Page 11 - Business Standard Editorial Comment

No deal: Trump's tariffs have increased uncertainty for Indian economy

The announcement is clearly damaging for Indian exporters, along with the Indian government. For some time, it appeared that India was making progress on a trade deal with the US

Reviving cooperatives must address foundational issues, regulatory overlap

From enabling access to credit and inputs to farmers, cooperatives today are expanding into diverse sectors

Draft telecom policy needs to be substantive, not just a mission statement

The draft talks about doubling annual investment in the telecom sector to ₹1 trillion, creating 1 million jobs in this industry, along with reskilling another 1 million, achieving 90% 5G population

Back in the sun: Patient and constructive diplomacy pays off in Maldives

As the recent reset with Sri Lanka has demonstrated, mature responses to geopolitical pressures can be as effective as the exercise of hard power

Signs of the future: India must prepare to deal with AI adoption

The fast-changing technology landscape, with the growth and adoption of AI, is making not only tech firms but businesses across the spectrum adapt

An inclusive index: More data needed to strengthen financial inclusion

The index is composed of three key parameters - access, usage, and quality - all of which have shown improvement this year

A shift in mindset: India-UK trade deal paves way for those with EU, US

The question is how much this shift in mindset can be applied now to other trading partners, particularly the European Union (EU)

Winning ways: Delhi must study global best sports management practices

Though encouraging, this news-making spending from one of India's richest among the states and Union Territories may also be viewed as an attempt at constructive competitive federalism

Less discretion needed: Transfer-pricing proposal may lead to litigation

Indeed, in some cases additional discretionary powers will be granted by some proposed changes.

EPFO numbers up, but social-security measures remain stuck in the past

While the absolute increase in formal-sector employment looks encouraging, the additions are not on a scale that would make any significant change in overall employment conditions

The EV revolution throws up new challenges for govt, auto sector

The growth of EVs offers some challenges to both the Indian automotive industry and, more broadly, the government

Welcoming the dragon: India can gain from easing restraints on Chinese FDI

The NITI Aayog's proposal for Chinese companies to acquire stakes of up to 24 per cent would also balance investor interests with misgivings in Indian policy

Signs of slippage: Certain segments of borrowers require attention

Unsecured lending by scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) steadily grew over the past several years and touched 25.5 per cent of the credit extended in March 2023

Fixing GST: India needs a simple, stable, and predictable tax structure

Unlike the states, the Union did not have the cushion of compensation for a revenue shortfall in the initial years

Targeted intervention: Aiming at low-productivity districts to boost growth

Backed by performance-based monitoring through 117 indicators, the scheme signals a clear intent for systemic reform

The art of meetings: Cabinet secretary offers progressive suggestions

By encouraging a structured approach to interactions with non-officials, the aim, no doubt, is to make the bureaucracy more proactive and responsive to the needs of the people

Risky options: Sebi should continue to educate retail investors carefully

A large number of retail traders dabble in futures & options (F&Os), drawn by high leverage and hopes of high returns

Optics to outcome: Corporate India needs to do more on diversity

However, despite some progress at the top, the broader picture remains uneven

A concentration problem: Policymakers should support markets, not champions

India's conscious decision to return to industrial policy and state-guided investment has had the inevitable consequence of empowering the largest conglomerates

EU's code of practice sets key benchmarks for regulating AI development

Most countries have still not been able to catch up. India, for instance, has no dedicated AI law