BUDGET
Union Budget 2024-25: Accelerating India's infrastructure growth
The Union Budget 2024-25 aims to address challenges in infrastructure by boosting private sector participation, enhancing safety, promoting sustainability, and improving integrated planning. Expect the Union Budget to stick to high infrastructure spending
TECHNOLOGY
India’s AI Moment: Seizing the future of innovation
The rise of autonomous AI agents marks a transformative shift in business processes. India’s combination of technical talent, cost advantages, and a robust IT services legacy positions it to lead in this AI revolution, creating significant opportunities for startups.
BUDGET
From Trade Facilitation to Trade Promotion: Expectations of EXIM Trade from Budget 2025
With policy continuity expected, the upcoming Budget will be keenly watched for bold announcements on government’s intent for tackling challenging times ahead
POLITICS
Budget needs to start correcting India’s lopsided defence spending
India confronts hostile neighbours which makes the current defence spending of 1.9 percent of GDP inadequate. It needs to rise up to 3 percent of GDP and composition of spending has to pivot from salaries and pensions eating up more than half the share to prioritising the modernisation drive by upgrading armaments
BUDGET
Budget 2025: Key proposals to boost India’s power sector
Budget 2025 should focus on expediting PPA signings, enhancing supply chain resilience, advancing technology adoption, and strengthening financial markets to accelerate renewable energy growth. Incentives for CCUS, energy storage, and R&D will drive India’s clean energy transition
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot: How defence stocks march to the FM’s drum
The silver lining for defence sector investors is that these stocks often demonstrate a degree of resilience. In downturns, they tend to fall less sharply than the broader market, while in upswings, they frequently outpace the benchmark indices
BUSINESS
The Reading List: January 17, 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
Trump 2.0 tariffs will worsen global economic climate, but India’s main problem is domestic trade policy
Donald Trump’s second stint as US President is expected to be consequential. Ahead of his swearing in, a trade economist assesses the likely fallout of his penchant for import tariffs. Disruptive as an increase in US tariffs may be, India’s real binding constraints may in choices made here
BUSINESS
Key Expectations for Union Budget 2025: Tax reforms and relief
With the Union Budget 2025 approaching, taxpayers and industry professionals anticipate significant tax reforms, including increased exemption limits, housing-related reliefs, clearer guidelines for modern assets, and enhanced investment deductions. These measures aim to reduce tax burdens and promote economic growth
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot: Does household savings decline warrant a fiscal boost?
Rising debt and stagnant incomes have eroded household savings
WORLD
Trump, Iran and the ‘Gaza ceasefire deal’
The ‘Gaza Ceasefire Deal’ is a mirror image of the May 2024 ‘Biden Plan’, which Israel rejected. What’s changed since then? For one, Israel has achieved all its critical military objectives. The imminent return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office has created its own dynamics which catalyzed Netanyahu to risk the ire of his right-wing coalition partners by accepting a deal. At the heart of it all is Iran, which will be the target of both the Trump Administration and Israel
BUSINESS
India's Arbitration Reforms: A comprehensive overhaul of dispute resolution
The Draft Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduces significant changes, including technological innovations, emergency arbitrators, appellate tribunals, and streamlined processes. However, concerns around institutional readiness, costs, and potential complexities need careful consideration for successful implementation
BUSINESS
Unlocking India’s Potential: Harnessing global value chains for sustainable growth
India’s integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs) offers significant opportunities for economic growth, resilience, and innovation. Focused efforts on sectors like green chemicals and electric vehicles, alongside policy support, R&D, and skill development, will shape India's future role in global trade
BUSINESS
How to avoid antitrust pitfalls in distribution
With manufacturers now opening a direct channel to potential customers, they have a dual role in relation to their traditional distributors. The roles are both complementary and competitive. With the Competition Commission using the European approach as a touchstone, emerging dual distribution models need to be carefully structured to avoid regulatory hassles
BUSINESS
Why affordable housing remains a bright spot in India’s housing sector
Affordable housing in India is growing rapidly, driven by government initiatives, urbanisation, and evolving consumer behaviours. With strong government support, technological advancements, and rising demand, affordable housing is poised to remain a key pillar of India's housing finance sector
BUSINESS
Grey areas in draft data protection rules need a relook
Personal data protection rules represent an important milestone. They envisage a phased rollout, with the creation of a regulator before broader provisions take full effect. To ensure a smooth journey, it is essential that government clarify aspects of the draft rules that are unclear and, therefore, can pose problems down the line
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot: Will the budget put railway stocks on the fast track?
Public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the railway domain have consistently outperformed benchmark indices since their listings post-2018, delivering impressive returns to investors
BUSINESS
The Reading List: January 10, 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.
BUDGET
Improving cancer care in India - challenges and path forward
India's cancer care faces challenges in affordability, accessibility, and infrastructure. Key solutions include reducing import duties, promoting local manufacturing, enhancing awareness, and strengthening prevention and rehabilitation efforts. The upcoming Union Budget offers an opportunity to address these pressing issues
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Why is manufacturing's share in total GVA in FY25 same as in FY07?
The schemes being rolled out to boost India’s manufacturing sector don’t seem to be working
BUDGET
Union Budget 2025: Key expectations for GIFT IFSC growth
Stakeholders anticipate crucial reforms in the Union Budget 2025 to enhance GIFT IFSC’s appeal. Key expectations include tax parity for resident investors, inclusion of non-residents in OTC transactions, green bond incentives, and clarity on post-tax holiday taxability.
TRENDS
Human Metapneumovirus in India: Separating fact from fear
Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases in India spark anxiety, but officials assure the situation is under control, with existing surveillance systems and preventive measures in place to mitigate its spread
BUSINESS
Can gold maintain its shine in 2025 amidst global turmoil?
The World Gold Council (WGC) suggests the peak may be behind us, predicting that gold could remain rangebound throughout 2025
BUSINESS
Green Channel Route via CCI: Challenges in streamlining M&A approvals
The Green Channel route introduced to expedite M&A approvals has become less effective due to stricter interpretations and complex new rules. The CCI should reconsider changes to foster a more business-friendly and efficient regulatory environment for non-problematic transactions
