Indholdsfortegnelse for August 26, 2024 i India Today

At the India Today Conclave in 2003, former US President Bill Clinton had said: “I have no doubt India will be a giant. But what kind of giant? You must become a global giant and the right kind of giant.” What does being a global giant mean, and what is the right kind? India is already a giant in many respects: the largest population, the fifth largest economy, the seventh largest in physical size and, above all, the world’s largest democracy. President Clinton quite likely implied, ‘Not a global giant like China’. A country that is autocratic at home and practises ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy abroad. How can India become the right kind of global giant? The answer depends on what we mean by the question. A global voice other nations…

About 10 years ago, India was seen as one of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies, with shaky macroeconomic fundamentals. Confidence in the economy was plummeting, and inflation spiralling. Even though the economy had been liberalised in the ’90s, a web of regulations still existed, making India one of the toughest places to do business in. Over the past decade, we have seen all this change. India is now a ‘bright spot’ in the global economy, recording 8.2 per cent growth in FY24. However, to become an economic superpower, we must sustain this growth rate for the coming decades. Only then will our per capita incomes increase from $2,100 to $18,000+ in three decades’ time, making us a high-income country. If we do not sustain these rates, we risk being stuck in…

As India charts its course towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, the logistics sector emerges as a critical driver of this ambition. The efficient movement of goods and services across the country and beyond its borders is not merely a facilitator of economic growth but a fundamental catalyst. To truly unlock its potential and achieve the status of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, India will have to continue its logistics revolution by focusing on four key areas—continuing the focus on infrastructure development, outsourcing and development of 3PL and 4PL service providers (3PL or third-party logistics manages tasks like transportation, warehousing and order fulfillment for businesses, and 4PL or fourth-party logistics oversees the entire supply chain, coordinating multiple 3PLs and providing strategic management), optimum utilisation of assets and usage of Digital…

The first Economic Survey of Modi 3.0 dropped a bombshell when it made a case for getting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China to help India improve its participation in global supply chains through exports. Even as Union commerce & industry minister Piyush Goyal quickly scotched speculations about easing Chinese capital inflows, the economic survey—tabled a day before the Union budget to provide an overview of the Indian economy’s performance—has set off a debate. China is India’s largest trade partner, with export/import volumes exceeding $118 billion (Rs 9.9 lakh crore, at the current exchange rate) in 2023-24. But India’s trade deficit with China is also the highest at $85 billion (Rs 7.14 lakh crore), not including Chinese products reaching its shores through free trade agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN countries. This…

This special issue of india today asks: How can India become a global giant? That eventual outcome is not in doubt. If we keep growing at the 6.5 per cent we have averaged for the past 30 years, we will soon be one of the three largest economies in the world. We will go on to be a huge economy by 2047, by dint of having the world’s largest population. But we will not yet be rich—as an upper-middle income country, we will be well below today’s developed world. To do better, we must place manufacturing and the ambition of Indian firms at the heart of development. First, a word about policy: this is not an article arguing that the government must do a list of things. The state’s role,…

India’s twin challenges of politics and economics involved two risky experiments in 1947. The political one—votes for everyone—has worked out spectacularly, with India creating the world’s largest democracy on the infertile soil of the world’s most hierarchical society. But the economic one—embodied in the Avadi resolution of 1955 where the Congress session adopted a socialist economic path—failed spectacularly because it sabotaged mass prosperity by confiscating the entrepreneurial freedom to create jobs. Consequently, our labour is handicapped without capital and our capital is handicapped without labour. Our unfinished journey from national independence to mass prosperity requires policy innovation at the intersection of jobs and skills. The recent budget has made a great start, but reforms must accelerate. The Hitopadesha suggestion vidya dadati vinayam (knowledge brings humility) was ignored by knowledgeable romantics,…

In my book, Against All Odds, I chronicled the remarkable story of the Indian information technology industry. From just one computer in the country in the mid-1950s, we have come a long way to become the IT capital of the world. In 2024, this industry brought in over $250 billion (Rs 21 lakh crore) of revenues and contributed 7-8 per cent to the country’s GDP. As we stride confidently into the new digital age, the prospects of expanding this digital economy are bright and immense. I will discuss five such pillars that can support this growth: 1. Opportunities for revenue expansion: The first pillar focuses on leveraging and scaling up India’s existing strengths in IT services and engineering R&D. As newer technologies such as Generative AI, 6G and industrial metaverse…

Given the comprehensive nature of its defence assets, which span land, sea and air, India seems well positioned to meet the security challenges in a fast-changing world. What helps is that it possesses a nuclear arsenal and has developed a credible nuclear triad, allowing it to deliver nuclear weapons from land, air and sea. This strength in fundamentals also bolsters its influence in geopolitics. India’s ranking as the fourth most powerful military in the world according to the 2024 Global Firepower Index reflects its significant role in regional security. But in order to emerge as a major global power in defence, it needs to do plenty more. For, though India is undoubtedly a regional military power, it is not classified as a ‘military superpower’ like the US, Russia and China.…

The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world, and the nations along its periphery and hinterland account for over 35 per cent of the global population and some of the fastest growing economies in the world. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a significant driver of global economic growth. Two-thirds of global oil shipments, half the world’s container traffic and one-third of bulk cargo shipments traverse through the international sea lanes of the IOR. India’s central position in the IOR, astride the important sea lanes of the world, gives us immense strategic advantages. It facilitates reach, sustenance and mobility of our maritime forces, thereby giving us an ability to effectively influence this maritime space. While geography affords us opportunities to harness the seas to our…

India became the world’s most populous country in the 75th year after independence. As the nation moves to celebrate 100 years of post-colonial freedom in 2047, it aspires to be respected as a leader in the comity of nations, with the productive power of its vast and demographically young human resources propelling accelerated, equitable and environmentally sustainable global development. This casts a great responsibility on the country’s health system to keep India’s population healthy and productive as it ages. Increase public financing: In a federal polity, where complementary constitutional roles of the central government for designing health policy and of states for delivering health services are clearly defined, this calls for the health systems across the country to be unified in objectives and aligned in operations. In order to deliver…

India, with an agriculture output of over 1,300 million tonnes (MT) in 2023-24, is food secure. However, nutritional deficiency, low farmer incomes and ecological unsustainability continue to remain our bane. The country’s historically pluralistic platter of agri produce is challenged by an agricultural management that prefers specialisation over diversification. Crop diversification involves practising a range of agricultural/cropping systems to meet society’s demands, aligned with the location’s agro-ecology and national priorities. In 2018, the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) submitted its report to the government, which recommended that they adopt high-value agriculture (HVA), including horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries. In 2015-16, horticulture, with just 7 per cent of the net cultivated area, contributed 25 per cent to the agricultural GVA (gross value added). India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ strategy requires a regular emphasis…

When it comes to going green, India may well be making others go green—with envy. The country may be the third-largest carbon emitter in the world in terms of absolute numbers, but it also has the lowest per capita GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions. Now, it is well on its way to achieve its committed target of ensuring that 50 per cent of the country’s energy is met from decarbonised sources and there is more than 500 GW of green power generation by 2030. Not only is this remarkable in itself but India seems to be doing much better than other developed countries like the UK and Germany, for instance, in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs. The two countries have, in fact, dialled down their targets in the wake…

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India is a bustling cosmopolis where everything, everywhere, happens all at once. Indians and Indian-origin heroes are thriving not just here but across the global cultural, business and political landscape. India’s cultural heritage and legacy is deeply rooted in ancient tradition. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape global perceptions and foster creative synergies. India’s primacy in the Geographical South is of immense importance in encouraging a cultural exchange with other countries. These collaborations enhance bilateral ties and create opportunities for a more inclusive and equitable world of art. The Indian art market is currently at its strongest, with auction records being broken for iconic artists like Amrita Sher-Gil, S.H. Raza, Raja Ravi Varma and V.S. Gaitonde. Contemporary art sales are also on the rise, paralleled by a growing global…

If there’s one country that is known for easily quenching your thirst for elegance, refinery, glimmer and glamour, it has to be France. With cutlery and crockery as tempting as the meal itself, there is so much more to a French table setting than what meets the eye. From cutlery that was designed for French aristocracy high in craftsmanship to Limoges porcelain that offers subtle sophistication and glass objects that spell class, these tables are fine examples of everyday luxuries. Therefore, be it a formal sit-down or a casual family dinner or an informal tea party, the French table is not just about placing dishes, dinnerware and flatware but also about creating the right mood while showcasing the culinary elegance. And the trend of incorporating French-inspired table line-up, décor, accents…

Nestled in the heart of Delhi is a captivating home with a French connection. This 46,000 sq ft bungalow is the brainchild of Studio Liaigre, an internationally acclaimed French luxury interior design firm known for its refined interiors, iconic furniture designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. The firm has left its mark on numerous high-profile spaces worldwide, including the homes of Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein and Bryan Adams. Studio Liaigre was tasked with a unique brief: to reinvent the interior design of an Indian palace, balancing theatricality with respect for tradition, and modernity with deep-rooted Indian cultural elements. The result is a breathtakingly extravagant design, crafted from a series of creative paradoxes. The home draws inspiration from various sources, including the world of polo—reflecting the owner’s passion and personal club and stables—contemporary…

Did you know in 1837 a 14-year-old French boy, who worked along his family business of carpentry took a decision of starting his own legacy and ended up changing how we view luxury? We are talking about none other than Louis Vuitton and his eponymous design house. From the house’s timeless collection of lifestyle trunks comes, the Malle Pique-nique, the perfect picnic companion. The new Malle Pique-nique will cater to four guests to share gourmet moments wherever they travel. The 42kg trunk has a white cotton tablecloth along with napkins, enhanced by a discrete LV signature in jacquard, stored in a natural leather pouch. There are also Prestigious Limoges porcelain compartments to keep the dishes safe. That’s not all, Louis Vuitton customised thermoses, Limoges Porcelain plates and cups, silver-plated cutlery…

Where must India be in 2047? As we approach our century of Independence, our sights must be set on a lofty peak: this time, to be a fully developed nation that has attained freedom from want and indignity. An economic and technological leader seen with respect by the outside world, as a truly global giant and a force for good. From where we are now, that calls for a compass, including a moral one. In the following pages, thought leaders present a blueprint in 10 key sectors: 1. Economy 2. Infrastructure 3. Industry 4. Education 5. Technology 6. Defence 7. Health 8. Agriculture 9. Energy 10. Soft Power…

The best way for India to become a global power is to sustain annual economic growth rates of above 8 per cent. High growth is also the best way to eliminate poverty, improve citizens’ lives and generate the tax revenues needed to fund an effective social safety system that can support those who fall into poverty and help them bounce back. How can we achieve these high and sustained growth rates? A simple summary of the Indian economy is that the top 10 per cent of the income distribution create firms or secure well-paid jobs. The next 30-40 per cent find employment of varying quality serving the demand created by the top 10 per cent, and the bottom 50-60 per cent (mainly in rural areas) are largely excluded from India’s…

“It’s not our wealth that built our roads. It’s our roads that built our wealth.” A version of this famous saying by former US president John F. Kennedy is displayed on a wall in the visitors’ waiting room at the office of Nitin Gadkari, Union minister of road transport and highways. Gadkari aims to build a highway network that rivals the best in the world, significantly reducing travel time for goods and passengers, and enhancing the competitiveness of Indian industry. The highways sector receives over Rs 2 lakh crore annually for the construction, upgrade and maintenance of more than 10,000 km each year. Over the past decade, the network has expanded by around 60 per cent to approximately 1.4 lakh km. India is already reaping the benefits of improved infrastructure,…

Indian aviation is set to experience once-in-a-lifetime growth which will see both the domestic and international markets more than doubling in size over the next 5-6 years. Domestic airport passenger numbers could increase from 307 million in FY24 to 600-700 million by FY30, while international traffic could go up from just under 70 million passengers to 140-160 million over the same period. Meanwhile, the fleet of Indian carriers is similarly expected to double in size to reach around 1,400 aircraft by FY30. In short, the growth that Indian aviation has experienced in the 90+ years since J.R.D. Tata piloted Air India’s first flight, will be replicated in just the next 5-6 years. This is growth at a rate that has rarely been seen in global aviation, with China being perhaps…

MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN $ BILLION MANUFACTURING OUTPUT AS % OF GDP Source: macrotrends.net; for organised sector THE KEY DRIVER A lot will depend on automotive industry, which contributes 7.1% of India’s GDP and 4.7% of exports EXPORT TRENDS Two-wheelers form the bulk of India’s vehicle exports. Other vehicle categories need to catch up too VEHICLES EXPORTED IN FY24 Passenger Vehicles 672,105 Two-wheelers 3,458,416 Commercial Vehicles 65,816 WHERE INDIA STANDS India is already competing with the best in the world in the export of automobiles and auto components EXPORT VALUE IN 2023 (In $ Mn)* *All kinds of vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers, and auto components Source: Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers; trademap.org…

Government policies can result in slowing manufacturing and making it non-competitive. They can encourage unethical management practices. This is apparent from the outcome of industrial policies framed after 1950. The abolition of the licence and control system in 1991, along with the creation of conditions to facilitate competition, brought about some positive change. However, it was only after 2014 that the government implemented policies that removed most of the obstacles to competitive manufacturing. The ease of doing business programme, introduction of GST (Goods & Services Tax), trusting the private sector to lead manufacturing growth, fiscal prudence and several other reforms have created a favourable environment for the growth of manufacturing activity. The budget of 2024 carries forward this objective. While government policies can determine whether manufacturing can flourish or not,…

Big is not always beautiful. With over 58,000 institutions and 43 million students, India’s higher education system is one of the biggest in the world. But the overall perception of our colleges and universities is poor and, indeed, our institutions are plagued by issues of low quality. Addressing these deficiencies requires a three-pronged approach focused on systemic change. Without this, India cannot become a global hub for higher education; we need to become high-quality locally to be perceived as an attractive centre internationally. Currently, there is a huge disparity in the quality of education. While prestigious public institutions like the IITs and IIMs and private ones such as Ashoka University and ISB take pains to maintain high standards, most colleges and universities struggle with outdated curricula, inadequate infrastructure and ill-trained…

At the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, work to build India’s first quantum computer is nearing completion. When ready, this small-scale quantum computer will be a significant milestone for TIFR’s Quantum Measurement and Control (QuMaC) lab, established 12 years ago to address fundamental challenges in building quantum systems. Dr R. Vijayaraghavan, who heads QuMaC, sees the project as a crucial first step for India that will “allow us to get into this game”. The project they are working on, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), involves designing key components, such as the quantum processing unit, electronics and software—each of which presents multiple levels of complexity. A quantum bit or qubit is the basic unit of a quantum computing…

The ‘Make in India’ programme has given a push to some local manufacturing, but it is merely an assembly job with imported technology and components. The result is a low value-addition. As we aim to become a developed nation, we need to carry out design and development in India, use as many local components as possible, make machinery for production and own a significant part of IPR (intellectual property right) for the products. We need to strive to be amongst the technology leaders in at least a few areas. How do we go about doing it? We need to first understand India’s strengths: ↘ We now have an increasing number of young scientists and engineers with high-quality expertise, having obtained the best training available. They are raring to go and…

HOW INDIAN & CHINESE MILITARIES COMPARE MILITARY PERSONNEL 2.2 MN 1.4 MN WARSHIPS (approx) 370 Projection: Plans to get a mammoth fleet of 435 warships by 2035 150 Projection: Plans to build 200 vessels by 2050 MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHERS 2,650 266 MAIN BATTLE TANKS 6,300 Projection: Increased numbers of Type 600A, Type 15 tanks 4,750 Projection: 1,770 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCA) COMBAT AIRCRAFT 1,600 Projection: Increased production of advanced jets like J20 stealth fighters 750 Projection: IAF to procure 350 more aircraft over next 2 decades, including 5th generation AMCA stealth fighters EXPENSES FOR ARSENALS Top military spenders in 2023, including Pakistan EXPORTING FIREPOWER Reflecting increasing global acceptance of Indian defence products and technologies India’s defence exports (Rs crore) ↘ In contrast, China’s share of global arms exports has…

Till as late as 2003, India did not have a planetary science programme. Barely 21 years later, India has successfully landed or deployed multiple rovers and orbiters on the Moon and Mars. The journey of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been spectacular. This is a moment to ask what India needs to become a superpower in space exploration and how it can achieve this. What does the future, say the next 20-30 years, hold for space exploration? What will its frontier look like in the future? This is the arena where India has to excel and be relevant. Here are some such exciting frontiers in space exploration. Back to the Moon with humans: The US is all set to go back to the Moon with humans, followed by…

Our founder, the late Dr Anji Reddy, chose to call his memoirs An Unfinished Agenda—the unfinished part being the discovery, development and commercialisation of a new drug by Dr. Reddy’s in his time. While our company initiated new drug discovery in 1992, the cost and risks of going beyond early-stage discovery were prohibitive to the young company. It was Dr Anji Reddy’s dream to see Indian pharma successfully discover and take a pipeline of new molecules to the market and become an original innovation-driven industry. Global manufacturing prowess: Today, India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally. Indian pharma supplies over 50 per cent of the global demand for various vaccines, 40 per cent of the generic demand in the US and 25 per cent of all medicines in…

India ranks second globally, after China, in horti-culture production now, but still has phenomenal potential to grow as the fresh fruits and vegetable basket for the world. In 2023-24, the country produced 112.6 million tonnes (MT) of fruits and 205 MT of vegetables. We already lead in the production of banana, mango and papaya among fruits, and onion, ginger and okra among vegetables. The problem is in exports. In 2023-24, we exported fresh fruits and vegetables worth $1.8 billion (Rs 15,039 crore), and processed fruits and vegetables (including pulses) worth $2.5 billion (Rs 20,623 crore), says the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). But India’s share in the global horticulture produce market is still a measly 1.1 per cent. Initiatives to create state-of-the-art cold chain infrastructure and…

In 2023-24, India’s agriculture exports amounted to $48.8 billion (Rs 4.1 lakh crore), 8 per cent lower than the previous year, one of the many reasons being restrictions on export of several agri commodities. India is a small player in the global agriculture produce trade now (less than 3 per cent share), but there is huge potential, provided it can produce reliable surpluses in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy, fisheries and horticulture. Building modern infrastructure for the product categories in which we are globally competitive will be crucial in this. In the 10 years of the UPA government, agriculture exports rose from $8.7 billion (Rs 72,867 crore) in 2004-05 to $43.3 billion (Rs 3.6 lakh crore) in 2013-14. Since then, growth has been muted, initially due to depressed global prices and, lately,…

In 2023, India added 17,960 MW of electricity capacity; 72.3 per cent of it was renewable energy. Today, in India (as in most other geographies), solar electricity is the cheapest form of electricity available—though only when the sun is shining. This highlights the essential conundrum about solar and wind energy, especially in developing countries where the energy demand is still increasing both during the daytime and night hours. Consequently, as we plan ahead, the key question is whether we add renewable energy capacity alone (thus depriving people of electricity at night) or add both solar capacity and fossil fuel-based capacity for the times when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing (thus increasing the cost of electricity for all)? In the developed countries, by contrast, no…

In May 2024, TikTok saw the genesis of a trend that many found bewildering—women and girls from across the world shooting reels while they applied make-up wearing traditional Indian attire and lip-synced to the song “San Sanana”, from the 2001 Hindi film Asoka. That a two-decade-old song could suddenly start trending online with the hashtag “AsokaMakeup” is just one of the many examples of India’s cultural sway today. And you certainly cannot underestimate the role of a country’s soft power—whether through arts or sports—one that India can well expand. From Diljit Dosanjh enthralling concertgoers at the Coachella music festival, to Indian fashion designers making waves on the international circuit and artists having their works showcased at renowned museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), India is becoming more proficient in the…

From silent films to multilingual productions, Indian cinema has evolved dramatically over the past century. The term ‘Bollywood’, derived from combining Bombay (now Mumbai) and Hollywood, might be more familiar but suggests a narrow focus and global visibility on one segment of Indian filmmaking. Indian cinema is truly an amalgamation of a broad spectrum that tells stories across regional languages, cultures, and narratives. It’s time to embrace ‘Indian Cinema’, and better represent our extensive and diverse film industry. Indian cinema includes a wide range of languages and storytelling styles, each with its unique flavour. Our cinema has always been a vibrant mix of music, dance, and storytelling. This tradition is deeply embedded in our cultural fabric. Pathbreaking filmmakers like K. Asif, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Anurag Kashyap have used music…

In the ever changing world of architecture, few firms in the country have garnered eyeballs as quickly as Ultraconfidentiel, started by a French couple, Amaury Watine and Stéphanie Bonduelle and taken to the next level by its CEO, Pierre-Arnaud Cassin. The attention could be partly because they are headquartered in Delhi, partly because they focus on flagship projects and their work has an international flair or because they are dedicated to giving each space a unique appeal. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain that when the couple came to India for an adventure and to work on this entrepreneurial project, it changed the Indian design-scape. When it was time for the duo to return to France they left the studio in the hands of Cassin (its CEO and managing…

When I reflect on my journey as a designer, it becomes clear how deeply French design has influenced my creative evolution. The Parisian café culture, with its blend of effortless charm and practical elegance, has always been a source of inspiration for me. The iconic bistro chairs that once graced the streets of Paris, alongside the groundbreaking bentwood designs of Michael Thonet, offer a timeless blueprint where style meets functionality. These chairs were more than just pieces of furniture; they were integral to the ambience of the cafés, reflecting a sophisticated simplicity that resonated with people from all walks of life. The allure of these designs lies not just in their aesthetic appeal but also in their enduring practicality, which has inspired me to explore and integrate these elements into…

Fusion design has been trending for a while now. The reason in part is the interesting outcome and partly because of the profusion of colour, it leads to. Still confused? This three-storey, 5,000 sq ft villa in Hyderabad is a good starting point. It’s a contemporary home with a traditional infusion. Be it the usage of different flooring patterns, different shaped furniture and carved wooden elements, the space takes design notes from modern India while fusing it with craft. Indian by Design For instance, on entering the foyer, there is a traditional antique door and a hanging garuda statue set against a sleek wooden panel. Other examples include an artwork of a woman on a flushed bathroom door, ornate teakwood columns that form the stairwell railing, and a bold red…

IN several of his speeches at election rallies prior to the general election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined a key economic prospect—that India would become the third largest economy in the world quite early in his third term. Modi, who had won the election twice before for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the promise of a stronger economy and business-friendly policies, felt that glossy figures regarding India’s economy still resonated with the masses. The election, however, proved that Indian voters were concerned about a host of pressing issues, not least of which were the dearth of jobs and high prices. The BJP subsequently won fewer Lok Sabha seats than it expected to, making it dependent on allies to form the government. But that hasn’t stopped Modi from showcasing India’s…

India is the fifth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $3.2 trillion in 2023, and we have been growing at an average rate of 7.6 per cent in the past decade. However, on closer examination, certain key indicators reveal a startling picture. India’s GDP per capita, a true indicator of a nation’s prosperity, is at $2,730 (Rs 2.3 lakh). It is much lower compared to our developing bloc peers, including Brazil ($11,350), China ($13,150), Vietnam ($4,620) and South Africa ($5,970). To look at a broader indicator of India’s holistic well-being, our social progress ranks at 110 out of 169 countries in 2022; approximately five points below the global average score. Moreover, India’s GDP per capita places the country at the 111th rank out of 164 countries assessed on…

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the transformative potential of our tourism sector. Tourism is one of the largest employers in the services sector, and given its tertiary impact, the industry can be a game-changer for India. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm and hospitable people, India has all the makings of a global tourism powerhouse. The country has also significantly enhanced its stature as a global destination for business opportunities. This has helped the country claim an increasingly prominent place on the world travel and tourism map. Yet, India is currently only the 22nd most visited nation in the world. Our goal should be to climb into the top 10 within the next 20-25 years. The domestic travel…

In the last several decades, many countries that transitioned from the middle-income to the high-income status benefited from either joining the large European market or being endowed with natural resources like oil and gas. There are notable exceptions, like South Korea, Taiwan and Israel, who have avoided the middle-income trap through manufacturing backed by R&D and innovations. Some countries used commodity exports or manufacturing and did well for some time, but eventually floundered. In this backdrop, India will have to create its own path to prosperity, where manufacturing will play a key role. Still, it will have to be a multi-dimensional story, with growth being inclusive and sustainable. We will have to go up the value chain based on cutting-edge innovations but will at the same time also need labour-intensive industries…

India boasts a storied legacy of educational excellence, harking back to the ancient institutions of Nalanda and Taxila. Even today, it has one of the largest education ecosystems in the world, encompassing nearly 1.5 million schools, more than 40,000 colleges and over 1,000 universities, which together serve nearly 300 million students. However, this quantitative advantage has not translated into qualitative success. For instance, while India boasts a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 108 per cent for primary education (check the accompanying graphic for why it exceeds 100 per cent), it plummets to around 79 per cent for secondary education. In contrast, China maintains a 100 per cent GER for primary education and 89 per cent for secondary education, reflecting better student retention. India’s GER for higher education is even more…

Sometimes in the month of August, even during heavy rains, there are days when the sky is bright blue and the sun shines brightly on the treetops. On such days, it almost feels that you can see till far, far away. Today is a day like that. Let us gaze into the distance and in our mind’s eye, imagine what a school can be like in the future. Building foundations: The school for small children has four rooms built around a big internal courtyard. Each of these rooms has doors that connect into their neighbouring rooms. Wide verandas wrap around the school building on the outside. The rooms are brightly painted; children’s work decorates the walls. Shelves with colourful books and interesting toys and materials invite one to touch, smell,…

On January 31, 2023, in a packed room at the Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C., the American and Indian National Security Advisors (NSA) formally launched the United States-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, or iCET. The NSAs and their administrations—the National Security Council (NSC) in the US and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in India—anchor this novel process with the active support of the US state department and the ministry of external affairs (MEA). Potential was the name of the game. An impressive ‘fact sheet’ highlighted priority areas for cooperation: space, defence, biotechnology, semiconductors, quantum technologies, critical minerals and such. Export control workshops became commonplace. A Strategic Trade Dialogue led by the Indian foreign secretary has been partially designed to engage the matter of controls. Legacy agreements…

Armies the world over are often accused of always fighting the ‘last war’. Yet, when they crystal-gaze into the future, they are accused of watching too much science fiction. The truth, as usual, is somewhere in between. The sci-fi of yester-year is today’s reality, just as the sci-fi of today may well be the future. Warfare has evolved in time and space, with its character changing so much that a soldier of even just a generation ago will be unable to adjust to the realities of the current battlefield. Similarly, today’s generation will be equally perplexed with the battlefield environment as little as 20 years down the line, as the pace of technological change today far exceeds that of the past. Preparing the armed forces of the country to be…

The health of India’s vast populace is, of course, important for its own sake. It is also a critical component of rapid growth—think of it as the cause, not the effect, of India becoming a global giant. A healthy workforce will be the life-force of our economy. The challenges before us are stark. While making health accessible and affordable to the masses is critical, there has to be a major emphasis on tackling the new epidemic of lifestyle diseases that are classified as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report titled ‘Invisible Numbers’, a staggering 66 per cent of deaths in India in 2019 were attributed to NCDs: high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, stroke, renal disease and mental disorders. The report suggests that…

As the world’s third-largest manufacturer of medicines by volume and the largest generics exporter, India has substantially impacted global healthcare. We provide cost-effective medicines to millions worldwide, with approximately ‘one in three’ pills consumed in the US and ‘one in four’ in the UK being produced in India. Our success in delivering accessible HIV treatment and low-cost vaccines has garnered international acclaim, earning India the well-deserved title of the ‘Pharmacy of the World.’ This success stems from our expertise in small- and large-molecule drug research and manufacturing, our ability to produce high-quality medicines at affordable prices, and our swift adaptation to global health crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The growth of India’s pharmaceutical exports is impressive, increasing from ~$19 billion (Rs 1.6 lakh crore, at the current exchange rate) in…

As we celebrate our 78th Independence day, we need to look back and see how far we have reached, but also look ahead to our goal of Viksit Bharat@2047. The first and foremost duty of any government is ensuring food security for the people. It’s as important as ensuring border security. It was Lal Bahadur Shastri who gave us the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. Faced with droughts in the mid-1960s, India did not have enough foreign exchange to buy food from the global markets. We needed at least 10 million tonnes (MT) to avert mass starvation deaths. The US came to India’s rescue at the time by offering 10 MT of wheat under Public Law 480 (food aid) against rupee payment, which was like a grant, as the rupee had…

India’s atomic energy programme has had some very distinctive achievements. It has enabled us to emerge as a nuclear weapon state (including nuclear submarine capability) while also delivering pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and associated nuclear fuel cycle technology that is commercially successful and is performing with global standards. India now operates 19 PHWRs of 220, 540 and 700 MWe (MegaWatt electric) unit sizes with 14 more 700 MWe units under construction in fleet mode. We are also close to commissioning the 500 MWe prototype fast breeder reactor and its fuel cycle as the next step in our three-stage strategy, aimed at ensuring long-term energy security for India based on our vast thorium reserves, which are the largest in the world. Thorium is also the preferred fuel for high-temperature nuclear reactors…

I was asked to write this piece a few days after the Paris Olympic Games got underway, and I must admit, the way I feel about everything I have expressed is even more pronounced because it is being written after watching India win medals with confidence and miss podiums by a whisker. We may not have surpassed our tally from Tokyo, but we had a big number of athletes who came very close to stepping on the podium, and if those fine margins went our way, our numbers would have doubled. There is a sense of despair at what could have been, but with it is also a feeling of confidence of what can be. Neeraj, Manu, Swapnil, Aman and the men’s hockey team were phenomenal, but so were Vinesh, Mirabai,…

COURTING THE UNUSUAL Want to travel off the beaten path to dress up your space? Then head to Miraliving where futuristic and novel art objects create an interesting statement. Velvet cushions with jewelled embellishments, quirky vases, funky accessories and stylish lamps find pride of place here. PRICE ₹5,000 onwards AT @miraliving.1 (Instagram) LEAF THROUGH Carved from a single piece for premium teakwood sourced from the plantations in Java, Indonesia, adorned with sterling silver accents and vivid scarab wings, is the latest collection from Lotus Arts de Vivre. Titled The Carved Leaf Teak Bowls with Scarab Frog, the process of incorporating the scarab wings involves each piece being carefully selected and shaved to the perfect thickness. PRICE on request AT www.ladv.com DESIGNER WARES If you have loved their outfits their home…

India’s own French revolution has been unfolding over the past couple of years. From Louis Vuitton to Dior, many French brands are eyeing India’s luxury sector. The trickle-down effect of the love for all things French can be clearly seen in the positive response Indians showed to the Netflix series Emily in Paris. Clearly, the French design aesthetic is having its moment in Indian homes. These 10 quick tips will transform your home into a mansion or chateau-style retreat. Gilded Mirrors These mirrors are ingrained in French interior history and serve as stunning accent pieces. Their beauty lies in their versatility. Depending on the room’s other elements, select a style—ornate or sleek—and hang it on a wall or place the longer ones on the floor in a corner. Salon-Style Wall…

A young couple reached out to me to conceptualise the interiors of their 2,200 sq ft apartment in the heart of Mumbai. Titled Tranquility, this home showcases understated luxury defined by a contemporary aura and hints of ethnic design elements. The husband wanted a modern home while the wife was more inclined towards classical Indian decor. The challenge was to create a blend between the two and give the space a modern, yet rooted character. The result? A design language that is simple and reassuring reflecting their personalities. The living room has a neutral palette of grey and teakwood, with pops of colour brought in by plants, soft furnishings and artworks. Hints of matte gold appear throughout, adding a touch of sophistication. The generous use of wicker on the sofas…