BUSINESS
Top challenges and opportunities in the digital payments ecosystem in India
India's digital payments ecosystem faces challenges in pricing models, regulatory balance, and fraud prevention. However, opportunities lie in international expansion, leveraging data analytics, and supporting digital-first platforms, driving growth and innovation in the sector
BUSINESS
India’s Green Ambitions at Risk: Need to tackle currency devaluation risk
India requires over $10 trillion for its green transition by 2070, relying on foreign capital. The rupee’s recent devaluation complicates clean energy project financing, increasing costs and risks, necessitating government support and hedging solutions
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: As job creation improves, will consumption follow suit?
The good news is that improving job creation has come along with budgetary sops to reduce tax and drive up sluggish consumption
POLITICS
Is Bihar politics on the cusp of a huge change where caste is losing its potency?
Caste isn’t going away overnight but there are signs of change. The most persuasive evidence is from both the increasing participation of women voters and their priorities. Civic, social and economic issues matter to them. Close to a million youth will cast a vote for the first time in the 2025 Assembly election. Will they add impetus to the move away from caste?
BUSINESS
The cruciality of dynamic, risk-based pricing in infrastructure
India's infrastructure sector has seen improved credit profiles due to better risk-sharing, policy measures, and structural safeguards. PD and LGD ratings have improved, suggesting reduced credit risk, but nuanced risk-based pricing is essential for optimal funding
POLITICS
Can IMEC compete with the Belt and Road Initiative?
Positioned as an alternative to China’s BRI, IMEC has been challenged by a dramatic geopolitical shock soon after its announcement. So far, only India and the UAE have taken initial steps by signing MoUs. The extent to which US President Donald Trump prioritizes the corridor will be crucial in determining its long-term relevance and success
BUSINESS
Data Story | Which large economy is mostly shielded from the US Tariff storm? The answer lies in this chart
As global markets brace for the ripple effects of new US tariffs, a deeper dive into trade data reveals unexpected insights about which economies are most—and least—exposed
BUSINESS
The Reading List: March 28, 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: Sectors most at risk from Trump's reciprocal tariffs on India
Some industries will be hit harder than others, but India's best hope lies in an alternative to a sector-wise tariff
TRENDS
Chart of the Day | India’s Digital Boom: What’s powering the rise of data centres?
The rapid rise in India’s digital consumption is propelling an unprecedented demand for data centres. But how sustainable is this growth?
BUSINESS
Data at a glance: Who are the market leaders in this rally and why
After months of decline, Indian markets have turned a corner in March. But what’s driving this unexpected rebound, and could it be a sign of things to come?
BUSINESS
Secondary tariff on Venezuelan oil is Donald Trump’s latest effort at arm-twisting
Donald Trump’s secondary tariffs teach nations a valuable lesson: sovereignty is great, as long as it aligns with US foreign policy
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day| MF SIP investors are falling into the market timing trap
Retail investors tend to panic and exit during market downturns, harming their long-term returns, as they miss out on the best-performing days
BUSINESS
Tackling Payment Fraud: The industry is solving it the wrong way
Digital payment fraud has evolved beyond stolen identities to sophisticated networks using synthetic identities and manipulated trust scores. The industry must shift from post-transaction detection to proactive, real-time, dynamic fraud prevention, focusing on continuous verification and ecosystem-wide intelligence sharing
BUSINESS
Germany finally shakes off its fiscal straitjacket to cope with tectonic shifts
Both houses of Germany’s Parliament have approved carveouts in the country’s restrictive “debt brake” in the wake of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. A militarily assertive Germany, rearmed with public spending, can alter the balance of power within Europe and NATO. For Washington, it offers a much-needed “burden-sharing” partner. For Russia and China, it is a clear signal that Europe is mobilising for long-term strategic competition
BUSINESS
The Reading List: March 21, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
INDIA
Water, our most abused fundamental natural resource
March 22 is World Water Day. It’s an occasion to take a close look at water, a resource that is relatively scarce in India, which is classified as “water stressed”. As the economy grows and per capita incomes rise, water availability will have to increase. The way out is dust off old plans such as interlinking of rivers and use technological solutions to reuse water. Implementing them well is a prerequisite to be a developed nation
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: States’ borrowing spree isn’t leading to a spending one
The outlook on state capex is benign while poll-promised freebies could dent fiscal position.
BUSINESS
Navigating Growth Without Funding: When and how to raise capital in a bootstrapped startup
Bootstrapping, funding growth through personal savings and revenue, allows entrepreneurs greater control and independence. Successful companies like Zoho and Zerodha highlight its potential. However, it requires careful planning, creativity, and resilience to overcome financial pressures and scaling challenges
BUSINESS
India’s AI Strategy: Path to global leadership
India is positioning itself as a global AI leader, advocating for socially responsible and inclusive AI development. With initiatives like IndiaAI Mission and global collaborations, India aims to leverage its vast data and talent pool to create sustainable, impactful AI solutions
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Sugar prices get a boost from weak output expectations
A lowering of estimates in major sugar producing countries has led to a recovery in sugar prices
BUSINESS
An American strategic crypto reserve will force governments to change regulatory frameworks
When the world’s largest economy throws its weight behind crypto assets, other economies will find it hard to ignore. These assets lack an intrinsic value and come with risks, factors that require countries to go back to drawing board to design an effective law to regulate them
BUSINESS
IndusInd Bank – too big to fail?
Its forex positions were naked and not hedged, leading to losses. Also, the bank failed to apply mark-to-market accounting. These so-called “discrepancies” are in reality, fraudulent. The bank’s governing board has not exercised its fiduciary duty of oversight and supervision
BUSINESS
How logistics parks are reshaping India’s $5 trillion economy vision
India's infrastructure transformation, including expanded highways, electrified railways, and modern logistics parks, boosts connectivity and trade. With advanced multimodal solutions and the National Logistics Policy, India aims to reduce logistics costs and enhance global competitiveness, fueling economic growth
