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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.
This generation is seeking authenticity in all things great & small
Diagnosed with PCOS as a teen, the author learned to take control of her health, a proactive approach mirrored by her generation. Gen Z filters information for authenticity and science-backed solutions, influencing brands to build accountable relationships. This generation also redefines ambition, prioritizing flexibility, mental health, and intent in their careers and financial decisions.
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.
Trump's 2025 tightrope for India
India navigates a challenging global landscape in 2025. Shifting US diplomacy demands new strategies. Europe offers economic opportunities. Geopolitical pressures require India to assert its interests. Neighbourhood dynamics present security concerns. Cultural issues impact the diaspora. India seeks stable growth amidst uncertainty, focusing on diverse partnerships for economic and strategic gains.
MAGA cowboys vs Indians: How Indian success triggered white nationalist fury
Hate against Indians is now widespread on social media. Racist posts target Indian Americans, accusing them of unfair success and calling for their deportation. Reports show millions of views on anti-Indian content. Online hate groups, amplified by fake accounts, are openly targeting Indians. This trend is escalating, with predictions of future violence against the community.
Jeff Bezos idea of other people becoming rich is more revealing of the rich than of being wealthy
Jeff Bezos remark about creating wealth for other people refers mainly to shareholders who took risks in the stock market and invested at the right time. The article links this view to economist Milton Friedmans belief that a companys primary duty is to its shareholders, not broader philanthropy.
Nature doesn't exist in a zoo, it's also in you
The nature market offers escapes, but this disconnect from urban life is a capitalist cycle. People rely on markets for excitement and inner life. True care for nature means local engagement, not just exotic travel. This exotification separates us from the environment. Nature is not an escape; it is part of us.
Turkmenistan: From marble excess to fiery desert, the country's surreal, utterly over the top
Visiting the reclusive nation of Turkmenistan is akin to stepping into a rabbit hole. A driver and guide are mandatory, interactions with locals are avoided. And the obligatory story at each stop is a cautiously rehearsed performance. Capital Ashgabat is constructed almost exclusively of white marble, and on its elegant roads only white cars are permitted.
This New Year, forget resolutions & try to find what you really, really want instead
As the new year approaches, people often make resolutions without first examining their deepest desires, such as wanting to look good or feel better. The article suggests that truly meaningful resolutions should align with ones core wishes, which are often hidden or unclear.
Being funny is seriously a very serious business
Humor is a serious art. Context is key to landing a joke. Trying to be funny can lead to misunderstandings. Yet, humor can reveal truths about the world. A good comic writer understands grief. New Year's parties offer chances to get it right. Choose your words wisely. There are many senses of humor. Have a seriously comic new year.
