Category Archives: Society
Apple iPad and ebook pricing – disappointing!
Apple recently announced another great design achivement with their launch of iPad. I clearly am a fan of Apple’s design skills. I am also impressed at the way Apple has ramped up their Supply Chain – recently a global study … Continue reading
Globalisation – is it really a new concept? And if not what should we learn from the past?
I am just about to finish reading a rather interesting book about the history of Samurai (The Religion of the Samurai – A Study of Zen Philosophy and Discipline in China and Japan by Kaiten Nukariya.) It talks about how … Continue reading
Reservation and the real problem
The story about the reservation saga continues in India. I am sure this will also whimper down like the Mandal Commission protest in 1991. The problem is that there is a problem in India – and we are no where … Continue reading
A great interview.
For the second time in less than two decades India is having the great reservation debate. While no one questions the merits of the need to solve problems faced by the underprivileged in India, I personally do question the case … Continue reading
Remembering Shakti – Left me wanting more
Yesterday night I attended concert by Shakti at the Basel Stadt Casino – with John McLaughlin (guitar), Zakir Hussain (tabla), U. Srinivas (mandolin), Selvaganesh (mridangam, ghata and kanjira) and Shankar Mahadevan (vocals). It was a very good fusion music evening. … Continue reading
Bright idea offers hope for drinking water
Swiss researchers have developed a biosensor that lights up when it detects arsenic, and have successfully tested it in drinking water in Vietnam. The award-winning breakthrough could improve the lives of millions worldwide who face serious health problems caused by … Continue reading
Fasnacht Diary from Basel
Nick from Basel who is an active Fasnachter this year has written a diary about his experience. I found it very good read – especially as it gave insights to the fun that Fasnachters themselves have. I was lucky myself … Continue reading
The growing influence of English as a foreign language
(and the reduced influence of English as a native language) The British Council has come up with an interesting report on the future of English. Here is the list of major languages used around the world today. No surprises for … Continue reading
The coming of internalised Superpowers
China and India are the most talked about emerging economies of the world today. China is already the second largest economy in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and India is close to edging out Japan to be number three. … Continue reading
Children Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Reach
The latest State of the World’s Children report by UNICEF has been released. Below is the press release from last month. (You can find previous years’ reports at here.) Abused and Neglected, Millions of Children Have Become Virtually Invisible LONDON, 14 December … Continue reading