The US is wooing Central Asia under the shadow of China, Russia
Several trade, diplomatic, and mineral deals have been announced. A new global race for critical minerals is now on. But challenges abound
Why day trading is Not for everyone
The lure of easy riches attracts newbie traders to an activity that is dominated by highly skilled, deep-pocketed veterans who also hold a technological edge over retail traders
Chart of the Day: Coal power plant utilisation levels slide on sluggish electricity demand
Electricity demand saw a notable reduction in October 2025
Bajaj Finance’s Q2 shows tax cuts powered consumer loans, but stress lurks
GST cuts pushed Indians to indulge in festival purchases, powering up Bajaj Finance’s loans
OPINION | Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier, changes Quad incentives for military ties
Over the past two decades, China’s naval shipbuilding has executed the fastest peacetime fleet expansion in history, transforming its navy from a coastal force into one rivalling the U.S. in the Western Pacific. It amplifies incentives among Quad members for deeper ties
OPINION | India’s security threat is not limited to conventional sources; asymmetric tactics are a reality
India is in a hostile neighbourhood with countries inimical to it resorting often to unconventional measures. The good news is the security establishment has been quick to prepare for it
Reasons to be bearish about China’s rise
Yes, its economic engine is remarkable, but there are factors that should temper predictions of global hegemony
Chart of the Day | Is OFS exodus a warning sign?
In the first eleven months of 2025, OFS accounted for nearly 65 percent of all IPO proceeds by value
Rethinking the Classic 60:40 Portfolio: The case for a 60:20:20 allocation
An asset class with fundamentally different and distinct drivers such as gold can create additional diversification
The Eastern Window: Amid political uncertainty in Bangladesh, India faces tough choices
Politicians in Bangladesh are wading through troubled waters. The elections, if held as planned in February 2026, are unlikely to throw up a clear winner. The National Citizens Party formed this February by rebel student leaders is yet to make an impact. India may consider cultivating relationship with BNP leader Tarique Rahman if it does not want to see the pro-Pakistan Jamaat e Islami in power
OPINION | Equal pay for women’s cricket isn’t charity — it’s paying them their due
Cricket’s market(ing) power was never built on merit alone — it was built on belief. When we extend that belief to women cricketers, we will make the game ‘just’. Equality is the most rational investment India can make in its future champions
A welcome reset in government’s renewable energy plans
India has come a long way in galvanising green power generation capacity additions
Sun Pharma breaks away from pure play generic companies in US
Sun Pharma’s revenues from specialty drugs surpassed generic medicines for the first time in the US
COP30: Baku to Belém — In search of climate cash
Unless there’s a fundamental change in approach, the latest roadmap on climate financing will largely remain aspirational
M&A loans: RBI is opening the gates. Do Indian banks have the playbook?
Governor Malhotra says guardrails are in place and judgement should rest with banks. History suggests judgement, not regulation, will decide the outcome.
OPINION | The rise of Vertical AI
The cloud era was about making human workflows digital. The AI era is about letting machines handle those workflows altogether. The next decade will belong to Vertical AI: specialised applications that marry powerful models with domain-specific data, workflows, and go-to- market expertise
The Reading List: November 7, 2025
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
OPINION | Vault Matters: The consequences of dichotomy of ownership structure in banks
There is difference in approach at present in the ownership structures, whether through the government, foreign owners or the local promoter. While this issue hasn't gathered momentum yet, it would be constructive for the RBI to harmonise the capital structures before it can become a heated debate
OPINION | RSSFACTS: ‘Vande Mataram’ at 150: A prayer to the motherland; not a call to idolatry
RSSFACTS: It’s the song of the nation’s soul that inspires everyone. When the tendency to fragment the society on the parochial bases of caste, language, geography is on the rise, Vande Mataram is a thread that can bind us together
Sequoia’s shake-up may be a VC turning point
Turnover of leaders shows how hard it can be to ride out the vicious financial and tech cycles
Are bubbles good, actually?
Beyond Carbon: Why COP must bring life cycle thinking into the climate conversation
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework, which evaluates environmental impacts from cradle to gate to well, offers the systemic clarity needed to avoid burden-shifting between sectors or resources
Tackling farmer distress requires imaginative long-term solutions
Farm loan waivers have been in vogue for decades, but have done little by way of materially altering the fortunes or sustainability of Indian farming
OPINION | Private participation in India’s space ecosystem will reach a milestone in 2026 with rocket launches
Investment and attention have been concentrated in satellites. Two startups aim to change this as they prepare to add to existing domestic capacity in the primary infrastructure: launch vehicles
