On the 72nd Republic Day, the International Monetary Fund forecast that the Indian economy would grow at 11.5 percent - the only large economy to record double-digit growth. In a hundred days since India has been witness to haemorrhaging of lives, livelihoods and confidence. The hopes of a V-shaped recovery are now stranded between a raging virus and a botched-up vaccination roll out.
The economy is under the long shadow of long COVID - as in the medical condition deleterious effects haunt the economy. In May, a parade of rating agencies as also economists have downgraded India’s growth - the best-case scenario as of now is 9 plus percent GDP growth and the worstcase scenario is 8.2 percent. To appreciate the setback, one must look at the timeline of the slide in economic prospects - where the economy was, where it is and when it could get back to where it was.
On Wednesday, Facebook’s Oversight Board, comprised of company-selected lawyers, journalists, and activists, reaffirmed the company s decision to ban former President Donald J. Trump following the January 6 Capitol riot. According to the board, the former president “created an environment where a serious risk of violence was possible” and the company’s actions in response to the insurrection were “justified.” However, the board also found that an indefinite suspension, which is not clearly defined in Facebook’s penalty policy, was “not appropriate” and that a more standard punishment should be implemented, such as a timed suspension or permanent ban. “In applying a vague, standardless penalty and then referring this case to the Board to resolve, Facebook seeks to avoid its responsibilities,” the board said in its assessment. “The Board declines Facebook’s request and insists that Facebook apply and justify a defined penalty.” Facebook has six months to rea
Many variables need addressal as 5G spectrum trials set to begin: Ind-Ra ANI | Updated: May 06, 2021 15:27 IST
First, the reserve prices for 5G auctions are too high. Although 5G auctions are not yet announced, the reserve price could yield a return on capital employed of only 7 per cent.
Second, the number of users willing to switch to 5G from 4G/ 2G and the incremental average revenue per user (ARPU) that they are willing to pay need to be watched out for.
With the current ARPU ranging between Rs 121 to 166 per user per month and more than 350 million subscribers still using voice only/ 2G services with significantly lower ARPU, the viability of 5G for the telcos remains to be seen.
The Straits Times
India s telcos avoid Chinese suppliers for 5G operations
5G could be the catalyst for India s digital economy that has the potential to reach US$1 trillion.PHOTO: REUTERS
PublishedMay 5, 2021, 2:58 pm SGT
https://str.sg/JtYb
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Ragini Saxena and P R Sanjai, Bloomberg News
(Bloomberg) Indiaâs wireless carriers have avoided partnering with Chinese telecom players for 5G services, the fallout of a bloody border standoff between the neighbors, as they start trial operations in the South Asian nation.
Bharti Airtel Ltd., Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd., Vodafone Idea Ltd. and state-run Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. have tied up with equipment makers Ericsson AB, Nokia Oyj, Samsung Electronics Co. and state-run Centre for Development of Telematics, the telecom department said in a statement on Tuesday. Reliance Jio will also conduct trials using its own technology. The trial duration will be for six months, including a two-month period for procurement and setting up of equipment.