How voters see the world has always been important to politicians, and that is particularly true for Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. Whether it is his recent impromptu visit to Pakistan to reset fraught relations or the way growth in India's economy is set to outpace China's this year, he knows the value of good news but also how to be seen associated with it.
However, as we reported this week, the full picture is neither as straightforward nor as rosy as Mr Modi's recent carefully cultivated optics might suggest. While India is doing better than most of its troubled Brics counterparts, its growth figures reflect in part a change this year in the methodology of how the country's GDP is calculated, resulting in much higher figures. As a significant importer of oil, India is also benefiting disproportionately from the exceptionally low crude oil prices globally.
With the BJP having had an absolute parliamentary majority since it swept to power in May last year, precious little has been done to address the pervasive issues that have stymied India meeting its considerable potential and providing real opportunities to its people. These problems include high levels of subsidies and regulation, impediments to foreign investment, the prevalence of corruption at all levels and the failure to bring in recommended economic measures such as a consumption tax.
Some of these changes – particularly to do with subsidies and taxes – will be unpopular with the electorate in the short term, which is why governments traditionally take such measures soon after being elected in the hope the longer-term benefits will have manifested themselves by the time the voters return to the polls. The failure of the BJP to use its commanding electoral mandate in the first 20 months of its term hints at a lack of political will.
Indians abandoned the Congress party and voted overwhelmingly for the BJP to change how things are done so their prospects in life more closely reflected their skills and energy rather than their connections. The real optic on which voters will judge Mr Modi at the next election is whether he can achieve just that.
UAE Falcons
Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
MATCH INFO
Bangla Tigers 108-5 (10 ovs)
Ingram 37, Rossouw 26, Pretorius 2-10
Deccan Gladiators 109-4 (9.5 ovs)
Watson 41, Devcich 27, Wiese 2-15
Gladiators win by six wickets
The biog
Name: Fareed Lafta
Age: 40
From: Baghdad, Iraq
Mission: Promote world peace
Favourite poet: Al Mutanabbi
Role models: His parents
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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What is a Ponzi scheme?
A fraudulent investment operation where the scammer provides fake reports and generates returns for old investors through money paid by new investors, rather than through ligitimate business activities.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
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if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com