The Economic Times

Government processes often appear slow, but this is a feature, not a bug. Decisions undergo extensive scrutiny for legal, political, and fiscal impacts. Effective public affairs requires understanding this system. Businesses must engage consistently, offering insights and acknowledging trade-offs. Patience and professionalism are crucial for navigating policy, as competence, not just connections, drives progress.

West Asia's conflicts rarely end, they transform. The Iran-Israel rivalry, spanning decades, continues to shape the region. Recent clashes have revealed vulnerabilities for all major players. An attack on Iran carries immense risks, potentially destabilising global shipping and alliances. The consequences would be far-reaching, impacting nations beyond the immediate conflict zone.

The US Supreme Court questioned President Trump's tariff powers. This ruling highlights a major shift in economic power. Value now lies in data and software, not just physical goods. India must adapt its laws to this intangible economy. Executives and courts need a new approach to govern digital power. This is crucial for future economic legitimacy.

The US Supreme Court's recent decision to invalidate global tariffs has thrown a wrench in Donald Trump's economic strategy, providing a sigh of relief for some stakeholders. However, the President is undeterred and is actively pursuing other legal avenues to maintain his tariff regime. This creates a challenging political atmosphere for Republicans gearing up for the midterm elections.

Movies that delve into the theme of parental loss provide a tapestry of emotional experiences. In 'Easy A', we witness the resilience of family ties amidst adversity. Conversely, 'Hamnet' intricately portrays the heart-wrenching dynamics of Shakespeare's family as they confront the death of a beloved son.

In Barcelona, a quirky nativity figure sparks a reflection on bitcoin, money myths, and how modern finance distances people from real value, labour, and the tangible fruits of the earth.

Actress Bhavana's recent film 'Anomie' drew applause, showcasing her enduring appeal. Her career spans Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. Bhavana's courage in reporting an assault in 2017 led to the Women in Cinema Collective. This organization champions gender equality in the film industry. Bhavana's professional achievements deserve recognition alongside her activism. She has received awards for her performances.

India embarks on a journey to expand its celestial horizons through investments in advanced telescopes and observatories. This strategic shift highlights India's growing influence in the realm of global astronomy. The new infrastructure is set to enhance scientific prowess and develop local talent, with an aim to establish premier observatories on Indian soil.

India currently consumes advanced technology like AI. To secure its future, India must transition from a consumer to a creator. This requires a strategic shift towards innovation and ownership of AI products. The nation needs to foster energetic startups and provide support for them to operate at the cutting edge.

In the context of trade uncertainty wrought by Washington, Brazil's large delegation to India sends an important signal: if both countries are pushed into a corner, they can turn to each other. It's also a bonus that Lula's visit comes just two weeks before his forthcoming trip to Washington.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital world. Machines are now primary actors, handling tasks from booking flights to autonomous warfare. This shift concentrates power in AI invocation, potentially making businesses invisible if not chosen by AI. The internet's future will see bots exceeding human traffic, requiring a re-evaluation of existing structures.

India must lead in biotech sovereignty powered by AI. This convergence will shape healthcare, food, and biosecurity. Nations controlling biology and AI will define the future. India needs to develop its own AI models and infrastructure. This shift from managing disease to reengineering biology is crucial for national security and global leadership. India aims to become a global biotech platform.

India's oil sourcing has dramatically shifted from the Gulf to include significant Russian imports, driven by discounts and geopolitical events. While refiners can adapt to supply changes, potential US pressure to halt Russian crude raises concerns about national sovereignty and economic implications, not physical shortages.

Artificial Intelligence promises significant changes, potentially displacing many jobs. However, human creativity and innovation, termed Natural Intelligence, will be key to adapting. This innate human ability has historically helped us manage technological shifts. Developing and nurturing this Natural Intelligence is vital for individuals to master AI and shape a positive future, rather than becoming its victims.

India's booming AI sector faces a critical energy challenge. Despite massive solar power production and ready transmission lines, mismanagement of the power grid is causing significant renewable energy cuts. This is threatening the viability of generation projects and the nation's data center ambitions.

India and France elevated their ties to a 'special global strategic partnership' during French President Macron's visit, marked by a 21-point outcome statement. Key agreements focus on defense, including co-development of advanced military technologies and joint engine development for next-gen fighters, alongside significant strides in AI collaboration and educational exchanges.

The logic is straightforward. Frontier model development is capital-intensive, compute-hungry, and concentrated among a handful of firms with resources India doesn't have. Chasing this is expensive and probably futile. But application-specific models that solve defined problems in Indian contexts - healthcare screening, agricultural advisory, educational assessment, government service delivery - could be developed with fewer resources, run on existing infrastructure, and create genuine economic

The world faces a volatile era. India is responding with pragmatic policies, strengthening its capabilities and diversifying its economy. This approach prepares India for global challenges and opportunities. Recent trade deals demonstrate India's growing engagement. India aims for Viksit Bharat by 2047, focusing on comprehensive national power. This journey involves manufacturing, services, technology, and infrastructure development.