Cover Story
- The Centre's move to demonetise high-denomination currency has shaken up the economy.
- It will be some time before the benefits of demonetisation to the banking industry actually show up.
- The government has made an honest attempt at realigning economic incentives to drastically change human behaviour and make it easier for those who wish to be honest and incredibly tough for the dishonest. It will hit at the roots of untaxed, undeclared, taxable income
- This may be a political move! The government intends to squeeze farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Kerala, among others. Modi seems to have unleashed a class war, putting systems against the poor and the lower-middle class
- Arthakranti Pratishthan, an NGO based out of a nondescript rental flat in a predominantly residential Rambaug Colony, some 20 km from Pune Airport, is now gaining global attention. Considered to be the brain behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move of scrapping old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the think tank stands for a complete overhaul of India's taxation system. In an exclusive interview with Joe Mathew, Anil S. Bokil, an engineer-turned-economic thinker, the chief architect of Arthakranti Proposal, talks about the merits of demonetisation and how it can lead to a black money free-cashless economy, if the government adopts all of the NGO's proposals. Excerpts:
Back In the Game
BPL, the former consumer durables major, is trying to make a comeback. Will it succeed? Many global healthcare chains and investors are pumping money into hospitals in India. This may prove to be a game changer for the country's healthcare sector. Maggi Noodles is back, but for Nestle India, the road ahead is full of challenges. More brands are turning to 360-degree videos to woo consumers. In spite of rising prices and some relief from falling imports, the steel industry is struggling to recover.
CASHING IN
The boom in the aviation sector has set the stage for airlines to grow their ancillary revenues. India is heavily dependent on cash for its daily transactions. The Modi government's demonetisation drive could impact the Indian economy A detailed investigation of what led to the shattering of India's big oil and gas dream. What will the smart government think of next?"Wastewater and solid waste management emerging as key thrust areas"
Pierre-Yves Pouliquen, COO, Africa, Middle East and India, SUEZ - a key player in sustainable management of resources present in five continents - tells Sarika Malhotra about the pressing need for water management in India. How companies tackle the problem of prized professionals leaving for greener pastures in droves. Video calling is the cool new way to talk. We tell you which apps to choose for seamless, hassle-free conversations. This Mumbai-based start-up offers gadgets, games and other aspirational products on rent, and is now looking to scale. What chats with cab drivers tell us about the taxi aggregation business, and India.
Demonetisation has created fear psychosis. And it is just the beginning
While the near-term economic logic may seem weak, the plan on black money appears to be well thought out. Demonetisation is just one leg. What has generated the fear psychosis is a combination of many things executed over the past two years by the Narendra Modi Government.
