INDIA
Scientific Method and Shastras: Can the twain ever meet?
A new education policy to provide students from gurukuls direct entry into IITs is an example of misplaced inclusivity. Indian Knowledge Systems ought to be subjects of serious study. But to mix them with a system that is fundamentally different in its approach to accumulation of knowledge risks diluting one of India’s premium brands: IIT
BUSINESS
Rivalry over critical minerals strengthens case for smart state intervention
As the global race for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing intensifies, governments have little choice but to revisit old dogmas about state-market boundaries. Success will depend less on ideology and more on execution
INDIA
A blueprint to get bang for the buck out of government’s Rs 1 trillion research support scheme
The scheme aims to offset a documented failure of the private sector to take a long-term view on R&D. To get the most out of this large corpus, the scheme should avoid centralisation and bureaucratisation. An effective design needs to internalise a high threshold for failure to avoid hasty project terminations
BUSINESS
India’s new payments board aims to drive fintech growth
The RBI’s new Payments Regulatory Board introduces diverse, multi-stakeholder oversight, aiming to modernise payment regulation, foster innovation, enhance inclusion, and potentially pave the way for an independent regulator
TECHNOLOGY
AI's Revolutionary Promise: Progress, cost, and consequence
The latest AI advances showcase extraordinary potential to transform work, communication, and creativity. However, they also raise urgent concerns around energy consumption, equity, privacy, and inadequate governance frameworks
BUSINESS
AI Governance at Crossroads: National priorities trump global cooperation
Global AI governance is fragmented, with nations prioritising geopolitical interests over cooperation. The Takshashila report highlights contrasting approaches, raises concerns about corporate self-regulation, and predicts growing geopolitical tensions in AI, hindering effective global cooperation
BUSINESS
From Technological Rivalry to Global Governance: The path forward
The current geopolitical landscape is shaped by technological nationalism, driven by competition in AI and semiconductors. However, game theory and historical examples suggest that this phase will evolve into co-operative frameworks, balancing national interests with global technological cooperation
BUSINESS
Lessons from China's support for local startups — a path to innovation for India
China's local governments drive innovation through fiscal autonomy, incentives, and policy experimentation. India can adopt similar reforms by enhancing fiscal power, creating innovation zones, and aligning municipal leaders’ incentives with startup growth to foster a competitive, innovative economy
INDIA
Multi-Contributor Social Security: Time to reimagine social security contributions
Inadequate coverage and financing dogs our social security system. Imagine a person’s bank account designated as a multi-contributor social security (MCSS) account where multiple entities – Central and State governments, employers, employees, philanthropists, charities, companies invoking CSR, and other individuals can contribute directly. These contributions, in turn, could get tax benefits. Imagine you being able to tip your Swiggy delivery person directly into his MCSS account, towards his retirement corpus
