Ishan Bakshi

Few would have faulted governments for spending more to counterbalance the effects of a once-in-a-century crisis. There is a time for aggressive consolidation. This was not it.

While job creation typically tends to follow economic recovery, surely, by now, given that value added by almost all sectors is around 90 per cent of last year’s levels, the distress in the labour market should also be showing signs of easing.

Some unconventional measures may well be needed at the current juncture. But discarding the principles of sound public policy, though it sounds appealing, could end up doing more harm than good.

The central bank must develop a clear strategy on what to do. At the one end, it is legally bound to an inflation target. Yet, at this juncture, there is a strong argument to look past the current spurt in inflation, and test the limits of both conventional and unconventional monetary policy.

As a neutral arbiter of Centre-state relations, the Finance Commission should seek to maintain the delicate balance in deciding on contesting claims.

Any intervention to “correct” pricing essentially involves placing a higher weightage on the assumed losses of competitors/producers than on the consumer’s apparent gains. This is not a straightforward exercise.

Union Budget important points Explained, highlights: Here's an explanation and analysis of the Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament today.

Growth of GST collections has slowed since Q4FY19, in line with the fall in corporate tax collections, indicating the impact of sluggish economic growth.

An eloquent account of how public policy needs urgent re-imagination

The introduction of the IBC marked a structural change in the resolution architecture in India. The shift to a time-bound resolution process was a tool to help tackle the bad loan problem.

The journey of economists from university campuses to the White House

In other words, despite the Modi government’s emphasis on digital payments and a less-cash economy, the official printing presses are churning out more currency notes than before, both in volume and value terms.

The Centre has asked the 15th Finance Commission to examine whether a separate mechanism for funding of defence and internal security should be set up. What are the implications for the finances of the states?

FM surprised all by announcing a marginal decline from 3.4% to 3.3%. How will it be achieved? Will it affect the flow of funds between Centre and states? Will it come at the cost of capital expenditure by PSUs?

Union Budget 2019: The bond markets has reason to cheer given the huge borrowing programme of the government. The relief was reflected in the10 year bond yields which fell below 6.6 per cent and closed finally at 6.69 per cent.

How has the first-time finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, scored on her debut? Has the first Budget of PM Narendra Modi’s second term laid the foundation for achieving the goal of making India a $5-trillion economy by 2025? Will the Budget address the pressing concerns of the Indian economy? The Indian Express cuts through the clutter.

The Survey's recommendations, in line with the revised code, entail fixing minimum wages based on either the level of skill — different wages for the unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled — or the geographical region, or both.