The Economic Times

India's new Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme prioritses scale and exports. This strategy aims to build a robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Domestic value addition naturally follows sustained manufacturing growth and scale. The government expects significant production and export figures by FY31. This policy shift focuses on total economic value creation within India.

Independent directors must understand their specific board's archetype for optimal performance. Four archetypes exist: promoter-led, MNC subsidiary, private equity, and widely-held. Each board structure demands different director preparation and success definitions. Nominating committees should match individuals to the appropriate board archetype. Clarifying roles and expectations enhances board effectiveness and director impact.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical sector by significantly reducing the instances of drug recalls. By improving supply chain efficiency, AI ensures that medicine stocks are adequately maintained, facilitating prompt deliveries.

The flare-up on multiple fronts, after several days of relative calm, raised the risk of a return to all-out war. It also underscored the difficulty of winding down a five-month conflict that has jolted the world economy and is unpopular among Americans.

Indian stock exchanges have launched new ethically-anchored indices. These indices align with indigenous values like ahimsa and saatvik principles. They offer investors a rules-based approach to ethical portfolio alignment. Companies gain credibility and attract ethically motivated capital through inclusion. This innovation reflects a growing global trend in values-based investing.

India's banking sector requires reforms for sustained growth and improved credit access. Banks must grow significantly to meet microenterprise and retail credit demands. Regulatory recalibrations and revised lending frameworks are essential for this expansion. Wider adoption of digital tools will help close the MSME credit gap. These actions will boost economic growth and investor confidence.

US officials remain silent on Indian local issues, focusing on internal political challenges. In India, meanwhile, protesters demonstrated peacefully, forcing government concessions after extensive efforts. Analysts have found parallels between Indian and American protest tactics and government responses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting reviewing future action agendas. Discussions focused on finance, commerce, and technology sectors for Viksit Bharat goals. The Prime Minister urged stronger coordination among government departments and ministries. Officers were encouraged to work with a shared purpose for integrated outcomes. This meeting reviewed key initiatives and implementation challenges across these vital areas.

The committee should use the paper leak crisis as an opportunity to rethink India's entire public examination architecturefrom NTA's role and centralisation to AI-driven testing and the future of CUET.

The NEET protest reveals systemic issues and a loss of faith among compliant students. National Testing Agency's admission of a paper leak caused a nationwide retest. The current system devalues school-leaving exams and over-relies on coaching centers. Restoring institutional credibility and school importance is now a vital necessity. This situation demands a political assessment to rebuild public confidence in governance.

India's Gen Z-led CJP movement differs from youth uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, where anti-establishment protests reshaped politics but delivered limited governance reforms and anti-corruption gains.

India's linguistic, cultural and digital diversity is turning it into a proving ground for artificial intelligence, argues JioStar's chief architect. As AI shifts from showcasing capabilities to solving real-world problems, success will depend on understanding context, intent and human behaviourmaking India's complex market a blueprint for global AI innovation.

Delhi's student protests erupted following unsettling exam paper leaks and government neglect. Gen Z utilised Gandhian techniques to challenge the establishment. The government's harsh response aggravated public opinion, rallying support for the protesters. Unified across faiths, these young activists displayed an unwavering spirit, shining a light on all that has gone wrong.

The Indian government recently instructed Microsofts GitHub to take down the BitChat messaging platform, a decision taken during a period of heightened protests. With the apps perceived risk for misuse cited as justification, critics argue that this ban endangers essential privacy rights and free speech. As the courts now assess this directive, concerns grow over increased state control over communication.

A youth-led movement, born from exam scandals, forced a minister's resignation. This dissent highlights a growing gap between electoral strength and genuine authority. The government's usual tactics failed against this leaderless, self-mocking protest. Citizens now question the fairness of public systems and electoral processes. Authority must be earned through trusted institutions, not just ballot box victories.

The food regulator FSSAI suspended Westend Agro Products' license due to serious violations. Inspection revealed altered manufacturing and expiry dates on many food products. Printing machinery and solvents were found allegedly used for label alteration. Misleading claims, including organic, were also discovered on packaging materials.

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia Saturday. These strikes were in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Hodeida city. The conflict escalates over vital shipping routes in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Iran reported no new strikes overnight, while tensions remain high. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a crucial chokepoint for global trade.

The disparity between generations becomes evident as older individuals express contempt towards present-day youth protests, recalling their own struggles, which lacked vocal demonstrations. Critics argue that today's protesters exemplify disruption and entitlement. This article draws parallels with significant past protests, such as those concerning farmers and the Nirbhaya incident, illustrating how understanding and societal expectations differ between the ages.

Singer S Janaki's recent passing highlighted her vast musical contributions. Her career spanned decades and thousands of songs in multiple languages. Janaki's national awards and recognition lagged behind her South Indian counterparts. This disparity reflects a broader North-South cultural divide in India. Her legacy deserves wider appreciation across the entire nation.

Casting famous people for biopics sparks debate about likeness versus performance. Rajkummar Rao's portrayal of Sourav Ganguly raises questions about physical resemblance. While some argue for looking like the person, others prioritize acting skill. Avantika Akerkar emphasized performance over resemblance when playing Indira Gandhi. The discussion highlights how actors inhabit characters through their craft.

Actors and writers often share a unique bond as natural storytellers and vigilant observers of the human condition. Notably, several actors have seamlessly transitioned into impactful novelists and memoirists. Indian luminaries such as Meena Kumari and Balraj Sahni carved their niche in literature, while playwrights like Girish Karnad and Harold Pinter showcased their talent in front of the camera.

Delhi High Court refused to halt OpenAI's use of ANI content for ChatGPT training, ruling it qualifies as fair dealing for research under copyright law and finding no evidence the AI reproduced ANI's reports.

AI glasses are emerging as a new computing platform for companies like Meta. These devices continuously capture audio and images, raising privacy concerns for wearers and bystanders. Indians' pragmatic approach to privacy makes the market especially attractive for these intrusive technologies. While offering benefits, AI glasses could lead to widespread decentralized surveillance across society. Strong safeguards and user consent are essential to mitigate these significant privacy risks.

The proposed US Sanctioning Russia Act, which could impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, may have limited chances of becoming law. The bill could impact India and China, but political hurdles, waiver provisions and opposition within the Trump administration may slow its progress. India is advised to diversify energy sources and accelerate renewable energy adoption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced new fast-track courts for paper leak cases. These courts will ensure swift and stringent punishment for offenders. The government prioritizes the welfare and future of the nation's youth. Authorities are directed to take all necessary steps to protect students. Those harming young people's futures will not be spared.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of Digital India, highlighting its transformative impact on governance, citizen empowerment, and national development. He emphasized how the initiative has fostered innovation across India, particularly in rural areas, and strengthened key sectors like education and healthcare. Digital India's success has positioned India as a global leader in digital payments and emerging technologies, paving the way for a self-reliant future.