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.
Mysore/Mysuru: The decades-old Registered Post service of the Postal Department is poised to enter the pages of history, with the Union Ministry of Communications -- the authority overseeing Telecommunications and Postal Services in India -- officially discontinuing the service effective Sept. 1. This decision marks the end of an era for a service that has been integral to secure postal communication for decades. The Ministry has announced that the Registered Post facility will now be merged with the Department's Speed Post service, in what is described as a move to streamline postal operations and provide faster delivery options to the public. The primary reason cited for scrapping Registered Post is its steadily declining usage. Once widely preferred for delivering legal and official communications, the service has seen a sharp fall in patronage over the years as digital modes of communication and alternative postal services gained prominence. Historical role Since its introduction in 1986, Registered Post has become the go-to service for securely dispatching documents requiring proof of delivery and authenticity. It was extensively used for sending Court orders, legal notices, employment offer letters, banking documents, government correspondence, and other critical communications that demanded accountability and tracking. The hallmark feature of Registered Post was its strict delivery protocol: Postal staff were required to hand over the item only to the person it was addressed to, ensuring confidentiality and reliability. This made it a trusted service among citizens, especially for sensitive and legal documents. Statistical decline Data underscores the fall in demand. Post Offices across India handled 244.4 million Registered Post items in 2011-12, a number that fell to 184.6 million by 2019-20. The decline has continued into 2024-25, prompting the Ministry to reevaluate the viability of continuing the service. With patronage at an all-time low, the decision was taken to phase it out and instead promote the already existing Speed Post service as a replacement. Key differences While Speed Post offers faster delivery, there are significant differences in service terms. Registered Post mandated personal delivery to the addressee, ensuring secure handover. In contrast, Speed Post can be received by anyone associated with the addressee, which, while convenient, has raised concerns about security and accountability. Another key concern is cost. The base tariff for Registered Post stood at Rs. 26, whereas Speed Post begins at Rs. 41. Citizens accustomed to the lower pricing and stringent security of Registered Post worry that the merger may increase their expenses while diluting the personal delivery guarantee they relied on. Trustworthy aspect Many long-time users believe that Registered Post was safer and more trustworthy than Speed Post. For them, the decision marks not just a service change but the loss of an institution that provided peace of mind for decades. G. Harish, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Mysuru Division, confirmed that the India Post website mentions the merger of Registered Post with Speed Post. However, he clarified that no official circular or notification has yet been received from the Union Ministry of Communications. "Until we receive an official intimation, I cannot comment on the matter," he stated. The phasing out of Registered Post signals a major shift in the country's postal services, reflective of changing times and evolving communication methods. While the merger aims to offer quicker service, it also brings to an end a trusted legacy of postal reliability that many citizens grew up with. History of postal services in India The postal service in India traces its origins to the British era, when Governor-General Warren Hastings extended what was then an exclusive service for British citizens to the general public of India in 1774. This marked the first formal introduction of postal services in the country. Several decades later, Lord Dalhousie, serving as Governor-General, enacted the Postal Services Act and established the first official Post Office in India on Oct. 1, 1854 -- a milestone that laid the foundation for a nationwide postal network. Over time, this network expanded steadily, evolving into the largest postal system in the world in recent years. Today, India boasts 1,64,987 Post Offices spread across 23 postal divisions nationwide. Remarkably, this vast network has endured stiff competition from private courier companies, the rise of digital communications, e-commerce logistics, and other modern delivery agencies. Through these challenges, India Post has retained the trust of the public for nearly two centuries, earning its reputation for reliability, efficiency, and resilience in the face of changing times.
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 >
Air India launched a Black Friday Sale with discounts up to 20% on domestic flights and up to 12% on international flights to various destinations. The sale is available through the airline's website and mobile apps. Additional savings are possible with waived convenience fees and specific payment methods. The airline continues offering student and senior citizen discounts.Air India on Friday launched a limited-time Black Friday Sale offering discounts of up to 20 per cent off base fares for domestic flights within India. The Tata-owned airlines will also offer up to 12 per cent off base fares ...Read More >
Kareena Kapoor Khan brought a deeply personal and touching element to her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by requesting him to write a heartfelt message for her two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jeh Ali Khan, who were unable to attend the event. A memorable highlight from the gathering showcased Kareena watching intently, her expression radiating pride and warmth, as the Prime Minister inscribed a note dedicated to her children, affectionately called "Tim and Jeh."Kareena Kapoor Khan added ...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 >
Mumbai, Dec 17 (UNI) The BSE Sensex on Tuesday dropped another 1064.12 pts to settle at 80,684.45 as selling was witnessed in Telecommunications, Metal, and Energy stocks amid weak global cues. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) slipped 332.25 pts at 24,336. The BSE Sensex fell 237 pts to open at 81,511.81. It remained negative throughout the session. During the day it tanked 1136 pts at 80,612.20, a day low, before closing at 80,684.45, sinking 1064.12 pts from its previous close. The Nifty registered days high and low at 24,624.10 pts and by 24,303.45 pts respectively. The stocks that ke ...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 >
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 >
Leading investment and trading platform Kotak Securities is cautious in its market outlook for 2025, balancing India's fundamentals with concerns over valuation and global uncertainties, but has not ruled out a level of 29,000 on the Nifty 50 index. While the country's growth trajectory remains robust, recent economic data and corporate results indicate a slowdown in some areas, prompting a more tempered outlook, said the note. Kotak Securities has highlighted the slowdown in rural demand during ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jan 8 (UNI) In a significant breakthrough, Srinagar Police dismantled a cross-border drug trafficking network, seizing 8 kilograms of heroin valued at Rs 30-32 crore in the international market, and arresting two key operatives. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Srinagar, Imtiyaz Hussain Mir, revealed that initial investigations confirmed the narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan as part of a cross-border trafficking syndicate. The SSP detailed the operation, saying that a team from Police Post Qamarwari intercepted a vehicle at Barthana Crossing during a routine checkpoint. ...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 >
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 >
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, Dec 12 (PTI) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended its partnership with mobile operator firm Telenor Denmark, signing a five-year deal to manage the telecom operator's IT infrastructure. Over the last six years, TCS has implemented its Machine First Delivery Model to enhance Telenor Denmark's IT infrastructure, which caters to more than 1.6 million users. With the extension of this partnership, TCS will work from its delivery centre in Europe to ensure operational cost reductions and improved IT infrastructure for Telenor, according to a company statement. "The key highlig ...Read More >
Mumbai: The RBI is likely to reduce the key interest rate by 25 basis points this week after keeping it on hold for two years, complementing the Union Budget initiatives to push consumption-led demand, though the sliding rupee continues to be a concern. As the retail inflation has remained within the Reserve Bank's comfort zone (less than 6 per cent) for most of the year, the central bank can take rate action to boost growth hit by sluggish consumption, opined experts. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has kept the repo rate (short-term lending rate) unchanged at 6.5 per cent since February 20 ...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 >
Trump warns BRICS nations against replacing US dollar Dec 2 (Reuters) - A gauge of emerging market stocks rose on Monday, driven by positive manufacturing data from China and expectations of continued policy support from Beijing, while India's rupee hit a record low because of weaker-than-expected economic data. As of 0932 GMT, the MSCI's index for emerging market stocks had risen by 0.7%, on track for its biggest percentage gain in over three weeks. China's blue-chip CSI 300 climbed 0.8%, and the Shanghai Composite index jumped 1.1% after a private survey indicated that Chinese factory act ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized cryptocurrency worth Rs 1.36 crore (USDT) from private wallets, along with unexplained cash amounting to Rs 47 lakh, during an investigation into a major money laundering case. The case pertains to cyber fraud involving illegal proceeds of approximately Rs 640 crore, generated through betting, gambling, part-time job scams, and phishing operations. The ED also recovered various incriminating documents linked to the fraud during its crackdown. Also Read | Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Set To Boost Consumer Expe ...Read More >
The books for class 9-12 will be available from 2026-27. New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has reduced the prices of books for classes 9 to 12 by 20 per cent. The decision was announced by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an event held in the national capital on Monday. The reduction in the prices of books will be effective from the upcoming academic year. News agency PTI quoted the minister as saying that while the textbooks for classes 9- ...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 >
Mumbai: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Unit busted a major drug syndicate in Mumbai. It is worth mentioning that 11.540 kgs of very high-grade Cocaine was seized. Further it is worth mentioning that, as much as 4.9 kgs hybrid strain Hydroponic Weed/Ganja and 200 packets (5.5 kgs) of Cannabis gummies & Rs.1,60,000/- were recovered from Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra on January 31. The NCB further informed that, the investigation conducted so far revealed that this syndicate is being operated by a group of people based abroad and some quantities of the seized contraband were sourced from USA t ...Read More >
Mumbai, November 29: The Indian stock market opened in green on Friday as buying was seen in the Media and Pharma sector in early trade. At around 09.44 a.m., the Sensex was trading at 79,369.57 after gaining 325.83 points or 0.41 per cent, while the Nifty was trading at 24,019 after rising 104.85 points or 0.44 per cent. The market trend remained positive. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), 1345 stocks were trading in the green, while 876 stocks were in the red. Nifty Bank was up 224.45 points or 0.43 per cent at 52,131.30. Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 56,397.95 after gaining 97. ...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 >
Trump's pressure on countries to remain tied to a US-dollar-based financial system could backfire, with potential increased motivation for BRICS to create alternatives. While the dollar's dominance persists due to existing economic strengths, recent global currency agreements indicate a cautious shift away from reliance on the greenback.Donald Trump's pressure on countries around the world to stay anchored to a US-dollar-based financial system is a tactic that risks backfiring, market watchers say. Dollar dominance looks set to continue for the foreseeable future and emerging nations' idea of ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 10 (ANI): The stock market ended Tuesday's trading session on a subdued note, with the benchmark indices showing little movement. The Sensex edged up by 1.59 points, closing at 81,510.05, while the Nifty declined by 8.95 points to end at 24,610.05. Also Read | Parliament Winter Session 2024: Congress, INDIA Bloc Allies Move No-Trust Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar; Alleges 'Proceedings in Upper House Conducted in Partisan Manner'. In the Nifty pack, 23 stocks advanced, while 27 ended in the red. Among the top gainers were Shriram F ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 18 (ANI): The gross direct tax collections by the government so far in 2024-15 were 20.32 per cent higher on a yearly basis at Rs 19.21 lakh crore, data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) showed on Wednesday. During the same period last year, the gross tax collections were to the tune of Rs 15.96 lakh crore. Coming to net direct tax collection, it rose 16.45 per cent to Rs 15.82 lakh crore from Rs 13.59 lakh crore mopped up during the year-ago period. Refunds for the period rose 42.49 per cent to Rs 3.38 lakh crore from Rs 2.37 lakh crore in the ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The state govt on Tuesday received investment intent worth Rs 4.5 lakh crore on the first day of Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, and given the massive response the event has generated, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi feels they could see proposals worth four times than the target of Rs 5 lakh crore that had been set in the run-up to the business summit. "The investment proposals are likely to take a big leap as the investors are highly encouraged by the PM's assurances," Majhi said on a day his govt received over 100 investment intents and signed 54 MoUs in various ...Read More >
HYDERABAD, India, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- IBSAT 2024, the proctored online aptitude test conducted by The ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, is MBA aspirants' gateway to premier MBA, PGPM offered at nine ICFAI Business School (IBS) campuses. With applications closing in the third week of December, this is the perfect time for the candidates to secure their future with IBS and explore its Rs. 10 crore scholarship program. IBSAT is designed to reduce the stress on aspirants unlike CAT, XAT as the test does not have negative markings or sectional time limits, allowing candidates to foc ...Read More >
Stock market today: The Indian stock market clocked healthy gains for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, December 3, led by gains in shares of select heavyweights, including Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank and Larsen and Toubro. Benchmark index Nifty 50 jumped 0.70 per cent to the level of 24,445.80, breaking above its 50 and 100-day exponential moving averages (DEMA). According to Trendlyne, an equity research platform, Nifty 50 is above its 100-day EMA of 24,306 and 50-day EMA of 24,364. However, the index is yet to breach its 50-day and 100-day simple moving averages (SMAs) of 24,643 ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) British telecom company Vodafone will sell 3 per cent stake in Indus Towers to clear its debt of USD 101 or about ₹856 crore and use the residual amount to pay outstanding dues of its Indian venture Vodafone Idea. The transaction is valued at around ₹2,841 crore as per the Wednesday's closing price of Indus Towers stock at ₹358.75 apiece on the BSE. "Vodafone Group Plc announces that it has launched a placing of its remaining 79.2 million shares in Indus Towers Limited representing 3 per cent of Indus' outstanding share capital through an accelerated book build offerin ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 6 (VOICE) The discovery of wads of currency in Rajya Sabha, from seat no. 222 belonging to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, sparked verbal exchanges between the Opposition and treasury benches on Friday.A host of BJP lawmakers, led by Leader of House J.P. Nadda termed it a 'blow and blemish' on the House's integrity and called for a detailed investigation. Congress members were visibly livid over the revelation of its MP's name and questioned the intentions of the government. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the lawmaker in the eye of the storm, said he was astonished to see a bizarre i ...Read More >