Synopsis: A revision of GST slab rates may create some disquiet, but, if cleverly crafted, it could be a game-changer for manufacturing. Introduction Recently, the group of ministers (GoM) was formed by the GST Council for rate rationalisation and correcting the inverted duty structure. The GoM has a very difficult task of balancing a number… Continue reading GST rationalisation: Challenge and response
Tag: gs paper 3
Semiconductors: Why India should not make chips – Instead, the focus should be on other parts of the global value chain
Synopsis: There is a burgeoning Electronics market, and also there is a consequent fight over the major powers to control the semiconductor industry. India can use this opportunity to improve to achieve digital India targets. Contents1 Introduction 2 Why is there a global chip fight? 3 What are its impacts on the world’s geopolitics? 4 What are the… Continue reading Semiconductors: Why India should not make chips – Instead, the focus should be on other parts of the global value chain
The great hubris that lay behind the Great Moderation and Reset
Synopsis: Faulty assumptions of rosy economic scenarios have resulted in an energy crisis. Introduction Post-covid, there has been talk of a great reset. It has many elements. Important among them is green growth, an effort to decarbonize the world and attain net zero carbon dioxide emissions. For instance, The International Energy Agency (IEA), in a… Continue reading The great hubris that lay behind the Great Moderation and Reset
Explained: Why launch of Indian Space Association is significant
Synopsis: Indian Space Association has been launched by the Prime Minister of India. The industry association will act as an independent and “single-window” agency for enabling the opening up of the space sector to start-ups and the private sector. What is ISpA? ISpA is the Premier Industry Association of Space and Satellite companies, which aspires… Continue reading Explained: Why launch of Indian Space Association is significant
The” yes or a no” the court must ask about Pegasus
Synopsis: Given the seriousness of the matter and the right to privacy of citizens, the judiciary must hold the executive accountable in the matter. Contents1 Introduction2 Why is the Pegasus scandal controversial?3 What was the government reaction to Pegasus?4 What should be the way forward? Introduction Earlier this year, a global coalition of media organisations… Continue reading The” yes or a no” the court must ask about Pegasus
Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture?
Synopsis: Government’s plan to promote ethanol, its benefit to the country, various effects of this plan, its impact on crop diversification and food security and way forward. Contents1 Introduction 2 What’s the govt’s plan to promote ethanol? 3 How would ethanol blending benefit India? 4 What are the unintended effects of the policy? 5 What is the way forward? Introduction … Continue reading Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture?
We can’t stabilise the climate without carbon offsets — so how do we make them work?
Synopsis: Carbon offsetting affords an opportunity to achieving net-zero emission targets but only if its done with full integrity. Contents1 Introduction 2 What is offsetting? 3 What objections are frequently raised against carbon offsetting?4 What is the way forward? Introduction Carbon offsetting has been in news lately. The Grattan Institute released a new report on the role… Continue reading We can’t stabilise the climate without carbon offsets — so how do we make them work?
Protecting India’s natural laboratories
Synopsis: India needs to take measures to protect and conserve Geoheritage sites. Contents1 Introduction2 Why Geoheritage sites are important and needs to be protected?3 What are the issues and challenges faced in conservation of Geo heritage sites in India?4 What is the way forward? Introduction India has a very unique geodiversity. India has tall mountains,… Continue reading Protecting India’s natural laboratories
How to get farmers to not burn crop residue
Synopsis: Steps to be taken to push famers away from resorting to stubble burning Introduction Farmers across northern India burn stubble to clear fields for the winter wheat sowing season. It is both a health and an environmental hazard that repeats every year. A 2018 Lancet study reported this as the number one reason for… Continue reading How to get farmers to not burn crop residue
Taxing multinationals
Synopsis: Global agreement on taxing multinational corporations and way forward for India Introduction After several years of negotiations, 136 countries, representing over 90 per cent of global output, finalised the agreement last week to tax multinational corporations. Since almost all members of the OECD’s framework on base erosion and profit shifting have agreed, tax avoidance… Continue reading Taxing multinationals
