In the US polls, the Democrat challenger can lose all ‘toss-up’ states and still win Let me throw caution to the winds and declare that Joe Biden will thrash Donald Trump in the US elections on November 3. Let me […]
Why Biden Will Be President Read More »
Why has India funked a big fiscal stimulus to stimulate the economy? The answer must be mainly political. The Prime Minister’s Office is clearly the driving force behind India’s fiscal conservatism. Most likely, the PMO fears that a fiscal spending
Vote fears should not come in way of bigger stimulus Read More »
The worst is over. Covid infections and deaths seem to have peaked, though it remains to be seen if India escapes the resurgence of the virus seen in many countries as winter approaches. India’s lockdowns are being eased and some
Service sector, metros dampen growth rebound Read More »
The BJP government should uphold its own pledge to end ‘tax terrorism’ Both Indian businessmen and foreign investors have long complained of India’s ‘tax terrorism’. For Indian business, this refers to tax raids. For foreigners, it means unfair assessments and
Cross-Border Hypocrisy Read More »
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 »
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