My Predictions for the Elections in Summer 2026

 It's fashionable to predict what will happen. It also was lucrative at one point. Now, if a party funds you, it may still be.

But I am adding a twist to the prediction game. I am predicting how things may turn out for people like you and me- the Aam Admi, in whichever state the elections are happening. Names ending in 'ni' not included.

1. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

2. Petrol prices will rise. So will a few other essentials, partly to offset doles announced.

3. Liquor prices may rise, for the same reason as above.

4. The first six months will look as if there are bright days ahead.. not using acchhe din, as it's copyrighted.

5. From month 7 to the next election, it will seem like a long wait for change. Refer to 1 above.

Rain in Bangalore

 Not sure if it's climate change, or something else, but the rain in Bangalore has been fast and furious, and unending. Almost through the last six months at least.

I am sure there are benefits to some people who suffer from water shortages and the umbrella sellers, but for a large segment of mere mortals, it causes great difficulties. Roads that are badly designed/maintained choke up and make it tough to go anywhere. Traffic is already bad, and during rains, adds another 20-30 minutes to an hour's commute.

Is it Indra or Varuna that is in charge of rain, I don't remember, but whoever it is, they are unhappy with mankind. Maybe we deserve it too. But surely, there must be a way out. We should try and find it.

Afghanistan

 What has been happening in Afghanistan probably has parallels with Vietnam in many ways. Fortunately Vietnam recovered from those events and became a thriving economy. I have visited the country, and found it very vibrant.

Hope that something good comes out eventually for the sake of the common people in Afghanistan. Even if they recover, it may take a few years or decades. Hope for the best.

In general, meddling in countries which are so far away, makes little sense. But then, is anyone listening?

Reforms in Governance

This is wishful thinking in areas of governance that give the common citizen great amounts of irritation, if not angst.

All government services must be home-delivered at the customer's (citizen's) convenience. The government can employ people with minimum levels of education and lots of common sense to do the home-delivery, and charge customers for it if necessary-if the fee already charged is not enough. This can boost employment tremendously-it does not have to be in rural areas/farming. Could be a part of the govt. employment schemes, too.

There must be a fixed time period in which the delivery must happen, if not, the service should be free (or discounted appropriately).

There should be visible penalties (like a transfer to the boondocks) for non-compliance by the government official responsible.

No citizen should stand in a line begging for any favours. Approval of most things can be done online, or not depending on merit. A copy of the request can go to the Lok Pal of the respective jurisdiction, and maintained for a certain period until the window for complaints runs out.

You will see wonders happening, and bureaucrats lose their swagger in no time.