Context: One side effect of Russia attacking Ukraine has been a rise in global wheat prices. Wheat importers are struggling. Contents1 Significance of wheat2 Is there a shortage of wheat in India?3 So, why have the wheat prices gone up?4 What is the way forward? Significance of wheat The consumer price index (CPI), which measures… Continue reading Why wheat prices have shot up despite India’s huge reserves
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PLI scheme with a return for the government
News: The government’s ambitious PLI scheme aims to overcome the disadvantage of high costs in the country and to encourage production on a very large scale in some selected industries. The scheme aims to reduce costs per unit of output, and help not just the economy but the country more generally. However, there are concerns.… Continue reading PLI scheme with a return for the government
Upholding the right to repair
News: Recently, the US Federal Trade Commission directed manufacturers to remedy unfair anti-competitive practice. The manufacturers have to ensure that consumers can make repairs, either themselves or by a third-party agency. As a result, Apple announced that consumers will have the right to purchase spare components of their products. However, this momentum is not so… Continue reading Upholding the right to repair
The right price: on TRAI’s latest recommendations
News: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s latest recommendations on the auction of airwaves identified for 5G services, particularly the pricing of spectrum, have triggered disappointment within the industry. Contents1 What are the concerns expressed by the telcos?2 What are the major challenges faced by telcos in India?3 What is TRAI’s rationale for the recommendations?4… Continue reading The right price: on TRAI’s latest recommendations
Cryptos and a CBDC are not the same thing
Context: Despite arguing against legitimising cryptos and calling them as Ponzi schemes, the RBI has announced that it will float a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). RBI is clearly worried over the increasing popularity of Cryptos among Indian masses. But, a CBDC will not solve the RBI’s concerns regarding Crypto since it can function as… Continue reading Cryptos and a CBDC are not the same thing
A six-point agenda for India to raise its trade competitiveness
Context: India recently signed trade deals with Australia and UAE. Many more are in pipeline. Such deals are important as exports lead to higher growth. In a white paper on ‘Building Competitiveness for Inclusive Growth’, CUTS International, Institute for Competitiveness and Institute for Studies in Industrial Development have outlined an action agenda for improving Indian… Continue reading A six-point agenda for India to raise its trade competitiveness
Focus on CPI inflation
News: In 2021 and 2022, the present inflation rate in developed markets is much higher (8.5% in the US). Therefore, the central banks of developed markets (DM) like the US Fed, or the European Central Bank, or the Bank of England — all of them have chosen inflation targeting. It has generated debate on the… Continue reading Focus on CPI inflation
Medicinal plants await good marketing
Context: Recently, the Ministry of AYUSH launched e-CHARAK, an electronic platform for interaction between various stakeholders in the medicinal plants sector. It will allow sale, purchase and sharing of material as well as know-how between different stakeholders. In this relation, medicinal plants sector has come under focus. The curative plants of significant commercial value are… Continue reading Medicinal plants await good marketing
A north pole for science and technology
News: This is the birth centenary year of Dr. Y. Nayudamma, Padma Shri recipient, noted scientist, former Director of the Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai and former Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Humans have been propelled in the fields of science and technology since ancient civilisations. This has been due… Continue reading A north pole for science and technology
Confidentiality ring amendment could make antitrust disputes more opaque
News: Recently, the Director General of Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued orders on the Amazon dispute. In this dispute, Amazon (the defendant) has decided to take the confidentiality route towards its submissions. The CCI has realised that disputes arising out of antitrust matters, also known as competition or cartelisation, require confidentiality. The… Continue reading Confidentiality ring amendment could make antitrust disputes more opaque
