← Editorials

Summaries by Narayan Ramachandran

6 summaries by this author.

Neutral

West Bengal, Tamil Nadu & Odisha: Policy shifts under new state governments will have much to reveal

The article analyzes "natural experiments" in Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu following recent regime changes. New governments in Odisha and West Bengal are aligning with central programs and a Hindi-based nationalist identity. Conversely, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister Vijay maintains continuity with Dravidian social justice and welfare-centric populism, albeit with a technocratic governance style. The author posits these divergent policy revisions will offer valuable insights into state-level outcomes, highlighting shifts in political ideologies and governance approaches. The tone is observational, suggesting that studying these developments provides crucial learning opportunities about their societal and economic impacts.

LiveMint · Narayan Ramachandran · Oct 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Full summary →
Balanced

Demographic U-turn: Indian states are reversing their population policies—will they succeed?

Historically, countries implemented Malthusian policies to control population, like China's one-child rule, with severe consequences. Now, due to declining fertility rates, many nations, including Indian states, adopt anti-Malthusian, pro-natalist approaches, offering 'baby bonuses' and incentives. However, the author argues these cash incentives are largely ineffective. Instead, workplace protections such as quality infant care, parental leave, and structural cost defrayal like subsidized housing are deemed more successful in boosting birth rates. The shift presents complex economic, political, and societal challenges, particularly concerning women's autonomy and internal migration dynamics, necessitating thoughtful policy design beyond simple bonuses.

LiveMint · Narayan Ramachandran · Sep 21, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Full summary →
Supportive

Golden Rule on the silver screen: ‘The Odyssey' has a message for a world suspicious of ‘the other’

The article stresses the vital contemporary relevance of ancient maxims: indeed, the Golden Rule and xenia. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey demonstrates the moral duty to treat strangers respectfully, showing betrayal's dire consequences. Diverse ancient cultures independently codified these essential societal foundations. Amidst pervasive modern "othering" and social media-driven polarization, reaffirming these ethics is crucial. Xenia thus fosters societal renewal by compelling the powerful to protect the vulnerable. This collective wisdom guides society toward greater responsibility, steering away from eventual ruin.

LiveMint · Narayan Ramachandran · Aug 10, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Full summary →
Critical

India's research and development ecosystem is in need a major overhaul. Here's why

India's R&D system faces a critical paradox: significant top-down capital but a depleted human capital base, stifled by bureaucracy and fragmentation. Current government R&D efforts are insufficient. The author advocates a fundamental recalibration for global competitiveness. This entails dismantling CSIR, merging labs with universities, and empowering post-doctoral researchers with competitive salaries and co-location. Such crucial restructuring, mirroring China's past reforms, is vital to overcome administrative hurdles and press a 'restart button' for India's innovation future.

LiveMint · Narayan Ramachandran · Jul 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Full summary →
Supportive

America at 250: the country seems in crisis but it’s hard to make out what that means for its longevity

The article explores if the 250-year-old US faces decline or a "middle-age crisis," asserting its core strength is adapting and reinventing during crises. Acknowledging fractured trust, polarization, and reduced research funding, the author dismisses declinist views as premature. The US has consistently shown resilience, bouncing back from events like the Great Depression. It possesses the capacity to overcome current difficulties and ensure vitality.

LiveMint · Narayan Ramachandran · Jul 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Full summary →
Supportive

Opec's loss may be India’s gain: How the UAE's exit from the cartel could ease our oil import bills

The UAE’s exit from OPEC is highly beneficial for India, potentially increasing global oil supply and stabilizing prices. This move allows the UAE to produce more oil, utilizing its Fujairah pipeline which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. India, being geographically close, gains a strategic advantage for new long-term crude contracts. The UAE's decision is driven by a need to monetize resources, diversify its economy beyond oil, and reflects political differences with Saudi Arabia. This offers India a crucial opportunity to enhance its energy security.

LiveMint · Narayan Ramachandran · May 4, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Full summary →