Opinion

Next digital leap: DPI 2.0 can drive innovation and economic growth

India's local innovation capacity remains uneven, particularly outside major urban centres. Data systems are fragmented, raising challenges for interoperability and trust

Policy adjustments: A sustained West Asia crisis will force tough decisions

Given that the shortage of gas has affected economic activities, tax collection too will be impacted

China: FDI caution and import reliance shape India's policy dilemma

With a cumulative overseas investment stock of $3 trillion-3.5 trillion and annual outflows in the range of $160 billion-190 billion, China is a major FDI player across every region

CBIC clarification fixes one SEZ anomaly, ignores another concern

CBIC's SEZ clarification eases drawback claims on re-exports, but gaps persist for DTA-to-SEZ supplies, calling for a broader, consistent tax interpretation

Experience with local area banks and RNBFCs should have offered lessons

With the announcement of Saksham, a new initiative to increase the capacities of cooperative banks, the fear is that the RBI might also open up fresh licences for new cooperative banks

Consumer protection: Insurer can't dispute valuation agreed at issuance

The flood water damaged the hospital equipment, the insured promptly intimated this to the insurer, which appointed a surveyor to inspect and assess the loss

Geopolitical risks no longer rare for India's insurance industry

Rising geopolitical tensions are driving higher premiums, tighter underwriting and reinsurance costs, making risk pricing a structural shift for India's insurance sector

Time to say goodbye to subsidy for UPI? A case for tiered MDR regime

A time-bound, tiered MDR on large commercial UPI merchants, with small merchants and individuals permanently exempted, is in order, and so is revenue allocated to strengthen infra & rural expansion

Disquiet on the Eastern Front: Great Nicobar base key to maritime defences

Historically, and instinctively, India has seen threats emerging from the west and the north, from Pakistan and China

Best of BS Opinion: India feels diplomatic squeeze from W. Asia conflict

From Iran diplomacy and artificial intelligence risks to Great Nicobar strategy and Pakistan policy, today's Best of BS Opinion highlights key strategic and economic debates shaping India's outlook

Iran war tightens squeeze on India's diplomacy amid shifting alliances

We share centuries of historical ties and cultural affinity with Iran. That should count for something

Failed isolation: Three pillars supporting India's Pak policy have fallen

On social media, Pakistanis, even many of those unfriendly to the military-led establishment, which has reasserted its control over the country, are rejoicing

An AI-driven efficient economy could also end up eliminating all demand

New technology goes mainstream and translates into huge improvements in human development indicators

Will AI kill us with love? As loneliness deepens, bots grow closer

While humans continue to become lonelier, AI becomes smarter, more sensitive, emotionally developed each day. Thus, our dependence on tech means as a remedy for our loneliness might grow further

Best of BS Opinion: FinMin offers sobering view of macroeconomic risks

From rising oil-linked risks and services data gaps to gold loan expansion and global capital flows, here are the key insights from Business Standard's Opinion page

India has an opportunity to become a natural absorber of global savings

There are moments (like the present) when current account deficits are widening in response to shocks, but our system has a well-developed playbook for dealing with these

Measuring services: New index for formal sector will fill a critical gap

India's ISP proposal broadly aligns with these international practices, particularly in its reliance on administrative data and value-based indicators

Policy prescription: MoF's economic review presents a realistic assessment

One clear message from the West Asia conflict is the need to build buffers of key inputs, and this should not be limited to oil and gas

Gold loans: Reading the growth right

The portfolio can glitter only if backed by prudence

Best of BS Opinion: From oil to athletics, systems evolving under pressure

Here are the best of Business Standard's opinion pieces for today