20
Aug
The World’s Cheapest Laptop
by Danielle Francis
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Get Creative, Mind and Money, Organized Aid
Image courtesy of Physorg.com
I don’t know if this is supposed to make the rest of us feel like complete imbeciles or what, but India has just come out with a $35.00 laptop. I’m calling Apple stat!
This dream project is a Linux-based touch screen device that looks to be iPad inspired without the hefty price tag. The student project turned government innovation first emerged with a composition bill of $47.00, an incredible drop from the One Laptop per Child program’s $99.00 computer system.
At first the laptop was developed for the Indian government by research teams at the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science. Now that the product is garnering so much publicity, it is already in talks with global manufacturers to begin mass production.
Once the Indian government finds a manufacturer for their product business is expected to skyrocket. The new design is just one of the latest low-cost manufacturing deals India has to offer the world. In the past few years the Indian government has released a compact Nano car for just under $3,000 U.S., a $16.00 water purifier, and a $2,000 open-heart surgery.
The most mind-blowing characteristic of the newly unveiled computer is that not only will it be profitable for investors, but it is making computer access more readily available to millions all across the globe. Falling hardware costs and intelligent design templates make such a cheap price tag a plausible idea.
The laptop doesn’t have a hard disk. Instead it uses a memory much like cell phones. The tablet design cuts hardware costs and the use of open source software adds to the savings.
The basic touch screen technology is designed with students in mind.
The project is part of an ambitious education technology initiative instated by the Indian government. They hope it brings Internet connectivity to 25,000 colleges and 504 universities so that study materials will be more accessible. The current prototype carries Web browsers, a PDF reader and video conferencing capability, along with room to add more components. It even includes a solar-powered energy saving option that is available at additional cost.
As of right now, 8,500 schools have been linked in, and nearly 500 online courses and video-based lectures have been uploaded for use on portals like YouTube. The ultimate hope is to have the product in classrooms by 2011 when the price could drop to a staggering $20. The subsequent goal is for the laptops to sell for no more than $10 each.
5
Jul
Sixty Years of Independence in India
by Danielle Francis
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Uncategorized
Image of Pratibha Patil courtesy of Akorra.com
This year India celebrated its 60th year of independence, and finally the country is beginning to deliver on its long-awaited promises.
Over the past few years the world has stood by and watched the globe’s biggest and most disorderly democracy ultimately match its political freedoms with economic ones.
With an outrageous surge of growth and wealth conception that is transforming the lives of millions as we speak, finally, after all these years India’s economic influence is beginning to make itself evident on the international stage.
As the nation recaptures the title it once held as a global-trade monster long before colonial powers invaded, it is obvious that change has come and isn’t stopping anytime soon.
Twenty years ago the rest of the world saw India as an indigent pauper. Now it is just as famous or even more so for its software engineers, Bollywood celebrities, literary masterminds and steel tycoons.
Yet there is something even more fascinating about this time in the lush land. As the people of India celebrate their 60th year of liberty the country’s first female president gleams with pride, recognizing that her influence is vital to the prosperity of her homeland.
Once thought of as a black-sheep winner, Pratibha Patil was sworn in as the 12th Indian president on July 25, 2007. For the past four years her philanthropic efforts have included secondary school and university developments in Mumbai and Jalgaon as well as the Shram Sadhana Trust which controls a collection of women’s hostels and an engineering school. Now the 76-year-old, bindi-adorned leader has furthered her agenda for the nation on issues such as women’s empowerment, modern education and comprehensive growth.
During this pivotal moment women are hoping to see many more benefits coming their way. One of India’s most vital issues lies in child mortality and increased pregnancy-related deaths. Each year millions of baby girls go missing and just as many mothers die during childbirth.
The country’s first female prime minister just may guarantee some support on women’s issues that are desperately waiting review.
A simple yet classic quotation perfect for a bumper sticker captures the feeling of excitement and promise in many parts of the large nation. It used to read, “Mera Bharat Mahan” meaning “My India is Great.” A recently restructured version now reads, “Mera Bharat Jawan,” or “My India is Young.”
28
Apr
Fundamentally Right: Education in India
by Genevieve Castonguay
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in Living Life, Making Waves, Mind and Money, Organized Aid
Image courtesy of Esatclear.ie
With a nation hosting over 1.2 billion people with one third of them under the age of 14, India only boasts a rate of 50% when it comes to children attending school. Another 50% of those who attend will drop out by age 11 or 12. Literacy is dismal at best with 35% of Indians being illiterate, the majority being women. India has taken aim at rectifying this national inequity and bridging the gap of disparities that have plagued the country for too long. A new law was enacted recently making it a fundamental right and obligation for all children between the ages of six to 14 to have access to education.
India has shifted focus in the last few years to further aim at harnessing the potential in their youth population. The social class discrepancies contributed largely to the lack of accessible education for the lower class populace and the government is striving to reduce these tensions and increase economic growth.
Since 2003, the number of Indian children not enrolled has dropped from 25 million to 8.1 million, which is a promising statistic. The significant challenge going forward is providing education for the remaining 8.1 million and making sure the tools are in place so they do not drop out without at least completing elementary education.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh publicly announced in a televised address to the nation that the law would ensure India’s future as a “strong and prosperous country.”
Now that the law has been accepted, it is important that other factors hindering the children from participating in education such as child labor are controlled and abolished. Moreover, changes need to be made on a community level to ensure parents, especially in rural areas, understand the importance of education for their youth. Previously, education would be deterred due to the high cost of supplies and the need for children to work as an additional source of income.
The law is not praised by all however, as resistance has been demonstrated by India’s private schools. According to the law, by 2011, they must admit 25% of their new students from economically and socially underprivileged groups. The private schools contend that the amendment to The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill goes against the stipulation in the constitution that allows autonomy to privately funded schools.
Despite the challenges and opposition the law is currently facing, it is a positive step in the right direction to provide the opportunity for deprived children to create bright and prosperous futures.
6
Jun
Lisa Ling: Telling the Truth you don’t Want to Hear
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in That Girl
Get ready to be impressed. Lisa Ling. She was one of the youngest reporters for Channel One News and by 25 already a war correspondent, highlighting violent sports around the world. She literally tracked cocaine processing labs, drank tea with the Dalai Lama and reported on serious refugee crises. 
Ling has reported on dozens of countries including some with the most dangerous, war torn climates: Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. She willingly addresses gang rape in the Congo to burning brides in India. She tells the stories we most desperately need to hear. In addition, she’s Oprah’s “go to girl” when it comes to capturing the stories everyone else wants to ignore, forget, or pretend don’t even exist.
Fearless and passionate, Lisa is willing to go against the grain often at the expense of her own safety. She willingly lends her voice to those whose voices have been stripped from them and she beautifully and articulately captures their stories and relays the message to those who can make a difference.
Lisa epitomizes what it means to chase down your dreams. Her compassion bleeds through her bravery and the combination is unparalleled journalism and compelling story-telling.
Strong women. May we love them, may we raise them, may we be them. Thank you, Lisa Ling, for being the definition of that strength.
Visit Lisa Ling’s blog at www.lisaling.com.
1. OBAMA IN BAGHDAD – IRAQ
Obama’s first stop in Iraq as president came at the conclusion of his first world tour as president – a noticeably different international diplomatic protocol than our former top man, George W.. Robert Gibbs, Obama’s spokesman, said this trip was mainly about the troops, to give them “our utmost respect and appreciation.” In addition Obama wanted to visit with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talibani to survey Iraq’s current political situation.
Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/07/obama/index.html
2. G20 SUMMIT FLASH MOBBING – UNITED KINGDOM
Last week the world watched as the industrial powers of our world came to together to plan our market recession exit strategy. All eyes were on London as anti-capitalist protesters clashed with British law enforcement around the streets of the Bank of England. How did they get there? You guessed it folks – our Internet favorites Twitter and Facebook! Flash mobbers, as the London Telegraph reported, use texts, tweets, and facebook to organize impromptu gatherings before authorities can block their efforts… Long gone are the days of mass pillow fights and silent discos.
Read more at www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/g20-summit/5090003/G20-summit-Protesters-use-Twitter-Facebook-and-social-media-tools-to-organise-demonstrations.html
3. EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS BRACE FOR THE FUTURE – ITALY
A powerful earthquake shook the medieval town of Aquilla in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The earthquake toppled buildings, damaged century old monuments and killed over 150 people. Many of the survivors were born and raised in the region with nowhere else to go. Rescuers set up tents, and handed out food and water to those left without homes. The panic of yesterday’s Earthquake has left survivors of the ancient town with a sense of sadness and hopelessness over the catastrophe. At the same time, many brace themselves as they begin rebuilding their lives.
Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/07/italy.quake.eyewitness/index.html
4. FLEXING SOME MISSILE MUSCLES – NORTH KOREA
North Korea sent a shock wave through out the international community this week when testing their ballistic missiles that carried a satellite into orbit. In an interview with CNN, Ex -Secretary of State Madeline Albright criticized the US for not opening diplomatic talks with Pyongyang. Perhaps they would be able to figure out what exactly they are trying to do.
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7988939.stm
5. FIDEL CASTRO ASKS HOW TO HELP OBAMA – CUBA
An engaging and energetic Fidel Castro met with a team of US congressmen. The rare meeting with the notorious former Cuban president was held in Cuba in an effort to improve US-Cuban relations. Fidel Castro publicly ceded power to his brother Raul after falling ill in 2006. However the three congressmen who met with Castro thought he was vital and asked how Cuba could help President Barack Obama normalize relations between the two countries.
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7988865.stm
6. A DESPERATE PAKISTAN CALLS FOR TRUST WITH US – PAKISTAN
President Asif Ali Zardari called for trust between the US and Pakistan in response to President Obama’s new foreign policy agenda which will involve a regional strategy to defeat rogue militants plaguing Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistani officials were also referring to recent US drone attacks over Pakistan as a violation of their sovereignty. Though the US officials said they would not hand over the drones, President Obama has planned more than $1billion of economic aid for the country over the next five years.
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7986908.stm
7. ANOTHER SHOE ATTACK – INDIA
Just as the sentence for the most notable shoe attacker was reduced, another attack was staged, but this time in India. Palaniappan Chidambaram was in Delhi when a member of the press TOSSED his shoe at the startled minister. The Sikh reporter yelled, “I protest” and off the shoe went. Officials in the room gently led him away. This appears to be the new form of political protest around the world!
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7987201.stm
photo by rob veo
1. G20 SUMMIT – OBAMA SAYS LETS STAY TOGETHER- SCOTLAND
In a pre-emptive speech, President Obama called for all the countries attending the G20 summit in April to adopt a cohesive plan to curb the current financial crisis. While most European countries are calling for more regulation and oversight, the U.S. is lobbying for more financial stimulus. The G20 summit is a group of the world’s most powerful economic countries, including powerhouses such as Germany and U.S. as well as emerging economic powerhouses such as Brazil and China.
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7921385.stm
2. DUECE BIGALO SWISS GIGOLO – SWITZERLAND
A Swiss man has been jailed for six years after trying to defraud Susanne Klatten (Germany’s Richest Woman and BMW Heiress). He extracted 7 million euros and then proceeded to blackmail her, claiming to possess a tape of her having sex with him in a hotel room.
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7931925.stm
3. ARMS RACE IN MEXICO- MEXICO’S DRUG WARS
For the past year and a half, drug cartels have been organizing themselves into powerful paramilitary forces, acquiring military grade weapons, including hand grenades, grenade launchers, armor-piercing ammunition and antitank rockets. A consultant for the Mexican mililitary says, “One group gets rocket propelled grenades and the other group has to have them.” The drug cartels appear to be taking advantage of a robust global black market and the porous borders in Central America. Some of the weapons are left over from wars the U.S. helped fight in Central America.
Read more at http://projects.latimes.com/mexico-drug-war/#/its-a-war
4. INDIA BUILDS WORLD’S CHEAPEST CAR
Indian motor company, TATA, has unveiled the world’s cheapest car in order to provide safe and affordable transportation to those who would normally not be able to afford to buy a car. The Nano starts at $2,000 but has not yet been released for purchase.
Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7957671.stm
5. THE DALAI LAMA IS DENIED A VISA – SOUTH AFRICA
The Dalai Lama was denied a visa in order to attend a peace conference linked to the 2010 World Cup being hosted in South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu said that he will boycott the conference if his fellow Noble Peace Prize winner is denied entry into the country. Many believe it is due to China’s pressure, China being South Africa’s largest trading partner.
Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/03/23/south.africa.dalai.lama.visa/index.html
6. KARZAI ISN’T DELIVERING – AFGHANISTAN
A report by British newspaper The Guardian claims the White House and European governments involved with the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan will plant a new head of the country to challenge the corrupt and incompetent government in Kabul. The figure will be a direct challenge to current Afghan president Hamid Karzai.
Read more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/22/us-afghan-plan-to-bypass-karzai
7. CLINTON PLAYS COY ABOUT IRAN
In a press conference, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton played coy with reporters when discussing meeting with Iranian delegates at a conference in Afghanistan. She called this conference an opening for Iranian delegates to come forward and play a positive role in the stability of their neighbor, Afghanistan. This marks a huge policy change for Washington since the Bush administration had a staunch unwillingness to negotiate with Iran.
Read more at http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/30/clinton.iran/index.html
photo by rob veo
See it and Read it:
It’s not everyday you see women being slapped, pummeled, and yanked by the hair by men in broad daylight. But such recent events in Mangalore, India at a bar called Amnesia: The Lounge are being justified by some groups who call the violence “moral policing.” Whether a global audience agrees or disagrees with the justification is not the biggest issue here, whether or not the world, or India in this case, is ready for the modern female, however, is.
Shri Ram Sena, a radical wing of the Hindu nationalist movement, claimed responsibility for the January 29 attacks on young woman inside and outside the bar. Several women were assaulted and two were pushed to the ground outside according to a video posted by journalists for Daijiworld, Mangalore’s first internet TV.
Kuldip Nayar, a New Delhi-based journalist and political analyst acknowledged that tradition hasn’t been entirely abandoned in India and the “class of people going to pubs, dancing, is still very small.” Isn’t a comparison with the Afghani Taliban a bit harsh for the Shri Ram Sena group? They claim to only be protecting morality, after all. But here lies the double standard.
The key component of these violent acts was that women were the main victims, not a whole “class.” The fact that the women were attacked for doing what was seen as normal in Bollywood movies suggest the society may be moving forward faster than its culture. The culture is lagging behind its so-called image. I, myself, have seen countless Bollywood movies with women drinking in a bar – Dostana and Kal Ho Naa Ho, for example. Why does pop culture promote one modern lifestyle while the public condemns it?
Nirmala Venkatesh, a member of the central government’s National Commission for Women, had a suggestion for Indian women. In her opinion, women can enjoy themselves freely, but need to “recognize societal limits,” she said.
What one can infer from Venkatesh’s response is that women in India need to maintain a balance in today’s India. Yes, the country is moving forward rapidly in one sector, but perhaps other areas like culture will take more time. The idea is valid and perhaps women should keep this in mind. After all, who is to say wanting tradition and “morality” is wrong? But why is it that throughout the world’s history, freedom for female modernization has taken extra time?
“I feel caught between two worlds,” said Tina Chopra in an LA Times article, 21, a college student. “At home, it’s the old traditional India. When I go out, it’s the new India. . . . I’m like two separate people.”
Some view the acts against women at a bar in Mangalore as solely political. Regardless, it is still telling of a gender conflict. Why was violence towards women chosen as the political act? Why were women at a bar attacked? Conservative and liberal are two ways of approaching tradition. However, when women get caught in that crossfire it reveals more than just a political rivalry, but the repeatedly told story that societies modernize before allowing their women to.