India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ambitions took a significant leap forward when Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the country would launch an indigenous AI model and establish an AI Safety Institute (AISI) under the Safe and Trusted Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. Rather than relying on rigid regulations that may quickly become outdated, governments worldwide … Read more
In February this year, the Union Finance Minister introduced the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, in Parliament. If enacted, the legislation will replace the Income-Tax Act, 1961, and, according to the government, will simplify the law for both taxpayers and administrators alike. The current law, of 1961, the government claims, has become unwieldy and unclear not only … Read more
The integrity of the electoral system in India is dependent upon the confidence reposed in it by prospective voters and the participatory political parties. In recent years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has drawn flak — from overblown to deserved reasons — from political parties and civil society activists concerned about trends in Indian … Read more
Online ‘vulgarity’ In the report, “SC seeks regulatory steps against ‘vulgarity’ online” (March 4), the counsel’s argument that his client — the YouTuber who is now in trouble — “had no sense of humour” and that “the prohibition would affect his livelihood and that of his 280 employees” is ludicrous. Self restraint must form a … Read more
After the Delhi Assembly election results were announced, a social media post showing Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal being scantily clad, with Arabic verses written on their bodies, sparked tensions in Udayagiri, a locality with a significant Muslim population in Mysuru, on the night of February 10. A large crowd gathered … Read more
On February 27, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee directed her party’s rank and file to scrutinise the State’s voters’ list and identify the “outsiders” who have made it to the list. Ms. Banerjee alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the “blessings” of the Election Commission of India (ECI), … Read more
White House diplomacy The televised exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has exposed the flaws in Mr. Trump’s diplomatic approach. His visible frustration, abrupt decision to cancel a mineral rights deal along with threats to withdraw U.S. aid, highlight a lack of strategic foresight in handling global conflicts. Mr. Trump’s … Read more
The scoreboard of a report, “Varun bamboozles Kiwi batters as India tops group” (Sport page, March 3, 2025), mentioned that the toss was won by India whereas the text said that the Men in Blue were asked to bat. The report is correct. At http://gen88.com/ offers a diverse selection of casino games, including slots, blackjack, … Read more
The dramatic showdown in the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in full view of television cameras, was unprecedented in the history of modern diplomacy. For Mr. Zelenskyy, who was to sign an agreement on minerals and discuss Mr. Trump’s peace plan, the visit was both humiliating and … Read more
In the last two decades in India, a major epidemiological transition has happened that has not captured sufficient public attention — the challenge of overweight and obesity. The National Family Health Survey round 5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21) suggests that nearly one in every four men or women is obese. The proportion of those who are overweight … Read more