The Economic Times News

New labour codes, particularly the Code on Social Security, aim to transform Provident Fund into a social insurance system, aligning with UN SDGs. The code expands coverage to more establishments and workers, clarifies wage definitions, and introduces safeguards for low-wage earners. This aims to reduce litigation and compliance costs, fostering a worker-centric framework.

Train-elephant collisions continue to claim jumbo lives across India. A recent tragedy in Assam saw eight elephants killed. Experts point to a lack of coordination between government departments as the root cause. Despite mitigation efforts, institutional silos hinder effective solutions. Improved collaboration is crucial for elephant conservation and preventing future accidents.

India's economic policymakers navigated a challenging year, achieving robust GDP growth while addressing concerns like investment wariness and global economic headwinds. The government pushed forward with reforms, focusing on simplifying processes and optimizing the manufacturing environment, particularly in green energy, electronics, and defense sectors.

The Supreme Court's recent order offers a new framework for the Aravalli range. It protects ecologically vital landforms and their slopes. A management plan will guide future development and mining. This aims to prevent degradation and ensure sustainable use of this ancient mountain system. The focus is on scientific oversight and community involvement for long-term protection.

India's renewable energy growth is impressive, but a reliable power supply remains a challenge. The nation must upgrade its grid infrastructure and scale up storage solutions. Nuclear power will provide stable baseload energy. AI will optimize grid operations. These steps are crucial for energy security and climate goals.

As India accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, theres an evident gap in maximizing its potential. Without a comprehensive strategy, the nation remains tethered to thermal power, primarily due to the unreliable nature of renewables. A strategic framework for energy storage is essential, prompting consideration of methods like pumped storage and hydrogen production.

As 2025 concludes, ISRO gears up for a transformative 2026 with seven missions, including crucial Gaganyaan tests. India's human spaceflight dream hinges on qualifying the LVM3, validating the Crew Escape System, and perfecting re-entry trials. Success will position India among the elite spacefaring nations, showcasing technological prowess and driving innovation.

Middle Eastern utility Masdar's failed ReNew Power deal was followed by significant Japanese investments in India's financial sector. Japanese megabanks are increasingly channeling billions into India, driven by geopolitical shifts and a desire to diversify from China. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are becoming selective in their Indian investments, influenced by US foreign policy.

India and Oman have forged a new chapter in their trade journey by signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement not only reinforces their historical ties but also sets the stage for a thriving economic future. It opens doors for India to explore diverse export markets, particularly in the Gulf.

Parliament has replaced MGNREGA with a new bill, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025. While the name has changed, the core economic design of linking public expenditure to labour and asset creation remains intact. The government's pragmatic approach prioritizes durable asset creation and labour participation over unconditional cash transfers.

2026 will see AI agents manage workflows and humanoid robots enter factories. Search engines will become answer engines. Smart glasses will become common. Big tech companies will see major IPOs. AI will impact entry-level jobs, leading to societal shifts. Human-made content will gain value. India will become a voice-driven AI market with democratised compute access.

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.