opinion

Privatisation | When a crisis becomes an opportunity

The government’s decision to sell BPCL, SCI and Concor indicates it is no longer diffident about privatisation

Banking | Should RBI have a Deputy Governor based outside Mumbai?

As the RBI looks to appoint its fourth Deputy Governor, it might not be a bad idea to look at some of the appointment ideas coming from New Zealand’s central bank.

DHFL insolvency a test (and very difficult) case for the IBC

Credibility of DHFL balance sheet, allegations of fund diversion, ED investigation and litigations could make the case murkier.

Decoding the signals sent out by the actions against the JNU students

Two issues are at stake. One, public subsidy or support for higher education. Two, the ruling BJP’s view of such subsidy.

Is Subhash Chandra’s stake reduction good news for Zee shareholders?

The financial soap opera is airing its last episodes

Corporate India’s ability to service debt worsens in September quarter

Interest cover is the lowest since the December 2015 quarter

Why do gold mutual fund schemes underperform gold ETFs?

A gold mutual fund’s NAV is derived from the market price of the underlying asset -- the Gold ETF

Why Tata Steel’s investors have low hopes from its European diet plan | Corporate Corridor

Tata Steel is trying once again to put its European business back on the rails

Air Pollution | Solutions to this public health emergency cannot work in isolation

An effective policy would require an inclusive public awareness strategy and citizen’s participation in decision-making.

The role of P/E multiple in deciding investment returns

A portfolio full of only consistent compounders can deliver healthy absolute returns, regardless of the external market

India's national energy policy must alter the thermal-renewable energy mix

Half of India's coal-fired thermal power plants are likely to miss their emission targets. Renewable energy plants are a low-pollution alternative but have their own share of problems.

Why ETF should be the investment vehicle of choice in the market

In the past five years ETFs have seen their assets under management (AUM) jump more than 30-fold to Rs 1.47 lakh crore

Politics | The JNU protest illustrates the glaring socio-economic divide in India

Governments at the Centre have seldom been at ease with JNU because of its politically-active and socially-conscious student community.

Trinamool walks a tightrope in West Bengal

The rise of the BJP has created a communal divide in West Bengal which was not there earlier during the whole period of Marxist rule. This has made the electoral challenge before the Trinamool Congress significantly more complex.

Policy | Is it time to regulate gambling in India?

It is widely recognised that a total ban on gambling is neither feasible nor desirable as it creates a vicious circle, which causes substantial monetary loss to the economy.

New bankruptcy rules for financial services providers miss the big picture on reforms

The distinction between non-bank systemically important financial institutions and banks is an ill-considered move

Lights off in the power sector

The disproportionate impact felt by the thermal sector will have additional ramifications on the banking sector, which could in turn hamper efforts to boost the economy through credit growth.

Policy | Is India ready for the next level of digital mass surveillance?

The main concerns with imposing the government’s proposed Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS) are the absence of a law governing personal data protection, absence of checks and balances, and, societal biases that could lead to violence.

The September quarter results paint a bleak picture for the market

Corporate earnings at a 15-year low with no signs of improvement and an all-time high market cannot go hand-in-hand

Supreme Court's Essar Steel order puts banks back on top in IBC

The NCLAT’s order had upset the premier position of financial creditors in the resolution process. The SC has restored their position

Policy | Implementing FSSAI ban on junk food around schools will be a challenge

While the prevention of sale of junk foods near schools can help curb the unhealthy snacking tendencies among school children, ensuring a control over the urge to consume junk food at home will require greater awareness drives where the government will have to focus on healthy eating.

Fiscal hit fears are for real. Where are resources for growth?

Intensifying resource crunch and rising yield may force spending cuts pulling down the growth graph

Politics | India, RCEP and the China spectre

With or without the RCEP, the challenge is for India to develop the capability to prevent the influx of Chinese goods.

Why ArcelorMittal should take its IBC prize Essar Steel public | Corporate Corridor

Essar Steel is a feather in ArcelorMittal’s cap but it has its task cut out and its balance sheet will feel the strain of the acquisition