Abhijit Kumar Dutta

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.

POLICY

Prime Minister’s green power pledge is fine, but it’s a tough ask

Implementation of the goal may not be that easy as renewable energy is costly and the sector is facing headwinds.

INDIA

Plastic Ban | A good move at the wrong time?

If and when the ban is implemented, it could affect close to 10,000 plastic manufacturing units. There is a high possibility that about 400,000 people working in these units could find themselves jobless.

ECONOMY

Policy | 100 percent FDI in coal doesn’t threaten Coal India’s monopoly. For now.

FDI policy fails to address key regulatory issues such as delay in environmental clearances and land acquisition and lack of availability of coal rakes.

ECONOMY

Policy | RCEP dilemma: Protect and perish

There is apprehension among government departments and industry that a trade deal on the current terms will lead to China dumping goods in India.

ECONOMY

NHAI: In search of a right path

Better road connectivity can aid economic growth but the government is worried that the NHAI has taken on more than it appears equipped to handle

ECONOMY

Will new initiatives take the Railways on the right track?

The Indian Railways will need massive investments to transform into a modern transporter. Seeking private investment is a welcome step.

BUSINESS

Food for thought | Why the FCI’s health is failing rapidly

FCI can determine neither the purchasing/sale price not the quantities it wants to buy or sell

COMPANIES

Policy | Put an end to tax terrorism

What prompts a revenue official to go overboard in his/her drive to assess taxpayers? The main culprit seems to be the government’s need to fill up its coffers.

BUSINESS

Crude Comfort | Lower oil prices are here to stay for some time

Lower price of the Indian crude basket not only helps the Union government to prune its current account deficit and save on precious foreign exchange reserves, but it also provides an opportunity to the ruling administration to cash in on the situation and try and take measures to insulate the economy from future oil shocks.