From Governor Cuomo: Build a New Rail Tunnel
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo writes that he “vigorously” supports a new rail tunnel under the Hudson and says a federal commitment is necessary.
Banks see second quarter revenue dip from commodities
Banks are continuing to adjust their roles in commodity trading, including for oil, natural gas, metals, iron ore, freight and more. What does it mean for markets?
Ineos sends Europe a fracking message about gas; next stop, upstream
The company has taken a major step towards a five-year dream to create a virtual gas pipeline across the Atlantic.
What's next for Iran and the world's oil supply, prices and politics
Platts looks at how much Iranian crude could hit the market and when, which markets it could go to, what could happen to prices, and what it means for policy.
Development Theory, Regional Politics and the Unfolding of the 'Roadscape' in Ladakh, North India
The idea that ‘more roads mean more development’ is part of conventional wisdom and is firmly entrenched in the development discourse and practice. However, what this stability and pervasiveness should not conceal is that arguments in favour of roads have evolved over time, shaping the expansion of the ‘roadscape’, that is, the part of the landscape made up by roads. I illustrate this point at three levels: global development theories, road construction in India and in Ladakh.
Housing Shortages in Urban India and Socio-economic Facets
This article discusses the urban housing situation in India using the data from Census and NSS Housing Condition Rounds, and it also estimates the urban housing shortages in 2012 by Caste and Ethnic groups, following the methodology of the Technical Group on Urban Housing Shortage, 2012–17 (TG-12). The TG-12 estimated the number of urban households to be 81.35 million and urban housing shortage to be 18.78 million in 2012. Households living in congested conditions were found to be one of the main factors leading to these housing shortages.
Performance Evaluation of an Industrial Cluster-based Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Pakistan
A common facility centre (CFC) was established to enhance the competitiveness and economic contribution of organisations operating in the ceramics sector of Pakistan. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of this CFC in terms of its operational, financial and strategic goals achievement. The second aim of this study was to propose a customised, cost-effective and robust framework for the proper monitoring and evaluation of the present as well as other CFCs developed particularly to support industrial clusters in Pakistan.
Financing India's Urban Infrastructure: Current Practices and Reform Options
Cities in India are envisioned as engines of growth but they suffer from severe service shortages. The realisation of the full potential of cities depends crucially on their ability in meeting the challenges of providing urban infrastructure on a sustainable basis. This article, therefore, reviews the current financing options for urban infrastructure and discusses the strategies for pursuing reform agenda needed to strengthen financial health of the municipalities.
Assessing the Infrastructure Level and Growth Performance of Indian States
Infrastructure is vital for economic growth and development of any nation. Although national infrastructure plays an important role, the development of infrastructure and its growth, however, may depend upon the peculiar priorities and performance of state governments in a federal structure such as that of India. India has been growing extensively in the terms of infrastructure but the states may show differential performance in terms of infrastructure development due to various reasons.