Page 8 - Economy & Policy Analysis

MPC reassures status quo on rates, but changes view on inflation

The temporary supply shocks that have led to higher inflation has been kept aside by the MPC while focusing on growth

Retrospective tax was indefensible; burying it shows pragmatism

Institutional arrogance in taxation has cost India dearly in terms of its image as a business-friendly, rule-driven country

Retrospective tax policy burial does not come as a surprise

While it is good to see the government take this step, the question remains whether investors who have obtained an award that comprises of interest component will take up the offer.

Indian business: From safari suits to pin striped jackets after 1991

If India is now considered having the potential to be a leading economy, the 1991 reforms made it possible.

The family in a pandemic: Will we ever be able to travel with young kids?

A year and a half into the pandemic, policy makers have given little thoughtful guidance to families.

India's contribution to the efficient market hypothesis

The Indian logic is old, more complex and well established and has stood the test of time. It can explain complex things significantly better than Aristotelian logic

Large part of FM's stimulus package will work only in medium-term

The government and the central bank's credit measures appear to show India has gotten its priorities against a possible third wave of Covid-19.

How should cryptocurrency be taxed in India? Here are some thoughts

Cryptocurrencies have generated a lot of interest for investors of all ages due to recent increase in value. It is estimated that roughly a crore Indians have invested in cryptocurrencies

Facebook, Twitter critics in US are gifting ammo to authoritarian regimes

Illiberal leaders have adopted the language and legal tools being wielded by activists and politicians in the US.

Covid-19 impact is among growing complexities cities need to prepare for

A decalogue is needed to promote policies to transform our cities into healthier and protective living environments.

India, Brazil have competing views on inflation: One of them must be right

Which of the two approaches proves most effective will shape the lessons a generation of officials take from the pandemic.

Economic theory says inequality will rise as international trade grows

Robin Hoodism - robbing the rich to pay the poor - isn't consistent with either democratic ideals or trust in government

In India's pandemic, the rich buy luxury cars and the poor lose their homes

Obsessed with keeping a lid on borrowing costs, the government is making things worse for the common man by its regressive consumption taxes.

Demonetisation, Covid-19 brought Indian economy to its knees: Kaushik Basu

Basu worries that a 'dispirited' India may be behind the country plummeting from one of the fastest growing economies towards the bottom of the heap in a short span of four years

Frequent run-ins with Indian govt cloud US big tech's expansion plans

India is a massive market for US tech giants, biggest for both Facebook and WhatsApp by user numbers and third for Twitter

Transgenders can't get state benefits as most official data ignores 'other'

Lack of means to record their preferred gender identities means that many Indians who identify as transgender are excluded from various social security benefits.

1947, 1970s, 2008: Inflation experts look back into history for lessons

Central bankers know how to raise benchmark interest rates, but they have less experience in calibrating the exit from quantitative easing.

Turbocharge upstream oil & gas sector to hasten India's post-Covid recovery

The companies could be asked to commit to channeling the tax relief into boosting production from ageing fields, which would yield longer-term dividend for the government coffers

Digital divides in Covid-19 vaccination must be resolved strategically

Such divides may lead to inequities and hamper processes of re-opening the economy, writes Sabyasachi Saha.

The ITC tangle on Covid-19 related expenses

Regardless of whether it is incurred for employees or social causes, Input Tax Credit (ITC) being the backbone of GST is a major matter of concern for taxpayers incurring COVID-19 related expenditure