Outlook Business – April 2026

Summary

Rs.100 buys Outlook Business April 2026 (Volume 21, Issue 4) headlined "Merchants of Malice" — arguing that a legal shield gives Big Tech the leeway to ignore misinformation for profits and India must axe it. The 10:10 label marks the cover. Jitin Prasada in conversation at page 44. Deep-tech innovators face patent gaps. A 100-plus-year-old jewellery brand recrafts its allure.

The cover story argues for removing Big Tech's safe-harbour legal protection in India to combat misinformation. Jitin Prasada (p.44) discusses policy and digital regulation. Deep-Tech's Patent Gaps examines costly patenting processes and lack of policy support. A 100-Plus-Year-Old Jewellery Brand profiles a traditional business modernising with technology. Is India's Fuel Buffer Enough? examines energy security gaps. Ridden with Gaps (p.80) covers RERA shortcomings and homebuyer remedies.

Regular sections include Editor's Note ("Unsafe Harbour" by Neeraj Thakur), In Conversation, By Invitation, Short Stories, News in Brief and Outlook Business Initiative. News in Brief includes War Shocks, Turmoil at HDFC, SBI Funds IPO, Microfinance Boost and Manufacturing Push.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story

Merchants of Malice — Big Tech's Safe Harbour and Misinformation
Legal analysis of Section 230-style safe-harbour protections for social media platforms and why the article argues India should repeal or reform them. The article traces the original intent of safe-harbour laws versus their current application, where platforms avoid responsibility for algorithmic amplification of harmful content. Use the legal-reform scenarios outlined here to model the regulatory risk for any platform business operating in India.

▸ In Conversation

p.44 · Jitin Prasada — Policy and Digital Regulation
The minister on India's approach to technology regulation, data protection and the balance between innovation and accountability. Covers specific legislative timelines and consultation processes underway.

▸ By Invitation

p.28 · Bellur Narayanaswamy Srikrishna — Constitutional Perspectives
The former Supreme Court judge on constitutional dimensions of technology regulation and the limits of platform immunity.

p.32 · Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu — Parliamentary Perspectives
MP on the legislative process around digital regulation and the political dynamics shaping India's tech policy.

▸ Features

Deep-Tech's Patent Gaps
Why Indian deep-tech innovators struggle to own their technology due to costly patenting processes and lack of policy support. Compares patent filing costs in India versus the US and China, plus the average time to grant. Use the cost-comparison data to budget for patent protection if you are building a deep-tech start-up.

Ridden with Gaps — RERA and Homebuyers (p.80)
Analysis of where India's real estate regulatory authority has fallen short and how homebuyers can still make the most of the framework. Includes specific case filings and compensation data. Use the RERA complaint-filing guide here if you are pursuing a homebuyer dispute.

Jewel in the Crown — A 100-Plus-Year-Old Jewellery Brand
Profile of a heritage jewellery business recrafting its allure with technology, digital marketing and changing customer preferences. The specific metrics on online versus offline sales mix and customer demographics are included.

Is India's Fuel Buffer Enough?
Analysis of India's crude oil strategic storage capacity relative to IEA requirements and the risks posed by strait closures. Covers the specific number of days of cover and the gap to the IEA's 90-day standard. Use the disruption-scenario framework here to stress-test your supply chain's fuel dependency.

▸ Regulars

Editor's Note — Unsafe Harbour
Neeraj Thakur on why India needs to reform safe-harbour laws for digital platforms.

News in Brief
War Shocks, HDFC turmoil, SBI Funds IPO, microfinance boost under 2 trillion rupee guarantee, manufacturing push with 3.37 trillion rupees for 100 industrial parks.

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Editor's Take

The April 2026 issue takes a clear, combative editorial position on Big Tech regulation — and that conviction is its greatest strength. The cover story makes a coherent legal argument for reforming safe-harbour protections, and the supporting interviews with Srikrishna and Prasada add authority. The patent gaps feature identifies a real problem for Indian deep-tech with useful cost data. Weakness: the issue is thin at 132 pages, and several features (Jewel in the Crown, Fuel Buffer) feel like they needed more reporting space. The RERA piece is practical but narrow. News in Brief is functional. This issue is essential for anyone tracking Indian tech regulation; selective read for general business audiences.

Strengths
• Safe-harbour reform argument is legally rigorous and politically relevant
• Patent cost comparison data is actionable for deep-tech founders
• Srikrishna interview adds constitutional weight to the cover position

Weaknesses
• Several features feel under-reported at the page lengths allocated
• Issue at 132 pages is thin compared to the 172-page July issue

Verdict: Recommended — A strongly argued regulatory cover package backed by credible legal voices.