CATEGORIES

WE NEED TO REACH OUT TO MILLENNIALS GLOBALLY

Bata shoes are an integral part of almost every school-goer’s life in India. That is why most Indians believe that the brand — founded in what is now the Czech Republic in 1894 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland — is local, despite operating in over 70 countries. The company, which does a ₹3,500 crore business in the country, recently appointed India CEO Sanjiv Kataria as its global head. Kataria, who had taken over as India head in 2017 and under whom Bata India’s profits rose 46 per cent, tells Ajita Shashidhar how India’s diverse footwear consumption habits have given him a unique understanding of customer needs across the globe. Edited excerpts:

The Infra Catalyst

FM bets big on infrastructure with focus on asset monetisation and sharp rise in allocations to highways and railways

Missing Credit

Bank credit growth shows signs of uptick, backed by retail and agri loans, but is expected to remain muted in FY21 due to asset quality pressures

THE GREAT RESET

The FM has set the stage, but timely execution is critical

If Executed Well, 8% Growth Is Possible

Economists, CEOs, consultants, sector specialists interpret Nirmala Sitharaman’s ‘Never-before’ Budget

Ease Of Compliance

Income-tax slabs unchanged, but small taxpayers will enjoy procedural relief in filing ITR and resolution of disputes; High-income earners may feel the pinch though

Job Half Done

The Budget focuses on growth to create jobs but lacks holistic measures to solve the problem of massive unemployment

Input troubles

A significant spike in prices of key raw materials post lockdown has thrown a curveball at the revival story of India Inc

Booster Dose

With record healthcare expenditure and allocations focussing on mitigating the impact of Covid-19, it’s a shot in the arm for the sector

Bold Privatisation Bet

In spite of criticism and Opposition jibes, the Centre commits itself to selling most PSUs; sets ambitious disinvestment target for FY22

REITs: The New Real(i)ty

Though India caught on to the Real Estate Investment Trust model late, successful listings have not only demonstrated investor appetite, but also paved way for many others to consider a new approach to commercial real estate

Tax-Saving In The Eleventh Hour

Planning last-minute investments to save taxes? Here’s what all you can do

The Game Within

Niti Aayog’s consultation paper on fantasy sports advocates self-regulation, but legal and regulatory uncertainties remain a drag for an industry that has the capacity to attract ₹10,000 crore FDI in the next few years

India could lose out on one of the most important global financial rallies

The government is all set to bring a Bill, which is likely to ban cryptocurrency trading, mining and investments in the country. Rallying over 300 per cent in the last year, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has gained popularity in the country among other crypto assets, with top exchanges witnessing a multifold jump in trading volumes. Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, Founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange in terms of volume, talks to Avneet Kaur about the government’s potential move. Edited excerpts:

Rise Of Oligopolistic Dominance

As debt-laden distressed companies fall by the wayside, some cash-rich large companies are practically monopolising their sectors

Transforming TATA

How Chairman N. Chandrasekaran is revamping the $106 billion group into a future ready, tech enabled conglomerate

Money Matters

MANAGING YOUR MONEY CAN BE TRICKY. SEND YOUR QUERIES, AND PERSONAL FINANCE EXPERTS WILL HELP YOU RESOLVE ANY ISSUE

WE EXPECT DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH OVER THE COMING YEARS

The $9-billion US-based Air Products, the world’s leading industrial gases company, has extensive operations in India. Industrial gases are an integral raw material in energy, hydrocarbons and chemicals. Richard Boocock, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Special Advisor to the Board's Chairman, tells P.B. Jayakumar that the policies announced in the last few months for Atmanirbhar Bharat will boost manufacturing in India further. Edited excerpts:

‘DIGITAL EVERYWHERE' STRATEGY WILL DRIVE EVERY TATA COMPANY

Since N. Chandrasekaran took over as chairman on February 21, 2017, Tata Group has been trying to resolve pending issues in group companies and pivot their businesses by leveraging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics and Cloud computing. In the last 10 months, despite the Covid-19 related sluggishness in the economy, the group has launched four companies for new-age businesses. Chandrasekaran talks to Nevin John and Rajeev Dubey about the key trends that are set to drive the group in the future. Edited excerpts:

Beating Mauritius

FDI surge from Cayman Islands makes it the new Mauritius; chorus grows China might be routing investments into India through it

Must Never Lose Sight Of Risk & Crisis Management

Being prudent, adhering to strong governance practices and focusing on long-term growth are critical

No Business As Usual; The Game Has Changed

Companies that emerge from this crisis with solid finances, a resilient supply chain, skilled workers and the capacity to analyse data will be well-placed to seize new opportunities

Future-Proofing Business Critical Than Ever

The priority in the new normal will be to create businesses that can withstand unanticipated stress

Autonomy To Be Established For Quick Decision-Making

In the coming future, managements will have to be prepared for all eventualities and uncertainties

Robust Biz Continuity Plan Is Non-negotiable

Banks provide the lifeblood to the financial well-being of different segments. In a crisis, we have to do everything to safeguard their interests

Moving From Assembly To Manufacturing Base

Lower dependence on imports will lead to greater demand for Make-in-India electronics products and boost employment

To Find New Ways to Codify and Document How to do Things

A combination of remote monitoring & tele-consultation can foster a more holistic and effective approach to taking care of health issues

Reinventing Products, Offerings To Cater To Changing Preferences

New culinary experiences and dining options, staycations and gourmet food delivery offer exclusivity

Creating Operating Units For Regional, Local Execution

The shift to becoming more available on e-commerce platforms while revising pricing strategies will be an exciting challenge

A Greater Sense of Urgency for Reforms

The pandemic has brought a realisation that we need greater public health infrastructure so that we are ready for any calamity of this order in the future