Page 5 - Editorial Comment

Disinvestment revival will be useful in sustaining capital expenditure

It is encouraging that the government's dependence on disinvestment receipts in managing its finances has reduced, but the instrument should not be discarded

Trump's return has left allies anxious and institutions under siege

The President himself has been far more radical, resentful of the cases levelled against him in his time out of office and very willing to test and even break the bounds of presidential powers

Tiger Global tax ruling risks shaking foreign investor confidence

The India-Mauritius DTAA has been under scrutiny since it was signed in 1982. It was always seen as a route to avoid tax

Rethinking affordable housing: Reforms needed in land, finance and rentals

India's urban housing crunch needs more than subsidies-it needs a policy reset that makes affordable homes viable for builders, investors and cities alike

China's record trade surplus ensures global turmoil will continue

China's record trade surplus is less a sign of strength than of a stalled growth model-one that deepens global imbalances and fuels the next wave of trade conflict

India's 10-minute delivery obsession meets its first reality check

India's fascination with instant delivery is not unique. It took root during the pandemic, when lockdowns made rapid doorstep access to essentials a necessity

India Inc is flush with cash, but private investment is still missing

With private investment slow to revive, the burden of sustaining economic momentum has fallen disproportionately on the government

Increasing discomfort: AI and social media need new norms of regulation

The Grok controversy shows how fast-moving AI is outpacing laws, forcing governments to rethink how to curb explicit content without undermining free speech

New tariff threat: Additional duties on exports will raise risks for India

Rising US tariff threats over Russia ties are straining India's trade outlook, putting exports, investment flows and economic stability at fresh risk

A sweeping exit: How Donald Trump is dismantling global governance

Trump's withdrawal from key global bodies may weaken multilateralism, but it risks ceding international leadership to China rather than strengthening American sovereignty

Expenditure review: Development needs a wider role of state govts

As the Centre reviews hundreds of schemes, the push to rationalise spending could reshape fiscal federalism, ease pressure on states, and improve the efficiency of public expenditure

Delayed civic polls are quietly weakening India's cities and villages

Globally, there are hardly any examples of well-functioning cities that developed without empowered, accountable local governments

India's 7.4% GDP growth looks solid but faces a narrower margin for error

In absolute terms at current prices, the economy is projected to attain the size of ₹357.14 trillion, which is marginally higher than the level assumed in the 2025-26 Budget

Align skills to reality: Adult Skills Survey 2026 will inform policy

This exercise is timely, given that nearly three-fourths of India's workforce has only basic schooling, and graduate employability is just around 55 per cent

Fast-tracking infrastructure: Further reductions in delays are needed

PRAGATI has shown that some of these failures can be overcome through sustained oversight

Governance deficit: Indore tragedy highlights systemic flaws

The Indore water tragedy exposes deep flaws in urban governance, revealing how capacity gaps and inequality persist despite funds, schemes, and "clean city" rankings

Level-playing field: Support to Vodafone Idea should not be exclusive

The five-year AGR moratorium gives Vodafone Idea crucial breathing space, but raises questions on fair competition and a level playing field in India's telecom sector

Customer is the purpose

Banks exist to serve the customers, let us serve them well

Gig workers' strike exposes the hard limits of India's quick commerce model

A NITI Aayog survey in 2024 revealed that 90 per cent of gig workers lacked savings

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