A large portion of Sitharaman’s speech was dedicated to climate action and the energy transition — from supporting low-carbon sectors, to the announcing of green bonds.
When presenting a Budget like 2022, political management is a bit of a problem. Here, Nirmala Sitharaman needs more than good English and bad Economics.
Budget deficit target is doable, increased capex is a positive & it takes a realistic, if political, view of disinvestment. But protectionism, rising debts, slashed subsidies are problems.
In Budget 2022, FM Sitharaman labels cryptocurrencies as ‘digital assets’ and not currency, and taxes income gains from their transactions at a high 30%.
According to documents, the slash is to account for reduced Covid vaccination need, even as 2nd doses are awaited for most aged 15-18 years & vaccinations for children are yet to roll out.
Country's used lithium-ion battery problem is also set to grow sharply in next decade. India 3rd largest e-waste producer with 7% global share but currently recycles only about 10% of it.
Shield AI will provide V-BAT vertical takeoff & landing drones along with licences for software, which will be integrated into aircraft and made available to select Indian partners.
No nation other than China can negotiate one-on-one with Trump on an equal footing. That’s why the middle powers who so far formed the core of multilateral bodies now feel orphaned.
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