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Tiger Changes Its Stripes: SC says treaties arent tax shields
Tiger Global Supreme Court news: The Supreme Court has changed foreign investment rules in India. A recent judgment means tax residency certificates are no longer enough. Investors must now prove real economic substance. This ruling impacts past and future investments. India is asserting its fiscal sovereignty. Tax efficiency now requires operational substance.
Budget 2026: Raise our glass to taxpayers!
India taxpayers news: India's tax system faces a stark contrast between tax evaders and compliant citizens. The government is urged to shift from enforcement to incentives. Public disclosure of tax information, practiced globally, could boost compliance. Alternatively, voluntary disclosure with incentives like presidential recognition or tax deductions can identify honest taxpayers and curb black money.
Does 'Tiger Global' leave investors confused, or finally put economic substance over legal form?
The Supreme Court has ruled that a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) is not conclusive proof of eligibility for Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) benefits, reversing a High Court decision. This judgment unsettles long-standing investment structures and introduces uncertainty for foreign investors, despite grandfathering provisions for pre-2017 investments.
China's super $1.2 tn surplus also tells us about unresolved contradictions in its economic model
China's record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 highlights a savings-investment imbalance, not just export strength. Despite tariffs and global slowdown, China rerouted exports and established overseas production, masking domestic weaknesses like low consumption and declining investment returns. This surplus acts as a macroeconomic crutch, delaying necessary reforms.
Don't make a rare earth plan scarce
Nations are moving away from free markets for critical minerals. Governments are now controlling access through licensing and investment screening. China is using export controls to its advantage. The US and Europe are investing in domestic supply chains. India is also building its capacity. This shift signals a new era of geopolitical competition for essential resources.
How states spend: Rising costs, growing deficits, need for efficient spending
Over the past decade, Indias states have seen revenue expenditure outpace revenue growth, widening deficits. Efficient, outcome-based spending is crucial to balance development needs and fiscal stability.
Elite education, get industrious: IITs rethink how they select and train students
India's elite IITs are updating their entrance exams and postgraduate courses. This move acknowledges that current methods may not fully prepare students for future challenges. The reforms aim to foster real-world problem-solving and innovation. Internships will be expanded to include entrepreneurship.
Countries dialling down their dollar dependence is good for the world, average American included
In a bid to secure its financial hegemony, the US is contemplating actions in Venezuela and Greenland. These decisions stem from the pressing challenge posed by Chinas renminbi and increasing gold reserves, signaling a strategic effort to prevent any erosion of the dollars status as the premier global reserve currency.
Nothing Dickensian about gig work
Gig work offers significant livelihood generation and worker agency in India. Platform companies are crucial for this ecosystem. While worker welfare is important, misguided activism risks harming the model. The path forward involves industry best practices and social security provisions. A sustainable gig economy requires recognising platform viability and worker welfare as complementary goals.
India will soon join Pax Silica, a US-led semiconductor initiative. Initially excluded, India's inclusion is now vital for the alliance's success. This move recognizes India's crucial role in building secure global chip supply chains. Membership offers India access to technology, investment, and strategic partnerships, accelerating its semiconductor ambitions and strengthening its position in global technology networks.
Global trade matrix: India mustn't remain a lone ranger while arenas are being carved out
India faces a complex trade policy challenge, navigating US proposals to reshape WTO decision-making and potentially abandoning consensus. While a US trade deal offers opportunities, India must also engage with the growing EU-CPTPP bloc to avoid isolation amidst shifting global trade dynamics.
Trump's adventures in Greenland put Europe to test yet again
United States' President Trump is pushing for the acquisition of Greenland. He has stated he prefers a peaceful deal but will pursue it forcefully if necessary. This move is seen as a strategic play for geopolitical dominance. Meanwhile, Europe is concerned about the implications for its security and alliances.
Budget 2026 must signal strong reforms to attract foreign investment. With fewer tax incentives, the government needs to weave together measures to boost investor confidence. This is crucial to counter capital outflows and stabilise the economy. The budget needs to be a clear message on reforms, moving beyond isolated announcements to create a compelling narrative.
Writer Anuja Chauhan, non-fiction author Rashmi Bansal, and entrepreneur Mamta Sharma emphasise the importance of being socially selective to protect productivity and mental well-being. Chauhan prioritises genuine interactions over performative social obligations like PTA meetings or conferences.
Ever-protesting, never-protestant: A work ethic
Renovating your home can sometimes feel like an endurance test. In this lighthearted account, we follow a homeowner navigating through the trials of a stalled bathroom tile project. With tile setter Zulfi facing unexpected health issues and plumber Gobindo playing hide-and-seek with his schedule, the journey was anything but smooth.
As Americas global image frays and Donald Trump flirts with territorial expansion, a Kolkata resident turns the lens inwardtowards a crumbling lane in Kalitala that civic authorities have all but abandoned.
Jai Sriram...Raghavan! An anti-war war movie, with meta help from Paaji & Asrani
Ikkis, a film about Arun Khetarpal, offers a different perspective on war as i t focuses on individual soldiers and their experiences. The movie blends real events with tributes to veteran actors. It explores themes of humanity and empathy. The film encourages introspection about human nature. It presents a ground-level view of war.
