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http://www.instablogs.com/ US to compensate Filipino war veterans This is a huge victory for Filipino war veterans who have been fighting for their rights and privileges for decades. Many of them not in active service were not recognized by the US government as entitled to same rights and benefits as a US veteran. Monetary compensation is a huge respite for the veterans but sadly it comes without any recognition for the services offered by them during the war. When will US understand that the issue of compensating Filipino war veterans goes beyond monetary benefits? They are seeking recognition from the US government for having fought like a valiant soldier alongside their US counterpart during the WWII. It should not be that difficult for the US government to deliver what is rightfully due to the ageing veterans. With the veterans getting older and dying one by one the US must fulfill its obligation towards them while they’re still alive. India bans public smoking The decision to ban smoking in public places including offices and restaurants is a healthy initiative but can the government actually get it enforced? In reality, it’s about compliance which does not seem to be coming forthwith. Tobacco firms have already raised their ante against the government, citing the ban is an infringement of individual rights. Those addicted to smoking are ready with a fresh package of reasons elaborating on the why not of smoking in public places. More so will the poor illiterate migrant population which crams every nook and corner of the Indian cities be willing to give up habit of frequently and openly puffing in public places? Already Bihar has expressed its reservations regarding the practicalities of such a move. Past attempts to ban spitting and urinating in public places have met little success, courtesy our blatant disregard towards basic cleanliness and common good. Either the government enforce the ban strictly or else provide smoking rooms because smokers will continue to smoke no matter what. Acting President Rupiah Banda accused of bribery Thanks to late Mr. Mwanawasa's anti corruption drive Zambia has improved substantially in the transparency international's corruption index. The bribery allegation against Mr. Rupiah Banda, Presidential hopeful in the upcoming elections goes on to prove that it won't be easy to fill in the shoes of the late president. Such news is extremely disappointing for an ordinary Zambian that has yet to overcome the grief of losing a great leader. It was latter's sweeping anti corruption drive that has rebuilt the confidence of Zambian people in the state institutions. Mr. Banda and other running presidential candidates must realize that this is the time to renew their commitment to fight corruption rather than succumbing to allegations of sleaze and fraud. Zambians had along stint with corrupt polity that left the country socially politically economically in shambles. The country needs someone who can carry Mr. Mwanawasa's legacy forward to ensure which the ordinary Zambians must carefully weigh their options and make the right choice. Brazil rated low in Child Education Brazil was rated below Latin America's average in terms of children's educational opportunities in a research lead by the World Bank. However, the country is said to have had obvious improvement from 1995 to 2005, the period covered by the study. Most of the children who lacked educational opportunities were black children living in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. By contrast, 44 percent of the children with the most opportunities were born in the richest areas of the country, such as Sao Paulo and Brasilia, the capital city. Children in Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Uruguay possess the most equal opportunities, while those in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras enjoy the least. Regional as well as the international authorities must come together to promote the educational opportunities. Initiating dialogue on best practices between countries that are facing similar crises is an important step for reciprocal benefit. http://www.instablogs.com/

• Release Date

  Oct 3, 2008

• Runtime

  06:55