Opinion News

Ease of Voting: India's next democratic reform agenda for migrants, NRIs, and PwDs

India must make voting easier for all citizens. Migrants, overseas Indians, and people with disabilities face barriers. International examples show remote and electronic voting can boost participation. Secure digital systems can be adapted for elections. Accessible polling stations remain crucial. Expanding voting options is a moral imperative for democratic legitimacy.

Strategic autonomy is a long game Indian statecraft needs to accord it that respect

As 2026 approaches, India will refine its strategic autonomy. This involves leveraging geography, supply chains, and technology. India aims to become a critical supplier or buyer for many nations. Diversifying markets and sourcing beyond China is crucial. India will also seek partnerships with the EU and ASEAN. Refining crude oil is a key strength.

This generation is seeking authenticity in all things great & small

Diagnosed with PCOS as a teen, the author learned to take control of her health, a proactive approach mirrored by her generation. Gen Z filters information for authenticity and science-backed solutions, influencing brands to build accountable relationships. This generation also redefines ambition, prioritizing flexibility, mental health, and intent in their careers and financial decisions.

Reimagining the link between work, office and employment

India's digital infrastructure is advancing rapidly, with innovations like JAM and UPI transforming payments and e-commerce. However, a historical perspective reveals that current changes in work and employment are part of a continuous evolution. Younger generations face a dynamic job market shaped by technology and economic shifts. Understanding these trends is key to navigating the future of work.

Book is not dead: Theyre more alive

Despite predictions of decline, books are experiencing a resurgence, particularly in India where Gen Z is driving significant growth in print volumes. This trend, fueled by online discovery and offline community engagement, signals a deliberate return to tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world.

Gen Zs are demanding affordable aspiration

India's Gen Z is transforming retail. This generation, emerging from cities and digital spaces, demands value, personalization, and real-time trends. By 2026, they will be key decision-makers. Brands must be agile, transparent, and offer affordable aspiration. AI will enhance shopping experiences, making them intuitive. Gen Z is not just participating; they are rebuilding the marketplace.

New labour codes target job growth, but skill gap may limit impact

Indias economic growth has not eased job insecurity, as employment expansion has remained modest and job quality weak, especially outside agriculture. Manufacturing and services saw limited employment growth between 2012 and 2023, while agricultures shrinking share pushed more workers into non-farm sectors that are becoming less labour-intensive even as their economic output rises.

Trumpism wont triumph: Even if a sharp US slowdown is likely, India should fare well in 2026

Despite initial fears of a global recession due to Trump's protectionist policies, the US and India experienced robust economic growth in 2025, fueled by an AI boom and lower-than-threatened tariffs. However, a potential AI sector slowdown and rising inflation in 2026 could lead to a significant setback for Trumpism and a challenging year for the US economy.

Incentivizing good behaviour through smarter, indexed fines

India is moving towards decriminalizing minor offenses, replacing jail time with monetary fines. This reform aims to boost ease of doing business and living. However, for fines to be effective deterrents, they must be linked to an offender's financial capacity.

Trump's 2025 tightrope for India

India navigates a challenging global landscape in 2025. Shifting US diplomacy demands new strategies. Europe offers economic opportunities. Geopolitical pressures require India to assert its interests. Neighbourhood dynamics present security concerns. Cultural issues impact the diaspora. India seeks stable growth amidst uncertainty, focusing on diverse partnerships for economic and strategic gains.

MAGA cowboys vs Indians: How Indian success triggered white nationalist fury

Hate against Indians is now widespread on social media. Racist posts target Indian Americans, accusing them of unfair success and calling for their deportation. Reports show millions of views on anti-Indian content. Online hate groups, amplified by fake accounts, are openly targeting Indians. This trend is escalating, with predictions of future violence against the community.

All that glitters is silver this year: How the metal outshone gold with 135% returns in 2025

Silver has outperformed gold in 2025, delivering exceptional returns driven by robust industrial demand and a structural supply deficit. Geopolitical tensions and potential US interest rate cuts further bolster its appeal, suggesting its strong performance may continue into 2026.

Jeff Bezos idea of other people becoming rich is more revealing of the rich than of being wealthy

Jeff Bezos remark about creating wealth for other people refers mainly to shareholders who took risks in the stock market and invested at the right time. The article links this view to economist Milton Friedmans belief that a companys primary duty is to its shareholders, not broader philanthropy.

Turkmenistan: From marble excess to fiery desert, the country's surreal, utterly over the top

Visiting the reclusive nation of Turkmenistan is akin to stepping into a rabbit hole. A driver and guide are mandatory, interactions with locals are avoided. And the obligatory story at each stop is a cautiously rehearsed performance. Capital Ashgabat is constructed almost exclusively of white marble, and on its elegant roads only white cars are permitted.

Being funny is seriously a very serious business

Humor is a serious art. Context is key to landing a joke. Trying to be funny can lead to misunderstandings. Yet, humor can reveal truths about the world. A good comic writer understands grief. New Year's parties offer chances to get it right. Choose your words wisely. There are many senses of humor. Have a seriously comic new year.

Nature doesn't exist in a zoo, it's also in you

The nature market offers escapes, but this disconnect from urban life is a capitalist cycle. People rely on markets for excitement and inner life. True care for nature means local engagement, not just exotic travel. This exotification separates us from the environment. Nature is not an escape; it is part of us.

Indian air travel woes: Delays, cancellations & airport design flaws

Indian air travel faces frequent delays and cancellations. Passengers endure long waits at airports. Airport designs often force lengthy walks from check-in to boarding gates. This benefits retailers but inconveniences travelers. Airlines blame passengers for using wheelchairs, ignoring the distance issue. Buggies are scarce, and electric shuttles are often unavailable. The focus remains on 'mall-ification' rather than passenger comfort.

Electric ain't the only silver bullet

India's clean mobility push needs strategic breadth beyond just electric vehicles. Relying solely on EVs creates new dependencies and ignores cleaner alternatives like biofuels and flex-fuel vehicles. A diversified approach, integrating these options, offers a more sovereign and efficient path to reducing emissions and achieving energy security for the nation.

Securities Markets Code 2025: Overhaul of India's capital market regulation

India's Securities Markets Code 2025 is a major overhaul of capital market rules. It combines three key laws into one framework. The code aims to fix issues hindering market growth. A key provision ensures settlement finality for clearing corporations. This protects against insolvency claims.

India's new trade strategy: From shallow agreements to deep value chain integration

India's regional trade agreement strategy shifted significantly post-2020, moving from broad, shallow deals with developing nations to strategic, deep agreements with developed economies. This pivot aims to enhance export competitiveness and integrate into global value chains, addressing past inefficiencies and market access limitations.