The Economic Times

The article celebrates the often-overlooked role of goalkeepers at the World Cup, drawing parallels with Mal Peets novel Keeper, where a young goalkeeper learns that defending a goal is about instinct, resilience and protecting something larger than oneself.

Recent AI model restrictions by the US government signal a new era of uncertainty, impacting global tech development. India faces a critical juncture, needing to bolster sovereign AI capabilities while remaining integrated with international ecosystems. This requires accelerated development of indigenous models and domestic compute infrastructure, balancing self-reliance with participation in the global AI landscape to secure its strategic future.

India must not depend on foreign AI models, as US export controls demonstrate potential access denial. Past reliance on external tech, like nuclear programs, led to self-sufficiency. For AI, India needs a continuity doctrine, fostering multiple research labs and institutions, not just symbolic wins. Learning from Singapore's biotech success, building foundational capabilities now is crucial to avoid perpetual import reliance and secure future agency.

As tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz ease, India should focus not only on managing the immediate oil crisis but also on strengthening long-term energy security, the authors argue. While the government has asked ONGC to build a new 1.75-million-tonne strategic oil reserve in Mangaluru, expanding reserves through public funding alone could strain finances.

SpaceX's massive valuation highlights the immense potential in space technology, with Starlink and AI driving value. While India's space startups are gaining traction, particularly in upstream capabilities, significant opportunities lie downstream. Tailoring services to India's unique context, like small landholdings and remote connectivity needs, presents the next frontier for growth and value creation.

A reflection on viral videos of Indian tourists abroad, exploring debates over travel behaviour, Instagram culture, and the tension between sightseeing volume and cultural appreciation.

The future of intelligence may be monetized, with AI assistants offering tiered plans like 'AI Lite' for the underprivileged and 'AI Ultra Max Quantum Executive' for the wealthy. This shift could create an 'intelligence divide,' where access to advanced AI dictates societal standing.

The humble Indian nightie, a symbol of practical modesty and comfort, is emerging as a powerful, yet overlooked, industry. Beyond its domestic role, this garment represents a vast, decentralized supply chain with immense potential for growth and formal recognition.

India's unique relationship with technology, where smartphones serve as the sole device for millions, positions it as a crucial testing ground for AI's next phase. Moving beyond simple question-and-answer models, agentic AI will integrate seamlessly into daily life, acting on habits and context.

Anime's global appeal is skyrocketing, with international markets now driving over half of its revenue. This boom is fueled by streaming platforms and lucrative brand collaborations, transforming anime into a global IP powerhouse. While blockbuster movies and expanding international production signal immense growth, the industry grapples with underpaid workers and talent shortages, prompting exploration of AI solutions to ease production burdens.

India's clean energy ambitions depend not just on renewable capacity but also on decarbonising industries. Cleaner supply chains, green manufacturing and low-carbon technologies are key to achieving net-zero goals.

India faces a critical juncture as powerful AI models are restricted by the US. This move impacts the security of India's digital infrastructure. The nation must prioritize developing its own AI capabilities and ensuring sovereign control over its technology.

India faces severe heatwaves. Dangerous heat now affects large areas with little relief. This crisis demands action beyond meteorology. Heat resilience needs to be integrated into daily governance. Public infrastructure like shade and ventilation is crucial. Dedicated public finance is required for cooling solutions. Heat is now a fundamental development issue for India's public safety.

Under Donald Trump's administration, the financial landscape has been anything but stable. Traders have learned to navigate through his tariff strategies and comments regarding the Iran conflict, identifying consistent trends in the markets. This has led to dramatic shifts in stock prices and currencies, opening up opportunities for those skilled in derivatives trading.

India faces economic vulnerabilities from external crises. Five reforms are proposed to build resilience. These include reducing gold and crude oil imports, attracting stable foreign capital, curbing tax demands, fixing GST litigation, and boosting R&D investment. Implementing these changes will strengthen India's economic future.

India's significant gold imports, exceeding 800 tonnes in 2024 while producing only 2 tonnes, highlight a missed opportunity. Learning from China's efficient domestic production and exploration excellence, India could revive its gold mining sector. This requires foreign capital, technology, and investor protections like Bilateral Investment Treaties to attract necessary investment for discoveries.

China's business environment prioritizes market share with strong government backing. The nation has shifted to high-quality, high-speed production. This ascent, driven by plans like 'Made in China', faces future challenges from debt and demographics. India can learn from China's execution while leveraging its own strengths. The time for India to act is now.