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Regulating charity without stifling it: The case for clearer rules
India's charity sector, vital for social needs, faces evolving regulations aimed at transparency. While scrutiny is accepted, current rules create uncertainty for genuine organizations, diverting resources from beneficiaries. The article advocates for clearer guidance, opportunities to rectify errors, a risk-based approach, and better inter-agency coordination. The goal is to deter misuse while empowering legitimate charities to serve society effectively.
Meta's WhatsUpside Down hire: How Kunal Shah broke the Valley playbook
Silicon Valley's AI talent war saw tech giants acquire engineers. However, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg broke the mold by investing $900 million in Indian fintech startup Cred and bringing its founder, Kunal Shah, into WhatsApp's C-suite. Shah, a non-engineer with deep consumer insights, is tasked with boosting WhatsApp's payments and commerce, especially in emerging markets, leveraging his proven entrepreneurial success.
Indias next big challenge: From welfare delivery to human development
The National Family Health Survey 2023-24 reveals India's success in expanding welfare delivery and essential service access, reaching nearly universal coverage for electricity, banking, and improved water. However, the report highlights a growing challenge of lifestyle-related diseases and persistent issues in sustained behavioral change, impacting human capital and economic productivity.
WhatsApp's future may not be invented in US but in India, one transaction at a time
Metas $900 million investment in Cred and the reported appointment of founder Kunal Shah to a global role at WhatsApp marks a significant shift in how the messaging platform may evolve.
The article celebrates the often-overlooked role of goalkeepers at the World Cup, drawing parallels with Mal Peets novel Keeper, where a young goalkeeper learns that defending a goal is about instinct, resilience and protecting something larger than oneself.
The next AI arms race will be over certainty, not intelligence
Recent AI model restrictions by the US government signal a new era of uncertainty, impacting global tech development. India faces a critical juncture, needing to bolster sovereign AI capabilities while remaining integrated with international ecosystems. This requires accelerated development of indigenous models and domestic compute infrastructure, balancing self-reliance with participation in the global AI landscape to secure its strategic future.
How India can build a bigger oil buffer without straining the exchequer
As tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz ease, India should focus not only on managing the immediate oil crisis but also on strengthening long-term energy security, the authors argue. While the government has asked ONGC to build a new 1.75-million-tonne strategic oil reserve in Mangaluru, expanding reserves through public funding alone could strain finances.
India's biggest space-tech opportunity lies downstream, not just in launches
SpaceX's massive valuation highlights the immense potential in space technology, with Starlink and AI driving value. While India's space startups are gaining traction, particularly in upstream capabilities, significant opportunities lie downstream. Tailoring services to India's unique context, like small landholdings and remote connectivity needs, presents the next frontier for growth and value creation.
Indian tourists abroad: Viral reels, volume travel and culture clash debate
A reflection on viral videos of Indian tourists abroad, exploring debates over travel behaviour, Instagram culture, and the tension between sightseeing volume and cultural appreciation.
The rich won't just have more money. They'll have more intelligence.
The future of intelligence may be monetized, with AI assistants offering tiered plans like 'AI Lite' for the underprivileged and 'AI Ultra Max Quantum Executive' for the wealthy. This shift could create an 'intelligence divide,' where access to advanced AI dictates societal standing.
Be proud & don't flatter yourself, days of the nightie are upon us
The humble Indian nightie, a symbol of practical modesty and comfort, is emerging as a powerful, yet overlooked, industry. Beyond its domestic role, this garment represents a vast, decentralized supply chain with immense potential for growth and formal recognition.
Why Indias digital ecosystem may define next phase of agentic AI and invisible computing
India's unique relationship with technology, where smartphones serve as the sole device for millions, positions it as a crucial testing ground for AI's next phase. Moving beyond simple question-and-answer models, agentic AI will integrate seamlessly into daily life, acting on habits and context.
Anime's global appeal is skyrocketing, with international markets now driving over half of its revenue. This boom is fueled by streaming platforms and lucrative brand collaborations, transforming anime into a global IP powerhouse. While blockbuster movies and expanding international production signal immense growth, the industry grapples with underpaid workers and talent shortages, prompting exploration of AI solutions to ease production burdens.
India's clean energy transition needs cleaner industrial supply chains
India's clean energy ambitions depend not just on renewable capacity but also on decarbonising industries. Cleaner supply chains, green manufacturing and low-carbon technologies are key to achieving net-zero goals.
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.
