Exam Musings

Tension Tension !!!!

Vishy Anand - World Championship

It was really remarkable to watch my first Chess match live.The World Championships were underway with our own defending World Champion Vishy Anand is playing against Bulgarian Topalov in his hometown Sofia,Bulgaria.We can watch the match live here in the official website

Anand leveled the score 1-1 yesterday with the white pieces after the loss in the opening game.He probably lost the first game due to the fatigue from a 40 Hour road journey from Germany to Bulgaria.Clearly who takes the road for such an important event ,the volcanic ash forced him to do that.There were no flights from Germany and he had to get to Bulgaria as fast as possible.This remarkable 40 hour road journey is documented here by one of his "seconds" (team member).It is usual for a Chess player especially in a world championship to have a team of players(usually high ranked GMs) to help them with the analysis of the opponent. Hopefully he defends his world championship this time as well as he did with the remarkable victory against Kramnik in 2008.

China earthquake: Does anyone care

There was a huge earthquake in China killing almost 2183 people(official figure).There may be even more casualties but does anyone care.

The earthquake has occurred in Qinghai province of China where the population is 93% of Tibetan ethnicity.The casualties were high in this under-developed region of China.China declared a Day of mourning and even conducted a gala TV event with celebrities and politicians on CCTV and raised around 322 million US $.
But the surprising fact in all this was the fact that no outside Government provided any help except for verbal condolences.China said that they would accept monetary help but is not likely to allow external aid agencies to enter the province due to the ruggedness of the terrain with no facilities for frequent air traffic.
This is the net help received by China so far
American Red Cross donated 50,000$ (r u kiddin me)
No Country has given aid till now even after China has said that monetary help is welcome.
In India more aid has come for a far less severe crisis in Tsunami with millions in donations and relief workers
We had one most comprehensive relief programs during Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat where almost every country sent Monetary and Physical help.Still remember the pictures of Tents representing various countries in Bhuj.The Russians,Belgians,Americans all played their part in the rescue work.

Why this apathy towards the victims of China.Some say it is due to the paranoid frenzy of foreign influence disturbing the social stability of china but atleast monetary help could have been given to show the world's solidarity with China.
My heart goes to the lives lost in China.

Capitalist mantra - Adam smith

Capitalism utilizes the willpower of individuals, especially entrepreneurs, to foment economic activity. Capitalism is based on the assumption that individuals operate based on self interest; however, by doing so they not only help themselves, but also propel others towards economic success.
As Adam Smith put it, "by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for society that it was no part of his intention. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it."

Socialism Vs Capitalism

The rise of China

The reason why India can never replicate the China model is simple.Lets assume that Indian government has undertaken an ambitious project like the construction of a new port like Tianjin,immediately there will be protests from People who have to move out,trade unions,opposition polical parties will stage dharnas to oppose this constuction and ultimately stop the project.Our ports look like 16th century ports and our ships resemble ships from "Pirates of the Carribean".We have to encourage the privatization of ports just like airports(Finally our airports are looking the way it should be).Hopefully there will be political consensus on this issue of economic development.

One year as a wife's hostage

Women has finally arrived in India
Click here to find an amazing story of a handicapped man being held captive and tortured constantly for money.

Funny Spoof Indian Magazine

MOB Magazine

A very lengthy interaction with Arun Jaitley

Why isn't he the Prime Minister of India.Almost all his views are true and correct to the point