How RBI's proposed principles-based framework can be a gamechanger for Indian fintechs
It's high time RBI empowered innovation without getting into micromanagement
GST 2.0: The big picture
The government’s bet is that lower rates and reduced compliance burdens will expand the tax base and stimulate consumption. However, this must be supported by clarity in classification, promised faster refunds, and improved digital infrastructure to ensure that the benefits reach all stakeholders
Swadeshi and the art of guarded globalisation
India’s approach to swadeshi is rooted in continuity rather than abrupt change. Previously, swadeshi was associated with a self-contained, inward-looking model of self-sufficiency. Today, it is reimagined as ‘guarded globalisation’
GST 2.0: A long-awaited reset, but more fixes are needed
India’s reforms may not be perfect, but they are a step in the right direction and are laying the foundation for sustained growth. For investors, this is not the time to retreat but to accumulate.
Is Indian talent sparking global anxiety?
Racism in action: Western economies cannot function without migrant professionals. Hospitals without Indian doctors would buckle. Universities that drive away international scholars bleed relevance. Yet, their politics thrive on vilifying migrants.
The Reading List: September 5, 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.
India's Digital Competition Bill: Unlocking innovation and fair competition
India’s digital economy faces platform dominance, limiting innovation. The draft Digital Competition Bill offers proactive regulation to ensure fair competition, empowering startups and unlocking digital growth, akin to successful EU regulations
Why a flood-hit Punjab is bad news for food security
Punjab is reeling under the worst flood it’s experienced in decades. It’s still too early to assess the damage, but the signs are not good. A big hit to the paddy output will have national implications as the state is a critical supplier to the PDS
Goldman Sachs wants everyone to be long-term greedy
Wall St bank and T Rowe Price team up to pitch private investments to everyday investors
AI boom, AI bust?
Plus European value stocks, and more on the Fed
GST Rate Rationalization - what it could mean for business margins
Under GST’s design, rate reduction will percolate through the entire value chain, and a lower GST outgo shall reduce the upfront cash outflow towards the tax liability. This would improve working capital efficiency, and reduce reliance on working capital borrowings, thereby lowering interest costs
GST 2.0: Bold reforms set to lower prices and drive growth & inclusion
India’s GST reforms streamline tax structures, reduce compliance burdens, and lower costs on essentials. GST 2.0 promotes economic growth, boosts consumer spending, and fosters an inclusive, business-friendly environment
The Partition Dilemma: Political compromise and exhausted leadership
RSSFACTS: Mohan Bhagwat referenced HV Seshadri’s The Tragic Story of Partition, critiquing Congress leadership for compromising Bharat's unity, highlighting their exhaustion and political bargaining, while showcasing RSS efforts in protecting Hindus and Sikhs
Waaree makes an opportune investment in Kotsons
Kotsons will help Waaree provide integrated solutions and diversify its revenue mix
Chart of the Day: It is not banks but shadow banks that power India’s MSMEs
India’s MSMEs approach NBFCs more than banks for loans, given the latter’s nimbler credit underwriting approach
It's time employers put elder care into the HR rulebook
As India's elderly population surges to 149 million with projections to double by 2050, the lack of institutional elder care support is forcing working families into an impossible balancing act between career demands and caregiving responsibilities.
Personal Finance | Credit growth riding on personal loans spells caution for borrowers
Borrowing against assets for spending and not for asset-creation could lead to a strain on household cash flow
GCC gold rush extends India’s endless loop of innovation-free growth
GST 2.0 Reforms: Why markets celebrated, then cooled off on Thursday
India's much-anticipated GST reforms arrived early as a Diwali gift, but sector-specific nuances in the new rate structure created mixed market reactions despite the overall consumer benefits
GST rate rationalisation may lead to annualised household savings of around Rs 1.8 lakh crore, says Nilesh Shah
Overall, the GST rate rationalisation along with process improvement demonstrates the Government’s urgency and intent to strengthen the GST framework and boost demand in the economy.
GST 2.0 rings in positive changes, but businesses have to work fast to be ready for the new structure
The overarching aim is to boost consumption with a reduction in rates across a slew of products. Industries such as FMCG may have to grapple with an inverted duty structure but measures to speed up refunds will help
Political calculations underpinning GST 2.0
It ticks all the right boxes by protecting the base which contributes the bulk of GST revenue while moving most items of mass consumption to a lower slab. That’s the template all political parties agree on
K Kavitha’s exit from BRS shows that even in political families, it’s a man’s world
Her accusations against two cousins and frustration with her sibling has come after a steady erosion of power within the party. Kavitha’s isolation and the likelihood that the fallout of her exit will be negligible is a clear sign of the pecking order in not just in BRS but also other family-dominated political parties
If AI lifts off, will living standards follow?
Champions of artificial intelligence claim it could fuel genuine economic growth
Long bonds’ synchronised decline
Plus more on jobs and growth
