The Economic Times

Kalamkaval, a Malayalam film, draws inspiration from a real-life serial killer. The movie focuses heavily on its male lead, Mammootty. This approach neglects the victims' stories and the societal pressures they faced. In contrast, the Hindi series Dahaad explored these elements with depth. Kalamkaval offers a stylish showcase for Mammootty but lacks the insightful commentary of its counterpart.

From loud sloganeering to queue-jumping and selfie supremacy, the column skewers how normalised bad behaviour at home fuels the Ugly Indian abroadand why it shocks us only when it embarrasses us overseas.

The landscape of Indian publishing is evolving, with non-fiction sales experiencing a remarkable increase. Fiction, once the reigning genre, appears to be losing its foothold as readers gravitate towards narratives that spark critical thought. The once-celebrated literary fiction has seen a dip in relevance, with many current novels lacking the depth that stimulates meaningful discourse.

Being attracted to Western-themed goods and experiences can go to absurd lengths, but to truly make 'Mera Bharat Mahan', desi products and services should be winners purely on merit.

A routine voter-list verification over a logical discrepancy in a surname opens up a larger, deeply Indian paradox: names that refuse to conform. From colonial-era spellings to caste markers, numerology, regional conventions and generational shifts, Indian surnames have evolved in wildly inconsistent ways.

Every year, Indian business leaders become instant economic experts for a short period. They offer praise for the Union Budget, regardless of its content. This public optimism is a strategy for managing expectations and ensuring stability. Behind closed doors, a more nuanced discussion occurs. The budget speech sets a positive tone for the nation.

At the centre of BSNL's revival is its indigenous 4G stack - a strategic gamble that placed India among a handful of countries capable of providing end-to-end telecom technology. After years of delay and scepticism, BSNL has now deployed nearly 98,000 4G towers, with a software-upgradable path to 5G. This transition reduces dependence on foreign vendors, enhancing security and resilience in an increasingly fragmented global tech landscape.

Union Budget: India's economic growth faces hurdles from excessive regulations. The upcoming budget needs to prioritise regulatory reform over spending. This involves governing regulators effectively, not just large companies. Policy should encourage firms to grow without fear of regulatory penalties.

Reward domestic manufacturing Extending domestic value addition mandates under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and PLI schemes across solar, wind, batteries, EV components, hydrogen and transmission equipment, with a phased path to 50% by 2029, would provide manufacturers with the certainty needed to invest at scale.

India's economic resilience, transitioning from stability to strength, is built on steady policy work, moderate inflation, and fiscal consolidation. The nation is now focusing on structural reforms to build manufacturing and export competitiveness, aiming for strategic indispensability in a fragmented global landscape.

Cities are tapping into carbon credits to strengthen their budgets, with Indore leading the charge by profiting from sustainable ventures such as waste recycling and solar power initiatives. Indias new Carbon Credit Trading Scheme is unlocking potential for cities to profit from reducing emissions. This revenue stream is pivotal for urban areas striving for financial stability.

Budget expectations: India's salaried middle class is growing significantly. This expansion is reshaping consumption patterns and boosting financial investments. A larger group of taxpayers now has a stake in economic stability. This growing segment will influence policy debates and electoral outcomes. Their focus is on economic growth and improved living standards.

India's tax revenue growth has slowed significantly in FY26. This creates a challenge for the government balancing economic support and fiscal responsibility. Lower inflation and tax relief contributed to this shortfall. A weakening financial cycle also appears to be impacting tax collections. This trend may continue into FY27, requiring conservative tax forecasts and a strong signal of fiscal discipline.

Indias landmark FTA with the EU takes trade to a new scale, boosting exports, jobs and MSMEs while aligning growth with clean energy, resilient supply chains and deeper global integration.

MGNREGA is not a dole but a dignity-based right to work that strengthens rural incomes, womens participation and local assets. Proposed reforms risk weakening its legal guarantee, decentralised planning and support for poorer states.

India and the European Union have successfully concluded Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This landmark deal, initiated in 2007, marks a significant commercial and strategic step. The agreement aims to strengthen trade flows between the two entities. It will reduce barriers for Indian businesses entering the EU market. European firms will gain access to India's growing economy.

India's democracy faces challenges as politicians often prioritize personal gain over public interest. However, the nation's constitution, crafted by unelected individuals, established vital independent institutions. These bodies, like the Supreme Court and armed forces, command public respect. They provide essential checks and balances, safeguarding minority rights and ensuring a robust democratic framework beyond mere elections.

India faces a mixed outlook with Trump's administration, marked by high tariffs and a lack of trade deals, while Pakistan and China gain attention. New US defense strategy sidelines India, focusing on 'strategic stability' with China. Meanwhile, US diplomats are reportedly engaging with Islamist groups in India's neighborhood, raising concerns in Delhi.

As PM E-DRIVE subsidies end, Indias EV shift must move beyond battery size to focus on efficiency, reliability, financing and localisationbuilding a post-subsidy ecosystem rooted in performance, data and consumer trust.

India and the European Union are at a turning point after decades of slow progress on deeper ties, driven by major shifts in global geopolitics. The EUs traditional pillarssecurity reliance on the US, energy ties with Russia, and strong trade links with Chinahave weakened due to Trump-era uncertainty, the Ukraine war, and growing friction with China.