In The News

The Globalization of Absurdity

Richard S. Ehrlich June 6, 2005
Cheaply produced knick-knacks are a feature of tourist traps around the globe. Recently, those in the market for something unusual have been purchasing Osama bin Laden action figures, al-Qaida video games and other products which either glorify or condemn the elusive terrorist, most of which are manufactured by nebulous Chinese firms and shipped worldwide. Many of the products' buyers are...

A Race to the Top

Thomas L. Friedman June 3, 2005
According to columnist Thomas L. Friedman, while French workers – who voted down the EU constitution – strive to preserve a 35-hour work week, Indian engineers are "ready to work a 35-hour day." In Europe, workers whose 50-year system of benefits is collapsing blame capitalism and outsourcing for their problems. However, writes Friedman, the story is not so cut-and-dry. Jobs are...

Hidden Tiger

N. Chandra Mohan May 24, 2005
Aishwarya Rai is one of Bollywood's most celebrated stars, and her current quest: To land a mainstream crossover film. "Although the buzz is that she is India's best bet to cross over and become an international star like China's Zhang Ziyi," writes Outlook India commentator N. Chandra Mohan, "she is still not quite there." Though India's film industry...

Virtual Secretary Puts New Face on Pakistan

Mitra Kalita May 10, 2005
While offshore call centers have become more commonplace, one US company has pushed this booming business to a new level: The Resource Group employs a "virtual receptionist." Though stationed in Pakistan, she receives phone calls, welcomes guests (via front desk flat screen), and places lunch orders for the Washington office. Proud company managers boast, "We're able to...

Inglish as She's Spoke

Gurcharan Das May 3, 2005
The worldwide spread of English has seen a rise in colloquially "blended languages," from Franglais (French and English) to Spanglish (Spanish and English) to Taglish (Tagalog and English), and so on. This Outlook India piece suggests a new addition: Inglish (Hindi and English). As the author writes, English is the ticket to a good job and middle class status in India. It unites...

India's IT Prodigals Return Home

Harsh Kabra May 2, 2005
"Brain gain" is booming in India as highly-skilled expatriates are returning home. A recent mini-migration of some 25,000 engineers, software designers, managers, and other professionals has taken place between the United States and India in the past four years. The numbers are still growing. The decision to uproot after decade or more of life in the US is motivated by a new land of...

Don't Tell Liz, but the Sari's So Out

Amelia Gentleman April 29, 2005
When British actress Elizabeth Hurley donned a sari recently in New York, she unknowingly committed a fashion faux-pas: The sari is the last generation's fashion. India's growing urban elite is fast abandoning the national dress for more comfortable clothing, like jeans. "It requires a lot of maintenance," says Hindol Sengupta, author of Indian Fashion. "Modern women don...