The Rich Are Getting Richer, but the Poor Are Not Getting Poorer: T.V. Somanathan
Increasing consumption among the middle class and the poor in India is a valid policy challenge, the answer to which lies in creating more jobs, says T.V. Somanathan, finance secretary and secretary of expenditure in the Union Ministry of Finance. In an exclusive interview, he also discusses why the current income tax rates are reasonable and why he finds the 3% fiscal deficit target questionable among other issues. Edited excerpts:
Neeraj Thakur - February 29, 2024
A Nation Stuck Between Missing Jobs and Growth Ambitions
India grapples with a job crisis fuelled by factors including high youth unemployment, educational and skill imbalance and low female participation, among others. In their book, The Elephant Moves: India’s New Place in the World, Amitabh Kant and Amit Kapoor explore India’s economic evolution through the lens of competitiveness, stressing the need for, and challenges to, policy changes in its run to becoming a developed economy by 2047
March 01, 2024
CBAM Knots in India’s Textile Story
Months after the European Union launched the transitional phase of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the textile sector, though not yet included in the target sectors, in India finds itself highly unprepared for the impact. From challenges posed by environmental compliance demands to rivals’ growth and slow governance support, the industry faces a complex fabric of issues
Ankita Mookherjee - February 01, 2024
Facing GenAI: Can Indian IT Companies Evolve To Turn a Global Monster Into an Ally?
The Indian IT industry is boldly confronting the generative AI challenge, arming its workforce with cutting-edge training and delving into clients’ needs. Yet, in the ever-competitive realm of emerging technologies, even as it stands resolute and fully committed to mastering the intricacies of the AI landscape, some firms may find themselves at risk of falling behind
Vinita Bhatia - December 29, 2023
Opinion Code
Denouncing technology is not the answer to the challenges it poses
Suchetana Ray - December 29, 2023
Consumption Pattern Slightly Different This Election Year, Says Vijay Chandok
Election years usually bring in volatility in the market. Vijay Chandok, managing director and CEO of ICICI Securities, talks about opportunities and challenges in 2024 for the stock market. Edited excerpts:
Nidhi Sinha - December 29, 2023
The Comedy Showstopper
The actor and comedian has faced several challenges but his ability to make people laugh, his next-door-boy image and the ability to connect with masses, have enhanced his brand value
Ankita Mookherjee - December 01, 2023
Outlook Start-Up Outperformers 2023: City Leaders and Their Challengers
Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Gurgaon, the top five cities in the Outlook Start-Up Outperformers 2023 rankings, have an edge over others because of the presence of key drivers for growth for start-ups, like funding and investment, human capital, availability of necessary infrastructure, etc. But other cities are catching up in some of these categories
October 31, 2023
Our Start-Ups will Navigate through Global Challenges: Rajeev Chandrasekhar
As a minister of state holding the dual portfolio of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar holds a vantage point in viewing the rise of tech-enabled start-ups in India. In an interview with Outlook Business, he delves into the dynamic growth journey of India’s innovation ecosystem and the pivotal role that the Central government is playing in shaping its trajectory. Edited excerpts:
Abdul Haleem Sherif - October 31, 2023
The Corporate Travel Conundrum
While revenue-generating travel is taking priority, internal trips and get-togethers are increasingly being questioned and challenged
Nitin Chaudhary - September 30, 2023