Opinion

RBI policy expectations: Safeguarding growth amid a supply shock

With limited policy space amid a global supply shock, RBI is likely to hold rates, balancing inflation risks with the need to protect growth

Debt, demography, democracy: Busting myths in intergovernmental transfers

The 16th Finance Commission shifts focus away from demography, arguing ageing alone does not weaken state finances or justify higher transfers

Streamline regulations: Jan Vishwas Bill is a step in the right direction

Notably, the Bill is not a standalone reform. It is part of a broader and consistent policy intervention over the past decade and is aimed at improving the business environment

To the moon and beyond: Artemis II mission can pave way for deep space

The Artemis programme and the associated Artemis Accords are one axis of a new space race

The economics of global disorder: Resilience to trump efficiency, growth

There have, no doubt, been admirable efforts by the government to cushion the energy shock emanating from the Gulf, but there is only so much it can do in such global circumstances

India's misunderstood shock: Lessons from the pandemic on what not to do

With the Reserve Bank of India's first policy meeting since the ongoing energy shock underway, the obvious question is whether rate hikes are coming

Best of BS Opinion: Iran conflict could trigger prolonged bear market

From US foreign policy risks and India's labour data changes to bear market fears and FCRA concerns, today's Best of BS Opinion brings together key insights shaping global and domestic debates

Duty concessions to SEZ for DTA clearances likely to find few takers

Modest duty cuts and complex conditions may limit SEZ units' appetite for concessional DTA clearances despite the government's intent to boost capacity use

Improving job quality: India needs to generate more productive employment

Revamped PLFS offers sharper labour data, but reveals a deeper concern-India's workforce remains trapped in low-quality jobs with weak wage growth

Dire straits: Prolonged war could alter the global security architecture

Escalating US-Iran conflict and oil disruptions threaten global stability, while shifting alliances signal a weakening of America's geopolitical influence

West Asia conflict threatens to push markets into bear market rhythm

Markets face risk of a prolonged bear phase as oil shocks and geopolitical tensions test inflation, growth, and investor confidence globally

Governance must be a core bank value, not just a compliance checklist

HDFC Bank's boardroom tensions highlight a deeper issue: governance failures persist not due to weak rules, but weak internalisation of accountability and oversight

Lethal injection for a boil? Anxiety around FCRA amendment bill justifiable

Proposed FCRA amendment sparks concern as stricter asset-vesting rules for NGOs raise questions over proportionality, autonomy, and state overreach

Builder can't forfeit more than 10% of total price on payment default

The National Commission cited the Supreme Court's observation that in appropriate cases the consumer forum has the authority to decide whether the terms of an agreement are valid

What next from MPC? RBI may retain no-action, wait-&-watch policy

This time, communication will be key, not action

All talk, no walk, China shock: Coal gasification edge becomes clear

China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won't move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest

Best of BS Opinion: AI power, war chaos, and India's energy blind spot

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

Cricket's new order: Time to replace bilaterals with tighter tournaments

As IPL and T20 leagues reshape cricket's economics, the sport is drifting toward a new hierarchy-ODIs as events, T20 as franchise-driven, and Tests as curated rivalries

China charts a different path on AI: Late-mover advantage holds promise

For India, it may be prudent to focus on applications that advance economic and social aims rather than chase the magic bullet of AGI

Trump admin makes George W Bush's look like a model of responsibility

The US' military planners seem to have failed to predict Tehran's response, including the bombing of US allies in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz