Tweetposts - 24th Feb 2012, Monday

Walking today at around noon, I spotted a full grown snake. It should have been about three feet long. Naturally it gathered a crowd. Also being 'snake aware' people, they just watched it. Interestingly, a cat nearby, which was a little more than a kitten assumed the role of a predator and was stalking the snake. It is amusing even as I type this. The snake looked at the cat but did not react. It slowly turned around and slithered away. The cat tried to follow the snake but the people shooed it away. The snake must have been non poisonous because:

1) The cat looked at it as food. It would have stayed clear off a three metre radius of the snake otherwise!

2) The snake would have had other ideas to deal with the cat if it assumed threat.

For me, I was just amused at the cat - because even if non poisonous, the snake was too large for it to do anything. More amazing than amusing was the fact that the cat knew it was non-poisonous. In nature, animals 'just know' things! The snake was graceful enough to let the cat be :)

We need to tone down the drama - urgently!

Kill the doc – the most insane form of …(?)grievance !?!? « Meri Bakbak

A lot of crazy things happen daily and if we keep reacting to all there is no end to it. But what happened recently - where a doctor was murdered on the claim of negligence - really pushes it, because it has far reaching implications.

The link above is a level headed post written by a doctor himself. A few important notes of what happened:

1. There is no proof of negligence. The patient passed away enroute to another hospital. In fact what happened seems to be the opposite of negligence. It is just that the patient's husband couldn't stomach the outcome.
2. The cruelty of the incident is actually that the doctor got murdered trying to save the patient pretending to have a heart attack. It was a direct breach of trust.

When patients go to doctors, there is implied trust. Doctors should use this trust with utmost responsibility [in scenarios, even a slight lapse of alertness can turn critical and can be called "negligence" depending on the situation]. Patients must understand - especially in serious ailments - that despite the best effort of doctors - what they hear will not be what they expect.

But if we keep resorting to meaningless violence - especially against a fraternity whose job is so fundamental to our existence - they will eventually have to resort to means which ensure they are protected - legally and otherwise - during every step of the treatment process. In other words, it will degenerate from service to strictly transactional.

In those lines, I fully support this one-day strike. With our emotional outbursts, we are pushing things too far. And journalism that is not level headed only amplifies the drama instead of bringing balance to the situation.

2011 - My Retrospective

One pivotal change!

Two mega programs

Successfully stayed clear of "kolaveri di"

Passed the transition from 2011 to 2012 just like another moment

Summary: Life is definitely on fast forward but there is some inner resistance (ok, a lot!)

Pros: Surrounded by loving and caring people* and one humongous support-structure

Cons: No complaints - no misery - no sadness - but a wonderment of why I am not 'just joyful'

My wish list for 2012

Just a general wonderment among masses if 7B is too much

An Indian Government that will just consider the option of "listening"

Make felling of trees illegal

Still do not have a "mass" substitute for gasoline / oil - some breakthrough!

One magnificent planet - a little less abuse if not gratitude

To self: Drop inner resistance

To self: To be able to 'just do it'

 

* - Who lose it once in a while - self included

November ends, December begins

Tired but exciting phase!

For once I can relate to what Sadhguru has written in this week's spot!

Celebrating Diversity...

Instead of fighting it.

This is from a real life example - cricket at that, involving cricketer Hashim Amla.

Read here. While the open mindedness and willingness to accept that he erred earlier earns credit for the writer, Hashim's tenacity in sticking with what means to him so much is touching (I understand it cost him his match fees for some time).

Tweetposts, 21st Oct 2011, Friday

Mumbai Meri Jaan
Got to visit Mumbai. If I discount an earlier visit of traveling from the domestic to the international airport, this is the first time. There was not much sight seeing and my first experience was that of daze - of suddenly being put into a buzz world of activity where both the terrain and language were new. It's a city of sky scrapers - well, Chennai standards - which for years boasted with LIC, 14 storeys, as being the tallest building. Here, 20 to 25 storeys are very normal, more so - multiple stacks of these towers within a housing unit. Strangely, landmarks in Mumbai are housing colonies - auto drivers are very familiar with these names. Speaking of autos, drivers always use the meter and it is sometimes very difficult to find an empty auto. I guess Chennai, Coimbatore are spoiled cities. No proper enforcement of standard policies.
Mumbai is a vast city - I am guessing 3-4 times that of Chennai. So the 2 million population which earlier sounded like a big deal is not so much now.
So why the loving ode to Mumbai? Its the people I get to meet. A group of people who put themselves as secondary - and a continuous stream of them!
By no way I know what Mumbai is about - but even with what I have seen I can say it is very unique!

Take 3 toasted wheat bread slices. Between B1 and B2, apply peanut butter. Between B2 and B3 apply mixed fruit jam. Club the 3 slices. It is pure evil!

Gadiffi killed, Sachin is scared of Shoaib - so many crazy things are happening in the world. Thankfully insulated from all these to an extent.

Tweetposts - 3rd June 2011, Friday

Does it make sense publicly asking someone accused of corruption - "Did you do this corrupt act?". Of course, he is going to deny it. Our judicial setup will ensure status quo for next 10-15 years. But one new method seems to be disruptive pressure being applied on the Government through protests and fasts. There is no point arguing if it will work or not, it is just a way to apply some pressure.
Given the political history of India and the nature of politicians - we can follow one thumb rule explicitly - 'TRUST NO ONE' until proven otherwise, of course.

I am wondering about the following:
- How is it that no cellphone has spam protection for SMS'es? (something like we have in GMail or Yahoo!). Why can't I mark a sender as spam so that I never have to see an SMS from them again?
- How is it that despite both Coke and Pepsi being fierce competitors, they sell for the same price?
Without saying, anywhere - money comes first for businesses.

Blood Diamond

The impact of this movie is still lingering long after. It introduced a new term, 'conflict diamonds', where civil war rages in Sierra Leone, and presumably similar countries, because of rich diamond mines. The warring factions fight to take control of these mines and the Government is weak and/or corrupt. People are used forcefully to work in the mines and in the process have their families ripped off*.

Large diamond corporations, though not directly responsible for the situation, make use of this opportunity to get diamonds cheaply, create artificial scarcity and are indirectly involved in a pipeline that provides arms to these groups which creates a cycle.

The movie depicts a gross greed that causes people of the same nation to hurt each other in very incisive ways. The lead character Djimon Hounsou painfully observes in one moment - "We're doing this to each other."

Later, a diamond association comprising members from many countries agrees to stop importing "conflict diamonds" (where that glittering piece of stone might have caused someone in Africa to lose his limbs - literally). Eventually, the final burden is on the consumer, to ensure his or her diamond is conflict free. Actually, another character in the movie says that diamonds from Africa mined these way are exported to places like India and mixed with legitimately mined ones to eliminate all possibilities of verification.

My thoughts go back to several years back (ten years ago, when I was in the US), exactly during the time frame where this movie's story might have been contemporary, where I got a diamond for my mother. But coincidence or whatever, it was never used for many reasons and is still safely locked up. I looked up that provider and they state their diamonds are conflict free [but honestly, I had zero clue at the time - it could have been either way] . Read this as well.

So - one more item to add to the list! It is true - human greed poisons everything it touches.

Update: Speaking of Africa, a big big thumbs up to the people of Egypt. We are a far far way away from unified world Governance and it is important that democracy is installed everywhere, at least on paper, as a precursor. This is quite unique as it involves the entire nation and not a set of opposition leaders doing it for vested interests! There is very little that can be compared to the power of the will of millions of people operating as one.

* - The current state might be different

India versus US

Can't argue with any of this. It captures the good and the bad. But it leaves out the best (culture/spirituality) and the worst (apathy/lethargy/politics/corruption)!

More details here:

Traffic penalties in India

Got this as a forward. Some of these are eye openers.
Did you know playing music when driving was an offense?
Actually, it appears you can be fined for just about anything!
Also, the law years mention the late 1980s when mobile phones in India where non existent. I am wondering if they were amended recently to include the latest developments.

 

1. OFFENCES RELATED TO DOCUMENTS
S.No	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
1.1	Driving without a Valid License	Rs. 500/- and /or imprisonment ( 3 months)	3 or/we 181 MOA
1.2	Allowing vehicle to be driven by a person who does not possess a Valid License.	Rs. 1000/- and/or imprisonment ( 3 months)	5 or/we 180 MOA
1.3	Not carrying documents as required.	Rs. 100/-	130(3) or/we 177 MOA
1.4	Driving without Valid Insurance.	Rs. 1000/- and/or imprisonment ( 3 months)	130 or/we 177 MOA
1.5	Driving without Valid Permit.	Rs. 5000/- ( not less than Rs. 2000/-)	130 or/we 177 MOA
1.6	Driving without Valid Fitness.	Rs. 5000/- ( not less than Rs. 2000/-)	130 or/we 177 MOA
1.7	Vehicle without OR.C.	Rs 2000/-	39 or/w192 MOA

 

 

2. OFFENCES RELATED TO DRIVING
S.NO	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
2.1.1	Driving by Minor .	Rs. 500/-	4 or/we 181 MOA
2.1.2	Allowing Unauthorized person to drive .	Rs. 1000/-	5 or/we 180 MOA
2.1.3	Driving without Helmet.	Rs. 100/-	129 or/w177 MOA
2.1.4	Seat Belts not fastened.	Rs. 100/-	138(3) COMER 177 MOA
2.1.5	Rough/Rash/Negligen t Driving .	Rs. 1000/-	184 MOA
2.1.6	Dangerous or hasty Driving.	Rs.1000/- and/or imprisonment ( 6 months)	112-183 MOA
2.1.7	Not Driving in Proper Lane.	Court Challan	66 or/we 192 MOA
2.1.8	Driving in the center and not to left side.	Rs.100/-	2 ERR or/we 177 MOA
2.1.9	Driving against One Way.	Rs.100/-	17 (i) ERR 177 MOA
2.1.10	Reversing without due care and attention.	Rs. 100/-	MOVER 233 177 MOA
2.1.11	Taking "UP" turn during outlawed hours.	Rs.100/-	12 ERR 177 MOA
2.1.12	Failing to take precaution while taking a "Turn".	Rs.100/-	3 ERR 177 MOA
2.1.13	Failing to decelerate at intersection.	Rs.100/-	8 ERR 177 MOA
2.1.14	Failing to carry on left of traffic island.	Rs.100/-	2 ERR 177 MOA
2.1.15	Carrying persons on Footboard.	Rs.100/-	123-177 MOA
2.1.16	Carrying persons causing hindrance to the driver.	Rs.100/-	125-177 MOA
2.1.17	Tripling.	Rs. 100/-	128/177 MOA
2.1.18	Driving on Footpath.	Rs.100/-	ERR 177 MOA
2.1.19	Stopping at pedestrian crossing or crossing a Stop Line.	Rs.100/-	ERR 177 MOA
2.2	Road Marking Related Offences
2.2.1	Violation of Yellow Line.	Rs. 100/-	119/177 MOA
2.2	Violation of Stop Line.	Rs. 100/-	113(1)/177 DEMUR
2.2.3	Violation of Mandatory Signs .	Rs. 100/-	119/177 MOA
2.3	Number Plate Related Offences
2.3.1	Use of Offensive Number Plate for vehicle used in driving.	Rs.100/-	COMER 105 (2) (ii) 177 MOA
2.3.2	Displaying 'Applied For'.	Rs. 4500/-	39/192 MOA
2.4	Vehicle Light Related Offences
2.4.1	Improper use of headlights/tail light for vehicle used in driving.	Rs.100/-	COMER 105 (2) (ii) 177 MOA
2.4.2	Using High Beam where not required.	Rs. 100/-	112(G) A DEMUR 177 MOA
2.5	Horn Related Offences
2.5.1	Driving without Horn.	Rs. 100/-	119(1)/177 COMER
2.5.2	Improper horn usage while driving.	Rs.100/-	COMER 105 (2) (ii) 177 MOA
2.6	Traffic Police Related Offences
2.6.1	Disobeying Traffic Police Officer in uniform.	Rs. 100/-	119 MOA 22(a) ERR 177 MOA
2.6.2	Driving against Police Signal.	Rs. 100/-	119 or/we 177 MOA
2.6.3	Disobeying manual Traffic Signal.	Rs. 100/-	239 MOVER 22(a) ERR 177 MOA
2.7	Traffic Signal Related Offences
2.7.1	Disobeying Traffic signal / Sign Board.	Rs. 100/-	22(b) ERR 239 MOVER 177 MOA
2.7.2	Failing to give Signal.	Rs. 100/-	121 ERR 177 MOA
2.7.3	Jumping Signal.	Rs.100/-	119/177 MOA
2.8	Speed and Overtake Related Offences
2.8.1	Exceeding the prescribed Speed Limits.	Up to Rs.1000/-	112-183 MOA
2.8.2	Abetment for Over Speeding .	Rs.300/-	112/183(2) MOA
2.8.3	Overtaking perilously.	Rs.100/-	6 (a) ERR or/we 177 MOA
2.8.4	Failing to confer way to sanction Overtaking.	Rs.100/-	7 ERR 177 MOA
2.8.5	Overtaking from Wrong Side .	Rs. 100/-	ERR 6/1/177 MOA
2.9	Other Offences
2.9.1	Disobeying Lawful Directions.	Rs. 500/-	132/179 MOA
2.9.2	Driving under influence of Alcohol / Drugs.	Rs.2000/- and/or imprisonment ( 6 months)	185 MOA
2.9.3	Using Mobile Phone while Driving.	Up to 1000/-	184 MOA
2.9.4	Leaving vehicle in unoccupied engine.	Rs.100/-	126-177 MOA
2.9.5	Leaving vehicle in unsafe position.	Rs.100/-	122 177 MOA
2.9.6	In case of a minor Accident.	Rs. 1000/-	184 MOA
2.9.7	Playing music while Driving.	Rs. 100/-	102/177 MOA
2.9.8	Driving without Silencer.	Rs. 100/-	120/190(2)/177CMVR
2.9.9	Driving when mentally or physically unfit.	Court Challan	186 MOA

 

 

3. OFFENCES RELATED TO TOWING OF VEHICLES
S.NO	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
3.1	Two Wheeler.	Rs.100/-	ERR 177 MOA
3.2	Car , Jeep, Taxi, Auto Rickshaw.	Rs.200/-	ERR 177 MOA
3.3	Truck, Tanker, Trailer.	Rs.600/-	ERR 177 MOA

 

 

4. OFFENCES RELATED TO POLLUTION
S.NO	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
4.1	Smoking in Public Transport.	Rs. 100/-	86(1)(5)/177 DEMUR
4.2	Pollution Not Under Control.	Rs. 100/-	99(1)(a)/177 DEMUR
4.3	Fixing multi-toned/ shrill horn.	Rs.500/-	119 COMER 190(2) MOA
4.4	Blowing Pressure Horn.	Rs. 100/-	96(1)/177 DEMUR
4.5	Silencer/muffler making noise.	Rs.500/-	COMER 120 190(2) MOA
4.6	Smoky Exhaust.	Rs.500/-	115 COMER 190(2) MOA
4.7	Using horn in Silence Zone.	Rs.100/-	21(ii) ERR 177 MOA

 

 

5. OFFENCES RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLES
S.No	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
5.1	Using Vehicle in Unsafe Conditions.	Court Challan	192 MOA
5.2	When motor vehicle is out of state for more than 12 months.	Rs.100/-	47-177 MOA
5.3	Particulars to be printed on transport vehicles.	Rs.100/-	84(G)-177 MOA
5.4	Without Wiper	Rs.100/-	COMER 101 5,12 177 MOA
5.4	Without Side Mirror.	Rs.100/-	5, 7/177 MOA
5.5	Defective tires.	Rs.100/-	COMER 94
5.6	No indication board on left hand drive vehicle.	Rs.100/-	120, 177 MOA
5.7	Sale of motor vehicle/alteration of motor vehicle in contravention of Act.	Rs.300/-	52/191 MOA, 32/192.66/192 MV Act
5.8	Vehicles fitted with dark glasses/sun films.	Rs.100/-	100 COMER 177 MOA
5.9	Driving without proper number plate/ illuminating rear number plate.	Rs.100/-	236 MOVER 177 MOA
5.10	Failing to display public carrier board.	Rs.100/-	116 MOVER 177 MOA
5.11	Using private vehicle for commercial purposes.	Rs. 5000/- ( not less than Rs. 2000/-)	-
5.12	Any sort of misconduct with passengers, not wearing uniform/not displaying badge.	Rs.100/-	MOVER 21(18) 177 MOA
5.13	Overloading a goods vehicle.	Rs. 2000/-plus Rs. 1000/- for every additional ton.	MOVER 93(up)(i) 177 MOA
5.14	Carrying goods in a dangerous or hazardous manner.	Imprisonment and/or fine of Rs. 3000/-	29 ERR 177 MOA
5.15	Infringement of permit conditions.	Imprisonment and/or fine of Rs. 5000/-( not less than Rs. 2000/-)	-
5.16	Use of Colored light on Vehicle	Rs. 100/-	97(2)/177 DEMUR

 

 

6. OFFENCES RELATED TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
S.No	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
6.1	Plying in 'NO ENTRY' Time	Upton 2000/-	115/194 MOA
6.	Violation of Time Table	Court Challan	11/177, 2/177, 66/192 MOA
6.2	High and Long / Load in Vehicles	Rs. 100/-	29 ERR/177 MOA
6.3	Carrying animals in goods vehicles in contravention of rules.	Rs.100/-	MOVER 83 177 MOA
6.4	Carrying persons dangerously or carrying persons in goods vehicles.	Rs.100/-	MOVER 108 177 MOA
6.5	Goods in Passenger Vehicles	-	-
6.6	Dangerous projection of goods.	Rs.100/-	229 MOVER 29 ERR 177 MOA
6.7	Carrying goods unsecured.	Rs.100/-	MOVER 202 177 MOA
6.	Carrying goods more than 11 feet high.	Rs.100/-	MOVER 93(up) (i) 177 MOA
6.	Limit Of weight and limitation on Use.	Court Challan	113/194(1) MOA
6.	Driver refuses to weigh vehicle.	Court Challan	114/194(2) MOA
6.9	Load on Tail Board.	Rs.100/-	MOVER 202 177 MOA
6.10	Misbehavior by Taxi/TSAR Driver.	Rs. 100/-	11(3)/177 DEMUR
6.11	Over Charging by Taxi/TSAR Driver.	Rs. 100/-	11(8)/177 DEMUR
6.12	Charging without Meter.	Rs. 100/-	11(8)/177 DEMUR
6.13	Refusal by Taxi/TSAR Driver.	Rs. 100/-	11(9)/177 DEMUR
6.14	Driver without Uniform.	Rs. 100/-	7/177 DEMUR
6.14	Driver without Badge.	Rs. 100/-	22(1)/177 DEMUR
6.15	Conductor without Uniform.	Rs. 100/-	23(1)/177 DEMUR
6.16	Conductor without Badge.	Rs. 100/-	22(1)/177 DEMUR
6.17	Stopping without Bus stop	Court Challan	66/192 MOA
6.18	Power to detain Vehicle used in contravention of section 3.4,39 or 66(1) MV Act.	Court Challan	207(1) MOA

 

 

7. OFFENCES RELATED TO PARKING
S.NO	OFFENCES	MAXIMUM PENALTY	SECTION
7.1	Parking in the direction of flow of traffic.	Rs.100/-	22(a) ERR 177 MOA
7.2	Parking away from footpath towards road.	Rs.100/-	15(2) ERR 177 MOA
7.3	Parking against flow of traffic.	Rs.100/-	15(2) ERR 177 MOA
7.4	Parking causing Obstruction.	Rs. 100/-	15(2) ERR 177 MOA
7.5	Parking on a Taxi Stand.	Rs. 100/-	15(2) ERR 177 MOA
7.6	Parking in not any prescribed manner.	Rs. 100/-	15(1) ERR 177 MOA
7.7	Parking at any Corner.	Rs. 100/-	15(i) ERR 177 MOA
7.8	Parking within 15 meters on either side of Bus Stop.	Rs. 100/-	15(2) ERR 177 MOA
7.9	Parking on Bridge.	Rs. 100/-	15(2) (i) ERR 177 MOA
7.10	Parking at Traffic Island.	Rs. 100/-	15(i) ERR 177 MOA
7.11	Parking in "No" Parking Area.	Rs. 100/-	15(2) ERR 177 MOA
7.12	Parked on Pedestrian Crossing.	Rs. 100/-	15(2)(iii) ERR 177 MOA
7.13	Parking on Footpath.	Rs. 100/-	15(2)(ii) ERR 177 MOA
7.14	Parking in front of a gate.	Rs. 100/-	15(2)(viii) ERR 177 MOA
7.15	Parking causing obstruction.	Rs. 100/-	15(1) ERR 177 MOA

ERR:  Rules of Road Regulations
1989

MOA:  Motor Vehicles Act 1988

COMER:  Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989

Besides these provisions,
it is mandatory for every driver driving, to carry the following
documents while driving:  

 

S.No	Documents
1	Valid driving license.
2	Vehicle Registration Certificate.
3	Road Tax Token.
4	Pollution under Control Certificate.
5	Current Insurance Certificate.

Any driver can be held from his driving license if falls in line with any
of the given criteria:  

 

S.No	Criterion
1	Driving is dangerous to the public.
2	Under the age of 18 yrs.
3	Drunk or addicted to dugs.
4	Illegal driving license.
5	Driving a vehicle with a objectionable history.