opinion

Big Four firms race to develop audits for AI products

Accounting groups hope to emulate previous profit gains from audits of companies’ ESG metrics

Will Bangladesh Army stage a coup?

The gulf between the Yunus-led caretaker government and the military brass is evident. A deterioration in both political and security conditions have catalyzed speculation of a coup. That said, when studied against the backdrop of conditions that enable a coup, Bangladesh seems unlikely to witness a military takeover. At present.

Why RBI must tread with caution on the gold loan rules

The central bank must listen to bankers’ concerns and craft a framework that regulates without alienating

Vietnam’s Vinfast entry to fuel battle for EV supremacy in India

It may be the largest selling EV back home but it's yet to make a mark in international markets

The Talking Dead: who owns the voices of the deceased?

Fortnite’s use of AI-generated Darth Vader voice, based on James Earl Jones, raises ethical questions about consent, digital replicas, and the future of labor rights in an AI-driven world

Chart of the Day: The transformation at dairy companies

Revenues from value-added products are rising faster than liquid milk sales

Is there an import itch in robust GST numbers?

A granular study of the monthly indirect tax collections reveals trends that merit the attention of the authorities concerned

How to prepare for the future of warfare with unmanned vehicles

While flashy jets and tanks hog the limelight, recent conflicts have revealed the real game-changers in modern warfare: unmanned vehicles. From stealthy drones to robotic ground and underwater systems, the battlefield is evolving fast

Are retail traders biting off more than they can chew?

Margin Trading Facility data show a spurt in borrowing by retail traders to invest in stocks

Invisibilising Taiwan

A flawed interpretation of a UN General Assembly resolution has allowed multilateral bodies such as WHO to keep Taiwan out from contributing to its work in full measure. Individual countries too have used this resolution to limit engagement with Taiwan. To counter China’s influence, Taiwan has to expand its diplomatic outreach to ensure it’s not shut out

Is Trump’s doubling of steel and aluminium tariffs a death blow to the industry?

While a 25 percent tariff on these key industrial metals was bad enough, a doubling to 50 percent is a punitive measure to discourage imports and revive lethargic domestic output

How to break China’s stranglehold on critical minerals

One potential fix is using AI to cut extraction costs

Ruchir Sharma: The world’s strongest currency is also super-competitive 

Switzerland’s success shows that a nation can revalue its way to prosperity

Chart of the Day: Does the sell in May and go away strategy work in India?

The age-old adage "Sell in May and go away" has long influenced investor behaviour in Western markets. But does this seasonal wisdom hold true in India?

China, Yunus, and the Crisis in Dhaka: Why India’s next move on Hasina matters

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s hopes of political revival appear to have been dashed. A judicial tribunal has indicted her while the Supreme Court has lifted the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami which is believed to be close to Pakistan. On his part, Chief Advisor Mohmmed Yunus is trying to survive the political storm 

‘One Nation, One Symbol’ is key to India’s self-reliance

Sanghnomics: Swadeshi Jagaran Manch started a campaign to promote self-reliance and national security, advocating a ‘Made in India’ symbol to curb foreign goods, strengthen the economy, and support domestic industries

India-Nepal Ties: A strong bilateral partnership amid China’s looming presence

India-assisted development projects in Nepal are aimed at addressing pressing needs at the ground level as well as strengthening infrastructure and connectivity

Will Shashi Tharoor leave Congress? Tensions rise ahead of Kerala 2026 elections

Shashi Tharoor’s participation in a national diplomatic delegation has reignited tensions within the Congress party. With Kerala elections on the horizon, internal rivalries and leadership ambitions are back in the spotlight

Trump’s war on US universities will help India only if we can fix our higher education mess

Expenses of Indian students abroad is one the largest contributors to foreign exchange outflow. It also reflects the relatively poor state of higher education here. An inhospitable climate in the US should catalyse a serious strategic approach to universities in India, with private sector playing a bigger role. It should be in sync with national goals, which means it will have to be all about STEM

MedPlus’s generic drug push is yielding tangible benefits

Traction in private label business has infused positive momentum into MedPlus’s stock

Pace of Q4 growth surprises, but RBI will stick to monetary easing

Net indirect taxes have had an unforeseen level of impact on GDP, pushing it higher than market expectation. Among other factors giving it a boost were high government investment spending and a contraction in imports. Given the level of uncertainty arising from global factors, RBI is unlikely to let the GDP trend arrest the ongoing monetary loosening cycle.

Vault Matters | The curious case of IndusInd Bank share price

Strangely enough, barring the single day fall on March 11 by over 20 percent, IndusInd Bank’s stock price has held up quite steady despite a barrage of bad news hitting the counter, denying the underlying negative sentiments around the stock. The logic defying price movement certainly warrants Sebi’s attention

The Reading List: May 30, 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.

Can we ‘nudge’ our way to higher growth?

It’s time to ask whether behavioural science can tackle big problems