BUSINESS
Has banking changed with technology disruptions, centuries of evolution?
The essence of banking remains anchored in timeless principles of prudence and trust. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of innovation, let us not lose sight of the enduring core of banking that has withstood the test of time
BUSINESS
AI needs regulation but one that’s flexible and surefooted
Achieving a balance between fostering innovation and mitigating societal risks presents a formidable challenge—one that governments historically struggle to navigate, especially in the technology sector
BUSINESS
As AI aims to enhance intelligence, have we fully understood human cognition?
AI-based systems excel in speed, accuracy, and logical consistency, yet they lack the intuitive, emotional, and culturally sensitive faculties inherent to human cognition — qualities that are indispensable for effective performance
BUSINESS
Governments running entertainment OTT: Is it reel or their role?
The Kerala government’s move to set up an OTT platform that will offer entertainment content raises several questions, most important being if the government should get into this business
BUSINESS
Can ever evolving AI be effectively governed?
Without a practical grasp of how to measure AI milestones or test the attributes that regulations aim to address, policymakers risk enacting rules that are either too broad or too narrow in scope, ultimately lacking meaningful impact
BUSINESS
Google App Store Monopoly: Did we miss building MSeva?
Though the MSeva app has attempted to provide an indigenous app store, too few Indian startups have onboarded it. The absence of partnerships with phonemakers has limited the pre-installation of MSeva on devices, hindering its accessibility to users. Additionally, inadequate promotion and poorly designed user interfaces have contributed to its underutilisation
BUSINESS
Boards must drive sustainability as a catalyst for growth
Sustainability is treated by many companies as a compliance issue or as a theme that investors and customers want to hear. But enlightened boards will be able to see the link between it and superior long-term performance
BUSINESS
As India ages, its working population faces a retirement dilemma
As the world embraces larger tech-enabled businesses and embraces diverse social and cultural engagement, the traditional notion of retirement must adapt
INDIA
Karnataka’s Misguided MNC Mandate: Putting politics over progress
In today's era of globalisation, states must enhance their competitiveness and refrain from coercing businesses into prioritising local hires for mere statistical representation. If Karnataka is attempting to ensure more Kannada speakers get MNC jobs, the state has to prioritise equipping its residents with high-quality education, skills relevant to current and future job markets, and opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurship
BUSINESS
The FinFluencer menace is not just a social media phenomenon
The recent SEBI action on FinFluencers who appeared on a business TV channel and tended misleading financial advice for personal gain opens a new front in the battle for the markets regulator. While SEBI's action underscores its commitment to safeguarding investor interests, it must do more to enshrine transparency across media platforms
BUSINESS
Rise in climate financing underscores need for green taxonomy
Harmonising taxonomy with global frameworks will ensure interoperability across markets, facilitating seamless cross-border investment flows
BUSINESS
India's Young Workforce: Being bullish on Gen Z
Amidst these challenges, Gen Z grapples with an uncertain future shaped by rapidly changing technology and shifting job landscapes. Working collaboratively as a community to understand and tackle these challenges empowers Gen Z to navigate their journey with strength
BUSINESS
Union Budget: What’s in it for the Digital Economy & DPIs?
Focus on deep tech investments in defence and a Rs 1 lakh crore corpus for tech-savvy youngsters to fuel their startup dreams are the most prominent digital economy-related announcements. A disclosure on the progress of announcements relating to AI and DPI made in last year’s budget would have helped
BUSINESS
Sting For India’s Banking Tale: Paytm’s punishment and the pain ahead
Disregarding regulators, simply because one is a poster boy for their industry vertical, holds no sway with the regulators, at least the RBI. For those sceptical about regulatory independence in India, consider this a potent wake-up call. This is also a message to other financial regulators to showcase their supervisory independence and proactively act against errant entities
ENVIRONMENT
Climate bugs in developmental economics
There is a crucial need to intensify efforts to mitigate emissions. But developed economies are sluggish in adopting solutions and in fact are making solutions more expensive than the problem
BUSINESS
Why a new NBFC as guarantor for lower-rated infra bonds won’t help
The introduction of another government-backed NBFC raises concerns about the redundancy of such entities and their questionable effectiveness. Infrastructure finance can be raised much better through market-based mechanisms
BUSINESS
Is AI the new mantra to merely trim headcount?
While AI is not a new concept, its impact has undergone a profound transformation in recent months. An unprecedented surge in investments has been pouring into AI research and implementation. This financial influx is propelling AI to the forefront as the largest disruptor
TRENDS
Vivek Ramaswamy Exit: Despite his bravado and bluster, the Trump wannabe didn’t stand a chance
Ramaswamy’s rigid attempt to appear more “American” than his counterparts was a notable point of failure. In the final reckoning, it was easy for Donald Trump to turn his "Make America Great Again" against the Indian-origin entrepreneur-turned-politician
BUSINESS
Budget 2024: India Inc looks for a consumption boost
Corporate India is facing challenges in capital raising due to high credit costs. The primary anticipation from India Inc is that the government will convey a positive sentiment and send the right signals for encouraging economic consumption
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
