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The promise of EU-India FTA for Indian patients: A case for price regulation
The EU-India FTA promises cheaper drugs and medical devices, but India's regulatory framework may hinder patient benefits. Current pricing mechanisms, including market-based ceiling prices and loopholes for fixed-dose combinations, prevent cost reductions from reflecting in retail prices. An urgent overhaul of drug pricing and an independent regulator for procedures are needed to ensure affordability and realize the FTA's full potential.
Rebased GDP series sharpens view of Indias economy
Indias new GDP base revision sharpens economic measurement by using updated data sources like MGT-7 filings, GST data, ASUSE and PLFS. It improves sectoral and regional allocation, expands double deflation to manufacturing, and aligns production and expenditure estimates through supply-use tables, making growth estimates more accurate, transparent and policy-relevant.
US tariffs: Supreme Court ruling creates instability, what's next for India?
Washington faces genuine instability after a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. This development impacts President Trump's trade objectives, including revenue generation and reindustrialization efforts. India must remain grounded and nimble, maintaining multiple engagement channels. Businesses can capitalize on temporary tariff reductions. Diversifying trade and seeking stable economic anchors is now a political urgency.
Scams dont stop at telecom: India needs platform-neutral communication rules
Fraudsters are exploiting the regulatory gap between traditional telecom and digital communication platforms, leading to a surge in cybercrime. While telecom operators are enhancing fraud prevention, unregulated messaging apps and social media are becoming prime targets. A platform-neutral framework is needed to ensure accountability across all communication channels and protect consumers.
The long game in policy engagement
Government processes often appear slow, but this is a feature, not a bug. Decisions undergo extensive scrutiny for legal, political, and fiscal impacts. Effective public affairs requires understanding this system. Businesses must engage consistently, offering insights and acknowledging trade-offs. Patience and professionalism are crucial for navigating policy, as competence, not just connections, drives progress.
Iran-Israel enmity: A conflict without winners
West Asia's conflicts rarely end, they transform. The Iran-Israel rivalry, spanning decades, continues to shape the region. Recent clashes have revealed vulnerabilities for all major players. An attack on Iran carries immense risks, potentially destabilising global shipping and alliances. The consequences would be far-reaching, impacting nations beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The US Supreme Court's recent decision to invalidate global tariffs has thrown a wrench in Donald Trump's economic strategy, providing a sigh of relief for some stakeholders. However, the President is undeterred and is actively pursuing other legal avenues to maintain his tariff regime. This creates a challenging political atmosphere for Republicans gearing up for the midterm elections.
When a great artist suffers the slings and arrows of outrageous parental fortune
Movies that delve into the theme of parental loss provide a tapestry of emotional experiences. In 'Easy A', we witness the resilience of family ties amidst adversity. Conversely, 'Hamnet' intricately portrays the heart-wrenching dynamics of Shakespeare's family as they confront the death of a beloved son.
Barcelonas El Caganer to Bitcoin: A satire on money and modern myths
In Barcelona, a quirky nativity figure sparks a reflection on bitcoin, money myths, and how modern finance distances people from real value, labour, and the tangible fruits of the earth.
Bhavanas quiet triumph: A star who deserves applause beyond symbolism
Actress Bhavana's recent film 'Anomie' drew applause, showcasing her enduring appeal. Her career spans Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. Bhavana's courage in reporting an assault in 2017 led to the Women in Cinema Collective. This organization champions gender equality in the film industry. Bhavana's professional achievements deserve recognition alongside her activism. She has received awards for her performances.
India embarks on a journey to expand its celestial horizons through investments in advanced telescopes and observatories. This strategic shift highlights India's growing influence in the realm of global astronomy. The new infrastructure is set to enhance scientific prowess and develop local talent, with an aim to establish premier observatories on Indian soil.
AI will define the next 50 years: Can India move from consumer to creator?
India currently consumes advanced technology like AI. To secure its future, India must transition from a consumer to a creator. This requires a strategic shift towards innovation and ownership of AI products. The nation needs to foster energetic startups and provide support for them to operate at the cutting edge.
In the context of trade uncertainty wrought by Washington, Brazil's large delegation to India sends an important signal: if both countries are pushed into a corner, they can turn to each other. It's also a bonus that Lula's visit comes just two weeks before his forthcoming trip to Washington.
AI Summit: Navigating the new defaults of the agentic web
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital world. Machines are now primary actors, handling tasks from booking flights to autonomous warfare. This shift concentrates power in AI invocation, potentially making businesses invisible if not chosen by AI. The internet's future will see bots exceeding human traffic, requiring a re-evaluation of existing structures.
Russia, Brent and Bharat: Its oil about economic sense
India's oil sourcing has dramatically shifted from the Gulf to include significant Russian imports, driven by discounts and geopolitical events. While refiners can adapt to supply changes, potential US pressure to halt Russian crude raises concerns about national sovereignty and economic implications, not physical shortages.
The biggest challenge of AI is freeing and nourishing natural intelligence
Artificial Intelligence promises significant changes, potentially displacing many jobs. However, human creativity and innovation, termed Natural Intelligence, will be key to adapting. This innate human ability has historically helped us manage technological shifts. Developing and nurturing this Natural Intelligence is vital for individuals to master AI and shape a positive future, rather than becoming its victims.
Solar surge, system stuck: Grid woes threaten Indias data-centre boom
India's booming AI sector faces a critical energy challenge. Despite massive solar power production and ready transmission lines, mismanagement of the power grid is causing significant renewable energy cuts. This is threatening the viability of generation projects and the nation's data center ambitions.
India and France elevated their ties to a 'special global strategic partnership' during French President Macron's visit, marked by a 21-point outcome statement. Key agreements focus on defense, including co-development of advanced military technologies and joint engine development for next-gen fighters, alongside significant strides in AI collaboration and educational exchanges.
