Manipur, Paris AI Summit, Adani-Mayo

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Today’s February 11. We’re covering the chief minister crisis in Manipur, India’s role in the Paris AI Summit, Adani’s healthcare foray, and more.

Policy & Governance

Emergency Plan Activated in Manipur After CM Resignation

Following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, authorities in Manipur have implemented an emergency and crisis management plan to maintain stability. Security forces are focusing on Valley security, with police monitoring potential unrest. While officials do not expect an immediate spike in violence, protests remain a possibility. Meanwhile, the BJP leadership is working to finalize a consensus candidate for the next Chief Minister, with Singh continuing in an interim role.

Report: Hate Speech Against Minorities in India Rose 74% in 2024

Hate speech incidents against minorities in India surged by 74% in 2024, according to a report by India Hate Lab, a Washington-based research group. The organization recorded 1,165 instances of hate speech last year, up from 668 in 2023, with spikes around the general elections held from April to June. The report cites political rallies, religious events, and protests as key venues for these incidents.

India Plans Tariff Cuts Ahead of Modi-Trump Meeting

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing tariff reductions across multiple sectors, including electronics, medical equipment, and chemicals, ahead of his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The move aims to boost American exports to India and prevent a potential trade conflict, according to government sources.

Trump's top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, has criticized India's tariffs as "enormously high" and restrictive to imports. The planned cuts align with India's domestic production strategy while addressing U.S. trade concerns.

Women police to guard Southern Railways after assault in Vellore district

The Government Railway Police (GRP) will deploy women officers to guard ladies’ compartments across the country’s Southern Railways, in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This move is a reaction to a sexual assault on a pregnant women that resulted in a miscarriage. Security measures include stationing personnel, surprise checks, and CCTV installations.

Business

India’s Stock Market "Too Expensive to Justify": Damodaran

India is currently the most expensive equity market in the world, and "no amount of handwaving" can justify its valuation levels, according to Aswath Damodaran, a finance professor at NYU and a leading valuation expert. Damodaran highlighted that Indian stocks trade at 31 times earnings, 3 times revenue, and 20 times EBITDA—multiples significantly above global averages. While the U.S. and China are also considered expensive, India tops the list across key valuation metrics.

Environment

India Unlikely to Raise Climate Targets Over Funding Shortfall

India is unlikely to increase its climate commitments after developed nations failed to meet its demands for more financial aid at COP29, sources say. The government has yet to submit an updated version of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, despite today's deadline. Only 10 out of 195 parties had published new emissions-cutting plans by the February 10 deadline.

At COP29, rich nations pledged $300 billion annually through 2035 to help developing countries transition to green energy. Indian negotiator Chandni Raina called the amount “paltry,” echoing broader dissatisfaction among climate-vulnerable nations. Experts estimate trillions will be needed to effectively combat climate change.

Madhya Pradesh Dam Project Threatens Critical Tiger Corridor

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has warned that Madhya Pradesh’s Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project will submerge crucial tiger corridors between Satpura and Melghat Tiger Reserves, threatening wildlife and biodiversity. The project, involving two dams, seeks to improve irrigation in multiple districts. The NTCA emphasized the area’s importance for tiger movement, genetic exchange, and population stability, and strongly recommended alternative sites.

Education

Study: Indian Kids’ Math Skills Don’t Transfer Between Markets and Classrooms

A new MIT study highlights a stark contrast in how Indian children apply math skills in different environments. Kids working in retail markets can quickly perform calculations for transactions but struggle with school-style math problems. Meanwhile, students who only attend school do well with academic math but struggle with real-world calculations.

The findings suggest that math learning is highly context-dependent, raising questions about how to bridge the gap between practical and academic math education.

Healthcare

Adani Partners with Mayo Clinic to Launch Affordable Health Cities

The Adani Group has announced the launch of Adani Health City (AHC), a network of integrated healthcare campuses, in collaboration with the U.S.-based Mayo Clinic. The first two campuses, planned for Mumbai and Ahmedabad, will be funded by a ₹6,000 crore donation from the Adani family. These campuses will include hospitals, medical colleges, transitional care, and research centers, with Mayo Clinic providing technical expertise. The initiative aims to expand affordable, world-class healthcare across Indian cities and towns.

Science-Backed Skincare Gains Traction in India

The demand for dermatologist-designed, science-backed skincare is surging, especially among younger consumers who are willing to invest in high-quality products. In response, major companies are entering the space—HUL recently acquired D2C beauty brand Minimalist for ₹2,995 crore, while ITC launched Dermafique in 2018 in collaboration with skin specialists. Honasa Consumer Ltd, the parent of Mama Earth, also spotted the trend early, launching The Derma Co in 2020.

Tech, Media & Telecom

PM Modi Co-Chairs AI Summit in Paris Amid Growing India-France Tech Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting France as a co-chair of the AI Action Summit in Paris, attended by industry leaders like OpenAI and DeepSeek executives. Hosted by France in collaboration with India, the event signals deepening India-France cooperation in technology. A key side event, the Second India-France AI Policy Roundtable, will focus on global AI governance and development. The summit's main goals include expanding access to safe AI, promoting eco-friendly AI, and establishing effective global AI governance.

Case Against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia Over Controversial Comments

A police case has been filed against YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia and others over alleged obscene and sexually explicit remarks made during comedian Samay Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent. Mumbai Police confirmed an inquiry is underway, while multiple complaints have been filed across different states. Assam Police were the first to register a formal case, accusing the YouTuber of promoting obscenity.

Worth a Look

This article by Data for India has fascinating findings about household spending in India. It finds that consumption expenditure, a key indicator of living standards, has risen while spending on food has fallen sharply.

Reader Feedback

Shout-out to Lohit for questioning our classification of Must Know and Good to Know news! He argues a Must Know for us could be a Good to Know for some readers and vice versa. We’re actively considering how to improve that.

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