BUSINESS
The Reading List: May 2, 2025
Our research and opinion teams have curated a selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance for your weekend read.
POLITICS
Focus on justice for Pahalgam massacre, but do not forget the vulnerability of Chicken’s Neck
This narrow corridor connects India’s northeast to the rest of the country. Increasingly hostile statements about India’s territorial integrity from members of Bangladesh’s government indicate that India cannot for a moment lower its guard. The eastern front is no less important than the western front
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Will rise in private capex be just a forever hope?
Capex intentions in some sectors, however, are expected to rise in FY26.
LIFESTYLE
Has digital abundance created human scarcity?
This piece explores how digital platforms have evolved by redefining scarcity, from information to human connection, and argues that the next frontier lies in fostering genuine relationships through community-building and technology that enhances real-world interactions
POLITICS
Dredge Wular Lake to maximise the positive spinoff of holding IWT in abeyance
The size of this massive freshwater lake needs to be increased from 29 to 100 square kilometres. Dredging’s in line with the even the treaty provisions and something Pakistan has tried to prevent through a terror strike. Dredging will allow to India to reduce the flow of Jhelum into Pakistan
BUSINESS
AI and Competition: CCI weighs risks of algorithmic collusion
As AI tools reshape pricing and competition dynamics, regulators like the CCI are scrutinising their potential to enable collusion. A nuanced, case-by-case approach is essential to balance innovation with market fairness and accountability
POLITICS
Indus Waters Treaty: No immediate impact, but Pakistan will hurt later from data paucity
Keeping the Treaty in abeyance will not stop any water from flowing to lower riparian Pakistan. Leave aside the waters from the Western Rivers, even the water from Ravi which goes into Pakistan, and which is India’s share under the Treaty, will continue to flow unhindered. What can happen is a breakdown in data sharing mechanism, which will hurt Pakistan during monsoon and winter
BUSINESS
America’s messy Afghan withdrawal has left the region awash with arms
When the US hastily withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, it left behind an arsenal estimated to be worth $7 billion in military hardware. The spillover effects are visible in Pakistan and, to a certain extent, in Jammu and Kashmir. Between 2022 and 2024, a series of recoveries, particularly across Jammu’s Doda-Kishtwar-Kathua-Udhampur belt, some featuring night-vision devices, suggests a potential cross-border influx of advanced gear
BUSINESS
MSMEs brace for a challenging year
Even before tariff-related uncertainty worsened economic outlook, MSMEs witnessed a slowdown in sales growth last. Trump tariffs will have both a direct impact and an indirect one on the segment. To help them, the government, in addition to its ongoing tariff negotiation with the US, needs to address issues undermining competitiveness
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Why gold prices can touch the $4000 mark
Analysts at JP Morgan predict that gold will reach $4,000 by the second quarter of 2026 and continue to rise for the remainder of the year.
BUSINESS
The Reading List: April 25, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Asia’s rate differential with US shows a structural change
The dollar is not the go-to safe haven asset anymore and that is a big change for the bond markets.
WORLD
Suspension of Indus Treaty shouldn’t shock Pakistan; it was warned
During Modi’s tenure between 2014 and 2019, Indus Treaty was referred to twice, indirectly and then directly. During his second tenure, Modi referred to the IWT, directly, once in January 25, 2023. In his current third tenure, the Modi government sent Pakistan a notice in August 2024 for treaty modification. Finally, in April 2025, it’s been suspended. Proxy wars have consequences
BUSINESS
The Innovation Deficit: Moving from quick fixes to quantum leaps
India’s startup landscape is dominated by ventures catering to consumer convenience which are useful, but insufficient for long-term technological leadership. Here are three steps to boost investment in deep tech
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: What the IMF forecasts say about India
The IMF’s forecasts show that India’s share of world output will continue to increase steadily
POLITICS
Bluff and Bloodshed: Unmasking General Munir's Kashmir gamble
The Pahalgam massacre bears a chilling resemblance to the Hamas attack on unarmed civilians. It’s a desperate attempt to lure India into a trap. Pakistan anticipates an Indian retaliatory strike. Such a response would be a strategic trap, playing directly into Munir’s hands. India must project strength without succumbing to full-scale war
BUSINESS
India’s make-or-break moment to ignite a manufacturing revolution
The Centre must adopt bold, decisive reforms to transform manufacturing nodes into dynamic hubs and realise their full economic potential. In this article, five actionable steps are mentioned that the Central government could take to capitalise on this opportunity
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Profitable IPOs take centre stage globally
Mere returns on listing do not suffice to appease investors
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: On a slippery road
Road construction has slowed down in the past two years. While the reasons are known, whether they will continue to hold back growth is the key question
BUSINESS
The Reading List: April 18, 2025
Our research and opinion teams have curated a selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance for your weekend read
TECHNOLOGY
‘Special responsibility’ under competition law: Drawing new boundaries in the online gaming sector
It is a settled position under the Indian law that once an entity is established as a dominant enterprise in a given relevant market, there is a special responsibility casted upon it to comply with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002. In the case pertaining to Google and WinZo the Commission has held that it is a ‘practical necessity’ for technology firms to be present on Play Store given its overarching presence in the Android ecosystem
BUSINESS
India’s era of secondary funds is here
The market for private capital is attracting a more diverse set of players which, in turn, attracts more funds by providing everyone with timely exit opportunities. As the early investors in India’s startups approach the end of their typical 7 to 10-year lifecycle, a growing number of secondary funds are transacting with them. The market here is set for a big change
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Why the future bodes well for power equipment firms
Higher transmission capex will likely generate higher demand for power equipment like transformers, statcoms, circuit breakers and switchgears
INDIA
The truth about Indian education – challenges, loopholes, and solutions
India's education system is outdated and failing its youth. A hybrid, digitally-driven model with continuous assessment, aligned curricula, and NEP 2020 execution can power a skilled, job-ready Viksit Bharat by 2047
