Showing 1 - 10 of 61
Are scientific breakthroughs on the decline?
News, Published on 27/12/2023
» This year had barely begun when scientists got some jolting news. On Jan 4, a paper appeared in Nature claiming that disruptive scientific findings have been waning since 1945. An accompanying graph showed all fields on a steep downhill slide.
Google trial's secrecy seen as dangerous
Oped, Published on 08/12/2023
» The largest antitrust trial of the modern internet era, which wrapped up last month, has pitted the world's most popular search engine, Google, against the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). The case hearkens back to the DOJ's landmark lawsuit against Microsoft in the 1990s but with a critical difference: most of it was held behind closed doors. This unprecedented secrecy meant that only journalists and observers who were physically in the courtroom had access -- albeit limited -- to the proceedings.
Will India be a new economic superpower?
Oped, Published on 11/08/2023
» In March 1985, the Wall Street Journal showered India's new prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi, with its highest praise. In an editorial titled "Rajiv Reagan", the newspaper compared the 40-year-old Gandhi to "another famous tax cutter we know", and declared that deregulation and tax cuts had triggered a "minor revolution" in India.
The reason why I still have Jackie on my mind
News, Maureen Dowd, Published on 06/06/2023
» I think about Jackie Kennedy several times a day.
Consultancy 'warp' drive deepens crisis of capitalism
News, Published on 13/03/2023
» In recent years, McKinsey & Company has become a household name -- but for all the wrong reasons. One of the "Big Three" consulting firms, its work for major corporations and governments has increasingly become a source of scandal and intrigue around the world.
Honour models for democracy
News, Editorial, Published on 18/12/2022
» Since the 1998 ouster of the dictator Suharto -- who ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for over three decades -- the world's fourth most populous nation has undergone a series of rapid changes. Once dependent on foreign aid to exercise its basic functions, Indonesia has firmly established itself as a major economic player in the Asia-Pacific region, with the distinction of being the only Southeast Asian economy to be included in the Group of 20.
FTX saga shows not all ends justify means
Oped, Peter Singer, Published on 30/11/2022
» In the wake of the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and amid reports that FTX's founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, diverted billions of dollars of clients' funds, some observers have linked the alleged financial malpractice to ideas widely held within the "effective altruism" movement, which Mr Bankman-Fried says inspired him. More specifically, they point to the ethical view that the end justifies the means.
The populist climate threat
Oped, Published on 04/10/2022
» Reactionary populism is now the biggest obstacle to tackling climate change. With outright climate denial no longer an option, populist politicians have increasingly positioned themselves as climate doubters and delayers, and this new approach is proving to be quite insidious. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global greenhouse-gas emissions must peak within three years to keep the Paris agreement's 1.5° Celsius target in reach; by slowing effective action, the tactics of today's populists are becoming an existential threat.
It is what it is … whatever it might be
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 29/05/2022
» An expression which is increasingly heard these days on television and in political comment is the rather cryptic "it is what it is". Not exactly an illuminating observation, and it prompts the question, "But, what is it?" Apparently it means a certain situation that cannot be changed however much you want and carries an element of resignation.
The mantra of never complain, never explain
News, Maureen Dowd, Published on 20/09/2021
» What ever happened to the good old-fashioned art of "owning it?"