Tag: business standard

News: The overall performance on the disinvestment front in 2021 is particularly disappointing. The government has raised only about Rs 9,300 crore compared to the target of Rs 1.75 trillion. This needs to be changed because, India’s post-pandemic medium-term growth, to a large extent, will depend on how government finances are managed, and the disinvestment… Continue reading Disinvestment needs a different approach

News: The 25-year saga of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) illustrates the difficulties in doing pure science, and the way international cooperation can overcome such difficulties. The JWST was conceptualised in 1996 when development began with an initial R&D budget of $500 million. It took a combined effort from America’s National Aeronautics and Space… Continue reading On James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): A new universe

News: Widespread protests by resident doctors over delayed NEET-PG counselling come just when healthcare defences need to be strengthened against a feared Omicron surge.  The current fiasco is an example as to how legal disputes can trigger disruptions elsewhere. It would be better if issues like income ceiling for EWS/OBC categories are policy decisions best… Continue reading Wrong medicine-Quota case delayed PG intake in medical institutes. Courts intervene too much

News: Govt earlier this year allowed the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve (ISPRL), which runs the SPRs, to lease 30% of capacity and trade another 20%.  The decision to commercialise half of India’s paltry SPRs is ill-conceived. Contents1 What is a Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)? 2 Why is government deciding to commercialize SPR? 3 What are the associated… Continue reading Trading on a buffer-Can India afford to commercialize its fuel reserves

News: Although companies claim that they take care of the social security needs of their workforce, but the various surveys suggest a different trend.  For example – Uber, incidentally, has scored a zero in the Fairwork India Ratings 2021 on the working conditions of app-based gig workers, as have Ola and Porter.  Covid-19 disrupted earnings,… Continue reading Questions still on how far labour codes will change gig workers’ lot

News: Great power politics between US and China is shaping every dimension of the global order China’s rise has shaken the status quo in the global political order. As a rising power, it is challenging the foundation of the US-led global order. This has led to the US-China strategic competition. Covid-19 has merely accelerated the… Continue reading Great Power Politics is back with a twist

News:  Public issues in capital markets are the route for corporate finance. Contents1 How the trends of capital markets in India are changing post-liberalisation?2 The easing of the issue of shares by private companies.3 Liberalization of rules for foreign direct and portfolio investment.4 What is the reason for low dependence on the public issue? How… Continue reading The capital market: Then and now

News: The need for quicker resolution of insolvencies cannot be overemphasised. It makes capital more efficient, improve credit culture, and help boost growth. In this light, it is encouraging to see that the government is consistently working to strengthen the IBC by addressing the emerging gaps. Recently, it proposed another set of changes that would… Continue reading Strengthening IBC

News: Government has issued an advisory to citizens that caution should be exercised while using the services of companies that offer online and remote learning courses.  These companies have been accused of delaying refunds, suppressing information about auto-debit facilities and luring subscribers to sign up for tuitions without explaining the financial implications.  What is the… Continue reading Edtech’s teachable moment