Opinion News
GST leaks need plugging as fake invoices surge and exporters face liquidity strain
India's Goods and Services Tax system shows strong growth but struggles with fake invoice fraud, especially in the scrap sector. This practice allows tax evasion and distorts competition. Exporters also face delays in receiving refunds, impacting their cash flow. Policy changes, including lower GST on scrap and streamlined refund processes, are proposed to address these issues and boost business confidence.
Beyond imperial arrogance or nationalist resentment lies India's capacity to use English to reinvent
Thomas Babington Macaulay envisioned a class of Indian interpreters to aid British rule. Instead, India produced a global intelligentsia of leaders, innovators, and authors. This diaspora has excelled across continents, transforming the language of empire into a tool for creation and global influence.
India needs consumer-centric regulation, not restrictive rules that stifle markets
To resonate with the voices of everyday citizens, India's regulatory strategy must pivot towards a citizen-first vision. The priority should be to nurture an environment rich in competition while safeguarding health and safety measures.
View: Clip wings for errant flyers
Competition law is not about punishing success. It's about ensuring that success does not morph into unaccountable power.
India needs to expand its urban space to fuel economic growth, with the government now supporting new town development. While organic growth has its merits, building new cities from scratch allows for modern, efficient designs, as seen in China's successful ventures. Strategic planning, global connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure are crucial for India's future urban expansion.
So, align tariffs to strategy? Trump 2.0 NSS views India as crucial partner amid trade tensions
The new US National Security Strategy outlines a focused approach, highlighting the Western Hemisphere and Indo-Pacific as vital interests. India is recognized as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, with renewed emphasis on the Quad grouping. The strategy signals US commitment to countering China's influence in Asia.
-backed stablecoin brings little gain, but it puts stability and bank deposits at considerable risk
India is considering regulating rupee-backed stablecoins. This move follows growing demand and concerns about financial stability. Two firms are developing India's first rupee-backed stablecoin for a 2026 launch. The government aims to explore this in its upcoming Economic Survey. However, significant challenges and risks are there, potentially impacting bank deposits and market resilience.
Don't let IndiGet away with it
Indian air passengers face service collapses and lack of compensation due to weak regulation. IndiGo's mass cancellations left travellers stranded. Unlike global standards, Indian regulators offer no enforcement. Passengers endure delays, ruined plans, and high costs. This situation demands stronger consumer rights and automatic compensation for airline-caused disruptions. India needs binding protections for its travellers.
Strategic autonomy in AI needs public investment across data, models, talent and governance
India's AI ambitions are hampered by its reliance on global tech giants for foundational models and infrastructure. While Indian firms excel in application development, a lack of control over core AI layers creates vulnerabilities. Strategic public investment in data, talent, and governance is crucial for India to become an AI creator, not just a consumer.
View: AI bubble is real and it will birth giants
The AI boom is creating a bubble, but it is a necessary one. Similar to past industrial bubbles, it is building future infrastructure. Companies are investing heavily in data centers and technology. While a correction is expected, strong AI companies will emerge to redefine intelligence. This investment fuels future progress.
View: India, revise the nuclear doctrine
India's 22-year-old nuclear doctrine, based on 'no first use' and 'credible minimum deterrence', faces urgent re-evaluation. With aggressive neighbors rapidly expanding arsenals and rejecting NFU promises, the current policy risks unilateral disarmament. Modern warfare's speed and evolving threats necessitate a clear, updated doctrine to safeguard national interests.
IndiGoing into the meltdown on a Sunday
IndiGo airline cancellations have created widespread travel chaos across India. Passengers are experiencing significant disruption and uncertainty. The situation highlights the challenges of a near-monopoly in the aviation sector. Many travelers are struggling to reach their destinations, facing delays and uncertainty. The article uses a cinematic analogy to describe the passenger experience.
How Bridget J became the last word of 2025
'Parasocial' refers to a not-so-symbiotic relationship between a star and an individual, where the star-struck individual lives in a world of make-believe, while the celebrity is oblivious to their presence. Thus, unleashing a sense of deja vu - my parasocial relationship with Bridget Jones, the bumbling, single, working woman Londoner from Helen Fieldings' 1996 novel Bridget Jones's Diary, made into the 2001 romcom with Renee Zellweger as the eponymous heroine.
Why bhajan clubbing is the new urban trend
The rise of 'bhajan clubbing' is captivating the youth. With ticketed events showcasing devotional music through an evolved lens of modern production, this trend merges spirituality with chic lifestyle presentations. In an age overwhelmed by digital distractions, this movement signals a deep yearning for authenticity and connection, revitalizing traditional worship gatherings for today's audience.
Comparing Sun Tzu and Kautilya
Two thousand five hundred years ago, China and India saw the rise of brilliant strategists. Sun Tzu authored 'The Art of War', advocating for minimal conflict. Kautilya wrote 'Arthashastra', detailing how to master and expand empires. Both emphasized intelligence over brute force. Their differing approaches to power and war continue to resonate today.
It's time for India to become export experts
India's export performance has remained steady despite global trade challenges. This resilience offers a crucial opportunity to place exports at the core of economic strategy. Businesses have demonstrated agility in finding new markets. This momentum should be sustained to build global strengths, particularly in labor-intensive manufacturing. Prioritizing exports is essential for India's long-term prosperity and development.
View: Is there cooperation in the air?
A sarkari panel has been set up in NCR, but the public also needs to pitch in to curb pollution
More than going back to the USSR
India and Russia are strengthening ties beyond defense. Discussions focused on cooperation agreements. The relationship needs to grow into investment, technology, and economic sectors. Trade diversification and cultural exchange are key areas for development. Expanded defense deals are also on the horizon. This broader engagement will ensure the partnership remains relevant.
How Indias flight meltdown exposes the dangers of IndiGos monopoly
New flight duty rules for pilots are now on hold. This follows over a thousand IndiGo flight cancellations. Nearly two lakh passengers faced disruptions. IndiGo, a dominant airline, failed to comply with the new regulations. These rules aim to prevent pilot fatigue and ensure flight safety. Other airlines prepared for the changes.
Family-sponsored AIFs arent about chasing trendy products, but about control and freedom
As India enters a generational transition - from first-gen entrepreneurs of the 80s-90s to second- and third-gen successors - wealth creators are asking a deeper question: how do you build governance and investment structures that outlast the founder, protect capital and preserve a coherent philosophy? The answer increasingly lies in alternative investment funds (AIFs).
Can India's semiconductor ambitions translate into real capability?
As India sets its sights on becoming a semiconductor powerhouse, the landscape is transforming with robust policies and hefty investments on the table. However, the key to lasting achievement lies in cultivating deep-rooted capabilities instead of just ramping up output.
Indias GDP is measured using globally accepted SNA methods, and despite an outdated base year, key economic activity is still captured. A major update with improved data and methodology will roll out in 2026.

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