Economy & Policy Analysis

Rainfall derivatives: How Mumbai's monsoon actually got priced in

Six weeks into India's first rainfall derivative, the numbers have more to say than the launch-day press release did

The 'Indian Common Market': Rethinking growth beyond one India

India's next phase of consumption growth will be driven by treating large state economies as distinct markets, each requiring its own products, distribution strategy and consumer insight

Four charts that show where India's food inflation risks are building

Headline inflation remains under control, but food prices are showing fresh signs of pressure. Here's what the latest inflation and crop data reveal

State priorities split as outlays surge, spending patterns diverge

West Bengal led social welfare and nutrition outlay at 14.86 per cent of its budget

16th Finance Commission urges states to boost revenues, cut spending

The commission did not recommend revenue deficit grants to states or any sector-specific or state-specific grants

Sikkim tops per capita income rankings, Bihar remains poorest state

The top four - Sikkim, Goa, Delhi and Chandigarh - and the bottom four - Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Manipur - have consistently held their positions for the past 10 years

Rural women need financial confidence, not just bank account access now

Financial literacy can help rural women move beyond account access to claim rights, detect fraud and lead family finances with confidence as migration reshapes rural homes

Datanomics: Major tax receipts rose, but total mopup fell 2% in April

Despite growth in income tax, corporation tax and GST, a sharp fall in IGST and GST compensation cess dragged down April's overall central tax collections

StatsGuru: The tides and the troughs of the Modi era's economic record

As the Modi government completes 12 years, India has grown into a larger economy with lower inflation and unemployment, though external vulnerabilities persist

Datanomics: Indian economy slips to 6th spot on rupee weakness

India's GDP rose to ₹346.36 trillion in FY26, but rupee depreciation against the US dollar kept the country behind the UK and Japan in global economic rankings

Global North must stop growing for India to catch up in prosperity: Piketty

Thomas Piketty says rich nations must curb growth and cut fossil-fuel use if countries like India are to achieve developed-world living standards by 2100

Agriculture needs dual approach to tackle El Nino, build climate resilience

El Nino is a natural phenomenon in the eastern Pacific Ocean that influences global weather patterns, including India's monsoon

'India's fiscal deficit may rise to 4.7% of GDP in FY27 amid West Asia war'

India's fiscal deficit may widen to 4.7 per cent of GDP in FY27 as higher oil prices, subsidy costs and revenue risks from the West Asia conflict weigh on finances, writes Aditi Nayar of ICRA

India, US begin 3-day talks to finalise details of trade agreement

The US team is led by its chief negotiator Brendan Lynch. India's chief negotiator is Darpan Jain, who is an additional secretary in the Department of Commerce

Greater use of biofertilisers can reduce India's chemical fertiliser burden

Balanced nutrient use, biofertilisers, and improved soil health can help India cut fertiliser imports and make agriculture more sustainable without hurting crop production

Linking CEO pay to customer happiness: Benefits and risks for Indian firms

Irdai's recommendation on linking CEO remuneration to customer grievances offers a larger lesson on rewards, governance and what companies choose to optimise

Datanomics: India's rising car exports face fresh Lankan speed bump

After lifting its import ban in 2025, Sri Lanka has seen a sharp rise in vehicle imports, prompting a temporary surcharge to protect forex reserves and ease pressure on the external sector

How much do you really earn? New survey aims to crack India's income puzzle

Since 1950, the National Sample Survey (NSS) has produced respected household statistics on consumption, employment, health, debt and education. Income has remained the conspicuous gap

Datanomics: PM Modi's 5-nation tour likely to strengthen trade ties

PM Narendra Modi's five-nation tour underscores India's push to deepen trade ties as exports to these countries outpace imports despite a cumulative trade deficit

PM Modi in Rome: Why India, Italy need to build a strategic future together

Rome increasingly understands that the future of European competitiveness, economic resilience and strategic diversification will depend upon trusted industrial partnerships beyond the Continent