In The News

From Local to Global

Nayan Chanda December 13, 2011
Had the government proposal not run into a buzzsaw of opposition, foreign investors might have given India’s retail industry a jumpstart. The government tried to limit the potential impact on at least 20 million traders by limiting the big-box stores to cities with more than 1 million people, allowing state governments the right of refusal, mandating that 30 percent of manufactured and processed...

India Halts Wal-Mart Entry Amid Protests

Bibhudatta Pradhan, Andrew MacAskil December 8, 2011
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government could not overcome fear and opposition that modern big-box stores from the west would overwhelm the country’s small family-run stores – and suspended plans to let foreign retailers open stores in India. The change in plans reflects an inability to boost foreign investment and end policy paralysis, reports an article from Bloomberg. “In an attempt to kick...

Brazilian Paves Way for China’s Carmakers

Joe Leahy November 29, 2011
With a burgeoning middle class, the Brazilian automotive market has expanded rapidly, becoming the fourth largest in the world in 2010. In such a fast-growing market, Brazilian consumers have developed no brand loyalty and show no aversion to foreign models, explains Joe Leahy of the Financial Times. So taking advantage of a market opportunity, Chinese car manufacturers like JAC Motors are...

Indian Firms Jolted by China's Social Security Plan

Saibal Dasgupta November 10, 2011
The cost for foreign firms doing business in China will climb as the country extends social-security obligations to cover foreign companies and their employees, reports Saibal Dasgupta in the Times of India. The move may lead many firms to reconsider expansion plans in China. Employers will contribute 37 percent of salary and employees 11 percent for benefits including pensions, and health...

Bollywood: To the Next Level

Amy Kazmin November 1, 2011
India’s Bollywood, a prolific producer of films, but a marginal player in the global market, has launched a film designed to win over foreign audiences. Ra.One cost $30 million, a record for Bollywood but inexpensive for Hollywood, reports the Financial Times. It combines traditional Bollywood song and dance themes with state-of-the-art visual effects and fast action to appeal to Western...

Wary of China, Its Southern Neighbors Court India

Harsh V. Pant October 28, 2011
China’s rapid ascent, along with the flexing of its muscles, has worried neighbors. They chafe at becoming too dependent, and a loose, yet perceptible balancing coalition aimed at curbing China has emerged. With the United States reorganizing its own priorities, India is viewed as an ideal partner for providing strategic balancing, explains Harsh V. Pant, a defense specialist at King’s College....

Floods Threaten Global Trade Hub

Pavin Chachavalpongpun October 24, 2011
Monsoon rains and typhoons have contributed to record flooding that saturates Thailand. Bangkok is under threat even as authorities try to relieve pressure by reinforcing levees, draining fields and releasing floodwaters into the sea. Most of Thailand is affected with rice fields submerged, food prices climbing, and supply-chain operations of multinational firms like Western Digital and Toyota...