Opinion

MGNREGA: Why dignity of work matters more than doles in rural welfare

MGNREGA is not a dole but a dignity-based right to work that strengthens rural incomes, womens participation and local assets. Proposed reforms risk weakening its legal guarantee, decentralised planning and support for poorer states.

EU-India FTA sends out a message to the world: Globalisation isnt disappearing, its diversifying

India and the European Union have successfully concluded Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This landmark deal, initiated in 2007, marks a significant commercial and strategic step. The agreement aims to strengthen trade flows between the two entities. It will reduce barriers for Indian businesses entering the EU market. European firms will gain access to India's growing economy.

The unelected guardians of Indian democracy

India's democracy faces challenges as politicians often prioritize personal gain over public interest. However, the nation's constitution, crafted by unelected individuals, established vital independent institutions. These bodies, like the Supreme Court and armed forces, command public respect. They provide essential checks and balances, safeguarding minority rights and ensuring a robust democratic framework beyond mere elections.

Beyond the Davos divorce: Why Indias US problem is bigger than trade

India faces a mixed outlook with Trump's administration, marked by high tariffs and a lack of trade deals, while Pakistan and China gain attention. New US defense strategy sidelines India, focusing on 'strategic stability' with China. Meanwhile, US diplomats are reportedly engaging with Islamist groups in India's neighborhood, raising concerns in Delhi.

Post-subsidy EV India: Why efficiency, trust and localisation matter

As PM E-DRIVE subsidies end, Indias EV shift must move beyond battery size to focus on efficiency, reliability, financing and localisationbuilding a post-subsidy ecosystem rooted in performance, data and consumer trust.

Europes cracks finally give India its long-awaited opening

India and the European Union are at a turning point after decades of slow progress on deeper ties, driven by major shifts in global geopolitics. The EUs traditional pillarssecurity reliance on the US, energy ties with Russia, and strong trade links with Chinahave weakened due to Trump-era uncertainty, the Ukraine war, and growing friction with China.

AI talent war heats up: Why India Inc must build 10x organisations, not chase elite hires

Silicon Valley and India Inc are locked in an AI talent war, but the real edge isnt elite hires. The future belongs to organisations that upskill their entire workforce to use AI fluently and become 10x professionals.

A Trumpified Budget speech Nirmala Sitharaman may or may not want to deliver

No offence, MPs, but the union budget is so supremely boring that maybe, just maybe, Trump@Davos could serve as a constructive model for how to Make Budget 2026 Bearable (MB26B)

What India could learn from Greeces indifference to its own glory

A vacationer's initial admiration for the modern Greek mindset, contrasting it with India's focus on a glorious past, was shattered by a tour guide's historical inaccuracies. The guide's dismissal of slavery and her assertion that capitalism began at the Acropolis led the writer to reconsider their initial impressions.

An NRI making her own cuppa can be a stirring reminder of an old, utopic gesture

For NRIs, a humble cup of tea transcends mere beverage; it blossoms into a profound connection to home. In their native land, tea serves as a token of love and camaraderie, a ritual shared among friends and family. Yet, in the Western world, individuals embrace a new independence, crafting their own brews in solitude.

View: Pollution and solution are collective matters

Parents often avoid teaching civic responsibility to avoid conflict. This lackadaisical attitude, stemming from a sense of individual convenience over collective goals, contributes to widespread pollution, with citizens expecting the government to solve problems without personal sacrifice or behavioral change.

Britain, US are rewriting junk food policy

Britain and the US are taking decisive action against unhealthy food marketing. Britain banned unhealthy food ads on TV before 9 pm and online. The US Dietary Guidelines now urge reducing processed foods. These moves signal a global shift, recognising that commercial practices, not just individual choice, drive unhealthy eating.

Blink, and youll miss it: The rise of Jaldi commerce in India

Indias quick commerce (qcom) sector is booming, projected to reach $6.94bn in 2026 and $11.08bn by 2030, with grocery and staples dominating the market. 10minute delivery became a symbol of convenience and indulgence, driving rapid adoption even for non-essential items. Brands and D2C players benefit from faster buying cycles, new customers, and higher revenues, while delivery partners earn more than typical food delivery roles.

The quiet revolution rewriting the global services economy

A quiet revolution is dismantling the traditional link between revenue and headcount in the global services economy. AI-native companies are decoupling growth from payroll, shifting success metrics to outcome per unit of intelligence. This transition re-architects white-collar labor, forcing enterprises to choose between labor or intelligence arbitrage.

View: India, don't drift from Chabahar

Trump's new 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran complicates India's engagement, particularly at Chabahar Port. This move undermines a previous waiver, injecting uncertainty into regional stability and India-US ties. India faces a strategic setback if its role at Chabahar diminishes, potentially allowing China to fill the void.

Never mind Trump's global romps, strong India-US ties continue to matter very much to both sides

For global peace and stability, the dynamics of US-India relations are pivotal, especially in counteracting China's expansive reach, yet trade dialogues face significant hurdles. Trade issues and migration of skilled workers pose challenges, but their cooperation is fundamental for advancements in defense, tech, and energy projects. In these turbulent times, prioritizing their relationship is crucial for both countries to thrive.