opinion

Europe’s increased defence spending doesn’t cut it. Ukraine needs the US

The US not just provided the largest support to Ukraine among individual countries, its supply of military hardware has no immediate substitute. Moreover, Europe’s stated intent to ramp up military spending will run into the constraint caused by the continent’s relative economic decline. The US is irreplaceable in Ukraine’s war effort

President Trump and the unhappiness of the supply chain strategist

Supply chain managers worldwide have faced multiple disruptions in the past decade, from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical conflicts. However, the unpredictability brought by Donald Trump’s second term, with rapid tariff threats and trade wars, has created unprecedented challenges

Deconstructing the DOGE narrative about government debt

The fear of US public debt, often exaggerated by policymakers, overlooks fundamental economic realities. Instead of focusing on debt reduction, the priority should be ensuring government expenditures enhance productive capacity to sustain economic growth

Can India create a Goldilocks moment for its trade?

New Delhi needs to leverage the US offer for a bilateral deal and China’s cooperation call to its advantage    

The Eastern Window: Will Trump’s tariffs bring the Dragon and the Elephant together?

As India and China attempt to mend ties, can India afford to embrace Chinese FDI while safeguarding its strategic interests? 

Merchant power producers in a sweet spot on rising demand, limited generation capacity

Given the long construction timelines of new projects, companies are finding it lucrative to purchase and turn around financially troubled power plants.

Widening the lens on the Hoysala temples, a legacy at risk

The Hoysala dynasty's architectural wonders, beyond those in Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, face neglect and theft. Despite being listed as ‘protected’, many lesser-known sites remain vulnerable. Experts stress the need for wider preservation efforts beyond the iconic landmarks

The Reading List: March 7, 2025

A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams

Tuhin Pandey’s SEBI brings fresh hope with a focus on trust and transparency

In his first major public engagement, Sebi’s chairman laid out a vision. It promises to usher in a regulatory approach that is not overzealous. Instead, there will be a push to be mindful of trade-offs and a willingness to listen to feedback. He’s promised 'optimum regulation'

Finance Commission’s workings need a greater degree of transparency

India’s federal structure is under stress on several grounds, particularly tax devolution between Centre and states, and among states.  Finance Commissions play a critical role in the devolution process. However, a drawback in their approach has been the absence of an adequate level of transparency on the underlying reasons for significant changes in devolution formulae

Revisiting ‘The Fundamentalist Project’ to understand western bias against RSS  

RSSFACTS: The Fundamentalism Project's analysis of the RSS faces criticism for incorrectly labelling the organisation as fundamentalist. Gurumurthy argues the project misrepresents the RSS, emphasising its ideological differences from Abrahamic fundamentalism and highlighting flaws in the academic framework applied

What corporate credit spreads are signalling on returns

High-yields might not be a giveaway any more but are fairly priced

Noble Yet Unequal: Gender inequality in India's legal profession

Women's participation in India's legal field remains severely limited due to systemic biases, work culture, and financial inequality. Despite challenges, ongoing reforms and advocacy signal hope for greater gender diversity and inclusion in the profession

India’s middle-class market: How big is it really?

As urban consumption has weakened due to inflation and low wage growth, the actual size of the consuming class is being called into question

US yields are finally falling, but for the wrong reasons

A change in market expectations – from an inflation slowdown to an economic slowdown – is reflected in how long-term US treasury yields have fallen more than short-term yields. What does this mean for Indian investors?

Vault Matters: Why green financing is not yet a greener pasture

The US is having a total rethink on its approach to renewable financing and back home the trend seems to have just gotten started. Like most times, are we picking the tail end of an idea?

Voltas’s leadership in ACs should yield better profit margins

Peer Blue Star is seeing better profitability with lower market share

Personal Finance: Are women risk averse?

It is time to shed staid narratives and be objective in making your financial plan

Chart of the Day | How RBI under Malhotra is playing the liquidity puzzle

Since December, multiple rounds of OMOs, VRRs and forex swaps have been conducted to contain the liquidity situation.

Subtle threads tying quantity to quality

Quantity itself can be a major mechanism for leverage, in almost all spheres of life, including with our finances. Abundance need not always result in lower value; used well, abundance offers tremendous benefits

Wake up India, AI colonialism is not a myth

The future can see a digital divide of frightening proportions. Most countries may become AI consumers. Physical sovereignty may be replaced by AI sovereignty. Nations without AI sovereignty will always be left behind in economy, security, and innovation. It may result in data colonialism

SEBI tightens the noose on derivative trading

SEBI's latest proposal to tighten derivative trading limits has sparked concerns among traders and investors. With stricter position limits and increased regulatory uncertainty, market liquidity and trading volumes are expected to take a hit.

What does your beard say about you?

For the first time in over a century, facial hair is seen as a marker of the ruling class

China’s inflation problem isn’t just going away

The drama around Trump and tariffs has pushed one of Beijing’s challenges to the sidelines