The Economic Times News

An Italian minister has exposed a fake carbonara sauce sold in Europe. The sauce contained pancetta and dairy cream, not the traditional guanciale and egg mixture. This has angered Italy, which is protective of its culinary heritage. Similar issues arise with 'spag bol', which Bologna says is not authentic. Italians insist on correct ingredients and pasta pairings for their dishes.

Once a battleground of ideologies, Berlin now stands as a vibrant melting pot of cultures. The city's beloved Pfannkuchen, a delightful pastry, serves as a sweet reminder of its unique culinary identity, distinct from the American doughnut. Street foods like Currywurst embody the city's spirited evolution, blending tradition with innovation.

Author photos may or may not reflect their writing, but they're still beguiling

Donald Trump's executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 for medical use has surprised many, challenging typical political stereotypes. This move, alongside personal anecdotes, highlights how preconceived notions about individuals and groups are often inaccurate and based on lazy assumptions, urging readers to embrace complexity.

India is proposing a new model for AI training on copyrighted content. This approach differs significantly from international practices. It includes payment obligations and revenue sharing for AI developers. Critics argue the model is overly complex and may be unconstitutional. The proposal could create challenges for Indian AI developers and copyright owners alike.

India stands at a pivotal juncture where economic growth, industrial innovation, and technological advancement intersect, propelled by vibrant domestic demand and steady policy direction. The manufacturing sector is transforming to emphasize value creation, integrating more robustly with international supply chains, particularly in fast-growing areas like electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Donald Trump's National Security Strategy predicts civilizational erasure in Europe due to migration. The article argues this fear is unfounded, contrasting modern immigrants with historical colonizers. Immigrants integrate, enriching host countries. While demographic shifts are occurring, the threat of erasure is exaggerated. Countries like the US, Canada, and Australia embrace immigration as vital for growth.

India's travel industry is under scrutiny as the framework for consumer protection is put to the test by recent airline cancellations. The Competition Commission of India is launching an investigation into IndiGo, examining the potential for antitrust breaches. While fluctuating fares are permitted, exploitative tactics are off-limits.

India's tax authorities are increasingly using General Anti-Avoidance Rules, or GAAR. Recent rulings show GAAR targeting corporate restructurings and treaty structures. Courts are clarifying GAAR's limits, emphasizing genuine commercial substance. Businesses must align tax planning with economic purpose. Authorities need judicious application to maintain predictability and fairness.

India's new direct tax law in 2025 simplifies income tax. It introduces a uniform tax year and consolidates salary exemptions. Optional joint taxation for couples is proposed, potentially reducing tax burdens. A legally enforceable Taxpayers' Charter is needed for fairness. Reviving the tax ombudsman office would strengthen compliance and taxpayer rights.

In a recent discussion, Jeff Bezos posited that true wealth represents the value contributed to society. While this perspective sounds appealing, it doesn't align with the harsh realities of economic dynamics. In the realm of Western capitalism, personal wealth is often prioritised, creating a culture of individualism.

New rules aim to curb deepfakes by labeling synthetic content. However, these proposals place undue burden on social media platforms. Experts argue this approach misinterprets platform roles and neglects to punish actual creators of harmful content. The focus should be on identifying offenders and removing malicious material, not solely on intermediaries.

India-US ties faced a difficult year in 2025. Political goodwill was low; high tariffs impacted trade. People-to-people connections were strained. Defence cooperation continued, and Big Tech invested heavily in India. However, delivery delays and stalled negotiations created challenges. As of now, India maintains its domestic compulsions and red lines.

America's shift away from global leadership is creating uncertainty. The US is no longer acting as the world's policeman. This means nations must now secure themselves. China's influence is growing, even as India faces new challenges alone. The global order built after World War Two is eroding. This era of prosperity may be ending. The future is uncertain for global commerce and investment.

Indian households are spending more on non-food items and durable goods. This shift indicates growing prosperity and better market access for millions. Rural spending on durables has surged significantly. Ownership of vehicles, mobile phones, refrigerators, and TVs is becoming common. This trend presents opportunities and challenges for policy and manufacturing.

The WTO's Appellate Body is dysfunctional due to US obstruction, leading to a void in appeals. A coalition of 57 WTO members, including the EU and Britain, has established the Multi-Party Interim Arbitration (MPIA) agreement as an alternative.

India is undergoing a significant systemic transformation. Reforms are being implemented across various sectors, including nuclear energy and quality control. Environmental norms are being relaxed, and regulations are being simplified. These measures aim to boost industry and reduce government intervention. The focus is on making India more competitive and indispensable in global supply chains.

India's 22-year-old nuclear doctrine, based on 'no first use' and 'credible minimum deterrence', faces urgent re-evaluation. With aggressive neighbors rapidly expanding arsenals and rejecting NFU promises, the current policy risks unilateral disarmament. Modern warfare's speed and evolving threats necessitate a clear, updated doctrine to safeguard national interests.