As a libertarian, I instinctively dislike forced acquisition of the property of citizens by governments. So I support the farmer agitations in Singur and Nandigram against land acquisition by the West Bengal government for the Tata and Salim groups. I […]
Case for community-led land acquisition Read More »
Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz spoke in New Delhi this week about his new book, “Making Globalisation Work.” Indian reformers like me will agree with much, though not all, of what he says. The problem lies in what he does not
White Man’s Burden and its Discontents Read More »
Brilliant scientists like CNR Rao, Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister, can be dead wrong. They say that Indian science and technology are in crisis. Nonsense, technology has never been in better shape. Rao complains that scientists and engineers are
Science declines but technology advances Read More »
I find myself constantly asked what will happen to the stock market in 2007. I protest that predicting markets astrology more than economics, but in vain. So, here is my astrological forecast for 2007. Taurus, the great bull of the
The new topsy-turvy global equilibrium Read More »
When India opened its economy in 1991, leftists warned that uncompetitive Indian companies would be killed or swallowed up by multinationals. Fifteen years later, the shoe is on the other foot: Indian companies are taking over giant multinationals. In 2006,
India as managerial number one Read More »
Cynical Indians who have long thought that the rich and powerful can get away with murder are suddenly cheering. In the Jessica Lal case, the High Court has reversed last year’s acquittal of Manu Sharma, son of a prominent politician,
TV viewers as 21st century juries Read More »
The world over, politicians and the media are saying—often in dismay– that India has got a fabulous deal from the US on the resumption of civil nuclear supplies. Many Americans and Europeans accuse President Bush of a sell-out to India,
Bush opens a French window Read More »
The Bombay Sensex, comprising the 30 top companies on the stock market, hit a historic high of 14,000 last week, up from less than 9.000 at the start of the year. This was a huge achievement. But the market mood
Sensex at 30,000 in six years? Read More »
India is experiencing record economic growth and record crimialisation of politics at the same time. GDP growth in the June-September quarter was a phenomenal 9.2%, raising hopes that India may actually overtake China in the not-too-distant future. Yet euphoria on
Criminalised politics and record GDP growth Read More »
The Sachar Committee has done a good job in putting together data on the Muslim community, and in exposing the many ways in which they suffer deprivation and discrimination. Yet its analysis and recommendations leave much to be desired. The
Market solutions for Muslim discrimination Read More »
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