The possibilities are mind-bending. Isn’t it time India started thinking seriously about being a space-faring nation?
ELON MUSK MAY have suddenly become the glamorous mascot of a new, post-Apollo space age but the fact remains that the destiny of mankind is among the stars. While many people will keep on trying to salvage what remains of Spaceship Earth from the environmental, social and political scourges that threaten it, it is but inevitable that a significant, space-faring community will emerge that will seek to live and work outside the planet—like European emigrants going to America. Are we in India ready for this? Will we just watch and cheer while others depart?—as it was in 1969 when Man went to the Moon? Or should we as a nation participate in these great voyages?
Astronomers tell us that there must be thousands of habitable, earth-like planets in orbit around various stars in our galaxy. Unfortunately, the distance between stars is so great that we have no means yet, not even theoretical ideas, on how to build spacecraft that will be fast enough to travel to another solar system in the lifetime of a human being. But travel within our own solar system is possible with technology available today. So to be realistic, let us focus on our own solar neighbourhood.
Esta historia es de la edición November 2016 de Swarajya Mag.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 2016 de Swarajya Mag.
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The Hesitant Orbit
In order to march boldly ahead into the deep space, New Delhi must work towards building a station, boost its techno-economic planning and use the Indian Space Research Organisation smartly.
Nudges And Narratives
The debate surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati brings India a complex network of portraits within a cultural world-system.
The Spell Of Specialisation
THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE NEEDS AN URGENT REJIG. THE KEY TO SPEED AND EFFICIENCY LIES IN PUTTING AN END TO A GENERALIST APPROACH AND IN GOING FOR A NEW SERVICE.
The Great Gamble
With demonetisation, the prime minister has taken a huge risk— both economic and political. He must succeed, because this move could transform both our economy and our society.
The Lies And The Truth
The government must be bold enough to up-end the activists who are coming in the way of the nation’s agricultural progress.
Figuring Out China
China’s economic footprint is being followed by its military footprint. To know that is not be belligerent but to prepare oneself adequately.
Management 108
The Upanishads Have A Lot To Teach Today’s Executives When Outcomes Are Unpredictable, Relationships Complex, And Change Is The Name Of The Game.
Sunny Days Ahead
THE NEW GUIDELINES FOR TAXI SERVICES ARE SENSIBLE, RATIONAL, AND MORE THAN WELCOME.
The Cultural World-System
Despite much talk of “soft power”, the fact is that whichever way you slice it, Indian culture fares poorly at seeking or exercising it
The Hard Way Forward
India has been focused on software, but there are large opportunities to be seized in hardware. A primer, and some busting of myths.
