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Leadership determines whether institutions flout or value norms
Public vigilance may be the only safeguard against institutions that subvert foundational ideals. Alas, it happens much too oftenand not just in the education sector.
CBI vs banks on fraud: Its not too late to set the record straight
It would serve our banking sector well if the Supreme Court clarifies that its ruling on giving borrowers a hearing before classifying their accounts as fraud did not apply retrospectively. Confusion is proving costly.
Indias CBDC can be popularized in various ways, like offline access and programmability. But to challenge cash, RBIs e-money will need to offer anonymity. To firm up such a promise, its best to legislate it.
A tip from tipper on how to chill to music
Today, music can be far more explicit than it was in Tipper-era America. What was OMG yesterday has become meh today.
So, what's in China's renames?
China's cartographic activities, from renaming areas in other countries to asserting historical rights in the South China Sea, are part of a larger geopolitical strategy. This approach aims to strengthen China's narrative domestically and internationally, impacting sovereignty disputes.
Whom do voters blame for rising corruption? The central or state governments? They blame the central government (25%) a bit more than state governments (18%). But no less than 56% of voters say 'both'.
Crypto's compliance conundrum: Are Indian cryptocurrency exchanges going through withdrawal woes?
Crypto exchanges need to a understand the critical issue looming large: the need to navigate the compliance landscape that is presented by regulators for platforms operating in this space.
Fintech Trends 2024: A Retrospective Deep-Dive
Businesses in India also have multiple tailwinds in the form of ever-evolving Digital Public Infrastructure, burgeoning middle class, growing market for financial services, and good cross-border trade trends.
Yes, releasing the EVM source code could improve our polling systems security
Open source software isnt more vulnerable to hackers but less, thanks to the highly skilled vigil kept by a broad community of developers, security experts and researchers. We should use it to safeguard our elections.
The neutrality of Civil War is what makes this film powerful
Alex Garlands movie shows a future America at war with itself. It doesnt specify why, which means it could help stir a real debate across the aisle in a deeply divided country.
The Godrej family saga: Business succession should be led by a common vision
In multigenerational family business groups, succession planning is more than mere transfers of ownership and control. It encompasses nurturing talent, cultivating leadership, fostering a unified family vision and outlining priorities to ensure seamless power transitions across generations.
Could a few swing states determine who governs India?
A significant number of Lok Sabha constituencies across India could see very close results. Who will form a government is still an open question.
In Europe, China faces headwinds but can India gain?
India's democratic principles and strategic positioning contrast with China's approach, presenting an opportunity for increased engagement and influence in Europe's evolving geopolitical landscape
Equitable survival: Climate action needs to be gender just
Our climate crisis is now visible in extreme heat, apart from more intense and frequent natural disasters. We need a gender-just plan of action to avert the loss of lives and livelihoods faced by millions of women around the world.
Indias economy: Off to a flying start
The services sector PMI was reported at 60.8 in April, the manufacturing PMI was bright too and GST collections have started this fiscal year with a new record high. Reason enough for optimism?
GCCs enabling pathways to meet ESG Goals
As global awareness of climate change, social inequalities and ethical business practices grows, organisations are recognising that addressing ESG factors is not only a moral obligation, but also a strategic necessity all through the value chain.
Artificial intelligence holds the key to urban resilience
Deploying AI against climate change can make our cities safer, more adaptable and more sustainable. The unequal distribution of climate-driven threats warrants equal opportunities for all of us to upskill and adapt.
Pushback power: GenAI cant beat us on a key aspect of human creativity
Amazing but slavish creative tools cant really rival human minds. Companies need creative thinkers who will challenge their ideas, and they wont get that from AI bots.
Startups have a lot to learn from long established organizations
From having motivated teams and unbiased advisors to good bureaucracy and governance, startups must focus on relevant metrics to measure their growth. They can draw vital lessons from the longevity of large firms.
The ability to not only navigate known risks but also anticipate the unknown challenges that lurk in the shadows has become the hallmark of forward-thinking and robust organisations.
University campus dissent: The kids are (not) alright
Theres a reason this classic rock anthem by The Who resonates down the decades. As in America, our campuses should also become the crucibles where human capital is forged.
Our approach to the regulation of cryptocurrency needs clarity
Indias efforts at reining in crypto havent yielded results, clearly, and the path ahead is riddled with cryptic clues. Whither, crypto regulation?
Peeled to the core: Onion export bans distort markets
The Centre has lifted its ban on onion exports but not freed them. Farmers need the relief of policy stability on this front.
Why IT firms are treating artificial intelligence as a poisoned chalice
Generative AI is now part of every IT majors toolkit, but the red flags in their recent annual reports show they are yet to fully grasp the risks and rewards of this revolutionary technology.
RBIs independence from political pressures ensures economic stability during and after polls
There is one thing that sets India apart from the US: the respect the political class in India, cutting across party lines, has for RBI. Unlike in the US, where it's not uncommon for politicians, including Donald Trump, to take potshots at the Fed head, here, one can't recall a single instance when an RBI governor has been insulted. Certainly not publicly.
Global nuclear energy pivotal for decarbonisation and achieving net-zero targets. India's indigenous nuclear program aims to triple capacity by 2032. Embracing nuclear energy could lead to substantial emissions reductions and cost savings.
Loyalty that ends when polls are done and dusted
Congress leaders are aware that leaving Amethi may send the wrong message, which is why they claim that the Gandhi familys relationship with Rae Bareli is decades older than the one with Amethi.
Seeking wisdom at the Woodstock of Capitalism
In life, as in investing, it's not always about the immediate returns. Sometimes, the most valuable journeys are those taken for the joy they offer and the growth they foster
Industrial policy is back with a vengeance everywhere
Governments globally are intervening to prop up manufacturing but its efficacy is unclear. Indias government must address the real reasons behind the private sectors unwillingness to invest at home.
A winner-takes-all economy is bad for innovation and art
An intellectually homogenous establishment that determines how artists are rewarded can cramp diversity of thought. Conventional thinking doesnt create art.
Manu Joseph: How do noble proposals like an inheritance tax arise?
They usually emerge from a class struggle between the top two slabs of a countrys pyramid.
America is not yet declining but appears willing to let itself down
Concerns of US declinism have been around for long but its time to worry now. Its political resilience, university excellence and openness to immigration are all under threat.
Europe hopes barbed wire will keep migrants out. It wont
Politicians feel compelled to respond to voters concerns
Understanding the impact of the amendments to India-Mauritius Tax Treaty
Historically, Mauritius has been recognised as a favoured tax haven owing to its minimal or non-existent capital gains taxes. With India imposing a long-term capital gains tax of 10%, investors could reduce their tax liability on investments in India by channeling them through Mauritius.
Evolution of leadership: Embracing unvanguard principles in the modern world
The timeless concept of leadership has been adapting to contemporary demands, fostering collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven cultures
The elegant Godrej split: A blueprint for India Inc?
The Godrej reorganization is marked by elegance and could serve as a model for others. Indian business groups should also examine models used in the West and East for ways to ensure that ambitions of gaining size and going global are not compromised in the process.
View: How ABDM could revolutionise India's healthcare system
India's healthcare system aims to improve care outcomes through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. ABDM facilitates seamless access to medical histories, personalized treatments, and expanded healthcare access. Challenges include inadequate digitization and the need to build trust in digital health systems.
View: GenAI to end era of smartphone, apps and search. Can the Big Tech adapt to the age of AI?
The emergence of AI technologies like Rabbit r1 and Ai Pin marks a significant shift from smartphones to AI-based devices. This shift poses a challenge to industry giants like Apple and Google, pushing them to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology.
World-Class Infrastructure Boosting Indias Trade Fairs
India is witnessing sectoral expansion, with diverse sectors such as automotive, healthcare, IT, pharma, manufacturing, and FMCG actively participating in exhibitions.
Rivers older than the flow of blood in our veins
These sustainers of life and cradles of civilization are suffering from both climate change and human neglect. They predate the evolution of our species by millions of years and we must awaken to the rights and protection they deserve.
Generative AI: Five ways companies in India can fully exploit its potential
CEOs are racing to leverage technology for gaining a competitive edge, but they need to broaden application of generative AI to more strategic goals in order to build resilience and open new pathways of growth.
Bidens take on Indias economy is both bizarre and bothersome
On the campaign trail, the US President said xenophobia was responsible for stalling economic growth in India, China and Japan. His comment is puzzling, especially in India, which has the worlds fastest-growing major economy and prides itself on inclusivity.
The Go First case: India's insolvency court needs an understanding of aviation
The prolonged delay in Go Firsts insolvency case hasnt helped Indias campaign of ease of doing business in the country
The Godrej split: Brand sharing holds the key
The familys asset division plan has done well to minimize scope for a wrangle over a brand prized for elasticity across markets. Like a Mbius strip, the brand can be splitbut not apart.
Biden is off the mark on xenophobia
US President Joe Biden clubbed India with China, Russia and Japan as countries he claimed were too xenophobic for their own good. Such statements lose him credibility, especially when Americas own vaunted openness seems in such bad shape.
The article explores income and wealth inequality, taxation on the rich, and India's tax/GDP ratio. It questions if India's tax rate is low and analyzes wealth concentration trends and market efficiency, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the data and perspectives.
Is hiring just to meet diversity quotas an unfair approach?
Quick-fix recruitment at the base level doesnt always help overcome biases. Nor does it solve a problem of diversity attrition higher up the hierarchy. DEI needs to be a strategic mission.
Self-driving Teslas cant sneak around the US-China silicon curtain
Elon Musks visit to China got Tesla a deal with Baidu, but will it help? The EV race in Asia this year will be won by the cheapest hardware, not the most cutting-edge software.
Trying to predict what the Indian voter will choose: A weathervane job?
Indias anti-defection law made elections about picking political parties more than individual candidates, which in turn has meant which way the electoral hawa or wind blows can make a significant difference to outcomes.
Many lives could be saved by making organ donation our default option
A law that makes everyone opt for organ donation unless one chooses to opt out would serve a humanitarian cause by boosting supply. It would also do our economy a good turn.
Economic redistribution: Whos afraid of progressive taxes?
Theyre needed to fund essential public services and foster a society with equal opportunity for all. Inheritance and wealth taxes may be inefficient, but lets properly ensure other direct levies raise more revenue from the rich than others.
The KYC disruption: Investors deserve better than this
Its unfortunate that so many investor accounts have been put on hold for identity data gaps. Yes, compliance matters. But companies and mutual funds couldve put in much more effort to help out
AI frontier: Can India leap ahead?
Microsoft will invest $1.7 billion in Indonesia as part of its grand AI plan. Indian IT service firms must keep pace with the AI trajectory. Lets combine local talent with openness to other models.
Why do some innovative ideas never see the light of day? Status quo bias.
Many of us hold onto outdated and ineffective ideas because of this behavioural trait. The human brain does not like to change. But innovation can be nurtured only by being open to ideas.
What will the rising mercury this summer do to Indian inflation?
Its not a bright picture for prices. Indias balance of food-supply likelihoods has raised the question of whether fiscal 2024-25 will see monetary easing at all.
We are in a frantic race for post-industrial dominance
Industrial policy has reached epidemic levels globally. It is playing a role thats subject to the risk of resources being misallocated by policymakers.
Elon Musk shows why India cant take China-plus-one narrative for granted
The worlds discomfort with China, Washington-Beijing geopolitical tensions, and trade and tech wars had begun to lull India into thinking that all is at last in place for our manufacturing sector to take off
Public policy education could make a better country if done right
Engaging students and executives from various disciplines in tackling social challenges will bring forth talented problem-solvers. A wider and better understanding of our problems could improve policymaking.
Loan recovery: Credit penetration must not turn into a nightmare
Wider loan supply is a vital economic pursuit in India, but app-driven lending is exposing people to coercive recovery tactics. The depravity these have sunk to gives credit a bad name.
Deepfake distortion: Has Indian politics fallen prey to it?
While deepfake worries predate Indian elections, fresh concerns have been sparked by recent video clips of politicians. Can we expect people to be duly sceptical of what they see and hear online?
Governance reform: Karthik Muralidharans treatise is refreshingly new
His book stands out for its analysis of the country and the solutions it offers us, but underplays the role of technology.
Political risk insurance:Expand its coverage to help Indian businesses go global
Outbound FDI is crucial for Indian firms to expand globally but coverage gaps in what local insurers offer must be plugged. The market sorely misses policies that make dollar payouts.
AI hogs energy and its regulation must take its climate impact into account
Whats costly neednt be worthy. We must weigh the costs and benefits of AI deployment. The rules need to recognize the high cost of its applicationin terms of investments, climate effects and other environmental factors.
Making sense of equity markets is a challenge: Look at RBIs attempt
A recent RBI working paper is a welcome addition to the literature on this subject even if it doesnt explain markets to our satisfaction. Its not an easy taskas a review of Nobel wins can testify. Recall the theory-driven LTCMs collapse?
CEOs exit: Another bump in Ola's ride?
IPO-bound Ola Cabs saw its chief Hemant Bakshi resign after barely four months in the post. Whats up? Going-electric jitters? Its path will be under watch.
The US ban on non-compete clauses is good for labour market dynamism
If it should be easy for employers to fire workers, then it should also be easy for employees to quit. By allowing workers to move freely to roles where they are most valued, the FTC is fostering a competitive and fair labour market.
AI asymmetry: Can our IT service firms close their gap with GenAI rivals?
An information asymmetry needs to be fixedand fast. Enhancing the skills of employees through AI training could improve the capacity of Indian IT service companies to compete on a more equal footing.
Theres much ado about a decline in Indias household savings rate
It shouldn't worry us as the money is merely shifting to other assets and isn't as stark a phenomenon as some critics suggest. Here's what the numbers say.
India needs a reliable database to aim its welfare schemes better
We need a clear picture of India's have-nots. Without an up-to-date database that's accurate, governments will find it hard to reach households in need of state support.
Leadership pitfall: Diffused accountability is formula for organizational failure
Leaders must take responsibility for what happens on their watch instead of trying to pass the buck. The rule spans all kinds of organizations, from armed forces and administration to businesses.
Indias political economy: Higher-for-longer policy rates pose a peculiar problem
Interest rates will probably stay higher for longer not just in the US, but here in India too. It could restrain a revival in private investment and constrain what the government can spend.
University uproar: The US loses credibility on free speech
The police crackdown on protests against the Gaza War in American universities should leave us aghast. What happened to the US as a champion of freedom?
Is Bihar casting its vote or voting back its castes?
The people of Bihar are undoubtedly politically sensitive, but they remain obstinate about voting on the basis of castes.
Uni-buzz: Even Indian universities can boost local economies in student zones
India suffers from what we can call a sizable international student deficit. More public investment in developing world-class institutions of learning would attract students and boost local economies.
Rural Raj: Viksit panchayats offer us a pathway to Viksit Bharat
Every Indian citizen must have access to quality public services and government schemes and benefits. In the most remote of villages too. For a developed India by 2047, we must empower our rural institutions as an imperative.
Manu Joseph on life: It is beautiful, and without any magic
Our perception of a soul or even vulnerability to events beyond our control can be explained without magic.
Sundar Pichai has firmly put down an employee rebellion at Google
Google rejected employee protests against its cloud service contract with Israel, sacking a bunch of protestors too, a departure from its more liberal past. But then, Alphabet cant afford disruption over crucial defence-sector opportunities.
India is booming. But you still need international exposure
Theres a fair chance that the rupee will come out as a weaker currency over time. So, every rupee you own will buy you fewer goods and services in dollar terms. Conversely, every dollar will buy you more things in India. And this is why investing in the international market is a smart idea
We must ensure ethical use of carbon credits
Indian corporates have led the way in ensuring transparent emission disclosures, but we need to also put in place guardrails that prevent misuse of carbon credits.
Why India loves to hate inheritance tax and estate dutywrongly
Opposition to the inheritance tax defies political and economic logic. It can only be justified on grounds of difficulty of collection and administration.
Risk alert: Ensure masala safety for the sake of Make in India
Our food safety regulator must extricate us from a dust-up over packaged masala mixes after Hong Kong and Singapore banned some exported from here. For India to be the worlds next big factory, we cant afford to let a reputation for lax quality standards set in
Call centres will be outmoded by AI : What next?
TCSs CEO reckons that call centres will be rendered redundant by customer call-taking chatbots within a year. Lots of Indian jobs will be hit. Will firms like TCS create new ones?
Jack Welchs CEO factory has stopped production: Good riddance.
Yes, GE offloaded its fabled Crotonville CEO incubator. The idea of assembly-line CEOs doesn't work anymore.
Amid the election din, argumentative Indian TV debates stand out
Alas, a representative ringside view of Indian polls is impossible to get from overseas. But loud TV talk suggests that democracy alarmists should calm down and Indias electorate is more aware than it may seem.
Real costs: Why solar and wind energy are not market winners yet
Claims that wind and solar energy are now cheaper than fossil fuel-based energy are misleading as these refer to costs only when the sun is out or wind blowing but dont account for intermittency.
Patanjalis credibility crisis: A knock-on effect on the booming Ayush market?
Patanjali has hurt the industrys credibility by linking Ramdev's reputation with the company's drugs rather than offering sound therapeutic reasons for promoting those. This was not necessary
AI bot evolution: Agents will be the next big thing in artificial intelligence
As we devolve agency to AI agents for various tasks, we mustnt blow the lid off a Pandoras Box. Tech companies want to keep humans in control of AI actions, but such tech can also give agents autonomy.
Indias employment paradox of the 21st century: A crackable puzzle
We saw a post-covid reversal of both positive and negative labour-market trends. How and why so? An ILO-IHD report offers clues. Hint: We had a covid backslide and surge in broadly defined self-employment.
Tesla faces an identity crisis: carmaker or tech firm?
Elon Musks fiendish conundrum
Markets are embracing India's PM Modi for what he wont do
Unlike 10 years ago, the Indian prime minister isnt promising major economic reforms. And that suits investors just fine.
