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.
LIFESTYLE
After ‘Made in India’ whiskies taste global success, artisanal spirits are poised to make their mark
Indian whiskies have gained global recognition, and now artisanal spirits are poised to follow suit, driven by consumers seeking authenticity and unique flavours. India's spirits industry is booming, with a focus on local ingredients, innovation, and sustainable practices
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: India’s infrastructure story needs credit for credibility
An infrastructure-driven GDP growth needs the much needed fuel of credit.
BUSINESS
The organic route to energy security
Ethanol blended petrol in India is here to stay, with the proportion of ethanol reaching 14.6 percent in 2023-24. Government estimates that a decade of ethanol blended petrol has resulted in a savings of over Rs 1 lakh crore. The initial results show that doubling down on biofuels will not only lower energy import dependence but also help the country meet its climate obligations
BUSINESS
India’s Shift to ECL Framework: A game-changer for credit risk management
India is transitioning to the ECL framework to improve credit risk transparency. By incorporating dynamic, forward-looking assessments, banks will better forecast losses, manage risks, and enhance accountability, but challenges remain in implementation, especially for smaller institutions
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | EPC firms to make a comeback in domestic T&D projects
As per the 20th Electric Power Survey report, peak electricity demand is expected to reach 296 gigawatt (GW) by FY2027 and 388 GW by FY2032
BUSINESS
The Reading List: December 6, 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
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Is India’s swap market under-pricing potential RBI rate cuts?
Swap rates have had a measured decline despite strong expectations of a series of policy rate cuts.
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
