25 C 
Can Mark Carneys trip unlock CEPA & repair strained Canada-India ties?
Canadian official Mark Carney visits India to strengthen strategic ties. This visit follows a diplomatic thaw and aims to finalize the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement, under negotiation since 2010, is crucial for boosting bilateral trade. Both nations seek to diversify economic partnerships and build resilience.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the IT sector. Experts predict AI will automate many coding tasks, changing the role of software engineers. This shift impacts IT services companies, especially in India. Business models are moving from paying for people to paying for results. New AI-powered companies will emerge, focusing on delivering specific outcomes.
Rare policy window coming up for India to right a longtime aviation imbalance
Airport slots are crucial for airlines. India's current system favours established carriers, hindering new entrants and regional flights. This limits competition and passenger choice. New airports offer a chance to reform slot allocation. Prioritising new airlines and regional carriers at these hubs can ease congestion and boost connectivity. A policy shift is needed.
16th Finance Commission ends revenue deficit grants, flags fiscal discipline reset
The 16th Finance Commission has ended revenue deficit grants for states. This move aims to fix fiscal problems and encourage states to manage their finances better. Previously, states relied on central support, weakening their incentive for reforms. This change signals a move towards greater fiscal responsibility. The commission's decision aligns with global practices to manage government debt effectively.
Is India's negative FDI a red flag or a sign of booming capitalism?
India's economic growth is attracting global attention. While net FDI has turned negative, this is a positive sign. It indicates foreign investors are profiting from India's high market valuations and repatriating funds. This trend, alongside robust domestic investment, highlights a dynamic and democratized capitalist landscape. The IPO market continues to thrive, showcasing India's economic strength.
16th Finance Commission is reshaping fiscal federalism by ending revenue-deficit grants
The 16th Finance Commission prioritizes efficiency over equity, shifting incentives towards economic effort by weighting GSDP share in horizontal distribution. It also discontinues revenue-deficit grants, restoring a hard budget constraint and reducing moral hazard. This aims to incentivize states to expand their economic base and improve fiscal capacity.
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.
US SC misses the point: Trump tariffs are obsolete, algorithms rule the economy
The US Supreme Court questioned President Trump's tariff powers. This ruling highlights a major shift in economic power. Value now lies in data and software, not just physical goods. India must adapt its laws to this intangible economy. Executives and courts need a new approach to govern digital power. This is crucial for future economic legitimacy.
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.
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.
