India’s economy and society are marked by a deep and extensive dualism. There are examples galore — backward agriculture versus global firms; rural versus urban world views; dehumanising slums cheek by jowl with swanky highrises; wretched urban squalor five miles away from the New Delhi Municipal Corporation’s carefully tended Bungalow Zone in Lutyens’ Delhi; the…
Financial sector regulation in India has developed in an ad hoc manner in response to evolving requirements. Consequently, it suffers from substantial prudential weaknesses and regulatory arbitrage that makes for heightened risks for both investors and financial consumers. By putting together a modern law for governing the complex financial sector, the draft Indian Financial Code…
On 30th July, 2015, a Roundtable discussion was held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi to discuss the preliminary survey findings of a study on FDI in E-commerce sector. The deliberation was chaired by Mr. Amitabh Kant, Secretary, DIPP, MoC & amp ;I. The discussion was enriched with valuable inputs and recommendations from esteemed…
There are some uncanny similarities between Narendra Modi and Barack Obama. Both have risen from humble beginnings, both are charismatic public speakers and consummate communicators on social media, both were relative outsiders to the capitals where they now hold the most powerful office, and neither is dependent on their political party for their electoral success.…
New Delhi: After a year of maybe maybe-not sound bites, the Government seems ready to bite the E-commerce bullet in right earnest. The Commerce and Industry Minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman has held a meeting with various stakeholders from the industry to listen to different viewpoints on issues related to FDI in B2C e-commerce. The Hon’ble…
Chief Vitalstatistix of the legendary yet unnamed Gaul village always carried a shield over his head to prevent being hurt if the sky fell down. Should we all take such precautions following the Greek tragedy currently unfolding? Both DEA secretary Mehrishi and Niti Aayog vice-chairman Panagariya have somewhat vaguely assured us that India will not…
The book is co-authored by economists Dr Rajiv Kumar and Ramgopal Agarwala with former CII president Rajesh Shah. The book outlines growth strategies for various sectors including agriculture, infrastructure and health. Article
As a pre-cursor to the study on the benefits of FDI in E-commerce, a closed door roundtable discussion was organised, attended by economists, e-commerce players and representatives from industry and MSME bodies. The discussions helped in drawing up the main structure of the report.
There is no doubting the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi works hard and drives his government at the same hectic pace. Lutyens’ Delhi is abuzz with stories. Golf during weekdays is ruled out; signing in and out of the bhavans and blocks is now mandatory and put up on government website; midnight oil is…
This book, authored by Dr. Ram Gopal Agarwala, emphasises the centrality of a trade-oriented services sector led by communication, business services, health, education, research, and innovations for achieving these growth targets. It also argues that inclusiveness, financial prudence and low-carbon lifestyles are preconditions to long-term growth.
The focus on the land acquisition issue during the recently-concluded National Executive conclave at Bengaluru is most welcome. Even more reassuring is the recognition by the BJP’s top brass that it is faced with a quintessential political issue, which requires large-scale public mobilisation in its support. So, kudos to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for effectively…
Meal Vouchers have been important tools in ensuring the social well-being of employees for six decades in the world and for two decades in India. Meal Vouchers form an integral part of modern day work facilities usually replacing office run canteens and thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated canteen area. International experience suggests that…