Today’s terrorist attack in Mumbai is the 29th attack in India in 18 years. 5 of which have happened in Mumbai. And each time we hear the same script – the party in power condemns the attacks; the opposing party points to yet another example of incompetence; world leaders release statements condemning terrorism and declaring it will never win; the usual suspects are blamed (underworld, Pakistan backed terrorist groups, Kashmiri militant groups); depending on where the India-Pakistan diplomacy stand talks either stall or resume; promises for justice to be had are made and the media will harp on the resilience of the people in overcoming the disaster.

But this time there is something different. Talking to friends and exchanging notes on social networks, one thing has become very clear: Mumbaikars want nothing to do with resilience. Not this time. Hours after the attacks chronologies of prior attacks were being passed around and gaps in India’s counter-terrorism are being exposed. In previous attacks these stories that would peter out over days following the attacks.

Standing up together the people of India have finally been able to hold corrupt politicians accountable. That same perseverance is now needed to demand accountability for the millions of rupees that are being spent on India’s counter terrorism efforts.

Doctors given ‘incentives’ to participate in clinical research of drugs, drugs being tested on poor desperate illiterate people without informed consent, and corrupt government regulatory bodies that look away while their citizens are being exploited. No, this is not the film Constant Gardener. This is the ground reality of clinical research outsourcing in India.

Shocking and disturbing. Do watch the whole piece.

Mick Jagger, Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart, Damian Marley (Bob Marley’s) son, Joss Stone and A.R. Rahman collaborate on a new album that Jagger says doesn’t fit any genre.Enough said!

Can’t wait to hear it when it releases September 20.

SuperHeavy

Goa’s tourism director Swapnil Naik just announced a multimillion rupee ad campaign across Europe, Asia and Africa to entice tourists to its shores. Meanwhile India’s National Institute of Oceanography just released a report declaring the water ‘unfit for bathing’ due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria from untreated sewage.

“For safe bathing and international standards it should be 100 CFU (colony forming units) per 100 millilitres but now it has touched 190″ in some areas, said NIO scientist Dr N. Ramaiah.

Ramaiah said coastal waters tested by the scientists were generally above the limit, but the problem was most acute in the basins of Goa’s two rivers, the Mandovi and Zuari. (Full post at Independent)

The water is teeming with crap. Literally.

But here’s four reasons to visit Goa – historic monuments, incredible food, non-stop beach parties, and most importantly the nicest, most hospitable people on this planet. And if you must swim just stick to the hotel pools overlooking the ocean.