It is the last day of July and no overcast skies or thunderous clouds. Technically it is monsoon and it should be raining buckets. However, with exception of a couple of very rainy days the city has been under a dry spell. We have experienced a few sharp short spells and fine drizzles but nothing to rejoice about.
What has the world been up to in the last 8 months? Just 4 months to go before we wrap up 2018 and we have been witness to the good, the bad and the ugly in the country and abroad.
I am saddened by the increasing number of rapes and other crimes against women. How many more rapes and crimes will it take before a woman can roam the streets fearlessly with a twinkle and not terror in her eye?
In a path-breaking move, Prince Harry married African - American Meghan Markle in May. Let's toast to happily ever after.
President Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after a year of exchanging threats. The presidents discussed nuclear disarmament and defusing of tensions.
The winter Olympics in South Korea did not see either of the 2 Indian athletes bring home a medal. Hima Das, however, set many hearts aflutter when she became the first Indian to win a gold at the under 20 IAAF Athletics championships in Finland. If only more women were encouraged to do what she did!
FIFA fever gripped the world from the 14th of June to the 15th 0f July this year. The host country Russia did not win but underdogs Croatia reached the finals playing against France who took away the cup. Big moment for Croatia and a bigger moment forFrance.
The plastic ban in Maharashtra sent the state into a tizzy. 'Can the plastic, reach for fabric'.There was a big hue and cry as the change was being put in place but all is well now, with brown paper packets holding your groceries and fabric holding the brown paper bags.
Rewind to when we were growing up and you can picture ma and pa bringing stuff home in brown paper packets and cloth bags. Both the brown paper and cloth were reusable. Let's make the world a better place!
The neighbours have a new leader. Erstwhile cricket captain Imran Khan begins a new inning as prime minister of Pakistan. India looks on with hope. '
What do the other 4 months hold for us?
The festive season unfolds for sure. There is joy and peace to share with colour, revelry, feasting and greeting all around.
Independent India turns 72. Yes, there has been progress but the nation could do better. India could be cleaner and greener, and her women safer.
