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New Indian Express
24 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Only good faculty can bring colleges up to speed
I have long held the view that one of India's erroneous strategies in the realm of education and research has been the emphasis on setting up numerous research institutes at the cost of universities. I know of several mathematical research institutes that have been set up with the specific mandate of fostering blue sky research. In principle this is indeed a commendable policy but what bothers me is the fact that there has been no major course correction based on genuine assessment of the needs of the nation. I am disappointed to state that these institutions have not really helped the cause of mathematics. A country like India has had many pressing and important needs for the applications of mathematics. Unfortunately, most of these venerable research institutes have failed to take cognizance of this. The way I see it, they have essentially used precious resources for developing and researching mathematics of the mostly pure kind which has not led to any important tangible gains for the wellbeing of the nation. Our policy makers poured in scarce resources into these institutes that were essentially pursuing what can be termed as art for the sake of art. What our planners failed to realise is that the nursery of good research is always a university that has a plethora of young minds who need to be trained and inspired. Some years ago, I undertook a study of mathematical research in the US. I discovered two things; a vast majority of all research seemed to stem from the universities that have been at the forefront of the uses and applications of mathematics. I have been personally associated with a US university in terms of research and collaboration for many years and I have always wondered at how the mathematicians at that university have produced both kinds of research; blue sky and high-end applicable mathematics. The other thing of value that I picked up is the manner in which all American universities compete to attract students who can be trained and mentored for high-end research. Of course, there have been some highly commendable research from our institutes but the US universities have produced much better research.


Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Take it or leave it' tariff letters ready, says US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he has signed letters to 12 countries outlining tariff levels they will face in what he described as 'take it or leave it' offers, with the communications set to go out on Monday. New Delhi and Washington have been attempting to thrash out a trade deal since Trump's February 13 summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders agreed to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. (AFP) Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump declined to name the countries involved. He also raised the stakes, saying tariffs could now reach as high as 70% - up from previously threatened levels of 50% - with most set to take effect August 1. 'I signed some letters and they'll go out on Monday, probably twelve,' Trump said, according to news agency Reuters. 'Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.' India appears likely to be among the 12 countries receiving the letters, according to officials familiar with the matter in New Delhi, after intensive negotiations failed to produce a complete breakthrough that would have averted higher tariffs. 'It may not be surprising if India figures in the list because outcomes of the bilateral trade negotiations since March this year until middle of current week were not as per Trump's expectations,' said one person aware of the matter, speaking anonymously. 'Had it been so [if Trump accepted the terms], both Washington and New Delhi would have announced a deal by now.' Trump's announcement came immediately after India's negotiating team returned from Washington following week-long talks that began June 26 - the fourth face-to-face negotiating round since March. The team, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, had been pursuing what officials called an 'early harvest' or mini trade deal. Fundamental disagreements remain over market access, with 'the US wanting unfettered access for American agriculture goods in the Indian market, a highly sensitive area for New Delhi as it involves the livelihood of millions of subsistence farmers,' the person said. India has consistently refused to fully open its agriculture sector, particularly around genetically modified crops and dairy products. The country remains unwilling to allow items like soybean and corn unless certified as non-GM, since such crops are banned domestically. Another major sticking point is 'duty-free access in the Indian automobile sector,' the person added. 'The Trump administration wants all without committing to withdraw the Liberation Day tariff, and other punitive tariffs on Indian steel, aluminium, automobiles and auto parts.' Faced with the deadlock, India escalated the dispute beyond bilateral channels, the person added. 'Hence on return of its negotiating team from Washington, India on July 3 put the US on 30-day notice at the WTO before suspending concessions or other obligations on American imports,' the person explained. Officials of the commerce ministry did not respond to requests for a comment on the matter. A second person said bilateral discussions continue through virtual channels and a breakthrough remains possible. 'If India's interest is served, an initial deal can still be achieved by July 9,' this person added, requesting anonymity. He added that 'irrespective of deadlines, India will not sign any deal that is not balanced, equitable and a win-win.' 'Both countries remain committed to reaching the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement by October 2025, as directed by Modi and Trump during their February 13 meeting'. That broader deal would include services and investment provisions beyond the current focus on goods. New Delhi and Washington have been attempting to thrash out a trade deal since Trump's February 13 summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders agreed to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Despite the ambitious target, tensions escalated as Trump reimposed and expanded tariffs. In March, the US imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from all countries, ending exemptions that had protected some trading partners. On March 26, Trump added 25% duties on passenger vehicles, light trucks and certain automobile parts, specifically targeting imports from countries including India. The situation deteriorated further when Trump declared April 2 as 'Liberation Day,' announcing a global 10% baseline tariff plus additional country-specific levies. India faced a combined 26% tariff - the 10% baseline plus an additional 16% reciprocal tariff. Trump suspended the additional tariffs for 90 days to allow negotiations, but that reprieve expires July 9. India had initially demanded complete withdrawal of all punitive tariffs but softened its position to focus on partial relief in exchange for limited agricultural concessions. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday defended India's approach, saying the country 'negotiates from a position of strength and not under deadlines.' He reiterated this position on Saturday when he rebutted opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's charge that the Modi government would 'meekly bow' to Trump's tariff deadline. Goyal accused the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government of 'negotiating and signing agreements that were not in the national interest.' The day before, Goyal had emphasised that 'India never negotiates trade deals with a deadline' and would announce any agreement only when it is 'fully finalised, properly concluded and in the national interest.' Trump's ultimatum strategy reflects broader challenges in completing complex trade agreements on an accelerated timeline. Most traditional trade deals take years to negotiate, but Trump's administration has sought to compress that process into months. To date, Trump has reached agreements with only Britain and Vietnam. Britain secured a deal in May but accepted a pact to keep tariffs at 10% with preferential treatment for sectors including autos and aircraft engines. Vietnam, threatened with a 46% combined rate, negotiated a reduction to 20% with many US products allowed to enter duty-free. EU diplomats said on Friday they have failed to achieve a breakthrough and may seek to extend current arrangements to avoid tariff hikes.


News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Elon Musk's 'Third-Party Intervention' In US Politics: Will It Help Or Hurt Donald Trump?
Last Updated: Musk's entry into the political arena through the formation of the America Party introduces a complex dynamic with significant implications for Trump Billionaire Elon Musk has launched a new political party, weeks after a dramatic falling out with US President Donald Trump. Musk announced on his social media platform X that he had set up the America Party and billed it as a challenge to the Republican and Democratic two-party system. May snatch votes from Trump Musk's entry into the political arena through the formation of a formal political party introduces a complex dynamic with significant implications for Donald Trump. A Musk-backed party could potentially undermine Trump by attracting vital votes from his base. Musk has a distinct following, particularly among tech-savvy, libertarian-leaning, and anti-establishment voters, who often overlap with Trump's supporters. These groups share a common disdain for traditional political structures, perceived governmental overreach, and a desire for disruptive change. If a 'Musk party" gains traction and fields candidates in key races, it could draw away independent voters, disillusioned Republicans, and new participants in the political process who might otherwise support Trump. In closely contested elections, even a slight shift in votes can be decisive, possibly preventing Trump from securing a clear majority. This development could further fragment the conservative or populist vote, complicating the path to victory for any major party candidate. Could be 'release' for conservative dissent By offering an alternative for those feeling unrepresented by traditional Republicanism, it might prevent them from disengaging from politics entirely or casting protest votes for a more ideologically distant third-party candidate. In a general election, if a 'Musk party" draws more support from the anti-establishment or populist wing that Trump has cultivated, its presence might dilute opposition to Trump's main challenger rather than eroding Trump's core support significantly. Vehicle for experimentation? Additionally, a new political entity backed by Musk could experiment with innovative political strategies, technological integrations, or fundraising models. If successful, these approaches could be adopted, adapted, or even co-opted by Trump's campaign or the broader Republican Party, enhancing their capabilities. The ultimate impact depends on the new party's platform, the calibre of its candidates, Musk's level of financial and public involvement, and the prevailing political climate.