BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: On a slippery road
Road construction has slowed down in the past two years. While the reasons are known, whether they will continue to hold back growth is the key question
BUSINESS
The Reading List: April 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
TECHNOLOGY
‘Special responsibility’ under competition law: Drawing new boundaries in the online gaming sector
It is a settled position under the Indian law that once an entity is established as a dominant enterprise in a given relevant market, there is a special responsibility casted upon it to comply with the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002. In the case pertaining to Google and WinZo the Commission has held that it is a ‘practical necessity’ for technology firms to be present on Play Store given its overarching presence in the Android ecosystem
BUSINESS
India’s era of secondary funds is here
The market for private capital is attracting a more diverse set of players which, in turn, attracts more funds by providing everyone with timely exit opportunities. As the early investors in India’s startups approach the end of their typical 7 to 10-year lifecycle, a growing number of secondary funds are transacting with them. The market here is set for a big change
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Why the future bodes well for power equipment firms
Higher transmission capex will likely generate higher demand for power equipment like transformers, statcoms, circuit breakers and switchgears
INDIA
The truth about Indian education – challenges, loopholes, and solutions
India's education system is outdated and failing its youth. A hybrid, digitally-driven model with continuous assessment, aligned curricula, and NEP 2020 execution can power a skilled, job-ready Viksit Bharat by 2047
TECHNOLOGY
AI generated art leaves us with fuzzy boundaries
Sharp debates over Studio Ghibli-style self-portraits encapsulate a fundamental fault line: Where do we draw the line between inspiration and theft? Even the outrage depends on the stature of the artist whose work has been used in training models. Adding to the dilemma is that AI, originating from the same training model, can serve both a public cause and a narrow end
BUSINESS
Singapore–India partnership to ‘chip-in’ for semiconductor excellence
India and Singapore are strengthening semiconductor ties through strategic cooperation, investments, and policy support. India’s growing market, skilled workforce, and incentives position it as a rising global hub in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and innovation
INDIA
India needs a balanced approach towards building a trusted digital data protection framework
The Draft DPDP Rules aim to support India's data protection law, but concerns exist regarding data localisation, data retention, and age verification. A more pragmatic, flexible approach is needed to balance privacy, business needs, and innovation
TECHNOLOGY
The Future is Equal: Strategies to close the gender gap in AI
India leads globally in women STEM graduates but faces barriers in workforce participation, leadership roles, and academia. To advance AI, diversity is essential. Addressing biases, work-life balance, and support initiatives is crucial for inclusivity
BUSINESS
Are global markets over-reacting to US tariffs? A contrarian view
Despite escalating US-China tariffs, India remains resilient with strong IT exports, favourable macroeconomic conditions, and a growing manufacturing hub. Reduced dependence on US trade, combined with strategic policies, positions India for continued growth
WORLD
Nepal’s nostalgia for monarchy is misplaced
Pro-monarchy protests in country have their roots in the frustration with the current system. Governance failures are many and limit the potential of the country. Yet, Nepal has made progress on many fronts since 2015 when the current Constitution was adopted. The solution lies in reforming the current system instead of taking a step back to a past that was not rosy
BUSINESS
The Reading List: April 11, 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: Household expectation survey shows why RBI cut repo rate
Household expectations are considered adaptive but still make an important input for policy.
BUSINESS
Environmental concerns, greenwashing, and India’s plastic waste management
India faces significant plastic pollution, with greenwashing misleading consumers about sustainability. While government initiatives exist, false claims hinder progress. Technology, stricter audits, and consumer education are vital to achieving genuine waste management and sustainability goals
BUSINESS
Today’s food delivery startups may be tomorrow’s deep-tech stars
Arguments which discount the progress of Indian startups are misguided. Consumer focussed platforms are the building blocks of technology and businesses which will get more sophisticated in future. The key to global leadership in technology is fostering an innovation ecosystem that nurtures all forms of technology
BUSINESS
This Karnataka region needs industry, not instinctive opposition
The Kalyana Karnataka region needs targeted industrial investment to bridge its economic gap, requiring a pragmatic approach and balanced environmental protection to foster growth and development
BUSINESS
New oil regulatory bill to boost carbon capture in the sector
India’s Oilfield (Regulatory and Development) Amendment Bill promotes Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), setting stricter environmental standards, offering incentives, and imposing penalties to reduce carbon emissions in the oil and gas sector.
WORLD
Pakistan’s ugly geopolitical playbook exploits Afghan refugees for aid and other concessions
Pakistan has long leveraged the displacement of Afghans to its advantage by reinforcing colonial-era borders, extracting foreign humanitarian aid, and asserting regional dominance. Forced displacement has always been a tool in Pakistan’s geopolitical playbook
BUSINESS
Time for CAAR 2.0: Revolutionising India’s customs rulings for global efficiency
India’s Customs Authority for Advance Rulings (CAAR) has improved timelines since 2021. However, procedural delays persist. A shift to CAAR 2.0, with internal technical units and digital reforms, can achieve rulings within 30 days, enhancing global trade efficiency
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Financial maturity of Indian investors
While the growing interest in equities among retail investors is all too evident, the key question is whether their behaviour has become more mature or not
BUSINESS
The Reading List: April 4, 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 | Does India have a tariff advantage over its peers?
Amid rising tensions in global trade, India’s position is becoming more complex—and potentially more strategic
BUSINESS
Opening India's Stressed Asset Market: A necessary catalyst?
India's stressed asset market is attracting foreign investors due to regulatory reforms like the IBC and RBI revisions. Foreign capital and expertise enhance asset resolution, boosting economic growth, financial stability, and long-term investor confidence
