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The Geopolitics of the Flame: Supply Chains, Vulnerabilities and Power If Part 2 examined the geography through which energy flows, Part 3 examines what happens when those flows are disrupted, delayed or weaponised. Globalisation created the impression that energy flows freely across the world. The reality is more complex. Oil, LNG and LPG move through narrow maritime arteries, constrained by…

The Geopolitics of the Flame: Supply Chains, Vulnerabilities and Power If Part 2 examined the geography through which energy flows, Part 3 examines what happens when those flows are disrupted, delayed or weaponised. Globalisation created the impression that energy flows freely across the world. The reality is more complex. Oil, LNG and LPG move through narrow maritime arteries, constrained by…

If Part 1 introduced the actors, in Part 2 we examine some of the major chokepoints through which they operate—an interconnected global system where geography determines the ebb and flow of energy and trade. In the modern world, narrow waterways often become strategic valves controlling commerce, industry and national power. In an ideal world, liquids and gases, unless restrained, flow freely.…

In large systems, people often assume that extensive collaboration leads to greater efficiency. In my experience, what matters more is how effectively that collaboration is structured and managed.When multiple stakeholders are involved, there is a real risk of confusion, with different priorities pulling in different directions. This works well when the purpose of collaboration is clearly…

Part 1 Dramatist Personae – the Gases Recent events in the Persian Gulf have brought to the fore discussions on energy and by extension, fuel and gases. Though they do not figure in the calculation of core inflation, their production and supply have worldwide ramifications. It is necessary to understand what these gases are, how are they produced and supplied and their uses. Let is first…

A mother hears a baby cry when it enters the world — perhaps the most beautiful notes to her ears. We are surrounded by beautiful sounds: the purr of a pet cat, a baby’s coo, a nightingale’s song, waves crashing against rocks; regaling the symphonies of Beethoven to the taals of Tansen.  Yet it takes very little to descend into a pall of noise. The Cambridge Dictionary defines noise as sound…

Hi, I am D. Well, I could be a, b, c, d or x, since I am not lucky as humans to be given a name. Most of you are familiar with me – maybe that’s why I am scientifically called Canis Familiaris – your familiar, friendly neighbourhood dog. My antecedents go far back in time, quite similar to yours. Excavations from the glorious Indus Valley Civilisation by diligent archaeologists have unearthed a…

On our 79th Independence Day, we once again got a chance to celebrate our hard-won freedom and all that we have consolidated as a celebrated democracy. We have stood resolute in our principles and are heading towards becoming one of the largest economies in the world On this day, we are also sadly reminded on how a day earlier, a new nation was carved out of India. We know that it was Jinnah,…

By jove, they crossed four hundred

By jove, they crossed four hundredDownload

Bindusara, Bindusara, the son of a great king  Bindusara, Bindusara, the father of a greater king Bindusara, Bindusara, a ruler of glory and might Bindusara, Bindusara, preserver in his own right From his palace at Patliputra, Bindusara gazed at the yore. The vast river Ganga flowed at a sluggish pace. It was the lean season, so the channels were narrow, interspaced with vast sand formations.…

“🎵Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai, aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai” (Today is my friend’s wedding, today is my friend’s wedding)🎵” – timeless classic wedding song from a hindi movie of the 70s. She was  majestic, with a pure white coat that shone like a snow-capped mountain in the sun. Her long black hair contrasted with her pale skin. Her chestnut eyes sparkled with intelligence and kindness. She had a…

The G.O.A.T of Agriculture

Can leaders inspire ?In 2013, Late Dr. MS Swaminathan came to Myanmar for an official visit. Like most in India, I too had read about the “Green Man ” who transformed India from being food deficient to a nation producing surplus to feed its population and beyond. I assumed it would be another tick-the-box meeting with a dignitary.  Already an Octogenarian, I thought maybe Dr. Swaminathan was a…