Economists Are in the Wilderness. Can They Find a Way Back to Influence?

A year ago, India was rebounding from a Covid-induced recession, boasting of being the world's fastest-growing major economy and surpassing China in population. However, recent setbacks have seen the economy slow down, with the stock market erasing gains, the rupee falling against the dollar, and overseas investors exiting. Challenges include lack of demand, stagnant wages, and the government's struggle to address economic issues, with hopes pinned on potential tax cuts in the upcoming budget to...

Huawei is aiming to capture a larger share of the Chinese AI chip market dominated by Nvidia by focusing on "inference" tasks rather than training. The company is helping Chinese firms adopt its Ascend AI processors for inference, with government support urging a shift away from Nvidia. Challenges include technical issues and convincing developers to switch from Nvidia's Cuda software, but Huawei's upcoming Ascend 910C chip is expected to address these concerns. Despite facing competition...

Entrepreneur contributors stress the importance of strategic tax planning for gaining a competitive edge in the new year. They outline four key steps to guide entrepreneurs through the process: assessing current tax standing, identifying quick wins to reduce taxes, planning for long-term growth and tax benefits, and preparing for potential changes in tax laws. By taking proactive steps now, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for financial success in 2025 and beyond. Full Article

In challenging times for buy-to-let landlords, factors like slowing rental growth, tax changes, and increased regulations have led many to consider exiting the sector. While demand has slowed due to tenants entering the property market, rental growth remains high in certain areas like Rochdale and Belfast. Predictions suggest rents will continue to rise in 2025 due to a lack of supply, maintaining pressure on affordability and rental prices. Full Article

The AP-NORC survey reveals that despite the president's claims of a strong mandate, public support for some of his key initiatives like pulling out of climate agreements and pardoning Jan. 6 rioters may be lacking. This indicates a potential disconnect between the president's perception of his mandate and the actual backing for his policies, highlighting challenges ahead in implementing his agenda. The survey suggests that the president may face resistance in pursuing these controversial actions,...

During the Los Angeles County wildfires, lead and chlorine levels spiked to 100 and 40 times average levels, respectively, even miles from the flames, posing a significant health risk. Researchers warn of added danger from burning structures releasing toxins like lead from paint and pipes, and chlorine from plastic. As wildfires become more frequent in populated areas due to climate change, concerns over toxic releases and health impacts are expected to increase, with lead and...