&w=3840&q=100)
Best of BS Opinion: Stray dogs, trade deals, and a seahorse on a mountain
Take Ajay Srivastava's column on India's CETA deal with the UK — a daring leap from protectionism to partial liberalisation. India, long a cautious swimmer in global trade, has suddenly landed on high, rocky terrain: opening procurement, slashing tariffs on luxury cars, and inviting foreign firms into its domestic core. Yet like the seahorse, it seems oddly stable. The strategy is bolder, the concessions deeper, but the footing is firm. Whether this altitude helps or harms Indian industry is still unclear, but the view is undeniably different.
R Gopalakrishnan offers a cultural counterpoint, reminding us that Indian management, too, has always been a creature of adaptation. Office pujas and astrologically timed board meetings may seem out of place on the global corporate peak, but they coexist with Harvard MBAs and data dashboards. Indian managers, he notes, thrive not by removing ambiguity but by riding it, balancing rituals with results, jugaad with KPIs. No contradiction there, just another seahorse perched on another mountain.
Ram Singh looks at inequality and turns the usual narrative on its head. While global discourse frets about the 1 per cent, India's post-tax, post-welfare numbers tell a different tale — inequality is down, and first-generation wealth is rising. Here again, the terrain has shifted. The old economic assumptions aren't holding; the new ones, though strange, may just work.
Meanwhile, Shekhar Gupta compares Modi and Indira—not to glorify or vilify either, but to observe how each, in their time, defied gravity. Their nationalism, governance, and use of power sit atop different ideological mountains, yet share that same improbable balancing act. One led with iron fists, the other with digital dashboards — but both stood where few expected them to.
And in Kanika Datta's corner, the seahorse metaphor finds its most literal expression. Feeding stray dogs in India. A small act of care has become a societal flashpoint, twisted by ignorance and abandoned by institutions. But feeding strays, as she explains, isn't just charity, it's population control. It is order in chaos. It's a soft hand holding steady on a cliff edge.
Just like a seahorse on a mountain. Stay tuned!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
11 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Shopkeepers should put up boards promoting swadeshi: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to shopkeepers and traders to promote 'swadeshi' by displaying signs indicating the sale of Indian products. Addressing the nation on Independence Day, Modi emphasized that India should embrace indigenous goods as a source of strength, not out of obligation. He urged citizens to take pride in 'swadeshi' and actively adopt it. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged shopkeepers and traders to put up boards outside their shops declaring that they sell only Indian products Promoting the use of 'swadeshi', products made in India, the prime minister said India should use indigenous goods not out of compulsion, but as its his address to the nation on Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi pushed for a self-reliant India "I want to appeal to every trader and shopkeeper, it is your responsibility as well... I want shopkeepers and traders to come forward, write outside their shops reading, 'yahan swadeshi maal bikta hai (indigenous products are sold here)'," Modi said."We should be proud of swadeshi, we should adopt swadeshi not due to compulsion, but as our strength," he said.
Hindustan Times
12 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
PM Narendra Modi vows to protect farmers amid trade tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for greater self-reliance, local manufacturing of everything, from fertilisers to EV batteries, and pledged to protect farmers amid trade tensions with the US, delivering his 13th straight Independence Day address on Friday. A large majority of Indian agriculturists are small land-owners, tending to tiny parcels of farmland. (PTI photo) 'Farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers are our top priorities', Modi said in his customary address at the Red Fort in New Delhi, soon after hoisting the Tricolour under a cloudy, monsoon sky in New Delhi. 'Modi will stand like a wall against any policy that threatens their interests. India will never compromise when it comes to protecting the interests of our farmers,' he said. India will never compromise the interests of its farmers because agriculturists of the country have made the country self-sufficient, Modi said in a sweeping speech, underscoring the fifth-largest economy's stand on not opening up the farm sector during the US-India trade talks. Also Read: Modi outlines vision centered around self-reliance, defence, pledges simpler GST The PM said the country needed to achieve self-sufficiency in energy, critical minerals, technology and weaponry, underscoring the need to build high quality goods even as 'economic selfishness rises by the day'. Linking local production with national pride, Modi said, 'The yardstick of a nation to measure its self-esteem is to see to what extent it is self-reliant,' Modi said. 'Everybody knows that after we gained freedom, feeding millions was a great challenge. It was my farmers who toiled to fill our silos with grains. Modi stands like a wall, won't compromise on farmers.' A large majority of Indian agriculturists are small land-owners, tending to tiny parcels of farmland. The farm sector supports nearly half of the nation's population and agriculture accounts for nearly 18% of India's GDP, which explains the country's continued protectionism. The focus on the economy comes against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff rate on India, much higher than its neighbours and peers, which disadvantages exports and could hurt nearly one per cent of the nation's gross domestic product, according to some analysts. 'The need of the hour is to take a resolve for building a strong India ... I want our traders, shopkeepers to display boards for swadeshi (India-made) products,' Modi said. Modi said that agriculture remains the cornerstone of India's development, with the country being no. 1 in milk, pulses and jute production, and no 2 in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits and vegetables. Farm exports have crossed ₹4 lakh crore, reflecting the nation's global competitiveness, he said adding, to further empower farmers, the government launched the PM Dhanya Dhanya Krishi Yojana for 100 backward farming districts, complementing ongoing support through PM-Kisan and irrigation schemes etc. Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on all Indian goods entering the US, making good on his threat to penalise New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil. The additional 25%, due to take effect on August 27, puts India at par with Brazil as the two countries whose exports will face the highest levy of 50% on their goods. The duties would put Indian exporters at a significant disadvantage compared to their rivals in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam – which face tariffs of between 19% and 20% . India has called the American actions 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable' and said it will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests, India and the US failed to hammer out a bilateral trade pact after several rounds of negotiations, despite Trump's hint in the middle of the talks that a 'big deal' was imminent. India's refusal to open up its farm, fishery and dairy sectors was one of the main sticking points.
Hindustan Times
12 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Har Ghar Tiranga 2025: India's renewed aspirations
As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the spirit of patriotism is rekindled nationwide through the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign—now an annual event synonymous with unity, pride, and India's progressive revival. In an era where internal challenges persist and the world grapples with conflict and change, India's achievements in recent years and its continued commitment to this initiative stand out as both visionary and deeply relevant. Independence Day (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) First launched in 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Har Ghar Tiranga has matured into a powerful people's movement. This year's campaign unfolds over three distinct phases—from August 2 through August 15—allowing for broader participation and a more enduring celebration. The initiative now features expanded volunteer programmes, engagement with youth, and a modern approach to flag distribution through self-help groups, post offices, and e-commerce portals, all designed to ensure every household has the opportunity to hoist the tiranga. The ministry of culture's new volunteer programme encourages citizens not just to hoist the flag but to become ambassadors of unity, helping others understand the correct etiquette, sharing inspiring stories, and uploading their tiranga selfies for digital recognition and certificates. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, marking his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, continues to champion themes that invoke pride in national achievements and unity. Modi has emphasised, 'The tiranga symbolises the spirit of freedom and national unity. Every Indian has an emotional connection with the tricolour, and it inspires us to work harder to further national progress'. Under his leadership, India's national symbols—especially the flag—have acquired unprecedented stature domestically and globally. This year, PM Modi proactively invited citizens to contribute their ideas and aspirations for his Independence Day speech using online platforms like MyGov and the NaMo app, signaling his inclusive governance and commitment to engaging with everyday Indians. The speech is expected to focus on Viksit Bharat @2047, self-reliance, and the collective strength of the nation. The tricolour, or tiranga, continues to embody courage, peace, faith, and cultural legacy—values dear to India's civilisation. Each colour and the Ashoka Chakra retain profound symbolism, echoing ancient narratives from the Mahabharata to the rituals at Jagannath Temple. The campaign resonates with historic significance while building new bridges to the present and future. A notable impact of Har Ghar Tiranga has been the economic boost to khadi and village industries. The consistent advocacy for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local has translated into record growth for the sector. Between 2013–14 and 2024–25, sales in khadi soared 447%, reaching ₹1.70 lakh crore (approx. $20 billion), with khadi cloth alone experiencing a 561% increase. The sector now employs 1.94 crore people, up from 1.30 crore, with thousands of small artisans and SHGs—many led by women—directly benefitting. Flag production for the campaign is largely handled by these local groups, further driving empowerment and economic self-reliance. The sight of the tiranga proudly displayed across homes is a powerful message to India's armed forces that every citizen stands behind them. In challenging times, the campaign asserts India's integrity, outshining narratives that seek to undermine the country. The tricolour is a touchstone for national solidarity—reassuring soldiers and citizens alike that India's unity cannot be eroded by divisiveness. Har Ghar Tiranga is not simply a top-down government initiative but a community-driven celebration. Amendments to the flag code and the proliferation of flag distribution have made it possible for every Indian to build a personal relationship with the tricolour, strengthening the bond between the past and present, and inspiring the youth to embrace the legacy of freedom fighters. Volunteering, creative contests, and selfie submissions transform participation into a memorable, nation-building experience. Since 2014, the tiranga has gained renewed respect worldwide, paralleling India's rise. The push for self-reliance, global recognition, and inclusive engagement through initiatives like Har Ghar Tiranga reflect a transformative approach to governance and cultural revival. The campaign is more than symbolism—it's a reflection of the success and aspirations of India, with an eye toward ever-greater achievements in the years ahead. As the tricolour graces homes across India once again in 2025, it stands for the shared spirit, resilience, and dreams of a united nation—the very ideals for which countless Indians sacrificed. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is a clarion call: To honour the past, reaffirm unity, and advance together toward a brighter, more prosperous future. This Independence Day, participate, celebrate, and let the tiranga fly high as a testament to India's unity, pride, and for progress. This article is authored by Tuhin A Sinha, national spokesperson, BJP.
