October 2023 global trade report by WTO

National logistics policy will boost Indian economy, exports

The announcement of the national logistics policy is a timely step, but it needs to be accompanied by efforts to improve the country’s rail, air, road and water transport networks. Read more »
big tech regulation

Big tech regulation: Global consensus the need of the hour

While there is general agreement on the need for big tech regulation, the powerful digital firms are resisting all attempts towards this goal. Read more »
Human development index

India slips on Human Development Index as Covid-19, Ukraine crisis weigh

India slipped to 132nd position in 2022 on the Human Development Index (HDI) from 130th with the country falling behind the global average on all four indices. Read more »
Russia crude oil exports

Russian crude oil: Will India defy the West to grab Putin’s offer

As the G7 looks to tighten the screws on Russia, Putin will lean on neighbour China and long-time ally India to import more of its crude oil. Read more »
phonepe, google pay UPI duopoly

UPI payments: RBI looks to break PhonePe, GPay duopoly

PhonePe leads in UPI transactions with almost 50% market share, followed by Google Pay (38%) and Paytm Payments Bank (17%). Read more »
Monsoon, agriculture

Deficient monsoon threatens to derail farm output, consumer demand

A fall in the output of paddy, maize, and pulses due to below normal monsoon may fuel inflation and cripple consumer demand during the festive season. Read more »
School education in india

New study reveals sorry state of affairs in school education

The Foundational Learning Study 2022 has found that 37% students in third standard have limited foundational numeracy skills, while 11% lack the most basic knowledge and skills. Read more »
ESG reporting

Climate change: World cities need to weatherproof themselves

Policy makers have their task cut out with climate change manifesting as extreme weather events threatening to make many cities unliveable. Read more »
EV, electric vehicles future

EV Push: Carmakers vie for a pie in the nascent electric vehicles market

Policy changes, consumer preferences, and energy prices foretell the coming of an electric vehicles (EV) revolution in India. Read more »
crimes against women, Indian middle

Crimes against women: What causes the rise in gender-based violence

Crimes against women are rooted in the cultural and institutional social structures such as discriminatory rules, customs, traditions, laws and misogynistic language. Read more »