Editorial Comment

End of Battling Begums: Khaleda Zia's death may reshape Bangladesh polls

Khaleda Zia's passing reshapes Bangladesh's political landscape, reviving the BNP's prospects and testing New Delhi's recalibrated ties ahead of pivotal February elections

US tariffs, shifting metrics and the risks facing India's economy in 2026

As the US disrupts global trade and India pushes major trade deals, 2026 will test whether reforms, new economic measures and shifting geopolitics can sustain India's growth momentum

SC review signals a long-overdue rethink on protecting the Aravallis

Perhaps the apex court should have gone further in its review. Following its orders, the government has issued a complete ban on all new mining licences across the entire Aravalli range

India's banks are healthier, but the next stress point is already visible

While banking is stable and resilient, it needs to evolve and adjust to the changing dynamics of the Indian financial system

PM's internship scheme shows ambition, but demand tells a different story

For many candidates, particularly from smaller towns, moving to other places, even if the distance involved is short, for modestly paid internships carries real opportunity costs

US returns to WTO reform debate, but on terms that unsettle the system

The US' memorandum is revealing of the various ways in which Washington now believes - to an extent across parties - that the WTO is not working properly

Wind power's rebound is real, but India must fix the bottlenecks soon

Wind energy in India records its strongest revival yet, but transmission gaps, land hurdles, and ecological safeguards must be resolved to sustain momentum toward 2030 targets

Fare hikes take Indian Railways one step forward, many more still to go

The Railways has described the move as "modest" and calibrated to impose a minimal burden on travellers

Where is your daughter planning to study? New routes after liberalisation

From the US and UK to Germany, Ukraine and soon Russia, Indian students' global education choices have diversified as aspirations, incomes and Indian options evolve

EVs help, but Delhi's air pollution problem needs more than adoption

It is equally important to recognise that Delhi is part of a shared air basin across the NCR. Policies for just Delhi can deliver limited gains

Securities Markets Code is a welcome step for simpler market regulation

While the Code retains most of the existing provisions, there are additions and changes that warrant mention here - the composition of Sebi and its powers, for instance

India cannot fix its education brain drain without globalising at home

As Western nations tighten student visas, a NITI Aayog report flags a chance for India to emerge as a global education hub-if structural gaps in research, regulation and visas are fixed

Clinging to the H-1B lottery has finally caught up with Indian ITeS

Indian ITeS should have moved away from the H-1B lottery

Caribbean crisis: US actions in Venezuela threaten India's economy

Mr Trump's claim that Mr Maduro is emptying his prisons and illegally flooding the US with criminal elements and that the country is a major source of drug trafficking lacks foundation

Swift resolution required: Capacity gaps threaten insolvency outcomes

As the government is doing a number of things to improve the ease of doing business, it must recognise that a smooth and predictable exit mechanism is as critical as facilitating entry

India's Bangladesh options: Measured responses will serve New Delhi better

The growing anti-Indian movement has added an element of uncertainty to the safety of Indian economic assets too

More ambition needed: New FTAs welcome, but bigger targets lie ahead

An FTA has also been agreed upon with the United Kingdom (UK), which means that India now has formal trade pacts with three of the five Anglosphere economies

Western approaches: PM Modi's three-nation tour has created useful momentum

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) is the second FTA signed between India and a West Asian nation - the first being with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022

Ease of investing: Sebi's interventions will bring greater transparency

Sebi has also lowered the limits on the (BER) across categories, which will reduce costs slightly for investors

Passengers must pay: Rail freight revenue can increase, but so must fares

A parliamentary panel has urged Indian Railways to diversify freight beyond coal, revisit tariffs and confront passenger fare subsidies to keep the system financially viable