Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates' recent comments during a podcast appearance with internet entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and podcaster Reid Hoffman have sparked controversy, particularly among Indian commentators, after the tech mogul described India as a "laboratory to try things".
Gates' remark, intended to underscore India's role in global development efforts, faced swift backlash on social media, where many criticised the choice of words as inappropriate and patronising.
During the podcast, Gates remarked, "India is an example of a country where there are plenty of things that are difficult - the health, nutrition, and education are improving, and they are stable enough and generating their own government revenue enough that it's very likely that, 20 years from now, people will be dramatically better off. And it's kind of a laboratory to try things that, when you prove them out in India, you can take to other places."
This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Banking liquidity surplus hits ₹1 trn
Gets boost from govt spending, RBI swaps
Will seek funds for MGNREGA if budget falls short
Schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) are demand-based and if the allocated budget falls short, more funds are sought from the finance ministry based on state demands with continuous revisions made accordingly.
Capex slows on underspending by DoT, reduced state transfers
The slowdown in central capital expenditure (capex) can largely be attributed to underspending by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) due to the pending equity infusion into Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL), reduced transfers to states from the Centre, and underutilisation of funds held by the Department of Economic Affairs, according to data from the Controller General of Accounts.
Revenue secretary cautions officials on high-pitched notices
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra on Wednesday told officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to nab the masterminds behind smuggling rackets, but keep the interest of the economy in mind before issuing high-pitched notices in commercial fraud cases.
Banks flag FIR delays, seek case update
Demand faster case resolutions, amendments to safeguard officials from post-retirement prosecution
DoT calls for telecom PLI expansion
India has achieved 60% import substitution in products under this scheme
Oyo enters UK, UAE with luxury brand SUNDAY
In a bid to expand its premium property portfolio overseas, SUNDAY, a luxury hotel brand owned by OYO's parent firm and SoftBank Group, has opened its first properties abroad in the UK and UAE, OYO said on Wednesday.
Vodafone to sell 3% stake in Indus Towers for ₹2,840 cr
British Telecom giant Vodafone PLC will liquidate its holdings in mobile tower infrastructure company Indus Towers, selling its remaining 3 per cent stake.
PhonePe eyes replicating UPI success via diversification
Fintech major PhonePe is strengthening its presence across key financial verticals—payments, lending, insurance, and wealth management—as it aims to replicate its success in the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) space across other domains.
Akasa Air seeks DGCA exemption from fog mandate
Akasa Air has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to exempt it from deploying CAT-III trained pilots on flights to and from two major fog-affected airports, Kolkata and Bengaluru, for specific periods, since there is a shortage of such pilots in its roster, sources told Business Standard.
