The Turbulent Current Times: The Dark, Grey and Light Shades of it all

Normally, I do not write too much on current affairs here, barring some sports related posts, or something related to the economy. Yet, my mind was engrossed quite a lot in many of the day to day happenings around me. I had themes on Hollywood/Bollywood, and even current India-England test series.

Yet, rather than focusing on one thing, I thought of sharing my personal opinion on a few of the current happenings.

1)So, defying odds and earlier exit polls results, Donald Trump won the US President elections, one of the perhaps costliest and the most advertised elections on this planet. Now, the campaign was full of mud-slinging and provocative statements; making it look a lot like the Indian General elections campaign of 2014.

Both parties traded serious charges, and media made Donald Trump look like a crazy, war mongering candidate.
However, on some of the issues, Trump diluted his stand, and on many of the issues, he seems ambiguous.

I believe that many of the things Trump said were exaggerated to influence voters, and once he assumes the president’s mantle, he will learn that not all things go as per Mr. President’s wishes.
Yet, he will be a bit tough on many of the existing US partners, and will make some of then pay for the costs that the US was bearing till now.

2)The 1000 and 500 rupees currency discontinuation and the kind of reaction that it has created is the talk of town in Delhi-NCR, and in fact the whole of India.
Banks are witnessing crazy crowds and long queues perhaps rarely seen. In short term, this is causing inconvenience but I hope longer term will be much more better, once the changes are taken care of.
The step was bold and will curtail black money transactions and severely cut terror funding.
New 2000 rupees note – for which many people were taking selfies is bigger in size and has enhanced security features.

On the lighter side, there have been so many jokes circulating that WhatsApp also becomes full early.
One remarkable message was one i which someone kidnaps a boy and asks his father to get change for their booty of almost 1 crore!
So we need to be patient and things will be normal soon.

3)The deadly smog that we in Delhi NCR faced for many days around 1st November provided a lot shades of Grey- Dark, medium and light. People were finding it difficult to venture out, but had to sometimes. Respiratory and other problems went up.

Now, Government did sprung in action and announced pollution control measures.
We need longer term measures like rapid public transport expansion with security, no garbage burning, fuel conservation and more rapid production and giving incentive(s) to electric and hybrid vehicles.

On a lighter side, people created jokes about a tourist company running a bus with aeroplane like gas masks, that fall down on to the passenger when a crisis is there.

And yes, whether things go serious or fun, we need not unduly worry.