When I first read that Elon Musk aimed to implant computer chips in human brains, I thought him crazy. Even if the medical risks could be overcome, even if there were advantages, would humans consent to giving up free will […]
Are brain chips the path to human evolution or a step toward control? Read More »
Economists have differed on whether or not rural India is in economic trouble. But we are now witnessing something close to a crash in microfinance institutions (MFIs) that lend to the poor and small businesses. For some time, the Indian economy has
Trouble at the bottom of the pyramid? Read More »
This year’s Nobel Prize for Economics has gone to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A Robinson (AJR). The Nobel citation praises their insights into the importance of institutions in determining prosperity, on how colonialism was very different in temperate
It’s wise to avoid grand ideologies when trying to make a country rich Read More »
India’s emulation of Mossad-style tactics risks perpetuating violence without addressing secessionist roots. Political assassinations can be very popular. Mossad is lauded in Israel and much admired in India for liquidating national security threats. Last week, Israel killed Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 Hamas attack. That was
Assassinations kill individuals but not an idea Read More »
The Constitution was created by proud Indians who battled and vanquished European colonialism, yet also found much of value in European ideas. The modernisers included not just atheists like Jawaharlal Nehru but pious Hindus ranging from Rajendra Prasad to C
There is nothing un-Bharatiya about concept of secularism Read More »
India’s judiciary is undergoing a sea change, with recent Supreme Court decisions that prioritize bail and halt ‘bulldozer justice’. The release of those previously jailed under strict laws indicates a shift that may enhance India’s standing in global democracy indices,
Bail to bulldozers, recent court verdicts show new spirit Read More »
World Bank’s recent rankings show India’s ports are picking up speed after ages of lethargy. It’s great, but China is widening the gap really fast As a journalist in Mumbai in 1988, I could see from my office window a
India’s ports are getting super efficient. But China’s are doing better Read More »
Synopsis India’s ports have undergone a remarkable transformation, with nine container ports making it to the top 100 globally in 2023. Visakhapatnam leads, followed by Mundra and others. The turnaround time for ships has drastically improved, showcasing significant progress in
Synopsis Akal Takht’s recent summoning of former Punjab ministers to apologize for past violations has raised concerns about a potential Khalistani revival. This situation brings back memories of the 1980s’ terrorism era. With separatists gaining ground in recent elections, there
Old stirrings in Punjab: The battle against separatism cannot be fought on foreign soil Read More »
West Bengal’s new law imposing the death penalty on rapist-killers follows similar such knee-jerk reactions from other states. A stringent law will not address the root cause of the crime. Societal attitudes towards rape victims need to change, with a
Tough rape laws can mean more victims are killed Read More »
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