A few months ago, this writer and his colleagues interviewed migrant industrial workers in Ludhiana, Punjab, for a research project. The respondents worked in factories (producing garments, auto components, and other products) for 11 hours to 12 hours a day. When orders were high, they worked for days on end without a break. Away from … Read more
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent decision to inject an additional $10 billion into the financial system through a dollar/rupee swap auction is a timely measure aimed at addressing long-term liquidity concerns among domestic lenders. These concerns stem from a flight of foreign capital from Indian stock markets, as investors seek better returns in … Read more
Political ping pong The political furore over U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim on USAID funds seems to be growing. It is an old American trait to be poking its nose in another country’s affairs. Mr. Trump needs to get to the bottom of the issue and expose who the beneficiaries of the ‘$21 million fund’ … Read more
‘The demand for skilled workers will exceed supply’ | Photo Credit: Getty Images The global labour market does not seem to be future-ready. No one has the crystal ball to tell the future exactly, but it can be safely said that the skills needed in 2030 will be quite different from what we have today. … Read more
The controversy over USAID’s presence in India reflects an increasingly unhinged public discourse, undermining the nation’s confidence and global standing. The BJP and the Congress have been engaged in a political tug-of-war, attempting to corner each other over USAID-funded projects and foreign connections. However, much of this cacophony that passes for debate is fuelled by … Read more
A 10-year-old boy in front of his destroyed home at Jabalia in northern Gaza Strip. | Photo Credit: AFP Over the last year, I remained outraged at the heart-rending images streaming in of children buried alive under rubble, mothers screaming over their dead babies and thousands starving. The dreams of the young are sadly buried … Read more
Crows can sometimes surprise humans with their behaviour. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto This is the story of a friend who has never ceased to be astonished at the memory of the way a murder of crows behaved in her backyard. She has recounted it more than once, exclaiming that the noun “birdbrain” should have … Read more
Wroclaw gnomes on the Penitents Bridge between towers of St. Mary Magdalene’s Church. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Wroclaw’s dwarfs offer a unique way to explore this fascinating city while showcasing the power of peaceful and humorous protest in shaping its narrative. Last November, I had the opportunity to travel to the Polish city. Over … Read more
Bored by a bore, | Photo Credit: Getty Images Frankly, few can stand a bore, especially the egotistical type who monopolises a conversation with little consideration for others. Blissfully unaware that his listeners are virtually squirming in discomfort (even as they tactfully try to mask it), he persists with his monologue usually on a topic … Read more
