Open Options on Starlink

The question whether Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service Starlink will be permitted to operate in India is a vexed one. SpaceX has not been accommodative of Indian requests about the original purchasers of its devices that have been used by drug smugglers on grounds of privacy and data laws. The official position over the entry of Starlink is that the service must pass security and regulatory tests, such as data localisation. Starlink will potentially challenge Indian players and this adds to the significance of SpaceX’s entry in the Indian market with its wireless internet services. The view in government, while not ruling out the possibility of Musk’s firm operating here, is that it will evaluate such proposals on a “case by case” basis. This means no decision is likely in a hurry. Given Musk’s status as a close ally of incoming President Donald Trump, the government would not want to shut the door on SpaceX. If the firm and the Indian government can indeed find a middle ground on regulatory issues, Starlink might find its way in. In the early days of the new Trump presidency, the government is not keen to take decisions in a hurry. Musk has been a big investor in China and there may be little merit in nixing Starlink right now. This does pose a competitive challenge, but the threat of global biggies swamping Indian players has not always come to pass as domestic businesses up their game.

Ozempic Caution

The use of ‘wonder drug’ Ozempic to control Type 2 diabetes has spread rapidly with well-known Indian doctors and hospitals prescribing the formulation that also reduces obesity. The injectable drug mimics a natural hormone that regulates insulin release, appetite and food intake. It prompts the pancreas to increase insulin supply and reduces the liver’s production of sugar which dampens appetite. Government medical institutions are, however, yet to prescribe Ozempic given its considerable impact on human bio-chemistry. Long-term studies are needed to understand implications, feel officials who advocate a careful evaluation. Ozempic has been cleared by the US FDA but has approval only as a Diabetes Type 2 treatment and not for controlling obesity.

China’s HPMV Worries

Reports of a new viral outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HPMV) in China are being monitored by Indian research laboratories, based on reports gathered by the National Centre for Disease Control from its district monitoring mechanism. So far, there has been no uptick in respiratory diseases. Chinese spokespersons have attributed the virus outbreak to increased infections during winter. Indian specialists point out HPMV is not an uncommon respiratory virus causing common cold and sometimes flu-like symptoms. With WHO and China still arguing over the origins of Covid, there are concerns about transparency not only outside China but within as well. Chinese citizens have borne the brunt of unending lockdowns and are wary of official claims.

Kejriwal vs Congress

Congress has sent a strong signal to AAP and Delhi’s electorate by fielding former Delhi University student union president and former head of NSUI, Alka Lamba, against Chief Minister Atishi, and former MP Sandeep Dikshit against Arvind Kejriwal. These decisions indicate Congress wants to present itself as a serious player. Ajay Maken has attacked Kejriwal, calling him bereft of any ideology except that of personal gain. The barbs have hit home as Kejriwal has turned his ire on Congress and AAP has demanded that the party be expelled from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Now, it was AAP that first announced there would be no alliance with Congress. It is now realising that Congress is not so marginalised after all and in a high-stakes election, even a few percentage points in vote tallies can make all the difference.

Manipur Message

Security operations in Manipur continue to face serious challenges but the administration, backed by the Centre, is taking resolute measures to vacate no-go zones established by self-styled groups claiming to represent either tribal or Meitei interests. In a recent instance, a bunker set up by a pro-Kuki group was removed and replaced by a Central paramilitary unit that assured residents it was not taking instructions from the state police. These measures are being pursued alongside a clear political messaging that there will be no division of Manipur along administrative lines granting enhanced autonomy to tribal areas. Both sides need to reconcile themselves to the fact that the state’s integrity will be maintained. The continuance of Chief Minister N Biren Singh is also part of this strategy as it signals the Centre will not succumb to pressure tactics.

BJP Puzzle

The puzzle over the next BJP chief continues to engage Delhi’s grapevine. All combinations along caste and regional lines or on gender are in the air with no one the wiser. The question is regularly asked in informal media interactions with BJP leaders and while some are ready to play along and offer various possibilities, while scrupulously avoiding names, others simply point out that the matter is above their pay grade. When former President Ram Nath Kovind’s successor was being discussed, the speculation proved wide off the mark. Now, the entire list of BJP’s national executive is being scanned to consider likely names.

AAPArvind KejriwalBJPChinaCongressDelhi Assembly ElectionElon Musknational politcsStarlink