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India faces a critical juncture as powerful AI models are restricted by the US. This move impacts the security of India's digital infrastructure. The nation must prioritize developing its own AI capabilities and ensuring sovereign control over its technology.
Put a freeze on extreme heat: Why India needs more than just heatwave warnings
India faces severe heatwaves. Dangerous heat now affects large areas with little relief. This crisis demands action beyond meteorology. Heat resilience needs to be integrated into daily governance. Public infrastructure like shade and ventilation is crucial. Dedicated public finance is required for cooling solutions. Heat is now a fundamental development issue for India's public safety.
Markets ride the 'Trump Put' as TACO trade gains ground
Under Donald Trump's administration, the financial landscape has been anything but stable. Traders have learned to navigate through his tariff strategies and comments regarding the Iran conflict, identifying consistent trends in the markets. This has led to dramatic shifts in stock prices and currencies, opening up opportunities for those skilled in derivatives trading.
Five reforms India needs before the next shock
India faces economic vulnerabilities from external crises. Five reforms are proposed to build resilience. These include reducing gold and crude oil imports, attracting stable foreign capital, curbing tax demands, fixing GST litigation, and boosting R&D investment. Implementing these changes will strengthen India's economic future.
Gold rush missed: Can India dig its way out of import dependence?
India's significant gold imports, exceeding 800 tonnes in 2024 while producing only 2 tonnes, highlight a missed opportunity. Learning from China's efficient domestic production and exploration excellence, India could revive its gold mining sector. This requires foreign capital, technology, and investor protections like Bilateral Investment Treaties to attract necessary investment for discoveries.
Why the world is betting on China again, and what India must do about it
China's business environment prioritizes market share with strong government backing. The nation has shifted to high-quality, high-speed production. This ascent, driven by plans like 'Made in China', faces future challenges from debt and demographics. India can learn from China's execution while leveraging its own strengths. The time for India to act is now.
Stuck in acres of mediocre: External shocks expose India's slide into middle-income stagnation
India's economy is experiencing a slowdown. High growth and low inflation mask underlying issues of weak demand and poor productivity. This situation is pushing India towards a middle-income trap, a path previously taken by other nations. External shocks are highlighting structural weaknesses like jobs and wages crises.
When environmental rules stall housing, not pollution
India's environmental clearance process often delays urban housing projects, raising costs and slowing jobs without improving protection. A risk-based system could speed low-impact projects while safeguarding sensitive areas.
India's diaspora knows its growth story best. They must utlise GIFT City route to stay invested
India's economy is transforming, offering opportunities for Non-Resident Indians. Despite rupee depreciation, an undervalued currency presents potential gains. Reforms and domestic demand drive growth. GIFT City provides a simple, tax-efficient way for the diaspora to invest in India's future. This allows NRIs to participate in India's progress from anywhere.
MoU is less: Trump's birthday breakthrough has strings attached
A deal is reached between Donald Trump and Iran to end the war. A 14-point memorandum of understanding will be signed, followed by a 60-day ceasefire. Negotiations will cover Iran's nuclear program and other critical matters. This development follows numerous attempts and international mediation. The agreement aims for a permanent end to hostilities and sanctions relief for Iran.
US actions are testing global limits. Iran deal, Indian sailor deaths, G7 summit divisions and tech export bans are among the top examples of this. Trying to force compliance without collaboration is weakening US influence. This approach is causing friction and raising trust issues.
China's subsidy edge poses biggest challenge to Make in India
As Indian manufacturers navigate the challenging waters of global trade, they find themselves increasingly overshadowed by Chinese businesses that enjoy significant state backing. An OECD report underscores the disparity, revealing that Chinese firms are often recipients of extensive subsidies, tax incentives, and affordable credit, which gives them a much-needed edge.
What Maruti-Suzuki can teach India-Japan
The Maruti-Suzuki collaboration brought global manufacturing to India, democratising transportation and boosting the middle class. This partnership provided advanced Japanese technology and developed India's industrial capabilities. It created a world-class auto ecosystem. Maruti-Suzuki's success offers a blueprint for future India-Japan collaborations, like in the semiconductor industry.
Tech denials come home: The Anthropic shock is Indias wake-up call
The US government has restricted access to advanced AI models, impacting even its own engineers. This action highlights conditional trust for partners like India. The move prompts global efforts to build independent AI capabilities. India must leverage its talent and diverse partnerships to avoid single-point dependency.
India's FTAs: A trick for foreign investment or a shield for local jobs?
India is actively pursuing Free Trade Agreements to boost market access and shield its businesses. These pacts target complementary economies, aiming to secure a level playing field for Indian exporters. FTAs also focus on services, talent mobility, and investment. Modern trade dimensions like technical barriers and environmental standards are addressed.
The US government's export control order on Anthropic's advanced AI models, blocking non-American nationals, highlights a long-standing Indian pattern of adopting foreign technology without developing indigenous alternatives. This kill switch event underscores the vulnerability of nations dependent on foreign tech infrastructure, urging India to prioritize strategic autonomy and build its own AI capabilities.
With war now football by others means, be prepared for new World Cup champs
The World Cup faces political challenges. Visiting teams, especially Iran, encounter travel restrictions and potential discrimination. The tournament's integrity is questioned amidst these controversies.
Where the past curls up everywhere: A Balkan journey through time and memory
Exploring the Balkans is like stepping into a living museum, where the aroma of tobacco and traces of post-communism paint a vivid portrait of yesteryears. The charm of cities such as Tirana and Prizren beckons travelers to reminisce, as each monument and street name serves as a bridge linking modernity with historical significance.
Diljit Dosanjh's 'Morni' and the gender bias of cultural memory
Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh's music highlights the peahen, challenging traditional animal symbolism. Historically, animals embodying strength and dominance, like peacocks and lions, represent power. Birds like parrots, associated with women and domesticity, are often forgotten. This overlooks their intelligence and adaptability. The article questions why these quieter associations fade from cultural memory.
The F-word's journey from censored print to common usage is explored. Norman Mailer faced publisher edits in his debut novel, substituting 'fug' for the explicit term. Over time, through literature and media, the word's presence grew. Joseph Overton's theory explains how previously unacceptable terms become normalized. Donald Trump's outspokenness exemplifies this modern acceptance.
Bharat innovates, ready for take-off
India's deep-tech startups are showcasing their advanced capabilities in France. This event highlights India's growing strength in space, AI, and defence. Indian companies are developing rockets and satellites for global markets. France serves as a key gateway to Europe. This initiative aims to foster international partnerships for co-development and investment.
