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Having sold itself the diversification mantra, India should remain focused on building leverage
India has achieved major trade breakthroughs with the EU and US. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement offers long-term predictability and access to vast markets. The India-US deal primarily reduces punitive tariffs on Indian goods. These agreements are crucial for India's economic growth and diversification, challenging domestic protectionism and opening new avenues for Indian exports.
Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha? Why 100% FDI alone wont fix Indias insurance problem
India's 100% FDI in insurance aims to boost competition and innovation, but faces challenges. Existing market saturation and the need for scale may deter new entrants. Crucially, improving claim settlement fairness and efficiency is vital for building public trust and ensuring the reform's success.
18% till I die - or, at least till tonight
Will Crystal Meth Don stick to his tariffnumber? Your guess is as good as his
From itsy-bitsy polka bikini to all very '50s sanskari: Rise of the (Western) tradwife
The young are choosing being a 'traditional wife' as a way of life, romanticising it, in some kind of Edenic return to the kitchen garden, providing many a new way of making them feel seen.
Kyunki posh spice bhi kabhi bahu thi
A public rift has emerged between the Beckham family and their son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz. Reports suggest Victoria Beckham's alleged actions have caused significant upset. This family drama is being compared to common Indian inheritance disputes. The situation highlights that even wealthy families experience complex relationships and conflicts.
Best of BS Opinion: America's about-turn poses a global dilemma
From prosperity and human flourishing to the decline of American dominance, shifting global blocs, Bangladesh ties and disability policy, today's Opinion page maps key faultlines
Reputation risk insurance: From image to financial shield for India Inc
Reputation risk is emerging as a material financial threat for India Inc. With misinformation and trust erosion rising, reputation risk insurance is gaining relevance, offering crisis response, legal cover and protection for business continuity.
How India can bring quality along with quantity in undergraduate science
A quality undergraduate science degree's value lies in its ability to build problem-solving and analytical skills, not just subject knowledge. While elite institutions offer this, their limited access leaves many students behind. Revitalizing state universities and building national mentoring networks are crucial to transforming quantity into quality science education for a larger talent pool.
Does the struggle for subsistence precede the struggle to live well?
Material abundance has not broken democratic capitalism - nor has it absolved societies of the harder, older task of learning how to live well
Irans revolt, the return of monarchy, and a world that wont listen
Iran faces a brutal crackdown with thousands killed and arrested, yet international response is muted. The rallying cry 'Javid shah!' and support for exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi are met with Western suspicion, despite Iranians seeking secular democracy and a constitutional monarchy, a system with historical precedent and democratic potential.
The promise, progress and pressures of our demographic dividend
India's demographic and longevity dividends offer a unique window for growth, but require converting population numbers into skilled, healthy human capital. Addressing challenges like NCDs, malnutrition, mental health, and digital addiction through integrated healthcare and community participation is crucial for sustained prosperity.
Can India's cities secure private funding for climate resilience amidst fiscal pressures?
India needs more private money for city climate resilience. Public funds are not enough. Cities must show strong finances and clear plans. This will attract investors. Reforms are happening, but cities need to act. Stronger city finances mean better resilience against climate shocks. This is key for future urban development.
Budget 2026: Reorienting the budget is politics, not economics. It calls for political courage, honesty of purpose, and articulate engagement with the public. Is that too much to expect?
Government borrowing will be the decider factor in whether MPC calls right tomorrow
India's fiscal and monetary policymakers face significant challenges. Upcoming revisions to GDP and inflation data will impact budget estimates and borrowing plans. The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee must navigate these uncertainties. Government borrowing projections are a key concern. These factors complicate the growth-inflation trade-off for the MPC's upcoming decisions.
Budget signals: Indias ageing population isnt a burden, its a $50 bn opportunity
India's rapidly aging population presents a significant economic opportunity, with the senior-care sector poised for substantial growth. The recent budget emphasizes capacity building and workforce development, aligning with the 'longevity economy' concept. However, unlocking this potential requires a coordinated, services-led approach and a unified regulatory framework to address structural challenges and ensure quality care.
With everyone signing up with everyone else, Donald Trump relents on India trade deal
India and the United States have agreed to a trade deal. This agreement reduces tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent. India will also stop purchasing Russian oil. The United States will reduce reciprocal tariffs. This development eases months of uncertainty and strained relations between the two nations. The deal signals a positive shift in bilateral ties.
Tariffs, tantrums and the China juggernaut
China's export dominance continues despite tariffs. India faces a growing trade deficit. To compete, India must focus on scale, subsidies, and skills. This requires a policy shift from protection to promotion. Encouraging MSMEs to grow and promoting skilled labor are crucial steps. Faster clearances and societal approval for vocational skills will bolster manufacturing competitiveness on the global stage.
SpaceXxAI merger bets big on orbital AI, raises strategic questions for India
SpaceXs acquisition of xAI creates a $1.25-tn AIspace powerhouse, betting on orbital computing. The merger reshapes global tech power, raising opportunities and strategic challenges for India.
