Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Power: 5 Battlegrounds by Rajiv Malhotra

I am a data scientist and working in this domain for the last 8 years. I have solved many data problems in past and I still do that. But the hard part of our job is, it removes manual labor which was there earlier. I mean every AI project we implement, we reduce our manual labor. Yes, that's true, it is a harsh reality. Those who are listening about the boom in automobile sales in the last 3 months but same time job cuts in that domain, were shocked by this contrasting behavior. My answer to those shocked individuals is AI, it's robot-driven manufacturing that is taking more space from human labor.

Through the book "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Power: 5 Battlegrounds" the author Rajiv Malhotra has provided a basic understanding of AI and how it is affected our day-to-day life. His message is clear AI revolution is going on, we already gave our consent, it's just a matter of when not how. Even if you stay away from smart mobile, you use smart TV, fridges, AC, Home devices, all such things capture your unique signature. Leave all smart devices, you may not be aware that even by recording your driving sample I can make your unique signature. Somehow statistics fits everywhere in your routing as well as your life. 

Apart from personal life, the author has also given how as an economy and country we are lagging. India was and is an IT hub, but we were so busy counting BPO income that we forgot to check innovative solutions. We seldom invested in R&D. The results are in front of us, though China is still lagging in the IT industry, they dominate the Data domain and giving tough fights to the USA. Rajiv has mentioned India need a total revolution in thought process, from politician to businessmen to data engineers to the common man.

A wonderful book even for non-data science background people. Regarding content, you can read the blurb or review of other reviewers I have given my take and added my experience with this review.

I will give 4.5 out of 5 to this book.

Book link - Goodreads & Amazon

BEYOND COVID’S SHADOW: Mapping India’s Economic Resurgence by Sanjaya Baru

I selected this book in the last week of December 2020, hoping that Covid is totally in control. Little did we knew by the end of March it would resurface with vengeance. And I finished the book during the self-isolation period.

The book is not written by one individual, rather written in parts by various domain specialists. It is a collection of articles from different domains affected by Covid. It was not an easy decision to lockdown, but when it was taken Prime minister must have consulted as many experts as possible. The book is designed such that in segments like Economy, Financials, People management during pandemic, trade policies, employment, etc. Each article gives us ground reality and how it was affected. It also covers plans or the possibility of coming out of stress. Whenever possible articles were supported by charts and tabulated results. 

My observations

1) This is not your casual read. It is full of facts and figures.

2) Technical terms are explained so not to worry

3) If you find any chapter heavy you can skip it. No compulsion in reading sequentially

4) Each author has done proper justice to their work and visible in their article.

I liked the book in bits and pieces. I am giving 3.25 out of 5 to this book.

Book links - Goodreads & Amazon

Book Review - Evolution: Decoding India’s Disruptive Tech Story by Kiran Karnik

Hardbound edition, leader-expert of the domain and title "Evolution: Decoding India’s Disruptive Tech Story" these three things captured my attention when I first saw this book by Kiran Karnik. The book promised to give the story of Evolution of technology in India. Being a post graduate of management, such books always give a kick to my enthusiasm. So I decided to pick it up. Though due to busy schedule we are almost 2 months late to post the review, they say "Better late than never". And you won't believe, when we selected this book there were no reviews. And today when we are posting our review we still don't see any substantial review. That doesn't mean the book is not good enough, I would say readers of this genre are not kind enough to leave a review.

Book Blurb

Will robots rule? Will commuting to the moon for work be routine? Are bionic beings and immortality inevitable?

Evolution addresses these issues as it traces the recent evolution of technology and its impact on daily life, on society and on countries. It looks at how rapidly-advancing technology has affected day-to-day living in areas like health, education, finance and governance. It also elaborates the emerging challenges triggered by technology: cyber security, surveillance, climate change and nuclear war.

Using his wisdom, knowledge and experience in areas ranging from space and atomic energy to information technology, Kiran Karnik generates discussion, spurs dissenting views and triggers further analysis—all originating from different perspectives, thereby helping the country to not only cope with the emerging future, but also to try shape it to the benefit of all.

Rich in its detail and insight, Evolution will take you from nostalgia to an imagined future, narrated through personal anecdotes and experiences.

Kiran Karnik is a legend, who has served in a leadership position in many flagship initiations of government. He has worked at many places as part of the change leader of Indian technological front. So I think there won't be a better person to discuss how technological evolution has changed our day-to-day lives along with our ecosystem.

The author has divided his life's observations (technological) into 8-10 segments. Each segment dedicated to a bigger domain. These domains are policies & governance, logistics, banking & finance, digitalization, globalization, knowledge. Each of them has made our life each (not at all places, we have also paid the cost of that easiness)

Our observations about the book

• Not just plain narration.
• Every page (at some places paragraphs) covers empale to visualize author's point
• Simple language and easy to follow pace
• Full informative content
• Food for thought
• Light in content - 180 pages
• Awesome cover design

A must pick up for corporate gues. A nice choice for corporate level gift or memento,

I will give 4 out of 5 to the book.

Book can be found at - Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Book Review - What The Fuq? by Rajan Bhonsle, Leading Sexologist of India

The idea of "What the Fuq" is really unique as sex education is the most ignored thing, especially in Indian society. In my opinion, there should be more books like this so when a person has some questions about certain things that they can't ask anybody else, a source like these books are really helpful. I would avoid turning to the internet which can lead to wrong information.

Book Blurb

What is it about sex, a universal biological function, that makes it so difficult to understand? As much a part of life as breathing and sleeping, it nevertheless remains a subject riddled with misconception and mystery. It binds as much as it destroys. Even today, social taboos prevent us from discussing sex openly, often leading to psycho-social and even medical conditions. 

Hence this book. Dr. Rajan Bhonsle, Senior Sex Therapist & Family Counsellor, Dr. Minnu Bhonsle, Senior Psychotherapist & Marriage Counsellor, and Dr. Aman Bhonsle, Psychosocial Analyst and Youth Coach, field a comprehensive collection of Frequently Unanswered Questions about sex. Years of research and insight into human behaviour and sexuality make this trans-generational book like none other, presented in a format that is balanced between the male and female perspectives. It offers scientific and complete answers to every possible question about the polarizing and often trivialized issue of human sexuality. 

This book is the one-stop, definitive reference for doctors, counsellors, parents, teachers, and individuals of all ages, orientations and faiths, and particularly those locked in silence. This is a book that binds us as human beings. 

This book answers the questions for parents about their child's sexuality, adolescent sexual dilemmas, queries of a teacher, questions of single man and woman, questions of man and woman in a relationship, about safe intercourse and how to achieve, and what not.

I think books like this are really important for our society. It's the lack of sex education that has lead to issues like rape, and books like this can alter that. Everything written in the book is in an easy and appropriate language. I didn't find anything vulgar in this book rather it was educational. The higher medical terminologies are not used in this book so everyone can read and understand the things written in this book.

Lastly, all I want to say if you have any questions about intercourse than you can find your answer in this book. And personally, suggest if you have questions about these things than books are more hardcore source than the internet as the internet can lead you in the wrong direction.

Ratings

1. Cover : - 3.5/5
2. Content : - 4/5
3. Concept : - 4/5
4. Overall : - 4/5

Book can be found at - Amazon Paperback & Amazon Kindle

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

BookReview - Bayoneting with Opinions by Bhopinder Singh

I was attracted to "Bayoneting with Opinions" by Bhopinder Singh while going through war-politico books on Amazon & social media. Lt. General Bhopinder Singh has consolidated current and eye-opening articles he has published over time in one book.

Book Blurb

The following collection of articles are a reflection of the unique and inspiring perspective of a soldier, who has both served in the Indian Army, and also acted as the Military Secretary to two of the foremost Presidents of Independent India – 

​ KR Narayanan and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. These articles deal with matters of a political, military, economic and psychological nature; not simply through an intellectual lens, but through the prism of experience. Interspersed with anecdotes from the personal life of the author, drawing upon all that he has witnessed, and partaken, these words take the reader through a journey filled with dragons, fighter jets, newsroom warriors, and even, Sufi saints. 

They are a celebration of the human spirit, and an invocation for the betterment of society, and the world that we inhabit. Although, the topics that find mention, are often filled with suffering and bleakness, the element of hope is ever-present. Veering away from the pit-falls of gross over-simplifications, the author delves deep into the topics he has chosen to write about, offering a nuanced and conscientious approach to a wide range of subjects. As comprehensive and varied as the topics are; they are also extremely relevant given the current hyper-nationalistic word-view. The author seeks to remind his readers about the importance of critical engagement and multiple perspectives, and appeals that the spirit of “cooperative federalism” be considered as paramount in these trying times.​

Lt. Gen. Bhopinder Singh has had multiple combat experiences & held diplomatic positions too. He has served as the Military Secretary to the president of India, Shri K R Narayanan & Shri APJ Abdul Kalam. Based on his wide experience in the army, of war & the political domain he has written numerous articles in India’s top newspapers. His articles on foreign policy, international affair, defense, governance & serious social issues are consolidated in this book. 

Talking about the depth of articles. They are pure gems. His vast experience and high position enabled him to provide insights and harsh truths. To talk about the first two sections. Articles wonderfully describe how India is placed among countries who are more cheque-book-style led. Our second biggest neighbor (Pakistan) plays cards as per their convenience and goals. How our biggest neighbor China threatens half of the world with border  issues. The book also covers how various countries fulfill their economic & political motives through international treaties & donations. 

It took an extra effort for me to digest the information & the thought process of these articles. Normally a person can read and absorb 3-4 articles in a day, reading 80 such articles required dedication on my part.

Those who love politics, diplomacy, international relations and are looking to go into Civil Services will love it. I can vouch for it. It is so revealing and informative.

We hardly understand the motive behind international politics but this book can help you understand it.  Just grab it.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover – 4/5
2. Content – 4.5/5
3. Overall – 4/5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads

Narration of Moments, Unadulterated and Unpackaged - My Jiffies

My Jiffies by Priyanka Sharma Kaintura is not a story or a plot, it's just a flow of emotions. It is not even collection of short stories, but a collection of various sentiments. Page-long narrations or poems show feeling of human hearts.

Book Blurb

My Jiffies is a book of bite-sized stories that have the influence to tug at the chords of your heart. This book has seven categories - Orations, Eclogues, Monologues and Dialogues, Stories, Pathos, Satire and Sarcasm, and finally, Life Aphorisms and Epigrams.

Every noteworthy or insignificant, radical or mundane moment around us is a story, only if watched closely. A contained expression, a slightly longer pause, an anxious embrace, expectant silence, disquiet farewell; our jiffies can come from anywhere.

This book captures a string of such jiffies reciting tacit sentiments or messages turned upside down in our everyday life.

Priyanka Kaintura has divided book wonderfully in seven segments. Each segment starts with wonderful art and few lines. Each segment has its own narration which makes us feel the emotions with which narration was painted. Segments are:

• Orations - Literally mean a formal speech. But this segment is flooded with various questions, incidents, and stories that one person can relate with day to day things. These snippets take readers to themselves and make readers ponder upon thinking process.
• Eclogues - Poems, shorter ones. Most of these poems are written as Priyanka's own feeling towards various relationships and emotions.
• Monologues & Dialogues - A very short conversation or mental note of various characters, mostly ending with thought provoking questions or line.
• Stories - Bite-sized stories as blurb mentioned, but deep in meaning. I liked nine stories that Priyanka has created in line with nine shades of Durga
• Pathos - Again short narrations/stories talk about some heart touching stories
• Satire & Sarcasm - Short tales on thoughtful topics
• Life Aphorisms & Epigrams - Poems, wonderfully penned down.

While other authors keep a theme in their mind even while writing short stories book, Priyanka has kept herself from sticking up to the single theme. Book talks about happiness, sadness, belongingness, separations, death, birth.

My Jiffies presents 150+ gems in form of words, some were portrayed as stories, while some were shown as quotes; and some were dressed up as poems.

Talking about ratings:

1. Cover: 3.5 / 5
2. Concept: 4 / 5
3. Content: 4 / 5
4. Overall: 4 / 5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart
Reviews from other readers can be found at Goodreads

The False Spy by Major Nirmal Ajwani

Memoirs or Biology are not my forte, but "The False Spy" by Major Nirmal Ajwani is a different story altogether. The False Spy is the true life story of Major Nirmal Ajwani and other military personnel who were framed under Samba Spy Scam.

Book Blurb

Between August 1978 and January 1979, in a brief span of six months, 50-odd army persons were arrested by the Military Intelligence authorities under the charge of spying for Pakistan in what eventually came to be known as the ‘Samba Spy Scandal’.

What followed was nothing less than a humiliating debacle of justice in one of the most sordid dramas of greed, intrigues, cowardice and fabrication, as the judicial bodies were plunged into a see-saw between the preposterous claims made by the MI authorities and the facts stated by the accounts of the many soldiers who were framed in this scenario.

When Major Ajwani joined the army in 1964, he had the same rosy picture of the organization being the epitome of bravery, loyalty, discipline and flawless conduct that is embedded in the minds of most Indians. The author leads us by the hand through his very first days in the army, the initial tokens of success, soon to be overshadowed by the rude awakening to the rampant corruption and deception prevalent in the organization. Almost four decades later he recounts, in an eye-opening first-hand account, the unimaginable isolation and sense of ignominy faced by those who were falsely implicated.

The story started with Major Nirmal's entry into the army and Nirmal caught a whiff of corruption in the selection process. Though Nirmal was selected fair and square but that first impression was difficult to digest for young Nirmal. He served as an artillery officer for six years; and then took a role of a judge advocate. During his tenure as the judge advocate, Nirmal's insistence towards merit-based ranking had attracted the attention of many higher-ups who wanted to settle scores with him. Luckily or unluckily major was able stay protected during those times. But his posting location and short assignment at Samba gave some people who disliked his outlook to side track Nirmal. Nirmal got trapped in a case, in which he found out there were multiple victims already caught in it.

Based on intelligence from the Intelligence Bureau of India, two army personnel were caught for spy for Pakistan. These two spies recounted their story to IB and local police authorities. They never mentioned that anyone from the army was associated with their activity. Surprisingly when these spies were brought to the Army for their court martial they started spewing out names of army personnel. In a short span of 4-5 years, they named more than 150 army personnel. Nirmal has dealt with few cases during '76 - '77 as a judge advocate. But later, he was also blamed for the same crime.

Major has collected enough proofs, court discussions, and various letters to throw light on situations face by many such victims and their families. The way they are still fighting for justice even after serving their punishment shows perseverance of the Major and other victims. They are fighting for their pride, which was robbed from them. I am at a loss of words at the amount of effort being put in so they can clear their name and this book is written in the  hope that they will be able to gather enough support from people.

Other Interesting articles on the same topic:

• Samba Spy Scandal - Article on Rediff
• Samba Spy Scandal - Article on Indian Express
• Samba Spy Scandal - Article on Mid Day
• India Today - Samba Spy Case Takes Dramatic Turns

Talking about ratings:

1. Cover: 4 / 5
2. Storyline: 3.5 / 5
3. Content: 4.5 / 5 
4. Overall: 4.25 / 5

Book can be found at Amazon & Flipkart

Reviews from other readers can be found at Goodreads