Shubhangi Misra
World is warming up to China for trade. But India is left with just a handful of minilaterals
It seems China is able to impose itself as a critical business partner even at a time when countries have been grouping up against its increasing belligerence under Xi Jinping.
China’s economy grew 2.3% in 2020, accelerating global rise
With global output likely contracting 4.2% last year, China’s gains mean it increased its share of the world economy to 14.5%, according to World Bank.
Defence
IAF looks to lease mid-air refuellers amid critical shortage, seeks offers from Airbus, Boeing
India’s refueller fleet currently comprises six Russian IIyushin-78 tankers, first inducted in 2003, that are facing maintenance and serviceability issues.
Neither ‘udta’ nor ‘padhta’ Punjab. Question is how India’s no. 1 state in 2003 fell to 13
Punjab, once India’s richest state, has slipped and fallen behind. MSP and subsidies should continue, but it needs to rediscover its entrepreneurial impulse.