Mint Ahmedabad
Can IBM reboot its AI play with Confluent buy?
IBM’s second-largest acquisition ever, the $11 billion buyout of data streaming company Confluent, is seen boosting its AI and hybrid cloud capabilities. It now bets on faster, more reliable data pipelines. But can this help reassert the Big Blue’s AI...
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WAR THROUGH WOMEN’S EYES
Nalini Malani’s transforms a warehouse in Venice into an immersive animation chamber, layering myth, memory, and feminist critique through drawings, soundscapes and shifting projections on violence and history.
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How long can India hold off a fuel price hike?
Crude oil prices have surged well past $100 a barrel, increasing by about $45 per barrel after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. While several countries have increased prices, India has not. How long can the government avoid an increase?...
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What is making Nvidia rework its success strategy?
Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, launched two new chips on Monday. Chief Jensen Huang said it was changing strategy: after three years of training artificial intelligence, its new chips will now be optimized to run AI. Does this make any...
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Why Instagram’s end to encryption raises concerns
Meta will discontinue end-to-end encrypted direct messages on Instagram from 8 May, less than three years after its launch. The rollback comes at a time when encrypted messaging is facing growing scrutiny from governments concerned about crime and...
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Why definition of ‘industry’ is now under SC review
The Supreme Court on 14 March set up a nine-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, to revisit the 48-yearold definition of “industry”. The interpretation will determine which organisations and employees fall under labour...
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Will Indians still invest in Dubai’s realty sector?
Indians and people of Indian origin have been significant contributors to the Dubai real estate market in the last two years. The escalating tension and conflict in West Asia have impacted Dubai too. Will the emirate’s real estate market still draw...
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ROCKING THE BALLOT
Whether it’s Nepal’s rapper Balen, punk provocateur Jello Biafra or activist Bobi Wine, musicians have long flirted with politics—seriously or satirically—turning celebrity and dissent into electoral experiments.
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How significant is the easing of Press Note 3?
Six years after putting restrictions on investment by firms domiciled in countries that share a land border with India, the government relaxed the norms on Tuesday. Mint looks at the significance of this move. Will it lead to a surge in foreign direct...
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Is govt’s order to divert gas open to legal challenge?
The West Asia war has sparked a crunch in gas supply. The Centre has set out gas use priorities in an order, which also discourages firms receiving pooled gas from legally challenging its decision. Mint explains the order, and whether courts can still...
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Why eateries are raising the alarm over LPG supply
The restaurant industry has raised concerns after a government order prioritizing cooking gas for household use triggered confusion over the availability of commercial cylinders used by eateries. Mint explains what the order says and how the industry...
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Claude@war: Is AI reshaping the face of conflict?
Anthropic’s Claude has reportedly sharpened strikes by the US military in the West Asia war, raising conversations around AI turning into killing machines and going against pledges by Big Tech. Is this an inflection point for AI policy worldwide? Mint...
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War: Odds and ends
Global prediction markets have evoked much interest after the Iran war broke out. On Polymarket, a platform for stablecoin bets on various outcomes, “Will the Iranian regime fall by June 30?” was offering users a ‘Yes’ token for 34 US cents and a ‘No’...
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GORILLAZ’S INDIAN ODYSSEY
Born from personal loss and an immersive journey across India, The Mountain is Gorillaz’s new album. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett discuss blending electro-hop with Indian sounds to explore memory and rebirth.
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What the Iran war means for Street and your stocks
With the Strait of Hormuz blockade threatening energy supplies and squeezing margins for oil and chemical firms, investors are caught between gold’s safe-haven appeal and rising macroeconomic headwinds. Mint explains what the war in West Asia and the...
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Can Iran sustain a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran has ‘closed’ the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil and gas prices to spike. But how long can Iran realistically block this critical passageway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries a fifth of global oil, gas and fertilizer...
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The undesirable climate cost of your AI queries
India has positioned itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. As the country accelerates the expansion of AI-focussed data centres, policymakers and utilities face a key question: Will this strain electricity...
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A fresh start: New trade deals, new opportunities amid global turbulence, changing capital flows and private capex
New trade agreements, changing global capital flows, and strong public capex commitments could mark a decisive moment for India’s next growth phase. This roundtable will examine whether policy momentum and improved market access are translating...
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A DECADE OF RELAXED LUXURY
Celebrating a decade of casual elegance, Nicobar founders Simran Lal and Raul Rai discuss their ₹200crore journey, the shift toward comfortable silhouettes, and their bold new venture into minimalist wedding wear.
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WhatsApp case: Indian users win control over data
On 23 February, WhatsApp told the Supreme Court it would give users greater control over their data, ending a years-long battle with India’s competition watchdog over its controversial 2021 privacy policy update. Here’s why Meta Platforms backed down,...
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The AI onslaught is on. Are India’s IT giants ready?
On Tuesday, Nasscom projected flat growth for India’s IT sector, a day after Jefferies cut target prices for the country’s Big Four IT firms, reflecting concerns over how the sector is preparing to navigate the onslaught of artificial intelligence. Is...
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Fill in the details
Given India’s extended fight against terrorism, why a policy document on countering it took so long is hard to fathom. With Prahaar, though—an acronym that lays out India’s approach on the menace—we now have a clearly laid out policy. It advocates...
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Record reserves
Typically, India’s foreign exchange reserves fall as capital inflows and the rupee weaken, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expending dollars in support of the Indian currency. So, it was something of a surprise when they hit a record high of more...
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Behind consumer durable makers‘ quarter to forget
Makers of air-conditioners, fans and refrigerators had expected a major boost from the GST cuts, but policy and external factors played spoilsport in the December quarter. Bluestar MD B. Thiagarajan termed it a quarter to forget. Mint explains what...
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STITCHING TALES OF PROTEST
Disobedient Objects at Delhi’s STIR Art Gallery reimagines fashion as sociopolitical art, spotlighting invisibilised labour, upcycling, and material protest through evocative, research-led textile installations and sculptural garments.
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Why do Ola Electric’s service issues persist? What’s the battery edge it is banking on?
Ola Electric has seen a high rate of breakdowns of its older vehicles— Gen 1 and Gen 2 scooters have had higher warranty costs than Gen 3 ones. The older scooters were sold from 2021 till September 2025 and Gen 3 was launched in January 2025. So most...
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How India’s EV adoption is a tale of multiple hues
More than a decade after India’s National Electric Mobility Mission, segment-wise adoption data reveals uneven progress in electric mobility, as per a recent CII-Kearney report on green mobility. Mint explains what this divergence means for green...
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What the Dhaka transition means for India, world
Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) takes oath as Bangladesh prime minister today, with foreign representatives including Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla attending the event. Mint examines what the transition in Dhaka could mean for...
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What’s fuelling the hype around India AI summit?
India’s push for global prominence in artificial intelligence begins today. The AI Impact Summit has driven hotel prices higher in New Delhi, and attendance rates for global heads of state match those seen during the 2023 G20 summit. Why such hype?...
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NEW THREADS FROM LADAKH
An ongoing exhibition in Delhi spotlights Ladakh’s design evolution, where resident designers are tapping into their roots to re-interpret traditional textiles and embroideries as contemporary wearable art.
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India’s AI rules and the elusive quest for online safety
India notified its artificial intelligence (AI) rules this week, cutting the deadline for taking down sexual content to within two hours of reporting. For other content, the time given is three hours. Can these moves make social media safer for us?...
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Will the latest round of US-Iran talks succeed?
Iran and the US are sitting down to talk again over Tehran’s nuclear programme. What makes these talks different? Iran is on a much weaker footing than in the past. US President Donald Trump, in contrast, is riding high after the successful Venezuela...
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In vroom mode
Vehicle sales in January should put smiles on many faces. Overall retail sales, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations on Tuesday, grew about 18% from a year earlier to 2.72 million. Not only is the number...
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India-US deal: An obscure item that is stirring the pot
Under the interim trade deal with the US, India will let in an animal feed item called distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS), made from genetically modified (GM) corn. It has renewed debate on transgenics, amid fears imports may depress farm gate...
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Critical minerals: Can US-led group end China’s grip?
Citing the scale of India’s human talent, the US has invited India to join the Pax Silica initiative aimed at challenging China’s dominance in the critical minerals supply chain. Mint takes a look at whether such an initiative can succeed and why it is...
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MOVING ART
Food gets a touch of the palette HITTING A HUNDRED Remembering five artists and their legacy Art too expensive? Buy a book
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Why did Claude Cowork’s tools hit the IT sector?
On 30 January, Anthropic launched 11 plugins to its Gen AI platform, Claude Cowork. While Claude isn’t the first software to have done all this, it still sent the entire world of software into meltdown. Why did Claude make such a massive splash? Mint...
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Why did the share prices of IT firms fall?
The fall came a day after Palantir reported its full-year earnings. The firm announced updates to its Hivemind AI software by giving it decision-making capabilities. It also announced updates to its “AI for defense/data” software reducing the need for...
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What should you do now that gold prices are falling?
After a blistering rally over the past year, gold prices are correcting sharply. Since the record high on 28 January, gold has fallen over 12% to $4,923.88 per troy ounce. Here’s a guide to factors driving prices down, and how investors should think...
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Why our stance on AI has kept people guessing
On 29 January, the Economic Survey flagged the need for caution in developing artificial intelligence. On Sunday, the outlay proposed for the India AI Mission in the Budget was halved. This comes days before the government hosts the who’s-who of AI at...
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9 TO 9: WORKING PLAN FOR INDIA
Budget 2026—finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth—doesn’t hold big-bang announcements, but promises to provide the boost the Indian economy needs to sustain its high growth. Here are nine focus areas that the budget touched upon. Over to the...
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KUTCH BUILDS ON THE ‘BUNGA’
Twenty-five years after the 2001 earthquake, Kutch has transformed tragedy into a blueprint for resilience, blending the knowledge of ‘bhunga’ mud huts with modern engineering to redefine community led rehabilitation.
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What Bharat wants from the budget on 1 Feb
Indian agriculture has shown remarkable resilience amid growing climate risks. The sector, which employs about 46% of the workforce, has seen overall production rise but also a sharp fall in crop prices. explores five areas for the budget to...
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What next for the India-EU free trade agreement
After two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union (EU) have struck what they call ‘the mother of all trade deals’. Where does the deal go from here? Mint looks at the possible timeline and challenges it can face going forward before it is...
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Will India join Donald Trump’s board of peace?
Last week, Trump launched the board of peace (BoP) to oversee interim governance and rebuilding of Gaza. European nations like the UK and France declined to join. India says it’s still examining the offer. Mint looks at why countries are hesitating and...
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Partnering for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat
We are proud to be a part of India’s thriving aerospace and defence industry. With sourcing over $1.25 billion annually, we’re fostering economic growth and advancing India’s vision for self-reliance.
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MUSICIANS AMP UP THEIR STYLE
From stage to street, Indian musicians are turning up the volume on style. As concert culture booms, fashion is no longer an afterthought—it is a crucial part of an artist’s identity, persona and performance.
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How Trump put Nato on the brink over Greenland
US President Donald Trump’s speech at Davos was meant to be a bellwether for the trans-Atlantic relationship, particularly Nato, with his handling of Greenland closely watched. After the speech, it appears Nato has survived, but barely. Mint examines...
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The few bright spots for India’s slowing IT sector
The $285-billion IT services industry, employing 5.8 million people, continues to navigate headwinds from AI to geopolitics. Yet, India is central to delivering technology services at scale. Q3 results offer a view of the pressures, priorities and...
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Why the CCPA is cracking down on walkie-talkies
India’s consumer watchdog has cracked down on online retailers for selling unauthorized walkie-talkies without approvals. Regulators say these devices can interfere with communication of law-enforcement and disaster-relief agencies, posing a security...
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Discoms swing to profit. Why there is more to worry
India’s power distribution companies or discoms, reeling under high debt and operational losses for years, swung to profits in fiscal 202425. Mint explains the current financial health of the discoms and the factors behind their revival: What is the...
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SNEH RANA’S COMEBACK
Sneh Rana is basking in cricketing glory like never before in her long career. She was part of the squad that won the World Cup and has landed a ₹50-lakh contract with Delhi Capitals. Rana tells Lounge why she’s called a “rebel”.
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Why smartphone firms want to guard their source codes
As India moves to tighten mobile phone security, reports that it may seek forcible access to smartphone makers’ source code for official scrutiny have stirred unease, even as the government has denied proposing any such mandate. Mint decodifies the...
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Google blasts past $4 tn: How is it beating rivals?
On Monday, Alphabet became the fourth company to reach a $4 tn market cap after a deal with Apple to power Siri. Last week, Google’s parent also overtook Apple as the world’s second-largest firm. Its surge comes despite warnings of an AI crash. Mint...
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Why Trump is backing a tough oil sanctions bill
The Russia sanctions bill, which authorizes the US president to impose a punitive 500% import duty on countries that buy oil from Russia, has gained fresh momentum after Donald Trump signalled his support for the legislation. Mint examines what the...
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NEW ON SCREENS
THE CHRONOLOGY OF WATER A rather surprising, if small, theatrical release for Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut. The film is based on a 2011 memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch, a teacher, editor and former competitive swimmer. Imogen Poots stars as...
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Why Sebi’s new market data timeline matters
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed a uniform 30-day lag for the sharing and usage of market price data. Mint explains why such time lags for sharing and using market data exist, and why Sebi decided to change them now. How...
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Why Indian firms often challenge drug patents
Natco’s revocation patent suit against Novo Nordisk intensifies the battle between domestic generic giants and global innovators over affordability. As we look ahead at another year of high-stakes battles, Mint unpacks the legal landscape and who wins...
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Can gig workers form traditional unions in India?
Gig workers’ unions organised a strike on New Years’ Eve demanding better working conditions. Zomato’s founder Deepinder Goyal said that the strike failed because gig work was valuable. But how do Indian labour laws treat gig workers and their unions?...
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ART BEYOND SOUTH MUMBAI
Mumbai Gallery Weekend 2026, which opens on 8 January, is stepping out of South Mumbai and discovering new locations, giving audiences across the city a chance to be part of the conversation on contemporary art.
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Bitcoin blues
On the first day of 2026, Bitcoin was trading at around $87,600 in early hours, down roughly 6% over the year and more than 30% from its October peak. The irony of this slide in “digital gold” is that the real thing, gold itself, has gained about 63%...
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Will India sustain its world-beating growth in 2026?
In 2025, India’s economic growth stayed strong and inflation low amid geopolitical tensions and trade headwinds. The government also unveiled reforms and targeted stimulus, including tax cuts. examines how the economy fared, and what lies ahead in...
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Will next year be a turning point for AI in India?
In 2025, a dozen government-backed startups began building foundational artificial intelligence models, with one raising more than $100 million in funding. Data centres saw a massive boom as Big Tech swooped in. Mint examines what lies ahead for AI in...
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How US economy proved sceptics wrong this year
The US, the world’s largest economy, surprised yet again by posting a strong growth in the third quarter of this year. Higher consumer spending, increased investments in AI, larger defence spending, higher exports and lower imports, fuelled growth....
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A SPORTS YEAR IN A PICTURE
Rohit Brijnath goes beyond the byline to celebrate the planning that goes into sports photography. With their masterful perspective and split-second genius, photographers turn moments of athletic chaos into art.
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What airline NOCs signal for Indian aviation
Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu tweeted that three proposed airlines—Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress— have received no-objection certificates (NOCs). Mint explains what the government’s NOC actually signifies. Is this the end...
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Has homebuying become more affordable now?
Buying a home has become more affordable, as financing costs fall and incomes rise. As per property advisory Knight Frank India’s latest Affordability Index, Ahmedabad is the most affordable housing market, followed by Pune and Kolkata. Mint explains...
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How govt’s tariff reset could lower CNG, PNG prices
Millions of CNG and domestic PNG users could pay less for gas as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) simplifies transportation tariffs under “One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff ”. looks at what the change means for users and city gas...
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Why India’s trade deal with Oman is significant
The bilateral trade between the two nations is just $10 billion. Yet, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that India signed with Oman last week during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation is important. Why is it...
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THE SPORTING HIGHS OF 2025
The year in sports has been full of ups and downs. Football and hockey have been underwhelming, but it’s been excitement all the way in archery, badminton, tennis and of course, women’s cricket.
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Why MGNREGA is being replaced by a new scheme
The Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 Thursday, proposing a sweeping overhaul of India’s two-decade-old rural jobs scheme. The bill is now in the Rajya Sabha for discussion and passage....
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Rupee at record lows: What could arrest the slide?
The Indian rupee continued to languish near record lows against the US dollar on Wednesday, touching an intraday low of 91.06, before recovering after a likely Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention that helped it to close at 90.37. It has lost over...
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Will water, power trip data centre growth in India?
In 2025, up to $70 billion has been pledged to develop 6 gigawatts (GW) of data centre capacity in India. While this could power India’s AI ambitions, experts warn that limited freshwater supplies and the need for uninterrupted energy may hurt the...
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Why is RBI wary of stablecoin, the ’stable’ crypto?
For years, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has flagged concerns over cryptocurrencies. Now, deputy governor T. Rabi Sankar has singled out stablecoins, warning that even this supposedly safer crypto corner carries systemic risks. Mint explores this...
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ON A LUCKNOW FOOD TRAIL
Think food and Lucknow, and most will say biryani and kebabs, but there’s more to savour in this historic city. From puri-aloo to everyday veggies, chaats, kachoris, and malai paan,there’s range of foods to taste.
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