Change of menu: Kraft Heinz bets on old brands to win new consumers
This marks a shift in strategy from the focus on large-scale acquisitions
Will BJP’s CAA promise in Bengal mar its chances in Assam?
Contrary to its stand in Assam, the BJP in West Bengal has promised implementation of the CAA, which Home Minister Amit Shah declared would be its decision in its first Cabinet meeting if it wins the seat of power in Kolkata
Shiv Sena ‘encounters’ yet another problem with the Centre
The BJP has used the arrest and suspension of Sachin Waze to criticise the Shiv Sena. However, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ statement that he was pressurised by the Shiv Sena to reinstate Waze does not sit well for him or the national party
Apparel retailers step up store expansion to drive growth, market share
Companies such as Trent, Aditya Birla Fashion, TCNS Clothing and Page Industries have indicated accelerated store additions
RBI research takes the shine off Economic Survey’s spirited defence of high fiscal deficits
Researchers at the RBI seem to have a less enthusiastic view of the wonders of a negative r-g than those who penned the Economic Survey
Gold continues to remain structurally weak
A new trend has been observed where investors are now comparing gold investment with digital gold (cryptocurrency) resulting in money being diverted to cryptos
China’s vaccine diplomacy bears closer watching
Beijing’s insistence on China-made vaccines is a symptom of the simultaneously narrow worldview and siege mentality of the Communist Party of China
Rich countries signed away a chance to vaccinate the world
Residents of wealthy and middle-income countries have received about 90% of the nearly 400 million vaccines delivered so far. Many of the rest will have to wait years
Recast as ‘Stimmies’, federal relief checks drive a stock buying spree
According to analysts at Deutsche Bank, as much as $170 billion from the latest round of stimulus payments could flow into the stock market
Challenges in privatisation of PSBs
The government, to disinvest more than 51 percent and still retain control of PSBs, should introduce the concept of golden share
The curious case of inner party democracy in Kerala
The whip culture in the political system should be done away with, and instead, the more significant ideological debates featuring in the socio-cultural context should be encouraged to maintain the sanctity and survival of the political space
Apollo-Athene: the new Berkshire Hathaway?
Apollo Global Management, the $455bn investment group, is throwing a lifeline to those firms heavily battered by the pandemic
Interview | Our aim is to become a pan-India cement company, says N Srinivasan of India Cements
With demand rising, improved utilisation could soften the impact of rising input costs, says India Cements MD
Accenture’s results show big IT companies can weather pay hikes for now
Accenture raised its operating profit margin guidance for the current fiscal and exuded confidence in meeting increased demand for people
RBI says demand gets a push from falling household savings rate and higher borrowing
The question is: If household savings normalise and go back to pre-pandemic levels, while the fiscal deficit remains elevated, will interest rates go up?
RBI report warns Goldilocks may be mauled by bond vigilantes
RBI will defend her, if needed by unleashing its Brahmastra
Universal Basic Income — The Bengal model
The monthly cash scheme proposal in Trinamool manifesto builds on Mamata’s welfare narrative, but could be hard to deliver for a state saddled with huge debt
Fifty years ago too India had a robust gig economy
Fifty years ago, India’s GDP was barely $70 billion. Today, just the gig economy is estimated to be around $250 billion and expected to grow to $455 billion by 2023
Art in the time of NFTs
The buying and selling of art, be it as an NFT or a framed painting, is finance and speculation — a business deal. The art itself is unaffected
The Reading List: March 19, 2021
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance
Indus Water Treaty an opportunity for India-Pakistan co-operation
The Indus Water Commissioners need to be joined by experts in the field of glacier melts, forestry and disaster management. Don’t erode the treaty. Widen its scope
Stalin vs EPS | Tamil Nadu’s ‘presidential’ elections
The Stalin vs EPS battle is dominating the political narratives across Tamil Nadu, giving the perception that the DMK and the AIADMK have predominantly converted the elections into a battle of two personalities
Chart of the Day | No super cycle: IEA on crude oil
The IEA expects demand to recover, but ample supply and inventories should keep a check on prices
‘A sugar rush’: Why the Fed fears a booming US economy won’t last
Central bank forecasts fastest growth since Reagan era this year but worries about pandemic scars
Kesoram junk bond issue shows the way for the stressed asset market
Private credit or direct lending transactions are on the rise, said investment bankers
