BUSINESS
Decriminalise Wisely: Exorbitant fines in lieu of prison terms in Jan Vishwas Bill benefits only super-rich offenders
The Jan Vishwas Bill’s tack of replacing prison terms with abnormally heft fines will be embraced eagerly only by those who won’t feel its pinch, thus making it an iniquitous law
BUSINESS
RCAP Insolvency: Allowing a second auction will set a bad precedent
The fact that applicants in a few Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) code cases had to approach the courts to restrain lenders from considering bids that were made after the deadline is shameful. Such bids should automatically be thrown out or delays will be endemic
BUSINESS
Power Sector | When it comes to smart electricity meters, PGCIL must use latest technology
As India grows, so does its power needs, and astute usage of power is crucial for India’s development. The decision to settle for outdated technology will hamper India’s growth in the years to come
BUSINESS
RIL AGM | Reliance is the quintessential practitioner of aatmanirbharta
For decades now RIL AGMs are more than just corporate calendar events. If Dhirubhai Ambani turned AGMs into large family reunions of shareholders, Mukesh Ambani has expanded the canvas to a global audience
BUSINESS
Kejriwal’s optional power subsidy model for Delhiites could be the thin edge of the wedge
AAP’s new power scheme for Delhiites proves yet again that freewheeling subsidies are not sustainable. But the point is it doesn’t come easy
BUSINESS
Has LIC suffered conglomerate discount even before going public?
Its internal assessment in 2013 put a value of Rs 70,000 crore on its real estate and art holdings. Imagine how much Rs 70,000 crore would have appreciated in 2022
BUSINESS
Opinion | CCI calls out Amazon’s smoke and mirrors tactics
The CCI made stinging observations against Amazon. Misrepresentations and suppressions are serious challenges to the trust-based regulatory mechanism for combinations and the sanctity of the institutional framework established under Competition Act, 2002.
BUSINESS
Grow up Visa, compete and not complain
Visa might be a global giant, but it will have to think local to survive and prosper in India
BUSINESS
Air India is no golden bird, and the government did well to privatise it
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might feel that the Air India was sold off at a throwaway price. The hard fact is the national carrier was haemorrhaging State exchequer for far too long
BUSINESS
Free electricity makes little sense. DBT is the way forward
The main plank of the DBT is targeting. Beneficiaries can be identified based on their economic status. No business should be made to supply free, and then wait fretfully for the government to reimburse the resultant loss. Subsidy is an arrangement between citizens and the government. Businesses should not get embroiled in it
BUSINESS
Amazon and Flipkart cannot insist on ecosystem conducive to their interests
The two e-commerce companies have closed ranks in India to take on the Indian government and its marketplace model. The reason for their disenchantment with this model is not far to seek
POLITICS
Rahul Gandhi’s objection to private hospitals charging for COVID-19 vaccines is misplaced
While addressing the health crisis, the Centre will also have to protect the economy and take necessary steps to safeguard it. There is nothing wrong in earmarking 25 percent to private hospitals as long as 75 percent of the vaccines are given free of cost to the public
BUSINESS
5G Rollout | Irrational fears must not stop technological advancements
As existing research stands, the alleged risks said to be associated with 5G technology are exaggerated
BUSINESS
Bitcoins and NFTs continue to baffle even the well-informed
The advent of blockchain technology has lifted investor confidence to such an extent that collectables under the NFT and Bitcoin are heading for the stars
BUSINESS
Amazon’s dodgy ways will not cut ice in India
To use subterfuges to test the malleability of Indian law, is most likely to see Amazon lock horns with the Government of India, which has time and again stressed that the interest of the small trader will be protected
BUSINESS
PM Modi’s defence of the much-demonised private sector comes at the right time
It is strange that the current Congress leadership should decry the role of corporates when its own government in 1991 made the economy leapfrog, thanks to decisive liberalisation measures that unshackled entrepreneurs
BUSINESS
By staying the implementation of the three farm laws, the SC has sent out the wrong message
Why is the apex court taking upon itself the burden not cast on it by the Constitution? Even if the court is moved by the plight of the farmers, it could exhort them to abjure their obstinacy in taking to the streets with alacrity
HEALTH-AND-FITNESS
Replicate the LPG give-it-up model for COVID-19 vaccination
Reserving a small amount of vaccines for people willing to pay a vastly higher price to jump the queue will help the government defray its vaccination expenses
