GOI

Don't just save them, keep, show and tell
India's successful intervention halted the auction of ancient Buddha relics at Sotheby's, emphasizing the nation's commitment to reclaiming its heritage. While repatriation efforts are commendable, the real challenge lies in ensuring proper custodianship. India must prioritize conservation, enhance museum infrastructure, and improve public access to these returned treasures, preventing their redisappearance through neglect.

Pakistan’s Generals fear peace — It threatens their relevance and rule
Following Pahalgam killings, India responded with targeted strikes on terror sites and Pakistani air defense systems, signaling a shift from past inaction. This decisive response reflects growing Indian impatience with Pakistan's support for terrorism. Pakistan, under Army Chief Asim Munir, threatens retaliation, but India must prioritize its own strength and stability, recognizing Pakistan's internal motivations for maintaining conflict.

Impose costs on Rawalpindi: Pakistan’s low-cost proxy war can be nixed by defence innovation
India's strategic shift, marked by strikes on terror hubs like Muridke and Bahawalpur, signals a resolve to challenge Pakistan's proxy war tactics. Despite global indifference to Pakistan-sponsored terror, India is enhancing its defense capabilities through technological innovation and integrated military action.

India utd, all for one, one for all
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, India's political parties have demonstrated remarkable unity, setting aside differences to support the government's response, dubbed 'Operation Sindoor.' Opposition leaders, including Asaduddin Owaisi and Mamata Banerjee, have voiced their support for the government's actions. This unified front underscores a commitment to national security, with parties prioritizing the country's interests over political divides.

Calling the general’s bluff: Pakistan’s Kashmir obsession and India’s moral stand
Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with India retaliating against Pakistani terrorist bases. Pakistan, under army influence, threatens further conflict, suspending the Simla Agreement. Despite international calls for restraint, the situation is highly volatile, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war and the future of Kashmir.

Taking out terrorist infrastructure, Day 1
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India executed airstrikes on terrorist strongholds in Pakistan and POK, demonstrating a willingness to act where Pakistan hasn't. This calculated response prioritizes effectiveness and strategic control, while resisting public pressure for immediate, large-scale retaliation. India aims to contain the situation by bolstering international support and targeting terrorist-funding networks.
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L&T Q4 preview: PAT may jump up to 17% YoY on double-digit revenue uptick
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is projected to reveal a substantial net profit increase, ranging from 7% to 17%, in Q4FY25, with revenue growth estimated between 11% and 17%. Brokerages anticipate a bottom line between Rs 4,692 crore and Rs 5,055 crore, and a topline ranging from Rs 74,563 crore to Rs 78,490 crore.
Need to feel secure with Satcoms flying
New DoT rules for satellite telecom services address security concerns with lawful interception, geofencing, and data privacy, especially crucial given satcom's reach in remote areas. While spectrum allocation and pricing remain key issues, operators are largely aligned with security requirements. Localisation metrics for ground equipment aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on potentially insecure foreign hardware.
Been there, hyped that: Markets reading jaw-jaw for war-war as political theatre may be right
Following the Pahalgam attack, Indian and international stock markets showed surprising resilience. Nifty 50 even saw a slight increase. This contrasts sharply with the war rhetoric from political figures. Despite threats and counter-threats, markets suggest de-escalation. Investors believe the situation will not lead to full-scale war. Dow Jones also remained unaffected, indicating a global sentiment of stability.
Prosperity is their target: Pahalgam's strategy to scare away India's investors and visitors
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam highlights Pakistan's ongoing efforts to undermine India's economic growth. Islamabad seeks to revive old narratives and gain international attention. India needs to strengthen its economic position and trade agreements. It must also hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. Revisiting FATF conditions and linking TRF to LeT are crucial steps.
Audit laws to keep them on their toes
The Supreme Court has directed a review of the Consumer Protection Act, highlighting the critical need for regular performance audits of laws. This directive emphasizes ensuring laws remain effective and relevant in a dynamic society. Such audits would help the government assess impact, identify deficiencies, and adapt legislation to meet evolving needs, ensuring they remain fit for purpose.
Another caste count for...?
India debates the need for a new caste census. Existing data from NFHS and NSS already provide caste demographics and socioeconomic indicators. Concerns arise about the census's objectives and potential impact. It may stir social divisions within SC, ST, and OBC groups. The census could also lead to demands for altered reservation policies.
INS Sharda arrives in Maldives for maiden HADR Exercise
In line with India's commitment towards regional cooperation, INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise planned from May 4-10, according to the Indian Navy.
India needs more guard rails to address concerns of equity in the wake of Trump’s trade war
Donald Trump's first 100 days were met with a US GDP contraction, defying growth expectations. This downturn, partly due to increased imports anticipating tariffs, raises concerns about a potential recession. Experts disagree on the long-term impact, but Trump's trade policies and global economic shifts pose challenges for India's growth prospects, requiring careful policy adjustments.
Pay for play: From Rajasuya to roadmaps, India’s ancient roots of outcome-based funding
Outcome-based financing (OBF), rooted in ancient practices, is gaining traction in modern development projects. Multilateral agencies are using OBF instruments like PforR and DLI to enhance efficiency and accountability in infrastructure. While successful in tangible projects, applying OBF to social sectors requires nuanced approaches, considering long-term, qualitative impacts and systemic changes.
Can Indian institutions lead the charge in global online education?
Indian institutions have a chance to lead in online education. The online course market is growing rapidly. Indian Institutes of Technology and other top universities can offer affordable, high-quality skill-based certifications. Government support is already in place. Collaboration among institutions is key. India can become a major global hub for online learning, meeting the needs of students worldwide.
Robust regional connectivity to boost India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
Experts at a Chintan Research Foundation panel underscored that enhancing rail infrastructure is crucial for Asia's economic integration, reducing logistics costs, and boosting trade, including the ambitious IMEC project. Discussions highlighted overcoming political barriers, integrating railways with business ecosystems, and the necessity of public-private partnerships to modernize railway lines for IMEC's success and Southeast Asia connectivity.
Come to a Pakistandstill: India wields Indus Treaty as strategic weapon to isolate Pakistan over terror
India is adopting a firm stance against Pakistan due to its support for terrorism. This includes reconsidering the Indus Waters Treaty. Despite India's past efforts to foster peace and economic growth in the region, Pakistan's actions have hindered progress. Pakistan's economy faces challenges, including slow GDP growth and high inflation.
With the pvt sector indifferent to R&D, India risks missing the deep-tech bus, or getting locked out
China recognized technological dependence as a weakness and invested heavily in R&D. India faces similar challenges now. The government has launched initiatives like ANRF to boost research. However, India's private sector lags behind in R&D spending. Indian firms underperform global peers in innovation output. India risks being left behind in the global innovation race.
'Upright' IAS officer Ashok Khemka, who cancelled the mutation of Robert Vadra's Gurugram land deal, retires
IAS officer Ashok Khemka, known for his integrity and numerous transfers, is set to retire as Additional Chief Secretary, Transport Department. His career, marked by 57 postings, gained prominence when he cancelled a land deal linked to Robert Vadra.
Counting means not shooting in the dark
The Cabinet's approval to include caste enumeration in the general census is a welcome step towards addressing data gaps and countering politically-charged narratives. Accurate caste data is crucial for informed policymaking and resource allocation, enabling better assessment of scheme impacts and needs. Transparent data collection and analysis are essential to minimize politicization and ensure effective utilization.
A little eHelp from our judicious friends
The Supreme Court's verdict recognizing digital access as a fundamental right necessitates policy changes to ensure universal availability and affordability. This shift, akin to the evolution of the electricity sector, requires re-evaluating spectrum allocation and network rollout strategies. Bridging the digital divide demands a focus on efficient technology adoption and a balanced role for both the market and the state.
Can Sarvam AI overcome challenges to build India's first indigenous LLM under the INDIAai Mission?
Sarvam AI, chosen by the Indian government, will build an indigenous foundational LLM under the INDIAai Mission, receiving 4,096 Nvidia H100 GPUs. This initiative, part of the ?10,372 cr INDIAai Mission, aims to democratize AI innovation and establish India as an AI powerhouse, addressing challenges like linguistic diversity, data cleansing, and talent acquisition.
Money unspent is welfare denied
A significant portion, nearly 25%, of welfare funds earmarked for Scheduled Castes by central ministries remains unutilised in 2024-25, highlighting a persistent issue of underutilisation in public expenditure. To address this, a shift towards consolidated funding and targeted programs managed by the social justice ministry is proposed. This aims to improve efficiency, broaden beneficiary reach, and enhance program evaluation.
View: A loaded trip to Taj in the scorching summer Tej
Agra has changed since I visited around eight years back - for the better. There is now an Agra Metro, which takes tourists from Taj Mahal to Agra Fort. And you are now driven to the entry of the Taj in a golf cart. While foreigners pay ?1,300 to enter, Indians pay just ?250. Indians are reminded that 'Atithi devo bhava' is being made to stand in long queues while foreigners are ushered in quickly to numb the pain of the high ticket price.
Make our healthcare closer for elders
Despite increasing affluence, Indian seniors face healthcare access challenges, traveling significant distances for medical services. With the elderly population growing, improving physical access to geriatric care is crucial for better health outcomes and economic productivity. Addressing transportation barriers and focusing on community-based solutions are essential for ensuring accessible healthcare for older adults.
Pahalgam terror attack triggers airline surge pricing: Why India needs regulation to curb crisis profiteering
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.
Let voters speak, even in silence
The Supreme Court is reevaluating uncontested elections, questioning the necessity of a minimum vote threshold when only one candidate is present. While aiming to enhance representation, this proposal risks disenfranchising voters and creating political gridlock by potentially invalidating legitimate outcomes where the candidate receives more support than opposition.
J&K all-party resolution supports GoI steps, condemns attack, seeks safety of Kashmiris
In response to the Pahalgam tourist attack, an all-party meeting led by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the violence and backed the Indian government's actions against Pakistan. The parties collectively urged state governments and Union territories to protect Kashmiris, addressing reports of harassment nationwide.
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