Opinion / The Economic Times
US Vice President JD Vance's India visit highlights the diaspora's connection with their roots. His son's reaction to India reflects the mixed feelings many overseas Indians experience. Generations born abroad have different cultural rhythms. Many may not feel an instinctive affinity to India. The diaspora is increasingly acknowledging their Indian background.
ASAP's meaning varies based on power. Hinduism views time as eternal. Time perception differs with happiness or sadness. Power influences decisions affecting lives. The Puranas illustrate time's relativity. The story of Narad and Vishnu shows desire's impact on time perception. Powerful individuals manipulate time for personal gain. Citizens often suffer due to this manipulation.
An old motorcycle investment story highlights the power of equity. The article emphasizes that equity is more than just profit sharing. It is about inclusive capitalism built on fairness. Promoters often undervalue equity's cost, seeking 'cheap' capital in bullish markets. Trust is key. Communication, independent boards, and returning excess cash build investor confidence.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Srinagar flight prices surged. This raised concerns about unfair pricing. The DGCA intervened, but many travelers already faced high costs. The Consumer Protection Act needs amendment. It should address emergency profiteering in essential services. A 'crisis pricing code' is necessary. This will ensure fair pricing during emergencies. India must prioritize consumer protection over unchecked algorithms.
Meta faces a lawsuit for allegedly using millions of pirated books to train its LLAMA algorithms, claiming 'fair use'. The company argues individual works have insignificant impact on LLM performance, justifying non-payment to authors. This move threatens to devalue original creative work, potentially establishing a techno-hierarchy where authentic intellectual pursuit becomes superfluous.
The Pahalgam attack highlights that a lull in terrorist activity doesn't mean terrorism is over. It could mean regrouping. Improved intelligence can explain increased clashes. An appropriate response is needed. Pakistan's support systems for terrorism must be dismantled. Talks have been misread as weakness. Pakistan needs to show real change. But, its radical ideology is deeply rooted.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India considers decisive actions against Pakistan. The focus is on disrupting arms and financial support to Rawalpindi. India may leverage its market position to influence countries like the US, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Potential measures include renegotiating deals and halting pharmaceutical supplies.
Investment bankers are pushing for a reduction in the IPO share allocation for retail investors, favoring institutional bidders, following concerns about overpriced IPOs. This proposal faces opposition, given the significant role of retail investors in Indian equity markets and IPO success.
Following the Pahalgam massacre, which jeopardizes recent counter-insurgency gains in Kashmir, India faces mounting pressure to retaliate decisively against Pakistan. The attack, targeting a tourist destination and base camp for the Amarnath pilgrimage, highlights security failures and the continued threat of foreign terrorists.
Following calls for retaliation akin to the Balakot airstrikes, India faces a changed global landscape. Pakistan's alliance with Bangladesh and China, coupled with Chinese assertiveness in Ladakh, presents new challenges. India has also strained relations with Russia and there is some uncertainty with the US under Trump that could further complicate matters.
Saudi Arabia is again seeking investments in India's refining sector, attracted by the country's increasing oil demand and refining capacity. Despite past failed ventures, two new refinery proposals are under consideration, but disagreements over mandatory Saudi oil supply remain a hurdle.
Amidst tariff concerns, analysts debate the potential impact of Trump's trade policies. A temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs offered some optimism, yet skepticism remains about a lasting resolution. Trump's determination to reshape US manufacturing and address trade deficits suggests further action beyond the 90-day window.
After Elon Musk's abrupt cancellation of his India trip to prioritize a deal in China, India is urged to diversify its EV strategy. The article suggests embracing BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, to boost India's EV ambitions and address the trade deficit with China.
Following the Gensol fraud, the article highlights the ineffectiveness of current regulatory safeguards due to the lack of genuine independence among independent directors. It emphasizes the need for a cultural shift that encourages dissent and stricter scrutiny of related party transactions.
Amidst the ongoing US-China tech war, India has a significant opportunity to gain through a well-crafted tech deal with the US, potentially surpassing the benefits of a simple trade agreement. Semiconductors are at the heart of the US-China conflict, with recent restrictions on chip exports impacting companies like Nvidia and AMD.
Indian mutual funds face a significant climate preparedness gap, with most AMCs scoring poorly on risk cognizance and emission disclosure. They largely ignore Scope 3 emissions and invest in high-emitting sectors, despite offering sustainability-themed funds. Stronger regulations, proactive industry initiatives, and increased investment in sustainable assets are crucial to protect investors and support India's net-zero goals.
The US-China trade tensions have expanded into the luxury goods market, with Chinese manufacturers using social media to expose the price discrepancies between branded and unbranded items. These videos highlight that identical quality products are available at significantly lower prices without the logo.
Amidst global economic uncertainty and faltering domestic growth, there is a need for a transparent macroeconomic framework in India. The current reliance on rhetoric is questionable and India needs to return to evidence-based analysis.
Indian companies are increasingly embracing ESG reporting, driven by regulations like BRSR and global sustainability goals. While initially perceived as costly, ESG compliance offers long-term benefits, mirroring the evolution of mandatory CSR. Companies must integrate ESG into their core strategies, ensuring data accuracy and genuine commitment for sustained success and positive impact.
In an effort to secure lasting peace, the Centre held discussions with Meitei and Kuki community representatives to resolve ongoing conflicts in Manipur. The government prioritizes restoring normalcy and maintaining law and order, as well as reconciling the communities.
Speaking at the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture, the Army Chief said that China has been challenging the rules-based system and taking a lead in disruptive activities.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasised the significance of introspection in resolving conflicts between state and religion. Speaking at the release of a Hindi book on the topic, he highlighted the importance of maintaining free thought and avoiding stagnation. M J Akbar also stressed the need for Muslims to embrace modernity and knowledge.