helpful, and encourages people to come up with other ideas. One idea he has is to have a WikiBribe where you would know how much bribe a department asks for what work and under what circumstances etc:

It strikes me that we should look to create more Wiki concepts like Wikimapia. Except that it could be dedicated to India or specific, information-starved areas within India. For instance, a Wiki project on government departments that accept or demand bribes with details of who, when and in what circumstances.

Now this is cool - you need a driving license - just check online how much bribe you will have to pay. This might help to put down on corruption a little bit theoretically. Really good idea though... I am off to think of more Wiki ideas

First Hurdle in the US-India Nuclear Deal cleared

Yay I am happy... because the House cleared the US-India Nuclear Deal, now renamed "US and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act, 2006"
From Reuters (Congress panel moves on US-India nuclear deal - 06/27/06) :

After months of delay during which the deal was mired in controversy, the House of Representatives International Relations Committee voted 37 to 5 to make changes in U.S. law that would allow the agreement to proceed. ... Rep. Tom Lantos, a California Democrat who co-sponsored the bill with Hyde, said "the impact of this legislation on the new geo-strategic alignment between India and the United States for the balance of the 21st century ... cannot be overstated."

What Happens Next?

• Senate Foreign Relations Committee will vote tomorrow (Thursday 28th June)

• House and Senate will then send bill vote to full chambers which is likely in July. Since the deadline of 60 days is built into the bill, so it is likely to become a law by August, before Congress recesses, assuming it goes through from now on.

More updates tomorrow...


(Note also: My First Blog directly from Writely, so sorry if the formatting is not great)

Voice4Democracy.org

Calling all Indians and NRIs who are opposed to the reservations in educational institutions like IITs and IIMs...
http://www.voice4democracy.org
Please go to that site and sign the petition to oppose government's proposal to introduce 27.5% quota in educaitonal institutions for OBCs.
The link to sign the petition : http://www.voice4democracy.org/sign.php

President Bush in India

Good news, since President is in India now becoming the 4th president to visit India. I hope the nuclear deal gets through as it will really strengthen the two democracies. After all the richest nation and the largest democracy of the world, when they come together, you get a very strong power as a result.
There have been a lot of protests in India about his visit unfortunately. This deal is going to be debatable, but I think it will come through eventually. It's just great to see how the things have been coming through over the past few days in regards to India-US deal. I have been reading a lot about it, and some articles I found nice and interesting:

• George Bush in India - what is success?
• Kerry 'backs' India nuclear deal - Nice, atleast in USA the opposition is intelligent, just don't oppose the government's decision just for the sake of it, like it goes in India.
• A guide to mysterious India for Mr Bush - Also my favorite!
• Indian-US nuclear deal 'progress'

I hope President Bush also talks about IT and Nuclear deal and the trip goes well, because I believe the power and IT stocks this week and next will be partially dependent on that. So I see power and IT stocks going up. (Disclaimer: Not a recommendation, do your own research before investing. I will not be responsible in any manner for any losses incurred by you)

Happy Journey President Bush! Have a good time in India