In a little over a week since New York-based investor research firm Hindenburg Research has accused industrialist Gautam Adani-led conglomerate of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”.
This edition of the Burning issue will elaborate on the Hindenberg research issue and other factors coming out of the issue.
About the Hindenberg group and its report
Hindenburg Research is a company that specializes in forensic financial research.
It especially looks for accounting irregularities; undisclosed related-party transactions; illegal/ unethical business or financial reporting practices; and undisclosed regulatory, product, or financial issues in companies.
In late January, Hindenburg Research, which specializes in short selling, published a report critical of the group’s finances.
The research firm, which has short positions in Adani companies through US-traded bonds and non-Indian-traded derivative instruments, said key listed companies in the group had “substantial debt” which has put the entire group on a “precarious financial footing”.
Outcome of the report
The seven listed firms have still lost about half their market value – or more than USD 100 billion combined – since the US-based short-seller last week questioned the group over its debt levels, Reuters reported. The listed Adani firms now have a combined market value of USD 108 billion, versus USD 218 billion before Hindenburg’s report.
Political storm: The report has also caused a political storm in the country with opposition stalling the parliament and demanding a JPC or Supreme court led investigation of the allegations against the Adani Group on the basis of the Hindenburg report.
UPSC exam perspective
Since the issue is still evolving and both sides are claiming them to be true, the actual truth remains unknown.
Therefore, this article will tell about both facets of the issue.
The Brighter Picture
Importance of Billionaires for a Nation
Development of industries: Companies established by these billionaires invest in the development of industries in a nation which in turn helps in the development of the nation. The Reliance group’s telecom giant Jio, Reliance petrochemical plants and Adani Ports, energy are to name a few.
The face of nation: billionaires represent the face of their nation. Bill Gates, Elon musk, Jack Ma, Mukesh Ambani are well-known billionaires recognized around the world.
Brings investment: the companies of these billionaires attract a huge amount of foreign investments which help a lot in bringing new technologies and also capital in the domestic economy. For example- Google has paid ₹33,737 crores to Jio Platforms Limited, a subsidiary of the Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).
Reduce import dependence: With the coming of new technologies or establishing industries for the manufacturing of the products not produced in the country, companies of these billionaires help in reducing imports of the nation. For example, the TATA group, Reliance and Adani have established their defense manufacturing companies which are helping in reducing defence imports and indigenization of defence products.
Represent face of emerging India– Oxfam India’s latest report which was released on the opening day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland reveals that the total number of billionaires in India increased from 102 in 2020 to 166 billionaires in 2022. It’s an indication of the growing economy in India.
High taxes to government: The billionaires and their companies pay high amounts of taxes to the government, therefore, helping the nation grow. According to an estimate, A 2% tax on the top 100 billionaires would give the government enough money to raise health expenditure to 3% of the GDP.
Philanthropy: Billionaires in India are well known for their philanthropy. Billionaires Gautam Adani, HCL Technologies’ Shiv Nadar, and Happiest Minds Technologies’ Ashok Soota are the three Indians who have been named in the 16th edition of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list.
The case of Adani group and its contribution to India’s growth
Adani Group is one of India’s largest conglomerates and is involved in a wide range of industries and activities, including energy, infrastructure, logistics, resources, agribusiness, and real estate.
Adani has been instrumental in the development of India’s energy security, with the Adani Group owning and operating the world’s largest solar power plant in Gujarat. Additionally, Adani’s efforts have resulted in the development of numerous infrastructure projects across India, such as ports, airports, roads, and highways. His company is also involved in activities such as mining, power generation, and transmission, and is a major player in the renewable energy sector.
In addition to his business accomplishments, Adani has also been involved in several philanthropic initiatives, such as the Adani Foundation, which provides education and healthcare services to underprivileged communities.
The Darker Picture
Leads to crony capitalism: A political-economic system in which success in business depends on close relationships between business people and government officials, rather than on merit and competition. Adani Group (CAG report highlighted “undue benefits” that the Gujarat government gave to Adani Ports by waiving waterfront and other charges); The 2G spectrum scam; Coalgate Scandal etc. Also, India was ranked in 9th position in crony capitalism where crony sector wealth accounted for 3.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Creates Distrust in the economy: The revelation of facts, such as by the Hindenberg Report, creates distrust in the economy leading to decreased capital inflows and thus investments.
Stock market crashes: Such a report causes economic loss to companies as happened recently with Adani company’s stocks.
Propaganda against India: such reports are also claimed to be part of the propaganda to tarnish India’s image at the global level. The timing of the release of the Hindenburg report is susceptible- just before release of Rs 20,000 crore FPO by Adani group and the Budget session of Indian parliament.
Ethical issues with billionaires
Tax Avoidance: Many billionaires take advantage of loopholes and offshore accounts to avoid paying taxes on their income, depriving governments of much-needed revenue.
The exploitation of Workers: Billionaires often employ workers from developing countries, paying them low wages and subjecting them to poor working conditions.
Political Power: Some billionaires use their wealth to influence politicians and governments, creating a system of unequal power and privilege.
Concentration of Wealth: The vast wealth of billionaires is often seen as morally wrong when so many people in the world live in poverty.
Conclusion
The ultimate major loser in this row is the investors in Adani Group who suffered losses after the short-seller Hindenburg Research’s report. Thus, currently, there is a need to safeguard the investors.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) should suggest measures to ensure the protection of Indian investors after the short selling.
Simultaneously, the allegations against Adani Group must be verified by SEBI through an independent inquiry along with the role of Hindenberg Research in the whole issue.
