WorldSpace Invests in India

WorldSpace Satellite Radio has already invested $200 million in India and the company's CEO, Noah Samara has just announced that they plan to invest another $150 million there.

The new investment has already been earmarked for technology development and marketing in India. Samara plans to develop cost-effective products and partnerships for it's Indian clientele.

• Noah Samara: WTN Fellow, Designated Member, 2003 Award Finalist for Social Entrepreneurship
• more information: article at The Hindu Business Line

Kleiner Perkins Invests in India

Kleiner Perkins has just invested $2.7-3 million in India for an India-based online travel site called, ClearTrip.com. This is said to be the initial investment and Kleiner Perkins will gradually invest more over time. Travel start-ups seem to be part of a growing venture capital trend in India. WestBridge Capital Partners has also invested in another online travel site based there.

• Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers: WTN Corporate Member
• more information: article at Content Sutra

Richard Dawkins asks, "Is Religion the Root of All Evil?"

Richard Dawkins , the author of "The Ancestor's Tale," "The Selfish Gene," produced a television series in Britain (Channel 4) in January 2006 entitled, "The Root of All Evil?" Although he says that nothing is the source of all evil, he does say he choose the title to encourage reaction and then dialogue. Arguing that ultimately religion is dangerous because it teaches that proof is not needed to decide what is true, the show has engendered -- as intended -- much discussion. Dawkins has also been writing essays on the topic contributed to various newspapers.

• Richard Dawkins: WTN Fellow, 2004 Award Finalist for Ethics
• more information: Article at Philly.com

Gene Personalization

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has just awarded $50 million to leading scientists in Arizona for "personalized medicine." George Poste , director of Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute is one of the recipients and he is excited about the endowment. He's looking forward to conducting research for medical treatments that will be personalized on either the gene or protein level.WTN Fellow and president of the University, said, "For 65 years, David has been an inspirational leader and benefactor of The Rockefeller University. His extraordinary new gift will allow the University to continue in the 21st century its unique and highly successful approach to research that has already, despite the University's small size, brought revolutionary breakthroughs in science.

• George Poste: WTN Founding Member
• more information: article at The Arizona Republic

Energy Independence

The US, like many other countries, has become reliant on the supply of oil from the Middle East. The World needs to liberate itself from reliance on foreign energy sources, for economical as well as political reasons. Robert Zubrin feels "the key to energy independence, rather, is liquid fuel to power cars, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes." Hydrogen, however, is not a good liquid alternative. Zubrin argues that hydrogen-based energy sources would prove to be ineffective alternative sources. Alcohol-based fuels seem to be one of the best alternatives, mainly ethanol and methanol. These are now economically feasible due to the spike in gas prices. They are also environmentally friendly. However, vehicles will need to become flexibly-fueled in order to accommodate alcohol-energy.

• Robert Zubrin: WTN Corporate Member, 2005 Award Nominee for Energy
• more information: Article at The American Enterprise