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Alphabet Inc's Google launched on October 4, 2016 its own line of new devices including the Pixel line of high-end smartphones leaving very little to imagination as to where the company is headed. In addition to Pixel, the Big G launched "Google Home" – a versatile audio system, “Daydream” – virtual reality headset, and Google-WiFi – a mesh-networking access point. Google claims that these WiFi access points, which require minimal configuration by the user, are capable of almost completely eliminating the Wi-Fi blackspots in buildings. They work cooperatively as an intelligent meshed network. To some, all this may not have been very surprising. Perhaps, what may not be very clear at first glance is the rationale behind positioning Pixel to challenge iPhone at the very top of the $400 billion global smartphone market where iPhone is now the unrivalled queen. There will surely be many die-hard Android fans who are heartily welcoming the Pixel. Without the Pi...

One stealth operation along the India-Pakistan LOC. Within hours, it is officially advertised by India somewhat hilariously as ‘historic’, as a ‘paradigm shift’, and what not. Incidentally, for the record, Pakistan insists no such 'surgical' strike took place while acknowledging clashes between the two sides along the LOC. Along with the official bragging from the Indian side, there is a well-orchestrated national chorus in India of triumphal chest thumping, blood curdling ‘victory’ celebrations, and an endless gloating of the India’s ‘invincible’ military prowess. It is as if some big sports event is on. There is no end to the praise for the ‘surgical strike’ – with and without knowing what it really means militarily. The maddening jingoism makes even rabid dogs look very docile. However, all this ‘pride’ seem totally devoid of any iota of substance. What are the ultra-national jingoists gloating about? One stealthy ‘strike’ about 1 to 3 km away from LOC within POK (well, of...