Spies Like Us
BLACKOUT The first half of December, 1971 was of momentous importance in the history of the Indian sub-continent. Full-fledged war broke out between India and Pakistan, and within about a…
Conjuring Tricks
The severe curtailment of economic activities in response to the Covid-19 crisis has brought renewed realization of the crucial importance of some basic facts. Many of these activities form the…
Reheated Leftovers
The early days of the World Wide Web were wildly funny. Everyone was in uncharted waters, and all sorts of wacky ideas were being given a try. For example, there…
Our Hated Heroes
Just as a low tide reveals previously unseen objects on the seashore, the current dual crises of Covid-19 and the consequent severe curtailment of economic activity in response to it…
Lofty Aims, Disastrous Results
ALL THAT GLITTERS In 1968, the Indian government brought in the Gold Control Act, which banned individuals from owning bars and coins of gold – they could only own jewelry.…