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
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Which economies are most at risk from Trump's tariff wars?
Vietnam is the biggest loser in Trump’s tariff plan.
BUSINESS
Why India needs 100,000 fintech startups, now
India's fintech ecosystem needs rapid expansion to serve underserved communities. By focusing on incubation, capital access, and collaboration with traditional banks, we can empower more entrepreneurs to build solutions that promote financial inclusion across the nation
BUSINESS
Maximising asset value through IBBI regulations
The IBBI plays a pivotal role in maximising asset value under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. New regulations aim to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure transparency in the resolution process, though challenges like prolonged timelines persist
BUSINESS
Family offices strengthen Indian capitalism
Family offices in India are reshaping industries by investing in innovation, supporting startups, and strengthening the economy. They ensure domestic capital stays within India, guiding entrepreneurs towards sustainable growth while contributing to long-term economic value
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Unlocking India's mutual fund potential
Over the past five years, investments in mutual funds have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5 percent, while bank deposits have increased at a CAGR of 11.0 percent
POLITICS
TN’s anti-Hindi volcano erupts again. Will it get DMK votes this time?
Pushing back against Hindi is a cornerstone of Dravidian politics and played an important role in DMK's first major election victory in 1960s. While the issue may still resonate with a section of voters, there's a lot in the social and economic structure of the state that has changed over the last few decades. Therefore, the jury's out on whether the DMK can offset anti-incumbency through the Hindi issue in the 2026 assembly election
BUSINESS
The Reading List: February 28, 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: Two numbers behind RBI’s move to lower risk weights on bank loans to NBFCs, MFIs
Microfinance entities have seen their loan book shrink in the third quarter of FY25
TECHNOLOGY
India’s Path to Sustainable Mobility: EV and circular economy practices
India aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability through electric vehicle adoption and circular economy practices. By integrating both strategies, India can reduce emissions, lower production costs, and foster long-term economic growth in the automotive sector
BUSINESS
India's efforts to empower gig & contractual workers
The Union Budget highlights the inclusion of gig workers under the PM-JAY healthcare scheme and identity formalisation through the e-Shram portal. Haryana’s HKRN model showcases successful worker welfare for contractual employees, paving the way for national-level expansion
BUSINESS
Finally, a drop in lead prices to ease pressure on battery makers
Robust replacement market battery sales, particularly for four-wheelers, aided in pass through of higher input costs
BUSINESS
Streamlining recovery processes for retail lending to boost financial inclusion
Retail lending needs a clear, time-bound recovery process like the Corporate Insolvency Act. Streamlining collections would improve transparency, reduce complaints, and lower borrowing costs, promoting credit access, supporting micro-enterprises, and enhancing financial inclusion in India
