Martin Wolf: Why global imbalances do matter
If the US wants to accelerate a worldwide discussion with a policy intervention, the obvious one would be a tax on capital inflows
India’s Income Rise: Powered by PM Modi, led by the people
At a time when many nations are choosing uncertainty, India has chosen continuity over chaos, stability over slogans, and growth over gridlock. The world sees it. The markets reflect it. And most importantly, the people have reaffirmed it
Is the glitter gone in gold?
Ceasefire chatter and falling oil prices have spooked some gold investors, raising doubts about bullion's future. But look past the headlines, and the long-term fundamentals still gleam bright
Shashi Tharoor and Ram Madhav on the Constitution is about depth versus dispassion
Their recent books on the Constitution approach it through political lens. It makes the comparison interesting as their approach is from different ends of the political spectrum. A reviewer concludes that while Madhav takes a dispassionate look at the role of framers, Tharoor is more polemical
Chart of the Day | Why India’s trade surplus with the US is likely to get trimmed
The level of tariffs and the basket of merchandise goods traded are to blame for it
Future-Proofing India’s Workforce: How CSR can mitigate AI-driven job displacement
As AI reshapes the workforce, India must leverage CSR and government programmes to upskill workers, minimise displacement, and build inclusive growth through ethical policies, corporate responsibility, and strategic reskilling initiatives
Mixed signals from Middle East tensions leave RBI’s rate cut path in limbo
As the world scrambles to decode the uncertain status of the Iran-Israel conflict, India’s rate-setting panel may have to rethink its dovish stance amid oil shock risks.
War is not spooking markets, but economic realities might soon
War or the tariff tantrums did not shake the Indian equity market confidence. But the trajectory of the domestic economy could spring a real surprise
Pakistan’s Army gets the bucks, but can’t produce a bang
Without checks and balances from civilians, Pakistan’s defence budget increases are unrelated to the state of the economy, which is dismal. Within the military, it’s the officer class that’s the prime beneficiary of the largesse. Most importantly, a generous defence budget has not translated into demonstrable military capability
US strike on Iran: signals for global, Indian policymakers and investors
The US strikes on Iran have exposed a fundamental shift in international relations, where diplomatic agreements are increasingly viewed as disposable and military action speaks louder than negotiated settlements. This erosion of trust is forcing nations worldwide to reconsider their foreign policy strategies, defence spending priorities, and trade and investment approaches
Ease in priority sector norm gives small finance banks room to reduce stress
Listed small finance banks saw their net profit drop 43 percent year-on-year for the March quarter of FY25
Reforming SEBI rules for India’s new-age tech IPOs
India’s tech IPO boom demands regulatory reforms. Current SEBI rules, built for traditional models, must evolve to support NATCs’ asset-light strategies and intangible investments, aligning with global, principles-based disclosure practices
The US, Iran and markets
What matters now is Tehran’s response
Iran’s humiliation nukes the foundation of non-proliferation treaty
NPT divides the world into nuclear haves and have-nots. The have-nots forego the nuclear option under the treaty for safety guarantees. However, from Ukraine to Iran, it’s nuclear weapons owning states which have been aggressors. It makes a mockery of NPT and is bound to catalyse strategic questions by some states on the trade-offs involved in covert nuclear weaponisation
Where is Iran’s uranium? Fate of strike hangs on 400kg stockpile
US and Israeli attacks hit key nuclear sites but questions remain over stash of enriched material
Why 10% of your capital budget should be allocated to AI experiments
Allocate 10% to AI experiments now, not for hype, but to build lasting capability, unlock real value, and stay competitive in a world where applied intelligence is rapidly becoming ubiquitous
Chart of the Day | Strait of Hormuz at risk, what a blockade means for oil prices, the world economy
Iran’s move to potentially block the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20 percent of the world’s oil flows—has triggered global alarm. As tensions soar following US airstrikes, the stakes for global energy security and economic stability have never been higher
Building soft power: How TCS, Infosys are investing big bucks in their brands
TCS sponsors prestigious marathons while Infosys stepped up branding activity in tennis events
Opposition-mukt Maharashtra?
It’s not the performance of the Fadnavis government which has rendered the political opposition barely visible. It’s the lack of fight and the inability to come up with a reworked strategy that has conveyed the impression that Maharashtra’s politics carries on without an opposition. It’s advantage BJP ahead of the civic polls
FM’s GST tips need quick and focused execution
Indirect tax evasion touched a record high in FY25, underlining the faults in the collection system
MPC minutes signal RBI may keep its powder dry ahead
If a rate cut happens at all, it will likely come only by year-end, once the effects of already-taken rate actions play out fully. The MPC needs time to assess the impact of its front-loaded moves.
US-China trade war leaves India confronting three negative spillovers
Export controls which cause collateral damage, deliberate targeting of Indian industry by China and the overarching problem of securitization of cross-border trade pose problems. To offset these challenges, Indian diplomacy needs to work along with industry in a more coherent and effective way
Is the US attack on Iran a turning point for the world order?
Iran’s latest plans to block the Strait of Hormuz, if implemented, would affect trade by several countries, including India and China, besides unsettling energy and stock markets. This is one of the several repercussions that are likely to result from the U.S. bombing of nuclear sites in Iran
What science says about yoga, meditation, and the human brain
Yoga and meditation offer science-backed tools to reduce stress, sharpen focus, and foster emotional balance. The essential skills for thriving in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world
On International Yoga Day, the world needs to tap into one of India’s greatest contributions
Human life span is increasing on the heels of great advances in medical technology. However, it doesn’t ensure that quality of life is satisfactory. Yoga is now a pillar on which enterprises are ensuring that ageing is not accompanied by undue loss of self-reliance
