FOR THE GLOBAL economy, the year gone by was an unmitigated disaster, but Covid-19 did not stop capitalism from notching up a few records. In August, Amazon founder JeffBezos accumulated a record net worth of $200 billion and became richer than 140 countries. The same month, Apple crossed $2 trillion in market capitalisation.
By October, the combined wealth of dollar billionaires stood at $10.2 trillion, a 70 per cent increase over the past three years. The world’s 500 richest people collectively gained $1.3 trillion this year, with Elon Musk alone adding more than $100 billion. But, for millions of ordinary people, the year was a nightmare. Thousands of migrant labourers in India had to walk hundreds of miles to their villages. The heartbreaking picture of a father holding his child and clinging on to an overcrowded truck in a desperate attempt to reach home was a stark reminder of our unequal world. A World Bank report released in October estimates that the pandemic will push 11 crore people to extreme poverty as we say goodbye to 2020.
Two recent works stand out for their excellent research and inquiry into the ideological underpinnings of economic inequality around us. French economist Thomas Piketty argues in Capital and Ideology that, for the first time in history, the poor are being blamed for their misery. They are condemned for lack of talent, diligence and virtue, while the rich are commended for their merit and entrepreneurship.
Bu hikaye THE WEEK dergisinin December 27, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye THE WEEK dergisinin December 27, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Themes Of Choice
As Savvy Investors Seek New Avenues, Thematic Mutual Funds Are Gaining Popularity
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict