35 C 
Are climate meets worth slash & burn?
Brazil, host of COP30, is reportedly clearing sections of the Amazon to build a highway for the eco-conference. This decision has faced criticism for its environmental impact, overshadowing the summit's purpose of addressing climate change. The highway plan had been repeatedly delayed due to environmental concerns.
India may gain more by being proactive as trade dynamics with US change
The political dynamic between India and the US is shifting as India contemplates making US-specific trade concessions. The focus is on a potential trade deal that balances economic give-and-take with political benefits, under Trump's pressure for a politically beneficial agreement.
Stress peaks in credit card portfolios as regulatory tightening hits unsecured lending
Stress in credit card portfolios of banks is peaking due to regulatory tightening of unsecured credit, with delinquencies largely among low-ticket sizes. The Reserve Bank of India is easing microcredit lending rules and urging banks to reduce impaired unsecured loan ratios to mitigate systemic risks.
Heatwaves hit early as India faces extreme summer, rising risks to health and economy
By February's end, Goa and Maharashtra faced heatwaves, making it the hottest month in 125 years. With temperatures rising, India's health and economy are at risk. Rivers are drying up, and without mitigation, food production, water stress, and job losses will worsen. Effective heat action plans are necessary.
Now and then janitors would go by with steaming percolators, now and then I would stumble into rest rooms where secretaries hastily renewed their make-up, now and then agents disguised as elevator men would strike up conversations - one of them had an artificial leg and he took me from floor to floor so many times that after a while he began waving to me from a distance and even stopped photographing me with the camera-carnation in his lapel.
The business of faith: How India can tap into its 1.2 lakh crore religious tourism potential
Maha Kumbh 2024 attracted 600-660 million visitors, far exceeding projections. With per-capita expenditure at 2,000, total spend reached 1.2 lakh crore. The potential for developing religious tourism as a growth engine is highlighted, emphasizing the need for infrastructure, comfort, and sustained publicity.
The controversy surrounding Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, where 10 cr unaccounted cash was found at his residence following a fire, highlights persistent concerns over judicial conduct. The matter is being investigated under the procedure outlined in the Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968. The process to remove judges for 'proved misbehaviour' or 'incapacity' in India remains lengthy and challenging.
Dave Grohl's 'Marigold,' originally recorded during his time with Nirvana and later adapted by Foo Fighters, is a gentle, understated song exuding a quiet, meditative quality. Its stripped-down essence and Grohl's whispering vocals create a timeless beauty, standing out amidst his often loud, energetic music. The song's simplicity and poetic lyrics make it a unique gem in Grohl's musical repertoire.
Borderless? Think again as notion of unfettered globalisation is tenuous
Kenichi Ohmae's 'borderless world' concept is being challenged by rising protectionism. The Trump administration's tariffs on countries like Canada and China threaten global trade dynamics. Nations are recalibrating policies, with Europe and China bolstering self-reliance. India must adapt and strengthen intra-Asian trade. Potential outcomes include escalating trade conflicts, regional trade agreements, or pragmatic globalisation.
Narcissists, who are often charming and confident, can mask insecurity or exhibit grandiosity. Their traits include arrogance, lack of empathy, and a constant need for admiration. Spiritual narcissists believe they are more enlightened than others, displaying manipulativeness and self-delusion that prioritizes ego growth over actual spiritual development.
Elon Musk's contention against GoI's digital content control highlights the broader issue of India's digital sovereignty. The balance between partnership for growth and maintaining autonomy is delicate, especially with global corporations dominating GDPI. Local development of digital utilities is crucial for India's long-term sovereignty.
World Happiness Report 2024: Pandemic sparks lasting increase in kindness and generosity
Five years since Covid began, the World Happiness Report 2024 reveals a sustained increase in kindness, with helping strangers up by 18% and generous acts still over 10% above pre-pandemic levels. Despite the global crisis, humanity's instinct to help has flourished.
GoI faces the challenge of addressing unpaid AGR by telecom companies as Vi seeks urgent equity conversion permissions. The authorities explore designing relief packages to alleviate industry costs while safeguarding competition and avoiding nationalizing telecom losses.
India's travel and tourism sector saw a rise in domestic travel, especially during the Maha Kumbh and wedding season, regaining pre-pandemic economic levels. However, despite efforts to promote international tourism, issues like poor air quality and high costs remain barriers, deterring foreign tourists.
Value for money is now money for value
A Bengaluru-based distillery launched a single malt whisky priced at 10 lakh for a 700 ml bottle, indicating a significant shift in economic principles. This high-priced whisky challenges traditional notions of value, emphasizing exclusivity and status. The shift from 'Value for Money' to 'Money for Value' represents new marketing strategies targeting wealthier consumers.
After a hiatus in Ooty, I returned to see India's uproar over Gen AI chatbot Grok, causing a stir for its contentious comments. Meanwhile, X challenges the Indian government's Section 79(3)(b) IT Act for creating an alleged unlawful content censorship regime.
Visual rhythms in their structures evoke parallel practices in dance and music traditions
There is much more that a gifted sutradhari (master-planner) and shilpi (sculptor) can also achieve. Take, for example, the mid-6th century CE Shiva cave at Elephanta, near Mumbai. This magnificent cave unfolds the Presence of Shiva, as Stella Kramrisch has so eloquently explained in her eponymous book (1981). The makers of this cave have transformed it into a grand stage. Its rows of sturdy yet ornate pillars mark space and time with their assured symmetry and rhythm. The linga, symbolising the unmanifest totality of Shiva, is housed within a shrine on the east-west axis.
An office worker's attempt to boost morale through a team-building event failed as employees expressed concerns over snacks, overtime pay, and virtual participation. The worker ultimately cancelled the event, sarcastically praising flawless communication. Additionally, an employee was called out for frequent tardiness, humorously pointing out it was only Wednesday.
How Trump's tariffs could be an opportunity for PM Modi to unleash industrial reforms in India
India is contemplating reducing tariffs on US goods to enhance trade relations and stimulate economic growth. Lowering tariffs could lead to significant benefits including reduced input costs and increased foreign investment. This strategic move might also strengthen India's position as a key player in global trade and deepen its partnership with the US.
Picking out fish bones teaches patience?
A University of Bristol study finds that seven-year-olds who consume more fish are 43% more likely to display positive social behaviors like sharing and helping others. This could be due to nutrients like vitamin D, iodine, selenium, and Omega-3 in fish. These findings suggest fish could have a significant impact on children's brain development and social skills.
Death of a salesman, revisited: Why Indias workplaces need a reset
India's breakneck economic growth has fuelled an obsession with ever-expanding targets, a ceaseless hunger for bigger numbers. The burden often falls on the business development teams, the so-called foot soldiers, who must transform ambition into revenue - at any cost. And while some argue that a cutthroat culture drives results, history suggests otherwise.
Prayers are seen as a form of communication with God across religions, with the ultimate prayer being surrender to God's will. The story of a disciple named Giri, who received his guru Adi Sankara's grace, highlights the power of devotion, humility, and dispassion in receiving spiritual enlightenment, even without explicit prayers for it.
Art is no longer just a thing of beauty
Indian art is gaining global recognition, driven by affluent local collectors. Significant sales, like Kiran Nadar's record-breaking M F Husain purchase, highlight this trend. The growing interest in Indian art presents a lucrative investment opportunity as the market is expected to expand rapidly.
IPL: New season promises to uncover fresh talent and serve up exciting cricket
The IPL turns 18 this year, further solidifying its status as a highly valuable and influential tournament in global sports. With new captains, rising stars, and the league's top teams poised for exciting battles, the season promises to be captivating. Key players like Kohli, Dhoni, and Sharma continue to headline a much-anticipated season.
The sky transitions to evening with hues of coral and lavender, as the sun sets behind mountain peaks, turning snow-capped summits into molten gold. The air is filled with the scent of pine, and the quiet sounds of nature accompany the tranquil scene.
Spring thaw, but peace is still far off
Spring sees a glimmer of peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Putin and Zelenskyy agreeing not to target each other's energy installations. However, Russia's bombing of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure shortly after Putins call with Trump suggests otherwise. Trumps proposal for the US to acquire Ukraine's power plants raises questions of security guarantees and sovereignty.
Will Fed manage a soft landing? Maybe
The US Federal Reserve has revised its inflation and growth projections while maintaining its commitment to interest rate cuts. Fed chair Jerome Powell highlights the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's tariff policies and the economic agenda, which will influence their monetary actions. These decisions are set to impact monetary policies globally.
Airport Tourism: How savvy travellers are visiting India without a visa
Pakistani entrepreneur Waqas Hassan found a legal way to experience India by booking a layover in Mumbai without needing a visa. During his six-hour stop, he enjoyed airport amenities, bought souvenirs, and tasted local snacks, sharing his unique 'airport tourism' journey on social media.
The gig economy in India offers substantial opportunities, providing flexible employment to millions and competitive earnings for gig workers. With projected expansion, it is essential for regulation to support social security benefits without stifling innovation, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
Existentialism explores concepts such as 'bad faith' and 'authenticity', contrasting inauthentic behavior influenced by society with actions true to one's core values. Heidegger's 'geworfenheit' highlights our thrownness into existence, while human life's goal in Indic philosophy is realizing the soul's true reality to escape this condition.
Why Sharmajis son cant be the benchmark for your happiness
Happiness is often mistaken for success and material achievements, but it truly resides in small, everyday moments and simple joys. A balanced life, encompassing physical and mental well-being, plays a crucial role, reminding us that happiness is a present choice rather than a future goal.
Happiness can be achieved through a mental shift towards gratitude and serving others. Focusing on what we already have and how we can help others brings enduring joy. Making wise decisions, guided by a calm mind and intellect, determines our future success and contentment.
Rework the CSR framework to incorporate a sliding scale of contributions and tax breaks
Indian companies contributed nearly 30,000 cr to CSR in 2022-23, focusing on education and healthcare. There's a need for a more equitable CSR model, linking contributions to profitability and promoting national imperatives over personal interests. Strategic tax breaks could drive genuine corporate engagement in social causes.
Ocean views, fish, therapy, zero drama
Senior African penguins at the New England Aquarium enjoy a unique retirement on a private island, away from younger penguins. They receive special care including room service with water-infused fish for kidney health, physical therapy, cataract care, and acupuncture for arthritis, along with ocean views and personal chefs.
No wrong turns on land acquisition
The Government of India is planning amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956 to speed up land acquisition and reduce disputes. A significant proposal is returning unused land after five years to original owners, enhancing fairness and potentially reducing protests against large-scale infrastructure projects.
Flicker of sunshine, but for how long?
Bargain hunters spark a relief rally on Dalal Street, yet predicting an Indian stock market bottom may be premature. While foreign investors briefly stop outflows, Indian stocks remain overpriced compared to other Asian markets. Market direction hinges on consumer demand and global tariff risks. Chinese equity gains could impact foreign investor sentiment towards India.
