When Suddenly Everyone in China is Reading Our Blog… Or Are They?

Since last month, the number of visitors to my blog has increased abruptly from 200–250 to more than 2,000 per day, with 80–85% originating from China. After reviewing Google Analytics, it appears that AI crawlers, rather than hackers, are responsible for the rise. Nevertheless, I can’t help but question—are any of these visitors genuine readers?

The Coffee Conquest: How Nestlé Brewed a Cultural Revolution in Japan

During the 1970s in Japan, tea was the leading beverage, while coffee struggled to gain acceptance, despite Nestlé's strong marketing efforts. To address this challenge, Nestlé brought on psychoanalyst Clotaire Rapaille, who proposed focusing on children to create a positive link to coffee. The company introduced coffee-flavoured snacks, gradually introducing a generation to the drink. By the 1980s, this approach turned coffee into a cultural mainstay and contributed to Nestlé's success in Japan.

Globalisation: Balancing Sovereignty & Opportunity

Globalisation interlinks economies and cultures worldwide, fostering growth and collaboration while challenging national sovereignty. This complex relationship presents opportunities like job creation and cultural exchange, but also raises concerns about diminished autonomy due to multinational corporations and international agreements. Balancing the benefits of globalisation with safeguarding national interests requires strong institutions, strategic engagement, and the preservation of cultural identities amidst powerful global influences.

Chitra Divakaruni’s Mastery: Unveiling Panchaali’s Story

The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni offers a captivating reinterpretation of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Panchaali, also known as Draupadi. Divakaruni's narrative showcases Panchaali's tumultuous life, her rebellion against archaic laws, and her unrequited love for Karna. The novel skillfully balances sweetness and poignancy, drawing readers into the rich tapestry of ancient Indian history and mythology.

2023 in Review: Indrosphere’s Impactful Content Journey

Indrosphere thrived in 2023, with a surge in pageviews and engagement. The platform's diverse content sparked meaningful conversations and garnered 992 likes and 661 comments. Going beyond numbers, Indrosphere cultivated an environment for diverse ideas. The focus remains on delivering quality content and fostering a community that values meaningful discussions and diverse perspectives.

The Thrill of a Signed Book & the Tale of a Historic Manhunt

While in Baghdad, Iraq, I learned about Anirudhya Mitra's book signing in New Delhi for “90 Days: The True Story of the Hunt for Rajiv Gandhi’s Assassins” from my friend Aranjit. The book provides a detailed account of the assassination plot and captivating investigation, making it a compelling read for those interested in real events and crime stories. The signed copy from Aranjit added immense value to my reading experience.

Affirmative Action & the Reservation Debate in India: Striking the Balance Between Justice & Merit

Affirmative action, particularly India's reservation system, seeks to address historical inequalities. By providing reserved seats and jobs, it aims to break the cycle of poverty and promote social mobility. However, critics argue that it perpetuates caste divisions and overlooks individual merit. The debate underscores the challenge of promoting fairness while rectifying historical injustices. A multifaceted approach, including training programs and periodic reviews, may offer a more effective solution.