Strong inflows under the Reserve Bank of India’s concessional foreign exchange schemes have helped strengthen the forex buffer amid global uncertainty. However, today’s First editorial warning These short-term flows should not become a substitute for a sustainable external sector strategy. With oil prices rising again, geopolitical risks persisting and net foreign direct investment remaining weak, India needs to attract more stable long-term capital rather than relying on volatile funding. It also cautions against reviving import substitution as a response to external pressures, warning that such policies could undermine competitiveness. Strengthening investment conditions while maintaining macroeconomic stability should be the priority.

The police response to student protests over recent examination controversies has undermined confidence in the government’s handling of legitimate complaints. Second editorial argument The paper leak in NEET-UG and the failures of CBSE’s Onscreen Marking System (OMS) highlight deep structural weaknesses in India’s examination system, including poor accountability, excessive centralization and inadequate monitoring. Although those responsible for the leak have been arrested and the technical issues have been resolved, students are still not assured that similar failures will not happen again. The government must respond through sustained engagement, greater transparency, stronger institutional accountability and comprehensive reforms that restore confidence in public examinations.

While foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) play an important role in improving liquidity and price discovery in India’s capital markets, policymakers should avoid giving them short-term tax concessions or weakening regulatory safeguards to attract inflows. Ajay Tyagi writes. Instead, the government should simplify investment procedures, impose strict beneficial ownership norms to curb round-tripping and money laundering, and maintain equal tax treatment for foreign and domestic investors. Since portfolio flows are inherently volatile and provide only temporary support to the rupee, Tyagi suggests that India should focus on attracting stable foreign direct investment through predictable policies and a coherent regulatory framework.

happy system argues That the gradual devaluation of the rupee should be seen as an economic adjustment rather than a marker of national failure. While acknowledging that a weak currency increases import costs and external debt burdens, they argue that it also enhances export competitiveness, encourages companies to upgrade productivity through exposure to global markets and strengthens domestic manufacturing. Based on evidence from countries such as South Korea and Slovenia, Tantri says exchange rate policy can support industrial growth more effectively than protectionist tariffs. He concluded that the Reserve Bank of India should curb excessive volatility rather than defend arbitrary exchange rate ceilings.

Microstimuli: The New Science of Persuasion Dominic by Biju argues that human decision making is driven by rapid, instinctive reactions that can be influenced through carefully designed behavioral cues. Based on neuroscience, behavioral economics, and practical case studies, the book explains how “microstimuli” can shape consumer choices, improve public safety, and change everyday behavior. Its strongest sections demonstrate the methodology through real-world interventions, particularly through efforts to reduce railway-track deaths in Mumbai. In his review, Ambi Parameswaran finds this book thought-provokingSuggesting that it provides valuable insights for marketers, policy makers and anyone interested in behavior change.