Business Standard Editorial Comment

Policy challenge: Oil shocks and monsoon risks cloud India's outlook

The brunt of the war and persistent geopolitical tensions could vary across countries, with economies dependent on imported energy likely to face a greater impact

Updated On: 14 Apr 2026 | 9:41 PM IST

More women, same barriers show India's factory shift is incomplete

Women's participation will increase as employment opportunities grow

Updated On: 14 Apr 2026 | 9:36 PM IST

Safety mechanism: Digital payments need speed with security as fraud rises

The RBI's paper correctly identifies that the nature of fraud has changed. Most frauds today are authorised push payments, or APP frauds

Updated On: 13 Apr 2026 | 10:05 PM IST

Development dilemma: Cheap replication of AI models is raising questions

The concern has intensified with the rise of DeepSeek and other high-performance Chinese models at significantly lower prices

Updated On: 13 Apr 2026 | 9:58 PM IST

Call for a basic plan: Telcos must also offer non-data plans for users

Trai pushes telcos to offer cheaper voice-SMS plans, aiming to improve affordability and digital inclusion amid rising concerns over pricing and limited competition

Updated On: 12 Apr 2026 | 11:18 PM IST

Risks persist: Fog of uncertainty descends as Iran-US negotiations fail

Failed US-Iran talks and continued Hormuz blockade deepen global uncertainty, with fragile diplomacy offering only limited hope amid escalating geopolitical tensions

Updated On: 12 Apr 2026 | 11:11 PM IST

Bangladesh foreign minister's India visit enables a reset in relations

There is a practical agenda for cooperation on which both sides must act. Connectivity infrastructure, trade facilitation, and energy policy are all areas that can be effectively depoliticised

Updated On: 09 Apr 2026 | 11:00 PM IST

Uneasy ceasefire: Mutual mistrust portends trouble for US-Iran talks

Details of the 10-point US-Iran negotiating text remain unclear, but hardline demands from both sides on reopening the Strait of Hormuz suggest common ground may be difficult

Updated On: 09 Apr 2026 | 11:00 PM IST

FCRA changes risk expanding state control over civil society space

Proposed FCRA changes risk tightening control over NGOs, raising concerns over administrative overreach and constraints on legitimate civil society work

Updated On: 08 Apr 2026 | 10:25 PM IST

Between easing inflation and rising geopolitical risks, RBI chooses caution

RBI holds rates amid West Asia uncertainty, with oil prices and geopolitical risks set to shape inflation, growth, and future policy moves

Updated On: 08 Apr 2026 | 10:18 PM IST

Reducing import dependence: Renewable energy can play a significant role

It has been argued that India must push up the domestic production of fossil fuels, including oil and gas, along with diversifying sources of imports

Updated On: 07 Apr 2026 | 10:27 PM IST

Defence outperformance: Exports grow, but a more broadbased strategy needed

Private sector must drive defence growth, with successful nations relying on strong public-private partnerships to build competitive and scalable manufacturing ecosystems

Updated On: 07 Apr 2026 | 10:25 PM IST

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

Updated On: 06 Apr 2026 | 10:09 PM IST

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

Updated On: 06 Apr 2026 | 10:00 PM IST

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

Updated On: 05 Apr 2026 | 10:12 PM IST

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

Updated On: 05 Apr 2026 | 10:04 PM IST

Gauging disruption: AI studies highlight labour-market inequality

If entry-level roles shrink because of AI, the pathway for skill accumulation itself may be disrupted

Updated On: 02 Apr 2026 | 10:33 PM IST

RBI's rupee challenge: Policymakers should not be swayed by absolute levels

While the war is affecting macroeconomic dynamics in various ways, requiring intervention, economic management has become significantly complex for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Updated On: 02 Apr 2026 | 10:28 PM IST

Indian legal system's gender gap begins at the bar and reaches the bench

Many woman lawyers are first-generation professionals, making the early years particularly difficult

Updated On: 01 Apr 2026 | 10:31 PM IST

Census 2027 will inform policy, but it could also reshape India's politics

The Census exercise will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will be a house-listing and housing Census, which will be conducted between April and September over a period of 30 days

Updated On: 01 Apr 2026 | 10:19 PM IST