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07 Oct 2026
19m

Gilets jeunes? France’s school protests

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Economist Podcasts

Widespread student protests in France, the procedural failures of Title IX in the Cornell 7 sexual assault case, and the pervasive influence of astrology in Indian finance reflect the diverse landscape of modern institutional and societal challenges. French school blockades signal deep-seated anxieties regarding budget cuts, educational reforms, and political instability ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Simultaneously, the Cornell 7 case exposes how Title IX’s administrative requirements often impede justice for victims and create inconsistent outcomes for the accused, leading to a decline in resolved investigations. In India, the integration of astrology into financial decision-making—from timing stock market entries to corporate recruitment—demonstrates how cultural superstition persists within professional sectors, fueling a multi-billion dollar industry that thrives on economic uncertainty. These disparate events underscore a shared global trend of institutional strain and the search for clarity amidst volatile social and economic environments.

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