UN IN FUND CRISIS

IT IS ironic that the United Nations (UN) has been thrown into grave financial crisis, thanks to reluctance of several member countries to pay up their share to the world body. The fund crisis has so much deepened over the last few months that the UN may be compelled to default on salary payments to its regular staff as also some of the payment commitments for services hired. While the United States, with a share of 22 pc, is a major contributor to the world body, especially for peace-keeping purposes, there are several other member countries which have failed to pay their dues. Ever since the advent of the Trump administration there is reluctance on the part of the US Government to pay up their share of the contribution. In fact there is an increasing tendency to cut the share. This is unfortunate in view of the fact the world body has been assigned several important tasks to ensure global peace, help in economic development, take measures to achieve disarmament etc. The appeal of UN Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres to member states appears to have no effect.

THOUGH India were not supposed to win medals at the Doha World Athletics Championship, a far better show was expected given the recent outings of the country’s athletes. The Indians did well to qualify for three finals -- mixed 4x400m relay, men’s 3000m steeplechase and women’s javelin throw -- but it was still a far cry from world standards. The 2003 Paris bronze by long jumper Anju Bobby George still remains India’s only medal in this showpiece event. This time, in the conditions prevailing in Doha, Indians were better equipped than some of the world’s good contestants. The only silver lining came with steeplechaser Avinash Sable’s qualification for the Tokyo Olympics and javelin thrower Annu Rani’s creditable eighth spot. Shot putter Tejinder Singh Toor, javelin thrower Shivpal Singh were the biggest disappointment. This remains the story of Indian athletics for years. More nurseries at hinterlands under the patronage of AFI can bring about a change in the dismal scenario.