Opinion / The Economic Times
Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Schloss Schauenstein offers a unique culinary journey orchestrated by Chef Andreas Caminada. His innovative tasting menu showcases local ingredients transformed into imaginative dishes, each accompanied by a descriptive card. Beyond the food, the castle provides boutique accommodations, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Graubunden.
A new report reveals a shocking $492 billion is lost globally each year to tax dodging, with multinational corporations and wealthy individuals exploiting loopholes and tax havens. The report criticizes the 'Elite Eight' countries, including the US and UK, for enabling this system while simultaneously losing billions in tax revenue.
Before the Mahabharat war, Krishn offered a peaceful resolution by requesting Duryodhan to return Indraprastha or give five villages to the Pandavs, but Duryodhan refused. When both sides sought Krishn's help, Arjun wisely chose Krishn's guidance over his army. The war, fought to uphold dharma, saw the victory of the Pandavs who were aided by the divine presence of Krishn.
India faces a challenge to make its government more efficient. Hence, there is a need for a reduction in the number of ministries from the current 55. Moreover, ministries can be also merged with overlapping functions, like education and skill development. This streamlining aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve service delivery. The proposal is bold and may face resistance.
At COP29, many nations are questioning the fairness of grouping China and India as 'developing countries'. This label, while granting certain benefits, implies a perpetual state of 'catching up' for nations like South Africa and Bhutan. While this categorization can be advantageous when it comes to climate action responsibilities, it fails to acknowledge the economic diversity within the 'Global South'.
India's overcrowded prisons, with occupancy exceeding 130%, are seeing a glimmer of relief. The government plans to release prisoners convicted of non-heinous crimes who have served a third of their sentence.
Microfinance lending is experiencing stress due to regulatory changes aimed at curbing over-lending. Relaxed rules in 2022 fueled a surge in unsecured credit, leading to new restrictions on loan numbers and borrowers. While this has caused a credit squeeze and increased delinquency, it's expected that government spending and economic recovery will eventually stabilize the sector.
Donald Trump is building his team. Many are unhappy with his choices. Trump says he has the people's support. Diplomats are trying to understand how to work with him. They know America will offer less help. India will likely not join any anti-US groups. Trump's foreign policy is still forming.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) under the leadership of its outgoing president, collaborated with the Government of India on initiatives like 'Make in India', 'women-led development', 'farm prosperity', and 'sustainability' to achieve the 'Viksit Bharat' goal by 2027.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sparked debate by advocating for lower bank interest rates to stimulate business investment, despite concerns about food inflation. Her stance echoes calls from industry leaders and raises questions about the government's respect for central bank autonomy in managing inflation and interest rates.
The Director's Guild of America's podcast, The Director's Cut, celebrates its 500th episode with a special look back at its most captivating conversations. The episode revisits discussions with acclaimed directors on their creative processes, offering insights into the making of iconic films from Dune to 1917.
The author playfully suggests that International Mothers-in-Law Day should be celebrated, humorously highlighting the complex relationship many have with their in-laws. They argue that a dedicated day might foster appreciation and alleviate some inherent tension, referencing the US celebration in October close to Halloween.
Life is full of changes, leaving us craving stability. True stability comes from connecting with God's infinite love, found by looking within ourselves through meditation. Worldly pursuits don't bring lasting happiness. God's love offers immense joy and bliss, leading to a life of stability and fulfillment.
Donald Trump and Narendra Modi are focusing on manufacturing to boost their economies. However, historical trends suggest that this approach is likely to fail in developed countries like the US. While India has potential in this sector, its progress is hindered by rigid labor laws and excessive holidays, making its workforce less competitive.
India and Sweden have partnered to decarbonize India's heavy industries, focusing on steel and cement. The partnership aims to promote green steel production through hydrogen-based processes, increased scrap utilization, and renewable energy. This collaboration seeks to position India as a leader in sustainable industrial growth while contributing to global climate goals.
While India has faced challenges in data collection due to its large informal economy, the landscape is shifting. Financial inclusion, ecommerce, and smartphone usage are generating valuable datasets.
Two individuals debated the deadly effects of a dense fog. One argued that the fog contained fatal levels of carbonic oxide, leading to widespread death. The other countered that the fog's density caused a fatal accumulation of gritty particles in the lungs, leading to asphyxiation.
At the APEC summit, Xi Jinping urged the US to honor existing agreements as the foundation for their relationship, even as differences arise. China's recent actions, however, including border disputes with India and maritime claims in the South China Sea, raise questions about its commitment to these principles.
A new study found that people can't distinguish between AI-generated poetry and human-written poetry. However, the study's participants were not poetry experts and preferred simpler, more accessible poems, suggesting that AI has not yet mastered the nuances of great poetry.
Brazil is championing a global tax on billionaires to alleviate poverty, but faces opposition from the US and hesitance from other major economies. While the initiative enjoys public support, concerns about economic feasibility and potential capital flight are hindering its progress.
Just as we care for our physical well-being, we must also prioritize our emotional health. This involves clearing out negative thoughts and feelings through meditation and spiritual contemplation. Cultivating self-acceptance, practicing forgiveness, and embracing positive values are crucial for achieving emotional lightness and well-being.
Delhi faces a severe air pollution crisis demanding immediate action. The Supreme Court criticizes authorities for delayed responses and emphasizes their duty to ensure a clean environment. While emergency measures are crucial, a proactive approach is vital to prevent such situations.
Elon Musk's surprising appointment to Donald Trump's cabinet has sent shockwaves through Washington. As 'First-Buddy' and co-head of the proposed DOGE initiative, Musk's influence is expected to extend beyond domestic policy, potentially impacting US foreign relations, particularly with India, where his companies have significant interests.
The list of struggling firms getting US government support to stay afloat is a long one. What this does is reduce the natural correction process built into capitalism - failing firms die, new ones grow in their place. It blunts the dynamism of the US economy. Also, it rewards those who brought failure upon their firms and damaged the larger economy in the process. Bankers, for example, went back to receiving big salaries and fat bonuses on the back of government bailouts soon after 2008.
The capacity we have as human beings to continue to feel elated, surprised and wonderstruck several times over, is because we remain in awe of anything beyond our control and a bit overwhelming.
Bobby Darin's 1959 rendition of 'Mack the Knife' is a masterclass in musical storytelling. His smooth vocals, combined with the song's jaunty tempo and dark lyrics, create a captivating contrast. Darin's performance is both charming and sinister, drawing listeners into the world of the notorious Mack the Knife.
Donald Trump's potential return to the White House could significantly impact India's technological ambitions. His anticipated techno-nationalist policies, including restricted access to AI innovation and intensified competition, necessitate India's strategic positioning as a key player in the global AI landscape.
The Acadmie Franaise, France's language regulator, recently unveiled the ninth edition of its dictionary after decades of revisions. The article argues that the Acadmie's strict control over the French language hinders its growth and adaptability compared to the more inclusive nature of English.
India joins global concerns over social media platforms using news content to train AI without compensation. Lawmakers highlight risks of misinformation and bias, urging tech creators to ensure a balance of natural and synthetic content for ethical AI development. The evolving landscape necessitates a shift in social media's business model and redefines journalism's role in delivering trustworthy information.
Satellite internet offers a promising solution for expanding internet access to remote areas and supplementing existing networks. However, high costs associated with satellite deployment and maintenance, along with limited bandwidth and potential congestion issues, pose significant challenges to its widespread adoption.
Sebi has proposed new rules for Mutual Fund investments. The market regulator wants MFs to invest funds from new schemes within 30 days. If there is a delay, MFs can invest in the next 30 days with permission. Sebi may bar MFs from launching new schemes if they fail to comply.
Making poor people look well-off can dismantle class barriers better than Tom Piketty
An 80-km Bhiwadi-Old Delhi daily commute can teach you many life lessons
Shalini Passi, the newest addition to Netflix's 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives,' is turning heads with her unique approach to wealth. Unlike her castmates, Passi embraces art, culture, and self-expression, setting a new standard for Delhi's elite.
From Taher Shah's 'Eye to Eye' to Dhinchak Pooja's 'Selfie Maine Leli Aaj', the Subcontinent, along with the West, has mastered the art of 'meme music'. These songs, often low-budget and musically questionable, provide a much-needed dose of laughter and absurdity in a world saturated with serious music.
Frankfurt Book Fair 2024 had publishers, including the only participating university press from India, making a big deal of book deals and Dylan nearly visiting (he complained instead)
Chhattisgarh is honoring the legacy of tribal leader Birsa Munda by implementing welfare initiatives that empower tribal communities. These initiatives focus on enhancing self-reliance, economic growth, and cultural preservation. The state government is committed to providing better infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities to tribal populations, ensuring their voices are heard in the development process.
Or else the only option would be a new capital region to give this one some time to rejuvenate
Donald Trump has appointed Bobby Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, as the Secretary of Health. This decision has surprised many, given Trump's previous praise for vaccines. Some speculate that this move is a strategic maneuver to defy expectations and potentially foster unconventional policy approaches.
Sam Altman's firing and reinstatement at OpenAI marked a turning point for AI, shifting its focus from societal good to a tool for productivity and profit. While AI has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of life, concerns arise about its potential to exacerbate existing inequalities within the capitalist system.
Life is a journey of self-discovery, urging us to understand our complexities and responses to life's beauty and tragedies. Through introspection, we confront our choices, seeking to live in alignment with our conscience and accept responsibility for our actions. This examination leads to self-awareness and paves the way for a brighter future.
Indian businesses are embracing 'momentum diversification' (MD), leveraging technology and customer trust to expand into unrelated sectors. This trend, fueled by a growing digital-native population, is redefining traditional brand extension strategies and creating unprecedented growth opportunities across industries.
Severe air pollution in northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, is causing significant concern. The pollution, worsened by factors like stubble burning and industrial emissions, is impacting visibility and posing health risks. While a government panel has been formed to address the issue, its effectiveness remains to be seen.
India is committed to doubling energy efficiency to achieve its climate goals, including reducing carbon intensity by 45% and GHG emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. The nation champions sustainable progress through improved energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and innovative technologies for cleaner energy systems. Collaboration, financing, and supportive policies are crucial for success.
India's diverse culinary heritage needs protection from globalization. The article proposes a system of geographical indication and standardized processes for traditional recipes, similar to France and Japan. This approach empowers local communities, preserves culinary traditions, and boosts tourism by creating a sustainable ecosystem around artisanal food.
A Navajo elder, encountering astronauts training for a moon mission, requested to send a message to the moon. His message, met with laughter and refusal for translation by his tribe, was later revealed to be a warning by a government translator, claiming the astronauts' intent to steal the moon's land.