INDIA
The Arbitration Retreat: A short-sighted policy move?
The Indian government's decision to limit arbitration in public contracts to disputes under Rs 10 crore raises significant concerns due to its lack of empirical support. This policy shift could undermine the dispute resolution framework and negatively impact the investment climate and economic growth
BUSINESS
Platformisation is an effective vehicle to reach the net zero goal
National oil companies have ambitious renewable energy plans to help meet India’s net zero goal. They would do well to take a leaf out of concepts such as Norway’s Northern Lights project to pool resources to create a stand-alone entity to carry out plans to generate energy from renewables or sequester carbon
INDIA
Securing coastal communities’ livelihoods through mangrove conservation
Mangroves are vital to the coastal ecosystems they protect against storms, support fisheries, and provide economic opportunities through forestry and ecotourism. Despite facing significant threats from urban development and climate change, the Indian government has undertaken initiatives to conserve mangroves while enhancing livelihoods
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | How markets responded to the Fed's interest rate cuts
In 12 months after previous Fed rate cuts, the market gained by an average of 11% when there was no recession and even during recessions it managed an average increase of 8%
BUSINESS
The Reading List: September 27, 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.
INDIA
The race for critical materials and how India can get ahead
Copper and nickel are indispensable to build up our renewable energy and EV industry without being overly reliant on external sources. Getting a grip on their supply is tied to India’s long-term goals of carbon neutrality. Recycling will be integral to the strategy of building up a reliable supply
INDIA
Redomiciling to India shouldn’t leave any shareholder at a disadvantage
‘Reverse flips’ are being triggered by the desire of firms to tap into India’s deepening capital market which is in the midst of an IPO boom. The process, which involves a merger, is still at an early stage of evolution in India and shareholders need to ensure their rights are not diluted in the new structure
TRAVEL
A Tale of Two Stupas: Kesariya and Borobudur - journey from glory to obscurity
Kesariya, in Bihar, is a semi-excavated Buddhist stupa with immense potential, akin to Indonesia’s Borobudur. Despite its historical significance and the Buddha's connections, it remains underfunded and overlooked, contrasting sharply with Borobudur’s thriving tourism and UNESCO status. India's untapped potential is worth pondering on World Tourism Day
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Banks have relied on bonds to meet credit demand
Infrastructure bonds would see robust growth this year.
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | EVs, data centres to account for a third of power demand
Soaring power demand set to offer a multi-trillion dollar opportunity for India’s power sector in generation, distribution and more
BUSINESS
Artificial Intelligence and the Insurance Revolution: Who wins, who loses?
AI is steadily transforming India's insurance industry, offering new opportunities for growth while leaving others at risk of falling behind
BUSINESS
September Flash PMI data for India indicate a mild slowdown
The PMI numbers indicate that with growth losing momentum and with lower inflation, this could be the time for the Reserve Bank of India to start easing monetary policy
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day| How asset allocation in mutual funds can affect returns
Despite having the flexibility to increase their exposure to smaller stocks, Flexi Cap Funds often prefer to concentrate on market heavyweights
BUSINESS
The Reading List: September 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
India's Digital Transformation: Empowering MSMEs for e-commerce growth
India's Digital India Mission marks nine years of progress, positioning the nation as a leading digital economy. As e-commerce is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030, the focus shifts to how MSMEs can harness this growth through digital integration, skills training, and supportive policies
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Fund managers get their optimism back on US economy
Investors would fret on whether the Fed’s rate cut was in response to cooling inflation or more towards safeguarding growth
BUSINESS
Revolutionising Industry: The transformative role of collaborative robots
As Industry 5.0 reshapes human-machine relationships, collaborative robots (cobots) emerge as vital assets. Designed for flexibility and safety, cobots enhance productivity across various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare. Their integration with advanced technologies promises to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the digital era
BUSINESS
GST legacy issues can undermine government’s efforts to ease tax structure
GST Council is moving in the right direction, addressing hardships faced by taxpayers. However, some clarifications have not helped because it overlaps ongoing tax litigation
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Indian exporters grapple with soaring freight costs
Nearly 25 percent of the country's cargo passes through ports in Colombo, Singapore, and Klang, adding to transit times and pushing up freight costs. This logistical reliance on foreign ports makes Indian exports less competitive on the global stage.
INDIA
Tilt towards personal liberty
Recent Supreme Court judgements have prioritised personal liberty, putting bail over jail. A judgement this month extended the logic to anticipatory bail, which will now be treated as a standalone appeal even when one is custody for an unrelated offence.
BUSINESS
The Reading List: September 13, 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
Growth vs Profitability: The key to startup longevity
Startups must navigate the delicate balance between growth and profitability. While rapid expansion can establish market presence, achieving profitability ensures long-term sustainability. The challenge lies in strategically investing in growth while maintaining a clear path to profitability as market conditions evolve
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: For fintechs, small business loans are a big problem
Fintechs dominate the market for loans below Rs 1 lakh to small businesses
BUSINESS
How to leverage M&As to expand available capital and opportunities
Successful deals bring in much-needed capital, foster innovation, creating synergies that can lift whole industries in the country. This is because M&As give businesses an immediate way to enhance their portfolio of products, attain entry into newer markets, and enhance economies of scale
