Economist Podcasts
The club rules? India’s RSS
Dec 23, 2024
Avantika Chilkoti, a global business correspondent for The Economist, shares her insights after attending the annual gathering of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur. She delves into the dual nature of the RSS as both a community for young men and a force behind rising Hindu nationalism in India. The complex ties between RSS and Prime Minister Modi reveal the organization's influence on policy. The episode also discusses a shift towards scientific innovation in the Gulf and introduces the intriguing word 'cacostocracy' as the word of the year.
23:30
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Quick takeaways
- The Rashtriya Swayam Sevaksang significantly influences Indian nationalism and politics, with strong connections to the ruling BJP and its policies.
- Gulf countries are transitioning from oil dependency to a focus on scientific research and innovation to address regional challenges and foster growth.
Deep dives
The Rise of Scientific Research in the Gulf
The Gulf states are shifting their economic focus from fossil fuels to scientific research and innovation, aiming to spearhead a new Islamic golden age in science. Historically, the region has seen a lack of significant investment in research and development, with the UAE spending only about 1.5% of its GDP, compared to nearly 3% for other affluent nations. To address this, Gulf nations are implementing new diversification strategies that combine government initiatives with academic and private sector collaboration. Areas of research are being targeted to solve local challenges, such as developing water-efficient materials and precision medicine for prevalent health issues in the region.
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