A ‘Badal’ over Akali revival in Punjab
Sukhbir Singh Badal and his colleagues in Shiromani Akali Dal may have finished the atonement prescribed by the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs. However, it may be a case of too little, too late for Badal who confronts a sceptical electorate. Even SAD may stand no chance if it avoids a leadership change
Google’s Willow: A quantum computing breakthrough, but hold the bubbly -- for now
It represents a big leap in Quantum Computing research but, as even Google admits, this is not likely to lead to even a small practical Quantum Computer by 2030
Swiss knife in tax treaty — How deep is the wound?
Switzerland’s decision to suspend MFN clause in tax pact with India can queer New Delhi’s pitch for global investment
Fed rate cut almost a certainty this week, but next year is a different story
While a 25-basis point cut is priced in for the FOMC meeting this week, the markets are expecting a shallower easing trajectory next year and higher level of rates at the end of the loosening cycle
Opinion: The economic case for simultaneous elections in India
In an exclusive article for Moneycontrol, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh says that a serious conversation on the economic impact of simultaneous polls is necessary among the political community beyond party lines.
Moneycontrol Pro Weekender | Back to the 1930s
The state of the world at present echoes that of the 1930s, this time with nukes
The Reading List: December 13, 2024
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.
Vault matters | Why credit bureaus need to be more borrower friendly
While the central bank has taking a slew of steps to ensure that there is accuracy and faster dissemination of credit history, more can be done to increase the efficiency of credit bureaus. Unlike corporate rating agencies, retail customers barely get a chance to make a case on why the rating score may be wrong. This needs to change for deeper retail penetration
It’s time for a shift in approach to carbon credits
After a slump in the market, more rigour and a change in incentives is needed
Misinformed Narrative: Edward Anderson's book a flawed primer on Hindu nationalism and RSS
RSSFACTS: Edward Anderson's book — ‘Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora’ is marred by factual errors, biases, and a lack of understanding of the organization's workings, perpetuating stereotypes and misinformation about Hindu nationalism and the RSS
Insurers that rely on parent banks for distribution may be in the firing line
Speculation is rife that the IRDAI may consider regulations that curb the role of parent banks as the main distribution channel for insurers due to the risks that poses and creation of a non-level playing field
Electronics — Looking for the right emphasis
Large-scale component manufacturing is key to developing a vibrant electronics ecosystem in the country
India’s private healthcare firms to drive growth, but will hurt affordability
Healthcare affordability is far worse than availability in India
Biocon Biologics' success in biosimilars points to the future pathway for Indian pharma
Biosimilars a huge opportunity, and also a challenge for Indian drugmakers
After ‘Made in India’ whiskies taste global success, artisanal spirits are poised to make their mark
Indian whiskies have gained global recognition, and now artisanal spirits are poised to follow suit, driven by consumers seeking authenticity and unique flavours. India's spirits industry is booming, with a focus on local ingredients, innovation, and sustainable practices
A Constitution is as good as the people and political parties who work it
As the Parliament gears up for a debate on the Constitution, we revisit BR Ambedkar’s closing speech to the Constituent Assembly where he flagged issues that have contemporary resonance: putting form over substance and partisan loyalties over country. The speech also flags the risk of “Bhakti” worship in politics and the unfinished task of transforming India’s political democracy into a social democracy
November retail inflation strengthens case for February rate cut
Not only did food prices fall by 0.6 percent from the previous month, but overall retail prices too were also lower by 0.15 percent
Chart of the Day: India’s infrastructure story needs credit for credibility
An infrastructure-driven GDP growth needs the much needed fuel of credit.
Advent’s rush to scale up Suven Pharma leads it to another acquisition
The NJ Bio acquisition follows Sapala Organics purchase in June
An OPEC for solar power isn’t going to work
Geological advantages are perpetual, but technological advantages can quickly become obsolete
2024 was the hottest year on record. What will spur climate action?
This year was the warmest on record, yet humanity shows little wherewithal to reverse course Mark Gongloff
The organic route to energy security
Ethanol blended petrol in India is here to stay, with the proportion of ethanol reaching 14.6 percent in 2023-24. Government estimates that a decade of ethanol blended petrol has resulted in a savings of over Rs 1 lakh crore. The initial results show that doubling down on biofuels will not only lower energy import dependence but also help the country meet its climate obligations
India’s Shift to ECL Framework: A game-changer for credit risk management
India is transitioning to the ECL framework to improve credit risk transparency. By incorporating dynamic, forward-looking assessments, banks will better forecast losses, manage risks, and enhance accountability, but challenges remain in implementation, especially for smaller institutions
Not too hot is a weak justification for a cut
The areas of the economy that are most sensitive to rates — housing and manufacturing — remain wobbly but are getting no worse
Is Quick Commerce’s threat to kiranawalas in the FMCG market overstated?
Kantar data shows that kiranawalas have lost share in Q3’24 but not to online commerce. Shopping trips and spend per trip show what may be bothering them more
