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Trump's Venezuela action may redraw geopolitics; time for India to get its act together
As the United States expands its footprint internationally, the acquisition of Venezuela's rich oil reserves marks a pivotal moment in South America. This sudden strategy pivot poses significant implications for China's position in the global market, while it offers India both an opportunity and a challenge.
US moves on Venezuela, is China next on Taiwan?
China's military drills around Taiwan are escalating. Recent exercises like Justice Mission demonstrate rapid mobilization and a potential blockade strategy. This new approach aims to isolate the island and deter external interference. Future drills may focus on duration and cyber warfare. Governments must address China's growing assertiveness regarding Taiwan.
With Trump's capture of Venezuela, Indian geopolitics - and oil companies - will need to pivot
Despite the cheer in Washington and celebrations amongst the Venezuelan diaspora, Venezuela's future remains uncertain. Maduro may be out, but Venezuela's woes are far from over. For a country that has seen the largest migration outside of wartime, with 20% of the population leaving the country, the humanitarian and socio-political crisis continues without an end in sight.
English-medium Hindi language state of mind
A debate over imposing Hindi in government schools is reigniting fears of 'Hindi imperialism'. Southern states, Maharashtra, and West Bengal are particularly concerned. The move aims to standardize national thought and culture. The author advocates for including all 27 scheduled languages in curricula, emphasizing choice over coercion in education.
The politics of the bedroom: How Western TV turns intimacy into propaganda
The Diplomat uses a crude depiction of the British PM's sex life to portray him as an untrustworthy figure, contrasting with the dignified portrayal of the US president. This tactic, similar to The Crown's portrayal of British royals, serves as political propaganda, projecting Western nations as stable leaders and influencing viewer perception through subtle manipulation of intimate scenes.
When people do stuff other than what they're supposed to be good at
A cricketer lecturing on mushrooms, a footballer feted and paraded around by VIPs, CEOs doing motivational YouTube videos - whatever happened to folks sticking to their fields of expertise?
AI Impact Summit 2026: Navigating workforce transitions and labour market evolution
As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit, a Yale study reveals AI hasn't yet disrupted the broader labor market, while some regions see enhanced informal work. Global summits are increasingly focusing on workforce transitions, with India aiming to advance an equitable agenda through its AI stack.
From Bollywood beats to City Hall: How Indian warmth is quietly reshaping American culture
New York is experiencing a quiet Indian cultural ascent, moving beyond anxieties to an invitation of humble joy. From Zohran Mamdani's inclusive inauguration to Bollywood's resurgence in pop culture and Indian models gracing high fashion, a grounded, confident presence is reshaping American culture.
AIs most radical gift may be making humans better at being human, and enhancing work
AI is often seen as a threat, but its real impact may be helping humans work better, not replacing them. Evidence shows AI mostly augments human judgement, narrowing skill gaps, boosting productivity and freeing people from routine tasks. Humans retain control over empathy, ethics and decisions. With deliberate design and training, AI can amplify human strengths rather than undermine them.
Saudi-UAE contest for the empty quarter: Implications for India
Saudi bombings of Mukalla, Yemen, have escalated tensions with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, threatening to reignite the civil war. This incident highlights a growing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with implications for regional stability and vital shipping lanes like the Bab al-Mandeb.
Why the global M&A boom still fails to create value
Global deal-making touched $4.8 trillion last year, the second-highest level on record, driven by a small number of very large transactions even as overall merger activity thinned. A handful of mega deals, mainly in technology, inflated headline numbers, while deal-making below the top tier declined sharply.
The mandate for community dog rehab is, at best, a judicial fantasy and bureaucratic impossibility
A Supreme Court mandate orders the immediate removal and permanent sheltering of community dogs from public spaces by November 2025. However, the economic blueprint for this massive undertaking is non-existent, requiring over 1 lakh shelters and an annual feeding cost of 29,000 crore, far exceeding available funds and existing infrastructure.
Ease of Voting: India's next democratic reform agenda for migrants, NRIs, and PwDs
India must make voting easier for all citizens. Migrants, overseas Indians, and people with disabilities face barriers. International examples show remote and electronic voting can boost participation. Secure digital systems can be adapted for elections. Accessible polling stations remain crucial. Expanding voting options is a moral imperative for democratic legitimacy.
Strategic autonomy is a long game Indian statecraft needs to accord it that respect
As 2026 approaches, India will refine its strategic autonomy. This involves leveraging geography, supply chains, and technology. India aims to become a critical supplier or buyer for many nations. Diversifying markets and sourcing beyond China is crucial. India will also seek partnerships with the EU and ASEAN. Refining crude oil is a key strength.
Reimagining the link between work, office and employment
India's digital infrastructure is advancing rapidly, with innovations like JAM and UPI transforming payments and e-commerce. However, a historical perspective reveals that current changes in work and employment are part of a continuous evolution. Younger generations face a dynamic job market shaped by technology and economic shifts. Understanding these trends is key to navigating the future of work.
Book is not dead: Theyre more alive
Despite predictions of decline, books are experiencing a resurgence, particularly in India where Gen Z is driving significant growth in print volumes. This trend, fueled by online discovery and offline community engagement, signals a deliberate return to tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world.
Gen Zs are demanding affordable aspiration
India's Gen Z is transforming retail. This generation, emerging from cities and digital spaces, demands value, personalization, and real-time trends. By 2026, they will be key decision-makers. Brands must be agile, transparent, and offer affordable aspiration. AI will enhance shopping experiences, making them intuitive. Gen Z is not just participating; they are rebuilding the marketplace.
Close digital gap, level AI field
India is studying digital competition. The government wants to understand big tech firms and their impact. This study will help create rules for digital markets. The aim is to promote fair competition and growth. Existing laws are being reviewed. India is considering a balanced approach to digital regulation.
New labour codes target job growth, but skill gap may limit impact
Indias economic growth has not eased job insecurity, as employment expansion has remained modest and job quality weak, especially outside agriculture. Manufacturing and services saw limited employment growth between 2012 and 2023, while agricultures shrinking share pushed more workers into non-farm sectors that are becoming less labour-intensive even as their economic output rises.
Trumpism wont triumph: Even if a sharp US slowdown is likely, India should fare well in 2026
Despite initial fears of a global recession due to Trump's protectionist policies, the US and India experienced robust economic growth in 2025, fueled by an AI boom and lower-than-threatened tariffs. However, a potential AI sector slowdown and rising inflation in 2026 could lead to a significant setback for Trumpism and a challenging year for the US economy.
Incentivizing good behaviour through smarter, indexed fines
India is moving towards decriminalizing minor offenses, replacing jail time with monetary fines. This reform aims to boost ease of doing business and living. However, for fines to be effective deterrents, they must be linked to an offender's financial capacity.
