India's economic engine is revving up, but navigating the global headwinds requires sharp strategy. The rupee's recent volatility against the dollar underscores the complexities facing Indian businesses, impacting everything from import-export trade to domestic inflation. This week alone, we've seen significant shifts in the IT sector, with major players announcing restructuring and a renewed focus on AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, the burgeoning startup ecosystem continues to attract substantial funding, despite a cautious global investor sentiment. The government's recent policy announcements on infrastructure development and digitalization are poised to further shape the business landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and established corporations alike. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving Indian economy. Stay informed with Abtak.com for the latest insights and analysis on key sectors including finance, manufacturing, and technology – empowering your business decisions in a dynamic market. Explore the complete business news section now to stay ahead of the curve.
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Banks need to ensure that there is no mis-selling of insurance to customer and premium are affordable so as to help increase market penetration for such products, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju said on Friday. Insurance, which is a sensitive financial product, should be explained thoroughly to customers before onboarding them, he said at an event to announce strategic partnerships between Central Bank of India and Generali Group of Italy. Often, a particular product is explained to the customer, but a separate product is sold to them, he said. Both insurance regulator Irdai and the Finance Ministry have repeatedly asked the banks and insurance companies to desist temptation of mis-selling of policies to customers as part of investor protection. While the bancassurance model has significantly contributed to improving insurance penetration across the country, it has also raised concerns about instances of mis-selling, Sitharaman had said at an event in October. According to Nagaraju, mis-selling often leads to higher premiums for customers and as a result policyholders don't renew their premium. Observing that high premiums dissuade people from buying insurance, he said "companies have to ensure that premiums are reasonable". Companies need to honour the commitment made in the policy and deviation can lead to breach of trust, he said. Insurance companies will survive only when people have trust, he said. Nagaraju also said that insurance companies must ensure customers' claims are processed fairly and on a timely basis. "Please ensure that claims submitted are honoured and claimed are processed timely so that customers are not unnecessarily troubled," he said. Later talking to media on mis-selling, Central Bank of India MD & CEO M V Rao said the bank does not provide any additional incentive to field staff for selling insurance products and therefore there are hardly any such instances. Meanwhile, Central Bank of India has concluded the acquisition of a 24.91 per cent equity stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company (FGIICL) and 25.18 per cent stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL). The bank also completed the discussions with Generali Group on Definitive Documents including shareholders, trademark and distribution documents. This marks the culmination of a significant strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the bank's presence in the insurance sector through its joint ventures in life and general insurance, Rao said. This strategic partnership is aimed at enhancing insurance penetration across India, delivering innovative insurance products and ensuring deeper financial inclusion and enabling in achieving government's mission of 'Insurance for All' by 2047, he said. Combining Central Bank of India's vast customer base and distribution network with Generali's global expertise in insurance solutions will provide customers with a robust portfolio of products tailored to Indian market needs, he said. Established in 1911, Central Bank of India is one of the oldest and most respected banks in the country with a network of over 4,500 branches and 20,000-plus touchpoints. Generali is a leading global insurance and asset management provider having presence in more than 50 countries and known for customer centric solutions. PTI DP HVA
Alber doubled Williams-Sonoma's business since 2010 and widened the margin; growth is expected to continue and support a healthy capital return. There are many reasons to own a stock, and the CEO is one of them. The right CEO can be the defining factor in a company's success, shaping operations, driving growth, and delivering substantial shareholder returns. Strong leadership often signals not just steady performance but transformative potential. Brian Niccol and Laura Alber are prime examples of how executive vision can create lasting value. Their track records at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc ...Read More >
YORK, UK - In a move to strengthen its position in the equine health market, Animalcare Group Plc (AIM: ANCR) has announced the conditional acquisition of Randlab, a prominent Australian equine veterinary business. The deal, valued at A$120 million (approximately £62.2 million), is expected to significantly boost Animalcare's earnings in 2025. The purchase agreement, involving Animalcare's newly formed subsidiary Animalcare Australia Pty Ltd, encompasses Randlab's entire issued share capital, including its New Zealand and Middle Eastern operations. The acquisition is financed through a combin ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): After a steep correction in October 2024, where the Nifty 50 index fell around 6 per cent and closed 8 per cent lower than its all-time highs, FII outflows reduced in November, a sharp drop from October outflows says a report by JM Financials. The benchmark index remained largely flat in November, reflecting a calmer trading environment. Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) activity also exhibited a notable slowdown in selling pressure. FII outflows reduced to Rs182 billion (USD 2.2 billion) in November, a sharp drop from Rs919 billion (USD 10.9 billion) ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 13: IIFL Capital Services Limited (formerly IIFL Securities Limited) today announced the unveiling of its state-of-the-art office in Bengaluru, dedicated to wealth management services for High Networth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Networth Individuals (UHNIs). IIFL Capital Services is one of the largest wealth managers in India, with about $30 billion (Rs 2.5 lac crore) worth of assets under management, advice and custody. Also Read | Big score is just around the corner for Steve Smith, Skipper Pat Cummins Backs Star Batter Ahead of IND vs AUS 3rd ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 26 (PTI) The Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) is set to raise Rs 238 crore from four entities including Billionbrains Garage Ventures, Groww's parent, and Zerodha's Rainmatter Investments in a bid to stay afloat. Others who invested in MSEI are -- BSE-listed Share India Securities, and Securocorp Securities India. The exchange's board in its meeting on Tuesday approved the issuance of 1.19 billion equity shares at Rs 2 per share, comprising Rs 1 face value and Rs 1 premium to these four investors through a private placement, according to a disclosure on MSEI's websit ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 14 (IANS) The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved 15,547 crore transactions worth Rs 223 lakh crore from January to November this year, 'showcasing its transformative impact on financial transactions' in India, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday. The Finance Ministry also said that UPI is now accepted in seven countries including France, UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bhutan and Nepal. The UPI system provides a cheaper and quicker alternative to the available channels of cross-border remittances. UPI has succeeded in increasing financial inclusion and promot ...Read More >
SHANGHAI, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MultiMetaVerse Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: MMV) (MMV or the Company), a leading animation and entertainment company for young consumers in China, today announced that it has signed a definitive share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement) with the shareholders (the Transferors) of Bowong AI Limited (Bowong Cayman), which, after a series of restructuring transactions, is expected to indirectly hold 100% equity interests in Bowong Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Bowong Technology). Bowong Technology is a company equipped with cutting-edge tec ...Read More >
In an exclusive interview with FinTech Magazine at Money20/20, Matthew Van Buskirk, Co-founder and CEO of Hummingbird Regtech, discusses how the company is enabling data to be labelled at ease through the use of artificial intelligence. Hummingbird positions itself as an AI enablement company, addressing a critical challenge in the financial sector: the lack of well-labelled, clean training data. "From the day we launched, we saw that deploying effective machine learning or AI capabilities in this industry is incredibly difficult because we don't have clean training data. Instead, we have th ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 3 (UNI) In its first results post listing, on-demand convenience platform, Swiggy on Tuesday announced a 30 percent growth in Gross Order Value at Rs 11,306 crore for the quarter and half year ended September 30, 2024. Swiggy's overall Gross Order Value (GOV) grew 30 percent YoY to reach Rs 11306 crore, while the consolidated adjusted EBITDA loss of Rs 341 crore represented a reduction in the loss by 30 percent YoY. Platform Average Monthly Transacting Users (MTU) grew 19.2 percent YoY to 17.1M, the company said in a release. Sriharsha Majety, MD & Group CEO, Swiggy, said "The ...Read More >
Chennai, Dec 10 (PTI) Standalone health insurance company Star Health Insurance has targeted doubling its business in Tamil Nadu over the next four years, a top official said. As part of its growth strategy, the company plans to add 12,000 new agents across Tamil Nadu and expand its footprint with 25 new offices in both rural and urban areas in FY2025. Also Read | 7th Pay Commission Latest News: Narendra Modi Government Likely To Hike DA for Employees by 3% in January 2025, Check Details. Star ...Read More >
Infosys has announced an average 85% performance bonus for eligible employees in Q2 FY25, reflecting its strong financial performance. The bonus, paid to mid- and junior-level staff, will be credited with the November salaries, with individual payouts varying based on performance. This follows Infosys' impressive 4.7% rise in Q2 net profit and a revenue increase of 5.1%, leading to an upward revision of its FY25 revenue guidance. The bonus payout surpasses the previous quarter's 80%, with Infosys outpacing rivals like TCS. Employees are also awaiting salary hikes, with revisions expected from ...Read More >
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 12: Navanc, a pioneering FinTech startup building India's first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance practices, has successfully raised USD 1 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Prarambh Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Brigade REAP FirstPort Capital, and marquee angel investors Also Read | US: Joe Biden Commutes Roughly 1,500 Sentences and Pardons 39 People in Biggest Single-Day Act of Clemency. The funds will be directed toward expanding operations across India, with a ...Read More >
PRNewswire Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 13: Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, the first standalone health insurance company in India, today announced the launch of its revolutionary retail health insurance product, 'SUPER STAR'. This innovative policy offers a long-term policy for the retail health segment, combining advanced features and highly customisable covers to address the growing complexities of modern lifestyles, rising medical expenses, and unforeseen emergencies. * Offers a long-term policy and unparalleled, highly customisable solutions for evolving heal ...Read More >
In a turbulent market environment, Leslie's Inc. (LESL) stock has tumbled to a 52-week low, reaching a price level of just $2.42. This significant downturn reflects a stark contrast from its performance over the past year, with the company's shares experiencing a precipitous decline of -54.12%. Investors are closely monitoring Leslie's financial health and market position, as the stock's current valuation marks a critical juncture for the company's future trajectory. The substantial year-over-year drop has raised concerns among shareholders and market analysts alike, as they seek to understand ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 28: Pioneering furniture fittings solutions brand Hettich India is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem where everybody thrives. Also Read | Diljit Dosanjh Concert in Kolkata 2024: Planning to Attend Dil-Luminati Tour, Don't Miss These 5 Must-Try Local Foods. This honor is especially meaningful, with an overwhelming 95% participation from employees helping Hettich India. It reflects a shared commitment to creating a fam ...Read More >
Canara Bank has got exemption from the Centre to hold stake beyond the 30% upper limit under the Banking Regulation Act in joint ventures Canara Robeco Asset Management Company and Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company. The bank, which owns 51% each in the two JVs, had approached the government seeking permission to divest 13% in the asset management entity and 14.5% in the insurer, by way of initial public offers, Canara Bank said in a filing on Wednesday. The Centre, on the recommendation of the Reserve Bank of India, has decided that the provisions of sub-section (2) of Section 19 of the Bank ...Read More >
Anuj Kumar, Director & CEO of CAMS, highlights that despite recent market corrections, the company expects FY25 to be one of its strongest years. CAMS continues to dominate by winning 70-80% of new bids, focusing on execution and margin expansion, and anticipates significant revenue and profit growth driven by mutual funds and associated business lines.Anuj Kumar, Director & CEO, CAMS, says there has been some market correction and some flattening of the mood in the last two months. But as things come back, we should be holding our projections and FY25 should be one of the strongest years in t ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) Reliance Nippon Life Insurance, a subsidiary of debt-ridden Reliance Capital (RCAP), has initiated talks with IndusInd Bank for bancassurance partnership as the IIHL and RCAP deal has reached the final lap. Mauritius-based IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), the parent entity of IndusInd Bank, won the bid to acquire RCAP and entities under it. Also Read | Cancer Vaccine Ready for Use, Announces Russia; What Is the Cost? How Effective Is It? When Will It Be Available?. "IIHL and Japan-based Nippon Life have struck a good understanding and they are absolutely c ...Read More >
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) shares rose 5% on November 29 a day after shareholders rejected proposal to reappoint Punit Goenka as director. The media firm's shares rose over 5% to Rs 132.69 apiece on November 29. In a regulatory filing by the company on November 28, ZEEL said that the resolution for the reappointment of Goenka was defeated in the annual general meeting (AGM) of the company. Resolution number three in the AGM, which proposed the reappointment of Goenka as director, was supported by only 49.54 per cent of the total number of votes cast while 50.4 per cent voted a ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 12 (ANI): The gross NPA ratio of public sector banks declined to 3.12 per cent in September 2024 from 4.97 per cent in March 2015 and a peak of 14.58 per cent in March 2018, the government stated on Thursday, reaffirming the robustness of the banking system. The government emphasised its proactive support for the banking ecosystem, addressing both business needs and employee welfare to ensure stability, transparency, and growth. Also Read | Places of Worship Act Validity: Supreme Court Restrains Courts in Country Not to Entertain, Pass Orders on Suits Related to R ...Read More >
NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 12: Navanc, a pioneering FinTech startup building India's first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance practices, has successfully raised USD 1 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Prarambh Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Brigade REAP FirstPort Capital, and marquee angel investors The funds will be directed toward expanding operations across India, with a focus on strengthening Navanc's presence in urban and semi-urban areas. Additionally, the startup will bolster ...Read More >
New Delhi, January 31: The unveiling of the Economic Survey on Friday sets the stage for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament on Saturday (February 1), which is expected to continue the government's policy of giving a big push to economic growth with equity. The government has prioritised improving the quality of life in rural areas to ensure equitable and inclusive development, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. The survey highlights financial inclusion as a key focus, with rural households and small businesses getting easier access ...Read More >
By Shankar Bhaskaran, Managing Director - India, MetricStream In recent years, operational risk management (ORM) has garnered significant attention from banking and financial services (BFS) regulators. The increasingly unpredictable operational landscape -- characterised by fluctuating business prospects, a rise in regulations and updates, escalating service costs, and internal challenges such as operational lapses, fraud, and employee disengagement -- has created a pressing need for robust operational risk management strategies in BFS organisations. Fortunately, the leaders of BFS organisat ...Read More >
India's BFSI sector is rapidly evolving with digital transformation, creating new opportunities for the youth to merge financial knowledge with tech skills. As automation, AI, blockchain, and big data reshape the industry, India’s young workforce must be equipped with specialized skills to stay competitive. Roles in data analysis, AI, and cybersecurity are growing, and companies that invest in technology and upskilling will lead the market. While government programs aim to bridge the skills gap, a collaborative approach with educational institutions and financial organizations is key to ensuri ...Read More >
Amante Capital, KKR's dedicated European hospitality platform, will serve as managing partner to the joint venture LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading investment firms KKR and The Baupost Group today announced a joint venture to purchase a portfolio of 33 Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) hotels across the UK from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Amante Capital, KKR's vertically integrated European hospitality platform, will serve as managing partner for the joint venture and the properties will continue as premium Marriott branded hotels. The portfolio ...Read More >
PNN Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 6: We are thrilled to announce that ABSYZ Software Consulting, a Youngsoft company, and a trusted Salesforce partner since 2014, has been elevated to Salesforce Summit Partner status, the highest recognition within the Salesforce consulting ecosystem. This milestone highlights ABSYZ's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation focused on customer needs, and delivering transformative results for clients through its global Salesforce implementations. As one of the elite 5% of Salesforce consulting partners worldwide, this achievement reflects ou ...Read More >
Mumbai: The Indian stock market continued its flattish opening trajectory this week, as selling was seen in Nifty's financial service and private bank sector in early trade on Wednesday. At around 9:27 am, Sensex was trading at 81,515.06 after gaining 5.01 points or 0.01 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,623.8 after rising 13.75 points or 0.06 per cent. The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1,634 stocks were trading in green, while 565 stocks were in red. According to market experts, "Nifty is in a consolidation range and is likely to remain in ...Read More >
New Delhi: Zerodha co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath has tweeted regarding his analysis of stock market data, that showed Mumbai and Ahmedabad account for 80 percent of the equity delivery trade. Kamath tweeted, "Ahmedabad and Mumbai account for 80% of equity delivery trades. Let that sink in. Essentially, the real money is with Gujjus. Btw, Gujarat accounts for just 8% of the total registered investors, and the share has been falling." A lot of reactions poured in on X (formerly Twitter) on Kamath's post. Co-founder of Freecharge and the founder of CRED Kunal Shah promptly responded saying " ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, Jan 27 (VOICE) Adani Total Gas Ltd (ATGL) on Monday reported a 12 per cent increase in revenue from operations in the third quarter of FY25 at Rs 1,397 crore.EBITDA for the nine months of the current fiscal stood at Rs 893 crore, up by 6 per cent (year-on-year), India's leading energy transition company said in a statement. "ATGL maintained its growth trajectory, focusing on customer centric approach and delivering a robust operational performance with a notable 15 per cent year-on-year increase in volume," said Suresh P Manglani, ED and CEO, ATGL. Despite the reduced APM gas allo ...Read More >
Mumbai: Indian stock markets on Wednesday opened near the flatline on a cautious note, tracking the subdued sentiment in Asian markets. At the opening of the trade, Nifty at National Stock Exchange (NSE) started at 24,204.80, up 10.30 points and Sensex at 80,121.03, up by about 122 points. In the opening trade, the stocks of Coal India, Adani Enterprises, Mahindra and Mahindra, Adani Ports, and Kotak Banks were the top gainers. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank, Cipla, Tata Consumer Products, Bharti Airtel, and UltraTech Cement were the major losers on the NSE. Among the sectoral indices, Aut ...Read More >