BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Paper industry's margins hit two-decade Low: Are we finally at the cycle bottom?
The Indian paper industry is grappling with wafer-thin margins and rising input costs, but signs of a cyclical turnaround are beginning to emerge.
WORLD
Myanmar’s a hotbed of Big Power rivalry. India can’t afford a hands-off policy there
China sources around half of its supply of rare earths from Myanmar, which is in the midst of an internecine conflict. Consequently, to secure its rare earths supply, China supports both the country’s army and some rebel groups. China’s presence has brought the US into the picture. India now confronts multiple destabilising forces on its sensitive northeastern border, making it essential to devise a strategy to prevent problems seeping in
BUSINESS
The Reading List: July 4, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
BUSINESS
Reset Before You Run: The quiet crisis in AI-driven marketing
AI hasn’t revolutionised marketing, it’s amplified our shortcuts. Without real customer understanding and first-party data, even the smartest tools deliver empty engagement. Connection, not automation, is the true competitive edge
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Policy transmission is held up by fixed rate loans of private banks
Fixed rate loans slow transmission of policy rate changes and private sector lenders have a high proportion of such loans
INDIA
Private equity funds are driving transformation of India’s hospital chains
India’s hospital sector is entering a phase of professionalisation, consolidation, and capital-led transformation. PE funds, with their operational acumen and financial muscle, are emerging as catalysts for change—bridging gaps in healthcare infrastructure while enabling scale and sustainability
BUSINESS
India must act now to bridge the workplace gender divide
Integrating women into the formal workplace is foundational for India’s economic and social progress. There are innovative ways to make it happen
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Chinese car makers topple global dominance in domestic markets
New-age electric vehicles in China have already achieved what much of the world is still struggling with—being cheaper than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, thanks to scale, vertical integration, and relentless price wars
BUSINESS
Why ICAI’s audit limit is misguided and outdated
ICAI’s proposed 60-audit cap lacks legal clarity and empirical support. Amid digital tax reform, mandatory audits feel outdated—raising concerns over regulatory overreach, procedural fairness, and modern compliance efficiency
BUSINESS
India’s $2 trillion export ambition hinges on fixing compliance
Despite rising global demand and digital adoption, India’s $2 trillion export dream depends on fixing compliance by streamlining outdated and fragmented processes that hinder MSMEs and first-time exporters from scaling globally
INDIA
Delayed justice plagues India. The 16th Finance Commission has the power to improve matters
The clocks of justice in India can tick faster with the right reforms. With thoughtful interventions from public institutions like the Finance Commission, it is possible to align public funding with the judiciary's operational needs. By addressing issues of disparity in budgetary allocations and the need for improvement of the quality of public funding to the judiciary, the 16th Finance Commission can strengthen the rule of law
BUSINESS
GST at 8: A tax reform that empowered every Indian
Eight years on, GST has gained strong approval. GST has lowered tax rates on essentials, unified India’s market, reduced logistics costs and boosted inter-state trade, benefiting both consumers and businesses through simplification and digitisation
BUSINESS
AI’s diagnostic power in Radiology is not limited to screening
AI in radiology is no longer just a screening tool. It now collaborates in diagnosis, reduces errors, speeds up workflows, and supports clinical judgement - redefining its role from passive observer to active partner
BUSINESS
Data Story: India’s industrial engine sputters at FY26 start as consumer goods production slumps
FY26 began on a worrying note for Indian industry, with IIP growth sharply slowing as consumer goods production continues to contract
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Diamonds are forever, at a discount
Diamond exports from India have plunged to a two-decade low, and the downturn isn’t over yet. As demand slumps and uncertainty looms over U.S. tariffs, FY2026 could see another painful year for the industry.
ENVIRONMENT
Policy stability is the key to expanding India’s renewable energy ecosystem
A smartly designed policy such as the interstate transmission waiver enhances market efficiency by transferring power from high resource states to others. Consequently, phaseout of policy support must be gradual and account for the prevailing state of the industry. Strengthening the demand-supply loop is essential
BUSINESS
The Reading List: June 27, 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
INDIA
Railways does not need Tatkal reform, it needs more tracks and expanded capacity
The Ministry of Railways’ Aadhaar-linked OTP system for Tatkal bookings aims to curb touts, but the real solution lies in expanding railway capacity, addressing the growing demand, and liberalising services
BUSINESS
Next GST Council meeting may eliminate 12% tax slab and shift items to other slabs
The 56th GST Council meeting is due soon. Its agenda is expected to include items such as GST slab rate rationalisation and a decision on consumer requests for an exemption of GST on health insurance premium
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day: Creator of middle class, PSU banks are biggest lenders to small entrepreneurs
Micro firms have a higher incidence of delinquencies, but stress has reduced.
INDIA
India's Clinical Trials: From emerging player to global leader in drug development
India's clinical trial industry has surged into the top three globally, driven by regulatory reforms, affordability, vast patient pools, and growing international confidence, positioning India as a key player in global drug development
BUSINESS
How the Iran-Israel war has altered the market
After a strong rebound from April lows, Indian markets are treading cautiously again—sector churn and fading participation hint at a rally on shaky legs
BUSINESS
Lowering tariffs and trade barriers could unlock Viksit Bharat 2047
India's aspiration to become a developed country by 2047 hinges on its ability to unlock unprecedented growth, innovation, and capital
BUSINESS
Taxes are not exported; GST on intermediaries’ foreign earnings should go
India has positioned itself as a global services powerhouse over the past few decades. However, a critical segment, intermediaries, continues to face the GST hurdle, potentially costing the country billions in lost opportunities. India needs to amend the existing GST law and grant export status to them to boost opportunities in the services sector
