19 things that could define 2019

Every year brings something new. But next year could turn out to be unusually important. The world’s largest democracy may become the world’s fifth largest economy and 800 million Indians will choose a new government. Whether it’s macroeconomy, markets or monetary policy, or cracking the digital economy, coding new privacy laws or cricket, the year that begins tomorrow may shape India for years to come. In a special package, 8 ET editors and 4 ET columnists analyse what 2019 may mean to all of us. We begin with a quick look at 19 things that could define 2019.

Of course, general elections will be the big thing. But there are other ways — from economy to entertainment — next year will leave its mark. ET lists the possible landmarks & turning points;

ELECTIONS & A NEW SARKAR

Modi’s back with a fresh mandate, or RaGa rides a huge coalition that could reset the economic & social agenda.

POPULISM TRUMPS ECONOMICS
Farm loan waivers, income transfer, universal basic income, bigger subsidies.

PRIVATE INVESTMENT
India Inc finally loosens its purse strings as capacity utilisation rises and political uncertainty ends.

THE FINAL CUT
Whole of India Inc gets 25% corporate tax rate as new government starts on a positive note.

PLANE TRUTH
More Indians take to the skies as new airports open and flying becomes cheaper.

RAM MANDIR
SC settles the dispute, giving a judgment acceptable to everyone.

IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID
India achieves 8% growth, as a new government comes to power.

LUCK WITH OIL
Crude remains below $60 and helps rupee climb to 65/$, helping keep the dreaded twin deficits in check.

MOUNT 40K
Sensex crosses 40,000 for first time as FIIs return after elections while SIPs continue to rise.

MINT STREET & NORTH BLOCK
RBI is reinvented; govt gets a bigger voice and RBI’s reserves; central bank gets more powers over public sector banks.

AADHAAR
Back with a bang as legal changes allow for its voluntary use by banks & telcos.

CONNECTIVITY
Data traffic explodes; next mobile revolution begins as content rides faster internet.

GREEN TRANSPORT
Electric cars finally hit roads in a big way.

NONPERFORMING ASSETS
End of the NPA problem as fresh slippages slow and IBC lifts recoveries of bad loans.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Becomes nastier; hijacks elections with an avalanche of fake news and character assassination.

CASH VS CASHLESS
Transactions go cashless as better payments mechanisms emerge and large cash use starts to raise eyebrows.

DTH NEW DD
Prime Video, Netflix, Hotstar, & JioCinema kill DTH as 5G, quality content and ease of viewing all come together for better experience.

WORLD CUP
Kohli & co raise the cup; India brings home the trophy it last lifted in 2011.