Archive for 'India'

Howto: Access wifi at Delhi airport

Posted on 28. Nov, 2009 by .

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Today, I am having an hour to kill at the new NewDelhi Airport. When I booted my laptop, my laptop detected two networks. But when I connected to either, internet connection didn’t happen by default.

Airtel’s network requires you to carry a mobile phone. When you start your browser it prompts you for a mobile number. The username and password are sent by SMS. You will need these login credentials to access the internet.

I’m done. I can kill the hour now. But I wonder if this would work for international passengers.

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Notes for 2009-09-07

Posted on 07. Sep, 2009 by .

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India too needs BioPreferred labelling

Posted on 10. Aug, 2009 by .

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The US Department of Agriculture recently announced “BioPreferred : A Biobased product consumer label rule”

In principle, this is just a small step that helps the consumers make an educated choice towards consuming a product that can be sustainably produced. The idea is as simple as the red dot and green dot on the food products that help us differentiate the non vegetarian products from the vegetarian. It is a step in the right direction that puts more responsibility in the hands of the consumer.

The USDA announcement outlines the power that lies in this little idea whose time has come:

“Increasing the purchase and use of biobased products is a priority of the Obama Administration because it helps increase our nation’s energy security and independence by using American agricultural products, while spurring economic development in rural areas. Consumers want to make more informed product choice decisions and BioPreferred will help them. This label will help consumers, businesses and Federal government purchasers easily identify biobased products.”

Now, if I dont see a BioPreferred label on a pack in the supermarket rack today, I know I cant find that product on shelves if the oil/commodity prices go up in future. If every one insists on buying stuff that has BioPreferred labelling, soon manufacturers would be forced to resort to sustainable means.

It is ironical that at the beginning of 21st century our focus is shifting from industrialization back to agriculture. Nevertheless, I think the USDA has set an example for the rest of the world to emulate.

In a country like India which feeds over a billion mouths every day, the ability to see what is sustainable will make a whole lot of difference. I am hoping that the Indian Government is watching such changes happening else where and acting on it.

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