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The idea of agnostic infrastructure
India's telecom infrastructure is transforming into a flexible digital backbone. New policies and 5G Advanced technology demand networks that work everywhere, regardless of technology. This evolution supports diverse digital needs across the country. Infrastructure must be resilient and sustainable. Innovations are making networks smarter and greener. This progress ensures universal connectivity, driving economic and social growth for a connected India.
Best of BS Opinion: Automation surge and the fragile nuclear peace
Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for today
India faces a new era of global uncertainty. Past actions by the US have created distrust. India is now prioritizing diversification of trade and defense partnerships. This strategy aims to build leverage and secure national interests. The focus is on creating options in a volatile world. This approach is crucial for India's future.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Science of patience, scale, collab
India is poised to become an innovation nation. New initiatives like RDIF and ANRF support deep technologies. Universities and labs are key to this transformation. Strategic support systems and patient capital are needed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization. Sector-focused clusters will foster growth. Translation of inventions into scalable innovations is imperative for global competitiveness.
Budget 2026: Why Advance Pricing Agreements could be the game-changer for Indias IT tax regime
India's budget brings significant tax changes for the IT sector. Safe harbour rules are unified, and advance pricing agreements will be fast-tracked. These measures aim to offer tax certainty to multinational companies. APAs determine prices for cross-border transactions in advance, reducing litigation. This policy shift is expected to boost investor confidence and drive long-term investment in India.
Best of BS Opinion: Trade deals a positive, but more reforms required
Today's Best of BS Opinion explores India's trade deals, RBI's stance amid base-year revisions, co-operatives' regulatory dilemma, equity market challenges, and Russia's wilderness in history
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
A friend's mental health crisis and the suicide of three sisters highlight India's inadequate support systems. Current laws restrict intervention, leaving many isolated. The Economic Survey noted rising mental health issues among youth due to social media. While new institutes are planned, prevention and a safety net for the vulnerable are crucial. Loneliness and abandonment are key concerns.
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.
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.
Time to ditch 'Bharat Ek Khoj' mode: Why 'Incredible India' isn't enough for foreign visitors
India's tourism recovery lags globally, with foreign arrivals significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Despite government intent to boost the sector through heritage and medical tourism initiatives, the approach remains outdated. A decisive branding reset and creative marketing strategies are urgently needed to attract young, digital-native travelers and tap into India's tourism potential.
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.
