Posts Tagged ‘food’
Writing on the wall..!
August 5th, 2013 | 
Author: For Pakistan’s Intellectuals – A Food for Thought
Pakistan has reached a stage where business as usual will do no good any further. And in order to meet the challenges of the fifth columnists, regional and international politics of intrigue and hegemony, we must rebuild Pakistan inside out. Currently, Pakistan is a patient on drip therapy, which must first stand on its feet, only then the inside and outside challenges can be effectively met. In this regard, the following proposals are submitted, for the overhaul of the entire Pakistani governance system(s), for the consideration of the intellectuals, people at the helm of the affairs and general masses to develop a consensus for taking Pakistan out of the woods.
MAKE EVERY DIVISION A PROVINCE – PAKISTAN’s ONLY PANACEA
Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan is a more fragmented society than our forefathers could have ever imagined. The division in society is so intense that if immediate corrective steps are not taken, God forbid, this country may see even more turbulent times.
The writing on the wall is clear for all to read. The decadence of Pakistani society in every sphere of life, be it political, economic, educational, industrial, agricultural, religious, law and order or any other segment worth naming, is abysmal, to say the least. Hardly any day passes without reports of suicides committed by the poor due to the economic hardships. Children are not dying in dozens, but in scores due to the measles outbreak and, strangely enough, no soul has moved and not even a single person has been held accountable.
Maybe we have one last chance to stem the rot, to unite the people and to give them a prescription to rise again and build the nation from the ashes because, for the overwhelming majority, a time is coming that they will be forced to think: no life no nation.
The current frame work under which the country is being run will not take Pakistan any forward, even if it is allowed to continue, for another 100 years. All small and big nations in our region and the world have overtaken us, in the basic fields of health, education, justice, law and order and food security.
All stakeholders must wake up, as the nation is moving towards destruction and business as usual can do nothing for Pakistan; our survival is directly linked with the existence of our nationhood. Nationhood means, “the state or quality of having a status as a separate and independent nation”.
Pakistan needs a turnaround, for which the basic need is our adaptation and readiness for the change, not in cosmetic but real sense. We need a complete change from one era to another, like the one witnessed by China, under Mao Zedong.
Hence, for all Pakistanis, failure is not an option, but success is also not automatically guaranteed. In this regard, I would like to suggest that we formulate a new social contract for the common people of Pakistan, who always pays 100 percent bills and taxes and never defaults on their bank loans, but is deprived of every conceivable civic amenities.
Let us make a new Pakistan, which is redesigned to practically cater to the needs of the exploited masses.
Changes must be made in the constitution to block corrupt and power hungry mafias from contesting the elections. The current election system should also be radically changed, so that the whole country directly votes for a president/prime minister. However, before the voting, the candidates of all the political parties, for this post of the president/prime minister, must notify a list of their MPAs, MNAs and Senators, who will be automatically considered elected, according to the percentage of votes cast, in favour of the main candidate, for the top post of the country.
The decision for Pakistan’s charter of development for building dams and mega projects for the next 50 years should also be finalised, on which later on, no politics should be allowed. In other words, the representatives of the nation should decide now where they would like to see Pakistan, in each and every field of life after 50 years. This vision should be further divided into ten five years plans.
In order to decentralise and empower the maximum number of people, to enjoy the fruits of self-rule, we should convert every division of Pakistan into a province. This will also work as a panacea for the eradication of linguistic and any other type of frictions and doubts about the hegemony of the people. from certain large areas over the people of other smaller areas. In fact, it will work wonders in the speedy development and unity of Pakistan and kill instantly, any secessionist or separatist activities, currently prevailing in some parts of the country.
nayyar51@hotmail.com
Lahore – Pakistan
Pakistan must emulate India in providing food security to the poor
Pakistan must emulate india in providing food security to the poor.
Indian Cabinet clears ordinance to implement Food Security Bill
A Times of India report.
PTI | Jul 3, 2013, 07.00 PM IST
Cabinet clears ordinance for Food Security Bill
NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday decided to come out with an ordinance to give nation’s two-third population the right to 5kg of foodgrain every month at highly subsidized rates of Rs 1-3 per kg.
The Cabinet, which had last month deferred a decision on the issue, approved promulgation of an ordinance to implement the Food Security Bill, sources said.
With this, India will join select league of countries in the world that guarantee majority of its population foodgrain. At Rs 125,000 crore of government support, the food security programme will be the largest in the world.
The ordinance is being promulgated just weeks before the scheduled monsoon session of Parliament. Even after the ordinance, the bill will have to be approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The ordinance, which will guarantee 5kg of rice, wheat and coarse cereals per month per person at a fixed price of Rs 3, 2, 1, respectively, will come into effect after President Pranab Mukherjee signs it.
However, about 2.43 crore poorest of the poor families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme under PDS (public distribution system) would get legal entitlement to 35kg of foodgrains per family per month.
Officials said the ordinance will be presented to the President on Thursday. Once the President signs it, rules will be framed. The programme will be rolled-out from August after state governments prepare the beneficiary list.
The scheme will take at least six moths to cover the entire country, they said.
Health Matters – Benefits of Coconut Water
Overview
The coconut has received a lot of attention as of late due to its perceived health benefits. In particular, coconut water has been touted in some health enthusiast circles as a viable substitute for sports drinks. It is low in calories and contains vitamins and minerals, including electrolytes, much like commercial energy drinks. But is there anything that sets it apart? There are many benefits of coconut water.
What Is Coconut Water?
Coconut water is the clear liquid found in young coconuts. As the fruit matures, the water is gradually replaced by air and solid coconut meat; therefore, it is important to extract the water early. This water should not be confused with coconut oil or coconut milk, which are both processed from the meat and contain a large amount of calories and fat. Coconut water, on the other hand, has a lot of potassium and lesser amounts of electrolytes such as sodium, phosphorus and magnesium, the American Council on Exercise explains.
Low Calorie, Low Sugar Content
These days, many sports and health enthusiasts are drinking coconut water instead of sports drinks after exercise, the Texas Department of State Health Services reports. It has a low caloric content of just 46 calories per cup and 9 grams of carbohydrates. Coconut water also contains less sugar than many energy drinks and fruit juices. However, to ensure that you’re getting these benefits, be certain that you’re drinking plain coconut water and not those that have added sugar, since these are no different from sodas and processed fruit drinks.
Comparison to Sports Drinks
Like many sports drinks, coconut water contains electrolytes, carbohydrates and water, and offers similar benefits, explains All Systems Fitness. The main difference lies in electrolyte content: coconut water contains a lot more potassium, while sports drinks have more sodium. Since athletes engaging in heavy exercise require more sodium than potassium, coconut water may not be a viable replacement for sports drinks in this respect. It is also worth noting, however, that neither sports drinks nor coconut water contain enough sodium to adequately replace that lost through perspiration, “U.S. News & World Report” explains.
Considerations
Coconut water is a good source of potassium and magnesium. There are no known risks from regular consumption of coconut water. However, it can be a relatively expensive habit to maintain. In addition, keep in mind that coconut water has not yet been well-studied. As far as side effects are concerned, coconut water seems to be much like any fruit or vegetable juice. If you have any health conditions or are currently taking supplements or medication, be sure to consult with your doctor before you include coconut water in your regular diet.
Source & link: http://www.livestrong.com/article/366141-why-drink-coconut-water/#ixzz1MPAGCWNs
Robert Zoellick – The Visionary Statesman of World Bank
“When prices of staples soar, the poor bear the brunt. Without global action, people in poor countries will be deprived of adequate and nutritious food, with tragic consequences….” – Robert Zoellick.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that the world bank’s chief has the realisation of the situation, which (global hunger) now in fact, has become a matter of human rights violation.
In order to avoid the tragic consequences of impending hunger bomb, the following proposal may be considered by the all concerned.
In this regard, It is proposed that all world governments (without exception) must give 50% of the government’s share to the poorest of the poor (right to vote gives them right to govern as well), in their respective countries, just like some countries include on mandatory basis, women & other sections of societies in their parliaments.
Until and unless, those feeling the pangs of hunger, are given a chance to directly participate, in the governance of their affairs, any planning to eradicate the menace of hunger, will be faulty from its inception.
