Category: Policy
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India’s GST Puzzle: Why the 18% Slab Was Left Untouched
In a bold fiscal move, the Government of India is reshaping the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure—reducing the 28% slab to 18% on some goods and services, and cutting the 12% slab to 5% for several essential commodities. While these measures aim to stimulate consumption and simplify compliance, one…
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India’s Fiscal Policy in the Shadow of New U.S. Tariffs: Balancing Growth and Stability
The sharp escalation of U.S. tariffs—now set at 50% on a substantial portion of Indian goods—marks a pivotal moment for India’s fiscal strategy. With USD 30–35 billion worth of exports directly affected and potential spillovers across the broader USD 87 billion trade relationship, policymakers face an immediate test in safeguarding…
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The Global Race for Innovation: How R&D Investments are Reshaping the Future
In the twenty-first century, the ability of nations to drive innovation is directly tied to their commitment to research and development (R&D). A recent analysis of gross R&D expenditure (in constant PPP terms) from 2000 to 2023 reveals some striking patterns in the global innovation landscape. The data reflects how…
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Preparing the Textile Workforce for Automation
As the global textile industry rapidly integrates automation to stay competitive, improve productivity, and enhance quality, the human element remains critical. Automation does not signal the replacement of the workforce, but rather a transformation of roles and the emergence of new skill requirements. For countries like India, where textiles form…
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What Indian Cities Can Learn from New York’s Infrastructure Blueprint
Urban India stands at a pivotal moment. With rapid urbanization, infrastructure stress, and environmental vulnerabilities mounting, Indian cities are being challenged to modernize quickly and smartly. In this context, New York City offers a compelling case study—blending innovation, resilience, and citizen-centric planning. From traffic regulation to climate adaptation, here are…
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India Becomes the 4th Largest Economy – But Who Really Benefits?
In 2025, India proudly ascended to the position of the world’s fourth-largest economy, overtaking Japan, whose economy has shrunk from $6 trillion to approximately $4 trillion. While this milestone is significant from a macroeconomic standpoint, it raises a vital question: Is this growth equitable? The Illusion of Size: Growth Amidst…
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India’s Growth Outlook Trimmed: Still Among the Fastest-Growing Economies
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) recently revised India’s projected economic growth rate for 2025 downwards—from 6.6% to 6.3%. The reduction, while marginal, is a reflection of growing uncertainties in the global trade environment, especially in the context of escalating tariff tensions and policy volatility. Yet,…
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What 2025–26 Signals for Global Monetary Policy
As the global economy edges into the mid-2020s, inflationary pressures remain a defining feature of financial discourse, with renewed focus on how central banks will respond. Updated inflation forecasts for 2025–26 indicate a subtle but critical shift, particularly in advanced economies like the United States, where core goods prices are…
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