Cover Story
- India has embarked on the world's biggest skill development programme. Can this bridge the talent gap?
- Companies that have understood the ecosystem are partnering with us in our skilling initiative in a big way, Union Minister of State For Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, tells Anilesh S. Mahajan.
On Shopping Spree
Share buybacks have touched a record high in 2016/17. The reasons are imposition of 10 per cent tax on dividend income above Rs 10 lakh in last year's Budget, over and above the 15 per cent dividend distribution tax that is deducted by the company at the time of dividend payment. We crunch the numbers for you The way things are moving, chances of a moderate GST regime are low. New governments in five states have their task cut out for kick-starting growth. To make mining more attractive, the government must ensure clarity in policy and fast action. Is RBI right in stonewalling the RTI query on note ban?
Upfront
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, speaking in Parliament on attacks on Indians in the US After a long time, pilots are back in demand. But challenges remain. Rising exposure under the Mudra scheme can leave banks more vulnerable than before. A host of small FMCG brands are set to challenge the biggies with new-age innovations. Will they succeed? India's first electric motorcycle T6X, from Tork Motorcycles, will soon be launched commercially."Transparency, fair trade will boost aviation"
The global aviation market is booming. A strong growth in passenger traffic in 2016, especially in India, has prompted both domestic and foreign airlines to focus more on the Indian aviation sector. In spite of favourable court verdicts, top pharmaceutical companies are losing enthusiasm for fixed dose combination medicines. Why automating social media processes blindly is a bad idea. After years of slump, sugar prices are rising. But government intervention may spoil the industry's party.
Grand Finale!
The 22nd edition of the Lloyd Business Today Pro Am of Champions 2017, one of India's most prestigious corporate Golf tournaments, was played at the Classic Golf & Country Club.
Son of a Somnolent Father
Public enterprises are an important part of the economy, but they do not get even a tenth of the attention they should."All these three-month skilling programmes are useless"
On February 23, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship announced a partnership with US-based billionaire Romesh Wadhwani's philanthropic initiative, Wadhwani Operating Foundation, for the Pradhan Mantri Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyaan (YUVA), the central government's entrepreneurship development mission. A sustainable skilling ecosystem is needed to produce a globally competitive workforce which can stay ahead of automation and obsolescence.
Let There Be (Smart) Lights
Power your homes with smart lighting - they are convenient, energy-saving, and more affordable than you think.
Leaderspeak
Keith Bergelt, CEO, Open Invention Network (OIN), the world's largest patent non-aggression community, talks to Joe C. Mathew about Linux-based technology cooperation and its signifi cance for India.
Into the big league
The acquisition of Lloyds consumer durables business gives Havells an entry into this high-growth segment. But the company has a challenging task ahead if it has to compete with MNCs and other home-grown biggies.
The Skilling Enigma
India's "demographic dividend" is often cited as a major reason for India becoming an economic superpower in the next couple of decades.
