Columnist
17 articles
17 articles
Facing Economic Shock By Dhurjati Mukherjee The outlook for the Indian economy in the current fiscal sadly does not appear quite encouraging, despite growing 7.8% in January-March quarter of the last fiscal. The Reserve Bank of India left the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% but reduced its growth forecast for FY27 and raised its inflation
NEET Exam Leak & After By Dhurjati Mukherjee The lack of good governance in the country is widely acknowledged. Effective and stringent oversight of public institutions could significantly enhance efficiency and substantially reduce corruption. The recent leak of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination is yet another example of administrative lapses and inadequate accountability in
Severe Heat Wave By Dhurjati Mukherjee The latest India Meteorological Department bulletin shows scorching maximum temperatures across north-west, west central and adjoining eastern and north-peninsular India with the highest recorded in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Rajasthan, all of which remains under heatwave to severe heatwave conditions. As per latest
India’s Energy Future By Dhurjati Mukherjee India’s energy future is challenging with fuel prices quite high and availability a matter of concern. If oil prices stay at around $95-$100 a barrel, over last year’s average of $70 a barrel, the impact would be a little above $40 billion or above 1.5% of GDP. The government’s
India’s Economic Strategy By Dhurjati Mukherjee The spectacular victory of the BJP in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry puts on the party the extra burden of reviving the states. With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, banking on domestic consumption and its sheer absorbing capacity, boosting the economy may work to a limited extent.
Early Summer Onset By Dhurjati Mukherjee India is likely to see below-average monsoon rains for the first time in three years in 2026, the government stated recently, stoking concerns over farm output and growth in Asia’s third largest economy as it battles inflation due to the West Asian conflict. It is well-known that the monsoon
India’s Economic Strength By Dhurjati Mukherjee The much-touted economic strength of India has come into question. Not just because of reports of GDP over estimation but the future trend of growth, hampered by geopolitical conditions and the rising prices of oil and gas. Stagnant real wages and somewhat static manufacturing growth data revealed that consumption
West Asian Conflict By Dhurjati Mukherjee The West Asian conflict has affected global fertiliser supply. Shipments of it have piled up on the wrong side of the Strait of Hormuz. In India, Algeria and Slovakia, fertiliser plants have shut down or slowed their output due to rising natural gas prices. Australian wheat farmers are planning
Ensuing Elections By Dhurjati Mukherjee Lack of decency and morality are political trends reiterated by leaders. The clamour raised by some states and drama enacted specially by West Bengal, regarding SIR (special intensive revision) bear testimony they don’t want the mandatory revision. Is it because the parties don’t want elimination of false voters or have
Oil & Gas Crisis By Dhurjati Mukherjee Predictions and projections may not turn out to be accurate. While promises of politicians mostly are found to falter, this may not be the same in case of professional economists who predict something based on some scientific calculations. In this connection, the West Asian crisis has complicated the
Towards Green Energy By Dhurjati Mukherjee In the wake of the Middle East crisis, the need for acceleration of green energy in India assumes great significance more so because the country has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070. Agreeably, rapid strides are manifest in cultivating clean energy, but more concerted efforts are needed. Let’s start with
Private Universities By Dhurjati Mukherjee Just at the end of the year, the Supre Court gave a landmark judgment whereby it has ordered nationwide audit of all private and deemed universities, transforming a student’s grievance into a deep scrutiny of India’s sprawling education sector. In a sweeping directive, the apex court asked the Centre, all
India’s AI Vision By Dhurjati Mukherjee Much hype has been created about Artificial Intelligence (AI) before and after the recent summit as world leaders and leading technical experts shared their experience and expertise. It offered an opportunity for India to delve deep into AI implementation and understand its risks and benefits. In his inaugural address,
Creating Employment By Dhurjati Mukherjee The hype around the budget will be over within a few days but the recent trade deals need analysis, keeping in view the total potential in creating jobs. The scenario does not look quite encouraging though there are some positive points that cannot be denied. Questions have been raised about
Ailing Health Sector By Dhurjati Mukherjee India’s large population—about 30–35% of whom live at or near the poverty line—needs strong healthcare prioritisation. However, governments have long neglected this sector, leaving many rural and underprivileged health centers without sufficient staff or basic equipment like operational x-ray machines. A thorough examination of the recent Budget is necessary
Resilient Economy By Dhurjati Mukherjee With the onset of the new year, it must be admitted that the trends appear quite encouraging. The pacts with Oman and New Zealand in December can be said to be favourable for India and specially in a critical geopolitical situation with a 50 percent tariff imposed by the US
Private Universities By Dhurjati Mukherjee At the fag end of the year, a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court has brought into sharp focus the functioning of private and deemed universities across the country. What began as a student’s grievance has culminated in an unprecedented nationwide audit of India’s vast higher education sector. In a
