Most countries worry about a current account deficit (the trade deficit in goods plus services). A big current account deficit implies borrowing from abroad to finance your economy. In excess, that can end in bankruptcy (as in India in 1991). […]
India’s huge current account surplus is a bane, not boon Read More »
Opposition parties and some farmers’ organisations have protested against three new agricultural reform laws. These provide much-needed reforms that will help farmers get a better price by cutting out middlemen and improving marketing efficiencies. The protests arise from false accusations
Farm laws to bring more freedom, and better prices Read More »
GoI should scrap refinery expansion and switch to oil-to-chemicals technology The latest report from BP, the oil giant, warns that global oil demand is about to plateau and decline, creating huge excess refining capacity. Lesson for India: immediately junk current
It’s Fast Slippin’ and Slidin’ Read More »
Netflix’s new documentary, ‘The Social Dilemma’, should be compulsory viewing for Indians. It helps explain the unprecedented spread of hate speech and communal falsehoods. It features executives and IT nerds from top internet companies — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, You-Tube.
Internet platforms can’t be allowed to monetise hate Read More »
Of all countries hit by Covid-19, India decreed the strictest lockdown as measured by Oxford University researchers. It also had among the smallest of fiscal stimuli, less than 2% of GDP. The result? India has suffered the greatest GDP crash
Phase lockdowns out, give more cash to poor Read More »
State governments should crack down on social media on hate speech I once hailed the rise of the internet as democratising free speech, enabling ordinary voiceless people to be heard by millions. Alas, along with this empowerment has come the spread
Stop the Virus Going Viral Read More »
Former finance minister Arun Jaitley displayed a masterly generosity of spirit and long-term vision in guaranteeing the states revenue growth of 14% per year for five years to clinch a deal on an all-India Goods and Services Tax (GST) to
States should get GST revenue that Jaitley promised Read More »
Dear Asaduddin Owaisi, Recently you bemoaned the growing literacy and school attendance gaps between Muslims and other communities. You cited the NSSO’s 75th round report showing that 22% of Muslim girls aged 3 to 35 have never enrolled in a
Education for Muslims needs a little self-help Read More »
India should acknowledge that the ‘new normal’ won’t be more than 5% GDP growth Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar Stock markets around the world are at record heights. With at least six vaccines undergoing clinical human trials, optimists believe at least
Freezing in Cold War 2.0 Read More »
Dear Narendra Modiji, You made the bhoomi pujan at the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya a mega media event. The Supreme Court judgment that gave this site to a Hindu trust also decreed 5 acres of nearby land for a
‘Sabka vishwas’ makes sense for country, and BJP’s poll prospects Read More »
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