Economy
The economy -- II: Boost exports to attract FDI
ON THE fiscal front, the Union Government's financial position presents a relatively healthy picture this year, with the tax and non-tax revenues showing buoyancy, and expenditure growth remaining under control. Tax revenues in April-October, net of the
States' share, increased 19 per cent, compared with seven per cent in the same period last year, thanks largely to the impressive growth in direct tax collections. Non-tax revenues, however, increased by a lower rate of 16 per cent in the same period, ag
ainst 28 per cent last year.
Editorial
PM's giveaway
THIS is a classic case of extreme vacillation in the Centre's public distribution system policy in recent times. Barely nine months back, the Union Budget had effected a 68-80 per cent increase in the issue prices of grain for Below Poverty Line (BPL) fa
milies. For the Above Poverty Line (APL) segment, prices were raised to Rs 900 and Rs 1,180 per quintal for wheat and rice, respectively.
Food & Dairy Products
Chilled milk for the soul
A Nestle collection centre in Buttar village in the `milk district' of Punjab, Moga.
Politics
Social choice theory and American elections
THE RECENTLY-concluded US Presidential election has an important bearing on modern social choice theory, associated with the name of Kenneth Arrow. There were two dominant candidates in the Election, G and B. G obtained the majority of the popular votes
but B was implicitly declared the victor in effect, in the Electoral College by the majority opinion (five-to-four) of the US Supreme Court. The latter virtually gave Florida to B, who thereby, was able to reach the majority, albeit very narrow, in the e
lectoral college votes.
Political scene: A blurred mosaic
Solving the Kashmir issue remains the greatest challenge before Mr Vajpayee. He believes in speaking his mind, even if he has to take flak for it, as he did after his recent controversial comments on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. There is an unspoken, unsta
ted hope in Kashmir that if he can find the political will, he has both the stature and the credentials to solve the Kashmir problem.
Curbing politicians
THE average politician in the country has become accustomed to thumbing his nose at the people. Intoxicated by the power he wields through cronies and criminals, he does not think twice before indulging in the most shameful conduct. Even when he is caugh
t red-handed, and the wheels of law and justice are set in motion against him, he brazenly calls it political vendetta. His image in the people's eyes is of one who holds on to official quarters long after he has ceased to have any right to them, never p
ays his rent and dues on the use of electricity and water, is on the look-out for making a pile by every conceivable chicanery and deceit, and is utterly devoid of scruples and principles.
Power
Moral hazard of counter guarantee
The statement made by the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, that the second phase of the Dabhol Power Corporation (DPC) will be scrapped, raises many questions about the economics of counter guarantee. What is also interesting is that Mr
Deshmukh is now making public statements about the DPC's high-tariff structure, and has also requested the Corporation to cut its tariff rate.
Technology
Transgenics are not terminator crops
THE MOST debated topic in agriculture and biotechnology is genetically modified (GM) crops, that is, transgenics. Biotechnology is any non-conventional technique used for modifying the living organisms for a specific use of mankind, has broad-based and w
idespread application in medicine, environmental management, food industry, industrial products and agriculture. Genetic engineering is the technique to transfer a gene from one species to another and the outcome is a transgenic product.
Science and technology in 2000 -- More involvement by industry
WHILE there were no significant technological breakthroughs or landmark events, the year 2000 did see more new initiatives, especially ones aimed at bringing out innovations and involving Indian industry. In a way, the year represented a kind of crossroa
ds situation for Indian science and technology.
