**The big picture:** India's latest labor codes are set to officially recognize gig workers, ushering in a new era for this significant segment of the workforce. This legislative move aims to provide formal status to millions previously operating in a regulatory gray area. **Why it matters:** This shift in a major global economy could set a precedent for how other nations approach gig worker rights and benefits. It signals a growing global trend towards formalizing the contingent workforce, impacting international labor strategies. **Between the lines:** - The new codes aim to provide