How palm oil from Malaysia fired the Patel agitation in Gujarat

It is hard to understand why the Indian government continues to favour palm oil imports over homegrown edible oils in Gujarat and elsewhere.

M Rajshekhar

· Oct 04, 2017 · 09:00 am

Why small businessmen in Gujarat are quitting industry and turning to financial speculation

Returns are collapsing for micro, small and medium industrial units.

M Rajshekhar

· Sep 26, 2017 · 09:00 am

How GST is hurting small businesses in Surat’s textile hub – and spurring a black economy

It is an advantage for big manufacturers and transporters.

M Rajshekhar

· Sep 19, 2017 · 09:00 am

State wrap: Bihar is struggling with development while communal cracks grow wider

The state had shown early improvements under Nitish Kumar but now it has entered a worrying phase.

M Rajshekhar

· Jul 25, 2017 · 10:30 am

Caste calculus: How the BJP is expanding its footprint in Bihar

Mobilisation by Bajrang Dal, new religious practices for Dalits, messaging via social media are part of the party’s strategy to take power.

M Rajshekhar

· Jul 04, 2017 · 09:00 am

Fear and loathing in Chhapra: How a peaceful Bihar town became a communal tinderbox

The BJP’s quest for power is largely to blame.

M Rajshekhar

· Jul 03, 2017 · 09:00 am

Beyond Surat’s GST strike: New technologies, Chinese imports are causing a churn in textile sector

Small and medium enterprises in the Gujarat manufacturing hub are suffering, reflecting the situation across India.

M Rajshekhar

· Jun 29, 2017 · 06:30 am

In Surat’s textile hub, small businesses are afraid of GST – but big companies are not

Products manufactured by a chain of smaller units will become more expensive as tax is paid out at each level, businessman fear.

M Rajshekhar

· Jun 28, 2017 · 09:00 am

What’s common between coaching classes in Bihar and its bahubali leaders?

Both flourish as the state fails to deliver services. They are imperfect alternatives with poor outcomes.

M Rajshekhar

· Jun 16, 2017 · 09:00 am

Bihar’s Nitish Kumar has been in power for 12 years. Why has he failed to change its fortunes?

There are structural forces at work that stunt the state’s development.

M Rajshekhar

· Jun 15, 2017 · 09:00 am

Bihar is struggling to improve the lives of the poor even after 27 years of backward caste rule

The state is still underperforming when it comes to reforms crucial to the poor.

M Rajshekhar

· Jun 14, 2017 · 09:00 am

Off beat: What the popularity of South Indian films in Bihar says about how the state is changing

Welcome to modern Bihar, the land of confusing cultural rhythms.

M Rajshekhar

· Jun 06, 2017 · 11:30 am