opinion

Rajasthan vs. coaching industry: One step forward, half-a-step back

In a bid to protect students from the pressure cooker atmosphere of the coaching ecosystem, Rajasthan government tabled a bill in the Assembly. Criticised by both treasury benches and opposition for bending backwards to satisfy the coaching industry, the proposed law falls short of adequately safeguarding vulnerable students

Should retail quota in large IPOs be curtailed?

As IPO sizes surge, merchant bankers face challenges in attracting retail investors and seek regulatory tweaks—will SEBI redefine the rules?

How America plans to rewire the global economy—and who will pay the price

In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, the U.S. is rethinking its approach to global trade. A paper written by a key Trump economic advisor outlines a bold and controversial strategy to reshape America’s economic future. This strategy challenges long-standing financial norms, redefines relationships with allies and adversaries, and signals a major shift in how the US engages with the world

Can IMEC compete with the Belt and Road Initiative?

Positioned as an alternative to China’s BRI, IMEC has been challenged by a dramatic geopolitical shock soon after its announcement. So far, only India and the UAE have taken initial steps by signing MoUs. The extent to which US President Donald Trump prioritizes the corridor will be crucial in determining its long-term relevance and success

Smart City Mission — A smart move that needs to be smarter

The central scheme to make 100 cities smart has ended but there are unfinished tasks left

Data Story | Which large economy is mostly shielded from the US Tariff storm? The answer lies in this chart

As global markets brace for the ripple effects of new US tariffs, a deeper dive into trade data reveals unexpected insights about which economies are most—and least—exposed

Chart of the Day | Who is losing in the great battle for bank deposits?

Among PSBs, private banks and foreign banks, the rivalry to garner deposits is picking up. There is no mercy in this battle for survival.

The Mar-a-Lago Accord: An imminent proposal to restructure the global financial order

Global markets are on edge as the US advances a bold and controversial financial strategy. With world leaders expected to face mounting pressure from Washington, a new economic realignment may be in the making—one that could shake the foundations of international trade, currency markets, and geopolitical alliances

Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 – Reform or religious transgression?

The Amendment Bill raises pertinent questions about the intent of the legislature behind the Bill. Many provisions may be deemed to be deliberate interference into the religious matters, potentially infringing the fundamental right for religious communities to administer and manage their own affairs guaranteed under Article 26 of the Constitution of India

Will ITC’s acquisition of a commodity business aid its valuation?

The acquired business saw its performance dip in FY25 due to difficult industry conditions, with soft demand, falling product prices and rising input costs hurting margins

What to expect on ‘liberation day’

And will wealthy consumers pull back?

Chart of the Day: Reshoring pharma? Why the US can’t afford to disrupt generic drug supply

As US lawmakers push to reshore pharmaceutical production, a crucial question remains—are they focusing on the right cost drivers in healthcare?

Data Story: The Goldilocks moment at hospital companies

India’s leading corporate hospitals are investing heavily in expansion, adding thousands of new beds across the country. But what impact will this have on profitability, debt levels, and investor confidence?

Can a rate cut boost stock markets?

The RBI’s upcoming policy decision has traders and investors on edge—will interest rates be cut, and if so, will the benefits actually reach borrowers? While markets have surged in anticipation, the real impact of a rate cut is far more complex than it seems

Uday Kotak’s stark warning and what it means for banks

India’s banking sector is facing an unusual dilemma—one that threatens profitability and long-term sustainability. With borrowing costs exceeding lending rates, banks are caught in a tight spot, struggling to maintain their traditional business models.

As Trump tariffs loom, India shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth

India’s existing tariff structure doesn’t help the economy. US-India trading relationship is critical for the country’s economic prospects and the tariff threat should catalyse a phased liberalisation of the duty structure 

'Cash at Judge's Door' case: Obstacles at every stage

Retired judge Nirmal Yadav was acquitted last week in the infamous case involved delivery of cash. If there’s a takeaway in this drawn-out case, it is that the prosecution faces a near-impossible task when it is entrusted with a matter of alleged judicial corruption

Speculation about Mamata Banerjee skipping delimitation meet is much ado about nothing

West Bengal, which has recorded a sharp decline in fertility rate, has a stake in the contours of a future delimitation of parliamentary constituencies. So, why did the state’s CM skip the Stalin-anchored meeting on delimitation in Chennai? It’s only because it overlapped with Mamata’s trip to the UK. If anything, Mamata and Stalin are on the same page of federalism

Pakistani terrorists exploit lack of 'reception area' in Kathua

Four policemen, so far, have been killed in an ongoing operation in Kathua. Unlike the hinterland of the LoC, there is in Kathua no "reception area", or a tight, networked grid spearheaded by the counter-insurgency force, the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), to detect, ambush and eliminate Pakistani terrorists who sneak past the regular Infantry formations placed on the LoC

The procedure of the in-house probe in case of judicial misconduct

There’s an in-house inquiry on to ascertain the truth in the matter of the discovery of half-burnt currency notes in the residence of Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma. This mode of inquiry is about three decades old and evolved as a measure to cope with allegations of judicial misconduct 

Business in the Week Ahead (March 31-April 4, 2025)

High frequency economic indicators are turning more and more green. A bunch of them are on the way. Just sharpen your investment skills. The runway is calling. What to look out for next week? We get you a friendly guide here