Page 33 - Economy & Policy Analysis

Jobs lost, wages cut: India's world-beating GDP masks pain of the pandemic

An economy that performs well below potential for too long will suffer a permanent loss, writes Andy Mukherjee.

Covid vaccines may become a viable business, but that's not good news

Vaccines are not consumer products made by pharmaceutical industry: they are infrastructure.

Why GDP expansion by 20.1% in Q1 of FY22 is misleading

Distorted base of last year's stringent nationwide lockdown obscured devastation of second wave of Covid-19 that came with staggered state-wise curbs in Q1 of current fiscal

Q1 GDP more of a statistic rather than a reflection of the state of economy

These growth numbers will moderate going ahead, as the base effect becomes weaker provided there are no further lockdowns

Need to hasten the rollout of Rs 6 trn asset monetisation plan

Do we have plans in place where these assets have been identified and the route and pricing decided so that the NMP can be set in motion is the moot question

IBC reform helps insolvency professional assess avoidance transactions

Recent amendments by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board place the insolvency professional at the fulcrum of the resolution process.

Govt must ask exporters how diplomats can help

The External Affairs Ministry and the Commerce Ministry should interact with the exporters and find out what they actually need from our diplomats abroad and try to meet their specific requirements

Policy normalisation process has already kicked off

Overall RBI monetary policy was on expected lines and the policy statement highlighted its commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure financial stability

MPC reassures status quo on rates, but changes view on inflation

The temporary supply shocks that have led to higher inflation has been kept aside by the MPC while focusing on growth

Retrospective tax was indefensible; burying it shows pragmatism

Institutional arrogance in taxation has cost India dearly in terms of its image as a business-friendly, rule-driven country

Retrospective tax policy burial does not come as a surprise

While it is good to see the government take this step, the question remains whether investors who have obtained an award that comprises of interest component will take up the offer.

Indian business: From safari suits to pin striped jackets after 1991

If India is now considered having the potential to be a leading economy, the 1991 reforms made it possible.

The family in a pandemic: Will we ever be able to travel with young kids?

A year and a half into the pandemic, policy makers have given little thoughtful guidance to families.

India's contribution to the efficient market hypothesis

The Indian logic is old, more complex and well established and has stood the test of time. It can explain complex things significantly better than Aristotelian logic

Large part of FM's stimulus package will work only in medium-term

The government and the central bank's credit measures appear to show India has gotten its priorities against a possible third wave of Covid-19.

How should cryptocurrency be taxed in India? Here are some thoughts

Cryptocurrencies have generated a lot of interest for investors of all ages due to recent increase in value. It is estimated that roughly a crore Indians have invested in cryptocurrencies

Facebook, Twitter critics in US are gifting ammo to authoritarian regimes

Illiberal leaders have adopted the language and legal tools being wielded by activists and politicians in the US.

Covid-19 impact is among growing complexities cities need to prepare for

A decalogue is needed to promote policies to transform our cities into healthier and protective living environments.

India, Brazil have competing views on inflation: One of them must be right

Which of the two approaches proves most effective will shape the lessons a generation of officials take from the pandemic.

Economic theory says inequality will rise as international trade grows

Robin Hoodism - robbing the rich to pay the poor - isn't consistent with either democratic ideals or trust in government