Tag: business standard

News: Recently, a few private-sector refiners decided to import larger quantities of crude oil from Russia. This is likely to impact India’s Crude oil diplomacy and diplomatic standing with Western allies and West Asia, currently the country’s top suppliers. Last month, Russia became India’s second-largest oil supplier by overtaking Saudi Arabia. Why there is an… Continue reading Crude oil diplomacy

News: The situation is rapidly approaching a major humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka with its Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe recently stating that Sri Lanka’s economy has completely collapsed. How bad is the situation? Sri Lanka’s PM has informed parliament that the economy was facing a far more serious situation beyond mere shortages of fuel, gas,… Continue reading Stabilise Sri Lanka

News: State governments indulge in most of the general government spending (including the central government). According to a recent Reserve Bank of India(RBI) study, five states namely, Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal figure among the most stressed states fiscally. The study has highlighted 10 vulnerable states based on their debt stock in 2020-21. These… Continue reading Fiscal weakness – State finances can impede growth

News: Just after reopening the complete lockdown, Shanghai reimposed a fresh, partial Covid-19 lockdown again. This shows China’s zero-tolerance strategy toward Covid-19. The lockdown provides another opportunity for global value chain (GVC) restructuring and relocation. India should utilise this opportunity and must attract relocating supply chains. Contents1 What are the phases of GVC restructuring?2 How… Continue reading GVC restructuring: China’s zero Covid policy & India’s opportunity

News: Government recently notified green energy open-access rules. The article analyses the rules. India’s 2030 target is 500 GW of non-fossil generating capacity. However, the present grid-connected installed capacity (including large hydro) is about 165 GW. Contents1 What was the need for green energy open access rules?2 How green energy open access rules are helpful?3… Continue reading Open access: A game changer for green energy?

News: The long pending ban on single-use plastic seems set to come into effect on July 1. Read – All about single use plastic ban However, some of the companies, specifically producers of beverages where straws are integral to their products, are seeking more time. Why the demand to stay on ban on single-use plastic… Continue reading No single-use plastic

Context: In the history of Independent India, the South India States have reacted to the policy moves by the Centre quite differently from their counterparts in north India. Contents1 How was the response of south India to the Centre’s major policy initiatives different from the response of north India?2 Why is the response from south India… Continue reading The duality of India

News: Recently, there has been an important change in the working of the government. Nowadays, the statutory regulatory authorities (SRAs) have become important institutions of the government. Contents1 What are the issues in SRAs?2 Some good examples of SRAs success3 How can the working of SRAs be improved?4 Measures Taken So far What are the… Continue reading The complex world of regulators