We need a National Sarpanch
Economic Times, September 25, 2013

By Pradeep S Mehta

A recent poll among over 5,000 young people on who would make a good prime minister, more than half suggested a presidential form of government. Surely, this must have emanated from the sad experiences of horse trading in Parliament over policy debates, including whimsical partners walking out and walking in. This reinforces the point that the Westminster model of democracy is unsuitable for a stable government in India. More...

Singed by the potash cartel
The Hindu Business Line, September 18, 2013

By Pradeep S Mehta

A large number of cartels, particularly in the natural resources sector, operate in the world, the most egregious one being crude oil. Since drilling for oil is considered a sovereign activity, the OPEC cartel does not violate any competition law in the world. With the recent break-up of the Russian-Belarusian potash cartel - Russia’s Uralkali quit the Belarusian Potash Co. (BPC) partnership and broke up a marketing venture that controlled about 43 per cent of global exports - the potash cartel is in the news again. More...

Proscribe pay-for-delay
Financial Express, September 16, 2013

By Pradeep S Mehta

In the pharma company Actavis case, the Federal Trade Commission observed that reverse payment settlements should be declared unlawful as a general rule because they are anti-competitive and harmful to consumers by directly restricting output and raising prices. Although no concrete action has been taken against such deals as yet in India, nothing prevents Competition Commission of India to carry out investigations to uncover such shady deals and take action. Banning such deals, in India as well as globally, will not only save consumers extra money, it will also help prevent patients from discontinuing their necessary medication because of high cost of brand-name drugs. It is yet to be seen how quick the world’s largest market for generic drugs realises the need to do the same. More...

Food for thought at Bali
The Hindu Business Line, September 04, 2013

By Pradeep S Mehta

As we draw closer to the ninth ministerial conference (MC9) of the World Trade Organisation to be held in Bali, Indonesia, there is growing optimism that members may finally be able to strike a deal in December.Although the proposed ‘small package’ remains a far cry from the conclusion of the protracted Doha development round, it could provide the impetus for members to finally break through the impasse that has characterised these talks since their breakdown in 2008.Having previously been opposed to the idea of an early agreement package, India now supports an early outcome. But it is of the view that if a small package is to be the result of the deliberations in Bali, it is imperative that development be at the core of all negotiations. More...