opinion

The dangers of directed banking

Directed lending will ultimately lead to a NPA pile-up and demands for forbearance. The taxpayer will end up footing the bill.

Macro Matters | What to expect from the September quarter GDP data

The only question is: Will the growth number be jaw-droppingly bad?

Pollution | It’s time we asked: What’s the point of all this development?

It is reassuring to see that when politicians have forsaken the people, the courts in India, including the Supreme Court, have taken up the cudgels.

In Detail | Strong lenders will gain from the ongoing crisis

There are lessons to be learnt from historical financial crises. These top lenders almost fit the bill

In Detail | Global clouds are thickening around India’s own challenges

Countering domestic private demand slowdown and a weak sentiment is crucial. Otherwise, even a modest economic recovery could take longer

Startup Corner | A $1-billion injection won't solve Paytm's problems, Sharma needs better focus

The odds are stacked against Paytm. In every business segment, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma is fighting against multiple, focussed players and with cash burning capacity. Sustenance is becoming a question, forget leadership in its markets.

Foreign Policy | Replacing dogma with more dogma

If the conduct of Indian foreign policy in the past seven decades shows us anything, it is that it has seldom relied on creative thinking from outside the four walls of the government.

Politics | Karnataka bypolls a test for defection politics

Of the 15 seats for which by-elections would be held on December 5, the BJP would need to win six seats excluding the prop from JD(S). The dice is indeed loaded in favour of the BJP retaining power in the assembly, also given the desire of legislators not to precipitate mid-term polls in the state.

Chart of the Day | The one chart that shows you the small width of the market rally

The market touching new highs is more of an optical illusion

Irrational exuberance?

Has the tax cut rally run its course?

Politics | Bollywood can take lessons from Maharashtra’s political drama

It would be prudent to assume that the November 27 floor test in the Maharashtra assembly is just one among the many parts of the ongoing political theatre in the state. Whatever be the result, the show is far from over.

Policy | Independent directors need training, not eligibility criteria

The proficiency self-assessment test instituted by the MCA is unlikely to provide any meaningful solution to board strengthening. There is no denying that boards in India need training but understanding technical subjects will not help directors in taking the right decision.

Time to look beyond the boom in mobile manufacturing

Phased manufacturing programme needs to be overhauled to fulfil the Make in India dream

Politics | Courtesy BJP, Maharashtra establishes a new low in the market of politics

The BJP is in power in 13 of India’s states and leads coalition governments in at least six other states, but this record is chequered by the methods it used to grab or retain power.

India Bangladesh relations can go off balance easily

Issues such as the NRC have to be handled with extreme care

FMCG companies may lose the lather in soap margins | Corporate Corridor

Falling palm oil prices afforded FMCG companies the luxury of driving soap sales through discounts. That may not last for long

Society | BHU and IIT show a malice that runs deep in society

When will people in secular, democratic India embrace pluralism and learn to coexist in a diverse and multicultural country where there is no dearth of space for all?

Politics | Will a BJP on the offensive further unite opposition parties?

If the Cong-NCP-Shiv Sena can ensure the defeat of Devendra Fadnavis in the floor test, it could well be the first of the severe jolts the BJP is likely to receive in the next few days and weeks. Apart from Maharashtra, crucial by-elections are slated in Karnataka on December 5, followed by polls in Jharkhand.

Chart of the Day | Bank credit growth lowest since October 2017

The mess in the NBFC sector is a third shock to the economy comparable to demonetisation and GST.

Karvy ban – the damage may be contained, but trust has been broken

The worry now is whether the scam is limited to Karvy

Policy | A cautious beginning to labour reforms

The government must ensure that The Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2019 creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Rising royalty payments raise risk of a clampdown but is that justified?

Royalty payments are rising sharply, raising a question of how much is too much

Politics | A Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan starrer has set the cat among the pigeons

Beyond livening up the political scene in Tamil Nadu and creating a buzz that has all the other political parties in the state worried, the recent statements by Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth may not end up in anything substantial.