Russia, Ukraine and the dangerous geometry of a premature peace deal
The gap between US policy, Russian intent, and China’s long-term strategy is the most important strategic variable shaping the conflict’s future
OPINION | India needs five to six world-class cities built from scratch
For a certain segment of our population, income levels may increasingly resemble those of Singapore or parts of Europe, but the lived experience outside gated communities and premium condominiums falls dramatically short. This mismatch explains an accelerating trend: wealth and brain drain. Those who can leave do so. Those who cannot ensure their children leave as soon as schooling is complete, writes Rajat Arora
OPINION | Digital Lending Fraud in 2025: When AI became both the weapon and the shield
Globally, fraud in 2025 shifted away from document manipulation toward identity-led abuse. Synthetic identities and account takeovers became more prevalent than single-use fraud attempts. AI was used to probe and evade detection systems
OPINION | The political spokesperson is dead. Long live the communicator
India’s political spokespersons are fading as television declines and digital platforms rise, exposing parties’ failure to adapt communication strategies to younger audiences who value authenticity, explanation and platform fluency
OPINION | Inside India’s big savings slowdown and rising debt culture
A move from fixed deposits to SIPs, and from thrift to credit, is redrawing India’s social map. The shift is strengthening aspirations but also increasing fragility, creating clear winners among financially literate households and leaving others vulnerable
OPINION | Trump trade policy in 2025 didn’t work as it ignored Economics 101
The US President’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff announcement has seen a partial rollback to mitigate domestic political repercussions. Moreover, neither China nor India gave in under pressure
Eastern Window | Japan, South Korea enter arms race, threatening stability in North Asia
Countries in North Asia like China, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea are engaged in an intense arms race with efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. Such moves amid US-China rival may threaten the stability of the region
OPINION | Judging Caste: What the Supreme Court’s report reveals
A new report produced by the apex court on the evolution of jurisprudence on caste shows that even within a rule-based framework, social conditioning makes its presence felt
OPINION | RSS Redefines Hindutva: A living, inclusive civilisational idea
RSSFACTS: RSS redefines Hindutva as a timeless, inclusive philosophy, focusing on unity, diversity, and the principles of Dharma. It connects Hindu culture, society, and civilisation while aligning with India's Constitution and values
OPINION | The global AI Race and India’s regulatory dilemma
Much like earlier regimes governing nuclear and satellite technologies, AI is now being managed through international controls rather than traditional technology regulation
Thackeray cousins reunite ahead of BMC polls: Here's how it shaped up over decades
As the Thackeray brothers joined hands, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that Congress must also come together to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
OPINION | 2025 Roundup: The year Indian startups got its mojo back
In 2025, Indian startups revived with AI-driven applications, particularly in voice tech and quick commerce, while venture capital investment surged, focusing on full-service AI and global expansion
OPINION | Tarique Rahman in Bangladesh: Will the prodigal’s return impart stability?
His homecoming is the outcome of India and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party making peace with each other on an equal footing through dialogue
OPINION | India’s strategic shift to strengthen rare earth supply chains
India has approved a $820 million scheme to boost rare earth magnet production, aiming to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China, with US-India collaboration key
OPINION | Religion, the fuel that drives West Bengal’s’ politics
Humayun Kabir’s new political party suggests class antagonism has been consigned to the dustbin of electoral history. The state is headed for an election in 2026 where religious polarisation may play an unprecedented role
OPINION | Beyond First Impressions: Why the India–New Zealand FTA will matter more than its critics admit
India-NZ FTA will have to be ratified by New Zealand’s parliament, where some members are expected to oppose it. Their dismay about the FTA is based on a narrow approach which doesn’t account for the larger economic and strategic benefits that will come the way of both countries
Tamil Nadu polls: Congress seeks more seats, power-sharing pact from DMK
Stalin has emphasised the ideological foundations of the alliance, describing Rahul Gandhi as "a brother who calls Stalin his elder sibling" and stressing that their relationship "transcends politics."
OPINION | The Fallibility of the Supreme Court: Reflections on judicial decision making
Former Chief Justice B. N. Kripal’s *Supreme But Not Infallible* highlights the Supreme Court’s fallibility, emphasising its power to review judgments and correct errors to uphold justice and constitutional values
OPINION | Reimagining wealth management, a digital-first future
India’s wealth management industry needs to adopt fee-based advisory, digital tools, and hybrid models to serve a wider range of customers
OPINION | VB- G Ram G will have a consequential impact on state finances
The attempt to get states to shoulder a greater share of the financial burden of welfare schemes is over a decade old The financing formula in the MNREGA replacement builds on it without concurrently providing states greater autonomy in implementation
OPINION | Islamists in Bangladesh have staged a silent coup; a civil war is no longer implausible
Osman Hadi’s killing unsurprisingly led to the scapegoating of India. But the mystery over the identity of his killer encapsulates the murky developments that have led to Jamaat’s ascent and left the society deeply divided
OPINION | A nuclear legislation that creates an enabling framework for private investment
SHANTI, the new nuclear law, removes ambiguity in the liability of stakeholders in a nuclear plant. It, therefore, enables an assessment of potential risk and paves the way for new entrants
OPINION | Backing Indian ambition with capital for growth
As India heads into a pivotal Budget, the spotlight must turn to how domestic capital can power national ambition and anchor long-term value creation
OPINION | China will enter the Year of the Fire Horse with confidence about its trajectory
The advent of Donald Trump as US president resulted in a disruptive 2025. China not only weathered the storm, it also indicated that it sees itself as the inheritor and reformer of the post-war institutional order
OPINION | Vault Matters: Why Rajiv Anand will be 2026’s most tracked bank CEO
Turning around an institution is a mammoth task. Especially when it is going through investigations for fraud. Rajiv for a foreseeable future may be caught between clearing the air for things that happened in the past and aspirations to take the ship forward. A tough tug-of-war
