CCI’s case against ad agencies points to the persistence of cartels in Indian business
Impunity among companies to collude rises if laws are not enforced effectively, publicly and swiftly
Fixed income strategies in a 'lower for longer' rate environment
In a lower for longer regime, fixed income investors must focus on high credit quality
Next GST Council meeting may eliminate 12% tax slab and shift items to other slabs
The 56th GST Council meeting is due soon. Its agenda is expected to include items such as GST slab rate rationalisation and a decision on consumer requests for an exemption of GST on health insurance premium
When markets discount a war, what's the message for investors?
If the ceasefire holds, investors can start looking ahead towards the upcoming earnings season. But selling by one set of institutional investors poses a risk
Chart of the Day: Creator of middle class, PSU banks are biggest lenders to small entrepreneurs
Micro firms have a higher incidence of delinquencies, but stress has reduced.
What the CD issuance pattern of Indian banks tells us
Public sector banks now dominate the CD market, signalling shifting liquidity dynamics and raising questions on long-term funding strategies
India's Clinical Trials: From emerging player to global leader in drug development
India's clinical trial industry has surged into the top three globally, driven by regulatory reforms, affordability, vast patient pools, and growing international confidence, positioning India as a key player in global drug development
Data Story: As China’s steel output dips in May, are Indian producers in a sweet spot?
China’s steel output has fallen sharply in May while India’s safeguard duty has helped crimp imports
A resilient economy makes a resilient market
Shocks? What shocks?
Justice HR Khanna’s dissent in the Emergency’s infamous ADM Jabalpur case still resonates
Emergency was one the worst phases for the Supreme Court as it failed to provide the necessary check on the excesses of the political and permanent executives. This failure was encapsulated in the ADM Jabalpur case when the majority in the five-member bench ruled that people could not question their detention. Justice HR Khanna provided the sole dissent and was superseded for it. His dissent, however, echoes to this day and serves as a reference point
Chart of the Day | Changing contours of domestic consumption story
Data shows that unbranded players are leading consumption in urban markets
Why tier-two cities can drive forward India’s economic development
According to the Randstad Talent Insights Report 2025, job creation opportunities have grown by 42 percent in tier-two cities during September 2024 to February 2025, as against 19 percent in tier one metros
Can investment flows break free of global tensions?
UNCTAD highlights how trade and geopolitical tussles inhibit global FDI, hampering the economic progress of developing nations such as India
How the Iran-Israel war has altered the market
After a strong rebound from April lows, Indian markets are treading cautiously again—sector churn and fading participation hint at a rally on shaky legs
Lowering tariffs and trade barriers could unlock Viksit Bharat 2047
India's aspiration to become a developed country by 2047 hinges on its ability to unlock unprecedented growth, innovation, and capital
Data Story: A mixed outlook awaits credit cards, but a turnaround is likely soon
Credit card issuances were higher in May compared with the monthly average in FY25
Middle East oil price risk not a headache for RBI yet
Brent crude oil has averaged $66 per barrel so far in 2025-26, lower than the RBI’s assumptions for the year
India’s diplomacy and FTA negotiations – A turbulent path
India’s approach to trade talks are undergirded by two critical premises. One, concessions are linked to geopolitical context. Two, policy space is a strategic asset and not a bargaining chip. In the case of the US as the administration is prone to flip-flops, India’s insisting on review clauses that lets both sides revisit flash points
Fali Nariman, a beacon of moral courage when Emergency was proclaimed
Fali Nariman was Additional Solicitor General of India when Emergency was declared. He resigned in protest, displaying moral fibre when it was scarcely discernible in the executive or judiciary. A look at that tumultuous period through his experiences provides an important takeaway. Once laws remove restraints on the executive, they will act with 'hobnailed boots'
India's CCPA targets dark patterns in e-commerce for fair design
The CCPA advisory urges e-commerce platforms to eliminate dark patterns in design, enhancing user autonomy and aligning with global standards. Platforms must self-audit and ensure transparent, informed consent practices
How oil traders called the Middle East conflict
Open source intelligence and social media posts gave market participants confidence to sell despite turmoil
What is behind Indian rupee's recent rough ride?
The rupee is vulnerable to geopolitical events more now than before
Climate-proof and Profitable: the hidden upside of adaptation investments in India
Adaptation isn’t just climate insurance but also a smart investment. In India, projects that bolster resilience are delivering powerful profits, showing that climate-proofing can be as lucrative as it is necessary
Decoding Economics: Piketty’s new research reveals how the Global South was impoverished to enrich the North
A ground-breaking new analysis by Thomas Piketty and Gaston Nievas reveals how centuries of colonial exploitation systematically transferred wealth from India and other colonies to Europe, fuelling Western prosperity at the expense of the Global South. Their research suggests that, had these transfers not occurred, India could have ended up owning vast assets in Britain itself
