Look at Politics in 2025: A landscape of rifts, challenges and rifts

A record number of nations voted in 2024 to elect new governments. In India and other countries, 2024 saw political relations become more strained, and the middle ground shrink. The year 2025 is a good time to think beyond elections.

In 2024, the political landscape in India and its immediate surroundings, as well as in many other countries, took an unexpected turn.

In some cases, these developments were rapid and unexpected. They could also be a catalyst for dynamic shifts in narratives and discourses.

In India and other countries, the relationships between political actors and parties continued to deteriorate. The divisions between governing parties and opposition parties grew, and their mutual hostility worsened.

The world was stunned by the scale of Donald Trump’s victory in America and Keir starmer’s landslide win in the United Kingdom. Long-standing regimes like Bashar al-Assad's in Syria and Hasina's in Bangladesh also fell in a matter of days.

Many people in India's neighborhood did not predict the victory of Anura Dissanayake, in Sri Lanka. Pakistan's political turmoil continued to worsen.

In Europe, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, there were political upheavals. The governments lost the confidence of the Parliament, signaling uncertainty and possible crises for the New Year.

In India, a second term for Prime Minister NarendraModi and the BJP was on the cards. Many thought the Lok Sabha elections were a formality. After the opening of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, the BJP had a positive outlook. The Stock Market performed well. It looked like the deal was done.

But , the result stunned the BJP and forced Modi to for the first time of his political career form a coalition government with regional parties that were ideologically diverse. The opposition was jubilant and many believed that the BJP would soon lose its hold on power.

Then came another surprise. In spectacular fashion, the BJP recovered in the Assembly Elections in Haryana, and Maharashtra. It regained its electoral mojo, and put the opposition under pressure, particularly the Congress. The Congress, who was inexplicably euphoric following its third consecutive defeat in Lok Sabha election, now faces increased challenges from its INDIA partners.

In the same year, Jammu & Kashmir saw the return of democratic elections. The people remained loyal to mainstream parties despite the presence of candidates supported by Engineer Rashid’s Awami ittehad party and Jamaat-e-Islami.

After a record-breaking 24 years, Naveen Patel, and the BJD left power in Odisha. This was a small political earthquake.

2024 was a year of elections. The year 2025 is a great opportunity to see beyond elections. This year will be one in which governance takes centre stage. The economic front is facing pressing challenges, as the growth rate has been slower than expected during the second quarter.

Here are five major issues, trends and developments which could influence the political discourse of India in 2025.

1. Political bitterness is increasing

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections sent a message that the people preferred continuity and moderation. Both the BJP as well as the Congress appear to have deliberately misread the mandate. They have consolidated their positions and have brought this bitter rivalry to everyday politics, the Parliament and beyond. The winter session of Parliament was the low point in the relationship between the ruling party, and the opposition.

The two sides, by their words and actions have reduced the scope for the democratic requirement of dialogue or engagement - whether in Parliament or out. First time in Indian history, the opposition parties attempted to remove the vice president from office, but failed. The move was not directed at Jagdeep dhankhar but clearly was aimed at government.

Anger will grow as a result of the ugly fight in Parliament and the filing of a FIR by the Leader of Opposition Rahul Ahmed. In order to restore some semblance to normality, both sides must find a middle ground of engagement and discussion, while pursuing their political and ideological goals.

2. Mandir-Masjid: Continued

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the flood of civil lawsuits challenging the ownership of Muslim places-of-worship that were allegedly built on top of the ruins of Hindu temples. RSS Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, has stated that it is not acceptable to raise similar issues after the construction in Ayodhya of the Ram Temple.

It is unlikely, however, that the politics surrounding mandirs and masjids will end in 2025. At least 18 court cases involving 10 mosques/shrines are currently in the courts. Most of the suits claiming Hindu right over Muslim sites were filed in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP was heavily defeated by the SP and Congress during the Lok Sabha elections. The political climate in Uttar Pradesh is already heating up, even though the Assembly elections are still two years off.

3. Two Elections, Three Brands

Three major political brands will be tested in the 2025 Assembly elections: Nitish Kumri Arvind Kjriwal and Narendra Modi.

Nitish has been able to turn political and electoral failures into opportunities for more than 20 years, always staying afloat. He was also accused of choosing politics over ideology.

The Assembly elections in Bihar scheduled for October/November 2025 will be a major test for Nitish whose political demise has been predicted more than once. Tejashwi, who has been waiting for a long time to become Bihar's Chief Minister, will also be tested by the election.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi party in Delhi, which has been in power since 2013, is facing pressure unlike any other time. Will Kejriwal be able, after he was released on bail and was put in jail on corruption charges, to lead the AAP into a third consecutive term?

AAP was India's most popular political startup more than a decade back. Today, Kejriwal’s image as well as his brand of politics is at risk.

Both in Bihar and Delhi, the brand value of Prime Minister will also be tested. Delhi has been a political desert for the BJP for over two-and-a-half decades despite it winning all seven Lok Sabha Seats thrice since 2014

4. Legislation that is controversial

In 2025, the Parliament will take up at least two controversial and polarising Bills -- the Constitution Amendment Bill for synchronising Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections and the Bill regulating Wakf Properties.

The One Nation, One Election Bills, which have been referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament, will test the BJP’s ability to work across the aisle. A special majority of at least 50% of all members of the House, plus two thirds of those present and voting is required to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill. The BJP doesn't have this kind of majority in either House.

In the past 10 years, BJP has been able to pass controversial legislation including the Bill that would divide Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Now, the dynamics are completely different. The opposition is almost unanimously against the One Nation One Election plan. The Wakf Bill is a test of the BJP’s ability to negotiate, especially with its allies TDP and JD(U), who have a large Muslim base.

5. Caste, Census and UCC

The rhetoric about caste is only going to get louder in a year, when the central government plans to start the decadal Census exercise. The biggest question is whether or not the government will include caste in its Census -- a politically explosive issue that the BJP so far has avoided.

The Congress believes that caste and social injustice can counter the BJP’s Hindutva. It is also for this reason that the BJP uses slogans such as " Batenge Toh Katenge " and " ek hain to safety hain". The Prime Minister has described the farmers, the youth, the poor and the women as "the biggest castes". The language in Parliament about the legacy of B R Ambedkar shows that the gloves have been taken off.

In his Independence Day address, the Prime Minister stressed the need to move towards a "secular" civil code instead of the "communal" civil code that currently exists. He returned to this topic when he responded to the debate in Lok Sabha on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution.

Amit Shah , the Home Minister of , has announced that BJP governments will introduce a civil code in all states. Uttarakhand's UCC is set to come into force in January 2025. The BJP is represented by Chief Ministers of 14 states including those in the Northeast. The UCC could lead to new political cleavages if efforts are made to expand the envelope.

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Protests over reservations policy in J&K, CM Omar Abdullah’s son joins the stir

Before the Assembly elections in early this year, the administration led by the lieutenant-governor introduced the reservation policy for admissions and jobs.

A group of political leaders and students gathered in front of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence to demand a review of reservation policy that was implemented by the lieutenant-governor-led administration this year.

Ruhullah Mahdi, a member of Abdullah's party (National Conference), was present with the students. In a Sunday post on X, he called for a demonstration at Gupkar Road in front of the CM's residence office to demand rationality.

Abdullah’s son joined Mehdi, the students and Abdullah.

What is the policy of the company?

Before the early-year assembly elections, the policy of the administration led by LG Manoj Sinha reduced the percentages for general categories and increased them for reserved categories.

Then, the administration approved 10% reservations for Paharis as well as three other tribes. This brought the total reservation percentage under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category to 20%.

The SEBC Commission recommended that 15 new castes be added to the OBC list. It also gave 8% reservations to other backward classes (OBCs).

During the budget session in February, the Parliament approved reservations for ethnic groups such as Pahari, Paddari, Kolis and Gadda-Brahmins.

The Administrative Council, under LG Sinha, met in March and approved the proposal by the social welfare department for amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules 2005, in light of the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation Amendment Act 2023, dated 15/12/2023, Constitution (Jammu & Kashmir), Scheduled Castes Orders (Amendment Act) 2024, Constitution(Jammu & Kashmir), Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment Act) 2024 and the recommendations of Jam

Protests and anger are triggered by policy

Politicians and students were not happy with this reservation policy. The valley was awash with calls for reversing the policy and reviewing it.

He clarified that while NC MP Ruhulla Mehdi promised to the students in November to join their outcry, the new government did not take any action on the reservation policy because there was confusion over the devolution between the newly-elected Omar Abullah led government and LG Sinha.

"I have been told that there's some confusion over the division of rules of business between the elected office and the undemocratically-imposed office on a number of issues, and this is one of them. "I am assured that the Government will make a decision soon to rationalise this policy," he said.

J&K government forms panel to review policies

The Jammu and Kashmir Government set up a panel of three members to review policy on reservation in employment and admissions.

The panel includes health minister Sakina Itoo, forest ministry Javed Ahmed Rana, and Science and Technology minister Satish Sharma.

The committee has not yet set a deadline for submitting its report.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court asked the government to respond within three weeks after hearing a new petition that challenged the reservation policy.

The court also merged the previous petition and the most recent.

Will obey court decision: CM

Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of the state of Saudi Arabia, said on Sunday that his government will follow the court's directions in this matter despite the fact that it has set up a committee to examine the policy on reservations.

Abdullah said that while he understood the emotion surrounding the reservation issue, his JKNC party is committed to reviewing every aspect of its manifesto.

As a continuation of the commitment, a cabinet subcommittee has been formed to work towards fulfilling this promise. This sub-committee has only been recently notified & it is now in the process to start its work, engaging with all stakeholders," Abdullah stated in a post posted on X.

He said that the High Court has also challenged the policy, and that his government would be bound by any judgement "when the last legal options have been exhausted".

Chief Minister said that it was brought to his attention by the chief secretary, "that a protest in Srinagar is planned to highlight the injustice of the reservation policy." I am not going to deny anyone the right to peaceful protest. But please do protest, knowing that this issue hasn't been ignored or swept beneath the rug.

He assured the people that they would all be heard, and a fair judgment would be made after following proper procedure.

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Messi-Ronaldo Era Ends amid Manchester City Crisis; Sunil Chhetri Bidding Farewell Highlight Drama-Packed 2024 2024 was an eventful year in football - from triumph to heartbreak it saw it all!

Real Madrid enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning both La Liga and Champions League trophies simultaneously. Manchester City continued their dominance of domestic league play by retaining their Premier League crown - yet Pep Guardiola's squad only managed a single victory out of twelve matches over that span, something unprecedented among reigning champions.

Sunil Chhetri announced his international football retirement for 2024 with emotional resonance for Indian football fans. Meanwhile, Spain ushered in a golden age on the European stage by winning UEFA Euro 2024 championship over England with a thrilling comeback win.

Rodri won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, beating Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Rodri was an integral player for Manchester City during their recent success and played an integral part in Spain's triumph at UEFA Euro 2024, where he earned himself Player of the Tournament honors.

Manchester City have felt Rodri's injury absence acutely this season - one of their worst campaigns since 2010. This underlines his immense importance to their team. Real Madrid were infuriated after his Ballon d'Or win caused much debate and decided to boycott its ceremony as a protest measure, further inflaming the rivalry between these two giants.

Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami this past season demonstrated that his move into Major League Soccer (MLS) wasn't simply retirement plan. The Argentine maestro proved both his enduring brilliance and desire for success; Miami became an immediate title contender despite losing this year.

Messi had an outstanding campaign for David Beckham-owned Miami FC, scoring 20 goals in 19 matches while providing 16 assists en route to becoming their top scorer and helping guide them to an impressive 74 regular-season points total. Messi made an even larger mark during their postseason run; although Miami were unfortunately eliminated in their opening round playoff match. He earned himself the Most Valuable Player award as recognition of his efforts, further solidifying his legacy as one of soccer's greatest ever players.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano may soon reach the end of their respective eras in 2024, after both veterans were conspicuously absent from the Ballon d'Or's 30-player shortlist for 2024. Between them, these veterans have won 13 world footballing awards (usually against each other) with 11 runners-up finishes; both currently play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia while Messi remains with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami; expectedly both are nearing retirement with the 2026 World Cup likely being their last international contests before retirement in 2026.

Manchester City were expected to dominate the English Premier League this season after winning it last year, yet Pep Guardiola's team have fallen into an unprecedented slump, winning only one match from their last 12 compared to nine losses and two draws; far removed from their usual dominance.

Erling Haaland, City's star striker, has struggled in his early season form. Haaland began the year on fire scoring 10 goals in City's first five Premier League matches; since August his output has decreased and now only has three goals; which is an extra blow during an already difficult period for City.

Real Madrid had an exceptional first half of 2024. Under Florentino Perez's leadership, they won both La Liga and European Cup championships - beating Borussia Dortmund in both Finals 2-0 - for their 36th La Liga and 15th European Cup titles respectively. Carlo Ancelotti led them to yet another European victory - his sixth overall and his third in Madrid alone! This success cemented Ancelotti as the most successful coach ever in this competition's history.

Dani Carvajal outdid legendary figures like Karim Bale, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning six European Cup titles himself like Paco Gento.

Sunil Chhetri announced his Retirement

Sunil Chhetri has long been a source of frustration among fans of Indian football, yet his continued inclusion on their side has caused many concerns among them. Now 40, this legendary figure has announced his departure from international football after an illustrious and successful career which netted him 94 goals over 18 seasons and ended on 6 June in Kolkata for a 0-0 tie against Kuwait - his final appearance!

Chhetri holds the all-time top scorer title in Indian Super League history and currently plays with Bengaluru FC. Additionally, he is India's all-time top scorer which adds yet more recognition of his greatness within football history.

Kylian Mbappe decided not to renew his PSG contract and joined Real Madrid instead, signing a five year contract which began on January 1. Since joining Madrid he has shown mixed results; scoring nine goals out of 15 matches but failing to impress in major matches like losing an El Clasico against Barcelona.

Mbappe now plays as a central striker for Real Madrid, an unfamiliar position compared to his time at PSG and France as a left winger. Adjustment has been difficult; fans eagerly anticipate whether Mbappe can fully embrace Madrid life and deliver big moments.

Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 with young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams leading their starting lineup. Spain defeated host nation Germany in their quarterfinal matchup and secured victory 2-1 over England for an amazing journey that ultimately culminated in winning their historic third Euro title!

Dani Olmo of Barcelona was Spain's leading scorer, scoring three goals to share this honour with England's Harry Kane and Georgia's Georges Mikautadza as well as Germany's Jamal Musiala as well as Cody Gakpo and Serbian Ivan Schranz from Netherlands Cody Gakpo and Serbia Ivan Schranz respectively. Rodri won Player of Tournament while Yamal claimed Young Player of Tournament status while his stunning semifinal goal against France earned Goal of Tournament status from him and Goal of Tournament designation!

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Gukesh, world champion: "My goal is to be the best player in all of the world... this is what motivates me more easily"

Gukesh Dommaraju, who has spent 18 days and 635 moves in a chess war in Singapore that lasted 56 hours, is taking a break. It's not voluntary. The media, politicians and well wishers have all demanded his time.

In the 10 days that have passed since Gukesh was crowned world champion, he has spent more time away than he allowed himself to do in the last decade.

"I've been trying to relax my body and mind over the last few days because last year was very intense. It was hard work and discipline that were required. Now I'm taking it easy. Gukesh says, "I will be returning to chess very soon," as he is traveling from one public event to another. "I feel a lot of enthusiasm to play in the next tournament and get back to playing chess, but it is smart to take some time to recover and then get back into chess."

Gukesh said that becoming a world champion was his "reason for waking up every morning" during a press event in Singapore. You wonder if a boy who's been driven by a single childhood dream for the past decade is experiencing something that borders on a motivational vacuum. Abhinav bindra felt the same way after becoming an Olympic champion at Beijing 2008. He was emotionally and mentally exhausted.

"I do not feel any lack of motivation. A Shot At History, Abhinav bindra's autobiography is one of my favorites. I am really inspired by him. Our cases are different, but I do think that ours is a little bit different. The Olympics is the ultimate goal in his sport. The four-year preparation for the Olympics is intense. The World Chess Championship also ranks pretty high in the world of chess. For me, my goal was to be the best player on the planet. Since it will still be a long road and there will still many challenges, I find it easier to motivate myself," said Gukesh. He has stated more than once that Magnus Carlsen remains the best player of the world.

Gukesh will compete in the Tata steel chess tournament at Wijk aan zee, from January 17-February 2, against a group of compatriots including Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa as well as Leon Luke Mendonca and some of the top stars around the globe like Fabiano Caruana and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Vincent Keymer, one of his second players, will be at the tournament.

Gukesh, as the world champion, will be scrutinized at every event he attends.

"It was difficult to become world champion, but I'm sure there will be more challenges in the future -- and they will be even harder." But I love challenges, and I'll do my best to learn and improve every day. I want to be my best self. As the World Champion, it's obvious that a lot players will want to beat me. "I'm excited to play against them and prove my strength," says he.

Wasn't expecting Ding to be so tough'

Gukesh has been preparing for the World Championships since April of this year. He won the Candidates, and thus earned the right to challenge Ding Liren as world champion. Grzegorz Gajewski assembled a team of five members, including Pentala Harikrishna. Radoslaw Wojtaszek. Jan-Krzysztof duda. and Vincent Keymer. Paddy Upton, a mind-guru, was also brought in to help him prepare.

Was there still a surprise in Singapore at the start of the action?

"The World Championship was intensely prepared for. It was a long trip! I am so grateful to my team for their support and help in this journey. It was a goal that I set from the start and it means a great deal to me to have achieved this. I must admit that I didn't expect Ding to be so tough in games where he was placed in a worse position. It was a little surprising, but we adapted quickly," says Gukesh.

Gukesh has a number of obligations off the board that will keep him from playing chess for now. He is not bothered, knowing that being a world champion brings with it a certain amount of responsibility.

Open doors for sponsorship

The crown will return to India after 11 years and this is great news for Indian chess. The government has supported the sport in many ways, but I believe this victory will open up the door for many sponsors (for chess-players). The future of chess looks bright. "I'm so grateful to be a part of this chess boom."

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As a new dispute erupts, the GST rate on popcorn is reduced. Insurance premiums are also delayed.

The Goods and Services Tax Council (GST), in its 55th Meeting held in Jaisalmer on Saturday, deferred the decision to lower tax rates for health and life insurance and food delivery fees charged by e-commerce companies such as Swiggy or Zomato. The council also discussed the inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel under GST but decided to defer a decision because most states did not want to lose their taxing rights.

The Council's explanation of why different types of popcorn, i.e. regular, salted, spiced and caramelised, are subject to different GST rates, was what caught the attention of many. Jairam Ramesh, a Congress spokesperson, called it "absolutely incredible" and "sheer nonsense".

The Council discussed taxes on popcorn that is ready to eat and mixed with spices and salt. The Council clarified and agreed that popcorn with spices and salt has the essential characteristics of namkeen, and therefore should be subject to a 5 percent GST (others than pre-packaged products). If the popcorn is packaged and labelled, then the GST rate should be 12 percent. If mixed with sugar, (e.g. Caramel popcorn was considered a sugar confectionery item (items that have 'added' sugar) and would therefore attract GST of 18%.

There is no new tax being imposed in this case. It is only a clarification, as some field units demanded different tax rates. The GST Council is therefore recommending a clarification to settle disputes that arise from interpretation," said an official statement. The GST Council has decided to normalise the taxation of popcorn in the past, on an "as-is" basis.

The Group of Ministers on Rate Rationalisation (GoM) requested more time to discuss the proposed rate changes for up to 148 items. This will be discussed by the Council at a later date. Council also gave the GoM on compensation cess an extension to make its recommendations.

It's (rate-rationalisation) an exercise that looks at the whole picture of reducing the burden for everyday items. Rates will need to be reduced from the current levels for more than five years. All agreed on a certain level of stabilisation. They are looking at the issue in a holistic manner," said Union Finance Minister Nirmala SITHARMAN after the Council Meeting.

The GST Council has recommended that the GST rate for used electric vehicles be harmonised at 18%. Sitharaman stated that the Council had decided to increase the tax rate on all used EVs to 18% from 12 percent, as it did for non-electric cars.

No GST will be charged on the sale of used EVs to individuals. For the sale of used EVs outside of individuals, GST of 18% will be levied. This is the difference between the price of the vehicle and the selling price, or the depreciated value if it is claimed. "At the moment, new EVs attract a 5 percent GST. The Centre, with 1/3rd of the voting rights, proposed that GST be 5% on used and old EVs. After a thorough deliberation it was decided to charge 18% on the selling price of old and used EVs," Sitharaman stated.

The GST Council also recommended that there will be no GST payable on penalties levied by banks and NBFCs against borrowers who do not comply with the loan terms or default on loans. The Council recommended a reduction of the GST rate for fortified rice to 5 percent from 18 percent, regardless of the end use. They also decided to grant an exemption for gene therapies.

GST Council has approved in principle a concept note on the registration issues of small companies. Sitharaman stated that this may require changes to GST laws in order to make it easier to register small businesses.

A decision has not been made on the taxation of charges for food delivered by platforms such as quick commerce or food delivery. Sitharaman stated that the Fitment Committee would review the matter again. The Fitment Committee is currently debating whether the tax on food should be equal to the GST of 5 percent or higher.

Samrat Chaudhary (Bihar's Deputy chief minister), who is also convenor of ministerial panel on rate rationalisation, insurance premiums and other issues, said earlier in the day that many ministers felt that a second meeting was needed to discuss in depth the issue before the final submission of GoM report. We will hold another meeting to discuss the issue, whether it's for senior citizens insurance, group insurance or individual insurance. "We will cover it all at the next meeting," Chaudhary stated.

Council discussed the inclusion of ATF in the GST ambit. The matter will be further discussed later. The Council discussed a special request by Andhra Pradesh for a discussion on levying an additional 1 percent GST above the 28 per cent top rate in case disasters. This is similar to the flood cess imposed by Kerala in 2019. The GST Council decided to refer the discussion on a special tax for disasters to an GoM.

According to sources, there was no consensus reached in the GoM meetings on insurance premiums. Some states were worried about revenue losses for the states due to the proposed GST rate reduction. We are also awaiting comments from the insurance regulator IRDAI on this issue.

GoM discussed earlier exempting GST from premiums for senior citizens who pay for health insurance, and for all term life insurance premiums. The GST exemption on term insurance premiums was discussed for all people, including family plans. The exemption of senior citizen health insurance premiums, regardless of coverage, was also being considered.

Health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh was exempted for other citizens. For health insurance coverage above Rs 5 lakh, the existing 18% rate would have continued.

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Ahmedabad University Vice-Chancellor Prof Pankaj Chandra: 'IIMs must become universities...or else they will shrivel up and die.

Newness is our advantage. You could experiment without penalty... Why should we exist if we design something similar to them (existing organizations) at a brand new institution? We have to change our thinking.

Ahmedabad University launched the International Fintech Institute at GIFT City in collaboration with IIT-Gandhinagar, University of California San Diego and IIT-Gandhinagar. In an exclusive interview, AU Vice Chancellor, Dr Pankaj Chandra, talks about the importance of liberal arts and the challenges facing students today.

Excerpts:

What do you think the IFI will look like in five years' time?

GIFT City is a huge fintech hub. One of the biggest challenges is that it has about 600 companies. They kept complaining that they didn't have enough talent. The biggest problem is that many operations people have no idea about technology. What finance program in this country teaches technology? The tech guys who have computer science degrees know nothing about banking, finance, regulatory tech, insurance and pensions. The need for a different training is evident. These (IFI) trained people will be a very strong supply of relevant talent to GIFT or other companies in the country, and for those who wish to start up.

What would you say about AU in comparison to other institutions?

You could experiment without any penalty... You could experiment without penalty... Why should we even be here if we are going to start designing things similar to them (existing organizations)? We have to change our thinking.

Do you mean by 'them' the IIMs or not?

IIMs and IITs are all existing institutions. IIMA was my university, and other colleagues came from IITs. We felt we needed to bring complex issues into the classroom. We created four studio courses. They are: Climate Change, Democracy and Justice, and Neighbourhoods. This is an urbanisation proxy. In the water studio we give kids bottles on the first day to collect samples from all the wards of the city. First time ever, the kids will be going from South Bopal in West Ahmedabad to Maninagar in South Ahmedabad or Juhapura in a Muslim neighborhood or anywhere else. This is an educational experience, in my opinion. You'll be able to see different types of people. They'll then go and collect data. They build an instrument, and then measure the water quality. They then learn data science and put these data on a GIS Map. They'll map out the entire city -- This is research-based thinking. You can now teach them any theory because they are primed.

Do you have parents who object to their children going to certain parts of the city?

We cancel their admission. We tell them to go home. This is our education...we started in 2019....I sat down with a 50-child class on the first day. The engineers and scientists were sarcastic, saying "what is this foundation program?" and the children in social science and management and humanity were ecstatic. Students from across the country are now coming to AU because of our Foundation Programme.

What are the main challenges you have faced since taking over in 2015?

Our education system has a strong content focus. Everyone talks about content, not pedagogy...we needed to hire people with very different backgrounds. We have created a curriculum that is different than anyone else in India or anywhere else. We put arts and science together because we want people to talk with each other. The physicists and biologists sit together with the history professors and talk. They also conduct classes together. The NAAC chair said: "You're an institution for the future."

What percentage of the NEP (National Education Policy, or National Education Policy) do you implement?

We did not implement it "as NEP". We have just followed good practices we learned from other places. We still have a long way to travel. If I have to climb 20 steps, I'm probably at step 5. We have a strategy for 2035.

Do you have any expansion plans?

We will continue to grow, but not in terms of geography. Our masters will increase. We currently have 4,000 students, but we could reach 6,000 in five years. We currently have 200 full-time professors, and we will increase that to 500. We are opening a new performing arts school in the visual arts. We are setting up a brand new STEM lab and enhancing STEM in a big way. In partnership with ATIRA, (Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association )...last year's academic year we launched a new program, called BXMX. This programme allows you to do your bachelors at one school and then go on to complete your masters at another.

Many people pursue liberal arts, but they don't get jobs. What do you think of this?

Liberal arts education is important to me. The companies are the problem. Parents and students need to be educated on the importance of liberal arts. They are bright kids, but they can't get into IIM MBA because of the stupid CAT exam. It is biased towards those with a quantitative bent. You want to discuss business as an agent for social change. How can you create that agent? Engineers are not the answer. It is possible to make it in the workplace by bringing people who are different from you, with different training, and a different understanding of society. Liberal Arts Education has a long way to go.

What do you think is the problem with IIMs?

These institutions (IITs, IIMs, AIIMSs) are "siloed". You can't solve COVID epidemics if you're a mere biologist. If you're a manager, you can't solve the financial crisis. You need humanities. You need social sciences. Only universities can provide the other people you need to come. All great business schools around the world are part of universities, such as Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford. They (IIMs, etc.) have been very successful in serving India. They have excellent faculty and attract top-class students. These institutions should expand and be influenced by other knowledge systems. They would eventually shrivel up and die.

It's very complex. With the rise in income, I believe there has been a big gap between parents. The bridge between parent and child has been broken somewhere. There is so much information on the internet that the kids aren't mature enough to handle. We have a counseling system, and I get monthly reports on what the kids are talking about... it's all about the family and relationships, not academics or job pressures.

Growing up, you had always a friend who was there for you. I don't believe that the current generation has such ties. The schools have also been "over-pressured". Despite the pressures (at AU), we have decided to not hold any exams or tests. Each test increases your anxiety.

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Composite license: only private insurers are eligible

The composite license allows the insurer to run multiple lines of business, such as life, health and nonlife insurance, under one entity. As of right now, this is not permitted.

In the event that the government amends the Insurance Act to allow composite licenses, it will likely put public insurers at a competitive disadvantage with their private counterparts. Only the latter are eligible to receive these licenses.

Insurance experts have warned about the uneven playing field that exists for PSU insurers, who are already on the defensive against the intense competition unleashed in the domestic markets by their counterparts from the private sector.

On November 

26, the Finance Ministry had proposed an Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2024 by amending various provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938, including raising foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100 per cent, reduction in paid-up capital, and provision for composite license allowing insurers to do life/general/health in single registration/insurance.

The introduction of composite licences is intended to increase the penetration of insurance in the country. This will be achieved by allowing insurers operate multiple lines of businesses under one entity. (Representative/ File)

In the event that the government amends the Insurance Act to allow composite licenses, it will likely put public insurers at a competitive disadvantage with their private counterparts. Only the latter are eligible to receive these licenses.

Insurance experts have warned about the uneven playing field that exists for PSU insurers, who are already on the defensive against the intense competition unleashed in the domestic markets by their counterparts from the private sector.

On November 26, the Finance Ministry had proposed an Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2024 by amending various provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938, including raising foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100 per cent, reduction in paid-up capital, and provision for composite license allowing insurers to do life/general/health in single registration/insurance.

Insurance sector officials stated that, based on the current plans, composite licenses will only be available to private insurers after appropriate legislative changes. PSU insurers cannot apply for these licenses. The decision could hinder the ability of PSU insurers to compete with private insurance companies, who will be able to offer multiple products under one license.

The composite license allows the insurer to run multiple lines of business, such as life, health and nonlife insurance under a single entity. As of right now, this is not permitted.

The government must amend two Acts to allow PSU insurers to obtain composite licenses. These are the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 (GIBNA) and the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956 (LICA). According to the Office Memorandum and the list proposed amendments however, these documents do not contain such provisions.

The General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 2002 (GIBNA) was enacted to nationalise the general insurance industry in India. It also governs the operations of the four PSU General Insurance Companies that transact general insurance.

New India Assurance (also known as United India Insurance), Oriental Insurance Company, National Insurance Company, and New India Assurance are the four PSU general insurers.

The Life Insurance Corporation Act of 56 nationalised India's life insurance industry by transferring the business to a corporation, and setting up regulations for its management. The Life Insurance Corporation of India was established on September 1, 1956, after the act passed in Parliament.

The government has proposed some amendments to the LIC Act of 1956, but no enabling clauses are mentioned that would allow the corporation the option of going composite. After it was created in 1956, by merging life insurers that also did non-life insurance, the corporation was doing non-life and had a department to manage its business until a few years ago.

The government's plans to introduce composite licenses to the insurance industry have nothing to do the corporation's foray into health insurance. It doesn't require a composite licence to partner with a health insurer.

"Composite registration will be allowing insurers to do life/general/health in single registration/insurance company promoting operational efficiency for insurers having common brand across different lines of business,'' said one of the proposed amendments proposed by the Finance Ministry.

The note from the ministry stated that a review of the entire legislative framework for the sector was conducted in consultation with IRDAI, and the industry.

It said that such changes would help improve the efficiency of the insurance sector, facilitate ease of business, and increase insurance penetration in order to reach the goal of "Insurance for All By 2047".

By allowing insurers the ability to run multiple lines of insurance under one entity, composite licenses aim to increase penetration of insurance in the country. The move by the government is part of an effort to reform and make more competitive the insurance industry. The government's decision to exclude PSU insurers, who are not eligible for composite licenses, may have implications on their viability in the long term and ability compete with private players.

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