Caste Census: RSS advocates constitutional and administrative approach, not a political one
The RSS supports addressing caste issues through constitutional means, avoiding political exploitation. They emphasize that caste census and reservations should focus on social benefit rather than electoral gains, promoting unity and integrity
Rate cuts may be round the corner as economic growth drivers are losing momentum
Growth is softening and the global rates cycle is pivoting. RBI may deliver the first rate cut next month and lower policy rate by a percentage point in FY25
Indian Army needs to abandon its ad hoc approach to arming the infantry
SIG716 rifles purchased by the Army gives it breathing space. It must use it to fix the small arms mess marked by piecemeal acquisitions. India needs data-driven acquisition for firearms procurement
Is Jay Powell lucky or good?
Policy, happenstance and the soft landing
Netanyahu’s conflicts of interest are hurting Israel over the war in Gaza
Hostage executions have highlighted doubts over the prime minister’s motives with regards to a cease-fire
India’s shortage of deposits has a taste of China’s past
The smaller economy is emulating its larger rival’s post-2001 tight money policy. But illiquid banks are a hurdle to credit-fueled growth
Key Takeaways from RSS Meet: Focus on expansion, women safety, protecting Hindus globally
The RSS’s three-day meeting in Palakkad concluded on September 2. Key agenda included expanding outreach, enhancing women’s safety, and supporting global Hindus, with a commitment to real, impactful work
Puzzling divergence between private consumption growth and facts on the ground
Growth in private consumption in the Q1FY25 GDP numbers took all by surprise. But granular data from segments such as auto, cement and some discretionary consumer goods could pose as risks to sustained demand expansion
Gujarat PSUs to unlock value through amalgamation
One of the biggest advantages of the amalgamation is that Gujarat Gas will be able to utilise the Rs 7,200 crore in carry-forward losses from GSPC. This tax benefit from absorbing the losses is expected to result in a significant profit boost for the merged entity.
Chart of the Day: India to see biggest rise in coal demand among major countries in 2024
Usage of thermal coal for power generation is estimated to have risen by 10 percent amid high electricity demand
For India’s big banks, small is not beautiful in the NBFC lending market
Data shows banks are now very selective in funding NBFCs; only top-rated NBFCs get loans at relatively lower rates. Borrowers rated AA and below are struggling to access bank credit
How private lenders are winning the margin game
Private sector banks have a high share of EBLR loans, giving them pricing flexibility
How roadmap for building a prosperous India can be guided by 'Integral Humanism'
Modi government in its third term is faced with significant challenges. As India’s young population grows, the government must address crucial goals outlined by RSS thinkers, including reducing freebie culture, curbing rural-to-urban migration, and prioritizing small-scale industries and agriculture
Australia enacts right to disconnect; why implementing it in India may be challenging
Australians can now ignore work communications after hours without repercussions. This right, initially for lower-paid workers without out-of-office expectations, reflects similar laws in about 20 countries. India might face challenges bringing such norms due to intense work cultures and global demands
Chart of the Day: Is China’s steel output decline the answer to the Indian steel producers’ woes?
China’s steel output declined sequentially in June and July, raising hopes output curbs could limit its appetite for exports that have depressed global steel prices
Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana: The long arc of financial inclusion in India
Beginning 1904, there have policy-led attempts at financial inclusion. Banks were the last institutions to join the drive towards inclusion but today are at the forefront. PMJDY represents a culmination of all these years of ideas and policies coming together
How to plug the target-reality gap in manufacturing march?
With 17 percent at present, it is tough for India to ratchet up manufacturing’s share in GDP to 25 percent by next year
Capex to GDP ratio in April-June 2024 highest since September 2012 quarter
There were widespread fears of capex being lower in the June 2024 quarter, on account of the general elections. So the rise in capex in the Q1 FY 25 GDP data is a reflection of the cyclical return of private capex after many years
What GVA data tell us about the structural change in the Indian economy
The share of manufacturing in total GVA was higher in the June 2011, June 2014 and June 2019 quarters than in the June 2024 quarter
GDP growth to pick up on improving outlook for private consumption, fixed investments
India’s real GDP growth moderated in the first quarter of 2024-25 as capital formation slowed down even as growth in private consumption, the largest component of GDP, picked up to its highest in seven quarters
The Reading List: August 30, 2024
A look at some articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams for your weekend read
Australia, US don’t listen to the Pacific Islands so they turn to China
Island leaders want to see allies that will address their priorities, such as climate
Nvidia brings out the crowd, but not the fireworks
The wow factor might be fading, even if the underlying business is performing
Vault Matters: Unified Lending Interface’s unanswered questions
Scaling up and effectively maintaining the database may not be viable in the long-run if ULI should perennially be dependent on government grants and support from the RBI. Without the financial and commercial elements etched out, the concept of ULI may just be remembered over time as an interesting and novel idea
Markets should beware the normalisation of threats
Seeing multiple shocks as usual could end in disaster
