Current Events : E Ticketing - Indian Railways

The much awaited e-ticketing has been introduced for few New Delhi bound trains. This is certainly a boon for the urban traveller. However, I could'nt find more details as the site requires creating a username/password even to look at booking details. Hope the system works and they introduce this service on more trains.

Consequently MTNL has slashed broadband internet rates to 199 Rs per month. BSNL also has a broadband offering for 250 Rs per month I guess. My personal experience with dialup connections was pathetic, even with top providers like Tata Indicom. 2 years back broadband rates were at a staggering 900 Rs per month. The reduction in broadband prices and online train/flight reservations will definitely help the urban traveller. This will in turn hopefully lead to online vacation planning, hotel reservations etc fuelling the much needed boost for the Indian tourism industry.

And yes wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous deepavali.

Technology - Google Base

It's bieng rumored that Google plans to offer a database service where one can store and search whatever they want for free. What is google targeting now - its ebay. More details on this article. Theres a lengthy discussion on slashdot. What google is trying to do , how they'll manage to stop people from using the database for illegal materials etc etc.
So far there is no confirmation from google regarding this service but it will be interesting to watch their announcement. Yahoo must be planning something similar.

I also noticed that google has launched www.google.org as their philanthrophic arm. Theres not much information on the site other than some funds and donations made to Africa.