Opinion

The learning curve: Interventions must move beyond expanding school access

UDISE+ shows gains in enrolment and retention, but weak learning outcomes and the shift from government to private schools underline the need to prioritise education quality

Oil prices and monsoon uncertainty will shape RBI's inflation outlook

June inflation rose above the RBI's 4% target, with food, oil prices and monsoon risks clouding the outlook, making a status quo on rates the likely policy choice

Chinese mercantilism has dealt the global economy the mother of all shocks

Chinese mercantilism has been more globally consequential than any other economic shock or policy choice in reshaping the world this millennium

AI threatens low-end jobs, making skilling an urgent national priority

Govt needs to focus more on low-end work, which will be impacted more by technology and artificial intelligence

Best of BS Opinion: Competitiveness is built by openness and clarity

Whether in retail, football, industry, capital flows or public finance, the systems that win are those willing to open up, disclose more, compete harder and adapt faster

Making India attractive to foreign capital: Beyond the RBI's June measures

The RBI's June measures have bought India some time. The challenge now is to use that time wisely

Can India innovate? The innovation gap starts with its largest companies

India has the talent and startup momentum, but unless its largest companies invest boldly in R&D, the country risks falling behind in global innovation

Off-field divide: European football teams racially diverse but Europe isn't

White Europeans may be happy to watch foreign players from the distance of a football stadium win sporting laurels for their nations but are unlikely to welcome them elsewhere

Retail rulebook: India needs a clear policy framework for growth

With ecommerce emerging as the biggest disruptor, international marquee brands entered this space and, more recently, the quick-commerce segment

Best of BS Opinion: The missing links beyond visible progress

Visible progress matters, as these pieces show, but missing links decide how far it can go

India-UK origin rules trust exporters; subject to verification later

India-UK FTA origin rules require exporters and importers to ensure strict compliance with sourcing, documentation and certification to claim tariff benefits

The missing human growth factor: Bridging India's human-capital deficit

Human capital - not geography, culture or natural resources - now explains why some nations become wealthy while others remain stagnant

The poor's savings: The next frontier for NPCI and RBI Innovation Hub

For savings, the risk of default or malfeasance is borne by the vulnerable customer and, therefore, the regulator is cautious in allowing any latitude in experiments with savings products

What's next for insurance after 100% FDI: Governance challenges ahead

India's 100% FDI regime for insurance opens the sector to global players, but faster approvals, stronger oversight and AI safeguards will determine its long-term success

Indo-Pacific push: Modi's 3-nation visit strengthened geostrategic doctrine

The three-nation visit offered a coherent articulation of New Delhi's geostrategic aims at a time when trade and political relations with the US remain unpredictable

Boosting manufacturing: Lower import barriers will increase exports

While the decision on duty exemption must be welcomed, the end date underlines India's inherent reluctance in liberalising imports

Film celebrity held liable for no-show at event, ordered to refund fee

The actress failed to appear at the event, ruining the well-planned programme that had generated considerable expectations

Talent crunch: Why are there so few takers for top jobs in banks?

There are two key issues behind this phenomenon. The RBI and the government can solve this in a jiffy

How the controversy over 'Satluj' could reshape Punjab's electoral politics

The Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj doesn't blame any political party or individual politicians. We only know the demographic in Punjab it's bound to trigger the most

Best of BS Opinion: Does the world need an international anti-ecocide law?

Today's opinions examine environmental destruction in war, the strategic race for frontier AI and the lessons India can draw from Brazil's ethanol transition.