Four takeaways from Raisina Dialogue on contemporary geopolitics
From Ukraine to information warfare, discussions at the Raisina Dialogue revealed insights about the shifts in contemporary geopolitics that India would do well to adapt to
Germany finally shakes off its fiscal straitjacket to cope with tectonic shifts
Both houses of Germany’s Parliament have approved carveouts in the country’s restrictive “debt brake” in the wake of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. A militarily assertive Germany, rearmed with public spending, can alter the balance of power within Europe and NATO. For Washington, it offers a much-needed “burden-sharing” partner. For Russia and China, it is a clear signal that Europe is mobilising for long-term strategic competition
With Indorama, EPL gets another stab at growth acceleration
Indorama plans to encourage EPL pursue growth aggressively
The Reading List: March 21, 2025
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams
Water, our most abused fundamental natural resource
March 22 is World Water Day. It’s an occasion to take a close look at water, a resource that is relatively scarce in India, which is classified as “water stressed”. As the economy grows and per capita incomes rise, water availability will have to increase. The way out is dust off old plans such as interlinking of rivers and use technological solutions to reuse water. Implementing them well is a prerequisite to be a developed nation
Chart of the Day: States’ borrowing spree isn’t leading to a spending one
The outlook on state capex is benign while poll-promised freebies could dent fiscal position.
Dollar slump magnifies stock market pain for foreign investors
Simultaneous sell-off in US equities and currency ends ‘virtuous cycle’ for fund managers in Europe
But for geography, the South will beat the rest of the country in agriculture. Here’s why
Apart from having separate agriculture budgets in three Southern states, there is a focus on measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on farmers
Trump’s tariff gambit sparks dollar dominance debate
Donald Trump's renewed tariff threats underscore the United States' deep concern over the dollar's global dominance. While such threats may temporarily disrupt efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar, they could also hasten the search for alternatives
Climate change — Can’t beat the heat? Learn to cope with it
Adaptation strategies by way of heat action plans for urban areas and heat-proof housing for rural areas must be actively pursued
Four guiding principles that will drive the RSS centenary celebrations
RSSFACTS: The RSS's centenary celebrations, set for 2025-2026, focus on expanding its core principles, including societal transformation, selfless work, and the Shakha system. These principles have helped the RSS grow into the world's largest voluntary organisation, shaping its impact across various fields
Indian IT stocks have been correcting again, is this time different?
The IT sector’s roller-coaster ride post-pandemic continues. After yielding a 57 percent return in 2024, the Nifty IT Index has corrected by 15 percent so far in 2025. What should investors do?
US tariffs on Chinese shipping can disrupt global trade
To counter China’s dominance in the shipping industry, the US government is considering imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese-built and -operated vessels. While it’s aimed at boosting the US shipping sector, the proposed fees could lead to widespread disruption in global trade and economic loss for American exporters and farmers
Justice Chandrachud was his own man, a disadvantage in a world obsessed with pigeonholing
A judge’s most important qualification is impartiality and non-commitment to any particular idea or point of view. But, in a highly polarised world, neutrality can be seen as a lack of commitment rather than a principled stance. However, neutrality can also be a form of resistance—an assertion that one refuses to be manipulated into extreme positions
Bain Capital brings the much-needed shine to Manappuram Finance’s gold business
Bain’s entry gives the sparkle to India’s gold loan market as much as gold adds a shine to Bain’s portfolio.
Work hours don’t matter, results do
The shift to remote work demands new productivity metrics focused on results, trust, and innovation. Traditional office culture is replaced by task-oriented assessments, AI integration, and peer/customer feedback, reshaping how businesses measure success in the modern workplace
Navigating Growth Without Funding: When and how to raise capital in a bootstrapped startup
Bootstrapping, funding growth through personal savings and revenue, allows entrepreneurs greater control and independence. Successful companies like Zoho and Zerodha highlight its potential. However, it requires careful planning, creativity, and resilience to overcome financial pressures and scaling challenges
Goons in khaki and a timid government blight Punjab
Shubh Karman te Kabahun Na Tarun (never dread to tread the righteous path), the motto of Punjab Police, is alien to policing in the state. Assault of a serving army officer and his son by police personnel and the subsequent cover-up reveal the extent of rot in the system. Also, the deafening silence of the AAP government raise the question if the political executive in Punjab is in control of the state’s police force
Federal Reserve cuts US growth forecast as Trump’s policies weigh on outlook
Central bank also lifts inflation projection as chair Jay Powell warns of tariff impact
SGB fiasco: Why rising gold prices are causing headaches for the government
The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme was introduced to steer Indian investors away from physical gold purchases and reduce the country's gold import bill. However, the government’s failure to hedge against rising gold prices has resulted in mounting liabilities, turning the SGB scheme into an expensive financial misstep.
India’s AI Strategy: Path to global leadership
India is positioning itself as a global AI leader, advocating for socially responsible and inclusive AI development. With initiatives like IndiaAI Mission and global collaborations, India aims to leverage its vast data and talent pool to create sustainable, impactful AI solutions
Chart of the Day: Sugar prices get a boost from weak output expectations
A lowering of estimates in major sugar producing countries has led to a recovery in sugar prices
Venezuela’s happier than India — Maybe, chaos is the key to happiness
India has inched its way up the World Happiness Report 2025, landing at rank 118 — a victory worth celebrating if you enjoy beating Burkina Faso and Chad. Clearly, all it takes to be happy these days is a sprinkle of chaos and a dash of despair
Ola Electric needs a new hit product
Success in motorcycles can put the company firmly on the profitability path
Governor Malhotra disregards global political climate, displays his green credentials
Safeguarding the financial system from climate change impact remains high on RBI’s to-do list
