This QR business
QR-freed imports will become dearer in rupee terms, and import tariffs on these need not be too stiff.

Plug the loophole
The drafting of certain provisions of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Bill seems to leave a lot to be desired. One gaping loophole has been brought out by none other than the chairman of the Insurance Regulatory Authority.

Reforms incomplete sans competition law
The headline-grabbing judgment by a US court finding the legendary Microsoft guilty of stifling competition and fleecing consumers has sent different signals to different quarters.

It is time to put a national phosphate policy in place
The Union ministry of fertilisers has played a prime role in the creation and growth of phosphatic fertiliser industry. We started producing phosphates way back in 1906, but the real growth of this industry took place in the 30 years from 1958-88.

Patents Rules, exclusive marketing rights and public interest
Violation of the Constitution; and violation of the provisions of the Patents Act. The rules must be consistent with the provisions of the Patents Act and must not go beyond what the Act contemplates.