The American economic response to the COVID-19 crisis has been lauded by many on the world stage, but what exactly are the implications of their ambitious stimulus package? America has spent or plans to spend roughly 7% of their GDP in stimulus to revive their economy, similar to many packages being discussed here in IndiaContinue reading “America Can Print More Money (And Get Away With It)”
Monthly Archives: August 2020
Axe the Tax? A Dummy’s Guide to Tax Policy During Crises
According to the best estimates, 120 million people in India have lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, and nationwide lockdowns, with many more facing severe pay cuts. Right now, resources are scarce, especially financial resources. Families have to make compromises and huge lifestyle changes, and when each rupee makes a hugeContinue reading “Axe the Tax? A Dummy’s Guide to Tax Policy During Crises”
How to Fix American Democracy? Allow Ranked Choice Voting to Disrupt the Two-Party System
As another election cycle approaches for the US Presidential elections, and candidates from both major parties remain largely unsatisfactory to the electorate outside of their own voter bases, the perennial question persists, whether or not a third party candidate can successfully run for President of the United States and win? Regardless of one’s political leaning,Continue reading “How to Fix American Democracy? Allow Ranked Choice Voting to Disrupt the Two-Party System”
Pastimes, Passed Time, and the Past: Life During Lockdown and Our Perception of Time
“Everyone is unique.” We’ve all heard this feel-good mantra, and recognise those little details that shape the ways in which, we think, feel and speak, all of which indeed do make us unique. However when considering our individuality a little more deeply, we may come across certain ideas which shift our understanding of all humanContinue reading “Pastimes, Passed Time, and the Past: Life During Lockdown and Our Perception of Time”
P-hacking: How Statistical Manipulation Leads to Bad Science
Scientists have a perverse incentive to publish scientific papers (regardless of their validity) because it is the only major benchmark through which they can receive grants and build reputations. But, in order to publish one’s academic research in official scientific journals one must have novel, original, and unexpected findings. These incentive structures of scientific journalsContinue reading “P-hacking: How Statistical Manipulation Leads to Bad Science”
Realism, Idealism and The Reagan Doctrine: Israel-UAE Peace Is Realpolitik Backlash to Oppose Iran
Last week on Thursday, August 13th, a historic accord was signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, mediated by the United States. As a result of the accord negotiated by the Trump Administration, the UAE became the third Arab nation after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994 to fully normalise relations with Israel,Continue reading “Realism, Idealism and The Reagan Doctrine: Israel-UAE Peace Is Realpolitik Backlash to Oppose Iran”
The Ventilator Crisis: Survival Through Lottery?
When we strip ourselves of emotion, thought, technology, language, culture; everything that separates us from even our most intelligent primate cousins, we are left with a shared primitive intuition; the survival instinct. Ultimately, everyone must fight for survival in different ways, and seek social status due to the social Darwinism inherent in society. It’s aContinue reading “The Ventilator Crisis: Survival Through Lottery?”
The Simulation Hypothesis: Is It All Real?
The idea that everything you can touch, all the people you know, every memory, every experience, every sensation you’ve ever had, is all merely a part of some simulation, is an extremely disconcerting proposition to say the least. But, does this crazy idea supported by everyone from Elon Musk to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson haveContinue reading “The Simulation Hypothesis: Is It All Real?”
3 Fantasy Book Series That Will Change Your Life!
Do you remember the lessons your parents taught you as a child? Not on science, history or math, but on values and morals? They read you those fairy tales, fables and books, always with a wholesome message in the end. But did you ever grow out of them? Are these stories still relevant to youContinue reading “3 Fantasy Book Series That Will Change Your Life!”
The Joy of Tragedy
While hunting for something to read a few days ago, I came across what seemed to be quite an interesting novel—A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. Reputed to be one of the “most depressing books ever,” it seemed to come with a promise to shock the reader with its dark themes and painfully descriptive writing.Continue reading “The Joy of Tragedy”
The Candid Contrarian 