Japan's government can't afford to drive away civil service talent
In the past 10 years, there’s been a 40 percent drop in overall applicants for the test needed to qualify for top bureaucrat roles and a corresponding increase of those who joined the ranks quitting in their first decade. In contrast to Japan, Singapore’s civil servants are famously well-paid, with salaries pegged to the private sector
Bring all RBI instruments under MPC
While the responsibility of the RBI’s monetary policy lies with its MPC, the committee’s powers are limited as most instruments are outside its remit. Apart from the MPC, RBI’s internal management and the Central Board take decisions which impact the monetary system
LEX | China banks: risky trusts overshadow larger lending peers
Rising youth unemployment and missed economic forecasts pose a serious challenge for lenders
With benefits of growth reaching almost every Indian, the future looks bright
This is the second article in a two-part series. The tech sector is going great guns, there is a visible uptick in job creation, social indicators are improving, and poverty is declining. Digital public goods are another unique Indian economic strength that is powering the startup ecosystem
Chart of the Day: The wild party in the SME IPO space
The real IPO action is in the SME segment. This record oversubscription leads to strong listings, attracting more investors to bid on upcoming issues.
Does the long-awaited Election Commission reform through legislation pass the smell test?
The GoI was prodded after 73 years to table a Bill when the March 2023 SC judgment constituted a three-member bipartisan selection committee comprising the PM, CJI and LOP to appoint the CEC and ECs. But the Bill's selection panel comprising the PM, LOP and a Union minister allows the Executive to retain control over the selection process
China Economy: Rate cut should not have come as a surprise
With growth disappointing and prices declining, Tuesday's easing ought to have been a no-brainer. The world has become so accustomed to a China that turns in enviable economic results that it's hard to get our heads around what happens when slow growth becomes the norm rather than the exception
Will PLI schemes lead to a manufacturing renaissance?
The success of the PLI scheme in augmenting India’s manufacturing is most visible in electronics, which has seen a multi-fold jump in exports. Product choices could have been more comprehensive or exhaustive for specialty steel, key starting material/active pharmaceutical ingredient and telecom instruments
Sun Pharma's investors face a risk from India's unbranded generic drug push
Its large presence in India's branded generic drug market exposes it the most to a risk from trade generics. But other major pharma companies are at risk too
Food inflation: This too shall pass, but consumption will slow
While year-on-year core inflation came down in July, month-on-month core inflation went up
Weak drug regulation may undermine move to make doctors prescribe only generics
Doctors fear the NMC circular would result in patients getting Non-Standard Quality drugs that would not help them get better
It is time for RBI to do nothing but say a lot on inflation
Many times, the threat of action is more potent than the action itself. For inflation expectations to be under control, markets need to believe that the central bank won’t rest until 4 percent inflation is achieved
Why a Pavlovian approach to trading often fails
Stock markets are anything but predictable. Relying on heuristics to make trading or even investing decisions can be risky and unrewarding
India needs to clear ambiguities on civil liability in case of a nuclear incident
The government claims that Section 17(b) is consistent with international obligations as its operationalisation depends upon contracts between operators and suppliers
A euphoric Independence Day speech by PM Modi
In a speech peppered with positive thinking, PM Modi delved into his government’s achievements and India’s place in the world and in this moment in history. His confidence in getting re-elected was evident. The difficulties were projected as challenges to be overcome or were brushed aside
Why the Railways can't find enough funds for safety
The ministry has blamed its failure to transfer its due share of contribution to the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh on earnings shortfall caused by its social service obligation and the adverse impact of COVID19 pandemic
Why we are optimistic about India’s growth prospects
This is the first article in a two part series. With massive investments in infrastructure, bets on contract manufacturing fructifying, RBI ensuring the financial health of banks, corporates booking healthy profits, and equity flows into markets surging, India is positioned well for spectacular growth
RBI report on growing women’s deposits is a clarion call to bank on women better
Women depositors are on the upswing, aided by financial inclusion policies like JAM trinity, DBT and MGNREGA. But women are still not part of banking in proportion to their numbers. Levelling this gap accords great growth opportunities for banks, for India’s macroeconomic performance, and for women themselves
Why I believe that India’s rise is inevitable
Collaboration between builders of public goods, governments, non-profits, and commercial enterprises is probably at its best, and this is unleashing unprecedented energy, and creating hope and optimism not seen before
Why CEOs, CFOs are increasingly hooked to managed offices for real estate needs
Flex/Managed office demand in India is expected to take 20-25% of new office absorption from now to 2028. Its advantages like offering integrated office services for a single monthly cheque are attractive to corporate leaders hassled by the headaches of managing their real estate assets and various expenses these entail
Bullish on India: Youth will take charge of their future
The infectious enthusiasm that is all pervasive makes even a congenital cynic like me a convert about the prospects of 'Amrit Kaal' as we turn a year older as a democracy
India’s digital data protection law involves compliance complexities
There could be overlapping conflict between the provisions of the consent clause and that of legitimate use
Chhattisgarh: Congress sets off another fire while firefighting Singhdeo’s discontent
The sizeable Sahu community in the state is upset that senior Congress leader Tamradhwaj Sahu, who was reportedly the high command’s original choice for chief ministership in 2018, hasn’t been given a commensurate elevation while upgrading TS Singhdeo as Deputy Chief Minister
Seven policies that position India well for the future
Huge infrastructure investments, efforts to reach people in the last mile, helping MSMEs unleash their potential, unveiling a new education and skilling curriculum for the younger demographic, and ambitious green growth policies will power India’s progress for the next 25 years
The US now accepts national and economic security can’t be separated
Outbound capital to China is the target of a White House executive order
