The Economic Times

Artificial intelligence is like a new family member. It has protective instincts, like a mother, looking out for dangers. It also has an ambitious side, like a father, exploring new opportunities. And it brings fun and joy, like a sibling. When these different aspects work together, AI becomes a valuable steward, helping us live better lives.

Predicting election results is a thrilling human endeavor. Exit polls offer a glimpse into potential outcomes, much like a student's self-assessment after an exam. These polls, though not definitive, provide a sense of credibility and entertainment. They allow people to see their own opinions reflected and amplified.

Tamil superstar Vijay's political path is unclear after his party's election debut. He opposes the DMK and ideologically the BJP. His next move is highly anticipated. Past clashes with the BJP over his religion and film releases add complexity. Recent career decisions may keep his options open for future political scenarios.

Shane Jones, New Zealands oceans and fisheries minister, has sparked controversy after saying a proposed FTA with India could bring migrants and a tsunami of butter chicken, drawing criticism from the Indian community and lawmakers who called the remark racist.

President Donald Trump jested that the U.S. Navy might confront Cuba on the return journey from Iran. Trump stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier would approach Cuba's coast and demand their surrender. This remark comes amid the administration's ongoing efforts to pressure Cuba for reforms, with Trump having previously threatened military action.

A man's desperate act to claim his sister's money highlights a stark reality. India's digital progress leaves many behind. Marginalized citizens face delays and denials due to 'backend issues' and lack of digital access. Their time is devalued, and inclusion becomes conditional. This system, while efficient, can lead to profound suffering. The state's response often comes only after public shaming.

Elon Musks lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI, along with Microsoft, has turned into a broader debate over who controls the future of artificial intelligence and whether it should remain a public good or a commercial powerhouse.

Private equity has boosted Indias healthcare capacity and efficiency, but rising costs and premiums risk limiting access. Strong regulation, pricing transparency and patient-first policies are crucial.

In a remarkable turn of events, the latest elections in multiple Indian states and a Union Territory showcased an unprecedented voter turnout, with women leading the charge and surpassing male participation in all five areas. This rise is powered by dynamic voter education initiatives and may also be a response to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act.

Indias demographic advantagewith over 65% of its population under 35faces growing pressure due to weak job creation, skill gaps and rising unemployment among youth, who account for 83% of the jobless. Despite economic recovery, limited employment opportunities and low employability are pushing many young workers into gig roles, often without long-term growth or stability, creating a cycle of economic strain and short-term decision-making.

India's digital infrastructure faces a critical challenge. While AI accelerates attacks, the core issue is weak system design. Security requires building systems to be inherently secure, not just detecting breaches. Formal verification and layered threat modeling are essential. This approach ensures systems are provably harder to break, a crucial step for national security.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the first direct Vande Bharat Express between Jammu and Srinagar. This 20-coach train connects the two capitals of Jammu and Kashmir. The service will reduce travel time and boost tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the initial service between Katra and Srinagar in June 2025.

A new AI model called Mythos can find software flaws. Its restricted release raises concerns about misuse by hackers or foreign governments. India, with its large pool of engineers and young people, needs to develop its own advanced AI. This requires state-led initiatives to foster homegrown AI capabilities and ensure strategic autonomy.

After a fresh assassination attempt, Donald Trump pushes a fortified White House ballroom-bunker. The plan raises alarms over security lapses, legal battles, and a shift from private to public funding.

Asia faces economic challenges as a West Asia conflict disrupts energy markets. This shock impacts inflation and growth across the region. India, a major energy importer, is particularly affected. Governments are implementing measures to ease the burden. Central banks must remain vigilant. Structural reforms are crucial for long-term resilience and balanced growth.

Indian companies are increasingly making bold acquisitions abroad. Sun Pharma's deal signals a new era of deliberate empire-building. This shift from tentative deals to strategic bets is crucial for global relevance. Successful acquisitions require clear intent, respect for acquired assets, integration discipline, financial courage, and a long-term mindset.

Indian companies are focusing on growth in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, known as Bharat. However, their boardrooms do not reflect this market. Boards are dominated by individuals from tier-1 cities. This disconnect impacts strategy. Companies need directors with experience in these markets. This inclusion is vital for future success and competitive advantage. Bharat deserves a seat at the boardroom table.

The piece argues that AI is not an inevitable force shaping economic outcomes; rather, societies decide how its benefits are distributed. Historical lessons from the Industrial Revolution show that productivity gains do not automatically lead to shared prosperity without deliberate policy action.

India is being left behind in understanding advanced AI threats. Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos, is being tested by select global organizations, excluding India. This creates a significant information gap for Indian regulators and financial institutions. Early access is crucial for developing effective cyber defences against future AI-augmented attacks.

Global events like the West Asia conflict and El Nino threaten governments. Rising fertilizer prices create a fiscal and political crisis for India. The nation faces a future scarcity fear, leading to panic buying. Bold agricultural policy is needed to reduce fertilizer reliance. This will optimize usage and ensure food security for the future.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026 has formally settled Amaravati as the states capital, ending years of political uncertainty over the citys status, according to a research-based analysis.