RBI, Narendra Modi and the Subtle Art of Ignoring Concerns
In 2016, the RBI had accurately predicted both the damage and the lack of benefit of the demonetisation. Was it heard? No.
MSMEs in India: Nation’s Progress Depends on Them
Unorganized sector of which agriculture is an important part employs 94% of the work force but contributes 45% to the GDP. Thus, incomes here are very low compared to the organized sector where 6% of the workers work and produce 55% of the output.
Bailing Out the Creditors
Sri Lanka entered its 17th loan arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 20 March 2023. This new financing has been trumpeted as Sri Lanka’s only lifeline to salvage its sunken economy — but it will do nothing of the sort.
The Dangers of Outsourcing Government Planning to Global Consulting Firms
A critical examination of the Union government’s engagement of Boston Consulting Group to finalise ‘Vision 2047’ for India.
Unemployment May Impact India’s Economic Growth in FY24; But Bihar Creates Jobs
Declining manufacturing activity, a slowdown in the services sector, rising unemployment, and air pollution may pose a challenge to India’s projected economic growth. Also: “With Job ‘Mahakumbha’, Nitish Kumar Foregrounds Importance of Promises Kept”; and “ Employment Versus Hindu-Muslim Politics”.
Making Sense of Recent Developments in the Indian Labour Market
The PLFS for 2022-23 reports the highest workforce participation rate and the lowest unemployment rate in the last six years. This has been the result of the entry of an increasing number of women into agriculture. Stagnant household incomes are pushing women into low-paid self-employment.
Fascistic Hostility to Evidence – 2 Articles
India has a robust and admired statistical system. But the government is suppressing data to suit its narrative. It is perilous not to know the reality of the governed.
India – Worsening Economic Distress – 3 Articles
Household Savings in India Drop to a 5-Decade Low in FY23; Low Small Vehicle Sales, Rush for Gold Loans Point to Economic Distress; India’s Poverty Soared Pre-Pandemic, Eased in 2021 but Remained Above 2018 Levels.
The Polish Continuum
The Polish parliamentary elections on 15 October have created a period of political uncertainty. The Guardian is triumphantly announcing that a KO-led government will ‘bring radical change to Poland’. Yet things may not be so simple.
Uprising in Palestine
Do the Palestinians have a right to resist the non-stop aggression to which they are subjected? Absolutely. There is no moral, political or military equivalence as far as the two sides are concerned.