What/Why we are discussing – its significance in terms of current affairs (Three four lines)

BackGround in detail

Argument

Counter-argument

Your point of view

Assignments:

Pakistan Politics

Assassination of Benazir, how it is going to impact Pak politics. Usually politics of Pak oscillates between democracy and dictatorship.

You can also discuss if Benazir was really that good a leader as well. Also include recent attack on a PPP leader. Its implications.

Stock Markets

The crisis.

How the value fell. Was it the worst month for markets in a long long time.

How common people were affected.

Solutions to prevent such crisis.

How small investors can feel secure.

Cricket

Test series. It was a test of Indian character in terms of what happened on the field, and in terms of racial row.

Challenges for India before the series. (Team of Veterans, Never won a series in Australia, Australians were baying for our blood)

Could we measure up to them.

During mid-series McGrath had predicted a 4-0 verdict. How we managed to change the form book upside down.

Modi

Importance of Gujarat Elections few months proceeding the elections

Exit polls predicting little majority for Modi, but he won big

Why he won. Was development the major issue.

Who is real Modi. His good and bad points.

What is the significance of his victory for BJP and its leadership.

Does his victory mean secular values are dead.

Did his victory lead to the postponement of polls.

Nano

Expectations before Nano came up

How Nano met public expectations

What kind of competition it will lead to in small car segment – Cut down on prices etc

Now how to tackle pollution and congestions which Nano will lead to

Sarkozy+Brown

Significance of the two visits for India.

Deal separately in about 500 words.

Do you think India deserves a place in the Security Council.

Female infanticide in Punjab

Can you link it with the Indian situation over all and then come to Punjab. Saying this all India trend is so dominant in Punjab. (If not then just start with Punjab Problem)

Recent putting of cradles/proposals to put cradles shows how serious the situation is

Solutions (you may agree or disagree)


Kidney racket

What this racket is

It is a racket of epic proportion in terms of money as well as reach

Who were the collaborators and history (Very small)

Solutions to prevent this kind of racket

Finish with responsibility of the society in such matters

Sania

She has refused to play for the time being in India will be the starting point

Her growth as a player

Sania as a personality

Sania as a player

Sania as symbol of excellence for Muslim women and women in general

Also highlight the issue of media scrutiny for sporting and film personalities (Yuvraj, Dhoni)

Internet

Recent cable problem showed how dicey things can be for internet. Your views on the pros and cons of internet.

Little bit of history and data on internet users in India will help. In 90s, many would wonder what kind of coffee one could get at Cybercafe. Now even a kid knows that surfing and sipping are different things.

Indo-China relations

Little bit of history especially trade and border

Some landmark agreements

Recent visit of Dr Manmohan Singh

Your suggestions on how trade and politics can be taken care of

Sikh issue on Pagdi – French + Bhagat Singh

Petition to Sarkozy

Discrimination against Sikhs world wide, including some killings in early 2001.

Recent pulling of a Sikh’s pagdi

Initiative to ensure that such incidents do not happen

On Bhagat Singh

A tremendous revolutionary

Making of Bhagat Singh

His philosophy

His courage

Bhajji Controversy

Race relations in World Sports

Race relations in cricket

Bhajji’s previous history

Is he guilty of racialism?

Has the verdict been handed out satisfactorily?

Journalists – attack on them

Year 2007. How bad it was.

Recent attack on Indian journalists

Culture of intolerance must be tackled strongly

Women issue – Is there a glass ceiling

What does a modern woman think about career and home
Her aspirations

Can she meet all her aspirations

Glass ceiling in corporate life, political life etc. BJP’s 33 per cent reservations in Party