BUSINESS
The Reading List: June 13, 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
WORLD
How India’s decision to slash alcohol import duties impacts domestic spirits industry
India’s new trade deal with the UK reduces import duties but poses competitive challenges for domestic spirits, with local brands facing pressure from established global players and regulatory hurdles. This article offers a home-grown brand’s perspective
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Food drags inflation low enough to kindle more rate cut hopes
The lower than expected May inflation print has increased the odds of another rate cut
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Who leads, who lags, in the consumer sector?
Q4 shows a mixed bag with a marginal pick-up, surprisingly, in discretionary consumption segments
BUSINESS
Ambition is redefining the purpose of savings in India
India's saving culture has evolved from necessity to ambition. With technological growth, increasing connectivity, and opportunities for education and health, the focus has shifted towards long-term prosperity and national development
BUSINESS
This is what it takes to create an Indian challenger to the ‘Big Four’
An economy that is forecast to break into the top three before the decade is over has an underwhelming global footprint in advisory and professional services. The government is trying to find ways to change status quo. More than regulatory tweaks, the main constraint for Indian firms may be their mindset, argues a ‘Big Four’ lifer
TRENDS
IAF pilot Shukla’s flight to ISS would bring new learnings for Indian space projects
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the second Indian to space, joining Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission. His experience will aid India’s Gaganyaan mission and human spaceflight advancements. The space flight has been postponed to a future date
INDIA
India must build institutions that last and deliver
India excels at rapid launches and innovation, but lasting impact demands patient capital, long-term vision, and institutional stewardship. True success will come from those who build — and stay
BUSINESS
India’s Data Centre Push: Building a resilient digital infrastructure
India's data centre ecosystem is pivotal to its digital growth. Strategic reforms in taxation, regulation, and infrastructure are essential to attract investment, enhance sustainability, and build global digital leadership
INDIA
Bridging the climate finance gap for India’s transition
India requires $2.5 trillion for climate action by 2030. While global funding commitments fall short, mobilising private capital and regulatory reforms are crucial for bridging this gap in climate finance
INDIA
'Global demand for superior education is not waning; it is being redirected': Ashoka University Vice Chancellor Prof. Somak Raychaudhury
To truly ascend as a global education powerhouse, Indian universities must undertake a comprehensive transformation across several critical dimensions from taking the lead in research to transforming traditional campuses into spaces that foster engagement, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Is rising market activity signalling a trap?
While stock prices grab headlines, it's market volume—especially Average Daily Turnover (ADT)—that often tells the real story. A surge in volume without a breakout could be a warning sign, not a bullish signal.
BUSINESS
A jumbo cut and all accoutrements to meet growth aspirations
Cutting CRR at a time when financial system liquidity is already in a surplus indicates a clear bias to use policy levers to move interest rates in the economy structurally lower and boost credit demand as domestic consumption grows in tandem with aspirational growth trajectory for the economy
BUSINESS
The Reading List: June 6, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
LIFESTYLE
Drones to monitor forests, labs to rejuvenate soil: How an organization is using AI to conserve Eastern Himalayan landscapes
World Environment Day: Drones are being used to plant seed balls prepared using the indigenous community knowledge of native species, local conditions, optimal zones and time for seed dispersal.
POLITICS
Geospatial technology and its role in India’s Act East policy
India is enhancing regional influence through infrastructure like KMMTTP, reducing reliance on Bangladesh, while leveraging geospatial technology to manage complex terrains, monitor security threats, and counter China's growing strategic presence
INDIA
India bets ₹1.12 lakh crore against its own gaming future
India’s online gaming industry faces crisis from retrospective taxation, risking jobs, investment, and innovation unless policy shifts towards clarity, fairness, and global best practices
ECONOMY-2
Chart of the Day | EPC firms see margin pressure despite stable revenue growth
Easing of bidding norms to encourage greater participation by private firms had seen relatively smaller companies come in at competitive prices
INDIA
LAWS can’t be outlawed; their use can be controlled
Lehtal autonomous weapons systems are on the verge of becoming central to military operations. Their highlight is a high level of autonomy from human intervention when they engage a target. This creates a new risk in terms of collateral damage. Nations are unlikely to stop developing LAWS, but they can set boundaries on their operational context
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Does the sell in May and go away strategy work in India?
The age-old adage "Sell in May and go away" has long influenced investor behaviour in Western markets. But does this seasonal wisdom hold true in India?
WORLD
India-Nepal Ties: A strong bilateral partnership amid China’s looming presence
India-assisted development projects in Nepal are aimed at addressing pressing needs at the ground level as well as strengthening infrastructure and connectivity
BUSINESS
The Reading List: May 30, 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: RBI owes its profits to the forex market volatility
The RBI’s forex market operations have made it a handsome profit in FY25
POLITICS
Stealth eagle gliding in the Indian sky
Allowing the private sector to compete to build a stealth fighter plane for IAF represents an inflection point in more ways than one. It’s a vote of confidence in the domestic manufacturing base, public and private. Furthermore, it’s a signal that the government will not let India lose its fighter combat edge on account of the China-to-Pakistan supply chain. That said, the challenge of getting a grip on an adequately powered engine remains
