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
India’s Digital Payments Surge: Revolutionising commerce and empowering small businesses
India’s digital payments have surged nearly fivefold in six years, with over 40% of transactions now cashless. UPI leads this shift, empowering small businesses by removing geographic barriers and enhancing convenience. Government initiatives have also helped in driving the growth story
Why sporadic bans won’t fix the ‘irrational drugs’ problem
India’s fixed dose combination (FDC) problem is neither a new one, nor unknown to the regulators or the medical fraternity or the pharmaceutical industry. What’s missing is a concerted effort to eliminate bad actors
After success with customers, Korean giants target Indian investors
South Korean firms LG, Hyundai have cracked the code in India markets
Chart of the Day: More Indians are becoming credit aware to be credit worthy
Indians in smaller cities and towns are becoming more credit aware and ready to borrow.
Unified Pension Scheme – Two birds with one stone, or a step back in time?
While government employees are getting a better deal, the hit to government finances may turn out to be insignificant, under certain assumptions
Fitch Ratings to India: Close, but no cigar
The key risk, says Fitch, "is if this private investment cycle does not materialise as a result of subdued consumption, which would weigh on job creation and dampen potential benefits from India's demographic dividend"
JanDhan's success boosts bank accounts but financial inclusion challenges persist
JanDhan has opened 531.3 million accounts with Rs 2.3 trillion in deposits, enhancing financial access, particularly in rural areas. However, low average balances and minimal use of overdraft highlight that account access alone doesn’t fully address poverty, revealing gaps in financial well-being
RIL's Bonus Bonanza: A boost for retail investors as Mukesh Ambani unveils bold plans
RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani's speech focused on the company's adoption of cutting edge technology across businesses, especially AI
India's Critical Minerals Race: Securing resources for future growth
Global demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt is surging, driven by clean energy and semiconductor needs. India, aiming to become a tech hub, must address policy gaps and boost investment. Key measures include tax incentives, FDI reforms, strategic reserves, and international collaborations
