India Today Magazine - March 24, 2025

In this issue

Highlights of India Today 24th March 2025 issue:

AGE OF ACCELERATION

WITH AI AND THE NEW AMERICAN PRESIDENT PUTTING THE WORLD IN A FLUX, A RANGE OF EMINENT FIGURES OUTLINED HOW TO DEAL WITH THE NEW WORLD ORDER

5 mins

A CONFLUENCE OF FAITH

Fresh off the success of the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was at his buoyant best at the India Today Conclave, speaking at length on several issues, including the mega event and the criticism around it. Calling the grand congregation a testament to unity and discipline, he explained how the holy dip had played the great leveller, erased differences such as rich-poor or that between castes.

2 mins

A TIME FOR SOMETHING GRAND AND BIG

Donald Trump has been in office for just over a month, but has already sent shock waves across the realms of geopolitics and world trade. He has imposed tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, and threatens to impose reciprocal tariffs on other countries, including India, in April. Howard Lutnick, the newly appointed US Secretary of Commerce, is the key man leading the charge in global trade negotiations on behalf of Trump.

2 mins

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

With the world and the region in a state of constant turmoil, opinions about the preparedness of the armed forces often come from defence analysts. The audience at the India Today Conclave, however, got to hear all about it from the chiefs of the Indian army, air force and navy as they provided critical insights into India’s evolving security landscape. Army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi underscored the deepening military and strategic collusion between China and Pakistan, warning that the threat of a two-front war is very real. The continued threat of cross-border terrorism remains a concern—and though local recruitment in Kashmir has declined, Pakistan remains an instigator, with 60 per cent of neutralised terrorists being nationals of that country.

1 min

THE NORTHEAST TRANSFORMATION

There are no two views on the limitless possibilities within the Northeast. Unleashing that potential, though, has been a completely different matter. Discussing this and other topics germane to the Seven Sisters at the 2025 India Today Conclave was Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang.

1 min

REVANTH IS MORE THAN READY

Telangana chief minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, 55, is a man in a hurry. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, the first-time CM said his top priorities were making capital city Hyderabad future-ready, which includes making a bid for the 2036 Olympics.

1 min

PROMISES TO KEEP

In her first major media interaction after assuming office, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta spoke on the priorities of her administration before confidently stating that her style of governance would be an absolute departure from that of her two predecessors, Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi.

1 min

BIG CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK

\"If you accept AI, if you adapt to it, it will definitely transform lives. If you resist, you will be out of a job\" \"Karnataka has Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu has Chennai, Telangana has Hyderabad, Andhra has Chandrababu Naidu. He is our competitive advantage\".

1 min

TRUMP IS AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME -MIKE POMPEO

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo believes that Donald Trump's second term is largely a continuation of his first, the key difference being that Trump is now more prepared.

2 mins

THE RUSSIA RUSH HOUR

Russia appreciates New Delhi's diplomatic balance during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, said Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov at the India Today Conclave 2025. While clarifying that Russia does not seek New Delhi's mediation, he commended India's consistent advocacy for peace. Speaking at the session titled 'Navigating Geopolitical Shifts', moderated by India Today Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa, Alipov drew a “red line” on Ukraine's NATO membership, declaring, \"We need to have a Ukraine that does not pose a danger to us.” He emphasised Russia’s claims over Crimea, dismissed Ukraine president Zelensky's legitimacy and blamed the West for prolonging the conflict.

1 min

CHOPPY TRADE WATERS

With the sword of reciprocal tariffs hanging over its head, India lost no time in trying to seal a trade deal with the United States that aims to increase bilateral trade from $200 billion (Rs 17.4 lakh crore) at present to $500 billion (Rs 43.6 lakh crore) by the turn of the decade.

1 min

CONFLICTING VISIONS OF PEACE

Two contrasting perspectives on Donald Trump's grand plan for Gaza emerged at the India Today Conclave 2025. Dr Zeina Jallad, director, Palestine Land Studies Center, fiercely criticised Trump's proposal to rebuild Gaza and resettle its inhabitants in Jordan and Egypt.

1 min

AI FOR ALL

FUTURE.AI AGENT OR MASTER?

1 min

FUNDAMENTALS COME FIRST

The harder it is to learn something, the more likely you'll remember it for longer periods of time.... If you get domain expertise, you'll be able to use these [AI] tools in a much more powerful way later on -Bharat N. Anand, Vice Provost for Advances in Learning, Harvard University; Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

1 min

THE ETERNAL DEBATE

Artificial Intelligence is advancing fast enough to start saving human memories and thoughts forever, leading to an era of digital immortality. These AI-created clones can simulate human behaviour, learning from their human counterparts. Once trained well enough, an ‘eternal’ can become a path to spiritual changes by giving us deep insights into life, memory and perspectives. Tech entrepreneur Henrique Jorge has been working at ETER9 to achieve this, a world where these clones will be able to ensure that a human being is remembered forever. “Imagine, Einstein could live in this platform and teach the students directly in the digital way,” he explained during a session at the India Today Conclave.

1 min

THE ROBO REVOLUTION

We do not have competition within India. Our competition is with the US and China. If firms like ours get the right kind of support, India could be the next superpower in robotics and AI - Mukesh Bangar Founder, CTO & CEO, Muks Robotics

1 min

INCONVENIENT TRUTHS

Naomi Wolf's The Pfizer Papers dives right into the polemical heart of the debate around vaccines that flared up during the Covid-19 pandemic in the US.

1 min

THE ABC OF WEIGHT LOSS

Medical research increasingly recognises obesity as more than just a cosmetic issue. Many governments, including India, now classify it as a disease—a metabolic abnormality marked by excess fat. Obesity is linked to 229 health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, infertility and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. However, combating obesity isn't just about willpower. According to Vikrant Shrotriya of Novo Nordisk India, who spoke on obesity treatments at the India Today Conclave, genetic and metabolic factors predispose individuals to consume more calories than needed. While food availability may have increased, human bodies remain wired to store fat for survival.

1 min

NEED TO BALANCE CARE AND CHOICE

In recent years, there has been active debate on whether health-care should be focused on saving lives or the quality of life. This debate has only gathered pace after the Supreme Court, in a historic verdict in 2018, allowed for 'passive euthanasia' while recognising the right of patients to make advance directives or 'living wills'. The verdict enabled terminally ill patients to refuse life support if their condition was found to be incurable, thereby saving them months, perhaps even years, of a life filled with pain and no hope of a cure or relief in sight.

1 min

A SELF, NOT A SELFIE, MOMENT

The recently concluded Mahakumbh, despite setbacks like the tragic stampede that claimed at least 30 lives near the Sangam, has emerged as a pivotal moment for Sanatan Dharma. As one of the largest religious gatherings globally, it has sparked unprecedented interest, reinforcing its significance beyond a spiritual congregation.

1 min

SUSTAINING THE ANDAMANS

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT FUTURE

1 min

THE MANY LIVES OF THE SANGH

WALTER K. ANDERSEN American academic & Author

1 min

SHE POWER RISING

BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING LEGACIES

1 min

HEARTLAND BLOSSOMS

India is growing because rural India is, building its future in myriad ways, though entrepreneurship, social change and, not to forget, cultural preservation.

1 min

AS THE NICER THINGS OF LIFE ALL POUR IN

With an annual growth rate of 30 per cent, India's luxury market that stands at $17 billion (Rs 1.48 lakh crore) is not just a gossamer dream woven in tall tales but a dynamic industry with global ambitions.

1 min

ROAD TO EXCELLENCE

With several Rs 100, 200 and 300 crore films, and one—Dangal—that breached the Rs 2,000-crore mark, Aamir’s has been a long, eventful journey since he burst on to the silver screen as the loveable Raj in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 at age 23.

2 mins

A BOX FULL OF SURPRISES

Women are ruling the roost on Indian streaming as more female-fronted web series get greenlit and find favour.

2 mins

INDIA'S ANCIENT SOFT POWER

The most anticipated session of the India Today Conclave, William Dalrymple did not disappoint.

1 min

NO LIMITS FOR SKY

On the periphery of the Kensington Oval in Barbados last summer, Suryakumar Yadav executed a manoeuvre that pierced the gossamer divide between triumph and despair. Leaping near the boundary rope, catching a ball that seemed destined for the lower bleachers—it was pure cricketing ballet.

1 min

THE YOUTH VOX

CHESS INDIA'S GRANDMASTER GUKESH

1 min

THE CHAMPIONS OF CHAOS

A world in flux—and flex—mode. We are all watching with rapt attention the antics of a hyperactive omnimedia-present president.

3 mins

A SITAR IS BORN

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's virtuosity with the sitar has made him popular on social media. Excerpts from the 26-year-old's session at the India Today Conclave:

1 min

Beyond the Bath

Here's why this space is awash with innovation

1 min

Forecasting the Future

Asian Paints sets the tone for 2025, and it's anything but ordinary. The vision is bold, emotive, and packed with personality.

2 mins

A HUE HAVEN

Experts share tips, tricks and techniques to make colour work for your space

2 mins

SHADES OF INSPIRATION

We get four people from different walks of life to share their compelling colour stories

2 mins

"SUSTAINABILITY ISN'T A FAD”

Amrita Guha and Joya Nandurdikar, the creative forces behind Untitled Design Consultants, are treasure trove of beautiful aesthetics, a repository of Indian crafts and a cornucopia of trendy, modern architecture

3 mins

LUXURY GETS A NEW ADDRESS

Abandon all preconceptions, ye who enter here. Throwing convection out of its stylish floor to ceiling windows is The Charcoal Project’s new store in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

3 mins

Picture Perfect

Architect Rooshad Shroff's new gallery across his office in Mumbai is an ode to beautifully crafted handmade pieces

1 min

SURPASSING FUNCTION

This is what human-centric design looks like in a changing world

2 mins

A PRIVATE PARADISE

Japanese and Balinese design styles playfully collide with Goan charm and aesthetics in this home by Studio Tilt Goa

2 mins

IT'S OFFICIAL

Can government accommodation be more than a sum of its occupants? Shallu and Naveen Jindal's parliamentary home in Kurukshetra celebrates art and craft and proves that it can.

2 mins

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