A billion people in India have no spending money.
Meanwhile, US consumers are being urged to not spend for one day.
“The Intersection” is your bi-weekly briefing on global affairs, social innovation, culture, and design—offering fresh insights through the lenses of sustainable development, women-centered perspectives, and emerging global trends. The aim? To keep you informed, curious, and always ready with a compelling conversation starter at the dinner table.’’
Ukraine has reached a preliminary agreement granting the US access to its rare earth mineral deposits, a move President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes will pave the way for further deals—though no American security guarantees have been secured. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump framed the arrangement as a way for US taxpayers to recoup aid sent to Kyiv while ensuring Ukraine can continue its fight against Russia. Zelensky is expected to meet with Trump in Washington on Friday to sign the deal.
On Tuesday, the US House narrowly passed a Republican budget resolution that calls for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and a $2 trillion reduction in federal spending over a decade. The resolution also aims to increase spending on border security, the judiciary, and defense by roughly $300 billion. However, they still need to determine which federal programs would be slashed to finance a huge tax cut that would provide its most significant benefits to wealthy Americans.
Germans headed to the polls on Sunday in a landmark election dominated by concerns over migration, the economy, and the war in Ukraine, delivering the highest voter turnout since reunification in 1990. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, secured victory, ousting Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) in a decisive shift. Notably, young voters gravitated towards the political fringes, splitting their support between the left-wing Die Linke and the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which nearly doubled its share of the vote since 2021—an unsettling signal of the electorate’s growing discontent.
The UK announced increased defense spending and a cut in foreign aid ahead of Prime Minister Starmer’s meeting with Trump. Starmer said he would raise military spending from 2.3% of Britain’s GDP to 2.5% by 2027 and 2.6% the following year. This will be partially funded by reducing international development spending, which will now fall from 0.5% of Britain’s GDP to 0.3% in the coming years.
A one-month status update on Trump’s executive orders that affect LGBTQ+ people and women.
A trial opened in England on Monday for three men accused of orchestrating the audacious 2019 heist of an 18-karat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The fully functional artwork, titled America by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was insured for $6 million before a group of thieves allegedly rammed stolen vehicles into the UNESCO-listed estate and made off with it. Prosecutors believe the toilet was swiftly dismantled and sold for scrap, flushing away any chance of recovery.
Istanbul, a city of 17 million and growing, faces an escalating water crisis as rapid urban expansion strains its fragile reserves. Once a haven for wildlife, the wetlands of Şile—now absorbed into greater Istanbul—have suffered under unchecked development, with rivers lined in concrete and natural water retention lost. This microcosm reflects a broader challenge: reservoirs dropping to perilous lows, warnings of imminent shortages, and a population outpacing infrastructure. While the city's historic aqueducts and cisterns once sustained it, today’s solutions—such as diverting water from rural villages—merely shift the burden, damaging agriculture and displacing communities. Researchers and conservationists advocate for alternative approaches, including rainwater harvesting and sponge city initiatives, yet political inertia stalls meaningful action. The challenge is not just engineering but governance—balancing modern urban demands with lessons from the past before Istanbul’s long-running battle with water scarcity reaches a breaking point.
India and Japan are positioning themselves as key partners in Africa’s sustainable and inclusive development. Speaking at the Japan-India-Africa business forum, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that Africa’s growth is not just a regional concern but a driver of global stability and economic progress. Highlighting India and Japan’s complementary strengths, he underscored their commitment to long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships, in contrast to the extractive models of engagement that have drawn scrutiny—an implicit nod to China’s debt-driven investments in the continent. India, Jaishankar noted, prioritizes capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer, ensuring that African nations are not merely recipients of investment but architects of their own economic futures.
Washington’s latest move at the UN—a rare vote alongside Russia against a resolution condemning Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine—marks a striking departure from past U.S. policy. The resolution, hardly radical, acknowledged the war’s devastation and called for peace, yet even this was too much for President Trump, who sought a watered-down alternative that omitted Russia’s culpability. Kyiv refused, leaving the U.S. aligned with the world’s rogues rather than its allies. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron signaled Europe’s willingness to send peacekeepers—contingent on U.S. guarantees. But if Washington won’t even name the aggressor, can it be trusted to uphold peace?
Kuwait is making steady strides in sustainable development, with a new GCC-Stat report highlighting its full achievement in key SDG indicators, including universal birth registration, proportion of births attended by qualified medical personnel, and 100 percent access to essential services and hazardous waste treatment. These milestones align with Kuwait Vision 2035, an ambitious roadmap positioning the nation as a global financial hub through economic diversification, infrastructure investment, and human capital development. With a GDP per capita of $36,700 and significant government spending on clean energy, technology, and education, Kuwait ranks among the top globally in ICT and fiscal policy. Flagship projects such as the Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex and sustainable health cities reinforce its commitment to innovation and resilience, ensuring long-term prosperity in an evolving regional landscape.
The so-called “Feb 28 Economic Blackout” urges Americans to pause all non-essential spending for 24 hours—a digital-age protest against soaring prices and corporate excess. Led by The People’s Union USA, the movement targets retail giants, fast food chains, and e-commerce behemoths, reflecting growing frustration as executive pay balloons while household budgets tighten. Whether a one-day boycott will jolt corporate boardrooms is uncertain, but the message is clear: consumers are paying attention—and they’re fed up. The directive is simple: no Amazon, no Walmart, no Best Buy, no gas, and no fast food, with exceptions only for essential purchases made in cash at small, local businesses. Beyond the blackout, organizers are planning week-long protests against major retailers, starting with Amazon in March, followed by Nestlé and Walmart. Meanwhile, in a separate move, Black faith leaders have announced a 40-day boycott of Target during Lent, a reaction to the retailer’s retreat from DEI initiatives. Whether these economic protests amount to a fleeting moment of online activism or a genuine reckoning for corporate America remains to be seen—but for now, wallets are doing the talking.
The US Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments today for a case that could reshape workplace discrimination law, potentially paving the way for a surge of lawsuits from white, male, and straight employees. Marlean Ames, a former Ohio state administrator, claims she was demoted and replaced by a gay man due to her sexual orientation, challenging the precedent that members of majority groups face a higher legal bar in bias claims. With the court’s conservative majority likely to favor Ames, the ruling could weaken diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives already under pressure from the Trump administration. The case has drawn support from America First Legal, the group led by Trump ally Stephen Miller, which argues that major corporations have unlawfully favored minority hires while excluding white, male, and heterosexual applicants. Opponents counter that systemic discrimination still overwhelmingly affects marginalized groups, making so-called "reverse discrimination" claims a rarity. The decision, which hinges on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, could redefine the scope of workplace protections established during the civil rights movement.
Thousands of homelessness providers in the US are in limbo as they await $3.6 billion in federal funding, with HUD’s deep staffing cuts and bureaucratic delays raising fears of service disruptions. Shelters, crisis hotlines, and veteran housing programs—many reliant on these funds—are already dipping into reserves to stay afloat. While HUD insists the process is on track, the silence is deafening for those on the ground. A funding freeze could force evictions, close shelters, and leave the most vulnerable without support. If Washington can’t get its act together, it won’t be bureaucrats who suffer—it’ll be the people already on the brink. For example, HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program has become a critical tool for preserving aging affordable housing options across America.
While Washington clings to the old “drill, baby, drill” refrain, the financial markets are singing a different tune—one that favors clean energy over fossil fuels. The latest Carbon Clean200 list, compiled by As You Sow and Corporate Knights, highlights 200 publicly traded companies driving the global shift to sustainability, generating $2.5 trillion in revenue from fossil fuel-free products and services. These companies, spanning 35 countries, have consistently outperformed their fossil-fuel-heavy counterparts, with returns nearly double those of the MSCI ACWI Energy Index since 2016. Tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla lead the charge, alongside industrial powerhouses from China, Germany, and France. The data signals a broader economic shift: sustainable revenues and capital expenditures are growing at more than twice the pace of conventional business models. “The clean energy future of eight years ago is now the clean energy present,” notes Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow, emphasizing that financial markets, rather than politics, are driving the transition. The Clean200 excludes firms tied to fossil fuels, weapons, and other contentious sectors, reinforcing its vision of a regenerative economy built on sustainability and justice. As the sector continues its meteoric rise, one thing is clear: the clean energy revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here.
TikTok is upping its environmental game with a bold partnership with Climeworks, committing to remove 5,100 tonnes of CO₂ by 2030 through a mix of Direct Air Capture, biochar, and reforestation. This deal highlights the growing trend of companies diversifying their carbon removal strategies to meet net-zero goals and hedge against future price fluctuations. Ian Gill, TikTok’s Global Head of Sustainability, praises Climeworks for providing a high-quality, sustainable solution that aligns with the platform’s commitment to carbon neutrality. With the rise of eco-conscious business practices, TikTok is taking its place at the forefront of the green tech movement.
Qatar is set to invest $10 billion in India across key sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and logistics, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This landmark investment significantly boosts bilateral economic relations, highlighting India’s growing appeal as a hub for Foreign Direct Investment. The commitment, made during the Amir’s first visit to India in a decade, underscores the strong collaboration between the two nations as they explore a potential free trade agreement and deepen ties in infrastructure, food security, and more.
India’s economic growth narrative has long been punctuated by the promise of a rising middle class, but a closer look reveals a starkly different reality. A new report from Blume Ventures estimates that only 130-140 million Indians—comparable to the population of Mexico—truly belong to the consuming class, while a billion people remain locked out of discretionary spending. Even the so-called “emerging” consumers are hesitant spenders, reliant on easy credit that is now being reined in by the central bank. Rather than broadening, India’s wealth is concentrating, fueling a wave of premiumisation—evident in the booming sales of luxury housing, high-end smartphones, and pricey concert tickets, while mass-market goods struggle. This K-shaped recovery is not a post-pandemic anomaly but a deepening structural trend: the top 10% of Indians now command nearly 58% of national income, up from 34% in 1990, while the bottom half have seen their share shrink dramatically. Wage stagnation, a collapse in household savings, and the looming specter of AI-driven job displacement only add to the headwinds. If India’s middle class continues to erode, the country’s consumption-driven economy risks losing its most vital engine.
T: The New York Times Style Magazine tasked a panel of fashion insiders with distilling a century’s worth of shoes and handbags into a definitive list of 25 influential designs. The criteria? The piece had to be created after 1925 and sold in stores—a pragmatic filter that still left plenty of room for debate. The resulting selection reads like a greatest-hits album of accessories: Maison Margiela’s Tabi Boot (1988), L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote (1965), Birkenstock’s Arizona Sandal (1973), and Telfar’s Shopping Bag (2014), proving that influence isn’t just about exclusivity, but cultural endurance. Some picks were non-negotiable—Fendi’s 1997 Baguette, for example, or Nike’s Air Jordan 1 (1985), which blurred the line between sport and style. Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquière was the only designer to secure two spots, with his 2001 Le City bag and 2007 “Lego” heels, a testament to his futuristic vision.
Spanning nearly every decade since the 1930s (though curiously skipping the 1940s and 2020s), the list reflects fashion’s shifting priorities—from utility to excess and back again. Naturally, the discussion grew particularly animated around the 1990s and early aughts, the golden age of the It bag, when a well-placed designer accessory could launch a thousand waitlists. And if there were ever a pop culture moment to cement the era’s handbag hysteria, it’s Sex and the City’s infamous mugging scene, where Carrie Bradshaw, faced with the prospect of losing her prized Fendi, doesn’t just surrender her bag—she corrects the thief: “It’s a Baguette.” Some fashion moments are fleeting, but the right accessory? That’s forever.
High in the Himalayas of Nepal, snow leopards prowl the rugged landscape, their elusive presence both revered and resented by local herders. These apex predators, driven by dwindling wild prey, often turn to livestock, leaving farmers with devastating losses and little choice but retaliation. However, in the remote district of Dolpa, conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama is rewriting the script with an approach that enlists local women to safeguard both their animals and the snow leopards. With support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy, she has distributed solar-powered deterrent lights and, more significantly, pioneered predator-proof corrals—sturdy enclosures designed and built by herders themselves, with women taking the lead in transporting materials and constructing the barriers. The initiative mirrors successful models in India and Mongolia, where reinforced enclosures have drastically reduced livestock killings.
Beyond physical protection, Tshiring is cultivating economic alternatives, launching Snow Leopard Journey, a boutique tourism enterprise that funnels profits back into conservation. Inspired by Ladakh’s sustainable tourism model, her initiative trains local guides—many of them women—to lead expeditions, creating a financial incentive for coexisting with these rare cats. Yet challenges remain: high-altitude logistics, funding constraints, and deep-seated cultural attitudes take time to shift. But in Dolpa, a quiet transformation is underway—one where women are at the forefront, not just as guardians of their herds but as stewards of an ecosystem in balance.
Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000) was more than just a captivating Hollywood starlet—she was a woman of extraordinary intellect and ingenuity. Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna in 1914, she was drawn to performance from an early age, winning a beauty contest at 12 and later forging a path into the film industry. After early roles in European cinema, including the controversial Ecstasy (1933), she fled an oppressive marriage to arms dealer Friedrich Mandl and sought a new life in Hollywood. There, she was discovered by MGM’s Louis B. Mayer, who rebranded her as Hedy Lamarr and marketed her as the “world’s most beautiful woman.” Her striking presence and exotic allure made her a cinematic sensation in films such as Algiers (1938) and Samson and Delilah (1949), solidifying her as a screen siren of the Golden Age.
Yet, beyond the silver screen, Lamarr possessed a restless curiosity and a scientific mind that set her apart from her peers. At the height of World War II, she co-invented a groundbreaking radio guidance system for torpedoes alongside composer George Antheil. The technology, based on frequency hopping to prevent enemy interception, was far ahead of its time and later became the foundation for modern wireless communication, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Though unrecognized for her contributions during her lifetime, Lamarr’s work in engineering demonstrated a profound understanding of applied science—an interest sparked in childhood conversations with her banker father about the mechanics of everyday objects.
Despite her glamour and success, Lamarr was an enigmatic figure, often at odds with Hollywood’s expectations. She disliked the shallowness of celebrity life and spent much of her time in solitude, immersed in intellectual pursuits. While she never received the scientific recognition she deserved during her lifetime, her legacy endures, both as an icon of classic cinema and a pioneering inventor whose work quietly reshaped modern technology. In later years, as her film career faded, Lamarr withdrew from public life, yet her impact remains unmistakable—a woman whose brilliance extended far beyond her beauty.
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