Censorship’s Latest Bogeyman- the Internet
The Supreme Court’s request for Google & co. to block videos is the latest example of how the law fears new technologies.
No Tomato Left Behind
Restaurants already have the strongest possible incentive to avoid wastage. If government gets involved, things will only get worse.
Shifting Uday’s Burden to Budo’s Shoulders
More than 95% of traffic deaths have nothing to do with alcohol. The recent Supreme Court decision does not solve the problem, and hurts the innocent.
Farm Loan Waivers are the Wrong Solution
Bad economics often makes good political sense. Our farmers need systemic reform, not empty waivers.
Beware of Moral Invocations
Those who fail at economics or governance often invoke morality. Don’t fall for this age-old ruse.
The Right and Wrong of Ages Past
Can we pass moral judgement on actions from earlier times? If yes, on what basis?
Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Enemy’s Property
The Enemy Property Amendment Act is inconsistent with the principles India was constituted on. It should be declared unconstitutional.
Let the World In
India can earn up to six times as much from tourism as it does today. One reform can make it happen.
If You Love Someone, Set Them Free
Mukesh Ambani and Imran Khan are wrong about the benefits of a ‘reverse brain-drain.’ Skilled immigration is a positive-sum game, and benefits everyone.
The Ultimate Tool for Crazed Leaders
The Finance Bill 2017 has given Big Government the most powerful surveillance tool there is. Be scared. Be very very scared.
Trapped in the Municipal Mindset
New Delhi will continue to treat state governments as municipalities if they behave that way. That is why the latest Karnataka budget is an opportunity lost.
That Old 70s Formula
Modi’s ‘development agenda’ has regressed from the far-sighted one of 2014 to the old populist tropes of past decades.
The Dark Queen of Narrative
Indira Gandhi’s reign exemplified the dichotomy between populist policies that get politicians elected and policies that actually work. She was the prototype for Narendra Modi.
Is Maternity Benefit Really A Benefit?
Small and big establishments will have to pay an employee half a year’s worth of salary when she is not available at work. While the big establishments will be able to manage this, the small ones won’t. Hence, the likely unseen impact of this is going to lead to managers not hiring women of child-bearing age.
A Billion Indians With Their Pants Off
India lacks the two essential legislative elements that are foundational to creating a secure digital infrastructure. It doesn’t have a Privacy Law and a Data Protection law. And it does have a government that argues that privacy is not a fundamental right.
The Return of Pragati
When Pragati began in 2007, we bemoaned 60 years of socialist policies that had crippled our economy and held our people back from reaching their full potential. Today, despite sweeping political changes, the oppressive hand of big government has only grown.
India and the World: Foreign Policy in the Age of Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy has been characterized by great energy, a desire to break the mold of the past and a penchant for risk-taking. Given the vigour he has imparted, foreign relations should have yielded more significant results. They haven’t.