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
POLITICS
Madras HC directive to make CBI more independent is only the beginning of a long battle
The division bench of the court asked the central government to consider putting the CBI on the same footing as the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). But that may not be enough
POLITICS
Lifestyle diseases worsened the COVID-19 crisis in India
In a study in Madurai district, it was found that the death rate for those with at least one health condition was as high as 5.7 per cent compared to 0.7 per cent among those who were otherwise healthy
BUSINESS
PM asks Indian industry to take risks, but government must also spend more
If Indian industry has been managing well what it already has on the ground and not undertaking large scale fresh investment, then the answer lies in the absence of bright overall growth prospects
BUSINESS
Only a slim chance left to save planet from climate calamity
India could be badly hit by rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions
BUSINESS
Top tribunal vacancies can curb the right to access justice
The Supreme Court has said: “Our own suspicion is that some lobbies are working to ensure that these vacancies are not filled"
BUSINESS
Pandemic highlights desperate need for real Discom reforms
It is also imperative to raise power tariffs to reflect costs and to end cross-subsidies
INDIA
India must stop following China on private tutoring
An alternative course for India could be to lay maximum stress on improving the quality of public education
BUSINESS
House panel gets MSMEs' troubles right, but not the solutions
The parliamentary panel on MSMEs recommends the same old tired solutions without going into the reasons why they aren't working
