Summaries by Rajrishi Singhal

6 summaries by this author.

Critical

Fiscal federalism at risk: are Finance Commissions undoing a grand design of the Indian Constitution?

The 16th Finance Commission report is criticized for centralizing power and eroding India's fiscal federalism. It maintains a stagnant devolution ratio, eliminates revenue deficit grants, and bypasses states with direct local body funding. These measures curtail states' autonomy, empowering the Centre with conditional grants. The author highlights its preachy tone towards states versus leniency for the Centre, ultimately diminishing federalism, shifting power to Delhi.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · Aug 9, 2026 at 10:13 AM

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Balanced

Can India lead the world’s middle powers? Indian democracy would need to be strengthened first

The article explores India's potential to lead a coalition of middle powers, drawing parallels to resource-driven conflicts and national vulnerability from Liu Cixin’s 'Three-Body Problem.' While former bureaucrat N.K. Singh advocates for India's leadership, the author critically examines India's 'democracy quotient.' Citing domestic protests and administrative responses, the author argues that stronger institutions and greater respect for human rights are crucial for India to effectively rally other nations and regain global admiration, emphasizing that its democratic health is key to its international voice and leadership aspirations.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · Jul 26, 2026 at 9:30 AM

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Critical

Leadership lessons from Donald Trump for Indian CEOs—or what business leaders must not do

The article critically analyzes Donald Trump's unilateral management style, presenting his tariff war and Iran policy as cautionary business case studies. Trump's decisions, driven by hubris and disregard for collaboration or facts, led to significant failures. The author parallels this "Trumpian archetype" with certain Indian CEOs who display similar authoritarian tendencies, making impetuous decisions without proper analysis or consultation. This leadership approach fosters internal dissonance and negative outcomes. Ultimately, the piece highlights undesirable managerial traits, emphasizing the dangers of an illusion of superiority over collegial, data-driven strategies for effective governance.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · Jul 12, 2026 at 9:46 AM

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Balanced

Nationalization is making a comeback in economic policymaking—here's why

A global trend towards nationalization is emerging, challenging free-market ideologies across Europe and the US. This shift is prompted by private sector failures in public service delivery, the imperative to save jobs, and increasing geopolitical uncertainties. Examples include nationalization efforts for ArcelorMittal in France, Thames Water in the UK, and state support for US rare earth minerals. Despite India's negative past experiences with public sector inefficiency, the author argues against outright rejection, advocating for re-evaluation with improved governance. This evolving nationalization trend, driven by "nation-first" strategies, merits close observation for its potential relevance to India's future economic policymaking.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · Jul 5, 2026 at 10:31 AM

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Critical

The rich must do their bit—the middle class and poor mustn't bear the brunt of India's austerity drive

PM Modi's austerity appeal signals India's economic troubles: inflation and external sector stress. The author argues the burden shouldn't fall on the poor, citing privilege and high gold imports. Weak FDI, FPI, and a widening trade deficit contribute. The piece criticizes affluent sections—industrialists, bankers, politicians—for not setting examples, especially on private jet use. It proposes increasing aviation fuel costs for private operators and advocates "austerity for the rich" and a safety net for the vulnerable, linking corporate overseas investment to stagnating domestic demand.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · May 17, 2026 at 8:30 AM

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Balanced

India’s CBDC has got off the ground but where it goes next will depend on how deftly it’s managed

India's e-rupee is undergoing domestic pilot tests with increasing adoption, though its local monetary impact is limited. The RBI prioritizes its strategic role as a cross-border payment tool to challenge dollar dominance, not extensive domestic retail use given UPI's efficiency. Challenges include privacy with programmable CBDCs and intermediary oversight. The central bank carefully navigates technological and regulatory complexities, balancing trust and privacy. Its true test lies in international interoperability through various bilateral and multilateral projects, amidst rising crypto usage risks.

LiveMint · Rajrishi Singhal · May 3, 2026 at 10:31 AM

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