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Opinion / The Economic Times

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.

6 Dec 2025 12:05 am
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.

6 Dec 2025 12:02 am
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

5 Dec 2025 11:44 pm
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.

5 Dec 2025 11:43 pm
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.

5 Dec 2025 11:21 pm
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).

4 Dec 2025 11:36 pm
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.

4 Dec 2025 11:20 pm
India's GDP data debate: Why current methods remain robust and what will change with the 2026 base revision

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.

4 Dec 2025 11:17 pm
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.

4 Dec 2025 7:20 pm
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.

3 Dec 2025 11:18 pm
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.

3 Dec 2025 11:10 pm
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.

3 Dec 2025 10:53 pm
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.

3 Dec 2025 5:31 pm
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.

2 Dec 2025 11:24 pm
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.

2 Dec 2025 11:24 pm
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.

2 Dec 2025 11:18 pm
Indias big defence makeover: Theatreisation takes centrestage

India's military is transforming to enhance joint operations and efficiency. The creation of integrated theatre commands aims to pool resources under single commanders for better coordination. This reform seeks to address weaknesses in current structures and prepare for multi-domain threats. Global powers already operate similar command systems.

2 Dec 2025 12:12 am
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.

1 Dec 2025 11:21 pm
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.

1 Dec 2025 11:03 pm
GDP surges, inflation slides: RBIs dilemma deepens on rate-cut

India's economy showed strong growth in the June-September 2025 quarter, surpassing all forecasts. Manufacturing and agriculture sectors performed well, boosting consumption. This growth outpaces major economies like China. Despite global economic uncertainties and potential risks, India appears to be in a favorable economic position. The Reserve Bank of India faces a decision on interest rates given these positive economic indicators.

1 Dec 2025 12:10 am
Climate change impact on health and country's GDP: Reassure our eco-anxious youngsters

A 2024 Chintan study, 'The Future We Want', examined urban children's perceptions of climate change. About 89% of all respondents, from marginalised and middle-class backgrounds, converged around eco-anxiety. Such anxiety affects children for years, if not for perpetuity. It prevents them from being able to stay focused, increases vulnerability, and reduces their ability to manage relationships and hold down jobs as adults. The study believes India could face about 5.5% decline in GDP by 2047 if

30 Nov 2025 11:27 pm
While the RBI governor and GDP figures may hint otherwise, it would be best to hold the rate line

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotras unexpected suggestion of a possible interest rate cut has sparked speculation in the markets, setting eyes on December 5. While the economy boasts strong growth figures, the central bank navigates a delicate balance of vigorous expansion alongside low inflation.

30 Nov 2025 11:18 pm