BUSINESS
SEBI’s ESOP rules for promoters need a rethink
SEBI’s evolving stance on ESOPs for promoters highlights regulatory inconsistencies. A unified, transparent framework is needed to balance founder incentives with public shareholder interests in India’s changing startup landscape
BUSINESS
Boards are missing the biggest risk of the AI era: the Persuasion Economy
Organizations must think about building the informational infrastructure that shapes how truth is understood—by people and by machines. That responsibility now rests with the boardroom. The organizations that will lead in the Persuasion Economy are not the ones with the loudest voices, but those with the clearest signal
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Can data analysis help us catch a market bottom?
Periods of extreme market pessimism might offer the most valuable clues for traders
BUSINESS
India-UK FTA’s real potential lies in services trade expansion
Let this be remembered not just as the whisky-and-SUV agreement but as the inaugural FTA to prioritise services, digital exchanges, and skilled labour. This establishes the groundwork for a new era in the India–UK partnership, characterised not by nostalgia but by innovation and mutual prosperity
BUSINESS
Creators vs AI: The battle for cultural ownership
As AI systems learn from online content, creators face exploitation without consent. The future hinges on strategic licensing, cultural value recognition, and creators reclaiming control over their digital contributions
BUSINESS
The Reading List: May 23, 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
AI Literacy: Shaping a generation for the future
Teaching AI literacy from an early age empowers young people to think critically, question technology, and lead ethically
BUSINESS
Indic Large Language Models will be transformative
There is a huge population out there waiting for LLM-powered applications to bring about a change in their life by bringing the right content to them in the right way at the right time. If this goal is to be realized, using Indic languages is a prerequisite
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Sugar output slips in 2024-25 but it’s not a bitter harvest
Weather conditions and crop infestation hurt output in 2024-25 but mills coped with the situation and are gearing up for a better season
BUSINESS
Banking on AI: How financial institutions can stay ahead
AI is transforming India’s financial services sector. Banks must integrate AI strategically, balance innovation with regulation, and adopt responsible AI to enhance productivity, customer experience, and long-term growth
INDIA
From Margin to Mainstream: Rewriting the rules of consumption in Bharat
Bharat’s Tier 2/3 consumers are driving India's next wave of growth with rising digital adoption, localised preferences, and brand loyalty. Success demands value innovation, cultural relevance, and trust-based engagement beyond traditional metro-centric strategies
BUSINESS
REITs and InvITs: From niche instruments to core institutional allocations
Mutual funds in India are shifting from tactical to strategic investments in REITs and InvITs, driven by strong yields, regulatory support, and growing market maturity, redefining long-term income generation
BUSINESS
Why Indian women are the country’s most underrated asset allocators
Indian women have expertly managed household finances and assets. With growing digital access and financial literacy, they’re poised to become powerful, informed asset allocators across India
INDIA
India’s water crisis isn’t just about scarcity – it’s also about storage and delivery
India’s water crisis goes beyond scarcity, it’s a challenge of storage, delivery, and access to safe water. Holistic infrastructure, innovation, and awareness are essential for long-term water security and resilience
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Why India's young workforce could make you rich
India’s equity market is witnessing a transformative shift, powered by rising domestic participation and a youthful, growing workforce.
BUSINESS
The Reading List: May 16, 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.
ENTERTAINMENT
Regulating the seven svaras
India’s music does not require pre-approval to connect with the soul. It needs warmth, space, support, and freedom to be what it has always been—a reflection of who we are
INDIA
India’s space sector set to soar
A robust foundation has already been laid through public sector. Going forward, it will be complemented by a policy framework that harnesses private sector resources to expand the country’s space economy fivefold over the next decade to about $44 billion
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: India’s labour data under new survey methodology reveals troubling trends for women
India's first fortified labour force survey for 2025 reveals an unsettling trend: a nationwide female labour force participation rate of just 26.2 percent in April. The findings expose a persistent gender gap that could hinder India's long-term economic aspirations
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Promoter holding declines in Nifty 500 companies
Investors can view promoter’s stake sale as reference points for valuation of a company
BUSINESS
India outshines Japan and China as top investment destination in Asia-Pacific
India has emerged as the crown jewel of the Asia-Pacific investment landscape, according to Bank of America's May 2025 survey of regional fund managers. Surpassing Japan and leaving China far behind, India now ranks as the most favoured market, thanks to a unique blend of economic resilience, policy reforms, and global supply chain shifts. A dramatic rise in investor sentiment—from a net 13% underweight in March to a staggering 42% overweight in May—highlights the growing confidence in India’s growth story
TRENDS
AI in courtrooms and how it will change the landscape of litigation
AI is transforming Indian courtrooms by improving efficiency in translation, transcription, and case management, while facing challenges of cost, regulation, bias, and accessibility across all levels of the judiciary
BUSINESS
Reimagining Microfinance’s Journey: Old roots, new routes
Microfinance in India is evolving amid digital disruption, changing borrower needs, and regulatory shifts. Embracing technology, personalised credit, and strategic partnerships is key to sustaining its role in empowering underserved communities and driving inclusive growth
WORLD
Trump’s premature message on the ceasefire is a setback for India-US ties
The American president’s social media messages about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan are bound to be disquieting for both Indians and neutral observers. From indicating an equivalence between the two countries to going back to hyphenating them, the tenor was inconsistent with reality. This setback may be because of the recent churn in the Trump administration.
