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How Indians engage with environment and its protection is best typified by this bizarre example
Despite environmental awareness campaigns, India faces a disconnect between policy and practice, exemplified by 'Snow Yard' near Kishangarh. This marble slurry dumping ground, dubbed 'Rajasthan's Switzerland,' attracts tourists and shoots, masking severe environmental and health hazards. The site highlights a national tendency to prioritize spectacle over genuine environmental concern, with toxic waste posing health risks to locals.
Behind the curtain: How RBI navigates politics, pressure, and prudence
Critics liken RBI to a Roman censor, but such comparisons oversimplify its complex role. Far from theatrical, the RBI operates with restraint, balancing political pressure, market volatility, and systemic risks. It doesn't seek applauseit ensures stability, often through invisible, preemptive regulation.
Fudging facts at Harvard: Professor Francesca Gino loses tenure over data fabrication
Harvard Business School professor Francesca Gino was stripped of her tenure for allegedly fabricating research data related to honesty and ethical behavior. The allegations, initially raised by the 'Data Colada' blog, led to an internal investigation and a lawsuit.
India may still cross the miracle economy benchmark of 7% GDP growth
India's economic growth is exceeding expectations, with FY24 revised to 9.2% and FY25 projected at 6.5%. Despite global uncertainties and slower manufacturing growth, strong investment, improved net exports, and a promising agricultural outlook contribute to India's resilience. Macroeconomic indicators remain positive, positioning India to potentially surpass the 'miracle economy' benchmark.
Indias GDP is rising now boost Def-ex, Cap-ex, and R&D-ex
India's economic ascent requires strategic investments in defense, R&D, and natural resources to overcome unfavorable global conditions. Increasing defense spending, boosting R&D, and securing domestic mineral resources are crucial for self-sufficiency and sustained growth. By prioritizing these areas, India can navigate geopolitical challenges and achieve rapid economic advancement.
Amidst global outrage over visa terminations and speech restrictions, the US government is expanding social media vetting for student visa applicants, raising concerns about free speech limitations and academic freedom. While the US administration justifies its actions by citing national security, the ubiquity of internet monitoring and censorship threatens individual liberties.
Unlocking India's aviation potential: A path to economic growth and job creation
India's aviation sector is poised for significant growth, fueled by a young population, a thriving startup ecosystem, and substantial aircraft orders. The privatization of Air India and the emergence of strong local airlines have set a new direction.
Can India navigate the challenges of US relations under Trump's leadership?
Despite Donald Trump's potential disruptions, India and the US are actively strengthening their strategic partnership. Recent high-level dialogues in Washington covered diverse areas like technology, security, and trade, setting ambitious goals for future collaboration. Both nations addressed concerns about Pakistan's role in terrorism, while reaffirming their commitment to bilateral progress amidst geopolitical challenges.
Indias GDP Show: From yawn to yay, but hold the confetti
India's economic growth, highlighted by a 7.4% increase in Q4 FY25, fuels optimism but the nation still trails Japan in nominal GDP. While India aims to become the fourth-largest economy, sectoral imbalances persist, with agriculture lagging behind services. Encouragingly, the poverty ratio has significantly decreased, driven by GDP growth, signaling progress towards a more equitable society.
Bablus Phuchka Model: Global supply chain, local love story
The author explores the complexities of supporting local businesses in a globalized world, acknowledging the interconnectedness of economies. While valuing neighborhood commerce for its convenience and community ties, the author recognizes that many goods originate from elsewhere.
Why we go bonkers for fancy brands even when it makes no sense
The allure of brands, driven by social covetousness, extends beyond mere functionality to signal status and belonging. While multiple brands on a single product create dissonance, joint endorsements in education or training enhance perceived value. Human behavior regarding brands reveals complex, often irrational, rules governing acquisition, display, and even concealment, highlighting the psychological power of labels.
A lonely footballer breathes life into clay
Amidst global divisions, cross-cultural artistic collaborations offer hope. 'A Doll Made Up of Clay,' a short film by Ethiopian SRFTI student Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, premiered at Cannes 2025, showcasing a multinational team and blending Yoruba and Bengali dialogues. The film addresses racism in Kolkata through the story of a Nigerian footballer, highlighting the power of art to unite diverse perspectives.
Why must India's bureaucracy fight common sense?
An Indian writer eagerly awaiting advance copies of his book from a British publisher faces a frustrating ordeal with DHL's KYC process. Despite providing his address and Aadhaar, discrepancies and inflexible rules lead to repeated requests for additional documents. The writer's exasperation grows as he navigates illogical demands, ultimately resorting to desperate measures to halt the shipment.
A fillip for India's Veerangana tradition
The author reflects on India's complex history of women in combat roles, inspired by their aunt's WWII service and the recent graduation of the first female cadets from the National Defence Academy. Despite historical examples like the Rani of Jhansi regiment, the armed forces were slow to integrate women fully.
What drives the unstoppable growth of India's wedding economy?
India's wedding industry, fueled by a vast pool of unmarried individuals and evolving matchmaking methods from traditional ads to dating apps, has become a recession-resistant economic force. Spending surges across income levels, driven by conspicuous consumption and the desire to emulate lavish celebrations.
Amidst global economic uncertainty, India stands out as Asia's prime growth opportunity, fueled by recovering domestic demand, supportive policies, and rising services exports. While trade tensions linger, India's focus on global value chains and manufacturing, coupled with infrastructure investment, positions it for strong growth. However, comprehensive reforms are crucial to address job creation and maintain stability.
The major news headlines of the day, and more
Government holds meeting with Meitei-Kuki groups on Manipur conflict resolution
In an effort to secure lasting peace, the Centre held discussions with Meitei and Kuki community representatives to resolve ongoing conflicts in Manipur. The government prioritizes restoring normalcy and maintaining law and order, as well as reconciling the communities.
India should lead war on terror, play active role in conflict resolution, says army chief
Speaking at the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture, the Army Chief said that China has been challenging the rules-based system and taking a lead in disruptive activities.
NEW DELHI: During a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, on Friday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged India's support in achieving a just and lasting peace in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The two leaders discussed ongoing efforts toward resolving the Ukraine conflict and explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar said on X that the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts toward the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, in addition to the advancement of bilateral cooperation. Good to meet FM @andrii_sybiha of Ukraine on sidelines of #MSC2025 today. Discussed ongoing efforts towards resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Also spoke about further advancement of our bilateral cooperation. pic.twitter.com/x9jW8NUyCq Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 14, 2025 Sybiha expressed gratitude to Jaishankar for their meaningful meeting and emphasised a shared interest in advancing cooperation with India across various sectors, including trade, technology, agriculture, and security. We are interested in developing relations with India and advancing cooperation in trade, technology, agriculture, security, and other areas. We also rely on Indias strong global voice to bring a just and lasting peace closer, the Ukrainian minister said. India has been advocating for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that India is not eutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has chosen to side with peace. Speaking at a joint press conference after more than four hours of bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump, Modi emphasised that he has been in regular contact with both Russia and Ukraine. Many people misunderstand Indias position, thinking we are neutral. I want to be clear: India is not neutral we stand for peace, the Prime Minister said. Modi expressed support for Trump's recent efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, saying that he hoped the US President would achieve success soon, opening the path to peace globally. Trump spoke with Putin on Wednesday, and the two leaders agreed to begin immediate negotiations to end the conflict that started in February 2022. Global democracy in trouble?: EAM Jaishankar refutes claim, says India's 'has delivered'
