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.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) via its circular asked the employees to activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) and Aadhaar seeding of the bank account. The activation and linking was to be done by November 30, 2024, so employees could get the direct benefit transfer (DBT)of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme directly into their bank account. However, some employees would have missed the deadline to activate and link their UAN by November 30, 2024. ET Wealth spoke to the experts about what these employees can do now to get ELI benefits. The Government introduced three ELI schemes (A, B, and C) during the Union Budget 2024, which is proposed to be disbursed by Direct Benefit Transfer. According to the Finance Minister's Budget 2024 speech, Scheme A will focus on first-timers joining the employment and Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) scheme as well, Scheme B focuses on job-creation in manufacturing and Scheme C will focus on the support to the employers. Scheme A of the ELI scheme will provide a one month wage to all the people newly entering the workforce in all formal sectors. The direct benefit transfer of one month salary in 3 instalments to first-time employees, as registered in the EPFO, will be up to Rs 15,000. The eligibility limit will be a salary up to Rs 1 lakh per month. Scheme B of the ELI scheme will incentivize additional employment in the manufacturing sector, linked to the employment of first-time employees. An incentive will be provided at specified scale directly both to the employee and the employer with respect to their EPFO contribution in the first 4 years of employment. Scheme C of the ELI scheme is an employer-focused scheme that will cover additional employment in all sectors. All additional employment within a salary of Rs1 lakh per month will be counted. The government will reimburse employers up to Rs 3,000 per month for 2 years towards their EPFO contribution for each additional employee. Puneet Gupta, Partner, People Advisory Services, EY India: The government is yet to notify the rules and effective date for implementation of ELI Scheme. Hence, the circular talking about the last date to activate UAN and Aadhaar seeding of the bank account seems to be preparation towards implementation of these schemes. The employees who have missed the November 30, 2024 deadline for activation of UAN and Aadhaar seeding of the bank account may get a chance to claim the benefits if eligible under the ELI scheme rules, as notified by the Government. Divya Baweja, Partner, Deloitte India: To avail ELI benefits, EPF subscriber's Aadhaar was to be linked to UAN and bank account linked with Aadhaar by November 30, 2024. Without meeting this requirement by the said timeline, it appears that the ELI benefit may not be available to the employer and in respect of the employees who joined from 1st April till 30th November. Given that the details of the ELI schemes are yet to be formalised, and the ELI online portal is yet to be setup, whether there will be any relaxation with regards to UAN activation and Aadhaar linking timelines for availing the benefit of ELI is yet to be seen." Dorothy Thomas, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.: Usually, deadlines for such schemes are extended, so employees can keep an eye out for potential extensions and ensure compliance within the revised timeframe. The absence of a government notification for the ELI Schemes does not necessarily invalidate its implementation but may impact its clarity, enforcement, and legal standing and the circular holds significant administrative value, even if the ELI Schemes have not been formally notified yet. The circular plays a preparatory role for the implementation of the ELI Schemes and facilitates pre-implementation readiness by addressing administrative prerequisites like data collection and verification. By guiding stakeholders on aligning with future requirements, the circular ensures smoother rollout once formal notifications are issued. According to the EPFO circular on November 22, 2024, every subscriber of the EPFO is required to have an Aadhaar-linked UAN. This needs to be activated on the Member Sewa portal by creating a login. Further, to avail the benefits of any Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme, the bank account number of the beneficiary is required to be seeded with Aadhaar so as to credit the benefits directly into the beneficiary's bank account. Since the benefits under the ELI Scheme will be disbursed through DBT to eligible employees, employers are urged to ensure UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding in bank account by 30th November, 2024, in respect of all their employees who have joined in the current financial year, starting with the latest joinees.
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 >
nion Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje cited statistics in the Lok Sabha on Monday to show that youth unemployment rates in India were lower than global levels. The minister cited a report by the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Institute for Human Development (IHD) which states that the worldwide youth unemployment rate was 15.6 per cent in 2021. Further, as per World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024 by ILO, globally, in 2023, the youth unemployment rate was 13.3 per cent. On the other hand, the latest annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS ...Read More >
Small-cap Stock: Krystal Integrated Services Limited (Krystal) share price rose 5 per cent to ₹779.3 on Tuesday, November 26 after the company announced receiving a ₹106.3 crore contract from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The contract, valued at ₹1,062.99 million ( ₹106.3 crore), covers three years and involves providing comprehensive attendant manpower services to BMC's Education and Security Departments. This initiative is aimed at improving public sector operational efficiency in Mumbai. Small-cap stock Krystal Integrated Services share was trading in the green, up 3.07 pe ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: A day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the PAN 2.0, the Income Tax Department on Tuesday issued a detailed clarification on the project based on a list of 11 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide taxpayers with a deeper insight into the new system. 1. What is PAN 2.0? PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project of the Income Tax Department for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services. The objective of the project is to enhance the quality of PAN services through the adoption of the latest technology. Under this pr ...Read More >
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday instructed officials to formulate proposals for constructing an iconic Deep-Technology building in the capital city of Amaravati. "I had built Hi-Tech City structure in Hyderabad to promote information technology. Now, it is time to embrace Deep-Tech and Artificial Intelligence to take advantage of the opportunities arising out of the latest technology," he underlined while reviewing the New IT Policy at the state secretariat. The Chief Minister announced that the state government will provide Rs 25 lakh as seed fundin ...Read More >
Srinagar, Nov 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir's Road Transport Corporation (RTC), a crucial backbone of public transportation, has raised serious concerns over the barring of its buses from entering Srinagar city limits. The move has triggered alarm within the Corporation, with officials cautioning about significant disruptions to public transport services and daily commutes, alongside substantial financial losses for the RTC. The restriction, in effect since November 4 when the maiden session of the Assembly commenced, is causing a daily revenue loss of Rs. 4 lakh to the Corporation. In a lette ...Read More >
India's manufacturing sector growth fell to a joint 11-month low, restricted by competitive conditions and inflationary pressures India's manufacturing sector growth fell to a joint 11-month low of 56.5 in November, restricted by competitive conditions and inflationary pressures amid a softer increase in factory orders, a monthly survey said on Monday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell from 57.5 in October to 56.5 in November, signalling a softer improvement in the health of the sector. However, the pace of growth remained above its long-r ...Read More >
Maruti Dzire Pros And Cons: Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the 4th best-selling car in India to date, has entered its 4th generation with enhanced styling, a youthful design, updated features, and a new Z-series engine. It is priced between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 10.14 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom, pan-India). Now, the question is: should you buy the new Maruti Dzire? To answer this, I took the Maruti Dzire for a spin to understand it from the driver's seat and through real-world experience. Based on my experience, here are the top 10 pros and cons of the Maruti Dzire, to help you make an informed decis ...Read More >
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): The police have identified one of the suspects involved in the ₹5 lakh robbery from PHE contractor Vinay Anand in Gwalior. The suspect, Manish Yadav, a resident of Katihar, Bihar, was captured in CCTV footage and traced to Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Watch the CCTV clip below :- Authorities are now working with local police in Agra to locate and apprehend him. The Crime Branch has been conducting raids in Bihar to locate the gang members. As, it has also been revealed that the same gang was involved in a similar robbery in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. The incident According ...Read More >
Mumbai Indians (MI) made strategic moves in the IPL 2025 mega-auction, securing New Zealand pacer Trent Boult for ₹12.50 crore. MI owner Akash Ambani praised Boult’s invaluable skill in swinging the new ball, acknowledging the team’s struggles when he wasn’t playing for them in recent years. The franchise also acquired England’s Reece Topley for ₹75 lakh and New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner for ₹2 crore. MI further strengthened their spin department by signing young Afghan talent Allah Ghazanfar for ₹4.80 crore, who has impressed with his performances in international cricket. ...Read More >
The BE 6e, just as its name sounds, stands out as a futuristic, power-packed, and sporty electric Mahindra SUV on Indian roads. The highly anticipated Mahindra BE 6e, an all-electric compact SUV, has been finally launched at an introductory price of Rs 18.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Globally revealed alongside its sibling, the XEV 9e, this born-electric offering from Mahindra seems to be good enough (on-paper) to position itself as India's answer to luxury compact SUVs from global brands. With its futuristic design, a wealth of modern features, and an impressive power output - the highest in its fa ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...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 >
day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the PAN 2.0, the Income Tax Department on Tuesday issued a detailed clarification on the project based on a list of 11 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide taxpayers with a deeper insight into the new system. PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project of the Income Tax Department for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services. The objective of the project is to enhance the quality of PAN services through the adoption of the latest technology. Under this project, ITD is consolidating all processes ...Read More >
Ghaziabad: The police arrested a couple on Wednesday for robbing a pedestrian in Crossings Republik on Nov 15. Wave City ACP Lipi Nagayach said unknown individuals on a scooter snatched a woman's gold chain near Ajnara market in the Crossings Republik area on Nov 15. Once the woman filed a complaint, a case was registered under section 304 (snatching) of BNS, and police teams were formed to probe the incident. "With the help of CCTV footage, manual input, surveillance, and a tip-off, Vivek Pandey (29) and his wife Kirti Sharma (28) were nabbed from Chitrawan society in the Crossings Republik ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has given his approval to the reconstitution of Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, paving the way for govt to prepare a scheme to provide compensation to the construction workers who lost work due to the implementation of GRAP IV provisions. The board was not in place for the last couple of years. While giving his nod to its reconstitution, LG directed that immediate steps should be taken to implement Supreme Court directions to provide subsistence allowance to workers affected due to restrictions on construction activities be ...Read More >
The company's shares, which were priced at just ₹7.75 apiece three years ago, have skyrocketed by an incredible 25,758%, currently trading at ₹2,004. At the stock's peak price of ₹3,169, achieved in early October, the returns were even more astounding, reaching 40,790%. Eraaya Lifespaces has been making significant strides on Dalal Street, with its shares consistently reaching record highs month after month, delivering substantial returns to its shareholders in a relatively short time. The company's shares, priced at just ₹7.75 apiece three years ago, have skyrocketed by an incredible 25,758 ...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 >
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed further recovery of an outstanding tax demand from news portal NewsClick, directing the company's banker not to release any more money to the tax department based on a 2023 notice, and allowing the portal to use its two bank accounts for daily operations. The order was passed by a bench headed by justice BV Nagarathna on an application moved by PPK Newsclick Studio Limited, which alleged that ICICI Bank was not allowing the company to use its accounts despite a top court order to this effect passed on August 9. The tax department had raised the demand again ...Read More >
With the deadline for free Aadhaar updates approaching on December 14, 2024, the UIDAI is urging those who received their cards over 10 years ago to update their details. However, updating is recommended, it is not mandatory. To prevent fake identities, Aadhaar assigns a unique number to each person, linked to their biometric data, making duplication impossible. Although updating is optional, it helps improve services, ensures accurate authentication and simplifies daily life. Aadhaar is a vital identification document for every Indian citizen due to its reliability, legal compliance, and ea ...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 >
After December 14, updates will incur a fee of Rs 50 per request at Aadhaar centers. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the deadline for free Aadhaar updates to December 14. This initiative allows individuals to update their Aadhaar details, such as name, address, or date of birth, online and at no cost. The process is simple and can be completed from the comfort of your home. UIDAI recommends updating Aadhaar details if it has been over 10 years since the last update. Keeping Aadhaar information updated ensures that your records are current, facilitates seamle ...Read More >
In a clear case of medical negligence, a 34-year-old woman died after doctors transferred the wrong blood type at Kakinada Government General Hospital, Andhra Pradesh. On Tuesday, November 26, the deceased, Bhavana Sirisha, was given AB+ blood group instead of O+. A house surgeon mistakenly transferred the wrong blood type. Sirisha, a resident of Palakollu in West Godavari district, was suffering from kidney ailments for the last four years and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. Doctors had advised a blood transfusion with 'O positive' group blood due to low hemoglobin levels. The ...Read More >
The Hyundai Tucson has received 5-star rating on the Bharat NCAP crash test and has become the first Hyundai SUV to do so. The most premium SUV offered by the South Korean manufacturer joins the Mahindra and Tata SUVs in the list of 5 star SUVs offered in India. The Hyundai Tucson scores 30.84 out of 32 in the adult occupant protection. It has scored 41 out of 49 in the child occupant protection. It received OK in the side pole impact test. The model of Hyundai Tucson that was tested by the Bharat NCAP was the top-spec 2.0-litre petrol-AT Signature variant. The particular variant gets six air ...Read More >
In a miraculous turn of events, a seven-year-old boy who was kidnapped from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district more than 30 years ago has reunited with his family. IMAGE: Raju was kidnapped when he was seven-year-old from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district. Photograph: ANI Now 38, Raju shared his ordeal and said that after being abducted in September 1993, he was handed over to a truck driver who took him to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. "The kidnappers kept me in a room located in the middle of a barren area, where I was forced to take care of sheep and goats. Each night, I was chained and locke ...Read More >
Uber has launched India's first Shikara ride on Srinagar's Dal Lake, offering a unique and scenic experience. This new service allows passengers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake while riding in a traditional Shikara boat. Booking is easy through the Uber app, with rides available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the region while providing locals with a new way to experience the lake. With Uber's entry into the Shikara market, visitors can now enjoy a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm on Dal Lake. ...Read More >
During Tuesday's trading session, the shares of a global leader in glass-lined equipment surged nearly 3 percent to Rs. 1,247.5 on BSE, after a foreign portfolio investor (FPI) bought shares worth a total of around Rs. 167.4 crores in the company via a bulk deal. With a market capitalisation of Rs. 5,524 crores, at 02:19 p.m., the shares of GMM Pfaudler Limited were trading in the green at Rs. 1,228.7, up by nearly 1.4 percent, as compared to its previous closing price of Rs. 1,211.3. As per the latest block deal available with the NSE, foreign portfolio investor Amansa Holdings Private Limi ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government at the Centre has strengthened the spirit of the Constitution over the last 10 years. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, PM Modi highlighted that in the last 10 years, more than 53 crore bank accounts were opened, more than 4 crore pukka houses were given and more than 10 crore free gas connections were given. "In the last 5-6 years, by providing tap water facilities in more than 12 crore houses, the government made the lives of citizens easy, particularly of women," he sai ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Coworking firm Incuspaze, which provides managed flexible office spaces to corporates, is looking to raise USD 25 million (over ₹210 crore) to expand its business across major cities before planning to launch its Initial Public Offer (IPO). Established in 2016, Incuspaze has a presence in 44 locations across 18 cities with a total portfolio of 40 lakh square feet. "We plan to add another 2 million (20 lakh) square feet in our portfolio by the end of December 2025," Incuspaze founder and CEO Sanjay Choudhary told PTI. In view of the growing demand for flexible workspa ...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 >