TRENDS
World Solar Bank — A bankable idea?
Initiative looks promising, but implementation must take into account the ground reality
INDIA
Government needs to play the health card right
Unique ID is welcome, but increased public expenditure is the need of the hour to cure the ills of the country’s ailing health care system
BUSINESS
Honest implementation key to success of tax scheme
Latest initiative more a moment of introspection than celebration as it betrays lacunae in the rickety tax system
BUSINESS
Data debate gets a new dimension
The draft report on non-personal data leaves many questions unanswered
BUSINESS
Easier loans to start-ups — A bankable proposition?
Lenders must take a hard look at the business model of these new-age entrepreneurs before they loosen their purse strings
BUSINESS
Curb on TV import — What’s the big picture?
The restrictive move conjures up the possibility of the return of the licensing regime
BUSINESS
Windfall for Bangladesh as neighbours flex muscles
Dhaka looks to leverage the rivalry between India and China to fulfil its investment needs
BUSINESS
Ban on Chinese apps — A boon or a bane?
National security and data privacy are of paramount importance, but excessive surveillance can spoil the local tech ecosystem
BUSINESS
Lower tax may not be bait enough to spur consumption
Future fiscal measures must aim at creating more job/income opportunities
TRENDS
Make-in-India push for solar cells
Local players keen on manufacturing; big challenge is to produce competitive products
BUSINESS
India-EU talks — Mixing politics with trade
Modi apprises European leadership of tension with China while rolling out welcome mat for investors
BUSINESS
Google tax — Need to de-escalate tension
Instead of unilateral action, India and US must help in building global consensus on cross-border taxation rules
BUSINESS
GST — The compensation conundrum
States’ proposal to extend the time period looks sensible at a time when Centre’s ability to pay them their dues looks limited
BUSINESS
Housing for migrants — a few home truths
Archaic laws need to be overhauled to make returns on affordable rental housing projects attractive
MARKETS
Solar power is shining bright, but let's not make thermal plants unviable
Policy issues need to be addressed to strike the right balance between green and conventional energy sources
BUSINESS
A new exercise in corporate branding
Facebook ad boycott campaign underlines the power of inclusivity in marketing and product development
BUSINESS
Trade becomes a hostage to Galwan stand-off
The sudden and surprise move to stall clearance of Chinese consignments at ports could boomerang on India’s economic rebuilding process
BUSINESS
Swasth app — A healthy initiative
The technology platform has the potential to transform the rickety health care system in the country
BUSINESS
Digital tax — India should not act in haste
BUSINESS
GST: Give states their dues at the earliest
The central government should not dither on paying compensation to states for their GST revenue shortfall
BUSINESS
Universal basic income — The conflict and the compulsion
Government needs to explore ways to finance an income transfer scheme that offers a safety net to all and helps to spur demand.
BUSINESS
MSME dues — The riddle needs to be solved
If buyers pay what they owe to small & medium units, there would hardly be any necessity for credit guarantee schemes for this sector
BUSINESS
Self reliance — The merit of joining economic blocs
Fora such as G7 and RCEP offer the opportunity to the government to take part in discussions on issues that are key to India
BUSINESS
Mind the crevices in coal policy
Success of commercial mining hinges on the creation of a robust national index and the future trend in demand for the fossil fuel
