Latest news with #Indo-European
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov launches Stanislav Kondradhov Oligarch Series
Entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov launches his new editorial project, Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, which focuses on the evolution of the concept of oligarchy and its modern implications. Lugano, Switzerland, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series is the name of a new editorial project created by Stanislav Kondrashov, entrepreneur and civil engineer. The series focuses on the figures of oligarchs and their historical significance, analyzing in detail their origin and evolution over the centuries. Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series The series is interdisciplinary and approaches the topic from different points of view. Stanislav Kondrashov's Oligarch Series analyzes the word "oligarchy" from the perspective of political science, philosophy, history, and entrepreneurship, offering the reader insights and food for thought that simultaneously embrace the historical roots and modern implications of a concept that, even in these years, continues to arouse keen interest. One of the analyses included in the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series focuses on an unusual and often overlooked aspect: the use of the word oligarch in its feminine variant. In the article, Stanislav Kondrashov argues that this term, although it can be declined in the feminine in most Indo-European languages, is almost always used to describe men who have amassed wealth and who hold a certain amount of power. Women who have achieved such a status, although they are increasingly present in the universes of industry, business, and politics, are, in fact, defined differently, with expressions very different from those traditionally used to describe men. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, the factors that continue to fuel and support this curious habit are cultural, social, and linguistic. One of the main ones, as mentioned in the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, has to do with the strength of the archetype linked to the oligarch, which in the collective imagination continues to be associated only and exclusively with male figures. In another article included in the series, Stanislav Kondrashov focuses instead on the nation that gave birth to the concept of oligarchy: Greece. The concept of oligarchy was, in fact, of fundamental importance in the historical and political path of ancient Greece, determining a transformation that profoundly changed the social and governmental structures of one of the most important world centers of antiquity, the cradle of political ideas and concepts that still resist today. As argued in the analysis, the concept of oligarchy began to form when an epochal transition occurred, that is, from hereditary aristocracy – based on membership in a particular family or military valor – to a new system of government based primarily on the wealth and influence of a small number of people. This transition did not only determine a political transformation, as Stanislav Kondrashov states in the analysis but also brought about a gradual change in the perception of the fundamental values and particular structures that were to form the basis of the political institutions of ancient Greece. However, the concept of oligarchy is not only of interest to historians. This idea has profound modern implications, and political science clearly demonstrates this. Over the years, this discipline has devoted ample space to the study and interpretation of the concept of oligarchy, seeking to investigate its relationships with those who hold power, its strategic role in determining certain decisions, and its specific weight in terms of influence. All these themes are discussed in another chapter of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, in which Stanislav Kondrashov focuses on the presence of oligarchic figures within various state and political structures, dwelling in particular on the very essence of their role. In the approach of political science, in fact, the concept of oligarchs is not so much linked to political structures and various government institutions but to the control mechanisms controlled by those individuals - always in a restricted group - who seem to hold power in a given historical phase. Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series delves into these particular aspects with precision, clarifying the importance and influence of elite circles. One of the most interesting analyses, among those included in the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, is the one that focuses on the evolution of the concept of oligarchy over the centuries. In this article, Stanislav Kondrashov traces the genesis and the first significant moments of this important concept, highlighting particular dynamics that seem to be curiously similar to those we witness in our times. One of the most interesting aspects, in this regard, is that oligarchy has always demonstrated a surprising ability to adapt to the changed social, political, and economic conditions in which it has found itself operating. From ancient Sparta to Silicon Valley, the basic idea has always remained the same, but it has continuously evolved. In his analysis, Stanislav Kondrashov focuses precisely on the means and tools that have allowed small groups and elite circles to continue to maintain large amounts of power in their hands. The article traces the fundamental stages of the evolution of this concept, also focusing on the Middle Ages, the period of the Industrial Revolution, and the contemporary era. Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, with its first ten analyses, proposes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and deepening the oligarchy, a concept that - despite having thousands of years of history - continues to generate concrete and clearly visible effects even today. Visit all Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series analyses: For more insights and content from Stanislav Kondrashov, visit About Stanislav Kondrashov: Stanislav is a dedicated writer, consistently exploring subjects with depth and nuance. Stanislav's approach to sharing his experiences is a testament to his commitment to unveiling the stories and philosophies shaping our world. Furthermore, Kondrashov is a world traveler who appreciates every location's natural wonders. In his travels, Stanislav refined his interests and learned about his passions: architecture, art, history, and local cuisines. Stanislav values connection- both familial and civic. Social Media and other related links: Twitter Facebook YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Media ContactCompany Name: Stanislav KondrashovEmail: press@ Disclaimer: This content does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation of any security, product, or service. Furthermore, nothing in this press release should be interpreted as a suggestion to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to participate in any specific investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to assess the suitability of any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction based on your individual objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Please consult your financial advisor, attorney, or tax advisor for guidance on your specific financial, legal, or tax situation. For more information, contact brandnewsproject@ Sign in to access your portfolio
India Today
6 days ago
- India Today
Hospitality Flying solo
The power of one has definitely magnified its heft beyond sloganeering to become the unofficial tagline for solo travellers. Apart from glorifying the spirit of rugged individualism, those in the travel trade are recognising this as a reigning trend. In fact, some hotels have even started offering special packages. 'We've seen a heartening rise in solo travellers, particularly women, seeking meaningful, restorative experiences over the conventional. It's a trend that inspires us deeply and reinforces our commitment to creating personalised journeys,' says Louis Sailer, Senior Executive Vice President of The Imperial New Delhi. The Imperial has recently launched a thoughtfully crafted programme called Solo Sojourn for those who seek a spontaneous escape. This stay experience is designed for free spirits and is age and gender agnostic. 'Whether you're in need of a quick reprieve or a moment to reconnect with yourself, our sanctuary offers elegance, history, inspiration, and comfort, all aimed at igniting your sense of adventure or repose,' adds Sailer. The Imperial offers an expansive collection of Indo-European art.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NIT-C joins HERITAGE Network, signs MoU with European institutes
The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT-C) has established a series of high-impact partnerships with premier European institutions by signing MoUs with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin), in addition to its induction into the HERITAGE Network, an Indo-European network of 30 leading technical higher education institutions involved in joint collaboration. A press release issued here on Friday (May 23) said that a team led by NITC Director Prasad Krishna, which visited the European institutes, also held discussions with representatives of the University of Amsterdam and the University of Groningen on fostering academic and research collaborations, as well as prospective student exchange programmes. The institute also explored cooperation in semiconductor packaging research with the Chip Integration Technology Center (CITC) in the Netherlands. These emerging partnerships align closely with several national research and development missions, particularly in advanced electronics and high-tech manufacturing. 'Our partnerships are not just institutional, but generational. They offer the youth of India a chance to access the world, and just as importantly, bring the world to India,' Prof. Krishna said. The election of NITC to the HERITAGE Network during its General Assembly on May 14 at TU Dresden was a significant national achievement. By joining HERITAGE, NITC paves the way for deeper integration into international consortia, thereby enhancing India's academic soft power and creating robust opportunities for Indian students in joint degree programmes, research fellowships, and global internships. The network brings together premier institutions from India and Europe, fostering academic synergy in science, engineering, technology, and design.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
‘Some suggest we might lose a quarter of all living languages by end of the century': Author Laura Spinney
Eight billion people speak roughly 7,000 languages worldwide. These languages are grouped into about 140 families, though most spoken ones belong to just five major groups: Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, Niger-Congo, Afro-Asiatic, and Austronesian. However, Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Old Norse, and English all trace their roots to a much older tongue: Proto-Indo-European, combining proto, meaning 'first,' with Indo-European, the name of the language family it spawned. It is this language that forms the subject of author Laura Spinney's latest book: Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global (2025). According to Spinney's research, Proto-Indo-European was originally spoken by just a small group living near the Black Sea. Around 5,000 years ago, their language began to spread rapidly in all directions, fragmenting as it went. This linguistic expansion of Indo-European languages, which Spinney likens to a 'Big Bang', is central to her newest release. In an interview with Spinney discusses the inspiration behind her book, the significance of the Black Sea region and its early technologies, and the implications of a world shifting toward monolingualism. Edited excerpts: Q: What drew you to a topic that is both so weighty and widely debated? Spinney: As a science journalist, I have always been interested in language, though in the past my focus was more on its neuroscientific and psychological aspects. I became aware that the story of the Indo-European languages had been transformed by the ancient DNA revolution — which might sound surprising to those unfamiliar with this story. But the first of those languages died before they could be written down, so historical texts are no use to us when it comes to probing their origins. We call the common ancestor of the Indo-European languages Proto-Indo-European. It was the language of people who never saw their names written down. The reason that ancient DNA is so useful in this context is that, along with archaeology and historical linguistics, it can help us identify the probable speakers of Proto-Indo-European and trace them through time and space. Since migration is thought to be a major, if not the main, driver of language dispersal and change in prehistory – before writing – information about how those people moved is invaluable. Q: How central was the Black Sea region to the origins of the languages many of us speak today? Spinney: I think the consensus among experts is that the Black Sea region is where these languages were born. The language I describe as Proto-Indo-European in my book is the parent of all living Indo-European languages, as well as many that are now extinct. I make that clarification because there is an ongoing and often intense debate about what came before Proto-Indo-European — since no language appears out of nowhere. The general idea is that Proto-Indo-European, as I define it, was a language that emerged on the steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas around 5,000 years ago. The debate centres on where the parent of that language was spoken, and when. Again, while much less is known about that earlier stage, the prevailing view is that it was still spoken somewhere around the Black Sea — possibly in the Volga steppe, or south of the Caucasus in the Armenian highlands. So, whether you are talking about the earlier or the later phase, the Black Sea region remains the focal point – the cradle in which these languages were born. Q: We do not often think of technology and language as connected, but how deeply intertwined are they? Spinney: I think we do not automatically see language and technology as related, but it takes just a moment's reflection to realise they clearly are — because people talk about what matters to them. They move and interact to trade in what they value. Around 6,500 years ago, in the Black Sea region, trade in copper was thriving. Copper was the first metal humans worked with, marking the start of the Copper Age. People were trading copper across the Black Sea and beyond — it was smelted in the Balkans and transported deep into the steppe, for example. Many societies around the region became involved. To begin with, those societies would have had no common language. There's no known example in human history of people trading in high-value goods without a common language. In such situations, people tend to develop a lingua franca — a shared language for commerce — and they do so surprisingly quickly. The term lingua franca comes from a later example spoken around the Mediterranean, but many experts believe a lingua franca emerged around the Black Sea during the Copper Age, and that an early Indo-European language contributed to it. Q: Would you say English is the global lingua franca for trade today? Spinney: Yes, English is definitely a lingua franca — the first and arguably the only global one, for now. Of course, that could change. People often assume language is fixed, but that's not how it works. If the geopolitical, demographic and economic situation changes, English could forfeit its dominant position in the world. Still, for the moment, English is the most widely used lingua franca. It is not the only one —Swahili and Lingala are major lingua francas in Africa, and Malay plays a similar role in parts of Asia. So, there are many, but English is currently the most prominent. Ultimately, language is a tool — possibly humanity's oldest — and we use it to create opportunities, improve our lives, and connect with others. That is why it is always changing, adapting through the brains and mouths of its speakers. Q: How essential are genetics and archaeology in tracing linguistic history? Spinney: Historical linguists have spent hundreds of years reconstructing language family trees, mainly by comparing living languages and historical ones — like Sanskrit, Ancient Greek, and Latin. They analyse vocabulary, sound, and grammar to understand how languages are related, what they share, and how they diverged from a common ancestor. However, they can only determine the relative chronology of events in a language's life. To anchor those events in chronological time, they rely on historical texts where those are available. If they are not, which is the case by definition in prehistory, they must turn to archaeology and genetics to understand who was alive and what was happening in the world. Archaeology provides critical insights by examining material culture. It reveals who lived when, where, and how, as well as their relationships to other societies, with tools like radiocarbon dating helping to establish timelines. This is invaluable for understanding the lives of ancient people, often in ways that written texts from later periods cannot. Genetics, particularly ancient DNA, offers a means of tracing ancient migrations and relationships. While we could previously track migration patterns through modern populations, we could only do so to about 10 generations or a couple of centuries back. Ancient DNA allows us to understand, in quite a detailed way, what was happening long before that. Since migration is such an important driver of language change and dispersal, knowledge about ancient diasporas is a game-changer in the study of prehistoric languages such as Proto-Indo-European. Though archaeology, genetics, and linguistics do not always align perfectly, their collaboration is powerful. Each discipline provides independent data, allowing for cross-referencing and strengthening the conclusions we draw. Q: Is language loss a phenomenon unique to modern times? Spinney: No, though the phenomenon looks different now. Starting in the Neolithic, after the invention of farming, populations grew because they were able to feed more people in a given area. As populations expanded, so did their languages. Dialects formed, and many eventually became distinct languages, leading to the birth of major language families still spoken today. In total, there are roughly 140 language families, with Indo-European being the largest. With the advent of writing and the rise of early states, about 5,000 years ago, those states typically chose one language, often that spoken by the elite, to serve as the language of administration. This led to the dominance of certain languages and the decline of smaller ones. While this process began long ago, it has accelerated in recent times. Today, we are in a unique phase where languages evolve more slowly due to factors like schooling, standardised writing, and state administration. Global trade and the internet have further reinforced the spread of certain languages, with English being the prime example, pushing smaller languages to the margins. This has led to an accelerated loss of languages. Some estimates suggest we might lose a quarter of all living languages by the end of this century—numbers that are quite alarming. We are living through a period of rapid language decline, much like the ongoing loss of biodiversity. These two trends are interconnected. While language decline has always been gradual, something more significant is happening now. Q: What are your thoughts on the push towards monolingualism by governing elites around the world? Spinney: This phenomenon largely arose with the nation-state, with Europeans especially focused on imposing a single national language. This often stems from power dynamics—it's politically advantageous for those in power to create a unified sense of identity and to present the nation as a cohesive entity. A single language makes it easier to organise people, but it does not reflect the natural state of human societies. In many parts of the world, including much of Africa, stable bilingualism or even multilingualism is the norm. In theory, there is no reason why a country cannot have an official administrative language while people continue speaking their local languages in daily life. These two can coexist harmoniously. So when authorities insist on one official language, as (US) President (Donald) Trump did with his recent order that English be the sole official language of the USA, they are largely playing a game of nationalist politics. Such top-down orders can have an impact, but they are not the only factor affecting the extent to which a language is spoken. Demography, geopolitics and popular culture play a role too. As I said, language is a tool. A given language will survive for as long as it is useful. But who knows what languages will be useful in future? There is a Darwinian parallel here with biology. A diverse gene pool tends to be a good thing because it allows a population to adapt to changing circumstances. Linguistic diversity is valuable for the same reason, and unfortunately, we are losing it quite fast. Moreover, smaller languages contain vast amounts of local knowledge and history that we stand to lose. Preserving languages for research and revitalising them are distinct processes. Reviving a language requires the full support of the community that speaks it, whereas preserving it for study can be done with research investment. Both are important, but they serve different purposes. Q: How does climate change affect languages? Spinney: Climate change has played a significant role in shaping migration patterns, particularly in prehistory, and when people moved, they carried their languages with them – at least for a while. This reconfigured the linguistic landscape, such as the spread of Indo-European languages from the Black Sea region. Today, with over 7 billion people on the planet and a worsening climate crisis, it is interesting to think about how that crisis will impact our linguistic landscape. There is no evidence yet that a refugee crisis will follow in the wake of the climate crisis, and indeed, some experts say it won't happen. However, people have always moved – and if we needed proof of that, ancient DNA has provided it in buckets. The directions of flow of migrations are also shifting in interesting ways in the modern world. So I would say that migration will continue to shape our linguistic landscape, as it always has. We have to factor in other things, like the internet and schooling and literacy – things that barely existed, if at all, hundreds of years ago. It is impossible to predict exactly what the linguistic landscape will look like in 100 to 200 years, but change is certain. In fact, I would argue that the language landscape our grandchildren know will likely differ more from ours than ours does from our grandparents', which is something to think about! Nikita writes for the Research Section of focusing on the intersections between colonial history and contemporary issues, especially in gender, culture, and sport. For suggestions, feedback, or an insider's guide to exploring Calcutta, feel free to reach out to her at ... Read More
Time Business News
30-04-2025
- Time Business News
16 Fun and Fascinating Facts That Will Make You Fall in Love With Budapest
Planning your next getaway? Add Budapest to the top of your list. This city has something for every kind of traveler—bubbling thermal baths, dramatic architecture, underground caves, quirky bars, paprika-infused food, and stories that go way beyond the tourist brochures. It's one of Europe's most underrated gems, and once you're there, you'll wonder why it took you so long. From steamy spas to secret tunnels, here are 16 fun, weird, and wonderful facts that will make you want to book that flight immediately. Let's start with the nightlife. Szimpla Kert, located in the Jewish Quarter, isn't just a bar—it's a cultural icon. This quirky spot was rated the #3 best bar in the world by Lonely Planet and is the top bar in Budapest. With mismatched furniture, surreal décor, hookah pipes, and dirt-cheap beer, Szimpla feels more like a wild house party in a post-apocalyptic art gallery than a typical bar. You'll find street food stalls, live music, and plenty of locals hanging out. Trust us—you'll never forget your night here. Surprise! Budapest is the result of merging Óbuda, Buda, and Pest into one city in 1873. Originally called Pest-Buda, the name was later flipped to Budapest, probably because it sounded better. The majestic Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first to link the hilly Buda side with the flat Pest side across the Danube—and it's still one of the most iconic sights in the city. If you're thinking of exploring both sides of this vibrant city, take a look at some top-rated Budapest hotels to find the perfect spot to stay, whether you're into boutique charm or luxury relaxation. The maddening little puzzle cube that's stumped millions? You can thank Budapest for that. The Rubik's Cube was created by Ernő Rubik, a local architect and professor. It became a worldwide craze in the 1980s and remains one of the best-selling puzzles of all time. And yes, most of us still can't solve it. The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. It seats 3,000 people and was built between 1854 and 1859 in a stunning Moorish Revival style inspired by Spain's Alhambra. It's not just a place of worship—it's a moving monument to Hungarian Jewish history. You wouldn't guess it from the shiny modern stations, but Budapest's metro system is the oldest in continental Europe, operating continuously since 1896. Only London's is older. Also, a pro tip: if you're 65+ and an EU citizen, you ride public transportation for free—trams, buses, even riverboats. After the fall of communism, many buildings in Budapest were left abandoned. Locals began transforming them into 'ruin pubs'—creative, gritty spaces filled with found furniture, graffiti, plants, and weird art. These spots became hubs for artists, musicians, and partiers. Now, they're a must-see feature of Budapest nightlife. Hungarian is one of the hardest languages in the world, and it's not even Indo-European. Unlike its neighbors, it shares no real roots with Slavic, Germanic, or Romance languages. Its closest relatives are Finnish and Estonian, but even those links are distant. Linguists still puzzle over its mysterious origins. Both St. Stephen's Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building stand exactly 96 meters tall. This height isn't random—it's a symbolic reference to the year 896, when the Magyars founded the Hungarian state. No other building in the city is allowed to be taller. In Hungary, paprika isn't just a spice—it's a lifestyle. Locals reportedly consume over 500 grams of it per year, per person. While the pepper it comes from was imported centuries ago, paprika was refined and turned into a national treasure in Budapest. Visit the markets—you'll see it in every shade of red. Before Budapest became Hungary's political heart, the capital was Esztergom, a charming city on the Danube that still holds spiritual significance. Today, it's best known for its impressive basilica and as the birthplace of the country's first king, St. Stephen. Thanks to geothermal activity, Budapest is built over more than 200 caves and tunnels. One of the most fascinating is the Budavári Labirintus, a 6-mile-long cave system beneath Castle Hill. It's been a prehistoric shelter, medieval prison, WWII hospital, and Cold War command post. Today, you can tour it—torchlight recommended. Budapest is rightly called the 'City of Spas.' It boasts the highest number of thermal springs of any capital city. Iconic bathhouses like Széchenyi, Gellért, and Király use mineral-rich waters said to have healing properties. And in summer? Join a 'Sparty'—a full-on DJ party in a 100-year-old bath. Inside Gellért Hill, you'll find the Sziklatemplom, or Rock Church. Founded in 1926 by Pauline monks, the chapel is literally carved into the side of the mountain. It's one of Budapest's lesser-known religious sites, offering a quiet contrast to the city's more grandiose churches. The Hungarian Parliament Building is the third-largest of its kind in the world. And it's immaculately maintained—thanks to a team of 150 people who clean, repair, and restore everything from roof tiles (scrubbed twice a year!) to flags that are constantly inspected and replaced. Now that's attention to detail. As you wander through the city, look closely at older buildings. You might notice small round marks—those are bullet holes from the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, when citizens rose up against Soviet oppression. Many of these scars remain untouched as a quiet tribute to the city's fight for freedom. In the Buda hills lies the tomb of Gül Baba, a 16th-century Turkish dervish who died in 1541. His octagonal tomb, built between 1543 and 1548, became a place of Islamic pilgrimage and is considered the northernmost holy site in the Islamic world. It's a peaceful spot with stunning views of the city. Whether you're soaking in a thermal bath, dancing in a ruin pub, exploring caves, or reading bullet holes on centuries-old walls, Budapest reveals itself layer by layer. It's a city of contrasts—elegant and gritty, modern and ancient, relaxing and electrifying—all at once. So next time you're deciding between the usual European hotspots, remember: Budapest doesn't just tick boxes—it breaks the mold. Need help planning your itinerary? I've got you covered. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
