Page 2 - Business Standard Editorial Comment

Sustainable development: Retrospective clearances threaten rule of law

This concern is particularly relevant today, when prolonged air pollution episodes, groundwater depletion, deforestation, and climate impacts already impose enormous health and economic costs

Bridging the gap: Lagging states need a growth push amid rising debt

While the concerns of the southern states are understandable, in a federal structure it will always be expected that the lagging states are supported to ensure more equitable development

High claims, low payouts: Why India's health insurance cover isn't enough

These concerns reflect a deeper structural challenge. India's insurance penetration remains low at 3.7 per cent of gross domestic product, roughly half the global average

AI boom, gig surge: India's job market is entering a new work order

Reform in education and skilling should link classrooms with careers, moving toward project-based, industry-aligned learning

Counting migrants: A new survey promises granular data for policymakers

Perhaps the most significant innovation in the draft questionnaire is the recognition that migration is not just a journey but a process with consequences

Governance vacuum: Bangladesh's government must settle into its role

India needs to ensure that this chaos does not bleed across the frontier, cause an increase in cross-border terrorism, or lead to a flow of refugees

Data governance: India's DPDP rules will offer individuals protection

The rules as a whole offer individuals more protection and greater knowledge about who is collecting and holding data, and also some control over personal data.

A level playing field: Case-by-case treatment in telecom should be avoided

This is not the first time that the Union government is considering a relief measure for the financially stressed telco

A timely course correction: The rollback of QCOs must be sustained

A long-overdue course correction begins as the government moves to roll back QCOs that hurt small firms, consumers, and exports - but momentum must continue to prevent regulatory overreach

Bihar voters have spoken, the new government must now keep its promises

As things stand, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to lead the government again and, having been mostly at the helm since 2005, is well aware of where the state stands

Power to Bhutan: Good relations balance Thimphu's geopolitical pragmatism

Sustained cordiality has been the result of India's constructive and dependable engagement with Bhutan since the 1960s, helping it build institutions of governance and military capabilities

Export promotion: India needs to focus on improving competitiveness

In this regard, the credit-guarantee scheme for exporters provides additional financial support to eligible ones, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

RBI faces uphill task as bond yields stay stubborn amid weak demand

Since yields on government bonds directly affect the cost of money in the financial system, it can be argued that the transmission of policy rate cuts has been weak

New AI guidelines will chart India's path to responsible innovation

For India, the stakes are high. Exercising restraint while promoting innovation requires a delicate balance

Pearls of wisdom: Buffett's annual letter to shareholders will be missed

Apart from being two very sharp thinkers, they had a wonderful sense of humour and an enviable ability to explain complicated concepts in simple language

Value for money: Toll rates should be linked to road quality, performance

The goal should not merely be to raise more revenue but to design a system that ensures value for every rupee paid - one that is transparent, predictable, and performance-based

In the AI game: Maya1 shows developing useful tools need not cost a bomb

It supports over 20 controllable speaking styles, including natural patterns like hesitation, excitement, and warmth

Don't bet on the court: Tough US trade policy shifts are here to stay

Trump has used the decades-old emergency authorisation to effectively overturn America's longstanding trade policy

The obstacle course at Belem: COP30 agenda faces multiple headwinds

This much was evident when it became clear that only a third of countries, ahead of the summit, submitted updates detailing how they would cut the emission of greenhouse gases

The QCO regime: India must align regulations with manufacturing ambition

Reform must also focus on how standards are adhered to. India still lacks an adequate accredited testing and certification infrastructure