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Tuesday, September 30, 2025
TopicFreebies

Topic: Freebies

Welfare or vote-bait? Unpacking the economics of India’s freebie culture

Freebie has become an integral part of our culture; it is like adulterating milk – just improving the quantity with quality remaining sluggish.

BJP govt in Delhi will have to deal with an impending revenue deficit. The promised freebies won’t help

Delhi has historically been in revenue surplus, but last 2 years have seen a deceleration. Subsidies & cash transfers may escalate the deficit, unless accompanied by a hike in revenues.

SubscriberWrites: India’s electoral democracy caught in cobweb of freebies & cash transfer

The focus on freebies and cash transfers has led to policy paralysis, as parties prioritize short-term electoral gains over long-term policy planning.

SubscriberWrites: Slogans, Promises and Freebies

The balance between aspirations and reality in modern India.

Middle class is addicted to Modi. Slowing growth, stalled reform & oppressive taxes don’t matter

Indian middle class seethes at growing phenomenon of political parties taking their tax money and spraying it among the more numerous poorer classes to buy their votes.

Indian political parties’ focus on women, cows & freebies, and Mukesh Ambani’s data centre ambitions

Global media also took note of the railway accident in Maharashtra, writing about safety of train travel in India, as well as the reality of the economic downturn in the country.

There’s a new ‘ism’ in town. Left, Right & Centre are losing to it

In the new world, the only idea that cuts across enough vote banks is populism. Its beauty, charm and success lies in its ease of use, in how little it demands from your head or heart.

Dashing through the snow, in a freebie-laden sleigh & packaged food for thought

The best cartoons of the day, chosen by the editors at ThePrint.

SubscriberWrites: Electoral optics and economy

Political parties must learn to differentiate between welfare schemes and freebies; while welfare schemes positively impact lives, non-merit freebies are not a fair practice.

On Camera

Jana Sangh leader VK Malhotra brought Advani to Delhi, kept the party afloat after 1984 setback

Unlike his colleagues from the time of the BJS, several of whom became governors and held other constitutional posts, Malhotra chose to lead a quiet and simple retired life after the massive 2014 victory of the BJP.

Market regulator SEBI clears Adani Group of impropriety alleged by Hindenburg Research

SEBI probe concluded that purported loans and fund transfers were paid back in full and did not amount to deceptive market practices or unreported related party transactions.

In Nepal, young dreams of serving in Indian Army crash as Agnipath halts a centuries-old tradition

Since 1815, Nepali Gorkhas have served in Indian & British Armies, as well as in Bihar, Bengal & Assam Police. Since Agnipath scheme came in, no Nepal-domiciled Gorkha has enlisted.

Something’s hidden in the Oval Office photo of Trump, Munir, Sharif. India must look closely

What Munir has achieved with Trump is a return to normal, ironing out the post-Abbottabad crease. The White House picture gives us insight into how Pakistan survives, occasionally thrives and thinks.