A 40% cut to execute an NCLT order: corrupt resolution officers are damaging the IBC regime – Economic Times

Increasing cases of corruption and other unethical practices among resolution professionals are being talked about in hushed voices. Besides demanding closer monitoring and stricter penalties, stakeholders and experts feel the system needs to be made transparent by mandating timely and detailed disclosures after the resolution professionals begin work.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was introduced as a one-stop solution to resolve insolvencies and was aimed at protecting the interests of small investors by aiding the ease of doing business. However, three years into effect, the regime is beginning to see a rot in its roots. Unless stemmed in time, it could endanger the tree itself. The
there.” “Why should an RP have integrity when integrity is not taking people anywhere and those without it are doing fine? Where will you bring a person with integrity from?” he asks. These are pertinent questions that the IBBI and the policymakers in the government have to answer in the coming days. ( Graphics by Mohammad Arshad)

Strategy

Gym aggregator Fitternity wants to do a Zomato and Ola in fitness. It needs a viable business model.

The company has over 10,000 gyms and fitness centres on its platform across 11 big cities — including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru — and has about 500,000 active monthly users. It’s wooing the unfit Indian with aggressive and unique pricing strategies, but just like ride hailing and food-tech, building a sustainable business model will remain a challenge.

Aviation

Adani vs. GVK vs. GMR: Gautam Adani wants to be the ‘king of airports’ and the battle lines are drawn

The Adani Group has redefined aggression with its bids for airports. But the ports-to-edible oils conglomerate’s debut appears to be hurried, controversial, and could cause a financial drain on the USD13 billion group if not executed properly. Meanwhile, competitors have sensed danger and raised their guards. Here’s a deep-dive analysis of the risks and rewards of Adani’s entry into the airports segment.

Auto

Great Wall, Chery, Beiqi Foton look to begin India drive. Who should worry? Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen

The initial success of MG Motor and a slowing home market have prompted many automakers from China to look at India. The Chinese are likely to eat into the market share of the bottom-of-the-pyramid players such as Nissan, Ford, and Volkswagen. They will not try to get into Maruti or Hyundai’s stronghold — small cars — and focus on SUVs and EVs.

Investing

Can investors flirt with a quality stocks bubble? A diversified portfolio can pay off on D Street

Scores of quality stocks have been multibaggers for value investors over the past few years, but many now find them expensive, trading at high PE multiples. Is there a bubble in the making? Perhaps not, though many of these stocks appear overvalued. Smart investing – buying the cheaper growth stories and selling those trading at high prices – and a diversified portfolio can help investors profit from the market.

Strategy

Smartworks, Awfis see gain in WeWork’s pain. Can the SoftBank-backed startup defend its turf?

WeWork has become a case study of sorts on avoiding investment pitfalls. While the episode has prompted SoftBank to take a hard look at its portfolio, the Indian rivals are stepping up to quickly gain market share. The company must raise funds or hammer out a better deal with JV partner Embassy to stay afloat.