CRISIS MANAGEMENT REFORMS
Iran uses global climate talks to highlight impact of US strike on Minab school
Iran is utilizing the COP31 climate summit to highlight the consequences of a US missile strike on a school. The national pavilion features images of the incident’s aftermath along with a virtual reality experience. Additionally, visiting officials will see exhibits from Ukraine addressing efforts in renewable energy amid conflict. The conference has become a platform for discussing global energy price increases related to regional conflicts.
Auto sales to maintain momentum, driven by GST relief, EVs : SIAM
The Indian automotive industry is expected to sustain growth momentum in the second half of the fiscal year. Key factors include improved affordability, strong financing support, and resilient market demand. Sales of entry-level passenger cars have surged significantly, indicating a revival in consumption among first-time buyers.
With G-sec yields rising, countries have no alternative but to increase their bullion holdings
In India yield on T-year G secs has increased by 0.4 percentage points over the same period. Unfortunately, governments are confronting these higher borrowing costs precisely at a time when debt is elevated, with global public debt expected to exceed 100% of GDP by 2030, a level last reached in the immediate aftermath of WW2.
‘Facing ‘gerontonomia’, the West’s young opt for political extremes’
Tim Vlandas analyzes the influence of aging populations on electoral politics in advanced capitalist nations like Europe. Older voters display different policy preferences, emphasizing pensions over issues of younger demographics. Consequently, governments often allocate more resources to pension spending rather than investing in education and infrastructure. Young voters may become politically disenchanted, leading to radical shifts towards extreme parties.
Global Market: French bond selloff raises debt concerns across Europe amid social unrest
French 10-year bond yields surged above 5%, reaching a 24-year high, as fiscal deficits, political deadlock and social unrest unsettled investors. Rising borrowing costs are spreading to Italy and Belgium, intensifying concerns over eurozone debt sustainability, fiscal reforms and the region’s financial stability amid mounting economic pressures and uncertainty.
India Inc eyes a festive boom, but the bottom line holds a twist
Festive shopping is currently gaining momentum with significant sales in both online and offline markets. Companies are experiencing increased demand but are also facing rising costs that impact profitability. Many consumers are driven by discounts and affordable payment options during this festive season. Businesses are adapting pricing strategies to balance consumer affordability with input cost pressures.
Fertiliser stocks: Combination of strong headwinds and structural repair. Who will win? 9 stocks, 4 with upside potential of up to 31%
For the better part of a decade now, every time this critical sector has run into trouble, the government has stepped in. The clean-up began with small steps. The mandatory coating of urea with neem was an early one. It was a measure that was not financial on the face of it; but it changed the sector’s economics by stopping the diversion of subsidised fertiliser to other uses.
France is on fire but something more dangerous burns below the unrest
France is engulfed in protests as the public gives vent to growing anger over soaring expenses and diminishing educational quality. Citizens are voicing their demands for improved services, yet the government grapples with managing an overwhelming public debt. Amid budget cuts proposed by President Macron's administration, increasing political challenges may hinder these efforts.
World Bank in talks with 30-40 countries over aid to tackle Middle East energy shock
The World Bank is in talks with numerous countries to address energy price increases stemming from the Middle East crisis. While the global economy remains resilient, developing nations face growing challenges from rising diesel and fertilizer prices. The Bank anticipates more countries may access crisis funds as conditions worsen in the coming months. Recent private capital investments have surged considerably, especially in upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income countries.
Rich countries on the debt frontline: How the Iran war is shifting world's risk map by squeezing America, Europe and Japan
The International Monetary Fund confronts increased borrowing costs and record debt levels among developed countries. As inflation rises, governments find it harder to manage their financial obligations. The potential for civil unrest emerges alongside economic pressures observed in these nations. Emerging markets have improved their resilience since previous crises, allowing them to face challenges more effectively.
Govt asks banks to develop a sector-wide quantum transition along with an AI resilience framework
According to the industry, major concerns in this segment include 'harvest now, decrypt later' threats, where cyber adversaries stockpile encrypted banking data for future quantum decryption. The finance ministry has also asked banks to assess post-quantum vulnerabilities and initiate mitigation measures, said an official, who did not wish to be identified. "Each bank can prepare its internal strategy, but there has to be some common industry parameters," he added.
Global Market: Hedge fund group warns BoE repo reforms could worsen market stress
Hedge fund group AIMA has warned the Bank of England that proposed gilt repo reforms, including wider central clearing, could reduce liquidity and increase vulnerability to funding disruptions during periods of market stress.
India within striking distance of 8% GDP growth, resilience not accidental: Shaktikanta Das
With an ambitious target of 8% GDP growth, India aims for Viksit Bharat by the year 2047 through innovative reforms. The government is dedicated to increasing domestic capabilities in crucial areas such as energy and manufacturing. Significant measures are being implemented to strengthen long-term finance and bolster involvement in global supply chains.
A look at France's public debt as economy takes centre stage in French Presidential election
France's public debt has climbed to unprecedented levels, currently reaching 119 per cent of its GDP. The increasing debt burden poses significant challenges for the government and upcoming presidential election candidates. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu plans to unveil the 2027 draft budget in response to the growing financial concern.
India business confidence rises 8% in September despite global headwinds: ASSOCHAM
India's business landscape showed remarkable resilience as confidence levels surged by 5.6% in the first half of FY27 according to the ASSOCHAM Business Confidence Index. Spanning from April to September 2026, the index illustrates notable growth even in the face of persistent challenges like inflation and rupee depreciation, especially in July, August, and September.
Ruchir Sharma’s India scorecard: How it fares on his 10-rule benchmark
Ruchir Sharma says India remains a middling investment story rather than a clear outperformer, with strengths in demographics, inflation and currency stability offset by weak private and foreign investment, high valuations, regulatory intervention and concentrated billionaire wealth. His broader view is that India “consistently disappoints the optimist and the pessimist,” making a simple bullish or bearish narrative difficult.
India's car sales crank up as GST gains & income twist top price hikes
Car prices have risen about 3% in the past year, but faster growth in household disposable incomes has kept cars affordable after GST 2.0 cuts, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra said. Passenger vehicle demand has surged, particularly in the 18% GST category, while Tata Motors expects strong festive-season growth, backed by new products and SUVs.
Smart rice policy would be nice
In the 2026-27 cycle, India's rice production is projected to fall by 6.5% compared to the previous year, largely due to monsoon rainfall being 15% below the seasonal average. This shortfall poses significant challenges for farmers, likely leading to financial hardship as both yields and cultivated areas decline. However, with high existing stockpiles, domestic markets may not face critical shortages.
‘India’s UNSC claim is strong — big powers are failing their UN role’
Richard Caplan emphasizes the limited role of the United Nations in current conflicts like Ukraine-Russia and US-Iran. He highlights how the UN struggles to enforce collective security due to actions by permanent members of the Security Council. While the UN has made some humanitarian contributions, significant issues remain unaddressed. Caplan also critiques the diminished institutional power of the UN under recent US administrations.
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