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
BUSINESS
Indian Gaming Industry’s Next Big Challenge: Empowering indie developers
The Indian gaming market is rapidly growing, with indie developers facing challenges in resources and tools. Building indigenous game engines, AI-driven solutions, and specialised cloud platforms, alongside strong support ecosystems, could empower developers to compete globally while catering to local needs
BUSINESS
Platform economy faces regulatory heat on price parity agreements
A recent European Court of Justice’s decision tightened the screws on price parity clauses on the ground that they can inhibit competition. India’s Competition Commission is also increasingly veering around to the view that these clauses could adversely affect both consumers and new market entrants. Platforms may have to tweak their business model to accommodate the emerging regulatory stance
BUSINESS
All’s not well between the US and Japan amid Trump’s return to power
Japan’s ties with the US face uncertainty under Trump, with trade disputes, security tensions, and shifting global alliances. Concerns over US reliability are pushing Japan to strengthen regional partnerships, maintain economic ties with Washington, and cautiously re-engage with China
BUSINESS
The lowdown on Trump’s executive order on FCPA
It says that authorities will review existing policies for 180 days during which new investigations under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act won’t be enforced. The order doesn’t take away the American AG’s power to start a new investigation nor does it make earlier cases vanish. Its aim is to secure US strategic interests. While there may be temporary relief, it’s essential that companies operating in India continue to prioritize anti-corruption efforts
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | The US-India tariffs equation: Who wins, who loses?
While US exports to India have gone up 25 times in the last 30 years, imports have gone up 38 times
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: A historical perspective on market declines and recovery
The Indian stock market has been on a decline since its peak in September 2024, with Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) sell-offs playing a key role. As investors assess whether the downturn is nearing its end, historical data offers insights into potential recovery timelines.
BUSINESS
The Reading List: March 7, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
TRENDS
Noble Yet Unequal: Gender inequality in India's legal profession
Women's participation in India's legal field remains severely limited due to systemic biases, work culture, and financial inequality. Despite challenges, ongoing reforms and advocacy signal hope for greater gender diversity and inclusion in the profession
TECHNOLOGY
Wake up India, AI colonialism is not a myth
The future can see a digital divide of frightening proportions. Most countries may become AI consumers. Physical sovereignty may be replaced by AI sovereignty. Nations without AI sovereignty will always be left behind in economy, security, and innovation. It may result in data colonialism
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Why the rising trend in cement prices may not sustain
Large capacity additions and market consolidation could see higher supply in the market that will weigh down cement prices
BUSINESS
India's Credit Growth Strategy: Rethinking liquidity, deposits, and innovation
India's financial system is grappling with a severe liquidity shortage, with a Rs 3.34 lakh crore deficit. Despite RBI measures, structural issues like weak deposit growth persist, challenging credit access. Innovative strategies are needed for sustainable growth beyond rate cuts
