Amit's Blog

The Revolutionary Impact of Household Appliances: India, China, ASEAN, and Africa The rise of refrigerators, air conditioners (ACs), and washing machines has profoundly reshaped lives across India, China, ASEAN, and Africa, evolving from symbols of affluence to cornerstones of modern living. Spanning four distinct eras—1960–1990, 1990–2005, 2005–2020, and post-2020—these appliances have driven social and economic progress, empowering individuals, transforming households, and fueling industries. This essay delves into their impact, highlighting inflection points for mass consumption, regional disparities, and the unique trajectories of countries like Singapore, which led adoption, and others like China, which rapidly scaled access. Backed by data, statistics, and insights from observers, it explores how these technologies enhanced health, productivity, and gender equity while posing environmental challenges. By examining their influence at individual, societal, and workplace levels, thi...

  Two Wheels, Transformative Power: The Social and Economic Impact of Motorized Bikes and Scooters Motorized bikes and scooters have reshaped India, China, ASEAN, and Africa across four eras. From 1960–1990, they enabled social mobility and economic growth, with India’s Bajaj Chetak and China’s motorcycle boom empowering millions. The 1990–2005 period saw liberalization fuel accessibility, empowering women and youth, with India’s market growing at 8% CAGR and ASEAN’s 106 million motorcycles by 2019. Between 2005–2020, urbanization and ride-sharing platforms like Gojek transformed commuting, though safety and pollution concerns emerged; China led electric vehicle production, holding 65% of the global market. Post-2020, EVs surged, with Asia-Pacific dominating the USD 70.26 billion scooter market, driven by digital integration and green policies. Africa lags due to affordability issues. “Two-wheelers are essential yet chaotic,” notes urban planner Geetam Tiwari. Backed by data and ...

Singapore: Navigating the Geopolitical Currents – A Lion City's Roar in a Dragon's World Singapore, a diminutive yet dynamic city-state, has masterfully forged a unique identity on the global stage, leveraging its strategic location and pragmatic governance. From a British colonial outpost, it has evolved into a global economic powerhouse, underpinned by robust institutions and a commitment to multilateralism. Its relationship with the U.S. military, though not a traditional "base," provides critical logistical support and access, contributing to regional stability and bolstering Singapore's security, a delicate dance in the shadow of China's ascendance. While China has surpassed the U.S. as Singapore's largest trade partner, particularly in goods, the U.S. remains a pivotal investor and services partner, highlighting Singapore's intricate "balancing act" between the two giants. This precarious equilibrium, coupled with its "thought le...