A Vote on the Debt Deal

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Your Thursday Briefing: ‘False Alarm’ in South Korea

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Macron urges West to give Ukraine ‘tangible and credible’ security guarantees.

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Defense start-ups get praise in Ukraine, but face challenges at home.

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What’s in the bill: spending cuts, work requirements for food stamps and more.

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Your Wednesday Briefing: Drone Strikes on Moscow

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Officials Discover What Turned Venice’s Grand Canal Green

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Where to Find Family-Style Dining, and More Reader Questions

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Midnights’ (Lindsay’s Version)

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Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Has Dementia

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Congrats, You Made the French Open. You Get to Play Djokovic and Alcaraz.

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La huida de un desertor ruso presenta un dilema para Noruega

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Texas Lawmakers Pass Ban on D.E.I. Programs at State Universities

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How to Get Absolutely No Sun This Summer

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Kenya announces it will sign a new trade deal with Russia.

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A Way to Play Things

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Erdogan is re-elected as Turkey’s president, fending off a tough challenge.

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Everton Saved Its Premier League Status. But for How Long?

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Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Kyiv Since War Began

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U-Haul

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Who is Nate Paul, the donor at the center of the case?

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Impeachment is rare in Texas.

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Hard-Right Republicans Gird for ‘War’ on Debt Ceiling Deal

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It was a quiet scene, at least at first, outside the State Capitol.

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Trump calls impeachment proceedings against Ken Paxton ‘very unfair.’

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A Debt Deal May Be Near, but the Drama Is Not Over

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Sedition Sentence for Oath Keepers Leader Marks Moment of Accountability

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Map: Tracking Typhoon Mawar

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Evan Gershkovich, the American reporter Russia accuses of spying, appeals the extension of his detention.

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Debt Ceiling Crisis: How a Default Could Unfold

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Debt Limit Crisis Looms as First Big Test for New Democratic Leader

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Your Friday Briefing: What to Expect in Turkey’s Runoff

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How to Make the Juiciest, Most Succulent Grilled Chicken

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Living the Golden Life: DanceAfrica Welcomes Ghana to Brooklyn

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Fans Remember Tina Turner as a Resilient Trailblazer

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The Strategic Fashioning of Casey DeSantis

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After France Bans Short Domestic Flights, It’s Business as Usual

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One Man Cycled From India To Europe To Meet His Wife. Read His Story

Charlotte Von Schedvin met Indian artist PK Mahanandia in Delhi in 1975. Ms Schedvin travelled all the way from Sweden to India after she heard about Mr Mahanandia's art and decided to get her portrait made by him.

Dr Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia had just started making a name for himself as an artist. He was a poor art student at the College of Art in Delhi.

As luck would have it, both of them fell in love with each other while Mr Mahanandia was making her portrait. He fell in love with her beauty and she fell in love with his simplicity.

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By the time Ms Von Schedvin had to leave, the duo decided to get married. In an old interview with BBC, Mr Mahanandia said, "She wore a sari when she met my father for the first time. I still don't know how she managed. With blessings from my father and family, we got married according to tribal tradition."

As the time for her departure neared, she asked her husband to accompany her. However, Ms Mahanandia had to finish his studies first. She made him promise that he would follow her to her home in the Swedish textile town of Boras.

The two kept in touch through letters.

After one year, when he planned to visit Ms Von Schedvin, he realised he did not have enough money to buy an air ticket. He sold everything he owned and bought a bicycle.

During the course of the next four months, he crossed Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. His cycle broke down many times on the way and he even had to go on without food for days. But nothing could break his will.

He started his journey on January 22, 1977, and he would cycle for around 70 km every day.

"Art came to my rescue. I made portraits of people and some gave me money, while others gave me food and shelter," he told BBC.

He reached Europe on May 28- via Istanbul and Vienna, and then travelled to Gothenburg by train.

The two officially got married in Sweden.

"I had no idea about European culture. It was all new to me, but she supported me at every step. She is just a special person. I am still in love just as I was in 1975," he told BBC.

The couple now lives in Sweden with their two children and he continues to work as an artist.

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Charlotte Von Schedvin met Indian artist PK Mahanandia in Delhi in 1975. Ms Schedvin travelled all the way from Sweden to India after she heard about Mr Mahanandia's art and decided to get her portrait made by him.

Dr Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia had just started making a name for himself as an artist. He was a poor art student at the College of Art in Delhi.

As luck would have it, both of them fell in love with each other while Mr Mahanandia was making her portrait. He fell in love with her beauty and she fell in love with his simplicity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @mignonettetakespictures

By the time Ms Von Schedvin had to leave, the duo decided to get married. In an old interview with BBC, Mr Mahanandia said, "She wore a sari when she met my father for the first time. I still don't know how she managed. With blessings from my father and family, we got married according to tribal tradition."

As the time for her departure neared, she asked her husband to accompany her. However, Ms Mahanandia had to finish his studies first. She made him promise that he would follow her to her home in the Swedish textile town of Boras.

The two kept in touch through letters.

After one year, when he planned to visit Ms Von Schedvin, he realised he did not have enough money to buy an air ticket. He sold everything he owned and bought a bicycle.

During the course of the next four months, he crossed Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. His cycle broke down many times on the way and he even had to go on without food for days. But nothing could break his will.

He started his journey on January 22, 1977, and he would cycle for around 70 km every day.

"Art came to my rescue. I made portraits of people and some gave me money, while others gave me food and shelter," he told BBC.

He reached Europe on May 28- via Istanbul and Vienna, and then travelled to Gothenburg by train.

The two officially got married in Sweden.

"I had no idea about European culture. It was all new to me, but she supported me at every step. She is just a special person. I am still in love just as I was in 1975," he told BBC.

The couple now lives in Sweden with their two children and he continues to work as an artist.

‘Demons’ Review: Grief Is the Thing With Red Fur

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Gill's Comment To Kohli's Emotional Post After RCB's Exit Is Pure Gold

Royal Challengers Bangalore stalwart Virat Kohli penned a heartfelt post after the end of the team's IPL 2023 campaign and the comment on it from Shubman Gill was gold. After losing to Gujarat Titans in a must-win game on Sunday, RCB got eliminated from the playoff race of IPL 2023. A win would have taken RCB to the playoffs, but a loss to them helped Mumbai Indians join Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the top-4 in points table at the end of league stage.

"A season which had it's moments but unfortunately we fell short of the goal. Disappointed but we must hold our heads high. To our loyal supporters, grateful for backing us every step of the way. A big thank you to the coaches, management and my teammates. We aim to be back stronger," wrote Kohli on Instagram

On this, Gill commented with a crown emoji, certainly describing Kohli as a king.

See it here:

Gill reaffirmed his status as Kohli's heir apparent with a magnificent hundred as GT knocked RCB out of IPL with a six-wicket win, allowing Rohit Sharma's MI to sneak through as the fourth team in the play-offs in Bengaluru on Sunday.

After Kohli scored a 61-ball 101 in RCB's 197 for five, it looked like the best effort on the day but Gill, who will be the torchbearer of Indian batting for the next 10 years, showed that he is better than the best. What Kohli did well, Gill did that better as his unbeaten 104 off 52 balls saw Titans chase down the target with elan. Like former India captain Kohli, this was Gill's second successive hundred.

(With PTI Inputs)

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Royal Challengers Bangalore stalwart Virat Kohli penned a heartfelt post after the end of the team's IPL 2023 campaign and the comment on it from Shubman Gill was gold. After losing to Gujarat Titans in a must-win game on Sunday, RCB got eliminated from the playoff race of IPL 2023. A win would have taken RCB to the playoffs, but a loss to them helped Mumbai Indians join Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the top-4 in points table at the end of league stage.

"A season which had it's moments but unfortunately we fell short of the goal. Disappointed but we must hold our heads high. To our loyal supporters, grateful for backing us every step of the way. A big thank you to the coaches, management and my teammates. We aim to be back stronger," wrote Kohli on Instagram

On this, Gill commented with a crown emoji, certainly describing Kohli as a king.

See it here:

Gill reaffirmed his status as Kohli's heir apparent with a magnificent hundred as GT knocked RCB out of IPL with a six-wicket win, allowing Rohit Sharma's MI to sneak through as the fourth team in the play-offs in Bengaluru on Sunday.

After Kohli scored a 61-ball 101 in RCB's 197 for five, it looked like the best effort on the day but Gill, who will be the torchbearer of Indian batting for the next 10 years, showed that he is better than the best. What Kohli did well, Gill did that better as his unbeaten 104 off 52 balls saw Titans chase down the target with elan. Like former India captain Kohli, this was Gill's second successive hundred.

(With PTI Inputs)

Harlan Crow Declines to Provide Information Sought by Senate Democrats

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DeSantis Set to Announce 2024 Run on Twitter With Elon Musk

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"Media Free In Jammu And Kashmir": Lt Governor Amid G20 Meet

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, today said the media in Union territory is "absolutely free" – a matter on which questions have been raised at both national and international level.

"According to an international organisation's report, seven journalists in Kashmir were arrested on charges of terrorism and disturbing social harmony, not for their reporting. This number is 10 to 20 times more anywhere in the world," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Raj Bhavan.

The media in Jammu and Kashmir is free and active, he said. "More than 400 newspapers are published here," he said.

Since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a lot of transformation, he added.

That year, the decades-old special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the constitution was removed and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories.

"Today's J&K is not a land of hartals or stone pelters. It is a land of peace and prosperity, which the responsible and responsive administration is trying hard to bring into the lives of the people. J&K is governed by the Constitution of India, which has laid down the rule of law, established the supremacy of the government and the people," Mr Sinha said.

This is the first time a huge international event is being held in Srinagar. The city is almost open barring few traffic restrictions on the Boulevard Road which leads to SKICC, the venue of the G20 meet.

Earlier today, the Lieutenant Governor attended the third working group meeting of G20 on tourism and did not mince words while attacking Pakistan for its stand on G20.

"I think our neighbouring country should make arrangements for food and basic amenities for its people. We have come a long way from there. G20 is a matter of pride for us," Mr Sinha told reporters.

Delegates from 27 countries are participating in the tourism working group.

"We wanted to take the delegates to Gulmarg. But due to some reason, we could not do so this time," Mr Sinha said. Those who still want to go would be taken to the famous ski resort of North Kashmir, he added.

Mr Sinha also underscored that the success of the G20 meet proves that Jammu and Kashmir can host international events. "We are capable of hosting any international event. If there are any shortcomings, we have inherited them. We have picked up pace, but it will take time to fill the void of 70 years," he said.

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The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, today said the media in Union territory is "absolutely free" – a matter on which questions have been raised at both national and international level.

"According to an international organisation's report, seven journalists in Kashmir were arrested on charges of terrorism and disturbing social harmony, not for their reporting. This number is 10 to 20 times more anywhere in the world," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Raj Bhavan.

The media in Jammu and Kashmir is free and active, he said. "More than 400 newspapers are published here," he said.

Since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a lot of transformation, he added.

That year, the decades-old special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the constitution was removed and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories.

"Today's J&K is not a land of hartals or stone pelters. It is a land of peace and prosperity, which the responsible and responsive administration is trying hard to bring into the lives of the people. J&K is governed by the Constitution of India, which has laid down the rule of law, established the supremacy of the government and the people," Mr Sinha said.

This is the first time a huge international event is being held in Srinagar. The city is almost open barring few traffic restrictions on the Boulevard Road which leads to SKICC, the venue of the G20 meet.

Earlier today, the Lieutenant Governor attended the third working group meeting of G20 on tourism and did not mince words while attacking Pakistan for its stand on G20.

"I think our neighbouring country should make arrangements for food and basic amenities for its people. We have come a long way from there. G20 is a matter of pride for us," Mr Sinha told reporters.

Delegates from 27 countries are participating in the tourism working group.

"We wanted to take the delegates to Gulmarg. But due to some reason, we could not do so this time," Mr Sinha said. Those who still want to go would be taken to the famous ski resort of North Kashmir, he added.

Mr Sinha also underscored that the success of the G20 meet proves that Jammu and Kashmir can host international events. "We are capable of hosting any international event. If there are any shortcomings, we have inherited them. We have picked up pace, but it will take time to fill the void of 70 years," he said.

The Brilliance of Blur

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Buffaloes Take A Morning Dip In UK Pool, Cost Couple Rs 25 Lakh

A video is going viral on social media which shows a herd of escaped buffaloes wrecking a couple's new swimming pool- by taking a dip. The 18 buffaloes escaped from a nearby farm and took a morning dip into the Essex swimming pool, reported BBC.

The CCTV footage captured the moment the animals fell through the pool cover and caused damage of 25,000 pounds (Rs 25,00, 000).

Andy and Lynette Smith, who are retired told Guardian that eight of the buffaloes ended up falling into the 70,000 pounds pool and triggered a stampede that ruined the fencing and flower beds. The animals were rescued later and were unharmed.

It's hot but it's not that hot! Moment herd of escaped water #buffalo stampede through couple's garden and take dip in their swimming pool - causing £25,000 in damage to their Colchester #Essex home pic.twitter.com/uYM8kZpwgP

— Hans Solo (@thandojo) May 23, 2023

The incident happened last year in July when electric fencing failed, allowing the herd to breach a wooden fence and hedge separating their field from the Smiths' garden.

"When my wife went to make the morning tea, she glanced out of the kitchen window and saw eight buffaloes in the pool," Andy Smith told Guardian. "She called 999 and was told the fire brigade doesn't accept hoax calls. It took some persuading to get them to take us seriously. When they arrived, one of the buffaloes, spooked by their hi-vis jackets, headed straight at them."

A spokesperson from NFU Mutual Insurance said that the claim had been "settled and paid".

They said, "We apologise for the delay in paying this claim and in particular the initial wait for an inspector's visit, which took too long and fell short of our usual standards."

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A video is going viral on social media which shows a herd of escaped buffaloes wrecking a couple's new swimming pool- by taking a dip. The 18 buffaloes escaped from a nearby farm and took a morning dip into the Essex swimming pool, reported BBC.

The CCTV footage captured the moment the animals fell through the pool cover and caused damage of 25,000 pounds (Rs 25,00, 000).

Andy and Lynette Smith, who are retired told Guardian that eight of the buffaloes ended up falling into the 70,000 pounds pool and triggered a stampede that ruined the fencing and flower beds. The animals were rescued later and were unharmed.

It's hot but it's not that hot! Moment herd of escaped water #buffalo stampede through couple's garden and take dip in their swimming pool - causing £25,000 in damage to their Colchester #Essex home pic.twitter.com/uYM8kZpwgP

— Hans Solo (@thandojo) May 23, 2023

The incident happened last year in July when electric fencing failed, allowing the herd to breach a wooden fence and hedge separating their field from the Smiths' garden.

"When my wife went to make the morning tea, she glanced out of the kitchen window and saw eight buffaloes in the pool," Andy Smith told Guardian. "She called 999 and was told the fire brigade doesn't accept hoax calls. It took some persuading to get them to take us seriously. When they arrived, one of the buffaloes, spooked by their hi-vis jackets, headed straight at them."

A spokesperson from NFU Mutual Insurance said that the claim had been "settled and paid".

They said, "We apologise for the delay in paying this claim and in particular the initial wait for an inspector's visit, which took too long and fell short of our usual standards."

Rick Wolff, Sports Radio Host and Much More, Is Dead at 71

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The Welfare Debate Stalling the Debt Talks

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Erdogan Secures Endorsement of Former Rival for President

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Opinion: A Big Shift In How We Define Infrastructure

As society evolves, the interpretation and understanding of key concepts that shape societal discourse also change. This evolution is driven by the shift in moral values, ethical frameworks, technological advancements, and the emergence of new branches of knowledge, which can significantly alter the meanings of previously established ideas.

For example, Thomas More's "Utopia", published in 1516, presents an idealised vision of a society where shared resources and communal living are the foundation of social harmony. This groundbreaking work was designed as a critique of the European socio-political structures of the time. Yet, as we traverse the temporal gradient, our perception of "Utopia" has experienced a profound metamorphosis. In the context of today's society, More's "Utopia" transcends its original intent, evolving into a symbol of our mutating societal values and ethics. This transformation demonstrates how our understanding of pivotal concepts evolves over time, showing that societal understanding can adapt to relentless change.

The evolution of the definition of infrastructure is no exception.

The way the world defines infrastructure has also gone through a sea change, which stands as a powerful testament to this phenomenon. The global understanding of what constitutes infrastructure has indeed undergone a seismic shift. 

Infrastructure is traditionally conceptualised as the basic physical and institutional structures, amenities, and networks required for the functioning of a community or commercial entity. This includes vital, extensive, and capital-heavy tangible assets like highways, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, airports, seaports, electricity generation and transmission infrastructures, water supply and waste management systems, and telecommunication networks. Because of their significant impact on economic activities and the facilitation of societal linkages, these assets are frequently considered public goods and are commonly provided by government entities.

This conventional definition predominantly concentrates on the quantifiable, 'hard' assets indispensable for socio-economic operations, often neglecting the 'soft' facets such as social services, digital integration, or aspects related to environmental sustainability.

This perspective is also corroborated by the type of data historically collected and maintained by institutions like the World Bank. Specifically, the World Bank's "World Stocks Infrastructure (1950-95)" database, prepared by David Canning, offers a telling example. This database catalogued only six measures of infrastructure stocks across 152 countries: (1) number of telephones, (2) number of telephone lines, (3) kilowatts of electricity-generation capacity, (4) kilometres of roads, (5) kilometres of paved roads, and (6) kilometres of railway lines. Evidently, the overarching definition of infrastructure during this period primarily concentrated on physical infrastructure, substantiating the traditional viewpoint.

Similarly, the World Development Report (1994), Infrastructure for Development, defined economic infrastructure as public utilities (power, telecommunications, piped water supply, etc.), public works (roads, dams, canals), and other transport sectors. 

The limited scope of the term "infrastructure" persisted even into the early 2000s, where it remained largely synonymous with physical entities such as roads, railroads, telecommunications, electricity, water and sanitation systems, ports, airports, and canals. This restricted understanding is clear in a 2003 World Bank policy working paper titled 'Investing in Infrastructure: What is needed from 2000 to 2010.' Even this document, tasked with outlining the upcoming decade's infrastructure needs, was primarily focused on these traditional types of infrastructure, reinforcing the prevailing mindset of the era.

On a side note, the government's role in providing traditional infrastructure has been and continues to be both significant and broadly acknowledged. The extent of government involvement fluctuates according to the specific circumstances, community dynamics, and the nature of the infrastructure resource at hand. This pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the infrastructural backbone of our societies is a testament to the public sector's crucial role. Previously, the onus of infrastructure development fell squarely on the government's shoulders. However, the private sector is now emerging as a pivotal contributor to the infrastructure sector.

Infrastructure development, despite being integral to a nation's socioeconomic progression, is not always viewed as the exclusive obligation of the government. There are several compelling reasons.
First, the scale of infrastructure required to meet the growing demands of population growth, urbanisation, and economic expansion frequently exceeds the financial abilities of numerous administrations. In this situation, it is often necessary for the private sector to be involved, and this is achieved through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, the concept of developmental investing, which involves private investors participating in infrastructure development for both profits and societal benefits, is on the rise. Last, historical data suggests that a hands-off governmental approach, which allocates infrastructure decisions entirely to the private sector, does not spur sustained economic growth. This highlights the need for a harmonious equilibrium between public and private investments.

We must turn our attention once again to the changing definition of infrastructure through the years. This evolution, over time, has been both substantial and profound, diversifying its scope and refining its nuances. As our society progresses, the concept of infrastructure has broadened to include a greater variety of elements. In recent times, there has been a shift from providing a specific asset to addressing broader societal needs. Infrastructure today encompasses a network of collaborative and flexible partnerships amongst investors, operators, and owners, departing from the traditional centralized approach.

In the investment landscape, sector-specific funds have emerged over the past few years, concentrating on areas such as water, digital technologies, mid-market ventures, core-plus, and value-added services. This development has led to a more precise delineation of what investing in infrastructure entails, thereby fostering increased specialization in the field.

Additionally, the interpretation of infrastructure has displayed a capacity to adapt to changing economic contexts. During periods of inflation, escalating interest rates, and geopolitical turmoil, investors are compelled to reassess their traditional approaches and definitions of infrastructure within their investment portfolios. The evolution of infrastructure mirrors the complex and dynamic nature of the societal, economic, and political contexts in which it is integrated.

The definition of infrastructure now also includes social infrastructure: Social infrastructure is a growing field of study within urban geography and urban studies, offering a wide range of public and community services and institutions that promote societal interactions and contribute to the functioning of society.

This change in the understanding of infrastructure has been precipitated by an increased appreciation for the role of social institutions and services in fostering a thriving and robust society. These elements, while operating outside the traditional production and distribution systems, significantly influence societal quality of life. Examples include hospitals, schools, parks, and community organizations, all of which form integral components of social infrastructure.

The significance of social infrastructure transcends mere economics. It's pivotal in nurturing civic life, fostering community participation, and fortifying social unity. In addition, the escalating need for improved social infrastructure investment stems from the vast population lacking basic amenities like sanitation, potable water, and electricity.

Moreover, the heightened attention given to social equity, environmental justice, and universal service accessibility has underscored the role of social infrastructure in determining societal outcomes. This evolution in understanding and defining infrastructure demonstrates a more holistic view, acknowledging the capacity of physical and social structures to support and sustain communities.

In the contemporary context, elements such as Digital Public Goods (DPGs) are emerging as essential components of digital public infrastructure. They offer open-source tools and resources that are instrumental in implementing diverse systems and services within nations. This growing prominence of DPGs as a vital part of public infrastructure is a development that was scarcely conceivable even a couple of years ago, thereby illustrating the dynamic evolution of infrastructure in the digital age.

In conclusion, the definition of infrastructure has evolved significantly, reflecting the changing socioeconomic, environmental, and technological landscape. The traditional conceptualization of infrastructure as tangible, physical assets has gradually expanded to include intangible aspects like social services, digital integration, and environmental sustainability. This shift signifies a broader and more nuanced understanding of infrastructure, acknowledging its comprehensive role in fostering economic development, societal cohesion, and digital advancement. As our world continues to innovate and evolve, it is imperative that our definition of infrastructure remains fluid, adaptable and responsive to the multifaceted needs of our increasingly interconnected societies. 

Bibek Debroy is the Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) & Aditya Sinha is Additional Private Secretary (Policy & Research), EAC-PM.

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author.

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As society evolves, the interpretation and understanding of key concepts that shape societal discourse also change. This evolution is driven by the shift in moral values, ethical frameworks, technological advancements, and the emergence of new branches of knowledge, which can significantly alter the meanings of previously established ideas.

For example, Thomas More's "Utopia", published in 1516, presents an idealised vision of a society where shared resources and communal living are the foundation of social harmony. This groundbreaking work was designed as a critique of the European socio-political structures of the time. Yet, as we traverse the temporal gradient, our perception of "Utopia" has experienced a profound metamorphosis. In the context of today's society, More's "Utopia" transcends its original intent, evolving into a symbol of our mutating societal values and ethics. This transformation demonstrates how our understanding of pivotal concepts evolves over time, showing that societal understanding can adapt to relentless change.

The evolution of the definition of infrastructure is no exception.

The way the world defines infrastructure has also gone through a sea change, which stands as a powerful testament to this phenomenon. The global understanding of what constitutes infrastructure has indeed undergone a seismic shift. 

Infrastructure is traditionally conceptualised as the basic physical and institutional structures, amenities, and networks required for the functioning of a community or commercial entity. This includes vital, extensive, and capital-heavy tangible assets like highways, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, airports, seaports, electricity generation and transmission infrastructures, water supply and waste management systems, and telecommunication networks. Because of their significant impact on economic activities and the facilitation of societal linkages, these assets are frequently considered public goods and are commonly provided by government entities.

This conventional definition predominantly concentrates on the quantifiable, 'hard' assets indispensable for socio-economic operations, often neglecting the 'soft' facets such as social services, digital integration, or aspects related to environmental sustainability.

This perspective is also corroborated by the type of data historically collected and maintained by institutions like the World Bank. Specifically, the World Bank's "World Stocks Infrastructure (1950-95)" database, prepared by David Canning, offers a telling example. This database catalogued only six measures of infrastructure stocks across 152 countries: (1) number of telephones, (2) number of telephone lines, (3) kilowatts of electricity-generation capacity, (4) kilometres of roads, (5) kilometres of paved roads, and (6) kilometres of railway lines. Evidently, the overarching definition of infrastructure during this period primarily concentrated on physical infrastructure, substantiating the traditional viewpoint.

Similarly, the World Development Report (1994), Infrastructure for Development, defined economic infrastructure as public utilities (power, telecommunications, piped water supply, etc.), public works (roads, dams, canals), and other transport sectors. 

The limited scope of the term "infrastructure" persisted even into the early 2000s, where it remained largely synonymous with physical entities such as roads, railroads, telecommunications, electricity, water and sanitation systems, ports, airports, and canals. This restricted understanding is clear in a 2003 World Bank policy working paper titled 'Investing in Infrastructure: What is needed from 2000 to 2010.' Even this document, tasked with outlining the upcoming decade's infrastructure needs, was primarily focused on these traditional types of infrastructure, reinforcing the prevailing mindset of the era.

On a side note, the government's role in providing traditional infrastructure has been and continues to be both significant and broadly acknowledged. The extent of government involvement fluctuates according to the specific circumstances, community dynamics, and the nature of the infrastructure resource at hand. This pivotal role in shaping and maintaining the infrastructural backbone of our societies is a testament to the public sector's crucial role. Previously, the onus of infrastructure development fell squarely on the government's shoulders. However, the private sector is now emerging as a pivotal contributor to the infrastructure sector.

Infrastructure development, despite being integral to a nation's socioeconomic progression, is not always viewed as the exclusive obligation of the government. There are several compelling reasons.
First, the scale of infrastructure required to meet the growing demands of population growth, urbanisation, and economic expansion frequently exceeds the financial abilities of numerous administrations. In this situation, it is often necessary for the private sector to be involved, and this is achieved through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, the concept of developmental investing, which involves private investors participating in infrastructure development for both profits and societal benefits, is on the rise. Last, historical data suggests that a hands-off governmental approach, which allocates infrastructure decisions entirely to the private sector, does not spur sustained economic growth. This highlights the need for a harmonious equilibrium between public and private investments.

We must turn our attention once again to the changing definition of infrastructure through the years. This evolution, over time, has been both substantial and profound, diversifying its scope and refining its nuances. As our society progresses, the concept of infrastructure has broadened to include a greater variety of elements. In recent times, there has been a shift from providing a specific asset to addressing broader societal needs. Infrastructure today encompasses a network of collaborative and flexible partnerships amongst investors, operators, and owners, departing from the traditional centralized approach.

In the investment landscape, sector-specific funds have emerged over the past few years, concentrating on areas such as water, digital technologies, mid-market ventures, core-plus, and value-added services. This development has led to a more precise delineation of what investing in infrastructure entails, thereby fostering increased specialization in the field.

Additionally, the interpretation of infrastructure has displayed a capacity to adapt to changing economic contexts. During periods of inflation, escalating interest rates, and geopolitical turmoil, investors are compelled to reassess their traditional approaches and definitions of infrastructure within their investment portfolios. The evolution of infrastructure mirrors the complex and dynamic nature of the societal, economic, and political contexts in which it is integrated.

The definition of infrastructure now also includes social infrastructure: Social infrastructure is a growing field of study within urban geography and urban studies, offering a wide range of public and community services and institutions that promote societal interactions and contribute to the functioning of society.

This change in the understanding of infrastructure has been precipitated by an increased appreciation for the role of social institutions and services in fostering a thriving and robust society. These elements, while operating outside the traditional production and distribution systems, significantly influence societal quality of life. Examples include hospitals, schools, parks, and community organizations, all of which form integral components of social infrastructure.

The significance of social infrastructure transcends mere economics. It's pivotal in nurturing civic life, fostering community participation, and fortifying social unity. In addition, the escalating need for improved social infrastructure investment stems from the vast population lacking basic amenities like sanitation, potable water, and electricity.

Moreover, the heightened attention given to social equity, environmental justice, and universal service accessibility has underscored the role of social infrastructure in determining societal outcomes. This evolution in understanding and defining infrastructure demonstrates a more holistic view, acknowledging the capacity of physical and social structures to support and sustain communities.

In the contemporary context, elements such as Digital Public Goods (DPGs) are emerging as essential components of digital public infrastructure. They offer open-source tools and resources that are instrumental in implementing diverse systems and services within nations. This growing prominence of DPGs as a vital part of public infrastructure is a development that was scarcely conceivable even a couple of years ago, thereby illustrating the dynamic evolution of infrastructure in the digital age.

In conclusion, the definition of infrastructure has evolved significantly, reflecting the changing socioeconomic, environmental, and technological landscape. The traditional conceptualization of infrastructure as tangible, physical assets has gradually expanded to include intangible aspects like social services, digital integration, and environmental sustainability. This shift signifies a broader and more nuanced understanding of infrastructure, acknowledging its comprehensive role in fostering economic development, societal cohesion, and digital advancement. As our world continues to innovate and evolve, it is imperative that our definition of infrastructure remains fluid, adaptable and responsive to the multifaceted needs of our increasingly interconnected societies. 

Bibek Debroy is the Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) & Aditya Sinha is Additional Private Secretary (Policy & Research), EAC-PM.

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author.

Zeenat Aman Reveals Why She And Big B "Made A Good On-Screen Jodi"

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, who likes to keep it real on Instagram, is often found sharing anecdotal tales from her days in cinema, personal relations and all things good. On Monday, the actress did nothing different. Posting a still of Amitabh Bachchan and herself from their 1980s film Laawaris, the actress shed some light on the "long working relationship" she harboured with the superstar. Celebrating 42 years of her film Laawaris, Zeenat Aman recalled shooting for a song from the film, kab ke bichhde hue hum aaj with her co-star Amitabh Bachchan, with whom she shared a similar "work ethic."

Zeenat Aman in an eloquent post wrote, "Laawaris was released 42 years ago on this day on 22nd May 1981.An old school Masala blockbuster, it's the story of a man born from an illicit relationship, and includes themes of love, betrayal, murder and reconciliation. This still is from the song “kab ke bichhde hue hum aaj”. I had been visiting a friend in London, and flew directly to Kashmir to make it in time for this shoot. Director Prakash Mehra had been keeping unwell, but his excellent team of assistants stepped up to the plate. We shot the song over two-three days in some of the most stunning locations I have ever been to. Jumpsuits were all the rage back then, and this purple set was just fabulous! ( and the reason I chose this picture.)"

Talking about the equation she shared with Amitabh Bachchan, the actress continued, "Amit ji and I have had such a long working relationship, and I think part of the reason that we made a good onscreen jodi is our shared work ethic. We were both punctilious and punctual, which anyone in the industry will agree is not quite as common amongst actors as they'd like! I only ever recall him being late to set once in all those years, and boy is that a story to tell."

Undoubtedly, the post caught the attention of many celebs, who hailed the veteran actress for treating her followers with such wholesome posts. Actress Chitrangada wrote, "It's just so rare to find someone so gracious so articulate so stunning .. n so inspiring ! So much love."

For the unversed, Zeenat Aman and Amitabh Bachchan have starred together in some iconic films like Don, Gol Mall, Dostana, The Great Gambler and Pukar, to name a few. 

Take a look at the post here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

Earlier, in another beautifully written note, the veteran actor bared her soul to the world and talked about the tumultuous relationship she shared with actor and "Starmaker" Dev Anand. She began the post by referring to the "golden trio" of Dev saab, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, who she said were the brains behind shaping Hindi cinema.

"When I embarked on my cinematic career, It was the age of the Golden Trio. The genius of Dev saab, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor was widely acknowledged, and any actor worth their salt recognized that these three giants had shaped and were shaping Hindi cinema. Dev saab had already launched my career, and I was now keen to broaden my portfolio. Over the next few years, I starred in a string of movies, both with and without him," the 71-year-old actor noted.

Expressing her wish to be cast under the RK Banner, Zeenat Aman continued, "Meanwhile Raj ji's 1973 release Bobby had been a blockbuster hit that had swept every award. We knew each other socially too, exchanging warm greetings at public events. He was also my costar in Vakil Babu and Gopichand Jasoos. Naturally, I wanted to be directed by him under the RK banner, and when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. The story of how I landed SSS is well-known, so I won't repeat it. I was giddy to have been cast for Raj ji's unconventional project and put heart and soul into it. I was completely unaware that Dev saab was simultaneously misreading the situation."

Talking about the "great misunderstanding" between Dev Anand and herself, the Satyam Shivam Sundaram star revealed details about the episode that left her feeling, "humiliated, hurt and disconcerted".

She wrote, Years later, in 2007, ‘Romancing with Life', Dev Saab's autobiography hit the stands. In it, he professed that he was in love with me, and insinuated that Raj ji and I had more than a director-actor equation which broke his heart. To be honest, I was livid. I felt humiliated, hurt and disconcerted that Dev saab, my much older mentor, a person I loved and admired platonically, would not only believe such a story devoid of a shred of truth but would then go on to publish it for the world to read. For weeks my phone rang incessantly as friends inquired about “what happened” and shared excerpts from the book. I never did read it though, and in my anger, I consigned the copy I was sent to storage in the basement!"

Concluding the post, Zeenat Aman wrote, "So here it is - the great misunderstanding. This episode embarrassed me deeply. For years I felt unable to talk about it to set the record straight. But now, time has granted me perspective and peace. Human folly is an eternal truth, and we all fall victim at one point or another. I will always remember Dev saab for his rare talent and warm guidance. He has my earnest gratitude and I do not tolerate disrespect to his name."

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

Zeenat Aman rose to fame with her work in films such as Don, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
 

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Veteran actress Zeenat Aman, who likes to keep it real on Instagram, is often found sharing anecdotal tales from her days in cinema, personal relations and all things good. On Monday, the actress did nothing different. Posting a still of Amitabh Bachchan and herself from their 1980s film Laawaris, the actress shed some light on the "long working relationship" she harboured with the superstar. Celebrating 42 years of her film Laawaris, Zeenat Aman recalled shooting for a song from the film, kab ke bichhde hue hum aaj with her co-star Amitabh Bachchan, with whom she shared a similar "work ethic."

Zeenat Aman in an eloquent post wrote, "Laawaris was released 42 years ago on this day on 22nd May 1981.An old school Masala blockbuster, it's the story of a man born from an illicit relationship, and includes themes of love, betrayal, murder and reconciliation. This still is from the song “kab ke bichhde hue hum aaj”. I had been visiting a friend in London, and flew directly to Kashmir to make it in time for this shoot. Director Prakash Mehra had been keeping unwell, but his excellent team of assistants stepped up to the plate. We shot the song over two-three days in some of the most stunning locations I have ever been to. Jumpsuits were all the rage back then, and this purple set was just fabulous! ( and the reason I chose this picture.)"

Talking about the equation she shared with Amitabh Bachchan, the actress continued, "Amit ji and I have had such a long working relationship, and I think part of the reason that we made a good onscreen jodi is our shared work ethic. We were both punctilious and punctual, which anyone in the industry will agree is not quite as common amongst actors as they'd like! I only ever recall him being late to set once in all those years, and boy is that a story to tell."

Undoubtedly, the post caught the attention of many celebs, who hailed the veteran actress for treating her followers with such wholesome posts. Actress Chitrangada wrote, "It's just so rare to find someone so gracious so articulate so stunning .. n so inspiring ! So much love."

For the unversed, Zeenat Aman and Amitabh Bachchan have starred together in some iconic films like Don, Gol Mall, Dostana, The Great Gambler and Pukar, to name a few. 

Take a look at the post here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

Earlier, in another beautifully written note, the veteran actor bared her soul to the world and talked about the tumultuous relationship she shared with actor and "Starmaker" Dev Anand. She began the post by referring to the "golden trio" of Dev saab, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, who she said were the brains behind shaping Hindi cinema.

"When I embarked on my cinematic career, It was the age of the Golden Trio. The genius of Dev saab, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor was widely acknowledged, and any actor worth their salt recognized that these three giants had shaped and were shaping Hindi cinema. Dev saab had already launched my career, and I was now keen to broaden my portfolio. Over the next few years, I starred in a string of movies, both with and without him," the 71-year-old actor noted.

Expressing her wish to be cast under the RK Banner, Zeenat Aman continued, "Meanwhile Raj ji's 1973 release Bobby had been a blockbuster hit that had swept every award. We knew each other socially too, exchanging warm greetings at public events. He was also my costar in Vakil Babu and Gopichand Jasoos. Naturally, I wanted to be directed by him under the RK banner, and when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. The story of how I landed SSS is well-known, so I won't repeat it. I was giddy to have been cast for Raj ji's unconventional project and put heart and soul into it. I was completely unaware that Dev saab was simultaneously misreading the situation."

Talking about the "great misunderstanding" between Dev Anand and herself, the Satyam Shivam Sundaram star revealed details about the episode that left her feeling, "humiliated, hurt and disconcerted".

She wrote, Years later, in 2007, ‘Romancing with Life', Dev Saab's autobiography hit the stands. In it, he professed that he was in love with me, and insinuated that Raj ji and I had more than a director-actor equation which broke his heart. To be honest, I was livid. I felt humiliated, hurt and disconcerted that Dev saab, my much older mentor, a person I loved and admired platonically, would not only believe such a story devoid of a shred of truth but would then go on to publish it for the world to read. For weeks my phone rang incessantly as friends inquired about “what happened” and shared excerpts from the book. I never did read it though, and in my anger, I consigned the copy I was sent to storage in the basement!"

Concluding the post, Zeenat Aman wrote, "So here it is - the great misunderstanding. This episode embarrassed me deeply. For years I felt unable to talk about it to set the record straight. But now, time has granted me perspective and peace. Human folly is an eternal truth, and we all fall victim at one point or another. I will always remember Dev saab for his rare talent and warm guidance. He has my earnest gratitude and I do not tolerate disrespect to his name."

Take a look at the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)

Zeenat Aman rose to fame with her work in films such as Don, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.