India’s 2025 budget has introduced a focus on reforms across six specific domains, and one of which is the power sector. The strategy involves bolstering the nation’s economic development through its proposed engines of agriculture, MSMEs, investment and exports. The fuel for this development, en route to the country’s directive for achieving a developed status under its Viksi
We live in a world which is characterised by “Parasparopagraho Jīvānām”. This is a Jain aphorism from Tattvarth Sutra, the most authoritative sacred text of Jains [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattvartha_Sutra]. The aphorism has been accepted as the motto of Jainism. In simple English, it means that eac
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many sectors and industries around the world. It offers tantalizing possibilities for the legal sector. From automating routine tasks to enhancing legal research and analysis, AI is reshaping how legal professionals work. However, while AI offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges that must be addressed for seamless integration into
In an era when technology is reshaping every aspect of life, warfare is no exception as showed in the case of Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars. Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a game-changer in international defence strategies and India is no stranger to this transformation. India`s recognition of AI as an advancement in technology is evident – more so for its potential to
The union budget 2025 has accentuated measures to boost agricultural growth and foster rural prosperity. As part of this, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the establishment of a Makhana Board, offering renewed hope for stakeholders involved in the cultivation and other stages of the makhana production process. Last decade has been exceptionally favourable for makhana
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world’s largest religious gathering that concluded this week, was also a battleground for brands looking to capture attention in a sea of millions. With over 150 million attendees estimated, companies seized the opportunity to integrate their messages seamlessly into the festival experience. From digital payment companies that set up seamless t
In today’s volatile global trade environment, evolving policy stances and protectionist measures have begun to reshape the contours of international commerce. Among the most consequential developments is the US contemplation of reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports – a move that could significantly impact key sectors such as chemicals, metals, jewellery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals
The Union Budget 2025 has placed India’s tourism sector in the spotlight by proposing the development of the top fifty destinations through a challenge mode, with performance-linked incentives for states to improve cleanliness, visitor amenities, and sustainability. This initiative highlights the urgent requirement for a unifying framework – one that converges diverse local contexts
At its 55th meeting, the GST Council fixed the varied tax rates on different categories of popcorn. The ready-to-eat popcorn, which is typically mixed with salt and spices, attracts a 5% GST if it is not pre-packaged or labelled and a 12% GST if it is pre-packaged and labelled. The caramelized popcorn, which is coated with sugar, is classified as a sugar confectionery and attracts an overwhelmi
Prime minister Narendra Modi’s recently concluded a two-day visit to the US following an invitation from president Donald Trump. The historic meeting between the two leaders continues to reverberate in public discourses in India. The prime reason is: The visit took place within weeks of Trump’s assumption of office in his second term. Besides, Modi was the fourth inte
For nearly a decade, countries have been adopting artificial intelligence, machine learning and large language models on a large scale, showcasing their efficiency in managing complex tasks and significantly boosting productivity across corporate and government sectors. The Indian government is also positioning the economy to embrace AI, aiming for transformative growth in industries and public
The world seems to be hurling towards World War III in all the possible scenarios: hot war, cold war, and proxy war. The battleground seems to have expanded beyond physical to digital or virtual/mixed reality with technology like drones. Moreover, the line between civilian and military targets seems to have blurred (especially in Ukraine) with the use of technology or internet connectivity to t
The Union Budget 2025-26 outlines India`s vision for economic and social growth while also reflecting the country`s commitment to sustainable development. As India moves closer to the 2030 deadline for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this budget presents a balanced approach towards key sectors such as poverty reduction, education, healthcare, climate action and i
In the annals of environmental policy, few ideas have been as transformative as the Emissions Trading System (ETS). Born from the minds of economists in the late 1960s, this market-based approach to pollution control has evolved from a theoretical concept to a global tool in the fight against climate change. But like a fledgling bird learning to fly, its journey has been marked by both soaring
As India completes its diamond jubilee as a republic, I am reminded of a statement by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, delivered during an address to the Bihar Chamber of Commerce in Patna on March 28, 2006. He said, “I have visited Bihar numerous times, and it has always been a source of happiness for me to meet the youth and farmers of Bihar. Bihar indeed possesses a great capital of knowledge,
The new year brings with it a mix of hope and expectations, especially among the youth and middle class who have placed their trust in the Narendra Modi government. The upcoming Union Budget is being eagerly awaited by these two groups in particular, in the hope it addresses the very real concerns of a generation in search of a brighter future. The upcoming budget is expected to focus on job cr
In the new year, India appears all set to carry forward its foreign policy objectives, such as Neighbourhood First, Act East and Think West, with all its seriousness, while giving prominence to its relationship with the US and Europe for technology and Africa and Latin America in the true spirit of ‘Vishwa Bandhu.’ But in the complex international scenario, Indi
Workplace mental harassment, often referred to as workplace bullying or psychological harassment, is a pressing issue that affects employees across industries. This form of harassment can lead to significant emotional distress, reduced productivity and, in severe cases, long-term mental health issues. Addressing this problem requires a concerted effort from legal frameworks and corporate polici
Tourism is a vital pillar of economic growth and employment generation all across the world. It offers vast potential for sustainable livelihoods while promoting India’s rich cultural and natural heritage. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism`s contribution to India’s GDP in 2024 is expected to be 6.8%, amounting to $256.1 billion. Globally, the sector
Returning from a recent Renewable Energy (RE) meeting of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), UN in Germany, I was struck by the news of Delhi’s record-high AQI levels forcing partial closures across NCR. This alarming situation begs the question: Is our health sector climate-resilient enough? With COP28 aiming to triple RE capacity by 2030, a decarbonised energy future demands ur
