BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot: STT collections to take a beating, thanks to SEBI curbs
While current STT collections may exceed budget forecasts for this fiscal year, a steep decline in revenue from STT for the next fiscal year is likely due to reduced trading volumes
TRENDS
The Mandala of Organisational Wellness: A blueprint for success
The Mandala of Organisational Wellness offers a framework for measuring organisational health through three key circles: Core metrics (financial health), Cardinal metrics (long-term growth), and Vital metrics (social responsibility). This holistic approach fosters sustainable success and transformation in 2025
BUSINESS
Retrospect your debt patterns to improve your credit score in 2025
As the new year begins, focusing on improving your credit score can enhance financial opportunities. By reviewing reports, paying on time, diversifying credit, and setting goals, you can strengthen your financial profile and unlock better interest rates and loans
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | India's import dependence for L-ion batteries to come off sharply
Rapid growth in adoption of electrification, evolving technology and large-scale manufacturing of L-ion cells is likely to see reduction in costs
BUSINESS
Overreliance on fiscal policy harms India’s economic growth prospects
A lower-than-expected GDP growth rate in the July-September quarter was on account of inadequate public investment. This points to lop-sidedness in growth drivers. Therefore, RBI’s MPC should consider a reduction of half a percentage point in the repo rate over two phases in early 2025.
TRENDS
Manmohan Singh: A gentle colossus
Two consequential developments of his prime ministership were an unprecedented economic growth spurt and a reset in India’s strategic position through the nuclear deal with the U.S. A London-based writer says that while Manmohan Singh’s grasp of economics was well known, his understanding of international affairs was possibly second only to his knowledge of economic issues. Unsurprisingly, he was appreciated abroad with awe and admiration
BUSINESS
Jobs conundrum in a red-hot economy
India’s economy bounced back sharply after the pandemic-induced contraction. However, the job market hasn’t seen an equivalent improvement, thereby emerging as one of the big political-economy issues of 2024. An economist sifts the data to distinguish between quantity and quality in the job market and suggests ways to improve things
BUSINESS
The Reading List: December 27, 2024
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: RBI’s forex position shows why a CRR cut was coming in December
The RBI’s forex operations are the biggest drag on liquidity
BUSINESS
What founders should know before approaching venture capital funds in 2025
While investor confidence and VC funding activity revived in 2024, funds are looking for certain specific qualities in the startups they are willing to fund
BUSINESS
Pre-IPO Playbook: Setting the stage for a successful public listing
A well-executed pre-IPO strategy is crucial for a smooth public debut, involving careful planning, investor alignment, and a strategic approach to timing, valuation, and investor engagement to attract top-tier public market investors and ensure long-term success.
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Finding opportunity amid market turmoil
Amid widespread fall in equities, some sectors have shown signs of being winners
BUSINESS
The Reading List: December 20, 2024
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
BUSINESS
A solution for the conundrum of GST on food delivery charges
Platforms are intermediaries matching demand with supply. GST law however puts the onus of tax collection from both sides of the transactions on platforms. But the law doesn’t cover gig workers who deliver. Authorities are reluctant to let this service go untaxed. There’s a way out to balance all interests
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: EM currencies are in for a pounding next year
Volatility will rule and investors are clueless on EM trades
BUSINESS
The import risk Chinese overcapacity poses to Asian countries
With the US raising tariffs on Chinese imports, there could be a flood of Chinese goods to other Asian economies. While countries such as Thailand and Indonesia are particularly vulnerable, sectors such as metals in India may be hit
BUSINESS
Building Resilient Startups: A shift towards sustainable growth in India’s ecosystem
In India’s evolving startup ecosystem, investors prioritise sustainable growth by focusing on customer acquisition, retention, and monetisation. With a shift towards revenue milestones over unicorn valuations, this approach aims to build resilient businesses capable of long-term success and scalability
INDIA
VFS Global needs to be scrutinised by the competition regulator
VFS Global performs what used to be a sovereign function of consular, passport and visa services. The law gives it a de-facto monopoly, making it impossible for competition to come up. Given this context, there’s a strong case for the competition regulator to investigate the company’s practices to see if the consumer is really the king here
BUSINESS
NPCI, please implement your directive on UPI market share
National Payments Corporation of India’s deadline to transition to a system where no single UPI app has more than 30 percent market share is fast approaching. However, the deadline is not sacrosanct as it has been extended earlier. A policy professional argues that there should be no more extensions as a near-duopoly in market share of third party apps disincentivizes innovation
BUSINESS
The hidden cost of convenience is adding to the rising e-waste crisis
The growing e-waste crisis is fuelled by impulsive buying and rapid technological upgrades. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers must prioritise sustainability, repair over replacement, and responsible recycling to mitigate environmental harm and ensure longer product lifespans
INDIA
What can Hindu women really inherit?
Almost seven decades after The Hindu Succession Act was enacted to end gender discrimination in inheritance, there’s ambiguity in its interpretation. To bring finality to the issue, the Supreme Court recently referred it to a larger bench. A deep dive into the law and subsequent jurisprudence traces how a progressive legislation has not always produced the desired results
BUSINESS
Reforming India's personal insolvency framework for economic stability and growth
India's personal insolvency framework requires reform to address financial distress, promote economic stability, and empower individuals. A robust framework can prevent systemic risks, strengthen institutions, and foster sustainable growth by adopting global best practices and addressing local socio-economic realities
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: High cash levels with funds may be an optical illusion
While FIIs have been net sellers, domestic mutual funds have stepped into the breach. Despite this, what explains their growing cash holdings?
BUSINESS
The Reading List: December 13, 2024
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.









