Business Standard Editorial Comment

Israeli impunity in Gaza: US support counters growing global censure

The irony of this flurry of international condemnation, including from India and the Abraham Accord signatories, is that it has not deterred Israel or its sponsor, the US

Fed in focus: Lower interest rates alone may not aid capital flows to India

This is an unusual position in modern central banking, and particularly for the Fed

India must invest in sovereign data infra, AI skilling for a new economy

NITI Aayog projects AI could add up to $1 trillion to India's GDP by 2035, but success depends on sovereign infrastructure, skilling, and responsible adoption

Basic issues in discoms must be addressed to root out persistent problems

Discom losses and distorted tariffs threaten India's power reforms; a consensus on cost-reflective pricing and transparent subsidies is crucial for sustainable growth

Paths forward for trade: Even contentious issues can be resolved

While it is vitally important that the interests of key strategic and sensitive sectors are kept in mind, it is also necessary to identify mechanisms by which some sort of compromise might be achieved

Monsoon shift: Agriculture must adjust to changing weather patterns

Rain at a wrong time, particularly during harvest, can damage standing crops, reduce quality, and spoil perishables such as fruit and vegetables

The problem with schools: Growth in pvt coaching reflects systemic decay

One major concern that deserves greater policy attention arising from the report is, however, the unchecked growth of private coaching

On the frontline: Defence Procurement Manual 2025 eases industry concerns

The 2025 version squarely addresses these issues and also seeks to promote the important goal of competitive self-reliance

US court's order on Google search data sharing can reduce entry barriers

However, the company may continue to have non-exclusive arrangements to preload or distribute applications. But it could pay Apple, Samsung, etc to preload its Chrome browser and search engine

Ethanol blending for fuel a welcome move, but transition challenges remain

From the consumer point of view, the transition needed better management

Nepal on the brink: Ruling elites increasingly out of sync with the people

Nepal's youth-led protests, triggered by a sweeping social media ban, have exposed deep political and economic rot, forcing PM Oli's resignation and leaving the country at a crossroads

Trade overtures: India should support exporters, affected businesses

With the US imposing steep tariffs on Indian exports, New Delhi must support affected firms while pursuing new markets, as trade talks with Washington remain uncertain

Why the Supreme Court is right to question ECI's voter review in Bihar

The court has correctly stepped in to point out that, under the law as written, a unique ID must be accepted as proof of identity, more so as the ECI plans a countrywide SIR

India's contract labour surge carries risks for jobs and the economy

Contract workers are typically not directly employed by factories but are hired through third-party agencies

Healthy outcomes: Address key gaps to make infant survival universal

India's infant mortality rate hits a record low, but stark regional gaps in nutrition, immunisation, and newborn care threaten to slow public health gains

Market signals: A combination of factors has pushed up bond yields

Bond yields rise despite RBI rate cuts as fiscal risks, GST revenue loss, and global conditions fuel market anxiety, dimming hopes of easing borrowing costs

The reform agenda: Why pushing strategic disinvestment will be crucial

Simplifying the GST structure is not the only reform on the government's agenda.

A critical mission: Recycling critical minerals can offer near-term cushion

What makes recycling particularly urgent is the long gestation period associated with mining and exploration

Updated industrial classification will help capture new economy data

India's NIC-2025 update to include digital, green, and gig sectors, ensuring accurate economic data, global comparability, and better policy planning

It's raining crises: Cities need urgent plans for climate change impacts

At first glance, the easy culprit to pinpoint is growing indiscriminate urbanisation