Opinion / The Economic Times
The FATFs recent report reveals that terrorists involved in the 2019 Pulwama attack bought explosives using a global e-commerce platform and masked their identity with a VPN, exposing gaps in India's digital governance. The incident underscores the urgent need to reform Section 79 of the IT Act, which currently grants blanket immunity to digital intermediaries under the 'safe harbour' principle.
Countries globally balance economic growth with national security, risking blurred lines between legitimate concerns and coercion. India, poised as a manufacturing hub, faces this dilemma, exemplified by the Celebi Aviation case. Upholding due process and fair treatment is crucial to maintain investor confidence, fostering both domestic and international economic benefits for India.
In today's digital age, brands are facing increasing pressure to be transparent. Recent incidents, like the Air India crash and concerns over food labeling, have fueled demands for greater disclosure. Regulatory bodies are stepping in, addressing issues from dark patterns in OTT platforms to unfair restaurant service charges.
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte's call for India, China, and Brazil to halt Russian oil imports faces resistance. These nations prioritize their economic interests. China opposes sanctions, while Russia dismisses them. Trump's stance shifts, eyeing arms sales and countering China's influence. The goals extend beyond oil, aiming to weaken BRICS and boost Western arms markets.
From HUL to Diageo, Akzo Nobel to Kraft Heinz, the abrupt nature of corporate announcements involving C-Suites and corporate strategy suggest a growing impatience within. Corporations spent years and billions bulking up in a globalised world. But today risks have become predominantly exogenous, borders and barriers have cropped up. How many are future-ready? For legacy laggards like HUL, Fraser & Neave's turnaround can well be the secret sauce
Delhis air looks clear for now, but coal power plants and brick kilns keep the pollution pot boiling year-round. Despite a 2015 rule, most plants still flout SO limits, thanks to endless deadline extensions and new loopholes. Brick kilns across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, meanwhile, remain under-regulated and badly supported to modernise. Seasonal stubble burning gets all the blame, but these overlooked offenders pump out far more pollution daily. Without tough enforcement and real help, clean air
India's central bank confronts unexpectedly low inflation, prompting a debate on whether it's a cyclical correction or a structural demand issue. Sluggish credit growth and excess liquidity raise concerns about a potential liquidity trap. Rising household debt and global uncertainties further complicate the situation, urging caution in monetary policy easing to avoid financial instability and future inflation risks.
The Supreme Court's ruling in 'Vibhor Garg v. Neha' allows secretly-recorded spousal phone calls as evidence in divorce cases, citing the right to a fair trial. This decision, however, faces criticism for potentially incentivizing domestic surveillance and overlooking power imbalances, especially concerning coercive control tactics.
Recent incident with Elon Musk's xAI highlights the need for AI accountability. Grok chatbot's antisemitic content sparked global concern. Regulators are now demanding proactive safety measures. EU's AI Act and California's AB 316 signal a shift. India may enforce existing laws swiftly. AI firms face increasing pressure to prioritize safety. Apologies are no longer sufficient. Responsibility is the key.
India, home to over 5 million software engineers and 15.4 million GitHub users, faces rising concerns as AI threatens to automate programming jobs. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and other tech leaders warn that AI's rapid progress could displace routine coding roles. The World Economic Forum predicts 92 million jobs will be lost globally by 2030 but expects 170 million new roles to emergeparticularly in AI, big data, cybersecurity, and data annotation.
India and the US are nearing an interim trade agreement. This deal aims to remove potential tariffs on Indian goods. Negotiations have focused on long-term trade benefits and flexibility. India seeks lower tariffs on its exports, while the US wants greater market access. Contentious issues will be addressed later. Both sides have engaged in extensive discussions.
The preliminary report on the AI 171 crash raises concerns. Airlines and regulators are unsure how to prevent future tragedies. The report hints at pilot capability or mental health issues. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau met the deadline. However, the report seems to hide information. Absence of cockpit voice recorder details is questionable. This leads to speculation about pilot error.
In 2023, India's electoral roll surprisingly decreased due to an intensive cleanup of wrong and duplicate entries using ERONET. While the Election Commission's intent may be valid, its top-down approach in Bihar raises concerns about voter trust and potential politicization. The commission risks appearing like a typical government department, undermining its reputation for facilitating voter participation through technology.
India faces a growing crisis of stampedes at religious festivals, sports events, and transit hubs, driven by rising prosperity and urbanization. Poor crowd management, not illiteracy, is the primary cause, with venues often exceeding capacity. Experts recommend improved monitoring, entry regulations, and holding event organizers accountable to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing tailored strategies for diverse settings.
India has skillfully navigated Trump's policies by accommodating his concerns on immigration and tariffs. As India assumes the BRICS presidency, potential conflicts arise from Trump's stance against de-dollarization and alleged anti-American policies within the bloc. Despite India's efforts to avoid confrontation, US policies on trade and Pakistan may force a direct response, posing challenges during its BRICS leadership.