The Indian Navy is likely to commission its second nuclear submarine INS Arighat on Thursday (August 29). This addition will support the existing INS Arihant and enhance India's nuclear deterrence capabilities.

India set to commission second nuclear submarine INS Arighat

Former Union Minister&nbsp;Smriti Irani&nbsp;shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics.&nbsp;

In a recent podcast, BJP leader Smriti Irani shared her views on Rahul Gandhi's evolving political strategies.&nbsp;

She said that the Congress leader thinks he has "tasted success" and has now evolved.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-over-debate-challenge-to-modi-is-he-pm-candidate-720561">Also read:&nbsp;Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?'</a>

Irani highlighted that when Gandhi discusses caste issues or appears in Parliament wearing a white T-shirt, he is fully aware of the message it conveys.&nbsp;

She claimed that Gandhi's actions were calculated to appeal to specific demographics.&nbsp;

Irani added, "So we shouldn't be under the misconception about his actions – whether you find them good, bad, or childish – they are a different kind of politics." She said that these moves are part of Rahul Gandhi's broader strategies to maintain his relevance in Indian politics.&nbsp;

<h2>'Soft Hindutva'</h2>

Smriti Irani further remarked on Congress party's attempt at "soft Hindutva", including Rahul Gandhi's temple visits during elections.&nbsp;

The BJP leader emphasised that these actions were not liked by the voters and attracted criticism.

"Rahul Gandhi did not get any traction from his temple visits. It became the butt of jokes. Some people found it deceitful. So when this strategy did not work, they switched to caste issues to gain traction," Irani said.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Makes arousing statements to get media&nbsp;attention’</h2>

Smriti Irani further pointed out that Gandhi, who has been in the limelight for several of his statements, has been doing it knowingly to remain in the public eye.&nbsp;

She said that his recent remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in Miss India is an example.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules

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"He knows that Miss India has nothing to do with forming the government, but he still says things like that on social media. Because it makes the headlines," she said.

Pointing at his strategies, Smriti Irani said, "These are not his beliefs, this is all just part of a strategy."

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics.

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics. In a recent podcast, BJP leader Smriti Irani shared her views on Rahul Gandhi's evolving political strategies. She said that the Congress leader thinks he has "tasted success" and has now evolved. Also read: Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?' Irani highlighted that when Gandhi discusses caste issues or appears in Parliament wearing a white T-shirt, he is fully aware of the message it conveys. She claimed that Gandhi's actions were calculated to appeal to specific demographics. Irani added, "So we shouldn't be under the misconception about his actions – whether you find them good, bad, or childish – they are a different kind of politics." She said that these moves are part of Rahul Gandhi's broader strategies to maintain his relevance in Indian politics. 'Soft Hindutva' Smriti Irani further remarked on Congress party's attempt at "soft Hindutva", including Rahul Gandhi's temple visits during elections. The BJP leader emphasised that these actions were not liked by the voters and attracted criticism. "Rahul Gandhi did not get any traction from his temple visits. It became the butt of jokes. Some people found it deceitful. So when this strategy did not work, they switched to caste issues to gain traction," Irani said. ‘Makes arousing statements to get media attention’ Smriti Irani further pointed out that Gandhi, who has been in the limelight for several of his statements, has been doing it knowingly to remain in the public eye. She said that his recent remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in Miss India is an example. Watch | BJP seeks action against Rahul Gandhi, accuses Congress MP of violating house rules × "He knows that Miss India has nothing to do with forming the government, but he still says things like that on social media. Because it makes the headlines," she said. Pointing at his strategies, Smriti Irani said, "These are not his beliefs, this is all just part of a strategy." (With inputs from agencies)

Smriti Irani says Rahul Gandhi changed strategy after ‘soft Hindutva’ failure, making ‘calculated moves’

Three terrorists are believed to have been killed as Security Forces on Wednesday evening launched an anti-terrorist operation at two places in Kupwara in North Kashmir. Watch WION to know more on the story.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two separate encounters in Kupwara

India launched its biggest multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti' on the 6th of August. The exercise is being conducted in two phases. The first took place in the Sulur town of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu from the 6th of August to the 14th of August and the second is currently taking place in Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan- from the 29th of August to the 14th of September. Various aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon Jet and SU-30MKI were a part of the first phase. Why is the Tarang Shakti exercise important? Which countries will be a part of the exercise in phase 2?

What is Tarang Shakti? Second-phase begins in Jodhpur

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- - India surpasses UK in critical tech research - Uttarakhand woman narrowly escapes harassment late at night, shares video - Man kills estranged wife's lover in a shocking act of vengeance

India surpasses UK in critical tech research | Trending on WION

The Indian state of Gujarat is grapple with severe floods amid continuous heavy rainfall. While rescue operations and evacuations are underway, the death toll continues to rise. At least 28 have lost their lives in rain-related accidents in the last three days.

Gujarat Floods: At least 28 dead, thousands evacuated

A leader of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party has been found dead in a betel nut plantation around 1.5 km from the India-Bangladesh border at Dona Bhoi in Meghalaya’s East Jaiñtia Hills district.

Bangladesh's Awami League leader dies while trying to flee

The Indian Navy is likely to commission its second nuclear submarine INS Arighat on Thursday (August 29). This addition will support the existing INS Arihant and enhance India's nuclear deterrence capabilities. WION decodes INS Arighat in this report.

All about INS Arighat: India's second nuclear submarine

As heavy rains continued to pound India's western state Gujarat, 15 people lost their lives, while more than 23,000 were evacuated and over 300 rescued in several districts of Gujarat.

As heavy rains continued to pound India's western state Gujarat, 15 people lost their lives, while more than 23,000 were evacuated and over 300 rescued in several districts of Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, called Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to get details of the heavy rain situation and the rescue efforts. Gujarat's Vadodara has been facing severe floods and waterlogging, as reported by news agency ANI. The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) has advised the residents to call them up for assistance in evacuation. Also read: IMD issues red alert for Gujarat; heavy rains predicted in these states The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "red alert" for several districts in Gujarat and has predicted heavy rainfall over the next five days. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is further helping the residents to evacuate and has deployed additional teams from the Narmada District to enhance response capabilities. PM Modi calls Gujarat CM Earlier today, Gujarat CM shared on X, that he received a call from PM Modi, assuring the city of providing all necessary support and assistance from the central government. "Hon'ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by worrying about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, they always stand by Gujarat and the people of Gujarat, providing warmth and invaluable guidance," Bhupendra Patel said on X. માનનીય પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી @narendramodi જી એ ગુજરાતમાં અતિભારે વરસાદની સ્થિતિને લઈને મારી સાથે ટેલીફોનિક વાતચીત કરીને રાહત-બચાવ કામગીરીની ઝીણવટભરી વિગતો મેળવી હતી. તેમણે નાગરિકોના જાનમાલ તેમજ પશુધનના રક્ષણ અંગે માર્ગદર્શન પૂરું પાડ્યું હતું. તેમજ, ગુજરાતને કેન્દ્ર સરકાર તરફથી… — Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) August 28, 2024 × Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel holds meeting On Tuesday, the Gujarat CM convened a high-level meeting to review the relief and rescue operations. "The Chief Minister instructed the District Collectors to take full vigilance and caution by taking the help of the police so that no one goes into the overflowed rivers, drains and lakes as a result of heavy rains. Apart from this, the Meteorological Department has specially urged the District Collectors of the coastal areas to strictly follow the warning to the fishermen not to venture into the sea," the CM's office posted on X. Watch | Gujarat Rains: Monsoon claims at least 99 lives in India’s western state × Amid the worsening situation due to bad weather conditions electricity supply has been cut off in 419 villages of Saurashtra-Kutch region, including 196 villages in Jamnagar district, 51 in Surendranagar, 44 in Porbandar, 41 in Rajkot, 39 in Kutch, 32 in Rajkot, 9 in Amreli, 6 in Junagadh and 1 in Bhavnagar. The local authorities have also announced the closure of schools and colleges on Tuesday as a precautionary measure as heavy rains continue. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat rains: 15 dead, over 23,000 evacuated amid floods in region

The Uttar Pradesh government has come up with a new social media policy encouraging influencers to promote the State government’s initiatives, schemes, and achievements with prize payments. The initiative of encouraging pro-government posts, schemes on social media faces sharp criticism from the various quarters with the Opposition parties alleging that no influencer or social media warrior can save a government which is bound to face defeat in coming election.

Jail time for Anti-National social media posts in Uttar Pradesh

A recent study has found that women in India's tech sector are paid up to 30% lesser than their male colleagues. The pay gap is neither limited to the tech sector, nor to India. So, what explains not paying women their worth?

Indian women techies are paid up to 30% lesser than men, study finds | Gravitas

Increasing dividend payment expectations and soaring domestic demand suggest that a bull rally in India's oil and gas companies has more legs to run. The Nifty energy index — a local benchmark for the industry — has surged 31 percent this year. The index is set for a record nine-year winning run. Half of the top ten performances on a Bloomberg measure of the world's 124 mid- to large-sized energy businesses over the period were conventional energy firms from India. The gauge as a whole gained 4.7 percent.

World-beating stocks rally in focus

Kolkata protests: Buses and other transportation services came to a standstill in the east Indian state of West Bengal after opposition BJP called a 'Bengal Bandh' in the wake of a rape-murder. Watch WION for more details.

BJP calls for 12-hour-long bandh

Kolkata rape-murder case: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday (August 28) suspended the membership of Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital in West Bengal, where the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor happened on August 9.

The suspension comes amid a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the rape and murder case from earlier this month.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1811}">Why has his membership been suspended?</h2>

According to a report by the PTI news agency, the decision to suspend Dr Ghosh's membership of IMA was taken by the organisation's disciplinary committee.

In its order, the IMA said that a committee constituted by the organisation's national president Dr R V Asokan has taken the suo moto decision based on the ongoing investigation into the Kolkata rape case.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:263,&quot;w&quot;:623,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1956}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-president-murmu-highlights-societys-collective-amnesia-in-rare-condemnation-754029">Kolkata horror: President Murmu highlights society’s ‘collective amnesia’ in rare condemnation</a>

"They had put up their grievances against you (Ghosh) in dealing with the situation as well as lack of empathy and sensitivity in handling the issue in appropriate manner befitting the responsibility held by you in your dealings with them," said the order.

"The IMA Bengal state branch as well as certain associations' of doctors also have demanded action citing the nature of disrepute brought by you to the profession on the whole," it added.

Furthermore, the IMA, a private, national voluntary organisation of physicians in India, said that it has "unanimously decided to suspend you forthwith from the membership of Indian Medical Association."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:449,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2142}">Who is Dr Sandip Ghosh?</h2>

Dr Sandip Ghosh was the principal of RG Kar Hospital at the time of the horrific rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor. Following the heinous incident, he resigned&nbsp;from his post and was reappointed as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College but was later removed after protests.

He has been grilled by the CBI multiple times during the probe.

A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader,&nbsp;Kunal Ghosh, has alleged corruption on Sandip Ghosh's part.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-cbi-conducts-polygraph-test-on-asi-anup-dutta-who-is-he-754028">Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: CBI conducts polygraph test on ASI Anup Dutta. Who is he?</a>

The TMC leader has reportedly submitted to the CBI documents related to the corruption. He claimed that junior doctors of the hospital had supplied all the information and documents related to Sandip's corruption.

He also said that if CBI finds these documents necessary, the doctors will be happy to cooperate with the agency.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata rape-murder case: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday (August 28) suspended the membership of Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital in West Bengal, where the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor happened on August 9.

Kolkata rape-murder case: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday (August 28) suspended the membership of Dr Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Hospital in West Bengal, where the heinous rape and murder of a trainee doctor happened on August 9. The suspension comes amid a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the rape and murder case from earlier this month. Why has his membership been suspended? According to a report by the PTI news agency, the decision to suspend Dr Ghosh's membership of IMA was taken by the organisation's disciplinary committee. In its order, the IMA said that a committee constituted by the organisation's national president Dr R V Asokan has taken the suo moto decision based on the ongoing investigation into the Kolkata rape case. Also read | Kolkata horror: President Murmu highlights society’s ‘collective amnesia’ in rare condemnation "They had put up their grievances against you (Ghosh) in dealing with the situation as well as lack of empathy and sensitivity in handling the issue in appropriate manner befitting the responsibility held by you in your dealings with them," said the order. "The IMA Bengal state branch as well as certain associations' of doctors also have demanded action citing the nature of disrepute brought by you to the profession on the whole," it added. Furthermore, the IMA, a private, national voluntary organisation of physicians in India, said that it has "unanimously decided to suspend you forthwith from the membership of Indian Medical Association." Who is Dr Sandip Ghosh? Dr Sandip Ghosh was the principal of RG Kar Hospital at the time of the horrific rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor. Following the heinous incident, he resigned from his post and was reappointed as the principal of Calcutta National Medical College but was later removed after protests. He has been grilled by the CBI multiple times during the probe. A senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Kunal Ghosh, has alleged corruption on Sandip Ghosh's part. Also read | Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: CBI conducts polygraph test on ASI Anup Dutta. Who is he? The TMC leader has reportedly submitted to the CBI documents related to the corruption. He claimed that junior doctors of the hospital had supplied all the information and documents related to Sandip's corruption. He also said that if CBI finds these documents necessary, the doctors will be happy to cooperate with the agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata rape-murder case: IMA suspends membership of Sandip Ghosh, ex-principal of RG Kar Hospital

Heavy rains have devastated India's Gujarat, killing seven people, with seven others reported missing due to rain-related incidents.

Gujarat floods: Major cities and towns flooded, rovers overflow

While weeks ahead of the crucial assembly elections in India's Jammu and Kashmir the political landscape has witnessed a fresh twist former members of the band Jamaat E Islami party have started filing their nominations for the upcoming polls in the union territory.

J&K assembly elections: Former JEI members to contest as independent

BJP leaders claim assassination bid by Trinamool workers

India: Heavy rains hit Gujarat, at least 7 killed

The Indian government has reportedly launched a major investigation into Telegram, examining the platform’s potential involvement in criminal activities such as extortion and gambling. This probe could result in a ban if the findings warrant it.

Is Telegram’s future in India uncertain?

India’s economic survey proposed a significant shift in monetary policy: excluding food prices from the inflation measure. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s August bulletin, this move could address persistent issues with high food inflation. But will this simplification overlook the economic strain facing Indian households?

India's inflation debate: To include or exclude food?

Kolkata rape-murder case: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as per reports, is consulting experts from AIIMS Delhi to strengthen its case against Sanjoy Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. The agency plans to verify DNA and forensic reports to determine if Roy acted alone or if others were involved in the crime.

In addition to this, the CBI is also seeking permission to conduct a polygraph test on Kolkata police assistant sub-inspector Anup Dutta, who is suspected of aiding Roy.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-auto-rikshaw-driver-in-ratnagiri-drugs-19-year-old-nursing-student-rapes-her-753809">Maharashtra: Autorickshaw driver in Ratnagiri drugs 19-year-old nursing student, rapes her</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:168,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1861}">Strengthening case against Sanjay Roy</h2>

Roy, the main suspect in the tragic case&nbsp;at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, had confessed to the heinous crime but later claimed innocence in court.

His alleged victim, a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor, was attacked while she resting during a 36-hour shift. Her body was discovered on August 9 with severe injuries.&nbsp;

CCTV footage had captured Roy entering the seminar hall where the assault took place. He was arrested the following day, with recent injuries suggesting a struggle.

However, the victim's family, as per news agency&nbsp;PTI, believes multiple individuals were involved, although no evidence of gang rape has been found yet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:413,&quot;w&quot;:542,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2106}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-case-tmcs-abhishek-banerjee-demands-anti-rape-law-753728">Kolkata rape-murder case: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee demands anti-rape law</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:449,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2142}">Lie detector test</h2>

The CBI has already conducted lie-detector tests on Roy, the former principal of the medical college, and four other doctors who were on duty with the victim.

Now, the investigative agency the CBI is seeking permission to conduct a polygraph test on Kolkata police assistant sub-inspector Anup Dutta.

Dutta allegedly provided favours to Roy, and the agency is investigating whether he helped cover up the crime. The court will decide on the polygraph test after obtaining Dutta's consent.

The CBI has also employed Layered Voice Analysis, a new deception detection technique that identifies stress and cognitive cues in voice properties, on the former principal Sandip Ghosh. Although these tests can provide leads, they are not admissible as evidence in court.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata rape-murder case: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as per reports, is consulting experts from AIIMS Delhi to strengthen its case against Sanjoy Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case.

Kolkata rape-murder case: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as per reports, is consulting experts from AIIMS Delhi to strengthen its case against Sanjoy Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata rape-murder case. The agency plans to verify DNA and forensic reports to determine if Roy acted alone or if others were involved in the crime. In addition to this, the CBI is also seeking permission to conduct a polygraph test on Kolkata police assistant sub-inspector Anup Dutta, who is suspected of aiding Roy. Also read | Maharashtra: Autorickshaw driver in Ratnagiri drugs 19-year-old nursing student, rapes her Strengthening case against Sanjay Roy Roy, the main suspect in the tragic case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, had confessed to the heinous crime but later claimed innocence in court. His alleged victim, a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor, was attacked while she resting during a 36-hour shift. Her body was discovered on August 9 with severe injuries. CCTV footage had captured Roy entering the seminar hall where the assault took place. He was arrested the following day, with recent injuries suggesting a struggle. However, the victim's family, as per news agency PTI, believes multiple individuals were involved, although no evidence of gang rape has been found yet. Also read | Kolkata rape-murder case: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee demands anti-rape law Lie detector test The CBI has already conducted lie-detector tests on Roy, the former principal of the medical college, and four other doctors who were on duty with the victim. Now, the investigative agency the CBI is seeking permission to conduct a polygraph test on Kolkata police assistant sub-inspector Anup Dutta. Dutta allegedly provided favours to Roy, and the agency is investigating whether he helped cover up the crime. The court will decide on the polygraph test after obtaining Dutta's consent. The CBI has also employed Layered Voice Analysis, a new deception detection technique that identifies stress and cognitive cues in voice properties, on the former principal Sandip Ghosh. Although these tests can provide leads, they are not admissible as evidence in court. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata rape-murder: CBI seeks AIIMS experts' help, Kolkata police assistant sub-inspector's polygraph test

Telegram's 5 million Indian users at risk amid prob

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, on Tuesday, stressed that the conviction rate for rape cases in India stands at 26 per cent, further demanding a stringent "anti-rape law" that ensures trials and convictions within 50 days.&nbsp;

Weeks after the horrific Kolkata murder-rape case, Banerjee shared a chart on X, highlighting the cases of rape and atrocities against women in the last 15 days after the RG Kar Hospital incident.&nbsp;

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee stated, "This collage stands as a stark reminder of the state of affairs in India over the last 15 days as the nation fights for justice against rape. The answer is clear: a stringent anti-rape law that ensures trials and convictions within 50 days, followed by immediate and harsh punishment. The shocking truth is that the conviction rate for rape cases in India is a dismal 26 per cent. This translates to only 26 convictions out of every 100 reported cases, while 74 offenders escape unpunished."

"If we are to deliver justice to the victims of this appalling crime, it is imperative that we demand a time-bound anti-rape law from our state and union government," he added.

This comes as West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee's government faces severe criticism over the delay in providing justice to the trainee doctor, who was brutally murdered and lost her life earlier this month.&nbsp;

Banerjee further said that anything else is futile, merely symbolic and ultimately ineffective.&nbsp;

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This collage stands as a STARK REMINDER of the STATE OF AFFAIRS IN INDIA OVER THE LAST 15 DAYS, as the nation fights for JUSTICE AGAINST RAPE. 
 
The ANSWER is clear: A stringent ANTI RAPE LAW that ensures TRIALS AND CONVICTIONS WITHIN 50 DAYS, followed by immediate and harsh… <a href="https://t.co/QnkaSuIpOr">pic.twitter.com/QnkaSuIpOr</a>
— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) <a href="https://twitter.com/abhishekaitc/status/1828305019504042351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Banerjee's reaction comes as the protesters in Kolkata are on the streets, demanding justice and demonstrating against delayed justice, since the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.&nbsp;

As the protest rages, the West Bengal police have tightened security around the West Bengal state secretariat "Nabanna". The police have further deployed water cannons, and Riot Control Force in the area while containers were placed to block the roads.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-police-deployed-ahead-of-students-nabanna-protest-march-in-kolkata-753531">Also read:&nbsp;Massive police deployed ahead of students ‘Nabanna’ protest march in Kolkata</a>

<h2>What happened on August 9?</h2>

The trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9. After a 36-hour long shift, she had gone there to sleep. During that time, she was brutally raped and murdered.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: Student organisations' protest march to Secretariat

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According to her autopsy, 25 internal and external injuries were reported. Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the case, was seen in the CCTV footage in the corridor around the time of the incident.&nbsp;

Roy also molested another woman in the city's street before committing the crime at RG Kar Medical Hospital, as per some reports.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, on Tuesday, stressed that the conviction rate for rape cases in India stands at 26 per cent, further demanding a stringent "anti-rape law" that ensures trials and convictions within 50 days.

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, on Tuesday, stressed that the conviction rate for rape cases in India stands at 26 per cent, further demanding a stringent "anti-rape law" that ensures trials and convictions within 50 days. Weeks after the horrific Kolkata murder-rape case, Banerjee shared a chart on X, highlighting the cases of rape and atrocities against women in the last 15 days after the RG Kar Hospital incident. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee stated, "This collage stands as a stark reminder of the state of affairs in India over the last 15 days as the nation fights for justice against rape. The answer is clear: a stringent anti-rape law that ensures trials and convictions within 50 days, followed by immediate and harsh punishment. The shocking truth is that the conviction rate for rape cases in India is a dismal 26 per cent. This translates to only 26 convictions out of every 100 reported cases, while 74 offenders escape unpunished." "If we are to deliver justice to the victims of this appalling crime, it is imperative that we demand a time-bound anti-rape law from our state and union government," he added. This comes as West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee's government faces severe criticism over the delay in providing justice to the trainee doctor, who was brutally murdered and lost her life earlier this month. Banerjee further said that anything else is futile, merely symbolic and ultimately ineffective. This collage stands as a STARK REMINDER of the STATE OF AFFAIRS IN INDIA OVER THE LAST 15 DAYS, as the nation fights for JUSTICE AGAINST RAPE. The ANSWER is clear: A stringent ANTI RAPE LAW that ensures TRIALS AND CONVICTIONS WITHIN 50 DAYS, followed by immediate and harsh… pic.twitter.com/QnkaSuIpOr — Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) August 27, 2024 × Banerjee's reaction comes as the protesters in Kolkata are on the streets, demanding justice and demonstrating against delayed justice, since the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. As the protest rages, the West Bengal police have tightened security around the West Bengal state secretariat "Nabanna". The police have further deployed water cannons, and Riot Control Force in the area while containers were placed to block the roads. Also read: Massive police deployed ahead of students ‘Nabanna’ protest march in Kolkata What happened on August 9? The trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was found dead in the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9. After a 36-hour long shift, she had gone there to sleep. During that time, she was brutally raped and murdered. Watch | Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: Student organisations' protest march to Secretariat × According to her autopsy, 25 internal and external injuries were reported. Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the case, was seen in the CCTV footage in the corridor around the time of the incident. Roy also molested another woman in the city's street before committing the crime at RG Kar Medical Hospital, as per some reports. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata rape-murder case: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee demands anti-rape law

Gujarat state in western India has been grappling with heavy rainfall. Relentless downpour led to widespread flooding and severe disruptions across the state. At least 99 people have been killed since the onset of monsoon this year. Thousands of people have been rescued from low-lying areas and relocated to safer zones. Areas like Navsari, Kutch, Vadodara, and Valsad have been severely affected. Watch in for more details!

Gujarat Rains: Monsoon claims at least 99 lives in India’s western state | WION Originals

Police in the Maldives are investigating an alleged attempt to topple President Mohamed Muizzu by stirring anger over the Indian Ocean archipelago's worsening financial woes.

Last week, the main commercial bank in the upmarket tourist destination drastically reduced the foreign exchange spending allowed for Maldivians, sparking widespread anger.

Muizzu has slammed the move as an "illegal attempt" to overthrow his government, by making him unpopular and encouraging street protests.

"An investigation has been launched into the alleged coup attempt," the police said in a statement late Monday.

There have been no demonstrations in the capital Male, but scathing criticism of the government has erupted online.

"Hundreds of 'bot' accounts have been used on social media to encourage people to take to the streets to overthrow the government and incite public unrest," police said.

The bank said the changes, which they have since rescinded, came "in response to the escalating usage of foreign currency spend on cards and the static sale of foreign currency to the Bank".

The international credit rating agency Fitch downgraded the Maldives in June and warned it could be headed for a sovereign default, after its foreign currency reserves dropped to $492 million in May.

The downgrade came weeks after the IMF warned the Maldives against a looming "debt distress", as the small but strategically placed country eyes further borrowing from main creditor China.

<h2>Pivot to China</h2>

Official data showed the Maldives' foreign debt reaching $4.038 billion last year, about 118 percent of gross domestic product, an increase of nearly $250 million from 2022.

Fitch had noted the government's debt servicing obligations, amounting to $409 million this year, would add to severe stress.

The crisis escalated over the weekend, when the Bank of Maldives Limited (BML) stopped debit card transactions and allowed a maximum monthly credit card spend of $100 for online transactions.

Maldivians use their cards to pay for tuition and medical treatment abroad apart from online purchases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-thanks-india-for-debt-relief-hopes-for-fta-with-new-delhi-745030">Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi</a>

Muizzu told supporters late Monday the bank decision was a plot to discredit him, and accused some BML directors of being loyal to the former government.

"There is room to believe that this (cap on spending) was an illegal attempt to overthrow a legitimate government," Muizzu said.

The bank on Sunday raised forex spending limits after the Maldives Monetary Authority intervened.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives

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Political parties have called on the government to tax hotels in foreign currency.

Since winning office last year, Muizzu has reoriented his nation from traditional benefactor India and towards China.

As of June 2023, the Export-Import Bank of China owned 25.2 percent of the Maldives' external debt and was the country's biggest single lender, Male's finance ministry figures showed.

Police in the Maldives are investigating an alleged attempt to topple President Mohamed Muizzu by stirring anger over the Indian Ocean archipelago's worsening financial woes.

Police in the Maldives are investigating an alleged attempt to topple President Mohamed Muizzu by stirring anger over the Indian Ocean archipelago's worsening financial woes. Last week, the main commercial bank in the upmarket tourist destination drastically reduced the foreign exchange spending allowed for Maldivians, sparking widespread anger. Muizzu has slammed the move as an "illegal attempt" to overthrow his government, by making him unpopular and encouraging street protests. "An investigation has been launched into the alleged coup attempt," the police said in a statement late Monday. There have been no demonstrations in the capital Male, but scathing criticism of the government has erupted online. "Hundreds of 'bot' accounts have been used on social media to encourage people to take to the streets to overthrow the government and incite public unrest," police said. The bank said the changes, which they have since rescinded, came "in response to the escalating usage of foreign currency spend on cards and the static sale of foreign currency to the Bank". The international credit rating agency Fitch downgraded the Maldives in June and warned it could be headed for a sovereign default, after its foreign currency reserves dropped to $492 million in May. The downgrade came weeks after the IMF warned the Maldives against a looming "debt distress", as the small but strategically placed country eyes further borrowing from main creditor China. Pivot to China Official data showed the Maldives' foreign debt reaching $4.038 billion last year, about 118 percent of gross domestic product, an increase of nearly $250 million from 2022. Fitch had noted the government's debt servicing obligations, amounting to $409 million this year, would add to severe stress. The crisis escalated over the weekend, when the Bank of Maldives Limited (BML) stopped debit card transactions and allowed a maximum monthly credit card spend of $100 for online transactions. Maldivians use their cards to pay for tuition and medical treatment abroad apart from online purchases. Also read | Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi Muizzu told supporters late Monday the bank decision was a plot to discredit him, and accused some BML directors of being loyal to the former government. "There is room to believe that this (cap on spending) was an illegal attempt to overthrow a legitimate government," Muizzu said. The bank on Sunday raised forex spending limits after the Maldives Monetary Authority intervened. Also watch | Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives × Political parties have called on the government to tax hotels in foreign currency. Since winning office last year, Muizzu has reoriented his nation from traditional benefactor India and towards China. As of June 2023, the Export-Import Bank of China owned 25.2 percent of the Maldives' external debt and was the country's biggest single lender, Male's finance ministry figures showed.

Maldives police probe alleged bid to topple government

Days after his Ukraine visit, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Joe Biden. The two leader discussed Regional and Global issues including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

PM Modi appreciates President Biden's commitment to India-US partnership

Today, The BJP released a list of 44 candidates for the three-phase election to 90 Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, but it was deleted soon after. Hours later, the BJP released a fresh list, but this had only the names of 15 candidates picked for the first phase of the election. No changes have been made in the candidates picked for the first phase. Later in the day, another list with just one name was released.

J&K assembly elections: BJP announces first list of candidates

Reflecting India's continued engagement with South-East Asian countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Singapore and Brunei in the first week of September. The last visit of PM Modi to Singapore was in 2018 for a bilateral visit and later to attend the 13th East Asia Summit.

Ahead of the Indian Prime Minister's visit, Singapore on Monday hosted the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, which saw the biggest gathering of Indian and Singaporean ministers.&nbsp;

From the Indian side, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, were present. The Singaporean side included&nbsp;Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong, Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Home Affairs &amp; Law Minister K.Shanmugam, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng and Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat.

The roundtable focused on five areas of collaboration: food cooperation; digitalisation; energy and green economy projects; skills development; and pharmaceuticals and healthcare. There has been good progress since the inaugural meeting of the ISMR in 2022 in India.&nbsp;

In the digital economy, the digital payments linkage between Singapore’s PayNow and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched in February 2023, allowing participating financial institutions to send and receive funds between banks or e-wallets in real time

Singapore is India’s top foreign investor and accounted for about 23 per cent of India’s FDI equity inflows since 2000. Indian investment in Singapore has also grown from S$481 million in 2004 to about S$25.3 billion in 2022. Singapore has been an active supporter of India’s skills development journey. This includes the establishment of five skills centres in India by Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES).

The next leg of the visit will be Brunei Darussalam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah first met on the side lines of 25th ASEAN Summit at Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November 2017 in Manila.&nbsp;

The last visit to the country by any Indian PM was by Dr Manmohan Singh in 2013 for the 11th ASEAN-India Summit and the 8th EAS Summit.

A key component of ties has been defence, with Indian Naval ships visiting Brunei and Brunei's naval ships visiting India. The officers from Indian armed forces have regularly attended the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Command Staff Course at Staff College, Brunei Darussalam.&nbsp;

As part of capacity building, 68 Bruneian nationals have attended various ITEC courses in India.14,500 Indians are living in Brunei, and work in the oil and gas industries, construction, retail businesses. A substantial number of the doctors in Brunei Darussalam are from India. Other professionals include engineers, IT professionals, etc.

The visit by PM Modi to the two countries is being undertaken at a time when Vietnam and Malaysia's PMs visited India. The Indian President Droupadi Murmu had travelled to Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. EAM Dr S Jaishankar was in Laos for ASEAN meetings. More visits from ASEAN countries are slated for India. The high level engagement comes amid Delhi's act east policy.

Reflecting India's continued engagement with South-East Asian countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Singapore and Brunei in the first week of September.

Reflecting India's continued engagement with South-East Asian countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Singapore and Brunei in the first week of September. The last visit of PM Modi to Singapore was in 2018 for a bilateral visit and later to attend the 13th East Asia Summit. Ahead of the Indian Prime Minister's visit, Singapore on Monday hosted the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, which saw the biggest gathering of Indian and Singaporean ministers. From the Indian side, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, EAM Dr S Jaishankar, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, were present. The Singaporean side included Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong, Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Home Affairs & Law Minister K.Shanmugam, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng and Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat. The roundtable focused on five areas of collaboration: food cooperation; digitalisation; energy and green economy projects; skills development; and pharmaceuticals and healthcare. There has been good progress since the inaugural meeting of the ISMR in 2022 in India. In the digital economy, the digital payments linkage between Singapore’s PayNow and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched in February 2023, allowing participating financial institutions to send and receive funds between banks or e-wallets in real time Singapore is India’s top foreign investor and accounted for about 23 per cent of India’s FDI equity inflows since 2000. Indian investment in Singapore has also grown from S$481 million in 2004 to about S$25.3 billion in 2022. Singapore has been an active supporter of India’s skills development journey. This includes the establishment of five skills centres in India by Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES). The next leg of the visit will be Brunei Darussalam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah first met on the side lines of 25th ASEAN Summit at Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in November 2017 in Manila. The last visit to the country by any Indian PM was by Dr Manmohan Singh in 2013 for the 11th ASEAN-India Summit and the 8th EAS Summit. A key component of ties has been defence, with Indian Naval ships visiting Brunei and Brunei's naval ships visiting India. The officers from Indian armed forces have regularly attended the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Command Staff Course at Staff College, Brunei Darussalam. As part of capacity building, 68 Bruneian nationals have attended various ITEC courses in India.14,500 Indians are living in Brunei, and work in the oil and gas industries, construction, retail businesses. A substantial number of the doctors in Brunei Darussalam are from India. Other professionals include engineers, IT professionals, etc. The visit by PM Modi to the two countries is being undertaken at a time when Vietnam and Malaysia's PMs visited India. The Indian President Droupadi Murmu had travelled to Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. EAM Dr S Jaishankar was in Laos for ASEAN meetings. More visits from ASEAN countries are slated for India. The high level engagement comes amid Delhi's act east policy.

PM Modi likely to visit Singapore, Brunei in September

Close on the heels of the sexual assault case of two minor school students in Badlapur in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai city is witnessing a significant surge in cases registered under the Protection Of Children Against Sexual Offenses Act.

Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault

In the last eight&nbsp;decades since World War II, only a handful of countries have transitioned from middle-income to high-income status. A few among them, like Poland, benefited from joining the large European markets, while others, like Saudi Arabia, have been endowed with natural resources. The only successful examples of non-EU and non-resource-endowed countries are Israel, Taiwan, and South Korea, and it looks like China is on the way to the same.

A range of countries, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America, used commodity exports as their way up the income ladder like Argentina, Chile, and South Africa, while others like Thailand and Vietnam, used manufacturing. Countries like Mexico, Indonesia, and Malaysia tried a combination of the two. They did well for some time but eventually floundered along the way.

So, the question arises: what is the guaranteed way to become a high-income country? &nbsp;

The answer lies in research and innovation.

The countries that transitioned from middle income to high-income countries are the ones with huge spending on research and development as a percentage of GDP. Israel (5.56%), South Korea (4.93%), Taiwan (3.4%), and China (2.43%), all have high gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) spenders. And it is not like they started spending more on R&amp;D when they became a high-income country, they were spending more even at India’s stage of development. For example, South Korea and Taiwan were spending more than 2% of GDP on R&amp;D in the 1980s, when their economies&nbsp;were equivalent to today’s India in terms of GDP (PPP) and GDP at market exchange rates.&nbsp;

Countries that do not nudge their companies to spend on R&amp;D and come up with products that the world needs get into the middle-income trap. The commodity exporters get into thinking that the boom will last forever until it does not. The Simon–Ehrlich wager shows that betting on raw materials to become a high-income country is a dangerous bet.

Countries like Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and to some extent even Brazil have not recovered since the crash of the commodities boom with the 2008 financial crisis and today they are facing political turmoil and their social compact is on the verge of explosion.&nbsp;

Manufacturing also has moved from country to country. As soon as the Thai economy reached $5000-6000 per capita, manufacturing in the country became uncompetitive for exports. MNCs started looking for other greener/cheaper pastures, and they found Vietnam and Bangladesh as alternatives. The exports of Vietnam have grown exponentially in the last few years but as soon as it will reach&nbsp;$5,000-7,000 per capita, the MNCs manufacturing will start looking for other venues. The MNCs are like mercenaries, albeit they offer manufacturing services to the lowest bidder.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj9k4qGypKIAxXpVmwGHfeBJZ0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/these-artificial-intelligence-skills-are-ruling-job-market-as-india-eyes-ai-leader-role-736832" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/these-artificial-intelligence-skills-are-ruling-job-market-as-india-eyes-ai-leader-role-736832&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9k4qGypKIAxXpVmwGHfeBJZ0QxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">These Artificial Intelligence skills are ruling job market as India eyes AI leader role</a>

Similarly, as wages rise and China has achieved middle-income status, the MNCs are looking for +1 country that will fill in for low-cost manufacturing along with China. India, Vietnam and Bangladesh are contenders to become the +1 that MNCs are looking for and so far, the Vietnamese are ahead in the race. India needs to sort out the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) issues and bring down the Cost of Doing Business (CoDB) to become a desirable place to move in for MNCs.&nbsp;

Along with becoming a competitive contract manufacturing option, India has to develop its own products and own the IP in critical areas like Drones, Space, EVs, Nuclear and other sunrise sectors. The East Asian economies did contract manufacturing for MNCs but never gave the domestic market on a platter to them. Along with manufacturing for MNCs, they propped up domestic companies that gained access to technology and IP, often through means that one would look down on, but used that to create a base and built on that to build their own technology and IP.&nbsp;

For example, Foxconn was doing contract manufacturing in China for Apple, but Beijing was not satisfied with that. It propped up Luxshare, which now directly manufactures for Apple. Now Luxshare is large enough to open a manufacturing plant in Vietnam for Apple. Similarly, Chinese electronics companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo copied from the innovations of Apple and Samsung and captured the market share in developing countries like India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj9k4qGypKIAxXpVmwGHfeBJZ0QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/decoding-the-minimum-support-price-msp-a-balancing-act-for-farmers-and-economy-690895" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/decoding-the-minimum-support-price-msp-a-balancing-act-for-farmers-and-economy-690895&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9k4qGypKIAxXpVmwGHfeBJZ0QxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Decoding the minimum support price (MSP): A balancing act for farmers and economy</a>

With huge R&amp;D investments, now these companies are becoming innovators in their own right. From smartphones, Xiaomi has expanded to backpacks, smartwatches, TVs, and tablets, and most recently, it launched an EV car.&nbsp;

The story is the same for all East Asian economies. Japan initially got technology from the United States and made its improvements. South Korea got technology from Japan and the United States and made improvements. China got the technology from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea and made its improvements.&nbsp;

The government should nudge companies to leap into technology. Otherwise, the journey from $2,500 to $7,500 may be swift and easy but after that, we will become Thailand, not South Korea. To realize the goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, India needs to learn from the mistakes of the countries that got into the middle-income trap and the experiences of those who escaped it. We have the advantage of hindsight that East Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia did not have.&nbsp;

One blessing of starting late is to learn from the mistakes of others and not repeat the same. It would be foolish if we make the same mistakes as countries like Thailand, despite sufficient evidence and&nbsp;alternatives.

(Disclaimer:&nbsp;The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In the last eight decades since World War II, only a handful of countries have transitioned from middle-income to high-income status. A few among them, like Poland, benefited from joining the large European markets, while others, like Saudi Arabia, have been endowed with natural resources.

In the last eight decades since World War II, only a handful of countries have transitioned from middle-income to high-income status. A few among them, like Poland, benefited from joining the large European markets, while others, like Saudi Arabia, have been endowed with natural resources. The only successful examples of non-EU and non-resource-endowed countries are Israel, Taiwan, and South Korea, and it looks like China is on the way to the same. A range of countries, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America, used commodity exports as their way up the income ladder like Argentina, Chile, and South Africa, while others like Thailand and Vietnam, used manufacturing. Countries like Mexico, Indonesia, and Malaysia tried a combination of the two. They did well for some time but eventually floundered along the way. So, the question arises: what is the guaranteed way to become a high-income country? The answer lies in research and innovation. The countries that transitioned from middle income to high-income countries are the ones with huge spending on research and development as a percentage of GDP. Israel (5.56%), South Korea (4.93%), Taiwan (3.4%), and China (2.43%), all have high gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) spenders. And it is not like they started spending more on R&D when they became a high-income country, they were spending more even at India’s stage of development. For example, South Korea and Taiwan were spending more than 2% of GDP on R&D in the 1980s, when their economies were equivalent to today’s India in terms of GDP (PPP) and GDP at market exchange rates. Countries that do not nudge their companies to spend on R&D and come up with products that the world needs get into the middle-income trap. The commodity exporters get into thinking that the boom will last forever until it does not. The Simon–Ehrlich wager shows that betting on raw materials to become a high-income country is a dangerous bet. Countries like Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and to some extent even Brazil have not recovered since the crash of the commodities boom with the 2008 financial crisis and today they are facing political turmoil and their social compact is on the verge of explosion. Manufacturing also has moved from country to country. As soon as the Thai economy reached $5000-6000 per capita, manufacturing in the country became uncompetitive for exports. MNCs started looking for other greener/cheaper pastures, and they found Vietnam and Bangladesh as alternatives. The exports of Vietnam have grown exponentially in the last few years but as soon as it will reach $5,000-7,000 per capita, the MNCs manufacturing will start looking for other venues. The MNCs are like mercenaries, albeit they offer manufacturing services to the lowest bidder. Also read: These Artificial Intelligence skills are ruling job market as India eyes AI leader role Similarly, as wages rise and China has achieved middle-income status, the MNCs are looking for +1 country that will fill in for low-cost manufacturing along with China. India, Vietnam and Bangladesh are contenders to become the +1 that MNCs are looking for and so far, the Vietnamese are ahead in the race. India needs to sort out the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) issues and bring down the Cost of Doing Business (CoDB) to become a desirable place to move in for MNCs. Along with becoming a competitive contract manufacturing option, India has to develop its own products and own the IP in critical areas like Drones, Space, EVs, Nuclear and other sunrise sectors. The East Asian economies did contract manufacturing for MNCs but never gave the domestic market on a platter to them. Along with manufacturing for MNCs, they propped up domestic companies that gained access to technology and IP, often through means that one would look down on, but used that to create a base and built on that to build their own technology and IP. For example, Foxconn was doing contract manufacturing in China for Apple, but Beijing was not satisfied with that. It propped up Luxshare, which now directly manufactures for Apple. Now Luxshare is large enough to open a manufacturing plant in Vietnam for Apple. Similarly, Chinese electronics companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo copied from the innovations of Apple and Samsung and captured the market share in developing countries like India. Also read: Decoding the minimum support price (MSP): A balancing act for farmers and economy With huge R&D investments, now these companies are becoming innovators in their own right. From smartphones, Xiaomi has expanded to backpacks, smartwatches, TVs, and tablets, and most recently, it launched an EV car. The story is the same for all East Asian economies. Japan initially got technology from the United States and made its improvements. South Korea got technology from Japan and the United States and made improvements. China got the technology from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea and made its improvements. The government should nudge companies to leap into technology. Otherwise, the journey from $2,500 to $7,500 may be swift and easy but after that, we will become Thailand, not South Korea. To realize the goal of becoming a developed country by 2047, India needs to learn from the mistakes of the countries that got into the middle-income trap and the experiences of those who escaped it. We have the advantage of hindsight that East Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia did not have. One blessing of starting late is to learn from the mistakes of others and not repeat the same. It would be foolish if we make the same mistakes as countries like Thailand, despite sufficient evidence and alternatives. (Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

India must plan for middle-income trap to become a developed country

Hindus across India celebrating Janmashtami today marking the birth of Sri Krishna, one of the religion's most beloved deities. Temples and homes are especially decked up on this occasion.

India celebrates Janmashtami, birthday of Lord Krishna

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