The Third Slip: Issue 119 - Come bhaiyya, sing kumbaya
Hello, Slippers! Welcome to The Third Slip - the weekly newsletter that is like the English cricket team. It attempts to unite the world with a mix of dark humour, schadenfreude and pure helplessness and seemingly spans the entire world, but in reality has an extremely niche audience which tunes in for specific parts while everyone else is largely unbothered. But, since you’re here let’s hold hands and sing kumbaya
This is issue 119, named so as a testament to the minimum score that would ensure qualifications to the semifinals this world cup - 11 points from 9 games. One half of us is still in international waters (or what is left of it) as we speak and the other half is still off the toxicity of the news cycle. So this is the third of our lite issues that tackle heavy issues.
At Home
Same lynch: It’s deja vu all over again. After lynching people accusing them of carrying beef, the V2.0 of “nationalism” has seen people being asked to chant “Jai Shri Ram” and killed. The progress in this direction has also upped the vigilante village ante to cities with a cab driver in Thane being beaten up for the same reason.
Tackling the cow in cowardice: Meanwhile, in MP the government is getting its act together and putting forth a law that will put the quo vadis? in cowardice. The proposed law will ensure that vigilantes who perpetrate violence will have to face a 6 month to 5 year jail sentence.
Ban-galore: The greatest natural attractions in many parts of the world are dying out or transforming because of climate change, but Bangalore won’t stand for it. In a bid to protect its ubiquitous USP - the traffic jam - the geniuses have banned carpooling. Apparently, the move is because BMTC is losing bus revenues thus becoming the only people in the world to attempt to safely remove a Universal Serial Bus.
Unnees bees ka farak: The G20 for PM Modi is like that college friend’s destination wedding for millennials - an endless series of well-dressed photo ops with people who you haven’t seen in a while who will definitely increase the likeability quotient when you post your photos to Instagram. This year, he even got (the latest) Australian PM Scott Morrison to tweet “Kithana acha he Modi!” possibly after the Indian leader asked the fans at the stadium not to boo the Australian star. No wait, that was a different ball game. Anyway, after a series of meetings all countries vowed to rid terrorism via the internet while quietly ensuring that things that need immediate attention and tangible action like climate change are brushed under the carpet - especially with Trump saying doesn’t matter what the 19 of you do, we’ll do what we want.
International
Sliding into your DMZ like: If there is one thing Donald Trump is really good at it is crossing the line. And in a crossing the line reminiscent off Curtly Ambrose’s nine no-ball over, Trump has made history by crossing into the Demilitarised Zone in North Korea to meet with Kim Jong Un. This after the summit in Vietnam broke down and comes about as part of his meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. We think his advisors told him that other men have stepped on the moon before, but no US President has set foot in North Korea. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
Taking it on the China: In more heartening news, the trade war between US and China have deescalated a bit as they have committed to resuming talks again after meeting and agreeing on certain points on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Kind of like running into your ex at a mutual friend’s party and although you had resolved never to speak to them again the sight of them reminds you of the good times and despite the palpable tension, everyone else is boring, really. It is likely that the talks will break down again, but hey, for now, we’re cheering on the Ross and Rachel of world politics.
Pride of millions: In Sudan, where the army is holding on to power and massacring innocent citizens, protesters are planning a march of the millions on Sunday to call attention to the situation and urge the handing over of power to a civilian-led government.
LinkedOut
A year after the health system in Kerala rallied to effectively tackle the unheard of Nipah virus, it reappeared again. But this time, the state was ready from the get-go. A heartening read.
Pakistan have had a crazy run this world cup, and the eerie similarities with their 92 run do not seem to stop. Here’s why - in some great writing, or in a hilarious podcast.
While the opposition in Lok Sabha has been decimated, it’s always great to see a powerful voice of dissent. First time MP, Mahua Moitra made her maiden speech about how the 7 signs of fascism are getting stronger in India.
That’s it for this week. If you’d like to get in touch with us, we’re on Twitter (Chuck | Tony). Or you can reach us on good ol’ email. Until next week, may your life be perfectly chilled, just like your Friday evening beer.