This column recently highlighted India’s economic puzzle. GDP growth soared for three consecutive years after the Covid disaster, culminating in an astonishing 8.2% in 2023-24. GDP growth was 7.2% in Q1 of this year too. Yet, consumption was weak, exemplified […]
Why can’t India sustain 8% GDP growth? The answer lies in politics Read More »
Trump and Modi are focusing on manufacturing to boost their economies. Historical trends suggest Trump’s approach is likely to fail. India is hindered by rigid labour laws and excessive holidays. Donald Trump and Narendra Modi both seek to make their
Creating jobs in manufacturing in the US and India is a study in contrast Read More »
The US economy can absorb policy errors for some time. Trump’s policies may even yield short-term gains. But by the time his four years are over, rising inflation and slowing growth could take the sheen off Trumpism Donald Trump has
Trump 2.0 will have economic consequences Read More »
When I first read that Elon Musk aimed to implant computer chips in human brains, I thought him crazy. Even if the medical risks could be overcome, even if there were advantages, would humans consent to giving up free will
Are brain chips the path to human evolution or a step toward control? Read More »
Economists have differed on whether or not rural India is in economic trouble. But we are now witnessing something close to a crash in microfinance institutions (MFIs) that lend to the poor and small businesses. For some time, the Indian economy has
Trouble at the bottom of the pyramid? Read More »
This year’s Nobel Prize for Economics has gone to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A Robinson (AJR). The Nobel citation praises their insights into the importance of institutions in determining prosperity, on how colonialism was very different in temperate
It’s wise to avoid grand ideologies when trying to make a country rich Read More »
India’s emulation of Mossad-style tactics risks perpetuating violence without addressing secessionist roots. Political assassinations can be very popular. Mossad is lauded in Israel and much admired in India for liquidating national security threats. Last week, Israel killed Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 Hamas attack. That was
Assassinations kill individuals but not an idea Read More »
The Constitution was created by proud Indians who battled and vanquished European colonialism, yet also found much of value in European ideas. The modernisers included not just atheists like Jawaharlal Nehru but pious Hindus ranging from Rajendra Prasad to C
There is nothing un-Bharatiya about concept of secularism Read More »
India’s judiciary is undergoing a sea change, with recent Supreme Court decisions that prioritize bail and halt ‘bulldozer justice’. The release of those previously jailed under strict laws indicates a shift that may enhance India’s standing in global democracy indices,
Bail to bulldozers, recent court verdicts show new spirit Read More »
World Bank’s recent rankings show India’s ports are picking up speed after ages of lethargy. It’s great, but China is widening the gap really fast As a journalist in Mumbai in 1988, I could see from my office window a
India’s ports are getting super efficient. But China’s are doing better Read More »
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