CounterCurrents: Old Woman And Her (Black) Money, Which Trump? Early Signs Not Good,

Dear Friend,

The demonitisation move by the government of India is making even the highest court in the country nervous. The Supreme Court of India expressed its anxiety that there may be riots. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur noted that people have started becoming “frantic” for money, braving queues for hours.

Huffington Post which keeps a tab on the death due to demonetisation says the death toll is now 55. I'm sure it's much more than that. 

The women of India who save money in currencies for a rainy day, or from irresponsible husbands have been hit hard by Narendra Modi’s decision to withdraw Rs 1000, and Rs 500 notes from circulation. Here is a heartwrenching video of an old Muslim woman who saved some money hidden in a bundle of her old clothes taking them out with the help of her grandson. One friend who saw this video said he nearly cried. He said his now deceased mother used to do the same. You may not understand what the old woman is saying but you'll feel her anxiety and worry. She has saved the currencies in small purses in several places. She doesn't even remember exactly where it's placed. At one part of the video she says there is nothing in a bundle. The grandson insists and asks to have a look. He brings out two small purses with old notes. It's a representative story of things happening in many parts of India. The sad fact is that they may not even have a bank account to change them. Please watch
  this
video http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/demonetisation-sad-plight-of-women-in-india/

The transition team that President elect Donald Trump is putting together looks ominous writes Ralph Nader. 

Also more stories from around the world. 

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Binu Mathew
Editor
www.countercurrents.org





Demonetisation: Sad Plight Of Women In India

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/demonetisation-sad-plight-of-women-in-india/

The poor women of India who save money in currencies for a rainy day, or from irresponsible husbands have been hit hard by Narendra Modi’s decision to withdraw Rs 1000, and Rs 500 notes from circulation. Here is a video of an old woman who saved some money in the now withdrawn denominations trying to flush out ‘black money’ from her ‘Swiss Bank’ lockers.






Demonetisation: The Poor Don’t Matter Except To Buy Votes
by Pratap Antony 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/demonetisation-the-poor-dont-matter-except-to-buy-votes/

Everybody knows how cold, callous and unsympathetic the government -and the party in power is to the plight of the common man and to the poor. Everybody knows that this government doesn’t care about the poor; it only cares about winning elections. That’s how it goes. Everybody knows.






Which Trump? Early Signs Not Good
by Ralph Nader 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/which-trump-early-signs-not-good/

His transition appointments are delighting the corporatists. The man chosen to oversee the changes in the Environmental Protection Agency denies that climate change is man-made and scowls at regulation of harmful pollutants. Trump has opened the door to the big oil and gas lobbyists to control the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior. Wall Streeters are smacking their lips over Trump cavorting with opponents of regulating that giant gambling casino.





Non And Sub-State Actors In The International Climate Change Regime
by Zeenat Masoodi 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/non-and-sub-state-actors-in-the-international-climate-change-regime/

Climate change is an unprecedented challenge of enormous magnitude. To combat it and sustain the world for future generations innovative solutions and assistance from all quarters is needed. The acceptance and acknowledgement of non-state actors as key stakeholders in the climate change discourse is a welcome step and will prove mutually beneficial for both sovereign and non-state actors.





Why Are Public Officials Protecting The Pesticides Industry? Digging Down Into The Cesspool Of Corruption
by Colin Todhunter 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/why-are-public-officials-protecting-the-pesticides-industry-digging-down-into-the-cesspool-of-corruption/

The ‘agrochemicals-agritech industry’ should not be regarded as some kind of faceless concept because that lets individuals off the hook. It is run by identifiable individuals who sell health-and environment-damaging products, co-opt scientists, control public institutions and ensure farmers are kept on a chemical treadmill. From CEOs and scientists to public officials and media/PR spin doctors, specific individuals can be identified and at some stage should be hauled into court for what amounts to ‘crimes against humanity’.






Ahwazi Sports Champ Offers To Sell Kidney For Mother’s Treatment
by Rahim Hamid 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/ahwazi-sports-champ-offers-to-sell-kidney-for-mothers-treatment/

A prominent Ahwazi martial arts champion has offered to sell one of his kidneys due to poverty and unemployment.





Muslim Countries And Science Outreach: A Steep Decline And Way Forward
by Sheikh Umar Ahmad 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/11/18/muslim-countries-and-science-outreach-a-steep-decline-and-way-forward/

True transformation will require much broader action from ministries, regulators and fund­ing agencies, and these may be the most resistant to change. Without tough reforms, the dream of a scientific revival in the Muslim world will always remain  a dream & will never come to fore for  particular interest to public concerned  and for inclusive development in general.