BUSINESS
Big reforms to put Indian Railways on right track
It is obvious that the introduction of private trains, revamped rail stations along with the government’s move to restructure the Railway Board will have long-term benefits for the national transporter
POLICY
Power sector needs high-voltage measures
Centre, states must work together to cure ills afflicting electricity generation and supply
ECONOMY
Clear data doubt to lift economy
Effective policy making needs robust economic forecasts
ENVIRONMENT
Madrid talks create a climate of uncertainty
India must take the lead in forging a global consensus to make meaningful progress on environmental issues
ECONOMY
Cautious optimism over US-China deal
Fine print and implementation key to success of the trade pact between two super powers
TRADE-2
WTO setback a wake-up call for India
Government needs to hasten pacts with regional trading blocs
BUSINESS
Save or spend — The provident fund puzzle
Move to lower staff contribution to PF corpus can affect the retirement corpus of millions
ECONOMY
Time to put railway finances on track
The CAG report should serve as a cornerstone to clean up the books of Indian Railways
ECONOMY
A tightrope walk for states
Fiscal prudence must guide policy aspirations in infrastructure creation
POLICY
Competition watchdog needs to stay fit and nimble
The recommendations of a review panel must be implemented quickly for ensuring competitive markets
ECONOMY
Time to look beyond the boom in mobile manufacturing
Phased manufacturing programme needs to be overhauled to fulfil the Make in India dream
POLICY
Policy | A cautious beginning to labour reforms
The government must ensure that The Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2019 creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
POLICY
India's national energy policy must alter the thermal-renewable energy mix
Half of India's coal-fired thermal power plants are likely to miss their emission targets. Renewable energy plants are a low-pollution alternative but have their own share of problems.
ECONOMY
OECD’s digital tax move may be a win-win for all
India not exactly happy with the bloc’s suggestion of “residual profit” and wants it to be changed
POLICY
Thermal power plants trip on twin troubles
India's thermal power plants are suffering not just because of slowing demand but coal-based plants are not generating enough
POLICY
Private airports: Keep grounded while flying high
Apart from efficiency gains, quick airport privatisation will also provide much-needed funds to the cash-strapped government
BUSINESS
Policy | Efficient judicial system key to enforcing contracts
Judicial reforms essential if India is to get into the top 50 nations in Ease of Doing Business
BUSINESS
Easier petrol pump rules offer fuel for thought
With so many new fuel retail outlets proposed, there is a question mark over whether the current level of throughput can be sustained
POLICY
Policy | Step on the gas to revive gas-powered plants
The government needs to capitalise on LNG prices and reintroduce the scheme for supplying imported gas.
POLICY
Policy | Renewable energy needs a renewed thrust
The growing incoherence between the Centre’s policy thrust on renewable energy and the actual action by the implementation agencies such as the Solar Corporation of India and state distribution companies is clouding the prospects for green power.
INDIA
Policy | The potential and the pitfalls of coal mine auctions
Poor market condition is cited as a reason for the tepid response to coal block auctions, but, the overriding feeling is that the government’s policy change on coal mining has dampened the interest of developers for coal mines with end-use restrictions.
ECONOMY
Policy | Spare a thought for the seniors while bringing down interest rates
There is room to do away with the tax levied on interest earned on deposits for senior citizens, including the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.
BUSINESS
Policy | In the RCEP talks, you win some, you lose some
For India, which has a minuscule share in world trade, initiatives such as the RCEP throw up the opportunity to economically integrate more closely with this dynamic region. We cannot afford to ignore such opportunities as they do not wait indefinitely.
POLITICS
Trade Deal | Camaraderie masks concerns in India-US ties
The two countries need to keep engaging and not let the momentum fizzle out. A successful conclusion of the trade package can be a harbinger of how deftly the two sides can tackle bigger issues in the future.
