News: On Independence Day, Prime Minister handed the indigenously designed & developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), over to the Indian Air Force (IAF). It has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The issue here is, it’s confusing how the PM chose the LCH as an indigenous product, even while the cabinet has not given… Continue reading On indigenisation of defence products: Adding economy to defence
Author: Ram Manohar
Global corporate taxation: The new bare minimum
News: Recently, the G20 nations approved a new global minimum corporate tax. The new taxation regime covers 90% of the global economy. While OECD countries see this as a significant reform in a digitalised and globalised world economy, many sees this deal as not inclusive of the developing countries. What are the important provisions under… Continue reading Global corporate taxation: The new bare minimum
4G, 5G or 6G, all need wireless backhaul
News: The recent Parliamentary Committee report titled, “India’s Preparedness for 5G” states that while 59 countries had deployed 5G, India had not done so. In this regard, the Parliamentary Committee has highlighted the issues/challenges that are hampering India’s transition towards 5G technology. What are the issues/challenges highlighted by the Parliamentary Committee? – Inadequate spectrum, with… Continue reading 4G, 5G or 6G, all need wireless backhaul
A cautionary tale for banking in Reliance Capital’s collapse
News: Recently, the RBI said that it had superseded the board of a financier controlled by Anil Ambani, appointed an administrator, and would soon be sending the firm to the bankruptcy tribunal. The Reliance Capital saga shows why RBI remains reluctant to allow big business groups into the banking sector, as recommended by its internal… Continue reading A cautionary tale for banking in Reliance Capital’s collapse
BSF DG’s remark on demographic change to justify a wider berth in border areas is flawed, disturbing
News: Recently, the centre decided to extend the jurisdiction of the BSF to 50 km from 15 km in border states of Assam, Punjab and West Bengal. It was stated that the reason for extending the jurisdiction of BSF was to secure the three border states from the inflow of narcotics and weapon, infiltration by… Continue reading BSF DG’s remark on demographic change to justify a wider berth in border areas is flawed, disturbing
Why National Security Advisor’s advice to IPS probationers is worrying
News: Recently, the National Security Adviser addressed the IPS probationers at the passing-out parade at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad While addressing the IPS probationers, he made few statements. One, “People cannot feel safe and secure if law enforcers are weak, corrupt and partisan” Two, the implementation of laws is more important than their legislation.… Continue reading Why National Security Advisor’s advice to IPS probationers is worrying
Omicron’s lesson: We’re not covid-safe until everyone is
News: The emergence of Omicron has evoked fresh demands for booster shots. Rich countries continue to stockpile and administer booster shots, while people in many low and low-middle income countries wait for their first jab. However, the emergence of new variants from low-vaccination-coverage regions essentially means that covid could be a never-ending battle. The only… Continue reading Omicron’s lesson: We’re not covid-safe until everyone is
It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we treat illnesses
News: Antibiotics have become our preferred method of treatment nowadays. This has made treatments more standardised with no customised treatment for individuals irrespective of their genetic diversity. But, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, a worldwide health concern. Hence, we need to push for a better alternative medicine… Continue reading It’s time for a paradigm shift in how we treat illnesses
On legalising MSP: Supporting farmers
News: Farmers are now protesting for a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) In terms of policy intervention, it is well accepted that incomes in the farm sector have fallen behind, compared to other sectors of the economy, and farmers need to be fairly compensated. But a legal price guarantee is not the solution. There… Continue reading On legalising MSP: Supporting farmers
India’s informal economy has not shrunk
News: SBI Research study claimed that there is greater formalisation of the economy According to a recent State Bank of India (SBI) Research report, the informal economy in India has been shrinking since 2018. The report claims that the share of the informal sector is just 15-20% in 2021 compared to 52.4% in 2018. According… Continue reading India’s informal economy has not shrunk
