Page 14 - Business Standard Editorial Comment

Collateral damage: High crude oil prices will stifle economic growth

For a global economy already grappling with trade-related uncertainties, a sustained increase in oil and gas prices would further cloud the outlook

War clouds over West Asia: The risks of economic fallout are high

Since India has relations with both combatants and its economy stands to lose more than any other SCO member from this conflict, it has chosen to carve out an independent position

Fast probe required: Crash investigation should be quick and credible

It should be noted that Air India itself, while troubled on several dimensions, has not had a major fatality due to a crash (as distinct from terrorist action) since Boeing 707 crash-landed in Mumbai

Silver touch rally: Individual investors must follow the core basics

Traders use the ratio of the price of gold to silver as a thumb-rule to judge relative valuations of the two precious metals

Tangled trade ties: US-China agreement offers little hope of breakthrough

For other trading partners, the US-China deal, as it currently stands, suggests that tariffs would settle at significantly higher levels than before the announcement of the so-called reciprocal tariff

Balancing act: India needs a practical framework for gig workforce

In a labour landscape riddled with a shortage of good-quality jobs - ie those that come with benefits - gig workers are not to be envied

A fresh start: Base revision will better inform policy decisions

The expected revision will not only change the base year but also include new data sources, which should help make these indices more robust

Mission space: Isro to gain immensely from Axiom-4 with Gaganaut experience

Isro trained Group Captain Shukla for the ISS mission and this is important since it has never run a manned mission (India's first man in space, back in 1984, was trained in the Soviet cosmonaut prog)

Supply crunch: India needs a proactive strategy for rare earth security

India must also recognise that future value chains for critical minerals will be constructed, taking into account the demands of the host nations

Special zones: SEZ policy demands all-round reform, not frequent changes

In theory, the SEZ environment would be ideal for the requirements of semiconductor manufacture, which requires stable power, clean water, and access to a skilled workforce

Progress on poverty tracking: India needs fresh official estimates

The number of people living in extreme poverty, under the $3 a day line, is now only 5.3 per cent of the population, compared to 27.1 per cent in 2011-12

Saving the Aravallis: Political and bureaucratic buy-in is critical

It is worth noting that the bulk of the degradation of the Aravallis is the result of plain illegal activities, costing state governments crores of rupees in revenue

Search for stability: RBI has done nearly all it can to steady economy

It is expected to enhance the transmission of the policy-rate reduction and reduce the cost of funds for the banking system

The hub of the matter: Airport competitiveness to shape air treaties

The subtext here is that the Indian airline industry is looking to expand international connectivity substantially

Census beyond numbers: Managing political fallout needs careful handling

The importance of the decennial Census cannot be overemphasised in a rapidly developing country like India

Art of giving: Bill Gates has reset billionaire philanthropy standards

The chosen year, 2045, is noteworthy. That is year his foundation plans to end operations. It is also year that Mr Gates will turn 90 and his personal wealth is expected to touch $200 bn

India-US trade deal hopes rise but the reliability part remains in doubt

While it is essential that the government do its best to avoid being hit with high tariffs, it should also keep in mind that any deal with the US is subject to the vagaries of its leadership

Digital payments jump, but robust fraud management key to users' safety

A safe payment system will help further the goal of financial inclusion and achieve higher, sustainable economic growth

Integrating renewable energy: An enabling technology framework is essential

RE is intermittent in nature, peaking during daylight hours, creating oversupply, whereas peak demand typically occurs in the evening

Mid-sized firms need focused policy support to overcome key biz challenges

Many businesses do not have the incentive to scale up or formalise and like to stay within the comfort zone of policy incentives, forgoing innovation and productivity