Business Standard Editorial Comment

India's forest cover rises, but flawed definitions mask biodiversity loss

The Forest Survey of India defines forest as land covering at least one hectare and with a tree cover density of 10 per cent

Growth slowdown, fiscal dilemma complicate India's Budget preparation

The Ministry pointed out that revenue receipts in the first half of the year, at almost 52 per cent of Budget Estimates, were above the five-year rolling average

Unsafe factories: A roadblock to India's manufacturing hub aspirations

At least 240 workplace accidents occurred in India's manufacturing, mining, and energy sectors, resulting in over 400 deaths and more than 850 serious injuries

GST Council defers key decisions, tackles complexity of tax system

It was clarified that ready-to-eat popcorn mixed with salt and spices attracted a 5 per cent GST rate. It attracts a 12 per cent tax if supplied as pre-packed and labelled

EV growth faces charging woes even as carmakers push ahead with launches

India's charging infrastructure lags behind EV demand despite policy incentives

Fed's rate cut disappoints markets, sticky inflation adds to global woes

FOMC projections, dollar surge, and policy uncertainties pressure emerging markets

New Sebi norms: SIFs to target wealthy investors with high-risk appetite

The regulator has laid down a few investing rules and regulations for this strategy. The new product line may have offers across open-ended, close-ended, and interval investment strategies

Corporate governance improves, but India Inc must go beyond compliance

The survey showed 44 per cent of the Nifty 100 companies had between 50 and 74 per cent of NEDs, up from 35 per cent in FY21

Dissanayake's India visit marks positive shift in Sri Lanka's foreign ties

On Monday, statements from Mr Dissanayake assured India that he would not allow Sri Lankan territory to be used in a way that would be detrimental to India's interests

Simultaneous polls: Gains must be weighed against Constitutional concerns

The idea of holding simultaneous elections is not new for India. In fact, elections for many years after Independence were held simultaneously

Lack of regulatory clarity could drive away private ESG finance for India

Political shift is affecting ESG investing

Bureaucratic interventions in the form of QCOs hurt Indian manufacturing

Steel is a case in point. The industry is naturally concerned about the impact of overcapacity in China, which might render Indian-made steel uncompetitive

Chessboard promises: Gukesh's win reflects India's growing prowess

Gukesh, for instance, has a five-year sponsorship deal, and his campaign for the world title was backed by a team of six top players who helped with analysis and preparation

Letter and spirit: Constitution will help fulfil citizens' aspirations

The biggest example of its success is the continued peaceful transition of power, reflecting the people's will

Demand-supply mismatch: Affordable housing shortage must be addressed

A Knight Frank study shows that India will face an affordable housing shortage of 31.2 million units by 2030. There is already an existing shortage of 10.1 million units

Marketing reforms: India's agri-marketing system needs an upgrade

Agricultural reforms should, therefore, not remain limited to factor-market reforms, but should also include efforts to liberalise constraints to marketing

Lingering debt danger: External debt levels dangerously high globally

The IDR focuses specifically on external debt and classifies countries by income level

What extending T+0 settlement to 500 stocks may mean for market liquidity

According to the Sebi circular, the T+0 cycle will be available on an optional basis for the top 500 companies by market capitalisation from January 31, 2025

Engaging with Dhaka: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri's visit suggests a thaw

This week's meeting may stabilise the temperature on frosty exchanges between New Delhi and Dhaka in the immediate post-Hasina phase

Unfavourable design: Sovereign gold bonds are a drain on govt finances

Officials may argue that the scheme has outlived its purpose since India no longer has a troublesome current-account deficit