Punjab municipal poll results have three messages. Akali Dal’s desperate gambit to abandon BJP over farm laws has failed to impress its social base. Their break-up has helped Congress to consolidate its hold over rurban Hindu voters. And, a rudderless and faction-ridden Punjab AAP is staring at an existential crisis.
Govt must avoid mixed messages on tax with Cairn CEO, walk the talk on inviting investors
Come, invest in India’s energy sector, PM Modi said yesterday. His government can walk that talk today when Cairn CEO meets the finance secretary over the $1.2 billion retrospective tax award. Unpredictable policies, especially on tax, have hurt investors like Cairn. The government can change that by avoiding mixed messages.
India-US must not waste time in clinching a fresh trade deal. Economy can use some good news
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s admission that India-US trade talks had got bogged down by “nitpicking” and “small issues” is refreshing. The two countries shouldn’t waste time in clinching a fresh package as transactional President Trump is no longer there. India’s crisis-hit economy can use any good news coming its way.