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 : As India gears up to celebrate National Logistics Day on June 28, the 5th RailTrans Expo 2025, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), continued with renewed energy and insight. Day 2 of the Expo witnessed a high-impact plenary session titled "Unifying Corridors & Smart Logistics for Sustainable Infrastructure", aligning with the central theme 'Logistics 360 for Viksit Bharat'. The session brought together a powerhouse panel of senior policymakers, logistics leaders, and academicians, reflecting a shared vision to build a unified, tech-enabled, and future-ready logistics ecosystem under the Vision 2047 roadmap. Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (a Central University under the Ministry of Railways), addressed the urgent need for developing a future-ready logistics workforce, said "Logistics is no longer just about moving goods -- it's the very engine powering Viksit Bharat. With cutting-edge infrastructure, integrated digital systems, and a skilled workforce, India's logistics sector is driving inclusive growth, resilient supply chains, and global competitiveness. As we build faster, smarter, and more sustainable networks, trust and technology will define our path forward." Delivering the session, Mr. Kanishka Sethia, Chairman, National Logistics & Supply Chain Committee, ICC and CEO, Western Carriers, emphasized, "With a $338 billion logistics sector contributing nearly 14% to our GDP, the path to a $5 trillion economy by 2027 runs directly through efficient, integrated, and sustainable logistics. The government's $1.2 trillion Gati Shakti initiative -- digitizing 1.46 lakh km of highways, modernizing 200 rail terminals, and deploying 300 multimodal hubs -- is systems engineering at a national scale. But this journey requires more than infrastructure. We must address fragmentation, bridge talent gaps, and embrace green logistics as a strategic economic lever. At Western, we're actively deploying EV fleets, solar-powered warehouses, and piloting carbon-neutral supply chains -- because sustainability is no longer an ESG checkbox, it's a business imperative. Let us remember: infrastructure today is not just steel and cement -- it is data, speed, and trust. The future of Viksit Bharat depends on how well we unify corridors, digitize systems, decarbonize supply chains, and above all, innovate. This is the spirit of Logistics 360." The session was further enriched by senior voices from the Ministry of Railways, Mr. Surendra Kumar Ahirwar, IRTS, Executive Director (Traffic Commercial), Railway Board, said, "Logistics is no longer a support function -- it is central to India's socio-economic transformation and the mission of Viksit Bharat 2047. With dynamic government policies like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, we are integrating modes, nodes, and networks to ensure seamless, multimodal connectivity. Railways, with major corridor projects and investments of ₹4-5 lakh crores, are being repositioned as the backbone of sustainable transport. As we overcome capacity deficits and rationalize freight strategies, we aim not only to reduce logistics costs but to strengthen logistics' contribution to GDP. It is this convergence of academia, industry, and government that will accelerate our journey -- perhaps even before 2047 -- toward a truly developed India." Dr. Jaideep Gupta, Additional Member, Railway Board, shared, "This platform is not just a dialogue -- it's a declaration of intent and a reflection of the collective will to drive transformation at scale. As India aspires to become a global logistics powerhouse, it is imperative that the government, industry, and academia work in close alignment to overcome legacy challenges and unlock the full potential of integrated, multimodal infrastructure. The RailTrans Expo is enabling the kind of forward-looking conversations we need -- conversations that translate policy into action and vision into on-ground execution. With smart investments, inclusive growth models, and a focus on sustainability, we are not just reshaping logistics -- we are building the backbone of a truly developed India." Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (a Central University under the Ministry of Railways), stressed the need for developing a new generation of skilled professionals capable of navigating the complexities of modern logistics. Discussions during the session touched on multiple high-priority themes, including the ambitious roadmap for transforming India into a global logistics powerhouse under Vision 2047, and the importance of unlocking investments in multimodal logistics parks through public-private partnership (PPP) models. Emphasis was also laid on enhancing regional development through targeted incentives and state-specific logistics policies, and the significance of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) in simplifying data access and improving decision-making across the supply chain. The session further highlighted the critical role of inclusive logistics frameworks that integrate MSMEs, cooperatives, and rural supply chains into national networks. A shared consensus emerged around the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure that not only supports economic growth but also advances India's decarbonization and environmental goals. Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Vikash Lohia, Deputy Managing Director, Jupiter Wagons & Chairman, Railways Expert Committee, ICC, remarked, "As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, today's discussions reaffirm that logistics is not just a facilitator but a key driver of India's economic transformation. With robust policy frameworks, multimodal infrastructure, digital integration, and a focus on sustainability, we are building a logistics ecosystem that is efficient, future-ready, and globally competitive. Reducing logistics costs from 15% to 7-8% of GDP is not just an ambition -- it's a necessity. The collective insights shared today will help turn that vision into reality. Thanks to all dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for making this session a meaningful step forward." The session reaffirmed the critical role of collaborative policy, infrastructure modernization, and capacity building in positioning India as a world-class logistics hub. The discussions set a strategic tone for the industry's evolving role in national development, with RailTrans Expo 2025 serving as a key milestone in that journey.
New Delhi [India], December 2: The IVCA GreenReturns Summit 2024 commenced today in New Delhi, convening over 400 visionaries, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to chart a transformative path for India's green economy. The Summit is dedicated to aligning India's climate goals with its trillion-dollar economic aspirations for a 'Viksit Bharat,' spotlighting high-impact investment opportunities, addressing funding gaps, and driving actionable solutions for net-zero and climate adaptation. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee Says West Bengal Yet To Get INR 14,000 Crore From Centre for Supply of ...Read More >
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 2 (ANI): Ambuja Cements has taken a step toward achieving its Net Zero goals. The company has partnered with Finland-based technology leader Coolbrook to implement its proprietary RotoDynamic Heater (RDH) technology. According to the exchange filing, this cutting-edge, zero-carbon heating solution, powered by renewable electricity, will drastically reduce the company's dependence on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions, aligning with its sustainability vision. Ambuja Cements will significantly reduce its fossil fuel dependence by harnessing renewa ...Read More >
Taking an eco-friendly step, the University of Jammu has announced a ban on the entry of four-wheelers on the campus with effect from 5 December. Taking an eco-friendly step, the University of Jammu has announced a ban on the entry of four-wheelers on the campus with effect from 5 December. Prof Prakash Antahal, Chief Proctor, said that the University had been planning for a long time to implement this Green Campus initiative. However, the decision was delayed due to non-availability of a designated parking slot. Now that the parking facility is ready, the University has taken this decisive ...Read More >
Bengaluru, 4th December 2024- PURE EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to strengthen its presence nationwide and expand globally while introducing innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. Over the next 30 months, the company aims to add 250 new dealerships, taking its total network to over 320 across India. The expansion will be driven by the growing demand for long-range scooters, electric motorcycles, large B2B contracts, and the company's entry into the house-hold brand space. Dr. Nishanth Dongari, Founder & MD of PURE EV, ...Read More >
BJP member Manas Dutta blamed the previous BJD government and held it responsible for not extending their service agreement which ended in April, 2024. As hundreds of women working as support staff under the Mission Shakti department staged a demonstration outside the Assembly over different issues, the opposition BJD on Monday demanded immediate release of their salaries. While the agitating women were shouting slogans at the Mahatma Gandhi Road leading to the Assembly, the issue was raised in ...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 >
WarmUp Ventures Founders L to R - Rajendra Lora ,Yogesh Chaudhary , Sharad Bansal Athera Venture Partners has roped in HDFC AMC's fund of funds as an LP for its Fund IV, while Warmup Ventures is launching its second fund. HDFC AMC invests in Athera's Fund IV Tech-focused venture capital fund Athera Venture Partners, formerly known as Inventus India, on Wednesday said that HDFC's fund of funds has invested in its Fund IV, which is scheduled to close in 2025. HDFC AMC's Select AIF FoF I Scheme will be a dominant LP in Athera's Rs 900-crore fund to be invested into fast-growing tech startups ...Read More >
The financial repercussions of Parliament disruptions are considerable, impacting both public resources and the productivity of the nation's legislative process. However, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have cumulatively functioned for merely 2 hours, with daily disruptions and sloganeering resulting in adjournments. The Rajya Sabha faced disruptions today (December 2) as Vice Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed discontent over sloganeering by Opposition MPs. The protests, which centered around demands for discussions on key issues, forced the Vice Chairman to adjourn the session until 12 ...Read More >
Strikes gain global traction as unions push for fair treatment, sustainable practices, and tax accountability Amazon workers in India and around the world have launched strikes and protests during the busiest shopping weekend of the year -- Black Friday to Cyber Monday. The movement, called "Make Amazon Pay," is backed by UNI Global Union and Progressive International, with the goal of holding Amazon accountable for alleged labor abuses, environmental harm, and disregard for democratic principles. From November 29 to December 2, workers across six continents and in more than 20 countries are ...Read More >
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced several pre-election promises targeting auto drivers. These include a ₹10 lakh insurance policy, ₹1 lakh for daughters' marriages, a biannual ₹2,500 uniform allowance, free coaching for their children, and the relaunch of the 'PoochO' ride-booking app. Kejriwal and the AAP are campaigning to secure a third term in the upcoming February elections.Ahead of crucial Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal promised several measures for auto dri ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], January 21: SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a part of the Hinduja Group, has unveiled the SWITCH IeV8, a revolutionary electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) in the 7.2T category catering to mid-mile logistics. Designed with sustainability and operational efficiency at its core, the SWITCH IeV8 is set to transform the logistics sector in India. * H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, unveils the SWITCH IeV8, an electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) designed for mid-mile logistics, at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 The SWITCH IeV8, a robust additio ...Read More >
As per Moneycontrol's calculations, a 7 per cent growth in the remaining two quarters will put India's GDP at 6.5 per cent. The Indian economy would find it challenging to achieve over 7 per cent growth for the fourth consecutive year, economists said. They pointed out that the second-quarter (Q2) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, which was announced on November 29, has made the task even more daunting for the government. "A sharper than expected growth slowdown in Q2 has tilted risks to our outlook of 6.8 per cent for the current fiscal downwards," said DK Joshi, chief economist, Crisil. ...Read More >
New Delhi: University Grant Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar has announced changes in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), undergraduate and postgraduate 2025, saying the total number of subjects has been reduced to 37 from 63 and there will be uniform exam duration of 60 minutes. He said 20 language subjects have been discontinued and admissions to the dropped subjects can be done based on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores. The domain-specific subjects were 29 earlier, but the UGC has decided to discontinue six subjects, bringing the number down to 23, Kumar added. The cha ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Dec 15 (VOICE) Former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manipaddy on Sunday refuted the bribery charge levelled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying the Congress leaders have been offering him bribes to suppress the Waqf encroachment report. CM Siddaramaiah on Saturday alleged that BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra "tried to bribe" the former Minority Commission Chairperson during the previous government with Rs 150 crore to suppress a probe into the Waqf property encroachment. Speaking to the media, Anwar Manipaddy stated that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has any genuine co ...Read More >
Former minister Chandrakant Patil on Thursday said that the office of the National Book Trust (NBT) will now be permanently shifted from Mumbai to Pune, and a building space from the Pune Municipal Corporation has been leased to them immediately. This year's book festival, organized by the National Book Trust, will take place from December 14 to 22 at the grounds of Fergusson College. On Thursday, the office of the book festival was inaugurated, and the foundation stone for the pandal was laid by former minister Chandrakant Patil. On this occasion, the festival organizers, including Rajesh P ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) The government on Thursday came out with the definition of green steel and asked the industry to take measures to bring down carbon emissions below the level of 2.2 tonnes on per tonne of finished products. Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy also released a 'taxonomy on green steel' with parameters for giving star ratings on products based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the production process. The steel industry has been the backbone of India's industrial growth and it is imperative that this vital sector undergoes a transformative shift towards ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 12 (PTI) Terming the 5.4 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter as a "temporary phenomena", FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal on Thursday said the industry body expects India to achieve 6.5-7 per cent economic growth in the current financial year, while projecting a pick up in private investment. In an interview to PTI, Agarwal, who is also the Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Emami Ltd, said the RBI needs to manoeuvre a "tight-rope balancing act" between inflation and economic growth, as he opined that the central bank has been doing a prudent job. Notably, the FI ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 26 (VOICE) India in 2024 saw a boom in employment rates, with women and youth leading the charge in workforce participation, according to a report.The report by Apna.co, a job and professional networking platform, showed women contributed an impressive 2.8 crore job applications -- 20 per cent higher than in 2023. Similarly, the youth posted a 27 per cent year-on-year increase in job applications. Women contributed an impressive 2.8 crore job applications out of a total of 7 crore, a 25 per cent year-on-year surge, in 2024. Flexible work opportunities, gender-focused initiativ ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (PTI) A delegation of the Opposition BJD on Tuesday met Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Patil and apprised him of the potential submergence of large areas in Odisha's Malkangiri district, due to construction of a multi-purpose project in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The delegation, led by senior leader Debi Prasad Mishra, also submitted a memorandum with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The regional party in its memorandum mentioned that the Polavaram project is likely to impact the lives and livelihoods of thousands of tribal people, especially those from vulnerable and prim ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 4: In a significant move to enhance customer experience and protect citizens, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which allows bank account holders to have up to four nominees in their accounts. The higher number of nominees aims to reduce unclaimed deposits in banks. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that depositors will have the option of successive or simultaneous nomination facility, while locker holders will have only successive nominations. Another sweeping change relates to redefining 'substantial interest' for directors ...Read More >
The Andhra Pradesh government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google. The tech giant will launch its operations from Visakhapatnam in the State. Making the announcement at the district collectors' conference on Wednesday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said HRD Minister Nara Lokesh's efforts have paved the way for this. The MoU was a significant development and would be a game changer. Visakhapatnam is poised for transformative growth, Mr. Naidu said. The chief minister, in ...Read More >
Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike enters its 17th day. His health is critical. The Supreme Court urges dialogue between the government and Dallewal. Dallewal demands MSP guarantee and other farmer-centric issues. He has written an open letter to the Prime Minister. Farmers' organizations continue their protests at the Punjab-Haryana border.The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating health of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who ...Read More >
VMPL New Delhi [India], December 18: Five months after the launch of the "Go Green with Taiwan" project by Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and after receiving a total of 396 proposals from 45 countries around the world, the most exciting part is finally here. On December 9, 2024, the Top 5 finalists went on an all-expense paid trip to Taiwan where they presented their entries and convinced a distinguished panel of experts and judges from Taiwan that their entries can and will help change the way we live and establish a ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 18 (PTI) Jobs and talent platform and a Quess company, foundit, on Wednesday announced the appointment of V Suresh as its Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of experience in the internet domain, digital transformation, and the e-recruitment ecosystem, Suresh brings a wealth of strategic expertise and a forward-looking vision to foundit (formerly Monster APAC and ME), the company said in a statement. "Suresh's deep understanding of the digital talent ecosystem and proven ability to scale businesses will help us strengthen our leadership position in the market. Under hi ...Read More >
The Indian government has announced a 375km rail network expansion, aimed at enhancing economic growth and connectivity in North Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. With a total cost of approximately Rs79.27bn ($1.05bn), these projects are aimed to be completed within four years. Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, detailed the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs' approval of three railway infrastructure projects. The projects include the Jalgaon-Manmad fourth line (160 km), Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth lines (131km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)-Manikpur thir ...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 >
Patna, Dec 13 (VOICE) The Bihar Public Service Commission 70th Preliminary Combined Examination will be conducted at 912 centres in the state on Friday.With these examinations, 2,031 posts in various government departments will be filled. A total of 4.80 lakh candidates have applied for the examinations, scheduled to start at noon and end at 2.00 p.m. The commission has issued guidelines for the candidates appearing for the examinations. The guidelines are: "Candidates are asked to bring two printed copies of their admit card, of which, the invigilator will keep one, proof of original ID is ...Read More >
1. PCB reiterates stance on Champions Trophy, not willing to accept hybrid model The PCB has come forward and made it clear to the ICC that they will not accept the much-debated hybrid model of the tournament. (READ MORE) 2. 'Lalit, where is my Porsche?' - Lalit Modi narrates tale of gifting luxury automobile to Yuvraj Singh In a recent discussion, he recounted an episode from 2007 which involved former World Cup-winning Indian legend, Yuvraj Singh. (READ MORE) 3. Batter gets dismissed in bizarre fashion after cell phone falls on stumps The unusual mode of dismissal occurred during a Gram ...Read More >
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the federal budget for 2025 and the planned period of 2026-2027, with a significant 25 per cent increase in military spending compared to the previous year and a special focus on the development of transport corridors Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the federal budget for 2025 and the planned period of 2026-2027, with a significant 25 per cent increase in military spending compared to the previous year and a special focus on the development of transport corridors, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) - t ...Read More >