INDIA
Ditch green-shaming for positive effort to achieve sustainability goals
Companies, akin to individuals, frequently boast about their dedication to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices. Green-shaming arises when these claims don't align with the real environmental impact of their operations
BUSINESS
More principles, less hollow valuations from startups, please
Founders serve as the architects of a company's ethical framework, setting the tone for responsible decision-making, transparency, and integrity
BUSINESS
All things digital that Union Budget FY24 promised
Many promising announcements relating to digital public infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence development were made by FM Sitharaman in her Budget speech last year. The upcoming interim budget, which is essentially a Vote on Account, could reveal how public investment on these digital economy projects is shaping up
BUSINESS
Why Indian boards should understand power and influence of GEMZ?
GEMZ — Gig Economy, Millennials, and Gen Z — form a powerful consumer base. They not only consume but are also a large workforce, both in the formal and informal sector
BUSINESS
Premium-class flying is a monopoly of Tatas. Sadly.
The Tatas find themselves at a crossroads in their brand positioning, yet again, this time within the premium passenger air segment
BUSINESS
Oh, climate action can wait for another year
The trajectory of the COP28 negotiations from “phase out” to “transition away” highlighted how word crafting and linguistic acrobatics took priority over science and human impact. What needs to be seen now is whether any concrete action on fossil fuels will follow
BUSINESS
Do Indian banks care about climate finance?
Indian banks need to get serious about green finance and Net Zero targets. They should take a leaf out of UAE lenders who have massively scaled up their efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by channelling $270 billion to green finance
BUSINESS
Digital activists useful allies in fight against predatory loan apps
Predatory apps run circles around regulators, but digital activists make identifying and tracking these apps seem like child’s play. Working together, the two can curb their spread Srinath Sridharan & Anand V
BUSINESS
What makes the RBI concerned about algo model-based lending
The apprehensions surrounding algorithmic lending must be contextualised within the broader landscape of financial innovation. The increasing reliance on newer datasets including unstructured data, and digital technologies is an inexorable shift, driven by the need for efficiency, speed and adaptability in financial services
BUSINESS
AI Global Regulations: What’s needed?
Global regulation should ensure that users know what AI systems have generated content through proper disclosures, mandate AI systems to proactively educate users and assess their maturity
ENVIRONMENT
Yet another COP summit. Message to climate funds
Climate-action funds are essential to facilitate the transition from brown assets to green, and towards sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, and the development of carbon capture technologies. India-focused climate funds can support the development and implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing adaptation capabilities
BUSINESS
Lenders better behave or the consumer pipeline will close
The key lesson from the recent RBI action that stops two Bajaj Finance products from lending is: Treat thy consumers with respect
BUSINESS
Redefining the future of work: Beyond the 9-to-5 norm
The future of the workplace is intricately linked to the integration of emerging technologies, the aspirations of the Gen Z workforce, and the economic viability of innovative workplace concepts
BUSINESS
AI race between nations and the spectre of digital imperialism
Any concentration of power may result in the extraction of data, resources and influence from less developed nations, perpetuating a form of digital colonialism
INDIA
Human evolution and newer energy sources: Two sides of the same coin
The combined power of wind, sun, and batteries is leading to significant strides in the reshaping of our energy landscape
BUSINESS
Bank CEOs are not James Bond; they should symbolise consumer trust
A bank leader need not be glamorous to shape a well-run and profitable bank
BUSINESS
Small finance banks and Fintechs - marriage of convenience?
Merging a fintech, which has agility and digital in mind, with banks which are used to hierarchy in everything they do, won’t solve for financial inclusion
BUSINESS
MNC Exits: It’s about dhanda, not India
Patience is paramount. India is not the market where one can expect quick victories, and even if you did win, it’s no indicator of its sustainability. Understanding that customers can have diverse preferences and value systems is key. All this necessitates long-term commitment and a flexible, adaptive strategy
BUSINESS
Youngsters will shape future of societies with ESG
To build a trustworthy ESG framework, the youth of India need to start by understanding its core components. Environmental responsibility encourages sustainable practices in a country grappling with pollution and climate change
BUSINESS
Don't complicate regulation of digital finance apps
It is imperative for regulatory authorities to refrain from broad categorisation of all digital lenders as predatory entities, solely on account of the actions of a few ill-intentioned actors or the worrisome inability to curtail their behaviour
BUSINESS
India must build an AI ecosystem immediately
India has the potential to replicate the success of its UPI system in Web3 and artificial intelligence. It needs to boost spending in research and development and allocate funds in annual budgets
BUSINESS
Financial institutions will pay a heavy price for ignoring risks
The relentless push for innovation has given rise to complex systems and interconnected networks, making them susceptible to cyberattacks and data breaches. When a non-bank tele-caller knows more about your bank transaction than you do, it is a stark reminder that the walls of consumer privacy and data security are crumbling
BUSINESS
Tech cannot replace humans in path to sustainability
Technology has the power to drive positive change on an unprecedented scale. But it cannot replace human ingenuity, political will and international cooperation that are xxx by us
BUSINESS
Greenwashing: The charade around ESG
When companies engage in greenwashing by misleadingly presenting themselves as environmentally friendly or socially responsible, they undermine the very essence of ESG. This deceit erodes trust among investors, consumers, and stakeholders, sowing scepticism about the authenticity of corporate commitments
