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When fear outpaces fundamentals: Why RBIs signal matters more than rates
India faces geopolitical turbulence despite strong economic fundamentals. The Reserve Bank of India's upcoming policy decision is crucial. Rising inflation and potential growth slowdown present challenges. The central bank must manage uncertainty, avoid premature tightening, and focus on domestic stability. Clear communication on currency management is vital to counter market fears and reinforce India's underlying economic strengths.
Indias next reform push must target cost of doing business
India faces high business costs impacting competitiveness. Addressing credit, land, input, logistics, and compliance expenses is crucial. Benchmarking against nations like Vietnam and China offers a path forward. Lowering these costs will drive capacity expansion, boost exports, and create formal jobs. This is essential for sustained economic growth.
Seat fees are not the real problem
India's aviation regulator has paused a directive mandating free seat selection for 60% of seats, opting for a broader review. This decision acknowledges airlines' need for ancillary revenue to offset high operational costs and fund expansion, while also considering passenger concerns about fairness and transparency in pricing.
Why a new world order is overdue
A powerful cabal, the Military-Industrial-Congress complex, influences US policy. This group, along with technology, finance, and Israel lobbies, drives global conflict. The article argues that removing one president will not solve the issue. Instead, it calls for BRICS+ nations to build a new world order for global peace and development.
Why fixing Indias export machinery is key to hitting the $2 trillion goal
India aims for $2 trillion in exports by 2030. Current growth is slow, and global market share is small. The country faces challenges in export geography and product diversity. A new strategy is proposed. It includes a unified trade facilitation agency, increased investment in trade fairs, and large sector-specific exhibitions.
CFO brogues on ground in war room as West Asia war bites
India faces severe economic challenges from West Asian conflicts. Oil imports are disrupted, the Rupee has fallen, and foreign investors are withdrawing funds. Traditional business plans are now invalid. Chief Financial Officers must become 'bridge officers', actively adapting business models. This requires building strong buffers against potential supply chain failures and market freezes.
Test of Sarma Shiksha Abhiyan in Assam Polls amid welfare gains and social faultlines
Assam's election sees BJP promising daily expulsion of Bangladeshi infiltrators. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's aggressive stance on immigration and religion shapes the campaign. Opposition unity and ethnic demands present challenges. Development in infrastructure and investment is noted. The election is crucial for Sarma's political future.
Indian private credit is not facing the same issues as the US. US private credit stress stems from fund architecture, not bad loans. India's market uses closed-end funds with fixed tenures, avoiding maturity mismatches. Investor participation is limited to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Financing focuses on real economic growth, not tech sector leverage. This offers global investors a stable alternative.
What Census 2027 will reveal about the country weve become
India's Census 2027, launched April 1, is a crucial exercise. It will assess the nation's socioeconomic transformation since 2011. The census will inform political power, welfare, and federalism. It includes caste enumeration for the first time since Independence. This count will reveal if India's growth is broad-based and if progress has been equitable.
Apple hasn't fallen far from iTree
Celebrating 50 years of trailblazing advancements, Apple has transformed the tech landscape and fueled artistic imagination. Its iconic marketing strategies have created a formidable brand identity. As they unveil fresh products and harness the power of AI, India plays a pivotal role as both a manufacturing powerhouse and a vibrant market.
Transgressionary state: Transgender Amendment Act is a step back on freedom, democracy and growth
India's Transgender Act faces criticism for undermining individual rights and autonomy. This law's restrictions on self-determination and the imposition of medical scrutiny are seen as detrimental to economic growth. Experts argue that curtailing freedoms, even for a minority, harms national development. The Act is viewed as a step backward for freedom, democracy, and progress in India.
Unlocking $161 billion: What India must do to boost China exports
China is the world's second-largest importer after the US, with total imports valued at about $2.6 tn in 2024. Yet, India's share in China's imports stands at a mere 0.7%. These numbers point to an underexploited opportunity of considerable magnitude.
Target set, aim, release: India sticks to climate course with NDC 3.0
India has updated its climate targets for 2031-35. The new goals aim for increased non-fossil fuel electricity, reduced emissions intensity, and a larger carbon sink. Despite initial perceptions of modesty, these targets reaffirm India's dedication to global climate efforts. The nation is ready to actively participate in tackling climate change, emphasizing collaboration among all stakeholders.
Under Fire but Not Broken: How Iran is using Hormuz to push back
Iran is surprisingly resilient after US and Israeli attacks. By blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran has escalated war costs for its enemies. This move has disrupted global oil supplies and impacted economies worldwide. Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the crisis. The situation highlights Iran's strategic leverage despite military challenges.
Sanjay Malhotras baptism by fire amid West Asia war's economic consequences
India's central bank governor faces a critical test as war disrupts global markets. Inflation and growth are key concerns. The Reserve Bank of India must navigate these uncertainties to manage interest rates and the rupee's value. The governor's decisions will shape the nation's economic outlook. Balancing inflation control with growth support is paramount.
The AI era needs a defining gadget. Jony Ive, who shaped the smartphone, is now working with OpenAI on a new AI device. This aims to redefine our computer interaction. Early attempts have struggled. The smartphone itself might evolve. Ive's new creation could be screenless and ambient, shifting focus from screens to presence.
Phubbing killing pubbing: How phones silence social life
Phubbing, a catchy term for the act of snubbing someone in favor of your phone, is infiltrating social settings like cafs and bars, eroding the essence of face-to-face conversations. Individuals, captivated by their devices, risk not only their personal relationships but also the vibrancy of local businesses.
What does one eat in Kyrgyzstan? Korea, Japan come to the rescue
Snow blankets Bishkek as travelers seek food. Kyrgyzstan's cuisine relies on meat. A vegetarian partner faces challenges. Japanese and Korean restaurants offer alternatives. These culinary finds mirror past experiences in other countries. The city's Soviet-era architecture and Ala-Too Square provide a historical backdrop. The Epic of Manas resonates with the past's presence.
'Not a wife, but a widow can realise the importance of life insurance'
A man named Bharat Parekh helps bereaved families in India discover forgotten life insurance policies. Billions of rupees remain unclaimed because families do not discuss investments openly. Men often die with financial secrets, leaving behind unknown assets or debts. Parekh's work highlights the importance of life insurance and the need for families to communicate about finances.
A mad T party at the White House (with apologies to Lewis Carroll)
Alice finds the March Hare and Mad Hatter at a White House tea party. They offer Kool-Aid and engage in nonsensical conversation. The Hatter poses a riddle about a THAAD missile defence system. The Dormouse speaks in Spanish. The Cheshire Cat appears and offers cryptic advice about strategic autonomy before vanishing. The scene highlights a surreal encounter.
