Opinion

Best of BS Opinion: From winning to governing, the challenge starts now

From election upsets and disaster alerts to labour reform, media economics, and trauma narratives, today's Best of BS Opinion brings together sharp insights on policy, politics, and society

BJP, West Bengal, Hinduised-nationalism and the X factor in politics

You'd err if you credit or blame the BJP success only on Hindutva. It's more than that. It is Hinduised-nationalism

Labour laws: Exiting outdated ILO conventions won't make India anti-worker

India is a founding member of the ILO and has been a permanent member of its Governing Body since 1922. Over time, we have ratified 47 ILO conventions and one protocol, 39 of which are still in force

The Devil Wears Fine Print, or why Indian journalism needs protections

For the free-falling news business, The Devil Wears Prada 2 offers a glimpse of the solution to keep good journalism alive

Strengthening preparedness: New disaster warning system will protect lives

While India's high mobile penetration provides strong foundations for a nationwide alert system, connectivity is uneven, particularly in remote and rural regions, device compatibility varies widely

Promise and delivery: Record turnout at polls reflected demand for change

The most humbling lessons of anti-incumbency, however, came from West Bengal, where the BJP finally fulfilled its ambition of ousting Mamata Banerjee's TMC after the latter's 15 years in power

Best of BS Opinion: Navigating shocks, reforms, and policy choices

India faces energy-driven policy strain as global tensions rise, even as DPI 2.0, regulatory lessons, and FDI choices shape long-term resilience

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