Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Saturday, 9 June 2012
VERBAL PREP
English is a big deal in a country where it is a secondary
language. Yet, this is not the best excuse NOT to learn it. In the same way
having a Hindi (or any other language) background is not the best excuse for
not working hard on English!
‘Sir, I am from Hindi Medium’, comes with much humility
from the student who feels bogged down by the presence of ‘English Medium’
candidates competing against him in the MBA-Entrance race. The other day, this
guy from my morning CAT-11 batch shared with me his frustration about not being
able to do much progress with reading comprehension.
So I decided to make him see the real picture. I posed a
few questions which now I wish to pose again for all those who are reading this.
1)
*Is having a Hindi Study background a sin? (And even if it
is, how does it matter?)
2)
*Does belonging to Hindi Medium mean that you are dumb?
3)
*Have you never come across English even once in your life
before?
As my student tried answering these questions, he also
realized that this was exactly how he was looking at it. And he needed to change
the attitude first before he practically started working on his English. Before spilling out my share of gyaan on how
to work on your English, I want to tell you my dear students that somehow you
are dearer to us than those who have an English medium background. The reason is
that you are more open to learning and don’t suffer from complacency
(self-satisfaction) about Verbal Ability. Always remember:
1) *
Hindi Study background DOES NOT mean that you are less
intelligent than those belonging to English Medium.
2) *
If you deal with English just like the way you deal with a
tougher subject, you can still master it.
3) *
English requires something that any other difficult subject
does: PRACTICE!
4) *
Everything seems difficult at first. It gets manageable
ONLY by spending more time with it and paying more attention to it.
Yet, you don’t have to believe me. Instead, believe in a
logic. I shall give you my own example here. I am not an engineer, have no other
technical degree. Till last year, I used to be a freelance writer who wrote
mainly website content of consumer goods and services or scripts for
walk-throughs and corporate films. A company asked me to write their technical
content including their product/service portfolios. This company creates several
softwares for e-business and websites; designs websites with high-end technology
facilities and increases traffic on client websites through social media
marketing and search engine optimisation. My first reaction was a big NO. I am
not a trained technical writer. I have no certificate or degree in instruction
design (one level up of technical writing). There was no way I was doing it.
But the company CEO made me start working with him. He said
I don’t need any technical degree to write their website content or edit their
technical documents. I started with simple re-writing and grammar corrections of
their content. Steadily, I started asking questions like : Is Ajax a software or
a framework? How does PHP programming different from Zend? A few questions were
obvious, some stupid, others intelligent. Yet I ASKED THEM. I didn’t shrink from
the thought of making a total fool of myself. Today, I am confident I can edit
any part of their content, technical or non-technical.
So what’s my point? My point is that a year before,
technical writing seemed to me the way English seems to all of you from the
Hindi medium background. And just as I refused to give up and kept writing, you
need to do that too. That’s because unless you do, you can never think of
crossing this language hurdle ever in your life.
I would suggest that you too start with some basic
practice. This includes solving all the grammar concepts/exercises and get your
doubts solved. I would say start with Subject-Verb Agreement. Do the following
on a regular basis:
1) *
Read a few English pieces from newspaper or concepts books
aloud for 15 minutes daily. Why? So that you improve your pronunciation and
develop a comfort level with English speaking.
2) *
Read two RC passages in a day, even if that takes you half
a day. Find out word meanings, write them. Solve questions, find out why a few
went wrong. Analyse your progress.
3) *
Write a Daily Journal. Write in English how you spent a
day, what you did, where you went etc. Get it checked from a VA faculty .
Pay attention to the corrections made. Then next day, write the day’s work
again. Track your progress. Then read that piece over and over again. Then keep
your notebook aside and now repeat what you read from it. Next time when someone
asks you to tell your daily routine, you will easily answer that in English.
4) *
The above point also means that once you learn to speak
‘rehearsed’ matter confidently, it will boost your confidence manyfolds and then
you will be prepared to deal with unexpected situations. Makes sense?
5) *
Pick an easy English novel or a non-fiction. Try to finish
it in a week’s time. Write a summary of it and get it checked by a VA
faculty.
6) *
Create your own sentences from the words from the wordlist.
Maintain a notebook. Revise old words weekly and read at least 10 new words
daily. ( Also read my blog: A twist in
the wordlist tale. )
7) *
Learn to love English. When you love something, you
don’t get bored with it, you truly enjoy it.
Sounds difficult?
You are not mistaken. So now I want to tell you how I, as a sixth-grader learnt
to comprehend Sanskrit. At first when we came across Sanskrit in school, we were
dead sure that even if we cram the shlokas, we will never be able to comprehend
the Sanskrit passages. But our dear teacher Mrs Neeti Dwivedi gave us a rule:
It’s a language. Lets start with basics and then the way you learnt Hindi, you
will learn Sanskrit too. Six months after she said this, I found myself easily
comprehending Sanskrit passages. How did I do it? I just followed three simple
rules, that you may now follow if you want to learn English:
1) READ: Read aloud in
that language. Try to make sense by breaking bigger sentences.
2) WRITE: Write
regularly in that language. At times, a quotation you liked or simply a small
paragraph in that language.
3) LISTEN: Listen things in that language. In
case of English, watch one Hollywood movie (not the Hindi-dubbed) in a week.
Download English songs. Watch motivational English videos online. Watch English
news channels.
Why
should you do this?
1) *
You want to compete in MBA-entrance race. No B-school in
this country has MBA course books in Hindi or any regional language. How will
you understand them?
2) *
You want to have good communications skills. Speaking good
Hindi is not enough, you must be able to speak in English too.
3) *
You want to be like that smart English-speaking guy or gal
who looks so confident.
I am not saying this is easy. But that doesn’t mean you
must not attempt it. This process is going to frustrate you, bother you, leave
you sleepless and restless. It would be like a dark tunnel on a railway track.
You won’t see much unless you go half way through it. Then you shall see a beam
of light entering it and then before you knew it, you would be out of it as a
winner. So get set and get started. For queries, we are always there to help
you. Feel free. Speak to us. Share your problems. We promise to help you. God
Bless.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Monday, 16 April 2012
ABSTRACT
(1) What are SOPA and PIPA?
SOFA and PIPA are dominating global media space. The provisions of the two proposed bills have outraged advocates of the free flow of information. Here's a link-fest on the provisions of the two bills and their impact.
BBC (Basic Understanding) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16596577
PC World (Detailed Note) http://www.pcworld.in/features/sopa-and-pipa-just-facts-61482012Al-Jazeera on SOPA on how this law will impact
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/01/20121169929629872.html
Joi Ito and Ethan Zuckerman on why the SOPA and PIPA bills need to be stopped. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/01/2012115121928594335.html
(2 )Gendercide: Our ugly underbelly
Gendercide is an ugly fact of life. More than 99 per cent of gendercide cases relate to the killing of the female child. The birth of a girl child is seen as a curse in most parts of South Asia, especially in India, and Far East, including in China. Here's a review of this most deplorable practice. http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/01/16/it%E2%80%99s-a-girl-the-three-deadliest-words-in-the-world/
(3)The Rushdie Affair
Salman Rushdie is arguably one of the finest living writers in the world. He faced death threats from radical Islamists, who were unhappy with his portrayal of Islam in his 1989 book, The Satanic Verses. Now radicals are asking for a ban on his entry into India where he is scheduled to visit a literary festival. Here's a short linkfest on the gathering controversy surrounding Rushdie's visit.
The Times of India Edit (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-11/edit-page/30612231_1_secularism-congress-law-and-order )
TIME magazine (http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2012/01/10/what-the-controversy-behind-salman-rushdies-india-visit-says-about-the-authors-country-of-origin/:)
The Hindu short note (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2791861.ece)
(4)The Belief of an Agnostic
Is the lack of a belief a kind of belief? Is worship all about representation? Get a perspective on this issue here. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/an-agnostics-grasp/263746/
(5) Does Change Change?
Most of us believe in the dictum that "change is the only constant". But does anything really change? Read this article which challenges the age-old adage.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Nothing_changes_That_it_does_is_illusion/articleshow/3919963.cms
(6)Our Society's Ugly Underbelly
In India, mental illness is seen as nothing short of a stigma. There are dark spaces in the recesses of our souls where we hide the ugly realities of our social existence.http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090331/jsp/opinion/story_10749666.jsp
(7)Economists: What good do they serve?
The world is in the midst of a severe economic downturn. Why is it that the Economists, those practitioners of the Dismal Science, could not anticipate the global crisis? http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_17/b4128026997269.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_top+story
(8)NRNM's World View
N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder and co-chairman of Infosys Technologies, is an icon of modern India. Not known to mince words, NRNM brings a refreshing world view. Here's an interview with the author of A Better India: A Better World.http://www.tehelka.com/story_main41.asp?filename=Bu250409the_rich.asp
(9)World History in 100 Objects
Man creates objects to satisfy his needs. These objects tell stories, about people and their deep urges. http://www.economist.com/node/15172496?story_id=15172496&source=hptextfeature
(10)God and Natural Disasters
Where is God when Nature wreaks havoc, like in the form of ground-shaking earthquakes and catastrophic hurricanes? Here's a thoughtful take on this age-old question. Also read the comments, all varied and diverse. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8467755.stm
(11)The Futility of War (Audio / Visual)
War is rarely good, even when it is fought for peace. Death and misery stalk every inch of the land where war has made its home, of course, an unwanted presence. Let me share with you the work of ace war photographer, Don McCullin, whose images have captured the ravages of war in different parts of the world.Pl note that this is an audio slideshow.http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8492000/8492777.stm
(12)The Paranoia of Kim Jong-il
North Korea is an international basket case. Its leader, Kim jong-Il, is seen as an obsessive paranoid who's unleashed an unparalled personality cult. Read this article on how dangerous is Kim's North Korea. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2010/02/a_nation_of_racist_dwarfs.html?obref=obinsite
(13)Remedis Amoris, anyone?
"The pursuit of love is often the most tortuous and painful journey life can make us undertake." On eve of the Valentine's Day, here's some food for (the) thought of love (or the lack of it).http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-02-13/news/27599109_1_marzipan-ancient-remedies-alternative
(14)Unity in Diversity
India is often described as the land of diversity. Despite our vast diversity, we have remained united. Says Mythili Bhusnurmath: "The true celebration of diversity is when no one notices the 'diversity'". http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-02-21/news/28406847_1_top-appointments-sikh-community
(15)Is Google making us stupid?
The Internet has emerged as one of the greatest technological boons of our times. While it has its advantages, it is also being blamed for putting our thinking in a coma-like state. Nicholas Carr elucidates on this idea in his brilliant article, What the Internet is doing to our brains.http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/6868/
(16)The Culture of Tolerance & Intolerance
The acceptance of Qatari citizenship by M. F. Husain has left a bad taste in the mouths of those who rallied behind him when he found himself in deep trouble. By doing this, he switched from being the citizen of a secular democracy to a deeply flawed theocracy. Read more on the Husain saga here. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100305/jsp/opinion/story_12176524.jsphttp://www.telegraphindia.com/1100305/jsp/opinion/story_12176524.jsp
(17)Killing Baby Girls
We live in a country where most of us worship female deities and treat the country as motherland; unfortunately it is also a country where we kill baby girls just because, we believe, they are born with the 'wrong' sex. Is this cruelty peculiar to Indians only? Not really. To find out who else around the world is, unfortunately, like us, click here.
Do not forget to read the comments.
http://www.economist.com/node/15606229?story_id=15606229&source=most_commented
(18)Women Missing from Top Management
While women have made sterling progress over the last few decades, there still seems to be a prejudice that is preventing them from sitting on the boards of companies.
Also read the WEF's Global Gender Gap Index 2009.http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/mar2010/gb2010039_514157.htm?link_position=link12
(18)Ghettoization of Women's Concerns
The Women's Reservation Bill, passed by the Rajya Sabha recently, has sparked off a nation-wide debate. Says Swapan Dasgupta, "One danger is that women’s issues will become ghetto concerns." Why is the fear of ghettoization of women's concerns so palpable?http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100319/jsp/opinion/story_12227388.jsp
(19) India's Snow White Syndrome
For most Indians, possessing fair skin is important, at least that is what the business revenue figures for 'skin whitening creams' reflect. Why are we obsessed with the idea of 'fair skin'? Here's a BBC take on this colourful issue.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8546183.stm
(20)The Politics of Riots
The recent unsavory controversy involving Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, the Congress (I), and the BJP has once again brought to the fore the ugly underbelly of the Indian political system. Read Siddharth Varadarajan for his incisive article on the politics of riots.http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/siddharth-varadarajan/article329486.ece?homepage=true
(21)The U.S. and the Hindu Way of Life
For thousands of years, we have been fighting over religion, for religion, and sometimes, against religion. In the U.S. there has been a perceptible change in the way religion and its attendant beliefs are perceived. Find the changing perspective here.http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/08/14/we-are-all-hindus-now.html
(22)Eyjafjallajokull and Disaster Management
The Eyjafjallajokull eruption and subsequent chaos have had a global effect. What does it reflect about human power (and its fallacy)? Are there any lessons to be learnt from this disaster episode?http://www.economist.com/node/15951696?story_id=15951696&source=hptextfeature
(23)The Truth about Narco Tests
The Supreme Court of India has lambasted narco tests as illegal and a violation of personal freedom. Here's a link-fest on important articles on the controversial issue.
The Telegraph India (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100506/jsp/frontpage/story_12418021.jsp )
The Hindustan Times (http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/BigIdea/No-to-mind-games/Article1-539835.aspx )
The Indian Express (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/truth-to-power/615800/ )
(24)V. Anand: World's Envy, India's Pride
Viswanathan Anand has won the World Chess Championship, for a record fourth time. Arguably India's greatest sporting hero, Anand has is the indisputed world champion in all three formats of the game.
Here are two edits that celebrate Anand's latest glorious victory.
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100513/jsp/opinion/story_12441398.jsp)
The Hindu ((http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article428365.ece)
(25)Khap Panchayats: Extra-judicial & extra-constitutional?
The recent surge in dictats of Khap panchayats and honour killings is threatening to turn into an ugly pow-wow between all involved. Here's a take by eminent advocate, Pinky Anand.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article432445.ece
(26)The Thin Good-Bad Line
What is good? What is bad? Is bad always bad? When does bad become good? Since the dawn of civilization, these questions have troubled mankind. As they say, there is a thin line between good and bad.
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-01-06/news/28432035_1_dust-snowstorm-garbage
(27)Whither Microfinance?
The recent expose of the unsavory scandal involving Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, global pioneer in microfinance and founder of Grameen Bank, has brought to the fore the vulnerability of a system centered around an individual.
Also, read here about a new law enacted by the state of Andhra Pradesh in India that threatens the very future of microfinance in India.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/01/microfinance_under_attack
(28)A World without Planes
Ever since the first flight took to the skies, airplanes have revolutionized travel by shrinking time taken to move between places. What would happen if all planes disappeared? Imagine a world without planes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8626000/8626927.stm
(29)Knowledge Dissemination
Learning at school plays a crucial role in generating curiosity and the zest for knowledge in the life of a student. However, the media in India has shown a discerning lack of interest in becoming an instrument of dissemination of knowledge to the public at large.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110111/jsp/opinion/story_13420540.jsp
(30)The Joy of Reading to Learn
For many people, reading brings unparalleled joy. No, it is not the act of reading that makes people happy; rather it is the fact of learning (about things and ideas or just about anything) that makes one happy. However, the importance of reading can hardly be overstated, what's disconcerting is the education system's appalling lack of interest in spreading the good word about the habit of reading.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article1103118.ece?homepage=true
(31)The Great Indian Crab Syndrome
It is often said that the biggest enemies of Indians are their compatriots. The most talented are pulled down by the envious, greedy, and intolerant. Here is a good read with loads of instances on the Great Indian Crab Syndrome.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-16/special-report/28375885_1_ivf-technique-test-tube-baby-doctor
(32)The Niira Radia Tapes & the Issue of Privacy
The publication of the Niira Radia tapes have opened a can of worms: intense corporate lobbying, political back-stabbing, character assassination, and much more vice. The publication has thrown up larger issues like the invasion of privacy and the fine line between morality and its flip side.
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/india/article.cfm?articleid=4555
(33) Euthanasia: The Right to Die?
A recent petition in the Supreme Court of India has once again revived the debate on the controversial issue of euthanasia. Do the living have a right to die just as they have the right to life?
The Aruna Shanbaug Mercy Killing Petition (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110125/jsp/nation/story_13489325.jsp)
Who should have the right to die?(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2949451.stm)
Assisted Suicide: Around the World (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8270516.stm)
(34)The WikiLeaks Link-fest
WikiLeaks, a whistleblower Web site, riled the U.S. and embarrassed governments around the world when it published classified cables and other documents. Here's a link-fest on WikiLeaks.
Diplomatic Cables (BBC)(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11879998)
Most Important Revelations (BBC)(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11914040)
The U.S. Embassy Cables (The Guardian)(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/the-us-embassy-cables)
NYT Editor on Publishing WikiLeaks (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11863274)
(35)Economics as an Exact Science
From arm-chair philosophers to the best economists, everyone is capable of making predictions. While it is pretty normal for a layman to get economic predictions wrong, what's intriguing is the fact that the best economists also get them wrong. Says Prof Raghuram Rajan of Booth Business School: "We always failed to predict the economic turning point."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12294332
(36)The Invisible Force
Nations across North Africa and Middle East are seeing massive protests against 'the system'. Most protests have been non-violent imbued with a passion for democracy. The ideas of Dr Gene Sharp are seen as the invisible force behind the recent upheavals in the Arab World.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12522848
(37)The Thomas CVC Affair
The Supreme Court has held the appointment of P. J. Thomas as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) as illegal. While the UPA govt has been left with an egg on its face, there are important lessons to be learnt from the affair.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article1509995.ece?homepage=true
(38) Euthanasia in India
In a landmark verdict in the Aruna Shanbaug Mercy Killing Case, the Supreme Court of India has allowed passive euthanasia but under controlled conditions. You can read the complete verdict
The verdict has put India in the small club of nations and territories which allow euthanasia.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1516973.ece
(39)Euthanasia: Interesting reads
The SC has allowed passive euthanasia. However, the path-breaking verdict has raised several questions, especially of the ethical and moral type. Find below three interesting articles on the SC verdict in the controversial case and what it means for the society at large.
Bhanu Pratap Mehta in the Indian Express (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/right-to-die/759754/)
The Hindu Edit (Please read the comments too.)(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article1520640.ece)
The Hindustan Times Edit(http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/edits/The-last-rights-of-staying-alive/Article1-671057.aspx)
(40)Video Link-fest
Find below a link-fest on some inspiring videos on positive ideas.
Billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett and entertainer Jay-Z on the Power of Luck.(http://video.forbes.com/fvn/forbes400-10/jay-z-buffett-on-power-of-luck)
Billionaire businessman Donald Trump on work ethic and life.(http://video.forbes.com/fvn/billionaires-2011/donald-trump-work-ethic-life-lessons)
Google executive and the face of Egypt's Revolution Woel Ghonim on people power and Egyptian Revolution.(Note: These videos require audio-visual aides.(http://www.ted.com/talks/wael_ghonim_inside_the_egyptian_revolution.html)
(41)Make way for the youth?
The political system in India is peopled in majority by politicians aged 40 and above. The world over polities are moving towards the youth, with more young people making it to the legislatures. Why are we so fascinated with the idea of old age standing for experience and wisdom?http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110401/jsp/opinion/story_13781525.jsp
(42)India's Captain Cool as Inspiration
Mahender Singh Dhoni is often described as Captain Cool. Under his leadership, India's has won the T20 World Cup, 2011 (ODI) World Cup, and scaled the peak of the Test Cricket rankings. Sachin Tendulkar says that Mr Dhoni is the best captain he has played under.
Here's an article that analyses Mr Dhoni's inspirational leadership.(http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-04/news/29380166_1_mahendra-singh-dhoni-ms-dhoni-hunger)
(43)The 'R' Word: Religion & Revolution
The turmoil in the Arab World is increasingly being permeated by religion, i.e. Islam. Will Islam be a force for ushering in democracy? Get insight here(http://www.economist.com/node/18488344) and here.(http://www.economist.com/node/18486089)
As for Pakistan it is turning out to be a force for its ruin.(http://www.economist.com/node/18486089)
(44)France's Burqa Ban
France has banned the wearing of the Islamic veil, more popularly known as the Burqa, in public places. How far does the ban go?http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/04/frances_burqa_ban
(45)Should we worry about the future?
Should we live in the present or worry about the future? By the way, people worry about the future because it is uncertain!http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16245250
(46)News Media in India: Free and unbiased?
It is open secret that various news media - both print and electronic - are not unbiased and that they serve their political and economic interests. Here is Amartya Sen on the controversial issue.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article2781128.ece?homepage=true
(47)The Rushdie Affair
Salman Rushdie is arguably one of the finest living writers in the world. He faced death threats from radical Islamists, who were unhappy with his portrayal of Islam in his 1989 book, The Satanic Verses. Now radicals are asking for a ban on his entry into India where he is scheduled to visit a literary festival. Here's a short linkfest on the gathering controversy surrounding Rushdie's visit.
The Times of India Edit(http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-11/edit-page/30612231_1_secularism-congress-law-and-order)
TIME magazine(http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2012/01/10/what-the-controversy-behind-salman-rushdies-india-visit-says-about-the-authors-country-of-origin/
The Hindu short note (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2791861.ece)
SOFA and PIPA are dominating global media space. The provisions of the two proposed bills have outraged advocates of the free flow of information. Here's a link-fest on the provisions of the two bills and their impact.
BBC (Basic Understanding) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16596577
PC World (Detailed Note) http://www.pcworld.in/features/sopa-and-pipa-just-facts-61482012Al-Jazeera on SOPA on how this law will impact
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/01/20121169929629872.html
Joi Ito and Ethan Zuckerman on why the SOPA and PIPA bills need to be stopped. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/01/2012115121928594335.html
(2 )Gendercide: Our ugly underbelly
Gendercide is an ugly fact of life. More than 99 per cent of gendercide cases relate to the killing of the female child. The birth of a girl child is seen as a curse in most parts of South Asia, especially in India, and Far East, including in China. Here's a review of this most deplorable practice. http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/01/16/it%E2%80%99s-a-girl-the-three-deadliest-words-in-the-world/
(3)The Rushdie Affair
Salman Rushdie is arguably one of the finest living writers in the world. He faced death threats from radical Islamists, who were unhappy with his portrayal of Islam in his 1989 book, The Satanic Verses. Now radicals are asking for a ban on his entry into India where he is scheduled to visit a literary festival. Here's a short linkfest on the gathering controversy surrounding Rushdie's visit.
The Times of India Edit (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-11/edit-page/30612231_1_secularism-congress-law-and-order )
TIME magazine (http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2012/01/10/what-the-controversy-behind-salman-rushdies-india-visit-says-about-the-authors-country-of-origin/:)
The Hindu short note (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2791861.ece)
(4)The Belief of an Agnostic
Is the lack of a belief a kind of belief? Is worship all about representation? Get a perspective on this issue here. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/an-agnostics-grasp/263746/
(5) Does Change Change?
Most of us believe in the dictum that "change is the only constant". But does anything really change? Read this article which challenges the age-old adage.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Nothing_changes_That_it_does_is_illusion/articleshow/3919963.cms
(6)Our Society's Ugly Underbelly
In India, mental illness is seen as nothing short of a stigma. There are dark spaces in the recesses of our souls where we hide the ugly realities of our social existence.http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090331/jsp/opinion/story_10749666.jsp
(7)Economists: What good do they serve?
The world is in the midst of a severe economic downturn. Why is it that the Economists, those practitioners of the Dismal Science, could not anticipate the global crisis? http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_17/b4128026997269.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_top+story
(8)NRNM's World View
N. R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder and co-chairman of Infosys Technologies, is an icon of modern India. Not known to mince words, NRNM brings a refreshing world view. Here's an interview with the author of A Better India: A Better World.http://www.tehelka.com/story_main41.asp?filename=Bu250409the_rich.asp
(9)World History in 100 Objects
Man creates objects to satisfy his needs. These objects tell stories, about people and their deep urges. http://www.economist.com/node/15172496?story_id=15172496&source=hptextfeature
(10)God and Natural Disasters
Where is God when Nature wreaks havoc, like in the form of ground-shaking earthquakes and catastrophic hurricanes? Here's a thoughtful take on this age-old question. Also read the comments, all varied and diverse. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8467755.stm
(11)The Futility of War (Audio / Visual)
War is rarely good, even when it is fought for peace. Death and misery stalk every inch of the land where war has made its home, of course, an unwanted presence. Let me share with you the work of ace war photographer, Don McCullin, whose images have captured the ravages of war in different parts of the world.Pl note that this is an audio slideshow.http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8492000/8492777.stm
(12)The Paranoia of Kim Jong-il
North Korea is an international basket case. Its leader, Kim jong-Il, is seen as an obsessive paranoid who's unleashed an unparalled personality cult. Read this article on how dangerous is Kim's North Korea. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2010/02/a_nation_of_racist_dwarfs.html?obref=obinsite
(13)Remedis Amoris, anyone?
"The pursuit of love is often the most tortuous and painful journey life can make us undertake." On eve of the Valentine's Day, here's some food for (the) thought of love (or the lack of it).http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-02-13/news/27599109_1_marzipan-ancient-remedies-alternative
(14)Unity in Diversity
India is often described as the land of diversity. Despite our vast diversity, we have remained united. Says Mythili Bhusnurmath: "The true celebration of diversity is when no one notices the 'diversity'". http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-02-21/news/28406847_1_top-appointments-sikh-community
(15)Is Google making us stupid?
The Internet has emerged as one of the greatest technological boons of our times. While it has its advantages, it is also being blamed for putting our thinking in a coma-like state. Nicholas Carr elucidates on this idea in his brilliant article, What the Internet is doing to our brains.http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/is-google-making-us-stupid/6868/
(16)The Culture of Tolerance & Intolerance
The acceptance of Qatari citizenship by M. F. Husain has left a bad taste in the mouths of those who rallied behind him when he found himself in deep trouble. By doing this, he switched from being the citizen of a secular democracy to a deeply flawed theocracy. Read more on the Husain saga here. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100305/jsp/opinion/story_12176524.jsphttp://www.telegraphindia.com/1100305/jsp/opinion/story_12176524.jsp
(17)Killing Baby Girls
We live in a country where most of us worship female deities and treat the country as motherland; unfortunately it is also a country where we kill baby girls just because, we believe, they are born with the 'wrong' sex. Is this cruelty peculiar to Indians only? Not really. To find out who else around the world is, unfortunately, like us, click here.
Do not forget to read the comments.
http://www.economist.com/node/15606229?story_id=15606229&source=most_commented
(18)Women Missing from Top Management
While women have made sterling progress over the last few decades, there still seems to be a prejudice that is preventing them from sitting on the boards of companies.
Also read the WEF's Global Gender Gap Index 2009.http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/mar2010/gb2010039_514157.htm?link_position=link12
(18)Ghettoization of Women's Concerns
The Women's Reservation Bill, passed by the Rajya Sabha recently, has sparked off a nation-wide debate. Says Swapan Dasgupta, "One danger is that women’s issues will become ghetto concerns." Why is the fear of ghettoization of women's concerns so palpable?http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100319/jsp/opinion/story_12227388.jsp
(19) India's Snow White Syndrome
For most Indians, possessing fair skin is important, at least that is what the business revenue figures for 'skin whitening creams' reflect. Why are we obsessed with the idea of 'fair skin'? Here's a BBC take on this colourful issue.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8546183.stm
(20)The Politics of Riots
The recent unsavory controversy involving Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, the Congress (I), and the BJP has once again brought to the fore the ugly underbelly of the Indian political system. Read Siddharth Varadarajan for his incisive article on the politics of riots.http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/siddharth-varadarajan/article329486.ece?homepage=true
(21)The U.S. and the Hindu Way of Life
For thousands of years, we have been fighting over religion, for religion, and sometimes, against religion. In the U.S. there has been a perceptible change in the way religion and its attendant beliefs are perceived. Find the changing perspective here.http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/08/14/we-are-all-hindus-now.html
(22)Eyjafjallajokull and Disaster Management
The Eyjafjallajokull eruption and subsequent chaos have had a global effect. What does it reflect about human power (and its fallacy)? Are there any lessons to be learnt from this disaster episode?http://www.economist.com/node/15951696?story_id=15951696&source=hptextfeature
(23)The Truth about Narco Tests
The Supreme Court of India has lambasted narco tests as illegal and a violation of personal freedom. Here's a link-fest on important articles on the controversial issue.
The Telegraph India (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100506/jsp/frontpage/story_12418021.jsp )
The Hindustan Times (http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/BigIdea/No-to-mind-games/Article1-539835.aspx )
The Indian Express (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/truth-to-power/615800/ )
(24)V. Anand: World's Envy, India's Pride
Viswanathan Anand has won the World Chess Championship, for a record fourth time. Arguably India's greatest sporting hero, Anand has is the indisputed world champion in all three formats of the game.
Here are two edits that celebrate Anand's latest glorious victory.
The Telegraph (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100513/jsp/opinion/story_12441398.jsp)
The Hindu ((http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article428365.ece)
(25)Khap Panchayats: Extra-judicial & extra-constitutional?
The recent surge in dictats of Khap panchayats and honour killings is threatening to turn into an ugly pow-wow between all involved. Here's a take by eminent advocate, Pinky Anand.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article432445.ece
(26)The Thin Good-Bad Line
What is good? What is bad? Is bad always bad? When does bad become good? Since the dawn of civilization, these questions have troubled mankind. As they say, there is a thin line between good and bad.
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-01-06/news/28432035_1_dust-snowstorm-garbage
(27)Whither Microfinance?
The recent expose of the unsavory scandal involving Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, global pioneer in microfinance and founder of Grameen Bank, has brought to the fore the vulnerability of a system centered around an individual.
Also, read here about a new law enacted by the state of Andhra Pradesh in India that threatens the very future of microfinance in India.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/01/microfinance_under_attack
(28)A World without Planes
Ever since the first flight took to the skies, airplanes have revolutionized travel by shrinking time taken to move between places. What would happen if all planes disappeared? Imagine a world without planes.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8626000/8626927.stm
(29)Knowledge Dissemination
Learning at school plays a crucial role in generating curiosity and the zest for knowledge in the life of a student. However, the media in India has shown a discerning lack of interest in becoming an instrument of dissemination of knowledge to the public at large.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110111/jsp/opinion/story_13420540.jsp
(30)The Joy of Reading to Learn
For many people, reading brings unparalleled joy. No, it is not the act of reading that makes people happy; rather it is the fact of learning (about things and ideas or just about anything) that makes one happy. However, the importance of reading can hardly be overstated, what's disconcerting is the education system's appalling lack of interest in spreading the good word about the habit of reading.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article1103118.ece?homepage=true
(31)The Great Indian Crab Syndrome
It is often said that the biggest enemies of Indians are their compatriots. The most talented are pulled down by the envious, greedy, and intolerant. Here is a good read with loads of instances on the Great Indian Crab Syndrome.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-16/special-report/28375885_1_ivf-technique-test-tube-baby-doctor
(32)The Niira Radia Tapes & the Issue of Privacy
The publication of the Niira Radia tapes have opened a can of worms: intense corporate lobbying, political back-stabbing, character assassination, and much more vice. The publication has thrown up larger issues like the invasion of privacy and the fine line between morality and its flip side.
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/india/article.cfm?articleid=4555
(33) Euthanasia: The Right to Die?
A recent petition in the Supreme Court of India has once again revived the debate on the controversial issue of euthanasia. Do the living have a right to die just as they have the right to life?
The Aruna Shanbaug Mercy Killing Petition (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110125/jsp/nation/story_13489325.jsp)
Who should have the right to die?(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2949451.stm)
Assisted Suicide: Around the World (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8270516.stm)
(34)The WikiLeaks Link-fest
WikiLeaks, a whistleblower Web site, riled the U.S. and embarrassed governments around the world when it published classified cables and other documents. Here's a link-fest on WikiLeaks.
Diplomatic Cables (BBC)(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11879998)
Most Important Revelations (BBC)(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11914040)
The U.S. Embassy Cables (The Guardian)(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/the-us-embassy-cables)
NYT Editor on Publishing WikiLeaks (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11863274)
(35)Economics as an Exact Science
From arm-chair philosophers to the best economists, everyone is capable of making predictions. While it is pretty normal for a layman to get economic predictions wrong, what's intriguing is the fact that the best economists also get them wrong. Says Prof Raghuram Rajan of Booth Business School: "We always failed to predict the economic turning point."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12294332
(36)The Invisible Force
Nations across North Africa and Middle East are seeing massive protests against 'the system'. Most protests have been non-violent imbued with a passion for democracy. The ideas of Dr Gene Sharp are seen as the invisible force behind the recent upheavals in the Arab World.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12522848
(37)The Thomas CVC Affair
The Supreme Court has held the appointment of P. J. Thomas as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) as illegal. While the UPA govt has been left with an egg on its face, there are important lessons to be learnt from the affair.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article1509995.ece?homepage=true
(38) Euthanasia in India
In a landmark verdict in the Aruna Shanbaug Mercy Killing Case, the Supreme Court of India has allowed passive euthanasia but under controlled conditions. You can read the complete verdict
The verdict has put India in the small club of nations and territories which allow euthanasia.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1516973.ece
(39)Euthanasia: Interesting reads
The SC has allowed passive euthanasia. However, the path-breaking verdict has raised several questions, especially of the ethical and moral type. Find below three interesting articles on the SC verdict in the controversial case and what it means for the society at large.
Bhanu Pratap Mehta in the Indian Express (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/right-to-die/759754/)
The Hindu Edit (Please read the comments too.)(http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article1520640.ece)
The Hindustan Times Edit(http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/edits/The-last-rights-of-staying-alive/Article1-671057.aspx)
(40)Video Link-fest
Find below a link-fest on some inspiring videos on positive ideas.
Billionaire and philanthropist Warren Buffett and entertainer Jay-Z on the Power of Luck.(http://video.forbes.com/fvn/forbes400-10/jay-z-buffett-on-power-of-luck)
Billionaire businessman Donald Trump on work ethic and life.(http://video.forbes.com/fvn/billionaires-2011/donald-trump-work-ethic-life-lessons)
Google executive and the face of Egypt's Revolution Woel Ghonim on people power and Egyptian Revolution.(Note: These videos require audio-visual aides.(http://www.ted.com/talks/wael_ghonim_inside_the_egyptian_revolution.html)
(41)Make way for the youth?
The political system in India is peopled in majority by politicians aged 40 and above. The world over polities are moving towards the youth, with more young people making it to the legislatures. Why are we so fascinated with the idea of old age standing for experience and wisdom?http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110401/jsp/opinion/story_13781525.jsp
(42)India's Captain Cool as Inspiration
Mahender Singh Dhoni is often described as Captain Cool. Under his leadership, India's has won the T20 World Cup, 2011 (ODI) World Cup, and scaled the peak of the Test Cricket rankings. Sachin Tendulkar says that Mr Dhoni is the best captain he has played under.
Here's an article that analyses Mr Dhoni's inspirational leadership.(http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-04-04/news/29380166_1_mahendra-singh-dhoni-ms-dhoni-hunger)
(43)The 'R' Word: Religion & Revolution
The turmoil in the Arab World is increasingly being permeated by religion, i.e. Islam. Will Islam be a force for ushering in democracy? Get insight here(http://www.economist.com/node/18488344) and here.(http://www.economist.com/node/18486089)
As for Pakistan it is turning out to be a force for its ruin.(http://www.economist.com/node/18486089)
(44)France's Burqa Ban
France has banned the wearing of the Islamic veil, more popularly known as the Burqa, in public places. How far does the ban go?http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/04/frances_burqa_ban
(45)Should we worry about the future?
Should we live in the present or worry about the future? By the way, people worry about the future because it is uncertain!http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16245250
(46)News Media in India: Free and unbiased?
It is open secret that various news media - both print and electronic - are not unbiased and that they serve their political and economic interests. Here is Amartya Sen on the controversial issue.
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article2781128.ece?homepage=true
(47)The Rushdie Affair
Salman Rushdie is arguably one of the finest living writers in the world. He faced death threats from radical Islamists, who were unhappy with his portrayal of Islam in his 1989 book, The Satanic Verses. Now radicals are asking for a ban on his entry into India where he is scheduled to visit a literary festival. Here's a short linkfest on the gathering controversy surrounding Rushdie's visit.
The Times of India Edit(http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-11/edit-page/30612231_1_secularism-congress-law-and-order)
TIME magazine(http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2012/01/10/what-the-controversy-behind-salman-rushdies-india-visit-says-about-the-authors-country-of-origin/
The Hindu short note (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2791861.ece)
Friday, 13 April 2012
Thursday, 12 April 2012
In a crisp:
The 30 years of free-market reforms were able to make China a superpower, where in the second quarter of 2010 the 1.3 billion people communist country was able to surpass Japan and become the second largest economy in the world.
“The resilience of China’s growth during the crisis enabled a number of other countries, particularly commodity-exporting economies, to ride on its coattails”, said Eswar Prased, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
China stole the title of the biggest automotive market in the world from the US last year, and is also considered the second largest importer of goods, the world’s biggest buyer of iron ore and copper and the biggest crude oil consumer.
China’s rising role in the global economy can’t be ignored, especially since four of the 10 biggest companies by market capitalization in the world are in China, and they are PetroChina Co., Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., China Mobile Ltd. and China Construction Bank Corp.
“Japan had a huge impact on the global commodities market and foreign direct investment flows in the 1980s, as China is doing now”, said head of China’s statistics bureau, Ma Jiantang.
Adding, “The major difference is that China’s population is 10-times
bigger than Japan’s, its economy is still growing at above 9% per year,
and Chinese investors are just beginning to invest abroad. You can
imagine that China’s impact will be so much bigger.”
- Adopting free-market reforms and dispensing the rigid communist policies.
- China stole the title of the biggest automotive market in the world from the US last year.
- The second largest importer of goods.
- The world’s biggest buyer of iron ore and copper.
- The biggest crude oil consumer.
The 30 years of free-market reforms were able to make China a superpower, where in the second quarter of 2010 the 1.3 billion people communist country was able to surpass Japan and become the second largest economy in the world.
- China recorded a nominal gross domestic product of 1.337 trillion dollars in this year’s second quarter
- Which is more than the 1.288 trillion dollars that Japan
- However, Japan maintained its second largest economy in the world title the first half of 2010.
“The resilience of China’s growth during the crisis enabled a number of other countries, particularly commodity-exporting economies, to ride on its coattails”, said Eswar Prased, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
- Since 1978 when leader Deng Xiaoping took command and started adopting free-market reforms and dispensing the rigid communist policies.
- China grew more than 90 times and now became the second largest trading nation in the world.
- Last year this fastest growing major economy in the world surpassed Germany
- Become the third largest economy in the world
- If it keeps growing at the current pace, China will take the throne as the world’s biggest economic power by 2027.
China stole the title of the biggest automotive market in the world from the US last year, and is also considered the second largest importer of goods, the world’s biggest buyer of iron ore and copper and the biggest crude oil consumer.
China’s rising role in the global economy can’t be ignored, especially since four of the 10 biggest companies by market capitalization in the world are in China, and they are PetroChina Co., Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., China Mobile Ltd. and China Construction Bank Corp.
“Japan had a huge impact on the global commodities market and foreign direct investment flows in the 1980s, as China is doing now”, said head of China’s statistics bureau, Ma Jiantang.
Monday, 9 April 2012
GDEI (ABSTRACT 4)
Our Society's Ugly Underbelly
In
India, mental illness is seen as nothing short of a stigma. There are
dark spaces in the recesses of our souls where we hide the ugly realities of our social existence.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090331/jsp/opinion/story_10749666.jsp
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)