BUSINESS
What the demand for the rural jobs programme tells us about rural distress
It is ironic that payments are delayed to the rural jobs programme at a time when central government finances have improved substantially
BUSINESS
Last chance for humanity to save itself from climate catastrophe
The task before COP26 is to ensure that carbon emissions are cut by at least 40 per cent by 2030 to ensure that global warming is restricted to 1.5 degrees Centigrade
BUSINESS
Don't burden PSU banks with social agenda
The government is right in seeking to ensure social security for the poor. But should it do so through the public sector banks?
BUSINESS
Vaccination: A billion steps forward, but more to go
The fact is that while China has fully vaccinated 71.8 percent of its population, India has fully vaccinated just 21.8 percent
INDIA
Fighting hunger may be an expensive endeavour but the social and economic benefits will be worth it
Why there should be a focus on eliminating hunger and what India's government -- at the Centre and states -- can do about it
BUSINESS
GatiShakti seeks to power infrastructure, but success depends on co-operation by all actors
The government's master plan to push ahead Rs 100 lakh crore of investment depends on whether different arms of the bureaucracy and state governments work in sync
BUSINESS
India’s urban growth engine may stutter if power shortage worsens
The service economy could take a big hit if power supply to cities gets affected
BUSINESS
The coal crisis can be a blessing in disguise
India should use this opportunity to scale up its renewable capacity, slashing its dependence on coal
BUSINESS
Merck’s COVID-19 drug can be a game-changer
Merck already has arrangements with eight Indian pharma companies to manufacture the drug and undoubtedly, all efforts will be made to make it more affordable than currently indicated
BUSINESS
Raising consumption expenditure is the magic bullet
There seems to be a strong case for increasing government spending aimed at creating better quality jobs and bringing some social security benefits to those in the informal sector
BUSINESS
With friends like these, the Congress doesn't need enemies
The Congress needs to deliver the strong opposition that is a must for democracy
BUSINESS
The Green Pivot: Central banks embracing green finance in rising numbers
Green central banking tries to integrate climate related risks into financial stability monitoring, and advise regulated entities to have a strategy to address climate change risks and have appropriate governance structures to manage them
BUSINESS
Going forward with the US, one step at a time
The US wants to decouple from China and, in looking for an alternative manufacturing base of size, its eyes have rested on India
BUSINESS
Innovation index highlights India’s contradictions
India has shown it is capable of producing unicorns but on the innovation front, it needs to do a lot more to create an enabling environment
BUSINESS
Big Data roped in to transform India's agriculture
A project has been launched in which data dealing with every aspect of farming and reaching the produce to the consumers will be collected and put together, analysed, patterns drawn and lessons learnt
BUSINESS
The disinvestment clock is ticking
Ample liquidity, low interest rates and buoyant markets make this the right time to privatise public sector assets and further delays could hurt the outcome and benefits to the exchequer
BUSINESS
Indian IT grapples with scarcity amid plenty
Demand for digitally skilled professionals is already eight times more than supply and this is likely to go up to 20 times by 2024
POLITICS
Know the debt-ridden Indian farmer
The average monthly earning of an Indian farming household is just a bit above Rs 10,218 per month and it is highly indebted
CORONAVIRUS
Huge challenge ahead on the school front
A study shows that online learning has been a recipe for disaster among the poor and in rural areas
HEALTH-AND-FITNESS
The correct public policy strategy against COVID-19 for the festive season
Appropriate social distancing, wearing masks and vaccination are the policies that could avert a third wave
BUSINESS
India goes in for oil palm push, raising green issues
There are concerns that it may not be a good idea from the environment point of view to give a push to the growth of oil palm in biodiversity rich areas like the North-East and the Andamans
MARKETS
The e-Shram portal for unorganised workers is only a first step
The portal can become the means of ensuring targeted welfare schemes aimed at the informal sector, which can help increase consumption demand
POLITICS
Caste census demand poses a dilemma for BJP
It is imperative for the BJP to secure a major chunk of the OBC vote so as to maintain its winning streak. To do this, it needs the support of its regional allies who are rooting for the inclusion of caste numbers in the current census
BUSINESS
Private rail services will take a long time to evolve
In India, privatisation of the railways should be like crossing the river by feeling the stones
