BUSINESS
Income-tax Bill 2025 needs to revisit concept of beneficial ownership
A nuanced, clearly defined approach to beneficial ownership is essential, one that preserves the integrity of the tax system without penalizing legitimate corporate activity. After all, if the goal is to simplify, we must ensure we don’t complicate the process
INDIA
Billion-dollar Rain: Why India can’t afford to ignore urban flood risk
On 26 July 2005, Mumbai recorded 944 mm of rainfall in a single day—almost 40% of its annual rainfall—coinciding with high tide and peak hourly rainfall of up to 80mm. It remains the costliest natural catastrophe for the Indian insurance industry. Increasing urban concretisation and also growing instances of intense short-duration rainfall have magnified risks for urban India since then
BUSINESS
The Reading List: July 25, 2025
For your weekend read, our research and opinion teams have curated a selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance
BUSINESS
Unlocking the power of India’s 470-million women
India’s 470 million working-age women are a massive untapped economic force. Recognising their invisible labour and designing contextual financial solutions is key to unlocking inclusive, sustainable national growth
BUSINESS
How rural India can power the next trillion-dollar growth
Rural India, home to 64% of the population, is central to India's economic future. With rising agri-sector growth, policy support, and investment, it’s driving GDP, consumption, and inclusive development forward
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Why the rupee is losing even when the dollar is weak
Liquidity compulsions and forex reserves optics will keep the RBI an active foreign exchange market participant
INDIA
Man with Machine: AI and the future of law in India
AI is transforming India's legal profession by improving document review, legal research, drafting, and case law analysis. However, ethical concerns like data sourcing, liability, and regulatory frameworks need careful consideration
BUSINESS
US-India corridor's deeptech revolution through global innovation
The US-India corridor is transforming innovation through deeptech collaborations in semiconductors, space, AI, and quantum computing, driving global breakthroughs. India’s talent and US capital are reshaping industries
TRENDS
Chart of the Day | Low vacancies power investments in data centres
The recent surge in AI workload is likely to bring in transformational changes to demand contours
INDIA
Medicines and Prescription: Pause before you pop the pill
Adverse drug reactions cause millions of hospitalisations annually, yet remain underreported in India. When it comes to the side-effects of drugs, self-help may become necessary. Greater awareness, education, and transparent communication are vital for ensuring truly patient-centric healthcare
BUSINESS
Buried in Plain Sight: Why India’s critical minerals lie not only in mines but also in landfills
India’s critical minerals for a clean-energy future really are buried in plain sight; in the smartphones, laptops and batteries we discard every day. Unlocking them is not optional, it is strategic
WORLD
Separating Fiction from Reality: Superman was framed using a deepfake, could CEOs be next?
As deepfakes rise, reputation must be engineered through tech and culture. Quick, verified responses will safeguard India's top companies’ trust and relevance
WORLD
Pahalgam Attack: New opportunity and ongoing challenges as US labels TRF a terrorist outfit
The US Department of State has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a terrorist organisation, affirming India’s position on its ties to Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, aiding counter-terrorism efforts
BUSINESS
Acqui-Hiring: The strategic shortcut to AI talent and innovation
Acqui-hiring accelerates innovation by acquiring skilled AI teams, bypassing recruitment challenges. This trend, especially in India, allows companies to quickly integrate expertise, enhance products, and secure financial exits for startups
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Why e-commerce is a feared force in metro FMCG markets
E-commerce had a 11.8 percent channel share in the first quarter of 2025 in metro markets but the real story is in the giant share it is taking of incremental sales
BUSINESS
The Reading List: July 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.
BUSINESS
India’s Credit Divide: Formal access grows, but informal borrowing persists
Credit penetration, the asset side of banking, has lagged. Despite the surge in account openings, India’s financial inclusion ranking remains below peers like Brazil, South Africa, and Russia. Non-institutional lenders continue to dominate credit access for low-income households and self-employed entrepreneurs
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: RBI’s expanded liquidity toolkit keeps yield curve benign
The central bank has a variety of tools now to manage liquidity
BUSINESS
Why interoperable netbanking is the next big leap for India’s payments infrastructure
UPI revolutionised retail payments. Large ticket transactions, mostly at the wholesale level, are still executed through a clunky process. That may soon be a thing of the past as the payment regulator is working on transforming this space
BUSINESS
Electricity derivatives market debut marks a new chapter in India's power sector
India’s approval of electricity derivatives marks a milestone for managing rising grid volatility. These tools will support risk hedging, price discovery, and investment planning in a dynamic, renewables-driven power market
AUTOMOBILE
Chart of the Day | Used car sales surge, will profitability follow?
Used car demand is likely to be resilient if the rare earth magnet crisis delays new car production and deliveries
BUSINESS
A peek into India’s corporate playbook for creating Olympic champions
India’s sporting future hinges on private investment, with CSR playing a crucial role. Programs like IIS are vital in nurturing talent, providing world-class resources, and supporting athletes to reach global success
BUSINESS
Data Story: Merchandise trade data point to momentum slowing sharply in June
India's trade data reveals a dual slowdown in both exports and imports during June 2025, suggesting economic headwinds may have started to bite
INDIA
AI's Economic Potential for India: A banyan tree metaphor
India’s AI strategy blends regulation, infrastructure, and innovation to build a sovereign AI ecosystem. With a focus on transparency, talent, and responsible use, it aims to leverage AI for public good and inclusive growth
