The Hills Are Alive With AI-Dropping
In India, AI has become a buzzword in the corporate world, with businesses frequently referencing it to enhance their cool factor. This trend often results in inflated claims, such as AI-enhanced toothbrushes or smart toasters, emphasizing marketing over genuine technological advancements.
Can Vizhinjam port change the future of India's global trade?
Vizhinjam, a former fishing village near Thiruvananthapuram, is transforming into India's first deep-water container trans-shipment hub. The project, supported by multiple governments and the Adani Group, aims to reduce India's logistics costs and create thousands of jobs. It will connect to global shipping routes, boosting Kerala's economy and the country's export capabilities.
China must boost consumption to escape debt-deflation loop and better nominal GDP growth
China's economic challenges are tied to its nominal GDP growth and deflation concerns. Current policy measures focus on local government and property sector debt but lack sufficient stimulus to boost consumption. A balanced policy shift is needed to break the debt-deflation loop.
Karl Rossmann, a sixteen-year-old boy, arrives in New York on a ship. Sent to America by his parents due to a scandal involving a servant girl, Karl witnesses a sudden burst of sunshine on the Statue of Liberty. Despite initial hesitation, he prepares to disembark but realizes he has forgotten his umbrella.
The article highlights the race to God as a journey that requires daily meditation, alertness, and a focused mindset to achieve spiritual merger with the Divine. It emphasizes that this inner journey, unlike competitive races, can be won by everyone through dedication and belief in reaching spiritual fulfillment.
Is India's growing demand for river sand a double-edged sword?
India's growing housing boom is increasing demand for river sand, leading to environmental damage and violence by the sand mafia. To mitigate this, the government is commissioning plants to produce manufactured sand (M-sand), reducing the reliance on river sand and supporting environmental sustainability.
India: From consumers to producers in the defence arena
India is increasing its defence exports through contract manufacturing and indigenisation, leveraging its non-aligned foreign policy and labour cost advantages to become competitive in the global arms trade. Its strategic needs and improving fiscal health support higher allocations for defence equipment.
Digital Transformation: The Imperative for Indian SMEs
At the same time, trade is evolving dramatically. Government policies and trade infrastructure are making it easier to operate across markets and e-commerce is changing what defines the operating market of manufacturers and merchants.
An older, retired radiation oncologist remains perpetually active with rigorous daily routines, from morning walks to elaborate rituals and household chores, contrasting starkly with the author's preference for restful idleness, embracing the tranquility of doing nothing in their senior years.
Gotta plug the green skills gap
The climate crisis prompts countries to heavily invest in green transitions. However, a significant skills gap threatens these efforts. India, poised to lead in renewable energy, faces a dire shortage, needing 1.2 million skilled workers. Inclusive STEM education and workforce training are critical.
The Kinks' song 'This Time Tomorrow' from their 1970 album displays Ray Davies' masterful mix of wonder and vulnerability. Featuring tender acoustic guitar and evocative lyrics, it captures both the thrill of freedom and the unpredictability of life. The melody and rhythm elevate the song, making it a poignant reflection on the ephemerality of each moment.
High CDR at Indian banks signals tighter credit growth, unfetter foreign banks to bridge the gap
RBI is likely to maintain interest rates because of rising inflation and the high credit-deposit ratio in Indian banks. This measure aims to avoid further slowing bank credit growth. The time may be right to ease constraints on foreign banks to support India's economy. Foreign bank participation could boost trade finance and support economic growth.
Repair, reuse, recycle, reduce
Right to repair legislation is advancing to extend the lifespan of electronics and appliances, facing resistance from producers like Apple. Lawmakers aim to promote a circular economy by making parts and services available, but the focus needs to expand to include production processes to be more effective.
Had a Rough Flight? Call Paw Patrol
Mumbai Airport's T2 introduces the 'Pawfect' programme with emotional support dogs, including a golden retriever, labrador, and rescued husky, to ease travel stress. The suggestion to incorporate local indie breeds reflects the city's true spirit and diverse canine culture.
Crypto Clash: Donald Trump embraces, Kamala Harris Hesitates
The upcoming US election will significantly impact the crypto industry, with Trump proposing proactive measures while Harris has a more conservative stance. India needs to strengthen its regulatory framework to harness crypto's benefits and mitigate risks, leveraging strategies from the EU's MiCA and global cooperation.
Is it a Nightie? Is it a Kaftan? No, It's a Kaftie!
The kaftan is becoming a versatile fashion staple in India, much like the nightie used to be. With its comfort and adaptability, it suits both casual and formal wear, echoing the practicality and ease that middle-class Indian women found in the nightie of old.
From canvas to cutting board: My culinary journey through the art of knives
An enthusiast details their journey into cooking and obsession with kitchen knives. Despite amassing a collection of expensive blades, the humble Victorinox tomato knife emerges as a favorite. Its popularity spans from household cooks to renowned chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi, highlighting its efficiency and charm in any kitchen.
In America, they like papers to spill their thoughts
Newspapers serve multiple roles, including informing, entertaining, and offering insight into public opinions. Indian newspapers subtly relay political views through news sharing, unlike US papers that openly endorse candidates. This contrast is rooted in differing traditions of media endorsement in elections.
Well-meant, sure - But such aesthetic anyaya against lady Nyaya
A newly unveiled sculpture of Nyaya Devi, Lady Justice, at the Supreme Court, reimagines the symbol in a traditional Indian avatar, drawing mixed reactions. Critically compared to its inspirations, it highlights the evolving visual interpretations of justice in India and calls for more artistic integrity.
Faith teaches trust, assurance, and patience across various religions. It's described as a bond linking believers to the Divine. Although faith may be tested during difficult times, true faith involves surrendering to the Supreme's will, emerging stronger and unshaken despite life's challenges.
Stalin's 'get sixteen' new 'gimme five!'?
M K Stalin was misunderstood when he blessed couples at a mass wedding, leading to misinterpretation that he advocated for 16 children each. His phrase, quoting a Tamil poet, actually referred to acquiring 16 types of wealth for a prosperous life, not increasing population.
Knowledge is not a trivial pursuit
Many educated Indians today show a concerning disconnect from general knowledge and current affairs, unlike previous generations who valued such awareness. The rise of social media and niche interests may be contributing to this growing trend of ignorance among the well-off and educated.
To show earnings at their best, companies often break down performance numbers selectively, instead of in conventional terms. This results in new accounting nomenclatures such as 'adjusted EBITDA', 'net profit before exceptional items', 'gross merchandise value', 'one-off items', and 'revenues excluding non-recurring business'.
Skim off creamy layer with care
Haryana's implementation of the Supreme Court's sub-classification of SC and ST categories within reservations aims to better target affirmative action benefits towards economically disadvantaged households, excluding the affluent 'creamy layer.' This policy shift seeks to uplift the most marginalized and ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits.
Predicting election results: A mugs game and a sweet sport
Pollsters often struggle predicting election outcomes due to changing voter behavior and methodological differences. Unique methods, like Busken Bakery's cookie poll and nirvachani sandesh in Bengal, offer alternative insights. Traditional polls and unconventional approaches highlight the challenges in accurately gauging electoral trends.
Stop the pill-popping, it helps superbugs
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India is a significant public health threat, exacerbated by overuse and misuse of antibiotics and lack of trained healthcare professionals. A comprehensive approach involving stronger regulations, improved healthcare access, education, and better infection control is essential to address this growing crisis.
Speak fluent and teach the world
India's progression in the AI race is driven by its digitally trained workforce and the prevalence of major global languages like English, Hindi, and Bengali. With the support of Nvidia, India is poised to create regional LLMs, export AI services, and provide culturally sensitive AI regulation.
Co-lending will pave the way for a stronger MSME ecosystem in India
Understanding the regulatory framework and operational aspects of co-lending is essential to grasp its functioning.
Bodies at risk, not just body collective
The Supreme Court has harshly criticised the Centre, CAQM, and state governments for failing to address Delhi's air pollution crisis. It called their efforts an 'eyewash' and stressed that citizens deserve a pollution-free environment. The failure to link air pollution with personal health has hindered significant progress, urging a revision of current laws.
Yuval Noah Harari predicts mankind's future will branch into cybernetics, genetic engineering, and AI. Examples include Neuralink's brain implant chips, robots performing autonomous tasks, and advanced gene editing. Despite these advancements, the inherent goodness in mankind's soul remains untouched by technological progress.
Social contact between different socioeconomic groups reduces prejudice, leverages untapped talent
Economic inequality in India fosters harmful stereotypes about the poor, impacting their economic opportunities. Collaborative interactions between different socioeconomic groups, especially through education, can reduce discrimination and enhance social cohesion. Expanding RTE Act reservations and fostering such interactions are crucial for inclusivity.
Don't bark up the dreadful winter arc
DWA marks the season when PPPs - professional party poopers - come out in droves, squirming all over social media, shouting, 'I'm super laser-focused on my goals, my personal development, and my growth! You?' These are people who give New Year resolutions a bad name. Apparently, they're all gearing up to enter 2025 as the 'ultimate' version of themselves: better, buffer and fully optimised - like iPhone 99.
View: Why we've hit a gold, silver streak
There must be other explanations for the rally in gold and silver. For gold, there is a notable new phenomenon on the demand side - the rise of major central banks as purchasers of gold in 2024. In 1971, the dollar replaced gold as currency of the global economic system when the US government ended convertibility of the dollar to gold, a system that had been in place since the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944. Central banks around the world built up their dollar reserves, with gold reserves becoming secondary.
Algo of bliss tech: Planespotting
Planespotting captivates enthusiasts with its blend of excitement and tranquility. Observers experience the unpredictable passages of aircraft and imagine the journeys of passengers. This sensory experience uniquely connects the vastness of the sky with the grounded reality, offering a mysterious and magnificent view of modern life.
India's AI revolution: Balancing technological growth with environmental sustainability
India is investing in AI development with the purchase of 10,000 GPUs. The focus is on creating a sustainable AI infrastructure to balance tech growth with environmental responsibility. Initiatives include energy-efficient data centers, green AI research, and leveraging renewable energy. Policies and incentives are crucial for long-term sustainable growth.
Step up to the plate: Restaurant Tim RaueBerlin
Situated near Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Restaurant Tim Raue merges Japanese, Thai, and Chinese flavors in a relaxed yet refined setting. Opened in 2010, it features unique dishes like suckling pig with dashi and ginger, and Sichuan-style hare. Guests can choose a la carte options or tasting menus that highlight local ingredients.
The article highlights the mysterious and transcendent presence of God in the world, acknowledging His non-interference with natural forces. It reflects on the silence of God in moments of suffering and evil, suggesting that this silence serves to strengthen faith and develop moral resilience.
Hounding huggers in hug-ophobic NZ
In Dunedin, New Zealand, a sign at the airport limits farewells to 3 minutes to reduce congestion. Dunedin Airport CEO Dan de Bono clarifies that enforcement won't be strict, and hugs exceeding three minutes can be moved to the parking lot for up to 15 minutes, despite concerns over its strictness.
China needed India at the table in Kazan to deal with its own problems that include US pushback
Xi Jinping seeks to resolve the 2020 border dispute with India, motivated by high expectations from improved bilateral trade. The Modi-Xi meeting at the BRICS summit underscored mutual ambitions. India initiated peace by allowing Chinese investments, aiming to overcome economic hurdles, while China eyes Modi's support to counter US sanctions.
Our 'mutual friend', not yet kissing Kazan
Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping's significant meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan highlights India's firm stance on border issues and growing role in the Indo-Pacific. Despite frequent past interactions, the Galwan attack remains a sobering reminder for bilateral relations amid China's economic concerns and India's Western alliances.
India gets vroom vroom with a view
Indian auto industry rebounds post-Covid, with Hyundai and Suzuki leading the charge in market share and valuation. Local and Asian companies adapt to evolving mobility needs, outpacing European and US rivals. Future prospects remain robust amid the electric vehicle transition.
The future of quick commerce in India: A race against time or a race to nowhere?
Popular platforms with their instant delivery services have set new benchmarks for convenience.
Ravi Singh, Senior Vice President (SVP)Retail Research at Religare Broking, shared his thoughts on investment strategies for HNIs amid market volatility, FII flows between India and China, investment opportunities, sector valuations, and more.
Googles new GenAI podcast tool is exciting but how useful is it for business?
A feature added by an online research tool that Alphabet released last year can now turn documents into an eerily human-sounding podcast. With the value of GenAI being questioned, Google must find ways to make this tool useful for business users.
Equities reign atop the league table of investment returns
In terms of return on investment, investors face a classic choice between fixed-income instruments and equities. Even though the performance of shares has been impressive over both the past decade and last six months, people looking for a steady flow of income should go for fixed-income options.
Nouriel Roubini: Harriss economic policy proposals arent as risky as Trump's
While Kamala Harriss fiscal, trade, climate, immigration, currency and China policies seem to be a continuation of US President Joe Biden's plans and promise relative economic stability, Trumps agenda is more likely to cause inflation, reduce GDP growth and blow up the budget.
Quick-commerce players should come clean on their pricing game
Are quick delivery services using predatory prices? While its for the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to decide on probing their allegedly unfair market practices, Zepto, Blinkit and Instamart may find it worthwhile to fend off suspicions with pricing transparency.
Mint Quick Edit | Can a thaw over the LAC restore India-China ties?
Four years plus after the Galwan hostilities, India and China have agreed on disengagement and patrolling. Theres a long way ahead for mutual ties to normalize, but lets not under-exploit the potential of a better economic relationship.
A key factor for Marwaris remarkable economic prosperity lies in their informal institutional framework, which enable them to leverage trade credit effectively
Organic rice exports: sift grain from chaff
Steep hike in penalties for fraud under the National Programme of Organic Products and blacklisting erring firms are the need of the hour
Letters to the Editor dated October 21, 2024
Improving credit penetration in Bihar
RBIs priority sector lending guidelines have a key role to play in providing credit to small farmers, artisans and micro firms
Court reaffirms need for limited judicial intervention
Mitigate the impact of global shocks on Indias financial sector
To safeguard a financial system exposed to major vulnerabilities, India must bolster regulatory frameworks, crisis management and cybersecurity, and also reduce credit misallocation. Stability and sustained economic growth may depend on it.
Marijuana use is growing fast but its health impact is still a mystery
Cannabis consumption is rising in the US and Kamala Harris favours legalizing it across the country. But research studies remain woefully sketchy on what THC use at various dosage levels can do to the health of this drugs regular users.
Daron Acemoglu: Can the world escape a new gilded age?
Billionaires wield extraordinary power and influence today. Think of Elon Musk and his ownership of X. We could escape another gilded age if we pursue stronger institutional means to limit the influence of the ultra privileged and reconsider the policies that have created such extreme disparities.
Musks SpaceX has taken significant leaps in space exploration
The companys breakthroughs go beyond cost-effective reusable rockets for space launches. It has had many tech spinoffs, while its Starlink has democratized internet access. Its innovations serve not just humanitys future, but also the present.
Theres much Indian philanthropists can do for mental healthcare
Rather than simply spreading awareness about it, mental healthcare should be framed as a human right, focusing on accessibility and non-discrimination. We must push for policy and cultural shifts in favour of an inclusive framework that encourages multiple voices, perspectives and narratives.
The makeover of Lady Justice is a moment to reflect on our ideals
Indias Constitution replaces a sword and the blindfold has been cast off. While this is a judicious reform of judicial iconography and a worthy move by the Judiciary to shed its colonial baggage, it should prompt us to recall John Rawls veil of ignorance and Amartya Sens view of justice.
Mint Quick Edit | Hyundais IPO: What kept retail investors away?
The public response to Hyundais share offer was underwhelming, but was this because of its pricing and perceptions of its market prospects, or does it mark a turn in investor sentiment?
Rage spills over on roads; reels only fan the fire
In 2022, Delhi witnessed 76 road rage cases, which went up to 84 the next year
Agenda for the new government in J&K
The Valley is on the threshold of a transformation in its polity and economy
The real scope of emissions protocol
Green risks. Disclosures relating to Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol are the most difficult to implement
Trade union recognition and the law
The case of Samsung union recognition is in the court
Manu Joseph: The spectacle of SpaceXs rocket catch is how science has failed
The companys recent feat was overhyped. We should acknowledge that science has been a big disappointment. This may be because there has been a brain drain from real science.
India needs to watch out for a remodelled EU thats taking shape
Political dynamics within the European Union could spell increasing bad news for India. With CBAM levies on the horizon, we may face even more EU protectionism, making an EU-India free trade agreement harder to strike.
Sorry, Powell cant be called the greatest Fed chair ever
Even if the Fed achieves a soft landing for the US economy, Jerome Powells record is marred by a failure to hold inflation in check. The Feds delayed efforts to withdraw its pandemic infusion of liquidity created asset bubbles and distorted the US housing market.
An open platform for e-commerce can transform Indias economy
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is an all-inclusive e-commerce platform that serves the public aim of linking the entire country for wide economic participation. Its a worthy addition to the countrys digital public infrastructure.
Gradual or surge? One way or another, India needs greater military might.
To strengthen defence preparedness, Indias spending on it must rise sharply. The pace we choose is the question and this depends on how adequately the country is equipped to tide through the dramatically different world now inhabit.
Letters to the Editor dated October 18, 2024
Editorial. Satcom can complement telecom services in remote areas
Tech advancements have made it possible for satcom players to offer seamless broadband connectivity directly to the users smartphones, bypassing traditional cell towers
US elections fear and tension in the final stretch
Seasoned pundits are reluctant to call the election; there are too many imponderables in a belligerent contest
Enabling ecosystem vital for green hydrogen boost
The govt has identified critical ecosystem enablers and taken favourable policy decisions, but more needs to be done to cut production costs
Daron Acemoglus three-point roadmap for Indias tech leadership
The 2024 Nobel laureate shares three key recommendations. Graduate from being a talent nation to an innovation hothouse, formulate a global tech strategy that includes alliances and push for technology that puts humans first.
Indermit Gill on what China and India must do to join the rich club
First invest, then infuse foreign technology and then innovate, says the World Banks chief economist
Leaders must stay coachable to unlock their true leadership potential
Leaders must embrace continuous learning, be open to critical feedback and make personal changes that could propel their professional growth. Such adaptability is critical for leaders to stay relevant in a fast-changing world of business.
Mission Europa: What secrets will this moon of Jupiter reveal?
Nasas mission to a Galilean moon of Jupiter thats encrusted in a thick shell of ice will let us know if its bulky ocean has signs of life. The lure, of course, is watera vital resource that weve failed so starkly to secure on Earth.
Editorial. China market stimulus may not impact Indias FPI flows
While foreign funds may be buying Chinese equity for the short-term, the Indian market offers better returns for long-term investors
IMF does a volte-face on forex market management
It actually advocates central bank, government intervention to mitigate risks; admits flexible exchange rates may not work
Looking into our export basket
GAINS AND LOSSES. There is a need for export diversification and an effort to sustain growth in high-performing sectors
Machine tool industry can give manufacturing a boost
As the cornerstone of the manufacturing sector, the machine tools sector can scale up with innovation, competitiveness and a commitment to excellence
3-raters in corporates deserve respect
Diversification of fund sources needed for NBFCs
Gutfeel advice: Make space for intuition in a data-dazzled world
Data can dissect problems, identify patterns and provide clarity in a way that intuition cannot. But when confronted with abstract issues or when the data available is irrelevant, the best choice is often one that feels righta judgement that comes from the depth of experience.
T.N.Hari:Venture capital is yet to bet big money on high-risk deep-tech startups
VCs have largely stuck to relatively low-risk areas where startups fix immediate well-defined problems, despite falling returns, as the deep tech ecosystem is still in infancy. In time, we can expect VCs to start funding bolder ventures.
Ritesh Banglani: Yes, Indian venture capitalists do fund moonshot ideas
More than a startups technology, its impact reveals the quality of an investment, and venture capital has made truly daring bets in India. As for deep-tech risk appetite, think of how many space-tech startups VCs have fundedthats literally rocket science.
Lets not underestimate the risk of over-financialization
Indias swelling base of investors, IPO exuberance and soaring market capitalization as a ratio of GDP all suggest over-financialization that may result in financial instability. Rein in over-extended markets without letting the real economy take a blow.
Food inflation: Blame supply shortfalls as well as bad policy interventions
Knee-jerk reactions to price spikes have included food export curbs and stock limits, but these short-term actions to tame prices have often meant farmers had little reason to up output. We need public investment in well-regulated markets, storage facilities and distribution networks.
Mint Quick Edit | How to deal with hoax bomb threats
Indian airlines have received at least 13 false bomb threats in the past 48 hours alone, causing passengers stress and the industry losses. Can disruptors be deterred? Foolproof security may be our surest bet.