The ongoing spat between India and Canada over Nijjar's murder has significantly impacted their diplomatic relations, with both nations expelling diplomats and trading accusations. While India dismisses the charges as politically motivated, Canada has doubled down on its claims, putting the bilateral relationship at risk. The fallout could affect trade, education, and diplomatic cooperation, with the broader implications for both nations remaining uncertain. The incident underscores deeper, unresolved tensions between the two countries, particularly surrounding extremism and separatism. As the situation unfolds, both India and Canada will need to carefully navigate these challenges to prevent further damage to their relationship.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics celebrates research that shines a light on one of the most enduring challenges of our time—wealth inequality between nations. The work of Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson demonstrates that institutions, not geography or culture, play the most crucial role in determining a country’s prosperity. Their findings offer a powerful message for policymakers: the creation of inclusive institutions is key to fostering long-term economic growth and reducing inequality. Their contributions provide a framework for addressing global wealth disparities and offer hope for more equitable economic futures.

The growing cooperation between India and Russia on polar navigation, Arctic shipbuilding, and cargo shipping along the Northern Sea Route reflects the increasing importance of the Arctic in global geopolitics and trade. Both countries are strategically positioning themselves to benefit from the economic opportunities that the NSR presents. For India, gaining expertise in polar navigation and collaborating on Arctic shipbuilding projects would enhance its maritime capabilities, while for Russia, it strengthens its role as a key player in the development of the Arctic.

Recent research into Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has revealed key survival mechanisms, such as the role of cysteine synthase enzymes that help the bacteria resist oxidative stress and evade the immune system. By targeting these enzymes, scientists have identified promising new pathways for developing more effective TB treatments, especially when combined with existing drugs like isoniazid. This research enhances our understanding of how Mtb persists within the human body and opens up possibilities for novel therapeutic strategies against drug-resistant TB.

The RBI held its interest rates steady at 6.50% amid inflation concerns and weaker economic activity. While inflation has moderated, the central bank remains focused on reining it in further, despite signs of slowing growth in car sales and industrial output. The MPC's focus on inflation, especially food and core inflation, suggests that any rate cut will be unlikely before early next year.