Politics | Why Congress is the biggest loser in Maharashtra
By tying up as a junior partner to both the Shiv Sena and the NCP in Maharashtra, in a state where the Congress has ruled for 50 years since its formation in 1960, the grand old party has virtually shot itself in the foot in the crucial state.
Opinion | 2G technology should be consigned to museums. Why does Airtel want to keep it alive?
Justifying continuity of 2G due to lack of digital literacy in rural areas, too does not bode well. Women in rural area can handle even touch phones smartly; if they can’t, their children will teach them.
Competition watchdog needs to stay fit and nimble
The recommendations of a review panel must be implemented quickly for ensuring competitive markets
The government bowls a googly in the corporate tax cut bill | Policy Track
The government has excluded some industries from the 15percent tax bracket for new manufacturing companies. Then, it went a step further and made it worse.
Why is India’s labour force participation rate so low?
If India had the same female labour participation rates as most other countries, the unemployment rate would be far higher
Policy | Indian foreign policy’s changing calculus
Indian foreign policy is changing and will continue to evolve not only because the global environment is changing more rapidly than ever, but also because India is changing.
Politics | All parties win as the BJP loses Maharashtra
The BJP is now seen as an opportunist party, which has compromised on its anti-corruption plank. The Shiv Sena has emerged as the David to the BJP's Goliath. Sharad Pawar and his NCP are back in power, and for the Congress, this has been an unexpected bonus.
Chart of the Day | Real rural wages continued to shrink in September 2019
Real wages have been contracting from March this year.
The dangers of directed banking
Directed lending will ultimately lead to a NPA pile-up and demands for forbearance. The taxpayer will end up footing the bill.
Macro Matters | What to expect from the September quarter GDP data
The only question is: Will the growth number be jaw-droppingly bad?
Pollution | It’s time we asked: What’s the point of all this development?
It is reassuring to see that when politicians have forsaken the people, the courts in India, including the Supreme Court, have taken up the cudgels.
In Detail | Strong lenders will gain from the ongoing crisis
There are lessons to be learnt from historical financial crises. These top lenders almost fit the bill
In Detail | Global clouds are thickening around India’s own challenges
Countering domestic private demand slowdown and a weak sentiment is crucial. Otherwise, even a modest economic recovery could take longer
Startup Corner | A $1-billion injection won't solve Paytm's problems, Sharma needs better focus
The odds are stacked against Paytm. In every business segment, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma is fighting against multiple, focussed players and with cash burning capacity. Sustenance is becoming a question, forget leadership in its markets.
Foreign Policy | Replacing dogma with more dogma
If the conduct of Indian foreign policy in the past seven decades shows us anything, it is that it has seldom relied on creative thinking from outside the four walls of the government.
Politics | Karnataka bypolls a test for defection politics
Of the 15 seats for which by-elections would be held on December 5, the BJP would need to win six seats excluding the prop from JD(S). The dice is indeed loaded in favour of the BJP retaining power in the assembly, also given the desire of legislators not to precipitate mid-term polls in the state.
Chart of the Day | The one chart that shows you the small width of the market rally
The market touching new highs is more of an optical illusion
Irrational exuberance?
Has the tax cut rally run its course?
Politics | Bollywood can take lessons from Maharashtra’s political drama
It would be prudent to assume that the November 27 floor test in the Maharashtra assembly is just one among the many parts of the ongoing political theatre in the state. Whatever be the result, the show is far from over.
Policy | Independent directors need training, not eligibility criteria
The proficiency self-assessment test instituted by the MCA is unlikely to provide any meaningful solution to board strengthening. There is no denying that boards in India need training but understanding technical subjects will not help directors in taking the right decision.
Time to look beyond the boom in mobile manufacturing
Phased manufacturing programme needs to be overhauled to fulfil the Make in India dream
Politics | Courtesy BJP, Maharashtra establishes a new low in the market of politics
The BJP is in power in 13 of India’s states and leads coalition governments in at least six other states, but this record is chequered by the methods it used to grab or retain power.
India Bangladesh relations can go off balance easily
Issues such as the NRC have to be handled with extreme care
FMCG companies may lose the lather in soap margins | Corporate Corridor
Falling palm oil prices afforded FMCG companies the luxury of driving soap sales through discounts. That may not last for long
