Bhavesh Patel writes on economics as public argument. His columns translate technical questions — inflation, labour markets, fiscal policy — into the terms that matter for readers who have to live with the decisions.
Recent work
Supreme Court's Casino Tax Ruling Reshapes India's Gaming Revenue Framework
The Supreme Court has settled a years-long dispute over casino taxation by rejecting operators' arguments for taxing only retained revenue. The ruling endorses comprehensive GST application and validates retrospective tax collection, significantly impacting major casino companies and strengthening government revenue collection in gaming zones.
India's Aviation Sector Pivots East as West Asian Disruptions Force Strategic Realignment
The ongoing West Asian conflict has severely disrupted Indian aviation's international operations, with airports in Kerala experiencing 40-50% traffic drops due to Gulf route dependence. This crisis is forcing Indian carriers to explore direct connectivity with East Asian markets, potentially reshaping the country's aviation strategy away from its traditional reliance on West Asian transit hubs.
India's Financial Regulators Coordinate Against Rising Geopolitical Risks
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra chaired the 33rd FSDC Sub-Committee meeting, where regulators discussed macroeconomic developments and emerging financial stability risks. The committee emphasized inter-regulatory coordination amid heightened geopolitical tensions while advancing KYC simplification initiatives.
Europe's Integration Push Exposes India's Capital Market Fragmentation
European Central Bank board member Frank Elderson's speech calling for deeper European integration to combat economic fragmentation offers sharp lessons for India's own capital market challenges. His diagnosis—that national priorities and fragmented objectives undermine growth potential—mirrors concerns about India's state-wise regulatory variations and banking sector inefficiencies.
State Governments Raise ₹14,500 Crore as India's Debt Markets Mature
Eleven state governments are raising ₹14,500 crore through RBI's latest securities auction, with high coupon rates reflecting current interest environment. The auction includes non-competitive bidding for individual investors, signaling efforts to deepen domestic bond markets and reduce institutional dependency.