BUSINESS
Empowering women’s access to credit for inclusive economic growth
Despite improvements, women still face significant barriers in accessing credit. Initiatives such as alternative underwriting, customized loan offerings, increased awareness, and risk capital funds are essential to bridging the gender gap and fostering inclusive economic growth
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day| Toll revenues to moderate in FY2025
Traffic volumes are linked to activity in mining, manufacturing and construction, which were not encouraging in the first six months of FY2025
BUSINESS
A wages shadow on consumption recovery
The real wages growth trend do not give confidence about a quick consumption recovery.
BUSINESS
Food prices and inflation expectations: Should the RBI cut rates?
RBI’s model is undergirded by two key assumptions. It accurately measures inflation expectations which, in turn, influence wage adjustments. The central bank’s measure of inflation expectations is out of sync with reality, undermining the accuracy of its approach. Keeping rates high anticipating that expectations will rise seems too harsh on growth and employment
BUSINESS
The paradox of decentralisation in the crypto ecosystem
Crypto's promise of decentralisation has led to centralisation due to technical and human factors. Centralised intermediaries provide security, simplify usage, and help regulators, making centralisation key for mainstream adoption while ensuring consumer protection and governance
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: What do the GDP data say about long-term structural changes in the economy?
In spite of all the efforts put into Make in India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) programmes, the share of manufacturing in total GVA in the September 2024 quarter was lower than in the September 2014 quarter
BUSINESS
Green Finance: Addressing misconceptions and urging immediate action
Green finance is an urgent necessity, not a distant goal. Despite misconceptions, it offers substantial economic and environmental benefits. Financial institutions must embrace comprehensive ESG strategies, assess green opportunities, and collaborate to drive sustainability, ensuring long-term growth and impact
BUSINESS
The Reading List: November 29, 2024
A look at some articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams for your weekend read
TECHNOLOGY
ANI vs OpenAI: Copyright, AI, and the future of text data mining
The ongoing legal dispute between ANI and OpenAI raises critical issues around copyright infringement, data mining, and AI's use of copyrighted materials in India, highlighting the tension between content ownership and technological innovation
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Q2 aggregate corporate profit growth down, but ROCE up
The aggregate ROCE for both financial and non-financial listed firms in Q2 is well above the levels seen during the pre-COVID years
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: The leverage that is rattling microfinance firms
More than a third of microfinance lenders’ portfolio is from overleveraged borrowers having four or more loans
INDIA
India’s Wind Energy Sector: Challenges in powering clean energy revolution
Wind energy is pivotal in India's renewable goals, offering sustainable solutions. With government initiatives, technological advancements, and ambitious targets, India confronts challenges like site selection and infrastructure, striving for energy independence, job creation, and a greener future
BUSINESS
GenAI Revolutionises Credit Underwriting: From data to credit memo creation
Generative AI is transforming credit underwriting by automating memo generation, integrating with financial systems, and enhancing decision-making. It streamlines data analysis, reduces errors, and boosts productivity, enabling credit officers to focus on value-added tasks like risk assessment and credit evaluation
INDIA
Privacy on Wheels: Are you being followed?
Connected vehicles collect vast personal data, which make them mobile data centres. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) mandates strict data protection standards, requiring transparency, consent, and robust security measures from automakers. Manufacturers must prioritise user privacy and consumers must demand transparency and control over personal data.
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Active funds make a comeback
One reason for the more rapid growth of active funds compared to passive ones is the introduction of numerous new active fund schemes, particularly thematic and sectoral schemes as well as small and mid-cap funds.
POLITICS
Maharashtra changes the dynamics between Modi and not just the opposition, but also allies
BJP’s spectacular performance in Maharashtra will permit it to set the national economic agenda untrammelled. INDIA’s victory in Jharkhand provides a storm-breaker effect, but BJP’s political edge nationally is hard to dismiss
BUSINESS
The Reading List: November 22, 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.
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: REER shows a stable rupee is not necessarily at fair value
The RBI’s interventions are keeping the rupee in a tight band, but not avoiding overvaluation
WORLD
Canada's inclusion of India as cyberadversary is a deliberate political move; here’s why
A perusal of Canada’s ‘National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026’ report against the backdrop of the current India-Canada relations indicates that India’s inclusion as a cyberadversary is a deliberate last-minute political decision
BUSINESS
Platforms vs Publishers: Can the twain come together?
Contemporary Indian media landscape reveals a structural tension. Those who produce the news do not control its dissemination. And those who can disseminate news through their digital platforms do not possess the credibility nor the capacity for generating news. The only way forward would be cutting an acceptable and fair deal at the earliest for sharing revenue
BUSINESS
Language Models and Code Generation: A deep dive into transformer architectures
Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming low-code and no-code platforms, enabling automated code generation, error correction, and app logic setup. By simplifying requirements gathering and fostering collaboration, these advancements are democratizing software development, making it more accessible and innovative for all users
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Operating cash flows of BSE 500 firms stutter
The sectoral break-up shows that in the BSE 500, operating cash flows among the domestic-facing companies slowed to a larger extent
BUSINESS
Is a new centralised carbon market under the UN the real deal?
COP29 has already recorded a success by getting countries to agree on strong standards for a centralised carbon market under the UN. Creation of this market has its usual share of costs and benefits. The big issue, however, remain unresolved. Will it deliver on global emission reduction or just be another distraction?
BUSINESS
India must push for homegrown UAV technology to strengthen defence
India must embrace indigenous drone manufacturing to enhance military capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and ensure national security. Drones offer cost-effective, precise surveillance and strike capabilities, making them essential for counterinsurgency and strengthening India's strategic autonomy in defence technology
