In a thought-provoking discussion, Guy Scriven, Technology editor at The Economist, delves into Amazon's 30-year journey from humble beginnings to a retail giant, highlighting the balance between consumer convenience and worker rights. Lena Shipper, South Asia bureau chief, sheds light on the explosive protests over cheating in India's university entrance exams, revealing the societal implications of educational scandals. They also discuss the durian fruit's rise as a geopolitical tool, showcasing its unexpected influence on international relations.
Protests in India highlight the importance of education in social mobility.
Durian, a smelly fruit, has become a geopolitical tool through rising affluence in China.
Deep dives
Scandal in Indian University Entrance Tests
Widespread cheating in India's university entrance exams has sparked protests and controversies, leading to concerns about social mobility. The Indian government faces its first major scandal over irregularities in the exams, affecting millions of students. Anti-corruption agencies are investigating exam leaks and arrests have been made across various states, raising questions about the integrity of the exam system and its impact on students' future opportunities.
Amazon's 30th Anniversary and Innovations
Amazon, celebrating its 30th anniversary, has transformed industries with online shopping, cloud computing, and AI technologies. The company's market value exceeded $2 trillion, making it a major player in online retail, advertising, and cloud services. Amazon's success lies in its customer-centric approach, continuous innovation, and significant investments in research and development. Despite its growth, challenges related to workforce conditions and potential regulatory scrutiny regarding monopolistic practices persist.
Durian's Popularity Boom in China
The durian fruit is experiencing a surge in popularity in China, driven by rising affluence and changing consumer preferences. China's growing middle class is willing to pay high prices for imported durians from Southeast Asia, considering them a luxury status symbol. Increased access to durians from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia has fueled demand in China, strengthening economic ties and strategic relationships with durian-exporting nations.
It has changed our lives and become one of the world’s most valuable companies. As Amazon turns 30, what comes next? Education is key to social mobility in India, so protests have erupted over widespread cheating in university entrance exams, presenting Modi’s new government with its first scandal (8:52). And why durian, a giant smelly fruit, has become a geopolitical tool (15:53)