In an election overshadowed by the Modi image, Oppositions situation isnt hopeless
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health crisis caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It affects not only the lungs but also the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to symptoms like...
Indias T20 World Cup squad- my picks
Indian Premier League has crossed the half way mark as I write this and till match no.40 in this years IPL we have witnessed 12 scores of more than 200 with 3 scores of more...
The 600,000 IT job shortage in India and how to solve it
The job market has never been a straightforward path. Ask anyone who has ever looked for a job, certainly within the last decade, and they can tell you as much. But with the rapid development...
10 Lessons from the book The Day I Die by Anita Hannig is a thought-provoking book that delves into the cultural, social, and personal dimensions of death. 1. Death as a universal experience: Regardless of...
Jack Welchs CEO factory has stopped production: Good riddance.
Yes, GE offloaded its fabled Crotonville CEO incubator. The idea of assembly-line CEOs doesn't work anymore.
Amid the election din, argumentative Indian TV debates stand out
Alas, a representative ringside view of Indian polls is impossible to get from overseas. But loud TV talk suggests that democracy alarmists should calm down and Indias electorate is more aware than it may seem.
Real costs: Why solar and wind energy are not market winners yet
Claims that wind and solar energy are now cheaper than fossil fuel-based energy are misleading as these refer to costs only when the sun is out or wind blowing but dont account for intermittency.
Patanjalis credibility crisis: A knock-on effect on the booming Ayush market?
Patanjali has hurt the industrys credibility by linking Ramdev's reputation with the company's drugs rather than offering sound therapeutic reasons for promoting those. This was not necessary
ECoR offers economy meals for passengers at nine stations in summer
Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) will provide economy meals at nine important stations across its jurisdiction in the summer. ECoR sources here on Thursday said economy meals are being provided to passengers at Khurda Road, Sambalpur, Titilagarh, Balangir,Kantabanji, Palasa, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam Railway Stations. To ensure easy access, these meals will be available []
J&K: Woman drug smuggler booked under Narco Act, 2 held in Baramulla
Srinagar: Police booked a woman drug smuggler under the Narco Act while two other peddlers were arrested with contraband substances in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district on Thursday. Police said a woman identified as Nargis Akhter, wife of Showkat Ahmad Sheikh and a resident of Shahwalayat Colony Umerabad Srinagar, has been booked under the Prevention []
11 IS militants executed in Iraq
Baghdad: The Iraqi authorities executed 11 convicts accused of being members of the Islamic State (IS) group, a security source said on Wednesday. The 11 convicts were hanged on Tuesday in the Nasiriyah Central Prison in the city of Nasiriyah, some 350 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, an officer in the prison told []
Zimbabwean president reshuffles cabinet
Harare: Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday reshuffled his cabinet, eight months after he appointed a new cabinet following his re-election in August last year. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya announced the cabinet reshuffle in a statement Wednesday and said the re-assignments and appointments took effect immediately. Mnangagwa reassigned Winston Chitando []
ISL: Mumbai City FC beat FC Goa in semi-final clash
Margao: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by 3-2 at the Fatorda Stadium here in the Indian Super League (ISL) match on Wednesday night. The Gaurs, powered by strikes by Boris Singh and Brandon Fernandes, []
AI bot evolution: Agents will be the next big thing in artificial intelligence
As we devolve agency to AI agents for various tasks, we mustnt blow the lid off a Pandoras Box. Tech companies want to keep humans in control of AI actions, but such tech can also give agents autonomy.
Indias employment paradox of the 21st century: A crackable puzzle
We saw a post-covid reversal of both positive and negative labour-market trends. How and why so? An ILO-IHD report offers clues. Hint: We had a covid backslide and surge in broadly defined self-employment.
Tesla faces an identity crisis: carmaker or tech firm?
Elon Musks fiendish conundrum
Prayer for the son didnt work for the party
Powerful state parties dominate politics in Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Telangana. Even in Kerala, the two coalitions CPM-led LDF and Congressled UDF have crafted their unique regional identities. Among southern states, Karnataka stands out with...
Markets are embracing India's PM Modi for what he wont do
Unlike 10 years ago, the Indian prime minister isnt promising major economic reforms. And that suits investors just fine.
Soak the rich? Wont help the poor
As tumbrels trundled their way to the guillotine over the cobbled streets of Paris, carrying their load of the former lords of the land, the crones who sat watching and knitting debated many things, but...
Inheritance tax was the hot button topic yesterday in Indias dynamic election campaign landscape. Sam Pitroda, chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, suggested it though the idea doesnt feature in the Congress manifesto. But it attracted...
Madhya Pradesh high court has directed a Bhopal hospital to go ahead on a case where a woman was to donate a kidney to her brother, but the hospital sought an NOC (no objection certificate)...
Written by: James Anderson Sri Aurobindo calls yog, the art of conscious self-finding. Before finding meaning and truth in our lives, we must know ourselves. This is destiny in itself. Everything unfolds from that. Destiny...
What phase 1 voter turnout says about BJPs chances at the polls
How not thinking enough has cost humans a good society
UKs Rwanda Bill: Why its a solution that doesnt work
Redistribution: A Universal Basic Income policy cant turn poverty into history
The politics of redistribution has brought various versions of a UBI into focus. While people in deprivation clearly need relief, a UBI alone cant be relied upon to make poverty a problem of the past.
Express View on UKs Rwanda Bill: Cruelty as policy
Kotak must act fast to escape RBIs cyber-risk clamps
RBI has barred Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing new credit cards and enlisting new customers through its website and app because of tech compliance failures. The private lender should get its house in order quickly.
April 25, 1984, Forty Years Ago: Government will not allow formation of Khalistan
In Karnataka, BJP thrives on the politics of fear
The BJPs ads show the partys contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law
Will Israel-Gaza war affect Joe Bidens chances of re-election to US Presidency?
Emma Shortis, RMIT University When big questions about American foreign policy collide with an election, its rarely good news for a sitting president. Like many leaders before him, US President Joe Biden has had some of these questions thrust on him, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine. Some have their origins in past administrations, such [] The post Will Israel-Gaza war affect Joe Bidens chances of re-election to US Presidency? appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Letters to the Editor dated April 24, 2024
PM Modis statements about nations resources combat brazen appeasement of Congress
No, Congress has no intention of snatching your wealth
Electioneering & political rhetoric in the 2024 national elections
The national elections are underway. Election rhetoric is at its shrillest while the quality, at most times, leaves a lot to be desired. BJP, as expected, is the most visible party nationwide while some regional...
Firming up the urban vote: What the next government can do for Indias city-dwellers
India and China: Parity within sight
A left-behind India could plausibly catch up with China as both seek an economic rebalance in the decades ahead. An Asian Century looks close.
Why all parties in West Bengal need Matuas on their side
Globalization vs democracy: The voiceless need a say
Big decisions taken by big powers like the US that impact the whole world might well be different if the millions impacted overseas also had a vote.
The Indian summer is too hot for elections
A drop in voter turnout should put soaring temperatures under scrutiny as a factor. With global warming afoot and long waits in line a given for voting, India should consider sparing its voters such discomfort.
Snooping is not a good way to keep kids safe online
We mustnt adopt child-tracking apps. These violate privacy and could even set gender parity back. We should focus instead on inculcating a fine sense of responsibility.
Bluestockings by Susannah Gibson review
Bluestockings by Susannah Gibson review JamesHoare Wed, 04/24/2024 - 09:46
Countrys prosperity depends on Modis leadership: K Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Minister and Telangana BJP President G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the indispensable role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the nations progress, stating, We cannot imagine a country without Narendra Modi. The country will develop only if there is Modi. Addressing a campaign event in Jubilee Hills, Reddy urged voters to determine the countrys []
People of Malkajgiri instrumental in Revanth Reddys PCC and CM appointments: KTR
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and former Minister K T Rama Rao (KTR) asserted that the residents of Malkajgiri have played a pivotal role in facilitating the appointments of Revanth Reddy to the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and Chief Ministerial positions. Addressing a gathering during the nomination event of BRS Malkajgiri candidate Ragidi []
Terrorism remains most serious threats of 21st century
Moscow: International terrorism remains one of the most serious threats of the 21st century, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. Of course, international terrorism remains one of the most serious threats of the 21st century, Putin said in a video address to participants in the 12th international meeting of high representatives in charge of []
Tens of thousands of people in Buenos Aires protest against govt policies in education
Buenos Aires: Tens of thousands of students and teachers have gathered in the centre of Argentinas capital, Buenos Aires, to protest against the governments policies in education, a Sputnik correspondent has reported. Protesters went to the streets of Buenos Aires on Tuesday to oppose cuts in spending for the development of universities and demand that []
When villagers kill a leopard: The need for co-existence
My Take 5 (Edition 15): The week that was in international affairs
Another week, another slew of fast-paced international stories. West Asia still bubbles. Ukraine gets a lifeline. While the much-awaited Trump trial begins. Heres your weekly wrap spanning continents: Israels counter-counter-strike on Iran: Israel purportedly...
By Chandan Gowda Couple of weeks ago, an intelligence officer admitted in private his puzzlement about the uncertain electoral outcome in every Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka. Holding out a 50:50 probability for each of...
Size matters: Reliance should lead a dividend payout boom
The companys size achievements stand outits top-line crossed 10 trillion and annual pre-tax profit 1 trillionbut its small dividends are a reminder of the low yields of Indian equity in general. Could Indias biggest business help effect a big reversal?
Hey kids, binge on sugar, no ones watching
What does Nestle adding sugar to infant milk formula sold in poorer countries, but not to what it sells in Europe and UK, really show? That corporations couldnt care two hoots about public health in...
Met has predicted largely normal weather for the 13 states/ UTs where elections will be held on April 26 in phase 2. But heatwave conditions are likely for about one third of the 89 seats,...
Express View on child care leave: Bringing up a child
The editorial Indian Express didnt write
Sensex hit a record high of 75,000 before the threat of more war clouds gathering in already embattled West Asia caused a glitch. Starting from 1979 when it originated with a base value of 100...
Best foot forward: Will local sizes help?
An Indian shoe size system has been developed by researchers after a pan-India survey that involved taking 3D scans of Indians' feet to study how they are typically shaped. Are we going to get better shoe comfort if its adopted?
Three algorithms to take you closer to bliss
By Mona Mehta Happiness may be our most sought-after goal, but for a permanent antidote to sorrow, stress and struggle, the eternal state of bliss is a better ideal to aim for. Like night follows...
April 24, 1984, Forty Years Ago: JKLF Attacks Ganjoo
Lessons aplenty for future TN campaigns
With Tamil Nadu voting for all its Lok Sabha seats on April 19, the curtains have come down on the short campaign in the state. The four-cornered race was dominated by the three major fronts: the DMK-led INDIA bloc, the AIADMK alliance and the BJP front. While the fourth party, the NTK, has its own following, its candidates are not expected to win any seats. The DMK front was expected to benefit from a split in opposition votes after the AIADMK parted ways with the BJP late last year. The BJP went into the election seeming confident at having usurped the AIADMKs space as the principal opposition party. However, by the end of the campaign, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had spent the past few years resolving a leadership tussle within the party, reasserted himself and his party as a force to reckon with, a reminder to the saffron party that the AIADMK would not so easily cede its space. Despite getting off to a rocky start in terms of stitching together an alliancethe BJP swept up the PMK, which has a significant vote share in some parts of the stateand lacking many star campaigners, EPS campaigned tirelessly while the partys ground workers covered the last mile. The latter appeared to be a weakness in the BJP campaign, which relied on big-name leaders including Narendra Modi, who has visited the state at least 10 times this year. The high-voltage campaign, a first from the BJP in the state, signalled TNs importance to the party. However, the party still seems to find trouble in singling out issues that can connect with a broad range of voters; its Katchatheevu gambit, for instance, fizzled out with little impact. Still, in K Annamalai it appears to have found a leader attractive to younger voters and with a willingness to play the long game in building the party in the state. As for the DMK alliance, the race might be closer than most expected in at least a few seats. The campaign tapped into voter frustration and a simmering mood of anti-incumbency against DMK government. To retain power in the 2026 assembly elections, the party will have to immediately embark on course correction and address key concerns flagged across the state.
Masala recall again exposes failing quality control
There is understandable heat over the recent bans by Hong Kong and Singapore on a slew of spices and condiments exported from India. The Hong Kong food regulator, on a random inspection, discovered high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide in several mixes of well-known brands MDH and Everest. It told distributors to recall those products and stop further imports. Subsequently, the Singapore Food Agency directed a local distributor to recall Everests fish curry masala. Following these embarrassing bans, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rushed to close the barn door after the horse has bolted. It commissioned quality checks on MDH and Everest spice mixes to determine whether they have carcinogen traces above permissible levels. Unfortunately, the damage has been done. Checks to enforce quality and safety must be done before and not after products are distributed. After the tragic death of more than a hundred children in Gambia, Uzbekistan and Cameroon from consuming contaminated cough syrup imported from India, one would have expected more stringent quality control. In September 2022, there was fury in Gambia after 70 kids under five died from injuries caused to their kidneys from cough syrup exported by Maiden Pharma. The World Health Organization said the medicine contained unacceptable amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, poisonous in certain quantities. The tragedy was repeated in Uzbekistan between December 2022 and January 2023, when 68 kids lost their lives after ingesting cough syrup exported by a Noida-based pharmaceutical company. On the spices ban, one can now expect some buck-passing. The FSSAI, which is in charge of domestic food and beverage quality standards, is saying it cannot monitor export consignments. But before things slip back to normal, one should consider some important takeaways. First, despite red flags on quality standards, our regulators seem to turn a Nelsons eye once the heat dies down. Quite recently, in 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration recalled Everests sambhar masala consignments when samples were detected with salmonella. Second, when the country is pushing to increase exports to new markets, allowing a dangerous quality lapse is a huge credibility dent. Finally, if banned substances are being found in exported products, one dreads to think what is being dumped in the domestic market. Undeniably, there is a crying need to ramp up our quality control systems.
Ukraines US lifeline: Is it just a straw clutch?
The latest effort by the US Congress to channel billions of dollars in aid to Ukrainian war efforts may be adequate for now, but that cant mask the fact that Kyivs American support has been wearing out. A change in the White House may even end US aid.
Powering progress: Karnataka and Gujarat lead Indias clean energy revolution
As temperatures soar and the demand for electricity peaks, India finds itself at a critical juncture in its energy journey. The recent collaborative report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and...
India's space ambitions: Market forces are with us
Policy emphasis, coupled with enhanced geopolitical influence, could bolster our space economy after the opening up of this sector placed it on an upward trajectory.
How state-level school boards can promote educational equity
State-level curriculums should align with the National Curriculum Framework while incorporating state-specific elements, ensuring that all students receive a robust educational foundation that can satisfy national standards and suit local contexts.
Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: Why voters silence is making the BJP nervous
Earths history: Should this phase be called the Anthropocene era?
We must recognize the mark left by our species on the planet. The role we have played justifies renaming the ongoing era.
How exactly did Pakistan lose its democracy, its constitution and its independent judiciary
Illustrations of how independent judiciaries were broken, constitutions and democracies decimated is the unfortunate story of every newly independent postcolonial democracy in the world.x. Egypt, Indonesia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Syria,...
Asset tokenization can revolutionize financial systems
Imagine a common ledger for all assets that embeds the rules and assures us high system integrity. It may be hard to implement but we must strive to make it work.
Strasbourg: Unveiling a citys literary soul!
Nestled in the northeastern region of France, Strasbourg is a city adorned with many accolades. It serves as the distinguished seat of the European Parliament, graces the UNESCO World Heritage list, and in the year...
The power of a vote: Is there a link between voter turnout and progress?
The potential & problems for increasing Indias GDP growth %
The Indian election circus has come to town! Every circus brings with it some Jokers and some star performers in various acts. The Indian elections 2024 have finally drawn attention to an important economic indicator...
Its all about loving your stories
The other day, I got a phone call out of the blue from a student whom I had taught 10 years ago. I almost didnt receive the call since it was an unknown number (and...
J&K: Police booked 2 anti-national activists under PSA in Bandipora
Srinagar: Police have booked two alleged anti-national activists under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district. The duo has been identified as Ghulam Din War, a resident of Naidkhai Sumbal, and Firdous Ahmad Khan of Ward No. 6 Nebrapora Bandipora, booked under PSA for their continuous involvement in anti-national activities, police []
US to impose Visa restrictions on 13 people benefiting from commercial spyware misuse
Washington: The US is taking steps to impose restrictions on 13 individuals connected to the development or sale of commercial spyware, citing efforts to combat its proliferation and misuse, the State Department said in a statement. As part of the United States efforts to counter the ongoing proliferation and misuse of commercial spyware as documented []
J&K: 8 drug smugglers booked under PIT NDPS Act in Baramulla
Srinagar: Police have booked eight notorious drug smugglers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS) in Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district. The drug smugglers identified as Javid Mohiuddin Bhat, a resident of Allapora Karhama Kunzer, Danish Ahmad Dhobi of Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Ogmuna Kunzer, Ghulam []
Southern Command Chief visits Pangode to review Armys operational readiness
Thiruvananthapuram: Lieutenant General AK Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command, visited Pangode Military Station to review the formations operational readiness aligned with the transformational initiatives of the Indian Army. During his visit, Lt Gen. AK Singh engaged in discussions with key personnel regarding operational issues, joint training initiatives, and strategies to bolster coordination between the []
Every day Earth day: Our commitment to sustainability
Approximately 2.1% of Earths total water is frozen in glaciers. The oceans and inland seas contain 97.2%, while groundwater and soil moisture hold 0.6%. Less than 1% is found in the atmosphere, lakes, rivers, and...
Is it his skill? Or stamina? Is it his composure, that amazing ability to bounce back from losses? Heres how the 17-year-old Grandmaster won the right to challenge the world champ One statistic highlights the...
No, cloud seeding didnt drown Dubai
A warming Arabian Sea means cities around it, Dubai to Mumbai, are vulnerable to extreme weather. But whats more extreme is that govts and companies are trying to fix the weather using tech. The unprecedented...
Whats the real issue? Distribution of growth benefits post-reforms is uneven, across the board
Ideally, a high-tempo argument between BJP and opposition on distribution of state resources and wealth inequality should have been grounded in the larger question of structural issues often hidden by economic growth figures. But, what...
Muizzus majority may be a challenge for New Delhi. But selling out to China wont help Maldives Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzus Peoples National Congress securing a two-thirds majority in the archipelago nations parliament may further...
Dial Vi for revival: Its FPO was a success
Vodafone-Ideas 18,000 crore follow-on public offer got subscribed over 6 times by the end of bidding. This relieves the worry that India will end up with a telecom duopoly.
I changed political parties out of conviction
Moustachioed doodles: A woman goes snooping into bro code
What do men talk about when no woman is around, I will never know. While Jane Austen rarely wrote dialogues between men, Dorothy L Sayers said she simply assumed that men, when alone with each...
Only self-transformation can lead to Ram Rajya
By Brahma Kumari Shivani Is Ram Rajya merely an aspiration? Can we create a nation reflective of these ideals? We alone can manifest the world we envision. Sanskar parivartan se sansar parivartan only self-transformation...
What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors
Supreme Court intervenes on healthcare: Why insurance model isnt enough
