TRENDS
Chart of the Day | India’s Digital Boom: What’s powering the rise of data centres?
The rapid rise in India’s digital consumption is propelling an unprecedented demand for data centres. But how sustainable is this growth?
BUSINESS
Data at a glance: Who are the market leaders in this rally and why
After months of decline, Indian markets have turned a corner in March. But what’s driving this unexpected rebound, and could it be a sign of things to come?
BUSINESS
Secondary tariff on Venezuelan oil is Donald Trump’s latest effort at arm-twisting
Donald Trump’s secondary tariffs teach nations a valuable lesson: sovereignty is great, as long as it aligns with US foreign policy
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day| MF SIP investors are falling into the market timing trap
Retail investors tend to panic and exit during market downturns, harming their long-term returns, as they miss out on the best-performing days
BUSINESS
Tackling Payment Fraud: The industry is solving it the wrong way
Digital payment fraud has evolved beyond stolen identities to sophisticated networks using synthetic identities and manipulated trust scores. The industry must shift from post-transaction detection to proactive, real-time, dynamic fraud prevention, focusing on continuous verification and ecosystem-wide intelligence sharing
BUSINESS
Germany finally shakes off its fiscal straitjacket to cope with tectonic shifts
Both houses of Germany’s Parliament have approved carveouts in the country’s restrictive “debt brake” in the wake of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. A militarily assertive Germany, rearmed with public spending, can alter the balance of power within Europe and NATO. For Washington, it offers a much-needed “burden-sharing” partner. For Russia and China, it is a clear signal that Europe is mobilising for long-term strategic competition
BUSINESS
The Reading List: March 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
INDIA
Water, our most abused fundamental natural resource
March 22 is World Water Day. It’s an occasion to take a close look at water, a resource that is relatively scarce in India, which is classified as “water stressed”. As the economy grows and per capita incomes rise, water availability will have to increase. The way out is dust off old plans such as interlinking of rivers and use technological solutions to reuse water. Implementing them well is a prerequisite to be a developed nation
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: States’ borrowing spree isn’t leading to a spending one
The outlook on state capex is benign while poll-promised freebies could dent fiscal position.
BUSINESS
Navigating Growth Without Funding: When and how to raise capital in a bootstrapped startup
Bootstrapping, funding growth through personal savings and revenue, allows entrepreneurs greater control and independence. Successful companies like Zoho and Zerodha highlight its potential. However, it requires careful planning, creativity, and resilience to overcome financial pressures and scaling challenges
BUSINESS
India’s AI Strategy: Path to global leadership
India is positioning itself as a global AI leader, advocating for socially responsible and inclusive AI development. With initiatives like IndiaAI Mission and global collaborations, India aims to leverage its vast data and talent pool to create sustainable, impactful AI solutions
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Sugar prices get a boost from weak output expectations
A lowering of estimates in major sugar producing countries has led to a recovery in sugar prices
BUSINESS
An American strategic crypto reserve will force governments to change regulatory frameworks
When the world’s largest economy throws its weight behind crypto assets, other economies will find it hard to ignore. These assets lack an intrinsic value and come with risks, factors that require countries to go back to drawing board to design an effective law to regulate them
BUSINESS
IndusInd Bank – too big to fail?
Its forex positions were naked and not hedged, leading to losses. Also, the bank failed to apply mark-to-market accounting. These so-called “discrepancies” are in reality, fraudulent. The bank’s governing board has not exercised its fiduciary duty of oversight and supervision
BUSINESS
How logistics parks are reshaping India’s $5 trillion economy vision
India's infrastructure transformation, including expanded highways, electrified railways, and modern logistics parks, boosts connectivity and trade. With advanced multimodal solutions and the National Logistics Policy, India aims to reduce logistics costs and enhance global competitiveness, fueling economic growth
INDIA
Pragmatic approach will help guide India’s youth, shaping a skilled, performance-driven workforce
The Apprentices Act 2025 bridges the gap between academic learning and industry needs through structured, performance-based training. By fostering skill development and accountability, it ensures India’s workforce remains agile, competitive, and ready for emerging global challenges in technology and innovation
BUSINESS
In defence of DEI
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies are being rolled back fast at many corporations on heels of a shakeup in US politics. It’s unfortunate. DEI was never a counter to Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI). Instead, it was a sincere attempt to address structural issues that prevent the pursuit of true MEI. DEI and MEI complement each other
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Reciprocity or retaliation? Yale study estimates US reciprocal tariff fallout
The Yale Budget Lab’s analysis reveals that the proposed "reciprocal" tariff policy would trigger sharp tariff hikes for several major US trading partners. European nations face the steepest increases, with tariffs on US imports from Hungary rising by 27 percentage points, followed by Denmark and Sweden at 25 points, the UK and Russia at 20 points, while tariffs on imports from India would rise 17 percentage points
POLITICS
‘Freebie’ road to chaos
History is replete with states imploding on the heels of overspending. From ancient Rome to Sri Lanka, we have seen fiscal recklessness led to instability and shook the very foundation of a state. India’s political parties clearly haven’t learnt any lessons. Recent elections have seen parties win on the back extravagant welfare promises which are followed by a fiscal struggle. It’s time for pragmatism
TRENDS
There’s no case to create barriers between advocates and in-house counsels
Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025 was withdrawn by the government following opposition from an influential section of lawyers. A revised version is expected soon. Two counsels argue that the earlier version of the Bill took an important step in eliminating rules which disfavour lawyers who take up full time employment. Mature legal markets offer the same statutory status to practicing lawyers and in-house counsels
BUSINESS
Income-tax Bill's clause to empower tax authority to access digital space represents evolution, not revolution
The Income-tax Bill 2025 grants tax officers power to access digital spaces, including social media and bank accounts, to combat tax evasion, with safeguards to protect privacy and ensure compliance while enhancing taxation fairness and equity
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: The luxury housing boom
High and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals are seeking to diversify their investments by parking their money in luxury real estate.
BUSINESS
The Reading List: March 14, 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.
INDIA
Online education’s potential is beyond question, but there are challenges to overcome
Despite the rapid growth of online higher education, skepticism remains, particularly regarding employability and skill readiness. Affordability is another concern, as many students find online higher education expensive
