32 C 
Borrowed flavours or colonised minds?
A chance discovery sparks a culinary investigation. The writer explores the origins of Turkish lamb stew and Dutch poffertjes. Similarities with Indian dishes like mutton stew and panniyaram raise questions. Did these dishes originate in India? The article challenges the narrative of India borrowing culinary ideas. It suggests India's rich history and sophisticated society fostered culinary innovation.
Indias defence factories are open to the world: How nation's war machines won global trust
India's defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a self-reliant industry, with domestic production now accounting for 65% of its military equipment. Buoyed by policy reforms and cost-effectiveness, India's defence exports have surged, reaching $2.8 billion in FY25. As NATO increases defence spending, India's battle-tested, scalable manufacturing base positions it as a compelling alternative supplier for Europe.
CEOs on boards is a governance blind spot accepted as normal but long overdue for scrutiny
The presence of Chief Executive Officers on enterprise boards raises questions about oversight. Nearly half of S&P 500 firms vest the same person with CEO and board chair roles. This creates a conflict between executive and overseer. Some suggest CEOs attend as observers without voting rights. Stripping CEOs of board membership may signal instability.
Greet Europe with Car'bon' Jour: Turning CBAM from trade barrier to green opportunity for India
The European Union's carbon tax on imports poses challenges for India's trade. India and EU are negotiating a free trade agreement. The carbon tax could affect Indian exports like steel and aluminium. India is concerned about the tax's impact on its industries. India needs to develop ways to measure carbon emissions.
No moonlight shadows: How techs trust-based culture opened the door to hidden dual employment
The Soham Parekh case has exposed how moonlighting in tech has moved beyond harmless side gigs to full-blown trust breaches. Remote work, loose contracts and blind trust let skilled professionals work multiple jobs undetected. For tech firms, the risk isnt just lost hours its lost data, lost revenue and reputational damage. The fix starts with better contracts and real oversight.
With decadal dipping birth rates and rising longevity, will India grow old before it can grow rich?
India faces an emerging social challenge as its population ages rapidly due to declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. While celebrated for its youthful demographic, the nation's growing elderly population, projected to reach 350 million by 2050, poses significant social and economic challenges. Addressing healthcare gaps and creating a supportive environment for seniors is crucial for India's development goals.
Don't run small cars off the road: Why Indias emission rules hurt the cars we actually need
Proposed CAFE 3 norms in India, aiming for lower CO emissions, face criticism for potentially harming small, fuel-efficient cars while favoring larger, pricier models. This approach contrasts with global practices that offer more lenient targets for smaller vehicles. The regulations could hinder affordability and mass motorization, impacting access to safe and inclusive mobility for many Indians.
View: Can Elon Musk really play party pooper?
The Trump-Musk feud has intensified after the Tesla boss announced the launch of America Party. On July 4, Musk asked his X followers if they wanted independence from the US' two-party system. Over 1.2 mn people replied. 'By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party, and you shall have it!' he posted. 'A party to represent 80% in the middle,' Musk added. However, who are these 80% Aam Americans? Do they belong to the middle class financially, or are they people who don't think the Republican or Democratic parties see or represent them?
Eye on trades, not curbs: How far can smart money go before its called fraud?
Sebi's action against Jane Street Capital for alleged market manipulation highlights vulnerabilities in India's booming derivatives market. The regulator's investigation revealed patterns of trading that influenced stock and index prices, leading to unprecedented recovery of illegal gains. The case raises questions about regulatory gaps, surveillance effectiveness, and the need for refined rules to prevent concentrated trades without stifling market liquidity.
While computer science remains a popular choice, the engineering landscape is broadening. Opportunities are emerging in green energy, defense, and space industries, driven by sustainability goals and national security needs. This shift demands diverse engineering skills, from power and mining to materials and microelectronics, offering a promising future for young engineers beyond the realm of coding.
Why Kamal Hassan's kiss unsettled fans
Kamal Haasan's new film Thug Life sparks debate. His character's romance with a younger woman raises eyebrows. The film highlights the age gap in cinema. It questions the portrayal of older male leads. The audience reacts to Kamal's character. The film attempts to address male privilege. It also explores the double standards in the industry.
Coiled for a comeback: Credit revival likely faster this time due to stronger fundamentals
The Reserve Bank of India's monetary easing aims to revive credit growth, a crucial step for economic restoration. While past easing cycles saw prolonged lags, current conditions differ due to the absence of unrecognised bad loans, increased lending capacity, and a shift in market share towards private banks. These factors suggest a potentially faster credit growth recovery this time.
Inequality angst can derail growth
Despite India's low Gini index suggesting income equality, wealth concentration remains high compared to Asian standards. While tax revenues have increased, a small percentage of the population contributes the most. India's economic growth, though steady, lags behind other Asian economies, and the IT sector's growth is slowing, necessitating the identification of new growth engines to achieve upper-middle-income status.
India's Competition Act, amended in 2023, provides a flexible framework for addressing anti-competitive conduct in the digital economy, negating the need for a new ex-ante law inspired by the EU's DMA. Prioritizing institutional capacity building, streamlining procedures, and ensuring timely enforcement will foster healthy and competitive markets.
