Time for an ideological reset | Hindustan Times

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Donald Trump on Wednesday slapped an additional 25% tariff on goods coming from India as penalty for New Delhi's continued buying of Russian oil. After the order, the total tariff on Indian goods, barring a small exemption list, will be 50% (PTI FILE)

Time for an ideological reset

Trump's tariffs on Indian exports and Russian oil purchases reveal strained Indo-US relations. The article calls for strategic reassessment, emphasizing that foreign policy must be based on material realities, not personal equations, and that India needs a comprehensive economic and diplomatic reset.

Public policy and corporate affairs heads in companies, once confined to compliance, must evolve into “chief geopolitical officers”. Their guidance must move to the core of corporate resilience. (Shutterstock)

Why geopolitics matters for corporate boardrooms

India's evolving economic landscape demands businesses adapt to geopolitical shifts, fragmented supply chains, and technological disruptions. Strategic foresight, government collaboration, and proactive risk management are crucial for corporate survival and growth in a complex global environment.

For Mizoram, this connectivity promises all of that and more. From now on, Aizawl will no longer be seen as distant. (ANI Video Grab)

Mizoram train underscores frontier to front-runner vision

Prime Minister Modi's Act East policy transforms Mizoram's connectivity, inaugurating a 51-kilometer railway line connecting Aizawl to the national network, reducing travel time, boosting trade, and marking a significant infrastructure development for Northeast India.

PM Modi’s tenure has been a boon not just for Mizoram but for the entire Northeast, transforming it into a growth engine now. The North-East now boasts of improved road networks, new airports and railway expansions. (ANI Video Grab)

How the Modi government has furthered integration of the North-East with rest of India

Modi's railway project in Mizoram marks a historic milestone, connecting the state to India's network. Reducing travel time, boosting economic opportunities, and fostering cultural exchange, the project symbolizes the government's commitment to North-East integration and development.

He has a natural connect with the youth and has focussed on integrating more youngsters with the Sangh Parivar. (HT Archive)

Leader who presided over the rise of RSS

Mohan Bhagwat, RSS leader, celebrated on his 75th birthday, has transformed the organization through adaptability and commitment. Guided by principles of national unity and social harmony, he has led RSS through complex times, emphasizing youth engagement and societal development.

To define liberty, the Court had to confront its own past. And no case represented the betrayal of liberty more than ADM Jabalpur . (HT Archive)

How Puttaswamy exorcised the ghost of ADM Jabalpur

The Supreme Court's Puttaswamy judgment overturned the infamous ADM Jabalpur case, affirming privacy as a fundamental right. It reversed the Emergency-era ruling that had stripped citizens of liberty, marking a crucial moment in India's constitutional democracy.

The French will take to the streets and protest against any austerity measures, which Bayrou had suggested as part of the annual budget. (AFP)

In France, it is political crisis season again

French Premier Bayrou resigned after losing a confidence vote over austerity measures. President Macron appointed Sébastien Lecornu as new prime minister. Political crisis deepens amid economic challenges, potential street protests, and growing far-right influence, signaling potential systemic changes.

The SCO also provided India and China with a platform for direct dialogue, and both nations voiced their willingness to find common ground on bilateral issues despite notable differences. (AFP)

Onus on China to take SCO beyond symbolism

Prime Minister Modi at SCO summit urged combating terrorism, with China's support crucial. India seeks to leverage the platform for regional connectivity and strategic interests, while pushing for a more effective multilateral approach in Eurasia.

In a multi-layered air defence system, which Sudarshan Chakra is meant to be, even man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), such as the good old Iglas, will have a role (of engaging the low-flying drones at short range). (@rajnathsingh X)

Envisaging a framework for Sudarshan Chakra

PM Modi's Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to develop a multi-layered air defense system by 2035, integrating legacy and modern weapon platforms, focusing on unmanned aerial systems, drone defense, and adaptable military capabilities.

The old-party and the luxurious lifestyle of their children and grandchildren have been under intense public scrutiny for years. (REUTERS)

Why the old regime in Nepal had to exit

A hit-and-run incident sparked massive Gen Z protests in Nepal, leading to violent clashes, 19 youth deaths, and the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Oli. The uprising targeted political elites, symbolically dismantling the old state apparatus and demanding generational change.

Travel to Maldives simplified for Indians with new resorts amid improved ties.

The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Maldives welcomes Indian tourists back amid new luxury resort developments

It’s never been easier for Indians to go to the Maldives. A year ago, if you believed the hype, it was all over between Delhi and Male. A newly elected government had focused on an anti-India platform, and some ministers had made offensive anti-Indian remarks. It seemed to me then that this was a mere ripple in the long relationship between India and the Maldives and judging by its response, our foreign ministry took the same position and said very little in public.

We must stop treating labs as departmental property and start treating them as national infrastructure. (HT PHOTO)

India needs a new compact for government-owned labs

India needs a new approach to revive government-owned scientific labs. The Accreditation Catalyst Model proposes shared access, certification, and accountability, transforming idle infrastructure into productive testing facilities for startups, MSMEs, and researchers.

India needs to do what it takes to trigger domestic demand and get growth on a sustained above 7% a year mark. (AFP)

Tax rate cuts: Centre’s great growth gamble

The Indian government is cutting tax rates to stimulate economic growth, risking potential revenue loss. By reducing GST and personal income tax, they aim to boost consumption and trigger private investment, hoping increased economic activity will offset the fiscal strain.

Going forward, Beijing may find itself as a sole security guarantor to try and make sure that the Taliban and Pakistan do not disintegrate into chaos. (AP)

Chinese checkers with Pakistan and the Taliban

China's foreign minister visited Kabul for a trilateral dialogue, aiming to mediate tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban. Beijing seeks to manage regional security, economic interests, and counter-terrorism challenges while navigating complex diplomatic relationships.

Educate Girls founder Safeena Husain with girls at the Pragati Project in Udaipur.

Mind the Gap: In her words: Safeena Husain

Educate Girls, founded by Safeena Husain, works to keep girls in school across rural India. By mobilizing communities, they've helped two million girls, aiming to boost education, delay marriage, and increase potential income and national GDP.

The IMF pegged Georgia’s economic growth for the year 2025-26 at 6% — far less than the previous year. (Shutterstock)

Georgia’s balancing act in Russia’s neighbourhood

Georgia navigates a delicate geopolitical landscape, balancing between Russia and the West amid economic challenges. Citizens remain cautious about Russia's intentions, with mixed feelings about their government's approach, while struggling with unemployment and uncertain future prospects.

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