BUSINESS
Family offices strengthen Indian capitalism
Family offices in India are reshaping industries by investing in innovation, supporting startups, and strengthening the economy. They ensure domestic capital stays within India, guiding entrepreneurs towards sustainable growth while contributing to long-term economic value
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Unlocking India's mutual fund potential
Over the past five years, investments in mutual funds have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5 percent, while bank deposits have increased at a CAGR of 11.0 percent
POLITICS
TN’s anti-Hindi volcano erupts again. Will it get DMK votes this time?
Pushing back against Hindi is a cornerstone of Dravidian politics and played an important role in DMK's first major election victory in 1960s. While the issue may still resonate with a section of voters, there's a lot in the social and economic structure of the state that has changed over the last few decades. Therefore, the jury's out on whether the DMK can offset anti-incumbency through the Hindi issue in the 2026 assembly election
BUSINESS
The Reading List: February 28, 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.
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Two numbers behind RBI’s move to lower risk weights on bank loans to NBFCs, MFIs
Microfinance entities have seen their loan book shrink in the third quarter of FY25
TECHNOLOGY
India’s Path to Sustainable Mobility: EV and circular economy practices
India aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability through electric vehicle adoption and circular economy practices. By integrating both strategies, India can reduce emissions, lower production costs, and foster long-term economic growth in the automotive sector
BUSINESS
India's efforts to empower gig & contractual workers
The Union Budget highlights the inclusion of gig workers under the PM-JAY healthcare scheme and identity formalisation through the e-Shram portal. Haryana’s HKRN model showcases successful worker welfare for contractual employees, paving the way for national-level expansion
BUSINESS
Finally, a drop in lead prices to ease pressure on battery makers
Robust replacement market battery sales, particularly for four-wheelers, aided in pass through of higher input costs
BUSINESS
Streamlining recovery processes for retail lending to boost financial inclusion
Retail lending needs a clear, time-bound recovery process like the Corporate Insolvency Act. Streamlining collections would improve transparency, reduce complaints, and lower borrowing costs, promoting credit access, supporting micro-enterprises, and enhancing financial inclusion in India
BUSINESS
A framework for technological sovereignty without being insular
Technological sovereignty emphasises national control over critical technologies while balancing security, innovation, and international cooperation, avoiding corporate dominance and ensuring citizens' rights within a fair global technological framework
BUSINESS
Money market instruments gain traction as market waits for monetary transmission to kick in
Instruments such CPs and CDs have breached records in terms of outstanding amount as financial entities are opting for short-term instruments till such time RBI’s monetary easing takes effect in the market
BUSINESS
Locust invasion threat demands India-Pakistan co-operation
As the locust breeding season approaches, both India and Pakistan must depoliticise locust management and prioritise it as a humanitarian imperative. Using technology like drones, weather models, and AI predictions to track, forecast and control the movements of locusts to protect crops
TECHNOLOGY
Tech evolution a must for EVs to become mainstream
Electric vehicles are the future, but for it to become a practical option for all we need significant advancements in charging infrastructure and battery technology
TECHNOLOGY
India’s landmark case involving OpenAI’s rights draws in more aggrieved parties
ANI versus OpenAI, which is being contested in Delhi High Court, may see its scope widening on the heels of an intervention by the Indian Music Industry. This case will set the precedent for the manner in which the fast expanding universe of generative AI models interacts with India’s copyright protection framework. It’s not just India, but other legal systems too which are grappling with this issue
BUSINESS
India’s online gaming boom is at risk and only a central law can save it
India's online gaming sector faces regulatory challenges, offshore gambling issues, and tax evasion. A uniform national policy and stronger regulations are crucial for protecting domestic businesses, boosting innovation, and positioning India as a global gaming hub with economic potential
BUSINESS
The Reading List: February 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
BUSINESS
Why audio devices are the backbone of the digital-first consumer
Audio devices, from voice assistants to immersive sound technologies, are reshaping how we interact with digital spaces. As part of the IoT ecosystem, they’re becoming essential in communication, entertainment, and smart home automation, driving future technological advancements
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | BSE 500 records sub-10% top line growth for seven straight quarters
Tailwinds from low input costs are weakening and corporate efficiencies have topped, leaving little scope for margin increase hereon
BUSINESS
India's growing fintech industry and the case for self-regulation
India’s fintech sector is rapidly growing, with over 9,000 firms contributing to the economy. Self-regulation is gaining traction as it ensures compliance, fosters innovation, and builds consumer trust. However, challenges like enforcement and conflicts of interest remain.
BUSINESS
India's Path to AI Leadership: Building a global talent hub
India aims to become a global AI leader by 2047, but faces a significant talent gap. Addressing this requires reforming education, fostering industry-academic collaborations, and leveraging government initiatives to cultivate, upskill, and retain AI professionals for sustainable growth.
ENVIRONMENT
Climate Action: Rethinking finance, technology, and policy for a sustainable future
The current trajectory towards a 2.4°C rise calls for urgent action, particularly in climate finance, technology, and policy coordination. Differentiated solutions, like tailored solar roadmaps for diverse economies, and strategic collaborations are essential to drive equitable global energy transitions, ensuring no nation is left behind.
BUSINESS
Ripe for Disruption: Opportunities and challenges in the evolving insurance sector
The insurance sector offers significant growth potential despite challenges like outdated underwriting, trust issues, and complex processes. Opportunities exist in areas such as vehicle underwriting, SMB insurance, and surety bonds, with innovation-driven startups poised to capitalise on these gaps.
BUSINESS
Retail Lending: What got us here, will no longer take us too far ahead
Retail lending’s growth thus far has been partially aided by structural factors such as a large pool of new-to-credit borrowers. With low hanging fruit no longer available, retail lenders need to enhance analytical and risk management capabilities to once again record high but sustainable growth rates
INDIA
Futureproof the Force: Uncrewed, uncompromised, and strategically unstoppable
UAVs are reshaping modern warfare by offering autonomy, resilience, and advanced capabilities. With a focus on indigenisation, strategic autonomy, and technological superiority, nations, especially India, are positioning themselves as leaders in drone innovation for defence and broader sectors.
