Introduces techniques for evaluating alternatives in decision making with a focus on quantitative risk analysis in construction projects. Covers probabilistic cost estimating, contingency analysis, cause-effect diagrams, FAST diagrams, decision trees, and tools like payoff matrices, Bayes’ theorem, matrix analysis, and analytical hierarchy process. Provides methods for risk mitigation through a risk analysis card game, performance monitoring, and inventory management. Aimed at graduate and upper-level undergraduate students, with practical applications for business and construction managers.

The UK and India are strengthening their trade and climate change collaboration, with significant discussions and agreements aimed at reducing emissions and boosting green investments. Key figures like Alok Sharma, Rishi Sunak, and Narendra Modi are actively involved in these initiatives. The UK aims to leverage its position as a global financial hub to support green finance and innovation in India, aligning with broader climate goals under international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

The article discusses the optimal growth rate for India's economy, arguing against both rapid and very slow growth. It highlights the negative consequences of high growth, such as inflation and social instability, using China as an example. Conversely, it points out the drawbacks of slow growth, including unemployment and social unrest. The author advocates for a steady growth rate of 5-6.5%, emphasizing the importance of balanced and sustainable development over egoistic nationalism.

Sumeru Digital and the Art of Living Foundation have launched FriendNFT, a revolutionary NFT platform, at the World Culture Festival 2023 in Washington, DC. The platform, built on the Polygon chain, aims to transform NFTs into tokens of emotional and social significance. The event, led by spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, celebrates global cultural unity. Sumeru Digital also introduced the FriendNFT App, designed to foster personal growth through social engagement. The initiative marks a significant convergence of technology, spirituality, and personal development.

India, with its large and young English-speaking population, has the potential to become a global talent hub. To realize this, the country needs to update its curricula to be more practical and industry-focused. The National Education Policy of 2020 is seen as a transformative step for higher education, aiming to make India a global study destination. The introduction of 'professor of practice' roles by the University Grants Commission and the emphasis on digital competency are significant developments. Closer engagement with industry and alumni networks is also crucial. With India being the third-largest start-up ecosystem, institutions like IIT Madras Incubation Cell are pivotal in fostering entrepreneurship among the youth.

Uncorrected refractive errors in children significantly impact their educational and psychosocial development. Despite the availability of corrective measures like spectacles, many children in India remain untreated due to lack of awareness, affordability, and cultural barriers. School-based vision screening, as part of the National Programme for Control of Blindness, is a cost-effective method but has limited coverage. A successful pilot program by DANIDA demonstrated the effectiveness of training teachers to screen for vision problems, suggesting a scalable solution. Collaborative efforts from health and education sectors are essential to address this issue and prevent the loss of potential in millions of children.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is an underutilized technology capable of providing continuous electricity and automobile fuel without toxic emissions or land use. First demonstrated in Hawaii in 1979, OTEC's potential remains largely untapped due to the significant investments required. The technology operates offshore, using ammonia in a closed-cycle engine to generate power. Hawaii's tropical location is ideal for OTEC, which could also produce hydrogen for fueling cars. The initial cost is estimated at one billion dollars for 200 megawatts, with significant cost reductions for additional capacity. OTEC offers Hawaii a chance to reduce electricity costs and reliance on oil amidst economic and political instability.

The UK-India trade relationship, valued at £25.5bn in 2019, is poised to grow with a proposed partnership aiming to double trade value by 2030. Scotch whisky, a significant UK export, faces high tariffs and taxes in India, but remains popular among India's growing middle class. The article advocates for reducing trade barriers to enhance economic benefits for both nations, highlighting the importance of Scotch whisky in the trade deal. The geographical indication status of Scotch whisky in India is also noted as a critical achievement. The text underscores the potential of the UK-India trade deal in the post-Brexit era.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is managing a severe COVID-19 crisis, while the UK, led by Boris Johnson, continues to pursue strong trade ties with India. The Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) aims to bolster UK-India trade, which was worth £25.5bn in 2019, and reduce reliance on China. The UK is also focusing on the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening relations with India, Japan, and Australia, and seeking membership in the CPTPP and ASEAN. The ETP is expected to create jobs, enhance market access, and address shared challenges like climate change.

Pakistan is engaging in sixth-generation warfare against India, focusing on psychological and information warfare rather than traditional military tactics. The article highlights Pakistan's historical use of asymmetric warfare and its current strategy to destabilize India internally. It discusses the role of non-state actors and the influence of organizations like the ISI. The piece also touches on the broader geopolitical context, including Russia and China's involvement in similar warfare strategies. The author argues that Pakistan's approach is risky and could backfire, leading to internal instability. The article concludes with a call for Pakistan to focus on internal development and peace with India.