Opinion News

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.

Europe's smallest countries are caught in a time warp, and that's their biggest charm

Visitors can reach Liechtenstein by crossing a wooden bridge over the Rhine. This tiny European nation is known for its history and unique customs. Liechtenstein has no army and its citizens can meet the prince on National Day. Other small European countries like San Marino and Andorra also offer distinct experiences. The article highlights the charm of these miniature nations.

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 air crisis moves indoors: Why clean air must become a housing standard

Over the past decade, however, Delhi, Mumbai and other metros have confronted a far more visible crisis. Winters trapped pollutants close to the surface, wind movement slowed and morning visibility fell to just a few metres. Dense smog, once an occasional discomfort, became a public health emergency.

Regulators, declutter like RBI

The Reserve Bank of India has achieved a remarkable feat by drastically reducing regulatory complexity. Over 9,000 circulars have been consolidated into just 244 Master Directions. This significant move aims to simplify rules for various financial entities. The RBI's initiative offers a model for other regulators to follow, promoting clarity and efficiency.

View: Ease of biz starts in the states

All regulatory requirements across all agencies in a state should be listed. They should be subject to a fresh independent scrutiny, Only those that pass the test of a professional regulatory impact assessment (RIA) should be retained. Officers heading departments and agencies normally don't have time or inclination for this.

India's Q2 FY26 GDP soars 8.2%: A structural shift reshaping the economy like 83 cricket triumph

Indias Q2 FY26 GDP jumps 8.2%, defying global slowdown. Strong growth in manufacturing, services, and investment signals a structural economic shift, driven by multiple reforms and rising productivity.

Beyond passwords: Unlocking the future of secure commerce with passkeys

India is enhancing digital payment security by moving beyond one-time passwords. New methods like fingerprint and facial recognition are being adopted. Payment passkeys offer a secure and simple alternative. This shift aims to build greater trust in digital transactions and create a more efficient payment system for everyone.

View: Why larger and more populous states gradually losing their fiscal strength

A 2013-14 to 2022-23 CAG analysis of state finances paints a sobering picture. 10 most populous states - UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, MP, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh - account for about 3/4th of India's population. Yet, in 2022-23, their combined share in the total revenue receipts of all states stood at 68.9%, down from 74.4% a decade earlier. This 6-point decline signals a weakening of fiscal capacity where it should have been strongest.

Don't join the DoT: Indias anti-fraud push is bold, but only half the battle

The Department of Telecom is taking strong action against cyber-fraud. New rules require messaging apps to link SIM cards to devices. The Sanchar Saathi app will now be pre-installed on all new phones. These steps aim to make online transactions safer for everyone.

India's SIM-binding rule: Impact on WhatsApp, businesses, and digital India

India's Department of Telecommunications has mandated SIM-binding for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. This move will disrupt businesses relying on these platforms for customer service and automation, while also impacting regular users' multi-device access and international usage. The directive, criticized for its weak legal basis and minimal impact on fraud, appears to favor telecom companies.

Russia should shed the Soviet lens on India, and embrace its growth story

India and Russia's strategic partnership requires an economic reset. Bilateral trade has surged due to oil imports, creating a significant deficit for India. Russia needs to diversify its economic ties beyond China. India can offer alternatives in sectors like pharmaceuticals and light engineering. This shift will benefit both nations and reshape geopolitical dynamics.

Trump's 'Ugly Immigrant' Picture: The 50 shades of Brown and Black

An Afghan immigrant's violent act near the White House intensifies anti-immigration sentiment in the US. This incident is being used by hardliners to push for stricter policies. Donald Trump has vowed to halt migration from certain countries and deport foreign nationals deemed a risk. Experts warn of significant workforce reduction and economic impact from these proposed curbs.