THINK TANK
Enough of COP Jamborees
Falling solar and battery costs have made renewable energy commercially competitive with coal in India. As COP31 begins in Turkiye, the focus should shift to accelerating electrification of transport, promoting agrivoltaics, investing in transmission and grid stability, and ensuring reliable payments by discoms to sustain the country's green transition.
India's three-wheeler market takes an electric turn, with one in two new sales now EVs
Electric three-wheelers are increasingly popular in India, with sales significantly rising and concerns about fossil fuels decreasing. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility now produces a large number of e-rickshaws to meet growing demand. Drivers like Afroz Alam have reported substantial savings after switching from gas-powered models to electric versions. Analysts attribute this shift to lower operational costs and government subsidies promoting EV adoption.
Nomura silences AI doubters, says Kospi can hit 10,000 mark to double as fundamentals are intact
South Korea's Kospi plunged to a nine-month low amid fears that US political shifts could slow AI infrastructure spending and hurt chip demand. However, Nomura remains bullish, projecting a potential recovery towards 10,000, with a near-term target of 7,500–8,000.
AI selloff hits India too: TD Power, HFCL, Sterlite, other power capex-linked stocks crash up to 15%
Indian power capex and AI-linked stocks tumbled as a global technology sell-off spread across markets, with TD Power and Thermax plunging 15% each. Concerns that US midterm election results could slow data centre expansion and AI infrastructure spending triggered sharp losses across Asian technology stocks and domestic market-linked companies.
After midterm loss, Trump is left to weigh his next move in Iran war that contributed to GOP debacle
After significant losses in the midterm elections, President Trump reevaluates his approach to the conflict with Iran. Voter dissatisfaction regarding the war emerged as a critical factor influencing election outcomes and party dynamics. Analysts suggest Trump may consider various military options, while regional officials remain concerned about escalating tensions. Despite the challenges, Trump maintains his original stance on the war's necessity and efficacy.
US midterms upended Congress but Trump still commands foreign policy
Following the Republican Party's recent electoral losses, President Trump's domestic influence appears to have diminished significantly. Despite these setbacks, Trump retains considerable freedom to implement his foreign policy agenda. Democrats are poised to seek increased oversight of Trump's actions, especially concerning Iran and Israel. Challenges may arise as Trump continues to navigate these international affairs amid growing scrutiny.
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PM Modi asks new NITI Aayog team to craft ideas to improve lives of India's poorest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the new NITI Aayog leadership to develop transformative ideas to improve the ease of living for marginalised people while advancing India's long-term development goals. He called for greater collaboration with research institutions and state governments, and urged officials to assess conditions on the ground.
American midterm results will not have an impact on India-US interim trade deal: Sources
The Democrats' sweeping victory in the US midterm elections is unlikely to affect the India-US interim trade agreement, as the pact does not require formal Congressional ratification, sources said. However, ongoing Section 301 investigations into forced labour and excess industrial capacity could influence Washington's tariff structure and the finalisation of the agreement.
World leaders who sparred with Trump express relief mixed with caution at Republican election rout
World leaders welcomed the Democrats' gains in the US midterm elections, hoping the setback for Donald Trump's Republicans could ease tensions over Washington's foreign policy. However, European and other allies cautioned that the results may not change Trump's approach to Iran, Ukraine, tariffs or NATO, as the president retains considerable freedom in foreign affairs.
French fried: Texas Republican pays the price for anti-Indian politics
French's defeat has given a stark electoral warning to an increasingly uncomfortable contradiction within the Republican Party: a party that spent years courting Indian-American voters, celebrating their entrepreneurial success and welcoming Indian investment particularly in Texas, is now struggling with a section of its own political base questioning whether Indians belong in Texas at all.
Donald Trump's political humbling after US midterms signals short-term gain, long-term pain for China
Donald Trump's US midterm election defeat could strengthen China's hand in upcoming US-China trade negotiations, giving Beijing leverage to push for tariff reductions and other concessions. However, Beijing remains wary of a potentially more hawkish US administration after Trump. China's concerns include Taiwan arms sales, a possible Iran war escalation, energy security and the future of its fragile trade truce with Washington.
One giant leap for America? Trump's Moon ambitions put India's space diplomacy to the test
Donald Trump’s push for a permanent American presence on the Moon by 2028 has raised questions over lunar governance, resource ownership and the future of international space cooperation. As the US and China pursue competing lunar programmes, India faces the challenge of protecting its strategic autonomy while advancing its own space ambitions.
Nitin Gadkari flags Indian highways, expressways still lack perfect signage
Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need for better project preparation and accountability in urban road development initiatives. He expressed concern over the lack of proper signage on Indian highways and its role in accidents. Gadkari mentioned nearly 5 lakh road accidents each year, causing 1.8 lakh deaths in India. He proposed that urban planning requires integrated approaches among various transport agencies to optimize public resources.
US midterm election results 2026: India sees some trade relief, new risks after US midterm vote
Indian officials are cautiously optimistic about the recent US midterm election results and their implications. While the election reduces trade tension, it introduces new uncertainties for US-India relations. Analysts suggest it is too early to gauge the long-term effects of these political changes. The potential for increased tariffs still looms due to ongoing investigations.
Washington's next chapter: A democratic socialist mayor and a looming Trump showdown
Janeese Lewis George won the recent mayoral election and will take office on January 2. She will face significant challenges, including local governance issues and financial difficulties. After a period of job losses, the city anticipates potential revenue drops, prompting tax consideration discussions. Lewis George emphasizes addressing the city's affordability crisis amid Trump's ongoing influence. She has a unique opportunity to reshape policies within the city's limited autonomy.
ETtech Explainer: Why SIM-binding is a concern for consumers and businesses
A new study raises alarms about the Department of Telecommunications' proposed SIM-binding requirement for messaging applications. The mandate could severely disrupt operations for consumers and businesses alike, especially impacting international travelers who depend on local SIMs or Wi-Fi. Businesses are bracing for heightened costs and difficulties tied to limited device accessibility.
12 key Indian mutual funds score zero on climate scenario analysis and stress testing. Should you be worried?
A recent study reveals that India's $900-billion asset management sector lacks climate scenario analysis disclosures. Twelve mutual funds, representing over 80% of assets, scored zero in stress testing. This gap contrasts with findings from Asian peers who share some level of climate analysis. Rising climate risks in India could threaten up to $250 billion in annual output by 2030.
Engineers replaced 20% of cement with powdered waste glass in a field project; 3 years later, the concrete showed no deterioration or material failure
Recent studies suggest that incorporating 20% crushed waste glass into concrete can significantly improve its properties. This method not only boosts compressive strength but also lowers water absorption and abrasion weight loss. Given that the cement industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions, the search for eco-friendly solutions is crucial. However, challenges like cost and supply must be addressed for broader implementation in construction.
What is NATO’s Article 5, the clause that could pull 32 countries into one war?
An attack on one NATO member could bring 31 other countries into its defence. That is the central promise of Article 5, the collective defence clause of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The provision has become increasingly important as tensions between Russia and Western countries grow.
COP17 adopts Yerevan Pathway to fast-track biodiversity priorities
"Over these two weeks, we have demonstrated that differences can be bridged, commitments can become decisions and cooperation can deliver," said Matevosyan. While countries agreed to intensify efforts to halt biodiversity loss and protect nature, contentious factors including the thorny issue of who pays for initiating steps to protect nature were addressed through compromises.
India eye changes as they look to bounce back from Auckland thrashing in final T20I
The Indian team is contemplating potential changes to their playing eleven for the final T20I against New Zealand. Sanju Samson may be replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi due to underwhelming performances in the series. Shreyas Iyer's recent batting struggles have also raised concerns during the series. The bowling department is heavily reliant on Arshdeep Singh, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's performance being disappointing.
What are Warren Buffett's views on investment in gold? Here's why he has maintained a different approach towards the precious metal
Buffett explained his position in Berkshire Hathaway's 2011 annual shareholder letter. He questioned the economic usefulness of gold as an investment. He described how gold is mined, melted, stores and guarded, without producing anything during the time it is held. His argument was that investors could own productive assets instead of an asset whose value depends largely on what another buyer is willing to pay.
Pope says 'most urgent' challenge facing AI race is need for institutional ethical framework
The American pope, who has made AI a key priority, said the principles are already known but what is missing are the institutions that can effectively safeguard the global common good.
G20 diplomats, including from China and Russia, face deep rifts as they prepare to meet in Atlanta
Top diplomats from the G20 nations are convening in Atlanta to discuss pressing global issues. Key topics include regional conflicts and trade tensions affecting international security. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to facilitate cooperation among member countries. However, deep divisions are evident, especially regarding military actions and the Ukraine situation. This meeting serves as a precursor to the upcoming G20 summit hosted by President Trump.
Scientists set up 45 artificial ponds near St. Louis and studied them for 7 years; even when ponds got the same species, the order they arrived changed the outcome
A recent examination of 45 plastic cattle tanks has shed light on the significant role that species arrival order plays in biodiversity. Tanks with low nutrients exhibited similar communities irrespective of this order, while high nutrient tanks presented diverse variations. This phenomenon, termed the priority effect, has implications for community stability and ecosystem restoration efforts, cautioning restoration ecologists against presuming automatic self-repair in nutrient-rich habitats.
British PM Burnham commits to 'strongest possible' links with India in Diwali address
During his first Diwali as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham expressed his commitment to strengthen UK-India relations. The celebration at 10 Downing Street included lighting lamps and cultural performances. Burnham emphasized the importance of harmony among various communities in the UK. Key speakers highlighted the ongoing free trade agreement between the two countries and its benefits. The festive events reflect the growing partnership between the UK and India.
Lula's re-election revives Brazil-US tensions
US President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about the legitimacy of elections won by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This remark occurs after Lula secured a fourth presidential term, potentially amplifying tensions between the two leaders. Despite their disagreements, both countries maintain significant economic ties and shared strategic interests. Trump seeks to distance Brazil from China while addressing inflation issues through Brazilian trade.
Oil eases on Middle East diplomacy hopes, Saudi attacks keep supply worries alive
Oil prices took a slight dip as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran engage in diplomatic discussions aimed at quelling tensions. However, the situation remains precarious with increased attacks from Iran-aligned Houthis, causing doubts about further price drops. Brent crude futures remain near six-month peaks, influenced by persistent threats. The Strait of Hormuz, vital for global energy, faces rising risks.
Oil eases on Middle East diplomacy hopes, Saudi attacks keep supply worries alive
Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts to ease the US-Israeli war on Iran raised hopes of a resolution and eased supply concerns. However, Brent crude remained near six-month highs amid renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia and continued risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
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