Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Lawmakers Can't Arrest U.S. Job Shift to India to Lower Costs
Bloomberg.com
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Bob Thibodeau founded Financial Systems Architects in 1998 to help companies such as Citigroup Inc. handle electronic transactions. By 2001, he was driven out of business. Lower-cost Indian competitors undercut his bids on two straight contracts, he said.
So earlier this year Thibodeau founded another company, White Label LLC, with a different mission: to help U.S. technology companies subcontract work to India.
``Not only are Indian companies a third of the cost, but they actually are better,'' Thibodeau said in a telephone interview from his office outside Boston. ``It's really kind of scary.''
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Bob Thibodeau founded Financial Systems Architects in 1998 to help companies such as Citigroup Inc. handle electronic transactions. By 2001, he was driven out of business. Lower-cost Indian competitors undercut his bids on two straight contracts, he said.
So earlier this year Thibodeau founded another company, White Label LLC, with a different mission: to help U.S. technology companies subcontract work to India.
``Not only are Indian companies a third of the cost, but they actually are better,'' Thibodeau said in a telephone interview from his office outside Boston. ``It's really kind of scary.''
India Celebrates 2003 As 'Golden Year'
AJC
``The Golden Year,'' a major newsweekly proclaimed in a recent cover story. ``The Feel-good Year,'' another magazine declared. Politicians and headline writers battle it out for the most frequent mentions of the greatness of 2003.
``The Golden Year,'' a major newsweekly proclaimed in a recent cover story. ``The Feel-good Year,'' another magazine declared. Politicians and headline writers battle it out for the most frequent mentions of the greatness of 2003.
IT doesn't matter.
Why IT doesn't matter anymore
IT management should, frankly, become boring. The key to success, for the vast majority of companies, is no longer to seek advantage aggressively but to manage costs and risks meticulously. If, like many executives, you've begun to take a more defensive posture toward IT in the last two years, spending more frugally and thinking more pragmatically, you're already on the right course. The challenge will be to maintain that discipline when the business cycle strengthens, and the chorus of hype about IT's strategic value rises anew.
IT management should, frankly, become boring. The key to success, for the vast majority of companies, is no longer to seek advantage aggressively but to manage costs and risks meticulously. If, like many executives, you've begun to take a more defensive posture toward IT in the last two years, spending more frugally and thinking more pragmatically, you're already on the right course. The challenge will be to maintain that discipline when the business cycle strengthens, and the chorus of hype about IT's strategic value rises anew.
The End of the Beginning?
The End of the Beginning? - Ron Hitchens
"I believe software development is entering such a mid-life, transformative stage - it's changing because of the changes it's caused in business and society.
Computers are no longer exotic, science-fictional wonders, they're a part of our everyday lives. And, as the off-shoring trend of recent years has made excruciatingly clear, programming is no longer a rarefied skill exclusive to a gifted few. To a large extent it's become a routine trade that almost anyone - anywhere - can perform. A commodity."
"I believe software development is entering such a mid-life, transformative stage - it's changing because of the changes it's caused in business and society.
Computers are no longer exotic, science-fictional wonders, they're a part of our everyday lives. And, as the off-shoring trend of recent years has made excruciatingly clear, programming is no longer a rarefied skill exclusive to a gifted few. To a large extent it's become a routine trade that almost anyone - anywhere - can perform. A commodity."
Boom time for India's economy
BBC NEWS
India's economy has joined the ranks of the world's fastest growing economies, official figures show.
The economy expanded at a scorching 8.6% between July and September.
India's economy has joined the ranks of the world's fastest growing economies, official figures show.
The economy expanded at a scorching 8.6% between July and September.
India's economy: Can the boom last?
BBC NEWS
For the Indian economy the year 2003 ended on a high - on 20 December, the foreign exchange reserves breached the $100bn mark.
The year also saw Indian companies breaking into the international corporate market, making 35 global acquisitions totalling $450m.
And the industrial sector is booming. Car sales in November were 41% higher than the previous year. Overall, Gross Domestic Product is expected to grow by more than 7% in the financial year ending in March 2004.
For the Indian economy the year 2003 ended on a high - on 20 December, the foreign exchange reserves breached the $100bn mark.
The year also saw Indian companies breaking into the international corporate market, making 35 global acquisitions totalling $450m.
And the industrial sector is booming. Car sales in November were 41% higher than the previous year. Overall, Gross Domestic Product is expected to grow by more than 7% in the financial year ending in March 2004.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
A watershed year
2003 changed the landscape of the IT industry like never before
With outsourcing becoming the order of the day, Indian IT companies started bagging large orders worth $50 million to $100 million, up from $10-25 million earlier. Foreign companies started working with multiple partners to spread their risks.
With outsourcing becoming the order of the day, Indian IT companies started bagging large orders worth $50 million to $100 million, up from $10-25 million earlier. Foreign companies started working with multiple partners to spread their risks.
Only In India: SBI plans first-ever floating ATM in Kerala
SBI plans first-ever floating ATM in Kerala
A floating automated teller machine?
Yes, India's banking behemoth -- the State Bank of India -- is all set to launch the world's first-ever floating ATM on a boat in Kerala.
SBI officials say a floating ATM will take banking to the people, especially the tourists, who flock to God's Own Country.
A floating automated teller machine?
Yes, India's banking behemoth -- the State Bank of India -- is all set to launch the world's first-ever floating ATM on a boat in Kerala.
SBI officials say a floating ATM will take banking to the people, especially the tourists, who flock to God's Own Country.
Monday, December 29, 2003
India's Reliance boosts outsourcing
The Australian
INDIA'S largest private group Reliance will hire around 2,000 call centre workers in anticipation of winning new outsourcing contracts, a company official said.
INDIA'S largest private group Reliance will hire around 2,000 call centre workers in anticipation of winning new outsourcing contracts, a company official said.
More stealth as outsourcing picks up speed
ZDNET
US corporations are picking up the pace in shifting well-paid technology jobs to India, China and other low-cost centres, but they are keeping quiet for fear of a backlash, industry professionals said.
US corporations are picking up the pace in shifting well-paid technology jobs to India, China and other low-cost centres, but they are keeping quiet for fear of a backlash, industry professionals said.
Friday, December 26, 2003
When in India...
Respected Abdul Kalamji,
Last weekend, you see, I caused considerable embarrassment to my host at the Indian Air Force mess where I had been invited, for wearing “Indian” clothes. I felt bad for him because it was his unpleasant task to ask me to leave because Indian clothes are not permitted according to service regulations.
Last weekend, you see, I caused considerable embarrassment to my host at the Indian Air Force mess where I had been invited, for wearing “Indian” clothes. I felt bad for him because it was his unpleasant task to ask me to leave because Indian clothes are not permitted according to service regulations.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
India's grand strategic vision gets grander
India has long considered itself a major global player, or at least a major Asian power, and it has been deeply frustrated until now in not being regarded as as a formidable actor on the international and Asian scene.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Hyderabad vrooms into F1 circuit
An F1 Grand Prix race will be held in Hyderabad in 2007
The Future of Jobs and Innovation
Scenario Two
"If we continue to move jobs offshore, the U.S. IT professional could become extinct". . .
"If Indian firms set up shop in the U.S., that's where the real threat happens," says N. Venkatraman, Boston University School of Management's IS department chairman. "You no longer have to fly someone over from India. You now have someone who's worked for the EDSs and Accentures, and now just carries a TaTa business card."
And that seems to be happening already. Tata Group is preparing to globalize.
"If we continue to move jobs offshore, the U.S. IT professional could become extinct". . .
"If Indian firms set up shop in the U.S., that's where the real threat happens," says N. Venkatraman, Boston University School of Management's IS department chairman. "You no longer have to fly someone over from India. You now have someone who's worked for the EDSs and Accentures, and now just carries a TaTa business card."
And that seems to be happening already. Tata Group is preparing to globalize.
Monday, December 22, 2003
Forbes Face Of The Year
Forbes Face Of The Year
Recently, our readers voted "offshoring"--the movement of traditionally high-paying jobs from rich countries to poorer ones--the most significant business trend of 2003. We agree, so for our Face Of The Year, we have selected Kiran Karnik, a man trying to direct the path of the offshoring tsunami.
Recently, our readers voted "offshoring"--the movement of traditionally high-paying jobs from rich countries to poorer ones--the most significant business trend of 2003. We agree, so for our Face Of The Year, we have selected Kiran Karnik, a man trying to direct the path of the offshoring tsunami.
Cognizant to build IT shops in India
Cognizant to build IT shops in India
Adding to the flow of information technology work overseas, Cognizant Technology Solutions plans to build three new facilities in India.
The 9,000-strong IT services company announced the move on Monday and said it also expects to add more than 4,000 employees next year, with about two-thirds of the new hires to be located in India.
Adding to the flow of information technology work overseas, Cognizant Technology Solutions plans to build three new facilities in India.
The 9,000-strong IT services company announced the move on Monday and said it also expects to add more than 4,000 employees next year, with about two-thirds of the new hires to be located in India.
Perot Systems steps up investment in India
Plano-based Perot said over the weekend it paid Indian technology-services company HCL Technologies $105 million to become the sole owner of HCL Perot Systems, which was founded in 1996 for $4.5 million.
AOL takes passage to India
America Online is quietly laying the groundwork to hire software engineers in Bangalore, India--a decision that is sparking some pointed criticism but also is becoming de rigueur among technology companies.
Story on InfoWorld
Story on InfoWorld
New hero overshadows Tendulkar
India's fiercely passionate cricket fans are fast coming to terms with the fact that Sachin Tendulkar is no longer among the pre-eminent batsmen in the world
The cover of a national weekly which hit the stands in India on Saturday featured Rahul Dravid raising his arms in triumph under the single word headline
'God'.
Tendulkar has slipped out of the top 10 for batsmen for the first time since they were first introduced a decade ago.
The cover of a national weekly which hit the stands in India on Saturday featured Rahul Dravid raising his arms in triumph under the single word headline
'God'.
Tendulkar has slipped out of the top 10 for batsmen for the first time since they were first introduced a decade ago.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Sleep a little Better, we have 100 billion dollars
If you are above 25, maybe you remember the June of 1991.
When India’s foreign exchange reserves of $900 million could barely finance two weeks of imports. The government had to mortgage gold with the Bank of England. And that’s when we were forced to reform. Cut to yesterday when forex reserves crossed a record high of $100 billion. That’s the amount of money that could build 19 Golden Quadrilaterals, each covering 5,846 km!
Where are dollars pouring in from?
Foreign portfolio investment inflows, trade flows, re-negotiated debts, revaluation gains on the dollar’s weakness against international currencies. And, of course, NRIs
When India’s foreign exchange reserves of $900 million could barely finance two weeks of imports. The government had to mortgage gold with the Bank of England. And that’s when we were forced to reform. Cut to yesterday when forex reserves crossed a record high of $100 billion. That’s the amount of money that could build 19 Golden Quadrilaterals, each covering 5,846 km!
Where are dollars pouring in from?
Foreign portfolio investment inflows, trade flows, re-negotiated debts, revaluation gains on the dollar’s weakness against international currencies. And, of course, NRIs
Saturday, December 20, 2003
IT's happening: 2.8 lakh new jobs
For the real picture, read on...
For 2003-04, industry estimates indicate that over 2.8 lakh IT jobs will be added to India's base of 6.5 lakh IT professionals. A check list:
* Infosys will be adding around 7,000 professionals during the current fiscal year, the highest in its history. This will increase its headcount to 23,000.
* Wipro is recruiting about 1,300 people every month for its BPO company, Wipro-Spectramind.
* Accenture, one of the top five services companies globally, is doubling its Indian operations to 10,000 people by the end of 2004.
* IBM Global Services India doubled its manpower last year and has crossed the figure of 6,000 people. The company is now planning to move around 5,000 jobs to countries like India and China.
* TransWorks, part of the Aditya Birla Group, will increase its headcount by 50 per cent to 3,000 by June 2004.
According to Boston Consulting Group vice-president and director K James Abraham, India has the potential to generate 30 million jobs on incremental basis in outsourcing business by 2020.
For 2003-04, industry estimates indicate that over 2.8 lakh IT jobs will be added to India's base of 6.5 lakh IT professionals. A check list:
* Infosys will be adding around 7,000 professionals during the current fiscal year, the highest in its history. This will increase its headcount to 23,000.
* Wipro is recruiting about 1,300 people every month for its BPO company, Wipro-Spectramind.
* Accenture, one of the top five services companies globally, is doubling its Indian operations to 10,000 people by the end of 2004.
* IBM Global Services India doubled its manpower last year and has crossed the figure of 6,000 people. The company is now planning to move around 5,000 jobs to countries like India and China.
* TransWorks, part of the Aditya Birla Group, will increase its headcount by 50 per cent to 3,000 by June 2004.
According to Boston Consulting Group vice-president and director K James Abraham, India has the potential to generate 30 million jobs on incremental basis in outsourcing business by 2020.
Brainwave fault explains slip-ups
Scientists have found an explanation for those mornings where you put coffee on your cornflakes and the cat in the washing machine.
They say it is because of a change in the kind of brainwaves someone produces.
They say it is because of a change in the kind of brainwaves someone produces.
INDIA’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES CROSS US $ 100 BILLION
STATEMENT BY THE FINANCE MINISTER
India’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed US $ 100 billion mark. Following is the text of statement of the Union Finance Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh made here today after India’s foreign exchange reserves crossed the US $ 100 billion mark.
India’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed US $ 100 billion mark. Following is the text of statement of the Union Finance Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh made here today after India’s foreign exchange reserves crossed the US $ 100 billion mark.
Friday, December 19, 2003
'Brand India should sell on intellect, not cheap services'
For Brand India to exist , the country should sell itself on its intellectual capabilities and not as a cheap destination for services.
. . .the country should focus on India being the intellectual capital of the world: it had the highest number of graduates and the highest number of PhDs.
. . .the country should focus on India being the intellectual capital of the world: it had the highest number of graduates and the highest number of PhDs.
India becoming call centre to the world.
The Indian economy has been benefitting greatly from the increasing trend towards outsourcing.
From data entry to tax returns, medical transcription to development services -- multinational companies are transferring their non-core business functions to external service providers.
And India has been at the forefront lapping up these lucrative contracts.
Already 250 of the Fortune 1,000 companies have outsourced their work to India because of several attractive factors.
From data entry to tax returns, medical transcription to development services -- multinational companies are transferring their non-core business functions to external service providers.
And India has been at the forefront lapping up these lucrative contracts.
Already 250 of the Fortune 1,000 companies have outsourced their work to India because of several attractive factors.
India's Infosys to buy Australian firm
India's leading software company , Infosys Technologies,said it would buy Australia's Expert Information Services for $US22.9 million ($A31.06 million) and would continue to employ its 330 employees.
Lehman to step up outsourcing to India
Lehman to step up outsourcing to India
Contrary to its recent decision to stop outsourcing computer help desk to Wipro, Lehman Brothers may actually double the number of information technology jobs it outsources to India.
Contrary to its recent decision to stop outsourcing computer help desk to Wipro, Lehman Brothers may actually double the number of information technology jobs it outsources to India.
Vajpayee launches artisan credit cards
Vajpayee launches artisan credit cards
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Friday launched credit cards for artisans that would entitle them to loans up to Rs.200,000 from banks at nine percent interest.
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Friday launched credit cards for artisans that would entitle them to loans up to Rs.200,000 from banks at nine percent interest.
India 'on track for 8% growth'
India could achieve economic growth of between 6% to 8% a year in the next few years, a key World Bank official has reportedly said.
World Bank country director for India Michael Carter said: "India is set to achieve impressive growth as the potential is enormous."
World Bank country director for India Michael Carter said: "India is set to achieve impressive growth as the potential is enormous."
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Music review of 'Warriors Of Heaven and Earth'
What a fabulous set!
This is a complete departure from the A R Rahman we know. In the Chinese film Warriors Of Heaven And Earth, he creates a series of mind-blowing tunes which magnificently blend orchestral, new age, Euro-folk, Indian and Oriental elements.
This is a complete departure from the A R Rahman we know. In the Chinese film Warriors Of Heaven And Earth, he creates a series of mind-blowing tunes which magnificently blend orchestral, new age, Euro-folk, Indian and Oriental elements.
India to toughen fake drugs law
India's cabinet says it wants the death penalty for people who make fake drugs, which have been blamed for a number of patient fatalities.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
For a smile on India's face
India dreams big, creates well, competes better. India dreams big, creates well, competes better.
The author is the president of India. The article is an edited version of his speech in New Delhi on December 11, to mark the 200th session of the Rajya Sabha
The author is the president of India. The article is an edited version of his speech in New Delhi on December 11, to mark the 200th session of the Rajya Sabha
Attempt to recreate the first flight fails to get off the ground
Wright place, wrong time
One hundred years and many millions of flights after man first took to the sky, there remains one thing that can keep humans firmly on the ground - the weather.
One hundred years and many millions of flights after man first took to the sky, there remains one thing that can keep humans firmly on the ground - the weather.
Barclays nears £450m offshore outsourcing deal with Accenture
More than 1,000 jobs affected, half expected to move to India...
Barclays is set to sign a £450m IT outsourcing deal with Accenture that could see hundreds of software development jobs moved to India.
Barclays is set to sign a £450m IT outsourcing deal with Accenture that could see hundreds of software development jobs moved to India.
Radio-fueled credit cards could end swipe
The familiar process of buying something with a credit card -- handing the plastic to the clerk or swiping it yourself, then waiting for approval and signing the receipt -- could be headed the way of the mechanical brass cash register.
For more than a year, MasterCard and American Express have been testing "contactless" versions of their credit cards. The cards need only be held near a special reader for a sale to go through -- though the consumer can still get a receipt.
The card companies say the system is much faster and safer because the card never leaves a customer's hand.
For more than a year, MasterCard and American Express have been testing "contactless" versions of their credit cards. The cards need only be held near a special reader for a sale to go through -- though the consumer can still get a receipt.
The card companies say the system is much faster and safer because the card never leaves a customer's hand.
Visa unveils ‘Made in India’ POS terminal
Visa unveils ‘Made in India’ POS terminal
Visa International introduced the first indigenously developed low-cost point-of-sale (POS) terminal in India.
The terminals has been developed by Hyderabad-based Linkwell Telesystems with technical support from Visa.
Visa Newsroom
Visa International introduced the first indigenously developed low-cost point-of-sale (POS) terminal in India.
The terminals has been developed by Hyderabad-based Linkwell Telesystems with technical support from Visa.
Visa Newsroom
Several countries have shown interest in India's moon mission
Several countries have shown interest in India's moon mission
Several countries, including Russia, Canada, Germany and the European Space agency, have shown interest to collaborate in the Indian Moon Mission program and their proposals are being examined by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), India's Lok Sabha (Lower House) was informed Wednesday.
Several countries, including Russia, Canada, Germany and the European Space agency, have shown interest to collaborate in the Indian Moon Mission program and their proposals are being examined by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), India's Lok Sabha (Lower House) was informed Wednesday.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
India clinch historic win
Will Telephone Calls Be Free?
The folks who shook up the music world with KaZaA want to make telephone calls free.
"The future of telephony," says Janus Friis, "is free worldwide telephone calling." And on the surface that would appear to be the case. Folks with Skype software on their computer, plus a headset, microphone and high-speed Internet connection, can dial one another anywhere in the world at no cost.
"The future of telephony," says Janus Friis, "is free worldwide telephone calling." And on the surface that would appear to be the case. Folks with Skype software on their computer, plus a headset, microphone and high-speed Internet connection, can dial one another anywhere in the world at no cost.
Test your Digital IQ.
What's your Digital IQ? You need Internet Explorer to take the test.
CEO's Marital Duties Outsourced To Mexican Groundskeeper
HA! HA! HA! This is funny!
GROSSE POINTE, MI—As part of the ongoing trend toward replacing U.S. workers with foreign labor, the marital duties of United Carborundum CEO Howard Reinhardt have been outsourced to his Mexican groundskeeper, industry sources revealed Monday.
"It was time for a change," said Reinhardt's wife Melanie, who has been married to the CEO for 17 years and has conducted her sexual business almost exclusively with him since 1984. "While I was generally satisfied with the level of servicing that I received under Howard, it was my feeling that a younger, more aggressive hand on the tiller might bring some new ideas into play. No matter how mutually satisfying the old deal was, its time had passed."
GROSSE POINTE, MI—As part of the ongoing trend toward replacing U.S. workers with foreign labor, the marital duties of United Carborundum CEO Howard Reinhardt have been outsourced to his Mexican groundskeeper, industry sources revealed Monday.
"It was time for a change," said Reinhardt's wife Melanie, who has been married to the CEO for 17 years and has conducted her sexual business almost exclusively with him since 1984. "While I was generally satisfied with the level of servicing that I received under Howard, it was my feeling that a younger, more aggressive hand on the tiller might bring some new ideas into play. No matter how mutually satisfying the old deal was, its time had passed."
India curbs political defections
The Indian parliament's lower house has approved key changes to anti-defection laws that will stop politicians switching parties.
National and state MPs who leave the party they were elected to represent will lose their seats. The new law effectively bars defections either individually or as a group. Those defecting would be stripped of any office until they were re-elected as MPs. The legislation will also limit the size of the council of ministers to 15% of the strength of the lower house of national and state parliaments.
National and state MPs who leave the party they were elected to represent will lose their seats. The new law effectively bars defections either individually or as a group. Those defecting would be stripped of any office until they were re-elected as MPs. The legislation will also limit the size of the council of ministers to 15% of the strength of the lower house of national and state parliaments.
Lehman moves jobs from India
Lehman moves jobs from India
US brokerage firm Lehman Brothers has moved about 20 help-desk operations back to North America from India. The move bucks a trend that has seen Indian companies attract an increasing number of US and European clients. Lehman said the need to move the help-desk staff back to the US was driven by the need for a real-time service.
However, the firm says it is increasing its overall offshoring policy, and still has about 400 staff in India.
Despite the signs that some companies are not happy with offshoring, the general trend is still very much to move jobs to India.
US brokerage firm Lehman Brothers has moved about 20 help-desk operations back to North America from India. The move bucks a trend that has seen Indian companies attract an increasing number of US and European clients. Lehman said the need to move the help-desk staff back to the US was driven by the need for a real-time service.
However, the firm says it is increasing its overall offshoring policy, and still has about 400 staff in India.
Despite the signs that some companies are not happy with offshoring, the general trend is still very much to move jobs to India.
Monday, December 15, 2003
Union urges IBM workers to fight plan to move jobs offshore
Company reportedly plans to move 4,730 jobs to India, China and other countries
he labor union representing a small but growing number of IBM employees is considering taking action against the company's reported plan to move nearly 5,000 jobs offshore, including asking employees to refuse to train their replacement workers.
IBM plans to move up to 4,730 programming jobs from the U.S. to India, China and other countries, according to a report published this morning in the online edition of The Wall Street Journal.
he labor union representing a small but growing number of IBM employees is considering taking action against the company's reported plan to move nearly 5,000 jobs offshore, including asking employees to refuse to train their replacement workers.
IBM plans to move up to 4,730 programming jobs from the U.S. to India, China and other countries, according to a report published this morning in the online edition of The Wall Street Journal.
Thinking 'drains the brain'
Scientists have come up with proof that too much thinking can be exhausting.
Glucose, found in many foods and supplied from the bloodstream, is the main source of energy for brain.
It has long been thought that, unless a person is starving, the brain always receives an ample supply of glucose.
However, Professor Gold and Dr McNay measured glucose levels in the brains of rats as they negotiated their way through a maze.
They found that in a brain area concerned with memory for location the demand for glucose was so high that levels fell by 30%.
Glucose, found in many foods and supplied from the bloodstream, is the main source of energy for brain.
It has long been thought that, unless a person is starving, the brain always receives an ample supply of glucose.
However, Professor Gold and Dr McNay measured glucose levels in the brains of rats as they negotiated their way through a maze.
They found that in a brain area concerned with memory for location the demand for glucose was so high that levels fell by 30%.
Brain sees shadow as part of body
Our brains respond to our shadows as if they were another part of the body, according to a scientific study.
When we see something about to come into contact with the edge of our shadow, brain activity suggest it is as if they are about to touch us instead.
Scientists tested volunteers' reaction speeds and accuracy while distracting them with flashing lights.
They found that similar errors happened when lights flashed either next to a hand's shadow or the hand itself.
The brain develops an internal "map" which helps it define exactly where the body is - which helps it navigate around the world outside.
The results, by researchers at Royal Holloway College in London and the Universita degli Studi di Trento in Rovereto, suggest that the body's shadow may form part of that map.
When we see something about to come into contact with the edge of our shadow, brain activity suggest it is as if they are about to touch us instead.
Scientists tested volunteers' reaction speeds and accuracy while distracting them with flashing lights.
They found that similar errors happened when lights flashed either next to a hand's shadow or the hand itself.
The brain develops an internal "map" which helps it define exactly where the body is - which helps it navigate around the world outside.
The results, by researchers at Royal Holloway College in London and the Universita degli Studi di Trento in Rovereto, suggest that the body's shadow may form part of that map.
Siemens to expand in China and India
Siemens to expand in China and India
German electronics and industrial giant Siemens AG announced Friday that it will move 10,000 software development jobs India and . . .
German electronics and industrial giant Siemens AG announced Friday that it will move 10,000 software development jobs India and . . .
Startup fever dulled by preference for overseas programmers
Startup fever dulled by preference for overseas programmers
. . .within a year, most of the engineers who make the company's security software will be on the other side of the globe. Even the chief financial officer, chief technology officer and the head of research and development will work out of the emerging Indian tech hubs of Pune and New Delhi.
After launching five startups, Solidcore chief executive Rosen Sharma says he would never build a company without outsourcing the relatively expensive and highly skilled tech jobs to low-paid contractors or local hires in developing countries.
. . .within a year, most of the engineers who make the company's security software will be on the other side of the globe. Even the chief financial officer, chief technology officer and the head of research and development will work out of the emerging Indian tech hubs of Pune and New Delhi.
After launching five startups, Solidcore chief executive Rosen Sharma says he would never build a company without outsourcing the relatively expensive and highly skilled tech jobs to low-paid contractors or local hires in developing countries.
From India, genius on the cheap
Stream of patent applications flows to U.S. tech companies
"In the process of getting low-end work done in India," said Chandra Srinivasan, chairman of the Indian unit of the consulting firm A.T. Kearney, "multinationals discovered that there are not too many locations where they can find this abundance of superior talent at these kinds of costs."
"In the process of getting low-end work done in India," said Chandra Srinivasan, chairman of the Indian unit of the consulting firm A.T. Kearney, "multinationals discovered that there are not too many locations where they can find this abundance of superior talent at these kinds of costs."
How Saddam Hussein was captured
BBC News Online looks at how the operation to capture former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein unfolded.
1050: Tip-off received, two targets identified and given codenames
1800: 600 troops move towards 'Wolverine 1' and 'Wolverine 2'
2000: Targets searched, Saddam Hussein not found
2030: Hole found, Saddam Hussein captured with no resistance
1050: Tip-off received, two targets identified and given codenames
1800: 600 troops move towards 'Wolverine 1' and 'Wolverine 2'
2000: Targets searched, Saddam Hussein not found
2030: Hole found, Saddam Hussein captured with no resistance
IBM Said to Export Programer Jobs to Asia
IBM Said to Export Programer Jobs to Asia
NEW YORK (Reuters) - International Business Machines Corp., the world's largest computer company, will move the work of as many of 4,730 U.S. software programers to India, China and elsewhere, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
The unannounced plan, which the newspaper said it viewed in company documents, would replace thousands of workers at IBM facilities in Southbury, Connecticut, Poughkeepsie in New York, Raleigh, North Carolina, Dallas, Boulder in Colorado, and elsewhere in the United States.
The Wall Street Journal said that about 947 people will be notified during the first half of 2004 that their work will be moved overseas. It was not yet clear how many of the other 3,700 jobs identified as "potential to move offshore" in the IBM documents will move next year or later, the paper said.
Armonk, New York-based IBM, which has about 315,000 employees around the world, has been among companies that have moved traditionally higher paid services jobs to low cost centers such as India in recent years. The company has said it will continue to build its services business abroad, because it makes IBM more competitive, saves its customers money and frees up funds for other purposes.
IBM did not immediately return calls for comment on the report.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - International Business Machines Corp., the world's largest computer company, will move the work of as many of 4,730 U.S. software programers to India, China and elsewhere, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
The unannounced plan, which the newspaper said it viewed in company documents, would replace thousands of workers at IBM facilities in Southbury, Connecticut, Poughkeepsie in New York, Raleigh, North Carolina, Dallas, Boulder in Colorado, and elsewhere in the United States.
The Wall Street Journal said that about 947 people will be notified during the first half of 2004 that their work will be moved overseas. It was not yet clear how many of the other 3,700 jobs identified as "potential to move offshore" in the IBM documents will move next year or later, the paper said.
Armonk, New York-based IBM, which has about 315,000 employees around the world, has been among companies that have moved traditionally higher paid services jobs to low cost centers such as India in recent years. The company has said it will continue to build its services business abroad, because it makes IBM more competitive, saves its customers money and frees up funds for other purposes.
IBM did not immediately return calls for comment on the report.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
Economic View: Has Irrational Exuberance Hit China?
India, Israel to sign agreement on telescope launch
India, Israel to sign agreement on telescope launch
India and Israel are expected to sign an agreement next week for launching an Israeli telescope from an Indian satellite rocket early next year.
India and Israel are expected to sign an agreement next week for launching an Israeli telescope from an Indian satellite rocket early next year.
Please, no U-turns in this dream
Please, no U-turns in this dream
This week I am going to play Devil’s Advocate. I am going to speak up for the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) which because of the tragic, needless murder of Satyendra Dubey is beginning to sound like an evil, villainous organisation. And, I am going to speak up for the construction companies working in Bihar who are building those roads in conditions so lawless that they should be considered heroes and not villains. Why do I choose to do this in the very newspaper that is urging all of you fine, upright citizens to raise your voice against corruption?
Because if India is ever to get the highways we so desperately need it is important to see Dubey’s murder in the correct perspective so that investigations and inquiry commissions do not result in work on the Golden Quadrilateral coming to a stop.
Let us begin this perspective by remembering that the NHAI has handed out more than Rs 30,000 crore worth of contracts, since work on the highways started, with almost no charges of corruption. This is unheard of where government contracts are concerned. Let us also remember that the Ministry of Surface Transport and Highways has achieved the near miraculous feat of speeding up the process of road building from eleven kilometres a year to eleven kilometres a day.
This week I am going to play Devil’s Advocate. I am going to speak up for the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) which because of the tragic, needless murder of Satyendra Dubey is beginning to sound like an evil, villainous organisation. And, I am going to speak up for the construction companies working in Bihar who are building those roads in conditions so lawless that they should be considered heroes and not villains. Why do I choose to do this in the very newspaper that is urging all of you fine, upright citizens to raise your voice against corruption?
Because if India is ever to get the highways we so desperately need it is important to see Dubey’s murder in the correct perspective so that investigations and inquiry commissions do not result in work on the Golden Quadrilateral coming to a stop.
Let us begin this perspective by remembering that the NHAI has handed out more than Rs 30,000 crore worth of contracts, since work on the highways started, with almost no charges of corruption. This is unheard of where government contracts are concerned. Let us also remember that the Ministry of Surface Transport and Highways has achieved the near miraculous feat of speeding up the process of road building from eleven kilometres a year to eleven kilometres a day.
Friday, December 12, 2003
Growing concern over India's e-waste
Growing concern over India's e-waste
Mountains of e-waste - discarded parts of computers, mobile phones and other consumer electronics equipment - are quietly creating a new environmental problem in India.
Mountains of e-waste - discarded parts of computers, mobile phones and other consumer electronics equipment - are quietly creating a new environmental problem in India.
Call centres 'bad for India'
The mass transfer of call centre jobs from Europe and North America to India is bad for the subcontinent , a leading Indian newspaper writer has warned.
The huge growth in India's call centre industry was highlighted again last week, as British company Norwich Union announced they would be cutting 2,350 UK jobs and relocating them.
But author Praful Bidwai said that in effect the centres reduced the young Indian undergraduates to "cyber-coolies."
"They work extremely long hours badly paid, in extremely stressful conditions, and most have absolutely no opportunities for any kind of advancement in their careers," Mr Bidwai told BBC World Service's One Planet programme.
"It's a dead end, it's a complete cul-de-sac. It's a perfect sweatshop scenario, except that you're working with computers and electronic equipment rather than looms or whatever."
The huge growth in India's call centre industry was highlighted again last week, as British company Norwich Union announced they would be cutting 2,350 UK jobs and relocating them.
But author Praful Bidwai said that in effect the centres reduced the young Indian undergraduates to "cyber-coolies."
"They work extremely long hours badly paid, in extremely stressful conditions, and most have absolutely no opportunities for any kind of advancement in their careers," Mr Bidwai told BBC World Service's One Planet programme.
"It's a dead end, it's a complete cul-de-sac. It's a perfect sweatshop scenario, except that you're working with computers and electronic equipment rather than looms or whatever."
India plans to use energy source from hydrogen by 2010
India has set 2010 as the target year to bring about use of hydrogen as an energy source to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
Petroleum Minister Ram Naik Thursday called upon the scientific community "to formulate an action plan so that energy source from hydrogen is used commercially in the country by the year 2010".
Petroleum Minister Ram Naik Thursday called upon the scientific community "to formulate an action plan so that energy source from hydrogen is used commercially in the country by the year 2010".
Google expands operation to India
The popular internet search engine, Google, is planning to open a research centre in India
"We just want more really great engineers," senior Google official, Wayne Rosing, was quoted as saying in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
"It's clear there are a significant number of really talented computer scientists in India."
Mr Rosing said the company had been looking to expand the pool from which it selects employees with a background in engineering and computer sciences.
He added that he had been impressed by the available talent during a tour of India.
"It's clear India is going to be a major player," he said.
PAGE ONE ANCHOR
"We just want more really great engineers," senior Google official, Wayne Rosing, was quoted as saying in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
"It's clear there are a significant number of really talented computer scientists in India."
Mr Rosing said the company had been looking to expand the pool from which it selects employees with a background in engineering and computer sciences.
He added that he had been impressed by the available talent during a tour of India.
"It's clear India is going to be a major player," he said.
PAGE ONE ANCHOR
Thursday, December 11, 2003
The last Armenians in Madras
The southern Indian city of Madras once proudly boasted a thriving community of Armenians.
But now there are only two Armenians left there, one of whom is now the devoted guardian of the city's Armenian church.
But now there are only two Armenians left there, one of whom is now the devoted guardian of the city's Armenian church.
Keep an eye on Linux in 2004
2004 is going to be a big year for Linux.
Early signs show next year could be the breakout year for the open-source operating system.
Big in terms of its corporate enterprise adoption, which, according to every industry observer I spoke with, should continue apace or faster. Big in terms of a hot topic for next year, specifically with the infamous SCO lawsuits coming to a head.
Early signs show next year could be the breakout year for the open-source operating system.
Big in terms of its corporate enterprise adoption, which, according to every industry observer I spoke with, should continue apace or faster. Big in terms of a hot topic for next year, specifically with the infamous SCO lawsuits coming to a head.
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The flight of white-collar jobs has begun to alarm some American workers. There's a new group of them who feel threatened by this overseas competition. Amy Scott introduces us to a group of tech workers in Connecticut raising their voices in an effort to prevent more high-skill jobs from moving to places like India, China, and Mexico.
The flight of white-collar jobs has begun to alarm some American workers. There's a new group of them who feel threatened by this overseas competition. Amy Scott introduces us to a group of tech workers in Connecticut raising their voices in an effort to prevent more high-skill jobs from moving to places like India, China, and Mexico.
India: often overlooked but it's the other Asian giant
Column by Stuart McMillan
"I believe India and New Zealand are really two book ends to Asia. We on the western side and you on the east. And Asia lies in between," said Dr Sanjaya Baru, editor of the Financial Express in Delhi to Asia 2000 Foundation's Seriously Asia Forum in Wellington last month.
The phrase caught the imagination of Prime Minister Helen Clark, who used it when she opened and closed the forum (to the amazement of a number of Asian participants in particular, who remained for almost the whole day to absorb the presentations and the discussion), and she repeated it in subsequent post-Apec speeches.
"I believe India and New Zealand are really two book ends to Asia. We on the western side and you on the east. And Asia lies in between," said Dr Sanjaya Baru, editor of the Financial Express in Delhi to Asia 2000 Foundation's Seriously Asia Forum in Wellington last month.
The phrase caught the imagination of Prime Minister Helen Clark, who used it when she opened and closed the forum (to the amazement of a number of Asian participants in particular, who remained for almost the whole day to absorb the presentations and the discussion), and she repeated it in subsequent post-Apec speeches.
Google to start research and development in India
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google says it plans to open its first offshore research and development centre in Bangalore, India, early next year.
The Mountain View, California, company -- which is widely expected to do an initial public offering in 2004 -- is the latest in a long line of high-technology companies to set up shop in India, which has a large number of educated workers who are paid hourly wages that are significantly lower than in the United States.
A company spokesman said the move aims to take advantage of India's "considerable engineering and technical talent" and is not a cost-cutting move.
Privately held Google has research and development centres in Mountain View, Santa Monica, California, and New York.
While it dominates the Internet search sector, Yahoo and Microsoft are spending millions of dollars to challenge its position.
The Mountain View, California, company -- which is widely expected to do an initial public offering in 2004 -- is the latest in a long line of high-technology companies to set up shop in India, which has a large number of educated workers who are paid hourly wages that are significantly lower than in the United States.
A company spokesman said the move aims to take advantage of India's "considerable engineering and technical talent" and is not a cost-cutting move.
Privately held Google has research and development centres in Mountain View, Santa Monica, California, and New York.
While it dominates the Internet search sector, Yahoo and Microsoft are spending millions of dollars to challenge its position.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
The Budget as the BSP test
There’s a difference between packaging a promise and delivering it
In India, there is hype about development now. India will become a developed economy in 2020. Clearly perceptions about India are changing and there are several reasons for this. First, the 1990s have been associated with several successes in the external sector, including software exports, and burgeoning foreign exchange reserves. A country that had once depended on foreign aid, has finally said no to aid. Second, the rate of population growth is slowing down at an all-India level and this implies a higher per capita income growth, with a consequent explosion in consumption. A decrease in the dependency ratio also stimulates income growth and, demographically, India is probably poised today where several East Asian economies were poised in the 1960s. Third, educational indicators have begun to improve. Subject to inter-regional variations, increase in literacy from 52 per cent in 1991 to 65 per cent in 2001 is one manifestation. This has to be replicated for health outcomes. Fourth, food stocks are spilling over, although this is not always a plus. Fifth, Indian companies have become leaner, more competitive. While not everyone can survive competition, the ones that have done so are efficient and can handle global competition. Sixth, India has begun to be noticed globally. IT, H1-B visas, success of Indians based in the US, BPO and call centres are indications of this. Finally, there is good news about GDP growth in 2003-04, thanks largely to low base in 2002-03 and the good monsoon. We may even touch 8 per cent growth in 2003-04.
In India, there is hype about development now. India will become a developed economy in 2020. Clearly perceptions about India are changing and there are several reasons for this. First, the 1990s have been associated with several successes in the external sector, including software exports, and burgeoning foreign exchange reserves. A country that had once depended on foreign aid, has finally said no to aid. Second, the rate of population growth is slowing down at an all-India level and this implies a higher per capita income growth, with a consequent explosion in consumption. A decrease in the dependency ratio also stimulates income growth and, demographically, India is probably poised today where several East Asian economies were poised in the 1960s. Third, educational indicators have begun to improve. Subject to inter-regional variations, increase in literacy from 52 per cent in 1991 to 65 per cent in 2001 is one manifestation. This has to be replicated for health outcomes. Fourth, food stocks are spilling over, although this is not always a plus. Fifth, Indian companies have become leaner, more competitive. While not everyone can survive competition, the ones that have done so are efficient and can handle global competition. Sixth, India has begun to be noticed globally. IT, H1-B visas, success of Indians based in the US, BPO and call centres are indications of this. Finally, there is good news about GDP growth in 2003-04, thanks largely to low base in 2002-03 and the good monsoon. We may even touch 8 per cent growth in 2003-04.
Israel offers to help India with nuclear sub project
Israel offers to help India with nuclear sub project
Israel has offered to cooperate with India to develop its indigenous nuclear submarine program, according to an Indian newspaper. Israeli and India officials were silent about the report Wednesday.
The Hindu said an understanding was reached during a visit to Israel by a high-level technical team from the Defense Research and Development Organization in late November.
Israel has offered to cooperate with India to develop its indigenous nuclear submarine program, according to an Indian newspaper. Israeli and India officials were silent about the report Wednesday.
The Hindu said an understanding was reached during a visit to Israel by a high-level technical team from the Defense Research and Development Organization in late November.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Pakistan Is ...
Pakistan Is ...
A) a terrorist spawning ground
B) the next Islamic theocracy
C) a volatile nuclear power
D) a crucial American ally
E) all of the above.
A journey through a state of disequilibrium
A) a terrorist spawning ground
B) the next Islamic theocracy
C) a volatile nuclear power
D) a crucial American ally
E) all of the above.
A journey through a state of disequilibrium
Govt, service sector drive smart card growth
Smart cards have made inroads into the heart of rural India.
If you thought that flashing a plastic card was the privilege of only the educated urban elite, think again. Smart cards have made inroads into the heart of rural India. And surprisingly, it is the Centre and the state governments that are taking the lead in bringing technology to the masses. Srikanth R P and Stanley Glancy tell us more about the status of smart card implementations across India
How would you like to carry your driving licence, passport identification, insurance policies, health records, ration card information and other relevant documentation all on one card? How would you react if you were told that all your provident fund claims could be settled in a matter of days by just flashing a card? Want to change your address on your passport? Just use your card.
If you thought that flashing a plastic card was the privilege of only the educated urban elite, think again. Smart cards have made inroads into the heart of rural India. And surprisingly, it is the Centre and the state governments that are taking the lead in bringing technology to the masses. Srikanth R P and Stanley Glancy tell us more about the status of smart card implementations across India
How would you like to carry your driving licence, passport identification, insurance policies, health records, ration card information and other relevant documentation all on one card? How would you react if you were told that all your provident fund claims could be settled in a matter of days by just flashing a card? Want to change your address on your passport? Just use your card.
DIY cruise missile thwarted
DIY cruise missile thwarted
A New Zealand man who built a cruise missile in his garage claims the New Zealand government forced him to shut down his project after coming under pressure from the United States.
A New Zealand man who built a cruise missile in his garage claims the New Zealand government forced him to shut down his project after coming under pressure from the United States.
Humans 'could survive Mars visit'
Scientists say measurements taken by the US space agency's Mars Odyssey craft prove that a human mission could survive on the Martian surface.
Instrument data show radiation around the Red Planet might cause some health problems but is unlikely to be fatal.
Mars Odyssey has sent back a wealth of information about Earth's neighbour since it went into orbit two years ago.
Instrument data show radiation around the Red Planet might cause some health problems but is unlikely to be fatal.
Mars Odyssey has sent back a wealth of information about Earth's neighbour since it went into orbit two years ago.
Legal papers jobs head to India
Some lawyers in England and Wales are moving legal document production overseas in the latest transfer of skilled jobs to India.
There has been concern over the move of thousands of call centre jobs from the UK to the subcontinent to reduce costs.
The move of paperwork to India could threaten the jobs of some of the estimated 20,000 legal secretaries.
There has been concern over the move of thousands of call centre jobs from the UK to the subcontinent to reduce costs.
The move of paperwork to India could threaten the jobs of some of the estimated 20,000 legal secretaries.
Monday, December 08, 2003
Tibetan chant CD's Grammy hope
Tibetan chant CD's Grammy hope
To artists like Beyonce, Eminem and Black Eyed Peas can now be added the name, the Monks of Sherab Ling Monastery.
The monks' CD of Tibetan chants, recorded at their monastery in the Indian Himalayas, has been nominated for a Grammy award, the musical equivalent of an Oscar.
The CD, Sacred Tibetan Chant: The Monks of Sherab Ling Monastery, will contest the best traditional world music category.
The secretary of head monk Tai Situ Rinpoche said the monastery leader was excited about the news.
The CD, which was released in January, features senior chanting masters Kalzang Yeshe, Norbu Gyaltsen and Tinley Gyurme and six other monks.
The recording was made at the monastery and was aided by one of its centres in New Zealand.
To artists like Beyonce, Eminem and Black Eyed Peas can now be added the name, the Monks of Sherab Ling Monastery.
The monks' CD of Tibetan chants, recorded at their monastery in the Indian Himalayas, has been nominated for a Grammy award, the musical equivalent of an Oscar.
The CD, Sacred Tibetan Chant: The Monks of Sherab Ling Monastery, will contest the best traditional world music category.
The secretary of head monk Tai Situ Rinpoche said the monastery leader was excited about the news.
The CD, which was released in January, features senior chanting masters Kalzang Yeshe, Norbu Gyaltsen and Tinley Gyurme and six other monks.
The recording was made at the monastery and was aided by one of its centres in New Zealand.
Groundhog Almighty
Groundhog Almighty
Since its debut a decade ago, the film has become a curious favorite of religious leaders of many faiths, who all see in "Groundhog Day" a reflection of their own spiritual messages. Curators of the series, polling some 35 critics in the literary, religious and film worlds to suggest films with religious interpretations, found that "Groundhog Day" came up so many times that there was actually a squabble over who would write about it in the retrospective's catalog.
Since its debut a decade ago, the film has become a curious favorite of religious leaders of many faiths, who all see in "Groundhog Day" a reflection of their own spiritual messages. Curators of the series, polling some 35 critics in the literary, religious and film worlds to suggest films with religious interpretations, found that "Groundhog Day" came up so many times that there was actually a squabble over who would write about it in the retrospective's catalog.
Who Wins and Who Loses as Jobs Move Overseas?
Who Wins and Who Loses as Jobs Move Overseas?
he outsourcing of jobs to China and India is not new, but lately it has earned a chilling new adjective: professional. Advances in communications technology have enabled white-collar jobs to be shipped from the United States and Europe as never before, and the outcry from workers who once considered themselves invulnerable is creating a potent political force.
he outsourcing of jobs to China and India is not new, but lately it has earned a chilling new adjective: professional. Advances in communications technology have enabled white-collar jobs to be shipped from the United States and Europe as never before, and the outcry from workers who once considered themselves invulnerable is creating a potent political force.
Color Blindness Test
Drink can shrink the brain
Drink can shrink the brain: study
You may want to go easy on the holiday tipples. A study says moderate alcohol use may reduce the size of your brain and - contrary to previous studies - may not reduce the risk of a stroke.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University who studied 1909 middle-aged and elderly people found moderate drinkers had smaller brains than those who abstained.
You may want to go easy on the holiday tipples. A study says moderate alcohol use may reduce the size of your brain and - contrary to previous studies - may not reduce the risk of a stroke.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University who studied 1909 middle-aged and elderly people found moderate drinkers had smaller brains than those who abstained.
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Korean fish joins malaria fight
Scientists in South Korea have found a local fish that could help control the spread of malaria.
The fish, called the muddy loach, eats mosquito larvae and can completely remove them from rice fields.
The research was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in the US city of Philadelphia.
The fish, called the muddy loach, eats mosquito larvae and can completely remove them from rice fields.
The research was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in the US city of Philadelphia.
'Miserable failure' links to Bush
George W Bush has been Google bombed.
Web users entering the words "miserable failure" into the popular search engine are directed to the biography of the president on the White House website.
The trick is possible because Google searches more than just the contents of web pages - it also counts how often a site is linked to, and with what words.
Thus, members of an online community can affect the results of Google searches - called "Google bombing" - by linking their sites to a chosen one.
Web users entering the words "miserable failure" into the popular search engine are directed to the biography of the president on the White House website.
The trick is possible because Google searches more than just the contents of web pages - it also counts how often a site is linked to, and with what words.
Thus, members of an online community can affect the results of Google searches - called "Google bombing" - by linking their sites to a chosen one.
India Tech Outsourcing Business Expected to Surge
Read the Story.
Listen to Anjana Pasricha's report (RealAudio)
The international consulting group Gartner says India will continue to witness huge growth in technology outsourcing, despite an outcry in countries such as Britain and the United States about job losses.
Listen to Anjana Pasricha's report (RealAudio)
The international consulting group Gartner says India will continue to witness huge growth in technology outsourcing, despite an outcry in countries such as Britain and the United States about job losses.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
India for UNSC
Sign the Petition Sponsored by Hindustan Times.
I firmly endorse India’s candidature for the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council
Sign the Petition.
I firmly endorse India’s candidature for the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council
Sign the Petition.
Friday, December 05, 2003
India reaching for space with new technology
India reaching for space with new technology
The cryogenic engine, which uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, was successfully fired for 1,000 seconds on the ground, exceeding the 721 seconds required for space flights. . .
The successful test was the final of several trials needed to prove the engine's capability, and puts India in a league with the United States, Russia, France, Japan and China as the only countries able to build cryogenic engines.
The cryogenic engine, which uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, was successfully fired for 1,000 seconds on the ground, exceeding the 721 seconds required for space flights. . .
The successful test was the final of several trials needed to prove the engine's capability, and puts India in a league with the United States, Russia, France, Japan and China as the only countries able to build cryogenic engines.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
What Is Serendipity?
What Is Serendipity?
The island of Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka, was known to the early Arabs as Serendip. Coincidentally, a Persian fairy tale entitled "The Three Princes of Serendip" featured three heroes who regularly made discoveries by accident. In 1754, inspired by this story, Horace Walpole, the English author and nobleman, coined the word "serendipity." It means making happy and unexpected discoveries.
The island of Ceylon, now called Sri Lanka, was known to the early Arabs as Serendip. Coincidentally, a Persian fairy tale entitled "The Three Princes of Serendip" featured three heroes who regularly made discoveries by accident. In 1754, inspired by this story, Horace Walpole, the English author and nobleman, coined the word "serendipity." It means making happy and unexpected discoveries.
India's elections - who will learn the lessons?
India's elections - who will learn the lessons?
BJP convinced the electorate that Congress and development don't go together.
. . .one lesson for the BJP is that Hindutva is not their trump card.
But they should guarantee that all parties acknowledge the lesson the electorate has taught them - that voters will not respond to appeals the politicians use to divert attention from their failure to govern well.
Appeals to religion, ideology or dynasty will not work.
Indians want good governance and the development that comes with it.
BJP convinced the electorate that Congress and development don't go together.
. . .one lesson for the BJP is that Hindutva is not their trump card.
But they should guarantee that all parties acknowledge the lesson the electorate has taught them - that voters will not respond to appeals the politicians use to divert attention from their failure to govern well.
Appeals to religion, ideology or dynasty will not work.
Indians want good governance and the development that comes with it.
India 'stands on the edge of explosive growth'
India 'stands on the edge of explosive growth'
India's economy is poisedfor rapid, broad-basedexpansion and a second revolutionin agricultural productivity, according to Jaswant Singh, finance minister.
"My belief is that India stands on the edge of explosive economic growth," Mr Singh told the Financial Times in an interview yesterday. "We are at the point of reaching economic criticality."
India's economy is poisedfor rapid, broad-basedexpansion and a second revolutionin agricultural productivity, according to Jaswant Singh, finance minister.
"My belief is that India stands on the edge of explosive economic growth," Mr Singh told the Financial Times in an interview yesterday. "We are at the point of reaching economic criticality."
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
India Set to Expand Presence in Central Asia
India Set to Expand Presence in Central Asia
India’s energy needs are driving the country’s interest in Central Asia. With a population of over 1 billion and a booming economy, India is ranked as the world’s sixth largest energy consumer. To keep its economy growing at an average annual rate of 7-8 percent, Indian Planning Commission Chairman K. C. Pant recently told the Indo-Asian News Service, the country will need to increase its energy consumption by roughly 5 percent each year.
For a country that imports nearly five times the amount of electricity it exports, such an increase represents a tall order. It is one that India, mindful of its historic Silk Route ties with Central Asia, hopes the largely untapped energy potential of the region will fulfill.
Indian oil company ONGC Videsh Ltd. already has a 15 percent holding in Kazakhstan’s Alibekmola oil fields and a 10 percent holding in the country’s Kurmangazi fields. According to a January 2003 report by John Hopkins University’s Central Asian-Caucasus Institute, it would like to put down a minimum 20 percent stake in Uzbekistan’s oil and gas fields as well. Water-rich Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have also lined up to offer hydropower projects to India.
India’s energy needs are driving the country’s interest in Central Asia. With a population of over 1 billion and a booming economy, India is ranked as the world’s sixth largest energy consumer. To keep its economy growing at an average annual rate of 7-8 percent, Indian Planning Commission Chairman K. C. Pant recently told the Indo-Asian News Service, the country will need to increase its energy consumption by roughly 5 percent each year.
For a country that imports nearly five times the amount of electricity it exports, such an increase represents a tall order. It is one that India, mindful of its historic Silk Route ties with Central Asia, hopes the largely untapped energy potential of the region will fulfill.
Indian oil company ONGC Videsh Ltd. already has a 15 percent holding in Kazakhstan’s Alibekmola oil fields and a 10 percent holding in the country’s Kurmangazi fields. According to a January 2003 report by John Hopkins University’s Central Asian-Caucasus Institute, it would like to put down a minimum 20 percent stake in Uzbekistan’s oil and gas fields as well. Water-rich Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have also lined up to offer hydropower projects to India.
Only in India: Rickshaws connect India's poor
Rickshaws connect India's poor
Shyam Telecom, which operates in the state of Rajasthan, has opted to take its phones to the people rather than wait for them to come to it.
The company has equipped a fleet of rickshaws with a mobile phone. Drivers pedal these mobile payphones throughout the state capital, Jaipur, and the surrounding countryside.
The rickshaw drivers, numbering around 200, are largely drawn from those at the margins of society - the disabled and women.
"We realised that many of these people are below the poverty line," said Suneel Vohra, President of Shyam Telelink.
"They are dependent on their families for a livelihood and treated very shabbily because of that."
Shyam Telecom, which operates in the state of Rajasthan, has opted to take its phones to the people rather than wait for them to come to it.
The company has equipped a fleet of rickshaws with a mobile phone. Drivers pedal these mobile payphones throughout the state capital, Jaipur, and the surrounding countryside.
The rickshaw drivers, numbering around 200, are largely drawn from those at the margins of society - the disabled and women.
"We realised that many of these people are below the poverty line," said Suneel Vohra, President of Shyam Telelink.
"They are dependent on their families for a livelihood and treated very shabbily because of that."
Computing power aids India's milk farmers
The trickle of jobs moving to India is turning into a flood
India's burgeoning call centres
India's burgeoning call centres
Thousands of jobs are coming to India from the UK. The reason is simple - India offers a better product and it comes at a fraction of the price.
Thousands of jobs are coming to India from the UK. The reason is simple - India offers a better product and it comes at a fraction of the price.
The politics of development.
The politics of development.:
As the genuine changes that are beginning to sweep through parts of India gather momentum, this could change too. Let's hope that in Rajasthan, in Madhya Pradesh, in Delhi -- and then, all across the country -- the real answer to the question, 'kaun banega mukhyamantri' will come to depend entirely on what the performance of the parties has been on the real issues that matter -- roads, water, power, education and health.
That's when all our politicians (yes, even those in Bihar and UP) will be forced to turn their attention to actually serving the people they represent.
The politics of development. That's so different from the traditional Indian politics of vote banks.
But somehow, if the old form of Indian politics dies, I suspect that not too many will mourn its passing.
As the genuine changes that are beginning to sweep through parts of India gather momentum, this could change too. Let's hope that in Rajasthan, in Madhya Pradesh, in Delhi -- and then, all across the country -- the real answer to the question, 'kaun banega mukhyamantri' will come to depend entirely on what the performance of the parties has been on the real issues that matter -- roads, water, power, education and health.
That's when all our politicians (yes, even those in Bihar and UP) will be forced to turn their attention to actually serving the people they represent.
The politics of development. That's so different from the traditional Indian politics of vote banks.
But somehow, if the old form of Indian politics dies, I suspect that not too many will mourn its passing.
Look, the elephant gallops
Look, the elephant gallops:
There is a new India happening. A new powerhouse. It’s happening slowly. Almost invisibly. Old perceptions will, therefore, stay for a while especially since Indians, by nature, are reticent about marketing their success aggressively. But India-watchers are seeing the change process as a youthful India takes its place on the world stage.
There is a new India happening. A new powerhouse. It’s happening slowly. Almost invisibly. Old perceptions will, therefore, stay for a while especially since Indians, by nature, are reticent about marketing their success aggressively. But India-watchers are seeing the change process as a youthful India takes its place on the world stage.
Music genius honoured
Music genius honoured
Rahman, who comes from a family with a musical background, urged the people not to buy pirated tapes, as it would affect the livelihood of the people in the industry.
“Although it is convenient to listen to music from the Internet or pirated versions, please remember the struggles of the people behind it,” he said.
Rahman, who comes from a family with a musical background, urged the people not to buy pirated tapes, as it would affect the livelihood of the people in the industry.
“Although it is convenient to listen to music from the Internet or pirated versions, please remember the struggles of the people behind it,” he said.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Fast forward: backlash, what backlash?
City barbers to shave off AIDS!
City barbers to shave off AIDS!
Andhra Pradesh government, says, “Barber shop is frequented only by men. So it’s the best place to spread the message of safe sex. We have also observed that men tend to discuss a lot of things with their barber, since most of them generally stick to one shop. We are also providing them manuals, which will guide them in having an easy conversation with the customer.”
Andhra Pradesh government, says, “Barber shop is frequented only by men. So it’s the best place to spread the message of safe sex. We have also observed that men tend to discuss a lot of things with their barber, since most of them generally stick to one shop. We are also providing them manuals, which will guide them in having an easy conversation with the customer.”
Rum remark wins Rumsfeld an award
Rum remark wins Rumsfeld an award
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has won a "Foot in Mouth" award for one of his now legendary bizarre remarks.
Mr Rumsfeld won the prize for comments made at a news conference in February last year which left observers baffled.
"There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns," he said.
The British Plain English Campaign annually hands out the prize for the most nonsensical remark made by a public figure.
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has won a "Foot in Mouth" award for one of his now legendary bizarre remarks.
Mr Rumsfeld won the prize for comments made at a news conference in February last year which left observers baffled.
"There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns," he said.
The British Plain English Campaign annually hands out the prize for the most nonsensical remark made by a public figure.
HP Ups Stake in India with Digital GlobalSoft
HP Ups Stake in India with Digital GlobalSoft
Hewlett-Packard Co. is reiterating its commitment to the Indian software market, amid a growing backlash in the U.S. over off-shoring of IT jobs, especially to India.
The systems vendor said it has chosen to buy the remaining public shares in Digital GlobalSoft Ltd., the company's software development and services subsidiary, based in Bangalore, India.
Hewlett-Packard Co. is reiterating its commitment to the Indian software market, amid a growing backlash in the U.S. over off-shoring of IT jobs, especially to India.
The systems vendor said it has chosen to buy the remaining public shares in Digital GlobalSoft Ltd., the company's software development and services subsidiary, based in Bangalore, India.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Commentary: India Is Raising Its Sights At Last
Commentary: India Is Raising Its Sights At Last
India's transformation is still a work in progress. The problems of illiteracy, poor infrastructure, and bad government persist. But something else is there, too: self-confidence. By 2015, 55% of Indians will be under the age of 20, and this generation will have grown up in an economy where roads like the Pune highway are the rule, not the exception. Unlike the generation before them, young Indians are no longer obsessed with India's poverty, but with its future. They give India a fighting chance.
India's transformation is still a work in progress. The problems of illiteracy, poor infrastructure, and bad government persist. But something else is there, too: self-confidence. By 2015, 55% of Indians will be under the age of 20, and this generation will have grown up in an economy where roads like the Pune highway are the rule, not the exception. Unlike the generation before them, young Indians are no longer obsessed with India's poverty, but with its future. They give India a fighting chance.
Cover Image: The Rise Of India
Cover Image: The Rise Of India
If India can turn into a fast-growth economy, it will be the first developing nation that used its brainpower, not natural resources or the raw muscle of factory labor, as the catalyst.
If India can turn into a fast-growth economy, it will be the first developing nation that used its brainpower, not natural resources or the raw muscle of factory labor, as the catalyst.
The Rise Of India
The Rise Of India
Growth is only just starting, but the country's brainpower is already reshaping Corporate America
Growth is only just starting, but the country's brainpower is already reshaping Corporate America
