Exploring the intersections of thought, change, and opportunity.
A curated space for unconventional insights, thought experiments, and exploratory musings. Perfect for topics that don’t fit neatly into a box but spark meaningful conversation and fresh thinking.
Iraq has devalued its dinar from 1,320 to 1,520 per US dollar, marking its first adjustment since 2023. This 13% loss in dinar value aims to support domestic industries and attract non-oil investments, but analysts suggest it’s largely a response to oil revenue shocks due to the Iran war. While some project costs will rise, inflation risks persist and depend on market dynamics. The sustainability of this rate hinges on resolving budget deficits and improving economic conditions.
₹22,006 crore in claims. ₹6.5 crore approved for repayment. A 99.97% haircut. Yes, it is a personal guarantor case, and creditors approved the plan. But the bigger question remains: why was ₹6.5 crore considered the best possible recovery? The IBC addresses failure. Credit discipline must address what happens before failure. That is the conversation India needs.
The future promises more intelligent machines, advanced automation, and sophisticated decision-making systems. AI will analyze data with great precision, detect patterns beyond human intuition, and guide decisions efficiently. However, society will still require humans to stand by decisions and accept responsibility for their outcomes. Rather than choosing between human intuition and machine logic, an ideal system combines AI's transparency, analysis, and consistency with human ethical judgment and accountability. This partnership ensures balanced, responsible decision-making in an increasingly automated world.
A personal milestone. A long-cherished dream realised. I’m proud to share my book Echoes from Mesopotamia, recently published and launched at the Kolkata Book Fair (Boi Mela), 2026. Shaped by sixteen years in Iraq—the land often called the Cradle of Civilisation but one that became a second home—the book journeys through the myths and legends of Sumer, Akkad, and Assyria, drawn from research, lived experience, and quiet listening among the echoes of the Tigris and Euphrates. Seeing these echoes find a home between the covers of a book is a dream sixteen years in the making.
In every transformation I’ve lived — from Aligarh’s curfew-shadowed lanes to Iraq’s rebuilding boardrooms and the digital corridors of the Middle East — one truth stands out: every “homeless” problem eventually lands on the CFO’s table. Not because Finance seeks control, but because it alone holds the clarity, coherence, and courage to connect the entire enterprise.
The decoy effect is a marketing strategy where an intentionally unattractive option is introduced to steer consumers toward a desired choice. By comparing options, consumers often make decisions based on perceived value. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely demonstrated this through subscription plans. The decoy effect is prevalent in various markets, making certain products appear more appealing. Awareness of this effect can help consumers make more informed choices and regain control over their purchasing decisions.
Recent geopolitical shifts indicate a potential alignment between the US and Pakistan, particularly regarding oil, which is primarily seen as a strategy for regional stability rather than direct energy supply. China's investment in Pakistan underscores this complexity, as it intensifies strategic ties through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Additionally, India's assertive economic strategy challenges traditional power dynamics, emphasising a multipolar world where nations manoeuvre for influence, revealing the nuanced intricacies in global relations.
During the 1970s in Japan, tea was the leading beverage, while coffee struggled to gain acceptance, despite Nestlé's strong marketing efforts. To address this challenge, Nestlé brought on psychoanalyst Clotaire Rapaille, who proposed focusing on children to create a positive link to coffee. The company introduced coffee-flavoured snacks, gradually introducing a generation to the drink. By the 1980s, this approach turned coffee into a cultural mainstay and contributed to Nestlé's success in Japan.
In modern business, the CFO's pivotal role in ERP implementation often goes unrecognized. Beyond budgeting, they define ROI, align ERP objectives with strategic goals, manage risks, and guide vendor selections. Their involvement extends to designing processes, ensuring compliance, validating functionality, and promoting change management. Post-launch, they monitor financial metrics, track ROI, and drive continuous optimization, making the CFO essential for successful ERP integration.
In the current complex business landscape, the CFO role has evolved into a strategic leadership position requiring deep financial expertise, risk management skills, strong stakeholder relationships, and capital markets knowledge. Experienced bankers, due to their background, excel in these areas, providing insights that align financial strategies with broader business goals. Their capability in crisis management, regulatory compliance, and effective communication further positions them as ideal candidates for the CFO role.
