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Why ICAI’s audit limit is misguided and outdated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 Amid digital tax reform, mandatory audits feel outdated—raising concerns over regulatory overreach, procedural fairness, and modern compliance efficiency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global demand and digital adoption, India’s $2 trillion export dream depends on fixing compliance by streamlining outdated and fragmented processes that hinder MSMEs and first-time exporters from scaling globally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
BUSINESS
India’s diplomacy and FTA negotiations – A turbulent path
India’s approach to trade talks are undergirded by two critical premises. One, concessions are linked to geopolitical context. Two, policy space is a strategic asset and not a bargaining chip. In the case of the US as the administration is prone to flip-flops, India’s insisting on review clauses that lets both sides revisit flash points
BUSINESS
India's CCPA targets dark patterns in e-commerce for fair design
The CCPA advisory urges e-commerce platforms to eliminate dark patterns in design, enhancing user autonomy and aligning with global standards. Platforms must self-audit and ensure transparent, informed consent practices
BUSINESS
FTAs are welcome but don’t let them undermine pharma industry and drug access
In last two decades, the country’s IP model continues to serve as a global benchmark for balancing innovation with public health. India’s philosophy remains rooted in a simple principle: innovation and access are not competing goals; they are complementary imperatives. Good health policy isn’t about choosing between science and society; it’s about designing systems where both can thrive, and India’s IP framework proves it’s possible
BUSINESS
India’s Income Rise: Powered by PM Modi, led by the people
At a time when many nations are choosing uncertainty, India has chosen continuity over chaos, stability over slogans, and growth over gridlock. The world sees it. The markets reflect it. And most importantly, the people have reaffirmed it
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Why India’s trade surplus with the US is likely to get trimmed
The level of tariffs and the basket of merchandise goods traded are to blame for it
BUSINESS
Future-Proofing India’s Workforce: How CSR can mitigate AI-driven job displacement
As AI reshapes the workforce, India must leverage CSR and government programmes to upskill workers, minimise displacement, and build inclusive growth through ethical policies, corporate responsibility, and strategic reskilling initiatives
BUSINESS
Reforming SEBI rules for India’s new-age tech IPOs
India’s tech IPO boom demands regulatory reforms. Current SEBI rules, built for traditional models, must evolve to support NATCs’ asset-light strategies and intangible investments, aligning with global, principles-based disclosure practices
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Strait of Hormuz at risk, what a blockade means for oil prices, the world economy
Iran’s move to potentially block the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20 percent of the world’s oil flows—has triggered global alarm. As tensions soar following US airstrikes, the stakes for global energy security and economic stability have never been higher
