Is EdTech a Scam
About half a year ago, an EdTech (Education Technology) start-up came into the limelight. The company had found its way into serious controversy, including claims that the company had misled parents and children, ripped them off of millions of rupees and were home to some questionable conversations. The subject came up tonight and I did not know how to conclude one way or another. I thought I could try to untangle it using a post.
Is COVID-19 Winning
Today is Sunday, and time for me to share what I have learnt about the disease. Disclaimer: I am an engineer, not a medical professional. What I am sharing here is for informational purposes, not health or medical advice. If you have specific queries, please talk to your (or a) doctor. And do not trust WhatsApp University. A moment for my uncle On “alternative” treatments On shortages Need of the hour Treat the ill Stop the spread Vaccinate On testing and lockdowns On medicines that work On mutations On relaxation of intellectual property restrictions Investment on health What more do we need The second wave (and the waves) In summary A moment for my uncle The virus hit too close to home.
Enjoy Your Life With Covid 19
There was a time when I was a favourite student of WhatsApp University. When I realised the ultimate quality of education there, I was so envious of it that I quit. After all, those of us who have had the privilege to attend the mainstream universities would be jealous of the free-and-open system. This is why I dropped out of the university (and I made a video about it as well):
COVID Vaccines
India is among the world leaders in vaccination. Also called the Pharmacy of the World, India is the largest manufacturer of vaccines. The public has been no different; you will find most of us wanting to get vaccinated. Polio vaccines are an example, where all children born in India get vaccinated through the extensive vaccination programmes that the government runs. The aim of this post is to help you decide if you should go for vaccination or not.
The console Google does not want you to use
Facebook was a target at the beginning of this year, when they decided to tweak their privacy policy. It turned out to be a disastrous PR move. Although they reversed it, we are already seeing a better-worded version of the update. I wrote a couple of posts: one about how the change affects your privacy, and another, about whether WhatsApp chats are at all private. Facebook may have a different data collection strategy than its peers, but is not alone in the game—the other big name is Google.
Powdered oxygen cylinder for COVID
WhatsApp is on fire these days. Another forward popped up a couple of days ago, which was a Tamil message. I have added a translation along with the message: - BST HEALTH உடலில் ஆக்சிஜன் அளவு 98 - 100 க்குள் இருக்க வேண்டும் என்று சொல்லுகிறார்கள்; 43 க்கு கீழ் ஆக்சிஜன் சென்றுவிட்டால், ஆக்சிஜன் சிலிண்டர் தேவை; ORAC-Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity என்று ஒரு கணக்கீடு உள்ளது; இதன்படி இந்த அளவுகோலில் ஆக்சிஜன் அதிகம் உள்ள பொருட்களை அவ்வப்போது நாம் சாப்பிட வேண்டும்.
COVID has become deadlier
It saddens me that we all fall prey to sensational WhatsApp forwards. And the fact that people I love and respect send this—and may take offence at my fact-checking the claims—worsens the feeling. This evening, I saw the following message in two of the groups that I am member of: From CMC Vellore Doctors’ Group The virus is back, this time with more energy, tactics and camouflage. We don’t cough
Can Governments Control Prices
Elections are going on for five of our State Assemblies: Tamilnadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry (पुदुच्चेरि, not पुडुचेर्रि). I have not followed the elections in West Bengal, Assam or Puducherry, but have been watching the progress in Tamilnadu and Kerala. And this post is about Tamilnadu. One of the claims that one of the contesting parties is making is about the price rise. They say that the prices have shot up, and that their party—if it comes to power—would work to regulate the prices.
The Organic Utopia (Part V)
So far, in this series, we have addressed most of the claims and merits of both the methods of agriculture. We even addressed the polarisation: organic vs conventional. But how do we proceed keeping sustainability in mind? And in simple terms, if we had to, how do we pick one over the other? This is the fifth of the five-part series on organic food. To jump to any topic on the subject, use the list below:
The Organic Utopia (Part IV)
Previously, in this series, we addressed the merits of organic farming (and looked at how much merit they carry in reality). But there also are some scientific methods that help with storing, preserving and serving food to the end consumer. We look at those in this piece. This is the fourth of the five-part series on organic food. To jump to any topic on the subject, use the list below: