Page 10 - Business Standard Editorial Comment

Inflation debate must consider downsides of alternative frameworks

To be fair, the RBI or the MPC on its own cannot change the target or stop taking into account one part of the consumer basket without appropriate amendment to the RBI Act

Agri growth: New schemes a timely intervention, should improve outcomes

With no significant advancement since the Green Revolution, there is a pressing need for renewed innovation and investment in the agricultural sector to address current challenges

Rediscovering integration: World Bank argument on trade is worth hearing

Besides the argument that India must re-evaluate its approach to trade pacts, including the RCEP, other in-progress deals like those with the EU and the UK, must be the targets for political attention

Primary driver: How average listing gains are pushing IPO subscriptions

Retail investors would be well advised to approach the market with caution and the exchanges must ensure that only quality issues make it to the market

Protecting gig workers from exploitation: Govt needs a balanced approach

Achieving a careful balance is essential to safeguard these workers' rights and welfare while maintaining the operational viability of the businesses that depend on them

Why it makes strategic sense to incentivise domestic chip research

It will offer India the opportunity to become R&D centre to the world without losing valuable IP rights rather than frittering away capital on chip-making, for which it has no known capabilities yet

Import dependence: Crop diversification can improve edible oil production

There is a need to adopt improved farming practices and advanced production technologies to raise productivity and output in the long term to be able to reduce dependence on import

Banking for growth: PMJDY has improved financial inclusion. What next?

With deposit and credit facilities broadly in place, the government should now focus on spreading financial and digital literacy

Signs of hope in GDP data: Will RBI's 7.2% FY25 growth projection be met?

A continued growth momentum being seen will allow the central bank to focus on inflation and wait till it's durably aligned to the target of 4 per cent

Stationed in space: Recent experience has important lessons for Isro

The stranding of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore at ISS until February 2025 highlights the challenges involved in manned space missions

Ring-fencing a challenge: Industrial parks may help attract investment

The latest policy is certainly an upgraded attempt to push the envelope in attracting investment

Why there is an urgent need to rationalise both GST slabs and rates

Rationalisation of the tax structure is expected to be discussed in the GST Council meet on Sep 9. The group of state ministers would be well advised to initiate the process

Trade imbalance: India needs to urgently enhance its R&D investment

By prioritising this, and cultivating a robust ecosystem for innovation and business growth, India can build the foundation to achieve sustainable economic growth and avoid the middle-income trap

Ease of lending: How Unified Lending Interface will improve credit access

Seamless delivery of credit and a quicker turnaround time without requiring extensive documentation will benefit both borrowers and lenders

Unsafe at any place: Hema Committee underlines distance to gender equality

Recent revelations in the Justice Hema Committee report on women in Malayalam film industry and events following the rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata point to a disturbing regression

Ukraine-Russia war: Why India's mediatory moves may remain limited

With its incursion into Russian territory, Ukraine crossed a red line with respect to the terms on which the Western allies extended it aid, potentially altering the dynamics of the peace process

Unified Pension System: Reversal of pension reform should have been avoided

The new modified pension scheme is better than OPS, but switching to NPS was one of the biggest reforms in recent decades and would have benefited the country in the long run

Out for delivery: E-commerce policy should aim to enhance competition

It must provide a level playing field and not differentiate between platforms based on ownership and investment. A neutral policy will help boost investment, create jobs, and increase consumer welfare

Learning from Covid pandemic experience to contain the Mpox outbreak

Although there is no need to raise the alarm at this stage, the government should focus on raising awareness among the public and prepare contingency plans

Why RBI cannot ignore food price pressures in overall inflation management

High food inflation can lead to the unanchoring of inflation expectations, which could significantly complicate overall inflation management