News: There are strong arguments for revamping the financial structure of the IMF. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) attempting to modify itself into an aid agency, instead of embracing its traditional role of helping troubled debtor countries. What is the issue with the IMF’s financial structure? Due to the absence of strict conditionality requirements, the vast… Continue reading Why is the IMF trying to be an aid agency?
Tag: business standard
The future of trade
News: Regional comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP) which was signed in 2020 , came into force on New Year’s Day. India was part of the RCEP process but eventually pulled out of joining. RCEP’s arrival is a reminder that the future of the international trading architecture increasingly seems to be coalitions of the willing i.e. plurilateral or… Continue reading The future of trade
Unravelling what awaits us in 2022- On Network-Based Economy
News: India needs to update many of its governance laws so that India does not miss this epochal shift to a network economy. Contrary to what many believe, Industry’s success is not dependent on economies of scale. Rather, the most important factor in the industry’s success in the network age is connectedness. What matters in… Continue reading Unravelling what awaits us in 2022- On Network-Based Economy
Picture of health
News: NITI Aayog has recently released its fourth Health Index report for the year 2019-20, which was published in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It ranked states on a weighted composite score based on 24 indicators, and offers a useful picture of the state of Indian health care. What are the components… Continue reading Picture of health
India Semiconductor Mission(ISM): Semiconductor mission launched by IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
What is the News? The Information Technology Minister has launched the India Semiconductor Mission. Must Read: Need of Indigenous Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities in India – Explained Pointwise What is the India Semiconductor Mission? India Semiconductor Mission(ISM) is a specialised and independent business division within the Digital India Corporation (a not for profit company set up by… Continue reading India Semiconductor Mission(ISM): Semiconductor mission launched by IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Disinvestment needs a different approach
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
On James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): A new universe
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
Wrong medicine-Quota case delayed PG intake in medical institutes. Courts intervene too much
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
How many Indians? Census suspense beyond population size
What is the news? Is the country getting older; how is the labour force faring: important questions about demographics await answers. Why population data of a region is significant? Population data, especially for districts and blocks, is essential for policymaking. Lawmakers and bureaucrats use population size to determine the share of states and districts in… Continue reading How many Indians? Census suspense beyond population size
Trading on a buffer-Can India afford to commercialize its fuel reserves
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
