opinion

Policy | If the ‘market knows’, why doesn’t the auditor? Part 2

Does the audit industry consider its responsibility towards a company’s stakeholders while writing out scripted audit reports? There needs to be a systemic focus on improving audit quality standards.

Politics | Shiv Sena is pushing the BJP to maximise its gains

The Shiv Sena has placed two options before the BJP for government formation in Maharashtra. If the BJP were to accept either of these, it will at least temporarily put the party into a position of subservience to its regional ally.

Markets | Sensex hits 40k for the first time since July. False dawn or new hope?

The key question is, whether this confidence in no more earnings downgrades is justified by the state of the economy? The answer is a resounding no.

Security | Questions the alleged cyber-incident at Kudankulam Nuclear Plant raises

If indeed a breach has occurred at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, evidence shows that it could be a human problem, and not a network one, and KNPP's diagnostic and denial does little to restore confidence.

Policy | Efficient judicial system key to enforcing contracts

Judicial reforms essential if India is to get into the top 50 nations in Ease of Doing Business

Did the market jump the gun in celebrating the reduction in pledged shares?

In many cases, pledged shares have been reduced because of compulsion, not due to improved company fundamentals

Policy | Fine-tuning trade policies to complement geopolitical goals

Trade has always been used as an extension of the larger geopolitics. From the US to China, from Europe to Japan, everyone uses it. New Delhi would do well to put pressure on Kuala Lumpur till it changes its anti-India position on Kashmir.

Policy | The government should not succumb to pressure tactics by incumbent telecom players

Any reduction of the amounts due would be nothing less than moral hazard. It would be an indication that the government is willing to succumb to pressure tactics and prop up inefficient players.

SC's Rs 1.20 lakh-crore blow | Responsibility squarely lies with telcos’ non-paying behaviour

With two concurring judgments (2011 & 2019) from the Supreme Court, the government should not fall into trap of the two telcos and enforce the implementation of orders

Privacy | The Supreme Court stands between Indians and a surveillance state

The government argues that the surveillance it proposes is required to fight the use of social media for terrorism, anti-national activities, pornography, spreading of fake news and other negative tendencies. However, should this be at the cost of individual privacy of every Indian?

Policy | If the ‘market knows’, why doesn’t the auditor?

Does the audit industry consider its responsibility towards a company’s stakeholders while writing out scripted audit reports? There needs to be a systemic focus on improving audit quality standards.

Easier petrol pump rules offer fuel for thought

With so many new fuel retail outlets proposed, there is a question mark over whether the current level of throughput can be sustained

The gain and the pain of ease of doing business in India

The National Ease of Doing Business Policy that measures the time and cost of compliance will mark the paradigm shift we need to break into the top 25

Corporate Corridor | Whistleblowers will not leave Infosys alone

Disgruntled former or current employees are extracting a price from Infosys, irrespective of whether their allegations turn out to be true or not.

Global Markets | Look at the Fed chief’s view for cues

A rate cut this week is baked in, but much depends on what Powell says about the future

FTA review: Govt faces a tough choice, what should it do?

Why would anyone want to manufacture in India when the same can be imported for reduced or zero duties?

Assembly Election Results | Why BJP and Opposition need to draw the right lessons

One the larger messages from the assembly polls is that beyond the local factors, the BJP can no longer ignore the impact economic slowdown has on its appeal, because the lives of common people still remain in distress.

Buy, sell or wind up – small digital payments firms face harsh reality

Consolidation is unavoidable in India's payments space. Smaller firms like MobiKwik will struggle because India’s digital payments business is still dominated by cashback offers.

Economy | The Indian farmer is driven by economics

The 2019 livestock census read in its entirety indicates that the non-vegetarian lifestyles in India are on the rise.

Politics | Congress still lacks the hunger and appetite for a fight

The assembly election results in Haryana and Maharashtra might have given the Congress a shot in the arm — but, it is yet to change its laidback attitude.

The big themes investors need to watch in Samvat 2076 | Markets

These are the themes investors should watch for in the new year ahead, to know whether markets will fare better or not in Samvat 2076

The impact of the Supreme Court judgment on the telecom sector

Could this be the last straw for Vodafone Idea?

Sharad Pawar, the Man of the Match in Maharashtra

The Maratha strongman fought the election on state issues and turned the tables resoundingly on his rivals