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Friday, April 24, 2026
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Standard Deviation

Fiscal deficit, inflation, rupee—why govt and RBI need to cut themselves some slack

Both the government and the RBI are currently so focused on their respective targets that they are losing sight of the fact that some flexibility might actually be a good thing.

India must revise its definition of middle class. Those earning Rs 1 cr aren’t ‘rich’ anymore

The tax officials will, of course, have a better understanding of what the revenue implications will be. But let them at least start thinking about expanding the definition.

India is confusing ‘standing strong’ with standing alone in international negotiations

India needs to figure out what kind of global player it wants to be while remaining uncompromising on its interests—hard-nosed and difficult, or cooperative and collaborative.

Budget 2025—three reasons your income tax isn’t going down

Income tax is such a steady and reliable revenue stream, and an increasingly vital one, that the government simply cannot afford to do anything that would curtail it.

Shaktikanta Das has handled govt better than rockstar RBI chiefs. The real test is now

The next few weeks will show how successfully Governor Shaktikanta Das can navigate the latest butting of heads between the government and the RBI.

Trump unpredictable, Modi dependable? On trade, it’s just the opposite

The Modi government must reflect on the reputation it is building for India. It is fueling a perception of unpredictability.

To let China invest in India or not—an old economic problem has struck policymakers again

PM Modi has sought to incentivise manufacturing in India through PLI schemes, but the components have come mainly from China, with Indian companies only engaged in assembling.

The new ‘Hindu rate of growth’ is here. It’s called 7% and it’s just not enough

The current ‘Hindu rate of growth’ is far faster than the original one, but it is still wholly inadequate to cater to the needs of the population.

Don’t be surprised with a PM gift before elections. That’s how fuel prices are manipulated

Oil prices are nearly 40% lower than they were in June 2022, when fuel prices were effectively frozen; yet, consumers have not benefited from this decrease.

Indian investors don’t need a coddling nanny. Let them make mistakes and learn

There is a difference between protecting an investor from unscrupulous external action, and protecting them from themselves. The former is necessary, but the latter should be avoided.

On Camera

India’s AI group is a coordination committee dressed up as a governance body

There must be a Supreme AI Council that operates at the apex. It must be chaired by the Prime Minister, with real authority, full representation, and a mandate to act.

Haryana’s new industrial policy in the works, but industry says old problems remain unsolved

Increase in employment subsidy, Rs 500 crore for estate revamp, new townships in pipeline—but land cost, power breakdowns and inspector raj top among key worries for industry leaders.

Military pushes for private participation in space, more Indian satellites. ‘Can’t rely on single entity’ 

CDS Anil Chauhan says future space capability will not be built by government agencies alone. ‘It will be co-developed with industry, start-ups, and technology innovators’.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.