Whether the Yanks knew in advance or not, both Dilli and Beijing have certainly been blindsided by the Dalai Lama's move to cede political power
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The move is clearly a watershed moment not merely for the Tibetan movement but also for the future of Sino-Indian ties. The Dalai Lama, after all, has been a crucial factor in the rather complex equation, and it may take time for leaders in the two capitals to get used to his absence.
Even as Dilli now works to figure out the meaning of this surprise move, it is clear that the real challenge for the Indian government would be to learn to handle the new generation leaders of the Tibetan govt-in-exile and how that would impact relations with China.
Going by the recent episode involving the Karmapa, in which the Centre and the Himachal government seemed to talking from opposing poles, obviously a lot needs to be done. The Dalai Lama's exit from the political stage may be the opportunity we need to grasp to redefine our Tibet policy, in the medium term.
Licking the gravy
Food inflation has finally dipped ufffd to a three-month low of 9.52 per cent, hopefully it should bring some much-needed relief to the aam aadmi.
But the price of food products is apparently now not a worry for our venerable but rather self-centred members of Parliament. Here's why: while the janta is straining to make a measly buck last another meal, the MPs are gorging the delectable fare dished out in the Parliament canteen for practically next to nothing ufffd a wholesome vegetarian thali meal is for all of Rs 18!
Curiously, all the criticism of freebies for MPs often ignores the subsidised fine dining. Guess there's nothing like a good meal to win over would-be critics? All aboard the gravy train!
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