The doomsayers have a point
During the last five years, the Indian economy has grown on average at 6.6% per year. Only in 1997-98 did the growth rate fall to 5%. Therefore, any forecast of a growth prospect of less than 6% alarms the policy makers.

Is any telementor listening?
The term `mentor' traces its origins to Homer's Odyssey when a wise Greek, Mentor, was entrusted with the education of Odysseus' son. In the networked world, where the word telementoring is just gaining currency, I'm convinced it was prescience. Guess what Odysseus' son was named? Telemachus.

Downsizing government
Expenditure Reforms Commission, chaired by former union finance secretary K P Geethakrishnan, has come up with some more sensible ideas on how government can reduce expenditure on itself and improve efficiency.

So what's new?
It is no mean achievement for an opposition party to remain the main target of public disapprobation well after the honeymoon period of an incumbent government is over. The Congress party seems to do it effortlessly every time.

Prisoner of the party
CPI(M)'s decision to finally allow Jyoti Basu to retire from the stewardship of WB marks the end of a remarkable and exceptional phase in Indian public life. Mr Basu has remained CM of his state for a record, uninterrupted 23 years in an India where political instability is not just the norm but getting worse.

Eavesdropper
"Why did you keep such a crucial meeting for a Sunday?" The minister shot back: "Because we thought the press sleeps on Sundays."