Economics plays a pivotal role in the life of any nation (and thereby influence the circumstances of its citizens), and as any ISET graduate will testify, it is hardly the simplest of disciplines. Even someone who has spent years studying the subject will find certain aspects difficult to explain to those with a limited understanding, or even stray into territory which becomes subjective and a matter of opinion.

Our dependence on smartphones can hardly be described as anything other than addictive. We invariably use them to document trips and thus to have the world at our fingertips. Though, these precious little gadgets have a dark history that we, as consumers, unconsciously support. Unfortunately, we will not be able to discuss in detail all the negative impacts within the supply chain of smartphones.

The average cost of cooking one standard Imeretian khachapuri in April 2019 varied across Georgian cities, from 3.21 GEL (the price in Kutaisi) to 3.57 GEL (in Telavi). The overall average price was 3.47 GEL, which is 1.3% lower compared to the previous month (March 2019), and 5.5% higher compared to the same month of last year (April 2018). The change in yearly terms was driven by increases in three of the core ingredients: cheese prices went up by 9.5%, followed by flour (7.6%), and butter (1.7%).

At times math teachers use a legend, “mathematics in the game of chess”, as an introduction to Exponential Functions. The original myth tells of a mathematician in India who invented the game of chess and was subsequently bestowed a vast reward for its creation. The king of India was so impressed by the game that he offered the mathematician to “name your reward!” The inventor responded, “My wish is simple.

It is always gratifying when an alumnus returns to ISET; it is naturally satisfying and pleasing for staff and faculty to hear about the successful exploits of a former student, but perhaps more importantly it is inspiring for the next generations to see first-hand what might be achieved with the right amount of hard work and dedication.