Editorial Comment

Beyond credit scores: Next inclusion phase must reach first-time borrowers

As seen in the 11th round of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development's Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey, around 22 per cent of the surveyed rural households still depend

A year of tariffs: Donald Trump's trade policy impoverishes US workers

New evidence from economists at Morgan Stanley sheds light on how US firms that are exposed to tariffs are changing their behaviour

Advertising curbs risk weakening broadcasters in a changed market

As of December 2025, the number of homes with cable & satellite TV was down to 100 million, according to estimates

New USTR tariff threats deepen trade uncertainty for India and beyond

After the courts struck down the Donald Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs imposed under emergency powers, Washington turned to alternative legal routes

Owners' pride: IPL's soaring valuations reflect a thriving business model

RCB's title win underscores the IPL's growing financial power, with franchise valuations soaring as the league emerges as one of the world's most profitable sports properties

Policy complexity: RBI MPC will have to reckon with several moving parts

With oil prices elevated and monsoon risks looming, the RBI is expected to hold rates steady while reassessing inflation and growth forecasts

Plastic currency: Switching to polymer bank notes can help manage costs

Polymer notes are made of a thin plastic substrate that is more resistant to moisture, dirt and tearing

Stress tests: Centralised examination systems are failing aspirants

Over the past decade, attempts to centralise the public-examination system have consistently led to sub-optimal outcomes

Improving health outcomes: Survey suggests the need for a holistic approach

NFHS-6 shows gains in child nutrition and healthcare access, but rising obesity and diabetes underscore the need for a more comprehensive public health strategy

Governance questions: HDFC Bank must emphatically address all concerns

HDFC Bank must address governance concerns transparently after reports of irregular payments linked to bulk deposits, while the RBI should clarify its oversight role

Measuring change: New IIP broadens scope of coverage, but needs better data

Advanced economies increasingly use dynamic industrial measurement systems, which regularly update weightings and production patterns

Deepening water stress across urban, rural centres calls for urgent reforms

Water availability must become a core criterion in selecting industrial sites, urban planning, and agricultural incentives

Empowering panchayats: Hyperlocal representation alone will not help

Panchayats are expected to manage digital-governance platforms such as eGramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra, while simultaneously implementing schemes related to housing, water, sanitation, and employment

IBC@10: Insolvency and bankruptcy code's administration needs improvement

The recent IBC (Amendment) Act, 2026, aims to strengthen the law and improve outcomes

Powering transition: India needs resilient electric mobility infrastructure

India had around 29,000 charging stations for the public early this calendar year, a significant improvement from the barely 5,000 a few years ago

Shifting US geopolitical priorities are affecting Quad's relevance

The war in West Asia has added to the Quad nations' concerns.

Parks and recreation: Govt land should be deployed to expand green spaces

In legal terms, the government is within its rights to reclaim or cancel leases granted in perpetuity

Eyes in the sky: SpaceX is aiming to make history on Wall Street

SpaceX has set aside provisions of over $500 million for potential legal liabilities as it fights a long list of cases

Revenue channels: RBI's surplus transfer will not ease fiscal pressure

The crisis in West Asia and the resultant surge in prices of crude oil have significantly complicated the overall Budget arithmetic

Power planning: India's surging energy demand needs better preparation

Every year, summers have arrived earlier and temperatures have scaled new peaks