Business Standard's opinion pages this week focused on Chexit, Himalayan ecology, population estimates, and much more

BS Views of the week: Chexit, Himalayan ecology, population estimates and more

Tata Teleservices faces dues of Rs 19,256 crore amid heavy losses and negative net worth; Tata Sons may extend support as SC dismisses telcos' AGR relief plea

Sterlite Electric on Wednesday said it secured orders worth Rs 7,500 crore in FY25, driven by robust Rs 2,400 crore contracts in March quarter.
The order book spans high-performance conductors, power cables, Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), and specialized EPC services, with a particular focus on advancing India's green energy transmission infrastructure, a company statement said.
The company also continues to expand its footprint, particularly in the Americas, European Union, Africa, and the Middle East, with high-performance conductors and OPGW solutions.
"Our strong Q4 performance, with record order wins, reflects the growing demand for our innovative and sustainable transmission solutions. The significant traction from both domestic and international markets, along with our growing export presence, reinforces our position as a trusted partner for utilities and industries worldwide," CEO Reshu Madan said.
In Q4, the company received several prestigious orders. Major wins include orde

The company also continues to expand its footprint, particularly in the Americas, European Union, Africa, and the Middle East, with high-performance conductors and OPGW solutions

At Google I/O 2025, Project Astra showed off next-gen AI skills. In the demo, the AI-powered tool was able to read screens to make calls and remember context shared earlier

L&T Technology Services on Wednesday said it has signed an MoU with BITS Pilani and the Centre for Research and Excellence in National Security (CRENS), to drive R&D and skill development in areas critical to national security.
Hosted at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani's Hyderabad campus, CRENS will be the central hub for this collaboration, engaging with law enforcement, industry specialists, and academic researchers to drive technological innovation and comprehensive skill development.
Participation from defence experts, including former leaders from the armed forces and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will also be seen, a company statement said.
"This landmark collaboration aims to drive Research & Development (R&D), innovation, and skill development in areas critical to national security, including cybersecurity, perimeter security, digital forensics, and emerging technologies," it said.
LTTS and BITS Pilani ...

Based at BITS Pilani's Hyderabad campus, CRENS will lead the collaboration, working with law enforcement, industry experts, and researchers to boost tech innovation and skill development

Delhi government on Wednesday revoked its order cancelling leaves of its officials in the wake of the military conflict with Pakistan earlier this month.
The services department of Delhi government said it's previous order dated May 8 cancelling all leaves of officers/officials stands withdrawn with immediate effect.
In its May 8 order, the department cancelled leaves of all Delhi government employees until further orders to prepare for any emergency situation arising out of the hostilities between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
The situation, however, improved after a few days as the two countries on May 10 decided to halt the military action with immediate effect.
Indian armed forces hit nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 under the codename Operation Sindoor, India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

The services department of Delhi government said it's previous order dated May 8 cancelling all leaves of officers/officials stands withdrawn with immediate effect

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday directed administrative and police officials in the northern part of the state to remain vigilant for cross-border threats in the strategically sensitive region.
She also asked the officials to stay alert in view of potential flooding due to heavy rain.
Chairing a high-level administrative meeting during her ongoing three-day visit to northern West Bengal, she said the region, which shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, is "highly sensitive", and directed the police and administration to intensify patrolling to prevent any infiltration bid, especially of anti-national elements.
"Even though the BSF is deployed, state administrative officials must also remain vigilant," she said.
She also cautioned officials against the spread of misinformation and fake news, stating that updates should only be disseminated through the government during any crisis.
The chief minister also raised concerns over alleged 

She also asked the officials to stay alert in view of potential flooding due to heavy rain

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Friday presented a Rs 40,187 crore-budget for the megapolis.
Infrastructure spends across projects have been pegged at Rs 35,151 crore or 87 per cent of the overall expenditure, as per an official statement. The revenues have been estimated at Rs 36,939 crore, and the body chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will be borrowing Rs 22,000 crore.
This will result in a budget deficit of Rs 3,249 crore, which the body plans to bridge through land sales, issuance of bonds, financial assistance from the government, and loans from financial institutions, the statement said.
The ongoing metro line projects have been earmarked Rs 10,969 crore of expenditure in the new fiscal, which is a fourth of the overall expenditure..
Over Rs 5,697 crore have been allotted for multiple tunnel projects which are going across the megapolis, with Rs 2,684 crore earmarked for the four-lane road running under the Sanjay Gandhi National 

Infrastructure spends across projects have been pegged at Rs 35,151 crore or 87 per cent of the overall expenditure, as per an official statement

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday returned the Finance Bill 2025 to the Lok Sabha, along with 35 government amendments, including one that abolishes a 6 per cent digital tax on online advertisements, thus completing the 2025-26 budgetary exercise that started on February 1.
The House also returned the Appropriation Bill (3) with a voice vote.
Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had moved the two bills in the House.
The Lok Sabha had passed the Finance Bill on March 25 and passed the Appropriation Bill on March 21.
Replying to the debate later in the evening, she said the tendency of the finance ministry would be to exercise caution and not let go of revenues.
"But, here we wanted to use this opportunity to show our respect for Indian taxpayer. We have moved towards setting Rs 12 lakh as threshold up to which no one will have to pay any tax," Sitharaman said.
The Union Budget 2025-26 envisages a total expenditure of Rs 50.65 lakh crore, an increase of 7.4 per cent ov

The Union Budget 2025-26 envisages a total expenditure of Rs 50.65 trillion, an increase of 7.4 per cent over the current fiscal

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BS Views of the week: Chexit, Himalayan ecology, population estimates and more

Business Standard's opinion pages this week focused on Chexit, Himalayan ecology, population estimates, and much more

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