Manmohan Singh, who served as India's prime minister for 10 years, is a post-Cold War historical figure. Reuters
Manmohan Singh, who served as India's prime minister for 10 years, is a post-Cold War historical figure. Reuters
Manmohan Singh, who served as India's prime minister for 10 years, is a post-Cold War historical figure. Reuters
Manmohan Singh, who served as India's prime minister for 10 years, is a post-Cold War historical figure. Reuters


Manmohan Singh changed India and the world, but he was a man of his time


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December 30, 2024

Following the death of Manmohan Singh at the age of 92 on Thursday, one can’t help but wonder whether India will ever have another technocratic prime minister like him. Given the populist turn the country and large parts of the world have taken in recent years, this appears unlikely for the foreseeable future.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in New Delhi and the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, of which Dr Singh was a long-time member and leader, appear to have embraced overlapping versions of economic populism that will probably have worried the late prime minister even in retirement.

The federal government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has undoubtedly maintained fiscal discipline over the past decade. It has instituted some meaningful reforms, like institutionalising a nationwide Goods and Services Tax. But it has baulked at other big-ticket items by walking back much-needed land reforms and later repealing three potentially far-reaching farm laws.

In a surprise move, the government ruled out joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free-trade agreement that, among others, includes China and the 10 countries that make up the Association of South-East Asian Nations. It was a clear indication that New Delhi was going in the protectionist direction.

But what is more troubling is the enthusiasm shared by almost every Indian political party, particularly in individual states, to deliver a range of direct benefits to the citizens, from farm-loan waivers to cooking gas to free bus travel for women. Some of this welfarism is targeted and even necessary, given that about 129 million Indians continue to live in extreme poverty, but there are genuine concerns that many state governments are spending beyond their means simply to stay in power.

This isn’t unique to India. Many other countries, too, have poured resources into large welfare programmes since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. But a period of austerity that followed the 2007-2008 global financial crisis appears to have been replaced by an era of exploding public debt, expected to exceed $100 trillion at the end of the current year, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Dr Singh would no doubt have been expected to loosen the government purse strings in times of emergency. In fact, he sought government interventions, as long as they were paid for. As prime minister, from 2004 to 2014, he even put in place the makings of a modern welfare state, enacting schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Right to Education Act.

As the political scientist Ashutosh Varshney wrote in The Indian Express recently: "Manmohan Singh’s welfarism viewed the underprivileged as rights-bearing citizens, not simply as recipients of largesse."

And yet he was cut from a different philosophical cloth, given his focus on market reforms and fierce conviction that people needed to be given economic freedom. The Economist’s description of Dr Singh as “India’s economic freedom fighter” can hardly be disputed.

In 1991, Dr Singh memorably quoted Victor Hugo, telling his fellow MPs that “no power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come”. This “idea” was that it was time for India to shed its socialist past and embrace a capitalist future by moving in the direction of liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation.

Over the next five years as finance minister, he worked with the country’s seemingly ossified bureaucracy to ensure that the government could embark on some of the large-scale economic reforms that he envisioned. These included the abolition of most trade licences, inviting foreign investment in the stock market and reconfiguring the banking sector.

Singh’s struggle to deliver prosperity for all is the classic conundrum that today’s moderate politicians around the world also have to contend with

The fruits of his government’s efforts, and those of subsequent administrations, transformed India from a country that faced an acute balance of payments crisis in the late 1980s to becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy. These reforms pulled the country out of its four per cent growth rate to achieve closer to 10 per cent economic expansion on a consistent basis over the following years.

The momentum generated by this “idea” of creating economic freedom proved unstoppable, even decades later; the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative states that more than 270 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2005-06 and 2015-16, a 10-year period during most of which Dr Singh served as prime minister.

However, no historical figure is perfect and Dr Singh has had his critics.

Many on the left have pointed to India’s continuing poverty and a rise in income inequality that his policies engendered over three decades. Many on the economic right have claimed he didn’t do enough, such as pushing through agricultural reforms that today’s government has burnt its fingers in trying to implement.

Dr Singh’s struggle to please all, and more importantly to deliver prosperity for all, is the classic conundrum that today’s moderate, technocratic politicians around the world also have to contend with. As parties become more ideologically extreme, and the spirit of consensus is depleted in a fast-changing world, it could be a while before a post-Cold War historical figure like Dr Singh emerges again, let alone thrives.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

Key developments

All times UTC 4

TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Race 3

Produced: Salman Khan Films and Tips Films
Director: Remo D’Souza
Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Salem
Rating: 2.5 stars

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203S%20Money%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20London%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ivan%20Zhiznevsky%2C%20Eugene%20Dugaev%20and%20Andrei%20Dikouchine%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%245.6%20million%20raised%20in%20total%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

US tops drug cost charts

The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.

Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.

In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.

Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol. 

The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.

High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.

'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

MEFCC information

Tickets range from Dh110 for an advance single-day pass to Dh300 for a weekend pass at the door. VIP tickets have sold out. Visit www.mefcc.com to purchase tickets in advance.

The biog:

Languages: Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, basic Russian 

Favourite food: Pizza 

Best food on the road: rice

Favourite colour: silver 

Favourite bike: Gold Wing, Honda

Favourite biking destination: Canada 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Updated: December 30, 2024, 4:12 AM