opinion

Chart of the Day: Is life insurance a distribution problem in India?

Banks hold disproportionate sway over life insurance policy sales in India

Why August saw slow growth for life insurers

Margin friendly and simple protection plans are affordable after GST exemption and that may lead growth for insurers.

OPINION | Macroeconomic implications of GST 2.0

The weighted average GST rate after the new structure takes effect is likely to be about 9.5%, the optimal rate that maximises revenue in a Laffer Curve sense. It is likely, however, that the economic boost from the new structure may come more construction-led investment rather than consumption

OPINION | Google ruling in the US will have adverse implications in India and other developing countries

The recent judgement by a US federal court in the 2020 case against Google has been a setback for anti-monopoly advocates in the country and beyond. The judgement emboldens the Big Tech players and disadvantages developing states, including India

Why the bond ‘rout’ might not be what it seems

Global market trend is more a technical move specific to 30-year issues

Why lower income FMCG consumers’ shopping baskets are lighter

A market research survey shows expenses rising at a higher rate for lower income consumers than for higher income ones, in both urban and rural areas

Chart of the Day | Will GST rate cuts fuel the first-time buyer of passenger cars?

First-time buyer demand has been stagnant for nearly a decade with growth seen only in SUVs

OPINION | India’s road safety crisis needs change, starting with a collective response

Road safety is a moral and public health priority. Urgent government action and citizen responsibility are vital to prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure safer roads

The Hire Bill: Taxing efficiency

The proposed HIRE Act would impose a 25 percent tax on US companies' outsourcing payments while eliminating tax deductions for overseas labour expenses, potentially pushing nearly 900,000 Americans into poverty by 2026

OPINION | India’s economic future hinges on interest income tax reform

India’s high interest income tax deters individual investors, limiting affordable debt for infrastructure and SMEs. Reforming to a concessional rate could unlock domestic capital, reduce costs, and boost economic growth

Political Turmoil in Nepal: Another Crisis in India's Neighbourhood

Nepal's current upheaval represents a classic case of incomplete democratic transition, where political liberalization proceeded without corresponding economic restructuring, creating the conditions for systematic state failure

How Sun Pharma’s diverse business is helping it overcome US FDA curbs on manufacturing plants

Exports from Halol manufacturing plant continue to be restricted

Why is AI struggling to discover new drugs?

A generation of start-ups have failed to live up to the hype. Executives are now betting that more powerful tools will crack the complexities of human biology

What China needs to become an economic hegemon

Are Beijing and the CCP able to or willing to play the vital role that the US has often played in the global economy — absorbing global surpluses with relatively open markets?

OPINION | GST Reform: Promise, pitfalls and the road ahead

Categorizing most items into just two tax slabs shows that the GST Council prioritised efficiency over other goals. Some potential benefits of this move are a positive impact on consumer demand and lower incidence of tax evasion. However, the gap between tax slabs can lead to distortions

OPINION | Reforming the collegium system will preserve judicial independence, not undermine it

For the judiciary to remain independent, it must first acknowledge its own flaws and correct them. Ignoring the cracks in the Collegium only invites external intervention, which would compromise its autonomy

What’s playing behind record leveraged bets in Indian markets?

Indian investors are doubling down on margin trading as domestic institutional investors overtake foreign counterparts, with leveraged bets surging 13-fold to nearly Rs 1 lakh crore over five years.

OPINION | Mo Money, Mo Problems (and fewer customers)—Why conglomerates struggle with digital commerce

Conglomerates struggle in Indian e-commerce due to slower decision-making and lack of cultural relevance. Success lies in leveraging existing strengths—supply chains, partnerships, and trust—rather than mimicking startups

US impetus for India to bargain hard with EU on carbon levy

As the next round of India-EU FTA talks get underway, New Delhi’s focus should be on getting some relief on the CBAM

Chart of the Day | How lower indirect taxes could ease pressure on inflation

With recent GST reforms easing inflationary pressures and fiscal deficit projections intact, Mint Road gains more policy space while staying firmly data dependent.

Global macro shifts and their impact on Indian markets

Global markets are grappling with the clash between cyclical economic slowdowns and persistent structural pressures, driving unprecedented volatility and reshaping the financial landscape

OPINION | The growing importance of skills in shaping employability

In India's evolving job market, employers are prioritising practical skills over academic qualifications. Skill-based hiring, online certifications, and vocational training are reshaping career paths, driving innovation and economic progress

Does valuation matter anymore in the age of AI?

Durability of corporate growth and profit margins might outweigh metrics showing the cheapness of a stock