XKDR Newsletter - Issue 36
Global Uncertainty • Implications of US tariffs • PPPs in healthcare • Separation of Powers • Industrial Policy and more
OP-ED & COMMENTARY
In his column for the Business Standard, Ajay Shah,
Compares two measures S&P 500 Index and EPU (that uses words in the media to measure Economic Policy Uncertainty) to analyse global uncertainty. While the EPU seems to be at its peak, even more than COVID-19 levels, the S&P 500 index doesn’t show high volatility (it is at 20%). Ajay Shah unravels this discrepancy in relation to the current US constitutional crisis.
Comments on the problem of global warming with rising authoritarianism, populism, and geopolitical tensions undermining global cooperation just as the 1.5°C warming threshold is likely to be breached. He offers four reasons to be optimistic about meaningful decarbonisation and adaptation: visible climate harms, technological advances in renewables, and shifting self-interest in major economies like China, India and the EU.
Writes on the implications of US tariffs for India. India’s economic interests are deeply tied to global stability, especially through its booming services exports and connections with the US. Growing uncertainty there calls for diversification towards other advanced economies. As a response, Indian government has offered to pull back on Indian economic nationalism and protectionism. Pursuing bold, pro-globalisation reforms through comprehensive economic agreements that remove barriers to cross-border activity, with major partners like the US, UK, and EU, could unlock new growth for India.
VIDEOS AND PODCASTS
New episodes of our YouTube show Big Ideas -
In Episode 41, Murugan Vasudevan discusses the role of philanthropy for India -
In Episode 42, Dr. Tanika Chakraborty highlights the features of Public Private Partnerships in improving access to healthcare in India -
New episodes of Ajay Shah’s YouTube show Everything is Everything with Amit Varma are out:
Beware of Industrial Policy, Ep 89
Constraints and Creativity, Ep 90
Separation of Powers, Ep 91
Rules, Not Discretion, Ep 92
XKDR Forum is an interdisciplinary research and policy organisation harnessing knowledge and capabilities across diverse fields of economics, law, public administration, engineering, statistics and science. We welcome your comments and suggestions on our work.