DMK keeps UPA guessing

Keeping the Centre in suspense, DMK, a key ally of the UPA-led Congress coalition said its stand on FDI in retail would be known when the Bill is brought before Parliament.
“The DMK stand will be known when the Bill is introduced,” DMK chief M Karunanidhi told reporters.
He was asked what would be DMK's stand and whether it would support, if the Bill on FDI in retail sector was brought during the winter session of Parliament beginning November 22.
The DMK chief's remarks assume significance as it came a day after finance minister P Chidambaram met him and reportedly sought the DMK's support during the winter session, when a few important bills are slated to be introduced.
DMK, the second largest ally with 18 Lok Sabha MPs after the exit of Trinamool Congress, had earlier urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to allow FDI in retail sector, taking into consideration objections to the move from various quarters.
Karunanidhi had earlier said his party would support if the Opposition moved a resolution in Parliament against FDI in multi-brand retail sector.
While Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has threatened a no-confidence motion, the left parties have decided to move motions under voting rules in both Houses of Parliament to reject government's decision on the issue.

5th nation syndrome

Former president APJ Abdul Kalam has said the country is suffering from the “fifth nation syndrome” as it is always the fourth or fifth nation to launch any space mission or nuclear programme.
The Missile Man said that the country should strive to occupy the number one slot. Speaking at the foundation day programme of CSIRCentral Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kalam said, “Now we need to go beyond that syndrome and be number one.”
The Bharat Ratna awardee, who is known for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology spoke about the Assam violence and stressed on uniting the warring factions. “All of us should see that they come together as the unity of mind is very important. We need a cohesive society,” Kalam said.
When asked to comment on the rising corruption in the country, Kalam said,“Every home has to be clean–your home, my home, his home, every home. When every home is corruption-free only then India will be corruption-free.”
Kalam came out in support of FDI in retail, saying for a developing world to become developed, an atmosphere of competitiveness and aggressiveness should be there.
"As long as we have these,FDI in retail is not a dangerous thing," he said, adding that "I personally believe that in the globalised world,we need to collaborate and cooperate with other nations," Kalam said