opinion

OPINION | How to avoid mountains of toxic scrap as India accelerates its solar power buildout

Solar panels have a finite life. Policy to head off a waste crisis from redundant panels lacks the right incentives. The focus should be on setting recycling targets instead of storage mandates, which will yield critical minerals like silicon and copper

Chart of the Day: While India restricts, US embraces 0DTE trading

While India's aggressive regulatory crackdown on options trading drives participants away and volumes down, US markets are witnessing explosive growth in ultra-short-duration 0DTE options, with retail traders now dominating a market segment that has grown 700% in five years.

Tepid tax revenue growth raises stakes for consumption-led recovery, post festive season

With only 2.8% tax revenue growth in H1, the government’s fiscal roadmap hinges on a strong consumption rebound fuelled by GST cuts and lower rates—any shortfall risks spending cuts and a tighter FY27 budget

Data Story: India’s Golden ATM

A massive Rs 1 lakh crore expansion in gold loans in the last six months is unlocking the vast, dormant wealth of India's unproductive family gold hoards

Banking Central | What does UPI surge mean for Indian payments system?

UPI’s future hinges on whether policymakers allow it to stand on viable economic legs

A defence deal that can help fortify India-US ties

The timing of the renewal of the defence framework agreement between India and the US is significant, as bilateral ties are going through challenging times

Data Story: Cipla shone under Umang Vohra, task cut out for new CEO

Growth in the US business slowed in recent quarters

OPINION | The Next Big Breach: Why India’s digital boom is a hacker’s dream

As India digitises faster than any other economy, its weakest link, cybersecurity, could decide how far the boom goes

OPINION | Vault Matters: $7 billion, four banks and a new outlook to equity

Capital, equity, etc. are not concerns of RBI was the view that the central bank seemed to hold for a long time. The new regime and its thinking is proving this belief wrong, making for a welcome change 

The Reading List: October 31, 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 | Trump-Xi Talks: Short-term truce, long-term friction

The cessation of trade hostilities covered just recent measures. China’s official stance was a candid “occasional friction is normal”. US’ need to contain China’s expanding capability makes conflict in economic and technological domains inevitable

OPINION | Sardar Patel’s Legacy: Unity, integration, and the spirit of Ekta

RSSFACTS: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy of national integration. His correspondence reveals nuanced views on the RSS, while modern celebrations, like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, promote unity and shared national identity

In the AI boom, not all capex is created equal

There are big differences in the level of risk and likely returns of Big Tech’s spending 

OPINION | One Water, Many Gains: The economics of moderation

India's water crisis demands a shift towards sustainable practices, balancing supply and demand. Through community-led initiatives, improved water management, and climate adaptation, water can be a tool for economic stability and resilience

Caught between premium and value segments, Bata is struggling to stay relevant

Decline in profits and revenue reflects a bigger problem for Bata: loss of relevance

The GST Appellate Tribunal should not go the way of other tribunals

The humongous workload is the surest indicator, if one was needed, that India’s newest disputes-resolution tribunal needs to adopt a radically different approach

GST overhaul — After the 'what', comes the 'how'

Process reforms are key to equipping India’s indirect tax system for better revenue mobilisation

Rate cut relief or more confusion: What the Fed’s move means for India’s markets

Domestic conditions support another rate cut by the RBI. For markets to wear a bigger smile, however, much depends on this one source of funds delivering the goods

Chart of the Day: Is it time to retire the debit card?

Debit card transactions are being cannibalised by UPI

OPINION | The rise of India’s blue cities

Historically port cities, such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Kochi, have been gateways to the world, fostering cultural exchange, commerce, and innovation. Today, they hold the potential to become centres of finance, services, and human talent

OPINION | Supreme Court’s Karur Judgement: Questions of jurisdiction, neutrality and federal trust

Two aspects of the interim order have triggered debate. One, the decision to transfer the case to CBI when jurisprudence has set a high bar to do so. Two, the decision to appoint two IPS officers to the supervisory committee who may be of Tamil Nadu cadre but not natives of the state 

Indian sugar mills in sticky ethanol spot

The government’s desire to keep sugar prices in check may have led to a lower than desired allocation for cane-based ethanol, leading to mills worrying about the fate of their investments

OPINION | How AI-driven empathy in debt collections is reducing defaults

AI-driven, empathetic debt recovery is transforming India’s collections landscape. It is replacing pressure with personalised, respectful communication that boosts repayment, strengthens trust, and promotes responsible, compliant financial practices